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Already on the road and ahead of the pack, Honda’s FCX fuel cell vehicle defines a new paradigm in mobility. Here is a glimpse of the next stage of the fuel cell vehicle’s evolution, the FCX Concept.
This vision of the future boasts a fuel cell system that delivers more power in less space, in a unique, low-floor fuel cell platform. It’s a next-generation sedan with a low centre of gravity and a full-sized cabin, offering the kind of driving pleasure and roomy interior previously unimaginable in a fuel cell vehicle. The FCX Concept also features Honda’s advanced intelligent technologies that reduce driver burden. Luxurious seating takes full advantage of the generous cabin space, providing passengers with an extremely comfortable experience. Contrasting materials, from futuristic transparent plastics to classic leather and wood, combine to produce a warm, welcoming interior with an advanced feel. This premium sedan offers the ultimate in clean-running performance.
Hip ‘n’ happening
Chevy will launch the Camaro coupe in late 2008 as a 2009 model; then to battle the other Ford Mustang body style, it will launch the Camaro convertible about spring of 2009. As the concept makes the rounds of car shows following its Detroit debut, GM Australia is hard at work on the production car. Expect thicker sills and tunnels and added cross-bracing to give the conver-tible's unibody coupelike stiffness. The concept has charcoal SS stripes over a lustrous Hugger orange paint job – the stripes are so dark they appear black under certain light.
Grand Caravan
Chrysler is touting its 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans as ‘family rooms on wheels’ by the automaker, and predictably the most innovative features are saved for the inside. Both vehicles feature Chrysler's new Swivel ‘n’ Go seating option. The second row seats can rotate 180 degrees to face the third row, yet fold flat when extra storage space is required. A removable table can also be installed between the rows and an integrated child booster seat in the second-row quad chair and a power-folding third-row 60/40 bench seat are available options.
Sidewalk Edition
The next-generation of the Mini Convertible is still at least a year away from joining the auto show parade, the folks at Mini are seeking ways to keep the outgoing model fresh: enter the Mini Convertible Sidewalk Edition. The special edition is an option-laden version of the convertible with several touches exclusive to the Sidewalk. Among the
highlights are special 17-inch painted alloys, interior upholstery done up in malt brown English leather, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob and plenty of Sidewalk badges. Four colour choices will be available, and the Sidewalk can be ordered in Cooper or Cooper S flavours.
Brief Drives
Mistakes to avoid
Buying a new car can be exciting. But it is also a complex process. These are ten
mistakes to avoid when buying a car.
1. Falling in love with a model. When spending thousands of rials on a car, emotion shouldn't rule the day.
2. Skipping the test drive. The test drive is an important part of the car-buying process.
3. Negotiating down from the sticker price. Don't use the sticker price as your gauge when negotiating a deal.
4. Focusing only on the monthly payment when negotiating.
5. Buying the deal instead of the vehicle. It's important to remember that any deal is only as good as the car that's attached to it.
6. Waiting until you're in the dealership to think about financing.
7. Underestimating the value of safety features. Antilock brake systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and head-protecting side air bags are effective and worth the money.
8. Buying unnecessary extras. Don't accept unnecessary services and fees.
9. Not researching the value of your current car. You could get a great deal on your new car but lose all of the savings, and more, on your trade-in.
10. Not having a used car checked by an independent mechanic. When buying a used car, condition is everything.
DID YOU KNOW?
Originally introduced in 1958, the Impala was named after an African antelope.
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