Volkswagen and Audi have experienced a great deal of success with their personal version of the BorgWarner’s transmission that is dual-clutch.  Now, BMW has added a seven-speed transmission that is double clutch, coming out later this year, so Audi had decided to up the game by raising its gear count.

According to Autocar magazine, Audi will degut an S-tronic gearbox that is seven-speed.  This is intended to be used with the quattro that is four-wheel-drive.  The gearbox is so high-performance that it can handle torque output up to 406 lb-ft.  It is along the same line as the current box that Audi has, and BMW’s newest one.  There are two clutches that are continuously acting.  Alternating gears are pre-selected allowing the transmission to shift within hundredths of a second.

Audi will be introducing this gearbox at the Beijing auto show.  It is installed in the Q5 crossover.

New technology is great for the consumer, yet motorists should protect themselves with new car warranties in the event that technology would fail.  Drivers should never chance being unprotected in the case of a breakdown.

Automakers from Asia got a big sales boost from the cars that they introduced in New York at the annual auto show. Consumers are looking for small, fuel-efficient cars and Asia provided. Motorists today, gain peace of mind from a realistic car with an auto warranty.

Some cars from Asia that were introduced were the latest Maxima by Nissan, and Honda presented the Fit small car, as well as the Acura TSX. Hyundai showed their Genesis premium car in a two-door version. Toyota had a coupe that is soon to be added to its Scion brand. Kia, Mazda, and Subaru also presented models that were a draw.

Asian automaker companies were responsible for 10 out of the 20 cars making a debut in North America. In comparison, only 2 debuts came from automakers in the U.S. The other 8 models were of European descent.

Honda expects that they will sell around 70,000 Fits in 2008, whereas they sold 56,432 last year. Consumers have shaky confidence because of oil prices. However, realistic, fuel-efficient cars, such as the ones presented from Asia, are what motorists are looking for. Drivers will slowly gain back confidence by selecting the right car and purchasing new car warranties. This will bring drivers the peace of mind that they need.

Volvo is already known for its affective safety features. So when Volvo debuts there latest safety technologies people take notice. Volvo has built on the safety methods that they already have, instead of using radical new approaches.

Volvo’s new safety package will be available on the new Volvo XC60 coming out in the fall. This package is aimed at assisting drivers that are distracted.

One of the safety features is a low-speed braking system that is automatic. It uses a laser to detect reflections from license plates and bumpers. If the driver gets to close, and they are less than 20 mph, the car automatically stops.

Also noted is the approach they added to the current LDW system. This system alerts drivers audibly if they cross over the line without using their turn signal. Volvo has added another program that looks for micro corrections. These corrections are a sign that the driver is falling asleep.

Volvo’s advances in safety features will help drivers have a safe drive. Motorists are becoming more concerned with safety; therefore they are buying cars with advanced safety systems, and purchasing new car warranties. Drivers want to protect themselves as much as possible.

The current reality for the car industry isn’t at all bright. The economy of the country has experienced a weak dollar, a credit crisis, and soaring gas and food prices. People are reluctant to spend money on a new car and an auto warranty.  This could mean that we are about to experience the worst year for car sales in over a decade.

But automakers are getting smart. They are building more passenger cars. In the past pickup trucks and SUV’s generated a lot of profits, but now people want small, thrifty cars.

General Motors admits that they are counting on sedans to save them this year. The company has made a shift to cars, with less emphasis on SUV’s and pickup trucks. Even though GM wants to maintain their market in trucks, they realize that they need to get better with cars now.

Chrysler LLC is promising to take an “aggressively conservative” approach in their company. This means that they will eliminate various models such as the PT Cruiser, Durango, and Pacifica.

US automakers are focusing to make sure that domestic sales don’t fall lower than projections say. Even though it is a tough market, Americans love cars and will continue to buy. Motorists are making smarter choices by purchasing small, efficient cars. This allows them to put money towards other necessities, such as new car warranties and maintenance.

Motorists are concerned with safety more than ever.  Drivers are taking extra precautions, such as buying cars equipped with safety features, and purchasing new car warranties.  In addition, new safety laws for children are being considered.

As children get older, they want to get out of their car seats and ride with a seat belt like a “big kid”.  However, a legislative committee proposed a law that could keep children in their car seats until they are seven years old.

The bill is HB619.  Yesterday, the House Committee on Infrastructure approved it unanimously.  The bill only has to make one more stop before it reaches the floor.

The current law is that a child seat is required for children under three years old.  However, the bill that has been proposed would require children between four and seven to have to ride in a booster seat.

Many parents would be forced to buy new booster seats for their children over three years old.  This is because car seats intended for children three and under wouldn’t be able to accommodate an older child who is active.

According to a recent study, booster seats reduce serious injuries in children by approximately 60 %, if you compare to children who are sitting in regular seat belts.

If you are thinking of buying a new car, don’t just rely on professional expertise; make yourself a professional expert as well.  This includes taking certain measures such as doing your homework and researching an auto warranty.  You can be empowered by arming yourself with the following information about purchasing a used vehicle.

Examine the pedals to check for wear.  Rarely do people update the pedals, so this is a good indication of the cars true history.

Next, take a look at the steering wheel.  While the engine is turned off, joggle the wheel to see how much movement there is.  There shouldn’t be more than one inch of play.  If there is, a new steering gearbox may be needed.

Never buy a car that has frame-damage.  You can tell this by looking at the core support of the radiator.  This connects to the fenders in the front of the vehicle.  It shouldn’t be welded on each side, but bolted.

Finally, check the paint job on the vehicle.  Look for dents, scratches and rust spots.  Also, examine the car for a slight waviness, which is an indication of a paint job.

Most importantly, check the history of the vehicle you are looking to buy.  You can do this at autocheck.com.

No matter how much knowledge you have, you never really know what car you are buying.  This is why it is important to buy used car warranties to protect your investment.  You don’t want to pay unnecessary repair costs down the road.

The Nissan Navara’s safety rating has been raised in adult protection from one to three stars by Euro NCAP.

Nissan has changed the deployment of the airbag and the pre-tension systems of the seatbelt.  They have been retested since the original results were released last month.

The recent software controlling the seatbelt pre-tension systems and airbags is available on the new Nissan Navaras.  People who currently own a Navara are invited to take in their vehicles for a safety check at any Nissan dealership.  Changes to software will be made if necessary.  However, consumers should always have an auto warranty in case problems arise in their car.

The rating for child protection has also been raised from three stars to four because Nissan has made additional information available on the vehicle’s safety system.

Nissan is also planning to make more safety strides to the Navara since original safety tests detected a weakness on the chassis.

Since the original poor score for safety on the Navara, Nissan has acted responsibly and made much needed changes.  Of course, you never really know when parts on a vehicle will fail, so it is wise to purchase new car warranties to protect your wallet.

It is helpful to use a car loan calculator to determine what the cost for a new or used car purchase will be monthly.

These can be found online with options for buying or leasing. This is a helpful tool in determining what your budget actually is and how much car you can afford. Just remember to factor in other car costs, such as maintenance and new car warranties.

Don’t forget that the numbers on a vehicle loan calculator are not actual quotes. The calculator allows you to compare the costs of different cars and see what your payments per month will be.

On the calculator there is a line to enter the dollar amount you would like to finance. Then, by clicking your mouse you can compare what payments will be, with different arrangements for paying. You can also find out what interest payments will be for the life of the vehicle loan.

It is a bonus to use a car loan calculator before going to a dealership to buy a vehicle. You will already know what your budget is, which will allow you to make a smart purchase. You will also know how much money you have left over to spend on maintenance costs and an auto warranty.

An original innovative system will boost fuel economy approximately 1 m.p.g. in the all-wheel drive Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, 2009 models. Motorists will be thrilled to have extra savings, due to this technology. Also, new car warranties will ensure that drivers don’t pay extra expenses.

This system is one of the several innovative technologies that are soon to come. The company revealed this new system on Friday at its technical center in Auburn Hills.

Chrysler has already made significant changes to its vehicle models. In fact they have made 500 improvements since last year. For example, they reduced excess engine noise in their Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot. Also, thanks to new mounts for the engine, noise and vibrations are lessened in the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring.

The updated all-wheel drive system makes the vehicle more fuel-efficient by disconnecting the drivetrain from the front axle, until it is necessary to activate all-wheel drive for safety. The economy ratings by the EPA for all-wheel drive versions of these models will be comparable to the rear-drive model ratings.

Currently, the 300 and Charger, as well as other all-wheel drive vehicles lose at least 1 m.p.g. in ratings by the EPA because energy is being sent to the front axle, even if it isn’t needed. The new technology will alleviate this problem. However, motorists should always protect themselves with an auto warranty with any technology, just in case it unexpectedly fails.

General Motors has just announced a new recall.  They have recalled over 200,000 vehicles.  Apparently these vehicles have oil leaks that are a potential threat for fires.

The GM recall is for Pontiac Grand Prix GPD, and Buick Regal GS models, years 97’-2003.

According to GM, if the driver of these models hits the brakes hard, oil might leak on the exhaust manifold.  Up to date, there are a reported 267 cases of fires, as well as six injured people.

General Motors claims that the vehicles are perfectly safe to drive, however, motorists should try to avoid parking in carports or garages.

GM assures that they will notify owners of these models when they have parts available to remedy the problem.

Unfortunately, recalls are prevalent in modern vehicles.  Consumers never really know when their cars might fail.  Motorists should protect themselves, in the case of unforeseen repair costs, by purchasing new car warranties.