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Alpine just introduced the new IVA-W505 DVD/CD head unit with 7-inch monitor which serves as the ultimate audio/video plus navigation “hub” for the vehicle. It has everything a driver needs at his/her fingertips – touch-screen control over almost any digital entertainment source (satellite radio, HD Radio with multicasting, MP3/WMA players), as well as iTunes Tagging and Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

It also serves as the in-dash docking station for Alpine’s Blackbird portable navigation device. The motorized faceplate slides down to a 90-degree angle to reveal a DVD/CD slot and dedicated Blackbird slot. Once the Blackbird is docked, all of its navigation features and user controls are transferred to the IVA-W505’s display, for an audio/video plus navigation (AV+N) in-dash system. Read more

With gas prices higher than ever, everyone is looking for a way to squeeze the most miles out of every fill-up. For every common-sense solution you hear, there seems to be two wonder products that claim to produce miraculous mileage figures. We’d love to find a 100-mpg wonder-widget, too. But we haven’t seen anything yet, so while we can’t help your seven-passenger SUV achieve econobox-like mileage numbers, we can offer a few tips to help you squeeze more miles out of every expensive gallon. Give them a try and we bet you'll see a difference. As it turns out, the most amazing fuel economy enhancer ever made is probably holding the steering wheel during your morning commute! Read more

Nissan just unveiled the 2009 Nissan Maxima at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. This seventh-generation performance sedan features new exterior and interior designs, along with enhanced performance from a revised 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The 2009 Maxima goes on sale at Nissan dealers beginning in early summer 2008.

Designed as a four-door sports car, the 2009 Nissan Maxima’s exterior combines an aggressive stance and powerful fender design - not unlike many exotic sports cars on the market today. Maxima's new stance comes, in part, from a slight reduction in wheelbase and overall length, along with a wider front and rear track.

The new Maxima's interior design team developed an interior concept of "Super Cockpit" – for the feeling of sports car with controls close, yet with plenty of room for both driver and passengers. The interior includes a special driver's sport seat, available leather-appointed seating, offset shifter lever that is closer to the driver, "Daylight Illumination" gauges and a range of available technology, including a premium audio system, RearView Monitor and Nissan Hard Drive Navigation system with XM NavTraffic real-time traffic information (active XM subscription required, sold separately), Voice Recognition and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive. Read more

The cost of vehicles and their related repairs are expensive. Although the tips provided in this article will not eliminate such expenses, they will help you to take control of vehicle repairs and thus lower their costs.

We have all seen commercials on TV touting the "great vehicle service" provided by dealer service departments. They know your vehicle better than anyone else, they use original replacement parts, etc. etc ... But at what cost is such great service available? Well, usually at about $75-$95 per hour.

In many instances, vehicle repairs can be completed for substantially lower hourly rates. Many independent garages employ ASE certified and licensed mechanics. These garages generally charge about $40-$50 per hour. Read more

The new 4-in-1 SafetyStick Emergency Tool & Flashlight is a tool that can provide important aid after an auto breakdown or accident, and can even help a motorist escape a vehicle in an emergency. The SafetyStick also features a magnetic bottom that allows a motorist to attach the unit to the side of a car or truck to alert oncoming traffic.

The SafetyStick includes: Read more

The best overall performer in front, side, and rear tests of nine midsize SUV models is the redesigned 2009 Nissan Murano, which earns the TOP SAFETY PICK award. The tests were recently conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, and Kia Sorento, all 2008 models, are the worst performers in the side test. The Liberty, also sold as the Dodge Nitro, and Wrangler earn the second lowest rating of marginal for protection in side crashes. The Sorento earns the lowest rating of poor. Read more

The Harman Kardon Drive + Play 2 mobile media manager allows drivers to manage multiple portable devices in their car using a color display screen and a wireless controller that operates much like an iPod control wheel. Drive + Play 2 features full browsing capability for portable music devices, including iPod, USB flash memory drives and other digital music players.

The Drive + Play 2 Automatic Music Mix automatically recognizes the song selection on your portable music player and creates "channels" of music that are grouped according to your taste and listening habits. An optional SIRIUS satellite radio connection kit is available, as well as a Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone kit with complete hands-free phone book and caller-ID functionality. Read more

For those of us who live in seasonal climates, winter driving is now a reality. Whether the setting doles out heavy rain or white-out blizzards, your car needs to be ready for anything.

If you haven't done so already, here's what you should have a mechanic check to make sure your car is in good working order and won't leave you stranded: Read more

1. Make sure all oil, gas and air filters are in good condition.

2. Replace or charge the battery. In the case of a sudden drop in temperature or lights being left on, a strong battery will still hold its charge. If your car doesn't have running lights, it's important to turn lights on whether it's dark or not. Improving your visibility to other drivers helps in every situation.

Two of the biggest trends in the automotive world in recent years have been related to the unique function and fashion of luxury SUVs, and the fuel saving function and fashion of hybrids. These two trends were seemingly in opposition, until now.

Cadillac recently announced the world premiere of two new versions of Escalade – the 2009 Escalade Hybrid, the world's first full-size luxury hybrid SUV and the 2008 Escalade Platinum, a special edition version of Escalade with a new front grille, and two new technologies previously reserved for some of the world's most elite cars - LED headlamps and Magnetic Ride Control.

The Escalade Hybrid is the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by a 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid delivers more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving – all with the same style, features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon. Read more

This week during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, General Motors is showcasing one of its latest projects – a vehicle that can operate without a driver. GM indicates vehicles that can park and drive themselves will give passengers the ability to multi-task and will also help reduce traffic congestion, save energy and reduce emissions.

Currently, several outlets including GM, technology companies, university engineers and others are working on various self-driving options. GM’s self-driving Chevrolet Tahoe, nicknamed the “Boss,” was developed by the Carnegie Mellon University Tarton Racing Team, and was initially unveiled during the DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) Urban Challenge in November 2007. During a Jan. 8 address at CES by CEO Rick Wagoner, GM also debuted the petroleum-free Cadillac Provoq concept vehicle. Read more