Monthly Archives: September 2012

Paris Motor Show: The Best of the Eye-Candy

The saying goes that a picture is worth a thousand words. As the Paris Motor Show kicks off tomorrow, we wanted to leave you with some of the best pictures and eye-candy that awaits car enthusiasts this weekend. Enjoy, and make sure to catch up with the rest of our Paris Motor Show coverage here.

McLaren P1, the "ultimate supercar"

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4

Jaguar F-TYPE, minus Lana Del Rey

Peugeot Onyx Concept Car

Citroen Numéro 9, picture via CarScoop

If these pictures make you want to do some car shopping of your own, Approved Loan Store wants to help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and get the latest car news and shopping tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Paris Motor Show: What’s New and Shiny from Chevrolet

The Paris Motor Show kicks off tomorrow, and all the major car manufacturers are giving auto enthusiasts an early sneak peek at what they can expect to see from the show. Today is our last day of coverage before the show, but you can get the latest from the Paris Motor Show via the show’s official website.

Chevrolet will be only debuting one new SUV at the Paris Motor Show, but they are showing off several new updates to old favorites that are certainly worthy of note.

First up, the headliner is the new Chevrolet Trax which Chevy has touted as dependable yet modern, a highly versatile SUV that handles like a car. It is a smaller sized SUV but has space to seat 5 people, and the seats can be folded over for additional storage in the back. For the driver, the Chevrolet Trax will include Chevrolet MyLink as a standard feature. MyLink syncs with the driver’s smartphone and allows the driver to place calls, select a music playlist, get directions, or access other information from their smartphone on the car’s high resolution touchscreen. The screen also shows the car’s rear view camera, an invaluable tool when parallel parking.

I have a feeling that the Trax will appeal to people who like the look and space of an SUV vs. a sedan but prefer the handling of a smaller car. Families will probably be the target audience, and with the MyLink system as a standard feature, I could see the Trax doing very well with car shoppers who might otherwise consider a minivan or a four-door hatchback sedan.

The rest of Chevy’s Paris Motor Show line-up is mainly redesigns and updates. The Chevy Spark will get a redesigned grille, front bumper, head light covers, and fog lights as well as a new center LED light in the spoiler above the window. Additionally, the Chevy Orlando will be getting a new 1.4L turbo gasoline engine that will be more fuel efficient at about 38 miles per gallon, and the Cruze station wagon and Malibu diesel will be on display, though they have already premiered in Europe. Finally, Chevrolet’s two Youth Concepts, the Code 130R and Tru 140S, will be on display again. These concepts have previously been on display at shows around the world from New York to Beijing and Geneva, and they have gotten rave reviews. The Code 130R even made CNET’s top 10 best concept cars of the international auto show season, so while the Code 130R and Tru 140S have already been seen around the world, they are still an exciting addition to the Paris Motor Show.

To see more of the upcoming show, stay tuned to the Approved Loan Store and check out the event’s official site here. Also, get the latest auto news by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Family Sells Classic 94-Year-Old “Honeymoon Car”

At Approved Loan Store, we love a good classic car, which is why we were so intrigued by a beautiful 1918 Chevrolet D-Series that will be up for auction in Hershey, Pa. next month.

What makes this particular car special besides its age and pristine condition is that the family selling the car is the same family who originally bought the car nearly a hundred years ago. According to a profile in the Wall Street Journal, the car has been passed down in the family for generations. The first owner was Elam Becker who received it as a gift from his father John Becker. Throughout the years, it was a good car for the family, and it was dubbed the “Honeymoon Car” after Becker drove to Washington D.C. and eloped with his then-fiancée.

When Becker bought a new car in 1928, he put the “Honeymoon Car” in storage and didn’t bring it back out until 1949 when he began restoring the car. He started doing car shows and events with his wife, and they always brought along their 1918 Chevrolet. In 1974, they even celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary at the Hershey Fall Meet with their beloved car. After that, they gave the car to their son who is now selling it nearly 40 years later.

For car enthusiasts and anyone who loves a healthy dose of nostalgia, this car is a dream. It will probably sell for around $35,000 to $45,000 and will come with the original order sheet, bill of sale, and owner’s manual. The auction is scheduled for Thursday, October 11 thru Friday October 12 in Hershey, Pa., and you can get more information on the auction by contacting RM Auctions.

Are you ready to get into the car you want at rates you can afford? Approved Loan Store can help! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and get the latest auto news and buying tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Chevy Offers $10,000 in Discounts on Volt

If you’ve been thinking about picking up the Chevy Volt but were hesitant because of the price, right now might be the perfect time to buy.

The Chevy Volt has had a tough time in sales since its release, even with drivers who are environmentally conscious or loved the idea of paying only $1.50 to charge its battery. It was a great car, but the timing of its launch was completely wrong. People were looking to cut costs in the short term, and paying $41,000 for a compact car did not make sense, no matter if they saved money in the long run.

Now, Chevy is trying to move the Volt off its lots without too much of a loss. There has been a $7,500 federal tax credit attached to the Volt to encourage drivers to make the change to a hybrid, but Chevy has added on more incentives throughout 2012, adding up to a $10,000 discount. Since the discounts were put in place, Volt sales have seen a dramatic change. Chevy has already sold over 13,000 Volts this year compared to 7,700 last year. The Volt is beating out every other electric car on the market including the Prius Plug-in and the Nissan Leaf.

Chevy is not the only dealership moving last year’s models off the lot. At this time of the year, dealerships across the country are offering deep discounts on a wide range of makes and models. For the best deals, now is the time to buy that new or used car, and Approved Loan Store is ready to help you every step of the way. Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to help you get in the car you want at terms you can afford!

To get started today, fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and be sure to like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube for the latest auto news and buying tips!

Ford Focus Challenges Corolla for World’s Top Seller

For years, the Toyota Corolla has reigned as the world’s best-selling car, but this year, the reigning champ might have some competition.

Ford has projected that based on their current sales numbers, the Ford Focus will outsell the Toyota Corolla worldwide in 2012. According to their press release, the Ford Focus is leading the Toyota Corolla, 489,616 to 462,187. Volkswagen also has its sights set on the top spot with the new VW Golf, though it is not expected to overtake the Corolla this year.

While it would be exciting to see a shake-up with the top rankings, I think Ford is being a little premature in their celebrating. After all, they have been close to beating the Corolla before and have ultimately lost in the final sprint to the end of the year. I’m not a superstitious person, but I do believe that Ford might have jinxed itself with this press release. Maybe they should have focused a little less on press releases over a projected win and focused on selling their Focus.

Whether you want a Toyota, a Ford, a Volkswagen, or something else entirely, Approved Loan Store wants to help! Good credit, bad credit, we want to get you into a great car! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and be sure to like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

The Paris Motor Show: What’s New and Shiny from Land Rover

The Paris Motor Show is coming up later this week, and all the major car manufacturers are giving auto enthusiasts an early sneak peek at what they can expect to see from the show. Up until the show, we are going to bring you the latest news and announcements coming out of the Paris Motor Show.

The new Range Rover has already made Autoblog’s list of their top 10 Paris Motor Show debuts, but two weeks ago, Land Rover customers got a sneak peek of the new Range Rover at the beautiful former Frick estate.

Those who were lucky enough to get an invite got to preview the new vehicle, tour the grounds and mansion, and enjoy catered food and cocktails. For longtime fans, there was a lot to admire about the model’s updates. Changes to the Range Rover included the fully automatic “Terrain Response 2” system, a more aerodynamic design, and an all-aluminum unibody structure that is 700 pounds lighter than the previous model. Such a dramatic drop in the weight of the car will create better fuel efficiency for the Range Rover, making it more appealing to the environmentally conscious and those who would rather pay less at the pump.

Attendees at the Paris Motor Show will get to see the new Range Rover soon enough, but it was a nice gesture for Land Rover to show their appreciation to their most loyal customers by hosting this event prior to the show. Ultimately, they gave their fans exactly what they wanted, which was a new Range Rover that improved on the past model. Everything else (cocktail hour included) was just an extra perk.

The Paris Motor Show: What’s New and Shiny from Fiat

The Paris Motor Show is coming up in a little over a week, and all the major car manufacturers are giving auto enthusiasts an early sneak peek at what they can expect to see from the show. Up until the show next week, we are going to bring you the latest news and announcements coming out of the Paris Motor Show.

Fiat won’t be officially premiering their new Panda 4X4 five-door hatch until the Paris Motor Show next week, but a few weeks ago, they released a few promo pictures (and a rather lengthy press release) to pique our interest.

The Panda 4X4, dubbed the “Super Panda,” practically screams “off-road” in its design, though Fiat claims it is a versatile car that can tackle the “urban jungle” as well as rough terrain. The exterior is a dark forest green, and the interior color scheme reminds me of army camo with a mix of light tan and dark green. Buyers will have their choice of two different engines, either the new 85 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo or the 75 HP 1.3 MultiJet II diesel, and the interior will come with a standard manual climate control system, CD/MP3 radio, electric rear view windows, and more as well as other optional accessories.

I wouldn’t say that the Panda 4X4 is the most exciting addition to the Paris Motor Show, but it does offer something that none of these other off-road vehicles do not offer. Fiats have this adorable charm to them that is really hilarious when paired with the rough-and-tumble off-road vehicle culture. Even the dark green and tan color scheme doesn’t toughen up its image. When I look at the “Super Panda,” it reminds me of a roly-poly baby panda dressed up in army camo and trying to growl ferociously, and I can’t think of a single other off-road vehicle that offers that charm.

The Paris Motor Show: What’s New and Shiny from Lexus

Lexus’ big headliner at the 2012 Paris Motor Show will be a new concept car making its debut this year. The LF-CC will have a lot to live up to after the unveiling of the LF-LC at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year with its sporty look and bold tagline, “The Pursuit of Perfection.” How will Lexus make the LF-CC stand out in an already large number of concept cars at the Paris Motor Show?

The first pictures of the LF-CC look slick, classy, and more understated than the LF-LC. On the outside, the bodywork is designed for maximum traction, and the mesh grille and LED 3-light headlights give it a decidedly cool modern look. On the inside, there is a new 2.5 liter full hybrid powertrain with a high-output electric motor. Like other concept cars coming to the Paris Motor Show, lower carbon dioxide emissions are a concern, and their new hybrid powertrain gives out less than 100 g/km. According to a press release from Toyota, Lexus is planning to integrate this hybrid powertrain in its other models in the next few years, so while the model is a concept car, the technology it brings will be available soon.

Lexus did not include any pictures of the car’s interior, but they are putting emphasis on their Human Machine Interface, or HMI, design philosophy. They claim that the layout of the interior creates a better driving experience that will keep the driver focused and comfortable. The interior color scheme is described as a “warm, elegant amber leather finish” and compliments the outside’s contrasting metallic finish.

I will be looking for the LF-CC at the show, but right now, I am not as excited for the LF-CC as some of the other concept cars. The new hybrid powertrain sounds interesting, and I really love the exterior shots. The problem is that they are playing up the car as a “superior driving experience,” and a huge part of a luxury car is its interior. If they had included even just one picture of that “elegant amber leather finish,” I could get more excited for its premiere, but as it is right now, I feel like I’ve only seen half of a car.

The Paris Motor Show: What’s New and Shiny from Kia

Kia’s line-up for the Paris Motor Show is a bit more modest than BMW or Nissan. They are only pushing two new vehicles, and neither car is flashy or futuristic or have promotional pictures with Lady Gaga’s rejected back-up dancers. The new Carens is a family-oriented compact car, and the new pro_cee’d is a souped-up hatchback that was actually a pretty popular model for Kia.

What they lack in pizazz, though, they make up for in practicality. Kia loves to tout its value, and the newest upgrades to both models make them an even better deal for buyers on a budget. For the environmentally conscious, Kia has also worked to reduce carbon dioxide emissions with the new pro_cee’d down to 97 g/km. I predict right now that Kia isn’t going to make any big headlines this year, but their new and improved Carens and pro_cee’d will quietly rack up some great sales for Kia.

The Paris Motor Show: What’s New and Shiny from BMW

BMW’s line-up for the Paris Motor Show is squarely focused on the future of the industry, specifically electric car and hybrid technology. Their headliner is the BMW Concept Active Tourer which consumes less than 2.5 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers, or 0.66 gallon per 62 miles. They will also be showing off the BMW i3 Concept which is entirely electric drive and built with environmental sustainability in mind. Materials used in the car’s interior were chosen carefully including the eucalyptus wood for the instrument panel and the olive leaf treatment used on the leather seats.

BMW will be showing off more than just concept cars, though. The new BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, and 7 Series will all be premiering at the Paris Motor Show, and BMW’s new ConnectedDrive feature will also be on display. ConnectedDrive is a built-in three-dimensional navigational system and dictation service which allows drivers to write e-mails and text messages without their eyes ever leaving the road. The system is available for all BMW models.

While I’m sure the concept cars will be an interesting peek at what lies ahead, I am more interested in seeing how ConnectedDrive stacks up against other voice recognition/navigational systems. Does the voice recognition actually work, or will the first model have problems? I hope that BMW has not cut corners with the technology like other manufacturers have done in the past few years. We have covered the dangers of distracted driving, and if ConnectedDrive works the way it is intended, it could keep more drivers’ eyes off their phones and on the road.