It's been a little while since we've reported on the Chevy Volt and what it means to the domestic auto market.  Unfortunately, we haven't heard a lot, because there have been some doubts about the battery.  Consider the impact on GM if this final push for innovation launches with a thud, plagued by it's biggest technological advancement in decades, the Volt's battery.

To meet expectations and guarantees, the Chevy Volt's battery must be capable of at least 4,000 recharges and a 10 year life span.  Seems like a pretty tall order, considering that no technology exists amongst the li-ion type battery market.  Basically, it's starting from scratch, and hoping that come 2010 we have a marketable product that everyone will want.  As of this posting it's reported that the battery development has completed and we are only waiting on testing.

I just hope GM doesn't blow it's wad on a car that only delivers half of what was promised.  Already buyers remorse is setting in on the new car market, let's not make it worse with an overhyped product.  Chevy hopes to release the Volt on November 2010.

P.S. European markets will be getting a much nicer and sportier Chevy Volt.

This is a completely unsolicited post for one of the greatest automotive products ever made, RAINX.  The answer is YES, yes RainX is worth every penny.   As of late I've been appreciating this inexpensive, yet incredibly useful product a lot more.  In Southern Indiana we've been exposed to more rain this year than I can last remember and RainX has made seeing in the rain no problem.

RainX acts as a kind of wax for your windshield, which then assists with removing water.  When water comes into contact with your windshield it beads up and rolls right off.  Unlike untreated glass where the water does not bead and requires more assitance from windshield wiper blades to push the water off.

RainX Comparison

As you can tell from the comparison, inbetween wiper blade swipes visibility is greatly improved.  There is virtually no excuse for not at least trying RainX if you are living in a wet area, which during the Spring almost everywhere is.

Applying RainX to the windshield is also a snap.  Simply spray the product onto the windshield or soft clean cloth and evenly wipe the product over the glass in a circular motion.  Application is done much like you would wax your car, only waxing off is not needed.

Auto Insurance

Believe the commercials, the risk is real, and if you drive without insurance you are breaking the rules.  Is it worth losing your license, risking fines, or even worse ruining a stranger financial security because you didn't want to buy auto insurance?  Let's look at a few reasons why it's important to have auto insurance and not just because you are suppose to.

Just having an auto insurance policy is better than going without, but it's also important to be familiar with what your existing policy covers.  For instance, if you ever rent a vehicle, will your policy cover an accident in the rental vehicle?  Next, just because you may be injured in an automotive accident doesn't mean the auto insurance will cover living expenses and continuing costs if you become disabled.  This becomes a more glaring issue if you are at fault and without insurance to help the people you hit.

Throughout your life your auto insurance policy should grow with you.  If nothing else but to protect your assets and family in the case of a tragic costly accident.  Younger people who are renting and don't own a home won't need the level of auto insurance that someone older with more assets should be concerned with.  It's true, if your auto insurance doesn't cover the cost of an accident, you can be sued to cover the difference, putting all your assets including your home on the line.  So as you progress through life it's important to review your policies to make sure you are getting the proper coverage.

Lastly, to have a good policy doesn't necessarily mean that it should be a lot more expensive.  You can reduce the monthly cost of your auto insurance by simply increasing the deductible.  This means that you will be out of pocket more money in the case of an accident, but pay less per month for comparable policies.  Don't skimp on the important aspects of a policy, your life can change in the flash of an eye, protect yourself and your family.

Roll Pan

It's been awhile since I've been interested in modifying a truck, but as of late I've been focusing on some cosmetic kits to customize my truck.  One of the most common modifications is a truck roll pan.  A roll pan is a replacement for a bumper that essentially deletes the bumper and makes it look like a rounded bottom to the back of the truck.

A roll pan makes a truck look very clean and often will hide the trailer hitch.  A common practice is to hide the trailer hitch behind the license plate, which is mounted to the back of the truck roll pan.  The only downside is that the cleaner and smoother apperance isn't as functional as a rear bumper.

The stock rear bumper of a truck is more function than form.  Not only does it serve as a step for access to the truck bed, but it also provides protection in the case of an accident.  Most bumpers are designed for five mile an hour impacts, but will deflect damage and impact at higher speeds.  The most typical experience with impact bumpers are on parking lots where there are slower speeds.  The rear bumper will protect the body of the truck in case of a small bump from another car.  If you have a roll pan, there is more likely a chance to damage the paint and rear body work.

Most roll pans come unpainted, so that they can be better matched to your vehicles paint color.  This adds another cost to the purchase of a roll pan, but is required.  So keep that in mind when ordering your next body piece, the cost of painting can sometimes eclipse the price of the part itself.

Design 911 Porsche Specialist

It's hard to contain yourself when a tuned up Porsche passes by.  The Porsche in stock trim is an impressive piece of machinery, known for power, handling, and luxury.  However, start throwing some after market components at it and it becomes a different level of sexy.  For those Porsche enthusiasts lucky enough to get their hands on a 911, 997, Boxster, or even a Cayenne SUV the mod bug can take over quick, especially with so many parts and kits available.

If you live in the UK there is only one place to visit for specialized Porsche service, Design 911.  Furthermore, Design 911 is a world wide shipper of quality Porsche components like body kits, interior items, engine performance parts, and exhaust.  They have built their reputation on 60 years of combined experience, specifically related to servicing and modifying Porsche cars, race cars, and SUVs.

Design 911 is active amongst the Porsche community.  In 2008 they were an official sponsor for the Porsche Club Great Britain.  In 2009 Design 911 received the Who's Who of Britain's Business Elite award.  It's quite obvious when ordering parts from Design 911 you are not just dealing with any other internet business, this is a brick 'n mortar Porsche specialist.

Design 911 Facility

Looking for a Porsche service center?  Design 911 offers a full service center that is capable of handling every Porsche ever made.  The experienced team offers complete solutions from simple maintenance to full on restoration and engine rebuilds.  Furthermore all body work is also performed in house, to keep fixed costs down and allow for the highest of quality control.  The folks at Design 911 know what they are talking about, are familiar with their products, and can make recommendations on Porsche performance and tuning parts.

Design 911 also has an extensive Project Car Page that documents small projects like body kit fitting to full on Porsche race car conversions.  Light weight door swaps, engine swaps, and my personal favorite Project Orange as seen below.  Some of their more extensive projects can be seen at automotive events like the AutoSport NEC.

Project Orange Porsche

Business Information:

Headoffice & Showroom
Design 911 UK (Sideline Design Ltd )
Unit 5, Bracken Industrial Estate
185 Forest Road,
Hainault Essex, London.
IG6 3HX UK
tel:0044(0)208 500 8811
fax:0044(0)208 501 3015

Design 911 PDF Catalog

Let others take a bath in the depreciation of a new hybrid car, be the smarter sharper and purchase a used hybrid car.  Already there are a lot of hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius for sale on used car lots.  But the internet is the better way to shop and take advantage of areas with a larger supply of hybrid cars that create a buyers market.

Hybrid cars are all about looking green and what better way to save green than buying used hybrid cars.  As of this posting there are over 75 used Toyota Prius's on eBay.  The prices of these used hybrids range in price from $4,000 to $16,000 but are generally in the neighborhood of $10,000.  This is a huge savings over the cost of buying a new Toyota Prius hybrid.

If the Toyota Prius isn't your bag then you can also find a used Nissan Altima Hybrid for sale.  As of this posting it looks like a used hybrid Altima can be purchased for around $15,000.

Hyundai has already been throwing buzz words around like Turbo Charge and direct injection when describing the 2011 Hyundai Sonata.  The manufacturer has been very committed to the creation of the all new Sonata and stating that efficiency and power will be the focus of their engineers.

More interesting to this post is the spy pics of the 2011 Sonata and it's covered skin but exposed lines.  It resembles a more expensive BMW, but time will tell when we finally get the bra off these mammaries.

The general population will never know what it feels like to drop the hammer on a Testarosa, Enzo, Bentley, or other type of super car.  However, there are companies entering the market  that want to make it a reality, by offering super car rental.  So, just like you would stop down at your local Rent-A-Car place of choice and pick up a white 09 Impala, you would be able to pick up a new Ferrari Enzo.

I know I'd rather cruise into my next business meeting in a Lamborghini or Ferrari, rather than some tired Prius or stock white Dodge Neon.  Also, depending on which part of the country you live in, prices can range from very reasonable to a once in a lifetime weekend splurge.  For example, one company in California offers a Porsche Boxster for uner $200 per day, but also a Ferrari 360 Modena for $1200 per day rental.

Quick access to super car rentals can be seen best in Las Vegas.  Money flies around this town and a lucky person at the black jack table can walk out of the casino and rent a lambo for the night.  For the rest of us a little more planning may be involved, but at least there are options for the fraction of the price of a new super car.  I'm thinking I would just be happy renting a Shelby Mustang.

If you are interested in renting a Ferrari or Lamborghini, check out the Exotic Car Rental Directory for the rental car company near you.

Auto Loan

Under no circumstance am I recommending anyone run out and get a loan they cannot afford, but getting a loan with bad credit or no credit for a vehicle can be a great way to start building your credit back up again.  At one point the big lenders would not allow such a practice, therefore making it almost impossible to get back on the right track.  Thanks to some changes it's now much easier to secure an auto loan with bad credit.  Furthermore in some institutions it's as easy for someone with bad credit to get a loan as for people with 800+ credit scores.

Although it is easier for those with bad credit to get an auto loan, there are some pitfalls to watch out for.  First of all, make sure you get plenty of quotes, because this market can be very volatile.  Interest rates, the term of loans, and the type of auto you purchase can have a big impact on what type of auto loans you may qualify for.  Generally there will be two types of loans available to people with bad credit, SubPrime and Hard Money.

These two lending types make it possible to auto finance for bad credit applicants.  Generally it means you will be subjected to a higher interest rate or shorter terms, which translates into higher monthly payments.  However, if you are getting your feet placed firmly on the ground and ready to start building credit again, there is no faster or easier way.  Don't get discouraged, this economy has everyone feeling the pinch, so if you have bad credit, remember, there are options available.

Interested in adding some cool Ferrari 599xx wallpaper to your computer desktop?  Search no further than The-Grayline automotive forum, where our crack team of graphic designers are churning out hot wallpapers in a variety of sizes.

This is a maiden launch of available wallpapers, with more to come, covering different vehicles.  Download for free the Ferrari 599xx and Ferrari badge wallpapers below.