June/July, 2013
There were both joy and sadness at the conclusion of this year's Le Mans 24 Hours as Audi secured their 12th win at the race since 2000 with a consummate run by the No2 car of Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish and Loïc Duval, tempered by the death of Danish driver Allan Simonsen in his Aston Martin during the opening laps. The 90th anniversary edition of the endurance
This month’s issue focuses on your auto and the environment. With the world at the mercy of pollution from products and auto emissions, there are new solutions in the automotive circle for positive change. Newer hybrids and full electric vehicles are being generated with most developed nations lapping up ownership of these units. According to Scott Fletcher, Senior Editor at Popular Science, the dynamics for innovation are falling into place. Still the C-
X75 Jaguar on the cover was the concept for a hybrid sports car, however mass production has been cancelled but the hybrid technology will be used in research and development of newer models. In addition, there are some popular automotive products to help you save fuel in this issue. Remember to ARRIVE ALIVE, don’t drink and drive, stay off the cell phones while driving and of course... continue to keep reading!
Special Publications Unit (SPU) SPU Producer: Tracey Alonzo Editor (Cartalk): Rodney Granado Head of Design: Denise Baptiste Associate Editors: Lisa Jessamy & Halcian Pierre Design & Layout: Sean Simon • Raquel Vasquez La Roche Contibutors: Christine Dalkan, Kaelanne Jordan, Akiela Hope
Sales Sales Manager: George Elias Account Executive: Liz Jagmohan Sales enquiries: lizjagmohan1@yahoo.com Special Publications enquiries: spu1 @guardian.co.tt
classic had been plagued by on-and-off rain in the days before Saturday's afternoon start and began under damp, greasy conditions. An immediate and thrilling battle between the Audis and Toyotas, who were showing much better pace than they had in qualifying, ensued but was curtailed under a yellow flag when Simonsen hit the barriers at Tetre Rouge. He was later pronounced dead at the circuit's medical facility.
DIY • YOUR AUTO & THE ENVIRONMENT. • KEEP YOUR CAR IN SHAPE = BETTER FUEL ECONOMY. 5 NEW CARS • CLASSIC MOTORS CREATES HISTORY AT TIC WITH THE ALL NEW HONDA ACCORD LAUNCH. • HONDA ACCORD PLUG IN HYBRID. 8&9 ACCESSORIES • ACCESSORIES FOR AUTO.
12
VEHICLE ECONOMY • SIX WAYS TO SAVE GAS AND MONEY. • WHY IS FUEL ECONOMY IMPORTANT?
13
EVENTS • KANICK CAUSES PANIC IN THE NHRA 14 • BIRD FLIES AWAY RALLY BARBADOS TITLE AGAIN 15
June/July, 2013
There are various ways consumers can fall victim to auto insurance fraud, including accident scams, insurer tricks and referral fraud. Whether you're buying auto insurance or on the road, it's important to know how to protect yourself. When Buying Auto Insurance • Be wary of insurance offers from door-to-door salespeople, telephone callers or unsolicited Internet advertisements. • Be suspicious if the price of insurance seems much lower than the competition's. It could be a scam, or the coverage might be full of exclusions that are only discovered when you need the coverage.
• The gasoline-electric hybrid car is just what it sounds like -- a cross between a gasolinepowered car and an electric car. Explaining the differences between a gasoline-powered car and a typical electric car is simple. • A gas-powered car has a fuel tank, which supplies gasoline to the engine. The engine then turns a transmission, which turns the wheels. • An electric car, on the other hand, has a set of batteries that provides electricity to an electric motor. The motor turns a transmission, and the transmission turns the wheels. • The hybrid is a compromise. It attempts to significantly increase the mileage and reduce the emissions of a gas-powered car while over-
coming the shortcomings of an electric car. To be useful to you or me, a car must meet certain minimum requirements. The car should be able to: • Drive at least 300 miles (482 km) before refueling • Be refueled quickly and easily • Keep up with the other traffic on the road A gasoline car meets these requirements but produces a relatively large amount of pollution and generally gets poor gas mileage. However, an electric car, produces almost no pollution, but most can only go 50 to 100 miles (80 to 161 km) between charges except the new Model S from Tesla which reaches 300 miles before the next charge.
T&T heads closer to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) change. The Government had already approved the sites where the new stations for CNG would be placed a few years ago. However, most drivers willing to make the conversion are concerned about the reliability of supply of CNG and a supply of CNG equipment. Most countries such as Argentina, Brazil and India are big on CNG and have set up refueling stations to accommodate a public switch. Some advantages of CNG include: • In comparison to Premium gas which is $ 5.75 TT per litre. CNG is more economical at $1.07 per litre and both will carry the same distance • Cleaner fuel leaves less contami-
• Contact your insurance department to make sure the agent and company are licensed. • Check the company's rating. • Make sure "free services" aren't actually hidden in your insurance bill. • Ask if the insurance company has purchased or invested in vehicle repair shops; this is a red flag. You are not required to use them, and they will not give you better service or prices — in fact, they could be worse. • Guard your insurance identification number the same way you would your social security number, because once it's stolen, criminals can use it in a scam.
nates in the engine resulting in longer life span, lesser servicing • An environmentally friendly fuel with less carbon emissions • No need to change oil as often because of less lead, benzene, sulphur compounds • Does not ignite on heated surfaces making it a safer option According to www.defence.pk, Pakistan has the most CNG refueling stations and the highest number of vehicles using CNG. The combustion of fuels like gasoline produces a lot of pollution, which harms the environment. To save the environment from the adverse effects of pollution, the governments of many countries have switched to using CNG vehicles for public transportation. Hopefully T&T can do the same.
June/July, 2013
SUPPLIERS OF GENUINE & O.E.M QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE SPARE PARTS OPEL, Chevy (Monza & Joy) BMW, , Volkswagen Ford (Focus & Mondeo) Renault, Mercedes Benz Peugeot
GENEVA 2012 QUALITY AWARD FOR ERM AUTOMOTIVE
International Star Award for Quality (ISAQ)
#21 RAMSARAN STREET, CHAGUANAS Telephone: (868) 671-0318 Fax: (868) 672-0352 Email: ermautomotive@tstt.net.tt Website: www.ermautomotive.com
Rely on ZF Because Trust has a Name
0118017
cartalk
June/July, 2013
cartalk
The 2014 Accord PHEV is powered by an all-new “Honda Earth Dreams technology” two-motor hybrid system. It utilizes a 124-kilowatt (kw) electric motor that also acts like a continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) mated to a 2.0-liter Atkinsoncycle four-cylinder engine. A 6.7-kilowatt-hour (kwh) lithium-ion (li-Ion) battery provides power in all-electric mode, and regenerative braking is handled by an all-new electric-servo braking system. Drivers will have the option to manually select from the default start-up all-electric mode to hybrid mode. Honda’s first production plug-in vehicle earned 115 miles per gallon equivalent EPA rating for its (limited) 13 miles of estimated all-electric range. The plug-in Accord can be fully charged from a low-charge indication point in less than three hours using the supplied 120-volt charger when plugged into a standard 120volt household electrical outlet, and in less than one hour using a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
TIC 2013 has enjoyed an Accord winning experience this year as Classic Motors has chosen this event to launch their newest model to the local business community. The Accord landed just days before it was wrapped and rolled into the Port of Spain ballroom and put on display at the front entrance. Visitors expressed surprise and delight as they entered the room to see the two exquisite vehicles surrounded by a simple and elegant décor The Accord 2013. According to Car and Driver Magazine, Comparo Issue, “No conversation involving Automotive cubicles is complete without THE BOSS, the Honda Accord. New for 2013, it is the quintessential family sedan, refined, spacious, and practical. The latest Accord has vanquished every mid-sized foe it has faced so far and landed – for the 27th time - on our top ten list.” The all-new 2013 Accord Sedan marks the beginning of the ninth generation of Honda’s best-selling midsize car. More luxurious, more sophisticated, better performing and better equipped than any other model in the Accord’s 37-year history, the 2013 model remarkably advances the sense of luxury and craftsmanship, vehicle dynamics and the range of standard equipment to the highest levels in their class. The exterior length and wheelbase of the Accord Sedan is slightly more compact than the prior generation Accord while still providing improvements in key interior dimensions including rear legroom and trunk volume. The result is a spacious all-new Accord that boasts a sportier appearance, more responsive handling and improved driving dynamics. From the tip of the front bumpers to the end of the exhaust finishers, literally nothing was left unexamined when redesigning the Accord. This includes major elements like the unit-body, sheet metal, glass and aerodynamics, along with interior features and electronic systems, the engines and transmissions, the chassis components, and the many safety systems. Despite the complete generational changes, however, the 2013 Accord Sedan is still tightly focused on providing the same long-established blend of unbeatable Honda safety and security, value for money, fun-to-drive performance and handling, and passenger comfort and convenience. The 2013 Accord can be viewed at the showroom of Classic Motors on the corner of Charles and Richmond streets as well as Ansa Automotive south on Royal Road San Fernando. Photos courtesy Allan Crane and Lime.tt
June/July, 2013
June/July, 2013
Honda
Kia
Mitsubishi
PCD HONDA Legend. Trade ac- PCM K2700. $95,000.00. 681-9608. cepted. 652-6236. TBY SERENTO. Trade accepted. PCE ACCORD Excellent $110,000 652-6236. 682-4492 TCN K2700. Excellent. 655-0743. PCF CIVIC $57,000. 299-4782.
Land Rover
Audi PBK A6 1.8T leather, sun-roof, silver Grey $75,000 ono 683-0727 PCS AUDI Q5, solid White, 37,000KM. Director driven, immaculate condition. Serious enquiries only. Call 744-9506 PCU AUDI Lady Drive. 620-6847
B.M.W PBW BMW 525I Excellent condition. Low mileage 220K o.n.o. 6809631 PCA E200/ PBU Ml270 Benz. 6550743. PCC X5. Immaculate condition. 655-0743. PCC X5. Immaculate. 655-0743. PCE BMW 320i. Good condition. Low mileage. 344-6444
Daihatsu PCK SIRION $65,000. 632-8736
Honda PBB 2-DOOR EK3 Hatchback Civic, Sunroof, 18”- rims $35,000 negotiable 750-9060. PBY CRV, 98,000km, excellent condition, $120,000 o.n.o. 6865300.
TBM L300, panel. 655-0743.
Nissan
Hyundai
Mazda
PCJ TUCSON. 83,000K, low PCR MAZDA 3. 655-0743. mileage. $120,000.00. Negotiable. PCR/ PCW RX8. 655-0743. 364-0568. TBG MAZDA pickup. 697-1482. PCL HYUNDAI Trajet, 57,000k mileage $83,000 includes transfer TBO MAZDA pickup, damaged. 655-0743. 782-4245. TBW H100. 655-0743.
Isuzu D MAX tcn, $160,000. 632-8736
PBL PRIMERA. 652-6236. PBO B15, $40,000.00, negotiable 779-3131.
PCC CRV Excellent $150,000 6824492.
PCA SORENTO. Diesel. 764-0770.
PCL SPORTAGE SUV 4x4- excelPCC HONDA Stream. 7 seater. lent condition- $145,000, neg. 678655-0743. 2056.
TBZ FRONTIER. Trade accepted. 652-6236. TCD FRONTIER 4x2. 655-0743. TCE FRONTIER 4x4, very good condition, private usage. $90,000 633-3575. TCJ NAVARA 4x4, local use, automatic, mint condition. 774-9517 UNREGISTERED SLYPHY. Trade accepted. 652-6236. UNREGISTERED TIIDA hatchback. Trade accepted. 652-6236.
Rover
PBR PRIMERA (P12) local, good PCN RANGE Rover sport. 655condition, automatic, tint, 689- 0743. 3063
Subaru
Mercedes Benz
PBO BENZ C200k excellent condi- PBW A33 Cefiro. 655-0743. tion and perfect working order PBZ ALMERA. Trade accepted. 724-8312 652-6236. KIA SORRENTO in mint condition. PBR E240 Elegance. 40,000m. PCA PRAIRIE. Trade accepted. Call 681-1896. $145,000. Call 683-5001. 652-6236. KIA SPORTAGE 14,500KM, mint PCH MERCEDES Benz c350 black PCC/ PBX Ad Wagon. 652-6236. condition, $195,000 780-8662 low km excellent $420,000.00 373PCD ALMERA $60,000.00 nego6725 KIA SPORTAGE tiable 680-1739.
PCF $150,000. 491-3098 78,000KM
Toyota
TCZ BT50 Pickups. All Models PBS ALMERA- $48,000.00 negoFrom $22,000.00 Deposit. Call: tiable. 701-7497 PBH SUBARU Forester , Foreign 680-5356. PBT X-TRAIL, local. Trade accept- used. Lady driven, Good condition $60,9000 o.n.o. 798-5274 ed. 652-6236
Kia
PBZ ACCORD. Local. Excellent condition. 730-2880/ 769-5057
Suzuki
PCH ALMERA, gold, DVD, very PCL SWIFT. 655-0743. TBX MITSUBISHI L300 panel van. good condition $50,000 o.n.o. 369PCN VITARA. Trade considered. Good condition. Mileage 3347. 620-1629. <300,000km. $57,500.00 Intersted PCP ALMERA $60,000. 632-8736 persons must contact Shalene PCU GRAND Vitara 4x2 24,000KM Bikhoo. Monday- Friday only be- PCS WINGROAD Y12- lady driven. 683-5001, 323-6644. tween 9:00am- 3:00pm @ 299- 747-5461, 708-0612. 0102 ext 272 PCT TEANA $155,000 Reverse TCM L200 Sportero 4x4. Fully camera, keyless. 314-4943/ 680loaded, sunroof, side rails, pow- 9866. PBK PRADO. 655-0743. ered rear glass, hard tray-cover. PCW TEANA 230JK. 655-0743. PBZ NZE $50,000. 632-8736 $165,000.00. 783-3513. PCW WINGROAD. Trade accepted. PCC RAV 4. 655-0743. 652-6236.
PCK CIVIC local, sunroof, excellent condition. 39,000KM. $129,000 BLACK LANDROVER Discovery 744-4467, 675-4119. HSE Model Almond Beige leather PCK CRV- $44,000k lady driven, lo- interior, 77K miles Karmon Karcal. $250,000. 680-9866/ 314-4943. dom Surround System Sunroof. Excellent condition. 756-6909 PCM HONDA Accord Low mileage 51,000KM, dealer maintained, sun roof, body moulding, excellent ALMERA B15 very good condition, condition. $200,000 negotiable. LEXUS LX 470 Landcruiser. Fully 622-8154/622-8074, B15 $30,000 498-2154 loaded, good condition. 652-7960, up, Almera $40,000 up 732-8132. HAP 280C. $20,000. 776-5282 PBK LEXUS RX300. 655-0743. NISSAN X-TRAIL 2500 CC. Superb I30 PCX, fully loaded, excellent condition, 39,000m. Bluetoothh. condition, 8,000km, leather seats Reverse sensros. Black $240,000 782-4151 PCE MAZDA 3 for sale. Approx Call 351-5210 PCF TUCSON new 80,000km. 682- 66,000km. Asking $90,000 (Trans- PBB B14 local Nissan Sentra ex fer included) 687-4110 4584. saloon. 730-3469
Lexus
Nissan
PCP SUBARU STI. 655-0743.
Suzuki PAR JIMNY. $26,000. 381-2154. PAU SUZUKI Carry. $5,000.00 7469367 PBO GRAND Vitra 4W drive. Lady driven. Good condition. 760-1905
Vehicles BUYING USED Damage vehicles. 795-1267. PBG B13, PCK Y11, TBM Frontier, TCK Kia. 321-4748/ 709-1511. PBM/ PBB Pajero. 655-0743. PCJ CARENS. 7 seater. 655-0743. PCR PORSCHE Cayman S. Immaculate condition, 9,800M. Serious enquiries only. 290-5109.
PCU CHEVROLET Cruze. Leather, Spoilers. Sunroof 683-5001 323PCC/ PBO NZE Corolla. Trade ac- 6644. cepted. 652-6236. ROLL ON Roll off Cube shell. 655PCL TOYOTA Rav4. Local, trade 0743. accepted. 652-6236. SPOT CASH for used/ damaged PCR YARIS Clearance Sale Lady vehicles. 655-0743. driven Low mileage Call 346-3700 TCW 4x4 JCB backhoe. 655-0743. PCW FORTUNER New Shape Excellent Condition, 13,000KMS Owner Driven $450,000 o.n.o 6826405. MITSUBISHI 5 ton hiab/ 7 ton TCJ HILUX. Trade accepted. 652- flatbed. 655-0743. 6236 TBP CANTA- 3 ton. 655-0743. TCS SILVER Toyota Pre- Runner 4x2 Manual, 15,000KM TCN ERF tractor truck. 655-0743. $187,000KM Negotiable. 743- TCU NISSAN 2 ton dump truck. 0531/ 701-1775 655-0743. TOYOTA COROLLA PCP XLI 7248683 TOYOTA SPRINTER, PBE 4549, TAT MAZDA pick-up $15,000 ono great condition, $39,000 nego- 398-5711 tiable. 340-8291, 332-3734. TAY 720 pick-up. Good condition. $28,000. 376-4400/ 737-4400.
Trucks
Vans
Volkswagen
PCC JETTA (1.6), MANAGER'S VEHICLE Very good condition $105,000. Call 620-9218
Auto Parts & Accessories
#1 SALE AT RAMA'S in D'BAM$120,000 BOO, on windscreens for all makes & models of cars, trucks etc. Call us now, you can save hundreds of $$. 662-0610/ 663PCA LIANA Hatchback (Red) 8034 $65,000. 636-1525/ 306-2748. PCE E24 Flat-top van. 298-2628. 2010 ROLL on roll off C-Class PBG LANCER for sale. Good conHONDA PARTS. 353-7690/ 662PCB SUZUKI Swift, black, lady Benz. 655-0743. dition. $35,000. 473-4728. PCE PRAIRE, black, 17” rims, very 4664 driven, 129293 miles, $62,000. good condition $65,000 749-7424. 655-8436 Contact 323-1031 PBW- CS3 lancer, black. Fully loaded. 723-4627, 787-6891 Buying used/ Damaged PCK X-TRAIL. Trade accepted. PCJ/ PCA Vitara. Trade accepted. vehicles. 652-6236. PCS CS Lancer. 685-6471. 652-6236. PCD VOLKSWAGON o.m.o. 798-1563
Vehicles
Mitsubishi
Auto Parts & Accessories
#1A WINDSCREEN Sale!! All vehicles Nationwide, Delivery/ Installation. 788-1349 JACK HAMMER rentals. Tunapuna. 6788678. PEOGEOT 504 for scrap 377-7831 SALE ON Gas and Diesel Engines at RAMA'S in D'Bamboo. For best prices call now 662-0610/ 6638034.
Motor Cycles PCP KL650 Kawaski. 655-0743. PCS CANAM Spyder. 655-0743.
www.racetraccwheel.com
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0621027
#1 RENTAL CARS. Call XTRA Lease
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• Improves wet weather driving visibility
• Repels rain, snow, ice • Helps removes bugs, mud easily
• Restores power and performance by cleaning the intake manifold, combustion chamber, and valves. • Cleans the throttle plate and lubricates key pivots • Restores engine performance by cleaning injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers while you drive.
• In 1992, Michelin launched its
1st generation of low fuel consumption “green tyres”, made possible by the partial substitution of carbon black with silica. MICHELIN Energy Saver uses the latest generation silica which almost completely replaces the carbon black. • Less fuel used and more safety in the wet due to a new generation 100% silicabased rubber compound • More safety in the wet, maintained mile after mile due to the Durable Security Compound (DSC) • Outstanding longevity due to a mixing process exclusive to Michelin
• Ideal protection from the
harsh elements (dust, sun) during outdoor parking • Innovative design • Advanced fabric technology
A penny saved is a penny earned which means more at the gas pump. While gas prices continue to rise, the surest way to improve this problem is to change your motoring habits. In this issue of CarTalkTT, we put together these six driving tips, specifically designed to keep you and your wallet happy.
Fill it up
If possible, fill your tank up all the way. Try to avoid $10 here and $10 there because with each trip you make to the gas station you are wasting gas.
Find the right time
The time of day that you fill up your gas tank does make a difference. It is best to fill up your tank early in the morning or late at night (preferably in the morning). This is because the ground is cooler. Cooler ground = dense gas. Hotter ground = expanded (more vaporised) gas.
Turn off your car
Keep your car off as much as possible. When you idle you get zero miles per gallon. Yes, it takes gas to turn on a car but only about 2030 seconds worth of idling. Also, the more you idle, especially with the A/C on, the more gas you waste.
Use A/C Efficiently
Use your A/C when you are driving at higher speeds. Open your windows when driving at lower speeds. At lower speeds your A/C will burn more fuel, but at higher speeds the drag will burn more.
Drive Steady
Try not to slow down and speed up. Driving at a consistent speed saves you money. If you can, use cruise control. Every time you accelerate, you use gas. Stay a safe distance behind the car in front of you while driving so that you won't have to slow down and speed up as much. If you do have to stop (such as for a light), take off slowly. That fast acceleration will burn more gas.
Stay Cool
Always try to park in the shade. If you can't, then park your car so the gas tank is pointing away from direct sunlight. When your car heats up, so does your gas tank. Gasoline will evaporate right out of your tank regardless of the weather.
IF TIRES ARE YOUR BUSINESS, PANAMA IS THE PLACE TO BE. We invite you to visit the leading tire show in Latin America the Latin American & Caribbean Tyre Expo.
July 24-27, 2013 ATLAPA CONVENTION CENTER
Panama, Republic of Panama FREE online registration. Visit our website for special air fare and hotel discounts.
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Reduces climate change
Carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning gasoline and diesel contributes to global climate change. You can do your part to reduce climate change by reducing your carbon footprint!
Increases energy sustainability
Oil is a non-renewable resource, and we cannot sustain our current rate of use indefinitely. Using it wisely now allows us time to find alternative
technologies and fuels that will be more sustainable.
Reduces oil dependence costs
Our dependence on oil makes us vulnerable to oil market manipulation and price shocks. Find out how oil dependence hurts our economy!
Saves you money
Get better savings in fuel costs each year by choosing the most efficient vehicle that meets your needs.
June/July, 2013