Electric Cars: More Viable in the Years to Come

The world’s automakers and innovators made huge strides throughout the last decade in electric powertrain technology. For the first time, electric cars have become a viable transportation option for some drivers. But there’s a problem for the rest of us: driving range.

As an international electric car charging infrastructure grows, and it will, consumers will be able to fill up to 80 percent capacity in 20 to 30 minutes with technology that is already available today. Experimental technology allows for wireless conductive charging while parked, allowing the mind to conceive of special EV lanes that literally charge as you drive. That technology is promising, but the picture today is a bit different.

Electric cars like the Nissan LEAF, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Ford Focus Electric, and Honda Fit EV can only travel for around 65 to 100 miles when fully charged. That just doesn’t cut it for dwellers in suburban or rural areas, or those with long commutes. Charging takes just a few hours, but once the car is out of juice, it’s not as simple as just visiting the pump.

Tesla Motors should receive special note for being the first to offer consumer electric cars that have made some progress on the “range anxiety” front. The new Tesla Model S electric luxury sedan is rated by the EPA at 265 miles of range on average, when fitted with the optional larger battery. This is plenty for the average driver to use on a daily basis, but to get that 265 mile range requires forking over close to $100,000.

Clean Diesel: Environmentally Friendly Technology Today

Today’s diesel engines smash the commonly held myths that diesels need be polluting, smelly and loud. With advances led by Mercedes-Benz among others, modern turbodiesels meet U.S. 50-state emissions as well as European regulations, and indeed usually put less C02 into the environment than comparably powered gasoline engines.

The Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC clean diesel system uses an advanced urea injection system that literally cleans exhaust gasses before they are released into the environment. The BlueTEC tank is periodically refilled when the car is taken in to a Mercedes service center. Licensed independent Mercedes service centers, like Import Auto Service, usually can fill the BluTEC system as well. These high-torque engines offer great performance with better fuel efficiency than luxury car gasoline engines.

Clean diesel represents an advanced more earth-friendly technology that is viable for any driver right now. While electric cars may be the future, their limited range, high cost and lack of public recharging infrastructure makes them a poor choice for some groups of drivers.

Unveiled to much fanfare at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the NSX brought a level of excitement that has been missing from Acura showrooms since the NSX ended production. The design stuns from every angle, its gun-slit headlamps, prominent Acura power plenum grille and huge air intakes dominating a front end that means business.

The new model manages to pay homage to the classic NSX while still presenting something bold and fresh. An instant classic, its performance and exclusivity should push the envelope of what is today considered possible and bring a true halo car to sit high atop the Acura range.

The mid-engined, two-seat sports car uses a brand-new trick electric-assisted SH-AWD (“Super Handling All-Wheel Drive”) setup where the rear wheels are driven by a V6 engine and electric motor, while each front wheel is driven by its own electric motor. The result is not only big power with hybrid efficiency but increased control, as these wheel-mounted electric motors can apply positive or negative torque at any time to aid in cornering stability and performance.

The next NSX is expected to debut in late 2014 as a 2015 model priced from around $120,000 to start, or slightly more than a Porsche 911 or Nissan GT-R, but well under the $190,000 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and $375,000 Lexus LFA.

Do you own a classic NSX, or plan on being one of the first to bite on Acura’s latest and greatest supercar? Stop by Import Auto Service for all your San Diego area Acura service needs. We have the experience, cutting-edge equipment and highly trained staff to keep an NSX in supercar shape.

Audi cars

1. Find a local Audi service specialist.

Taking your car to the dealership for service is a great way to throw cash down the drain. Markups on parts and expensive labor costs mean you’ll pay more than you should have to. To look for Audi service in San Diego, seek a clean shop with trained and certified staff, plus professional-level equipment.

2. Oil changes and fluids.

Regular oil changes are vital to prevent nasty engine maintenance down the line. Many Audi cars feature high-compression engines and do best running off synthetic oil. Check your manual for oil change frequency as it varies by model. You should also check your car’s brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid and coolant monthly, especially in the San Diego summer sun!

3. Have your car checked at regular intervals.

Audi cars are well-built, and will last for hundreds of thousands of miles with impeccable maintenance. Ignoring nagging issues will lead to huge repair bills when something catastrophic happens. A good Audi service specialist will be able to find problems before they become disasters. An inspection should take place every 6 months or when you bring your car in for an oil change.

4. Watch for recalls.

From time to time automakers issue recalls when some key car system is revealed to have a fault. This is the only time you should take your car to the dealer, as this maintenance will be performed free of charge. Again, prevention is the key.

5. If buying used, choose carefully.

While well-maintained Audi cars are durable, if maintenance slips they can become a hornet’s nest of money down the drain. If you are buying used, have a thorough inspection performed on the car by a trained Audi service specialist before you make your purchase.