Repair shops can become certified consultants for different types of vehicles. If you need repair work done, you will benefit greatly by going to a repair shop that has technicians certified to repair your specific vehicle. All vehicles are not created the same, so just because a technician knows how to work on one vehicle model, that does not mean that they know how to work on a model that is different. Lucas Auto Care is an auto repair service that specializes in the repair of Honda and Acura vehicles. If you have your vehicle repaired by this service, you can avoid the mechanics that are not knowledgeable about your vehicle.

Lucas Auto Care was founded in 1988, and from the moment it was founded, it has been providing customers with quality service. If you need vehicle repairs done, you should only have them done by a company this is known for doing quality work. Taking your vehicle to a local repair shop that is not well known for doing good work is always a gamble, because you could end up taking your vehicle to a bad repair shop, and if you are not knowledgeable about vehicles, the shop will try to use your lack of knowledge to scam you into paying them more money than they deserve. To avoid this problem, only use repair shops that have a reputation for being trustworthy.

Good repair shops know that they do not have to scam customers to make more money, because they know if they do a good job, they will create repeat business, and in the long run they will make more money by doing this. These repair shops are the ones you should take your vehicle to, because they will never cheat you, and they will always provide you with great customer service.

The repair shop you pick for vehicle repairs is a very important decision. Lucas Auto Care is a company that is a perfect example of a great auto repair company. That is why it is an ideal company for Honda and Acura owners to take their vehicles to for repairs.

Without sacrificing a comfortable ride, the SLK provides an enjoyable drive thanks to its agile handling and a choice of spirited engines. Among its competition, the Mercedes SLK remains the most likable car on a daily basis. The Porsche Boxster is the choice for those seeking ultimate driving thrills, but its comfort quotient is low. The recently revised BMW Z4 hardtop convertible has become more like the SLK in its combination of daily comfort and weekend driving enjoyment, and offers quicker acceleration, a more spacious cockpit and slightly better visibility when the hardtop is up.

Though the specifications sheet might seem to relegate the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class to 3rd place behind the other two German thoroughbreds, the numbers don’t tell the whole story. For those shopping in this segment, the performance of any of these three will be more than enough. The choice really comes down to what pushes your buttons in other areas, such as styling or perhaps the driving position. Though it’s due for a redesign next year, the SLK-Class is certainly not outdated, and we have no qualms recommending it to anyone looking for a stylish two-seater for touring.

Following its complete redesign last year, the 2010 BMW Z4 receives standard HD radio and optional automatic high beams.

Introduction

The 2010 BMW Z4 is a descendant of the Z3, a pint-sized ragtop best known for its performance as James Bond’s car in the movie “Goldeneye.” Unlike its forebear, the Z4 isn’t a movie star; nonetheless, it’s far more qualified to be 007′s two-seater of choice. Comprehensively redesigned last year, the second-generation Z4 boasts a retractable hardtop, upscale styling inside and out, a refined ride/handling balance and a pair of superbly smooth and powerful inline-6 engines. Whereas that Z3 was essentially BMW’s answer to the elemental but mainstream Mazda Miata, the new Z4 is a world-class luxury roadster that even the most debonair British spy could appreciate.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Z4 is its sleekly sculpted sheet metal. This BMW may compete on price with the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, but its visual presence evokes the big-buck SL-Class. Like those Mercedes models, the Z4 comes with a retractable hardtop, which sets it apart from both its predecessors and soft-top rivals like the Audi TT and Porsche Boxster. The Z4 has plenty of firepower as well: Even the base sDrive 30i comes with a responsive inline-6 rated at 255 horsepower, while the sDrive35i features a 300-hp twin-turbocharged inline-6 that produces a 0-60-mph sprint of just 5.2 seconds. The sDrive35i is also eligible for BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission (it also appears on the high-performance M3), while the sDrive 30i makes do with a conventional six-speed automatic.

Enthusiasts will no doubt mourn the passing of the old M Roadster, a hard-core, M3-engined version of the previous Z4. Even the turbocharged sDrive35i is down 30 hp by comparison, and it has none of the M Roadster’s edginess when driven hard. However, the latest Z4 greatly expands upon that car’s niche appeal, nearly matching its on-paper performance while slathering on thick layers of style, luxury and versatility. Those in search of maximal thrills may want to look elsewhere, but the Z4 is plenty capable for most tastes, and adds a level of sophistication that few small convertibles can match.

Like most crossovers, the Toyota Highlander appeals to consumers who want an SUV image, cargo-carrying versatility and carlike driving characteristics. Think of the Highlander as an elevated, oversize Camry wagon dressed for the great outdoors, and you’ve got the general idea.

Redesigned for the 2008 model year, the current Toyota Highlander is a bit larger than its predecessor and features updated styling, a more powerful V6 engine and other new features. But even the first-generation Highlander remains one of the better values for individuals and families who need a comfortable, easy-to-drive vehicle that can carry a fair amount of cargo, handle occasional snow and ice during the winter months and still turn in adequate fuel economy.

The four-door, five-passenger Ridgeline is available in three trim levels: RT, RTS and RTL. All are powered by a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission; Honda’s Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system (VTM-4) and a limited-slip lockable rear differential are also standard. A trailer hitch is standard on all trim levels, rated for a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds, and the RTL can be outfitted with an available voice-activated navigation system, including a rearview camera and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink wireless connectivity. Standard safety features include anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active anti-whiplash front head restraints and a tire pressure monitor.

The Honda Ridgeline carries over unchanged for 2010.

While critics love the SL, their biggest gripe is that some competitors — like the Porsche 911 Carrera, are sportier. In response, Benz and AMG tweak the SL550 to pack 136 more horsepower and the ability to sprint from 0 to 60 mph 0.8 seconds quicker. At $139,050, the resulting SL63 AMG is extremely expensive, but altogether satisfying. “Driving one propels you into a world where money is just that stuff that keeps overflowing your various bank accounts,” writes Detroit News. “I was ready to buy a monocle after one day of cruising around in it.”

The 2010 SL63 AMG features a 518-horsepower V8 engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

most obvious change is the Accord sedan’s new grille. No, the new grille doesn’t transform the Accord from ugly to stunning, but it certainly does make the car less awkward. A thick chrome bar sits atop the Honda badge and two thinner strips of chrome.

Another clue distinguishing this 2011 Accord from the 2010 model are the new 17-inch wheels. They make the car look more sporty than the upscale multi-spoke wheels on the outgoing four-door. In back, the Accord now features red taillight strips just outside of the license plate area. The new touch, taken from the Japanese version of the Accord (called the Inspire), doesn’t add much if you ask us.

Honda says the Accord has a revised instrument panel, though you’d have to look hard to find it in the single sedan interior shot the company has released thus far. Most of the Accord’s visual changes are on the exterior, anyway, and we want to know: Do you think Honda has improved the Accord for the 2011 model year? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6665471/miscellaneous/refreshing-or-revolting-2011-honda-accord/index.html#ixzz1072bRzuE

With fully charged batteries, enough electrical energy will be stored to power the Volt up to 40 miles (64 km), a distance longer than the daily commute for 75% of Americans, whose average commute is 33 miles (53 km). After 40 miles (64 km), a small 4-cylinder internal combustion engine using premium-grade gasoline creates electricity on-board using a 55 kW (74 hp) generator to extend the Volt’s range to more than 300 miles (483 km). The electrical power from the generator is sent primarily to the electric motor, with the excess going to the batteries, depending on the state of charge (SoC) of the battery pack and the power demanded at the wheels. The distribution is controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. Unlike most current commercially available hybrid electric vehicles, the actual propulsion of the Volt is accomplished exclusively by the electric motor.
]]

While The 2011 BMW 530i is considered a complete redesign, the changes to its basic character seem more like subtle refinement. It was already a comfortable, capable and highly dynamic machine. BMW says it is similar in philosophy to the “steer-by-wire” systems used on aircraft, except the BMW version still uses a mechanical link between the steering wheel and front wheels (if the system malfunctions for some reason, the car will default to a 15-to-1 ratio and it can still be driven). The final effect is that, regardless of speed, the driver is often using the same relatively small level of steering wheel input to negotiate a turn. Additional features to debut on The 2011 BMW 530i include optional adaptive headlights and adaptive brake lights.