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New Car Financing: Toyota’s New Teaser Trailer for 2013 RAV4

The L.A. Auto Show is almost here, and auto makers are teasing us with all sorts of previews before the show’s official debuts. The latest to jump on the bandwagon is Toyota with their teaser trailer for the 2013 RAV4.

The RAV4 will premiere at a press conference on Wednesday, November 28 as part of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Toyota calls the new RAV4 “a new generation” of car, “embodying sophistication and strength.” Whether it lives up to that praise is yet to be seen, but here is the flashy teaser trailer for the RAV4.

While I am intrigued by the unveiling of the RAV4, the teaser trailer showed very little of the car. The ad had a lot of tight shots and quick cuts, and when it was over, I was disappointed at how little the ad showed off. I get that they don’t want to show off too much before the show, but I was hoping for more than what Toyota gave me.

Readers, what do you think? Do you like the teaser for the 2013 Toyota RAV4, or did it leave you wanting more? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

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Chevrolet and Disney Take Test Drives to the Next Level

Since it is Friday, we thought we’d send our readers into the weekend with a smile and a touch of magic courtesy of the good people at Disney and Chevrolet.

In just under 3 weeks, one of Walt Disney World’s most thrilling rides Test Track will reopen after a major renovation and upgrade.

Test Track presented by Chevrolet is a high-speed ride that takes park guests through a vehicle test drive. It opened in 1999 replacing the World of Motion attraction and quickly became a popular ride. In Test Track, riders would brave extreme weather, rough terrain, and sharp turns as engineers test the car’s performance.

In recent years, Disney parks have striven to give park goers a unique experience when they come back to a favorite attraction. The recent Star Tours reboot was broken into 3 acts with different beginnings, middles, and endings, creating hundreds of possible combinations for the ride. Also, the recent Radiator Springs Racers at Cars Land has two different tracks and an ending race that changes with each ride.

Test Track took a page from Star Tours and Radiator Springs Racers’ book. Before the upgrade, every guest that rode Test Track had essentially the same experience. Now, guests will get to design their own vehicle before boarding the ride, and the choices they make will affect their ride experience. Melissa Jeselnick of Walt Disney Imagineering explains, “Your input, plus the Chevrolet design know-how and a dash of Disney magic equals your very own concept car with trillions of possible outcomes.”

From concept art, it looks like riders will design their car on a touch-screen computer while in line, but it is not clear exactly how all of these customizable elements will work once the ride is up and running. Fortunately, car enthusiasts and Disney fans will just have to wait a little while longer to see the finished ride. The new Test Track presented by Chevrolet is scheduled to open December 6 at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center.

Are you excited for the new test track? Does the interactive design element make you more or less likely to try it? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Are you looking for a great new or used car that can stand up to bad weather and rough roads? Approved Loan Store can help! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to get you into a car you want at terms you can afford! 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!

LA Auto Show: Honda Announces New Civic Premiere

In 2 weeks, Honda will unveil the new Civic at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and early word that Honda listened to its fans and critics with the newest model of one of their most popular cars.

Almost 50 vehicles will debut during the show including world premieres from Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler, and Honda will be showing off several new vehicles including the Civic. Some members of the press, though, got an early look this week to stir up excitement for the official premiere at the show.

On the outside, the 2013 Civic will have an open-mouth lower bumper, a black mesh grille with integrated fog lights, and larger jewel-style tail lights, but reports are saying that it is what’s on the inside that counts with the new Civic. According to the Wall Street Journal, Honda has updated the interior, turned their focus to the driver’s comfort, and overall aimed to give it a feeling of luxury and youth.

Will the new Civic live up to the hype? We won’t know for another two weeks yet, but looking at the LA Auto Show line-up, it will have to bring its A-game to stand out from the pack. Then again, Honda has a history of excellence with awards from Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Green Car Journal, not to mention About.com’s 2012 Best New Car award. They just might be up to the challenge.

No matter if you’re looking for a Civic, an Accord, or something else entirely, Approved Loan Store can help you! Whether if you have good credit, bad credit, or no credit, we want to get you into the car you want at terms you can afford! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and get the latest auto news and tips by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Veteran’s Day: GM Military Discount Now More Inclusive

Last Sunday was Veteran’s Day, but even before Sunday, General Motors was honoring our veterans by announcing an expansion on their current military discount.

For years, GM has offered discounts on most Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC models for active duty, reservists, and retired service members and their spouses. Starting this weekend, however, the program will be expanded to veterans within a year after discharge. Linda Stouffer, who serves as GM’s marketing manager for vehicle service programs, explained that the expansion would help include more returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan and emphasized that the program is “just one way” that GM thanks America’s servicemen and women.

In addition to the military discount, GM supports Cell Phones for Soldiers, Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans, the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, and numerous other employment initiatives for returning soldiers. They are also sponsors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative, a nationwide program that sponsors hundreds of hiring fairs every year.

If you want to learn more about GM’s program and whether you qualify, go to their military website here, and if you are looking to get into a new or used car, Approved Loan Store can help! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we are ready to get you into the car you want at terms you can afford. Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and 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!

CONSUMER ALERT: Jeep Recall on Certain Jeep Grand Cherokee, Liberty Vehicles

Last Friday, Chrysler announced that they will be recalling certain Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles after discovering an issue with the airbags system.

According to the NHTSA, the front and side curtain airbags in some vehicles have been deploying inadvertently which can cause the driver to be injured or to lose control of the vehicle. The affected vehicles are 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles that were manufactured between January 9, 2001 and March 28, 2003 as well as 2002, 2003, and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees manufactured between February 13, 2001 and May 23, 2003. Chrysler has stated that any affected owners will be contacted, and owners can take their vehicles to their local Chrysler dealership to have their airbag system fixed free of charge.

If owners have any questions about the recall, go to http://www.safercar.gov or call Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753 or the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

We at the Approved Loan Store want to keep our readers safe on the road, and you can get the latest auto news and consumer alerts by liking Approved Loan Store on Facebook, following Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribing to Approved Loan Store on YouTube. Also, if you are looking for a new or used vehicle, we are ready to help you!  Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to get you in the car you want at rates you can afford! Fill out our secure online auto loan application here, and we will contact you with the Approved Loan Store location nearest you!

Ferrari Auction Benefits Red Cross’ Hurricane Sandy Efforts

If you happen to have a load of money burning in your pocket and want to do something for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts, Ferrari is auctioning off a car that is the first of its kind.

The very first F12 Berlinetta sold in the United States will be auctioned off by Ferrari this Saturday in Austin, Texas. Proceeds for this car, which typically goes for a base price of $315,000, will go to the American Red Cross. Ferrari will be taking bids in person, and bidders who cannot make it to Austin can contact their local Ferrari dealership this week to get information about placing a bid virtually.

Marco Mattiacci, chief executive and president of Ferrari North America, expressed his sympathy for those affected by the hurricane, saying, “Here at Ferrari, we have experienced and seen the devastation that Hurricane Sandy has caused in the affected area firsthand. We want to use our event next week at Formula One in Austin to give back to our local community by auctioning the F12 Berlinetta.”

If you don’t have the money to bid on the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, don’t worry. Ferrari is also working with the American Red Cross to collect general donations. You can donate through Ferrari’s Red Cross page here.

Are you looking for a new or used car? That Ferrari might be out of reach, but Approved Loan Store can help you find a car you want at rates you can afford, whether or not you have good credit! 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!

“Skyfall” Chase Scenes Feature Land Rover, Bring Back Aston Martin DB5

Skyfall, the newest James Bond film starring Daniel Craig, hits theaters today, and there are two questions on moviegoers’ minds. First, how are the Bond girls? Second, what about the cars?

Early reviews of Skyfall had high praise for Ben Collins’ stunt work in the film. Wall Street Journal’s Joe Morgenstern marveled in his review, “Cars don’t usually get applause from movie audiences, though one of Bond’s rides did just that at the screening.” Collins, who previously worked on Quantum of Solace and The Dark Knight Rises, has spoken about his love for the Bond franchise and its famed cars. In Skyfall, he drove a Land Rover through the streets of Istanbul and got behind the wheel of the Aston Martin DB5, or as Collins puts it, set foot on “hallowed ground.”

The Aston Martin DB5 has been featured in Goldfinger, Thunderball, GoldenEye, and Casino Royale. Skyfall will be the car’s fifth appearance in a Bond film. According to Forbes, 1,059 Aston Martin DB5s were produced from 1963 until 1966, and today they are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In 2010, a DB5 featured in the Bond film Goldfinger was auctioned off for 2.9 million U.K. pounds or more than $4.6 million. Beyond its movie fame, the car has a top speed of 148 mph and can go from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds.

You can get an early peek of the Aston Martin in Skyfall here:

Readers, we want to hear from you! Are you excited to see the Aston Martin DB5 back in action? Will you be seeing Skyfall this weekend? Leave a comment below, and let us know!

Are you looking for a new or used car? Approved Loan Store wants to help you! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work hard to get you the car you want at terms you can afford! 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!

Ford SYNC Reaches Major Milestone

In the past few years, cars have become more connected at a startling rate. New cars are expected to have voice-recognition, provide GPS navigation, and have entertainment systems that work with the driver’s smartphone or iPod.

One of the first popular car connectivity systems hit a major milestone this week when Ford sold the five-millionth car equipped with the Ford SYNC, a system they developed with Microsoft. The SYNC was first introduced back in 2007. Currently the SYNC system includes GPS navigation, 911 emergency assistance, internet connection, hands-free calling with audible text messages, and an entertainment center complete with eight-inch color touch screen, Bluetooth audio streaming, Audible, and HD Radio.

In a press release from Ford, Vice President of Ford Research and Innovation Paul Mascarenas praised the SYNC, stating, “SYNC has helped us evolve as an automaker, to think and act more like a technology company, with a new level of openness and access that has forever changed how we look at our business and respond to our customers. Ultimately, SYNC embodies what Ford is all about: going further to transform innovative ideas into products that are affordable, attainable, and valuable to millions of people.” He went on to praise Microsoft for their work on the SYNC, citing the system’s ability to upgrade with software updates as the primary reason for its success.

Congratulations to Ford and Microsoft on the success of the SYNC! We at the Approved Loan Store are excited to see what the future holds for car connectivity and “smart cars,” and we appreciate the role that Ford played in paving that future.

Are you looking to get into a new or used vehicle? Approved Loan Store can help! Whether if you are looking for the latest connected car or something a little less plugged in, we will help you find a car you want at terms you can afford! 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!

SEMA 2012: Winners and Highlights

With Hurricane Sandy and the election dominating the news cycle, it was easy to forget that the SEMA Show was last week. Auto enthusiasts from across the country descended on Las Vegas to see the latest technology, custom and concept cars, and celebrities like Chip Foose, Kenny Youngblood, and Gene Winfield.

While we were unable to attend the show, it was a lot of fun to stop by the show’s website, browse the cars that were on display, and check out the big winners of the show. Today, we’re bringing you the SEMA 2012 winners and a few of our favorite cars from the show.

SEMA 2012 Winners

Hottest Car – Ford Mustang
Hottest Truck – Ford F-Series
Hottest 4×4/SUV – Jeep Wrangler
Hottest Sport/Compact – Scion FR-S

The Ford Mustang might have been the hottest car at the 2012 SEMA show, but this 2011 Ford Mustang exhibited by GlossPro Car Care Products played it cool in blue.

The Scion FR-S was the most popular compact this year, but amongst a crowd of black, yellow, and elaborate details, this mint-colored Scion FR-S stood out in the crowd. It was stylish and sporty without looking too flashy.

The SEMA show is the place to go for the strange and unusual in cars, and this year did not disappoint. Our MVP was the Tanker Beer, a 1931 MAC C Cab which has been converted into a moving bar. The only downside to the Tanker Beer is that it will make any future tailgating parties look amateur by comparison.

Are you ready to stop browsing cars and get into one today? Approved Loan Store can help! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we have vehicles for all needs, and we will put you in a car you want at terms you can afford! 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!

Nissan Divides Auto Enthusiasts Over New Steering System

Last month, Nissan held its annual Advanced Technology Briefing where they showed off the latest automotive technology that drivers can look forward to seeing soon. The two main attractions of the event were their Active Engine Braking and Autonomous Emergency Steering, and from the looks of it, these new systems could greatly improve driving safety and ease.

To put it simply, Active Engine Braking changes the way that people steer. A video released by Nissan explains that in a car with a traditional steering system, the car’s tires are controlled by a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tires. To contrast, a car with Active Engine Braking converts steering input information from the steering wheel into electronic signals that turn the tires. Also, Active Engine Braking picks up information like rough terrain, a sloped road, or a cross-wind and automatically makes adjustments for the driver.

The Autonomous Emergency Steering works with the Active Engine Braking to prevent accidents caused by driver error. The system uses cameras in the car to detect any objects, people, or animals in its way and then map a route to avoid hitting any obstacles. It does not kick in unless absolutely necessary, so drivers still have plenty of time to steer clear, but the system could help a driver in a high-stress situation like avoiding a child that ran out into the street or a deer running onto the road.

Not everyone is happy about these new systems, though. Jalopnik’s headline read “The Amazing New Car Tech That Enables You To Drive Like A Moron,” and several commenters on Nissan’s YouTube video were disappointed with the changes. One said, “Goodbye steering feel,” and another accused Nissan of taking away the “joy of driving.” Some commenters came to Nissan’s defense and pointed out that while it might not be right for every driver or car, it would provide a smoother and safer ride for most drivers.

Readers, what do you think? Do you want Active Engine Braking and Autonomous Emergency Steering in your car? Leave a comment below, and tell us what you think!

Are you looking to get into a new or used car? Approved Loan Store can help! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you a car you want at terms you can afford! 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!