Saturday, August 31, 2013

Fisker Karma

Fisker at speed in the fog trimmed.jpg
ManufacturerFisker Automotive
Production2011-2012
AssemblyUusikaupunki, Finland by Valmet Automotive
ClassFull-size luxury car
Body style4-door sedan
Layoutfront engine, rear wheel drive
Combustion engine2.0 litres (120 cu in) Turbocharged Ecotec VVT DI LNF I4
Electric motortwo 120 kW (161 hp) motors, and 479 N·m torque[1]each
Transmission1-speed Prundletronic
DrivetrainSeries hybrid. The two electric motors drive the rear wheels through a limited slip differential, with a final drive ratio of 4:1.[2]
Battery20.1 kWh (72.4 MJ) lithium-ion battery[2]
Range230 mi (370 km)[3]
Electric range32 mi (51 km)[3] (EPA)
83 km (52 mi)[4] (TÜV)
Plug-in charging3.3 kW (220 V 15 A as for UK) on-board charger on IEC Type 1 inlet (SAE-J1772-2009)
Wheelbase124.4 in (3,160 mm)
Length195.67 in (4,970 mm)
Width78.11 in (1,984 mm)
Height51.57 in (1,310 mm)
Curb weight5,300 lb (2,400 kg)
RelatedVL Destino
DesignerHenrik Fisker

Most Expensive Cars In The World: Top 10 List 2013-2014

The 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe was sold for $8.7 million in 1987. That and many others won’t be included in this list, they are no longer available in the market.
If you can afford it, you would probably invest a small fraction of that on a bevy of supercars for your garage. Here are 10 of the most expensive street legal production cars on the market (at least 2 available); concept cars are not included.
World's Most Expensive Cars:
1. Lamborghini Veneno $3,900,000. The Veneno gets you from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 2.8 seconds allowing you to hit a top speed of 221 mph. Only three cars are being made available every year. If you want to own this hyper-supercar, you will have to be placed on a waiting list along with other aficionados.

2. Bugatti Veyron Super Sports $2,400,000. This is by far the most expensive street legal production car available on the market today (the base Veyron costs $1,700,000). Capable of reaching 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds, the Veyron is the fastest street legal car when tested again on July 10, 2010 with the 2010 Super Sport Version reaching a top speed of 267 mph (430 km/h). When competing against a Bugatti Veyron, you better be prepared!
Bugatti Veyron: Most Expensive Car in The World
There is a tie for #3!
3. Aston Martin One-77 $1,850,000. The name "One-77" says it all: beauty and power in One, limited to 77 units. With 750 hp, it is able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with a maximum speed of 220 mph (354 km/h).
Very expensive and sexy car
3. Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster $1,850,000. One of the most exotic cars out there is also one of the most expensive. It can go from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph (349 km/h).
We have another tie for 4th place:
4. Lamborghini Reventon $1,600,000. The most powerful and the most expensive Lamborghini ever built takes third place on the list. It reaches 60 mph in 3.3 seconds from 0, to go with a top speed of 211 mph (339 km/h). Its rare (limited to 20) and slick design are reasons why it is expensive and costly to own.
Lamborghini Reventon side view
4. Koenigsegg Agera R $1,600,000. The Agera R goes from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 260 mph (418 km/h). It is capable of reaching 270 mph, but this supercar is electronically limited to 235 mph (378 km/h). You will need to sign a waiver, only then does the company unlock the speed limiter.
5. Maybach Landaulet $1,380,000. The Landaulet is the most expensive sedan on the market and it can go from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It is one the most luxurious cars ever made, this comes with a convertible roof that fully opens at the rear. This Maybach is made especially for CEOs and Executives who have their own personal driver.

6. Zenvo ST1 $1,225,000. Able to reach 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 233 mph (375 km/h). The Zenvo ST1 is from a new Danish supercar company that will compete to be the best in speed and style. The ST1 is limited to 15 units and the company even promised "flying doctors" to keep your car running.

7. Hennessey Venom GT Spyder $1,100,000. What makes the 2013 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder is its price tag, a compelling 1.1 million dollars. There is no other convertible in the world today that can match-up with this car. Not to mention that it goes from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds.

8. McLaren F1 $970,000. In 1994, the McLaren F1 was the fastest and most expensive car. Even though it was built more than 15 years ago, it still has an unbelievable top speed of 240 mph (386 km/h) and reaching 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Even today, the McLaren F1 is still top on the list and outperforms other supercars.
McLaren F1 Orange with doors open
9. Ferrari Enzo $670,000. The most popular supercar ever built. The Enzo has a top speed of 217 mph (349 km/h) and able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Only 400 were produced and it is currently being sold for over $1,000,000 at auctions.
Ferrari Enzo track run front view
10. Pagani Zonda C12 F $667,321. Produced by a small independent company in Italy, the Pagani Zonda C12 F is the 8th most expensive car in the world. It promises to deliver a top speed of 215 mph (346 km/h) and go from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Pagani Zonda C12 F: 2nd Most Expensive Car in the World

2014 Maserati Ghibli

The Quattroporte has a little brother with the arrival of the 2014 Maserati Ghibli. Rumors' concerning the new sedan from the automaker has circulated for the past few years and are now a reality. The Ghibli has been built on the same platform as big brother, but exhibits its own sportier characteristics.
The addition of this model to the Maserati line is a milestone given that this will be the first time ever that they offer two 4 door sedans. Although specific pricing has not been revealed, industry experts it may begin at $70,000.
2014-Maserati-Ghibli-trident-prominent-A

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SedanEstimated Base Price: $70,000.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gals (80 L)MPG: 17 city / 33 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 195.7 in. (497.1 cm)Wheel Base: 118 in. (299.8 cm)
Height: 57.5 in. (146.1 cm)Width: 76.6 in. (194.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 3990 lbs (1810 kg)Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 17.7 cu ftMaximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 3.0 Liter V6 Twin TurboCompression Ratio: 9.7: 1
Horsepower: 326 HPMax RPM: 5000 RPM
Torque: 370 lb-ft @ 4500 rpmTransmission: 8-Speed ZF*
0-60 mph: 5.6 secondsMaximum Speed: 163 mph (263 km/h)
*"The Ghibli benefits from the potential of a next-generation eight-speed ZF automatic transmission..."
Engine & Performance
You will not be disappointed when you look under the hood of the Maserati Ghibli. The standard engine is a 3.0 liter turbo, V6 distributing 330 HP. This engine will take you from 0-62 MPH in 5.6 seconds. You won't have to stop for fuel often with this car, it is rated to consume less than 29 miles to the gallon.
The "S" edition Ghibli will include a twin turbo partner to the above motor, upping the horsepower to 410 and allowing you to go 0-62 mph even 5.0 seconds! A diesel version is also be expected.
All the engines will be paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission and you will have the choice between rear wheel drive and the all new "Q4" all wheel system.
2014-Maserati-Ghibli-profile B
Exterior
The first thing noticeable about the Maserati Ghibli is the front end with its cat-like appearance. Similar to the Quattroporte the combination of the headlamp housing and front grille looks like a hungry panther or cougar ready to strike at its prey.
The prestigious Maserati emblem adorns the center and the wide bottom air intake adds character. The rear of the Ghibli has a more subtle rear spoiler and the exhaust is made up of oval pipes versus the trapezoidal displayed on Maserati's "other" 4 door sedan.
The wheelbase is 117.7 inches and it is 195.66 inches in overall length. The side front fender has the customary grille vents and the vehicle stands well on its 18 inch spoke wheels, but you can opt up to 21 inches in one inch increments.
Interior
The inside of the 2014 Ghibli is everything you would expect from the Italian manufacturer of esteemed sports and luxury cars. The Ghibli presents a new dashboard design completely unique from the Quattroporte.
In general, the interior has a youthful look without sacrificing the luxury of your typical Maserati. Along with the top quality leather seats and carbon fiber inserts, a wide array of technical gadgetry awaits you.

Most Fuel Efficient Sports Cars: Top 10 List

Even though fuel efficiency isn't the first thing on a buyer's mind when purchasing a high performance sports car, these days with the skyrocketing costs of oil and energy conservation regulations, more sports cars are being made to operate on less fuel. Even though there are others cars on the market, we put together a list of some of the more popular and highly rated sports cars that rank high with fuel efficiency.
1) 2010 BMW 128 i: MPG-18 city/28 highway (starting at $30,000) The Germans are considered superior in the sports car department and that still continues to be true with the 2010 BMW 128 i. A bit expensive for a sedan, the superior performance and excellent gas mileage puts this car on the list for Top Ten Most Fuel Efficient Sports Cars.
2) 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK300: MPG-19 city/26 highway (starting at $42,000) Offering superior performance and great looks as expected is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK300. Even with 228 horse power decent fuel economy can be had with this beautiful car.
3) 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera: MPG-19 city/27 highway (starting at $75,000) The iconic teardrop shaped 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera still carries the same appeal that it always has. This fast sports car even has a place on the Top Ten List for fuel efficient cars with its progressive design and fine lines.
4) 2010 Porsche Cayman: MPG: 20 city/29 highway (starting at $60,000) For 2010, the Porsche Cayman was updated with 20 more horsepower but still maintains great fuel efficiency. Offering superior handling and driving performance, the Cayman is sure to provide some of the most memorable driving experiences that any car can offer.

5) 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse: MPG: 20 city/28 highway (starting at $20,000) One of the more affordable sports cars on this list is the Mitsubishi Eclipse. The sporty looks of this car are sure to turn heads when driving around town and you will also feel good knowing you’re saving some gas with 20 miles to the gallon.

6) 2010 Porsche Boxster: MPG: 20 city/29 highway (starting at $47,000) This sporty two seat convertible offers a fun ride while saving money on fuel. With a compact ride, excellent handling, and superior comfort, the 2010 Porsche Boxster is sure to impress.

7) 2010 Audi TT Roadster: MPG: 21 city/29 highway (starting at $40,800) The Audi TT Roadster is a compact sports car offering superior handling and extreme comfort while dominating the roads offering one of the most memorable rides of any car on the market.

8 ) 2010 Pontiac G6: MPG-22 city/30 highway (starting at $21,000) The 2010 Pontiac G6 is one of the more affordable cars on this list with its sporty looks and high fuel efficiency. Never sacrificing quality and performance, Pontiac comes through with a new look and many options to fit your needs with the G6.

9) 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata: MPG: 22 city/28 highway (starting at $23,000) The Mazda MX-5 is a relatively small sports car that packs a punch. Now in its 20th year, the Mazda can be purchased with a soft top or power retractable hard top so you can enjoy that fresh air while taking this car for a spin.

10) 2010 Audi A5 Cabriolet: MPG: 23 city/30 highway (starting at $42,000) The Audi A5 has been rated by some experts as being the most beautiful 2-door car on the market. The progressive design and high performance engine are sure to get you where you need to go while saving a little fuel in the process.

Best Fuel Efficient Cars 2013-2014 – Top 10 List

Most Exotic Cars & Car Makers in the World: Top 10 List

What is an exotic car? It is rare, a work of art, a collectible. An exotic car is one that is extremely unique. It may perform at a high level compared to contemporary sports cars. To drive one of these would change your view of how cars should be made.
The following is a list of exotic cars & its manufacturers. Exotics often begin with a vision in mind, it comes from dreams, with intent and purpose, and swagger. That is what an exotic car is, when someone puts to reality a vision.
1. Ferrari - the spirit of Ferrari began with Enzo Ferrari who was an advent racer. The foundation of Ferrari marked the start of a burst of a frenetic sporting activity. This spurred the creation of powerful, exotic cars that are characteristic of Ferrari today. Because the visions behind Ferrari were one of the first innovators of exotic supercars, it deserves #1 for Best Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: Ferrari Enzo, Ferrari 599 GTB, Ferrari California, Ferrari 459 Italia, Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, Ferrari F430
2. Lamborghini - the founder of Lamborghini made his name building farm equipment. He owned a Ferrari but noticed that he had to keep replacing the clutch. To his surprise, his own farm equipment clutches were better replacements. Thus, the beginning of the rivalry between Ferrari and Lamborghini was born. The spirit of competition spurred continual innovation over the years, bringing ever-improved exotic cars every year. However, the power of the original idea belongs to Ferrari. As #2, Lamborghini is only behind Ferrari in the popularity of its innovations.
Pictures Above: Lamborghini Reventon, Lamborghini Furia, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lamborghini Murcielago
3. Bugatti - a 21st century “harmony of design and technology.” The heritage of Ettore Bugatti is the heart of impressive technical design and exterior beauty. This can be seen in Bugatti’s signature supercar, the exotic Veyron. Ettore Bugatti sometimes made technical compromises for the sake of aesthetic integrity. This is a very gutsy vision of exotic cars, one which can only belong to the #3 contender.
Pictures Above: Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

4. Pagani - Horacio Pagani originally teamed up with Lamborghini, doing composite research for them in 1988. The company was called “Pagani Composite Research.” In the late ‘80s Pagani wanted to start building his own car, which was coded as the “C8 Project.” The C8 would later be named the Fangio F1 in commemoration of the F1 champion, Juan Manuel Fangio. For its amazing designs, Pagani is the #4 Most Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: Pagani Huayra, Pagani Zonda, Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster, Pagani Zonda Roadster
5. Aston Martin - Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford found Aston Martin together in 1913. They had been in Callow Street, London selling cars made by Singer under the company name “Bamford & Martin.” After Martin raced cars at Aston Hill, the pair decided to start making their own cars. With Aston Martin’s eye-opening cars, it would be the #5 Most Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Aston Martin DBS, Aston Martin V12 Zagato Race, Aston Martin V8 Vantage
6. Mclaren - The Mclaren heritage rests upon the legendary soul of Bruce Mclaren, who was born in New Zealand in 1937 and passed away in 1970 while testing one of his cars. A sickly child with Perthes Disease, Bruce Mclaren went on to become a world class international motor racing driver, engineer and designer whose name is still used in Formula 1 motor racing today. Bruce’s success in the international racing scene was all about team work, and even today his contributions are remembered. His spirit is reflected in the exotic cars of Mclaren, which is the #6 Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: McLaren F1, McLaren MP4-12C
7. Bentley - after a stint of making airplane engines in WWI, Bentley went on to make exotic cars. This venture was short-lived as Bentley was bought out by Rolls-Royce from 1930 to 1982. It was slowly revived as Volkswagen bought Rolls-Royce and Bentley in 1998. VW invested nearly one-billion dollars to get Bentley up and running again. From 2006 onwards Bentley became bent on producing ever-faster exotic sedans. For its strong spirit of endurance, Bentley is tied for #7.
Pictures Above: Bentley Continental GTC, Bentley Azure T, Bentley Arnage, Bentley Continental Flying Spur

7. Rolls-Royce -
the name derives from the surnames of the company founders, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. With a strong global engineering operation, Rolls-Royce maintains a vision of setting new standards and creating the “best car in the world.” With a strong heritage and work ethic, Rolls-Royce is tied for the #7 Most Exotic Car Maker in the world.
Pictures Above: Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Rolls-Royce Ghost
8. Maybach - Maybach holds a track record of manufacturing military engines. However it did not see light after WWII. In 2003 the sleeping beauty awoke with a new line of exotic cars, including the 57 and 62. With its luxurious cars, Maybach sits at #8.
Pictures Above: Maybach Exelero, Maybach 62, Maybach 57

9. Shelby SuperCars (SSC) -
the vision of founder Jerod Shelby was to produce the perfect car. Growing up as a kart racer, his dream began at an early age and never ceased. Shelby not only wished to participate in the market but also to excel and redefine it. He learned that the key to winning was in the smaller details which fabricated a complete larger image. SSC gets #9 for Most Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: SSC Ultimate Aero
10. Koenigsegg - this Swede exotic supercar maker thrived on the dream of Christian von Koenigsegg to make the perfect supercar. The company is rather young compared to other exotic car makers, having only launched in 1993. Its staff consists of a dedicated group of enthusiasts who had connections to the Swedish car industry and the universities. Koenigsegg is the #10 Most Exotic Car Maker.
Pictures Above: Koenigsegg CCX, Koenigsegg CCR, Koenigsegg Agera