Best BMW Chrome Accessories

Similar to M badges, there are many myths surrounding chrome accessories for BMW'. Probably the most common myth is that a product described as chrome is made from metal.

Chrome accessories can be categorized into four main groups:
* Chrome on metal
* Chrome on plastic
* Metal
* Painted plastic
Chrome on metal is what most believe chrome to be. This is where a metal substrate or base is plated with chrome. However, a large number of chrome accessories do not fall into this group.
Today, many original BMW items are chrome plating on an ABS plastic substrate. The quality of the finish of the plastic is critical to achieving a good chrome finish and BMW excels at this.

The likes of BMW 3 series E36 chrome window switch surrounds, BMW chrome SRS badges, BMW chrome door locking pins and BMW chrome gear knobs to name a few are all based on an ABS plastic substrate with a perfect almost mirror finish. As would be expected of chrome, they are also scratch resistant, hard wearing and will last for years. Using chrome on ABS also probably allows BMW to keep the cost of their chrome products lower.

Aftermarket plastic based chrome products never seem to be able to replicate the quality of original BMW products of the same type. The finish on many of them can only be described as average, whereas some are not fit for sale in my opinion. It is these products that have given the chrome on plastic concept a bad reputation.
Most vendors won't mention in the product description that an item is chromed plastic as it frightens customers away who, often incorrectly, assume that the quality will be poor. Indeed some assume just as incorrectly that a plastic based product cannot be chrome.
Because many aftermarket manufacturers are so bad at the chrome on plastic game, maybe this is why they have turned to using other metals.

These are metals that have the bright and shiny appearance of chrome but are stainless steel, polished steel, polished aluminum or nickel to name but a few. These products are generally described as 'chrome style' and do the job very well. BMW even use nickel for their range of key rings.

Read More

Best New Cars Online

The automobile journalists' association organizes a competition called TestFest. TestFest takes place in the Niagara, on the lake in Canada. All the Canadian automakers visit this place with their personal choice of the latest new luxury cars. The competition will then mark the "Car of the Year" and "The Utility Vehicle" of the year from this list.

All the vehicles undergo a test drive, back to back, under the same conditions by AJAC'S top reviewers, and get labeled anonymously through ratings consisting of 23 characteristics, which include the costs, interiors space, handling, and performance. In the current year, 70 reviewers-writers belonging to Canada's media tested 51 models in 12 various classifications. They have also written various reviews which provide information for people buying new cars. Note that these do not include every new vehicle of 2010, but only models totally new for 2010 or the ones which are properly revised for the current year. For instance Canada's top cars i.e. Honda Civics or Toyota Corollas are not included in this list, since their previous year version is almost similar to the current year version. On the contrary, Canada no.3 car Mazda3 had three versions within this list because there was a significant revision on this model compared to the last year.

The Lexus HS250h was not included since people might consider it as a cheap new car, and not costly enough to qualify. The BMW Z4 got an entry in the form of a manual transmission auto. Anyway test drive for both of these was also conducted as well. In the end of the test drive, the total points for each vehicle were calculated, and the one with maximum points was announced as the winner of its particular class. A fresh judgment round will be held again in February for each winner at the auto show in Toronto. The utility vehicle and the car of the year will be announced then.

Read More

Chevrolet Malibu Extended Warranty

The Chevrolet Malibu is a terrific vehicle, but like any automobile, it can run into serious problems. Just one major problem with your Malibu may cost you thousands of dollars to repair if Chevrolet's manufacturer's warranty is not there to protect you. If you drive a Chevrolet Malibu, you should seriously consider getting a Chevrolet Extended Warranty to cover your vehicle.

The award winning 2010 Malibu emphasizes quality construction, civilized road manners and practicality, with clean and contemporary styling. The 2010 Malibu has three trim levels: LS, LT, & LTZ. All models come with a 169-hp, 2.4 liter E85 (ethanol) compatible four-cylinder engine as the standard power plant. The LS includes a 4-speed automatic transmission while the LT and LTZ include a 6-speed automatic transmission. Optional on the LT and LTZ models is a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic. The Malibu comes with a large assortment of standard safety features such as seat mounted airbags, side-curtain airbags, traction control, stability control, and anti lock brakes. Bluetooth is optional on the LT trim and standard on the LTZ.

Read More

The Renault Clio V6

The Renault Clio, a run of the mill small hatchback aimed squarely at the mass market. A reliable super mini driven by new drivers, mothers on the school run and old dears popping down to the shops. So what happens when you add an insane body kit, rip out the rear passenger seats and shove a growling 3.0 litre V6 in the back of one these sedate little motors? Well Renault decided to find out in 2001 when they did just that and unleashed the Renault Clio V6 Sport in Europe.

The Clio V6 was superficially based upon the MKII Renault Clio although in reality the two cars share few components. This was quite necessary to transform the standard Clio from a front wheel drive, front engine car typically using a 1.2 or 1.4 litre engine, to a mid engine rear wheel drive hot hatch. The major difference is of course the engine - the 3.0 litre V6 being sourced from the Laguna, Renault's large saloon model, before being heavily tuned to deliver 252bhp.

The most obvious difference to the untrained eye is the Clio V6's looks. You can still see the standard little Clio underneath the body kit if you squint but it's a tough job, the original styling drowning in huge bumpers, air intakes and almost ridiculously wide wheel arches. This is not a subtle car and was not designed to go unnoticed. The design ethos extends to the cars practicality - it's not. With the rear end of the car dominated by the engine, rear passenger seats are gone, the boot is gone, fuel economy is, yes, gone.

Even being as heavily modified as it was, the Clio V6 was not a class leader by any means. Unrefined and very heavy for its humble size, the Clio was little match around a track against the Japanese rivals of the time. And despite the engine, the extra weight meant that much more modest hot hatches could keep up with the Clio V6 in a straight line. Ownership was not a walk in the park either, the Clio V6 having a high price tag, low fuel economy and a high Clio insurance group. This was ultimately beside the point however. In a time of restraint and blandness in the motor industry, the Clio was a breath of fresh air. Quirky, a little bit mad and most importantly - fun.

Read More

Mitsubishi Lancer EX

The Lancer EX is a Japanese produced car that has been in production since the early 70's. The Lancer is a stylish sedan that touts its racing genes. The Lancer is a quality car that makes it ideal for resale. A used Lancer EX is an excellent option for those of you not wanting to spend retail on a Lancer EX. With many upgrades from generation to generation a used Lancer EX is tried and tested automobile. Whether you choose a used Lancer EX with an automatic transmission or you decide that a 5 speed manual is the better fit for you, you can rest assured you will be happy with any used Lancer you decide.

Engine use should be a consideration when choosing a used Lancer EX. In terms of miles a used Lancer will perform just as well, if not better, than any comparable Nissan, Toyota, or Honda. Lancers are meant to be driven, and while they look beautiful, they perform beautiful as well. With a used Lancer EX miles should be of little concern as they are meant to be driven for plenty of miles before even the most basic components need replacing. And if your used Lancer EX is well taken care with all of the scheduled maintenance you can rest assured your getting a quality car.

Read More

The 2010 Subaru WRX

The base model 2010 Subaru WRX is now as formidable in the performance department as the upscale WRX STI of last season. The best part is that it is now almost $10,000 less in initial price than any STI model for '10 and still offers great engines and body styles to choose from. The WRX has a very distinct look and has been heralded for almost a decade now as one of the best cars available for US consumers. The patented all wheel drive system Subaru has placed in these cars makes them ideal for practically any road condition.

Outside, Subaru has given the WRX another face-lift making it as distinctive, if not more so than any previous model year. Out is the old sedan style with traditionally sloped rear trunk and body panels. Instead of an abrupt end to the cabin and start of the trunk, the 2010 Subaru WRX gently flows body panels between the two. It will have to be seen whether or not this is a step in the right direction. Most consumers do agree however that the interior is more than adequate and offers a lot of options for customization.

The WRX comes in a base model, and STI package which is designed for ultimate performance. There is a substantial difference in price between the two, and the base model has been upgraded significantly since the previous model year. Base models are equipped with a 2.5 liter engine capable of 165 horsepower. They are offered with a five speed manual transmission or a four speed. STI models have a tweaked engine that is capable of even more horsepower and very pleasant performance.

Read More

Car Dealers - The Perfect Family Cars

As a parent, in all areas of your life there are things you have to consider that you never had to before you had children. This is true of what you buy at the grocery store, where you go on the weekend, and what type of car you drive, just to name a few examples. A tiny sports car looks great and is fun to drive, but just doesn't work well when you have car seats! Which is why when you go to buy a new or used car for your family, it's as important to find good car dealers as it is to buy a good car. So what should you look for in car dealers when you have children?

First, it's always a good idea to look for ones with excellent reputations in the community. For many families on a budget, they simply can't afford to get taken to the cleaner by a disreputable car dealer. So ask the people you know about their car buying experiences; friends and family members can prove to be an valuable source of information when it comes to choosing an excellent car dealership. You can also utilize the resources available online, through websites that provide reviews of businesses. By talking with others, you know which dealers will be honest with you about the conditions of their cars, and which ones won't.

It's also a good idea to look for dealers who are willing to contact you when new cars become available that will work for the needs of your family. You can use websites that have inventories of multiple dealers, but it's also nice to have someone on the inside who is willing to call you as soon as something comes available. And of course, an added bonus is being able to work with dealer who have children also, as they will be better able to understand what you are looking for and your unique needs as a parent.

Of course, this is all good advice for anyone looking to find a car dealer, no matter if they are a parent or not. Because after all, who doesn't like saving money? But it is a little more vital to parents, especially ones who are on budgets, who simply need excellent professionals who know their circumstances and will work hard for them both before and after the sale. By choosing wisely and trusting the opinions of those you know, you'll be able to find just the right Car dealers to take care of you, now and in the future.

Read More

Electric Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars use two power sources to push the car. The two power sources that are being used in hybrid cars are a gasoline engine and one or more electric motors. The gasoline engine feeds on petrol and the electric motor uses electricity, which is stored in batteries. There are two types of hybrid cars that are being produced currently. One is the fully hybrid car, which can run on either one of the two power sources or use both power sources simultaneously. The second hybrid is known as a mild hybrid and uses both, a petrol engine and an electric motor, to power the car. It is called a mild hybrid and cannot run on one power source only.

Ferdinand Porsche, as a young engineer, at the age of 27, invented the first petrol-electric hybrid car in 1899. He came up with the novel idea of using a petrol engine running at a constant speed to drive a dynamo, which in turn charged alternators. The alternators fed electricity to two electric motors on the front wheel hubs of the car. His idea was to get rid of the complex power train, required to drive a gasoline only vehicle. 

In 1900 a Belgium car maker, Pieper, introduced a hybrid that had an electric motor fitted under the seats and a petrol engine. It used the petrol engine to charge the batteries and used both power sources to accelerate or climb hills. 

Lohner Porsche produced a series of hybrid cars, based on the novel drive train of Ferdinand Porsche. The car used either the electric motors or the petrol engine to power the car, but did not use both the power sources simultaneously. 

After these early hybrid cars were produced, the car market was taken over by gasoline cars and hybrid cars were no longer popular; hence, their production stopped. 

It was in 1997 that Toyota of Japan launched their first fully hybrid car the Prius. Another well-known automaker of Japan, Honda, launched their mild hybrid the Insight in 1999. Luxury division of Toyota, Lexus, launched the RX400h and became the first luxury car maker to manufacture and sell hybrid cars. 

Since then, other car makers have also started manufacturing hybrid cars, and today, there are a number of hybrid cars available in the market. Major European and recently American automakers have also announced launching their hybrid cars. 

Car engineers felt that using electric power to assist a petrol powered vehicle was the only feasible option for hybrid cars. Nickel iron batteries can provide enough voltage to the electric motor to push the car at low speeds for over a mile. Plus, they do not need to be recharged from any external source like an electricity outlet. When an electric-petrol car is coasting, the power of the petrol engine is used to charge the batteries. Regenerative power from the braking of the car is also used to charge the batteries. The electric motor gives car makers the capability of installing smaller petrol engines, thus, saving on fuel consumption. As full hybrid cars use the electric power to drive the car at lower speeds, the emissions are reduced. Hybrid cars do cost more than conventional cars, but there are long term savings in hybrid cars.

Read More

New Honda Accord Crosstour

Crossovers remain in demand, but some automakers are looking to take "car-like" to a whole new level. No longer are crossovers only providing a car-like ride , but more crossovers are also car-like in terms of styling.

Honda's all-new 2010 Crosstour, based on the Accord sedan, is the epitome of this new trend. Perhaps a bit more like a five door Accord wagon than true crossover vehicle, the Honda Crosstour is looking to compete against other hard-to-define CUVs like the Toyota Venza or Ford Flex.

The base Crosstour begins at $29,670 with fully-loaded four-wheel drive versions going well into the mid-$30,000 range. The higher-end models include attractive features such as Honda's easy to use voice-activated navigation and a rear view camera.

Interested buyers have only one engine to choose from, the Accord's 3.5-liter V6 that produces 271 horsepower. Mated to a smooth shifting five-speed automatic, customers at Honda Parts Warwick are particularly intrigued by the Crosstour's Variable Cylinder Management system which deactivates cylinders to improve fuel economy. Two-wheel drive models offer a commendable 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Despite the Crosstour's increased size and weight, Manchester CT Honda Service notes it handles very closely to the Accord sedan, which is very good. Handling is crisp and compliant, just like the Accord sedan, but steering is moderately slower due to a different steering ratio setup. The crosstour is proof that the term "crossover" is used rather loosely these days, especially considering this vehicle only offers a modest six inches of ground clearance. That said, the Crosstour's available four wheel drive system should provide outstanding traction for inclement weather say Honda dealers Denver, but this is by no means a rugged off-roader. For those interested in a vehicle between the Honda CR-V and the Honda Pilot in terms of size, ruggedness, and price, the Honda Crosstour may be a good fit. If you're also considering a vehicle similar to the Toyota Venza, Subaru Outback, or Ford Flex, you should certainly look at the Crosstour as well.

Read More

Aston Martin Lagonda Concept Cars

At the Geneva Motor Show Aston Martin has unveiled the Lagona Concept, a four-door four-seat sportscar that marks the return of the prestigious luxury model, which will be launched into new markets and territories around the world.

The Lagonda Concept is a four-wheel drive, four-seater car with a design that mixes the proportions of a sporty crossover with some rétro design elements such as the trunk lid.

The revival of Lagonda fulfils a long-term vision and will bring performance luxury into new markets and territories around the world for Aston Martin Lagonda.

Lagonda will be a strong presence in 100 global territories, increasing the global brand reach of the company and extending to new customers.

Reflecting its history, the brand will return to Russia, enter emerging markets in the Middle East, South America, India and China, as well as responding to demand from the dynamic, innovation-focused consumers of Europe, North America and the Far East.

Aston Martin Lagonda Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, commented “The Lagonda is [...] a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials.”

The brand will allow the exploration of alternative powertrain solutions including flexfuel, low emission diesel and hybrid systems.

The intention is for Lagonda to enter the market place with a unique performance avant-garde luxury product, a vehicle that combines exceptional ability with unsurpassed elegance, inside and out.

“An Aston Martin is an authentic, pure sports car,” says Dr Ulrich Bez, “but Lagonda is something else, a new brand that will reach into new markets. Lagonda will create a new kind of customer relationship, instilling the spirit of travel, adventure and style

Read More

Corvette Racing boss Doug Fehan Confirms new 5.5L V8 2010

Corvette Racing 2009 Review: Doug Fehan Q&A

The First in a Series of Conversations with Corvette Racing

DETROIT – Corvette Racing program manager Doug Fehan has seen it all in motorsports, and he had to rely on every element of that hard-earned experience to navigate through a tumultuous 2009 season. In the interior of a global scheme storm, Fehan steered Corvette Racing to the team's sixth win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the flourishing mid-year launching of the GT2 version of the Corvette C6.R in the American Le Mans Series.

Corvette Racing's 10th anniversary season was a assemblage of transition. The championship-winning GT1 Compuware Corvettes secured a seventh win in the season-opening Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 21, and prefabricated their farewell appearance in the ALMS in Long Beach, Calif., on April 18. The curtain fell on the GT1 era on June 13-14 with a GT1 conclusion in Le Mans, France, as Johnny O'Connell, Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia stood on the crowning step of the podium. Seven weeks later, two new-generation Corvette C6.Rs prefabricated their competition debut in the GT2 class at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

As the aggroup conducted a five-race test program in preparation for a unified GT collection in 2010, Corvette Racing posted fivesome podium finishes and notched its first GT2 win at Mosport International Raceway on August 30. In the series' test fivesome rounds, Corvette Racing scored more aggroup and concern points than any other GT2 entry, and O'Connell and Magnussen tallied the most points in the GT2 drivers championship. The flavour ended with fireworks at Laguna Seca as Magnussen walked absent from his battered race automobile after a high-speed break on the test travel of the season.

Under Fehan's leadership, Corvette Racing has become one of the world's execute creation sports automobile teams. An ardent advocate for the Corvette cause and an icon for legions of faithful Corvette fans; Fehan received the ALMS \"From the Fans\" honor in 2004, 2008, and 2009. In the following Q&A, he looks back at the 2009 flavour and looks ahead to 2010.

Q: Looking in the rearview mirror, what stands out in 2009?

Fehan: \"There were really two parts to the season – our final races in GT1 leading up to Le Mans, followed by the debut of the GT2 program. Our pore was and will always be the 24 Hours of Le Mans. When GM was feat through its restructuring, our greatest anxiety was that some might not wager the grandness and meaning of that event. It was a heartening time when we were able to get past that point.

\"In spite of some uncertainties, the aggroup convergent its energy on running the first ammo at Sebring, which we knew would be a great test of the engineering improvements we'd prefabricated in the vie cars. And then feat to Long Beach, we fulfilled the second half of our mission, which is marketing the Corvette and Chevrolet brands and representing our aggroup sponsors.

\"Everyone change the grandness of composition the final chapter of GT1 at Le Mans. They dedicated themselves to succeed, and it was absolutely amazing to wager them acceptation that idea. It oxyacetylene their fire because they knew the aggroup was undergoing its most significant challenge, and concurrently they were designing, planning and building the GT2 cars. The preparation was nearly as such recreation as the race.\"

Q: And the highlight of the GT2 portion?

Fehan: \"The win at Mosport. Watching the new cars' first laps at Mid-Ohio and knowing that we'd be combative was certainly exciting, but the conclusion at Mosport was overwhelming. It happened much sooner than we expected, and it showed ALMS fans what they have to look forward to in 2010 with rivalry between Corvette, Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW, and Ford.

\"I think by any measure, the GT2 Corvette introduction was successful. Our objective was to focus on Corvette Racing's set strengths: preparation, permanence and reliability. We've scholarly that is what scores points – it's not ever the fastest automobile that wins races and championships. In five events, we had zero mechanical issues, and the cars were on pace. That was very encouraging.\"

Q: Surely digit of the highlights of 2009 was your stunning victory over Jan \"The Flying Viking\" Magnussen in the Tour de Road America Bike Ride to Fight Cancer?

Fehan: \"That sure ranks correct at the top, but in a different category (laughs). We had some fun, and the race benefited a good cause, the Lance Armstrong Foundation. I challenge the incurvature crews to meliorate continuously, and the cycle race demonstrated to our drivers that there is feat to be continuous transformation in their take of fleshly activity as well. I mean, they ought to be able to keep up with the information manager!\"

Q: On a serious note, what were the lessons learned in Jan's last-lap crash at Laguna Seca?

Fehan: \"Unfortunately the hardest lessons you learn in this sport are ever country related. You never want to put your country systems to the test, but when that time arrives, it's very reassuring to know that they are validated. That's what we learned at Laguna Seca.

\"Initially we had concerns most running an aluminum chassis, and we had concerns most how the listing detain was integrated into the chassis. The obligate of the impact exceeded 50 g's, and yet Jan walked away. When we analyzed the chassis after the crash, the country systems worked meet as they were designed, and the aluminum chassis did a marvelous job of absorbing the energy and protecting Jan from serious injury.

\"The extent of Jan's injuries was a busted tailbone, which we concept to the seat design. We have redesigned that part to prevent a reoccurrence in the future, so that is the face of the incident. Despite the rigor of the crash, the crew had the No. 3 Corvette restored and fully operational within a couple of weeks.\"

Q: What is the status of the GT-spec Corvette customer car program for 2010?

Fehan: \"We currently hit two customer cars under construction, but we don't still hit confirmed buyers for them. There has been tremendous interest in the GT-spec Corvette C6.Rs, and we think with continued improvement in the orbicular economy, the interested parties will be healthy to attain a commitment. We'd be delighted to wager more Corvettes racing in the ALMS or overseas.\"

Q: While there will be a single GT class in the ALMS in 2010, GT1 will continue in the FIA series and at Le Mans. What's your perspective on the two classes?

Fehan: \"A year ago, there was generalized agreement regarding a unified GT class, which we module wager in the ALMS in 2010. The intention at that instance was to base the FIA GT1 collection on GT cars, with restricted modifications to the engine and aerodynamics. Since then, however, Europe has encountered the same scheme issues that we hit visaged in the U.S., and many members of the racing accord understandably desire to retain their current cars for business reasons. Consequently whatever of the older GT1 cars module now be regenerate to the newborn regulations, including individual privately owned Corvette C6.Rs, and the ACO has invited these cars to participate at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As the scheme climate improves, I hope that the selection makers module recognize the benefits of running one GT collection at Le Mans and other venues.\"

Q: Corvette Racing will introduce a production-based 5.5-liter small-block V-8 engine in 2010 in place of the 7.0-liter and 6.0-liter engines used previously. What's the outlook for the engine program?

Fehan: \"GM Powertrain has completed the initial dynamometer tests of the 5.5-liter small-block V8, and the race team has conducted the first road test with the newborn engine. We are quite satisfied with its performance take at this point. We plan to move development and inform the 5.5-liter engine package in rivalry at Sebring.\"

Q: What are Corvette Racing's goals for 2010?

Fehan: "The ALMS GT championship and victory at Le Mans."

Corvette Racing's incoming circumstance is the season-opening Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Fla., on March 20, 2010. The classic 12-hour endurance vie will be televised live on SPEED starting at 10 a.m. ET.

Read More

Toyota Sienna Price Picture

Toyota Sienna Price Picture

Toyota Sienna Price Picture

Read More

Cool Amphibious Cars

A collection of the cool amphibious cars. Amphibious cars have been around for many decades. In fact, the American inventor Oliver Evans built the first self-propelled amphibious vehicle as early as 1805. His design consisted of a wooden hull fitted with a steam engine and wheels. But it wasn’t until well into the twentieth century that amphibian vehicles found their use, mainly for military applications. These include the Aquada from the British company Gibbs Technologies, capable of 160 kilometres per hour (100 mph) on land and 55 kilometres per hour (30 mph) in water.

AQUADA

The Aquada is the fastest amphibian vehicle ever built, equipped with HSA (High Speed Amphibian) technology from the British company Gibbs Technologies (in production since 2003). On the road, the Aquada handles like a sports car, capable of a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour (100 mph).

The vehicle is equipped with a mid-mounted V6 petrol engine, which drives the rear wheels. Here are some pictures of the Aquda in action:

Here is a video of the Aquada in action

If you want to go under water then the Rinspeed is for you!

Check out how fast this amphibious car is!

Read More

Alfa Romeo 159 - Sport And Aero Dynamic

Alfa Romeo 159
 

Alfa Romeo 159
 

Alfa Romeo 159
 

Alfa Romeo 159

Alfa Romeo 159

Read More

BMW M1 Hommage Concept Car

BMW M1 Hommage concept car based on the on the good old M1 BMW supercar. Aggressive lines and HUGE alloys. A great way of celebrating the 30th anniversary of the M1.

Read More

Geneva Motor Show Supercar Gallery

Michelin is our favorite tire company from now on. Without resorting to the cheap, albeit highly effective and entertaining, trick of hiring booth babes to draw attention to themselves, this French tiremaker still had one of the largest crowds of any vendor at the show. Accomplished with an elegant simplicity that had us drooling from the moment we saw the space. The plan was so breathtakingly simple that we hope others will follow their lead in the future. OK, we wouldn't complain too much if there were still some lovely ladies around as well, but this being an automotive show, putting cars above all else seems to be a pretty good idea.

What they pulled off went a little beyond the ordinary and deserves some kind of award. After working your way past dozens of individual wheel and tire booths with everything from clear rims to those 34-inch monster truck-worthy numbers, you round a corner in the tires and wheels hall and see one of the cleanest, most spectacular sights. Especially if you are a fan of exotics and supercars, but even if you're not, it's quite striking. More story and pics after the jump.

A Fisker and a Ruf sit at the top of an arcing ramp, high above the rear of the display. In front of them are a Saleen S7 tt and a Pagani Zonda, respectively. In front of THEM are a Koenigsegg CCX and McLaren F1, almost touching the ground And sitting in the center of the almost completed circle is a turntable. A turntable with a Bugatti Veyron slowly rotating on it. And if that isn't enough, a glance to the side will reveal a Caparo T1.

Now think about that for another few minutes while you look through the incredible high-res gallery provided to us by Drew Phillips of Fast-Autos.net. If these were heavyweight boxers you'd be looking at the likes of Ali, Holmes, Frazier, Tyson, Marciano, Louis, and Dempsey. All in one place at one time. True champions that still command respect.

The Fisker is a bit more of a looker than an outright supercar like the others, but can still manage some respectable speeds. The RUF and Zonda can crack 210. The F1 has done 241. The CCX and Veyron a little better still. The Saleen hasn't proven its top speed claims but should be able to manage something very close to the others, and the Caparo, being little more than a Formula 1 car with better aerodynamics might not set the top speed bar any higher, should provide thrills in every direction. Some of the worlds fastest cars, all on display together, latent energy almost palpable. Despite our pleas, our offer to run them out to Nellis for some quick testing, was politely refused. Thanks anyhow, Michelin. All the pics are clickable

Read More

What Merc goodies will it Bring

Following the 2009 pattern and because we are forthcoming 2010, it would be very clever from us to attain a review of the newborn models list Mercedes-Benz has prepared for the next year.

The list includes:the newborn S-Klasse Coupe, the R-Klasse FL, the newborn CLS-Klasse, the newborn SLS AMG Cabrio, the C-Klasse FL and the newborn SLK-Klasse.

The first field automotive event of 2010 module be the North dweller International Auto Show in Detroit;this module be the chance to see the facelifted CL-Klasse, which, as you may already know, module also obtain a newborn moniker:S-Klasse Coupe. The bounteous luxury coupe module display refreshed front fascia and rear end, a slightly changed inland with a newborn steering wheel, newborn colour combos and exclusive materials and belike a completely newborn engine lineup, consisting of the MoVe(modular V6 and V8) units.

The R-Klasse crossover, a sales flop for the Stuttgart-based constructor, will be revamped in 2010;a rank overhaul of the front end, more coercive and economical powerplants and some of the eventual safety and infotainment systems that debuted on the E- & S-Klasse models are on the list. The R-Klasse FL could well be undraped at the NAIAS, Geneva Motor Show in March, or as some insiders suggest, at the New York Auto Show in April.

The summer of 2010 module mean the switch in generations for the CLS-Klasse. The current C 219 model module be replaced by the completely newborn one, internally dubbed C 218. The next CLS module continue to pass the aforementioned eclectic, yet horny and passional exterior design as the preceding model. The key features are the completely newborn V6 and V8 units, which make use of turbocharging and direct injection to improve fuel efficiency and CO2 emission levels, as well as transfer more power and dynamical pleasure. The infotainment systems(the newborn myCOMAND is likely to be introduced), the active/passive safety, dynamics and other assistance technologies, as well as the underpinnings module be taken from the newborn E-Klasse. The official execute of the second generation CLS-Klasse is cod to take place at the beginning of October, at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris.

The sulphate AMG lineup module be completed incoming year by the addition of a cabrio version. The 'de-Gullwinged' sulphate module feature a artifact top;the official unveiling module take place in the ordinal part of 2010, at the Paris Motor Show.

Read More