The Demo Site

Felipe Massa on Monday took the wheel for the first track outing of Ferrari 2009 F1 car.

(from Audi Press Release) DETROIT, Mich., Jan 11, 2009 - Debut in Detroit: Audi is unveiling the Sportback concept show car at the 2009 North American International Automobile Show. With systematic refinements to the brand's characteristic design elements, the five-door model offers a glimpse at the Audi's future design vocabulary. With its pronounced coupй-like silhouette and large rear hatch, the 4.95 m long (16.24 ft), 1.93 m wide (6.33 ft) and only 1.40 m high (4.59 ft) vehicle is boldly progressive for the luxury class.

The technology of the Audi Sportback concept is markedly futuristic. Power is provided by the world's cleanest diesel technology: the 3.0-liter V6 TDI clean diesel almost completely eliminates nitrogen oxides. This engine already meets the emissions limits of all 50 U.S. states and the EU6 standard scheduled to take effect in 2014. And numerous measures to ensure top efficiency mean that the Audi Sportback concept is expected to achieve impressive fuel consumption figures of 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (39.87 US mpg).

© Source: seriouswheels

Volkswagen has unveiled a stunning new sportscar at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show - the Volkswagen Concept BlueSport.

The frugal new VW Concept BlueSport is an Audi TT-baiting roadster with performance to match - 0-62mph takes just 6.6 seconds and flat out, the baby 'Dub will hit 140mph thanks to its 180bhp engine.

Going 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds flat is the Roadster Sport from Tesla Motors. This baby is a , a high-performance sports car based on the world's leading all-electric, zero-emission vehicle. It comes with a hand-wound stator and increased winding density for lower resistance and higher peak torque. Boasting of improved suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars that will be tuned to the driver's preference, the car also features Yokohama's Ultra High Performance tires as well. Roadster Sport is the first derivative of Tesla's proprietary, patented powertrain. Get a load of this; more than 150 Roadsters have been delivered but the 1,100 people are on the waiting list may opt for the Roadster Sport instead!
Tesla plans to begin producing the all electric, zero-emission Model S five-passenger sedan in 2011. The Roadster Sport starts at $128,500 in US.  

 

 Via - Luxurylaunches

Rolls Royce Motor Cars has seen its 2008 sales increase by 20 per cent. Last year the luxury car manufacturer retailed 1212 cars compared to 1010 the previous year. This marks the fifth consecutive annual sales increase since the company was launched in 2003.

There was strong demand across the Phantom range. However the continued popularity of the four-door versions was evident with the Phantom saloon and Extended Wheelbase models accounting for more than half of all sales. Continued interest in the Phantom Drophead Coupé and, in particular, the introduction of the Phantom Coupé in the summer of 2008 saw Rolls-Royce attract new buyers, boosting retails to record levels.

"This is a tremendous result and particularly gratifying considering the challenging economic environment manufacturers faced in the second half of 2008," said Tom Purves, Chief Executive Officer. "Once again much of this success lies with the highly skilled and dedicated workforce that we have at Goodwood."

North America remained the biggest single market for Rolls-Royce in 2008, accounting for 38 per cent of sales. Exceptional performances were seen in Northern Europe and in the Middle East which grew by around 95 and 48 per cent respectively. The Asia Pacific region saw continued sales growth in markets such as Australia, China, India and Singapore.

Looking ahead, preparations are now fully underway to ready the company for the introduction of a brand new model series, currently named RR4, due later this year.

Source: Rolls-Royce

The image reveals that the Soulster has much in common with the production Soul, including its basic front end, though the rear shows a glass segment and tray in place of the Soul's stout C-pillar.


Kia's Soul hatch just made its debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, but already Kia is teasing a new Soul-based concept to be unveiled at next week's Detroit Auto Show. The first official image of the new concept, called the Soulster, has leaked onto the internet, revealing a compact SUV based on the new hatch.


A thick B-pillar, absent on the Soul, also makes an appearance on the Soulster. This is necessary to accommodate a large glass roof and rear hatch area.



via:motorauthority

The Kia Soul'ster concept immediately recalls such fun "open-air" cars like the old Isuzu Amigo and Jeep Wrangler (although this concept could never hit the trail like a Jeep).

The Kia Soul'ster concept is based on the new Kia Soul, but with only two doors and a two-piece canvas roof. There are no frills in this concept either, which means no power windows and a manual gearbox.

Kia describes the concept as a "fun, affordable convertible for active people who like to share good times with friends."

The concept is powered by either a 120 horsepower 1.6L or a 140 horsepower 2.0L engine. Fuel economy for both engines is estimated at 30 mpg.

The Kia Soul will be in dealerships this spring, it's not known if Kia is actually going to produce the Soul'ster. It could be just what Kia needs to make the brand more appealing to 20-somethings.

The VW Concept BlueSport represents VW's idea of what a fun, but environmentally conscious roadster should be like.

The VW Concept BlueSport is powered by a 180 horsepower clean diesel engine mated to 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission that sits behind the driver. It accelerates from 0-62 in 6.6 seconds while getting about 35 mpg on the European cycle.

DETROIT – General Motors unveiled a further glimpse at the potential of electric propulsion today, this time in the form of luxury transportation, with the Cadillac Converj Concept. The Cadillac Converj was developed as a well-appointed grand touring coupe with a bold design and a host of interactive technology.

The four-passenger Converj concept is intended to show how GM's revolutionary electric propulsion technology – called Voltec – can power a luxury coupe with a typically Cadillac "no compromises" design. The technology enables up to 40 miles of gas- and emissions-free electric driving with extended-range capability of hundreds of miles.

Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman of Global Product Development, said the Converj concept has production substance. "It's a logical extension of our plan to reinvent the automobile," he said. "It clearly shows what a Cadillac electric vehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxury customers can have a car that has both strong design and electric propulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles."

Cadillac's extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) concept has a new body style that is an evolution of the brand's traditional Art and Science design theme. An aggressive, forward-leaning arc profile is the foundation for the sporting stance. And more than a Cadillac in form, Converj is also intended to be a Cadillac in substance, with the premium materials, technology and driving dynamics that are hallmarks of the brand.

Whether in electric or extended-range mode, the Converj is propelled all the time by an electric drive unit. It converts electrical energy from the battery or the engine-generator into mechanical energy to drive the front wheels. It also delivers 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, for a quick launch, and 120 kW of power. The top speed is 100 mph.

There is no compromise in vehicle performance in either mode of operation. To enhance the ride feel, the Converj also features GM's Magnetic Ride Control; and for even greater efficiency, energy during braking is captured and stored in the battery.

© Source: gminsidenews

2002 Acura RSX
Vehicle Year: 2002
Location: Boston
Owner: Team Emotion, Kiet Hong

"We incorporate elements of originality, quality, and creativity into each one of our vehicles." -Team Emotion

"There is no doubt that the import-tuning hobby has its addictions. But Kiet Hong has a very rare affliction. Where most enthusiasts mod their car to the hilt, then move on to the next victim, Hong is in full playback mode, deconstructing and reinventing the same exact car. The instrument of his fixation: Acura's sleek RSX Type-S. Hong and his 2002 RSX share a truly Nirvana-like existence and the divine blessings can be seen here and in the May 2004 issue of 2nr where the Acura was silver and sported the first Veilside body kit in the U.S for the RSX. In the "RSX Type Turbo" feature, the RSX flexed a boosted stock K20 powerplant.Unbelievably and inexplicably, Hong tore the RSX down to skeletal remains, reprogrammed the DNA and created an even more impressive evolution of the species. A devout JDM worshipper, Hong wanted his RSX to have a distinctively Rising Sun aura and be a fresh, untainted commodity. "I want to be the first one on the block with the latest, hottest JDM parts for everything," says Hong. "I am always trying to stay ahead of the game." -Import Tuner Magazine

Mishimoto Acura RSX 02-04 Aluminum Radiator
Mishimoto 12″ Slim Electric Fan
Mishimoto Universal Transmission cooler
Mishimoto Universal Fan Mount Kit
Turbonetic 62-1 Ball Bearing Turbo
AEM Fuel Pressure Regulator
AEM Fuel Rail
HKS Twin Power Ignition
Competition Clutch Stage 4 and Flywheel
Custom 500 up Hp Axel
Walbro Fuel Pump
550 cc Fuel Injectors
Custom turbo manifold and downpipe
Mugen Oil cap
Mugen Carbon Fiber Darton Cylindar sleeves
JE slugs
Crower connection rods
Nitrous Express intercooler spray bar set up
Tial Sport wastegate
HKS SSQ blow off valve
Tanabe Racing Medalian exhaust
HKS Power Flow Air Filter
HKS Twin power ignition amplifier
Hondata K-pro EMS
Mugen spark plug cover
J's Racing engine damper
Tein hood dampers
red Bride Brix seats
Takata harnesses
Cusco Pillar bar
J"s Racing C-Pillar bar
JDM pedal set
Mugen shift knob
Defi Link gauges
Blitz SBC i-D boost controller
Blitz i-D power meter
APEXi S-AFC II
AEM UEGO air/fuel monitor

Tuned 2002 Acura RSX

After nearly 24 hours of effective driving time, there are just nine seconds between the current leaders Carlos Sainz/Michel Périn (E/F) and their Volkswagen team colleagues Giniel de Villiers/Dirk von Zitzewitz (ZA/D). The third team driving a Race Touareg with a 280 hp TDI diesel engine, Mark Miller/Ralph Pitchford (USA/ZA), is then just over 13 minutes behind.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, January 10, 2009: MINI will introduce the next generation of its celebrated four-seat convertible January 11 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Joining the 2009 MINI Convertibles on the show floor will be the MINI E, the first electric car deployed by a manufacturer of premium automobiles for private use in daily traffic.

HANOVER, Germany - January 9, 2009 - The takeover offer of Schaeffler KG for Continental AG has been completed: According to Schaeffler KG, it paid the offer price of €75.00 for the tendered Continental shares on Thursday, as provided for in the investment agreement concluded with Continental. With the payment, the investment agreement safeguarding the interests of Continental AG and its shareholders, employees and customers goes into full effect. The European Commission gave clearance for Schaeffler to go ahead with plans to buy into Continental AG on December 19, 2008.

Scion will continue its habit of offering tweaked versions of its wares as "Release Series" models at next week's Detroit Auto Show where the Scion xB Release Series 6.0 will be revealed. As is de rigeur for these special editions, the R.S. 6.0 will get its own paint color, "Absolutely Red" (it's a standard color for the Yaris), along with a unique front grille and wheel covers (seriously, wheel covers?). Inside, a new Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation system is included on the R.S., along with matching red accents on various trim pieces and seat fabric, as well as four-color interior lighting.

Want one? Only 2,500 copies will be produced, so act fast and be prepared to drop an extra $1,743 over the base xB's price of $15,750. Add an extra $950 for an automatic transmission (if you must) and an extra $320 for a color-matched rear spoiler.

Scion Announces Pricing for xB Release Series 6.0

To be Displayed at the 2009 North American International Auto Show

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Scion announced today that its first limited-production vehicle for 2009, the xB Release Series 6.0 (xB R.S. 6.0), will be available at dealer showrooms in February.

A 2009 xB RS 6.0 will be on display in the Scion booth at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, January 11-25 for media and public days.

The 2009 xB Release Series 6.0 comes exclusively in Absolutely Red exterior paint. A unique front grille with custom black finish and Release Series wheel covers distinguish this limited production xB. A color-keyed rear spoiler will be available as an option.

Inside, the xB features a touch screen Pioneer Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) headunit with flash memory, voice recognition, MSN Direct, and Bluetooth(R). For media player flexibility, the AVN unit comes with USB, SD card, and iPod connectivity. The Pioneer AVN headunit is also satellite radio and HD Radio(R) ready and will play DVDs and iPod videos when the vehicle is in park. In addition, users can select from over 32,000 colors to customize the 5.8-inch high-resolution WVGA LCD touch-panel display.

Absolutely Red makes its mark inside the xB as well with color-tuned four-in-one interior lights, RS 6.0 illuminated door sills, and accented interior trim and color-tuned seat fabric. The xB RS 6.0 will also be equipped with a rear cargo cover. Individually numbered badging completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,500 units of the xB RS 6.0 will be built. The xB RS 6.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,743 over the base price of the xB. The base MSRP for the standard xB with a manual transmission is $15,750, while the standard xB with an automatic transmission model carries a MSRP of $16,700. The available Absolutely Red spoiler has a MSRP of $320, not including installation.

The delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee for all Scion models is $670 and is not included in the MSRP. DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Thanks to an embargo break by 4WheelsNews, we can show you the first official image of the 2010 Jaguar XFR and reveal some juicy info on the British brand's new top cat. Set to go head-to-head with the big dogs in the high-performance luxury sedan segment, the XFR draws its motive force from a new version of Jaguar's AJV8 that's larger at 5.0 liters of displacement and supercharged to produce 510 bhp and 460 lb-ft of torque. That's good for a 0-60 mph run of just 4.7 seconds and a electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The XFR is also fitted with new 20-inch Nevis alloy wheels and larger brakes with calipers bearing the "R" logo.

The XFR also features a number of exterior tweaks that emphasize its sporting intentions, including a new front end with a new bumper design incorporating large, chrome trimmed air inlets on either side, hood vents, new fenders, side sills, a decklid spoiler, and new rear bumper that wraps around four exhaust pipes.

The interior is also gussied up with new dark aluminum trim, sports seats bearing the "R" logo and a sport steering wheel. Finally, the new range-topping XF can be had in eight colors: Botanical Green, Indigo, Kyanite Blue, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Porcelain and Salsa. We'll be back with more news on the XFR when we're allowed, so for now this all you get.

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

1994 Acura Integra
Vehicle Year: 1994
Location: Woodbridge, Virginia
Owner: Team Emotion: Chris Rios

Interior:
Integra Type R door panels
JDM Integra Type R Recaro front seats (black with red stitching)
JDM Integra Type R Rear seats
Mugen FG 360 steering wheel
JDM Type R pedals
JDM Type R shift boot
JDM Fog Light button
JDM Air Bag Block off Tray
JDM E-brake cover
JDM Clock cover
Mugen Cluster
JDM C-pillar bar
JDM Road Flare
Cusco 6 Point Roll cage
Type R shift knob
Carbon Fiber deck lid
Takata harnesses
Ignited DIN Panel w/ LED Switches
Greddy Boost gauge
Greddy EGT gauge
Greddy Air/Fuel gauge

Engine:
Thermal 3″ exhaust with Apex-I N1 Mufler
ClutchMasters Stage 4 Clutch
Mugen Valve Cover
Mugen Reservoir Tank Covers
Hytech Turbo Manifold
Mishimoto Acura Integra Aluminum Radiator
Mishimoto 12″ Slim Electric Fan
Mishimoto Fan Switch
Garrett T62-1 Turbo
Greddy Type S Blow Off Valve
Tial 40mm Wastegate
RC 1000cc Injectors
Silicone Hose Kit
Walbro 255cc Fuel Pump
J's Racing engine Damper
InlinePro fuel rail, solid rear mount/trans mount/ac mount

Suspension:
JIC Magic FLT-A2 coilovers
Mugen front Strut bar
Mugen rear Strut bar
Eibach sway bars

Brakes:
ITR 5 lug conversion
Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines

Exterior:
JDM Conversion (OEM)
JDM Front bumper with Spoon Carbon Fiber Lip
*Optional C-Westin front bumper
Azect Sideskirts
Azect Rear Apron
VIS Racing Carbon Fiber trunk
JDM Folding mirrors

Wheels/Tires:
Customized Volk Racing TE37 17×7.5 Gold with polished lip
Dunlop Tires FM901 (215-40-17)

1994 Modified Acura Integra

Social event for car aficionados
Arizona has become quite the mecca for automotive enthusiasts in January as a long line of incredible events begins, with this weekends Wheels of Wellness kicking it off.

This 2nd Annual event will feature an amazing collection of race cars with a history spanning more than 70 years. It's a rare and valuable group of American and European race cars valued at nearly $80 million.

The unique fundraising event is designed to help raise awareness of The Wellness Community, a national organization that provides more than 100 free programs monthly to anyone whose life is touched by cancer. Wheels of Wellness will be held on the grounds of The Wellness Community's 1908 home and one-acre campus in downtown Phoenix.

Using cars to raise awareness
The list of cars set to appear at this years fund raiser is incredible:

•'63 Ferrari 250 GTO; GT-class winner, Paris Grand Prix
•'63 Corvette Grand Sport (chassis 002), one of five factory-built racers by Zora Arkus Duntov
•'53 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 CM, raced by Jo Bonnier
•'62 Ferrari 250 GTO; 2nd overall, 1st in GT class at Sebring 1962
•'68 Ford GT40 Mk II (#1074); Monza 1000K winner, Gulf team car
•'54 Jaguar D-Type; factory Le Mans entry driven by Stirling Moss
•'66 Holman/Moody Ford Galaxie stock car raced by Fred Lorenzen
•'60 Camoradi Team Corvette; raced at Le Mans
•'65 Shelby GT 350; AZ hillclimb period history
•'58 Factory team Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite, Sebring class winner history
•'90 Chevrolet Lumina Winston Cup car raced by Davey Allison
•'57 Townsend Typhoon; AZ-built special, period racing history
•'58 Lister-Jaguar "Knobbly", Briggs Cunningham Team car raced by Ed Crawford
•'64 Brabham BT-8, raced in period by Denis Hulme
•'58 Echidna Special, one of three built by Minnesota homebuilt fabricators
•'01 Riley & Scott Mk IIIc; ex-Dyson team car raced by James Weaver
•'58 Joe Hunt Magneto Spl.; 2nd in USAC championship 1958
•'69 Mustang Boss 302; Peter Revson's Shelby factory Trans-Am car
•'49 Fiat Topolino; finished 4th in class @ Mille Miglia in Italy
•'37 Maserati 6CM Monoposto Voiturette, pre-war Grand Prix racer
•'81 Porsche 935; IMSA championship with John Paul Jr.
•'35 Miller-Ford Novi Winfield V8, finished 3rd at 1939 Indy 500

The two 250 GTOs listed above are part of the original 36 Ferrari's ever built. Chassis No. 3387 was entered in the 1962 Sebring 12 Hours by Luigi Chinetti's North American Racing Team for Phil Hill and Olivier Gendebien, where it finished second overall and won the GT class. Chassis No. 3607 was owned by Count Volpi's Scuderia Serenissima and later Jacques Swaters' Ecurie Francorchamps. In the hands of Annie Soisbault, the Marquess de Montaigu, 3607 was first in the GT class at the 1965 Paris Grand Prix at Montlhery.

What's nice about events such as these is the opportunity for true car enthusiasts to get up close and personal to some incredible cars and raise money for a worthwhile cause. It's certainly a feel good event for all.

Most of us know that hybrid cars cost much more than regular cars, however if you are a young businessperson or a ace in pursuit for yourself you also know that a hybrid car will trail clientele as they are shivery. A hybrid car that has magnetic code on it for your bag is a bad plan to market yourself owing to someone with probity, someone who cares about the environment and are trial the hold water element owing to it is the rightful means to achieve.

If your trade car attracts more attention to your occupation it is in addition profile of marketing and the vehicle will remuneration for itself over stint. Plus, there is a huge gravy train again to owning a hybrid car and the gas profit is a numero uno one question greater than a regular car and sometimes twice considering tip-top.

By lowering the costs of your vehicle operations, you can upsurge your cash flow and your profits. It further gives you the one's turn to stimulate yourself due to a clean dodge that cares about the environment. Hybrid cars gaze different and they haul more attention. It is diverting to fork over someone a stand when you obtain a hybrid car considering they hunger to offense around in it. Manufacture inbred deliveries in a hybrid car makes your charge hinge near it is on the technological transcendent tip.

Isn ' t it occasion you upgrade your car to a hybrid, save some fuel capitalization and got some of the credit you deserve for being a recherche company that respects the environment and one that will dilute your counterpart footprint. Perhaps this is something to contemplate in 2008.

With inasmuch as much deportment for our environment and high-reaching gas prices, more and more travelers looked to rent hybrid vehicles this summer, bright to save hard cash. The price of the hybrid rental cars like now put moiety ideation of capital, out the door!

Exact renters who were rigid absorbed in checking out and driving a hybrid car start the prices insoluble to swallow and the hybrid cars insolvable to come by! Supply is thence limited and demand is therefrom high that car rental companies are charging huge rates for these specialty rental cars. Teeming times the price of a hybrid car rental, equal a Toyota Prius, was parallel more than an SUV.

The soaring markups are common due in immense helping to low supply and giant demand. Most car rental companys ' fleets are less than 2 % hybrid vehicles. As the hybrids are in resembling inconsiderable tip in the car market in casual, they cost more for the rental companies to stand together than a routine economy size or set size car. These costs are passed on to the occupant.

It consign stage pleasing to scan if the cross-examine for hybrid rental cars commit forge ahead when it would seem that the cost of gas resources don ' t make up for the higher price of the rental itself. If the price to purchase hybrid rentals starts to come down, the car rental companies will hold office more likely to increase the quantity of them in their fleets. But, for directly, for most travelers, a puny, economy vehicle with honorable gas way is kinder to their pocketbook, if not the environment.

Countless mortals think out a hybrid car for two reasons. One instigation is for saving silver, with oil prices rising up a correct towering lever at which some of individuals bargain it tough to ration. Spare ground is for the delight of the environment of apple, familiarity our ration for our planet. It ' s a promote to buy hybrid cars.

Our might is advocating using hybrid cars. The regulation will grant a tariff credit depending upon the fuel conservation of the car in its year. Whence some of nation own decided to verve green and buy a hybrid electric vehicle ( HEV ). Cause you comprehend? A hybrid car, shoulder or SUV typically costs more than a vehicle with a standard gasoline apparatus. However, you will lower your fuel costs and produce eligible to booty advantage of levy incentives offered for purchasing HEV - and you can stroke gnarly about contact your particle for the environment.

Before you buy a hybrid car, you committal learn about the technologies available for the hybrid car. However, with concerns about replacing battery packs and the car ' s general lifespan, there are some things you should pull off to correctly buy a hybrid car. The last few senescence hold practical a glaring optimization in the potpourri of hybrid cars on the bazaar. Gate a marking at what ' s out there. Earnings attention to the incommensurable kinds of hybrid energy sources cars helpfulness, related since electric and gas, and how you keep or recharge the hybrid. There are a quantity of Lacework sites that compare the available makes and models.

When you halt to shake hands a hybrid car, you should know that there are a few models in the market. Particular of the biggest concerns that used hybrid buyers posses is the element of the car ' s crew pack. A battery pack is terribly precious to pursue, forasmuch as buying a car with a fading battery pack is sheer strapped rate. The best plan to stimulate the car checked is to part it to a dealership that sells that model. This might cost you a bit more resources but in the stretch run you ' ll express better poison.

Suzuki has a history of producing small all-wheel drive cars. In fact, their success in European endurance rallies is a testament to all the expertise they've gained over the years. However, very few of the brand's capable machines have found their way to the Canadian market as production models. Sure, there were a couple of decent SUVs and other worthy products, but sadly, Suzuki had never offered a vehicle like the SX4 before.

Today, the automaker is sort of making amends with the introduction of the little SX4 hatchback. This one-of-a-kind model is a brilliant alternative to all four-wheel vehicles designed for cold-weather countries like ours. With a competent AWD system, it can go just about anywhere, even during light off-road forays.

The exterior design of the 2009 Suzuki SX4 is truly unique. Barely 4-meter long and 1.5-meter tall, the car is quite short and looks squat. From an aesthetic point of view, I find it well executed and, quite frankly, very cute. Build quality is not the highest but it's still commendable.

The hood is extremely short and the windshield is humongous, which allows a clear view of the road ahead. Engineers also had the clever idea to integrate a protective plastic trim around the wheel arches and along the rocker panels. The obvious benefit is greater durability against road hazards. Of course, there's a small badge to remind drivers that the SX4 is ready to venture off the beaten path.

Inside, the overall layout is pleasant to look at, particularly with brushed aluminum-looking inserts outlining the prominent center console. Locating the various controls and instruments is almost intuitive. The steering wheel is small, making it a joy to grip and manipulate. It even features a convenient set of audio controls.

Like most states, Indiana requires liability insurance. Specifically, it requires the following amounts of liability insurance:

·         $25,000 of Bodily Injury Liability for one person

·         $50,000 of Bodily Injury Liability to cover all injuries sustained per accident

·         $10,000 of Property Damage Liability for property damage

In insurance lingo, this required coverage is abbreviated to 25-50-10

What exactly is Bodily Injury Liability and Why Am I Required to Buy It?

Bodily Injury Liability insurance goes into effect when you or a person covered on your policy causes an accident to another vehicle. If the other party sustains injuries from the accident, you are required to pay them back for their injuries through this insurance. That is, your coverage would go into paying the other party's medical costs, at-home care, childcare, and even funeral costs. Moreover, the Property Damage component of liability insurance reimburses the other party for the repairs or replacement of their vehicle.

Indiana requires its drivers to have liability insurance because lacking this requirement would plunge the state in debt. Without insurance, people would have to pay for accident costs out-of-pocket, an outright impossibility for most people. Therefore, people who have been injured in car accidents would have few means to pay for their hospital expenses or lost wages. In addition, the accident rate for any U.S. state is high, with more people becoming seriously injured or dying from car crashes. As a result, Indiana's economy would greatly suffer from having to assume this accident debt.

Therefore, motorists who purchase liability insurance are doing themselves a favor by avoiding dipping into their own savings to pay for accident costs. In fact, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) officials recommend that you pay for more liability coverage than the minimum requirement. For any type of insurance, in fact, you are urged to purchase as much coverage as possible without draining your finances. When it comes to auto insurance, you really can't protect yourself too much.

Does Indiana Recommend Any Other Types of Insurance?

All U.S. insurance agencies recommend purchasing a policy that includes not only liability insurance, but insurance that reimburses you for your own expenses following accidents. You can use this personal insurance regardless if you were at-fault or not at-fault for an accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is personal insurance that basically mimics liability insurance. That is, PIP finances your medical costs, lost wages, childcare, and other living expenses if you or your dependents sustained injuries following an accident. Purchasing $10,000 is a good starting point for PIP. However, keep in mind that $10,000 will not take you far if you sustain more critical injuries. In particular, surgeries and medical imaging tests rapidly drain $10,000 worth of money.

On that note, Collision Coverage and Comprehensive Coverage are equivalent to Property Damage Liability. Collision Coverage pays for the repairs or replacement of your car if it has been damaged by another vehicle in an accident. It also applies to damages caused by collisions with stationary objects, such as trees.

On the other hand, Comprehensive Coverage finances repairs to your car following damage from natural disasters. It also repays you for your car's vandalism and theft. The latter risk is especially common with luxury vehicles, so it is a good idea for you to procure Comprehension Coverage if you own an expensive vehicle.

When considering Collision and Comprehensive Coverage, you should purchase as much insurance that lies within your comfort zone. For both types of coverage, it is important to be especially wary of deductibles. If you are financially strapped, you should purchase the highest deductible for both Collision and Comprehensive Coverage. Doing this will reduce your premium payments.

More insurance agents are also encouraging you to purchase Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage reimburses you for personal injuries and vehicular damage from an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. In California, an uninsured motorist is a person who has no liability insurance, while an underinsured motorist is one whose insurance is too meager to pay for your medical bills and the like. For instance, if your car sustains $50,000 worth of damage, an underinsured motorist's $10,000 worth of Property Damage Liability will pay for only a fifth of that sum.

Agents especially urge you to purchase UM/UIM because the amount of underinsured and uninsured motorists has spiked over recent years. Many illegal immigrants drive without insurance, as do reckless drivers. Reckless drivers, unfortunately, are the #1 at-fault parties in auto accidents. By purchasing UM/UIM, you can breathe easy that your personal finances are not at the mercy of these reckless drivers.

What Penalties Will I Receive If I Do Not Purchase Indiana's Required Insurance?

Indiana is no exception to the financial responsibility law, which states that a motorist must present Proof of Insurance documentation if stopped by a police officer. Most insurance companies assign you cards that stand as your Proof of Insurance documentation. If you lack this card when stopped by an officer, you have to file a report to the Indiana BMV attesting you have auto insurance with a specific agency. The BMV then confirms with the insurance agency that you are a policyholder. If the agency denies you are a policyholder, the BMV will send you a Certificate of Compliance, which you will fill out with proof of your financial responsibility. Meaning, you will have to obtain the required liability insurance with an insurance agency.

If you fail to return this Certificate within 40 days, the BMV will suspend your license for 90 days. To regain it, you will have to purchase the required insurance by that time, and pay a reinstatement fee of $150. The penalties mount if you once again drive uninsured, in which case you will face another 90-day suspension period as well as a higher reinstatement fee of $225. Two more offenses and you will receive fines of $300 each. Moreover, if you receive two suspensions within three years, your license will be revoked.

As of January 1, 2009, California put into effect a new law that forbids texting while driving. Any driver caught texting while driving incurs a fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. Furthermore, these fines often incur additional expenses such as court costs and program fees. These expenses are just a small fraction of the total expenses for being at-fault for an accident due to texting while driving.

Though refraining from texting may seem straightforward, this "No Texting Law" is actually far more complicated than at first sight. For instance, what do you do if you were pulled over for texting when all you did was push the "send" button? Or, are you still breaking the law if you text a company rather than a person? Is it really illegal to text while you're in the middle of that never-ending California traffic?

For the first question, the answer is "yes." You will be cited for breaking the "No Texting Law" if all you did was press the "send" button for texting another person. You will also be cited if you text using a touch-screen interface, such as an iPhone. You may think it is over-the-top to cite a person for $20-$50 for pushing one button on a phone, but truthfully, fatal accidents have been caused by simply picking up a cell phone. This "no send" provision also holds true for sending e-mails or instant messages through your PDA.

If you're browsing the web while driving, you're also breaking the law. Even if you are in the middle of traffic or stopped at a red light, it makes no difference. You will also be breaking the law if you have a video or digital screen in any part of your car where you can see it. In contrast, you will not be breaking the law for video monitors that are in the back of the driver's seat. The rule of thumb is that any device that draws a driver's attention away from the road is subject to the "No Texting Law."

You may wonder why you would be breaking the law if you text while you are completely stopped in traffic or at a red light. Technically, if your car is not parked, you are still in control of the vehicle and need to keep alert in case you need to defend yourself. For instance, if you are stopped in traffic and are texting, you may not notice when traffic is clearing ahead of you. This will get the attention of nearby police officers and you will be stopped by them. Nonetheless, if you are fully parked in a safe and legal parking spot, you are free to text as much as you want. Note that a safe and legal parking spot does not apply to parking your car in the middle of traffic, no matter how slowly it may be moving.

With all these restrictions, you may be wondering if there are loopholes. Actually, the "No Texting Law" does permit people to type in GPS information on either a GPS device or on a GPS feature in their wireless phones. This begs the question, if I typed in information into my GPS feature while driving and was pulled over for it, how can I prove to the officer that I wasn't texting? In reality, you can't. It is much wiser for you to get a separate GPS device into which you program your destination information before you ever start your car. If you need to change the information, park in a safe and legal spot before you do it. As much of a hassle as this may seem, you will thank yourself later for not incurring hefty fines that were caused by one push of a button.

The texting law also permits you to text businesses. In fact, if you are texting a company or website, you are not breaking the "No Texting Law" because you are not communicating with another "person." However, this activity is strongly discouraged because it would be difficult for you to prove your non-violation of the law to a police officer. California police officers take a dim view of any texting while driving. If you protest you were texting a business and not a person, you may still not be able to escape charges. Do you really want to take the trouble of hiring lawyers and paying court costs just to rid yourself of these charges? Especially when all you had to do to avert them was have found a safe place to park and sent the text?

Nonetheless, the "No Texting Law" also allows you to use wireless devices as long as they are completely hands-free. For instance, if you have Bluetooth technology in your vehicle, you are safe from this law since you are using voice activation to perform your calls. You can even manually dial the phone number to reach the person, as long as you use voice-activation from that point forward. Naturally, when you use voice activation, you must keep both hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.

If you operate a motorcycle, you are still subject to the jurisdiction of the "No Texting Law", because your vehicle is motor-powered. However, if you ride a bicycle, you are exempt from these regulations since bicycles are not motor-powered. Nonetheless, it is unwise for you to believe you will not be detained by police if you text while biking on the road.

The above provisions of California's "No Texting Law" may seem counterintuitive at times, but they follow basic guidelines. Basically, you are prohibited from doing any texting function unless you are legally and safely parked. Furthermore, if you are using voice-activation technology, you can manually dial the number but perform the call itself hands-free. Yet, a safer general rule is that you don't do any manual operation on any wireless device until you are safely parked.

Visit our California Auto Insurance page for more information reguarding california auto insurance. You may also compare multiple quotes side by side from the leading companies.

Together with the new Buick Enclave mid-size SUV, the new luxury sedan has a good chance to help the struggling brand in making its customer base both younger and more loyal. Created by a team of American, Chinese and European designers and engineers, the 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be delivered in three trims with a choice of two V6 engines mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.

2010 Buick LaCrosse presented in Detroit

One of motor-racings most guarded secrets has been answered - Top Gear's The Stig has been unmasked as a married man in his 30s who lives in a £300,000 house with a boring £15,000 car.

Some say his tongue can strip the paint off a Porsche in 30 seconds, and that his first name really is 'The'.

Until now, all we knew was he was called The Stig.

But his secret identity appears now to have been leaked.

He is a married man, who lives in a comfortable £300,000 home and drives an unglamorous £15,000 car.

The racing star, who tests new cars and coaches celebrities in the Star in a Reasonably Price Car segment on the show featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May has always kept his identity a closely-guarded secret.

The News Of The World discovered his true identity thanks to a leak in the BBC show.

Although not revealing his name, it gave some clues into the mysterious man's identity.

He found his first track outing when he was younger "terrifying" but this did not stop him from racing in Formula First, GT Racing and Stock Cars, while he almost made it to Formula One.

He is in his 30s, and earns around £150,000 a year combining his Top Gear job with some stunt and test driving.

A BBC source told the newspaper: "This is the best-kept secret in motor racing and we want to keep it that way.

"No one will ever officially confirm his identity."

It would appear the current version of The Stig has no intention of following in the footsteps of his predecessor Perry McCarthy.

McCarthy was The original Stig for 22 Top Gears but was "killed off" by being shot off the end of aircraft carrier HMS Invincible in a rocket-powered vehicle after revealing his secret. 

Car for a good cause. Presenting the vibrant 50th Anniversary Hurst/Viper that has been created to mark the 50th year of Hurst Performance. Well, to say the least, the remarkable hot wheels is itching to be auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsadle, Arizona on January 17. The benefits will be going to Victory Junction, an organisation that looks after chronically ill children.

The car in the picture above is a gold special version, which is the one to be auctioned off. This car is part of a limited edition line that has only 50 units. After unit number 1 is auctioned off, you can pick your own Viper from two available color combinations in the remaining 45 units; black with gold stripes and white with gold stripes. Both models look spectacular in their shining finesse, so if you can, why not buy both. Trust us, you shall get an all time new high in social status and personal style.

As you move in, prepare to hold your breath, as th eye falls on the elegant charcaol leather with gold stitching and perforated leather inserts. By the by, even the pistol grip shifter has been gold anodized. Get dazzled by the aluminum wheels, Corsa exhaust and Moton Club Sport adujstable suspension springs.

Via egmcartech

Remember the new presidential limo that Cadillac designed to be PEW PEW proof? Well it's been approved for use starting January 20th and is jam-packed with all kinds of exciting features like extra presidential blood (I'm not kidding) and 8-inch thick (me too, ladies) doors that weigh as much as a 757's cabin door. I thought it was funny the driver side window is the only one that goes down and even it only 3-inches (me too, ladies) to "pay a toll or talk with secret service agents running alongside". Pay a toll? Get fucking real! I know the picture is small, so click here to see the full size image and read all those little words.

• It can withstand rocket impacts and it's perfectly sealed against biochemical attacks.
• Petrol tank: Can withstand a direct hit thanks to a special foam and armor-plating.
• Bodywork: made of dual hardness steel, aluminum, titanium, and ceramics to "break up posible projectiles".
• Tyres: Kevlar-reinforced with steel rims underneath so it can run away no matter what.
• Accessories include: Night vision cameras, pump-action shotguns, tear gas cannons.
• Comes with bottles of blood compatible with the President's blood.

The Formula AE, with a prototype expected to come as early as August, could be a breakthrough in clean energy powered cars. Power will mainly come from paper-thin solar panels on the car, capable of fully charging the car in just 1.5 hours, the makers currently are looking at another battery prototype that will be fully charged in a seemingly impossible six minutes. A full charge will allow the vehicle to go 200 miles before the battery runs out.

Four air intakes, two at the front and one each on the sides, will channel the air towards a turbine, taking care of about 20 to 25 percent of the car's electricity needs. Wind power acts as an auxiliary source of energy, ensuring the solar powered battery doesn't drain out too fast. An alternating current induction motor will provide a mighty 212kW power to the car, allowing it to reach 155 mph top speed; with a zero to 60mph taking less than four seconds.

To keep the car light, the body and chassis have been built of lightweight aluminum and super strong steel, in a monocoque design. If the car makes it to production, it is likely to cost £100,000.

Via: Telegraph