BMW Engines Prove Their Quality

Everyone who knows about cars knows this, BMW makes high performance cars that are top of the line quality. BMW has been providing this level of quality since it started rolling out cars in 1916. One may ask how BMW's quality stacks up against the rest of the competition. Try 4 out of 8 size categories taken by BMW at this year's prestigious International Engine of the Year Awards 2011. This is against stiff competition such as known automakers Audi, Ferrari, Volkswagen, Fiat, and others. Voted on by 65 judges from over 32 different counties this award one of the most sought after in the international car business. The engines are judged on every aspect of the engine including fuel economy, smoothness, performance, noise, and drivability Since 1999 BMW has taken 50 class category and overall awards at these ceremonies proving a long standing dominance in the international car world.

BMW took the 1.4 liter to 1.8 liter category with its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that is in the Mini Cooper S making this the fourth year in a row that BMW has taken this category. The engine uses Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and a variable valve control using technology developed for BMW's patented VALVETRONIC system. At 1.6 L generating 184 horsepower this engine is the most powerful and efficient for its size.

The BMW 123d and the BMW X1 xDrive23d's engine, a 4 cylinder diesel, took the 1.8L to 2L category by providing a best in class 204hp. It did this in addition to providing excellent fuel economy and low emission levels. This makes it the second year in a row that this engine has taken the 1.8L-2L category.

In the next size class of engine BMW once again took an award for the second year in a row in the 2.5 liter to 3 liter category with its 3 liter V6 engine found in its BMW 5 Series, BMW X3, BMW 6 Series Convertible, and the new BMW 6 Series Coupé. Utilizing a Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct injection technology High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC valve control BMW managed to fight off competition by once again providing excellent power (320 hp) at a fuel efficient rate. The older version of this model have taken three of these awards and won overall in the years 2007-2008.

The naturally aspirated 4 liter V8 engine that is in the BMW M3 Coupé, BMW M3 Saloon, and BMW M3 Convertible has the most impressive streak of any of the engines BMW is running with a 4 year streak of dominance in the 3 liter to 4 liter category. This engine generates a huge amount of horsepower at 420. The BMW engine, aside from featuring excellent performance and impeccable efficiency, also has superior features such as Auto Start Stop function; brake energy regeneration and further Efficient Dynamics technologies that give the BMW engine a mercurial feel.

With its recent successes and history of remarkable quality and amazing performance, along with its drive to provide the best car to its customers, one can only expect that BMW will be back with a vengeance at next year's International Engine of the Year Awards.

The Difference Between A Toyota Camry And A Toyota Solara

Between 1998 and 2009 Toyota had two models of its best selling car the Camry. There was the standard Toyota Camry and the Toyota Camry Solara, also known as the Toyota Solara.

While these two cars share similar features, there were also several notable differences. This article will cover the history of the Solara and how it is different from the Toyota Camry. Here is what you need to know.

Toyota Solara Beginnings

Toyota began manufacturing the Toyota Solara in 1998 as a two-door, sportier version of the Camry. The Toyota Solara was a replacement for the Toyota Camry Coupe. Toyota created the Toyota Camry Coupe four years earlier, to provide a sportier option for people considering buying a Camry. Its main competition was the Honda Accord Coupe, a mid-sized car with sporty features.

As a replacement for the Camry Coupe the Solara featured a four cylinder engine with slightly more power than a standard Camry engine. The model also featured an upgraded stereo as well as sport options. A few years after introduction, Toyota added a Solara convertible to its lineup of mid-sized cars.

Toyota Solara Performance

As noted earlier the Toyota Solara had slightly more power than the Camry. Toyota also offered a V-6 option in 2002 for better performance. In terms of gas mileage a typical Solara got between 19-23 miles per gallon for city driving and 26-33 miles per gallon for highway driving.

By comparison, the latest Toyota Camry gets similar gas mileage. It gets 22 miles per gallon for city driving and 33 miles per gallon for highway driving.

Toyota Solara Exterior

The most notable difference between the Solara and the Camry was the exterior. The Solara was a two door car whereas the Camry was a four door car. The Solara also featured more sportier trim options. The Solara also had a more streamlined look to its exterior.

As mentioned before the Solara also had a convertible option. The convertibles typically had V-6 engines in them.

Additional Features

With the Toyota Solara you could also get some additional features. Options included sport suspension and performance tires, leather upholstery as well as a six-disc CD changer. You could also get 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Later models of the Solara, featured Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, navigation systems and MP3 support.

Toyota Solara Discontinued

Despite its unique style, Toyota decided to discontinue the Solara from its Camry lineup in 2009. This was due to dropping sales over the years. There was not much demand for sportier mid-sized cars with convertible options.

Despite it being discontinued, the Toyota Solara remains a popular vehicle for used buyers who are looking for a sportier mid-sized car. The car handles well and it is easy to find genuine Toyota parts [http://www.toyotapartscenter.net] and Toyota OEM parts [http://www.toyotapartscenter.net] for this vehicle since it shares many parts with the Camry.

Since this car is now discontinued there are questions whether Toyota will have a mid-sized coupe again in the future. As of know, Toyota features its standard Camry lineup along with a hybrid option.

Electric Versus Traditional Car Engines

According to the EPA, a majority of greenhouse gas emissions come from cars and trucks. In past years, gas from transportation is the second largest contributor. The United States' average commute is roughly 20 miles which translates to a 0.01 metric ton of carbon dioxide emitted for just one trip. Though seemingly small, this adds up fast throughout the year as everyone commutes. Out of all transportation, about 1,750,000 metric tons is emitted in a year. This statistic only includes the United States and is a dangerously high number.

The consequences of all the air pollutants does not come at no risk. The large amount of carbon dioxide emitted every year is what experts believe is the cause of global warming. The warming can endanger our health and can cause extreme weather such as higher sea levels due to flooding and droughts. Because oil is a non-renewable resource, it will only become more difficult to obtain, which will make the burning of gasoline even worse.

With all the seemingly negative effects of traditional car engines, there are some positives. Engines that run on gas will travel much further than an electric engine. All electric cars will only travel up to 100 miles on a full charge before needing to be plugged in again. If a consumer is not near somewhere they can charge, this can be a cause for concern to the individual. Charging stations have not become a commodity that is everywhere yet. Also, the price for a car with a combustion engine will be priced lower than that of a pure hybrid vehicle. The average price to buy the hybrid car brand new can reach up to $30,000, but a regular midsize sedan has an average price of around $18,000.

Although electric vehicles are priced significantly higher than the others, they will typically last several years longer than a gasoline based car. A battery in the electric car will last up to 100,000 miles before needing to be replaced. With no engine to give maintenance to, money is saved through the lack of oil changes and upkeep. In addition, brakes will last notably longer therefore making it even more cost efficient. Lastly, and most important, zero emissions will flow out from the electric vehicle. Some emissions are exuded to make the electricity to charge the car, but it does not compare to the greenhouses gases put into the air through combustion engines.

The demand for an all hybrid car has increased within the past decade, yet traditional cars still sell better. According to the EIA, electric cars sell at a very small fraction compared to gas cars. Yet, by 2040, the growth rate of electric cars is expected to be 11%, whereas conventional cars will only grow by 0.1%. Most family households are presumed to have the two types of vehicles in the future, one for traveling far distances and the other for riding around town. If these predictions are correct, transportation will no longer be a tremendous contributor of greenhouse gases and each individual's carbon footprint will not have as much of an impact on the environment.