Auto Buff by Sarah

May 29, 2008

C-Class Redesigned

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The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive car produced by the Mercedes Car Group division of Daimler AG. It was first introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range. This line of automobiles lived up to their reputation in 1993 and continues to do so today.

Today, Mercedes launched an all-new C-Class sedan for 2008 model year. The 2008 C-Class is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the C300 Sport Sedan to the C63 AMG Sport Sedan. It is designed to compete with the BMW 3-Series, models in US.

"The C300 Sport Sedan is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, V6, 228-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The C63 AMG Sport Sedan is equipped with a standard 6.2-liter, V8, 451-horsepower engine. A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard."

This model has its bold and upscale styling that helped rank near the top of the class for exterior looks. It features grille-mounted star badge and AMG body styling. It also has a firmer suspension, a slightly flared fender and a 17 inch wheels.

The interior has received a makeover as well. Its interior upgrade ranks well for its upscale materials and appearance. It also features a three-spoke steering wheel, and a titanium-colored instrument cluster.

This car does well in government crash tests. It features seven standard airbags and the adaptive brake system.



May 13, 2008

Unveiling Mazda Ryuga Concept

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The Mazda Ryuga is a concept car introduced by Mazda at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Flowing lava is said to have inspired both the Ryuga's exterior color and its tail lamp design. Ryuga means "gracious flow" in Japanese. Reflecting its Japanese origin, Ryuga is both simple and complex with its design.

The Mazda Ryuga concept opens in a whole new way. The body features two gull-wing doors. It does feature curving accent lines on its sides and has a wedge like shape. The headlights look like slices in the exterior surface. The Ryuga accommodates four passengers in typical 2+2 seating.

Mazda says the Ryuga concentrates on refinement and sophistication by combining high quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and innovative details. Large wheels at the corners of Ryuga's exterior produces a highly stable, balanced stance.

In my personal opinion, this concept is incredible! The design finesse on this Mazda is perhaps one of the best in the industry. I believe Mazda has some of the most talented designers ever. Great imagination at work in their concepts. With the Ryuga concept, we're getting even closer to seeing the car of the future.

I'll be so excited to see how this concept look translates into a third concept car and perhaps a production model down the line. We can hardly wait to see what kind of flow comes next. Mazda is a brand that has its distinctive design. They are aiming to be widely recognized for boldness and originality.


February 23, 2008

Let's Talk About Dream Cars

What's your dream car? That is the question posted by ask.cars.com to all car enthusiasts surfing the net. With an objective to get auto fanatics' pulse, the editorial team of Cars.com came up with this online survey. Not only that, they also shared some intimate talks with them by sharing their own dream cars as well. C'mon! Let's check them out.

Cars.com Managing Editor Patrick Olsen used to have the Mini Cooper S manual as his dream car. Now, he shifted to the Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible with a poised for action yet always relaxed concept. Would you believe that Kicking Tires Editor David Thomas is also a Porsche fanatic? On top of his choice is the black Porsche Cayman S.

Meanwhile, Joe Bruzek of Ask.cars.com is currently haunting someone who could lend him some $250,000 to build his own black 1967 Corvette coupe bearing a red stringer hood and a 2008 Z06 Corvette's powertrain and chassis underneath. I wonder where Mr. Bruzek is going to source out his dream car's wheel bearing. Be careful. Copy Editor Beth Palmer wants a blue BMW M6 coupe capable of running with 500 horsepower via its 5.0-liter, V10 engine. In case you're interested, this car comes with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $99,300.

Sarah Gersh, Cars.com's multimedia producer, dreams of an Audi R8 while Advice Editor Amanda Wegrzyn pines for a blue Jaguar XK convertible. A Ferrari Enzo tops the list of Multimedia Producer Eric Rossi. Assistant Producer Stephen Markeley revealed his eco-friendly side when he revealed that he wants his dream car to be a four-door sedan with moonroof and extra-wide cupholders. Most importantly, he wants it to run on biodiesel made from algae. Interesting one. Multimedia Producer Lindsay Bjerrgaard's dream car is an Aston Martin DBS.

On the other hand, Buying Guide editor Bill Jackson picks either a black or red 2008 Subaru WRX while Kelsey Mays, Cars.com reviewer, prefers a 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo. Cars.com Senior Editor Joe Wiesenfeder wants a 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate and co-reviewer Mike Hanley wishes for a 1967 Chevrolet Impala. Staff Photographer Ian Merritt expressed his sentiments on the question this way, "All I need in my life is an Audi S5. In a matte black or matte gray finish." Whew! Finally, Assistant Producer Eamonn Brennan said that a 1991 Cutlass Supreme is the first in his mind, with some naughty features such as an Xbox 360 in the steering wheel, an ant colony in the passenger console, and windshield wipers that say "Eamonn is awesome" each time it flicks.

"And my horn plays a live version of 2112 everytime I honk it. This car would be awesome. I wouldn't even drive anywhere," Brennan added.

Now, that's what we call individuality! How about you, what's your dream car?

Mine is...