Viper SRT and "Flying Car" Take Center Stage at 2012 New York Auto Show

The 2012 Auto Show in NYC is sure to be buzzed about for Dodge releasing it's revamped Viper SRT for 2013. The Viper SRT still highlights massive power from a V-10, 8.4-Liter, 640 horsepower beast of an engine. The biggest improvements however are the new Viper's added luxury features, which include Ferrari seats and ultra-advanced 4 stage traction control (which can be deactivated).

The Terrafugia is the other main attraction at the 2012 New York Auto Show. This intro model has been dubbed the Terrafugia Transition because of it's ability to rule both land and air. Terrafugia has several orders already but if you want one, be prepared to pay for it - $279,000 is the sticker price. The Transition is basically a tiny plane that can drive too. It will do 80 mph on the highway and average 36 mpg, not at all bad for a new concept in transportation.

Which supercar will reign supreme at this 2012 New York Auto Show?  Will the Viper SRT 2013 redesign wow the spectators, or will a brand new concept into land/air exploration called the Terrafugia Transition be cock of the walk? I guess we will find out soon enough. The New York Auto Show runs through Sunday April 15, 2012.

Six Simple Ways to Improve Gas Mileage

Gas prices have been growing increasingly higher for the past several years. Everybody wants to save money on gas especially now that the price has been rapidly increasing. One way to save gas is to increase gas mileage.

Here are some tips on improving gas mileage. These tips will not only save on gas but will enable the car to last for a longer time:

1. It is very important to keep the car well maintained. The efficiency of the car will be greater and the performance of the car enhanced if proper maintenance is performed. This in turn helps in improving the gas mileage of the vehicle.

2. The tires of the car should always be inflated properly. Tires that are not inflated properly will make the cars wheels have difficulty rolling and it will then require more energy and would consume more gas. Car owners can save gas by having the tires properly inflated.

3.  Cars are heavily load consume more gas. It is recommended that unnecessary weight be removed from the car. The lighter the cars load, the less gas is consumed. Carriers can add weight to the car and should be removed when not in use.

4. Drive smoothly. If the driver uses the brakes a lot and then suddenly speeds up, or if the car is accelerated abruptly will result in greater fuel consumption. Therefore, it is recommended that you drive smoothly to improve gas mileage.

5. Always keep the car clean and washed. It is also recommended that the car be waxed regularly. This helps by improving aerodynamics and can help in improving gas mileage. This is especially crucial if you drive an imported sports car, since they require premium unleaded gasoline. Read more about Buying Luxury Imported Sports Cars here.

6. Another way to improve gas mileage is by saving on ventilation. A cars air conditioner uses more gas when being used. The air conditioner may be turned off and the windows opened when driving slowly - weather permitting. It is not recommended to open the windows when driving fast since it adds extra pressure and drag on the vehicle.

There are many ways gas mileage may be improved. Car owners should be responsible if they want to save on gas and money. It does not require big sacrifices to improve your vehicles gas mileage. All it takes is a little responsibility and proper care of the car. These simple ways can each help improve gas mileage a bit but when done regularly and in combination will help save a great deal of money. If you wish to save more money atop gas prices, check out How To Get a Cheap Sports Car.

Tips when Buying Sports Cars - Consider Safety Features

When buying a sports car, you should consider how safe it is to drive. There are two kinds of safety features that you need to consider: functional safety and inactive safety.

Functional safety requires the features to prevent the automobiles from accidents. This includes efficient brakes, responsive grips and reliable suspension.  Below are some of these functional safety features. You should be aware of each feature so that you know when you have spotted your ideal sports car.

Audi ABT

Electronic Stability System

This feature has the ability to sense when a car is out of control and intercedes the wheels by using discriminatory braking to specific wheels. It includes the traction controls and anti-lock brake system. This feature is seen mostly on luxury sports cars as it is expensive. If your goal is to acquire an inexpensive sports car, you might wish to take a look at my article How To Get a Cheap Sports Car.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS lets automobiles to halt quickly and still continue to be easy to maneuver. Anti-lock brake systems are activated by using intense pressure so you need to learn how to do this. Do not just rely on moderate pressure to avoid sliding.

Traction Control

Effective traction control helps cars maintain their grip even during acceleration. This feature is mostly suggested for rear-wheels as it helps reduce clog and the use of power-assisted brakes to a rotating wheel.

On the other hand, inactive safety features are those that protect the driver and other passengers whenever the functional safety features are unsuccessful. This includes the following:

Adjustable headrests are better called head restraints because this prevents the drivers head from snapping back and forth when there is a collision. It should be compatible with the occupants height to be more effective.

Most vehicles have airbags for a safety feature. Cars that have airbags for all passengers and cover the front and sides are ideal and important.

When you go for a test drive, remember to check the distance of the airbag from you - the most reliable gap is 10 inches away from the airbag. In order to do so, move the seat back to a relaxed position and check to make sure there is 10 inches between the airbag and yourself.

Seat belts are also an important feature in car safety. You should also check and make certain that there are workable seat belts. Seat belts can help save you and your family in case of car accidents. Make sure that the vehicle has adjustable shoulder belts so that the belt can be adjusted to correspond to the passengers height.

To learn more yet on the benefits and drawbacks of sports cars check out Buying a Sports Car - The Benefits and Drawbacks.

Tips on Buying Pre-owned Sports Cars

Sometimes the best buys are made with pre-owned products. This is particularly true in the case of sports cars. Many people would like to have a sports car mainly for the performance but some may want to simply experience the sheer enjoyment that only a sports cars can give. Buying a brand new sports car may be too expensive for many people, so that's why a pre-owned or second hand sports car should be considered.

Here is some good advice in the purchasing of pre-owned sports cars.

Set expectations

 
Many people go out to buy a pre-owned sports car with a brand new car in mind. Buying pre-owned sports cars is about getting the best value for your money. Knowing your needs and preferences is also a must in buying pre-owned sports cars.

Set a budget

Buying a sports car, even pre-owned ones can be expensive. Researching via internet browsing or sports car magazines can give a buyer a general feeling about the current prices of different sports car models. If you plan on purchasing a luxury imported sports car have a look at the Buying Luxury Imported Sports Cars article.

Examine carefully

A buyer must be careful in inspecting the pre-owned car and take his time doing so. There are four essential elements of the car that should be thoroughly inspected: the interior, the body, the engine, and the papers. A well-maintained sports car is worth buying.

Open the hood and examine the car's engine. Many people may not know too much about car electronics but inspection will give a buyer a general feel of how the car has been maintained by the previous owner. You can learn more about sports car maintenance and safety features by reading Tips When Buying Sports Cars - Consider Safety Features.

Check the inside of the tailpipe. If it is greasy, that means that there is a problem with the engine compression.

Check for scratches or dents on the cars body. Of course, do not forget to check the cars title, etc. Missing papers will cost the buyer additional money or prevent the purchase.

Test Drive

Before a purchase, the buyer should take the car for a test drive. This is a must for all cars, not only for pre-owned ones. An assessment of the over-all handling and performance of the car should be made during the test drive.

Buying a pre-owned maybe the best choice in purchasing a sports car, especially when one is faced by budget constraints. Pre-owned sports cars have the potential to give the same excitement and fun that brand new ones can give. Choose and buy wisely and have fun while doing so.

The Prestige of Italian Sports Cars

Sports cars are very famous not only to car racers but also to collectors and ordinary people. Though they are expensive, no one would like to miss owning at least one model of sports car. They are known to be stylish and fast. There are many sports cars that are made locally but there are also imported sports cars. These are some of the most exotic in the world. Buying Luxury Imported Sports Cars gets more in depth into exotic sports car imports.

Italian sports cars are famous for car racing. They are known not only for their sleek appearance but are designed perfectly for car racing. They are stunning and known all world-wide. Italians are famous in designing sports cars that are not only perfect for car races but also are also suited for street driving.

One great creation that is an Italian sports car is the Enzo Ferrari. The car has great technology that not another car in the world can beat. Although it has been designed to work very well on racetracks, it has been sold throughout the world as a luxury car and does very well in the streets. The features are made with advanced technology and there are only about 350 cars of this model world-wide.

The molding of the Enzo Ferrari is wind tunneled, sculpting is made of carbon fiber and the engine performs well at high speeds. The magnificent car is the masterpiece of Italian masters. The car has made the dreams of its inventors come true - that was to place this race car in public hands.

Other Italian creations include Lamborghini, Maserati, Iso, Pagani Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Italdesign. All these cars represent the grandeur of the creations of Italians and provide prestige in driving. They all have the grace in every curve, the interiors, and the structure. They look fast even when not in motion. They evolved from great ideas - to drawings and sketches until they became dreams that came true.

Lamborghini on display at China Auto Show

If someone would like to feel the ambiance of Formula1 and experience the speed enjoyed from GT Class, then Italian sports cars are the perfect way to attain your aspirations.

Italian sports cars will last and will reign supreme among all of the cars in the world. Sleek, stunning and extravagant is the only way to describe these Italian sports cars. They are expensive but the price is worth it!

Read more about the benefits and drawbacks of owning a sports car in my article Buying a Sports Car - Benefits and Drawbacks

Buying a Sports Car - The Benefits and Drawbacks

Many financially gifted individuals are constantly thinking and wondering what to do with their fat wallets - should they put it in the bank for future investment use it for something that is tangible.  They might just say hey, how about a brand new sports car!

But here's how to look at both the positive and negative sides of spending cash for a sports car. 

Fanatics can find the most interesting and beautiful reason to own a sports car. The good news is highlighted below.

• Sports cars fit the lifestyle of the rich, the famous and the elegant. 
• These sports cars have more powerful engines with up to 750 horsepower. 
• Sleek, convertible types depreciate more slowly than hardtop rivals. 
•  The newer the sports car model, the more impressive the driver is. 
•  Fans of pricey sports car can choose between the coupe type and convertible type. 
•  Automatic transmission sports cars have better resale values. 
•  High-end exotics have been largely immune to the recession - particularly Italian Imports. Check out my Prestige of Italian Sports Cars article to learn more.
•  Less striking cars do best, often losing as little as 6 to 10% of their worth over five years. 
•  Sports cars are used in many cases for car racing.  Both men and women are starting to become addicted with the sport.

Fitting as it can be (for their lifestyle), its not all that easy when it comes to buying sports cars. The not so good news is:

• Sports cars are prone to being affected by recurring and financially viable trends.
• Some sports cars have very expensive and hard to find repair parts.
• Sports car buyers should not expect to ever get back their full investment when reselling the car. Expensive sport cars infrequently serve their purpose as just a means of transportation.  They just become the collectors item that is rarely used. 
•  Driving an expensive sports car means spending extra money for gas.
•  Models that were sold at special discounts decrease in value faster than other models.
•  Various exotic sports cars that only a minority can find the money for are often resold because of costly maintenance. You have the potential to find deals on sports cars though, as noted in How to Get a Cheap Sports Car.

On the other hand, sports cars have become a passion for some. It could indicate that the buyer would spend more than he or she should, since it brings enjoyment to the owner. The rich and famous sometimes are willing to sacrifice the costly price of owning one for the joy and prestige it rewards them.

How to Get a Cheap Sports Car

When buying sports cars, the buyer must not only assess his needs and preferences, but more importantly, he must put everything in the context of his budget. Sports cars are generally priced not less than $15,000. If you are looking for tips on buying higher ticket, luxury imported sports cars you might want to check out Buying Luxury Imported Sports Cars. Bear in mind though, there are some great options available for buying cheaper but valuable sports cars.

Auction

An enthusiastic buyer may want to check out the local auctions that are held in his area. Some good sports cars can be bought cheaply in these auctions. However, the auction arena is not made for the faint-hearted buyer. Just like any other kind of auction, it is a stressful and fast environment. One must attend a couple or more auctions before actually trying to purchase a car from this kind of activity.

Another downside of auctions is that there is no opportunity to test the car. In auctions, people buy cars "as they are."

Car Exchange

Auto Exchange Centers may offer you the best cars at very reasonable prices. Buyers might want to do a little Internet research since car exchange centers do advertise their merchandise on the Internet. Remember that the market for cheap sports cars is a buyers' market, which means that you hold the aces when negotiating prices.

Private Seller

Buyers may also look for private sellers of sports cars. Some people need quick cash in cases of emergency so they are forced to sell their precious cars at very attractive prices. Be aware and watch out for such quality deals.

The problem with dealing with private sellers is that once the purchase is made, the buyer is left on his own. He cannot run back to the seller to complain.

Good Models that no one wants

There are good sports car models out there that are being taken for granted by the market. Because of trends in sports car demand, some of the good ones are being left out. This is a good thing for buyers who are looking for value for their money. Some Jaguar, Austin-Healey and Morgan car models are out there, up for grabs at great prices. Just be sure that you factor in safety first. Learn more about Tips on Sports Car Safety Features.

Sports cars are luxury cars, but that does not necessarily mean that they should be expensive.  Maybe the best things in life are not for free, but you can get good deals to get them. But at the end of the day, quality should be the main aspect that a buyer must look at in purchasing a cheap sports car.

Buying Luxury Imported Sports Cars

Imported luxury sports cars are longed for by many car buyers and collectors. The US is one of the many countries who love to import luxury vehicles like sports cars. There are new ones but there are also used luxury cars that are sold in the car market.

Brand new imported luxury cars are very expensive so many buyers are turning to used luxury sports cars as an alternative. Although pre-owned, many buyers still wish to buy them to be part of their collections. Others purchase these used imported luxury cars to lift their public images and add class and prestige when driving. Some imported sports cars scream and shout prestige and clout. Italian sports cars are a good example. Check out The Prestige of Italian Sports Cars.

Mustang  Boss 302

Here are some tips that need to be considered when buying used imported luxury sports cars:

1.The real cost of the imported luxury sports car should be determined. It is not advisable to buy the used car without having it appraised. Many car sellers price the imported cars very high because most buyers are not familiar with their true cost. It is important to determine the value before buying a car whether it is new or pre-owned.

2.Buyers of these cars should research the car before purchasing. It is important to remember that they are imported cars and you should be aware of, and informed about the cars capacity, gas mileage, speed, and engine performance.

Know the depreciation rate and how the cars are sold in the market. By so doing, the research will help the buyer obtain some tips to use when buying imported luxury sports cars. The way to research is to use the internet or seek the advice of other car owners/buyers who are familiar with these types of cars.

3.When shopping for a car, it is recommended that you enlist the assistance of an experienced car mechanic that is not employed by the dealer. The mechanic should be an expert in checking the engine and other parts of the used car. This is to ensure that the car is in good shape and that it will not make the dream of the buyer become a nightmare.

Take time to think about the purchase before making the final decision. The same applies when buying an imported luxury sports car. All things must be considered before buying so that you will not regret buying the used car. If you're planning on buying a pre-owned sports car, be sure to read Tips on Buying Pre-Owned Sports Cars.