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Since the year 1997, the Volvo C70 has been manufactured. This has been made available as a product of the collaboration of Volvo Cars and of the Ford Motor Company. This vehicle took the place that used to belong to the Volvo 780. The vehicle has been designed so much so that it would be marketed and sold as a convertible and as a coupe and the Volvo C70 is also an entrant to the cabriolet and the luxury coupe segment.

You would be able to meet only quite a few Volvo C70s on the roads, streets, and highways. However, once you are able to know the vehicle, you would surely be hooked on it for a real long time.

The Volvo C70 has been built with retractable hardtops. Straight right out of the factories in Sweden that also build Volvo S60 parts and other Volvo cars and vehicles, the Volvo C70 came to the United States auto market only this April. And come the month of September, there have only been some 2,545 units of the vehicle sold. But this has not been a matter of concern for Volvo. You see, there are only quite a small number of Volvo vehicles that are sold in the United States per year. In fact, according to Volvo, they are only projecting to sell only 8000 units of the Volvo C70 per year.


If you do own the Volvo C70, you would surely find that this vehicle is one that does not compromise any of the features that you would want to find in a vehicle. And imagine, you would be able to enjoy driving through various weather with the top up or even down. Experts in the field also do say that this special vehicle would surely be able to transform those who do not like convertibles into convertible lovers and owners. That is the kind of power that Volvo has bestowed on the Volvo C70.

Take a look at the interior of this vehicle and you would find the door panels to have large and very much stylized badges. These badges actually do inform you that behind everything you see in the vehicle, there is the inflatable curtain system that would give you that safety that you would need. There also are the rear headrests that would give you the right kind of protection during collisions or crashes and even rollovers. Sure enough, Volvo did not forget that whatever kind of vehicle it produces, safety would not be compromised as well as all other things essential in a vehicle.

Kevin Anderson
http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/nothing-is-compromised-with-the-volvo-67289.html

General Motors Corp.’s Buick division has launched two new vehicles outside the United States: one in China and in Canada.

Shanghai General Motors (Shanghai GM) has recently introduced the Buick Park Avenue luxury sedan, the newest model of Buick’s product lineup. Named after the popular and well-off street in New York City, the Buick Park Avenue offers a wide range of advanced in-car technologies and other luxurious amenities for Chinese car fans.

According to Ding Lei, President of Shanghai General Motors: “The Park Avenue is the perfect blend of tranquility and power. It shows Buick’s ability to move with the times while continuing to leverage GM’s global resources and our local knowledge. Designed especially for business leaders and other elites, it is a component of our effort to maintain our leadership position in China by addressing the needs of all of our customers.”

The Buick Park Avenue embodies GM’s newly developed rear-wheel-drive (RWD) global platform, measuring 5,175 mm in length, 1,899 mm width, 1,480 mm in height, and 3,009 mm wheelbase length.

As for a luxury sedan model, the Buick Park Avenue offers an elegant, comfortable, and safe interior equipped with numerous standard interior amenities and safety components. The Park Avenue comes with 8-way power adjustable front seats made of genuine leather and features massage function, high-quality entertainment system with LCD panels, advanced heating system, advanced ventilation and air conditioning system, and six standard intelligent air bags for the driver and passengers, just to name the few. In addition, the Buick Park Avenue also features an available Bluetooth mobile phone system and GPS navigation system. Moreover, GM Local Area Network (GM-LAN) high-speed communication system is also available, providing real-time driving information for efficiency and safety.

The Buick Park Avenue rolls out in Chinese markets with two AlloyTec V-6 engine displacements for the customers to choose from. The 2.8-liter engine pumps out a maximum output of 201 hp (150 kW) at 6,000 rpm and delivers 195 lb.-ft. (265 Nm) amount of peak torque rotating at 3,000 rpm. For customers who wanted more power and torque output, the 3.6-liter engine is available that is capable of delivering 250 hp (187kW) at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque output of 251 lb-ft (340 Nm) at 3,200 rpm. The Park Avenue also comes with sleek Buick exhaust. Specific Buick Park Avenue model trims include 3.6-liter Flagship, 3.6-liter Elite, 2.8-liter Luxury, 2.8-liter Elite, and 2.8-liter Comfort.

Meanwhile, General Motors of Canada has released the new 2008 Buick Enclave luxury crossover SUV and announced its manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP). The all-new 2008 Buick Enclave will roll out in Canadian markets carrying a base MSRP of $40,895 for the front-wheel drive (FWD) Enclave CX model, $43,895 for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Enclave CX model, $48,295 for the Enclave CXL with FWD configuration, and $51,295 for the AWD version of Buick Enclave CXL.

Highlights of the new 2008 Buick Enclave include second-row Smart Slide captain’s chairs, third-row seat, Buick’s standard QuietTuning, roof rail head curtain air bags, dual-stage frontal air bags, ABS, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation, 275-horsepower 3.6L V-6 engine with variable valve timing, six-speed automatic transmission, and Buick exhaust system.

“The new Buick Enclave was designed to be a segment-leading luxury crossover and expresses the new face of Buick. With its stylish design, relevant technologies, luxury features and quiet, and well-crafted interior, we believe the 2008 Buick Enclave is well positioned to attract new customers.” said Jeff Monforton, Marketing Manager for SUVs, GM of Canada.

Jerick Brooks
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/buick-park-avenue-rolls-out-in-china-the-buick-enclave-in-canada-133129.html

The 2007 Kia Amanti, Kia’s flagship sedan, underwent several modifications to come up with an enhanced look that takes the automaker’s appeal to the next level. The 2005 J.D. Power and Associates APEAL awardee have entertained notable upgrades and enhancements to make fanatics more thrilled and fulfilled.

Amanti has impressed aficionados and critics before. Moreover, it wanted to do more than just impressing them. The automaker intends to come up with an exceptional car that invades even beyond the metes and bounds of enthusiasts’ expectations. The latest version of Amanti boasts sophisticated Kia car spare parts.

The new flagship sedan is also given new 3.8-liter aluminum engine that produces 264 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, a 32 percent increase in power over its predecessor. The aluminum DOHC V6 engine is mated to the five-speed automatic Sportmatic(TM) transmission that delivers improved fuel economy. The engine is designed to compete tightly with vehicles like Buick Lucerne, Buick LaCrosse, Nissan Maxima, Ford 500 and Chrysler 300.

Features like the 17-inch wheels available in chrome finish, a lighter platform with enhanced suspension, significant exterior, interior styling upgrades, optional power adjustable pedals, and a host of other amenities were also incorporated to the vehicle to increase its overall appeal. These features contributed to improved handling and performance of the Amanti. Standard features of the car are also remarkable. These include eight airbags, dual zone automatic temperature control, power front seats with power four-way lumbar setting for driver’s seat and front active headrests.

The exterior of the Amanti also entertained a number of modifications to boost its sporty aura. The hood, front grille, headlamps, tail lamps, front and rear bumpers, trunk deck lid, alloy wheels, dual exhaust outlets and rear quarter panels are all redesigned versions. The interior of the car incorporates flowing lines and gently curved surfaces to add a dash of elegance to the car. Standard chrome door handles, wood trim and a leather-covered armrest enhanced the overall upscale feel of the Amanti’s interior.

Amanti also comes with oozing car entertainment amenities and additional standard equipment that include an AM/FM/Cassette/CD audio system with six speakers, one-touch up-and-down power windows, heated mirrors, power door locks with keyless remote, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio remote controls, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a four-way power front passenger seat, full-size spare tire, power sunroof with sliding sunshade and variable intermittent front wipers.

In addition, the safety of the car occupants is boosted by 8 standard airbags including dual front advanced airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags; standard tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); 4 anti-pinch WINDOWS; four-wheel disc antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD); lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), side impact door beams; front and rear crumple zones; and the affordably-priced Electronic Stability Control (ESC) package.

Correy Putton
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/refreshed-amanti-brings-kias-appeal-to-the-next-level-93142.html

General Motor’s HUMMER division has released the details of their all-new 2008 model of the popular H2 full size SUV/SUT. The 2008 HUMMER H2 now features a completely redesigned interior offering comfort and elegance for customers, combined with the HUMMER’s ruggedness.

HUMMER boasts the all-new and improved interior features of the H2.

The 2008 HUMMER H2 features completely redesigned interior parts like instrument panel and six-gauge instrument cluster, new seats with additional full third-row seat for two passengers, new door trim panels, new rear-seat heating/air conditioning system, and a new rear-seat overhead DVD entertainment system. Moreover, a new center stack is also featured, which Houses the climate controls, the standard premium Bose audio system, and an available surround sound system. Other standard interior features include rear-view camera system and heated windshield washer fluid, OnStar navigation system, and XM Satellite Radio.

Standard safety features for the 2008 HUMMER H2 include Roof rail head curtain side air bags for first, second and third row passengers with rollover sensing system; Safety belt pretensioners on the first-row seats; Electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology; new traction control system; tire pressure monitoring system; panic brake assist; and four-channel anti-lock braking/traction control system (ABS/TCS).

Under the hood of the 2008 HUMMER H2 comes a monstrous all-new 6.2-liter V8 engine that is made of lightweight materials including an aluminum cylinder block. Moreover, the engine also uses variable valve timing technology to boost the H2’s driving performance, while providing impressive fuel efficiency. The engine is capable of delivering 393 horsepower (293 kW) and 415 lb.-ft. (574 Nm) amount of peak torque, coupled with a new six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L80 RWD electronically controlled automatic gearbox. This powertrain package adds 1,700 pounds of towing capacity for the 2008 HUMMER H2. The heavy-duty independent front suspension and a five-link rear suspension, including leaf spring like Jeep leaf spring provides superior vehicle handling and towing capability for the 2008 HUMMER H2.

Lisa Ziegler
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/a-closer-look-at-the-allnew-2008-hummer-h2-124295.html

The General Motors has recently introduced the 2-door, 5-passenger family coupe, the 2007 Pontiac G5. It comes in two different vehicle types - the Coupe and GT Coupe. These are the first new compact cars for GM’s performance division since the Sun fire was dropped a few years ago.

Prices start at $14,995 for the G5 Coupe and $17,795 for the G5 GT Coupe. Two engine options for these cars include the 2.2-liter “Ecotec” four (rated at 25 mpg city/34 highway) and the 2.4-liter 173-horsepower V-6.

At first glance on this vehicle, you might probably call it Chevy Cobalt. The reason is that the Pontiac G5 is built on the same platform built on the Cobalt. Style-wise, the two cars are almost identical. Most writers say this is “badge engineering.” It is that simple. And that is the practice of taking one car and simply making it part of another lineup.

Buyers and car enthusiasts do not like the idea of style-copying from other car brands. But a writer said these Pontiac cars have a lot to offer that is entirely different from the Chevrolet car.

The G5 possesses an aero spoiler, full power equipment and a standard five-speed Get rag manual transmission. It has a MP3 compatible radio, an available XM Satellite radio, and turn-by-turn voice navigation from On Star.

Meanwhile, Pontiac is still touting its beautiful G6 coupe, convertible and sedan.

Highlighting the exterior of the G6 Coupe, styling changes is visible in a redesigned front face, featuring an integrated lower air dam and an aggressive color treatment of Pontiac’s signature twin-port grille, as well as a twin air scoop hood. Around the back area, the new rear fascia shows off the dual chrome-tipped exhaust and unique hammerhead spoiler. Side rocker panels, 19-inch wheels, vented cross-drilled brake rotors, and a 25-mm reduction in suspension height finish off the GXP’s ground-hugging appearance.

For the interior, red accents give the Coupe a sportier flavor than a standard G6. The red leather seat and door panel inserts add the red color trim on the instrument cluster, center stack and door controls.

The G6 Convertible, on the other hand, has a two-piece clamshell-style retractable hardtop. This was developed by Karmann, a convertible engineering specialist. It takes a rough estimation of 30 seconds to change.

The car also uses a double-hinged trunk lid that can open like a normal trunk for heavy luggage storage but has a reverse-hinge system that allows it to accept the folding hardtop.

To ensure a dry interior in rainy, top-up conditions, all G6 convertibles undergo stringent water tests at the factory.

Standard in the Sedan are Side curtain airbags. Front seat mounted torso airbags are still available as an option.

All Pontiac new models have their respective enhanced Pontiac muffler.

In spite these advancements, car enthusiasts say two things let the 2007 Pontiac G6 sedan down: the rear seat’s low roofline and awkward access, and the extreme wind noise from the panoramic sunroof.

Jerick Brooks
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/smaller-pontiac-cars-out-this-season-137773.html

The Evolve, an enthusiast’s company owned by Don Nicholson, 35, injects Volvo philosophy to pave way for a distinct set of product lines. The company is now busy working on products for Volvo’s newest pride – the C30.

The Volvo C30, a three-door, four-seat hatchback powered by I4 and I5 engines, was officially unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. It is specially designed to cater to the demands of the young generation drivers. The edgy design of the vehicle that features the interesting frameless glass tailgate, confident stance and broad shoulders that eventually served as Volvo’s design hallmark made it a stunner.

“The new C30 is an ambitious new car for Volvo,” said Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. “It is a car that aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with intense urban lifestyles. These people prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car should suit their varied tastes perfectly.”

“The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package. Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) or the classic P1800ES will recognize the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they are following,” added Steve Mattin who is Volvo Car’s design director.

The hatchback also offers a bunch of legendary heritage from Volvo – its groundbreaking safety features. The Volvo C30 is equipped with the BLIS (standing for Blind Spot Information System), which aids the driver in identifying another vehicle in the blind spot. As a true Volvo, the hatchback is also equipped with the Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS), WHIPS - Whiplash Protection System, and a Side Impact Protection System with side airbags and the Inflatable Curtain, IC. The Volvo C30 also features the patented front and rear structure to absorb and redistribute impact on the vehicle. In cases of accidents, the car also features seatbelts with unique pretensioners to safeguard occupants.

“The new Volvo C30 plays an important role in our push towards a volume of 600,000 cars a year. We are broadening our model program to make it possible for new, younger customers with an intense, urban lifestyle to choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible,” Arp noted.

These reasons and more made Nicholson’s pride as an enthusiast soar to a new level. This sense of pride is carried over to his company Evolve, which sells aftermarket high-performance parts through car dealerships. Evolve’s Volvo products include engine management software.

Nicholson bought a Volvo, known for its safety milestones, six years ago. However, he found out that there were no aftermarket performance parts available for Volvos. “This (his S60 sedan) was a neat and exciting product, but there was nothing out there (in the aftermarket),” Nicholson said. This gave him the idea to write a business plan and meet with some Volvo executives at its headquarters. Volvo executives agreed to let him showcase his ideas by producing a car intended for the 2003 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show.

Eventually, Nicholson decided to launch Evolve in Monrovia, California. About three years after its launch, Evolve already has a full line of aftermarket products to enhance the appeal and performance of late model products. Evolve parts are sold through the parts department of Volvo dealerships. The product lines include reprogrammed engine management software that turns up the power of Volvo engines, a sport exhaust system, air management components to improve airflow into the engine, special turbocharger down pipes, and even complete high-performance turbo charging systems.

Nicholson’s company also produces aerodynamic body kits, wheels, brake components, lowering springs, coil-over suspension kits, anti-sway bars and special seats, shifters, pedals and even custom steering wheels.

The company’s best customers include the owners of the Volvo S60R. “They typically spend about $3,100 on aftermarket equipment,” said Nicholson. A full aero body kit runs around $2,300. A set of lowering springs is $389; an exhaust system is $950; and a full leather interior - seats and door panels - is $2,990 when installed.

Now, Volvo enthusiasts can explore their desires and be secured that they could turn to reality. The choices are not only limited to Volvo air filters, steps, tail lights because they could go beyond.

Glady Reign
http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/evolvolution-is-his-solution-100205.html

You may currently have a shower/bathtub combination. This can be a good solution for bathrooms that have limited space, but the trend is to separate these units if both a tub and shower are featured in a newly remodeled bathroom. This could require expanding into other existing space in the Household. In many cases, a closet may backup to a bathroom, and if not needed, can be incorporated to allow more space in a small bathroom.

This can also sometimes be accomplished by rearranging the layout in a bathroom. Often in older baths the layout is not very functional and does not make the best use of space. When reinstalling the units, it can save some money on plumbing costs if they are located next to one another.

Plan your space carefully. Taking accurate measurements that have been double checked and transferred to graph paper can be a great help in getting an accurate layout. Using design software can make this a simpler process, and changes can be made at the click of a mouse.

Consider how the elements will relate to one another in the space you have. A shower with sliding doors or a shower curtain can save space, as opposed to a shower door that swings out into the bathroom.

When you have determined how much space you have and what size shower stall and bathtub will fit into your new bathroom, it is time to start shopping.

Once you have made the decision that your bathroom will accommodate what you want in fixtures and you have decided on what size will be workable, it is time to shop. The new shower stalls come in a variety of choices from wide models to slim space saving models and even corner shower stalls.

Removing and adding a shower or tub to an existing space can be a real job. To remove the old unit you may have to partly demolish it in the room in order to get it out. Do be careful when shopping to be sure you can also get the new unit into the house and into the room itself.

Many units are available in multiple pieces that have to be reassembled. On today’s market there are many choices, and these prefabricated models are much better than the ones produced in the past and often feature all or most of the extras found in the one piece shower units.

You’ll find many stand alone shower kits at your local home improvement center. If one home improvement center does not offer everything you need you may need to investigate other sources as well. Do some online browsing. Many of the items you may need are offered in kits. You will need a shower floor, shower walls, a shower head and shower doors. Most of these items will be sold in a kit, but some may have to be bought separately.

When selecting a shower head, either choose one with a pressure balance valve included, or install a pressure balance valve separately. This will allow you the comfort of maintaining the temperature throughout your shower even if water is run elsewhere in the household.

Get the right shower head while you are replacing or adding a shower stall. They are offered in large head rain shower units, multiple head units, water saving and hand held. With so many choices available, shopping online is very convenient.

Do some browsing online and expose yourself to all the possibilities in features. Panels with jets can either already be included, or you can buy them separately and install them yourself.

Investigate the many different materials to see what is the best choice for you. There are a variety of materials with different appearances, and different care requirements.

Whether your needs call for a wide shower stall, a slim line shower stall or even a corner shower stall, there is a unit that will fit your needs and situation.

Illa Maden
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/shower-stall-selection-166709.html

You can change the look of your curtains in a number of ways. Depending Upon the color or fabric of your curtains, you obtain a completely different look. The way you hang your curtains can also change the decor, as can the use of tiebacks. You can
make a complete change in your curtain’s appearance through the use of tiebacks. There are different ways to put tiebacks on your curtains, and they all depend on where you put the tiebacks. We will discuss all of them here.

1. The High Tie is used with at least two panels, and the ties are put way up on each panel to create an open appearance.

2. The Middle Tie is used at approximately the middle of the curtain panels. It is not exactly centered at the middle, but placed a little below or above.

3. The Low Tie is the opposite of the High Tie, placed below the center mark of the curtain.

4. The Center Tie is placed at the exact center of the curtain, where the panels are pulled back.

5. The Crisscrossed Tie is used with overlapping curtain panels. The panel on the outside is pulled to one side while the panel on the inside is pulled to the other side.

6. The Angled Tie can be used with one or two curtains. When one curtain is used, the curtain is tied high up on the window, and then the opposite side is tied back much lower. It is then puffed out to create a billowy efffect.

Using any of these methods does not mean that you are limiting yourself to a certain kind of decorating. All of these methods can be used with either formal or informal styles.

Formal decorating is usually found in living rooms and formal dining rooms and usually heavier materials with formal patterns are used in conjunction with a set of sheer curtains. This layered look is what gives the formal style its unique charm. The first layer is sheer curtains, made of a light fabric such as linen, lace or polyester nylon. These sheer curtains diffuse the light from the outside, yet let some light in while the drapes are open, while they afford some privacy as well. The next layer used in this look is the drapery layer. This layer is heavier fabric that hangs to the floor (although some styles stop at just past the bottom of the window frame) from a traverse rod that serves to pleat the drapes for a soft, draped look. The drapes can be opened during the day and closed at night.

Usually drapes are hung above the window frame and fall along the side of it, completely obscuring the frame. The third layer is a valance. This goes horizontally across the top of the draperies, covering the traverse rod. In a formal decorating style, the drapes and valance are usually lined for insulation and to give a heavier appearance.

The informal style is comprised of lighter curtains that just add a touch of color or pattern to the window, and do not serve the main purposes of blocking out the light. They can be in both one or two layers, and are not lined.

George M. Davidsberg
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/tiebacks-for-your-WINDOWS-98472.html

It’s much easier to have fun with home design utilizing the decorative features of curtains than it used to be. This is simply because the role of the curtain has veered from being an actual functional tool to being merely decorative in nature.

There is a difference between drapes and curtains that passes over many peoples heads. Drapes are usually longer hanging almost to the floor from a rod called a traverse rod, and hangs from hooks that will let you open them by pulling on a cord. These are more formal than curtains which are usually shorter and opened and closed by pulling on the sides of them where the hooks will slide from where the curtain suspends from the rod. Sometimes they aren’t opened or closed at all, being tied back to the window frame, therefore they are usually paired with a window blind or some other type of sun blocking window coverings.

Likely the type of curtain that you’ll most often see is a panel curtain. This is the type of curtain that is hemmed at the top and bottom, and are hung by hooks or rings and simply hang in a natural fold, which gives the window very little of a formal look. This type of curtain is popular for dining rooms and/or bedrooms, and often paired up with blinds or shades.

A different type of curtain that is hung actually at the center of the window is called a Café Curtain. This type of curtain is one in which leaves the top of the window actually exposed, and covers from the center, or even three quarters up covered. The curtains are best for kitchens or dining areas that are not formal.

The tiered curtain has multiple panels which have usually a couple of panels covering the top of the two base panels. So, the bottom half of the windows are covered by the base panel, with the top half being covered by the outer panels, as well as overlapping the base panels.

You can get curtains in separate distinctive lengths as well. A sill length curtain can be hung from both the top or the halfway point of the window, with the bottom hem not touching the WINDOWSill at all. Or you can hang below the sill curtains which are cut so that the bottom hangs right below the trim board that runs across the bottom of the window.

The other cut is the floor cut, which obviously means that the bottom hangs to the floor, or right above it.

Depending on the amount of light that you want to come into the room you can also get lined curtains that will have an extra lining of material that will help to block more light. There are even triple lined curtains that have three panels that are very dark. These also provide protection from other outside elements such as cold air and excessive heat in the summer months.

Curtains are a great way to accent your homes beauty, as well as decorate the brand new home. Have fun and enjoy the process.

Ken Morris
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/curtains-or-drapes-for-window-coverings-98481.html