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Copyright © 2011 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2011/12/05/how-to-autumn-ize-your-car/.There are countless web articles published every season on How To Prepare Your Car For Winter Driving. But no one tells us how to dodge leaves and school children during Fall. This year, many Americans are experiencing milder weather for November & December. (Hey, that kind of rhymes!) In the North East, it’s basically still Autumn.

Instead of giving readers basic Winter driving tips, we decided to write out a few Fall commuting basics, since many of us are still seeing piles of leaves on the ground, instead of (thankfully) snow.

Photo: automobilesdeluxe.tv

Kids are back to school, and they just do not understand looking both ways before crossing the street. Restless school children run wild after 3 pm, so use caution when passing through suburban areas, as well as school zones.

Give yourself extra time to get around. If you’re caught behind a school bus, it will take more than a few minutes to make it to a destination. Give that bus a lot of extra room, and don’t pass unless its operator gives you an ‘ok’ wave.

Photo: autoblog.com

This extended warm weather is misleading. Precipitation and slippery roads are coming. Random hail and rain can fall from the sky without notice. Wet leaves breed extra dangerous road conditions. Travel with caution when moving over soaked foliage. Piles of wet leaves can also obstruct large potholes or puddles.

Damp leaves can severely damage the electrical systems and undercarriages of automobiles. Avoid parking on top of them this time of year.

Photo: mbcharlotte.com

Regular maintenance is key to the long life of your vehicle. When seasons change, it’s important to check your wiper blades. They should be replaced approx. every 6,000 miles, or twice a year.

Brakes and tires should also be taken care of before or during Fall. Tires should have a good amount of tread left. Mechanic shops will typically inspect brakes free of charge.

Photo: focusedonlight – Flickr

Finally, make sure you heater and defrost is fully operational. Early morning frost has begun. Front blower hoses should be inspected, and have electrical wiring on the rear defogger double-checked.

Sources: goodgarageschemeblog.com / icarumba.com

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Copyright © 2011 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2011/12/02/tokyo-trains-connect-while-traveling/.Moving platforms that connect high-speed trains while in motion – sounds like a great idea, right…right?



‘Moving Platforms’ takes two high-speed trains (around for years in Japan/China, still working out the kinks in America) and connects them with an extendable platform, which acts like a tunnel allowing passengers to transfer trains while both are in (very fast) motion. This cuts down on transfer times and station stops, streamlining the process of rail travel.

This idea has been around since the 1960s, though even current infrastructures do not allow for such a futuristic, and all be it dangerous train-jumping process.

According to reports, this new model plan means trains would never enter a city. Trams would pick up passengers from various locations to rendezvous with the proper connecting service. Trains would run constantly, and only stop for occasional maintenance.

We’re taking bets on how many insane deaths happen if and when this plan comes to fruition anytime soon.

Source: Jalopnik

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Copyright © 2011 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2011/11/30/yamaha-concept-bike-hits-220-mpg/.Although they contain smaller engines, motorcycles get an impressive amount of Miles Per Gallon. One Yamaha concept has the ability to out-fuel them all. The cycle maker’s Y125 concept was shown off at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, and if you’re into green riding, this is the bike for you.

Equipped with a 125cc powerplant, (hence its name) this bike is a retro twist on Yamaha’s original YA-1. But Y125 only mimics its predecessor in design. This futuristic bike includes state of the art fuel saving technologies.

LED lights illuminate the cycle, and its rear wheel is driven by belt, rather than by chain. Its sleek angles make this two-wheeler look as if it should be placed along the corridors at MoMA.



Y125 is powered by a “world” motor, which Yamaha claims can produces double the horsepower of YA-1. The 80kg-weight motorcycle averages fuel consumption of 80 km/l – translating to around 220 mpg ‘Imperial’ – or 188 US miles per gallon. Whether or not Yamaha will ever produce it is still a mystery.

Source | Images: Gizmag

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Copyright © 2011 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2011/11/30/america%e2%80%99s-best-drive-thru-coffee-shops/.Coffee and other caffeinated drinks are super hip these days. You don’t always have to leave the driver’s seat to purchase a perfect Cup o’ Joe. Maybe it’s part of the American experience – having deliciously brewed coffee, or a top-notch espresso, delivered via Drive Thru window.

Even if you travel for a living, there is probably a superb drive-up cafe just a few minutes from your current location.

We took a tour of the best coffee shops with drive-thru access in five regions of the USA. After several jittery debates, Automopedia chose its Top 5:

East Coast / North East – THE PIGGERY

Location: 423 Franklin St. in Ithaca, NY

Previously known as “Buzz,” these coffee shop owners added a deli to an award winning breakfast joint, followed by its name to symbolize the fantastic “farm to table” bacon. FYI: Deli hours begin later than Piggery’s drive-thru cafe. However, there is no better locale in the North East to grab a hot cup of freshly brewed (local NY) coffee, along with bacon, egg & cheese on a bun.

Southern US – Poplar Perk’n

Location: 4610 Poplar Avenue in Memphis, TN

Offering up coffee, smoothies, and other blended drinks every day of the week, Popular Perk’n is Tennessee’s answer to the drive-up cafe. Located near a Memphis used car lot and The University of Memphis, this quaint shop is a favorite of college students and working class heroes alike. Popular’s owner Jimmy Whidden might even expand to include on-site baked goods.

Mid West – Mudslingers Drive Thru Coffee

Location: 5755 Maxtown Road in Westerville, OH

Mudslingers began as an idea based out of Minnesota (its official HQ) and has grown into franchise opportunities across the nation. Soon enough, there might be a Mudslingers drive-thru in your home town. Coffee is not the only option at ‘Slingers – there’s a wide array of pastries and bagels, soups, frozen/mixed drinks, and the knowledge that your order will be ready in moments. Skip the fast food line; Mudslingers is your healthier, non-corporate option.

South West – Raw Bean Coffee House & Drive Thru

Location: 611 SW Temple in Salt Lake City, UT

Raw Bean is known as one of SLC’s prime coffee locations. A full-service stop, their dining area gives customers free wifi and freshly brewed goodness in every cup. Raw’s drive-thru option brings those on the go a quick detour for “spot-on” iced coffee. We’ve also been informed that patrons should take advantage of free biscotti.

Pacific North West – Cowgirls Espresso

Location: 1132 South Albro Place in Seattle, WA

Yes, that woman is in a bikini, holding a large caffeinated drink. Try to remain calm and carry on. Cowgirls combines sex and steaming coffee in a business strategy sweeping down the Western US. Their Seattle location includes “Bikini Wednesdays” – which is the only time baristas wear even less than their normal work attire.

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Copyright © 2011 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2011/11/28/automopedia-laas-week-2/.Welcome back to the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show. As week two comes to a close, and we microwave Thanksgiving left overs, auto makers who graced the floors of LAAS are headed home. But we leave LA with a bang, Parkour style!

According to Wikipedia: Parkour (sometimes abbreviated PK) is a method of movement focused on moving around obstacles with speed and efficiency. Originally developed in France, the main purpose of the discipline is to teach participants how to move through their environment by vaulting, rolling, running, climbing and jumping.

It’s also a favorite hobby of Dwight, Andy, and Michael:



Smart 341 Parkour Concept


Sadly, Smart Parkour has nothing to do with the French martial art. It’s a concept designed by “Annie” – an investigative reporter who entered her idea for “Hollywood’s Hottest New Movie Car” and won top prize at LAAS.

Smart Parkour features several design elements that allow occupants to shoot photos from all angles, including the small car’s domed top, along with its ‘suction cap-enabled’ climbing ability.

“With the 341 Parkour, Smart hit the nail on the head: the design combines innovation and functionality with an exciting film plot,” according to judges.

This is Lincoln’s “New” Design: 2013 Lincoln MKS


Lincoln has continually stated they are going ‘all new’ for 2013, including a complete remake of their models. Well, sorry to say, the 2013 MKS looks pretty similar to previous models. Maybe this “new and improved” design will pop up in 2014.

Lincoln hopes to transform itself into a “great American luxury brand” – much like it was before it became the symbol of livery cab use. The auto maker is spending billion on development of seven new / refreshed models, the first of which should appear at January’s 2012 Detroit Auto Show in the form of a MKZ concept.

Back to MKS, which contains a 3.7-liter V6 producing 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. There will also be a 3.5-liter EcoBoost version available, with 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. We’re curious to see of that big ol’ grille remains in 2014.

Chevrolet, Topless: 2013 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible


At long last, Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible makes an appearance, and will soon drop into your local Chevrolet dealer. 2013′s Camaro ZL1 houses a powerplant making 580 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter LSA engine. Better put on a hat while blowing down sunny California freeways.

GM flip-flopped for over a year on whether or not to produce a convertible variant. Seems as if they gave in to fan requests, but will these loyal followers show up to dealerships?

2012 Jaguar XKR-S


Finally, there’s a new luxury coupe/convertible in town. Based off the popular Jaguar XKR, the supercharged 2012 XKR-S Convertible was live at 2011 LAAS.

XKR-S Convertible is more ‘dramatically styled’ than many other Jag models. With a 550 horsepower, 502 pound-feet of torque engine, XKR-S hits the 60 mph mark in an amazing 4.2 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest convertibles ever available from this car maker.

That’s all from LAAS 2011! Check back for more Auto Show updates @ Automopedia!

Source: Motor Authority

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Copyright © 2011 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2011/11/18/automopedia-laas-week-1/.Welcome to the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

As week one gets underway for the public (automotive press has mostly come and gone) there are a few models we can’t wait to show you. Some are production versions of concepts long teased online (we’re looking at you Subaru!) – while other vehicles rolling across the floors of LAAS were created simply for fun, and to gain that all important auto show “WOW” factor.

What better way to spend those pre-Thanksgiving days walking around a car show – Here’s a look at some of the more interesting LAAS 2011 reveals.

A Real Life Mario Kart


You can’t run an auto-related event in Southern California without West Coast Customs dropping by. The crew famous for Pimp My Ride, and making Xzibit a star, marked the release of Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo Wii by creating fully functional, real life models of Mario character karts.

Mario & Luigi’s vehicles from the game were present, and can be driven on both ground and water (if you follow the video game’s premise that is).

Ford at 2011 LAAS – 2013 Mustang GT500 & Escape


Ford made huge reveals at this year’s LAAS. First up, it’s the much anticipated 2013 Ford Mustang GT500 from Shelby. What’s so special about another GT variant? This model can reportedly hit 200 miles per hour, while remaining perfectly street legal. In our opinion, it’s also one of Shelby’s sexiest enhancements to date.



On the other end of the spectrum is 2013′s Ford Escape. Originally the auto maker’s prized crossover, this vehicle is now being geared towards soccer mom’s as the latest in lady-driver tech. We don’t understand this new gender-biased marketing strategy – especially since this gas or hybrid powered truck registers 237-hp from its 2.0-liter engine. Who says women have to drive wimpy cars, anyway?

2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year – Volkswagen Passat


Next up, it’s time for Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award. The honor was bestowed to a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The VW was singled out for its affordability, as well as popularity. Passat had its best month (October 2011) as far as sales since 2005. With the successful release of a redesigned Jetta also taking place this Fall, seems like 2012 will be a great year for VW sedans.

American Luxury – Cadillac XTS


Cadillac is doing battle with foreign luxury auto makers. If they stick to models like the upcoming XTS sedan, they’ll have no problem kicking BMW in the bum. Headed to dealers in 2013, XTS reminds us of President Obama’s pumped-up Cadillac limo. The large trunk on this full-sized vehicle harkens back to Caddy’s of yesterday – the kind Robert De Niro hid bodies in.

Subaru’s Sports Car – The BRZ


Subaru has been teasing us with dark images of the BRZ sports car for months. Finally, at 2011 LAAS, we get to see a production-ready variant. Subaru’s horizontally-opposed “boxer” engine will power BRZ, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a low center of gravity. Apparently, the more officially official Subaru BRZ will debut Nov. 30th at Tokyo’s International Auto Show. So, what exactly is the model we’re looking at above??

Land Rover DC100


We almost forgot: Land Rover still exists, and is making new cars. The long awaited Land Rover DC100 Sport is rumored to be the company’s replacement for Defender. However, other rumors suggest Land Rover Defender will stay with the foreign nameplate until 2015 – 2017. Guess only time, and sales figures, will tell.

Sources / Photos – MA | Jalopnik

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Copyright © 2011 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2011/11/14/the-world%e2%80%99s-fastest-truck/.

This video shows Joint Venture’s specialized race truck hitting 217 mph in 2010. Years prior, the 1997 Freightliner created its own world record.

Measuring 1,472 cubic-inches, the Detroit diesel quad-turbocharged / twin-supercharged sixteen-cylinder engine inside the semi produces an outstanding 4500 horsepower.



The original world record was recorded at Bonneville Salt Flats in 2006, where the same team was named “The World’s Fastest Modified Diesel Truck” thanks to a speed of 228.804 mph.

You need someone special to ‘pilot’ a vehicle of this mass and power – so Lockheed-Martin flight test engineer Mark Zwieg has been in the cab for each adventure, which measure 3.3 miles per minute across the desert landscape.

Source: Motor Authority

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Copyright © 2011 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2011/11/11/why-rubber-might-be-the-greatest-american-horror-film/.The 2010 movie Rubber was actually written by a French film maker, and shot by a mostly French crew. But it might be the greatest American Horror movie of the past decade.

The film is part Horror, part Thriller, and (without a doubt) part Comedy. Taking place in a non-specific part of the California desert, its star (a used and road-weary tire) comes back to life after being left to rot.

“Rubber” quickly learns to walk (well, roll), and to love…and to kill. But who says tires don’t have feelings?



When Rubber finds a soul mate, it seems everyone is standing in the way – from local authorities to movie spectators, trying to figure out its next move. Rubber works through one victim after another, using mysterious telekinetic abilities to explode human heads and animal bodies alike.

Will this discarded wheel find satisfaction by chasing down one gorgeous French woman in a VW Cabrio? Or can the cops blow it to bits, stopping the murderous rampage? Watch on Netflix Instant to find out!



The best part about Rubber is its avaunt-garde approach to Horror movies. You are the audience, but there is also an audience featured in the film. Using binoculars supplied by “The Accountant,” they witness Rubber’s journey towards true love. Stars of the flick even pause to explain exactly what is going on. That is what makes it a great French film.

So, why do we think Rubber is the best American Horror movie of the last 10 years? It features all the great parts of an American classic: desert settings, police chases, lots of cars, vehicle and head explosions, a hot foreign chick, and just the right amount of hilarity.

Once “Rubber” gets rolling, it’ll be hard to stop watching.

Sources | Photos : Wiki & IMDB

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Copyright © 2011 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2011/11/03/the-mother-of-all-hot-wheels-tracks/.This Hot Wheels toy track is so intense, it takes 2 YouTube videos to show it all off. Only Part 1 is up right now, but with over 2 Million views, we’re betting Part 2 is on its way.

A 2,000 ft track travels through a dozen rooms, up and down stairs, outside of the house, and even over a hot tub. Our greatest childhood Hot Wheels fantasies have been revealed!

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Copyright © 2011 automopedia. Visit the original article at http://www.automopedia.org/2011/11/02/new-zealand-drunk-driving-ads-are-hilarious/.This Drunk Driving PSA from New Zealand gets the point across, even though you have absolutely no idea what they are saying. And yes, they do speak English down there.

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