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As many Toyota and Jeep owners know, the AW4 / Toyota 340,
A340, and A341E series of transmissions are generally very
well made and demonstrate excellent durability in unmodified
applications. The framework is present for an extremely
strong transmission that is to be used in a high performance
or extreme duty application.

The problem is that the original calibration is engineered
for driver comfort rather than ultimate component strength.
The soft, sliding shifts that are part of the original
design are not appropriate for increased horsepower
applications, towing, off road use, racing, etc.

These calibration inadequacies quickly manifest themselves
as extremely poor shift quality, and more often than not,
severe damage to the gearbox is soon to follow. One of the
most common symptoms of this is the engine stuttering or
hitting the rev limiter during a full throttle upshift.

Without going into too much technical detail, the factory
shortcomings can be addressed through modification and
recalibration of the control valve assembly, a.k.a. the
valve body.

The valve body is a component that is comprised of valves,
solenoids, an orifice separator plate and an intricate
series of passages- it is the most complex component in the
most complex part of your vehicle- the automatic
transmission.

The function of the valve body is to act as the "brain" of
the automatic transmission- it directs hydraulic pressure to
the appropriate clutches and bands at the right time to
initiate upshifts, down shifts, selection of reverse,
converter clutch application, etc. As well as controlling
shift timing and shift quality, it is also responsible for
directing hydraulic pressure to the cooler and the
lubrication circuit.

As you can imagine, the transmission's operational
characteristics can be drastically altered and also
customized to the given application through modifications to
this component.

Because there are no commercially available shift kits for
these transmissions, we began working on valve body
modifications that were appropriate for Supras, Jeeps with
the AW4 transmission, Toyota Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner, and
also Lexus SUV's and rear drive passenger cars- especially
those that needed to handle the additional power that
accompanies the installation of a supercharger, turbo or
nitrous oxide injection.

At the risk of oversimplification, there are a few things
that are done in concert to create much more favorable
operation of the gearbox.

The first thing that needs to be done is to increase the
hydraulic operating pressure of the transmission- this
pressure is known as "line pressure". All hydraulic
functions of the transmission are based on this pressure-
what is especially of concern for these purposes is the
clamping force which is applied to the clutches and bands to
get them to hold against engine torque.

In simple terms, increased engine output is complemented by
increased line pressure and increased "clamp" on the
clutches- this can be likened to a performance clutch with a
heavier pressure plate spring in a manual transmission
equipped vehicle.

The idea is to raise this pressure only slightly at light
throttle but increase it by 30-40% at full throttle- where
it is really needed. The effects of this are shifts that are
not overly uncomfortable at lower throttle openings, while
at heavier throttle, firm shifts with much shorter clutch
application time and increased clamping force can be
achieved.

An additional benefit of this is increased flow through the
transmission's cooler and lube system.

Secondly, hydraulic pressure is normally routed through an
orifice in a metal "separator plate" that resides between
the two halves of the valve body before it gets to its
intended destination. By altering these orifices, we can
increase the volume of hydraulic oil that is used to apply
the various clutches and bands.

The final part of modification is the alteration of the
accumulator circuits. These are hydraulic circuits that are
parallel to the components that are used for shifting. Their
function is to absorb or "accumulate" some of the hydraulic
pressure that is intended to apply a clutch pack or band. By
limiting the action of what is essentially a "shock
absorber" for each shift, we are able to further reduce
clutch lock up time and shift lag at wide open throttle.

The end result is that shift time is reduced by 30 to 80%,
depending on the amount of acceptable shift feel and the
intended application. The clamping force that is required to
apply the clutches and bands is increased by 30 to 40% at
full throttle. Flow through the cooler and lube circuit is
increased and the converter clutch application time is also
reduced.

Transmission and valve body upgrades are not only for
American made vehicles anymore. Increased performance and
more efficient shifting is now available for vehicles of
almost every manufacturer thanks to the few companies that
are willing to do the research and development work required
for this rapidly growing segment of the automotive
aftermarket.

According to most car experts, silver is the number one color choice for new cars today. It is also believed that silver cars have better resale values due to its ability in hiding dirt. The buying public however, does not totally agree, some think the color silver is dull. Fortunately for us, the SEAT Leon FR TDI would be anything but dull with its Crono yellow finish.

The paintjob of the FR TDI remarkably complements the Leon’s lines and highlights its aggressive nose and high waistline. However, the optional body kit seems to make the FR a little bloated and provides a slight aftermarket feel specially those gaping gill-like false vents- you would probably think twice of paying £2,500 for it. Fortunately, the larger £350 18-inch alloy wheels make up for it’s the FR’s shortcomings in design but unfortunately again, what has proven to be an advantage later on proves to be a disaster especially when you are to have the FR washed in some pull-through washes.

But overall SEAT has done a pretty good job with the FR. They also have a pretty good after sales service. The power of any vehicle can be traced under its hood. The SEAT FR TDI is equipped with a 2.0 liter T-FSI petrol unit which is shared with the VW Golf GTI and Audi TT. The 2.0 litre oil-burner is also present in the Passat and Skoda Octavia vRS but functions better in the lighter Leon. Its highly tuned nature means that driving in traffic can be a chore especially since you have to wait for the turbo to spin up and a short first gear just doesn’t help.

But once out on the road you can use the 350Nm of torque for effortless cruising. Another downside of the FR TDI is its firm ride qualities which are expected from a performance hatch. The FR can also be bumpy and annoying especially when driving on country lanes.

But setting all the negatives aside, the FR TDI can prove to be an excellent companion on the road even if it means covering a thousand miles drive. And because SEAT Leon FR TDI is a subsidiary of Volkswagen you can expect only for best quality parts to be used for its production. Europe’s largest automaker has always maintained quality in all its creation even for some of its models that are no longer in production like its famous supermini the Volkswagen Fox. Until now quality Volkswagen Fox parts are still manufactured to provide loyal owners with genuine parts that they need.

When Power Ranger becomes the subject of a tête-à-tête, what first comes to mind is the long-running children’s television show that lasted for three seasons. With the introduction of the new Ranger from Ford Motor Co., the automaker is giving people one good reason to push Mighty Morphin Power Rangers behind to pave way for a valiant uphill warrior.

Ford Australia launched the 2007 Ranger as a replacement for the Courier, an old American pickup. "Setting new standards in the light commercial sector, the all-new Ford Ranger is a no-compromise, powerful vehicle offering the style, comfort and refinement of a passenger car," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

"The new Ranger is more powerful compared with Courier, offers improved functionality, significantly increased three-tonne towing ability (when using a 3.0-litre manual transmission model fitted with a genuine Ford towpack and load leveling kit), and maintains a one-tonne plus payload across the range. Ford engineers have built on the company’s vast experience in trucks to deliver the ultimate one-tonne vehicle with the performance and power to get the job done.”

Gorman added, "At the same time, we recognized that Ranger had to be versatile enough to adapt to the changing needs of the light commercial owner in the 21st century. It needs to be a combination of reliable work mate, family vehicle, lifestyle statement and an adventure vehicle. We engineered Ranger to deliver on all these expectations. It’s the can do truck – a truck that means business."

Gorman noted that the change of name was resorted to after numerous hours of exhaustive customer research and brainstorming. “It was a tough decision to change a name that has been part of the Ford Australia family since 1978, but the research was overwhelming. The light commercial vehicle sector has changed dramatically in recent years, with customers wanting more from their truck than just a reliable work vehicle. Today's light truck owner wants the best of both worlds – a dependable, genuine truck for the industrious worker and a great family vehicle with the quality, comfort, safety and modern conveniences they demand. Ranger researched well as a brand name that exemplified all these attributes,” said Gorman.

Ford’s Ranger brand is used by the automaker around the globe. According to the company, this is the ideal time to introduce in Australia a new light truck with a bold new name. Ranger is designed to radiate a bolder and more aggressive charisma with a modern car-like interior. The pickup is equipped with two new common-rail turbo-diesel engines featuring direct injection, enhanced ride and handling and appreciably higher towing capacity.

The pickup was designed by the automaker’s pool of engineers to appear tough and rugged to stand the most demanding truck applications. “We listened to the market and focused our improvements on Ranger’s classic rugged exterior, its refined and comfortable interior, exceptional diesel performance, great driving feel and fantastic ability both on and off-road," added Gorman.

All-new Ranger was redesigned to give it a longer wheelbase and cab. To raise its capabilities to the maximum, the twin I-beam front suspension was replaced by a wishbone-style system. In addition, the new Ranger is offered with a 143 horsepower 2.3 L I4, a 148 horsepower 3.0 L V6, and a 207 horsepower 4.0 L V6 engines. All transmissions are 5-speed and come with a choice of manual or automatic. Adding an APC Cold Air Intake would also help boost the performance of the vehicle.

"The light commercial segment is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing in the Australian market," concluded Gorman. "The new Ranger, with its impressive list of features, gives Ford Australia a fantastic vehicle to enhance our well earned light truck reputation."

Volvo Car’s new XC70 all-wheel drive estate offers significantly improved levels of an all-road-all-season ability and an appealing drive feel that is mated to outstanding safety features, superb versatility and sophisticated comfort to lure more fanatics to experience its lasting enigma.

Enthusiasts say they have finally found the vehicle that could withstand different seasons. Now, everyone can enjoy the free-spitted driving any time of the year. This is the solid fact that the Volvo XC70 has retained its magnetic appeal. The current generation of the vehicle has reached around 40,000 sales in its best year. "We had a winning concept from the very outset and we have continuously refined it," said Fredrik Arp, the president and CEO of Volvo Car Corp. "The all-new XC70 maintains its tough, capable attitude while at the same time growing more comfortable. Additionally, our design team has given the vehicle a more elegant, more luxurious look."

Arp added, "This segment has been our specialty ever since we invented it back in the 1950s. Our competitors can count on us remaining number one in the future, too. In the all-new V70, rear passengers and luggage both ride in first class." Volvo is now aiming to introduce the Volvo XC70 in China to reach third place in the model’s sales statistics. Arp noted, "There is a considerable appetite for cars with pronounced attitude on the fast-growing Chinese market. The Volvo XC90 is already very popular and we are convinced the all-new XC70 will play a significant role in our plans for continued fast sales growth in China."

"Our successful XC range will soon be expanded with the new XC60. With three exciting XC models, we will cover even more of the growing number of car buyers who want the very best of two worlds - capable muscles and luxurious, comfortable passenger-car comfort,” added Arp. “And it all began with the XC70, which has now become even more attractive than before."

Volvo made the XC70 sportier, bolder and more functional because it was engineered to accommodate weather changes and season transitions. The pool of Volvo engineers significantly upgraded the levels of road capability and refinement to pave way for a more appealing vehicle that ensures unmatched levels of athleticism, versatility and safety which are characteristically Volvos.

The all-new Volvo XC70 is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.2-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine and a 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 turbo diesel engine. “With an active chassis, the car’s driving properties improve in all situations,” said Volvo Cars XC70 Project Director, Tomas Ahlborg. “It becomes both safer and more entertaining to drive.” To boost the performance of the engines and the chassis, the estate is equipped with a Volvo fan clutch. Other remarkable features include the dynamic stability and traction control (DSTC), which improves stability; the power parking brake (PPB) that automatically disengages when the accelerator is pressed; and the digital signal processing (DSP) audio system.

The all-new Volvo XC70 is also equipped with dynamic styling emphasized by a catchy sporty design, a raked windscreen, tailgate angles, C30-inspired taillights and blacked-out side pillars mated to the usual off-road body kit. “The dark-coloured plastic panels at the bottom are less obvious than on the current model. But as with exclusive outdoor clothing, the protection is placed exactly where it needs to be to withstand the rough stuff,” said Volvo Cars Design Director, Steve Mattin.