Car The Chive: February 2011

Maybach Top Foundation Maybach

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maybach landaulet

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maybach interior view

maybach exelero maybach

A one-off custom-built Maybach was unveiled in May 2005 at the Tempodrom in Berlin. Commissioned by tyre company Fulda, the Exelero is a chopped-down two-seater coupe, though it's more than just a show car - in tests at the Nardo high-speed oval, the prototype reached a speed of 218.38mph, despite weighing over 2.66 tonnes. It is capable of acceleration from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds.

The car's design was the result of a competition amongst students at the Pforzheim Polytechnic Department of Transport Design, which has worked on show vehicles for Fulda in the past. The design of 24-year-old Fredrik Burchhardt was chosen, and his work was co-ordinated with that of the Maybach design centre in Sindelfingen. The project, based on the Maybach 57 limousine, required a certain amount of re-engineering; the A-pillar and doors had to be shifted rearwards, and the steering column, pedals and gearshift all re-located. The standard 550bhp V12 engine was bored out to 5.9 litres, and tuned for 700bhp and over 738lb ft of torque. With final dimensions of 5890mm long, 2140mm wide and just 1390mm high, the car was kitted out with a full-spec interior, including leather, neoprene, aluminium and carbonfibre finishes.

Maybach says the car, built by Stola in Turin, is "a one-off vehicle created to showcase the new ultra-high performance Exelero tyre range from leading tyre manufacturer Fulda"; it's not the first time the two companies have teamed up, as back in 1938 Fulda demonstrated its tyres on a Maybach SW 38 limousine. There are, however, "no plans to produce the model in series", though it has been certified for on-road use.

2010 Ford Explorer

The 2010 Ford Explorer lineup is largely unchanged for what is likely its final model year in its current design. This midsize SUV uses traditional, truck-type construction. It offers rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has a low-range gear for off-roading. Trim levels include XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. All have a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine. Optional on Eddie Bauer and Limited is a 292-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. V6 models have a 5-speed automatic transmission; V8s have a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 5,375 pounds for the V6 and 7,285 pounds for the V8. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Offered on all is a 3rd-row seat for 7-passenger capacity; it's available with a power-folding feature. Explorer's capless fueling system allows owners to fill their fuel tanks without having to remove a gas cap. Ford's Sync voice-activated cell phone and MP3 player control system is available. The available navigation system includes real-time traffic alerts, weather, gas prices, sports, and movie information. Ford re-trims the Explorer for sale as the Mercury Mountaineer.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

2009 Ford Explorer Review

2009 Ford Explorer

2009 Ford Explorer

For many years, the Ford Explorer has been one of the best-selling SUVs in the market. A capable tow vehicle and off-roader, the Explorer also offers the generous interior space, comfort features and safety technologies necessary for day-to-day tasks.

The Explorer is available in rear-wheel, four-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, each with a choice of three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer or Limited. All trims can be equipped with either a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, or a 292-hp 4.6-liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Limited trims are outfitted with a power-folding third row seat for 2009 (previously manual fold-flat); on XLT and Eddie Bauer trims, three-row seating is optional, increasing capacity to seven passengers. Standard safety features on every Explorer include AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, anti-lock disc brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system, as well as dual front, front side-impact and side-curtain airbags.

For 2009, the Ford Explorer carries over with minor adjustments to standard equipment and restructured option groups, including a new XLT Sport Package. Satellite radio is now standard on Eddie Bauer and Limited trims, while a new Trailer Sway Control feature is incorporated into the stability control system on all trims. Additionally, all-wheel drive Explorer models now get the XLT trim level.

2006 Ford Explorer

More V8 power, revised interiors and exteriors, and more safety features are 2006 updates for America's best-selling SUV. Explorer has a truck-type design and offers rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. Two engines are available: a 210-hp V6 and a 292-hp V8. The V8 gains 53 hp for '06. Both use automatic transmission; the V6 retains a 5-speed, the V8 trades its 5-speed for a 6-speed. The model line ascends through XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim. Offered on all but XLS is a 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity; it's available for '06 with a power-folding feature. Front side airbags are newly standard. Again optional are curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows and include rollover deployment. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, as is traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors. Also available are 2nd-row bucket seats, DVD entertainment, sunroof, rear obstacle detection, and power-adjustable pedals. A navigation system is newly optional. Ford retrims the Explorer for sale as the Mercury Mountaineer.

2006 Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer New Cars Desighn

Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer suspension

2012 Ford Explorer

1999 Ford Explorer

Auto insurance policy

Driving violations have a big effect on cheap auto insurance. There are many different driving violations that can occur, and each of these may affect your auto insurance rates. Speeding tickets, accidents, injuries, careless driving, and hundreds of other things can affect how much you pay for your auto insurance policy, so it is a good idea not to commit any driving violations to keep your cheap auto insurance rates. Driving violations will add points to your driving record, and this record is checked by the auto insurance provider before you are quoted a premium. Speeding tickets can add from two points up, depending on how many miles over the speed limit you are traveling. Usually ten miles or less is two points, and then the points rise incrementally according to the speed. Learn about Saving Motorist Insurance Program for New Driver in car insurance directory.

Auto insurance policy

Annual Auto Insurance Policy for New Driver

In some cases, it is better not to dance with the auto insurance adjuster and instead allow a public auto insurance adjuster to stand in for you. A public auto insurance adjuster is a auto insurance expert who represents your interests and negotiates directly with your auto insurance company. If your property is water damaged and your auto insurance will be involved, follow these steps and take the lead. One, two, three, four... Buying auto insurance of any kind can be a painful experience. What I mean by that is that it kind of sucks to have to pay for something that you hope you will never need to use. But alas, as we all know auto insurance is something that we absolutely must have to protect not only ourselves, but our possessions as well. What is good though is that we can locate some inexpensive policy fairly easy today. One thing that makes this so easy is the Internet. You can Google, and come up with all sorts of companies to compare to see which is the cheapest. How easy can this be? Buy European Automotive Insurance Costs in NJ in auto insurance assistance.

Learn About European Automobile Insurance Quotes in NJ

Whether you are trying to obtain coverage for the first time or you have been with the same company for a long time and suspect that you may be able to get a better deal elsewhere, getting multiple quotes from a number of different providers will help you to easily find an offer that gives you the coverage are looking for the best possible price. Whenever you shop for anything and you are looking for the best price you do a little comparison shopping. You want to see which store offers the product you are looking for at the best price. Getting online auto insurance quotes is no different. Many companies offer the same coverage but prices can vary widely from one company to another. Before the Internet, comparison shopping for auto insurance was difficult and time-consuming. To get a quote from just one company might take you an hour or more. You would have to first find a company, probably by looking through the phone book. Obtain Annual Motorcycle Insurance Quote for New Driver from NJ auto company.

Nissan skyline wallpaper

Nissan Skyline gtr Review

Nissan Skyline gtr

The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a Japanese sports car based on the Nissan Skyline range.

The first GT-Rs were produced from 1969-1977. After a 16 year hiatus since the KPGC110 in 1972, the GT-R name was revived in 1989 with the Skyline R32. This car was nicknamed "Godzilla" by the Australian motoring publication "Wheels" in its July 1989 edition, a name that sticks to this day. The R32 GT-R dominated the motorsport in Japan, winning 29 straight victories out of 29 races. The GT-R proceeded to win the JGTC Group A series championship 4 years in a row, and also had success in the Australian Touring Car Championship winning from 1990–1992, until the GT-R was outlawed in 1993. The Skyline GT-R (R33) was also the first production car to lap the legendary Nürburgring in under eight minutes.

Nissan Skyline Images

Nissan Skyline

Police on the state’s Central Coast are appealing for public help as they hunt a motorist who failed to stop after knocking down a woman at Terrigal.

The 34-year-old woman was struck by a dark-coloured vehicle - possibly a Nissan Skyline - at the intersection of Kurrawyba Avenue and Grosvenor Road, Terrigal, just before 12.30am on Sunday (13 February).

The driver of the vehicle left the scene without rendering assistance to the injured pedestrian.

Police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command and NSW Ambulance Paramedics responded to the incident.

The woman was taken to Gosford Hospital for treatment of a broken leg, broken shoulder, broken hand and facial injuries.

She remains in a stable condition.

Investigations into the incident are continuing and police are now seeking public assistance to try and identify the motorist and vehicle involved.

In particular they’re keen to hear from anyone who has seen or repaired a dark-coloured vehicle with damage consistent with it being involved in a collision.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Gosford Police Station via Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000.

2011 Bmw Preview

2012 Mercedes Benz CLS Class

2012 Mercedes Benz Cls

Mercedes-Benz struck styling gold with the first-generation CLS-Class, creating a new segment that sent rival automakers scrambling back to their design tables. Things are different the second time around, as the new 2012 CLS steps into a market suddenly littered with so-called ‘four-door coupes,’ with more on the way from Stuttgart’s German rivals Audi and BMW.

With the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the automaker has focused on improving the one area that defines its existence: design. The sides of the car feature much more pronounced sculpting that starts with the front wheel well and ends at the fresh set of LED taillights. Love it or hate it, this is one four-door that at the very least will draw your attention.

Not surprisingly, LED daytime running lights make an appearance, but the 2012 CLS has full LED headlights, as well. The 71 individual LEDs enhance visibility and frankly, they just look cool.

Inside the CLS' cabin, a wraparound dash makes the cockpit feel tailored, while a high-gloss analog clock adds an upscale touch. Design, Mercedes-Benz points out, is only half the story inside. Material quality has been upgraded in a further effort to distinguish the CLS from other segment players. Semi-aniline leather is just 1.6 millimeters thick and has an especially soft feel, according to the automaker.

Look to the dash and you'll see matte galvanized air vents and a hand-sewn leather dashboard. High-gloss brown burl walnut and black ash wood trims are standard equipment, but for a bit more cash, Mercedes will be happy to fit your CLS with black piano lacquer or carbon fiber instead. That black piano trim, by the way, is handcrafted and has up to seven layers to make sure it has the right high-gloss look.

2012 Mercedes Benz SLK

2012 Mercedes Benz SLK Gullwing

2012 Mercedes Benz SLK

2012 Toyota Yaris

2011 Toyota Yaris - Review Summary

2011 Toyota Yaris

The 2011 Toyota Yaris is the best car for you if you want a no-worries fuel-sipper that acts bigger than its tiny size suggests – and didn’t suffer unintended-acceleration recalls.

The 2011 Toyota Yaris subcompact leverages light weight and modest power to achieve hybrid-like fuel economy. How does 29 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway sound? And that’s with automatic transmission and room for four adults. The 2011 Yaris is treated to some new colors and like all Toyotas – recalled or not – receives an electronic brake-override system. Prices for the 2011 Yaris start at a friendly $13,615. As the most desirable models tickle $16,000, however, you’ll need confidence in your priorities to resist the call of a larger car.

Should you buy a 2011 Toyota Yaris or wait for the 2012 Toyota Yaris? If you’re on a strict budget and need a new small car today, the 2011 Yaris won’t disappoint. The 2012 Yaris isn’t apt to get any compelling new features, but if you can wait for it you’ll be better positioned to compare Toyota’s smallest car against some compelling new rivals. One is the Ford Fiesta, which actually debuted as a 2011 model. Fiesta is impressive but can get a little pricey, easily costing $2,000-$3,000 more than a roughly comparable Yaris. The real rival for your attention is certain to be the all-new 2012 Hyundai Accent. Accent is already the best-seller in the subcompact class and Hyundai hopes to pad to its lead with the redesigned 2012 version.

2010 BMW Z4 Review

The 2010 BMW Z4 sees no major changes following its redesign for the 2009 model year. Z4 seats 2 and comes as a convertible with a power-retractable hard top. Z4 comes in two trim levels, each with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The sDrive30i has 255 horsepower, while the sDrive35i is turbocharged and has 300 horsepower. Both have a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic is optional on the sDrive30i. A 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual that behaves much like an automatic is optional on the sDrive35i. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. BMW's Dynamic Drive Control, which allows drivers to alter throttle, traction control, and steering response, is included as part of the optional Sport Package. The Sport Package also includes adjustable shock-absorber control and 18-inch run-flat tires. Leather upholstery and automatic climate control are optional on the sDrive30i and standard on the sDrive35i. A navigation system is optional. The optional "through-loading" system includes a luggage pass-through for skis or golf bags to the passenger compartment.

2010 BMW Z4