Sunday, July 6, 2008

2008 Proton Persona Sedan First Steer

The all new single specification Persona shares only its name with the superseded model and is more reminiscent of the GEN.2 hatch on which the Persona’s platform is based. It’s a simple, yet elegant small sedan not too dissimilar in looks to the current Mazda3. Smaller, recessed avian-esque headlamps and restyled grille with new black and silver corporate logo flow downward to a narrow air intake beset by standard front fog lamps. From the rear, a high boot line with bold chrome accent brings memories of Chrysler’s Neon of some years back.

2008 Proton Persona Sedan-12008 Proton Persona Sedan-2Representing tremendous value for money, Persona offers an expansive array of standard equipment including ABS, EBD, dual front airbags, auto locking doors, climate control air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels and a single disc MP3 compatible Blaupunkt audio system.

Inside the cabin is similar to the GEN.2 in many respects boasting red back lit Lotus inspired instrument binnacle with inset white faced fuel and temperature gauges, door mounted power window switches, and centre stack under dash ventilation controls, which as nice as they look, can be a little difficult to reach.

Under the bonnet the 1.6 litre CAMPRO engine has to work quite hard to deliver any real performance developing a modest 82kW @ 6,000 rpm and 148Nm or torque from 4,000 revs. It’s fine once up and revving but really needs to be kept on the boil to deliver any substantial performance results considering the overall weight of the vehicle. Proton believe the power to be adequate for their intended market, I’d almost go so far as to say it out-handles the drive offered from 1.6 litre engine and in my opinion were it to have an extra 25kW on board, would be a real performer attracting a younger modified car audience, similar to the way the much loved GTi Satria once did, but alas no such plans are in the pipeline… yet.

Given the overall package offers a high level of standard equipment for the price, a stylish, modern appearance and a decent build quality, prudent buyers would certainly have a hard time doing better elsewhere. The Persona is sure to impress those who are conscious of spiraling vehicle running costs and those who are happy to enjoy an economic, more leisurely paced drive alike.

I have created an email folder "Ebay and Paypal".

I move all the emails from them to this folder. It does not clog up my in box and every six months I do a purge of the special folder. I keep my Postage receipts with the DC attached to the details page that I print from Paypal and file it by month. I feel like I should have all I need if a question is asked. What the customer bought, when it shipped, DC number, Ebay item number, etc.

buyer says piece arrived broken-what to do?

don't know if this is the right place, but I need some info for the future. I sold quite a few pieces to different buyers. All who received and left feedback have said it arrived perfectly. This on buyer says the piece arrived in a million pieces. Says I wrapped it in newpaper. I did not. All pieces were wrapped in bubble wrap then surrounded with styrofoam. She chose not to get insurance as others did just in case. I already refunded her money, didn't want the hassle. But what would you do? I need some advice from experts. I'm just a "small timer". And since we can't leave negative feedback anymore, I don't know what else to do. I really think she is lying based on the way she described the packaging. Either that, or someone got into the package in transit. Any help would be appreciated.

Can you beat my score on the "Actors that has die too young" quiz?

OT-composting

No exact manual for this.
I keep it moist, turn when it feels like it's
cooling down. Once it never heats back up, it's
done. I have not added dirt, but when it's done
I've added it TO dirt. I'm in key west, we have no
real soil, it's just sand and shell so to grow
decent plants we make compost and keep topping
everything off with compost.

2008 Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera A8GCS Berlinetta Touring based on Maserati Coupe Gransport

(from Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera Press Release) The other prototype launched by Touring Superleggera at Villa d’Este is the sports berlinetta A8GCS Berlinetta Touring, realized on the Maserati Coupe GranSport mechanics. With this project, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera illustrates an ambitious in-depth research and development program for both advanced automotive design, as well as for a redefinition of the Superleggera concept according to modern standards.
2008 Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera A8GCS Berlinetta Touring based on Maserati Coupe Gransport-12008 Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera A8GCS Berlinetta Touring -2Compact, light and thoroughly aerodynamically tested, the A8GCS Berlinetta Touring bodywork is designed to wrap itself around a newly Touring developed aluminium chassis and Maserati mechanical parts in an optimal and tempting way.

2008 Porsche Boxster Review

In 1997, the convertible Porsche Boxster ushered in an era of the more affordable Porsche. Oddly enough, it's now the base version of the Cayenne, the company's SUV, that's the least expensive Porsche. But that's where the similarities end. The current Boxster, like the original, features a nicely balanced midengine/rear-drive layout and the proven performance of a responsive flat-6 engine.

2008 Porsche Boxster-12008 Porsche Boxster-2Three years ago, the second-generation Boxster roadster debuted and in 2007 more powerful engines were added. Those new engines make the current generation Boxster the most powerful ever. The S model delivers 295 horsepower while the standard model provides a perfectly adequate 245 hp.

Porsche introduced the hardtop version of the Boxster, the Cayman, two years ago, but the Boxster delivers a more premium feel inside with the added fun of a convertible top. Plenty of leather and attractive faux metallic trim give the Boxster a luxurious look, and it remains competent as a weekend getaway car or even as a daily commuter.

But the classically styled 2008 Porsche Boxster is also a serious, purpose-built midengine roadster designed to travel hard and fast -- sometimes demanding a driver's undivided attention but rewarding the skilled driver with razor-sharp, real-time feedback. Dynamically, no other roadster can match it. If that's what you're after and you can swing the luxury-oriented bottom line, you couldn't convince us of a more compelling choice.

What's New for 2008
The Porsche Boxster remains largely unchanged for 2008, although there is a Limited Edition model that features some cosmetic modifications. On the options list, you'll find new lightweight sport seats made from fiberglass and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic.