What Are The Top SUVs From Japan And Europe?

post on November 21st, 2012
Posted in The Cars Tags: , ,

SUVs or Sports Utility Vehicles are popular choices for car buyers today. Since its introduction in the car market, SUVs significantly gained the preference of the consumers because SUVs are the combination of the comfort provided by a car-type model and the practicality and performance of the truck-type model. With the popularity and great demand for SUVs, almost all car companies and manufacturers in various countries manufacture SUVs to take advantage of the strong market sales. Japan and European car companies offer a wide range of SUV models for consumers today.

Honda CRV 4 Photo

Paving the high demand for SUVs – specifically compact SUV models, Honda CR-V tops the list and remains on top as the best and top selling SUV in the whole world. Manufactured by the Japanese car company Honda Motors Company, Honda CR-V is already a proven and reputable SUV model known for its performance, practicality, safety features, and affordability. A lot of positive reviews and comments were already given since its introduction in the market.

The latest generation of Honda CR-V are manufactured with Grade Logic Control shifting system, 5-speed auto transmissions, and a 180 horsepower power engine. Another great feature of the CR-V is its comfortable and stylish interior that can accommodate 5-6 passengers with rear seats that can be adjusted for larger storage.

Japanese SUVs are very popular, especially used and directly exported from Japan. The prices this way are very low and the procedures for import from Japan have already been standardized. Car exporter Carused.jp offers many SUVs from Japan and even from Europe & the US.

When it comes to Europe-manufactured car model, one of the top car models is the Mercedes-Benz GL. Produced and distributed by one of the most reputable and popular car companies in Europe – Mercedes-Benz, GL car models are designed with 7 seats enough to accommodate 7 passengers. It is equipped with V8 engine, 7 speed auto transmissions, and can carry as much as 7,500 pounds of loads making it perfect for large families.

One of the great features of the Mercedes-Benz GL is its PRE-SAFE system detecting an impending collision and prepared the front-seat occupants reducing possible impacts and injuries. Other excellent safety features include tire-pressure monitoring system and 9 standard air bags. A lot of good reviews were also given especially regarding the car’s fuel economy capacity and its comfortable and luxurious interior. However, one of the drawbacks of the car model is that is not suitable for off-road driving.

photo source = ngetrek.com

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Do You Remember the BMW M1?

post on November 3rd, 2012
Posted in The Cars Tags: ,

BMW wanted to enter the performance car arena thus founded the BMW Motorsport GmbH in 1972.  Aside from their standard vehicles, the car manufacturer wanted to create a car for the competition.  It was achieved five years later with the introduction of the BMW M1 or E-26.  To enter into competition, the car brand had to produce over 400 M1 cars. Here is a Top Gear video about the BMW M1.

BMW M1 Photo

After a lot of considerations and careful study, BMW arranged with Lamborghini to create the cars.  Doing so will not interrupt their own car production line of regular vehicles.  But then Lamborghini was facing a cyclic down period, which pushed BMW to contract Stuttgart’s Baur coachworks to make the cars.  By 1981, a total of 456 cars were manufactured and it is said that most of M1 remained in Europe.

Three versions were made of the BMW M1 namely the standard road going version, Group 4 version and only one Group 5 version.  This car then was able to compete in Group 4 and Group 5 races during its time.  The low-style of the car and mid-engine layout indicates that it really is a car that should be speeding away.  The standard version has a 3.5-liter twin-cam and a 4-valve, 6-cylinder engine that was able to develop 277 horsepower at a rate of 6500 rpm.  It only takes 6.1 seconds to get the M1 from 0 to 60 mph and is able to travel at a top speed of 160 mph.  Engines for the Group 4 version for M1 are able to produce 470 to 500 horsepower while the Group 5 M1 car has a turbocharged engine able to produce 850 horsepower.

With the limited number of the BMW M1, it is but wise for the owner to have it serviced by specialized BMW technicians only.  It is a very interesting car for the automobile enthusiasts even without its fancy interiors.  In addition, it comes at a high price during its time costing about $55,000 in Europe that makes the US price more expensive.  Those who have seen it do not only contemplate on how great the car was made but would want to own one.

photo source = salon-automobile.net

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