Category: Miscellaneous

One-man motorsport rumor machine Fernando Alonso is never far from the headlines. The two-times Formula One world champion is a firm favorite with the world’s media, and the love affair is mutual. As he prepares to try out yet another form of motorsport, contesting the Dakar Rally for Toyota next year, rumors have inevitably started to resurface of a longer term collaboration with the Japanese manufacturer in Nascar.

The stories first started circulating back in May, when Alonso described Nascar as being at the “top of motorsports” in the US after a one-off ride swap with Jimmy Johnson. Toyota’s US motorsport boss fueled the flames by saying Fernando driving Nascar would be “great for business” and that the man from Oveido would be “very interested” in the idea.

Cynics argue that Alonso would be unlikely to make a long-term shift from single seaters at this stage in his career. However, he wouldn’t be the first F1 star to make a move to Nascar, although for those who like to view Unibet motorsports bets, it’s worth noting that they seldom do so with any degree of success. Let’s take a look at three who have gone before him, and the tangled web that connects them all. 

Kimi Raikkonen

The Iceman is the rarest of commodities in Formula One, a man with real character. His dry sense of humor and his open distain for interviewers has made him a cult favorite among fans. But Kimi is also someone who genuinely loves driving, and during his sabbatical from Formula One, he turned his hand to Nascar for a single race at the Charlotte Speedway. He finished way back in 28^th, but Nascar fans instantly understood why he’s such a favorite. His team radio exchanges were nothing short of hilarious, including the classic line I don’t understand how this car can be so hot. My ass is even burning in here!

Juan Pablo Montoya

The Colombian had already made one big motorsport move, when he joined Formula One after a successful career in IndyCar. He came within inches of winning the 2003 Drivers’ Championship, but a move to McLaren two years later saw things slowly turn sour. A collision with his teammate, none other than Kimi Raikkonen, spelt the end, and he left F1 to join Chip Ganassi’s Nascar outfit in 2007. Two Nascar wins to add to his seven race wins in F1 and five in IndyCar show him to be one of the few men who can be genuinely competitive, regardless of what he is driving.

Nelson Piquet Jr

The son of a three-times world champion, it seemed that Piquet had F1 in his blood. However, controversy at the 2009 Singapore Grand Prix, when he intentionally crashed to guarantee a win for his team mate, meant his career was over before it had properly started. The team mate in question was a certain Fernando Alonso. Piquet headed to the US, where he started afresh in Nascar, and enjoyed far more success than he had seen in his brief Formula One career. 

SXT is another trim level among the series of Dodge Charger cars. This is a muscle car that provides luxurious features that is more than good enough for daily use. Even car enthusiasts recommend this entry-level vehicle for its unexpected level of performance. Dodge Charger SXT can compete with other full-size sedans. Your pocket will never break but will surely leave you in awe.

1. Meaning of SXT and Key Features.

SXT stands for “Standard Extra”, as this is an improved version of the standard package Dodge Charger SE. The other models are GT, SXT Plus, RT, SRT Hellcat, and Scatpack. The main differences between these car models are their exterior features, like the color and design.

The latest one in the SXT trim with the most advanced features is the Dodge Charger SXT 2019. The type of engine is the same as in the last couple of years’ models: 3.6L V6 that produces 250 ft. lbs. Of torque.

It has a variety of colors to choose from, with an elegant finish and LED rear running lights at the front and rear part. It has an 8.4-inch wide infotainment touchscreen that works with AppleCarplay, Android Auto, and Sirius XM. This 4-door sedan has an 8-speed automatic transmission and parkview rear backup camera with park sense rear car assist system. Another key feature is the keyless entry and remote vehicle start.

2. Dodge Charger SXT All-wheel drive (AWD)

Dodge Charger SXT has several models in this trim. The all-wheel-drive is a little enhanced compared with the rear-wheel-drive (RWD). In general, both of these models are almost the same.

The main difference lies in the engine power. The SXT AWD has a 300 HP engine. Other examples of additional security feature is the front and rear ventilated disc brakes which is not present in the RWD. AWD also has a sport steering wheel with manual tilting and manual telescoping which is an added convenience.  An automatic dual-zone air-conditioning is added in the front for a more relaxing ride.

Which mount subwoofer says that the entertainment features are also enhanced in AWD. It has 6 alpine speakers and 4G LTE Wifi hotspot internet access. Here’s a summary of the newest Dodge Charger SXT 2019 AWD:

POWERTRAIN

• All-wheel-drive system has an active transfer case and 175 mm front axle. This can shift between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive without human intervention. This system makes it fuel efficient.

• 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that has 300 horsepower
• 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
• It has sport mode, higher revs and quicker gear changes
• ABS brakes (Four-wheel-disc performance)
• 180 amp alternator
• 3.07 rear axle ratio

EXTERIOR

• LED fog lamps
• 19 x 7.5-inch aluminum wheels
• All-season performance tires
• heated exterior mirrors with manual fold-away and capable of adjusting power
• AWD Rhombi badge

INTERIOR

• Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control with humidity sensor
• Performance steering wheel
• Front and rear LED map pockets
• Uconnect 4C 8.4” touchscreen display with HD Radio and 4G LTE Wi-Fi internet access, Apple CarPlay6, Android Auto7 and Hotspot9
• free trial of SiriusXM Guardian Connected Vehicle Services10 of upto 1 year
• Six alpine premium speakers and audio systems with 276-watt amplifier
• Rearview mirror that is auto-dimming

3. Dodge Charger SXT rear-wheel drive (RWD)

This option is the lower version of SXT AWD. As previously mentioned, these two models are almost identical except the AWD has some enhanced features. Although this is an inferior model when it comes to entertainment and engine capability, it also has some features which are not present in the higher trim, like the rain brake support. It also has more features included in its Cold Weather Package than the one for AWD.

Dodge charger SXT Packages: Dodge Charger SXT

MOPAR Interior Appearance Group

Both Dodge Charger SXT AWD and RWD have packages you can choose from. The MOPAR package comes with the following:

• MOPAR Bright Door Sills
• MOPAR Bright Pedal Kit
• MOPAR Premium Floor Mat and Trunk Mat

Cold Weather Package

• Exterior mirrors with heating element
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Power heated mirrors

Note: The Cold Weather package of AWD only has a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

Other packages are also available with their corresponding features and price. These are Blacktop package, Driver Confidence Group, Navigation and Travel Group, Alpine and Audio Group with Subwoofer, Technology Group, and Plus Group Package. Each group features depends on the trim. The Cold Weather package of RWD is different from the Cold Weather package of AWD.

4. Performance

The latest Dodge Charger SXT 2019 gets the job done with a dual-clutch function including the manual mode. It performs smoothly and can run between 19 miles up to a maximum of 30 miles per gallon of fuel on the highway. It revs up and sounds good for a V6 engine, like a real racing car. The parking assist is quite accurate and it is very comfortable. You can enjoy your trip even if it’s a long one. The only flaw is the lagging effect. You will feel a slight decrease in speed every time you shift gear, from the first to the second gear, and when switching from automatic to manual. There is also a lagging effect when you refill the tank. It is recommended to tune it to avoid lagging.

5. Safety and Security

Security is a top priority when driving that is why the Dodge Charger SXT has sensors that helps you detect your surroundings. This technology warns you of possible danger so you can immediately maneuver. Its full speed forward collision warning with active braking helps you prevent collisions. It has an advanced brake assist that adds force when necessary. The lane sense lane departure warning assists you to maintain your lane and has electronic stability control that helps you maintain your direction. Other safety features are side guard door beams to prevent intrusion due to impact and active front-seat head restraints to lessen the possibility of injury due to impacts. Dodge Charger SXT earned a five-star score in the overall safety features from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

6. VIN Number Location

If you want to verify the important details about your vehicle then you can get its VIN and decode it. It is a 17-digit alphanumeric number that should be indicated in the car title or the vehicle registration. Additionally, it is located somewhere in your car. For some people, it is difficult to find this number. There are different locations where the VIN is located. It is usually found on the dashboard just below the windshield on the driver’s side, mostly visible on the outside of the car. Other cars have their VIN on a sticker placed on the door on the driver’s side. You may also see it under the hood or the fender. Dodge charger cars usually have the VIN on the dashboard or on the sticker. Once you have this number you can use a vin number decoder to get the information you need. This should reveal the car’s distinctive qualities, manufacturer details, and specifications. You can use this information to track the status of the car.

7. Price

All these amazing qualities are present for such a low price. Dodge Charger SXT with rear-wheel-drive is priced at $29,220. The all-wheel-drive model can be purchased at $33,320. These prices include the destination amount of about $1,395.

Dodge Charger SXT is an excellent choice either for someone who just needs a ride for the daily chores or for muscle car fans. Performance is satisfactory with a V6 engine that is quiet on the inside but roars on the outside. Amazingly, it is packed with great safety features but not as expensive as the other full-size sedans.

Win 1 of 5 Sportline Lowering Springs Kits for your Mustang

PAOLI, Pa. (September 18^th, 2019)— Established in 1951, Eibach is known for being a world leader in automotive performance suspension technology. With a variety of offerings available in the automotive aftermarket, it makes sense that Eibach is one of the most popular Mustang brands in AmericanMuscle’s (AM) catalog. To celebrate, Eibach and AM have teamed forces for the month of September to giveaway five sets of Eibach Sportline Lowering Spring Kits to five lucky Mustang owners.

Now until September 30^th, Mustang owners can visit Eibach’s brand page on AM and enter daily for their chance to take home one (1) of five (5) Sportline Lowering Spring Kits. AM will select five winners at random, one from each week, announcing the winner on or around October 7^th, 2019. Enter daily, enter often for your best chance to take home some fresh Mustang suspension for your 1979 to current model year Ford Mustang.

Enter Daily Here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/eibach.html

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About AmericanMuscle

Starting out in 2003, AmericanMuscle quickly rose to be one of the leading aftermarket Mustang parts providers in the business. With the addition of Challenger accessories in 2018, AmericanMuscle provides the most sought-after products, and fast shipping. Located just outside of Philadelphia, AmericanMuscle is dedicated to offering the Mustang and Challenger communities with the highest level of customer service. Please visit http://www.AmericanMuscle.com for more information.

Roughly 6 million car accidents occur on American roads every year. Most of those accidents are minor enough that little to no structural damage is done to involved vehicles. Sometimes though, cars suffer extensive frame damage, which makes repairing the vehicle very expensive.

These cars are considered “totaled”.

When you have a totaled vehicle, there are a handful of things that you might want to do with them. The most common course of action that you may take is to sell your damaged car so you can buy a new one.

Below, we discuss the process of and ways to sell a totaled car.

1. Ensure That Your Vehicle Is Totaled

Just because your car was in a bad accident doesn’t mean that it’s totaled. In order for a car to be totaled, the amount of repairs it needs has to cost more than the vehicle’s current value.

The easiest way to determine if your car is totaled is to have your insurance company assess its condition. If that’s an impossibility, getting an estimate from local mechanics and weighing repair quotes against the price that Kelly Blue Book has your car listed at is a good way to go.

2. Sell to Your Insurance Company

If your car is verified as being totaled, you can start looking into selling it. Hopefully, your vehicle has comprehensive/collision coverage through an insurance company. If it does, you’re in luck!

Assuming that your comprehensive/collision insurance limits are adequate, your insurance company will be obligated to purchase your car off of you at its full market value. After your insurance company writes you a check, they’ll pick up your totaled car and you can use your payout to buy a new vehicle.

3. Talk to the DMV

Not everybody has the luxury of being about to sell a totaled car to an insurance company since not everyone has adequate coverage. If that’s the case for you, your first step towards parting ways with your totaled vehicle will be to talk to the DMV.

The DMV issues special car titles called “salvage titles” to totaled cars that make a record of the fact that a vehicle has sustained significant structural damage. Having a salvage title attached to your car is a very important step that you need to take before selling so you’re not accused of withholding information from buyers.

4. Go to Local Dealerships

With your salvage title in place, you can start seeking potential buyers for your totaled car. The simplest way to part ways with your car, especially if your intention is to buy a new one, is to speak with car dealerships.

In the same way that dealerships allow you to trade in any kind of car for credit towards a new one, most will let you trade in totaled cars for credit. Talk to multiple dealerships before trading in your car to make sure you’re getting the most credit possible.

5. Sell Your Vehicle As-Is Online

Don’t want dealership credit for your car? Looking to maximize how much cash you get for your vehicle? If so, the best way to achieve those ends is by selling directly to the public. Just be specific if you sell non running car online by making sure that they are fully aware of the condition of the car.

Put your totaled car up on Craigslist, and share information about it on social media and on car buying marketplaces like AutoTrader. Remember to be clear about the fact that your car has a salvage title and describe its functionality in such a way that buyers will not be disappointed when they come to view your vehicle in person.

Also, when selling to strangers, only conduct business during the daytime in densely populated areas.

6. Part Out Your Car to Private Buyers

Depending on how well your vehicle works after your accident, maybe your car is worth more in parts than it’s worth as a complete package. Go through your car and itemize any parts are still in good condition. Then, advertise those parts as being for sale individually online.

Parting out your vehicle to private buyers can be an arduous process given the time that it might take to sell everything.

7. Seek Out Cash for Car Companies

There are companies out there that make a living off of buying salvage cars and paying sellers all-cash on the spot. As a matter of fact, these companies can come to you, make you an offer and tow your car away within 15-minutes which makes them a great option for sellers that are looking to get rid of their junk cars quickly.

The big catch when you sell a totaled car to cash for car companies is that they tend to pay much less than private buyers do since their aim is to buy your car for as little as possible and resell it to another party for a profit.

8. Talk to Metal Collectors

Scrap yards purchase good metal off of the public for projects they work on. While you won’t get top dollar for selling your car to a scrap yard, if you’re having trouble selling you car any other way, this sales method is a solid last resort.

Closing Out Our Tips on How to Sell a Totaled Car

Many people aren’t aware of the fact that they can sell a totaled car. In reality, there is a whole market for totaled vehicles, so many parties are willing to pay good money for cars carrying many degrees of damage.

We hope that our sales tips are helpful in getting you the most for your car and our team invites you to read more of the content on our blog if you’d like to browse additional car-related tips and tricks.

Truck Bed Covers Explained – The Haul

PAOLI, Pa. (September 17^th, 2019) – For 2019, RAM announced the release of their new fifth-generation RAM 1500, not to be confused with the 2019 RAM 1500 Classic. For the foreseeable future, RAM will continue to produce their ‘classic’ fourth generation pickup alongside their new fifth-generation RAM quarter-ton truck.

“There’s a tonneau cover out there for everyone: from soft and hard roll ups, the tri-fold, to the more intricate ones with more bells and whistles like the retractable and hard shell. It all comes down to what features you want out of a bed cover, how much you’re looking to spend, and what you’ll be using your truck for!”—Adam Maqboul

Since the fifth-generation RAM 1500 is dimensionally different than its predecessor, the all-new 2019 RAM brings a new generation of truck parts and fitment to AmericanTrucks’ RAM Parts catalog. Truck Bed Covers, sometimes referred to as Tonneau Covers, are a popular first purchase in truck exterior accessories. In this video, host Adam Maqboul selects five 2019 RAM 1500 Bed Covers to discuss, compare, and put to the test.

Truck Bed Covers featured: Truxedo TruXport Soft Roll-up Tonneau Cover, Truxedo Sentry Hard Roll-Up Bed Cover, BAK Industries BAKFlip FiberMax Tri-Fold Tonneau Cover, Pace Edwards JackRabbit Retractable Bed Cover, & UnderCover Elite Hinged Tonneau Cover.

View it here: https://www.americantrucks.com/the-haul-ram-september2019.html

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About AmericanTrucks
AmericanTrucks is regarded as one of the best, most reliable online aftermarket retailers providing Ford F-150 parts and accessories in addition to F250, Silverado, Sierra, and RAM. Catering to the needs and demands of late-model truck owners and enthusiasts, AmericanTrucks provides the best parts with support from genuine truck experts. Located just outside of Philadelphia, AmericanTrucks is dedicated to offering the truck community with the highest quality of parts and customer service. Please visit https://www.americantrucks.com for more information.

Electric cars are popping up everywhere, and it seems that soon you will only see electric vehicles on the roads, but insurance prices are not reflecting this shift in the industry. In fact, insurance costs are higher despite the fact that the Tesla Model 3 has rapidly become the UK’s third most popular car.  Electric car sales double in the past year in the United Kingdom. As demand for electric vehicles goes up, the price will decrease. It’s basic economics, but why do insurance prices keep going up?

Insurance for Electric Cars

Drivers of electric cars are facing an annual premium that can go up to £116. Electric cars on average are 14 percent more expensive to insure than similar petrol and diesel models. There are an expected 2 million electric vehicles to be on the roads by 2025, which means insurers will pocket an extra £231 million a year.

Electric cars are cheaper to charge than it is to fill up with fuel, but some indications are showing that zero-emission models may not be as cost-effective as previously thought. This is because of the insurance. Comparing electric car premiums with those on an equivalent model with a traditional internal combustion engine shows the greener choice costs more. Why is that?

Why are Insurance Prices Higher?

According to the specialists at the site MoneyPug, which is used to compare car insurance, costs are higher for plug-in cars because they are much more expensive. Costs to repair the vehicles are higher and there’s a short supply of mechanics to fix them. This is one of the key paradoxes of these cars. While it may reduce costs in the long run, it will significantly increase them in the beginning. But as electric cars get cheaper, you can expect insurance costs to go down.

Paying more to insure an electric car may seem counter-intuitive because they generally have more safety features than traditional fuel-based vehicles. But it is also difficult to measure the insurance risks of these vehicles, especially if they’re like Tesla and have components of the car that are automated. Vantage Leasing compared the costs of electric and fuel-based vehicles and determined that battery-powered cars are around 18 percent more expensive to purchase than a model with a petrol or diesel engine.

In the US, electric vehicles cost about 21 percent more to insure than similar models fueled by petrol or diesel. However, Australian insurers do not differentiate between fueled vehicles and electric cars when they set the premiums for compulsory third-party insurance. Vehicle owners must have this insurance, but insurers who offer comprehensive insurance that includes fire, theft, third-party damage, and discretionary insurance do not differentiate on the basis of whether the car is electric of fueled. Third-party insurance is also cheaper in India.

Tesla Insurance

This has become so expensive for the owners of electric cars that Tesla has created their own insurance. Offering a “competitively price insurance” that offers Tesla owners up to 20 percent lower rate and in other cases up to 30 percent, Tesla’s coverage and claims management is planning on expanding. Some think this a good move because they can more effectively insure their vehicles because they know them better than anyone. With insurance for electric vehicles being so expensive, more car companies may get into the insurance business.

None of this will last forever. Electric cars aren’t going away, and as the world transitions, they will become cheaper and cheaper. There is no beating the efficiency and sustainability of electric automobiles. Now they are expensive but this won’t be for long. Soon even the insurance will be cheaper. Electric cars are selling better than ever and are going to continue to sell and as they do, demand will rise. Prices will fall. There will be more economical electric cars and insurance will continue to go down. This does not mean that insurance companies won’t fight teeth and nails to keep making lots of money off electric vehicles. But, in the end, they will have no choice but to lower their prices and offer more affordable coverage.

AmericanMuscle Technical Guides | High HP New Edge Mustangs

PAOLI, Pa. (September 11^th, 2019) – The 1999-2004 Ford Mustang, referred to as the ‘New Edge’, is a part of the SN95 platform, spanning production from 1994-2004. New Edge Mustangs continue to be the go-to budget platform for those with the itch to go fast in a straight line or on the slalom. When building a high horsepower 99-04 Mustang GT, the right combination of engine accessories and supporting modifications can go a long way in keeping your engine running happily and in one piece.

AmericanMuscle’s (AM) High Horsepower 99-04 Mustang GT Tech Guide is the definitive source for anyone searching for information on how to build a beastly and reliable New Edge Mustang GT. From engine internals to electronics and forced induction, AM’s High HP New Edge Mustang Tech Guide’s table of contents includes everything from when it’s time to upgrade to an aluminum block to when it’s time to upgrade to a crate engine.

View it here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/high-horsepower-1999-2004-mustang-gt.html

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About AmericanMuscle
Starting out in 2003, AmericanMuscle quickly rose to be one of the leading aftermarket Mustang parts providers in the business. With the addition of Challenger in 2018, AmericanMuscle provides the most sought-after parts, accessories, and fast shipping. Located just outside of Philadelphia, AmericanMuscle is dedicated to offering the Mustang and Challenger communities with the highest level of customer service. Please visit http://www.AmericanMuscle.com for more information.