Hollywood stars have been long known for owning the fuel hungry limos, Ferrari's and Maserati's. However, with the US government pushing laws to promote fuel efficient hybrid cars, it seems that the stars too are eager to embrace more fuel efficient cars that tell their fans how much they care for environment as well as motivate them to use such cars. Below we list out five such green cars, which are stars’ favorite.
Toyota Prius
Dubbed as "Planet's favorite hybrid" by Toyota, Toyota Prius also seems to be the first choice among the Hollywood stars. Till now more than 70 celebrities have been spotted in Prius including the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts, Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Duns, Dustin Hoffman and Demi Moore. You will be surprised to know that Prius is not one of the luxury cars that often woo our stars but one of the more affordable mid-size cars. Prius has been a trendsetter in its category and celebrities just seem to love it.
Cadillac Escalade hybrid
SUVs may be guilty of being fuel hungry, but they are also the most preferred luxury vehicles by the stars. The hybrid version of the car is more of a status symbol and the stars can whop inside them getting their make up right or just taking a nap inside to get some rest after a busy shooting schedule. Some of the stars who own a hybrid escalade is Colin Farrell, Adam Sandler and more recently by Paris Hilton. We hope the escalade would benefit from the American heiress's fame.
GMC Yukon hybrid SUV
Another luxury SUV in the list GMC Yukon offers a fuel efficiency of around mpg, which is better than many other SUVs in the same category. It is one of those flashy, fully-features SUVs that offer celebrities luxury and comfort. Reese Witherspoon and Paris Hilton have been spotted many times driving their Yukon's across the Tinseltown.
Tesla Roadster
One of the rare electric sports cars in the making, Roadster is the choice for those who don't want to sacrifice speed and power for going green. It comes at hefty rice though, which only our Hollywood stars can afford. We’ve seen stars such as Matt Damon, George Clooney and Jay Leno flaunting this electric dream car.
Tango T600
Tango T600 might not look like "the" car for a Hollywood star but "hats off" to George Clooney for embracing T600 as his electric car of choice, a narrow 2-passenger seater with a range of 40-200 miles. Don't be fooled by its looks though as it still is one of the most expensive electric cars, priced at $200,000.
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Top five green cars that celebrities love
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Top five cars you can buy under $20,000
It is now easier to find a family car, small sport utility vehicle or compact sedan under $20,000. In addition, you will not have to compromise on fuel efficiency, safety rating, warranty, etc. There are several options out of which you can make your choice. All these come with attractive features and great performances. Check out some of the best considerable options for your next purchase.
Hyundai Elantra: This compact sedan has been highly rated by various consumer reports. It is one of the best vehicles that can be available under $20,000. It can be yours for just around $17,000. This sedan is quite spacious and has a touch of elegance. You would receive competitive fuel efficiency from this car. Its fuel economy comes to be around 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. It is quite easy to handle this car, as it offers you a smooth and comfortable ride. This powerful sedan with a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine comes with nicely finished interiors.
Subaru Impreza: This all-wheel drive compact called Subaru Impreza can be had as both a hatchback and a sedan. This stylish car comes with a fuel economy of around 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Available at nearly $18,000, Impreza is a reliable vehicle with great driving features. You can easily have a drive in this car even in snowy weather.
Hyundai Tucson: Those who like larger vehicles and spacious interiors can opt for Hyundai Tucson. This car has a powerful 2.0-liter engine. For safety purposes, it also offers side airbags, as well as downhill brake control. You may also get a hands-free calling feature to use while driving this car.
Ford Focus: This versatile vehicle comes with posh interiors at a price of around $19,000. This car offers a fuel economy of 26 mpg. You can also get an electric model of Ford Focus, as well as opt for Focus ST that is performance-focused. However, your price range will restrict you to grab the SE four-door sedan.
Kia Forte: You can purchase this car in both hatchback and sedan styles. Kia Forte is available in three trims – SX, EX and LX (sedan only). You would find it running on a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. It features six-speed transmission. Its powerful engine and stylish interiors make it worth buying if you have a budget under $20,000. This car would cost you around $16,000 or less.
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Top five small family cars you should consider buying
Are you looking for a cool, comfortable and compact car for your small family needs? If it is difficult for you to navigate through tight spaces within the city and you are looking for a convenient vehicle in which your small family can go for a drive, then there are several compact car options available for you now. These cars are not only economical, but also have sufficient cargo and passenger space for the requirements of a family of three to four people. Check out some of the best compact cars that would perfectly suit your needs.
Buick Verano: Staring at a price of around $23,000, Buick Verano gives you ultimate luxury. You get a refined cabin, standard equipment, and stylish interiors and exteriors in this car. There are 10 airbags to provide you and your family a safe drive. Verano also features audio streaming and smartphone integration through its infotainment center. This athletic car can pep you up with its fuel economy of around 21 mpg.
Chevrolet Cruze: Offering you some similar driving dynamics as Buick Verano provides, Chevrolet Cruze is a fuel-efficient car in which you can cover miles with your family very comfortably. Its fuel economy has been estimated to be around 30 mpg. It comes with a wonderful infotainment system though some people might not like its body style. However, a price tag of nearly $21,000 is still quite attractive to go for this car.
Dodge Dart: This vehicle offers over 97 cubic feet of passenger room, which is more than what any other compact car might provide you. Even though its cargo convenience does not match that of a hatchback, it delivers an excellent fuel economy of around 27 mpg. This car features an easy-to-use, touch-screen navigation system, as well as 10 airbags, a rearview camera, and an iPod interface. You would love to take frequent drives with your small family in this car.
Ford Focus: Focus comes with a 2.0-liter engine and offers a fuel economy of around 28 mpg. Its versatile hatchback body style makes it look very attractive to drivers and passengers. If you require a good balance of features and price, then go for SE hatchback that comes at a price tag of $19,200. This model features special cruise control, smartphone and MP3 player integration, power rear windows, etc.
Honda Civic: The wonderful body style and interiors of this car will surely attract you toward it. The car is reliable efficient with a fuel economy of around 28 mpg. It offers a sporty Si model and a two-door coupe. However, a small family’s requirement can be perfectly met by a four-door EX sedan. Its usable rear seats and 5-speed automatic transmission make this car a convenient option. The car additionally features a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity option, and alloy wheels.
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Top five cars that audiophiles will love to drive
If you are enthusiastic about modern cars, as well as excellent entertainment facilities, you can get both these simultaneously in the state-of-the-art car models that are specially designed for audiophiles. Now, you can get your living room entertainment in the surroundings of your car interiors. Some amazing cars feature such entertainment facilities and stereo systems that offer awesome audio quality. Check out some affordable yet luxury cars that are fun to drive for audiophiles.
Porsche Panamera: You will not ask for a better sound system when you bring your ears to Porsche Panamera’s optional Burmester setup. There are 16 speakers that are all individually controlled, along with a 300-watt active subwoofer. These together bring to you over 1,000 watts of sound power. Even in this car’s Turbo S model, you would find an option to get the Burmester setup done in less than $4,000. However, the Turbo S itself has a powerful surround sound system from Bose. Thus, you would not ask for more when you have a Porsche Panamera to drive.
Audi A8: This high-tech luxury sedan is equipped with one of the best audio systems. Its top option in stereos in designed by Bang & Olufsen, and this digitally amplified stereo system could cost you around $6,000. Through its 19 speakers, you can get a sound of 1,400 watts. Its stunning-looking speakers are very well matched with the car’s interiors.
Mercedes-Benz CLS550: Bang & Olufsen have again spread their magic in CLS550 by designing BeoSound, which is a premium sound system. You can get this by merely paying $6,400 extra when you buy your new Mercedes. Its 15 speakers come with exterior grilles that create a wonderful ambience. In addition, there are four acoustic lenses. With two different amplifiers, the total sound intensity of this system is 1,200 watts. The system produces 7.1-channel surround sound.
Lexus LS: It is one of those cars that introduced premium audio systems and still continues to create an impression with its Mark Levinson system. This 7.1-channel surround sound system claims to have negligible harmonic distortion. It has 19 speakers that operate within a range of 20-20,000 hertz. You would love to drive this musical machine.
Acura TL: Except its RL model, all Acura TL models come installed with an ELS audio system. This 440-watt speaker is designed by the famous sound engineer, Elliott Scheiner. It is a surround sound system with 10 speakers. The system output seems to be the best in the TL luxury sedan.
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Top 5 green cars from BMW that would shape the future
Bavarian Motor Works is famous for producing luxury cars that often compromise fuel efficiency for performance; however, with soaring fuel price, it seems that even the giant German Auto manufacturer would have to change its strategy. BMW has recently embraced the change and has shown commitment to produce more fuel efficient hybrid and all-electric vehicles in the future. We look at five such green autos from BMW.
BMW i8
Often touted as the electric supercar of the future, BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid that was first unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Powered by a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid powertrain i8 runs on a 220bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine along with a 129bhp electric motor. All this doesn’t mean it’s a fuel hungry machine given to its fuel efficiency of 80 miles per gallon. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph within 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 155mph. i8 seems to pave the way for future BMWs.
BMW ActiveHybrid 3
ActiveHybrid aims at achieving higher efficiency by running electrical and combustion engines in unison. The ActiveHybrid 3 employs a 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery along with a 3.0-liter 335i engine. The car can accelerate up to 100 Km in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h. It gives fuel efficiency of around 25 mpg in city drive and offers ECO PRO mode to help you extract hypermiles of your car.
BMW Concept Active Tourer
Concept Active Tourer would be one of the rare plug-in hybrid front-drive BMWs that is expected to hit production in coming few years. Based on 1.5-litre three-cylinder direct injection petrol engine, electric motor and lithium-ion battery the Active Tourer can churn out 188bhp of power with a top speed of 120mph. It promises fuel efficiency of up to 113mpg with electric only range of 18 miles.
BMW Z10 ED Eco-Supercar
Z10 ED is one of the most ambitious plans from BMW with ED standing for Efficient Dynamics. It will be developed by the Technik division and aims to churn out 400hp of power. The two-seater supercar would run on lithium-ion battery and aims to utilize turbo charging, direct injection and brake regeneration technologies to make a more fuel-efficient car of the future.
BMW Mini E
Mini E is a two-seater hassle free compact car that aims to achieve zero carbon footprints. The all-electric can run for about 100 miles on a single charge with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. It is powered by a 35 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that can be fully charged in 4.5 hours with a 220 volt line.
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Top 5 fuel-efficient mid-size sedans
In case you’re looking for a car that not only helps you commute on daily basis but also make a style statement, you might consider one of the stylish sedans from an already overcrowded automobiles market. They are not only affordable than before but also fuel conscious as well. Since fuel costs affect most car buyers’ decision, you will be surprised to find a number of options among the sedans that would not burn a hole in your pocket. We look at five such cars that are stylish as well as fuel-efficient.
Toyota Prius
Regarded by EPA as one of the cleanest vehicles sold in USA, Toyota has already sold 3.67 million units across the globe. Prius runs on a 1.8 litres hybrid system and promises fuel efficiency of 72.4mpg. The plug-in version does better in terms of efficiency at 134.5mpg, but is more expensive. The plug-in version extends its range for about 15 miles. Prius is essentially the world’s most successful hybrid car that is also affordable.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
2013 Green Car of the Year, Fusion Hybrid combines fuel efficiency with comfort and technology, which makes it one of the most lucrative cars in the mid-size sedan segment. According to the figures by EPA, Fusion can achieve up to 47 mpg in the city with a speed of 85 mph while running on lithium-ion batteries. While running on fuel, it can extract up to 185 horsepower and offers features such as adaptive cruise control and parking assist.
Honda Civic Hybrid
The second best-selling electric hybrid in US, Honda has already sold around 255,000 units of Civic across the globe. Its lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery gets recharged while you’re on the road and gives a fuel efficiency of around 44 mpg in the city drive. Civic Hybrid combines technology with performance to offer a more balanced drive.
Lexus HS 250h
Touted as “Harmonious Sedan” by Lexus, HS 250h is one of the most fuel-efficient luxury sedans available in the market. While EPA gave it a combined rating of 35 mpg, many people have reported it giving up to 48 miles per gallon. It boards an exhaust heat recovery system that reduces engine warm up time and increases efficiency up to 7 percent.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota Camry has been topping the sales charts for years with the Hybrid version helping it to improve the fuel efficiency at 43 mpg in city drive. The hybrid version churns out 268-horsepower thanks to its 3.5 litres V6 engine with a top speed of 117 mph.
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5 things you must know before owning a green car
Electric cars seem to be the need of the hour with increasing fuel costs and shrinking oil reserves. The governments across the globe are offering incentives to go green and automobile companies are pushing forward such cars as they are going to be the mode of transport in the future. As electric cars become more affordable, more and more people are embracing them. In case you too are looking for a new one, we list out five things you need to know about electric cars.
Do you want to go all electric?
There are electric cars and there are hybrids. While all-electric cars rely solely on their electricity powered batteries, hybrids can run on fuel as well as electricity. The all-electric ones are usually miniature in size and don’t offer high range, but you do not need to stop by a gas station station every now and then. They are usually preferred for daily commutes to office or nearby grocery store.
How is it charged?
Does you electric car get charged using traditional household outlet or a special equipment made for electric cars? Charging you electric car using traditional outlets in time consuming, while installing the equipment costs you extra dollars. One hour of charge using special equipment takes 20-30 miles further, while you may need to charge your vehicle overnight to get the same range using traditional outlet.
Going green means incentives
Governments across US and Europe are offering a number of incentives for buying electric or hybrid vehicles that meet the standards of fuel efficiency. This includes tax credit up to $5000, which brings down the overall cost of your new electric vehicle. Since, this rebate is available for limited time only we would rather motivate you to make most out of this offer.
Public charging stations will increase
You may not see ample public charging stations even now; however, with more number of people embracing electric vehicles, their numbers are bound to go high in future. This is crucial to make electric cars more practical as people cannot expect the luxury of their home to charge their cars every time. Don’t be surprised if you find a public charging station right at your office parking space in few years’ time.
Electric cars have lower operating costs in long term
The initial price tag of an all-electric car may scare you but electric cars need less maintenance costs as their set-up is simple and they do not need complicated engines to run. Also running your car on electricity is much cheaper than running it on gas.
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World’s top five pimped up vehicles
Some like it classy and some like it trashy. All people don’t have same taste in automobiles. That is the reason why so many automobile manufacturers have become rich by selling cars. Every one doesn’t have enough funds to buy luxurious cars but some of them like to pimp up their cars on a small budget so that it looks different, extraordinary or bizarre. The small budget cars can be given a makeover through pimping. People like to make their car reflect their personality. Even celebrities like to pimp up their cars in weird ways. The celebs get their cars pimped up in exclusive ways. In this article we will talk about some of the wild and fantastic pimped up automobiles which might give you inspiration.
Ludacris’s Pontiac Convertible:
Ludacris loves cars and this is no secret. So, when he got nomination in MTV music awards in 2005 he raised his Pontiac Granville 4 inch from its normal height. He is a lover of all things Louis Vuitton and how his car could be an exception. He got the interior of his car decorated with leather bearing and the LV designer emblem. Even the Steering could not escape his whim.
Japanese Pimped Trucks:
Transporting goods from one place to another can be a tedious job. Sparkling up the pick-up trucks can make the job a lot more fun. The Japanese do just that, they pimp up their trucks in the most bizarre fashion. Cargo and other sort of trucks are given a special anime makeover. Most of them look fascinating and eye-catching. Actually these are the product of the ongoing ‘Truck Art’ movement, huge in the eastern regions of Asia. Lights play a vital role in the design of the trucks. Bright and colorful lights can make anything look chic; at least the Japanese seem to think so.
Britney’s Hummer:
The H2 Hummer would have looked classy and normal if the owner someone else but Britney Spears. It possesses 6 lit V8 engines; well enough for hard core speeding but what shocks us is the devastatingly pink interior.
Paris goes Pinky:
Paris Hilton loves pink and she doesn’t make any secrets of what she loves. On her birthday the heiress got her Bentley Continental GT pimped up. It got a baby pink makeover and the interior got monogrammed with her initials.
The Space Junk Art Car:
Rot N Hell is one hell of a Canadian artist bent on pimping up his car inside out. Every year 2 whole months are invested along with some $3000 for decorating his ’76 Ford Maverick. At first it was just a way to pass time but he became quite engrossed and would collect all sorts of junk to use on his car.
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Top Five American Classic Cars
Cars have become synonymous with status, style and class. The classic American cars that have paved the path for modern automobiles are not just good looking but they have a charm and style which cannot be matched easily. The car you ride says a lot about your lifestyle and stylistic perceptions. Classic cars were modeled keeping the modern American aristocrats in mind who were not soft cads but arrogant rebels. The classic American cars have not lost their popularity. They are still being sold and bought with gusto. Car collectors of the world love the American classics cars because they are usable in modern streets and stunning to look at. The muscle cars can give you good mileage and torque even today. They have made a niche for themselves and created an identity which no one can ignore. Following are the best five American classic cars that will surely impress you.
Chevrolet Corvette:
The first sports car of America was marketed in 1953 and has enjoyed a large fan following ever since. It possesses all the qualities that a remarkable sports car should have and many are still interested in buying one. It comes in a cool white that is no less charming than the bright scarlet loved by playboys and naughty gentlemen. This cool classic car has a powerful V8 engine and gives great road performance.
Ford GT40:
Ford and Ferrari had an ego clash and the cold war gave birth to the beautiful GT40. It is a medium sized brute that not only has power but also possesses an exquisite charm. This is the car of the free spirited Americans who are never daunted by adversities and know how to tame the shrews.
The Jeep CJ:
The Jeep is definitely one of the toughest American cars ever invented or designed. Its bold looks, sturdy features and many structure made both men and women become fans. Without the Jeep CJ victory in World War II would not be easy. They are also behind the inspiration that auto makers needed to make SUVs. The Jeep may not be sleek but it has a frank and spontaneous boldness about it which is spectacular.
Ford Fairlane Cobra:
The Cobras made by Ford were muscle cars at their best. Powerful and sleek, these beauties are still loved by auto-collectors of the world. The V8 engines helped these cars run quarter of a mile in 14.5 seconds only.
1959 Cadillac:
Extravagant in the most American sort of way the Cadillac made in the late 1950s are gorgeous. They used to have tailfins which made them stand apart from the other contemporary cars.
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Top five cars that have taken inspiration from cartoons
What is life without a little passion and fun? We all need to unwind in some way or have something that gives us inspiration to go through daily drudgery. The cartoon inspired cars are probably a result of such feelings. They have something zestful and youthful about them and they give us the hope that probably the real world is not an utterly bad place after all. All of us have grown up with some cartoon or the other. Whichever cartoon may be your favorite, there is a nice car used by the characters which caught your fancy. Many of the famous cartoon cars have been turned into reality. The cartoon cars are special because they make us feel alive; they make us believe in all the good things life has to offer. May be the following list of cartoon inspired cars will tweak your imagination and you will also be able to find out which cartoon car you would like to own and ride in reality.
The Mystery Machine:
Who can ever forget the bright, green, floral printed car used by Scooby and the young bunch of detectives? The real world version of the mystery machine looks exactly same. Lou and Steve Raguse also grew up watching Scooby Doo and in the summer of the year 2002 they took up the project of painting an old van and giving it a makeover. The first van looked so similar to the cartoon one that they painted two more vans in the same way. They sold two and kept one for themselves.
Mach 5:
You too probably wanted to drive a beautiful car like Mach 5. It was featured in the popular cartoon series named Speed Racer. The real life version has become very popular too. It is super stylish and has a white and red exterior just like the cartoon version. Mark Towle is a custom car builder who made the Mach 5. This reminds us that there is a kid in all of us.
Batmobile:
Every kid fancies a ride in the Batmobile. It is an epitome of technology and beauty. The car made for the television series fetched $233,000 and this made automobile makers produce more of these beauties for daily use.
Mater:
If you have watched the movie ‘Cars’ you will definitely love this one and if you have not then too you will fall in love with this fantastic replica of Mater and its toothy smile. It was made by Eddie Paul.
Donald’s Car:
Disney cartoons have touched the lives of millions of kids all over the world and Donald is one of the funniest and popular most of Disney brigade. Donald Duck’s red car has been transformed into reality.
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Five super cool classic cars that will make you go breathless
You can’t deny that some classic cars are so stunning that you feel a hitch in your breath. They don’t look old rather they have a naughty charm about them which gets both men and women excited. Some people might tell you that cars are for transportation and they need not look cool but believing it would be utter stupidity. Life is short and we all want something that makes it worthwhile. There are classic cars which can give sports cars a good run for their money. In this article we will describe some classic yet super cool cars which anyone will love to possess.
Chevrolet Corvette:
This car is the great-grand-dad of all American sports cars. It was manufactured first in 1953 by Chevrolet. There was a shortage of steel so fiberglass was used along with steel. This sports car seats two and is a truly sexy classic car. With this car Chevrolet introduced a new design in cars but kept the inner ingredients as sturdy as before. The two speed Power-glide automatic transmission makes this car special but it does not deliver good speed despite of great good looks.
Shelby 427 Cobra:
The Shelby Cobra is dangerously beautiful and if you like to play hard then this is the right car which will add a sensuous touch to your personality. The problem with this car is that it is too hefty, both literally and price wise. If you are someone who is interested in getting a cool collectible classic car then this one is great but do not expect it to match the racing qualities of today’s sports cars.
Oldsmobile F-88:
Oldsmobile used to make charming old world cars with good capacity and then came the 50s. The decade after that has witnessed a lot of change in automobile industry, especially in car design and execution. The auto designers Harley Earl, Bill Mitchell, Ken Pickering and Zora Duntov did a great job making this car. The only surviving F-88 got auctioned for a staggering sum of $3, 24,000 USD.
Ford Mustang:
One of the classic bests, the Ford Mustang exudes a sensuous charm that is hard to overlook. It made its public debut in 1964. It even got a TV promotional. It was one of the most stylish yet affordable cars of that era and many bought it. About a million were sold in the first 18 weeks.
Chrysler D’Elegance:
Some cars are timeless and this is true for the D’ Elegance from Chrysler. It is a closed car but still manages to look amazing. It was designed, top to bottom, by Chrysler engineers and gave a new dimension to traditional coupe cars.
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Five Most Fascinating Police Cars
It may sound almost absurd that police cars can be interesting or fascinating but you will be amazed if you check out some of them. Police cars need to be sturdy and they evoke a certain fear in people. Some of them are very unique and have more than just the driving parts. The outer look is not really important for the police and they believe in real performance than anything else. Chevy Impalas and Ford Crown Victorias are two very common cars that the Canadian and American police have been spotted using. What the police sergeants believe is that frills and frolics are for babies, what matters is the driver’s skills to make an everyday car absolutely extraordinary.
The Dodge Charger:
From 2006 the US police started using the new Charger launched by Dodge. The previous Crown Vic was quite lame and not formidable from any angle but that’s not the case with the Charger. It is a powerful Sedan which has V8 engines. It offers a smooth drive and it is good for putting the fear of god in every traffic rule breaker. It can reach a speed of 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.
Volkswagen GTI:
This car is used by the Dubai police. It is a compact police car which gives swift performance combined with good styling. It offers 200 horsepower which makes it quite a tough car of its class. Quite adept at taking up challenges, this car got an update in 2010 and became better in many ways. It is believed that no other automobile company can deliver style and strength in mid-range police cars like Volkswagen did. Hopefully the automobile manufacturer will continue to upgrade their GTI model.
Mazda RX-8:
Used by the Japanese law protectors the Mazda RX-8 is a brilliant police car, high on style. Internationally the Mazda-7 and Mazda-8 models did not get too many takers but they are highly praised by the automobile critics of the world. Japanese police have not used too many stylish cars before but Mazda RX-8 is a surprising change in their stance.
Porsche 911:
The name of this car tells all. The famous automobile company Porsche has designed this car especially for the German police. It matches the highly stylish German roads with perfect élan. It speeds up with simple ease and gives a mileage of 150 mph. This one is definitely a looker but does not fail to perform.
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia:
This is the special ride of the Italian police. The Gallardo by Lamborghini is probably the most colorful and stylish police cars. It uses bright yellow, red and blue colors on the outer side. Unlike other stylish and branded police cars the Lamborghini Gallardo is not just a poster car. It is used with great gusto by the Italian police force.
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Five concept cars that we wish got manufactured
Concept cars play a pivotal role in auto shows organized all around the world. Different automobile manufacturers demonstrate their best concept cars to see if they are being appreciated. Based on the reception, the concept cars help manufacturers take decision whether to produce it or not. There have been complains regarding the fact that the manufactured concept cars are not exactly similar to the concept. Some concept cars never came into production despite of being fabulous. In the beginning, every concept car is just a sketch or drawing by experts and then the structure is studied by automobile engineers in a three dimensional graphic in computers. Later a model is made for demonstration. Following is the list of concept cars which should have been produced by the respective automobile companies.
Mazda Furai Concept:
It was demonstrated at the North American Automobile Show in the year 2008. The name of this car means “sound of the wind” because of the high speed it was supposed to deliver with the help of its 20B 3-rotor wankel engine. It looks quite similar to the car the superhero, Batman, uses. It was tested for speed but sadly it wasn’t conceived for production.
Lamborghini Estoque Concept:
The Estoque looks very close to the dream car we have in mind as a vague idea. Lamborghini is not very much into sedans and almost tragically they will not be producing it at all. Estoque is a powerful sedan that combines style and comfort both together. The truth is that such a luxurious car would be very costly and though we all may want it but can’t buy it for real. Financial crunch is an international phenomenon which is making the automobile manufacturers more cautious.
Renault DeZir Concept:
The DeZir is truly a magnificent concept car. Renault may not be the best concept car maker and certain previous attempts might make you cringe but still the desirability of the DeZir is unquestionable. It looks so special due to the low but wide structuring, and butterfly doors. It was showcased in 2010 at the Paris Automobile Show.
Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarnia:
It was a stock market tycoon who helped in making this concept car turn into a reality. Ferrari designed P4/5 with the help of the billionaire James Glickenhaus. Not only money but he also gave an existing 330 P3/4 for building this car. The outcome is not just impressive but also brilliant. It’s a shame that Ferrari will not be producing it for contemporary market.
Cadillac Sixteen:
Amazing design, smooth finish, twin V8 engines, 24 inch wheels and stylish LED headlights all make this concept Cadillac a beauty to behold. It is definitely a car that the legendary superheroes like Batman or Ironman would have loved to ride.
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Five best iconic cars used in Hollywood
Hollywood is full of surprises and special effects. It uses many different elements to astound us, and cars are a major part of Hollywood movies. Not just frantic car lovers but also the nonchalant people can’t help but adore some of the famous cars used in movies. There have been some movies where the car was not just an ornament but it became a character itself and got involved in the plot. Sometimes the car played the role of savior and sometimes it acted as the accomplice of the villains. They are a part of the joy and tears evoked by movies and touched our heart. Underestimating the role of cars in Hollywood movies is a folly because they have helped in advanced thinking, technological innovation and inspired people to love cars. Following are the top iconic Hollywood cars that have been highly esteemed by all of us.
Ecto-1:
If you have seen Ghostbusters then you must remember the car they used always. The movie’s production and designing units turned a Cadillac Ambulance into Ecto-1 with great imaginative flair. It had the right amount of smartness combined with the gawkiness of geeks and made it a hit among teens. It promoted pimping up and inspired many teenagers to give their cars an edgy makeover.
Batman’s Car in Batman Begins:
Nothing less of spectacular can work for the Batman. Christopher Nolan is quite a perfectionist who was not at all satisfied with the design or looks of previous Batmobiles used in similar type of movies. It was his idea to get a brand new car designed by the production unit. Three different cars have been used to make this iconic Hollywood car. Parts of a tank, a Lamborghini and a Hummer have been mixed to get the perfection.
The James Bond Car:
The Bond with the best can never settle for anything less. The secret service agent’s iconic car is equipped with all sort of stunning gadgets and is compatible with all sorts of dangerous circumstances. The Aston Martin DB5 has been used for this purpose and it packs a neat punch. This is a dream car for many car lovers because of its arrogant and dangerous appeal.
‘Grease’-1948 Ford Deluxe:
This oldie Hollywood movie stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton John. The Ford Deluxe in bright red hue and white design does not fail to impress us. It is a musical and the car is a part of some of the musical numbers.
‘Christine’-1958 Plymouth Fury:
The car is definitely a central character of this movie. It is the killer of this movie and looks stunning throughout. The red, sleek Plymouth Fury performed well and grabbed a permanent place in our memory though the movie failed at the box office.
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Five car dashboards you will find strikingly strange
Most of the people are used to drive their old and routine cars that have traditionally arranged dashboards. If you are one of them and feel that dashboards cannot become more creative, check out some of the strangest dashboards that could instantly strike your thoughts.
1972 Maserati Boomerang concept: While driving, did you always want every driving support instrument within the reach of your hands? If yes, then this concept dashboard provides you exactly the same. You will find all instruments arranged inside this car’s steering wheel. Displayed at various international motor shows, this vehicle (made operational in 1972) had been highly appreciated for its audacity. With a 4.7-liter V8 engine, this powerful vehicle could gain a top speed of 300 km/h.
1988 Pontiac Banshee: With a head-up display in three dimensions, this concept car was built in 1988. However, it used the kind of technology that made it a futuristic vehicle. It had electronic gauges and other high-tech comforts and gadgetry installed on its dashboard.
1982 Lancia Orca: Back in 1982, one could not think of digitizing a car dashboard. However, this vehicle had an amazingly designed, sparkling digital dashboard at that time. This digital dashboard could give you all the required details clearly and concisely on a neat display screen.
2002 Fiat Multipla: Some people might find this car dashboard ugly, but its exteriors are worth noting. It was not without a reason that this car was voted as the “Family Car of the Year” by the Top Gear Magazine. This title was awarded to Fiat Multipla for a continuous period of four years. This happened due to its dashboard features that were surprising friendly to families.
K.I.T.T. replica: If you remember the famous 80’s television series, Knight Rider, you would also remember a computerized talking car from this series. This was the famous K.I.T.T. car. In 1984, a Canadian fan built a replica of this car by modifying its features. This was called Pontiac Trans Am, which included all flashy lights and buttons on its dashboard. The new additions included a modern MP3 player and LCD screens.
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Top five sedans you can buy under $25,000
If you are looking for a good sedan for your family or regular commuting needs but have a limited budget, then you do not need to worry about it anymore. Several stylish options in the sedan segment are available at a sticker price less than $25,000. Check out the top five sedans that can be purchased in a cost-effective manner.
1. 2013 Honda Accord: With an upgrade in its technologies and style, the latest Honda Accord has appeared with a fresh design. This car has some new and innovative features. It also shows-off a sporty look. The new Honda Accord is available at a price of $22,470.
2. 2013 Volkswagen Passat: Coming at a price tag of $21,640, this European-style sedan looks really classy. Volkswagen Passat is a wonderful option if you are looking for more space inside the car. Its interiors are quite roomy and interesting. This is one of the best options for a sedan under $25,000.
3. 2014 Mazda MAZDA6: This midsize sedan has the ability to touch your heart and soul with its super-stylish and sleek design. You would simply fall in love with its driving dynamics. This sedan is also highly fuel-efficient. To go on frequent long drives is no more a costly affair with the 2014 Mazda MAZDA6 sedan. This sedan can be yours for $21,785.
4. 2013 Nissan Altima: For a powerful and highly efficient engine, go for a sporty-style Nissan Altima. This redesigned sedan comes at a price of $22,550. In addition, it will save you a lot on fuel charges. This midsize sedan also features innovative interiors. The company has worked with NASA to design comfortable seats for this vehicle.
5. 2013 Ford Fusion: Another sedan that can be available within your price range is the all-new Ford Fusion. It can be purchased at a starting price of $22,495. This car is also very spacious and suitable for small families. It is available in different versions that are plug-in, hybrid and gas. This sedan has an impressive style and cool dynamics. Thus, you have a great choice in the form of this redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion.
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Five cars with the coolest designed covers
Some people make really cool and crazy choices, especially when it is about their cars. While many owners opt to make their car interiors look unique, others cover the exteriors with cool designs and materials. Check out some of the coolest covered cars that could appeal any car lover.
1. Crystal-covered car: If you always wanted a million-dollar car, then this SL 600 Benz is worth giving a glance to. Displayed at a world car exhibition, this vehicle is all studded with Swarovski crystal glass. There are 300,000 crystals used to cover the whole car. This stunning cover has made this regular SL 600 Benz worth one million dollars.
2. Seat belt-covered car: You would be amazed to see this uniquely thought covering on a 60’s MG Midget car. The car was simply parked in the backyard of two American artists who were working on a recycling and sustainability project. Under this project, they decided to give their car a fresh woven look that became possible by using more than 500 yards of seat belt material. Seat belt material was woven to cover the car in such a way that it looked like a beautifully crafted mat. The woven body was bolted to the metallic body of the car.
3. Car toy-covered car: Can you imagine 4,500 toy cars running on a huge car’s body? This would exactly be the scene when you take a look at the Ford Capri car, which has been given a covering by an artist, James R. Ford. You would feel as if this car does not have any more parking spaces left to accommodate more toy cars.
4.Chocolate-covered car: Would it not be cool to express your love with a special car wrapped in chocolate? A car dealer in China had the same thought while creating this chocolate VW Beetle. Seven people were assigned to wrap this car using a cling film and then covering it with 200-kg melted chocolate. The chocolate car was later displayed on the Valentine’s Day.
5. Keyboard key-covered car: A very cool cover has been given to a car by sticking innumerable keyboard keys on its body. Every geek would undoubtedly love this wonderfully covered car.
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Top five cars that can make you feel unsafe
Safety must be a priority for every vehicle manufacturer. It is important that a driver feels safe inside his/her car even while driving under adverse conditions. The car should be tough enough to withstand bad weather conditions and should be installed with proper safety equipment to fight accidental situations. As passenger safety is one of the top considerations for car buyers or owners, safety complaints have been made against several car models. Check out a few of these cars with the most safety complaints.
1. Mini: This car brand has received the maximum number of complaints per 100,000 sold vehicles. This trend has been continuing since 2005. The company has sold around 350,000 cars over this long period of eight years. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received more than 425 complaints for Mini cars within a single year (2012). Major complaints are regarding seat belts, airbags, power trains and steering wheels. The most common problem was of steering and the most complaints were received for Mini Cooper.
2. Jeep: There were nearly 2,035 complaints registered for Jeep cars last year. Over 10% of these complaints involved the malfunctioning of various different components. There were problems with Jeep hardware, fuel and exhaust systems, power trains, interior electronics, axles, steering components, and chassis suspensions. The Jeep model receiving the maximum number of complaints was Wrangler.
3. Chrysler: Considering the huge sales of 2.86 million cars since 2005 and over an eight-year period, the number of complaints against Chrysler also seems to be significantly high. The brand attracted nearly 1,165 complaints last year. Its major problems were regarding exhaust or fuel systems and power trains. Chrysler Town & Country received the most safety complaints.
4. Dodge: This brand received 2,300 safety complaints last year and the most complaints belonged to its Grand Caravan model. This car model failed on the interior hardware and electronics factor.
5. Nissan: This brand received nearly 2,485 complaints last year. It also had low customer loyalty as compared to various other car brands. The most safety complaints were made for the Altima car from Nissan.
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Top five cars that take inspiration from Halloween
If you are a conqueror of fear and love creepy or terrifying stuff, then the Halloween festival would surely inspire you. If you also love your car, then your car might also get inspired from Halloween. Does it sound strange? It is not that bizarre anymore. Here are some cars that truly take their inspiration from Halloween and can give you a creepy feel. Check them out.
1. ‘Halloween punishes the sinner’ car: This Chevy car was badly damaged in an accident and got broken in an unusual manner. Thus, it was given a deadly look by a designer. Its look depicts how Halloween punishes a person who commits a sin. A dead person, whose one hand is hanging out of the dickey of the car, could make anybody scared badly. Even if you are bold enough, you might want to get away for a moment once you see this scary vehicle.
2. ‘Vrbanus’ car: This Halloween-inspired car would suit your taste if you were going to dress up like an innocent or soft witch on the occasion of Halloween. This kind of a witch does not intend to kill a person, but simply remains conscious about her looks, fashion and beauty. The same is depicted by the Vrbanus car, which is so horribly glamorous and fashionable.
3. ‘Carnage’ car: After looking at this car, you would feel as if it has committed several murders. Its windscreen is deliberately kept very clean so the signs of brutal killing could easily be made prominent on its hood. This zombie murderer looks quite horrifying.
4. ‘Skeleton’ car: This is such a Halloween-inspired car that only shows its necessary bony parts. Its hollow anatomy gives it a creepy skeletal look.
5. ‘Lotus Halloween’ car: If you are not much interested in the dangerous and scary part of Halloween, then this is the right car for you. The company called Lotus has created a lovely pumpkin-style car that everyone in your family would love to own. This displays the sweeter side of Halloween. Even children would find it cute.
Vrbanus’ car
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Top five cars that give you the best resale value
While purchasing a new car, many buyers are also concerned about its resale value over the next three to five years. Usually, there are several calculations done to estimate the resale value of a car after a specific time. Some important factors considered to make these complex calculations include historical data, financial predictions, market competition, brand value, and demand for a particular brand and model. If you would also want to sell your car after a few years, make your selection based on similar factors. However, for a quick choice, you might like to check out the following cars considered favorites for providing the best resale value.
1. Ford Focus S: This car is the best choice if you want to purchase a low-budget vehicle. It has an average sticker price of approximately $16,670 and offers a great resale value that could average around 62% after three years of purchase and 45% after five years of purchase. You would not find a higher resale value for any other car in the same class as Ford Focus S.
2. Mini Cooper Coupe S: Moving to another sticker price range of $25,000 to $30,000, Mini Cooper Coupe S could be the best choice in terms of resale value. Available at an average price of $24,500, this car can fetch you nearly 68% of resale value after three years of purchase and 53% after five years of purchase. Its creative styling is the major factor contributing to its demand and resale value.
3. Audi A7 3.0 Premium Plus: Among expensive cars that cost more than $50,000, the best choice would be Audi A7 3.0 Premium Plus. This vehicle costs a little over $62,000 and can offer a resale value of 58% after three years of purchase and 41% after five years of purchase.
4. Ford Mustang V6 coupe: If you are more interested in purchasing a sports car, go for this Ford model, as it would give you a resale value of around 63% after three years of purchase and 46% after five years of purchase. Its average sticker price would be a little over $22,000.
5. Honda Odyssey LX: Among minivans, this Honda car stands out with a high resale value of around 51% after three years of purchase and 40% after five years of purchase. The car would originally cost you nearly $28,000.
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