3 Of The World's Most Expensive Motorbikes

A luxury motorbike is a dream for many people, and the most expensive types in the world certainly stretch the definition of what a bike can do. Luxury bikes are typically defined by their extreme power, rare materials and limited numbers, as well as by their extreme engineering. In some cases, the most expensive motorbikes in the world are not technically safe for driving on public roads, and are closer to works of art than anything else. The most expensive, as of 2012, include the Macchia Nera Concept from Ducatti, the Ecosse Titanium Series RR Limited Edition, and the Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike.

3 - Macchia Nera Concept
$201,000
This Ducatti mod has a 998RS engine, and is designed to be the ultimate track bike. It uses alloys on major parts for lightweight design, and is engineered for F1 and MotoGP performance. Nicknamed the ‘Black Spot,’ this concept bike boasts 185 HP, and features a V2 four stroke engine, as well as a liquid cooling system and a 5 speed manual gearbox. The frame of the bike is made from carbon fibre and titanium, and it has an electric starter. The Ducatti build was designed by Aldo Drudi, and the bike made its debut in 2003 as a track prototype, before becoming a 2004 concept model. The bike is typically shown as part of the Macchia Nera Concept Tour, with people able to pay to test it out on tracks.

2 - Ecosse Titanium Series RR Limited Edition
$275,000
This luxury bike is distinguished by its titanium chassis and carbon fibre bodywork, as well as a unique see through engine covering, and a fuel injected 2,150cc billet motor. The Ecosse has 200hp, an adjustable saddle for ergonomic driving, and a bespoke timepiece attached to the controls. Other distinctive features include Berluti Italian leather in the saddle. Only 10 units have been produced by Ecosse Moto Works, a company that specialises in bespoke bikes using rare and exotic materials. Of these ten bikes, some of the first batch were sold to China, while others have been bought to display as works of modern art. Ecosse may yet supersede the bike, however, with their ES1 custom model.

1 - Dodge Tomahawk V10 Superbike
$555,000


Not technically legal to drive on the road as the result of its immense speed, this half a million dollar superbike has an 8.3 litre, V10 engine, and can theoretically hit the astonishing speed of 400mph. The Tomahawk can also reach 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, and has 500 horsepower. 

Unusual in the sense of having four wheels, a few copies of the bike were sold through Neiman Marcus for Chrysler. The monocoque manufacturing design of the bike means that it depends on rear wheel acceleration, and also features twin throttle blades and 12 five watt LEDs. The front suspension includes a mounted ball joint, 20 inch stainless steer rotors, and dual hub steering with a rocker arm. Another bike that’s more of a work of art than a functioning road bike, the Tomahawk is one of the most sought after automobiles in the world.

Sebastian works with DirectAsia - If you're looking for motorcycle insurance in Singapore then make sure you visit their website. They might even be able to insure you on some of the above bikes!

Most Dangerous Places To Drive

The most dangerous places in the world for driving after nightfall have several things in common: 

* Extreme political unrest
* Unpredicted episodes of violence
* Looting and other crimes of opportunity
* Never-ending poverty

Here they are in descending order with Number 1 being the most dangerous:

10. Conaeky, Guinea Republic:
Conaeky has a mortality rate for adults that is almost one third. Nighttime driving here is especially hazardous because of greater nighttime violence danger. 

9. Nairobi, Kenya:
Almost one quarter of Nairobi's citizens live on less than $1.00 per day, and poverty motivates kidnapping, violence, home-invasion burglaries and carjacking. Crime increases exponentially at night. Most violent crimes in Nairobi are fatal for victims. Americans are a target population.

8. Sana'a, Yemen:
Violence can break out anywhere at night. Sana'a has a very poor population, and the city is rapidly descending into anarchy. No one should be driving in this city unless it is to get out of the country. The State Department has an urgent appeal to Americans to get out of Yemen immediately.

7. Tbilisi, Georgia:
Georgia has one of Europe's most destitute populations. Tourists are targeted and should stay away from frequented tourist establishments. Gun-toting gangs are all over the city of Tbilisi and are well-hidden at night. This amounts to very dangerous driving at night and also in the daytime.

6. Karachi, Pakistan:
The dense population of Pakistan's largest city is targeted by suicide bombers. Americans have been attacked and kidnapped by Al-Qaida and its sympathizers. Tourists should not drive at night.

5. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo:
Sixty percent of Kinasha's people live on less than $1.00 a day. It is in a state of complete anarchy. Violence breaks out with no notice, and nighttime is far too dangerous for travel. Men posing as soldiers often rob and murder unsuspecting foreigners.

4. Bangui, Central African Republic:
Extreme poverty is rampant, and the crime rate is sky high and doubles at night. Security forces often cordon off roads and require bribes from travelers.

3. Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire:
The mortality rate in Abidjan is 30 percent. One-quarter of its inhabitants live on less than $1.00 per day. Violence breaks out day and night. 

2. N’Djamena, Chad:
Of those N'Djamena residents who live to age 15, half of them will not live to age 60. No one should drive, or even travel, to this city. They have the second highest violence rate in the world. No one should be in N'Djamena at night.

1. Baghdad, Iraq:
One-quarter of Bagdad's population will die from violence that continually breaks out throughout the city, especially after dark. People who are in Baghdad with a specific mission should not travel at night.

Peter Wendt is a freelance article writer and researcher residing in the Austin TX area.   He loves taking his car out for a spin but tries to keep it a minimum after sunset.  He suggests learning more about drunk driving after dark from a Houston injury law firm.

All About Matchbox

There are certain toys nearly every boy has growing up. Footballs and action figures of some kind are just to name a few. However there are some that are even more common than that. We are talking about Matchbox cars and as it turns out they have quite they history behind their name.

Matchbox was created and owned by the British die-cast toy manufacturer called Lesney Products.  Lesney was founded in 1947 Rodney Smith and Leslie Smith. A quick read of Lesney will reveal the company got its name by combing the last names of the owners.  Back then die-cast toys like Corgi and Dinky were extremely popular and Lesney hoped to break into this market. That same year a die-casting engineer they hired named Jack Odell became one of their partners as well.  The Matchbox name would come about through an interesting story of his creation.

In 1953 Odell’s daughter informed him that they were only allowed to take toys to school that would fit into a matchbox. This inspired Odell to come up with a line of toys that students could take to school and it wasn’t before long when the first Matchbox cars were produced. Popular among collectors, these early toys are often referred to as the “Golden Age” of toy collecting.

 The first series of Matchbox cars were known as the I-75 series, although it only contained a few models.  Up until then Lesney’s best-selling product had been a replica of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation coach which sold roughly one million units but Matchbox changed everything for them as the toys became a huge hit. Matchbox was so successful that the term became synonymous with small cars everywhere. One of its most successful series was the Models of Yesteryear, a line of classic cars from the early days of automobiles. It is slightly ironic since these Matchbox cars are now considered classics as well. Another popular series was the Major’s Packs which consisted of larger construction vehicles and the King Sized sets which was made up of larger trucks and tractors.

Matchbox dominated the die cast toy industry for over a decade and nobody could touch but then in 1968 something would happen that would change everything. Mattel invented the Hot Wheels. The Hot Wheels were painted bright metallic colors, had fancy wheels, slick accurate designs and featured the popular low friction, high speed “racing” wheels. For Matchbox it was a disaster as every kind in America wanted the new, shiny Hot Wheels. 

Matchbox, and everyone else for that matter, desperately tried to come up with something to rival the Hot Wheels. Their answer was the “Superfast” series that could also be bought with tracks and accessories. Matchbox made another bold move by reworking their cars and parts to be the same size as Hot Wheels. This would allow kids to buy Matchbox cars to use their Hot Wheels tracks. The plan worked well and by the 1970’s they were back on track.

The 1980’s saw a rough time for England’s economy and due to financial problems Lesney was sold to Universal Toys who moved production to China. It would be the beginning of a series of sales for the Matchbox brand. While they survived the 1980’s Universal Toys decided to go ahead and sell Matchbox to Tyco Toy is in 1992. Tyco did continue to produce the Matchbox name. Then in 1997 Tyco was sold to its fiercest competitor and ultimate rival: Mattel. This sparked outrage and fear among Matchbox fans who were afraid that Mattel would change or even discontinue the line. Fortunately Mattel realized the value of this brand and had no intention of changing it what-so-ever. Thanks to this bit of wisdom both collectors and children can continue on in enjoying these iconic toys.

RJ plays with toys and writes in sunny Southern California. He writes about pop culture, toy collecting and history. Enterprise Car Sales is one place to find great used vehicles.

Magnesium-Ion Batteries: An Electric Vehicle Revolution?

Magnesium-Ion Batteries: An Electric Vehicle Revolution?

Gasoline prices aren’t showing any signs of falling for the long term, and the public’s desire for more fuel-efficient cars certainly has the attention of the automobile industry. Toyota, a pioneer in hybrid battery utilization, is attempting to move past the traditional lithium-ion battery towards what it hopes will be the material that revolutionizes the industry. They’re hoping to meet the expectations of the American consumer, maximizing battery life, safety, and environmental responsibility. Magnesium-Ion batteries may be provide the ultimate solution.

Hop on the Band Wag-Ion

Toyota is not alone in their enthusiasm. The Department of Energy has hopped on board as well. Their Advanced Research Projects Agency has invested heavily in the technology. Magnesium producers are hopeful that the strong expectations of the consumer in combination with Toyota’s push to develop the more cost-effective and lightweight magnesium-ion battery will mean success for them.

A Bountiful Resource

Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element found in our earth’s crust, which brings environmentalists on board as big fans of the new research. Magnesium is also inexpensive and safe. The hypothetical future of magnesium batteries is secured by the promise that they could deliver a drop-in replacement for the traditional lithium-ion batteries that are now being used. Magnesium Sulfate is commonly known as Epsom salt. Environmentally speaking, using magnesium in our common batteries would be a big improvement over lithium-ion batteries.

Recycle

One of the most recyclable products we use in America is the car battery. Up to 99% of most automotive batteries can be recycled, however they are dirty to manufacture. Environmentalists are asking for a battery made with materials that don’t require highly polluting methods of manufacturing, even though the really nasty stuff found in today’s batteries is used in very small quantities.

Investments Paying Dividends

The Department of Energy gave Pellion Technologies, Inc 3.2 million dollars in April of 2010 to develop technology that could turn magnesium into a new, better source of energy. Pellion says that its rechargeable magnesium battery will have up to three times the energy density as lithium-ion batteries. The company also claims their batteries will last longer.

Pellion explains that the new magnesium battery boasts a higher energy per unit volume / energy density than the lithium-ion batteries currently being used in electric vehicles. There are two reasons for this. Magnesium-ions transfer two electrons for each atom, not just one. That means getting double the energy density from a magnesium battery than you do from a lithium battery. Also, a magnesium-ion battery uses a magnesium metal anode which is another source of greater energy density, compared to the lithium-ion anodes.

The Catch

So what’s the holdup? Unfortunately, the folks at Toyota and Pellion have yet to identify a suitable complementary cathode for their promising new technology. Doron Aurbach, an Israeli professor, received quite a bit of attention in 2000 with the first rechargeable magnesium battery.

But the cathode he used didn’t work sufficiently well to enable commercial use of the invention. His cathode decreased the energy density of the battery to the point that the device was unusable. Research is ongoing, but the technology remains stagnant. Pellion is determined to find a suitable cathode. They have tested over 10,000 materials for potential use in its magnesium battery. Even though magnesium is only one of many lithium substitutes that could prove suitable, it’s a favorite for Pellion. Toyota says it’s magnesium battery may be available as soon as 2020.

Any electric car that can drive 500 miles on a single charge will likely require a technology that moves past the traditional lithium-ion battery. It’s impossible to say whether this new technology will be a magnesium-ion battery or if it will still be lithium, but perhaps not lithium-ion. For the moment, Toyota and Pellion have directed their time and resources to the magnesium possibility. With some luck, the possibilities could revolutionize the future of the auto industry.

Magnesium Image By Warut Roonguthai (Own work) [GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

George Zeed lives in Grants Pass Oregon and works for ImpactBattery.com.  An avid outdoorsman and environmentalist, he writes about topics related to all kinds of recreational vehicles and accessories. He is also the "go to guy" for information when shopping for a great selection sunlinq products and discount Motobatt batteries.

The World's Best Women Racing Drivers

Professional motor racing remains a widely male-dominated field, and while a female world champion has yet to emerge at the highest level, there is an increasing number of trailblazers helping to normalise the sight of women competing with the best drivers in the world.

Formula One
In F1 history there have been only five women drivers, the last of whom, Giovanna Amati, drove for the manufacturer Brabham in 1992, which turned out to be its last year in the competition as its owners were investigated for fraud. Amati drove in three qualifying sessions in a car that had not been improved on the previous year, and failed to make the starting grid. She went on to have a successful career outside of F1, finishing 3rd overall in the 1999 SportsRacing World Cup.

Of the others, only two have posted finishes: Maria Teresa de Filippis, who finished 10th in the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix, and the remarkable Lella Lombardi, who recorded seven finishes out of twelve starts between 1975-6, including a sixth place at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, the best finish by a woman in F1. Currently, Scottish driver Susie Wolff and Spaniard María de Villota Comba work as test drivers for Williams and Marussia respectively. Both have enjoyed long careers in touring car and sports car championships.

NASCAR


Fifteen women have competed at national level in NASCAR, all but two of whom started their careers post-2000. Of those two, Patty Moise drove 133 races in the Nationwide Series and achieved four top-ten finishes, after débuting at the age of sixteen in 1986. The following year she fielded her own team, the #37 Red Roof Inns Buick, and in 1990 reached her highest overall finish of 22nd, currently the best achieved by a woman driver. The other, Shawna Robinson, became the first woman to gain a NASCAR pole at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1994, and totalled 61 career starts.

More recently, Danica Patrick, who has already made her name in Indycar racing, has added her fourth career top-ten finish in just her third season in NASCAR, ranking 11th overall and on pace to become the most successful woman NASCAR driver in history. Also competing this season is Johanna Long, a 19 year old from Florida who is currently 21st overall after three top twenty finishes in her first six races. In her first Sprint Cup race earlier this year, Patrick finished 38th, after a pile-up in lap two caused five drivers to temporarily leave the race for extensive windscreen repair.

Indycar
As mentioned, Patrick’s Indycar career has been excellent, gaining her first win at the 2008 Indy Japan 300, finishing 5th overall in 2009 while driving for Andretti Green Racing, including a podium finish at the Indy 500. Since then she has gained two 2nd places at the Firestone 550 and Cafés do Brasil Indy 300. Over 114 races she has gained three poles, one win, six podiums and an amazing 63 top tens.

Even after Patrick’s departure this year to race in NASCAR Nationwide, there are two female drivers competing: Ana “Bia” Beatriz and Katherine Legge, who is currently 25th after four races for Lotus-Dragon Racing.

Although many feel that professional motorsports is an unlikely venue for cultural change, some commentators have pointed out racing is ideal for equal competition, where machinery removes most of the physical advantages men enjoy in other sports. Though we cannot expect these developments to effect instant overnight changes in attitude, it’s an encouraging step in the right direction.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing company on a range of topics. This artcle links back to http://www.obrienglass.com.au/windscreen-repair.2172.0.html.

Top 10 Hottest Million Dollar Street-Legal Cars

Photo Credit

I was doing a little comparison shopping recently, and found out there are quite a few million-dollar (and some just under that price tag) cars that are street legal and available on the market today. Of course, which ones are the most expensive will depend on the model and package you choose.

 However, in case you’ve been saving your pennies and want to begin window shopping, here are the top 10 hottest million dollar street-legal cars for you to consider. We compiled this list from several sources including Rides magazine, Forbes, and TheSuperCars.org.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport
 Whether you choose a convertible or a hard top, here is a “high-performing elite supercar” built for luxury as well as performance. However, as one of the most expensive cars available (think $2.5 million), be prepared to drop a chunk of change if you want to park one in your garage.

Koenigsegg Agera R
  No, that’s not a swear word. It’s a “lightweight, aero-dynamic Swedish hypercar” with a 1,200 horsepower engine and a hefty price tag. Can you say $2.1 million? According to the Swedish automaker, the Agera R clocks in around 200 mph in just 17.68 seconds.

Koenigsegg Trevita
 This is the slightly more expensive sibling of the Agera (at $2.21 million) with a unique carbon diamond-weave pattern in the body that reportedly “sparkles like millions of silvery white diamonds” when sunlight hits it. Unfortunately, there were only three made.

Aston Martin One-77
 James Bond would be proud of this Aston Martin two-door coupe, with its “700+ horsepower engine and hand-rolled aluminum body panels.” Keep in mind that the 77 in the name is there for a reason. The company built a limited number of these beauties. Last count there were only about 10 left. So if you’ve got $1.87 million burning a hole in your pocket, you better hurry and pick one up.

Zenvo ST1
 You may not even have heard of this expensive supercar. It’s Danish and only arrived in the U.S. last year. In the states, it’s called ST1-50S and was limited to three. There’s a good chance they’ve all been sold, despite the $1.8 million price tag.

Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster
 If you prefer something a bit outrageous, this roadster may pique your interest. With its V12 7.L engine and red racing stripe, it has a hefty $1.8 million price tag. Unfortunately, it was produced in a limited run of five.

Pagani Zonda F Roadster
 A less expensive (only $1.4 million) car than the Cinque, the F Roadster comes from a long line of expensive sports cars, but it has its own unique qualities, like a folding roof and specially designed roll bars. And since 25 were made, you’re more likely to be able to get your hands on one.

Lamborghini Reventon
 Coupe or roadster? It’s so hard to choose. But as Lamborghini’s most expensive car to date, the 211 mph hyper-car may just be your dream ride. That is, if you have $1.4 million to spend.

Maybach Laundalet
 If you are more interested in comfort than speed, the Laundalet has been called “majestic” and a “yacht on wheels.” One of the most unique features of this luxurious car is the roof. It can be opened fully at the rear, while the chauffeur's compartment remains completely closed. Currently selling for around $1.4 million.

Pagani Huayra
 If you’ve reviewed your options and price is top on your list of considerations, here is the least expensive of these amazing cars. The Huayra from Italy has a 700 horsepower Mercedes-Benz-made V12 and a price tag of only $1.3 million.

 So there they are, some of the highest priced cars around. They may not be on the top of your shopping list, but they’re fun to look at, whether you have a cool million to spend on a hot car or not.

Selma Lockaby is a California native who enjoys helping customers meet their motorcycle transport services. 

11 Cars For 2012

The year the world might end is shaping up to be a great year for automobiles. One of the cars on this list returns American manufacturing to the U.S. Whatever a driver is looking for, it’s on this list. Here are 11 cars to be excited about buying in 2012.

1 – Kia Rio
Remember those cheap toys that felt like they would break if someone so much as looked at them? That was the Rio. Now, the Rio is nice. It gets 30/40 mpg (city/highway) and has upgraded features and quality. It’s still cheap, one of the cheapest on this list at just over $14,000 base price. The nicest touches are air-condition and iPod compatibility – as standards.

2 – Toyota Prius v
Toyota did wonderful things for the auto industry when it introduced the Prius. However, the Prius lacked in cargo space. The Prius v (yes, lowercase) has more cargo room with additional trunk space. This also means its longer and less fuel efficient. By less fuel efficient, Toyota really means it gets just over 40 mpg.

 
3 – Ford Focus
The Focus is back. Like Americans, the Focus started off its early stages as trim and European, and slowly ended up fatter, slower, and less efficient. Ford has decided to change that and has brought back the European concept. The Focus will give Americans what they loved about it in the first place and the option of heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a self-parking system.

4 – Honda Civic
The Civic really hasn’t changed much at all, which was the Focus’s problem. Everyone wants change, forward-progress, new features. This one has that, with more options for being more eco-friendly. Other than that, it’s the same. But, the Civic has been wonderful in the past, so why change it now?

 
5 – Chevrolet Sonic
Chevy is keeping with the true American tradition of building cars by keeping this one built in the U.S. – all of it. It’s a 36 mpg vehicle that runs off 1.8 liters and a six-speed transmission. This little car is the next in line after Chevy’s run with the Aveo. So far, the interior is roomy and the styling has won good reviews. Keeping with the tradition, Chevy plans to offer at a base price friendly to wallets.

6 – Hyundai Veloster
Some might recognize this as the car advertised with three doors, one for the driver and two for the ladies. Granted, it could be done the other way around, but this one shouldn’t be confused for class. Yeah, it looks nice, but it’s really about economical consideration. Either way, it’s entering the market with originality.

 
7 – Subaru Impreza
For the longest time, Subaru has been different in that it stuck with what worked best for Subaru owners. The interior, the engine, and the driving has been designed around all-purpose driving and hauling. Subaru has taken a step up and worked toward bringing more modern features to the car, such as navigation and leather. Still, it’s the same dependable snow/rain/mud driving machine.

Photo Credit

8 – Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Volkswagen has problems in its earlier models of the Jetta, with engine oil gelling and other maintenance problems. It’s getting better. The GLI is the more powerful version of the Jetta series. Inside, it’s comfortable; outside, it drives better. More trunk room means this family car just made traveling easier, and more fun.

9 – Audi A7
A sedan of the sedans is getting bigger. There are more high-tech devices, including Internet-enabled WiFi hot spots, and night vision. The engine will feature 3 liters and 6 cylinders – all supercharged. The interior has leather and the elegance should be amazing. What’s more: The car is competitive with BMW and Audi, but potentially thousands of dollars cheaper.

Photo Credit

10 – Dodge Charger 300 SRT8
Before, many complained that Dodge was giving them a once-over with all the appeals of a muscle-car engine, and all the inconveniences of a NASCAR interior. Those are done. Here’s a car for the power-enthusiast. It’s 465 hp of HEMI V8 run contained under the hood. The engine revs and it’s enough music to send a person back into the nostalgic era of 89-cent a gallon gasoline. (Note: 89 cents of gas will probably get a driver about 5 miles.)

11 – Ford Mustang Boss 302
Like the Charger 300 SRT8, the Ford Mustang Boss has a great interior and engine. This is a race car for the common person that wants to enjoy long highways and waning summer days. In trial runs, it kept up pace-for-pace with the BMW M3 if that gives any indication of its ability.

While there might be other cars, and certainly many were left off this list, these are just 11 of the vehicles Americans can be excited about parking in their driveway in 2012.

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging in the automotive, technology, and business industries for three years. When Nicole bought her car last year she made sure to check online for auto insurance so she could save money and be well protected. When Nicole has free time she likes to help her families nieces and nephews practice driving. She makes sure to review the dmv drivers handbook with them to make sure they pass there tests.

The Fast and the Furious – Advanced Driver Training in Style

The Fast and the Furious – Advanced Driver Training in Style

The skill of being able to handle a high-powered vehicle under extreme conditions is not just the preserve of F1 or Dakar Rally drivers. You too can lift your driving game to professional status in just a few short lessons.

1. Down On Skid Row
If you don’t quite have the nerve, or the points on your license to handle a skid round a corner on the motorway at 120mph then you can do it safely, under supervision and still feel the thrill of a handbrake turn. Skid Pan courses are some of the best fun and advanced driver training you can have legally.

The value of knowing how to handle yourself and your vehicle in a real life skid situation cannot be overemphasized. With Skid Pan Advanced Driver Training, you learn how to control a vehicle in a clean water skidpan with one-on-one driver instruction. While it might be fun to barrel round the track in a high performance sports car, the real skill is in learning how to control and safely manoeuvre a road car or family saloon in a hazardous situation.

2. Driving Drifting Days
Drifting is a term used to describe the direction that a vehicle takes when entering and exiting a turn. Drifting is also known as power sliding, and everybody who has seen any high speed car chase or watched the boys from Top Gear sliding out of a curve will want to learn how to do it with style. Drifting in a car is most easily achieved in a rear-wheel drive vehicle. More than just a great day out, when you experience the feeling of drifting in a car, and learn how you can control a vehicle while it is spinning can give you powerful skills in any inclement weather situations on slippery roads.

3. Advanced Driver Certification
If you use your car for work and want to get the lowest insurance premiums on your vehicle, you should consider investing in Advanced Driver Training. Many insurance companies recognise the value of being able to handle a vehicle on the roads and offer reduced premiums on the successful completion of an Advanced Driver Training course.

4. Stunts Supreme
If you fancy yourself a bit of a pro behind the wheel, then you have to experience what it is like to be a stunt driver for a day. These daredevil professional drivers risk life and limb to bring the most exciting techniques and driving scenes to the big screen. Screeching handbrake turns, parallel parking in one easy move. If you’ve seen it on film, you can live it at a stunt-driving course for the day.

Advanced Driver Training courses offer a host of corporate days for companies, as well as private parties and individual courses to suit your budget and your experience level. If you want to set your driving skills against something a little more real than a Granny in Grand Theft Auto, then Advanced Driving Training should be your next pit stop.

If you're a budding stunt driver, you're going to need some wheels. For great prices on used cars, drift over to Netcars.com.

Tips for Driving on Snow

Snow and ice can create some of the most dangerous driving conditions for drivers of everything from 18-wheelers to motorcyclists. In the event of loss of traction or a spinout on an ice covered road, the vast majority of drivers do not have the necessary training to react quickly enough to avoid a collision. Here are some very basic tips, which may help to reduce the chances of an accident in icy conditions.     

1. Learn from the pros
The most important and effective method for increasing safety, when driving in dangerous conditions, is to get some professional driver training. The reality is that many collision avoidance techniques very often involve learned reactions that are counter-intuitive and opposite to what most of us would instinctively do in the event of a spinout or loss of traction. For example, when a vehicle begins to under-steer and spinout in a corner, most drivers will instinctively turn the steering wheel further in the direction of the corner, or violently swerve in the opposite direction.

This is incorrect, and a professional driver would smoothly steer in the direction of the spin, in order to regain traction as soon as possible. This kind of reaction needs to be programmed through practice, in order to make it an instinctual response to that situation. There is very rarely enough time to think about what to do when this situation actually occurs, and that is why it is so important that a driver re-programs his natural instincts through training.

Many drivers choose not to take an advanced driving course because of the costs involved, but if one considers the potential costs of an accident (vehicle repairs, insurance excess and possibly even hospital bills) a relatively small investment in a driving course is most certainly justified.

2. Don’t get complacent
Advancements in safety technology in modern vehicles have made driving on snow and ice significantly safer. Anti-lock Breaking Systems (ABS), Electronic Breakforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) all make driving on slippery roads that much safer. The unfortunate side effect of these technologies is that drivers very quickly start to overestimate the level of traction that is available, and begin to increase speed and enter corners with less caution. Most dangerous spinouts happen when drivers enter a corner at excessive speed and then attempt to correct steering when they feel the vehicle losing traction.

The reality is that no matter how effective these systems may be, they cannot increase traction between the tyres and the road and they cannot help the driver to regain control in the event of a high speed spinout. Never dispense with common sense. Keep speeds as low as possible, enter corners cautiously and when driving on unfamiliar roads, never take anything for granted. Remember; better late than never.

3. Gear up for winter
Arguably, the most effective way to increase safety when travelling on icy roads, is to ensure that your vehicle is adequately prepared for winter conditions. Standard passenger vehicle tyres and even all-weather tyres, offer little to no traction in frozen conditions. Snow tyres – sometimes called winter tyres – are one of the most essential purchases, increasing traction significantly. Visibility is also of paramount importance, as a lack thereof is the cause of hundreds of accidents annually.

Ensure that wiper blades are in good condition and add an anti-icing additive to the window washer spray system. Also ensure that the air-conditioner is functioning and, if your vehicle has a defrost function, that it is working adequately. Clean the windscreen thoroughly and consider coating all windows with a hydrophobic, water-shedding coating, available from most spares shops. If headlight lenses have become pitted, cracked or obscured, replace them and consider protecting them with a clear tape, also now widely available.

Remember, no matter how well equipped your vehicle, or your level of driving skill, accidents as a result of the negligence of other drivers and unexpected variables will always make driving in icy conditions dangerous. Leave lights on at all times to maximise your visibility on the road, never speed and be alert at all times.

Daniel Botha is an experienced who enjoys writing about safety equipment such as rubber matting ireland and the awareness of traffic signs.

All About The Tesla Model S All-Electric 7 Seater

When it comes to innovation, the Tesla Model S has to be one of the most innovative and environmentally-friendly vehicles on the planet.

Made by the Silicon Valley based Tesla Motors, the car can seat up to seven people and is all-electric. So, imagine the harm seven people going on a journey aren’t doing to the environment – as opposed to one or two people in four or more cars.

Now Tesla has announced that a high-performance version of the saloon model will be available later this year. The new electric model will apparently act as a rival to the BMW M5.

The Tesla Model in more detail
At its maximum, the hotly anticipated new car will have a 300 mile range – though a number of other versions will be available to consumers with different battery packs offering 160-mile and 230-mile ranges. The new car offers enhanced performance versions which are capable of cutting its 0-60mph time from 5.5 seconds to just 4.6 seconds.

The Tesla Model S will also be available with optional aerodynamic wheels, which can up the range by approximately 20 miles. For those who like their stats to be verified, the car’s range figure has been completely confirmed by the EPA.

The Model S will also feature cutting edge aerodynamics, paint finishes of the highest quality, and fans of panoramic roofs will be delighted to see the biggest panoramic roof ever to be built on a model of this kind.

We’ve also been promised that the car, to drive, will feel exactly like a trendy and zippy sports car. This is because the car's centre of gravity is relatively very low.

Practical purposes
The car’s other features include an air suspension system that adjusts on its own without the intervention of humans, as well as a DC fast-charging feature. This is essential for practical purposes as it means the vehicle’s battery pack can be fully recharged in just 60 minutes!

If desired, the battery pack can also be removed from the vehicle in less than 60 seconds.

This feature has been included by Tesla for if and when battery swap stations become the norm in our society rather than fast charge stations, as seems likely given the rapid increases in the number of electric cars hitting the streets.

Meanwhile, the Tesla Model S also has a cutting edge interior which features a relatively huge 4G touchscreen (17 inches to be precise) on the console.

As befits a Silicon Valley production car, the screen makes use of Google Earth for its navigational functions – and of course, can access the web, respond to spoken commands and host music and display mobile apps.

The 160-mile Tesla Model S will cost just $50k, whilst every stage of increase in the battery pack’s range will add a further $10k and, for those starting to budget already for their new motoring purchase, it's worth noting that the performance model will cost approximately $80k.

The UK will receive its first deliveries of the Model S from mid-2013 with the starting price likely to be around £35,000. Although that may sound expensive, bear in mind that this model exemplifies the very top end of the quality range in the kind of eco cars UK customers are yearning for.

Written by Mike Smith, a fan of uncovering the best new car offers on the market.

Bluemotion Technology

Volkswagen Passat now hosts the company’s eco-friendly approach to mobility with BlueMotion Technology.  This technology helps the sedan to reduce emissions, and achieve fuel efficiency without taking away the task of driving.

What is BlueMotion Technology?
BlueMotion Technology is a sophistication that is creeping its way into Volkswagen cars, starting with the new Passat’s.  This technology has already been introduced in India.  The BlueMotion Technology will eventually find its way into all Volkswagen cars in the future making the VW cars the most energy-efficient and fun to drive cars on the market.

BlueMotion Technology offers the following in the new Passat:

• Auto Start-Stop System – Drivers will see when they are stuck in traffic jams or they are stopped at traffic light, the engine will automatically turn itself off when they take their foot off the clutch.  The same thing applies when drivers take their feet off the gas pedal.  When the clutch is engaged again, or the accelerator, the engine will automatically start.  This features helps save fuel and saves drivers the hassle of having to manually stop the engine when the car is idling for long periods.

•  TDI Engine – The engine will be 2.0 L CR TDI that outputs torque of 350 NM @ 1750-2500 and an output of 170 PS. This offers a lot of power, and an abundant torque with lower fuel consumption.

• Brake Recuperation – Kinetic energy is converted into electricity and stored in the car battery every time drivers hit the brake.  This allows the battery to consistently be recharged.

• Gear Shift Indicator – Prevents energy to not be lost when shifting gears.  It recommends the perfect time to shift gear. This leads to a reduction in fuel consumption.

• Optimized gear ratios – This feature combines the convenience and ease of automatic transmissions with power, and productivity of manual gearboxes.  The DSG Dual Clutch and Manual transmissions are created for longer ratios, delayed downshifts and early up shifts to increase energy-efficiency.  This allows drivers to quicklyimplement gear changes and proves beneficial over automatic ones.  Allows for higher fuel efficiency and reduces carbon emissions.  If drivers need to manually change gears, the triptronic shift function is available.

Volkswagen first introduced the BlueMotion technology to their Mk4 Polo in year 2006, and since then has added the technology to their models such as the Touran, Golf and the Passat. Volkswagen received the 2010 World Green Car of the Year by the World Car of the Year organization in 2010. This award was granted by judges from twenty-five different countries and fifty-nine World Car jurors.  The judges awarded the BlueMotion technology the award over two other finalists which were the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius.

It is no wonder that Volkswagen received this prestigious award with the advanced technology they are introducing to the world.  BlueMotion technology proves beneficial for drivers who want to make a difference with their environment.  One can only imagine what the future has in store for drivers in the future, but if it resembles the innovativeness of BlueMotion technology, we are in for quite a show.

The post is authored by Michael Clark, he loves to write anything and everything about technology. He eats, drinks, breathe technology. 

Proper Car Maintenance

Keeping up with life’s constant demands can seem nearly impossible sometimes. In this age of multitasking, seemingly less pressing responsibilities can fall by the wayside. Don’t let keeping up your vehicle be one of these neglected items on your never-ending list of things to do. Fill out your calendar ahead of time to ensure you work these important appointments into your schedule and you won’t be left on the side of the road, getting nothing done. Sure, keeping the oil changed and the gas tank full are easy enough to keep track of, but car maintenance consists of a great deal more than that. While a reliable mechanic ought to be able to warn you when you have wear on your brakes and tires, and other systems, it’s always good to track these things for yourself as well. The guidelines that follow are general rules of thumb for most vehicles. Check the owner’s manual for your car to be sure that these time and mileage intervals are right for your car.

1.)    If you drive a fuel-injected vehicle, your car’s fuel filter needs to be changed every two years or 24,000 miles. This component keeps debris from obstructing the fuel injectors, and keeps your car running smoothly.

2.)    When you have your oil changed, your power steering fluid should be changed as well. This will ensure that you get the optimal steering response while you drive. You can check the power steering fluid easily, but be sure you are using the right formula of fluid for your car, and never add more than the dipstick indicates. Also, if you notice a significant loss of fluid, talk to your mechanic, as this is indicative of a leack or a larger problem.

3.)    You should replace your car’s battery every 4-5 years to avoid the inconvenient surprise of a dead battery before work. Keeping your battery terminals clean (scrub them with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda if they’re corroded) will help your battery perform reliably, but the life of a battery will eventually run out.

4.)    Your air filter needs to be changed annually or every 12,00 miles to keep your engine and your airflow sensor clear of debris. If your car has a complicated airflow system, you may be better off asking your mechanic to do this.

5.)    You should have your automatic transmission fluid and filter changed every two years, and you don’t want to neglect this important and expensive component to your car. Like your power steering fluid, the transmission fluid should be checked every so often and topped off as needed with the correct type of fluid for your car. This habit will keep you abreast of any issues like leaks or discoloration that may be early indicators of larger problems.

6.)    Spark Plugs should be replaced every 30,000 to 100,000 miles to guarantee that you engine will fire reliably each time you turn the key. If you are having issues with mileage or emissions, you might address the spark plugs or the wires.

Belt failure is definitely something you do not want, as it can lead to other engine components coming loose and slamming into other components. Change your engine belts every three years or 36,000 miles, and change you timing belt every 60,000 to 90,000 miles.

Lawrence Reaves writes about Used Auto Parts and Used Ford Engines for Woodfins.com

Technologies In Car

With our lives becoming ever busier, will the dream of driverless cars ever come about? Wouldn’t it be great to concentrate on our lists and phone communication instead of the time invested in driving everywhere with errands and daily chores.

The most common cause of traffic accidents is simply driver error. The more cars gain in technology based entertainment, the more likely our focus will be diverted and wrecks will happen more frequently than now. From fully fledged entertainment systems, to Smartphones and integrated computer applications, being in a car can be as fun as being at home in your office. As our concentration is pulled elsewhere, who will be the focused driver? Automakers think the car will be driving for you soon the way current technology is expanding in the industry. Automakers have gained on producing commercial technologies such as self-parking and guaranteed cruise control. Older cars can support new technology through applications to their existing OS systems.

Today’s Driverless Car
It’s exciting to think about the technology in cars that allows operations with low input from drivers are not too far off. Today’s Driverless Car Safety is paramount as accidents are at an all time high with drivers since 2011. Driver’s inattention cannot be helped, so automakers are focusing efforts on safety systems with the new breed of driverless cars.

Some things now can be considered driverless, but drivers may not realize it.

Anti-lock brakes are pretty surprising to be considered a driverless technology, especially since drivers are needed for them to work. They do make things a lot simpler compared to the immense effort it had taken to stop a vehicle without them. Without anti-lock brakes, a car’s wheels can lock up, sending the car into a head spin. The only remedy was to pump the breaks vigorously and anti-lock brakes do that for you. This was the first driverless technology as the car reads the signals and reacts before that happens.

The second piece of technology to fall into place on the way to driverless cars was traction. These are complicated systems that react before, and in most cases, better than the driver can. They utilize multiple systems and are a complex mechanism. A read on the cars accelerations, direction, and the wheels contact points and traction with the road. If a detection of going off the road or going into a roll, the control mechanisms work in unison to step in and take control without the driver helping or controlling it.

Unlike the driver, a decrease or increase the power to each individual wheel, this can control the vehicle more than four brakes at once. This is an innate monitored response, and prevents an over correction. It is in over correction that drivers seem to make the mistakes and things go wrong.

Pre-safe systems are common in more premium luxury vehicles. They share the common denominator of estimating when a crash will occur and preparing a safety method to keep all occupants unharmed. In relation to a rear-end collision, alarms can sound if a close detection is signaled preventing a collision. A system such as this primes the brakes so light force can have the same effect as sudden stop. It reduces engine powers to avoid a severe crash and deploys airbags while tightening the seatbelts.

The post is contributed by Peter Smith. Peter is tech expert and professional blogger. Visit his site to know more about zuinige auto and lease auto.

Top Rated Cars of 2011

This has been a banner year for automobile manufacturers. Many new models have been released, and many more traditional models have been redesigned or retooled. While several models stood out, only a few deserve to be called the best cars of the year. The following vehicles are our picks for the four best cars of 2011.

Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta sedan was given a complete overhaul for the 2011 model year. It may be the single best car of the year. The higher trim levels vehicle are supremely well-equipped, while a stripped-down base model is also available for those who want to get the legendary German engineering ingrained in these cars without paying the high price tag. The diesel engine gives you up to 42 miles to the gallon. The Jetta has four and five-star crash test ratings.

Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is the zippiest car on our list. This little car is really fun to drive. It is also inexpensive; the sedan’s base price is $23,000, while the hatchback version is even less expensive. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available. Despite its sportiness, the M3 is also a great family car; it is easy for even the smallest of children to get in and out. The M3’s estimated fuel economy is 22/29, and the vehicle has good crash test ratings. It comes standard with antilock brakes, an electronic stability system that also has traction control, and side/curtain airbags.

Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai gave the Sonata a complete make-over for the 2011 model year, and the results are nothing less than stellar. The car looks much more expensive than its $19,000 base price would suggest. The cabin is comfy, and the car has plenty of room in the trunk. The ride is smooth. The Sonata scored four and five-star crash test ratings. The EPA gives it an estimated 35 mpg on the highway. It comes with Hyundai’s lengthy warranty. On the downside, the optional V6 has been eliminated, and taller drivers may not have enough headroom.

Toyota Corolla
The 2011 Toyota Corolla remains a great car for young families and anyone interested in buying a less expensive and reliable sedan. With a base MSRP of only $15,900, the Corolla is highly affordable. Toyota revised the styling this year but otherwise left this successful model alone. All trim levels come with side/curtain airbags, traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system. It also has impressive gas mileage and can get up to 40 mpg on the highway.

Richard has been in the automotive industry for years. Currently he blogs for a company that helps people sell cars. His company specializes in purchasing cars.