Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Jaguar XK 150: Roadster Extreme

by: Michelle Crimson

Jaguar is known for its vehicles that have been crafted with graceful style coupled with a superb and excellent performance. One of the vehicles that run under this brand is the Jaguar XK 150. And this vehicle is a roadster and also has been made with several versions like the fixed coupe and the drophead coupe. The roadster version, however, appeared ten months after the introduction of the other two. As per the Jaguar XK 150 roadster, it was essentially designed so as to be the right kind of vehicle that would tackle and spin through the hot and sunny months. This new vehicle holds proper wind up door windows as well as door handles. It also has an improved hood design. Some people say that the Jaguar XK 150 is much more civilized and more appealing than the earlier roadster vehicles from Jaguar like the Jaguar XK 120 and the Jaguar XK 140.

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This vehicle actually replaced the Jaguar XK 140. And it has existed from 1957 up until 1961. The Jaguar XK 150 sports a different look. It is shorter and could only take in into its cabin a maximum of two people. Despite that, the Jaguar XK 150 holds a longer bonnet and a revised front scuttle panel. This kind of change has given the Jaguar XK 150 a more rakish and sleeker kind of look. It is even more modern compared to the other two previously mentioned Jaguar roadsters.

The differences between the other roadsters and the Jaguar XK 150 is that the latter uses a one piece windscreen. The wing line also did not dropped that much over the doors. The bonnet was widened and opened down to the wings. The bulkhead was moved to make it around four inches longer. A wide range of color choices were made available for this vehicle and the list includes Red, Pearl Grey, White, Indigo Blue, Claret, Cotswold Blue, Black, Mist Grey, Sherwood Green, Carmen Red, British racing Green, Cornish Grey and Imperial Maroon.

Just like the Jaguar XK 140, the Jaguar XK 150 also held a 3.4 liter DOHC Jaguar straight 6 engine. It could actually produce some 180 bhp at 5750 rpm. Although, through the years that it was manufactured, this roadster had several other engines equipped in it so as to produce more power and be able to produce a much more superb performance.

About the Author
Michelle Crimson holds a degree in business administration. She is currently working as an editor in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 32 year old mother of two is also a car racing fanatic.

Friday, March 03, 2006

Nissan Buzz: Future Cars
by: Matthew C. Keegan

Nissan Motors continues to make important strides in becoming one of the highest quality automakers on the scene in North America today. Long living in the shadow of Japanese stalwarts Honda and Toyota, Nissan is fighting back with a series of new or updated models to cut into the Honda-Toyota dominance. Can they succeed? You be the judge as we take a look at four coming attractions soon to make their appearance at a Nissan dealer near you!

Nissan Versa – Toyota’s Scion division has been a hit with the youth, while Nissan has been scrambling to provide models that can capture the interest of new drivers while being at the same time affordable. Scheduled for release by Summer 2006, the Versa will come with a 1.8L inline four cylinder engine and be available as either a five door hatchback or a four door sedan. The car will be manufactured in Mexico with a starting price in the neighborhood of 12 thousand dollars expected.

Nissan Cube – Still in the “maybe it will be imported” stage, the new Cube is Nissan’s response to the Scion xB and the Honda Element. Seating five to seven adults, the Cube is exactly that: a box on wheels. Published reports suggest that the Cube will be released to the North American market by 2008.

Nissan Sentra – A new Sentra is expected to bow during the second half of 2006 as a 2007 model. Significant styling changes and an up market push are planned by Nissan to help the car compete more effectively with the VW Golf and Mazda 3.

Nissan Altima – The big change coming for the Altima is the introduction of a hybrid engine. Scheduled to hit Nissan showrooms by Fall 2006, this new Altima model will actually borrow Toyota technology to create Nissan’s first hybrid. The engine and the battery will be all Nissan, however; Nissan apparently needs an assist from its Japanese rival to enter the growing hybrid segment.

Beyond 2008 consumers can expect to see an updated Quest van makes its appearance with subtle changes on the remaining vehicles in Nissan’s line up. Additional models are in the concept stage; expect some to be shown at upcoming auto shows.

Although it is too early to confirm each of the four featured models, Nissan’s thrust in the coming years is to increase its share of the Generation “Y” market. Should the Cube and Versa make their appearance as hoped for, Nissan is likely to score some points with young drivers in two areas: style and price. Look out Honda and look out Toyota!
About The Author
Matt Keegan is an auto enthusiast and contributing writer for , a wholesaler of premium auto parts including discount Nissan parts and accessories [http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/nissan~rep.html] for your Maxima, Pathfinder, Sentra, or other fine Nissan vehicle