San Antonio Used Cars » Future Cars http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org Affordable Used Cars Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:56:41 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Ford Reflex Concept http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-reflex-concept-2/ http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-reflex-concept-2/#comments Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:37:01 +0000 admin http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-reflex-concept-2/

Ford uses a lot of words to describe its Reflex concept car. Words like bold, innovative, American, sporty . . . and from what I can tell, all the words fit. But I think the best word is one Ford doesn’t use: family.

Let’s face it, most of the newest car innovations fit a family about as well as a studio apartment! While Ford never says so, the innovations designed into the Reflex concept make it look like they were designed with family in mind. A hip sporty family, that wants to go green, but a family.There are the reverse butterfly doors which make it easy to get in and out of front or back, and mean a parent is no long bumping into the door installing a car seat, or buckling baby in. And speaking of car seats, it comes with one; built right into the rear seat. When is the last time your car came with one of those?

Then there is the rear seat itself – you know how some vans split their row seats 60-40 for easy removal? Well Ford did something similar in the Reflex, for a different reason. The rear seat is divided into one seat, and a small ‘love seat’ that can easily and comfortably fit two full size adults . . . or, you can push a button, and the love seat is divided in two small seats, perfect for children.

Safety is also a major consideration, and in addition to the standard safety features – and not so standard ones, like side curtain airbags – Ford has added some innovation here too. The inflatable seat belts that reduce injury to second row passengers, is nice. The BeltMinderâ„¢, that lets you know if someone in the rear seats isn’t buckled up, is even better.

Ford doesn’t stop innovation there either. The solar roofs fans, that power themselves to keep the car cool when it’s sitting in a summer parking lot, are a very sweet extra. The solar head and tail lights, that absorb sunlight during the day to use when you turn the lights on – and charge the battery – are a very nice touch as well, and boost the fuel economy nicely.

Not that the Reflex needs help boosting the fuel economy. The diesel electric hybrid gets up to 65 mph, while giving all the benefits of all wheel drive. Of course, some things – like how it handles – will need to wait until Ford starts offering test drives.All in all, there is only one minor issue I can see with the concept. Did they have to use white for the interior? I really hope that mesh cleans easily, because speaking for every parent I know, white and kids just do not mix well!

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Used Cars in San Antonio Texas. ]]> http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-reflex-concept-2/feed/ 0 The Detroit bailout in cartoons http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/the-detroit-bailout-in-cartoons/ http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/the-detroit-bailout-in-cartoons/#comments Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:52:00 +0000 admin http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/the-detroit-bailout-in-cartoons/

So, GM and Chrysler finally are getting the money to continue operating. Before that, came a bailout debate with those “for” and “against” the bailout battling it out. It is natural that cartoonists take interest in the situation and get some humorous acts ready. Here are a few cartoons, all against the bailout. Well, we’re not really against the bailout, but this one’s all about fun and nothing about being politically correct.


Used Cars in San Antonio Texas. ]]> http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/the-detroit-bailout-in-cartoons/feed/ 0 Reiter Engineering shows the Gallardo GT3 Strada http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/reiter-engineering-shows-the-gallardo-gt3-strada/ http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/reiter-engineering-shows-the-gallardo-gt3-strada/#comments Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:44:00 +0000 admin http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/reiter-engineering-shows-the-gallardo-gt3-strada/

Reiter Engineering have modified their Gallardo GT3 race car to come up with a road going version, the GT3 Strada. Carbon fiber has been used generously in making the car’s body, with panels, front splitter, rear wing and bumper all shaped up from fiber. A new exhaust from German Formula 1 supplier MHG finds its way into the car, along with a Holinger six-speed sequential gearbox. The huge V10 in the car generates 535bhp of power.

Via: eGM CarTech


Used Cars in San Antonio Texas. ]]> http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/reiter-engineering-shows-the-gallardo-gt3-strada/feed/ 0 Ford Reflex Concept http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-reflex-concept/ http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-reflex-concept/#comments Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:01:19 +0000 admin http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-reflex-concept/

Ford uses a lot of words to describe its Reflex concept car. Words like bold, innovative, American, sporty . . . and from what I can tell, all the words fit. But I think the best word is one Ford doesn’t use: family.

Let’s face it, most of the newest car innovations fit a family about as well as a studio apartment! While Ford never says so, the innovations designed into the Reflex concept make it look like they were designed with family in mind. A hip sporty family, that wants to go green, but a family.There are the reverse butterfly doors which make it easy to get in and out of front or back, and mean a parent is no long bumping into the door installing a car seat, or buckling baby in. And speaking of car seats, it comes with one; built right into the rear seat. When is the last time your car came with one of those?

Then there is the rear seat itself – you know how some vans split their row seats 60-40 for easy removal? Well Ford did something similar in the Reflex, for a different reason. The rear seat is divided into one seat, and a small ‘love seat’ that can easily and comfortably fit two full size adults . . . or, you can push a button, and the love seat is divided in two small seats, perfect for children.

Safety is also a major consideration, and in addition to the standard safety features – and not so standard ones, like side curtain airbags – Ford has added some innovation here too. The inflatable seat belts that reduce injury to second row passengers, is nice. The BeltMinder™, that lets you know if someone in the rear seats isn’t buckled up, is even better.

Ford doesn’t stop innovation there either. The solar roofs fans, that power themselves to keep the car cool when it’s sitting in a summer parking lot, are a very sweet extra. The solar head and tail lights, that absorb sunlight during the day to use when you turn the lights on – and charge the battery – are a very nice touch as well, and boost the fuel economy nicely.

Not that the Reflex needs help boosting the fuel economy. The diesel electric hybrid gets up to 65 mph, while giving all the benefits of all wheel drive. Of course, some things – like how it handles – will need to wait until Ford starts offering test drives.All in all, there is only one minor issue I can see with the concept. Did they have to use white for the interior? I really hope that mesh cleans easily, because speaking for every parent I know, white and kids just do not mix well!


Used Cars in San Antonio Texas. ]]> http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-reflex-concept/feed/ 0 Renault parades Ondelios flax car http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/renault-parades-ondelios-flax-car/ http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/renault-parades-ondelios-flax-car/#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:55:00 +0000 admin http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/renault-parades-ondelios-flax-car/


You can eat it, buy towels and bags made from it, but did you know you can make a car from flax? Renault thinks so, as today it unveiled the Ondelio, a new eco concept car partly made from flax.

The Ondelious is a 6-seater diesel hybrid that Renault says represents the “medium term future” of motoring. It’ll be on show at next month’s Paris Motor Show.

Renault claims the flax bodywork is there for “for greater recyclability.” Flax is certainly a renewable resource — unlike oil-based plastic — but I’m sceptical it has great potential for recycling in the car industry.

A more credible eco claim is the use of carbon fibre and polycarbonate in the car’s bodywork, which should reduce its weight and fuel consumption (like, say, the Axon).

Renault reckons the car will manage 120g/km CO2, thanks to its aerodynamic design, light body, low resistance tyres and stop-start technology that saves fuel when you stop at lights. 120g would be pretty impressive for a car this size.

The hybrid tech inside is of the ‘mild’ variety, meaning it’ll assist your diesel driving for fuel efficiency. You can’t, however, run on 100 per cent electric alone. The lithium-ion battery recharges when you brake, and the car has electric motors front and back.

The Ondelios certainly looks nice for a concept car — I’m a sucker for roof-hinge doors — but the eco claims are a tad oversold. It’s basically a luxury concept with decent fuel economy and okay performance of 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds.

My favourite ‘eco’ element is the promise of a Samsung multimedia gaming gadget for every passenger.

Maybe Renault didn’t notice, but people already one iPhones and PSPs. If a son of the Ondelios ever sees the light of day, let’s hope the Samsung gadgets are an optional extra.



Used Cars in San Antonio Texas. ]]> http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/renault-parades-ondelios-flax-car/feed/ 2 Lexus LF-Xh hybrid concept headed for Paris http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/lexus-lf-xh-hybrid-concept-headed-for-paris/ http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/lexus-lf-xh-hybrid-concept-headed-for-paris/#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:48:00 +0000 admin http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/lexus-lf-xh-hybrid-concept-headed-for-paris/


Green car fans can glimpse the next generation of Lexus’ hybrid 4x4s next month at the Paris Motor Show. The Lexus LF-Xh hybrid isn’t a new concept car and it’s been ‘hanging’ in a Milan art gallery, but this is its first European motor show debut.

The car has a V6 engine and promises “excellent fuel efficiency”, athough mpg and CO2 figures are still under wraps. That’s about it for details, so in the meantime, cast your eyes over the pics below.

Lexus sells a range of hybrids today — a limo and a 4×4 – which fall in the efficient luxury car class rather than the truly low emissions camp.


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Used Cars in San Antonio Texas. ]]> http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/lexus-lf-xh-hybrid-concept-headed-for-paris/feed/ 0 Almost 1,100 Subaru’s honored Colin McRae http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/almost-1100-subaru%e2%80%99s-honored-colin-mcrae/ http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/almost-1100-subaru%e2%80%99s-honored-colin-mcrae/#comments Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:05:31 +0000 admin http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/almost-1100-subaru%e2%80%99s-honored-colin-mcrae/

It’s been almost a year since the auto world was stunned when legendary rally driver Colin McRae died in a helicopter accident, with three more persons including his 4 year old son. To honor him, approximately 1100 Subaru cars gathered in front of Colin’s residence in Scotland on Saturday August 30. The convoy, that stretched 30 miles drove for nine hours (300 miles) to Prodrive’s headquarters in Banbury, with thousands of fans cheering along the way. “Literally every bridge had people waving and cheering us along with many hanging the Saltire from the railings.” said Grant Hendry, who led the McRae Gathering convoy. “It turned what was an already memorable event into a truly amazing and emotional occasion.”
After that, on Sunday morning, the 1086 Subaru’s, led by Colin McRae’s original 1996 Impreza rally car syncronized and formed a sign almost half a mile long that spelled out COLIN MCRAE along with the Scottish flag. The event, besides raising nearly £40,000 for the McRae charities, broke two Guiness World Records, one for the largest sign made out of cars and the second for the largest parade of cars.

Used Cars in San Antonio Texas. ]]> http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/almost-1100-subaru%e2%80%99s-honored-colin-mcrae/feed/ 0 Ford releases first official images for second-generation Ka http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-releases-first-official-images-for-second-generation-ka/ http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-releases-first-official-images-for-second-generation-ka/#comments Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:02:45 +0000 admin http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-releases-first-official-images-for-second-generation-ka/


The first-generation Ka was never a big seller despite Ford’s best attempts to promote it, even snaring Kylie Minogue at one point to help sell the tiny hatch. Its awkward styling and budget connotations didn’t serve well, and with fuel prices at its launch back in 1999 less than half the price they are today many buyers wouldn’t have looked twice at Ford’s odd econo car. The newest version hopes to capitalise on the changing times as well as spice up its own image with its new design.

The next Ka will fix a lot of what was wrong with the old model, especially in the appearance and quality departments. Underpinning the new model is the same front-wheel-drive platform from the recently launched Fiat 500 minicar. In fact, the Ka will be built alongside the 500 in Fiat’s Tychy plant in Poland.

Ford designers have given the new Ka a fashionable, modern appearance based around the company’s ‘kinetic design’ form language. A number of visual cues provide a connection to the original Ka, but most of its lines resemble those of the recently revealed Fiesta hatch.

A dramatic, modern appearance with vivid interior colours
While both the Ka and the 500 will share the same engines, brakes, steering and assembly lines, the two will have very little else in common. The powertrain lineup is expected to include both 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol powerplants and a 1.6-litre TDCi turbodiesel engine as well.

Unlike the Fiat’s rounded retro proportions, the Ka’s basic profile is more wedge-like, with a raised rear roof line. The rising belt line develops the angular profile further, though the downward-sweeping roofline adds some softness. At the rear the high lift gate and relatively small rear window give a tall appearance to the otherwise very small car.

Inside, the Ka’s styling is decidedly more subtly styled than the 500’s retro look, with neon colours accenting a background of black plastic and rubber trim across the dashboard, steering wheel and instrument panel.

The reason behind the more downmarket interior and exteriors is the retail price. Fiat’s 500 is marketed as a premium small car and can command the kind of prices that Ford simply can’t get with the Ka.

New Ka almost certain for Australia
Given the current climate of high-fuel prices and congested city driving, the second-generation Ka will be an important addition to Ford’s local lineup. A Ford spokesman confirmed the car would arrive once the European version is launched, however no dates were given.

The original Ka didn’t make it to Australian shores until three years after it first went on sale in Europe, and given that the new model isn’t due until next year it may be several years until it arrives here. The new model will make its official world debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and is expected to go on sale in Europe early next year.

For those that can’t wait, the car will be playing a key role in the upcoming James Bond movie Quantum of Solace. The movie will be released ahead of the car’s production debut, offering interested buyers a preview of what’s to come.



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Used Cars in San Antonio Texas. ]]> http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/ford-releases-first-official-images-for-second-generation-ka/feed/ 0 Helix, hybrid car powered by propeller http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/helix-hybrid-car-powered-by-propeller/ http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/helix-hybrid-car-powered-by-propeller/#comments Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:36:00 +0000 admin http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/helix-hybrid-car-powered-by-propeller/

In the history automotive designs have been created some very strange, however, by more strange that they were always had one thing in common-they were propelled by the application of motors to the wheels that supports him. Más no esta máquina, no obstante. More not this machine, however. Se propulsan a lo largo por un tractor de configuración. We propel over by a tractor configuration.

A plane built with a tractor configuration is one in which has been mounted engine with the propeller forward so that the aircraft is “pulled” through the air, as opposed to the pusher configuration in facing propeller backwards and the plane is “pushed” through the air.


The propeller was invented, developed and manufactured by Frenchman Marcel Leyat, 1913 y 1926. 1913 and 1926. Se dice que se construyeron un total de 30, aunque se desconoce si se incluyen algunos prototipos. It is said that were built a total of 30, although it is unknown whether includes some prototypes. Varios fueron construidos para la venta de los cuales sobreviven dos. Several were built for sale two of whom survive.

Designed in 1913 tricycles and two seats engine seems to be a V-Twin. It is difficult to believe that this was bequeath and walk down the street.

This is another model from 1914 called “The Helicocycle”



A survivor of 1921. This propeller belonged to four wheels Gustave Courau. It was donated in 1931 to CNAC (Conservatoire National de Arts et METI) museum in Paris. Podia desarrollar 70Km/h. Podia develop 70Km / h.


Helica es propiedad de Jean Francois Bouzanquet de Paris, el cual fue comprado nuevo por su abuelo en 1922, y lo ha sido en la familia desde entonces.

The engine is a British two-cylinder 1203cc to ABC, driving a diámerto of 4.5 feet; wooden propeller the maximum speed is 60 mph, more or less, good for the era.


Used Cars in San Antonio Texas. ]]> http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/helix-hybrid-car-powered-by-propeller/feed/ 0 Drivable Star Wars Landspeeder gets it right down to every little dent http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/drivable-star-wars-landspeeder-gets-it-right-down-to-every-little-dent/ http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/drivable-star-wars-landspeeder-gets-it-right-down-to-every-little-dent/#comments Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:35:00 +0000 admin


Finally, one man will be able to rock a “My Other Car is A Landspeeder” bumper sticker and mean it. Daniel Deutsch spent six weeks building a replica of Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder featured in Star Wars: A New Hope, and it looks so good he could have fooled us saying he just bought the movie prop. All the damage and dents are where they should be, the paint job is perfect and, it really drives. Sure, it doesn’t hover like it does in the movie, but, when that technology finally rolls out, we’re betting we’ll be writing about Deutsch’s updated Landspeeder.
Deutsch wrote Neatorama detailing the construction process:

“The speeder was a collaborative effort. The body mold and windshield were
produced in California, and then shipped here to Orlando. We then did the
bodywork, chassis, and electronics. The side grills were waterjet cut from PVC,
then spaced and stacked… It has lighting effects in the engine pods that
change with the sound during acceleration… The entire speeder was built in six
weeks, and was first revealed in Los Angeles at the Star Wars Celebration IV
event (30th anniv.) in May 2007.”





Used Cars in San Antonio Texas. ]]> http://www.usedcarsinsanantonio.org/drivable-star-wars-landspeeder-gets-it-right-down-to-every-little-dent/feed/ 0