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Hope may remain for a convertible version of the Scion FR-S, according to a report from Wards Auto. Youll recall that rumors were swirling about the feasibility of a rear-drive Toyobaru convertible as early as October, and that back in November, Subaru â€" which makes the FR-S, Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86 â€" essentially nixed the idea of an open-topped variant.

"We make the car, so if we dont make it, it cant happen," brand chief Yasuyuki Yoshinaga told Automotive News, according to Wards, at the Tokyo Motor Show. "Our engineering department told me that losing the entire roof requires a complete redesign of the structure. It would need a big change."

Despite Yoshinaga-sans arguments against a droptop variant, Toyota is apparently still considering the model. Speaking to media at the 2014 North American International Auto Show, Scions US vice president, Doug Murtha, hinted that the rear-drive droptop was in the works.

"Its something were looking at internally from both a manufacturing standpoint - where do we build something thats relatively low-volume, if not at Subaru - and from an engineering standpoint: Where are those resources going to come from to do it?" Murtha said.

For now, it appears as if Toyota is merely doing its homework on the feasibility of a production version of the FT-86 Open Concept from the 2013 Geneva and Tokyo shows (show above). "Everybodys had to pony up their volumes and well see if we can make it happen," Murtha told Wards.

Whether the volumes check out or not, the question of how Toyota will get around the engineering issues - making a convertible safe - and figuring out where to build it, mean that while our hopes for an FR-S Convertible are higher, the car still faces a rather rocky road before reaching production.

There was a rumor back in April that Mercedes-Benz was busy developing a C450 model that would sit in between the current top-shelf C-Class, the C400, and the coming-soon C63 AMG. It appears that is entirely the case, and our spy shooters have the photos to prove it, showing off the newest model with no camouflage (in fetching Touring guise, no less).

Wearing a C450 4Matic badge at the rear and Sport AMG emblems on the front fenders, exact details about the new model still arent confirmed. The 4Matic designation indicates all-wheel drive for this particular vehicle, but rear-wheel drive could be available, as well. Power is rumored to be increased from the current 329 horsepower from the 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 in the C400 up to 367 horsepower.

Of course, the C450 doesnt get a full suite of AMG upgrades â€" those are reserved for the C63. However, buyers should still be able to show that they have something special. These spy photos highlight the C450s diamond grille, large wheels and quad tailpipes nestled in a rear diffuser. The car is also rumored to benefit from an improved suspension and brakes.

As these photos show, the model is being tested as a C-Class Touring, but a sedan version is almost a certainty as well. Besides, the wagon isnt even confirmed for the US yet. Our spies claim that the Sport AMG will likely be ready for sale by 2015. That seems hard to debate, because the car seen here looks ready to hit the road today.

13 Guide tips for buying a used car

What you have to look for when buying a used car? We give the details in our guide of tips for buying a used car, in both private rooms used cars.

All new cars have something in common and it is just that they are new. With just happens not used and there may be a gap between the two, although the appearance of the unit in question is good. Looking Used Vehicle Show 2012 in Madrid, other rooms used vehicles, or buying a used car from a private note to review the key points.

Mechanical defects are easily overlooked if the car has undergone some cosmetic touches to distract the buyers attention. Do not ever give up a journey of recognition and also in the classroom, accounts certified by independent professionals.

These are the key points to be reviewed when buying a used car:

 1. A used car tires

What you have to look?

 - cracks.
- Excessive or uneven wear.
- Flanks deformed.
- Incorrect pressure.
- Tread depth.
- Date of manufacture.

 2. Exhaust

What you have to look?

- Excessive emission of smoke by faults in the fuel mixture.
- Presence of cracks.
 
3. Bumper of a second hand car

what you have to look?
- Scrapes or scratches.
- Mal set or hook.
- Cracks or missing material.
- Appearance of being an original piece (subtle differences).
- Paint repairs.


4. Construction of a second hand car

What you have to look?
- Scratches and cracks crossing large paint and leave bare plate.
- Signs of corrosion.
- Dents greater than six inches.
- Changes in the tone or texture of the paint marks bumps.
- State of the rubber seals.

 5. Interior of a used car

What you have to look?
- Irregular belt slippage.
- Cracks or cuts on the seat belt.
- Failure of the anchors.
- Burns or stains.

Learn how to remove stains from upholstery.
 
6. Direction

What you have to look?
- Lock the steering wheel at some point.
- Backlash or excessive hardness.
- Fixing incorrect wheel.
- Noise and assisted mechanical steering.
- Parallel wrong

7. Fluid loss

What you have to look?
The lack of tightness of the circuits is one of the most common problems. The fluid leaks and stains can be caused by:
- Brake System.
- Air conditioning circuit.
- The engine.

 8. The brakes on a used car

What you have to look?
- Sinking excessive pedal.
- Noise.
- Tension handbrake.

9. The engine of a used car

What you have to look?

- Stops.
- Rough idle ..
- Weird noises in the engine compartment

10. Lights and indicators

What you have to look?

- Cracks and impacts.
- Breaks in the protection lampshades can affect the projection beam.
- Genuine parts.
- No unapproved devices (eg xenon)

11. Suspension

What you have to look?
 - Excessive swinging.
- Abnormal rattling.
- Slope charged body.

 12. Glass, windows and mirrors in a used car

What you have to look?


- Pitting and cracks greater than 1.5 cm and 1 m visible.
- Broken glass or sagging.
- No mirrors legal (central and left outside or both ext.)
 
13. Dashboard

What you have to look?
- Correct operation of all witnesses: sidelight and long, oil, turn signals, emergency stop, trip computer ...

We hope this guide will be helpful tips on your decision to purchase a second hand car. It is very important not to overlook any of these thirteen steps and to spend some time reviewing the status of each item. This way you can negotiate the price of the car used in a more advantageous.

With the advent of the computer age, more and more businesses are adopting the use of software and other technologies in their automotive repair shops. All old and huge manual of over 500 pages are being kept on the shelves of workshops to gather dust until someone takes them definitely. Not surprisingly, the mechanical workshops are becoming one of the major software buyers today. It was not until recently that the workshops began to incorporate technology into their daily work.

As the software became more accessible, more and more mechanics have adopted its use within their auto repair software for automotive workshops do the work of a well trained much easier mechanic, providing fast and accurate information, either through diagrams and techniques for repairing a vehicle or to control management of the workshop specifications. As software evolves has become easier to prepare budgets and estimates of work since they have databases that feed on estimates of what each work costs time and money.

SAP Business One account from the version for simple garages to complex programs that help engineers develop new products, software for automotive workshops can do practically anything you need. Particularly small workshops have benefited with such tools as their cost is very accessible and the benefit obtained is significantly higher in relation to its price. Its amazing what the best software programmers in the world can produce. Practically these specialized in supporting vehicle repair workshop and management systems have created a new lifestyle for mechanics, making information easily accessible and eliminating the tedious task of reviewing sheet of heavy foil printed manuals.

No more annotations on paper with illegible handwriting. No more misplaced. Now all that information can be transferred to electronic files and can be handled in many different programs for automotive workshops. Any shop that has not adopted the use of software, will be shelved. It will become less profitable work a machine shop in the old way, without the equipment and knowledge necessary to properly handle the large number of customers and service vehicles that demand software.

SAP Business One provides virtually any workshop increase revenues due to increased productivity resulting from the use of such tools. A clear example of this is the franchise of repair and automotive maintenance which use software that practically tell their employees what to do. This is also reason why more and are less ancient and more modern workshops workshops. Before it was possible to sustain business tips in small geographic areas to keep the revenue stream. Now these small workshops have been overtaken as the colonies grow, as they can not meet the growing number of customers and vehicles needing service.


Only with paper and books to the most talented mechanic will have trouble staying in business. And besides all this, the technology in vehicles is constantly evolving, so there is no way a mechanic who has been in business for 20 years knows all about each of the vehicles in the market. The software for automotive repair shops becoming easier to obtain the necessary information, and helps organize the large number of customers and their vehicles. This incredible tool was developed specifically for that purpose, so it is understandable that more and more shops in the world are adopting.

e-ngenium & SAP is more than a software solution. It is a strategic solution for automotive companies willing to succeed. SAP Business One offers a single data platform for engineering, planning, management of the supply chain, procurement and management of customer relationships.

Ford Focus RS with 330 hp: Confirmed 2015. The third generation of the Ford Focus RS will go on sale in 2015, according to senior hands of Ford have confirmed to the British publication Autocar. The new Ford Focus RS engine mount a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbo in a transverse position, which would develop 330 hp of maximum power, sent directly to the front wheels, and equip a limited slip differential. Also, new symposer Sound system incorporated to amplify engine noise in the cabin. See the third-generation Focus RS, with 330 hp ...

A Focus RS, to market globally
As recently confirmed the proper sphere of the American firm, around 2015 appears the third generation Focus RS, which could undergo a substantial change in relation to the model of the second brood, going through a revolution of its aesthetics, both external inside and in the engine model, which will be the same as the Ford Mustang in the European version.
This new model will spread almost entirely to international markets, to exit and reach the Asian American in full swing, or Europe, plunged into a deep crisis, investing in niche markets hitherto unknown to the American manufacturer.
Barb Samardzich, vice president of product development at Ford Europe, announced the publication Autocar, that "we have focused on developing vehicles for global markets", as seen in the cases of the European Mustang, Edge or the new Fiesta .
Motor and its features
Under the hood, ride the four cylinder engine of 2.3 liters, which will achieve maximum power of 330 HP, due to the introduction of a turbocharger. The block will stay at the transverse position to deliver all this new power to the front axle.
Therefore, the U.S. manufacturer intends to use a limited slip differential (LSD), a superior braking system and tires for more grip and size, for siting being the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG and BMW M135i, among other models.
This same engine is completely respectful of the environment and reduced consumption present, when installing a new system of direct injection and a turbo to help the efficiency of the engine, which at first was thought to develop electrically and each rear wheel to even further increase the power and reduce emissions. Subsequently, it was discarded due to its high cost.
More news
The carrier is most sports, and serve the Sound symposer, a sound system to amplify the motor, and a safety valve to prevent leakage.
Other improvements include changing Revoknuckle front suspension that was developed for the last RS, but rejected by the current ST because engineers thought in an electronic solution to handle its torque. The RS incorporates this type of suspension, as engineers are convinced that they will win in braking, steering and traction aids. In 2015, a new Focus RS ...

Better safe: this maxim applies to almost everything in this life and the car is part of our daily life, so it is not exempted from complying with the said. We all know you have to change the oil, the wheels ... but other elements are not so obvious and yet, replace them is equally important.

The tips Ill give below are general; the ideal is that you check the manual of your car or maintenance (also called service book), which will specify the plans and sometimes a "check list" with the points we need to review and how often we do.

The first thing to know is that some components of your vehicle not only wear out with use: well over time, so periodic maintenance plan revisions are every 10,000 miles or one year, for example. Although not make you reach 10,000 km in a year, you should inspect them equally.

Brake fluid every 2 years

This is one of the aging over time rather than kilometers elements. Most brake fluids used in the automobile are composed of a hydrophilic alcohol (its molecules have great affinity for water); this makes it go absorbing water in the atmosphere, producing two very dangerous effects:

Low boiling point, which boils at a lower temperature and can stay without brakes by excess heat down a port: the pedal becomes fluffy and just stops the car. It is known as fadding brake fluid.
Water promotes the formation of oxides and can emulsify the liquid, causing damage to the braking system.
Having an accident or repair the ABS valve body is infinitely more expensive to change (inevitably) the brake fluid within a period of two years. A liter of DOT 4 costs about 10 dollars and one hour of labor; a hydraulic power unit 30 can be multiplied by that amount.

The same fluid is commonly used for the clutch mechanism on cars with hydraulic control: we must also replace, taking advantage we do the same with the brakes.

Everyone knows that changing the oil should also replace the filter (every change, not every two, as I have seen sometimes in a workshop ... the average price of an oil filter is 12 dollars, for that amount not worth dirtying the new oil by passing it through an old filter). Although he is best known, is not the only filter the car.

It is surprising that until 1978 nobody (was Saab) occurred to him that if an air filter on the engine to prevent damage to the cylinder by the entry of impurities becomes, not a bad idea "sift" the air they breathe passengers, far more important than a propeller. Thus, the Swedish brand pioneered by incorporating a filter at the entrance of air into the interior.

These filters can quickly fill (especially in cities), because to increase its effectiveness are electrostatically charged to trap dust, pollen, etc. Should be replaced every year. If you ever see the state traditionally found, you will understand the important work they perform. In addition, a cabin filter in disrepair may cause damage to the HVAC system, odors and increased energy consumption -at reduce the flow of air.

In the car we find the following filters:

Oil filter: must be changed every time the oil itself is replaced; in a modern car is usually every year or 20,000 km, which reach before. In most veteran models, the change should be done every 10,000 km: check the maintenance plan your vehicle.
Engine Air Filter: often sufficient to clean and "blow"; should be checked at least once a year, but usually hold more, depending on how dusty it is the area in which we usually move.
Fuel Filter: it is normal to be replaced every 4 years or 60,000 km, is very important in modern engines with direct fuel injection, in order to avoid damage to the high pressure pump and injectors.
Cabin air filter: must be replaced once a year and avoid the proliferation of mites and allergies.
Oil Filter in automatic gearbox: is vital for the life of the gearbox, change along with the hydraulic fluid every 60,000 km.

liquids will expire

In the car there are several fluids that age with the miles, but also temperature changes, dirt and time eventually cause them to lose their properties, so it is convenient replacement.

Coolant: currently used organic coolants that are "for life". However, it is not more change and make a flushing (cleaning with another liquid) cooling circuit to keep it in perfect condition. In my opinion, should be done every 10 years. If your car is older and uses a conventional antifreeze based on glycol, you should change it every 2 or 4 years maximum; otherwise lost properties and can break the engine block ... or cause freeze heaters in summer, repairs that can multiply by 100 the price of antifreeze.
Engine oil: in modern cars has greatly lengthened the interval for oil change. A good synthetic oil can easily exceed 15,000 km (although you might check the level every 1,000 km or monthly). The service book will show you the recommended period. Follow it to the letter.
Differential oil and manual gearbox: these fluids are marked in the car manual as "maintenance"; in theory should last a lifetime. Im not quite agree with this statement and I heartily recommend that you change every 100,000 km or 10 years.

Automatic transmission fluid: it is important to replace the oil in automatic transmissions, especially those operating with a torque converter, as temperatures reach important. Do not spare a penny into a liquid shoddy or lengthen their replacement, since repairing an automatic transmission can be ruinous. Typically, to be replaced every 60,000 km or 5 years maximum, but check the manual for your car.
Steering fluid: slowly, electrical addresses are blurring the hydraulic assistance, but still exist and must change the fluid every 100,000 miles or 10 years to prevent damage to the seals.
LHM fluid Citroën: the unique hydropneumatic suspension Citroën need in perfect condition the LHM fluid to avoid problems. Follow the maintenance schedule to the letter.
Motor peripheral

There are elements in the motor to be changed to prevent breakage that can we stop lying or cause serious damage. It is very sad how your trip will crash when the crane takes your car with something as banal as a broken alternator belt. Usually pieces whose cost is relatively cheap and it compensates anticipate its ruling.

Auxiliary belt: the rotational movement of the crankshaft is used to move more to the car wheels; also drives elements such as the alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor, etc. On some cars it is a single belt that moves all auxiliary, in others there are several straps. Typically, 100,000 km are changed, but it is worth that you check every year for cracks or were stained with oil, which damages. If you hear a kind of squeak when accelerating, it is likely that the belt is slipping and can be broken, leaving pulled or causing serious damage.

Coolant Thermostat: Thermostat is responsible for opening the passage of coolant from the engine to the radiator to cool down. If damaged, water is not cool and can break the gasket or even gripar mechanics. Just costs 40 dollars, change it every 10 years or 100,000 km.

Water Pump: a great forgotten until it fails and we have a problem. It can last a lifetime, but worth it changed before you take a fright, especially when our car moves through the same belt that distribution: in this case, water pump seized to do jump distribution. Replace it with the timing belt forever.
Timing belt: it is vital not to rush his return, sooner rather than later to the manufacturers recommendation. Typically, come prepared to be replaced every 100,000 km or six years, but check the manual for your car: replacement intervals vary between brands.

Rubber hoses and tubes: modern engines work more like a plumber than a mechanic, are full of tubes and hoses by circulating coolant, air, gasoline ... Over time, the sleeves lose stiffness and swollen; also brittle. Check your state frequently and begins to "suspect" from 10 years or 200,000 km. Many problems misfires due to air intakes caused by cracks in the corresponding pipe of the engine, you will not be first to switch a flow of more than $ 500 because of a hairline crack in a rubber of only 4 dollars . Check them and replace them at the first sign of old age.