Cool Concept Cars

Automotive companies generally release concept cars every year at numerous car show events. These autos are not for sale but only for display; many are futuristic and utilize outrageous design and incredible technology. Even though many may appear unrealistic; they give us a small peek into the future. Some companies even have contests where university students can submit their ideas and sketches. Building a concept vehicle is a great opportunity for a designer to really let loose and get extremely creative.

Many cars throughout automotive history were actually inspired by concept cars. For example, the General Motors Le Sabre is a concept vehicle that was also designed by Harley Earl in the nineteen fifties. It was used to introduce 12 volt electrics and an eight cylinder engine for General Motors. Concept cars are generally outrageous but some of their more usable features are generally incorporated in autos that are made available to the public.

Did you know that the Corvette was actually inspired by a concept car? The idea came from a concept auto called the Chevrolet Corvair Monza back in the 60's. This may seem a bit crazy nowadays, but Ford actually had a concept vehicle that was based on nuclear power; the Nucleon. We all became familiar with the Pontiac Bonneville as a family car, but the name first appeared on Pontiac's first two-seater concept showcased in 1954 called the Pontiac Bonneville Special. Mini vans are now everywhere but they used to be unheard of back in the seventies; the first mini van was also prototype back in the 70's; it was called the Lancia Megagamma.

Currently the trend appears to be vehicles that can serve more than one purpose. This can be seen in the Bugatti Altess Concept car. What's different about this auto is that it's not only a tourer but also a racer; it combines the best of both worlds. It's almost like a real-life Transformers car; just a few quick fixes and it turns from a tourer to a hot rod!

Many designers are also focusing on cars produced for the city. Many futuristic city cars are made to be super small and efficient. Citroen is showcasing its E-3Pod Antistatic concept, another three-wheel electric car created by a student designer. It seats only the driver who is situated in the third wheel and features two smaller wheels at the front. As you can see, many current cars were actually inspired by concept cars. If you want a glimpse into the future, all you need to do is attend one of the big international auto shows. Who knows, perhaps one of the cars you'll see there might end up becoming a common sight on the roads twenty years from now. You'll never know!

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New Toyota Camry Seeks to Hold Off Resurgent Rivals

The Toyota Camry is on top of the automotive world as this five passenger mid-size sedan has been the best selling car in America almost every year since 2000. The current Camry, however, has been bypassed by newer models -- not in sales, but in relevancy. Several models including the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima are newer, offering more content, a competitive price and better gas mileage.

Stiff Competition

With the competition learning how to take on the Toyota Camry and the runner-up Honda Accord, the Camry is at once dated and vulnerable. Though no automaker has the manufacturing capacity to beat Camry, collectively models from the Korean producers, Ford, Chevrolet and others can chip away at sales. For consumers its a win-win environment: today's midsize cars offer outstanding value and are attractive.

Although Toyota needs to update the Camry, the changes are expected to be evolutionary, rather than revolutionary. The Camry's current design is a winner, which means messing with its success could spoil its place on the market.

Hyundai & Kia

Instead, look for Toyota to tweak what it has including presenting an engine-transmission choice that approaches if not rivals the Sonata. The Hyundai Sonata and its cousin, the Kia Optima, have been gobbling up sales as the Sonata raised the bar by delivering 35 mpg highway driving. Moreover, the Sonata Hybrid is a hit, delivering 40 mpg on the highway.

Sneak peek photos of the next generation Camry confirms that the car looks similar to the current generation model, but with some notable Lexus styling cues apparent. Those cues include refined headlamps and grille, updated wheels and new side mirrors. Inside, the Camry may have more options, bringing it closer to the Avalon in appointments, a model which is the closest thing to a Lexus that Toyota sells.

New Models

Just as soon as Toyota updates the Camry, other competitors are expected to roll out new vehicles too. Beginning in January 2012, GM is expected to introduce the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and later that year the next generation Ford Fusion will hit the market and with an optional lithium-ion battery pack hybrid model following.

Perhaps the most significant new competitor for the Toyota Camry will be the all new 2012 Volkswagen Passat, a model currently being built in Tennessee and hitting showrooms later this summer. The Passat is larger and cheaper than the outgoing model, giving VW the right model to take on all comers, including Toyota.

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A Review Of The 2012 Nissan Versa

The economy is still tough and many people are having difficulty making ends meet, let alone have the money to buy a new car. In times like these consumers place a high premium on value and that's where the Nissan Versa delivers. It is by far one of the most affordable small vehicles on the market and starts at just around $10k. The interior offers enough room to seat five adults. A sportier looking hatchback version is available at an additional cost. Competitors of the Versa in the affordable compact niche include the Kia Soul, Kia Forte and Honda Fit.

Appearance wise, the Versa is clean and simple looking and focused more on utility and function than form. Fifteen inch wheels are available as well as multi-reflector halogen headlights. Performance for the Versa is more than adequate; consumers aren't expecting a hot rod or high performance hot rod given the extremely low price. Handling is smooth and efficient while parking is a breeze due to the Versa's compact size. The base engine is a four cylinder 1.6 engine with a 107 hp while the mid level trim sports a 1.8 Liter engine. A Continuously Variable Transmission is available which offers mileage of 38 mpg on the highway.

Despite its affordable cost, the Versa offers a high quality cabin and comfortable seats. The upper level trim even comes with materials that are soft to the touch. The trunk offers a generous amount of space at 13.8 cubic feet. The 2012 model comes standard with a stereo system; a feature that was only available as an option on the 2011 version. Additional standard features include AC, a trip computer, cup holders, brake assist, ABS and a tilting steering column. The Versa boasts the most legroom in its class.

Drawbacks to the car are that it's traditional and old fashioned when it comes to technology. The windows need to be adjusted manually (no power windows are available) and the seats also need to be adjusted manually. Options such as Bluetooth and a navigation system are available at an additional cost but it will raise the price quite a bit. Despite its small stature, the Versa is big when it comes to driver and passenger safety. Standard safety features include traction control, an air bag system with a total of six bags, a tire pressure monitoring system and a LATCH system in order to secure child seats.

If you are looking to save money and want to purchase an economical car then the Versa definitely delivers when it comes to value. On top of that, gas mileage is quite good which adds to even more savings down the line. Retail price for the base model is set at $10,990

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Car Technologies by Toyota

Toyota is a leading car manufacturer across the globe. The brand owns a name that shines bright in the global car industry owing to its outstanding cars that offer a complete package of power, performance, comfort, luxury and status in an affordable price tag. The cars from the bandwagon are known to make a strong presence on road with its excellent design structure along with offering a luxurious and comfortable ride with technologically advanced features.

Apart from styling and comfort the manufacturer also takes care of car as well as passenger safety. It offers a bunch of advanced technologies to deliver a safe ride. Amongst the bunch of technologies, car parking technologies introduced by Toyota is commendable.

With a commitment to high level safety Toyota introduces technology that supports parking. These technologies together facilitate enhanced visibility and maneuvering when parking. Some of the known features embraced into this safety measure are clearance sonar image, back guide monitor, and intelligent assist system.

Clearance Sonar Image

Clearance sonar image helps to detect objects on the way by the use of ultrasonic wave sensors built into the corners of the car bumper. These ultrasonic waves notify the driver in case of any obstruction. Notification is received either in the form of sound waves or through lamp alerts. The technology is also equipped with a steering sensor that uses the angle and maneuver of the steering to detect the obstruction and sends notification through light or buzzer.

Back Guide Monitor

Back guide monitor is a feature that supports garage parking. With the use of camera installed on the rear side of the vehicle, the driver can get the complete display of the surrounding. In accordance to the maneuverability of the steering wheel a guiding line appears to make it easy for the driver to conform the parking space. This helps the driver park a car in the garage with ease and convenience.

Intelligent Parking Assist

Intelligent parking assist is a wonderful safety technology brainstormed by Toyota Motor Corporation. The technology is designed to assist with the steering wheel operation in order to make parking operation easy and convenient. This is an automatic parking system that uses an in-dash screen and button controls along with some user inputs to steer the car automatically into the parking space. The entire computer processing that works to support this advancement is featured to the vehicle's feature, backup camera, and forward sensors on the front side fenders.

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