Tag Archive | "Auto"

2013 porsche 911

Top Ten Cars for 2013

We are never happy with what we bought, we keep comparing our possessions to others’ and what they bought after you. Or, better yet, we’re always looking to the future for bigger, better and faster things, and cars are no different.

So far, there are literally dozens of cars for the 2013 model year that are tickling our collective fancies.One such example is the Mercedes Benz SLS. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has been the apex of the luxury automaker’s sports car lineup since 2011. In 2012, Mercedes released the GT variant of the SLS AMG as the official safety car in the Belgian Grand Prix. The GT variant was a highly desired car, but Mercedes did not offer it up to retail customers.

That was until now, as Mercedes announced it will offer up this model to the public for the first time. What’s more is that Mercedes has also released the official details on this all-new variant of the famed SLS AMG. Being the official F1 safety car, the 571 ponies that the standard SLS AMG’s 6.3-liter V-8 pumps out just won’t cut it, so we will see a nice boost in this variant’s powerplant.

The following infographic explore Top 10 cars for 2013. Top Picks are as close as it gets to no-brainers in the auto market. They’re impressive all-round vehicles, chosen from more than 280 recently tested by Consumer Reports that have excelled in the tests, are reliable, and have performed well in independent crash tests. Top Picks must meet Consumer Reports criteria in three areas: road test, reliability, and safety.

So without further ado let’s look at the World’s Top Ten Cars in pictures.

Top 10 Cars of 2013
http://www.motorscore.com/top-ten-2013/

What’s Important?

- Look

Probably the most shocking thing of 2013 is that most of the nicest cars for 2013 are reminiscent of sports cars. Many of the cars last year were similar to old muscle cars or focused on fuel efficiency. Now car manufacturers are trying to bring both worlds together, showing car owners that they can have sleek looking cars that are also friendly on the highway. Previously the only way you were going to have a powerful, fuel efficient vehicle was to purchase it in Europe. Now, many of these concepts are coming to the US car market!

-  Efficiency

Of course, fuel efficiency was taken into account with the nicest cars for 2013 list. Many of these cars get amazing fuel efficiency for their type of vehicle. Most car owners want cars that are cost efficient, but still are quite powerful on the highway. Now, car owners can enjoy the benefit of having beautiful cars that are also fuel efficient. Quite a few manufacturers are expected to bring this idea even further in 2014, making electric cars that have this same look, or making some of their more popular sports cars even more fuel efficient. If you are looking a brand new car, 2013 is definitely the year to do it!

There are a lot of questions involved in the process of buying a car, but the first, simplest one is probably the most important: Should you buy new or used? To help you choose, we’ve laid out the advantages of both below. Keep in mind that although there are more advantages listed on the new side, the pros in the used column are big ones and in many cases can be more to your advantage.

ADVANTAGES OF BUYING NEW

Made to Order — Chances are, you can customize the specs of your new car just the way you want it or at least have the dealer search for one with the right options and interior and exterior colors that fits your needs.

Warranty — Like the rest of it, the new car comes with a warranty that is simply untouched. You can buy warranties for used cars or go the certified preowned route, but the best warranty you can get—without paying  any extras—will be the one that comes with a new car from the manufacturer.

Latest Gizmos — The newer the car, the more modern the technology with be  packed inside. Multimedia and navigation interfaces are constantly evolving and improving, so if you have to have the latest in gadgets the selection does not get any better than in the new-car showroom.

Safety — As vehicle safety laws become ever more picky, automakers have no choice but to change the way vehicles are constructed and manufactured and the safety systems with which they are equipped. Other technologies that are not mandated, like blind-spot monitoring systems, side curtain airbags, adaptive cruise control, and brake assist are becoming more prevalent on less expensive vehicles as their associated costs come down. This may not be readily available on used cars.

Higher Fuel Efficiency and Lower Emissions —Cars are increasingly becoming more fuel efficient, even while simultaneously getting more powerful. The newest crop of diesels is cleaner than ever before, and choices in the hybrid segment are augmenting, too, if that’s your thing.

Maintenance — Some new cars, mainly those from luxury marques, include free scheduled maintenance for a certain amount of time or mileage. This built-in cost saving should be considered in the final price analysis if applicable.

Legwork — Once you’ve chosen a vehicle, or at least the brand you’re interested in, much of the new-car search can be offloaded on the salesperson, who can find the car you ask for. The same search in the used realm requires a lot more legwork on your part—hunting on the internet, visiting multiple private sellers, and driving from used lot to used lot.

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Top 10 List of Futuristic Concept Cars

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Explore how automakers have advanced today’s notions of design, performance and technology and applied each to the luxury vehicles of tomorrow in this special feature article – top 10 innovative and futuristic car concepts.

1.  2012 Fisker Karma

2012 Fisker Karma

Justin Bieber was presented with one of these beauties for his 18th birthday on the Ellen DeGeneres show. He followed in the footsteps of Leonardo DiCaprio, who was the first celebrity to buy the first 2012 Fisker Karma. A solar panel roof, 250 mile range, 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and a sleek exterior to drool over are all wrapped cleverly into this nice work of car art and punctuated with a $90,000 USD starting price sticker. The Fisker Karma is able to go 50 miles on all electric charge and then carries on an additional 300 miles on fossil fuel, while still being able to achieve an admirable 100 miles per gallon. Its trademaked EVer technology uses an electric generator and battery pack to power dual-electric motors without using gas to drive the wheels. The car operates in two modes: stealth mode, with a top speed of 95 mph and a 50 mile range, and sport mode, which uses the top speed up to 125 mph and the range to 250 miles. Definitely an awesome 18th birthday gift.

The 2012 Fisker Karma tops the list of 10 Futuristic  Cars.

 

2. Nissan Motivity 400C

Nissan Motivity 400C

This vehicle represents how designers at Nissan envision the future of automaking and I must say they see it quite interesting, to say the least. Motivity 400C is a vehicle that boasts a wide range of incredible functional features. It takes advantage of maglev’s engine system that adds more power to the car and every tire allows the driver to control the vehicle with ease. Having a triangular shape the vehicle considerably reduces air resistance when driving at great speeds and increases the car’s acceleration, thus saving a lot of power. A wonderful concept from a great carmaker.

The Nissan Motivity 400c is voted number 2 on top 10 list of  Futuristic Concept  Cars.

 

3. Bugatti 57 Atlantic

Bugatti 57 Atlantic

This is an incredible concept that was designed to focus on both the outside of the car and its performance. The design is credited to the French Designer Bruno Delussu. The front of the vehicle reminds us of Jaguar, but the rest is something car enthusiasts never seen before. The two-seater car surely looks very beautiful, but it is less likely to be developed in the near future. The concept looks so futuristic that there are two possible scenarios: whether it will still remain a concept or it will be produced in the next century. The designer gave us a hint- as long as we can imagine, he can create and design whatever he wants.

The Bugatti 57 Atlantic arrives at number 3 on top 10 list Futuristic  Cars.

 

4. Terrena

Terrena

This model was designed to be able to pass through different types of terrain found in America. Terrene features a unique tire mechanism that is able to adapt the dimensions of the vehicle to a variety of terrain types, which makes it possible for the user to drive safely in various conditions. The reduced height of the vehicle along with a large wheel diameter improves Terrena’s functionality. The car also boasts integrated sensors that signal the driver about road conditions. In case the sensors identify a good road condition the vehicle’s wheels become wide and Terrena decreases its height to become more stable, allowing you to control it easier at high speed. In addition, this futuristic concept is covered with flexible materials that have an interesting and useful feature – they “absorb” any deformations that occur as a result of impact with different objects.

The Terrena arrives at number 4 on this top 10 list of Futuristic  Cars.

 

5. BMV i8

BMW i8

February’s extremely cold weather was a blessing in disguise for EV fans, who got a  sneak peak at the i8 concept car test driving in the snow. The BMW i8 bring 349 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque to bear on the road, taking the vehicle from 0-62 mph in just under five seconds seconds and shooting forward at a max of 155 mph. The all-electric driving range is about 20 miles, and the ideal fuel efficiency is around 94 mpg.

Maybe it is time to leave the city as the BMW says and Escape the restrictions of everyday life. The BMW i8 was made to become an icon of progress. It combines the energizing performance of a sports car with benchmark efficiency.

The sporting character continues into the interior. Boasting a driver-focused environment unmatched by any BMW Group vehicle before it, the BMW i8 Concept immerses the driver fully in the unique driving experience. The BMW i8 Concept is the sports car for a new generation – pure, emotional and sustainable.

The design of the BMW i8 Concept is as special as the car’s overall concept embodying the perfect synthesis of technology and aesthetic allure. Its sweeping lines and flat silhouette lend the vehicle a strikingly dynamic appearance even when standing still. A large, transparent greenhouse lends the exterior an extraordinary feeling of lightness and highlights the exceptional efficiency of this vehicle concept. Short front and rear overhangs round off the sporting overall impression. Despite its dynamic appearance, the 2+2-seater can accommodate four people, giving it a high degree of everyday practicality.

As with the BMW i3 Concept, layering again serves as the central design element of the interior and exterior. The individual vehicle components are also clearly visible from the outside, the black and transparent Life module clearly setting itself apart from the silver-coloured body components around it. This layering approach lends the BMW i8 Concept an extremely technical and cutting-edge appeal.

The BMV i8 arrives at number 5 on this top 10 Futuristic  Cars List.

 



 

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Top 10 Reasons That Push You To Buy A New Car

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Why do people buy new?

The luxury of owning a new vehicle is, for many people, is second to none! Knowing that you have the very latest model, with all the latest innovations in car designs, is important for many-having second best simply will not do!

Apart from the prestige there are some fundamental reasons why people opt for a new rather than used car.

Buying new means you have the opportunity to choose the color and specification you want. If you want a particular color or paint finish these may be available at additional costs. You may have to wait slightly longer for delivery but you will get exactly what you want. ‘New’ means you do not have to make do with what’s available.

Despite David Letterman having made the top 10 lists famous, there are more quantifiable reasons why people buy a new car, truck, min-van or SUV. Here are the results of our recent survey done by Larry Vonn Curtis.

 

1. Peace of mind.

Peace of mindOne of the biggest advantages of buying new is the peace of mind that the car has not been driven poorly or abused by anyone else. As every driver has a different way of driving there is no guarantee with a used car that it hasn’t been subjected to driving techniques which have had a detrimental effect on the vehicle.

Owners of old cars often get perplexed while making decision whether to go for repair or not, when their car faces trouble yet again. It is advisable to keep the car if they think it is possible to make more money by selling it in the repaired state, after sometime. However, if the repair cost is more than the value of car then it makes sense for the owners to opt for buying a new one.

 

2. If engine needs replacement.

Engine replacementAny vehicle cannot work without engine and it is quite important to have a tough, efficiently working engine which creates minimal problems. A worn out or problematic engine may justify replacement only if the other parts of the vehicle are in excellent condition, with the vehicle having partial or fully covered insurance within warranty period. However, if the car is old and engine is causing problem, chances are other vital parts of the car have also endured damages. Hence instead of buying an expensive engine for an old car, a better idea would be to buy a new car.

 

3. The vehicle needs several major repairs.

repairAt times the repairs may not be time taking or doesn’t cost much, but they may be several of them which can slow the repairing process. Further even if they are managed individually and slowly, the cost and time for getting them repaired increases. As a result, it can become a big commitment to the owner and become unmanageable after sometime. Replacing the vehicle can then be the ideal way to get out of the problem.

 

4. The vehicle’s new parts are unavailable or unaffordable.

ExpensiveThough it is fine to repair any vehicle any number of times, it is not possible sometimes especially when the new parts are not available or they are so expensive that the owner cannot afford them. As the automotive industry is changing, the parts used in your old car may get outdated or unavailable at anytime. So, if the car is in such condition, it is better to let it go for sale.

 

5. Moving to new environment.

EnvironmentThe vehicle you own currently is your prefect car and it has all the features you require now, but what if you have to change to new environment. In such a case, you have to reconsider your vehicle choice especially if adding additional features does not make the car suitable for your current needs. In case you are prepared to own any number of cars, then switching to another vehicle is possible otherwise replacing the present one is the only option.

 



 

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at risk driver

Top 10 Tips for Affordable Car Insurance

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These tips are no secrets, but they are not common knowledge either. The more you know about how insurance works, the more you will be able to save off your premiums. Follow these 10 simple tips and you will  undoubtedly not only become a more informed consumer, but you’ll have everything, including the knowledge, you need to know to add to your savings. In this economy, whatever money you can save is a bonus.

1. Get a quote & apply online

accident protection

Auto insurance coverage is practically the norm in every country, but insurance premiums are another story. Coverage from one company to the next can vary, by the hundreds and the thousands. The only way to make certain you are getting the best base price for your policy is to compare, compare, compare and do it online. If you are unsure about something, then you can call the company of interest.

 

2. Make sure all your cars are on the same policy

family insurance plan

Many affordable auto insurance companies have something called the “Multi-vehicle discount” for drivers who insure more than one car on the same policy. This can bring you savings of up to 10 per cent on all cars.

 

3. Insure both your car and home with the same company

auto and home insurance

Many affordable insurance companies have something called the “Multi-line discount”. They offer this savings as an incentive to get your property insurance business as well. It’s all perfectly legal and it’s a great way to get another five per cent off your premiums.

 

4. Increase the deductible

auto insurance

In a nutshell, the higher your deductibles, the lower you will pay your insurance premiums. Insurance was really meant to cover you for damages you cannot afford on your own. If you can afford to repair $1,000 of your car damages, then raise your deductibles to $1,000 and pay less for your insurance.

 

5. Older car? Think about dropping your collision coverage

cell phone driving

If your car is getting up there in age, you may want to think about dropping the collision coverage’ on your policy. You need to think about this one  - it’s not always a simple decision to make. You need to weigh the cost of the collision coverage with the value of your car and your chosen deductibles. For example, if you had a 10-year-old car that was worth about $1,000, and your deductible was $1,000, that collision coverage is not going to any help to you. The affordable insurance company will just write the car off.

 



 

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2014 cadillac elr

Top 10 Most Anticipated Cars of 2014

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It’s never too early to see what’s under the hood for the top 10 car makers of the world. Because of the peculiarities of the industry, some 2014 models have already been shown at auto shows like Paris and Frankfurt or pictures have been released in advance to stir the pot some more.

So let’s gaze into our crystal ball for some clues about which new models will be on display at 2013’s largest auto shows in preparation for 2014 season.   We can’t wait to see what the shows have to offer and don’t mind to dream of the big in the meanwhile.

 

1. 2014 Audi RS4 Avant

audi rs4 avant

RS is the best of its kind when it comes Audi cars. The previous RS4 ranks high – very high on almost everyone’s car wish list or at least those who can afford it. This one will kill with an expected minimum of 450 hp.

Power for the model is expected to be a 4.2-liter V8 engine that generates around 450 PS (331 kW / 444 hp) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. It will be  coupled with Audi’s Seven-speed S tronic transmission and the company’s  best Quattro all-wheel-drive system. We also expect upgraded high performance shocks & struts. It should enable the RS4 Avant to accelerate from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in just under 5 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250kph).

As Audi keeps producing more of its RS line into U.S. showrooms, exchange rates are continuing to improve and emissions regulations approach parity with Europe, meaning the RS3 is a possibility. The TT and RS5 models are due late this year and sometime after that, possibly in the 2013 calendar year as a 2014 model, the RS4 is expected to arrive. We believe that the introduction of the RS5 will be a solid indication of the performance levels to expect from the RS4. Audi knows that competition is stiff for the RS5 and its production has taken longer than usual for a company with a long history of creating performance sedans and coupes.

 

2. 2014 Ferrari Enzo

2014-Ferrari-Enzo

Luxury auto lovers are debating over the Italian luxury car maker’s latest incarnation, which will arrive at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2013. Car lovers are more excited than ever before about the F1-derived KERS hybrid system paired with a V12 engine, which Ferrari has never done before. Renderings and spy video of the mystery car, the car has a sleek, very low-to-the-ground body that is without a doubt designed with aerodynamics in mind.

Information is limited, but here’s what is known so far. Unlike the F12berlinetta, the design of the new Enzo—internally designated the F70— will not be a collaborative effort with Pininfarina, but will be an internal affair instead. A V-12 will likely be the engine of choice, combined with a KERS hybrid system with all-wheel-drive traction.

 

3. 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014-cadillac-elr

This new 5.9 liter V-12 sits lower and lighter, blending much more power (565 hp, 457 lb-ft) than any old mill’s 510 hp, while still claiming greater fuel efficiency, thanks in part to the incorporation of variable valve timing. Connecting the power plant to the 6-speed automated manual rear transaxle is a carbon fiber prop shaft surrounded by an alloy torque tube. Aston claims that 60 mph will arrive in 4.1 seconds, and that the Vanquish tops out at 183 mph.

Inside the car, there is a brand new interior, which reveals One-77-inspired stitch patterns and details like a haptic touch surface on the center stack. The cockpit has been expanded for less of a cocooning effect, while the “boot” offers 60 percent more space.

So all you have to do is open the upwardly tilting “swan” doors and go inside where you will be comforted by the pleasant leather interior. You can snuggle up to the imaginatively sculpted leather seats—some of which are available with teardrop-style quilted patterns. Oh, we cannot forget that Vanquish  always offers  Aston’s typically operatic sense of occasion, right down to the glass-capped key fob that slides into the dash and starts the big V-12 engine.

 

4.  2014 C7 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray 2014

The 2014 Corvette Stingray is designed to withstand convention. It is made to dismiss the ritualistic and the clichés. Created to oppose the expected, eliminate the empty traditions and discover the undiscovered. Two functional parts are all that remain of the past. Purpose alone is sacred.

The machine is totally new. But some already known  cues  are reappearing. Distinct aeronautical lines. A flowing, aerodynamic exterior. A thin fastback finish. For the first time in decades, a stunning machine emerges with the aesthetic impact and the performance prowess worthy of the Stingray emblem.

This is the most ambitious 3000-pound weight target coming out on the market, C7 is constructed like an aircraft. The three-rail space frame GM patented for C5 continues with greater and better improvements. The hydroformed-aluminum main members developed for Z06 and ZR1 are now standard across all C7s, an upgrade enabled by transferring frame manufacturing from an outside supplier to the Corvette’s Bowling Green assembly plant. Carbon-fiber (CF) floor and bulkhead panels adhesively bonded between the central backbone and the perimeter rails augment structural stiffness. We also expect CF to replace all the sheet-molded fiberglass exterior panels. A single-piece lift-off roof—a Corvette feature since 1984—remains standard on the coupe.

 

5. 2014 BMW i3

2014 BMW i3

This model is unlike any other BMW car you’ve ever seen before, the compact hatchback i3 is made of lightweight material and with super-strong carbon fiber — the same stuff used in the fuselage of the 787 Dreamliner. More importantly, the i3 is BMW’s first all-electric car. Its range is said to be around 100 miles, and anxious drivers can add a small motorcycle-like gasoline engine that extends the EV to 190 miles. The i3 is expected to go on sale late in 2013 for about $45,000 and there are limited cars.  Production versions will have doors that are solid and not transparent below the belt line.

 



 

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Top 10 Worst Things To Say To A Car Mechanic

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There is a right way and a wrong way of dealing with your car mechanic. In most instances, what you tell him and the way you discuss things with him are just as critical as the quality of service that he is suppose to deliver. Here are the top 10 worst things to say to a car mechanic.

 

1. Can you take a brief look at my car?

car-quick-lookThis is a ploy resorted to by most car owners who haven’t made up their mind yet whether they are willing to spend for a serious work up on their car or not. Mechanics will easily see through your motives and would most probably take on a noncommittal attitude towards your request.

 

2. I wonder what those red lights mean.

red-dashboard-lightsProbably your mechanic would be making up his unkind remarks in his mind once he hears you making those dumb statements. Indeed, those red lights are called “dumb” lights for a valid reason.

 

3. Just do a patch up job as I am going to sell it anyway.

patch-up-body-jobMechanics have heard this line before and they would greatly appreciate it if you don’t use this line when discussing a repair work with them. It has become a standard joke among mechanics.

 

4. Can you lend me your screwdriver?

screwdriverNever borrow the tools of your mechanic and if you find the need to use one, it would be proper for you to provide for a security deposit for the tools that you are borrowing from them.

 

5. I will fix it myself but I not sure what exactly the problem is.

42-17804931This is the height of insensitivity and your mechanic will never allow himself to exploited and abused by car owners. You are in effect saying that you are getting his service for the heavy stuff while you take on the simple task to complete the repair job.

 



 

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