The Ascari A10 has smashed the Top Gear lap record.
The Ascari A10 has smashed the Top Gear lap record.
On yesterday's show, the Stig piloted the V8-engined, 625bhp supercar around our test track in just 1m 17.3, shaving three-tenths of a second off the previous record held by the Koenigsegg CCX with the Top Gear spoiler.
With a claimed 0-60mph time of just 2.8 seconds and the ability to hit 100mph in under six seconds, the Ascari A10 was always going to be quick - but that lap time is simply astonishing.
Best of all, the A10 is British built, in Ascari's Banbury factory - albeit around the German engine off the old BMW M5.
If you reckon the A10 sounds like the sort of car that'd look good on your driveway, well, you'll need about £350,000 (and a very understanding partner) to make it happen. All that cash buys you a lot of carbon fibre, that amazing sequential 'box and, erm, not a lot else.A few weeks ago, the Caparo T1 lapped our track even quicker than the Ascari but was disqualified from the power laps board because it is unable to clear a speed bump. The Ascari, on the other hand, has a raising hydraulic nose, allowing it to take its rightful place atop the board.
Is setting out to scare yourself silly a truly adult ambition?
Odd thoughts come to mind in a pit lane, cinching a helmet strap. Such as: Is setting out to scare yourself silly a truly adult ambition?
Nov. 1 dawned rainy, as the edges of tropical storm Noel grazed the Florida coast. It cleared up, but puddles lurked in spots around the Daytona International Speedway road course, the one used for the annual Rolex 24 endurance race.
Dampness is an unwelcome complication when you've been invited to drive the 997 GT2, the fastest-ever Porsche 911, with a 204-mph top speed. Any assignation with a 911 has that lingering aura of a dangerous liaison, and the GT2 is the meanest of the modern 911s, promoted with the tagline "Respect required."
Exposure to this 530-hp car, priced at $192,560 including shipping charges, will amount to five tours of Daytona. It's a long lap, at 3.56 miles, including nearly all of the legendary banked oval. We'd also drive a standard Turbo, but the rains returned to deprive us of a turn in a GT3.
In concept--though hardly in detail--a GT2 is a cross between the mighty awd Turbo and the normally aspirated rear-drive GT3 racer. European correspondent Greg Kable told us the nitty-gritty a few weeks ago ("Race-Bred & Road-Ready," AW, Oct. 22), but this was its first visit to the United States.
It looked the business, squatting in pit lane, a full inch lower than a standard 911 on enormous Michelin Pilot Sport tires. They measure 235/35ZR-19 in front and 325/30ZR-19 in back and were developed for this car with a unique compound, a special fabric carcass and a shallow tread for dry-track use.
Introducing Mitsubishi Prototype X
Introducing Mitsubishi Prototype X
Mitsubishi has revealed the Prototype X, a concept version of the 2008 Lancer Evolution X. The car was first previewed with the Concept X in 2005, and is now based on the production-ready 2008 Lancer sedan.
Mercedes SL 65 AMG: facelift
Zvětšil se difuzor, počet koní nikoliv. Ne že by to zrovna v tomhle případě vadilo... 
Mercedes SL 65 AMG: facelift
Prototyp Škody Fabia V8 přistižen!10x nejoblíbenější video
Která videa vás v roce 2007 nejvíc zaujala? Rychlá auta, bouračky, zajímavosti... máme tu všechno!
10x nejoblíbenější video
Your Quick And Easy Guide To Car Maintenance
Don?t let the thought of car maintenance intimidate you. There are actually several car maintenance tips you can do ? even if you?re totally mechanically-challenged!
For instance, you?ll want to keep your windshield washer fluid reservoir full. This involves screwing off the cap and pouring windshield wiper fluid in the right spot. You can quickly check the fluid levels when filling up at the gas station.
While you?ve got the windshield washer fluid out, pour some on a rag and clean the bug guts, etc. off the wiper blades.
If you see any colored fluid leaking from your car, get it serviced immediately.
If you smell any peculiar odor coming from your car, take it to the nearest service station. Odors mean something inappropriate is going on under the hood of your car!
Every fall, go ahead and replace your wiper blades. You need new ones once a year ? might as well get them before winter sets in and you?re wiping away that ice and sleet!
Be sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. You can perform this quick check while filling up your gas tank.
Check your tires once a month ? give a look over for cuts, bulges, or nails or other foreign objects sticking out.
Take your car to your friendly serviceman once a month and have the pressure in your tires checked. This service should cost you less than five bucks, if anything.
Every three months have your oil and oil filter changed. Many times an inspection is done during the oil change. It?s worth it to pay a little extra if you have to and have this done. Ask to have your battery checked, too.
Have your air filter changed when it gets dirty. You can ask the folks who change your oil to check the air filter. They?re happy to change it for you.
No matter how non-car savvy you may have felt in the past, finding that you can do some simple maintenance checks puts you in the driver?s seat. You?re likely to discover in advance if your car has a problem that should be taken care of immediately.
About the author:
This article provided courtesy of http://www.gmc-truck-guide.com
10 nejdůležitějších aut roku 2007
Výjimečných kvalit letos dosáhly supersporty, rodinné sedany i hatchbacky.
10 nejdůležitějších aut roku 2007
Tips For Saving Money On Car Insurance
Even though car insurance is almost required by all states, most consumers con't know enough about car insurance to know how to keep their rates as low as possible. Consider that even if you were paying $25 more per month than you could be paying, since car insurance is something that you have for your lifetime, after 30 years, you would have paid $9000 more in car insurance than you needed to pay. Now aren't there better things you can think of to do if you had an extra $9000 to spend?
Comparison shopping is key for almost anything you buy, and buying car insurance is no different. The much more difficult task is making sure that you are comparing apples to apples so that you know if you are REALLY comparing two identical policies when you get your quotes. Are the deductibles the same? Are the coverage limits for medical and liability the same? Is the property damage ceiling the same? Not all car insurance polies are created equally, and you need to know what you are looking at so that you can be sure that you really are comparing two identical quotes for car insurance.
Here are some things you can do to make sure that you are getting the best car insurance quote possible, which is designed to protect you and your driving habits:
1. Keep your driving record as clean as possible. Having parking tickets is not good, but having traffic tickets that are classified as a moving violation is deadly and will send your car insurance rates through the roof. A squeaky clean driving record is the best thing in your favor.
2. Consider what you can handle for a deductible. If you are in an accident and your deductible on your car insurance policy is $500 (which is pretty standard), and the damage to your car is only $498 to repair, you probably will not even file a claim with your insurance company, because they will not pay a dime. In other words, the first $500 comes out of your pocket. Now you might be saying no way, and choose a $100 deductible. You can do that, but note that your insurance rates will rise signficantly with that little change. The higher the deductible that you specify, the lower the rates are going to be.
3. Consider what other insurance needs you have, because many insurance companies will give additional discounts, sometimes 15% or more, on each policy if you have multiple policies with them. So can this company also quote your boat insurance, your home owners or renters insurance, your life insurance? If so, look at the bigger picture so you can determine where you can save the most money.
4. What kind of car are you trying to get car insurance for? If you have not purchased the car yet, the cost of insurance for that car is something that should be figured in along with the car payment. The total value of the car is only a part of that equation -- all cars are also rated by the insurance companies as far as the typical cost to repair them. It may be typically more expensive to repair a Kia than a Dodge, even if the total value of both cars is the same, so be sure you know how your car is rated by the car insurance companies.
Lastly, take the time to shop around every couple of years. There could very well be a new insurance company in your area that is willing to make you an even better deal. Do not assume that the deal you got 3 or 4 years ago is sill the most cost effective game in town.
Comparison shopping for car insurance, even after you are already insured, cannot be underestimated. It is critical that you investigate all of your options before choosing an insurance provider to ensure that you are getting the best possible rate on your car insurance. There are so many factors considered in car insurance policies such as where you live, your driving record, your age and the type of car you drive just to name a few. With all of these factors to consider, it is very possible that you will find that there is a car insurance provider who will offer you a considerably lower rate than other providers.
Even after you have secured insurance for your car, it is wise to periodically check the rates that other providers will offer you. Car insurance as well as your circumstances are perpetually changing and you may find that the provider who is willing to offer you the best car insurance rate varies periodically. Many car insurance providers offer a host of discounts to their clients who qualify for these discounts. These discounts can relate to your driving record, safety features of your car, your age or other factors.
These discounts can result in a tremendous cost savings on your car insurance policy but while many insurance providers offer these discounts, they don’t always advertise them. This means that you may have to do research to determine what type of discounts you may qualify to receive. Carefully, review your car insurance policy to determine which discounts you are already receiving and then contact your car insurance provider to inquire about other discounts that may be available. For example if your driving record is devoid of accidents or tickets, you may qualify for a good driver discount.
Also, if your car has certain safety features such as daytime running lights, you may also qualify for car insurance discounts. Your age can also qualify you for certain car insurance discounts. Some insurance providers also offer discounts to those who insure their house with the same company as they insure their car. Taking advantage of this type of discount can save you money on both your car and home insurance. Being aware of the discounts that are available and ensuring that you are receiving these discounts, can save you a great deal of money on your car insurance.
Finally, maintaining a clean driving record is very important to receiving the best available car insurance rate. While it is true that each car insurance provider is unique in the factors that contribute to lower rates, the one factor that is consistent among all providers of car insurance is that a clean driving record is critical to your rate. Although accidents are sometimes unavoidable, it is imperative that you adhere to all traffic regulations and that you drive safely at all times. This will reduce the number of traffic violations that you incur as well as the number of accidents that you cause. Following these tips will help you to maintain a clean driving record that will keep the cost of your car insurance low.
Many drivers lament paying their monthly car insurance bill because they feel as though the insurance isn’t necessary. Although car insurance is a financial burden that seems superfluous, it does pay off if you are ever in a serious car accident that has significant financial ramifications. For this reason, you should never consider allowing your car insurance to lapse and it is recommended that you search diligently to find the best available rate on your car insurance.
Renault Altica - Předskokan
Renault Altica - Předskokan
Renault se chystá k velkému skoku do kategorie větších a dražších automobilů. V úloze předskokana představil v Ženevě koncept sportovního kombi Altica.
Funkce systému Synthetic Jet: nahoře vypnuto, dole v činnosti
Podle ambiciózního plánu, který v únoru zveřejnil Carlos Ghosn, prezident společnosti Renault, hodlá francouzská automobilka v letech 2007 až 2009 uvést na trh pět různých vozů vyšší třídy a zdvojnásobit odbyt v cenovém segmentu nad 27 tisíc eur (přes 750 tisíc Kč). Jednou z cest k úspěchu se má stát nový dynamický styl automobilů s kosočtvercem ve znaku, jehož předobrazem je právě Altica. Atraktivní koncept ovšem propaguje i další argumenty, jimiž chce Renault přesvědčit zhýčkané majetné zákazníky, a to modularitu vnitřního prostoru, příjemné prostředí a pohodu na palubě pro všechny členy posádky.
Při rozvoru náprav 2620?mm a rozchodu kol 1540?mm vpředu i vzadu je Altica dlouhá 4270?mm, široká 1830?mm (bez vnějších zrcátek) a vysoká 1360?mm. Díky osobitě tvarované zaoblené přídi, efektní boční linii širokých blatníků a velkoryse pojatým proskleným plochám působí velmi dynamickým dojmem, který podtrhují jedenadvacetipalcová litá kola Montupet obutá do nízkoprofilových pneumatik Michelin Pilot Sport 2 rozměrů 245/35 ZR 21.
Dvoje široké boční dveře částečně zabíhající do střechy karoserie se vyklápějí šikmo vzhůru, na panoramatické čelní okno nahoře navazuje prosklený střední díl střechy táhnoucí se až k hornímu okraji téměř svislé zádě. Tu, jak se na kombi sluší, zdobí lehce klenuté třetí dveře, jež se otvírají do strany, směrem doleva. Práh těchto dveří leží pouhých 450?mm nad vozovkou. Zajímavým výtvarným prvkem usnadňujícím řidiči výhled šikmo vzad je skleněná mozaika drobných okének v zadních sloupcích karoserie, přehlédnout se nedají ani efektně tvarované otvory pro výstup vzduchu z motorového prostoru, umístěné za předními koly.
Výrazně tvarované světlomety Valeo využívají vysoce výkonné světelné diody a samočinně přizpůsobují intenzitu světelného toku okamžité situaci. Jde li o to být viděn – tedy svícení za dne a parkovací světla – přichází ke slovu originální řešení firmy Valeo jménem MicroOptique. V polykarbonátovém krytu světlometu je laserem vytvořeno několik tisíc mikroskopických, běžným okem neviditelných vrypů, které neruší světelný tok při ostatních funkcích, při jízdě ve dne a při parkování je však díky nim decentně osvětlena celá plocha světlometu. Otvory pro vstup vzduchu zakomponované pod světlomety se podle zasvěcených patrně stanou jedním z identifikačních znaků připravovaných nových vozů Renault.
Novinkou, kterou si Renault nechal patentovat, je zařízení s označením Synthetic Jet, příznivě ovlivňující proudění vzduchu těsně za vozem a snižující jeho aerodynamický odpor. Jen 2?mm širokou štěrbinou umístěnou u horní odtrhové hrany zádě se podle situace buď nasává, nebo vypouští proud vzduchu, který omezuje rozsah turbulencí za zádí. Zařízení s příkonem pouhých 10?W dokáže údajně při jízdě rychlostí 130?km/h snížit součinitel odporu vzduchu až o 15 procent.
Variabilní interiér nabízí čtyři samostatná kůží potažená anatomická sedadla, jež jsou uložena pevně; řidič má ovšem možnost elektricky nastavit optimální polohu volantu a s ním spojeného přístrojového bloku, stejně jako polohu pedálů. Kruhový sdružený přístroj nad středem volantu nabízí dvě možnosti zobrazení; v komfortní variantě ukazuje okamžitou rychlost vozu a zároveň červenou barvou upozorňuje na překročení jednotlivých předepsaných omezení (50, 90 a 130?km/h), ve sportovní verzi se v horní části přístroje zobrazuje otáčkoměr, zatímco vlevo dole lze sledovat přeplňovací tlak turbodmychadla. Zadní sedadla se dají sklopit do dvojité podlahy, čímž se Renault Altica promění v luxusní dvoumístnou dodávku s 1,3?m3 prostoru pro náklad.
Přední kola sportovního kombi pohání vpředu napříč uložený přeplňovaný vznětový čtyřválec 2,0?l 16V dCi disponující výkonem 130?kW (177?k)/4000?min-1 a největším točivým momentem 380?N.m/2000?min-1. Turbodiesel nové generace opatřený filtrem pevných částic umožňuje spolu se šestistupňovou přímo řazenou převodovkou vozu s pohotovostní hmotností 1300?kg sprintovat z 0 na 100?km/h za 7,5 sekundy a zároveň vykazuje kombinovanou spotřebu pouhých 5,3 litru nafty na 100 km.
Autor: Jan Tuček
Publikováno: 20. 6. 2006
Used Car Loans
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Auto Insurance Rates
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by: Sher Matsen
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| will vary depending on the insurance agency, your driving record, and the type of insurance you are looking to purchase. I you are looking for affordable car insurance or truck insurance then read on. There are ways to reduce your premiums without giving up coverage. One of the easiest things to do is get auto insurance rate quotes online. This will allow you to comparative shop stress free. Raising your deductibles is the easiest way to reduce your rates. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium will be. The deductible is the portion you will have to pay in the event of accident, before your insurance coverage steps in. It’s important not to carry a deductible that’s more than what you are able to pay. Your insurance company will not honor its portion of the claim until you’ve paid your deductible. However, the higher your deductible the lower your premium cost will be, so you need to find a Always remember to ask your insurance broker for any available discounts. Quite often we forget to ask and they don’t seem to volunteer the information. A clean record on the current policy for a certain period of time, having your homeowner's coverage with the same insurer, taking a defensive driving course, having an accident free driving record, and having an approved anti-theft device will reduce your auto insurance rates. The type of car you drive can also reduce your rates. Stay away from cars that have a high class rating. Rates vary among the different makes and models of vehicles. The different rates are based on the risk of accident, cost to repair, higher theft rates for a particular model and replacement costs such as with a new vehicle. So be sure your vehicle isn’t going to be in a category that increases your rates too much. A safe driving record consisting of no accidents and no traffic violations will get you the most substantial discount. Most insurance companies are very good at recognizing good driving habits. These are the drivers they want to insure because their risk is much lower. If the car is old and not very valuable, comprehensive insurance is probably not worth buying as it can quickly add up to more than you’d ever receive in the event of an accident. You can save up to 20% by eliminating collision insurance. You may want to opt not to carry collision insurance as well which can save you and additional 20%. Check around to make sure you are getting the best auto rates you can. Online auto insurance shopping has taken the guess work out of buying insurance and you can very quickly see if you are being hosed. So if your insurance is coming due now is the time to start shopping!. About the author: Sher from The Auto Insurance Center has been serving customers for over 20 years. Please visit us at http://www.all-auto-insurance.com/ Circulated by Article Emporium |
Finding Your Best Options In Discount Auto Insurance
Finding Your Best Options In Discount Auto Insurance
Anyone shopping for auto insurance wants to get the best deal. However, working out just how to do that is harder than it sounds. One option that many people choose when hoping to lower their rate is discount auto insurance. Many companies offer this kind of insurance, but not all of them are honest. Here's some basic information to help you get the best deal on your discount auto insurance.
First, submit accurate information to be sure you get the right quote. There's nothing more frustrating than thinking you know how much your auto insurance is going to cost, then finding out the quote wasn't correct. Be sure that you mention any safety or security features that your car might have, in order to qualify for the largest number of discounts.
For example, if your car has 8 cylinders, then state that. Getting a quote on a 4 cylinder car when your car really has 6 or 8 cylinders will not cover you if you are in an accident. If you have some tickets on your driving record, you need to mention that, because they will eventually find out and it could totally void your insurance.
Once you've got a number of different quotes, it's time to compare them. Read the fine print carefully, looking for differences in coverage, special limitations, and other non-price related factors that can set one company apart from the rest. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true. The insurance company may not pay out in the end.
Be sure that the coverage on plans you're comparing is the same, or roughly the same. Watch for ceilings on payments, such as a low $50,000 in personal liability, as compared to $500,000 on another policy. While you'll want to pay the lowest amount possible per month for your discount auto insurance, you still want your coverage to be effective if your car is in an accident. You can reduce the amount you pay on insurance by raising your deductible, but be careful not to overdo that, either. You could find yourself paying a lot more out of pocket than you can afford, just by trying to save a few dollars per month.
Watch out for companies that offer suspiciously low rates, are inconsistent about what they tell you, or have poor communication. Chances are, they won't be on your side if you need to file a claim. You'll be better off with a mainstream company that you know has good customer service than with a discount auto insurance company that won't be there when you need them. Beware of hard sells and promises if doesn't seem like your insurer can make good on them.
Just because you get your insurance on the Internet doesn't mean it's really discount auto insurance. Sure, doing business online allows companies to pass some savings on. However, there's no guarantee that they'll do that. Compare a lot of different rates, and don't just limit yourself to Internet shopping if you really want to get the best discount auto insurance you can.
For more insights and further information about Discount Auto Insurance as well as getting a free no-obligation online quote, please visit our web site at http://www.tips-for-car-insurance.com
2008 Nissan GT-R
What do the Acura NSX, Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR4, Toyota Supra Turbo, third-generation Mazda RX-7, and the Nissan 300ZX Twin-Turbo all have in common? Each car offers staggering performance, each has a cult following, and none of them have a modern successor since they left the marketplace. With the exception of the NSX (the mid-engine car stuck around a bit longer than the others), it wasn't until early 2001 that Japan showed America it still cared about high performance with the arrival of the Subaru WRX. Shortly after that, Mitsubishi surprised the land of SUVs with its own rally car for the street, the EVO. We then carried on for a while, enjoying Japan's EVO vs. WRX version of the pony car wars - but there was still a certain model that American enthusiasts pined for: the Skyline. This force-fed, all-wheel-drive beast was a car we all wanted to see in places like LA and on Woodward Avenue. Now, after many years of waiting, Nissan fulfills our dream with the launch of the GT-R, due at U.S. dealers this summer. We've already driven a prototype GT-R on in Germany on the Autobahn and on the modern Nurburgring circuit. But, earlier this week, we had the opportunity to sample a production, right-hand-drive GT-R in Japan. While we aren't able to tell you how the car will feel on U.S. roads, we were able to drive the super Nissan on some excellent twisty, challenging public roads around Sendai Hi-Land Raceway as well as on the circuit itself. But before we get to that, let's look at the impressive attention to detail put into the most important and promising Japanese sportscar since the Acura NSX. When you see the Nissan coupe in the flesh, you are quickly aware that it isn't just a hopped up version of a pedestrian model like an EVO or WRX. The twenty-inch, seven-spoke wheels look spectacular and fit over fifteen-inch floating brake rotors clamped by large six-piston Brembo calipers. The Aston Martin-style recessed door handles are also a nice touch. While you wouldn't call the overall design beautiful, it carries a perfectly befitting, aggressive Japanese design. Nissan has gone to great lengths in regards to the build process of each GT-R. Every 480-hp, VR38 twin-turbo V-6 engine is hand assembled in a clean, dust-free room by one of twenty highly skilled technicians at Nissan's engine plant in Yokohama. The facility turns out twenty-seven GT-R engines per day, each taking three hours and twenty minutes to build. This production number will double once a second shift starts before the end of the year. Once completed, the engines are run through both a zero and full load dyno test before shipment to the Tochigi assembly plant for installation. At that plant, the GT-R rolls down the same line as the Infiniti G35 and G37 but, once finished, it is put through a unique, eight-lap shakedown by one of ten trained drivers on a test track situated next to the factory. According to Nissan, the goal of this procedure is to "ensure circuit driving high performance upon delivery to the customer." Brake pads and rotors are bedded in and the dual-clutch transmission is put through a process to refine the clutch plate surfaces to ensure shift times of 0.2 seconds. Finally, once completed, the chassis alignment of each GT-R is rechecked to assure a perfect setup. Published om: http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/nissan/0711_2008_nissan_gt_r/index.html2008 Nissan GT-R
Mitsubishi Concept-RA: japonská šipka
Mitsubishi Concept-RA: japonská šipka
Mitsubishi Concept-RA foto: Mitsubishi, Novinky
Mitsubishi přiveze na detroitskou autoshow jeden koncept, který je opravdu skvělý. Především na Mitsubishi. Opravdu povedený design je podpořený výbornou technikou a hlavně - novým turbodiesleovým motorem!
Čtěte více:
http://www.novinky.cz/clanek/127826-mitsubishi-concept-ra-japonska-sipka.html
První jízdní dojmy se Škodou Fabia Combi
Škoda Fabia Combi
Škoda Auto představila model Fabia ve verzi Combi.
Nová Škoda Fabia je automobil, který v Česku vyvolal hodně polemik. I když značka prodává hodně vozů, v Čechách jich moc nevidíme a často se hovoří o tom, že tohle auto je jen převlečená stará fabia, že moc krásy nepobrala, že je moc drahá, že... Kombi však může změnit pohled mnoha lidí.
Vůz bude nabízen i v pastelových barvách.
Acura is Honda's luxury brand
 Acura is Honda's luxury brand. Exclusively developed for the North American (Canada, U.S.) and Hong Kong markets back in 1986, it has expanded into Mexico and China. The first Acura dealership will open in Japan in 2008.Acura started strong with the now-defunct Legend and Integra with the former winning Motor Trends' Import Car of the Year award. The Acura NSX, which introduced to the world the now-famous VTEC engine, was considered the first serious attempt by the Japanese automakers to compete against exotic automakers Ferrari and Porsche. However, conservative designs of its vehicles like the RL (which replaced the Legend), coupled more |
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Publisched in http://www.automobilemag.com/index.html
Auto Rewue-All about Cars.
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