Worlds Top 10 Fastest Cars (Part-1)

Barabus TKR

Aston Martin Vanquish S 200mph+, 0-62mph 4.8 secs

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano 205mph+, 0-62mph 3.7 secs

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren “722 Edition” 209mph, 0-62mph 3.6 secs

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 211mph, 0-62 3.4 seconds

Worlds Top 10 Fastest Cars (Part-2)

Pagani Zonda C12 F 214mph, 0-62mph 3.5 secs

Gumpert Apollo 224mph, 0-62mph 3.0 secs

Bristol Fighter T 225mph+, 0-62mph 3.5 secs

Koenigsegg CCX 245mph+, 0-62mph 3.2 secs

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron 253mph+, 0-62mph 2.5 secs

Interesting Car Facts

Top fuel dragsters accelerate at up to 5g from standing start. The nitromethane injection produces 6000 BHP.

The fastest time for removing a car engine, and replacing it is 42 seconds for a Ford Escort, on 21 November 1985.

An airbag moves up to 4500 mph within a second when triggered. A force of 200g is generated. They are designed to explode at an impact speed of 19 mph. The bag inflates within 40 milliseconds of a crash.

The Ferrari Formula 1 team is unique in the fact that it produces both chassis and engines for its cars.

Ferrari makes a maximum of 14 cars every day.

There were only 107 models of the Ford GT40 made of which only 7 were road cars.

The Worlds longest traffic hold-up was 110 miles long, between Paris and Lyon on the French Autoroute in 1980. A more recent contender for the title was a 100 mile long traffic Jam, near Hamburg in Germany in 1993.

The first known automobile was built in 1668, it was a two foot long steam powered model constructed by Ferdinand Verbiest, a Belgian Jesuit preist.

Luxembourg has the most crowded roads in Europe with 570 cars per 1,000 people.

The first car race ever seen in the United States was held in Chicago in 1895. The track ran from Chicago to Evanston. The winner was J. Frank Duryea, whose average speed was 71.5 miles per hour.

In 1924 a Ford automobile cost $265.

The first auto insurance policy is purchased in Westfield, MA, in 1897.

How To Save Car Gas

18 Tips for Saving Money on Gasoline

Gas prices are on the rise. Here are some tips to help you conserve gas and save money as we approach summer gas prices.

1. Keep your car tuned up. Cars in poor running condition use more gasoline.
2. Plan trips well to avoid unnecessary driving.
3. When you run your air conditioner you get much worse gas mileage. Use your air conditioner sparingly. If you have a lower setting, use it. Turn it on until the car gets cool, then turn it off and let the fan circulate the cool air. Never run your air conditioner with your windows open!
4. Keep your windows closed when traveling at high speeds. Open windows cause additional drag and lower your gas mileage. At high speeds, an open window can use more gas than many air conditioners (especially if they are on a low setting).
5. Check your tire pressure. Over-inflated tires can actually reduce your fuel efficiency, so don't overfill.
6. If at all possible, change your work start time to avoid gridlock. Stop and go traffic hurts your gas mileage.
7. Take unneeded items out of the car. You don't need to carry snow chains around with you in the summertime. Just make sure to put them back in when winter comes around.
8. Try not to idle your engine for long periods of time. If you are stuck in traffic and you don't think you are going to go anywhere in the next five minutes, you may want to turn your car off.
9. You no longer need to warm your car up for long periods of time, especially new cars. New cars are made to run when cold.
10. Don't travel at fast speeds in low gears unless you need the compression to slow down.
11. Try to drive the speed limit.
12. Try to accelerate slowly when leaving the stop light. It's not a competition with the driver in the lane next to you. The fastest person through the intersection just gets to spend more on gas.
13. No need to buy the highest priced gasoline. Most cars are built to run on regular unleaded. Check you owners manual or consult a mechanic. I have had many tell me that the more expensive gas is a waste of money.
14. Revving the engine needlessly wastes gas. There is no need to rev before you turn your vehicle off.
15. If at all possible, try to arrange car pools with co-workers to share the cost of commuting to work.
16. Walk, bike or run to your intended location whenever possible.
17. When the price is sky high, don't fill up. Wait for the price to go down before you fill up your tank. Filling up your tank when the price is peaking lets gas companies know that you are willing to pay ridiculous prices for gasoline.
18. And last, the biggest and most important step towards saving money on gas is always try to purchase vehicles that get good gas mileage. The difference between 20 miles-per-gallon and 40 miles-per-gallon is huge.

Hyundai Elantra -2009-

The Elantra is a compact sedan by Korean automaker Hyundai, aimed at the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Now in its fourth generation, the Elantra received a complete redesign for the 2007 model year.
The new Elantra is wider and taller than its predecessor. Increasing the height 2.2 inches and moving the driver's seating position up 1.8 inches opened up the cabin for more room and flexibility. Two inches of added width deliver more front and rear shoulder room as well.Hyundai's 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine powers Elantra. This sophisticated 16-valve powerplant employs an aluminum cylinder head that features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT). The combination helps give the engine a very broad power spread, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions.The ULEV variation is rated at an estimated 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm. SULEV engines are available only with a four-speed automatic transmission, and are rated at an estimated 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 133 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm.The Elantra comes standard with a five-speed manual gearbox.
A four-speed automatic with a new gated console-mounted floor shifter is available as an option and includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at freeway speeds.All Elantra models have six standard airbags, including two front airbags, two front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and two side curtain airbags protecting front- and rear-seat passengers.Elantra's standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash during rear collisions by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant's head and the head restraint during a rear collision.The Elantra is available in two distinctive trim levels: GLS and SE.Elantra GLSStandard features include: ABS, four-wheel disc brakes, power heated mirrors, power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry with alarm and trunk release, variable intermittent windshield wipers, multiple storage areas, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, tachometer, tinted windows, two 12V outlets and tilt steering wheel. The "Popular Equipment" package adds air conditioning, a 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with tweeters and in-glass antenna, windshield shade band, fog lights, cruise control, and dual front illuminated vanity mirrors with sunvisor extensions. A power sunroof is also an available option.Elantra SEThe sport-oriented SE adds all the equipment in the GLS Popular Equipment package plus Electronic Stability Control and Brake Assist, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather shift knob, telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls and trip computer. The SE "Premium" package adds a power sunroof and heated front seats. The SE "Premium + Leather" package includes everything in the Premium Package plus leather seating surfaces. In addition to the available gray two-tone, the SE is also available in a sporty monotone black interior.

Honda S2000 (2009 Model)

Equipped with a high-performance engine, slick-shifting transmission and racing-inspired chassis, Honda's S2000 roadster caters to the enthusiast.
If you don't get this impression from the outside, just plop yourself into the well-bolstered driver's seat and grip the fat small-diameter leather-wrapped steering wheel. All essential vehicle controls are centered around the steering wheel, within a finger's stretch away. You can access most of them without taking your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road.Since its launch in 1999, the S2000 has been best known for its high-revving powerplant, a 2.2-liter four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and a lofty 7,800 rpm redline.This engine has been acclaimed for its high horsepower per liter of displacement (at 107.7 it easily breaks through the remarkable threshold of 100), especially because Honda's engineers accomplished this without the aid of turbocharging or supercharging. The S2000's engine is normally aspirated.While these engine specs are great for high performance on the track, they make the S2000 a bit temperamental to live with on a daily basis, with the stop-and-go traffic of city roads. However, it used to be worse, before 2004, when the engine was smaller and more high-strung (a smaller 2.0-liter with more horses, less torque and still high redline).The S2000's power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. With the engine up front and drive wheels out back, Honda was able to achieve a near 50-50 weight distribution, ideal for handling dynamics.Another feature that greatly helps handling is the vehicle's rigid X-bone monocoque frame.New for 2008, the Club Racer or CR version boasts features that make it highly suitable for, as the name suggests, club racing events. It has a stiffer suspension, quicker steering ratio, larger rear tires, aggressive aerodynamic kit, removable aluminum hard-top and more.To shave off 100 pounds in weight and thus further enhance performance, air conditioning and a stereo are options on the CR, and the spare tire has been replaced by a tire-repair kit.

2009 FIA Formula One World Championship Race Calender

• FORMULA 1 ING AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX (Melbourne) 27 - 29 Mar 02 2009


• FORMULA 1 PETRONAS MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX (Kuala Lumpur) 03 - 05 Apr 03 2009


• FORMULA 1 CHINESE GRAND PRIX (Shanghai) 17 - 19 Apr 04 2009


• FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX (Sakhir) 24 - 26 Apr 05


• FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE ESPANA TELEFONICA 2009 (Catalunya) 08 - 10 May 06


• FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2009 (Monte Carlo) 21 - 24 May 07 2009


• FORMULA 1 ING TURKISH GRAND PRIX (Istanbul) 05 - 07 Jun 08 2009


• FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX (Silverstone) 19 - 21 Jun 09


• FORMULA 1 GROSSER PREIS SANTANDER VON DEUTSCHLAND 2009 (Nürburgring) 10 - 12 Jul 10


• FORMULA 1 ING MAGYAR NAGYDIJ 2009 (Budapest) 24 - 26 Jul 11 2009


• FORMULA 1 TELEFONICA GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE (Valencia) 21 - 23 Aug 12 2009


• FORMULA 1 ING BELGIAN GRAND PRIX (Spa-Francorchamps) 28 - 30 Aug 13


• FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO SANTANDER D'ITALIA 2009 (Monza) 11 - 13 Sep 14 2009


• FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX (Singapore) 25 - 27 Sep 15 2009


• FORMULA 1 FUJI TELEVISION JAPANESE GRAND PRIX (Suzuka) 02 - 04 Oct 16


• FORMULA 1 GRANDE PREMIO DO BRASIL 2009 (Sao Paulo) 16 - 18 Oct 17 2009


• FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX (Yas Marina Circuit) 30 Oct - 01 Nov

Ford Edge (2009 Car)

Now in its second model year of production, the Mazda 6-based Ford Edge is one of three replacements in Ford's line-up for its defunct minivan. The five-passenger crossover is built in Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex in Canada

Power comes from Ford's venerable, award-winning and powerful 265hp 3.5L V6, mated to a six-speed automatic that was developed specifically for FWD vehicles in conjunction with General Motors. There are three trim levels, just like in 2007, with the only change for 2008 seeing the top-of-the-range SEL Plus renamed to Limited.All wheel drive is optional across the range, with the FWD models getting EPA numbers of 16mpg city / 24mpg highway. AWD models fare slightly worse, at 15 / 22, respectively.Some of the standard features on the Edge SE are all the power goodies, an advanced ABS system, A/C, 17-inch aluminum wheels, four 12V power points, AdvanceTrac® with RSC®, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Six airbags are integrated into all Edge trims, and have helped the CUV earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick designation for 2007.The SEL throws in chrome exhaust tips, fog lamps, a six-CD, MP3-capable sound system with four speakers, automatic headlamps with wiper activation, a Message center with trip computer and compass, leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed and audio controls, aluminum instrument panel finish, unique cloth seats with six-way power driver manual driver lumbar and driver / passenger recline and a Reverse Sensing System.

The Limited adds an Audiophile sound system with nine speakers and six-disc CD / MP3; Dual electronic climate control; Fold-flat six-way power passenger seat; Unique brushed aluminum center stack; EasyFold™ second-row seats; Heated and memory seats and exterior mirrors; Leather-trimmed seats; and a Chrome beltline.Stand-alone options include AWD, Panoramic Vista Roof, a choice of two 18-inch wheels and 20-inch chrome clad wheels. Newly optional for 2008 are the power liftgate, Ford's Sync hands-free communications and entertainment system and a voice-activated navigation system. There is also a Class II Trailer tow / prep package that includes beefier cooling and electrical systems along with the hitch itself. Finally, an interior appearance package gets you red-leather seat inserts and contrasting red stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob.

Nissan Rogue Car (2009)

Based on the Nissan Sentra, the Rogue represents Nissan's first entrant into the compact SUV market. It's about five inches shorter than the Murano, another Nissan midsize crossover.
Power for the Rogue comes from Nissan's familiar 2.5L four-cylinder -- rated at 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available in the Rogue is a CVT.The Rogue is available in two trim levels: the S and SL. The base model is available in front or all-wheel drive and comes with 16 inch wheels and power windows, locks and mirrors. The SL model adds a bit of sport to the Rouge range and boasts 17 inch wheels, body-colored mirrors, a stainless steel exhaust-tip and optional steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The Rogue's compact size also helps it achieve EPA ratings of 22/27 mpg city/highway for front-wheel drive models and 21/26 for all-wheel drive models.Inside, the dashboard is simple and foldable rear and passenger seats provide extra storage space. Optional features include Bluetooth phone capability, heated seats and side mirrors, and a hidden cargo organizer. The electronic stability system is standard, as are antilock brakes with brake assist and side-impact airbags. Expect the Rogue to arrive at dealers in the fall.

BMW M3 Convertible (2009 Car)

The high-performance drop-top follows in the footsteps of the new M3 Coupe and M3 Sedan. Like its solid-roof counterparts, the Convertible is powered by a 4.0 liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The drop-top's main competitors are the Audi RS4 Convertible and the Mercedes CLK 63 AMG.BMW is also using the convertible to debut its seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch transmission. The seven-speed system promises shifting as smooth as a conventional automatic and faster than a manual gearbox or SMG transmission. Of course, customers can still opt for a regular six-speed manual.Apart from the body structure, only the doors, the retractable hardtop, the luggage compartment lid, the windows and the rear lights come from the standard open-air version of the BMW 3-Series. The range of brand-new body components, therefore, is virtually the same as in the M3 Coupe. The rear axle V-bars already featured on the Coupe and Sedan to provide reinforcement have been extended all the way to the side-sills. This configuration enhances chassis stiffness around the rear axle -- critical for a convertible performance car.Like the other M3 models, the Convertible has high-performance brakes to keep the car's massive power in check. The rotors measure 14.2 inches up front and 13.8 inches at the rear.As an option, the new BMW M3 Convertible may be equipped with EDC Electronic Damper Control. Adjusting damper forces electrohydraulically, EDC optimises both the car's vertical vibration behaviour as well as its yaw and roll motion in bends and its dynamic axle load distribution when applying the brakes and when accelerating. The new BMW M3 Convertible is available with a choice of four special M metallic paintwork colors: Melbourne Red metallic, Jerez Black, Interlagos Blue, and the M5/M6-sourced Silverstone.

General Motors Reconsiders going Bankrupt

Remember when the execs over at General Motors were saying that bankruptcy was not an option? They said that there was no way that the company would choose that alternative -- nada, no way, forget about it.
Well, things have steadily become worst for the Detroit auto giant. Now there are some whispers coming from the towers of GM that, yes, bankruptcy is a viable alternative. It appears that it may not have any other choice if the feds don’t give it more money. The Treasury Department has given GM $9.4 billion. And it estimates that the company needs another $5 billion to survive through the first quarter of this year. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports that GM is giving the government two alternatives -- give up billions of more dollars in loans or put the company into what is called debtor-in-possession bankruptcy that will call for the government to give the company billions of dollars financing because that money wouldn’t be available from anywhere else. That could cost the government more than if it just loaned the money without the bankruptcy option. The Journal is also reporting that GM could file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, combine all of its domestic and international assets into a new company and then sell off or liquidate remaining assets in bankruptcy proceedings. This would also allow the company to re-structure agreements with parts suppliers and the union as well as other employees to come up with something that is more favorable for the new company. Our take? We guess it all depends on the business plan GM gives to Congress when it goes up to Capitol Hill to plead for more loan money. Is it bye-bye General Motors as we now know it?

Fuel Cell Cars for Consumers to be Sold in 2050. At the Earliest

During our quest to find alternatives to gasoline we have heard an awful lot about hydrogen powered vehicles. Many say that it will be such technology that will ultimately drive us into the promise land away from dependence on foreign oil and help assure a cleaner environment. Thing is, not many of us have seen any hydrogen cars driving along the highways and byways of the U.S. Where are they?
Oh, they are there. But they are mostly there as concept or tests. For example, there is the Honda FCX Clarity which was introduced in 2008. The car is powered by fuel cells and has a range of 270 miles on a full tank of hydrogen. Its performance ain’t bad either. For example, it goes 0 to 60 in 9.2 seconds. But there aren’t many out there because it is tricky and expensive to make. The car is assembled by hand and Honda has been able to make only 200 of them during the last three years. People say that mass production can’t start until 2018. Then there is the chicken and the egg situation. There is no infrastructure for the distribution of hydrogen. So what comes first, the distribution or the car? Obviously, in this case the distribution is essential for the success of the car. And there’s the rub. Only the states or the federal government can build the infrastructure. And so far it is not there. Many say that we won’t see hydrogen vehicles in any significant numbers until 2050. That’s probably beyond our lifetimes and probably many of yours.

How E85, Ethanol reduce Oil Dependency

A study by the U.S. Sandia National Laboratories and General Motors advocating the production of 90 billion gallons of biofuel a year by 2030 shows that amount is sufficient to replace more than 60 billion of the estimated 180 billion gallons of gasoline that would be expected to be used annually by the year 2030.
The study assumes that 75 billion gallons would be ethanol made from non-food cellulosic feedstock and 15 billion gallons would be ethanol produced from corn. The study used a new tool known as Biofuels Deployment Model (BDM) to determine that 21 billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol could be produced a year by 2022 without losing current crops. The study examined the costs of producing, harvesting, storing and transporting sources of ethanol to newly constructed bio-refineries and it also considered four sources of biofuel production -- agricultural residue, which includes corn stover and wheat straw; forest residue; energy crops such as switchgrass; and short rotation woody crops, including willow and other trees. Our take? We would assume that this study helps prove that ethanol can be produced in sufficient amounts by using sustainable non-food sources. This should settle the controversy that ethanol production should be curbed due to its use of foodstock in its manufacturing. Opponents of ethanol have been pointing to the rising price of food due to the use of foodstock as a reason for its opposition of ethanol.

Adjust Gas Prices to Encourage Alternative Fuels

Here’s a question for the members of Congress and the Obama Administration. How do you encourage the creation of businesses and jobs that produce biofuels as an alternative to gasoline without causing a hardship for drivers who may have to spend more money on filling up the tanks of their cars?
Last summer the price of gasoline was around $4 a gallon. People started to drive less and those in the market for new cars turned more toward smaller, fuel efficient models. Those who advocate fuel conservation point to this as proof that if the price of gasoline was permanently high, then more and more people would be turning to fuel efficient cars and would demand more use of alternative fuels. And this would generate the growth of more and more companies that offer biofuels. Since the fall of gasoline prices, the biofuel industry has been in the tank. Companies are going bankrupt and construction of plants to produce biofuels have been suspended or outright canceled. So how do you encourage the growth of this future vital industry? Many experts say that we should let the free market work its course... with a little bit of help. Some call for a three point plan that would ultimately set up a self-adjusting price floor for gasoline. Here is what they advocate:• Initially, set the price floor of gasoline at $2.50 a gallon. It is said that about 46 percent of fuel sold in the U.S. is a 10 percent blend of ethanol and gasoline and it is said that the cost of this mixture would be a little less than the $2.50 per gallon price floor. • At the end of each day, the average price of pure gasoline should be audited and if it is more than one dollar over the price floor, then the price floor would automatically jump by 25 cents. • Don’t lower the price floor for a period of 10 years. This could provide enough demand for ethanol blended gasoline which will in turn help stimulate the growth of the biofuel industry.

Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG 40th Anniversary Edition

If there was a way to top the CL65, Mercedes-Benz would find a way to do it. But if it wasn't for the German automaker's in-house performance division, AMG, there wouldn't be a CL65 in the first place.
In honor of AMG, an acronym for the two founders' last names and the town where the tuner was created (Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach), the CL65 40th Anniversary Edition celebrates the 1967 birth of one of the most famous three letter combinations in the automotive world. To celebrate the achievement, the now-Mercedes-owned AMG will release a limited-edition model painted in a special Alubeam paint, heretofore used only in show cars. The Alubeam paint designed to give the car a liquid metal gleam that would not otherwise be possible with standard paint. Inside, the CL65 gets two-tone Nappa leather trim and a 'one out of 40' badge. Standard features include ventilated seats, Night View Assist, adaptive cruise control, 14-way seat adjustment, nine airbags, an active and driver-adjustable suspension and Mercedes' latest COMAND audio and navigation system.

Top 10 Best Car Companies !!

Car Companies ..!!

1) Ferrari

2) Ford

3) BMW

4) Mercedes

5) Chevrolet

6) Volkswagen

7) Porsche

8) Rolls-Royce

9) Land Rover

10) Renault

NOTE: Vote Now for Best Car Company in the World ..!! (Left Side of Page)

History of Car Logos !! (2)

Rei Yoshimara, a world-renowned corporate image-creator, designed the Mazda logo. The 'V' represents wings outstretched.The Mitsubishi logo is an integration of two family logos, and originally represented three water chestnuts. It's derived from the three-layer chestnut family crest of Yataro Iwasaki, founder of Tsukumo Shokai, and the three-leaved oak family crest of the Yamanouchi family, from the Tosa Clan. As for the name, it literally means 'three water chestnuts' - Mitsu means three, and Hishi is the word for water chestnut (when there's an 'h' in the middle of a Japanese word, it's often pronounced as a 'b').
Originally the Swallow Sidecar Company, Jaguar gained its new name in 1945, though why this particular animal was chosen is uncertain (though it makes a much better hood ornament than a swallow...). It's thought the leaping jaguar is meant to represent the speed, power, and quickness of the cars.
The three pointed star of Mercedes' logo represents their domination of land, sea, and air. First used on a Daimler in 1909, a laurel wreath was added in 1926 to signify the union with Benz, and was later simplified to the current logo design in 1937.

The Toyota logo is comprised of three ellipses, representing the heart of the customer, the heart of the product, and the ever expanding technological advancements and opportunities that lie ahead. Another interpretation is that it represents the three interlocking aspects of the culture of the company - freedom, team spirit, and progress. Also, in Japanese 'Toyo' means an abundance of, and 'ta' is rice (though the name Toyota was chosen as it was the founder's name, not for its literal meaning). In some Asian cultures, those blessed with an abundance of rice are believe to be blessed with great wealth.

History of Car Logos !! (1)

The four rings in the Audi logo represent the four companies of the Auto-Union consortium of 1932 - DKW, Horch, Wanderer, and Audi. The Audi name (latin for "Hear!") disappeared after WWII, but was revived in1965.

People have mistakenly believed that the BMW logo is a rounded, stylized representation of a spinning propeller blade (the company build military airplane enginges originally). However, it actually predates airplane engine production by more than ten years. The emblem evolved from the Rapp Moternwerke company logo (which later grew into BMW), with colors from the flag of Bavaria incorporated Popular legend has it that the Chevrolet logo was inspired by wallpaper in a French hotel where William C. Durant was staying (the legend says he saw the pattern marching off into infinity as a design on the wallpaper and tore a piece of it off to keep to show to friends and later turn into the company logo). However, his wife says that the bowtie emblem was first seen by her husband in a Virginia newspaper on a vacation around 1912, upon which he told her that the thought it'd be a very good emblem for the Chevrolet (per Chevrolet Pro Management Magazine, October 1986).

The Dodge Ram logo first appeared as a hood ornament in the 1930s, used on both trucks and cars. The Ram was chosen for the image it portrays - sure-footed, King of the Trail.

Henry Ford's right-hand-man, Harold Wills, printed business cars to earn money as a teen, and when Mr. Ford needed a logo, Wills pulled out his old printing set and used a font that he had used for his own cards. The oval was added in 1912, and blue was added for the Model A in 1927

The prancing horse featured on the Ferrari logo was the emblem of Italian WWI flying ace Fancesco Baracca, whose parents persuaded Enzo Ferrari to use the symbol of their late son for his Alfa Romeo race cars. When Ferrari later started his own car company, he continued use of this logo. Note that the logo shown here is technically the logo of the racing team, Scuderia Ferrari, though you will see it appear on the front fenders of many modern road-going Ferraris. The official company logo is the rectangular version encompasing the same prancing horse.

Mitsubishi Lancer (2009)

Mitsubishi's Lancer sedan received a complete redesign for 2008. The car is based on a new global platform that also forms the foundation of the new Mitsubishi Outlander. It has a longer wheelbase and wider track, but slightly shorter overall length than the previous model. It weighs 3,109 lbs.
The new model's more aggressive exterior takes a great deal of inspiration from the popular Concept X show car.
All Lancer models are powered by an all-new 2.0-liter 152 hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine (143 hp PZEV in California) teamed to a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT.

The 2008 Lancer starts at $13,990 for the value-minded DE model. The well-equipped Lancer ES will start at $15,990, and the sporty GTS starts at $17,490.
The new Lancer is the first Mitsubishi in North America to offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is a $900 option on the DE and ES models. On the GTS, the system also features a Sportronic six-step mode with paddle shifters, adding a total of $1,000 to the price tag.

Standard features include power windows and side view mirrors, an anti-theft engine immobilizer, auto-off headlamps with daytime running lights, and an AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability and four speakers. Air conditioning, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and power door locks are optional on the DE.

The ES has more features, including 16-inch alloy wheels, color-keyed door handles and mirrors, and a chrome grille surround. Other standard equipment includes: air conditioning, split folding rear seats, center console box with armrest, map lamps, floor mats, power locks, and an anti-theft alarm system.

Lastly, the sporty GTS features 18-inch alloy wheels, front and side air dams, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and a chrome tailpipe tip. The GTS also includes sport-tuned suspension, 215/45R18 tires, plus the same disc brakes as the larger, heavier Outlander SUV. Shift paddles, automatic climate control, sport bucket seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, and a 6-speaker audio system come standard.

A 650-watt audio system, Sirius satellite radio, and a navigation system are optional on all models.

Standard safety features dual front airbags, a driver's side knee airbag, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and a tire pressure monitor.

Porsche Panamera (2009): the first interior photos

Porsche today issues the first photographs inside the new Panamera luxury sports saloon. The Panamera will be shown at this spring's 2009 Shanghai motor show and this is the first - official - glimpse inside the new limo from Stuttgart.
It's quite a different milieu from the cosy, focused cabins of 911s and Boxsters to which Porschephiles have become accustomed. And the scattergun, button-strewn centre console is a reality, as revealed in our scoop photos last year. Some commentators back then questioned the veracity of those shots, but today's official photos confirm the busy new look inside. We counted 84 switches when we sat in the Panamera.
Porsche Panamera: the front cabin

The cockpit is dominated by a long, dividing console that splits the cabin into four quarters. Porsche engineering chief Wolfgang Durheimer told CAR that Porsche was vehemently opposed to multi-controllers such as iDrive and MMI – claiming that drivers preferred to press a simple button. Many at CAR agree with his sentiment, although the price you pay is a larger collection of buttons than your grandmother's sewing kit.
Porsche hasn't totally forgotten its sports car roots, however. You'll find a familiar-looking central rev counter, that distinctive family typeface and we've previously called 'Germanic logic meets slightly scatty ergonomics.' There are some natty new executive style materials, however, and we found it as inviting as its Teutonic opposition's cabins.
And in the back of the Panamera?
This artfully cropped photo gives a small indication of the space available in the rear. Happily, we've sat in the Panamera and can report that it boasts a very comfy pair of rear individual pews. You won't find quite as much space as in a Merc S-class or Audi A8, but it's very comfy nonetheless. And the Panamera isn't styled like a brick, so a slightly bigger stoop is the price you pay for its sporting intent.

All four seats recline and can be chilled and heated. Being a five-door hatch, rather than a four-door, the Panamera also boasts a remarkable degree of practicality. That rear pair of seats folds flat, turning this into what Porsche styling director Michael Mauer calls a 'space coupe'. It has a 450-litre boot, but tip those seats forward and the hatch beats all its rivals for stowage.
Expect the Panamera in showrooms this autumn.

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

The 612 Scaglietti is a large 2+2 grand touring coupe from Ferrari designed to replace the smaller Ferrari 456M. The large two-door is powered by 5.7-liter V12 producing 533 horsepower at 7,250 rpm, with 434 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 rpmNamed after famous Ferrari coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti, the 612's design has been somewhat controversial, despite being inspired by the 1954 Ferrari 375 MM, among other classics. Nonetheless, the car's Pininfarina-styled aluminum body keeps weight to a minimum, allowing the car's V12 engine to push the 612 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds or less.Two transmissions are available, both offering six speeds. Purists can have a regular six-speed manual, while F1 fans can opt for a six-speed paddle-shift system.Since it was unveiled in Detroit in 2004, the flagship of the Ferrari range has been upgraded with more standard spec than before. This includes leather trim in the same color as the seats extending to the headliner and the side panels running lengthways between the A- and the C-pillar. The result is a brighter and even more elegant cockpit finish that can be personalized still further under the Carrozzeria Scaglietti program. At the 2008 Geneva International Auto Show, Ferrari launched its one-to-one personalization program on the 612, meaning buyers get even more customization options, down to the last detail. The special 612 showcased at the show included an electrochromic panoramic roof, a SuperFast gearbox and a reduced inertia clutch for faster shift speeds. The Ferrari manettino dial has also been added to the steering wheel.The overall layout ��" engine mounted behind the front axle, gearbox in unit with the differential at the rear ��" ensures an ideally balanced weight distribution (46% front, 54% rear), as well as permitting a lower centre of gravity.The 612 will run on 18 inch diameter front wheels with 245/45 tires and 19 inch rear wheels with 285/40 tires.In 2007, Ferrari added a satellite navigation system, voice recognition system, MP3 player, Bluetooth and a Compact Flash memory card reader that will allow the owner to store and play 4 GB of music

Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe (2009 Cars)

This is the base model of Porsche's legendary, many would say iconic, 911.
It is the least expensive version but it still packs a lot of punch.The rear-engine rear-drive sports car is powered by a 3.6-liter flat six-cylinder engine, generating 325 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 274 pound-feet of torque starting at 4,250 rpm. Zero-to-60-mph flies by in 4.8 seconds.Fuel economy is 18 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway, respectable considering the car's sporting intentions.The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with close ratios. An automatic Tiptronic S is optional and features steering wheel controls for clutchless do-it-yourself shifting.Eighteen-inch alloy wheels wrapped with low-profile tires fill the 911's fender wells. As an option, the wheels can be had painted in the car's body color.Porsche Stability Management with traction control is standard while Porsche Active Suspension Management and ceramic composite brakes are optional.An automatic extending spoiler applies down force on the 911's tail at high speeds.The interior is decked out with many standard comfort and convenience amenities, including automatic climate control, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, rain-sensor wipers, HomeLink system and nine-speaker CD audio system.Options include an upgraded Bose surround-sound audio system, parking sensors, auto-dimming interior and exterior rearview mirrors, and various aluminum-look interior trim details.The 911 has functional back seats but they are best left for small children. The back seats can be folded down to accommodate 7.24 cubic feet of stuff. This is in addition to the car's 4.76-cubic-foot trunk up front.

Dodge Caliber SRT4 - 2009 Car

The SRT4 is Dodge's high-performance version of the Caliber with a 285-horsepower turbocharged engine, six-speed Getrag manual transmission, sport suspension and big 19-inch alloy wheels with low-profile rubber

With a reasonable price point, there's no denying the Caliber SRT4's bang for the buck. While the Caliber was introduced in 2007, the SRT4 version came later, for the 2008 model year.The engine is one of the more powerful four-cylinders on the market, displacing 2.4 liters and generating 265 pound-feet of torque.The turbo boost gauge is a nifty feature that allows the driver to keep an eye on what kind of pressure activity is going on under the power-bulge hood.As a small car with big power, the SRT4 unfortunately suffers from a bit of torque steer under aggressive acceleration, however, engineers have kept it down to a minimum compared to some cars in this class.Acceleration from zero to 60 miles per hour happens in just over six seconds.Aided by the traction-control system, a brake-lock differential mimics the behavior of a mechanical limited-slip differential.Big four-wheel disc brakes, with vented rotors up front, provide ample stopping power. The suspension is both stiffened and lowered compared to the regular Caliber.The exterior plays the sporty SRT part with a large front air dam, extended side-sills, rear air diffusers, large rear spoiler and large-diameter bright exhaust tip.Inside, the steering wheel, shift knob and shift boot are all adorned with leather while the pedals have a metallic look.Standard features include Electronic Stability Program, tire-pressure monitoring, power amenities (windows, door locks and mirrors), fog lights and air conditioning with ChillZone storage (to keep up to four 20-ounce beverages cold).The Caliber SRT4's interior is extremely versatile with folding rear seats and a hatchback design.

SSC Ultimate Aero TT

Shelby SuperCars spent more than seven years designing, developing, and executing the ultimate driver's car. The result is the Ultimate Aero TT

Powered by a forced induction V8 engine (with Chevrolet roots), the two-seat super car is for the guy or girl whose neighbors all probably drive Lambos, Ferraris, or Carrera Gts, and he or she just wanted something a little different.Made completely of carbon fiber composite, save for the doors, hood and trunk, the body has a total weight of 131 lbs (Before the addition of all other components). The Aero TT is powered by a 387.2 cubic-inch twin-turbocharged V8 that achieves 1183 horsepower at 6950 rpm, with 1094 pound-feet of torque.The mid-engine, rear drive layout of the Aero TT, helps add to the downforce needed to put the nearly 1200 horsepower to the ground. Performance is so potent that the Guiness World Records verified in October 2007 that with twin passes that averaged 256.18 mph, the Aero TT is officially the 'Fastest Production Car in the world.' This is the first time since the Ford GT40 held the record in 1967, that an American manufacturer has held the title. Estimated top speed in the Aero TT is 273 mph.Creature comforts inside the Aero TT include a custom leather interior, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, 10 speaker premium audio/video system, DVD Navigation/Backup camera and a gas controlled front lift to help navigate road hazards.The Shelby SuperCars Ultimate Aero TT is the hotrod for those who feel the garden variety of supercars are too common. With production scheduled for around 25 cars, you will certainly be running in very rare air.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (2009) Cars

The Bugatti Veryron is, by every measure, the world's fastest production road car. It's the quickest to 60, it has the highest top speed, and it can absolutely dominate a track.
With a claimed 1001 horsepower, the Veyron is a major technical achievement. Its engine has 16 cylinders, essentially formed by joining two V8 engines at the crank.This W16 powerplant displaces 8.0 liters and features ten radiators for everything from the engine cooling systems to the air conditioner.The $1.3 million Veyron will reach a top speed of 253 mph ��" a speed it can maintain for 12 minutes before all the fuel is gone. Power is transmitted to the pavement via four-wheel-drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.The car can hit 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, 100 mph in 5.5 seconds, and 150 mph in 9.8 seconds. Getting to 200 mph takes 18.3 seconds, and 250 mph takes 42.3 seconds.A special key is required to "unlock" the Veyron's top speed of 250+ mph. The car is then lowered to just 3.5 inches from the ground. A hydraulic spoiler extends at speed, and it can also serve as an air brake.The Veyron weighs a hulking 4,160 lbs, but even its harshest critics admit its handling is surprisingly sharp. Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1 was very skeptical of the Veyron during its development, but after driving the finished car, he conceded it is a "huge achievement."Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson also publicly stated the Veyron was ridiculous and would never be built, only to call it "best car ever made" after he drove it. He famously characterized it as "utterly, stunningly, mind blowingly, jaw droppingly brilliant."

Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione (2009) Cars

Alfa is back, and it's making a splash in the US, this time going for the big money. After its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2003, the 8C nearly ceased to exist, but the company finally decided to bring it to the US to build image before introducing less expensive and more mainstream vehicles than the two-seat coupe.

The engine is from another Italian thoroughbred, Maserati's Quattroporte, although it's been enlarged to 4.7 liters of displacement. It makes 444 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, and 347 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm, with a 7,500 rpm redline. That engine will be placed behind the front axle for a low center of gravity and ideal weight distribution. The sole transmission choice will be a six-speed sequential manual with paddles, mounted as part of the rear axle for better weight distribution, as is the current vogue. The Q-Select gearbox will have five distinct modes: Manual-Normal; Manual-Sport; Automatic-Normal; Automatic-Sport and Ice. The car's carbon-fibre body hides a steel unibody close to that of the Maserati coupe as well. The underbody was shaped in the wind-tunnel to reduce lift at the high speeds the car will no doubt be able to achieve without so much as breaking a sweat. A high-threshold stability control system is on the cards as well, working with the double-wishbone suspension to keep the car on the road. Tires are to be Pirelli's P-Zero Corsa, with six-piston, cross-drilled and vented brakes up front and four-piston rear brakes testing their traction abilities.Apparently Alfa plans on building 500 8Cs in Italy, with half of that number earmarked for sale in the US. The car shares its name with the Alfa Romeo 8C 2009 from 1934, which dominated the 1000 Miglia race in 1935-1938 and 1947. It was powered by an inline-8 engine.

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider (2009) Car

A drop-top version of the gorgeous 8C Competizione coupe, the Spider was seen at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California in 2005. The two-seat 8C coupe made its debut, albeit in concept form, at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2003. Early this year, Alfa Romeo announced the production version of the 8C Spider will be officially released at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. The 8C Spider, like its coupe sibling, is planned to be built in a limited number of 500 cars.

The engine powering both coupe and convertible is from another Italian thoroughbred, Maserati's Quattroporte, although it's been enlarged to 4.7 liters of displacement. It makes 450 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, and 347 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm, with a 7,500 rpm redline. The Ferrari-built motivator will be placed behind the front axle for a low center of gravity and ideal 50/50 weight distribution. The sole transmission choice will be a six-speed sequential manual with paddles, mounted as part of the rear axle for better weight distribution, as is the current vogue. The Q-Select gearbox will have five distinct modes: Manual-Normal; Manual-Sport; Automatic-Normal; Automatic-Sport and Ice. The car's carbon-fibre body hides a steel unibody close to that of the Maserati coupe as well. The underbody was shaped in the wind-tunnel to reduce lift at the high speeds the car will no doubt be able to achieve without so much as breaking a sweat. A high-threshold stability control system is on the cards as well, working with the double-wishbone suspension to keep the car on the road. Tires are to be 20-inch versions of Pirelli's P-Zero Corsa, with six-piston, cross-drilled and vented brakes up front and four-piston rear brakes testing their traction abilities.The car shares its name with the Alfa Romeo 8C 2009 from 1934, which dominated the 1000 Miglia race in 1935-1938 and 1947. It was powered by an inline-8 engine.

Lexus IS F. (2009 CARs)

Lexus launched its IS-F in Japan in late 2007 and in North America in early 2008. The all-new performance sedan targets the BMW M3 and Audi RS4, delivering 416 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 371 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm from a 5.0-liter V8 engine. It will eventually be offered as a two-door coupe, as well.
Much of the development of the new IS-F took place at Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. The IS-F is based on the rear-wheel-drive Lexus IS, which is equipped with a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. The IS-F engine is mated to the world's first eight-speed "direct sport-shift" transmission. A new torque-converter lock-up control was developed that allows for a direct, crisp gear change through the constant lock-up of the torque converter in second through eighth gears.In Drive mode, the IS-F transmission performs smoothly, and the torque converter allows for quick zero to 60 mph acceleration of 4.6 seconds. The transmission also features a manual mode operated via a pair of paddles. Downshifts are accompanied by automated throttle blips to match engine RPM to vehicle speed. Heavy-duty Brembo brakes with 14.2-inch discs and six-piston calipers ensure all the power is kept under control. The IS-F features custom-designed 19-inch forged alloy wheels ��" with 225/40R19 sized rubber up front and 255/35R19 at the rear ��" as standard.Lexus claims the IS-F can hit a top speed of over 185 mph but the Japanese-spec IS-F is electronically limited to about 110 mph. Lexus failed to address why the IS-F is limited to such a low speed as the car will undoubtedly be able to hit that speed in the 1/4 mile. The U.S. version is limited to 168 mph.Lexus plans to sell 500 IS-Fs annually in its home market of Japan with U.S. sales estimated at 5,000 per year

Lexus GX 470

The third SUV in Lexus' range of offerings, it is the first one you'd consider if you need some serious off-road ability or eight-passenger capacity or a combination of the two. Based on the underpinnings of the Toyota 4Runner, this SUV received detail interior and exterior updates for 2008. There is more chrome garnish accenting the exterior, a dark graphite finish on the wheels, a dark metallic finish on the grill, a new Brown Walnut trim color and two new exterior colors: Salsa Red Pearl and Desert Sage Metallic

There is only one engine / transmission combination; a four-cam 4.7 liter V8 with variable valve timing good for 263 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 323 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm. EPA estimates peg the fuel economy at 14 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. A five speed automatic puts the power to all four wheels via a TORSEN limited-slip center differential. A two-speed transfer case allows for rock-crawling gearing. Electronics that make off-roading easier include Lexus' Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill Assist Control (HAC). Maximum towing capability is 6,500 lbs, with the optional towing prep package. A rear air suspension allows for adjustable height control and automatic load leveling. Optional third row seats expand the SUV's people-carrying ability from five to eight.The GX470 is assembled in Japan. As befits a Lexus, standard equipment is ample. Options include a Sport Package highlighted by a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). KDSS includes thicker stabilizer bars for a flatter cornering attitude on the road with hydraulic mounts which can be adjusted for more axle articulation when off-roading. The rest of the package is comprised of smoked, otherwise darkened or chromed exterior bits and unique interior trim. A navigation and audio package includes a voice-activated DVD navigation system with back-up camera and Bluetooth along with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson branded DVD audio sound system upgrade. KDSS can be had as a standalone option, albeit for more money, and there is a rear-seat video entertainment system, among other stand-alone options