The Association of Handcrafted Automobiles Knott’s Berry Farm Show for 2007 was a blast. It took place in Southern California where over 221 owners show off their finest cars. Among the vehicles on display, it was the Mullen M-11 from the Mullen Motor Company that got the attention of many. In fact, the said vehicle was able to bag the Kit Car Illustrated Editor’s Choice Car of the Show award. The award was given to the Mullen M-11 for the vehicle’s distinctness, style, class, exquisiteness and performance.

Aside from the abovementioned award, the Mullen M-11 was also able to bag the AHA Special Interest trophy. The Mullen M-11 has a “Blurple Metallic” chassis that really impressed most of the visitors who came and witness the event. The President of Mullen, Scott Allen, said, “I wanted to offer an exotic, custom-built supercar for under $40,000.” Initially, the vehicle came from the Mullen’s headquarters in Chula Vista, California. It was brought in the event to show people that a supercar does not necessarily have to be expensive. With the many awed participants, it seems like Allen has been successful in his goals for bringing the Mullen M-11 in the show.

Although the M-11 is new, its chassis as well as suspension system has already been tested for years on the racetracks as well as on the streets of England. The Mullen M-11 features a removable hardtop that is hand-built. In order to complete its hardtop, one has to labor on it for about eight weeks. This considerable care in building the M-11 adds to its one of a kind style as well as on its classiness. What makes the M-11 really special though is the buyer’s initials get to be part of the chassis identification number. This makes the M-11 highly personalized and one can really see who originally owns the vehicle when it gets passed on other people’s hand through the years.

The people in Mullen spend more than three years to develop the M-11 before finally gaining the approval of Allen. At the end of it all, Allen said that “I wouldn’t change a thing on it” and this statement said it all. The M-11 has a 2.5L V8 engine, weighs around 1,800 pounds and can speed up to 140 mph. It has a Ford 9-inch rear, Ford shocks (available at Bilstein shocks website) and Ford spindles, a Lincoln LS 3.0 2 1/4-inch exhaust manifold and a Renault R-25 transaxle gearing as well as K&N air filters.

In our world today, there is a considerable growth when it comes to the integration and the use of electronics. For this reason, it is not surprising that the OE market introduces more and more sophisticated suspension systems. A concrete example of this is the introduction of electronic dampers. These dampers allow for a large range between the maximum and minimum damping levels. Apart from this, electronic dampers also make it possible for instant adjustments that further improve the ride comfort as well as the vehicle control.

By way of integrating these mechanical as well as electronic functions in a vehicle, the auto manufacturers are able to provide auto enthusiasts with great ride comfort and improved vehicle handling with the vehicles they produce. It is also by using the latest in technology that auto manufacturers are able to reduce their costs in producing the vehicle. As a result, more efficient vehicles for a more affordable price are produced.

This kind of technology significantly helps in the revenue of auto manufacturers. Among the companies that offer such technology are Delphi (with its MagneRide that is used some premium vehicles in the United States, Tenneco (with its Computerized Electronic Suspension that is used by Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Audi vehicles), and ZF Sachs (with its Continuous Damping Control that is integrated in some Audi, Opel, Porsche, BMW, and Bentley models).

According to the vice president of sales as well as program management for Ride Control Europe Sandro Paparelli, “We can say that the markets are more than tripling over the next three years. We are also working on system cost reduction in order to make continuous damping technology available for C segment vehicles. That is our objective. If we can achieve that, we expect to see the market further grow considerably.”

The global ride control technology manager, Koen Reybrouck of Tenneco Europe NV also has something to add on the issue at hand. He said, “when we talk about the ‘tripling of the market,’ that is basically with the current technology. The technologies which are under development focus not only on performance improvement but also on cost reductions which will allow further growth. The trends we see there for those future systems’ further application of electronics into the shock absorber itself, allowing the system cost on the vehicle to be dramatically reduced.”

The people in Tenneco fears that most drivers are not aware of the dangers of having dilapidated shock absorbers. Statistics has it that 50% of vehicles with worn out shocks are prone to have brake problems. This is why if there is something wrong with your Subaru shocks, Chrysler shocks, or Bilstein shocks it is best to replace them with a new one. So go on and check your shocks and have a great thanksgiving!

With the 2008 Nissan Xterra, Nissan continues to provide auto enthusiasts with their “everything you need, and nothing you don’t” tag. The said vehicle features one of a kind styling and an ample amount of useable space that can be utilized for storage. Aside from this, the space it provides also has the capacity to contribute to the passengers’ convenience. The Xterra boasts of 10 cargo hooks, a cargo area that is Easy Clean, tie-down channel system that is analogous to the Utili-track system that can be found on the Titan and the Frontier. What amazes me most, however, is that the 2008 Nissan Xterra has a built-in first aid kit.

The Xterra also features outstanding performance. It has a combination of the “F-Alpha” platform and 261 horsepower 4 liter DOHC V6 engine. The said feature enables the Xterra to maintain its reputation as the “ultimate off-road adventure vehicle.” The 2008 model features improvements of the previous ones. Among these improvements include the standard power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry as well as cruise control on the X grade models. As for the S grade models, first aid kits and a cargo net come as a standard. For the automatic transmission models, the new Technology Package that features the Bluetooth Hands-free Phone system, XM Satellite Radio pre-wiring come as a standard. As for SE models, the auto-dimming mirror with a compass as well as an upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio system comes as a standard.

New exterior color for the 2008 model is also available. It is tagged as the “Red Alert” and comes together with the interior color “Sandstone.” According to Bill Bosley, the vice president and general manager of the Nissan Division, “Xterra has carved out a unique position in the marketplace as the no-frills off-road adventure vehicle. Xterra features a strong driveline, functional interior and available advanced off-road technologies that make it perfect adventure companion to tackle almost any terrain, including city asphalt.”

The 2008 Xterra also features a modified version of the F-Alpha platform, a ladder frame that is pure steel, steel double-wishbone front suspension as well as Nissan shocks. It has a rear tire deflector, skid plats that protects the oil pan and the fuel tank. No wonder the Xterra can provide comfortable rides. For more information on its shocks, visit the Bilstein shocks website.

Audi’s Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept possesses some clues on how the Q5 will look like. The Q5 is supposed to be released next year and the latest Quattro concept is a good basis on how the Q5 will be like. The Cross Cabriolet Quattro was unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show. It is a concept two-door vehicle that has four seats. It makes use of the sport-ute and as the name implies, it has a convertible body.

It boasts of a six-cylinder turbodiesel engine that has 240 horsepower. The said engine is believed to be a revised version of Audi’s 3.0 liter turbodiesel six that comes with ultra-low emission system for it makes use of urea after treatment. The ultra-low emission system is able to meet the European standards set for 2014. The Cross Cabriolet Quattro’s engine is teamed with a Tiptronic eight-speed automatic. According to the auto manufacturer, it has the capacity to run for 0-60 mph time of less than 7.2 seconds. Now that’s really something.

It features an all-wheel-drive system that can distribute torque to the wheels for a 40/60 front and rear split. When put on a great need, the system can send around 65 percent of the total available torque to the front wheels. It can also deliver up to 85 percent to the rears if the need calls for it. Apart from the engine, the 2007 Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept speaks of adjustable Audi shocks that one can avail of at Edelbrock shocks.

The Cross’ body concept was inspired by the new A4/A5 architecture. It has a lid that can fold in a Z-shape for a more compact top stack. It is painted with Copper Sunset paint and makes use of A-pillars as well as pop-up rollover bars to keep its passengers safe when on a car crash. It has LED headlamps as well as daytime running lights. Its wheels are that of 21 inches that completes the SUV stance of this concept.

As for the vehicle’s cargo, the Cross Cabriolet’s SUV is geared with a rear glass that is hinged to the folding top. One can fold it out of the way in order to have a better access of the vehicle’s cargo. It also features heated and cooled cup holders, Bang & Olufsen audio, Google Earth software for easier navigation, and intercoms.

The Nissan Altima, the vehicle that was able to bag this year’s AutoPacific 2007 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Premium Mid-Size Cars as well as the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) as the mid-size car that earned the highest ranking, now has a 2008 edition. Yes, you read it right. Nissan was able to design a 2008 Nissan Altima. The said vehicle features a good number of fine-tunings and certain improvements from the previous model. This includes the standard anti-lock braking system or also known as the ABS, an electronic brake force distribution or the EBD for short, as well as a diversity antenna that features the XM Satellite Radio.

This latest model of the Altima, what they call the “fourth generation” Nissan Altima makes use of the Nissan “D” platform. As such, it features improvements when it comes to the rigidity of the vehicle’s body and a redesigned suspension system that is geared towards the sporty type. Apart from this, the Nissan Altima is equipped with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT or the also known as Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (the six speed transmissions). Those who have their eyes on the 2008 Nissan Altima have the choice of acquiring any of the award-winning VQ-series of 3.5 liter V6 or the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder one.

The Altima has a front suspension that allows for a maximized use of the vehicle’s aluminum parts. It has an X-type of upper cowl structure that is especially engineered to establish the rigidity of the front body. Its multi-link suspension design is able to separate the rear Nissan shocks in order to minimize friction. For more information on shocks and struts, it is best to visit the Rancho shocks website.

At the recently concluded Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz introduced one of its latest innovations when it comes to their vehicles through the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The said vehicle is open to the public from November 16-23, 2007 at the L.A. Convention Center. Enthusiasts of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles are looking on to the C63. This is because the new generation of the C-Class sedan that was released this year is further made better with the coming of this C63 AMG that is supposed to be one of the most popular models of the Mercedes’ C-Class.

What sets the C63 AMG apart from other C-Class models is that it has a one of a kind AMG body styling. Aside from this, the C63 AMG also features 18-inch alloy wheels, a brake system that is a notch higher than others. One can easily recognize the C63 with its unique front hood equipped with two power domes as well as a muscular front apron and large air intakes. It has side air outlets and also fog lights that are ringed in chrome. On each of its front fender, one can find a “6.3 AMG” badge. Its side sill skirts bear assertive lines that run through the front end up to the vehicle’s rear. As for its AMG rear apron, it comes with an air diffuser insert as well as three diffuser fins that considerably improve on the vehicle’s aerodynamics especially at high speeds. It is equipped with an AMG spoiler on the trunk lid, twin tailpipes that seal the vehicle’s sporty look as well as providing it with a great sound when speeding up.

Furthermore, the C63 AMG is deemed to be the first AMG model that is geared with a three-stage ESP system. This special system allows for the one driving the vehicle to go aggressive in his or her driving without compromising safety for the vehicle has a higher drift angle, which makes for a sporty driving more geared towards securing one’s safety. The C63 AMG has a redesigned front suspension, which boasts of stiffer Mercedes shocks and springs that are available at Tokico Shocks. It was furnished with new bearings, a reliable stabilizer bar, and has a speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering. All this to ensure one’s driving is a comfortable and safe one.

The latest vehicle from Ford, which is the 2009 Lincoln MKS features a new hauled front grille that will serve as the “company’s new corporate face.” Word has it that the engineering as well as the design department of Fort Motor Company has worked double time just so they would be able to come up with a remarkable front grille to carry on the Lincoln line. The 2009 Lincoln MKS, which features this front grille will be out in the market next summer. However this is the case, those who attended the Los Angeles auto show were able to have a sight of the said vehicle in advance.

The one who led the team in hauling the new look of Lincoln is Peter Horbury. According to him, the designs they used and incorporated were mostly basic and were derived from past Lincoln models. After all, what better way there is to move forward than to work on what one already has and in this case, the designs of past Lincoln models. As the MKS was already near to completion when the project started, Horbury said that there was not enough time to incorporate other concepts other than the “double wing” also known as the “bow-wave” front grille.

A couple of years ago, the MKS concept was already shown at the Detroit auto show. The concept that was shown years ago was very much similar to the MKS that exists now. This means that the concept showcased a couple of years back was very feasible. It tells a lot about the people who work in Ford. They really take their ideas, designs, as well as research seriously. They don’t just change things. They seriously consider if things need to be changed.

As for the categorization of the MKS, no statement has been released yet. Rumor has it that it will compete against the Cadillac CTS. The MKS features a V6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It boasts of a six-speed automatic transmission that Ford was able to develop in collaboration with the General Motors. The MKS chief engineer Mike Celentino said that this unique transmission of the MKS has a modified torque converter that can considerably improve throttle response.

As for the suspension system of the 2009 Lincoln MKS, it has conventional strut front and multilink independent rear suspensions. Its Lincoln shocks are not adjustable and contains no “electro-trickery.” For anyone who would be interested to learn more on these shocks, look on at the Bilstein shocks website.

The Cadillac recently introduced the 2008 Escalade Platinum. The vehicle is part of a special edition of the Escalade, which adapts the dramatic design, technology as well as the elegance of a Cadillac and takes it on a different level. It will be released together with the Escalade Hybrid by spring next year. Some say that the Escalade Platinum will be the most luxurious model in the lineup of Escalades. It will add to the series of Cadillac Platinum models namely the XLR Roadster, DTS luxury sedan and the STS performance sedan. All models that are part of the series feature elegant cabins that are equipped with hand crafted leathers, one of a kind detail as well as the recent advancements in technology.

According to Jim Taylor, the general manager of Cadillac, “The new Platinum edition elevates and extends Escalade’s position as the large SUV of choice among luxury consumers. The growing Platinum series highlights the handcrafted details and technical sophistication of Cadillac’s overall product renaissance.” The Escalade Platinum features a combination of technical innovations as well as enhancements when it comes to aesthetics. Some already consider the Escalade Platinum as the first world SUV that will feature the advanced Magnetic Ride Control technology (MRC) of Cadillac.

The Magnetic Ride Control is developed in order to provide Cadillac users with exceptionally performing vehicles–the likes of STS sedan, XLR Roadster, and the Chevrolet Corvette. The MRC is deemed to be the fastest reacting when it comes to suspension system and this gives the Escalade Platinum edge when it comes to precise motion control of a vehicle. Apart from this, the Escalade Platinum has real-time damping system. This system “reads” the road for every 1 millisecond interval. This gives the Escalade enough warning and time to prepare for the road condition ahead. This system also replaces the conventional mechanical-valve shocks and makes use of electronically controlled Cadillac shocks that are packed with a synthetic fluid with iron particles. When subjected to a magnetic charge, the iron particles align to allow for the most damping resistance possible. Interested in shocks? Find the perfect one for your car at Bilstein shocks.

At the 2007 Auto Show in Los Angeles, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR was introduced. Although this is the case, the said vehicle will not be available until the second quarter of 2008. And upon its release, Chrysler says that one will have to spend not less than $100,000 in order to acquire one.

This latest member of the Dodge family is powered by the SRT’s latest 8.4 liter aluminum V10. This engine has the capacity to produce up to 600 horsepower at 6,100 rpm. Apart from this, 560 pound-feet of torque when running at 5,000 rpm. The V10 engine is linked with the Tremec T56 that has a six-speed manual transmission and was tagged as TR6060. What’s unique about the Viper SRT-10 ACR is that it has exterior cues that allows for immediate telegraph on the track-worthiness of the vehicle. It has styling details made of carbon-fiber and a “fanged” front splitter. This is a modifiable rear wing that is fashioned by the CFD or the Computational Fluid Dynamics. Apart from this, the vehicle is also equipped with front drive planes. According to a statement from Chrysler, “each Viper SRT-10 ACR also includes a track extension that replaces the center splitter rub strip and fills out the fanged splitter scallop for closed-circuit events. The aerodynamic effect of the track extension is a reduction in overall drag and an increase in front downforce of nearly one-third.”

The Viper SRT-10 ACR is available in five exterior colors. These are the Viper Red, Viper Violet, Viper Black, Viper Bright Blue Metallic and the Viper Very Orange. Aside from these available colors, would-be owners of the Viper SRT-10 will get a chance to have a “signature” two-tone paint job that has a black center portion. Driver’s strip can be availed of for more details and this includes a sewn leather accent that can be found on the steering wheel.

Apart from those mentioned above, the Viper SRT-10 ACR has an optional Hard Core package. This package deletes the audio system, the underhood silencer pad of the vehicle as well as the trunk carpet and the tire inflator. Its radio is substituted with a lightweight cover, which has the capacity to transform into a lap timer. As for the door speakers, these were replaced with carbon-fiber panels. As for the vehicle’s suspension system, it has Dodge shocks that are two-way adjustable. These shocks can be availed of at Bilstein shocks and can be adjusted without removing the wheels.

This year, Ford is going to haul its Mustang name by coming up with a 2008 edition of the Ford Mustang Bullitt. The said vehicle is of course, nostalgic of the movie “Bullitt” that is starred by Steve McQueen. In the said movie, McQueen who takes on the role of Bullitt has a remarkable car chase scene as he rides a 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback, which he uses to chase two hit men on their 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum. In fact, in honor of the movie, Ford produced a limited edition of the 2001 Ford Mustang GT that was tagged as the “Bullitt Mustang.” The vehicle mimicked the Bullitt movie a lot and it can even reproduce its exhaust note.

Under the hood of the 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt, one can find a V-8 engine. The V-8 is the standard engine of the Mustang GT. Apart from the V-8, the latest edition of the Ford Mustang comes with an open air intake. This is what makes the 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt unique for this is geared with the first open air intake that Ford was able to produce. Apart from this, it has a specially tuned exhaust, which allows for cleaner emissions. As for the vehicle’s suspension system, it was tweaked in a lot of ways and was geared with aggressive Ford shocks and struts. These are believed to give its would-be users with a comfortable ride even on bumpy roads. Since there is not much one can do about road bumps as well as other irregularities of roads, it is best to avail of good shocks at Bilstein shocks and have the ride that one have always wanted.