Audi TT Club Haven Qattro

The place of the premiere could be better selected hardly. Not on any autofair, but at the legendary GTI meeting at the Austrian Wörthersee AUDI reveals a study on this weekend already again. , Where for meanwhile 26 years the full power friends of the cars made of wolf castle and Ingolstadt meet to the merry Angasen and are expected in this year more than 200,000 guests, those let all coverings fall and place Bavaria a TT on the stage, which into the Tuningszene fits like Hot Pants or the classical Voku Hila hair-style. All those, which regard the TT rather as a Schönling as for a sports car, want to obviously instruct the AUDI responsible persons with the HP-Event in Kärnten with the type “club haven Quattro” a better one.

“Purism on Premium level” reads the work title, under which the designers made the Roadster the Speedster and also still put so the last remainder down of the Bikini. Because a roof does not have this car no more, and of the windshield only a tiny, darkly sounded strip remains. Goods TT-drivers so far if necessary above without on the way, sit them now formally naked in the wind.

The open two-seater looks already at first sight tremendously bad: The powerful single Frame grill is stressed with crosswise presented aluminum props for the first time in the width. Four enormous, vergitterte cooling openings cover the air requirement of the engine, and under headlights now the LED lights of the day headlight gleam grimmig ahead. The club haven Quattro works trained. Finally put on the axles 20-Zöller, on which AUDI 265er drew tires up. The trace of the sportsman is therefore eight centimeters more broadly than with the normal TT and the wheel housings curves like the upper arms of a Bodybuilders after the last Anabolika syringe.

Only the most necessary - also in the engine compartment

At the same time the designers continued to simplify the silhouette of the car: The outside mirrors are clearly smaller, and there are not door handles any longer. No, one must climb nevertheless not as with a formula-1-car over the parapet wall in the cars, crowned by a circulating aluminum screen. Separate a pressure on the remote maintenance been sufficient, already play the Speedster “Sesam open you” and let the doors jump up. At the tail against it it may be again somewhat more: There the overroll bars were flattened, but but there are two windschnittige peaks on the useless covering box and far down two oval exhaust final pipes, how they strain otherwise only the S-models of the Ingolstädter against their backer. Automove news

Even under the hood maximum minimalism was announced. No concern, on achievement the developers did not do without. On the contrary, from the S3 well-known gasoline direct injecting he turbo things come to the Porsche killer in the so far strongest version no longer on only 260, but now 300 HP and have thereby always. Even if AUDI keeps the technical data of the engine still for itself. But drum around it works for the engine compartment of a modern car strangely empty and offenherzig. No dust cover prevents the deep view in the Dekolletee, and no Nebenaggregate moves the four-cylinder on the Pelle. Air conditioning system? Active charcoal filter? With so much admission of fresh air one can give oneself that obviously everything.

Bright aluminum and rumors of a small series

The interior is not completely so asketisch arranged. It smells also here rather after adrenalin as after the aniline of the Gerber. But on comfort the passengers must hardly do without - at least if they fit comfortably into the running bowls and at the broad belts of point of four do not push. Then they enjoy the view of a abgespecktes running cockpit with perpendicularly standing pointers, stroke the sport steering wheel with flat lower surface or the Schaltknauf in the quadrant from the sports car R8, and let the view curve over more bright aluminum than in every other AUDI.

The hand grips of the door, the steering wheel spokes and the footrests do not only gleam matt, but even the pedals were milled from it. In addition there is much black and somewhat oranges leather and as nice Gimmick a MP3-Spieler von Audis acoustic partner fears for & Olufssen, which fits directly into the middle nozzle of the ventilation and like a black diamond over the navigation system thront.

Still the club haven Quattro is a unique piece. But one thinks with AUDI hearing after seriously about the building a small series. The car might cost then clearly more than 50,000 euro. The idea of a TTS already geistert not in vain by the sheet forest for months. In addition the building of such a vehicle leaves itself - which the many hundred knitted sport exhibits show in the mountain idyl - hardly more to prevent. Because if AUDI does not make it, the Freaks among the mark friends makes it even.

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Car Stereo Buying Guide

Car Stereo Buying Guide I’ve seen a lot of people asking what kind of car stereo would best fit their ride and I have seen a lot of people get frustrated of their car stereo just because of following someone’s advice. Don’t let this happen to you. You can avoid the common mistakes done by a lot of people in choosing their car stereo by following the guidelines that I’m about to give you. You might say, “Okay Richard, is this a sales pitch?” not even close. The truth is that a lot of people are seeking advice from others not realizing that those people are not the best ones to ask about the matter and in turn could have a negative effect after having bought the car stereo. Commonly, they get frustrated. Let’s face it, some people love to give advice even if they don’t know anything or just a little about the matter.

So what should you do now?

Follow these guidelines and tips before purchasing a car stereo.

1. Decide on what type of car stereo you want, will it be a plain tuner, cassette player, CD player, DVD player, HDD stereo, car stereo with video, 1 ½ din player (GM/Chrysler Fit) or any combination of the above.

2. When you see someone with a nice car stereo or know someone who has a nice car stereo, try to ask them the brand and model of that car stereo unit, ask them about the good and bad things it has and ask them if they would recommend that kind of stereo but don’t buy just yet or you might end up like the one I was talking about above “Frustrated”.

3. After having a list of car stereo, go to a store and ask the salesperson for a demo. Pay close attention to what the salesperson is talking about so you could compare what he is saying with what the person you asked about the car stereo will tell you.

4. Listen carefully to the sound that the car stereo is producing. Take note if the sound has a loud bass, clear or if the feature can produce both sound. Some people like the sound of loud bass while some go for clarity. It’s just a matter of preference but personally, I’ll go with the one that could produce both a loud bass and a clear sound.

5. Inspect the feature of the car stereo if the quality of sound can be easily manipulated like the bass, mid and high frequency and check if the car stereo control is user friendly and driver friendly.

6. Inspect the specification if it will be compatible with the current speakers you have (if you have speakers already) or not. This is a better way than having to buy a new set of speakers if your speaker’s circuitry is damaged by the power of the stereo because some stereo are so powerful that it could easily damage speakers.

7. The technology of car stereos are evolving the way computers evolve so consider new features like iPOD, Bluetooth, GPS and such if you plan to attatch this devices into your car stereo. Not every car stereo out in the market is iPOD, Bluetooth and GPS ready. So choose wisely.

8. Take into consideration future enhancement and sound expansion. I mean like having expanded bass and separates for better sounds. Inspect whether the car stereo unit has expansion inputs and outputs. You might decide in the future to join a car sound set-up competition. ?…

9. Warranty. Check the warranty, the longer warranty period, the better.

10. Select a price range and eliminate those that does not fit in your list of car stereos. (consider all the guidelines above before eliminating some stereo from your list).

Having followed these guidelines, you should have a list car stereo that will match your expectation. Again, it’s just a matter of choice depending on your preferences and other factors to consider like the price.

Now for the sales pitch ? (kidding).

There are a lot of good car stereo brand out there too many to mention here some of the many brands are Alpine, Kenwood, Bose, Sony, Eclipse and Pioneer car stereo which has 2 kinds, the Pioneer Car Stereo and the Pioneer Premier Car Stereo.

Whichever you choose depends on you.

The bottomline is choose wisely so you can avoid getting frustrated and not end up spending more money.
source: free articles

GPS Navigation Systems

What is navigation & why would I buy it?

Vehicle navigation is an inexpensive upgrade to any vehicle. Aftermarket navigation units use the newest technology and mapping software to get you from point "A" to point "B" without error. Also, with today's technology, you can get this upgrade for far less expensive than the steep price tag that dealerships charge when including factory navigation.

Most aftermarket units can be used for much more than just getting directions. Expandability features allow for numerous upgrades, including: DVD, Mp3, I-pod integration, and Bluetooth, the aftermarket units are well worth the investment.

Types:

Portable GPS units are just one type of Navigation available. These types of GPS units are mainly made to be suctioned to your windshield and powered from your vehicle's DC outlet. The best feature of these would be the versatility. You can easily unplug the unit and move from vehicle to vehicle. Some even have built-in batteries to provide you with navigation even without an external power source. A couple sacrifices of portable Navigation include screen size and expandability. Most portable units only have a screen size of around 4 inches and can only be used for navigation.

Another type of navigation system would be the in-dash. In-Dash Navigation units usually include a Touch-Screen Monitor, which puts entering destination addresses at your finger-tip. These systems replace your factory radio, and provide control over your entire audio system. With systems designed to fit both Standard and Oversized Radios it's possible to find a system for any vehicle. Options such as Bluetooth, IPod Integration, Satellite Radio and TV tuners allow you to outfit your vehicle with all the options at a fraction of the cost that your Dealership would charge.

Some Things to Look For:

-Points-of-Interests (POI) - The more points of interest loaded into the unit the better the chances of you finding a destination with minimal information.
-Hard-Drive- Maps are pre-loaded onto your unit, updates are as easy as downloading new maps from your PC and loading them onto your NAV Hard Drive via SD Card or DVD. Most Hard-drive NAVs will allow you to Update your POI for your area.
-DVD-ROM - Maps are loaded onto a DVD which must be inserted into the System in
order to you're the Navigation Feature. New updated DVDs must be purchased as years go on in order to stay current with the growth of your area.
Now Navigation is affordable no matter what your budget. It's a small price to pay for all the comforts of a Luxury Vehicle and the Satisfaction of knowing you will never again have to pull over and ask for directions.
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Defensive Driving Saves Lives

Thousand of people are killed or seriously injured in road
accidents in the UK every year and in many of these accidents, the main contributing factor is driver error. This can be attributed to the skill level of the driver, the attitude, lack of judgement, lack of knowledge of vehicle characteristics.Defensive driving is all about developing the right attitude and approach, brushing up on general driving skills, learning about the handling characteristics of your vehicle and various other factors which we will discuss a little further.

Responsibility, concentration, anticipation, patiences and confidence are the qualities which contribute towards driver attitude and it isthe driver's attitude which influence's his behaviour on the road. In defensive driving, a responsible driver is always concerned with the safety of his vehicle and the safety of all other road users around him. A defensive driver is always tolerant of the mistakes of other road users and is aware that everyone is entitled to use the road as much as him.

Due to the volume of traffic on our roads, concentration is the key to defensive driving. You should avoid driving if you are feeling unwell, upset or annoyed or suffering from any kind of stress. You should never let your passengers distract you from the task at hand, make phone calls (even hands free phones can be quite distracting), eat or drink, read road maps or even tune your radio whilst on the move. Avoiding just the few of the things mentioned above will help to improve your concentration immensely.

Anticipation in defensive drivingis the art of planning well ahead. Recognising hazards well before they develop and taking the most appropriate action to deal thedeveloping hazards. In defensive driving , if you plan ahead and anticipate the actions of other road users, you can avoid being taken by surprise, take evasive action and be in control of thedeveloping situation. Be patience of other road users, especially the more vulnerable like young children, the elderly and people with young children or animals. Withdefensive driving you will show patiences by avoiding hostile or aggressive behaviour, making obscene gestures or abusive language. If you are the recipient of such behaviour, you should try and ignore it, never retaliate, keep calm and concentrate on your driving. Even though it can be very hard but you are more likely to make a mistake if you lose your cool or get upset and this can have very dangerous consequences.

Nobody can claim to be the perfect driver, no matter how long you have been driving there's' always something new to learn. You can brush up on your driving skills by doing a few refresher driving lessons with a qualified driving instructor. If you would like to improve yourdefensive driving even further, you can take one of the advanced driving tests. You can contact any of the driving associations and they will be able to help with the tests and also put you in touch with a driving instructor who teaches advanced driving. This will help to improve the things you already know and teach you a few new skills as well. It will also help in your driving if you can read up on your vehicle's manual and try to learn how it handles corners and how effective the brakes are.

It is very difficult to cover every thing associated with defensive driving but by following a few of the things mentioned here you can improve your defensive driving and stay safe on today's roads.
Observation is crucial to defensive driving. You should look in your mirrors regularly but just looking in your mirrors is not enough, you must act sensibly on what you see. At junctions look, assess, decide on the safest course of action before you act and this is what effective observation is all about. You should also make sure that you can see and be seen by others which means you should keep your windscreens and windows clean, make sure your headlights, tail lights, brake lights and indicators are clean and in good working order.
You should always drive at a speed so that you can stop safely in the distance you can see to be clear. Always keep the two second gap between you and the vehicle in front. Tailgating is one of the major factors in road accidents and it can also irritatethe driver in front or make them very nervous if the are new or lack confidence.

Use signals correctly and safely. You should use signals to warn other road users of your intentions. In defensive driving you should always signal if others can benefit from that signal.

Recognise hazards early and then check your mirrors so you can deal with the developing hazard correctly. A hazard is any situation in the road that can make you change your speed or direction.

As I mentioned earlier it is impossible to cover every topic associated with defensive driving but by following the above mentioned topics and gathering more information on driving, you can have many hours of pleasurable driving and make the roads safer for yourself and other road users.
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Mercedes Benz E

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a luxury car with a new look for the model year not to mention a brand new coupe version. Available as a sedan, wagon, or the aforementioned two-door coupe, the E-Class is available with RWD or the AWD 4MATIC system. Top of the line luxury features come standard through all trims, which range from the E350 BLUETEC turbodiesel up to the powerful 507 hp E63 AMG. 2010 E-Class standard safety features include front, side, and rear air bags, and daytime running lights.

mercedes benz E 350 coupe

Audi E-tron

The Audi e-tron is an all-electric vehicle with four motors, two on each axle to deliver quattro all-wheel-drive performance and a 154 mile range. Audi says the e-tron can hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds thanks to 313 horsepower and 3319.03 lb-ft of torque (electric motors have their max torque at 0 rpm). Car fans will most likely focus on the styling, which looks like it was done by Norelco.

hot cars BMW X6

BMW at Frankfurt motor show

The X6 and 7 Series ActiveHybrids. Both use BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, but the X6 is a full hybrid with two electric motors and the 7 is a mild hybrid with one. The 2011 X6 ActiveHybrid uses the two-mode hybrid system already in use by GM. Total output is 485 horsepower, the vehicle can run on electric power alone up to 37 mph, and fuel economy is improved by 20 percent. The 2011 ActiveHybrid 7, which is offered with the standard or long wheelbase, puts out 465 horsepower, its electric motor only aids acceleration, and fuel economy is up 15 percent.

cruising around BMW 7

hot wheels

The Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro features a power soft top, a vented cowl extending behind each seat, and carbon fiber bodywork for select parts. Powered by Audi’s 525-horsepower 5.2-liter V10, the R8 Spyder can rocket to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds and top out at 192 mph. No U.S. on sale date has been announced, but it’s coming and probably with the “base” 425-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 as well.

Aston Martin Rapide
The world’s most elegant four-door sports car,” the new Rapide. Built on an extended version of the aluminum architecture underpinning other Astons, the Rapide offers seating for four and a useful rear hatch. The four “swan wing” doors open at a slight upward angle, permitting access to individual sport seats. Motivation comes from Aston’s hand-assembled 470-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. Aston quotes a top speed of 188 mph.

2010 Series Gran Turismo, a unique sedan/hatchback. The 5 GT features a “bi-modal” trunk that can open like a trunk or a hatchback, a seating position raised two inches, and a bulkhead behind the rear seats to seal off the trunk. The GT is longer than a regular 5 Series, riding on the 7 Series’ 120-inch wheelbase. It will initially come to the States this November as a 550i model with a 400-horsepower 4.4-liter V8.

CAR history

toyota castrol World rally championship
Unlike most ­inventions, the automobile was not an instant creation by an ingenious inventor; however there are certain landmark moments in the history of the modern day automobile. An estimated 100,000 patents are said to have created the car as we know it. Leonardo Da Vinci and Isaac Newton are credited with drawing up the first theoretical plans for a motor vehicle. Nicolas Joseph Cugnot was a French engineer and mechanic, in 1769 he invented the very first self-propelled road vehicle using a steam engine. The French Army used the vehicle to move artillery. This was followed by Nicolas with the design of a tricycle with the ability to carry four passengers and powered by a steam engine. Interestingly enough Cugnot is also the first person to be involved in a motor vehicle accident as he drove one of the vehicles into a stone wall in 1771.

There is debate as to whether the steam powered road vehicles of Nicolas Joseph Cugnot can be categorized as automobiles. People who accept the notion call him the first inventor of the automobile. The design was further improved by Onesiphore Pecqeur in France. In the U.S. Oliver Evans received the patent for a steam-powered land vehicle. A road carriage powered by steam was built in Richard Trevithick in Great Britain in 1801. Steam powered vehicles became relatively popular and many improvements were made to the original designs.

However, the steam engine design proved to be very popular for locomotives but it added too much weight to the road vehicles, which proved to be a major hassle. Although the exact year is uncertain, somewhere between 1832 and 1839 Robert Anderson of Scotland is said to have created the first electric carriage. The Electrical engines had flaws as well; they proved to be heavy, slow and expensive. Additionally, their batteries needed to be recharged frequently. Due to these problems, both the steam powered engines and the electrical engines were abandoned for gas-powered vehicles.
sport cars aston martin, maserati, porsche, subaru, toyota, world rally championship. new green volvo with battery.
Nissan Pennzoil
During the early 1900 the electrical cars had great sales in the United States but by the 1920s, a much better system of roads was built and people needed automobiles that could travel for a long range. After crude oil was discovered in Texas the price of gasoline was reduced father heralding the dawn of gas powered vehicles. Probably, the biggest factor in the popularity of gas powered cars was Henry Ford and his ability to mass produce internal combustion engines. Mass production of these vehicles also made them widely affordable and hence popular. Figures show that whereas a gasoline car could be bought at $650 in 1912, an electric roadster would cost around $1,750. Electric cars all but vanished by 1935 but during the 1960s and 1970s there was major concern regarding the exhaust emissions from internal combustion engines hence there was a need for alternative fueled vehicles. Electric cars were revived partially for utility based jobs for example the United States Postal Service in 1975 bought 350 electric delivery jeeps which were to be used in a test program. Currently, a lot of work and research is being put into manufacturing electric cars as a viable alternative.
author: brenda williams.

BMW 650i

The BMW6 series was relaunched in 2004 with the BMW 645i. This car was a two door, four passenger luxury . This car is ideal for a sport car enthusiast who would prefer a larger, more practical car compared to the 650's 2 passenger, lighter peers. In 2006, BMW upgraded the 645i to a 650i by increasing the engine a little. When including options and taxes, the 650i tends to run at about $80,000, so it's not exactly cheap. Here are the pros and cons of the car:

Pros
Amazing handling: The car is amazing to drive. When you drive the car, you feel as if you have total control over the vehicle. A car such as the Mercedes CLS (also priced near $80k) just cannot match this car's handling. The BMW 650i definitely has the handling one would expect from a German-made luxury

Gadgets: The BMW 650i comes with BMW's Idrive, an all-encompassing electronic system. The Idrive controls the navigation system, music, air conditioning, as well as communication system. The Idrive also has voice command, making it easy to use when driving. Some believe the Idrive is a bit difficult to operate. That's hogwash. Within two weeks of owning the car, anyone competent enough to use a computer or a DVD should be able to operate the Idrive flawlessly. The Idrive is the gadget-lover's ultimate car toy.

Interior: The interior of the 650i is beautiful. It has modern, classy feel to it. Your taller passengers will certainly appreciate being seated in the front though, as the back is not exactly spacious.

Acceleration: With a V8 and 360 hp, the car isn't exactly going to be outrun by a Civic. The acceleration and amazing breaks can also help you get out of accidents that other cars wouldn't be able to avoid.

Cons

Reliability: Expect to make stops at the service center every now and then. While it is a wonderful car, it is prone to electronic and tire issues.

Price: At about $80,000, it's not exactly in the everyman's budget. But if you are willing to spend this much money on a car, the 650i is definitely a good one to check out.

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Jorge Lorenzo triumph at Estoril motoGP 2009

Lorenzo motoGP
Estoril 2009 - MotoGP Race Highlights

Jorge Lorenzo repeated his 2008 Estoril victory from pole on Sunday to significantly boost his title chances as Valentino Rossi could only manage fourth place at the challenging Portuguese circuit.

The Fiat Yamaha pair got away in first and second places on the grid but Rossi was unable to match the pace of Lorenzo as he pulled away quickly at the front. On his return to action Ducati’s Casey Stoner rode brilliantly to follow Lorenzo across the line in second place, whilst Repsol Honda’s Dani Pedrosa was third.

Lorenzo will now feel that with three races to go and an 18 point deficit to Rossi the championship is far more achievable than before the visit to Portugal. The Spaniard was in unstoppable form in the Atlantic Coast sunshine and his fourth win of the year was eventually secured by a 6.3s margin.

Stoner performed admirably on his return to action after two months away due to illness, achieving his first podium since Assen in June – and he now has his home race at Phillip Island to look forward to in a fortnight’s time.

Pedrosa rode smoothly from fourth on the grid, taking the holeshot with one of his traditionally rapid starts onboard the factory RC212V and briefly holding the lead before Lorenzo slipped through. Pedrosa’s third place was his eighth podium of 2009.

World Champion Rossi appeared to be off-colour throughout the race, finishing off the podium for the first time at Estoril in the premier class. The championship leader will undertake a comprehensive inquest into his lack of competitiveness with his Fiat Yamaha crew after finishing 23 seconds behind Lorenzo.

Behind the MotoGP big guns at the front, Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was 10 seconds back on Rossi in fifth place, whilst Toni Elías (San Carlo Honda Gresini) held off Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) for sixth on the line.
colin edward, motoGP

The top ten also featured Nicky Hayden (Ducati Marlboro), James Toseland (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Chris Vermeulen (Rizla Suzuki), with Mika Kallio (Pramac Racing) crashing out early on and Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki) and Alex de Angelis (San Carlo Honda Gresini) retiring due to technical problems.

source: motogp.com
current standing on motogp championship 2009
Pos. Rider Nation Team Points
1 Valentino ROSSI ITA Fiat Yamaha Team 250
2 Jorge LORENZO SPA Fiat Yamaha Team 232
3 Dani PEDROSA SPA Repsol Honda Team 173
4 Casey STONER AUS Ducati Marlboro Team 170
5 Andrea DOVIZIOSO ITA Repsol Honda Team 142
6 Colin EDWARDS USA Monster Yamaha Tech 3 134
7 Loris CAPIROSSI ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 97

Cheap Auto Insurance No Longer are Hard to Find

The sole purpose of an auto insurance company is to protect you as well as your family in the event of an accident. However unfortunately many auto insurance company's gouge the average consumer in the wallet when offering auto insurance quotes to customers. We have implemented a new strategy to offer cheap auto insurance quotes to our website visitors at http://www.auto-insurance-company.com/get_a_quote.htm

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aston martin V8 Vantage

Aston Martin V8 Vantage - originally launched to widespread critical acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 - is to receive significant technical enhancements, reaffirming the car's position as one of the world's most desirable and exhilarating sports cars.

First shown as a concept car at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Aston Martin AMV8 Concept caused a worldwide sensation as it allowed Aston Martin to enter a new sector of the premium sports car market with a genuine alternative to other cars on offer. Deliveries of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe to customers began in late 2005, joined by a convertible sibling in 2007 when the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster was launched. The car is hand built at Aston Martin's Headquarters at Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK and to date more than 10,000 have been delivered to customers around the world.

While the universally distinctive and award-winning shape of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is retained, the car benefits from a number of technical changes which include significantly up-rated engine performance from a new 4.7 litre power unit in both Coupe and Roadster variants. Other changes include revised dynamics to take full advantage of increased power and torque availability, improved Sportshift™ transmission software and a new sports suspension option.

The 4.7 litre V8 engine has a power output of 420bhp (an 11% increase on the previous 4.3 litre unit) and delivers peak torque of 470Nm (15% increase), providing the Aston Martin V8 Vantage with new reserves of mid-range performance, an improved 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds and top speed of 180mph (288kph). Combined European fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also improved by 13% (Sportshift™).

Inside, the changes include a new centre console and revised switchgear and the introduction of an ECU replacing the previous V8 Vantage key. Externally, the acclaimed Aston Martin V8 Vantage design appearance is enhanced with a range of new standard and optional 19'' alloy wheels.


Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Continued development and evolution of our unique VH (Vertical-Horizontal) architecture has brought even higher levels of refinement and dynamic performance to our whole range.

"With the new 4.7 litre engine and associated changes we have taken the Aston Martin V8 Vantage to new levels of performance to produce an even more desirable sports car.

"The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is now the most successful Aston Martin in our history and we are confident these changes will continue its appeal and driving enjoyment for both new and existing customers."

Engine

Improvements in performance have been achieved through a number of carefully developed changes to Aston Martin's acclaimed V8 engine.

The cylinder bore and stroke has been increased from 89mm to 91mm and 86mm to 91mm respectively, giving a total displacement of 4735cc.

The increase in cylinder bore is facilitated by a move to cylinder liners that are pressed into the pre-machined aluminium alloy block, allowing a thinner liner than was possible with the cast-in design of the 4.3 litre engine.

The new forged steel crankshaft provides the 91mm stroke and incorporates new holes in the counter weights for reduced rotating mass and improved inter-bay breathing. New forged steel con-rods and cast aluminium pistons complete the capacity-related changes.

Other key changes include efficiency improvements to the dry sump lubrication system, including a new sump casting with oil pick-up points moved from the front and rear to the sides of the sump. The cylinder heads are modified with a new intake port and an inlet valve size increase from 34.9mm to 35.9mm. The intake manifold has been modified to match the new port to optimise air flow.

Transmission

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage transmissions have also undergone changes to improve performance and to handle the increased levels of power and torque. Both the standard manual stick-shift gearbox and the optional Sportshift™ transmission benefit from a modified clutch and flywheel, reducing clutch pedal efforts and delivering a 0.5kg weight saving, reducing the rotating masses within the powertrain, and hence increasing engine responsiveness.

Aston Martin's Sportshift™ transmission has undergone a series of specific changes to broaden the capabilities of the gearbox to offer customers enhanced comfort and convenience with sporting capabilities. Changes include a revised control strategy, allowing the transmission, rather than the engine, to dictate how best the engine torque should be deployed to optimise performance and deliver power smoothly and consistently.

'Dual Throttle Map' software is also featured. When 'Comfort' mode is selected the engine reacts in a smoother more progressive manner to driver throttle inputs and in the default 'Sports' mode the throttle mapping is more aggressive, delivering a more dynamic and sporting feel.

Sportshift™ now also has the capability to take inputs from the steering wheel enabling the current gear to be held when the car is negotiating a corner and hill descent detection, allowing a low gear to be held, maximising the effects of engine braking.

Suspension

A series of improvements are introduced to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage chassis and suspension setup to deliver improved body control and low speed ride quality; enabling the driver to take full advantage of the increased performance potential.

A number of the improved components originally introduced on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster are now carried over to the Coupe, including revised upper damper mountings and bump stops. Additionally, the front spring rates are stiffened by 11% at the front and 5% at the rear.

Steering geometry is also modified to improve steering feel, while the front lower suspension arm compliance bushes are stiffened by 22% to provide enhanced steering response and handling.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage also now benefits from Bilstein dampers as standard; these low-friction dampers provide improved levels of dynamic capabilities and further improve ride quality.

Design & Optional Equipment

Also introduced as an option for both Coupe and Roadster variants is a new Sports Pack which comprises forged lightweight alloy wheels aiding a lower unsprung mass, re-tuned Bilstein dampers with improved dynamic response, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar (Coupe only). The Sports Pack is intended to offer greater agility, high speed body control and precision feel for the most enthusiastic of drivers.

Although the award-winning exterior design of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage remains largely unchanged, a new 20-spoke 19'' alloy wheel is introduced as standard, with either diamond turned silver or graphite finishes available as options, affording customers maximum choice. Alternatively, as part of the Sports Pack option, a 5-spoke lightweight aluminium wheel will be provided.

In the cabin, a new centre console constructed from die cast zinc alloy with a graphite silver finish is introduced along with a new ECU - first seen on the Aston Martin DBS in 2007. The ECU - constructed from glass, polished stainless steel and polycarbonate - replaces the key used previously for the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The revised car also includes a new Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System offering faster route processing, additional features and improved graphics. Full ipod/MP3 integration is retained as standard equipment.
source astonmartin.com

US car sales drop down in September 2009

Toyota's US sales drop 16% in September

Toyota reported a 16 per cent drop in September US sales as demand fell in the wake of the expiration of the government-funded "Cash for Clunkers" program.

Toyota reported a 16 per cent drop in September US sales on Thursday as demand fell in the wake of the expiration of the popular government-funded "Cash for Clunkers" program.

"Improving economic conditions and the (Clunkers) program led to a significant increase for the industry in the third quarter over the first-half year," said Don Esmond, vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor Sales USA.

"Moving into the fourth quarter, we expect continued momentum will close the year on a bright note."

Total sales were down 16.1 per cent compared with September 2008 at 126,015 while sales for the year to date were down 27.4 per cent at 1.3 million vehicles.


GM's US sales down 45% in September

General Motors' US sales crashed in September, falling 45 per cent after the expiration of the government-funded Cash for Clunkers program, the automaker says.

General Motors' US sales crashed in September, falling 45 per cent after the expiration of the popular government-funded Cash for Clunkers program, the automaker says.

GM says weak consumer confidence and extremely low inventory have also hit sales.

"September was a tough transitional month for the industry, and a difficult year-over-year comparison for GM," Mark LaNeve, vice-president for GM's US sales, said on Thursday.

"As expected, the market returned to pre-Cash for Clunkers levels in September, but we believe that our four core brands - Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac - are well positioned with new products to generate enthusiasm."

GM said its sales were down 36 per cent for a "strong August", when sales fell 20 per cent from August 2008, but were up 30 per cent from July.

The fourth quarter "looks brighter" and LaNeve noted "our year-over-year comparisons should look more favourable" in the coming months, given that the current collapse began a year ago.

September sales fell 44.9 per cent in September at 156,673 vehicles and were down 36.4 per cent for the year to date at 1.55 million.

GM, which temporarily shuttered its factories when it sought bankruptcy protection in June, said inventory levels remain at very low levels but plans to gear-up production in the fourth quarter "to replenish depleted dealer stocks and improve availability of our vehicles for customers."

Production is forecast to be up 20 per cent from the third quarter but will nonetheless be down 20 per cent from the fourth quarter of 2008.
source AFP, October 2, 2009

advice on car insurance

Choose your wheels wisely and save
by Jane-Anne Lee

If your car insurance has been steadily rising each year, Jane-Anne Lee has some tips on how to save.

If your car insurance has been steadily rising each year, Jane-Anne Lee has some tips on how to save.

CONSIDER WHERE YOU LIVE

IF you want to reduce your car insurance premiums dramatically, you can always move house.

Country towns are cheaper than cities because the likelihood of the car being involved in an accident, damaged while parked or being stolen is higher in the city. You can save as much as 40 per cent, depending on where you move to.

A move from higher-risk Cabramatta to lower-risk Collaroy in Sydney or from St Albans to Lilydale in Melbourne will make a big difference, says Graeme Adams, head of product and underwriting at NRMA insurance.

KEEP 18-YEAR-OLDS AWAY

Adding an 18-year-old driver to your car insurance policy can add 25 per cent or more to your premium.

"You will pay more than for a 25-year-old because one in every three 18-year-olds is likely to have an accident in any given year," Adams says.

IMPROVE YOUR DRIVING RECORD

Your likelihood of being involved in an accident is a key factor that determines your car insurance premium.

"The one factor that really stands out is the likelihood of customers having a prang," Adams says.

"A young person is three times more likely to have an accident than a 45-year-old. As people get into the 75-plus bracket, they tend to have more accidents because their reflexes can be a bit slower and their peripheral vision may not be as good as it used to be.

"Insurance becomes cheaper in the 30-65-year range and gradually gets worse from there or before that."

BEWARE OF REPAIR COSTS

About 85 per cent of your car insurance premium goes to repair or replace cars damaged in crashes or through other causes such as hailstorms. The other 15 per cent is to pay for stolen cars, says Ray Carroll, executive director of the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

What determines the cost of repair will depend on parts, the cost of painting the car and the uniqueness of the car.

Cars that are rather special may have complex construction techniques which add to the cost of repairs, Adams says. And parts made from plastic, which comes from oil, are rising in price.

"These days, some cars have alloy front ends and there are a lot more electronics on cars which adds to the cost of repair."
If your car insurance has been steadily rising each year, Jane-Anne Lee has some tips on how to save.

He says Australian-made cars are generally cheaper to repair than complex European cars which come with more built-in technology.

KEEP IT PRIVATE

Premiums are about 10 per cent higher for cars insured for business rather than private use.

Research shows that the more you drive a car the more likely you are to be involved in a car accident, Adams says. "Business cars are driven more, so the premium is higher."

DRIVE AN OLDER CAR

The age of a car will also make a difference. Older cars are cheaper to insure because they are worth less. Of course, they may be more likely to be stolen.

"But not too many people choose a car because it is cheaper to insure," Adams says. "They look at running costs, family needs or whether it's the car they want to be seen in."

FIT AN IMMOBILISER

A vehicle is stolen every six minutes in Australia, which adds up to almost 85,000 thefts a year.

This is one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the Western world and the Australian community bears the cost of this theft through higher insurance premiums, says CARSAFE, the online home of the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.

Three out of every four vehicles stolen in Australia are used to commit another crime.

If you have an older vehicle, fit an electronic engine immobiliser that costs between $160 and $200 and is designed and fitted to Australian standards, Carroll recommends.

SHOP AROUND

You can save hundreds of dollars with a little research. Different insurance companies use varying criteria to assess annual premiums and this can change from year to year, says Michael Weston, chief executive of Budget Direct.

The internet is also a simple way to research insurance premiums. Many insurers provide fast quotes online.

"Look for companies that have policies specifically designed for your needs," Weston says. "Some companies offer special rates for women and retirees."

Combining your car with your home and contents insurance may also entitle you to a discount. Paying a lump sum annual premium rather than monthly instalments may save you money too.

And if you have been loyal to the same insurer for a decade or more, find out if you are eligible for a discount on your premium.

DRIVE SAFELY

By driving safely, you can protect your no-claim bonus or rating status. This means you are given a large discount for not making an at-fault claim against your policy.

If you have a Rating 1 status - offering up to 60 per cent discount on your premium - for three consecutive years, you may be entitled to have your rating protected for life, depending on the insurer. This is well worth shopping around for.

Your next best bet may be to pay a small fee (typically less than $50) each year to protect your Rating 1 status against making one at-fault claim.

Thanks to Jane-Anne Lee, Sun Herald

Ducati sponsor wants Stoner to apologise

Intrigue surrounding Casey Stoner's lengthy break from the MotoGP championship has intensified after powerful sponsors demanded he apologise for his absence.

Marlboro, the major sponsor of his Ducati team, are apparently angered by his decision to miss three races while recuperating from a mystery illness.

Stoner has returned to Europe to resume the season in this weekend's Portuguese GP and has flown into an unsettled camp.

Marlboro's deputy chairman Maurizio Arrivabene has been quoted as saying he expects an explanation from the 23-year-old Australian.

"I hope that Stoner at Estoril will have the decency to apologise to the team," Arrivabene told Italian television website Sportmediaset.

Arrivabene also controls sponsorship of the Ferrari Formula One team and gave the go-ahead for Kimi Raikkonen to be paid out of his 2010 contract this week so Fernando Alonso could replace him alongside Felipe Massa next season.

His comments raise the question of why an apology should be required as Stoner is understood to be suffering from some type of chronic fatigue problem.

While Stoner was away Marlboro controversially instructed Ducati to make a huge offer - far in excess of Stoner's multi-million-dollar salary - to Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo who ultimately decided to stay at Yamaha.

Rumours have also persisted throughout his absence that Stoner has a fragile relationship with the team and communication between the two has been less than expansive.

Ducati team boss Livio Suppo has been supportive of Stoner and has dismissed the speculation as nonsense.

And he has said Stoner will be under no pressure to perform in the last four races of the year, rather they will approach them as training exercises to reacquaint him with the feel of the bike.

The 2007 world champion missed races in the Czech Republic, Indianapolis and Misano, Italy, to rest and try to discover the cause of his fatigue problems.

A battery of tests have revealed Stoner has low blood pressure and a lack of sodium but ruled out cardiovascular, respiratory or neurological anomalies.

The exams and inspections also failed to show up any kind of virus or infection.

But the doctors all agreed that overtraining was the most common factor that showed up during the tests and that the after-effects of injuries and surgeries over the last few years were the cause of the physical weakness and exhaustion that he began to suffer a few months ago.

Stoner said it had been difficult to accept doctors' advice to take a break from racing.

"In the past, I have raced even when injured, like in the last few races of the 2008 season when my wrist was broken, but this time it was really not possible and of course I felt very sorry for the team," Stoner said this week.

"Now I'm looking forward to getting back together with the team and everyone and I hope I'll be able to be more competitive than I was in the past, but we will have to wait and see.

Following the final medical examination that he underwent last week before leaving Australia, the doctors confirmed that while he was still not completely recovered, he is in better physical shape than he was in July.

Ducati also confirmed that Stoner would continue to undergo constant medical supervision throughout this weekend, with a new sodium-rich diet aimed at raising his blood pressure and muscular functionality.

source © 2009 AAP

Car Insurance And What It Covers

The function of car insurance is to cover liability and risk in terms of damage to property, including other vehicles, and individuals injured during a road traffic accident. For many driver this ends up saving a considerable amount of money because any costs or damages incurred as a result of an accident or incident can be passed to the car insurers who will pay from the premiums charged to its policyholders.

Car insurance typically covers three parties - the insurer or insurance company, the object that is insured, i.e. the car, and any third party. With most motor insurance the driver of the car is not covered and, if the loss is the fault of the driver, will not be able to calim in his own policy. The amount of cover that is available depends on the quality and status of the premiums.

In most countries, it is necessary to get car insurance before driving. Without it, you may not be able to operate a motor vehicle under the law. The world of car insurance also differs from state to state; New Jersey car insurance, for example, is different than Pennsylvania car insurance.

New Jersey car insurance may cover different aspects in a different way, such as traffic incidents because of the likelihood of busier roads, and may offer different premiums because of the difference between driving in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Pennsylvania car insurance, on the other hand, may offer a great variety in plans because the state tends to be less dense in terms of traffic in most parts than in New Jersey.

There are many variables that premium charges depend on in order to create a cost. These variables can be determined through the state government based on an educated diagnosis of the road conditions and the traffic in that area. They can also be determined by the insurance provider based on driving records. Some variables are almost always in place, such as gender, age and distance driven. These are almost always used to tabulate a particular insurance rate.

Car insurance auto insurance is one of the necessary evils in terms of living with a vehicle and wanting to drive it on public roads. While many countries do not provide or support auto insurance, most of the countries in the world do require it.

The importance of car insurance certainly comes into play when considering the liabilities you may have should you become the victim of a collision or should you cause a collision. Without it, you could be "on the hook" for a considerable amount of money that you will likely not be able to afford to pay.

Insurance policies are available for purchase from a provider. Some providers are private providers and some are government providers. The difference is that the government providers tend to offer a fixed rate based on government standards whereas the private providers may well compete for the best rate based on a variety of variables. Finding the best provider rate in all of this can seem like a complicated task, but saving money on car insurance can certainly be its own reward.

valentino rossi gallery

Rossi closes in on ninth world title moto GP championship.


Valentino Rossi hopes to take a step closer to a ninth world title on Sunday with victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix which could deliver a fatal blow to the hopes of teammate Jorge Lorenzo.

With four races left this season, Rossi has a 30-point lead over fellow Yamaha rider Lorenzo and arrives in Estoril buoyed by his sixth win of the season at San Marino four weeks ago before the summer break.

The 30-year-old Rossi is also the most successful rider in Grand Prix history at the track, having stood on the podium on all of his nine visits, including five wins.

But last year, it was Lorenzo who commanded the headlines, clinching his maiden win in the elite MotoGP class, relegating Rossi to second spot.



"We're in the final stage of the championship and we have a strong position but, as we've seen throughout this season, anything can happen and we know that the championship is far from over yet," said Rossi.

"The next three races are all good tracks for us and my team and I will aim to get as many points as possible each time and then we will see where we are in Valencia (the season's last race).

"Last year we struggled a little in Estoril but it's been a great track for me in the past, especially with Yamaha, and it's a place that usually produces good, close racing so I hope that's the case again this year."

Lorenzo has three wins this season and has fond memories of Estoril, where he took his first elite-class win as well as his third consecutive pole.

"Now we go to Estoril, where I had one of the best moments of my life," said the 22-year-old.

"In the past I was never strong there but last year I did an unbelievable race. This year it's a different situation; a different time of year, everyone has the same tyres and we are in the closing stages of the championship."



Sunday's race also sees the return of Australia's 2007 world champion Casey Stoner, who has missed three races with a mystery virus.

Ducati rider Stoner, 23, was lying third in the overall standings behind Rossi and Lorenzo when he had to sit out the trio of races and has since slipped to fourth.

Since resting up in his homeland - fishing among other things in the Northern Territory - Stoner has put on weight and is now back to 60kg, close on his ideal racing weight.

"I'm looking forward to the race weekend. Having three races off is the biggest period away from racing in my life. It was very difficult to accept the advice of the doctors to stop racing," said Stoner.





source © 2009 AFP
valentino rossi, moto GP champion, Yamaha, Valencia MotoGP 2009, the spin doctor

why do we need car insurance ?

why do we need car insurance ?

Car insurance is expensive, but it is a necessity if you own  a car or some.  Consider it will cost you, if you run into accident.

According to a recent survey done in May 2006, it has been revealed that in the highly cutthroat competitive world of auto insurance industry, an approximate of 1500 prospects are visiting daily on the web for an auto insurance quote.
Auto insurance is fast becoming a booming business trade while getting affordable car insurance has become a recent phenomenon with the common man.

Almost 1200 cases are registered everyday alone in US for car accidents. People are getting more curious about how to safe guard their cars and other vehicles against this kind of damage. The answer is Auto Insurance.
Auto insurance is referred to the procedure of getting your automobile insured. This action is taken in view if any kind of accident or damage is brought to the automobile.
The most important purpose of this cover is to gives out security in opposition to the losses sustained due to the mishaps. Auto insurance is used to cover many automobiles such as cars; trucks and all other vehicles that may need insurance cover and are more prone to damages and accidents.

Before getting car insurance, it is necessary for you to get a detailed view of different car insurance rate or car insurance quote from more than one auto insurance company. The auto insurance quotes may be different for different companies, so it is your responsibility to carefully look into the insurance quotes and then decide which one is suitable for you and your vehicle.

Car insurance is considered necessary for the reason that there is a lot of reckless and irresponsible driving going on the roads that lead to accidents everyday. The auto insurance quotes or other vehicle insurance quotes are usually quoted by the companies before considering number of factors like, age of the vehicle holder, how old is the vehicle, has the vehicle been damaged before also, location of the vehicle, is it second hand and other factors.

The particulars as regards the car, like where it is being parked, whether the owner keeps it in a garage which minimizes the risk of being stolen and also the average the vehicle is giving at the moment it is being insured are some more deciding factors which are considered by the insurance quote company before giving the insurance. If the car travels not as much of as a precise limit of miles then such cars are likely to be given some kind of mileage price cuts and discounts.

Therefore, Automobile insurance is an incredible thing that we all require and should command careful consideration while getting one's vehicle insured from accidents.

the importance of Auto Insurance | car accident | car insurance business |