Thinking of getting attention? Do you crave the feeling of being noticed and looked at because of the car that you are driving? Do want the feel of masculinity and the allure it exudes? Then getting a nice sports car for you might be a good start. So what are your options? You can check out muscle cars, exotic super cars, and tricked out roadsters. Two cars will be elaborated on here because of each car’s well known reputation as macho machines and chick magnets. The Ferrari Modena 360 and the Chevrolet Corvette.
The Ferrari Modena 360
The Modena is a top of the line sports car that matches an aggressive design with comfort and performance. Keep in mind that this beauty is not a conventional car in the sense that it is simply not used to go and get the groceries at the store or to pick up the kids from school. It is a pleasure machine made to attract attention and induce oohs and aahs from the crowd. It is a weekend car to be driven with utmost adrenaline and fun as the main goal. And for a thrilling weekend drive, this car will cost you around $150,000. Sure, you can use it to get your groceries or pick up your kid albeit quickly. But as they say, you buy it because you can and because women will be attracted to you if you happen to have one. Despite everything, this Ferrari can be considered to be grounded by comfort and practicality as much as possible. Unlike some models, Ferrari made certain to focus on things like ergonomics, interiors, and transmission which make it very usable even for daily drives.
The Chevrolet Corvette
The current Corvette or C6 as it is called since it is the model’s sixth reincarnation, has new styling. It has exposed headlamps and a slimmer body. It boasts of improved performance, handling, comfort, and refinement. It is a sports car that drivers will find easy to handle both on the road and the race track. If you are testing your limits at the track or just having fun driving around town, the new Corvette is forgiving even when driven really hard. Its six-cylinder engine is capable of powerful acceleration and is comparable to that of a Ferrari Modena. The new Corvette is lighter than its predecessor.
Having a sports car may get you more dates than before but it also means spending more for maintenance and service parts not to mention its fuel consumption. It has little space for extra persons but if you are going on a date then this will do the trick.
Entries Tagged as 'sportscar'
Sports Cars: Babe Magnets
August 7th, 2008
Sports Cars: Getting Started on Your Need for Speed
August 4th, 2008
If high acceleration, top speed, and appearance are what you want in a vehicle, then a sports car is probably what you’re looking for.
Sports cars are a $4.5 billion industry with about 55,000 units sold annually.
Sports cars are built as performance vehicles – meaning they are to be pushed in ways regular cars can’t. For example, acceleration is often no more than 5 seconds to go from 0 to 100 mph.
As it is more difficult to maneuver a speeding object, sports cars are specially designed to be handled at top speeds.
The term “sporty” was coined to refer to a sleek but robust design that exudes a powerful persona for the person behind the wheel.
What follows is a basic run-through of sports cars out in the marketplace – their general designs and layout, as well as a listing of the more popular models and makers.
- FF – front engine, front wheel drive.
The FF layout has a moderate capacity for high speed handling and is seen in select models such as the Fiat Coupé, and the Lotus Elan M100.
- FR – front engine, rear wheel drive
Considered the “classic” sports car layout, the engine drives the rear wheels but keeps the weight off the back. The FR is good at drifting corners while still maintaining control. Mercedes-Benz is recognized for using this layout for its models.
- RR – rear engine, rear wheel drive
With the engine at the back driving the rear wheels, weight placement on a RR layout provides excellent traction for a car. However, without auxiliary driving aids like stability control, handling becomes difficult. As of today, the only maker who keeps the RR layout for its cars is Porche.
AWD – all wheel drive
An AWD layout provides the easiest handling, making it ideal for those who are just starting out with sports cars. Audi started the widespread use of this technique with the Quattro. Japanese manufacturers like Mitsubishi used this layout to increase handling making it an excellent rally car.
Because of higher restrictions in the states, sports car manufacturers are more prevalent in Europe than in America. Nevertheless, American brands are in equal competition with its European and Asian counterparts. Some recognized makers and models are:
Alfa Romeo
Alpine
Aston Martin
Austin-Healey
BMW
Bugatti
Caterham
Davrian
De Lorean
Ferrari
Fisker
Jaguar
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Lotus
McLaren
Maserati
MG
Morgan
Panoz
Porsche
Triumph
TVR
Vector
Now that you’ve gotten started, take your next step by discovering the excitement a sports car can bring you today, just like it has for generations.
Tips on Buying Pre-owned Sports Cars
August 1st, 2008
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 sport’s cars can give. Buying a brand new sports car may be too much expense for many people, that’s why a pre-owned or second hand sports car should be considered.
Here some good advice in the purchasing of pre-owned sports cars.
1. 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.
2. Set a budget
Buying a sports car, even pre-owned ones can be expensive Researching through internet browsing or buying “buy and sell” car magazines can give a buyer a general feeling about the current prices of different sports car models.
3. 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.
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 car’s title, etc. Missing papers will cost the buyer additional money or prevent the purchase.
4. 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.
What Makes Sports Car Popular To Car Enthusiasts?
July 24th, 2008
There are certain things that arouse the emotional bond between the sports car and the auto fanatics.
Driving excitement and appearance are that sets the sports car apart from all the rest. The sports cars appearance is important especially to men; making the one reason the sports car is so popular.
Sports car enthusiasts bond with each other in clubs, talking, and exchanging ideas. They spend a substantial amount of spare time engrossed with their sports car.
There is in fact, something in sports cars that causes drivers to have a unique attraction and attachment to vehicles, making them very popular among the many vehicles on the market.
Others say that sports cars are toys for the “big boys”. Studies do show that sports cars are a popular hobby of many men and they often occupy the time, as well as the hearts, of many fans.
Here are reasons why they are popular:
1. Sports cars are popular because they are symbolic. Sports cars are considered a source independence or freedom. Drivers are no more hindered by the limitations and inadequacy of conventional cars and are able to have a flexible and free life maneuvering and tackling elements on the road with ease. This perception of freedom makes the sports car popular.
2. Sports cars are popular because of their “innovative technology”. People are attracted to technological progress; sports cars are a moving combination of technical and mechanical expertise.
Sports cars are considered by auto fans to be a complete package of technological advancement; from compact but robust engines to aerodynamic tailoring, sport cars symbolize the frontier of industrial design.
3. Sports cars are popular because of their capability to respond or counter the driver. Sports cars are sold, as surveys show, as extremely driver-responsive cars. The driver is has the complete control.
4. Sports cars are popular because they appeal to the driver’s desire of combining power and speed on the road.
While others look for performance, others desire a distinct design, and still others want both. Without any doubt, the sports car comes in a package that can match the consumers’ needs and wants.
Whatever one’s reason for possessing a sports car, it does not really matter; what matters is, if it’s the car that you want, and you can well afford it, then it should be what you are driving.
How Fast Does Your Car Go?
July 24th, 2008
Given money to spend and a world of options when selecting a car, every car enthusiast goes for one option—getting a sports car. In the world of sports cars, however, there stands the basic criteria of speed, speed, speed, and, well, speed.
The fastest sports car according to various critics is the 1994 Dauer 962 LeMans, with acceleration speed of 2.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. The fastest Ferrari car is the 2002 Ferrari ENZO, and this one can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph at breakneck speed of 3.5 seconds. Other fast cars include a Chevrolet, a Dodge, a LeBlanc, a Renault, an Audi, and a Corvette, all of which have acceleration speeds of not more than 2.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
Now, the question that begs answering is: what makes a fast sports car?
While stylistics make for a very good standard when getting a sports car, there’s more to the sleekness than just style. The very sleek and streamlined designs of these fast sports cars actually contribute to fantastic aerodynamics—making it much easier to drive the car fast without worrying about air resistance, air pressure, etc. In effect, the hot and sexy car design actually makes for more than aesthetics, but gives a boost to the speed and performance of the car.
Another feature that contributes to the speed of the car is its reduced weight. It’s evident in the reduced cargo capacity of a sports car. Luckily, this isn’t much of an issue with sports car enthusiasts. Related to cargo capacity and reduced weight is the fact that some sports cars may have smaller seating capacities, and usually are characterized by firmer, tighter rides, compared to the more spacious and comfortable rides offered by sports utility vehicles or sedans.
A last consideration in speed, however, is its general dynamics which include handling and drag when driving. A sports car has very little value if it cannot sustain its straight-line speeds when driving in tight curbs and ends up crushed after it hit a dead end. It is for this precise reason that even the fastest sports cars are usually rear-wheel driven rather than front-wheel driven, because of the fact that the rear-wheel drive provides greater traction and allows for the weight to be distributed evenly as the car makes a turn.
While there’s more to a sports car than just speed, it also doesn’t hurt that your sports car is fast. After all, the 1994 Dauer 962 LeMans is prized precisely because it rises above the speeds of every other fast sports car.
Luxury Sports Car of This Generation
July 23rd, 2008
Most of the luxury cars are modified with two doors and can perform with great speed on the road. These cars are expensive because of the limited versions of their kind. Car manufacturers many times have their own classifications of luxury sports cars that they sell in the car market industry for those drivers who look for pleasure and extravagance in a car. Here are some examples of luxury sports cars that you can compare and rate according to their prices and features.
1. One of the most extravagant and most expensive sports cars is the Ferrari F430 Spider. Ferrari has generated this car as the second fastest car in the world that reaches a speed up to 193 mph. This awesome speed has lived up to its expectations because Ferrari has always been consistent in promoting and endorsing top of the line models and designs for its cars. The Ferrari F430 priced at $180,000 is an all around sports car with a 486-hp engine and is considered as the company’s best F-1 technology.
2. Another top of the line luxury sports car is the Jaguar XK. This car will be released early this year as their main attraction for the 2007 series of the Jaguar. This car is said to be the lightest of the Jaguar designs because of the bonded-aluminum platform that is used in its modernized features. It weighs lighter than the previous version, which is the DOHC 4.2-liter engine.
3. The Porsche Cayman can be considered as the most well rounded Porsche sports car that is released. Although it is not considered the fastest or most expensive design in the car market, many car enthusiasts are still fascinated with this car because of the accuracy of the steering wheels and mid-engine balance it gives the driver when it is on the road. The car is priced $59,985.
4. When car enthusiasts are looking for a fast car and would like to satisfy their need for speed, the Chevrolet Corvette ZO6 has it all. This car can blast up to 200 mph. To topple the Corvette’s great speed you have to acquire the Ford GT and spend $150,000. Just like the Le Mans C6R Corvette racecar the ZO6 has a 7-liter and 505-hp engine. It also features carbon fiber front fenders and dry sump V8.
These are only a few of the certified luxury sports car that car drivers can find when wanting to make comparisons in the car market. Many sports cars can be one of the top-of-the-line cars when you talk about their classification for being a luxury sports car.
Keeping Your Sports Car in Shape
July 16th, 2008
Making sure that your sports car is in shape all of the time is not difficult. All it takes is preventive maintenance to avoid the hassle of taking it to a repair shop when the engine suddenly dies or the lights in the control panel light up.
One of the leading car manufacturers in the world is BMW. Not everyone can afford to buy a sports car from this company but here are some tips that will help you maintain your sports car…
Before going out for a drive, it is wise to check the brakes, the tires, the oil and the steering system to make sure that everything is normal. If while driving the car, you hear a sound or noise that was not there before, take it to your mechanic or local repair shop to have it checked.
Have the mechanic check all the parts or the of the ignition system, for example: check the spark plugs as their condition is a very good indicator of how the engine is performing. They should be changed every 100,000 miles but there is no harm in checking them every 30,000 miles just to be sure that everything is alright.
The rotor and distributor cap are made up of plastic which deteriorate over time due to wear and tear. To make sure that these are not causing any problems when starting the vehicle have them checked/.
The filter acts as a deterrent against rust and other harmful objects that may disrupt the performance of your vehicle. There several filters such as those for oil or fuel. These filters should be checked frequently – about every 3,000 miles.
The car’s mileage can be checked by calculating the amount of fuel purchased and the miles driven as shown by the odometer before and after fueling. If there is a sudden change in the number of miles per gallon, be concerned and take the car to the repair shop for analysis.
In the event that the car’s sensor lights come on, pull the car over to the side of the road then call for help. There is a possibility that the problem can be remedied there or it may have to towed to a repair shop.
Even if sports cars come with better and smarter engines, the possibility of something going wrong is still there. By taking every precaution, the driver can get to the place where he wants to go safely.
When Style Meets Performance: Exotic Cars 101
July 12th, 2008
Searching for a quality luxury car will inevitably bring anyone to the rather apt adjective, “exotic”. Exotic food or exotic beauty may be more clearly defined, but what really makes for an exotic sports car?
Sleek and Elegant Design
Part of what makes an exotic sports car is the vehicles’ streamlined, sleek, and smooth designs, all of which serve functional purposes to the overall performance of the car albeit being so highly aesthetically pleasing.
Indeed, even exotic sports car makers know emphasis that car enthusiasts and racers put on design per se. After all, owning an exotic sports car in contrast to owning a car is, in itself, a status symbol. This status is endowed not only by the make of the car but also the style and visual appeal.
In fact, companies like Ferrari even employ design houses to come up with their car designs. Design powerhouse Pininfarina, for example, designed the 2002 Ferrari ENZO.
Breakneck Speeds
While design is one of the considerations of many car enthusiasts, the primary characteristic that by-far differentiates a sports car from the rest is its acceleration and maintainable road speed. When it comes to sports cars, it’s all a matter of speed, speed, and more speed. A pretty car won’t cut it if it cannot deliver the exhilarating ride that is expected of every sports car.
Exotic cars are continually challenging the rate at which a car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. Designs are beginning to be shaped from the engineering needs of the car, in order to suitably deliver a new record speed. As of the moment, the 1994 Dauer 962 LeMans continues to reign with 2.6 seconds. However, with the likes of the 2002 Ferrari ENZO being designed based on the specifications of making a fast car, expect faster sports cars in the near future.
One-in-a-Million
Indeed, exotic sports cars aren’t the type that mass produced and you can’t but then “off-the-lot”. Part of its exotic appeal is the fact that you can only have a certain number of models made available for sale. The rarer and more difficult to acquire, the greater a car’s exotic value.
It’s in the Name
Most cars don’t need visualization to be called exotic, they just are. These would include your cult sports car classics—your Porsche, your Ferrari, your Lamborghini.
While an ‘exotic sports car’ may be subjectively defined over a huge stratum, it’s safe to believe that these qualities are more or less held in commonality by any definition. At any rate, one look at a car may be enough to give you a clue.
The best 2006 sports cars
July 8th, 2008
Sports cars are fascinating vehicles. Their features make them stand out among other car types. But there still is competition among sports cars. It is fascinating to talk about these sports cars and why they stand out above their contemporaries.
Here are some of the 2006 vehicles that made the list of best sports car and the qualities that made them above average.
- Audi A3 2.0T
This car goes beyond the beauty of its exterior. Car enthusiasts appreciate the car’s responsiveness and agility.
Audi A3 2.0T comes with an intercooled, turbo charged engine with 2.0 liter capacity and 16 valves. The car promises to deliver power up to 197 mph at 5100 rpm.
Other features include a six speed manual transmission, front-wheel type of driveline, 101.5 in. wheelbase and curb weight of 3300 - 3350 lbs.
- Chevrolet Corvette
The car’s V-8 engine (7.0 liter) with 16 valves allows for greater speed, and because the car is lighter than regular cars, the Chevrolet Corvette is capable of accelerating up to 125 mph in 12 seconds within one-fourth of a mile.
The car’s braking system is impressive. The car’s reflex is also astounding.
The car comes with the following specifications: rear-wheel type of driveline, and curb weight within 3100 - 3300 lbs.
-Honda Accord
The car comes with its fresh look: revised interiors, rear and front styling, and better sound-minimizing capability.
Honda Accord still boasts of its qualities such as high value for resale, excellent construction and reliability.
V6 Accords are equipped with a new stable system and improved suspension.
This car also has the following specifications: front- wheel type of driveline, 3100 to 3600 lbs. curb weight, up to 107.9 in. wheelbase and 5 or 6 speed manual transmission.
- Porsche Boxster
The Porsche Boxster speaks well about its balance. Pair this quality with an increase in power delivered by its 24-valve DOHC engine with 2.7 liters capacity.
The braking system is as remarkable as is the car’s over-all aggressive appeal.
Other features of the car include:
A rear-wheel type of driveline, 95.1 in. wheelbase, and curb weight within 2900 -3100 lbs.
Truly, sports cars did evolve and they will continue to evolve as long as there is competition. Car enthusiasts can expect more remarkable features in sports cars as years go by.
Ins and Outs when Buying a Sports Car
July 8th, 2008
Many financially gifted individuals are thinking 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, this is exciting!” and what better thing to buy that can cause a phrase like this - 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 and the good news are is:
- 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
- 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.
Although fitting, as it can be, for their lifestyle, it’s not all that easy when it comes to buying a 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 collector’s 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.
On the other hand, sports cars have become a passion for some. It could indicate that the buyer would spend more than he should, since it brings enjoyment to the owner, and he is willing to sacrifice the costly price of owning one for the joy and prestige it gives.