2008 RED DOT SALE!
With savings up to $10,000, all of our remaining 2008 model year vehicles are ready to go. We have 2009’s rolling in daily that we need to make room for. Save thousands by taking a look at our remaining 2008 inventory. They are all NEW; cars, trucks, SUVs and vans with substantial savings that we are giving you. Hall Automotive has over 300 new 2008 vehicles that have been discounted! These vehicles are clearly marked on our lots with RED Dots. Click here for more details on all the New 2008 cars, trucks, SUVs and vans. There has never been a better time to SAVE $ thousands and own a new vehicle.
2009 Acura RL
Acura unveiled a new RL for the 2009 model year and onward. The design, clearly derivative of the previous model, features what Acura calls a "new signature look" to the front fascia. A matte-silver finish wide bar across the grille is repeated at the rear end in a lip that goes across the trunk above the license plate. A lighter finish silver trim surrounds the new grille. The tail lamps combine crystal clear lenses with traditional red.
In-dash technology includes an updated version of Acura's AcuraLink satellite navigation system featuring traffic maps and, new for 2009, weather updates via a map. The weather system, called AcuraLink Weather, receives constantly updated weather information from XM. Acura also promises improved voice recognition.
An all-new 3.7 liter V6 engine highlights performance upgrades. The 300-horsepower, 271 lb-ft. of torque SOHC motor features Honda's VTEC system. Unlike on the old 3.5L powerplant, the 3.7L units uses VTEC on both the intake and exhaust. The new V6 meets ULEV-2 emissions standards. A five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission is standard. It includes new "smart" F1-style steering wheel-mounted paddles and a new straight-gate console-mounted shift lever. Also new for the 2009 model year is the availability to use the paddle shifters when the shifter is in drive, not just manual mode. The system allows the driver to up or downshift on the fly -- such as for passing maneuvers -- but will revert back to automatic mode if it detects the driver is no longer shifting.
Suspension modifications and steering upgrades are also included. The RL continues to use Acura's SuperHandling all-wheel-drive, but has more of a rear-drive bias for 2009. Newly standard for 2009 are 18 inch, seven-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin tires. They replace 17 inch wheels. Acura says that the 2009 RL challenges "the most capable German and Japanese sports sedans."
The interior again follows the same basic design themes set by the previous model. A new Active Sound Control noise abatement system is standard. Perforated, heated and ventilated seats are standard and, for 2009, both front seats feature 10-way power adjustability.
On the safety front, active head restraints are also newly standard.
Click here to find an Acura for you.
The End of Manual Labor?
By Rob Einaudi
On Monday David wrote about how much he liked Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission. And MSN recently published an article called "The End of Manual Labor?" Obviously, automatic transmissions are getting more sophisticated. And the manual tranny is definitely slipping in popularity. From the MSN article:
Back in 1980, more than 35 percent of all cars were sold with a stick. Because they cost less and boosted fuel mileage, manuals were more popular when gas prices went up or the economy went down, according to Mike Omotoso, powertrain analyst for J.D. Power and Associates. Then the SUV appeared, which often came automatic-only. By 2005 only 6 percent of all buyers bothered with a stick. Skyrocketing fuel prices and more choices in small cars brought a mild uptick to 7.7 percent last year, but the trend is clear.
These days, automatic transmissions can post faster acceleration times, and they often get better mileage and have lower emissions. But here's the thing: manual trannies are still cheaper, more durable, and more fun.
First of all, price. Automatics can add several thousand dollars to the MSRP of a new vehicle. But if it's an enthusiast car, a manual tranny may actually improve the resale value of the vehicle when it comes time to sell.
Regarding durability, many of these newer, overly-complex automatic transmissions have proven to be quite fragile, and they tend to be incredibly expensive to repair. The 727 automatic in my Mopar is bomb proof. It's spent over forty years behind a big block V8 and it's literally never been cracked open. Same goes for the Borg-Warner automatic in my Volvo—they are known to be virtually indestructible. But I don't really trust the automatic in my 2002 Subaru. And when it goes, I have a feeling the whole car will go—to the crusher.
And finally, the new "sportshift" trannies just aren't all that exciting to drive in my opinion. I drove the Aston Martin V8 Vantage with the paddle shifters and didn't like it much (don't get me wrong, I LOVED the car—I'd just rather have one with a 6 speed manual). Same goes for tranny in the Jag XF. I got bored of the paddle shifters after a while and just left it in automatic. But I loved the 5 speed in the Bullitt. It felt great, complimented the car perfectly, and was a total blast to drive.
Oh, here's one more advantage of manual transmissions that you might not know about—they make it less likely that your car will get stolen. Turns out lots of car thieves don't even know how to drive stick!
So what do you think? Is the manual transmission really on its way out?
How to Use Proper Text Message Etiquette
By Kelly185
The text message is a widely popular communications method of our generation. Anyone with a cell phone can participate in text messaging and many mobile carriers include texts in their wireless plans. Not only are texts convenient, they are downright fun! However, to avoid annoying friends, coworkers, or family members, it's wise to heed proper text messaging etiquette.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
One of the most important rules in text messaging etiquette is keeping your phone on vibrate when at work or in a quiet public place such as a movie theater. Nothing is more annoying than the perpetual texter who doesn't silence there phone. No one wants to hear your text beep every five minutes.
Step2
Text messaging can be a great means to keep in touch with importants in your life while at work or school, but keep it to a minimum. Your boss, professor, or teacher don't appreciate you punching out digital messages when you have other duties to fulfill.
Step3
Keep them short and sweet. If you need to write someone an in-depth message, send an email. Otherwise, give them a ring or see them in person. Long texts can be confusing or tough to respond to.
Step4
Text messages can be a viable means of communication. If you know a friend is at work or in a meeting, being courteous and sending a text such as "Can you call me when you get the chance?" is a great alternative to calling their phone directly.
Step5
Use fun graphics, but don't be a "smiley freak." There is nothing quite like getting a wink or kiss from a partner or spouse via text message, as this encourages flirtation and fun. But, reserve smiley's for a few text messages to keep your messages special.
1 one (Use Some1, instead of Someone)
2 to/too/two (Use ME2, instead of Me Too)
4 for/four (Use B4, instead of Before)
8 eight (Use GR8, instead of Great)
Some Text Lingo is easily interpreted, others you just have to know:
AFAIK - As Far As I Know
ASAP - As Soon As Possible
B4 - Before
BBL - Be Back Later
BRB - Be Right Back
CYA - See You
FYI - For Your Information
GR8 - Great!
ILU - I Love You
IMO - In My Opinion
LOL - Laughing out loud
L8R - Later
NOOB - Newbie
NP - No Problem
OXOXO - Hugs and Kisses
RUOK - Are You Okay?
ASL - Age, Sex and Location
THNQ -Thank You
THX - Thanks
TTYL - Talk To You Later
W8 - Wait
2NITE - Tonight
See answer under Car Doctor.
How to Remove Ice from Your Windshield
Winter is upon us and one thing that is a hardship that all drivers face is ice on the windshield. We spend a long time trying to get the ice removed before we drive our car. This is a cold chore that everyone dreads; however it has to be done to assure a safe trip. I will explain how to remove ice from your windshield without spending a long time scraping the wind shield out in the freezing cold.
There are a few methods you can use to do this besides scraping. One way is to turn on the car. Put the cars defroster on the hottest setting and then turn on the air conditioner. Then set the defroster setting to low. Next brush snow off the windshield and spray de-icing solution on the windshield. Turn your wipers on and go inside you warm home for a few minutes waiting for the ice to come off.
You can also use lukewarm water to get the ice off your windshield. Do not use hot water as this can crack your windshield. Make sure the water is lukewarm and you can comfortable stick your hand in the water before poring on the windshield. Start your car turn on the wipers and slowly pour the lukewarm water over the windshield. The wipers will get the water off the windshield quickly.
If you do not have any de-ice on hand this can easily be made with water and vinegar or water and rubbing alcohol. Mix the solution half and half and pour into a spray bottle.
You can also prevent ice forming in the first place n your windshield. When you know it is going to be cold enough to ice up your windshield or you know snow is coming and you do want to have to clean it off the windshield, simply put a blanket or a tarp over your windshield and you back glass. This will keep the ice and/or snow off the windshield. Then when you go to leave just pull the blanket or tarp off and you are ready to go.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.