Thursday, February 28, 2008

Car Lease Specials - The Jaguar XF



With the new year coming up fast, it seems that everybody is gearing up to check out all sorts of car lease specials; especially with the many rumored super cars that are coming out in 2008. One of these cars is more anticipated than any other and that's none other than the new Jaguar XF. Unlike the Jaguar of old, this one really does resemble the mean looks of an actual big cat. The Jaguar XF goes beyond the traditional standards of the classy Jag we are all used to.

What we know about this jaguar that's due out in March is that while it uses the old S-Type bases and suspension from the XK coupe, what it looks like is entirely different. It takes on a sportier more than luxurious look although it doesn't give up too much as it still looks like a million dollars. It will definitely be a head turner for a much younger market, but this doesn't mean it will alienate the Jaguar's dedicated market as it still retains the class that Jag is known for; this is especially true if you manage to get one of these car lease specials in a dark color, like black.

What you see outside is definitely not true inside the XF. The exterior is a lot ore buff but inside, you may be surprised with the luxury of space that you will enjoy. The seats are not as bulky as you might expect and this offers an impression of more air and space. However, this is a good thing, especially with all the things that this car packs in. Expect wood and aluminum alloy on the inner sides, a lowered dashboard, a rotary gear selector in the center and a starter button that flashes upon entering the car. As a standard, consumers get cruise control, heated seats and satellite navigation! That leaves room for the imagination as far as add-ons are concerned.

Speaking of room, the Jaguar XF has just enough of it. In fact, a six-foot person sitting in the back will actually have a lot of head room left between his or head and the ceiling. Foot room is quite spacious but the 500-liter trunk space is a lot more generous and the back seats also fold for additional space.

Expect the Jaguar XF to "hit the shelves" on March 1 2008. It will come in two whopping 4.2 liter V8 models, one with a supercharger and one without. There will also be a 3.0 liter V6 for the slightly less adventurous and a 2.7 liter V6 turbo diesel for the gas-consumption conscious. This is the definitely the cat to beat as soon as it hits the market and at over $60,000, this price range is only rivaled by Germany's BMW 550i M Sport. It all depends in what class you choose to belong to when it comes to shopping for the top car leasing specials.


Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Pagani Zonda R To Deliver Utimate Racetrack Performance


Italian automaker Pagani has earlier divulged plans for a track-specific version of its Zonda supercar. Now the ideals of the said supercar are imbibed in the Zonda R version.

According to the automaker, the new coupe was designed with "the ultimate performance at the racetrack without any implications of rules, except for safety.”

With the supercar equipped with a 7.3 liter V12 engine sourced from AMG by Mercedes-Benz, it also debuted at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The said variant is intended to rival cars like the Ferrari FXX. Compared to its sibling – the Zonda F, the R variant is designed from scratch. It only carried over 10 percent of Zonda F’s components.

The spark of the supercar potentials has been set by an Italo-American customer, enthusiast and already proud owner of 3 Zondas. He describes the project as: “The thought has been on my mind for quite some time, but I am not interested in racing.”

The Zonda R is born with full liberty. The equation is set forth by the automaker to bring out the best performance without any compromising comfort and safety. In September last year, the first sketches were ready, but the support of Mercedes-AMG for a high revving engine cannot be overemphasized. The engine was inspired by the CLK GTR, which has dominated the GT championships.

What is found under the hood increased output of the supercar to 750 horsepower at 8000 rpm and 523lb-ft of torque. The power of Zonda R is complemented by its high performance parts that include a racing multiple disc sintered clutch, a lightweight carbon fire intake system and a Formula 1 style exhaust system. To boost optimal heat dissipation, the hydroformed in Inconel 625 was integrated to the car. The power is mated to a 6 speed transversal manual sequential synchronized gearbox to satisfy the craving of enthusiast for a nerve-racking driving.

Aside from the engine, the Pagani Zonda R also boasts of its central carbon chassis with a roll cage, rubber racing aeronautical fuel tank, four fuel pumps, and refuel filler similar to that of GT race cars. To make the supercar equation more favorable to enthusiasts, the wheelbase was increased by 47mm, the overall length by 394 mm and the track is increased by 50mm. The bodywork and aerodynamics have been meticulously designed to offer maximum downforce. The longer front bonnet with flaps, rear overhang with the adjustable rear wing, and closed underbody and race derived diffuser transform into crushing superb efficiency. The said features allow drivers to experience cornering speeds beyond imagination.

Even though built for the track, the supercar boasts its quality, details and finish which are incomparable with Pagani road cars. One of the first cars will be kept in a living room designed by Pagani. It is built with the same materials as the Zonda F. Sophisticated materials include avional, carbon fibre, titanium, inconel and other cutting-edge materials. The supercar also features a bespoke HiFi System that allows occupants to enjoy music at the Le Mans and the Nürburgring.

The interior of the Zonda R is designed to accommodate the driver and passenger in bespoke seats and these are intended to provide the best kind of support. The Digitek instrumentation provides the essential information and a sophisticated telemetry allows through an assortment of sensors to monitor all components of the car.

Weekend racetrack fanatics as well as the most demanding purchasers could make the most out of Pagani Zonda R nonetheless they must be ready to pay a hefty sum amounting to about $1.2 million plus taxes.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Exotic Car Lovers Dream Porsche or Ferrari



The fast and luxurious cars from Porsche and Ferrari originated in Europe; Germany and Italy respectively. Both exotic sports cars are more than 50 years old with cutting edge engineering and exquisite styling. These two cars have always been compared for many reasons since they are race cars, cars of status for the rich. Most people always correlate these cars with style and performance.

A modern exotic sports car should have the following traits: it should be easy to start, low to the ground, maneuver well around the city with fat tires, able to put your pedal to the metal on a couple of open and safe roads.

The Ferrari 430 and Porsche 911 Carrera S are two sports cars that are begging to be compared in road tests. What are the results ? Well the Ferrari 430 will zoom from 0 to 100km in 4 seconds while the Porsche does it in 4.8 seconds. Hardly something you can consider slow, but when comparing it to the 430 it is noticeably slower. For fast acceleration like this, both sports cars will need sport brakes, both offer ceramic disc brakes.

Both cars provide impressive power utilizing 6-speed gearboxes and offer top of the line performance handling. These exotic cars offer excellent and comfortable interior space and even when the space seems limited, the passengers won't feel cramped.

Let's talk about the exterior. The Carrera S4 has a finish that is at a premium level, in and of itself, and surpasses the Ferrari 430 which is still impressive with carbon fiber, aluminum and a combination of suede in the interior. Although, the Germans excel on the finish, the 911 Carrera S looks like a 911 and doesn't bring as many ooohs and ahhhs as a Ferrari does when it comes to appearance. Ferrari's just generate more attention possibly due to their rarity on the road and higher price. Nevertheless, most people, if given the opportunity, will not pass up the Ferrari F430 if they had the cash. In the end, they just may do that because of the Porsche 911 Carrera S having a more complete package but you can always test drive your favorite exotic sports car and make your own decision.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Sport Car Insurance - Insuring Your Hot Rod


Typically, when you have a sports car, you expect to have high costing premiums with your car insurance. That does not have to be the case. You can still obtain cheap sport car insurance, no matter what type of hot rod you are driving. You just might need to take some extra steps to help your insurance company lower the price of your premiums.

What steps are these? Well, talk with your insurance agent, he or she will be able to tell you how you can best lower your costs. Some steps might include:

• Parking your sport car in a garage

• Parking your sport car in a locked garage

• Having a security system installed and working

• Taking specific courses on driving

• Keeping your driving record clean

• Keeping your criminal record clean

• Increase your deductible

By taking some of the necessary steps, you could dramatically reduce the costs of your car insurance. However, it may be possible to find it by looking online, at the right places as well. There are several insurance companies that specialize in offering cheap sport car insurance specifically to those who own and drive hot rods.

It is no big secret that the internet is home to some extraordinary deals and this includes car insurance. By doing a search on it, you will find a host of companies that are willing to offer you a discounted premium for using their company.

However, do not just choose a car insurance company because they are cheap, you would do better to check out the company first. Make sure they are reliable, easy to work with, and have excellent customer service. Not only that, but you want to make sure they offer the amount of coverage you need for your hot rod.

3 Hot Sports Cars


The muscle car era of old is long gone, but in its place are a pack of “modern marvels” that can tear up any track! The Mercedes SLR McLaren, Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, and the Nissan Z350, are all hot performers in their own right. The first two will cost you a mint, the Nissan is more in reach. Time to compare the models and let your imagination run wild.

I believe it is the Kia Rio that retails for just under 10K. If you were to buy 45 Rios you would just begin to match the price of the Mercedes SLR McLaren. With an MSRP of $452,750, even a Bentley becomes a bargain. It is quite likely, however, if you can afford this car you’ll not be worrying about price. Instead, the V8 engine pushes out 671 horses, 208 mph top speed, and 3.8 seconds of zero to 60 acceleration...certain to excite you. If that is not enough, try gull wing doors, bi-Xenon headlamps, sidepipe exhaust, turbine wheels, carbon fiber bucket seats covered in leather, a 7 speaker Bose sound system, and lots more. If that still isn’t enough there must be some Mercedes parts you can order!

If you want performance but you are also looking for “value” than another German automaker, Porsche, may have what you want. With an MSRP of “only” $141,200 the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet does not quite live up to the SLR, but it is a speed demon nevertheless. Horses kick out at 444, you can get to 190 mph with this baby, and reach 100 kmh [62 mph] in just 4.3 seconds. Not bad! Automatically deployed rear spoiler, awesome looking twin exhausts, digital radio with CD, telephone module, leather everywhere, and a V6 engine are some of the more notable features. Go to a Porsche parts store if you find that something you want is missing.

For the proletariat -- a/k/a the average car buying consumer -- the purchase options are much greater. Besides cars like the Chevy Corvette, Cadillac XLR, Dodge Viper, and BMW M3, Nissan is offering a competitive model under the famed “Z” nameplate. With MSRP starting at $26,800, the base V6 powered and 6 speed manual tranny throws out 287 hp and will rocket you to 60 from a dead stop in just under 6 seconds. Along with the manual tranny, the “Z” comes equipped with ABS, 3.5L 24-valve V6, CD, etc. The base model is pretty basic, but you can get more horses and more options, including a convertible for about 10 grand more. Check around for after market Nissan parts that you can get for your “Z” too.

Yes, the first two cars will only find their way into select driveways, while the “Z” is more within reach of you and me. All 3 sports car are “hot” and certain to be crowd pleasers.