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Volkswagen Touareg Achieves World Altitude Record

 by: Jenny McLane

Volkswagen’s Touareg has accomplished new heights in the realm of off-road capability. It has set a new world altitude record for a motor vehicle of 6,080 metres. Accomplished by a standard-engined Touareg 3.2 litre V8, this record has been officially recognized by the Guinness World Records™ Book.

This feat was achieved on January 29 in the slopes of the world’s highest volcano. The expedition team battled against icy winds and lack of oxygen to achieve this record. The altimeter and GPS system displayed the result of 6,080 metres. Currently, this is the highest point on the earth’s surface that a vehicle can reach and safely return from. By reaching this altitude, the Touareg proves its abilities in extreme conditions and surpassed the performance of all other off-road vehicles.

Headed by Rainer Zietlow, the team of eight first went through the Atacama Desert, the world’s driest area. The base camp is located above the salt lake Laguna Santa Rosa, famous for its pink flamingoes, 4,400 metres above sea level. From here the trail continues over stones and pebbles with an 80 per cent gradient, snow fields and soft volcanic sand. Driving the Touareg was Ronald Bormann, previous winner of the European Truck Trail competition.

In some sections of the mountainous terrain, huge rocks blocked the path. A winch, fitted as standard accessory to the Touareg Expedition, a special edition version, helped the team on its way. There were also spotlights fitted to the roof rack, which also accommodates spare wheels and rescue equipment. Because at 5,000 metres the air becomes thinner, the crew was given additional oxygen by altitude specialist Dr. Rainald Fischer, to prevent potentially life-threatening altitude sickness.

The route of the expedition was selected with the help of the Institute of Cartography at the University of Dresden following a four-week survey of the summit region for the purpose of making new maps. In return, the knowledge gained in the expedition will help the cartographers verify their work.

The Institute for Cartography at the University of Dresden helped to select the route to the summit following a recent four-week survey of the summit region for the purpose of making new maps. The knowledge gained by the expedition will help the cartographers verify their work. But the most important scientific aspect of the expedition was the installation of a seismographic station, managed by the Geological Research Centre in Potsdam in this region endangered by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

With this achievement, the Volkswagen Touareg establishes its reputation as a tough off-roader capable of meeting challenges such as extreme weather conditions and rocky terrain. Volkswagen’s renowned excellence in automotive design is manifested in the Touareg, along with other models including the Golf, Jetta, and the new Beetle.

Meanwhile, whether on such extreme conditions or on sleepy town roads, any Volkswagen deserve excellent maintenance for it to offer the best functionality and longevity. Maintenance involves not only taking care of the parts but it also involves replacing parts that are worn out which could jeopardize the health of the vehicle and the safety of its passengers. Luckily, it is very easy to find excellent quality replacement Volkswagen parts nowadays. A simple search in the internet will yield dozens of websites offering Volkswagen parts. One of the leading online stores where you can get guaranteed high quality parts at incredibly low prices is Auto Parts Train. Just go directly to their Volkswagen Parts page at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/VOLKSWAGEN and check out the wide array of VW parts on stock.

Honda SUV’s Like The Honda CR-V Can Be Traced Back To The Honda Civic Platform

 by: Steven Johnston

One of the most popular Honda SUV’s on the market is the Honda CR-V, which is considered to be what is called a ‘crossover’ SUV. This Honda SUV is a car that has an SUV or sport utility vehicle look but is assembled on a more economical construction. The Honda SUV, CR-V, was ‘copied’ from the extremely popular Honda Civic in order to meet a growing demand for a SUV made by Honda. The letters CR-V stand for “comfortable runabout vehicle” and comes with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The very first Honda SUV that was planned ‘in house’ by Honda was the CR-V in 1996. While there was considerable uncertainty as to whether or not this type of Honda SUV could sell as well as it’s forerunner, the Honda Passport, the CR-V was introduced to the US market in 1997. The CR-V has consistently maintained exceptional sales ever since.

The first CR-V was designed and produced from 1996 through 1998 known as the LX model trim. Attractive features included rear-folding seats, a picnic table stored in the rear floor and plastic covered front and rear bumpers as well as fender wells. The next model CR-V was on the market from 1998 to 2001 and didn’t change the body style but increased the engine power from the original and was changed to an engine that produces 146-horse power and additional torsion. The beauty of this increase was that it did not affect the fuel consumption or price of the car.

The next line of Honda CR-V’s was from 2002 through 2005 and the build of this Honda SUV was given a complete restyling based on the most recent Civic model. The new CR-V was also given a more powerful engine with 106-horse power and increased torsion. This new engine still offered the same fuel economy as the previous Honda CR-V models. This Honda SUV was awarded the Car and Driver magazine’s award for best small SUV of 2002 and 2003.

In 2005, the CR-V received only a minor model change with 16-inch wheels instead of 15 inch, which has been on the earlier models. The taillights were also changes from the color amber to red and white. The 2005 CR-V was also equipped with front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and side-curtain airbags. While the next CR-V model has not yet been unveiled, many are guessing that the new model will have more power in addition to the option of having an onboard navigation system.

Make sure you check out the exciting new 2006 Honda CR-V at Honda dealers now!