Archive for the ‘honda accord’ Category

A customized car is a category of vehicle that has been modified or changed as per the specific requirements of owner via changing as well as adding certain auto accessories. Also known as lead sleds or simply sleds, a car or a vehicle is primarily customized to enhance performance. Sometimes, car customization even includes replacement of engine or any other such components.

In some instances, they are even customized in order to render a unique appearance to the body of the vehicle. The concept of car customization developed as a result of the hot rod movement’s outgrowth during the Depression. Hot rods are simply a term that is given to represent a car that has been customized for better appearance as well as performance. Al though it was started as a hobby, hot rodding was later transformed into a culture with its own uniqueness, clothing styles, and languages. On returning from the World War II, these rod jockeys got married and settled down, and as such, many of them were looking for a better means of transportation.

As a result, ‘36-up ‘fat-fender’ cars were launched, and later, models such as ‘36 3-window and ‘40 and ‘41 Ford coupes became very popular. But, since these guys were hot rodders, they were not able to leave these cars alone. This in turn led to the development of the concept, ‘customization.’ It became even popular during the 1950s, when shops that exclusively specialized in car customization were opened, such as the Barris Brothers and Ayala Brothers in the US.

During this era, many magazines were also introduced that promoted hot rod as well as custom cars. Apart from these, several shows were also conducted representing customized cars. But, demand for hot rods began to diminish during 1960s when new cars with enhanced engine power and speed were launched. However, customized cars are now extremely popular and are widely used across the world.

Today, a plethora of service providers are in the scenario to make you available a range of services in connection with the customization of car. Services offered with regard to car customization vary from cars to cars.

For instance, in the case of racing cars, services in connection with customization usually cover suspension geometry fabrication as well as design, overall car fabrication, repairs of chassis, providing kit car builds, and steel as well as aluminum panel fabrication. Likewise, depending upon the specifications of customers and nature of the vehicle, these service providers make available a host of customization services such as providing beautiful upholstery for cars, custom paint, fitting engines and drive trains as per the specification, repairing of drag race chassis, designing fabricating and installing fuel cells, providing custom brake and cooling systems, upgrading of chassis design, swapping of engines, powder coating, and replacement of parts to ensure enhanced performance.

Broadly speaking, car customization has been categorized into three classes such as the Good, Bad, and Ugly. As indicates, customization under the category ‘good,’ gives a better look to the vehicle. Usually, covered in this category are alloy wheels with almost modest tires, tinted windows, and spoilers of normal size.

On the other hand, anything classified as ‘bad’ must be done with caution, since it may sometimes affect visual results. This includes lowering your vehicle but without removing the splash guards, inserting plastic door edge guards, and extremely low bodyside moldings. When comes to the category, ‘ugly,’ it results in the cosmetic death of car. Included in this category are replacement of a car’s emblem with other vehicle’s emblem, replacement of wire wheels with low profile tires, removing steering wheels equipped with airbag and then replacing it with steering wheels that contain no airbag, and dashboard velouring.

If done properly and effectively, a customized car could undoubtedly fetch you a host of benefits. Just few among them are better performance, enhanced look, and attached with features that ensure safety as well as comfort driving. Further, it is also an economic option, since via customization you can fix or add any component or feature of your choice. Additionally, it provides a perfect look to your vehicle. For instance, when custom seat cover is used for your vehicle, it looks quite perfect. Above all, customization of car is not only beneficial for drivers but also for passengers.

Ford has placed the 2008 Edge Crossover squarely in the middle of its competition. This Front-wheel-drive CUV beats them in several key categories, including price, available torque from the award winning 3.5 liter V-6 power plant, and second row leg room, with more than an inch over the nearest competitor. All of this, plus the option of Ford’s driver’s door keyless entry pad for ease of entry.

Ford began with a bold design and flexibility in mind to blend energetic performance with sedan like handling. This forward thinking has landed the Edge the “Most Appealing Midsized Multi-Activity Vehicle” in J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study.

At the heart of the 2008 Edge is the 3.5L Duratec 35 V6 engine, with 265 horsepower and 250 lb. ft. of torque. Ford engineers utilized a roller-chain drive cam to lower friction and earn the engine an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) emissions standard, a rating approved by the California Air Resources Board. Combine that with an estimated 24 mpg highway in FWD, and Ward’s designated the engine as one of its ten best for 2007.

Putting all of that power to the pavement is an Advancetrac fully-independent suspension with RSC (Roll Stability Control) standard. The sophisticated, standard 6-speed automatic transmission can be hooked up to an optional all-wheel-drive system for maximum adherence in any condition.

The Edge has also been named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for achieving the highest ratings in front, side and rear testing. Six airbags are standard in every issue, including Ford’s patented Safety Canopy side-curtain system.

The use of textured aluminum and chrome trim pieces inside the 2008 Ford Edge’s cabin will appeal to the five adults this vehicle is capable of swallowing up, along with the optional Vista Roof, the only two-panel panoramic view available in this class. Think of it as a moon roof on steroids, as it encompasses over 39% of the Edge’s total roof area, also allowing the feel of open air motoring if you like. Add to that the option of a stowage capacity of 69 cubic feet of space, and you can begin to see just how flexible this Edge really is.