Even though I, for the most part, grew up in the age of technology, it never ceases to amaze me everything we can do thanks to this knowledge.  Constantly new technology comes out that makes me wonder how I ever survived without it.

Thanks to my Smartphone, I am never away from my email account (which admittedly is not extremely new technology, but it is to me).  I can constantly update family and friends of my whereabouts thanks to text messages, blackberry messenger and Facebook.  An automated-voice in my vehicle gives me directions much better than my husband ever could (and she NEVER raises her voice when I make a wrong turn either!).  My personal favorite is the fact that I can deposit checks into my bank account from the comfort of my own bed thanks to the camera on my Smartphone.

Yes life in the age of technology is quite comfortable and thanks to new technology, it’s going to get even more comfortable.  The newest technological breakthrough that will change how the world works is the ability to test drive a vehicle – from your computer!

Mitsubishi is the automaker on the forefront of this technology.  From November 1^st through November 10^th, Mitsubishi ran an online test drive dubbed Mitsubishi Live Drive for the new Outlander Sport model.  Consumers were invited to visit the microsite, outlandersport.com, and test drive the Outlander Sport in the Mojave Desert.

The Live Drive was made possible thanks to Web designer Simon Cave and a robotic engineer James Brighton, both working in collaboration with a production company and an agency.  The production company was B-Reel and the agency was 180 L.A., a division of the Omnicom Group.  This group of people pulled multiple camera-shots from onboard video cameras on a 2011 Outlander Sport.  These various angles were combined with GPS mapping and together allowed users the ability to control the vehicle from computer keyboards.

Last Sunday, after I deposited my paycheck into my bank account from the comfort of my nice warm bed, I hopped online and checked out the 2011 Outlander Sport in the Mojave Desert.  I was so impressed by this vehicle that I quickly got dressed and headed to my local Bloomington car dealer of choice, O’Brien Normal. A few years ago I developed a strong relationship with this Bloomington car dealer when I purchased my first used car.  (Bloomington, IL and its snowy winters was no place for my little convertible).

Anyways, in that used car, Bloomington, IL became my playground as I quickly fell in love with the city (and the car).  Thus, I knew O’Brien Normal would be the best place to take the Outlander Sport for a real-live test drive.

The Mitsubishi iMiEV is still waiting in the wings, however Mitsubishi has made a few adjustments for the iMiEV that will be released in the U.S. The U.S. iMiEV not only looks different on the outside, it is geared toward the demands of U.S. car drivers. Now that Mitsubishi has officially released the specifications of the iMiEV, enthusiasts can aptly compare them. Your Bloomington car dealer is thrilled Mitsubishi has taken the needs of local car buyers into consideration. The iMiEV should be an even more successful electric vehicle thanks to this strategic move by Mitsubishi.

The original iMiEV was geared toward a more European and Asian audience. It was compact and concise with enough seats for four but not really enough room. This car was not very roomy and most of the room was focused in the front and left the back more for cargo rather than people. The U.S. specific iMiEV is wider, higher and longer. This iMiEV is 3,680mm long, 1,585mm wide and 1,615mm high. This is over 200mm longer, over 100mm wider and 5mm higher than the Australian iMiEV. Mitsubishi recognized Americans’ need to transport more people and addressed it appropriately.

The U.S. iMiEV also has a few different specifications when it comes to safety. The U.S. iMiEV has a larger front and rear bumper with a larger chassis. It also features passenger detecting airbags which allow the car to sense when a passenger is in the vehicle and turn the airbag on and off respectively. A used car Bloomington IL dealer reports Active Stability Control and Tire Pressure Monitoring system are also standard in the U.S. iMiEV.

Car drivers in the U.S. have an few extra incentives to make the iMiEV part of their family. The U.S. offers $7,500 in tax credits for drivers who choose the iMiEV. Many states including California also offer extra incentives. Since California offers an additional $5,000 in tax credits iMiEVs may be more prevalent on the West Coast to start. With these great tax credits California drivers may only have to pay $18,000 and states without additional credits should be paying under $23,000.

Mitsubishi has launched a new marketing campaign with the slogan “What Are You Into?” as a means to interact with their customer base on a more intimate level. The “What Are You Into?” campaign interacts with the automaker’s target demographic by making surprise appearances at various events, lending vehicles to bloggers and an exciting City Chase USA event which challenges teams of two across eight cities to work together to complete a scavenger hunt.

Given Mitsubishi’s edgy style and low cost cars, their new marketing campaign is primarily targeting drivers between the ages of 20 – 30 years old. Events held in Chicago, Dallas and Philadelphia allowed attendees to enter raffles for the vehicles that were promoted including the Outlander GT and the Lancer, both of which are available at your Bloomington car dealer.

For those looking for Mitsubishi’s exciting style and affordable price in a new or used car, Bloomington, IL drivers may want to consider the Outlander GT. The five-door crossover has an athletic appeal with its wider stance and bold front bumper. The Outlander GT has more aggressive handling and is powered by a V6 engine that is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and delivers 230 horsepower. With power, performance and style, this crossover is sure to please any driver and is available at your Bloomington car dealer for just $30,015.

Mitsubishi also promoted the Lancer to generate consumer interest which is not hard to do with the sedan’s sporty style and super affordable price tag. The car’s exciting design features a rear spoiler and ‘jet fighter’ grille and has the power to complement its robust style. Powered by a 2.4-liter engine and paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the Lancer is capable of delivering an impressive 168 horsepower.

In addition to generating consumer interest, the “What Are You Into?” campaign is intended to help Mitsubishi reach their goal of selling 200,000 units a year. By interacting with potential customers on a one-on-one basis and extending the campaign to the internet at http://www.whatareyouinto.net/, Mitsubishi has been able to make themselves better known. With the campaign efforts and vehicles like the Outlander and the Lancer, Mitsubishi is sure to generate interest.

Mitsubishi has big plans for the future of the Mitsubishi name. However, this big future will come in small packages because Mitsubishi has announced they are suspending model changes for an extended period so the automaker can channel all its energy into developing small cars that will be sold around the world. Mitsubishi hopes to announce the new plans for Mitsubishi automobiles by the end of this year.

Mitsubishi customers in Bloomington, IL buy used cars and new cars consistently not only because they love the Mitsubishi name, but also because of the Mitsubishi plant located right next door in Normal, IL. Patrons hope by year end the factory will be more certain of its future plans. Currently, this plant produces the fuller sized cars like the Eclipse and the Galant that are on the back burner right now.

While the future of some models is unsure the future of many small cars for Mitsubishi has been solidified. The automaker is developing a new small car that is not named as of yet but will go on sale by the end of 2012. This car will be available around the world and is expected to cost under $12,000.  Mitsubishi is also currently in the process of churning out the i-MiEV, their all electric vehicle. For buyers interested in a used car, Bloomington, IL dealer O’Brien Normal reports there is a huge buzz surrounding the i-MiEV. Mitsubishi is also developing the PX MiEV which is a plug in hybrid electric vehicle. The PX MiEV is due out a year after the i-MiEV and will help ease many Mitsubishi customers over the electric vehicle without throwing them in head first to something like the i-MiEV.

Mitsubishi still has plans to change a few models whose updates were already scheduled before the automaker announced the shift toward small vehicles. The Outlander will be updated in 2014 and the Outlander Sport is due out this fall. The Lancer has added a sportback model for 2010 and might be redesigned in 2013. The Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder may be dropped from the Mitsubishi line along with the Galant. Yet there is hope the Eclipse and Spyder may hang on a little longer and receive an update in 2013.

A local Bloomington car dealership, O’Brien Normal, has an updated model of a car that has been known for its sleek style and reliability for a long time now: the Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Coupe.  At a base price of $24,498, the Eclipse offers a fun, sporty coupe with a decent engine and great safety features for an affordable price.  This is a great vehicle for those on the go who value a little bit of style to their ride.

The 2011 Eclipse GS Coupe is slightly lower to the ground than its predecessors.  The vehicle sports 18-inch alloy Goodyear Eagle all-season rubber wheels with ten-spokes.  Additionally, dual exhausts have been added to the latest model.  As always, the tail end of the Eclipse is curvalicious.  Slightly heavy but definitely eye-catching, the best way to describe it is with the phrase “junk in the trunk.”  But hey, some people go for that.

The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Coupe sports a modest four-cylinder engine that offers the driver 162-horsepower.  Thus, this isn’t you’re most powerful coupe, but it isn’t the worst either.  Rather, the car provides the right amount of get-up, at a great price.  Also, Mitsubishi has stuck with a hydraulic steering system, which, in my opinion, provides for more driver control.

At the Bloomington car dealership, I was able to take a glace at the interior of the vehicle.  The seats are fabric, but have the luxury of heat – a must have in Bloomington in the winter.  Manual climate control helps maintain your body’s temperature, while an auxiliary audio jack entertains your eardrums.  Finally, cruise control, electronic traction and stability control make your road trip a breeze.

If the 2011 model is a bit out of your price range, the dealership is also a great place to find a used car.  Bloomington, IL is centrally located and therefore, convenient for many nearby residents.  The recent models of the Eclipse are very similar to the 2011 model, and are available for a fraction of the price, thanks to their status of used car.  Bloomington, IL residents must act fast, however – these vehicles won’t stay on the lot for long!

Whether on the market for a new or used car, Bloomington, IL drivers will likely have two determining factors in common: fuel efficiency and cost. Mitsubishi is acknowledging to emphasis that U.S. car buyers are placing on fuel economy and cost and will accordingly bring their eco-friendly, affordable i-MiEV to the states. But before the hybrid car will make its debut at your local Bloomington car dealership, the automaker will make some changes to the cars that have already hit Japan and Europe markets.

The i-MiEV is expected to hit your Bloomington car dealership late in 2011 and will likely retain its electric motor and lithium ion batteries power train. One upgrade that Bloomington drivers will see is a larger i-MiEV. While American consumers tend to have a preference for larger vehicles, Mitsubishi commented that the larger body is a necessity to meet U.S. crash regulations.

The vehicle’s interior will also be upgraded to include a greater number of standard features. Existing features include climate control, electric windows, a stereo a many others come standard. Among the features that the Americanized i-MiEV will add are cruise control, Bluetooth, a navigation system and satellite radio.

The highly anticipated i-MiEV has garnered attention due to its revolutionary quick charging system which distinguishes it from other hybrid vehicles. The system allows the vehicle to obtain an 80% charge in a mere 30 minutes, eliminating drivers worry about the limited drive range of other hybrids. Currently, drivers in Japan can visit one of 200 charging stations to ‘fuel’ their i-MiEVs. U.S. drivers can stop at one of the estimated 150 – 250 charging stations that will be built when they are on the go or can charge the can from the convenience of their home.

In addition to the money that Bloomington drivers could save at the gas pump with the i-MiEV, it is expected to wear a price tag that will give other hybrid auto manufacturers a run for their money. The i-MiEV will likely start at just $30,000, which comes to a super affordable $22,500 after the electric vehicle federal tax credit is deducted.

It’s common knowledge to residents of Bloomington, IL – used cars are often a much better buy than new cars.  Specifically, that may be the case when considering purchasing a Mitsubishi Eclipse.  However, it might be hard to peel your eyes away from the attractive 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder.  Regardless of the year, however, this sports coupe is an inexpensive way to have a reliable and good-looking car to your name.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was first produced nearly twenty years ago at a plant in central Illinois – not too far from Bloomington, IL.  Used cars such as the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser were produced alongside the Eclipse, under a partnership between Mitsubishi and Chrysler called Diamond Star Motors.  As you may have figured out, the Talon and Laser are no longer produced today.  The Eclipse is the only surviving model from this venture.

The 2011 model of the Eclipse comes in three trim levels: the GS (base trim), the GS Sport, and the GT.  The base trim is front-wheel drive and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, and power windows and doors.  The engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that offers 162 horsepower.  The GS sport is a slight upgrade from the base level, both in appeal and function, thanks to features such as heated front seats.   The GT is the top model, with a 3.8-liter V6 engine at 265 horsepower, sport-tuned suspension, and larger brakes.  Stability control as well as front-wheel drive is standard across the line.

A popular choice is a Mitsubishi Eclipse used car, Bloomington, IL all the way to the east coast.  2006 versions can be found in similar trim levels as above, as well as a medium-grade SE and SE-V6 that have since been discontinued.  Also, this older styling sports a slightly different exterior styling, which may or may not be an attribute, depending on personal preferences.  The used GT model can be a fun to drive used car.  Bloomington, IL based owners have been known to rave about the six-speed manual transmission that came standard on the GT until the most recent model release.

New or used, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is the perfect car for someone looking to drive away from the dealership in a vehicle that has excellent curb-appeal, and money to spare in their wallet.

Rachael Patrick

Getting into a car crash can be an extremely stressful situation. Sometimes it can be so stressful that many people completely forget what to do. While your safety is certainly the most important factor, it is also important to take all the proper steps to ensure you will be back on your feet in no time without being tied up in insurance or money issues due to your accident. The FindLaw blog has recently released a reminder list of 11 Things to Do After a Car Accident. These tips will help keep you calm, collected, and make sure you won’t have any issues after the fact.

The first step is, of course, to make sure no one in the car crash is seriously injured. Safety is always the most important issue. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 or designate someone else specifically to do so. After everyone’s safety is confirmed, move on to speaking to the other party as well as witnesses. Be sure never to apologize for anything that happened during the accident, this could be seen as admitting liability. Look around and ask anyone if they witnessed the events that took place and try to make sure they stick around until the police arrive to take a look at your used car. Bloomington, Il drivers confirm these steps make sense and safety should always be the first priority.

The next step is to call your insurance company. You must report the incident to your insurance agent no matter what the circumstances are. Many insurance agents can be very helpful in these situations in reminding you of the proper steps to take and preparing you for what may come next. They may remind you it is important to take pictures and notes of the accident while still on the scene. This can be used as evidence should you need it in the future.

After the accident, be sure to get a property damage figure from your insurance company. Don’t always accept the first estimate you receive, go out and get a few estimates so you can be certain you are getting what you deserve. Also, if necessary get a lawyer and try not to talk to the other party’s insurance company on your own. Refer these people to your insurance company or your lawyer.

Accidents happen everywhere from Boise, ID to Bloomington, IL. Buy used cars or new cars from any dealer, and an accident can still happen to you. The best thing you can do is drive safely and defensively and always be prepared for an accident. Make sure not to panic and remember these steps and you will be able to swiftly deal with any situation on the road.

Whether on the market for a new or used car, Bloomington IL drivers will likely agree that, when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, every bit of information is on a need-to-know basis. Information is power when making one of your biggest financial decisions and doing your research on a vehicle’s safety, reliability, fuel economy, styling, power and price are factors that should be considered before pulling out the checkbook. To help you prepare to hit the automotive market equipped with the necessary information, here is everything you need to know about the Mitsubishi Galant.

The current 2010 Mitsubishi Galant family-sedan is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 160 horsepower and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The 2010 Galant is best for fuel efficiency with its four-cylinder engine achieving EPA fuel economy estimates of 21 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway. O’Brien Normal offers the Galant as an unbeatable Bloomington, IL buy. Used car drivers will want to drive home in earlier Galant models which are available with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 230 horsepower.

The latest Galant is available in two trim levels and both the ES and SE models come standard with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, traction control, six airbags and stability control. The SE adds a wealth of interior features which include Bluetooth, heated cloth seats, Sirius Satellite Radio and navigation displayed on a seven inch LCD screen.

The spacious interior of current and past Galants goes beyond providing the utmost comfort for passengers by offering practicality. With 13.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity and a ski/cargo pass through, the Galant provides plenty of space for storage. The modern design of the interior has brightly lit gauges surrounded by plastic chrome rims with a soft blue backlighting that make them easy to read. The Galant’s conservative exterior has smooth lines and a long arching C-pillar which give the vehicle an overall traditional, yet stylish look.

Although the mere thought of a vehicle’s price tag is enough to make your stomach turn, the cost of a vehicle is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider before making your purchase. Whether you’re shopping for a new or used car, Bloomington IL drivers who opt for the Galant can avoid the cringe-inducing thought of emptying their bank accounts to pay for their ride. The 2010 Galant wears a super affordable price tag of just $21,176 and earlier models dating from 1990 to 2009 range anywhere between $477 and $18,440 respectively. Provided with everything you need to know about this family-sedan, Bloomington drivers can feel confident in the quality of the Galant and the value of such a purchase.

The DVD made its debut in 1997 and by the time the majority of us adapted our media centers to conform to the latest in consumer electronics, out came Blu-Ray. This constantly changing technology industry can have the latest and greatest gadget obsolete before you even have time to get accustomed to it. Accordingly, there still remains a distinct few who ignore modern day technologies and preserve their dependence in VCRs, beepers, walkmen and typewriters. And who can blame them when it seems to be only a matter of time before Blu-Ray discs will seem as antiquated as cassette tapes.

But the latest technological advances that vehicles will endure will be hard to surpass and will likely transform technology abstainers to electronics junkies. The Continental Corporation in Germany, one of the leaders in automotive technologies, has shared some of the latest advances in technology that will be offered on vehicles at your local Bloomington car dealership in the near future.

Vehicles can best benefit from the technological advances that improve safety, much like Emergency Steer Assist (ESA). Similar to an emergency brake system that some vehicles have, ESA is a precautionary measure that will influence your steering in a potential accident to avoid a collision. In the event that a vehicle is past the point of using brakes to prevent a collision, it is still possible for the driver to avoid the accident through steering. Based on steering input from the driver and sensors that a vehicle would be fitted with to monitor the road, ESA would be able to assist drivers make a decision to veer right or left to dodge an impact. According to the Continental Corporation, ESA is in advanced development and residents of Normal, IL can expect the integration of ESA into vehicles in the next two to four years.

Another technological advance that will improve a vehicle’s safety is the Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal (AFFP). The AFFP will identify a potential accident or hazardous situation by working in conjunction with a vehicle’s safety systems and produce a tactile response, which studies have shown drivers to be more responsive to as opposed to visual or auditory alerts. The AFFP will alert the driver of potential danger with a faint, double tick and will also exert opposing pressure on the pedal if a driver accelerates too quickly. These features of the AFFP will not only improve safety, but will also contribute to a more fuel efficient driving style.

The Android-based AutoLinQ is Continental’s latest innovation that will allow drivers to access their information, entertainment and communication systems from the convenience of their vehicle. Although portable accessibility systems are nothing new to your used car Bloomington IL dealers, the AutoLinQ will be one of the first solutions to enhance vehicle safety as opposed to merely providing entertainment. Normal, IL drivers know that state laws forbids composing, sending or reading an electronic message while operating a vehicle, but the AutoLinQ will make communicating while driving possible with the ability to transcribe written text to an auditory message and vice versa.

The Intelligent Tire System/Fill Assist is a system that gets integrated into a vehicle’s tire to monitor varying factors that affect a driver’s tires. The system will notify drivers of the tire’s ideal pressure levels for a particular load and filling assistance features will alert drivers when a tire’s air pressure is too low. The system is still in early stages of development but will eventually contribute to reduced carbon dioxide emissions by reducing the rolling resistance of tires. The Intelligent Tire System ultimately reduces tire wear, enhances safety and promotes better fuel efficiency.

Continental’s Simplify Your Drive is another concept that local Bloomington car dealerships will eventually offer. The concept will allow drivers to opt from various driving modes and will transform the vehicle into the driver’s chosen identity with the push of a button. Although vehicles currently at your used car Bloomington IL dealer offer various drive modes, the Simplify Your Drive approach presents a visual transformation that is as exciting as the actual performance transformation. If a driver were to opt to drive in sport mode, round virtual gauges would appear on the vehicle’s dash which would become illuminated in a sporty red ambience. A drive in eco mode will be indicated by green surroundings and a four leaf clover on the dash which would signify eco-conscious driving behaviors.