<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>The Cars Blog</title>
	<atom:link href="http://carsblog.biz/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://carsblog.biz</link>
	<description>My view on the automotive industry...</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:48:46 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Volkswagen to unveil refreshed Passat CC in Los Angeles</title>
		<link>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/volkswagen-to-unveil-refreshed-passat-cc-in-los-angeles</link>
		<comments>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/volkswagen-to-unveil-refreshed-passat-cc-in-los-angeles#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:48:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carsblog.biz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Volkswagen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[los angeles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[passas cc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[volkswagen]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carsblog.biz/?p=42</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Volkswagen will unwrapped the facelifted version of the Passat CC during the auto show in Los Angeles before the end of November. The car manufacturer wants the new Passat CC to make big strides in the upper market segment backed with its new styling and improved equipment. Consumers will have three petrol engines with direct [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://carsblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Volkswagen-PassatCC-211111160395661600x1060.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-43" title="Volkswagen-PassatCC-211111160395661600x1060" src="http://carsblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Volkswagen-PassatCC-211111160395661600x1060.jpg" alt="" width="612" height="405" /></a>Volkswagen will unwrapped the facelifted version of the Passat CC during the auto show in Los Angeles before the end of November. The car manufacturer wants the new Passat CC to make big strides in the upper market segment backed with its new styling and improved equipment.</p>
<p>Consumers will have three petrol engines with direct injection to choose from. These engines will produce 295 bhp, 208 bhp, 158 bhp. The two latter engines can be paired with a dual clutch transmission as an option while the most potent powerplant will have the gearbox with dual clutch as standard. These petrol engines will have battery regenerative function available.</p>
<p>There will also be diesel options including a 168 bhp and a 138 bhp engine. These versions will have battery regeneration and a stop-start system. The 138 bhp variant has a fuel mileage of 60.1 mpg with carbon dioxide emission measured at 125 g/km when paired with a six speed manual gearbox; DSG-equipped Passat CC&#8217;s will get a fuel rating of 53.3 mpg.</p>
<p>The new Passat CC will have a new design for its grille, hood, and also get bi-xenon headlamps. Buyers can also go for daytime lights using LED that will be integrated with the housing of the headlamps. The vehicle will also have another air intake under the bumper.</p>
<p>The frameless design of the door used for the older version stays while from the side, the car boasts of a more distinct side sills in between the housings of the wheel. VW designers also give this car a new set of tail lights and rear bumper.</p>
<p>The new Passat CC will have dual tailpipes, bi-xenon headlamps, 17-inch alloy rims, LED tail lights, washing system for the headlamps, and static cornering lamps.</p>
<p>The interior of the car features a fatigue detecting system, door sill plates made of stainless steel, chrome surrounds for the air vents and switches, plus front head restraints. Other kits are offered to enhance stabilization, start assist, differential lock, and dynamic chassis.</p>
<p>The new VW Passat CC will go hit the showrooms in Germany by January 2012 with other markets in Europe following a few months after. We are still waiting for pricing details.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/volkswagen-to-unveil-refreshed-passat-cc-in-los-angeles/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Bugatti Veyron: is it good value for money?</title>
		<link>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/the-bugatti-veyron-is-it-good-value-for-money</link>
		<comments>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/the-bugatti-veyron-is-it-good-value-for-money#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 21:24:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carsblog.biz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bugatti]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bugatti Veyron]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exotic Cars]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carsblog.biz/?p=14</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Bugatti Veyron is an example of the super car gone overboard. It is both the most expensive and the fastest car that you can buy. In reality the level of performance is outrageous; nobody needs a car that goes four hundred kilometres per hour. That being said there are plenty of people who are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Bugatti Veyron is an example of the super car gone overboard. It is both the most expensive and the fastest car that you can buy. In reality the level of performance is outrageous; nobody needs a car that goes four hundred kilometres per hour. That being said there are plenty of people who are willing to pay the money to buy one. While value is largely in the eye of the buyer it does have to be asked if the Bugatti Veyron is good value for the money?</p>
<p><a href="http://carsblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/veyron.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-15" title="veyron bugatti" src="http://carsblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/veyron-190x300.jpg" alt="veyron bugatti" width="190" height="300" /></a>It is hard to argue that the Bugatti Veyron is good value for the money. It is after all the most expensive car currently available with a price tag approaching two million dollars. While there is no doubting that it is a very good car it would be nearly impossible for a vehicle that expensive to a good value. It is a luxury item and whether or not it is worth the price is going to depend on the opinion of the buyer. If you have the money to buy one you probably aren’t too concerned about price anyway.</p>
<p>Besides being the most expensive car that you can buy the other claim to fame of the Bugatti Veyron is that it is also the world’s fastest production car. This obviously appeals to a lot of people. Although why you would need a car capable of more than four hundred kilometers per hour is another question altogether. The main reason that the car is so fast, and so expensive for that matter is the engine. It comes with an eight liter W16 engine, that is four blocks of four cylinders. It is capable of more than a thousand horse power. Hardly the car you would use to drive the kids to soccer practice.</p>
<p><span id="more-14"></span>Of course one of the reasons that you would want to have a car like the Bugatti Veyron is the exclusivity factor. You can be pretty sure that none of the neighbors will have one. Since the car went into production fewer than five hundred have been produced. This rarity is a big part of what gives the car its value. In this sense it might be worth the money. Given the small production numbers there is a possibility that your car will actually increase in value over time.</p>
<p>The decision as to whether or not <a href="http://tencoolcars.com/bugatti-veyron.php" target="_blank">the Bugatti Veyron</a> is a good value for the money is going to be a personal one. After all for some people being seen a car like that is worth the two million dollar price tag. Everybody has a different opinion of value. If you can afford one it is entirely up to you if it is worth the price. Clearly you are paying for the rarity of the car because while the performance is great it far exceeds what anybody could possibly need&#8230;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/the-bugatti-veyron-is-it-good-value-for-money/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Preview: The 2012 Cadillac XTS</title>
		<link>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/preview-the-2012-cadillac-xts</link>
		<comments>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/preview-the-2012-cadillac-xts#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:00:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carsblog.biz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cadillac]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cadillac XTS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luxury]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Previews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carsblog.biz/?p=6</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Announced at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the 2012 Cadillac XTS is scheduled for production in late 2011 at the Oshawa, Canada GM factory. While many were surprised to find that the concept car was not as showy as expected, it is still, nevertheless, a luxury vehicle. It also follows trends of other luxury car [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Announced at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, the 2012 Cadillac XTS is scheduled for production in late 2011 at the Oshawa, Canada GM factory. While many were surprised to find that the concept car was not as showy as expected, it is still, nevertheless, a luxury vehicle. It also follows trends of other luxury car manufacturers who have “reduced” their looks to appeal to a larger range of customers. Today, it is all about sales and not necessarily about distinction.</p>
<p><a href="http://carsblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/xts.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-7" title="xts cadi" src="http://carsblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/xts-300x199.jpg" alt="xts cadi" width="300" height="199" /></a>Nobody can dispute, though, that the four-door XTS is gorgeous, with its aerodynamic design, spoked wheels, and large front grill. The rear and side profiles are not as sharp looking as the front, but then there are less shiny elements to admire.</p>
<p>What makes the Cadillac XTS unique is that it is considered a new player in the competitive field of luxury sedans, previously monopolized by Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Audi, BMW and Lexus. GM believes that it can compete head-to-head with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, both of whom have semi-hybrid luxury sedans already on the market. In a bold move, it has been suggested that the Cadillac XTS might exceed the competition&#8217;s sales, simply because it is a real hybrid.</p>
<p>Replacing the retired STS and DTS lines, the XTS was actually called the XTS Platinum Concept for the show. Additionally, it is a hybrid, which makes it even more appealing in a luxury market. Consumers want the luxury factor coupled with eco-conscious features. Prior to this model, Cadillac had no hybrid sedans. The vehicle can be powered either by electricity or gas or a combination of both when the situation demands more power. It is fitted with a V6, 350 horsepower engine, and only takes five hours to fully charge the lithium-ion battery pack. Unlike other “green” cars that require 240V electrical outlets, the XTS can used a standard 110V outdoor plugin.</p>
<p>The interior of the XTS is what one would expect of Cadillac. Rich looking, sumptuous, technologically advanced, spacious, and comfortable are features of this iconic brand. In fact, one might forget that this is a car interior. With Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) displays, touchscreen navigation, and supple leather enhancements, it might be hard to pry oneself out of this vehicle when arriving at one&#8217;s destination. The rich contrast of the light colored seats and carpeting, with the dark accents make the interior warm and inviting. Interspersed with suede, and controlled lighting for maximum comfort are expected of Cadillac.</p>
<p><span id="more-6"></span>Safety features that make up the XTS are traction control, GM&#8217;s StabiliTrak™ stability control, and four-channel anti-lock disc brakes. The exact selling price of the car has not been announced, but insiders expect the price to be around the $100,000 US mark, like other vehicles in this class.</p>
<p>While <a href="http://www.luxury-cars.biz/" target="_blank">today&#8217;s luxury cars</a> may not be as long and as big as twenty years ago, luxury is sill an important concept. Cadillac has always been, and still is, known as a higher-end vehicle. Its days of grandeur are still plenty and the 2012 Cadillac XTS will prove it.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/preview-the-2012-cadillac-xts/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Preview: The 2012 Fisker Karma Sunset Convertible</title>
		<link>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/preview-the-2012-fisker-karma-sunset-convertible</link>
		<comments>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/preview-the-2012-fisker-karma-sunset-convertible#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Mar 2011 22:31:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Carsblog.biz</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fisker]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Exotic Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fisker Karma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Green Cars]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://carsblog.biz/?p=19</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fisker KarmaSunset  is one of the world&#8217;s first hybrid luxury convertibles. With a company philosophy that is dedicated to protecting the earth and future generations, the cars are a cross between electricity and gasoline power. Built to reach fuel consumption of one-hundred miles to the gallon, the cars can also run for approximately fifty miles [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Fisker KarmaSunset  is one of the world&#8217;s first hybrid luxury convertibles. With a company philosophy that is dedicated to protecting the earth and future generations, the cars are a cross between electricity and gasoline power. Built to reach fuel consumption of one-hundred miles to the gallon, the cars can also run for approximately fifty miles when fully charged. The concept car was shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. One of the manufacturer&#8217;s main focuses when creating the Sunset Convertible was the founders&#8217; beliefs that sporty, luxury cars were possible even in times when environmental issues existed.</p>
<p>The 2012 Fisker Karma Sunset Convertible is a hardtop, two-door vehicle that seats four people. Based on the aluminum frame from the Karma Sedan, the convertible is no slouch on the road. Two electric motors and turbocharged four-cylinder engine give this car plenty of staying power. With an impressive 402 horsepower, nothing about the vehicle sounds “green”. Its closest competitor is probably the Tesla Roadster.<a href="http://carsblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Fisker-Karma-Sunset.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-21" title="Fisker Karma Sunset" src="http://carsblog.biz/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Fisker-Karma-Sunset-300x199.jpg" alt="Fisker Karma Sunset" width="300" height="199" /></a> Officials from capital fund Kleiner Perkins, significant stakeholders in the car company, recently stated that mass production would begin in early 2011 through Valmet Automotive in Finland.</p>
<p>Three approved dealerships in Canada have been taking orders for the car that is scheduled to sell for  $100,000 &#8211; $120,000. And, some American dealership websites have indicated that finished orders for the Sedan are just about to arrive, which is good news, because it may mean that the 2012 production Convertible is closer to reality.</p>
<p>Not only does the Sunset Convertible have technologically advanced mechanical systems in order to meet the growing trend to environmentalism, but the interior is also made of eco-friendly and sustainable materials, just like <a href="http://www.climatecampsa.org/the-fisker-karma-super-saloon-hybrid.php" target="_blank">the original Fisker Karma</a>. As proponents of the environment, Fisker believes in using “rescued wood”. Typically, wood that would be destroyed because of natural disasters or other catastrophes is collected and reused. The company has used wood in their car interiors from the 2007 Southern California wildfires, and other ravaged areas, instead of removing prime growth from precious rain forests. As a result of their continual search for rescued wood stocks, they have created several programs, including the certified Fallen, Sunken and Rescued Wood™, Karma’s Rescued Wood™ wings and accents, and Karma’s animal-free Eco-Chic™ package option.</p>
<p><span id="more-19"></span>Although the 2012 Fisker Karma Sunset Convertible is still considered a concept car, it has been shown in numerous places including the prestigious <a href="http://www.pebblebeachconcours.net/" target="_blank">Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance</a>, and the Concorso Italiano, both in California. When looking at the vehicle, if you had no knowledge of its environmental roots, you would assume it is a “regular” vehicle in the exotic car class.</p>
<p>There is nothing boring or unfashionable about the Sunset. Split spokes on the wheels, recessed headlights, super flashy silver color, and round features make this vehicle shine with the best of the higher priced cars. This is no sissy in terms of elegance, power and outside aesthetics.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://carsblog.biz/blawg/preview-the-2012-fisker-karma-sunset-convertible/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

