Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sports Cars : Babe Magnets
Do you crave the feeling of being noticed and looked at because of the car that you are driving? Do want the feel of masculinity and the allure it exudes? Then getting a nice sports car for you might be a good start. So what are your options? You can check out muscle cars, exotic super cars, and tricked out roadsters. Two cars will be elaborated on here because of each car's well known reputation as macho machines and chick magnets. The Ferrari Modena 360 and the Chevrolet Corvette.
The Chevrolet Corvette
The current Corvette or C6 as it is called since it is the model’s sixth reincarnation, has new styling. It has exposed headlamps and a slimmer body. It boasts of improved performance, handling, comfort, and refinement. It is a sports car that drivers will find easy to handle both on the road and the race track. If you are testing your limits at the track or just having fun driving around town, the new Corvette is forgiving even when driven really hard. Its six-cylinder engine is capable of powerful acceleration and is comparable to that of a Ferrari Modena. The new Corvette is lighter than its predecessor.
The Ferrari Modena 360
The Modena is a top of the line sports car that matches an aggressive design with comfort and performance. Keep in mind that this beauty is not a conventional car in the sense that it is simply not used to go and get the groceries at the store or to pick up the kids from school. It is a pleasure machine made to attract attention and induce oohs and aahs from the crowd. It is a weekend car to be driven with utmost adrenaline and fun as the main goal. And for a thrilling weekend drive, this car will cost you around $150,000. Sure, you can use it to get your groceries or pick up your kid albeit quickly. But as they say, you buy it because you can and because women will be attracted to you if you happen to have one. Despite everything, this Ferrari can be considered to be grounded by comfort and practicality as much as possible. Unlike some models, Ferrari made certain to focus on things like ergonomics, interiors, and transmission which make it very usable even for daily drives.
Having a sports car may get you more dates than before but it also means spending more for maintenance and service parts not to mention its fuel consumption. It has little space for extra persons but if you are going on a date then this will do the trick.
Sports Cars for Girls..!!
Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle is a compact family car that is made in Germany. It is one of the most easily recognized cars in the whole world. Due to its popularity, it has even moved up to a cult status with many loyal followers. It is known as the beetle, bug, or kafer (German) because of its distinctive shape.
Mini Cooper
This car is an affordable, stylish, fun, and compact piece of machinery. It was first designed in 1959 as a car that combines a big interior space with a small car body. It is very appealing to the eye and popular to a wide range of people due to its affordability. With regards to safety issues, the mini cooper employs an anti-lock braking system for more stability and control especially during turns and cornering. The interior of this car is stylish and compact. One drawback is its small storage capacity but that is expected from this type of car. It is not a ‘hot rod’ but it is a fun to drive around the city.
BMW Z4 Roadster
The Z4 is the follow-up to the Z3 series which was first introduced in 1996. It is very popular to both young and old car aficionados because of its aggressive design. It is a bit bigger then the Z3 and its body is much stiffer even when measures were taken to reduce its overall body weight without compromising rigidity. It has a stiff chassis, a variety of transmission options, and large disk brakes that enable this car to provide great comfort and pleasure while driving.
These are some of the best sports cars that can be considered as ‘girl’ cars. If you are still thinking of what kind of car you want to get, consider the following: The prices of convertibles start around $20,000 and go up to the hundred thousand range. Engines used usually are four or six cylinder types while the pricier ones employ V6 or V8 engines. Maintenance costs for convertibles are roughly the same as those of sedans and technology has made soft tops stronger and more durable to withstand years of abuse.
Customize It!
What are the other things one needs to know about custom-built cars? Here they are:
1. Roadster or Coupe?
Whether the driver wants his car to be roadster or coupe, companies that custom-build cars can adjust to the choice.
2. The Big Kit
Okay, before customizing, one must have this important tool: the kit. Companies like ‘Quality Roadsters’ provide kits and packages to turn a bland car into a ‘wow-worthy’ one. From the car's frame to other materials and features, these are all provided to ensure maximum performance.
As for the frame, the driver must take into consideration if he is going for the round tube or the square one. He must remember that round tube frame is lighter and tougher. On the other hand, a square tube frame is very easy to design. It can be stylish but not rigid or it can be rigid but not stylish.
Body-wise, the driver must choose a dimensionally-able car, with longer foot boxes and impressive fiberglass. The driver must custom-build it to the point that when he drives the car, it seems as if he is not driving the body, but the chassis.
The driver must also take note of the suspension. He must stay away from the independent rear suspension from Jaguar as it is harder to maintain. He must stick to a custom-built car with suspension materials similar to that of Mustang GT's. While replica industries usually make their own suspension, others just stick to the excellent-performing ones available on the market.
As for the engine, it is best that the driver goes for the one from Ford. Operating at 400-hp 302 V8 with transmitting power coming from a T-5 five speed, this engine qualifies as one of the better ones that can fully support a custom-built sports car.
Other car accessories like air-conditioning, overflow tank, cooling fan, shroud kit, fuel injection systems, wiper system and oil filter relocator must also be carefully and systematically selected.
A custom-built sports car will really spruce up the driver's lifestyle as it reflects his personality. He just has to be sure that the replica industry he has chosen will take care of him.
Ostrich Skin Upholstery For Car Interiors
Ostrich skin is a thick, soft leather with a distinctly unique luxury texture. It features quill "pocks", which look like small bumps across the otherwise smooth material. Here are some places that Ostrich skin has been used to enhance automobile interior:
- Seats
- Arm Rests
- Door Panels
- Gear Knobs and shifter covers
- Steering wheel covers
- Dashboard Trims
The first reaction of most is not to take ostrich too seriously; it's strange and unusual to coat the inside of a car with this exotic bird. However, most are impressed with the see the overall look of a car finished with this exotic bird, making ostrich skin one of the biggest upcoming trends in exotic leather and car interiors.
Ostrich farms are popular in Africa and their hides are meticulously tanned by expert tanneries and leather professionals. Tanning and ostrich hide is not an easy task; it requires patience and many careful steps to produce the finished product in full luxury grade quality free of any holes or scars.
Ostrich is tanned into any number of bold finishes and can be custom dyed and finished to fit the look of a new car interior through a professional exotic leather supplier. Most ostrich hides have about 8 square feet each of the popular quill pocks, with the remaining material in soft smooth leather. The best prices are typically obtained through an exotic skin broker or supplier who has built relationships with the farmers, tanneries, and understands the regulations surrounding the species.
When the ostrich skin reaches the car interior designer, they are careful to note their cuts in the material carefully before making any cuts. This cuts back on wasted material and the smaller pieces can be saved for smaller applications.
Reasons Why People Like Sports Cars
In the automobile industry where economy vehicles, “family sedans” and SUV’s dominate the field, sports cars definitely stand out.
These types of cars, for the able and skilled drivers, can give optimum performance on the road. Not all drivers are equally skilled, but to individuals who are capable of feeling and understanding the faint messages of these vehicles, they can indulge in a rewarding and satisfying driving experience since sports cars are intended to be driven fairly fast.
Because of this driving pleasure, many people are drawn to a sports car. This is just one of the many reasons why people like these vehicles. Other reasons include:
1. Appearance. The aerodynamic design of a sports car makes it appealing to car fans. Although when you are making an automotive investment, this should not be the principal or only reason to purchase that vehicle. Functionality should be the primary consideration even though beauty will also enter into your decision.
2. Driving characteristics. While other vehicles are mainly designed for affordability and function, sports cars gives emphasis on performance and execution. The trait and condition of driving a sports car is an experience often unmatched.
Keeping in mind their very discriminating car drivers, sports cars easily out perform the road execution of other automobiles. Drivers can quickly accelerate when required, hug turns, and have a certain driving management not provided by most vehicles.
3. Fun and excitement. The driving qualities of a sports car can provide excitement and fun.
A person can spend hours talking about exciting experiences such as curve hugging wile not taking one’s foot off of the accelerator or zooming past slow moving traffic yet remaining in full control or talk about the feeling of gratification , and knowing that one is driving a car with superb engineering.
4. Duration and resale value. Each new automobile depreciates the very second it is driven. However, sports cars will become more valuable as time passes, because of their above-mentioned qualities and are expected to become potential classics that will retain their value.
One does not need to make their car choice a statement, although if one chooses, the opportunity is right there. Owning a sports car will make a statement about the owner’s personality.
How to Buy a Sports Car For Under $3000 ???
But that does not mean that you will have to say goodbye to your dream of having this car. There are a lot of ways to acquire a decent sports car without busting the bank. Let me tell you a way on how you can buy your sports car for only under $3000.
Step 1: If you have a penchant for the vintage car models, you can look online. A couple of British vintage sports vehicles are sold and most of them are in mint condition. You can refurbish as you wish. Buying a second hand car is ideal as you can work on it little by little. Change the paint, or change the motor to help it catch up with recent modernizations.
Step 2: Scour automobile magazines for good finds. Look at the page of the magazine where they list a number of sports car sold for under $3000. You can find the most affordable cars Mazda and Nissan costing less than that.
Step 3: You will be surprised of the number of junkyards that have decent sports automobiles. You can also ask about their services on refurbishing old cars. Most of the time, it should not cost you a lot. You can also ask the opinion of an expert on how much the refurbishing of the car you are eyeing at will cost. They can give you a rough estimation.
Step 4: Another website you can look for is Craigslist. Just key in the amount you want. This is like an online junk shop. You can easily find what you are looking for. Plus, you can get it directly from the previous owner. Ask questions about is current condition and what repairs are necessary. Ebay is also a nice site for scouring previously own automobiles.
Step 5: Widen your car network. If you are really enthusiastic about cars and everything that has got to do with that, you can join clubs and go to showrooms. Chances are, you can meet a lot of people who knows a thing or two about refurbishing cars and where you can buy cheap but decent ones. They might even have a few cars they want to sell and you can get one for a cheaper price.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Know More About the 3 Best Hybrid Sports Cars
Following is a brief description of the three best Hybrid Sports Cars available in the market:
1) Mitsubishi Eclipse Concept-E:
- It is an attractive 2-seater sports coupe from Mitsubishi.
- Its main features include a parallel hybrid motor, glass roof, and ultramodern interiors.
- It also features an all-wheel-drive system that allows parallel engines to supply energy to both the axles.
- It has a special hybrid engine, called the 'E-Boost', which helps the car to gain power even while changing gears.
- Connected with the E-Boost system is a 3.8 liter V6 underneath the hood that provides extra torque while driving.
- The E-Boost Electric Motor of the car produces nearly 200 odd horsepower.
- Total Power Output: 470 horsepower
2) Subaru B9 Scrambler:
- It makes use of both, a hybrid engine and a gas-powered engine. Whenever the charge drops below the optimum level, the gas engine is turned up automatically and also acts as a generator.
- This sports car comes with a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that supplies energy to both the axles.
- It also features variable-height air suspension with automatic self-leveling.
- Its 2.0 Liter SOHC flat-four engine supplies the extra power whenever needed.
3) Mazda Ibuki:
- It features a 16-valve MZR 1.6-liter DOHC inline four cylinder engine.
- Additional power and the necessary torque for accelerating from a standstill is provided by its unique electrical hybrid motor.
- ts engine shuts down automatically when the car comes to a sustained stop. This makes this model highly fuel-efficient.
- Its unique 'Regenerative Braking System' allows the batteries to get recharged automatically.
Thus, if you are willing to buy a sports car and looking for fuel economy at the same time, you can consider the above three Hybrid Sports Cars.
A History of Sports Cars
Since the development of motorised vehicles a small select group of individuals have always had the undying fascination of designing and building them bigger, more powerful and faster than they either needed to be or really should be with any regard to safety. This was no different with the motor car industry, from its relative simple and sluggish beginnings the car quickly developed into a very useful mode of transport and working tool. For some this new way to transport us around turned into an obsession of power and speed and welcomed the age of the racing cars and sports cars.
To begin with motor vehicles were built for more functional than aesthetically pleasing reasons and their ability to carry both people and heavy loads is what drove the designers and manufacturers forward. Humans though have an eye for beauty and a thirst for power and speed, combining these attributes the birth of the sports cars was inevitable.
As new developments occurred in the early motor industry a small number of designers, builders and drivers pushed the motor car to its limits on race tracks to test its abilities against other manufacturers vehicles. These races fuelled the next generation of cars and drivers. As engines became more powerful the ability to race these machines began to push the designs and needs to new levels this quite often was at the expense of someone's life.
Big powerful engines were placed into fragile frames and pushed to the limit often with dire consequences to drivers and spectators. But humans have a need to go faster and faster and this drove these brave and quite often reckless early pioneers to design better and more powerful machines and this began the start of the new age of the modern motor car. Safety was usually an after thought if it came up at all, the main focus was pushing the machines and drivers to their limits and beyond if possible. The engines power output quickly out grew the motor cars ability to handle these increases and the designers had to rethink the chassis and suspensions limitations. As with in the aircraft industry the designs of planes and engines regularly changed along with the abilities and reliability of the aircraft, the motor cars began to evolve along the same lines with new ideas and breakthroughs in technologies incorporating aerodynamics to help reduce drag and stronger building materials for chassis and bodywork.
Developing test vehicles purely for racing was the beginning of what we now class as the sports car. After the Second World War a new breed of sports car began to emerge. The once very high-priced and hard to obtain race bred cars that only the most wealthy and enthusiastic owners could secure began to evolve into a more accessible vehicle with the additional comforts and road functionalities, and what was even more important, a more affordable price tag making them more accessible to the average owner and driver. The sports cars had taken their first steps from the exclusive domain to main stream availability. Over the next few years as advancements were made on and off the racing circuit designs began their slow transformation into the popular modern shapes of today's models. Many famous names have added their own distinctions to the sports car moulds and most can be easily identified by pure shape alone even today.
Sports Cars Aren't Just For the Rich
There is more on offer to the man on the street than ever before in the choice of sports cars. You can opt for a luxury sports car or even a classic one if you are drawn to the vintage feel and design. Some might say that there is too much choice. Do you want high performance? A convertible or not? Front or rear wheel drive? Then there is also the history of the company to consider. Do you want a 'New Kid on the Block' or a brand that has been around for years? Some people will also decide on their car depending on where it is made. Perhaps only choosing a car that is built in the UK as to support the British economy, yet other may argue that Italy is the home of the true sports car.
Cost is not what it used to be. You can get some really good used super cars that have been well looked after and well maintained from a pre owned dealership. Many of these cars have been services through the correct dealerships so you know the work has been carried out to the standard that the manufactures intended. Previous owners usually only take the best of care on their cars if they have had them since new so it should be fairly easy to find a good condition one. A real bargain can be had at a company who specializes in pre owned sports cars as the depreciation in value usually happens most dramatically with the owner who has had it from new.
This information should provide you with enough motivation to consider looking for a second hand sport car. The dealership will be able to provide you with a car that has been well looked after and that can also offer some form of warranty just to give you that extra peace of mind.
Thinking of Buying a Classic Or Modern Sports Car - Then Why Not Hire One First ??
There are now companies in most countries offering either classic or modern sports cars for self drive hire. You can normally take a car for a single day, a few days, or maybe treat yourself to a long weekend in the car you fancy. Whether you are considering a classic or a modern there are a variety of reasons why hire is a good idea.
Many modern sports cars, particularly the top end models could have over 400 bhp on tap, and if you are used to driving a family saloon, SUV or a people carrier, then driving one of these is a completely different proposition. They take some getting used to. I am not suggesting that you hire one to try find the limits as it will get expensive if you have an argument with a tree. But take one out for a proper drive to understand that such a car is about much more than just how good it looks, or how good you will look in it.
While most classics don't have such levels of horsepower, many at the top end; Jaguar E-types, Aston Martin DB6s etc, have more than enough. The key thing to understand with these cars is that they were built, 20, 30 or 40 years ago, and were designed 10 to 15 years before that. Remember that a classic sports car isn't just a sports car in an old body. The engineering is old as well. While Jaguars and Astons were high spec cars in their day, their brakes won't be as good as on modern cars. No ABS, ESP or Traction Control. Gear-changes won't be as slick as on modern cars and most of them have carburettors instead of fuel injection. How many of you remember how to start a car with a flooded carburettor?
If you are looking at more reasonably priced classics like MGs and Triumphs then often these don't even have servo assisted brakes. Most classics don't have power steering and they run on relatively narrow tyres with less grip than modern, wide, low profile tyres. Some are still described as 'hairy chested' sports cars which warns you that they may not be easy for female drivers to handle. Indeed our own Triumph TR4A is positively agricultural in the way it drives. No need for gym membership as driving a classic can be like having a full body workout.
They don't come complete with all the modern goodies either, most don't have electric windows, air conditioning, central locking and don't expect to find an IPod ready radio in a car that listed a heater as an optional extra.
Having accepted the limitations of the technology then you need to consider the practicality of the vehicle. Most sports cars, modern or classic, are very tight on luggage space. So if you are planning to buy a car so that you can treat yourself to regular weekends away, then make sure it can carry enough luggage for two of you for a weekend. This may sound a bit obvious but the boot in an E-type Jaguar is very shallow and won't take a modern suitcase. Your dinner suit and your wife/girlfriend's posh frock may not emerge completely pristine after 8 hours in a squashy holdall, in a boot that smells of oil and exhaust fumes.
Again if the weekend away is your plan you need to make sure that the car is comfortable to sit in and drive for 4, 6 or 8 hours. Morgans still retain their classic 1930s look, but the suspension is so hard, that driving over white lines and road markings is like reading the road surface using braille. What might seem great fun in a 10 minute trip round the block may not be so great if you have backache at the end of the day.
Most of the companies that rent out classic or modern sports cars will be happy to advise you on the servicing requirements of the cars and what to look for when you are thinking of buying one.
To rent a budget classic (MG or Triumph) may cost as little as £100 or £150 per day, but expect to pay 3 times this for a good Jaguar E-Type and even more for a classic Aston Martin. Modern sports or exotic cars can be several hundreds of Pounds, upwards, depending on the value and specification of the cars.
A weekend away may cost you up to £1,000 for a car, a good hotel, a nice meal and all your petrol. But it is well worth it for two reasons:
- You have a great weekend away
- Better to spend £1,000 or so and decide you can't live with the car, than find this out after you have parted with £20,000, £30,000 or more of your hard earned cash.
Treat yourself and hire the right car for a day or so. At best it will re-inforce your desire to buy one, it may help you modify your decision, or it may cure you - but probably not!
Learn About Sports Cars Before You Buy One..!!
In making an automobile or any land vehicle for that matter, a lot of factors are being considered: cost of material, safety, efficiency, and performance are only some of these at play on the drawing board of a car maker. A sports car however, in definition gives priority to performance above all other factors. By performance, speed is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Speed relies heavily on the power of the car's engine.
Most sports cars do have muscle engines which can outrun even the fastest sedans easily. A sports car engineer therefore puts it first on the list of factors that he has to consider: how to travel the distance with the least amount of time possible.
But of course, even if performance is a cut above every other consideration, the other factors are never neglected. Safety cannot be compromised, because even the fastest sports car needs a driver on the wheel at all times, and safe at all times. Besides, everyone wants to drive from start to finish in one piece, after all. So a performance-oriented vehicle must pay attention to the other factors and not rely solely on the car engine's power.
A number of sports cars compensate for a not-so-powerful engine with a light body, paying due respect to the laws of physics: the lighter the mass, the smaller amount of force required to move this mass. This is also the reason why a sports cars usually are smaller, and do not have backseats. If these cars do have backseats, these are not as convenient as a sedan's and is only a throwaway to please the insurance companies. One may also notice that a sports car quite often only has two doors, and it shares the same reason as that of the backseat.
Because it can outperform any of the regular four-seater cars out in the market, sports cars are sold obviously at a higher price. Another reason is because quality materials are almost always being used to withstand the heavier wear and tear in this type of vehicle.
This also explains why purchasing a sports car remains a pipe dream to most car enthusiasts.
But it doesn't have to be that way anymore. It is easier to get one's hands on the steering wheel of a sports car than most people think. One just has to have the imagination and acumen to do so.
Buying a sports car does not have to mean going to your nearest car dealer and getting a brand new vehicle off the rack. There are quite a handful of these vehicles beyond the dealer's garage, in very good condition and sold at a lower price. You can always check out car auctions and watch out of sports car models being sold at pancake rates. Pre-owned sports cars are always available on your local car magazine or website; sometimes it just requires you to pay more attention to these ad placements; you'll never know when the sports car of your dreams is right under your nose.
Buying second-hand sports cars maybe the best way to go if one is facing monetary constraints. If a pre-owned sports car is taken cared of properly, it will give one the same excitement that a new one can provide.
There are also private sellers particularly of sports cars. More often than not, owners of these sports cars found themselves short of cash and are willing to dispose of their sports cars at considerably low prices, much to their resistance. Desperation is in a way good for buyers on the look-out: they get their dream vehicles at bargain prices.
And once you have spotted the car of your dreams, it is wise to exercise routine vehicle inspection, the way one does when buying a regular car. Do not forget to visually inspect the engine, the interior and the body. It is a folly to disregard these simple reminders, especially when buying a pre-owned sports car. You as a buyer can easily assess the condition of the car, how well it was maintained by the owner, simply by looking at it. Then, the proof of the pudding is in the eating: do not forget to test-drive your prospect sports vehicle before closing the purchase. Give it a go and see how it feels. If it feels good - and you feel like Steve McQueen in Bullitt - it is time to call that sports car your own.
The Beauty that Sports Cars Possess
However, there is something about sports cars that make them stand out when it comes to beauty. And we are not talking about external features only.
There is more to physical features like, sleekness of the car, that determine its beauty.
Here are some of the characteristics that endear sports cars to car enthusiasts :
- Sports cars have attitude at first glance.
Sports cars speak the attitude that they possess. They are not like mere cars whose presence can be ignored. They captivate the eyes of those who see them. They imply that thrill and enjoyment van be expected when their hands are those that control the wheel.
Sports cars stand above other cars, that are seen very day, primarily because the designs imply what they are capable of doing. A sleek look really matches a car with sleek activities.
- Sports cars possess greater power.
Their power comes from their more powerful engines and has other specifications than other the cars have. A sports car can do more than ordinary tasks because of the features that only they possess.
- Sports cars are made for driving pleasure.
Ordinary cars make driving monotonous and boring, while on the other hand, sports cars primarily aim to give the drivers a "high" feeling of speed and control. Only sports cars can provide that need for drivers who seek adventure.
Sports cars bring the thrill back to driving. They express what other cars can not. Sports cars are not designed just for practicality, but for pleasure too.
- Sports cars are made for drivers who enjoy their ‘wild side’.
Drivers do have the need to express this ‘wild side’. Sports cars make any road a venue to satisfy those needs. Only sports cars can match the “wildness" that drivers innately have. For that reason, sports cars perfectly compliment the child in every driver.
- Sports cars have evolved and improved through the years.
Drivers appreciate the improvements that have been made to sports cars. You could say that sports car technology has infinite possibilities. The stereotypes of sports cars have long been debunked. Those limits have been crossed. The only thing that car enthusiasts can do is to watch as these improvements unfold before their very eyes.
- Sports cars make their owners feel good about themselves.
Sports cars are lifeless. They cannot feel proud because they are beautiful, but their owners take pride in having them.
With all these things said about the intrinsic and extrinsic beauty that sports cars possess, only a person who does not appreciate their beauty and/or speed will not opt to get one.