20 Fun Car Facts

Did you know that you spend two weeks of your life sitting at red lights?  Car facts like this are ones that people do not think about every day.  These fun and interesting facts will make your day go by a little faster.  

 






Here’s five of the facts:











The rest are located here, all also in graphic form:
http://blog.carid.com/20-most-interesting-facts-about-cars

A New Line of Cars and Features for 2014

 2014 is bring a whole new line of cars and features to the market.  These cars are all new versions or upgrades to previous models.  The horsepower wars are continuing with battles between power and mileage.  Take a look at this car guide to see what models are going to be on the market. 

It's been a year of transition for the automotive industry, as the world's top carmakers continue to forge ahead toward an uncertain future. We've finally seen the long-awaited arrival of the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, and the horsepower wars continue, highlighted by the battle between the Camaro ZL1 and the Shelby GT500. On the opposite end of the spectrum, ever more fuel efficient cars with alternative powertrains are entering the market, including potential game-changers like the Tesla Model S. The coming months will also usher in a seismic change in the all-important midsize sedan segment, with Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, and Nissan rolling out new versions of their entries. All the while, gas prices continue marching in one direction: Upward. Given all the change and new entries on the way, it may be difficult to pick out which car is the right one for you. To make things a little clearer and to give you a better idea of what's to come, we've put together our 2013-2014 Motor Trend Ultimate New Car Buyer's Guide. We break down the 162 car models currently or soon to be on sale with to-the-point reviews that will enable you to make an informed decision regardless of what kind of car you're in the market for.  

STAR RATING:

Beats Walking	*
For Your Neighbors	**
Right On The Money	***
Fuel For Your Soul	****
Drive Before You Die	*****

KEY:

5M: 5-speed manual; 6A: 6-speed automatic
7-sp auto-cl man: 7-speed auto-clutch manual
8-sp twin-cl auto: 8-speed twin-clutch auto
BMS: Blindspot monitoring system; Rear cam: Rear view camera
FWD: Front-wheel drive; AWD: All-wheel drive; RWD: Rear-wheel drive
S: Standard; O: Optional; N/A: Not available

Acura ILX

Base Price: $26,795-$29,795
Body Type: Sedan What's New: The new ILX compact luxury sedan is positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand. Variety is key for this new model, because whether buyers are practical, sporty, or eco-conscious, the ILX caters to them with three powertrain options. Acura's new text messaging function, which works when a smartphone is connected via Bluetooth, helps drivers keep their eyes on the road. Driver’s Choice: The 201-hp 2.4L with six-speed manual transmission, complete with steel pedal covers. Sum Up: Acura’s new (small) big thing. ***

Acura ILX
Base Engine	2.0L/150-hp/140-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engines	2.4L/201-hp/170-lb-ft I-4; 1.5L I-4 + elec, 111 hp
Drivetrain	Front engine, FWD
Transmissions	6M; 5A; CVT
EPA Econ City/Hwy	22-39/31-38 mpg
0-60 MPH	6.4-9.9 sec*
Basic Warranty	4 yrs/50,000 miles
Safety	Airbags: 6; rear cam: O; BMS: N/A
* Estimated

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Acura RLX (2014)

Base Price: $50,000*
Body Type: Sedan What’s New: The replacement for the RL arrives with an all-new powertrain highlighted by a dual-clutch automatic transmission and Acura's new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system, which will be featured in the upcoming NSX supercar. The RLX will be loaded with a long list of flagship goodies, including two LCD screens, Acura's first lane-keeping assist system, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. A 310-hp front-drive version is expected as the base car. Driver’s Choice: The 370-hp Sport-Hybrid SH-AWD model. Sum Up: Acura’s latest attempt at a range-topping sedan. (not rated)

Acura RLX
Base Engine	3.7L/310-hp/280-lb-ft V-6*
Opt Engines	3.7L V-6 + elec, 370 hp*
Drivetrain	Front engine, FWD/AWD
Transmissions	7-sp twin-cl auto*
EPA Econ City/Hwy	17-30/27-30 mpg*
0-60 MPH	5.0-6.0 sec*
Basic Warranty	4 yrs/50,000 miles
Safety	Airbags: 6; rear cam: S; BMS: O*
* Estimated

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Acura TL

Base Price: $36,500-$40,000*
Body Type: Sedan What’s New: After going under the knife last year, the TL looks better than ever. And it performs better at the pump, thanks to a new six-speed automatic that bumped mpgs up to 29 highway for FWD models. AWD models don't benefit from the improved fuel economy, but pairing Acura's SH-AWD with a six-speed manual will have enthusiasts thinking about twisty roads instead of efficiency. Look For: Improved seat bolsters in the SH-AWD model. Sum Up: Now with less ugly. ***1/2

Acura TL
Base Engine	3.5L/280-hp/254-lb-ft V-6
Opt Engines	3.7L/305-hp/273-lb-ft V-6
Drivetrain	Front engine, FWD/AWD
Transmissions	6M; 6A
EPA Econ City/Hwy	17-20/25-29 mpg
0-60 MPH	5.3-6.4 sec
Basic Warranty	4 yrs/50,000 miles
Safety	Airbags: 6; rear cam: O; BMS: O*
* Estimated

---

Acura TSX

Base Price: $31,000-$36,500*
Body Type: Sedan, wagon What's New: Now that the ILX is in the picture, the TSX is no longer positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand. It carries over into the 2013 model year, and we expect it to merge with the TL as a TLX for 2014 or '15. For 2011, it received some nips and tucks, along with added standard features and a new wagon variant. A new trim level in 2012 dressed the TSX up in special anniversary digs. Best Buy: The Special Edition if you want a six-speed manual transmission. Sum Up: Still a solid all-arounder. *** 1/2

Acura TSX
Base Engine	2.4L/201-hp/170-172-lb-ft I-4
Opt Engines	3.5L/280-hp/254-lb-ft V-6
Drivetrain	Front engine, FWD
Transmissions	6M; 6A
EPA Econ City/Hwy	19-22/28-31 mpg
0-60 MPH	5.9-8.2 sec
Basic Warranty	4 yrs/50,000 miles
Safety	Airbags: 6; rear cam: O; BMS: N/A

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Aston Martin DB9/Virage

Base Price: $195,000-$230,000*
Body Type: Coupe, conv What's New: The new Virage slots between the DB9 and DBS in Aston's lineup, and is the last hurrah for the British marque's VH architecture, which will be replaced with an all-new chassis when the new Vanquish arrives in 2014. The regular DB9 is the cheapest way to get into a four-passenger V-12 Aston Martin. Its long hood and short deck are set off by its Coke-bottle silhouette. Cool Fact: The DB9 is the first car built on Aston's VH Platform. Sum Up: British GT aging gracefully. ***

 

To see the rest of the cars click HERE.

The Pittsburgh International Auto Show

The International Auto Show comes to Pittsburgh this weekend at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.  This is a great place for car lovers or for someone in the market for a new car to see what is coming in the next few years.  International and Domestic Car Manufacturers will be there with brand new features on the 2013 and 2014 models.


If you are in the market for a new vehicle or just want to see some of the new and exciting products being released by auto makers, take a ride into downtown Pittsburgh for the 2013 International Auto Show.

While not as big as Detroit or New York’s auto shows, this year’s event showcases some pretty interesting products from Ford and General Motors, as well as a smattering of other companies.

Here’s a peek, but you’ll need to go downtown to see all of the cars on display in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

General Motors brought the 2014 Silverado and Impala to Pittsburgh. The Silverado is all-new from front to rear and is packed with some innovative and thoughtful features aimed at maximizing efficiency. As Steve Martin from GM explained, “The new Silverado is geared toward people living and working in the vehicle, and being able to connect with it on a daily basis.”

Some of those features are new powertrain options ranging from a 4.6L V6, 5.3L V8 and a 6.2L V8. All engines are available with direct injection, active fuel management and variable valve timing to increase efficiency. Inside, you’ll find larger rear seats, wider rear door openings and a MyLink touch screen radio that’s capable of syncing and remembering 10 separate Bluetooth devices.

The all-new Impala is also making an appearance as the redesigned flagship for the Chevy brand. You can find the same MyLink technology in the Impala as well as a flowing interior and integrated center stack that incorporates an available 8-inch touch screen.

Safety is a top priority as well. Among the features is “Full-speed-range adaptive cruise control,” which allows the car to adapt to changing traffic conditions up to a full stop and then resume to the set speed. “Rear cross traffic alert” uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in traffic when backing out of a parking spot, including angled parking. Visual and audible alerts are triggered if moving vehicles are detected.

On the Ford side of things is the Ford Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid, combining the best of plug-in technology with hybrid drive.

In full electric mode, the driver can get 21 miles of emissions-free electric driving before the 2.0L gasoline engine intervenes. Ford claims the Energi is expected to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a miles-per-gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles.

The “Go time” feature allows you to set your normal departure times from home or the office. The Energi will warm or cool the car and prepare for the commute before you enter the vehicle, even while plugged in.

For more information see The Times.

Driving on Black Ice Tips and Tricks

Driving on black ice is something that no one wants to have to deal with.  However, with this rough winter we have had it is better to be prepared.  Check out these great tips for dealing with black ice on the roads.

1. Understand that black ice is like regular ice. It is a glaze that forms on surfaces (especially roads, sidewalks, and driveways) because of a light freezing rain or because of melting and re-freezing of snow, water, or ice on surfaces. It's called "black ice" because it tends to look like the rest of the pavement on the road, although in reality, it's actually clear. Black ice forms without creating bubbles, which allows it to blend in with any surface it forms over.^[1] Black ice is dangerous precisely because it's hard to detect in advance.

2. Know where to expect black ice. Black ice usually forms just about the freezing point. Sometimes in frigid weather conditions on highways, black ice will form due to the heat of tires on the road coupled with the freezing temperature. Keep an eye on the weather and highway reports.

• Black ice forms most commonly at night or in the early morning when the temperatures are at their lowest, or when the sun isn't around to warm the roads.^[2]
• Black ice tends to form on parts of the road without much sunshine, such as along a tree-lined route or a tunnel. It will also form more frequently on roads that are less traveled on.
• Black ice forms readily on bridges, overpasses and the road beneath overpasses.^[3] This is because the cold air is able to cool both the top and under the bridge or overpass, bringing about faster freezing.^[4]
  3. Know when to expect black ice. Black ice tends to form in the early morning and evening. During the daylight hours, the road is usually warmer and less likely to create black ice. But remember: less likely does not mean "never". Always be prepared for the possibility of encountering black ice.  See the signs of black ice. If you are driving and see cars suddenly swerve for no apparent reason, black ice is a likely cause.
  
  4. Know how to see black ice - sometimes. While black ice is transparent, it can sometimes be seen in the right lighting conditions - if you are looking for it. Black ice almost always forms in very smooth, very glossy sheets. This glossy surface is your indication of potential black ice. If the majority of the road you're driving on appears a dull black color, but the patch just ahead of you appears shiny, you may be about to drive onto black ice - don't panic, follow the instructions below.
  
  • This technique for helping to detect black ice won't work at night, but dawn, daylight and dusk all offer enough light to see.
  • If you are unfamiliar with this glossy appearance, think of a nice new car's black spray paint compared to an older, un-kept car's black paint job.
  • You won't always be able to see black ice, but looking for it can't hurt. It may also help you to stay focused in less than ideal driving conditions. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the rest of your environment as well. 
  
  5. Practice driving on slippery surfaces. If possible, (and with a seasoned winter driver) practice driving on ice in a safe surrounding. Find a nice, large, empty parking lot with ice on it. Drive on ice. Practice braking on ice. Understand how your car feels and handles in these conditions. Know what ABS braking feels like if you have it. Practicing this under controlled conditions can actually be a lot of fun!
  
  6. Deal with a black ice encounter. If you do hit black ice, your first reaction must be to remain calm and avoid overreacting. The general rule is to do as little as possible and allow the car to pass over the ice. Do not hit the brakes, and try to keep the steering wheel straight.^[5] If you feel the back end of your car sliding left or right, make a very gentle turn of the steering wheel in the same direction. If you try to struggle against it by steering in the opposite direction, you risk skidding or spinning out (see below for what to do if this happens).
  
  7. Slow down by de-accelerating. Lift your feet off the accelerator completely and keep your steering wheel fixed in the position it's in.^[6] Slowing down will give you more control and prevent needless damage. Do not touch the brakes. Doing so will likely cause you to skid. The idea is to slide over the ice in the direction the steering wheel is facing; usually black ice patches aren't longer than 20 feet (6 meters).
  
  8. If you can, shift into a low gear. Low gears will give you more control.
  9. Head for areas of traction. Black ice is virtually invisible, but you may be able to head towards areas of pavement that offer more traction. Such areas of traction may include textured ice, snow-covered areas, spots with sand, etc.
  
  10.  If you skid or lose traction, stay calm. Hopefully, you are now going slow and this will make it easier. Black ice is often (although not always) patchy, so hopefully your tires will soon find traction. Use the minimum amount of braking possible, although some braking will be necessary if skidding a lot, as follows:
• If you have anti-lock braking system (ABS), just put your foot on the brake, apply firm pressure and the car will pump the brakes for you as you skid.^[7]
• If you don't have ABS, pump the brakes gently as you skid.^[8]
• Always steer the car in the direction you want the car to go.

           11. If you end up going off the road, try to steer into things that will cause the minimum 
                amount of damage. Ideally, steer into an empty field, a yard, or a fluffy snowbank. Of 
                course, you may not have much choice in the matter, but you can at least try.

           12. After the black ice encounter, stay calm. You're likely to be a bit rattled, but panicking 
                 isn't going to help at any stage. If you must keep driving, do so very, very slowly. Alert 
                 other drivers that you're going slowly by flashing your lights at all times.

           13. Get off the road as soon as possible. It's better to wait a while at a rest stop, diner, or even
                 on the side of the road until the road crews can salt and/or sand the roads than to deal with 
                 an accident. This will also provide you with a chance to recover your senses and feel less 
                 panicked. Have a hot drink and relax a while.

• If there is a pile up: Very rarely ice and/or black ice can make extremely hazardous conditions that can cause multi-car accidents on a highway. You will have to evaluate quickly whether staying in your car (where you have some safety protection) or getting out (where you can flee further collisions but will have to walk on icy surfaces, in freezing temperatures, with other cars spinning out of control around you) is safer. Consider your location, the speed of travel, geographic location, your warmth, and your physical abilities.

            14.  Prevent or minimize future encounters with black ice. There are several things that 
                   you can do to reduce the chances of being surprised by black ice. While knowing how to 
                  drive on it remains a number one priority, here are some other things to do:

• Travel slowly. Don't try to speed during icy weather as this will take away any control you might have had on the black ice.
• Don't tailgate.
• Keep your windshield clear of ice, snow, dirt, and anything else that can prevent you from seeing out of it properly. To get snow and ice off the windshield of your car, you might be tempted to turn on your windshield wipers. It might seem like the wipers and the washer fluid will work, but they don't. In fact, if you use your windshield wipers to get ice off the windshield, you could ruin them. Use an ice scraper to scrape the ice from the windshield of your car before starting the vehicle.^[9]
• Turn your headlights on early in the afternoon to help you see any possible sheen from black ice.
• Check your tire tread. Worn tread causes accidents in any conditions, and will ensure you lack traction when needed on black ice. In addition, consider having snow tires fitted.
• An important thing to remember is to NEVER drive in potentially icy conditions with your cruise control active.

For more information see WikiHow.