Sure Honda has been in the racing competitions for so long now, still, we haven’t lined the automaker to those biggies in the trade. Not until HSV-010 GT has been launched to grace the track! It’s so different from other Hondas but definitely a great one. Anyone can even mistake it for a Ferrari or Lamborghini! The supercar sports a naturally aspirated 3.4 litre V8 that can generate a massive 496 horsepower and 392 Nm (289 lb-ft) of torque. HSV is spelled out as Honda Sports Velocity. We can just hope that this handsome race machine can also go off the track for a sweet, weekend ride.

So here is how changing cabin air filter is done. Your own vehicle needs to change cabin air filter as indicated on the manual to enjoy cleaner, fresher breathing air. It will also do you a lot of favor in eliminating all air-transferred diseases like the infamous H1N1 viruses and the likes. Let this video help you do the task on your own and never spend money to hired help again. How to change cabin air filter is very easy and usually, new packs are provided with instruction. Even without those, this video will surely help a lot!

I believe all automobiles are equipped with the important safety features we need when hitting the road. But sometimes, crumple zones and seat belts are not enough. That is why Anti-Locking Brake Systems are also added in cars. Still, there is the need to better all these. That is what you get from the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure of the all-new 2009 Honda Civic EX-L!

The ACE helps to redirect the crash loads away from the passenger compartment, making even the worst accidents on the road a little less horrifying. How does it work? By design, all the corners of the vehicle act as absorbers. They take the brunt of the impact during collisions even with larger automobiles!

On top of the innovative safety features this sleek vehicle has, it is also very affordable at $20,855! Also, it is equipped with sporty accessories we always dreamt to have in our rides. But the most important thing is that the vehicle is reputed for reliability for all these years.

I remember my first automobile, which was company-released hatchback, and I hated it for being one! It might be practical with all the cargo room but not stylish as everyone would want for a ride. If only Honda have though of Fit much, much earlier then I should have gotten myself spacious and beauteous ride instead. The Fit is what we have known in the early years as hatchback. But this time, access is a lot easier and more importantly, it really is sporty!

The Fit sports a 4-cylinder engine that makes as much as 117 horsepower. That may not be so much for enthusiasts but is good for its friendly price of $16,260. Aside from its block, we can expect quality handling and smooth shifting all through out revving this ride up.

This cutie will be very useful to commuters like students, the young professionals, and those that loves sporty feel with all the youthful designs.

When someone owns a car, our first impression is that he or she is rich and fabulous? Sad to say but we have been wrong all these times. Fact is, we can both own a roomy and very functional Fit, Impressa, or Cobalt SS from 16 grand to 24! And these cars are produced by world-class auto makers like Honda, Subaru, and Impressa so there is no reason to doubt their performance and capacities.

Today, you can even visit your Honda dealer and find the 5- door electric blue car at $16,260 MSRP! Or, if you want something more car-appearing, the Subaru Impressa will be a good catch at $17,995. But me, I’ll prefer something more executive than these cute vehicles with the Chevrolet Cobalt SS. It is best value at $24,095!

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

Are you a transformer addict? Or might be a die-hard fan of the movie? Then GM’s Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is for you! This is exactly what you will have to see this summer’s “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” motion picture! This Chevrolet Corvette Stingray concept or also known as the Corvette Centennial Concept will be called the Sideswipe.

As you can tell, it’s a Corvette-based concept that draws heavy inspiration from the 1959 Stingray race car and 1963 Corvette Stingray spit-window coupe. “This thing is all Stingray,” says Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. The Stingray also combines many styling cues from contemporary ‘Vette designs into one sleek conceptual package. “Sideswipe represents an exercise in exploration for the Corvette,” Ed Welburn added in a prepared statement. “By giving my creative team the freedom to design no-holds-barred vision concepts, it helps them push boundaries and look at projects from different perspectives.”

Did I hear Ed Welburn say what Corvette has in store for us and the greater transporting public?

Chevrolet: Chevrolet “Transformers” Cars

This year, Chevrolet snatches the main stage with its four concepts and featured futuristic vehicles in the new Transformer motion picture that will hit theaters this summer. Not to miss any, here is the excerpt of the role play:

GM’s star lineup of vehicles featured in this summer’s “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” motion picture just made their debut at the Chicago Auto Show. Highlighted on the General’s display is the all-new Corvette Stingray concept (also known as the Corvette Centennial Concept) called Sideswipe (see it in the Chicago coverage). Joining the futuristic ‘Vette in the film and on stage are four new characters, all based on Chevrolet models and concepts.

Skids and Mudflap: These diminutive twins stay mostly true to their 2007 New York Auto Show concepts, the Beat and Trax, but incorporate a few accessories and color changes. If you haven’t heard, the Beat will make it stateside by 2011 as the Spark.

Jolt: It’s essentially the 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid but all gussied-up for bigscreen duty.

Bumblebee: The star Autobot reprises his role but unlike in the previous movie where he was based on the Camaro concept car, he’s now sporting production model traits from the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Twenty-inch wheels and various SS model cues are donned by the ‘bot. He’s on display in Chicago as a 17-ft tall statue in Autobot form.

To see them in action, check out Michal Bay’s “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” when it hits U.S. theaters this June 26.

Dodge: 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty

Dodge is clearly giving a hint where its line of automobiles is directed: comfort, muscled handsomeness, and functionality. These characteristics make the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty with its big rig appearance in the McCormick Place. It will be powered by a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel which pumps out an extra stout 650 lb-ft of torque at 1500 rpm and a peak 350 hp at maximum high-idle speed of 3000 rpm. As a result, the HD is to get a 90 percent take-rate. Dodge claims drops NOX emissions by 90% in the HD due to the use of a particulate filter to its exhaust system. This 50-state legal diesel meets 2010.5 emissions standards and requires oil change intervals at 7500 miles.

That is all for today, friends! Chevrolet making the most of the space and events in the Auto Show, don’t you think so? But then, I think this new heavy duty truck from Dodge will also get the most attention and maybe market share come launching time. You see, there is really little choices for this class of pickups.

Holidays are just around the corner and I’m here in front of my personal computer wishing I can have the all-new 2009 Honda S2000! It is a long shot, but who wouldn’t want this sleek convertible? I want it too much, I can taste it. Imagining this performer under me is almost something I can almost feel.

The exterior of the Honda S2000 is almost enough to earn second looks from envious bystanders and onlookers. It has enticing pearl paint for its body color that runs all through its front and rear bumpers with a fixed hoop convertible rollover protection. This color is also extended up to the driver and passenger door mirrors, making it look sleeker. Then its fixed rear window is equipped with a defogger, making it so much easy to view the rear. The cabin glass is already tinted so there is no need to spend more on this area. Another first is its windshield wipers that are programmed to have fixed intermittent wipe so you don’t have to go through the same effort every now and then. It is also equipped with an electric softtop convertible roof with glass rear window to ensure easy access. These luxuriousness goes all the way to the trim alloy & leather on gearknob, leather on doors, and alloy look on dashboard An improved day time running lights are also integral with this elegant sporty vehicle to increase safety on the road. Added to that are the projector beam lens Xenon bulb headlights on its front. All in all, it has external dimensions of 162.7 x 68.9 x 50.0 inches. The wheelbase measures 94.5 inches, front track of 57.9 inches and rear track of 59.4 inches, and curb to curb turning circle of 35.4 feet. It has a curb weight of 2,864 pounds.

The Honda S2000 is real futuristic in its 2,157 cc 2.2 liters in-line 4 valves front engine with 87.0 mm bore. It has an average 90.7 mm stroke and 11.1 compression ratio tops. It sports a double overhead cam that works in variable valve timing per camshaft. Its fuel economy is mainly credited to its efficient engine and multi-point fuel injection system with a 13.2 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank. It can unleash as much as 177 Kilowatts of power and 237 horsepower SAE at 7,800 revolutions per minute. It is also expected to provide 162 feet pounds (ft lb) and 220 Newton meter (Nm) at 6,800 rpm.

Handling is another good point for the Honda S2000. It is powered with a four-wheel ABS with brake assist system. All its wheels are equipped with disc brakes where two of the four are ventilated. This brake system is electronically distributed. It also has an electronic traction control through its ABS and the engine management. You are truly safe with this high end convertible as it is also equipped with an immobilizer and stability control devices. A rear limited slip differential is also another good device in this posh vehicle, giving you the most convenient handling under all circumstances. Its wishbone front and rear suspension are also configured to appear independent with the systems stabilizer bar and coil springs to ensure ride quality aside from handling. A Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel is also included in its accessories.

The world is now being engulfed by a recession that is predicted to be worse than the one that has gloomed the world economy in 1976. And you are feeling it now, right? Even President-elect Barack Obama have pledged to help automakers because he himself is seeing the agony of these manufacturers in trying to make both ends meet and avoid retrenching many of their employees in the days to come. But that will be in the long term so there is still the need to do something. Max Mosley is still on cutting costs but Honda is not going to wait. Last Friday, it already pulled its plug off the F1. It left team chiefs Nick Fry and Ross Brawn the responsibility to find a new sponsor.

Max Mosley, President to the Geneva based Federation Internationale de l’Automobile that regulates and controls world-wide motor sports like World Rally Championship, said that Honda’s exit can cause more teams to follow. And this made him more than willing to push through the cost cutting that he is really trying to get all teams into. As of posting, he will be meeting with Formula One Team’s Association President Luca di MOntezemolo to get their thoughts together and decide on the best measures to take. This meeting is expected to ensure the future of the sport.

On the other hand, Prodrive’s David Richard said that this quitting of the Honda team should be viewed as a great loss as well as lesson to F 1. Such abandonment can lead others to quit the sport if its regulating body will not be able to find ways on how to make the sport more cost-efficient in the next days to come. He also wished that the team will find a buyer because they were a bunch of capable people.

Photo & Info: Auto Sport

‘zup? I’m back with the third day events and attractions of the Los Angeles Auto Show. This time, let us look back at the happenings last November 23, Sunday at the Los Angles Convention Center.

November 23, 2008, Sunday

Because it is Sunday, the Los Angeles opened early at 9 in the morning and closed gates early at 8 in the evening. The events and attractions were a little slouch this time with the Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive taking the lead. With the lack of attention grabbing events and attractions, the halls have been busy accepting spectators, press, and viewers the entire Sunday. If you had been there, it was like a holiday!

November 24, 2008, Monday

November 24 is another weekday so the gates were opened at 11 am and closed at 10 in the evening. Attractions and events had been in full swing once again with the same Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive taking the lead. But this time, there were also other attention grabbing events like the autograph session with drag racing icons Robert Hight (2005 NHRA Rookie of the Year and No. 4 in the 2008 NHRA Funny Car Championship) and John Force(14-time NHRA Funny Car Champion). This event was sponsored by the Auto Club that’ is doing their show case at the kentia hall along with other performance products. The event lasted for one and a half hours, 7 to 8:30 in the afternoon.

November 25, 2008, Tuesday

Nothing was new last Tuesday, November 25, 2008. As an ordinary weekday during the Los Angeles Auto Show, the gates were opened at 11 in the morning and closed at 10 in the evening. Events and attractions were a little low but all halls were busy and packed with spectators, guests, and press. The normal routine went on with the Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crews not tiring until it was time to call it a day.

November 26, 2007, Wednesday

Events and attractions were a lot fewer last November 26, a Wednesday. It is a day before the Thanksgiving Day so everyone might be busy over other things than the Auto Show in Los Angeles. Still, Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crews had last the day with their stunts and skills.

November 27, 2008, Thursday

Now, it’s Thanksgiving Day! And people had been a lot wiser and modern. Some families celebrated the day early in the Los Angeles Convention Center. The gates were opened very much earlier today, 9 in the morning, and been closed a lot earlier than any weekday at 8 in the evening. The Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive went on, while other events and attractions were halted for the day’s more important events. But this does not mean that it had not been a busy day for all the crews and attendants. The day had been a festive one and everyone was happy to be where they were, and that is at the Los Angles Convention Center Auto Show!

November 28, 2008, Friday

A day after US’ most especial day, the gates will be opened at 9 in the morning and to close at exactly 10 in the evening. The Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive crew is expected to continue their stunts while the rest of the showcase masters will be busy entertaining all their patrons. The day is expected to become a lot busier as the day deepens.

November 29, 2008, Saturday

Because it will be weekend, the gates will be opened at 9 in the morning and rest at 10 in the evening. There will be a lot more attractions than the regular Auto Trade dot com’s Match It Game Show and Volvo’s City Safety Drive. Mitsubishi Motors will sponsor an autograph signing with LA Avengers and A-team dancers’ icons. Toyota is also expected to sponsor an appearance of two of the finest Lakers’ players who will bring around 500 headshots, which they will sign up for the first 500 visitors.

November 30, 2008, Sunday

For the final day, the Los Angeles Convention center will open at 9 in the morning and close at 8 in the evening. As an ender, State Farm will sponsor Los Angeles Clipper Baron Davis for an autograph signing at the Kentia Hall from 2:30 to 4 in the afternoon.

I’m back again, and I’m following the events at the Los Angeles Show that premiered last November 21, Friday. Today is November 26, Wednesday of the same year and what? –Five or six days since the grand opening? Well, a lot of things have already happened and I’ll be taking you back so that we can both enjoy those missed moments. I have also compiled some pictures, which I will post here, for our perusal. So what date will it be best to go back to? Hmmm, let’s start on the second day, November 22, 2008, Saturday.

November 22, 2008, Wednesday
The gates opened at exactly 9 in the morning and welcomed all auto enthusiasts and the press into the halls of famous auto makes and models. There were still so many to watch and have fun with. The Match It Game Show of Auto Trade dot com is still ongoing and Volvo’s City Safety Test Drive is in full swing. The rest of the halls are busy and having many spectators on all areas. There are also added attractions like the coming of some important people and celebrities but nothing beats the second round of the Volkswagen Road to MLS Cup which was graced by another couple of Major League Soccer All-Stars. This time, Ben Olsen of the DC United and Sacha Kljestan of the famous Chivas USA arrived for autograph signing. The event lasted for an hour, 2 to 3 in the afternoon at the South hall. This is also where Volkswagen’s innovations are showcased.

At this same hour, the State Farm’s Workshop for Women is also happening with the theme: ‘Purchasing and Protecting Your Vehicle’. This event was graced by Road and Travel dot com’s CEO and founder Courtney Caldwell. There had been two runs of the speech made by two female insurance professionals, one at noon time and another at around 3 in the afternoon at Room 306 AB.

Around 6 in the evening, the Galphin exhibit in Kentia Hall hosted the autograph signing by Pimp My Ride cast. The entire event lasted for two hours, but the result had been great! Kudos to Galphin!

Hey, I think I am running out of space so let’s continue this tomorrow!