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  • Mitsuoka Orochi

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    As we all know, Mitsuoka Motors is a small Japanese car maker that build cars with eccentric styling. Today, we are going to put our hands on the unconventional and the only super cars produced by Mitsuoka – The Mitsuoka Orochi. First look, do you feel it looks like a legendary super car from Honda? Yes, we mean the NSX. The Orochi is built based on the Honda NSX platform and it was first debut at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. Some visitors who attended the Motor Show wowed a few times while some nayed a several times. Some people love the design but some feel it is the ugliest super cars ever made by Japanese.

    Other than the look, some people nay because of the name – Mitsuoka Orochi or ???? in Japanese. The direct translation ?? (Chinese) literally means “Big Snake”. In fact, the head of the car does look like a big snake. However, for some people who love the shape of the car, will scream for it because it is one of a kind. There are no other super cars in the market similar to the Orochi. Let’s see what makes it a unique sports car.

    Mitsuoka Orochi

    Engine and Performance

    The mid-engined sports car is powered a 3.3-liter 3MZ-FE V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. The engine produces a mere 230 HP (172 kW) and a maximum of 328 Nm of torque at 4400rpm. The engine sound very familiar when one of our crew rev on it. This is because the V6 cylinder is the same found in the fifth generation Camry. Thanks to the light weight body which weighs 1580kg, the car is capable to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. On the other hand, the NSX feel-alike Orochi has a top speed of ONLY 180 km/h (112mph) during full throttle.

    Suspension wise, the front and rear are fitted with double wishbone suspension. Standard front tires are 245/45ZR18 and rear tires are 285/40ZR18. Based on the performance and the specs, what do you prefer to call this car? Super car? Exotic car? Sports car or super exotic sports car?

    Interior

    Mitsuoka Orochi Interior

    When we sat into the car, it seems like a time machine that brought us back to the interior of a Honda NSX. It does feel like the Nissan 300ZX too. The interior of Orochi is trimmed with full leather. Standard features include motorized door mirror, automatic air-conditioning, a Panasonic HDD Navigation at the center, power windows, immobilizer, and three beautiful yet practical gauges in front of the steering wheel. Safety features include airbags, side impact door with built-in steel beams, and handmade steel space frame.

    Price

    It is roughly ¥10,500,000 (~$131,600 USD) and limited to only 20 units. For those who really love this sports car that has unconventional style, place your order now before it is too late.

  • Walmart car battery prices

    Car Battery
    As far as I know, Walmart car battery prices may vary depending on the store location. Customers may end up paying different price for a same battery at different store location. I came across this because I am a regular customer of Walmart. Walking into their automotive store and check out the car battery prices has become one of my hobby. Surprisingly, many people actually do not know Walmart is selling car battery and has hundreds of different types of batteries sitting in their store. Moreover, Walmart car battery prices are often cheaper than some other stores especially during promotions period.

    Walmart car batteries can be found under Wal-Mart Tire & Lube Express section. In Walmart store, one of the most sought-after car battery brands is the EverStart. This is because EverStart batteries are exclusively available only in Walmart. EverStart offers a few types of lead acid batteries that are suitable to use for cars, trucks, SUVs, or heavy-duty vehicles at affordable price with great performance. Many of the EverStart batteries provide adequate starting power that meets manufacturer’s specifications and suitable for all-weather climates.

    Warranty wise, some of the batteries such as EverStart 96R, 86FT, 36-R-3, 51R-4, 58R-3, 51-4, and 41-4 comes with 24 months free replacement. Consumers who prefer a little bit more security have an alternative to try another famous battery which is Champion. Most of the Champion car batteries come with a 36-month free replacement warranty including Champion CHAM-24F, CHAM-65N, CHAM-75N, CHAM-H6, CHAM-34N, CHAM-35N, and others. In the recent years, some of the warranty period has dropped to just 12 months. This is one reason why there are some car batteries come with only one-year warranty. Other than EverStart and Champion, Walmart sells EXIDE, BOSCH, DieHard, and AAA. All these batteries are manufactured by few famous manufacturers including Johnson Controls, East Penn, JCI, and Exide.

    Besides car batteries, Wal-Mart Tire & Lube Express section also has some other parts that are important to maintain a car well. These include battery charger, battery box to protect the battery, booster cables, heavy-duty battery terminal, battery cables, jump start cables, and battery monitor.

    When is the best time to buy a car battery from Walmart?

    The best time to buy a car battery from Walmart is when a particular store is clearing out the overstock battery, which means a great promotion or a good discount. This happens when a manager lowers the price for a particular item to clear stock. In order to know when will be a next promotion, it is recommended to join Walmart customer mailing list.

    Why buy from Walmart?

    • Without doubt, Walmart provides one of the most convenient ways to get a car battery replaced.
    • Walmart provides a free installation by professionals.
    • Walmart offers a core charge – they take in old battery and a discount will be given on the new battery.
    • Prices for batteries in Walmart are from $29 up to $350 depending on the brand, model, performance, and size.

    In conclusion, Walmart has over 2,400 stores across United States. As a Walmart customer, I used to charge my car battery at one of the store in L.A. for just $2.50 when my car alternator is giving problems. How convenient it is! If you have never buy a battery from Walmart, ill strongly suggest you to do that at least once.

  • Interior of the 2012 all-new Ford Focus

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    This video is taken from the rear seat of a 2012 all-new Ford Focus at the 33rd Bangkok Motor Show. A projector is fitted few feet above the car and a short film is presented on the windscreen through a special set up. This is to show Ford Focus fans a brand new experience when they get into the interior. The on-screen film is started at 00:17. It gives a “high technology” feeling to people who sit inside the car. This video also clearly shows the new interior of the all-new Ford Focus. Do notice there are many new features and functions that will absolutely excite Ford customers.

  • Lexus GS350 (Video)

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    This video is to present the Lexus GS350 inside out.

  • BMW Z4

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    The BMW Z4 is no doubt one of the most stunning sports cars available on our planet. 90% of car lovers will love this two-seater sports car and 10% of haters usually are gay. A view either from the front, side, or rear, it looks strikingly cool. It is cool to drive this car to a five-star hotel front door and throw the key to valet and let them park the car. It is cool to drive this car to club or disco at night to show off and it is definitely cool to drive this car to college.

    On top, the Z4 features sleek retractable hardtop. With just one press on the button, the hardtop will be folded to the back in an elegant way within seconds. When the top is raised, the trunk is big enough for large items. Other than the outlook, there are numerous of inner beauty can be found in this car including high mpg, reliable engine, and comfortable ride. Special features such as paddle shifters, controllers at steering wheel, and a set of nice stereo systems make the car lively and energetic.

    Design

    The 2012 model is now 148mm longer. The designer put the car seats a little bit further back towards the rear axle in order to create more space for passengers. A view from the side, the silky FR (front-engine Rear-drive) roadster has a long hood but the side mirrors are place nicely in the middle. Other than elegant, stylish, and luxury, what else we could describe the car? Look at the photo took by Carsut photographer, it says a million word, isn’t?

    Engine and Performance

    There are four power options available for the Z4:

    The BMW Z4 sDrive20i is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that produces 181 hp and 199 Nm of torque. From 0 to 62mph it takes 6.9 seconds which isn’t disappointed for many roadster lovers. The car hit a top speed of 146 mph and has a curb weight of 1470kg.

    The BMW Z4 sDrive28i is powered by an award-winning turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that provides 240 hp and 260 Nm of torque. It is partnered with a standard manual transmission but there is an eight-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. It takes less than 6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.

    The BMW Z4 sDrive35i is a little bit more powerful. It is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that produces 300 hp and 300 Nm of torque. Same as the sDrive28i, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission is standard. It takes only 5.2 seconds to reach 60mph from a standstill position. It is more powerful but the mpg is much lower compared to sDrive28i.

    The BMW Z4 sDrive35is is for buyers who want to achieve 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds. It uses a revised 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that pumps 335 hp and 332 Nm of torque. A seven-speed automated dual-clutch manual transmission (DCT) is the only available transmission.

    Interior

    While the camera move to the interior, it gives a feeling that “I want to sit in, start the engine, and step hard on the gas pedal” The cabin is designed nicely with high quality leather and it is roomy. Back in old days, some good looking sports cars are powerful but they are not comfortable to drive for long journey because of the small and tight cabin. But now BMW has proved it with the Z4, go and get a test drive at any BMW dealers and you will know what we mean.


    BMW Z4 interior

    Safety

    The 2012 BMW Z4 convince its customer with many standard safety features including ABS brakes, stability control, traction controls, side airbags as well as knee airbags. Parking sensors that helps the driver to control the park distance and BMW Assist emergency communications are optional.

    Fuel Economy (MPG)

    • BMW Z4 sDrive20i: combined 41.5mpg
    • BMW Z4 sDrive28i: 24/34/27 (Manual) and 24/33/27 (Automatic)
    • BMW Z4 sDrive35i: 19/26/21 (Manual) and 17/24/19 (DCT – automated Dual-clutch Manual transmission)
    • BMW Z4 sDrive35i: 17/24/19

    Why people love Z4?

    • Beautiful and eye-catching outlook.
    • Fuel efficient.
    • Creative interior (Wooden dashboard are optional)
    • Comfortable ride with large trunk.
    • Thousands of aftermarket parts for the Z4 available across the country in cheap price.

    What is not so good?

    • Expensive price tag and expensive optional features.
    • Not a daily use car for people who does not get use to the sport setting.

    Price

    • United States: MSRP from $48,650
    • United Kingdom: from £32,650.00

    BMW Z4’s competitors or similar cars: Mercedes-Benz SLK, Porsche Boxster, Nissan 370Z, Honda S2000, and Audi TT.

    In conclusion, for BMW fans or BMW fans-going-to-be who look for a two-seater sports car that looks cool, practical to be used, and fun to drive, this is it! BMW Z4 is the one.