2011 Hyundai Equus

Do you want to get presidential with your ride? Join Korean president Lee Myung-Bak in purchasing the new 2011 Hyundai Equus luxury car and you can imagine yourself as a head of state. Or at least, you’d be secure in the knowledge that you’d be in the same model car as the Korean president.

Here’s your dose of politically-inspired automotive history for the day: while Korea is the fifth-largest car manufacturing country in the world. Up until the release of the 2011 Hyundai Equus, none of the Korean-designed cars had been considered “viable” for the task of transporting the president of the country safely.

Hyundai enjoys an excellent car reputation worldwide, but it’s a reputation for making reliable budget hatchbacks, not classy presidential limousine-cum-tank machines.

Before the Hyundai Equus, the Korean head of state was driven around in a bulletproof Mercedes Benz. This was despite the fact that Myung-Bak was a former chairman and employee of Hyundai for an incredible twenty-seven years!

However, if safety is a concern for the Korean president – and it always is with presidential motorcades of any nationality – he can ride assured in his specially built, 2011 Hyundai Equus: the specially armored presidential ride can supposedly withstand a blast from 15 kilograms of TNT. Now that’s a dynamite ride!

So does the Korean automaker’s step out from the moniker of “value conscious” live up to the hype? Time will tell: the 2011 Equus is released this fall and is expected to compete with other luxury sedans like those in the S-Class. With a starting price sticker of $55,000, it’s not your ordinary Hyundai.

The South Korean government has apparently given the Equus the stamp of approval, now the only thing left to see is if the rest of the consumer world agrees.

Talon Motors “Invader”

Widely known as the  premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, the SEMA Show opens tomorrow November 2 through 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Talon Motors is planning to announce its new Invader car. The Invader prototype car is being presented at SEMA as a proof of concept, and is scheduled for production by mid-2011.

The stylish new Invader will utilizes a unique reverse trike three-wheel design (two steering front wheels, one rear drive wheel), that offers two passengers with comfortable, enclosed side-by-side seating, plus car-like controls.

The Talon Motors “Invader” will have a 1,300cc Hayabusa engine, that will offer acceleration to 60 mph in just four seconds. The Invader will a lighting, top speed of up to 150 mph!

The frame of the the Invader is constructed from one-and-a-half-inch tubular steel with a front crash zone, a complete roll-cage around the cockpit., in addition to triangulated side protection bars.

The car’s fiberglass body will include a Lexan windshield that protects two occupants, who are comfortably strapped into car-like seats with three-point safety belts.

The “Invader” has a center of gravity that’s inches off the road, allowing it to corner like a super car.  But with its open air design, you truly get that ‘close to the road sensation’ that is unequaled in anything else.

Talon Motors has teamed up with rock-and-roll legend and long time exotic car enthusiast, Sammy Hagar. Hagar and Talon Motors are currently designing a signature series, “Red Rocker” edition of the Invader in 2011.

The luxurious “Red Rocker” model will contain design and performance elements influenced by both Hagar and the Talon design team.

The controls of the Talon Motors Invader are similar to what you’d find in any sports car: a steering wheel, gas, brake and clutch pedals, plus a six-speed sequential shifter with an electric reverse gear.

The cockpit includes a full compliment of gauges, as well as a built in passenger side storage compartment and removable saddlebag-style totes. All this makes the Invader ideal for weekend escapes.

Performance & Specs:
0-60 MPH 3.92 Sec.
Top Speed 144 MPH
Lateral Acceleration 1.3 G
Displacement 1340 CC
Maximum Horsepower 197
Length 138 Inches
Wheelbase 90 Inches
Dry Weight 1040 Lbs

President of Talon Motors – Sandy Hall was quoted, “The Talon has really been a collaborative effort between Tom, myself and Adam. We wanted to create a new level of comfort, performance and sensation that did not exist before.”

Hall continues, “Combine that with its jaw dropping looks, and I think we’ve designed and built an exotic vehicle that provides more bang-for-the-buck than anything out there.”

Ferrari

As online car shopping continues to surge, another trend has surfaced that will have a greater impact on the overall travel industry.

Instead of shopping at the local car dealer, people are increasingly traveling to other regions to pick up their vehicle. This change of habit dubbed “Automotive Tourism,” has resulted in a slight boost to local economies via lodging, restaurants and minor sight-seeing.

LeaseTrader.com is nation’s most popular car leasing marketplace and assists people who takeover the remaining portion of vehicles that are still under contract. This attractive method allows them to obtain a short-term car lease with no down payment.

LeaseTrader reports that 15 percent more people this year are taking over leases of vehicles from outside their own region.

Although LeaseTrader.com offers transportation quotes to have their vehicle shipped to them, more and more buyers are opting to travel to pick-up their car and driving it back home.

The company explains that almost 40 percent of all lease transactions occur between two people not in the same geographic region.

Here is a list of the Top-10 Destinations where people are traveling to pick up a car they bought online:

1. Daytona Beach, Fla.
2. Dallas, Texas
3. Baltimore, MD
4. Nashville, Tenn.
5. Thousand Oaks, Calif.
6. Tuscon, AZ
7. Phoenix, AZ
8. St. Paul, MN
9. Reston, VA
10. Cleveland, Ohio

To find additional information, please visit www.LeaseTrader.com,
or call (800) 770-0207

Photo: Jaguar

The amazing Paris Motor Show is getting ready to open. This year’s car show will be held from October 2-17. The Paris Motor Show will be the place to be for the latest in luxury cars and new announcements.

In celebration of Jaguar’s 75th Anniversary, the luxury maker maker made a significant announcement at a special event in Paris, prior to the official opening of the Paris Motor Show.

Jaguar revealed a stunning range-extended electric supercar concept car for all the world to enjoy – the Jaguar C-X75 !

2010 marks the 75 years of excellence for Jaguar and this stunning new C-X75 concept car will revolutionize the luxury car market.

The announcement of the Jaguar C-X75 is definitely a bold statement and a glimpse into the future of Jaguar and its commitment to producing beautiful, fast cars powered by sustainable means.

This amazing concept car has the capability of reaching 330km/h (205mph), sprinting from 0-100km/h (62mph) in just 3.4 seconds and blistering acceleration from 80-145km/h (50-90mph) in just 2.3 seconds.

Photo: Jaguar

The Jaguar C-X75 has four powerful 145kW (195bhp) electric motors – one for each wheel – which produce 780bhp and an astonishing total torque output of 1600Nm (1180lb ft) whilst two micro gas-turbines, spinning at 80,000 rpm can generate enough electricity to extend the range to a remarkable 560 miles

In addition, the luxury Jaguar C-X75 produces only 28 grams of CO2 per kilometre from the car’s plug-in charge capability.

Finally, the C-X75 car boasts a zero tailpipe emissions range of 110km (68 miles) while running solely on battery power.

For additional information, please visit Jaguar.com

Courtesy of: Jaguar

Jaguar has sponsored various events all year round, as 2010 celebrates the 75th anniversary of the luxury British car maker.

September 23rd marks the actual day of their 75 years as an integral part of British heritage.

In celebration, a group of 75 individually-numbered, iconic Jaguars from across the years will make a historic two-day journey. The tour started from Coventry on Friday and ended at Goodwood the 18th.

There was a memorable stop at London’s May Fair hotel on the way. This is the site of the original Jaguar model launch in 1935.

Most of the cars that took part were privately owned and driven by their respective drivers, and also joined by some of the most famous cars from Jaguar’s own heritage collection, including the E-Type, C-Type, pre-war SS Jaguar saloons and a selection of its latest models.

Jaguar also launched an iPhone and iPad app that charts the 75 years of the British marque’s history. You can find the new Jaguar app on iTunes by searching “Jaguar 75” or by Clicking Here.

The new “Jaguar 75” app pulls together a host of materials that tell the company’s story of making beautiful fast cars over the past 75 years through the people and machines that have made it a British motoring icon – including the SS 2.5-litre Saloon, XK120, C-Type, D-Type, XKSS, MKII, E-Type, XJ13, XJ6, XJ-S, XJR-9, XJ220, XK8, XK, XF and XJ.

Here is a list of cars that took part in the 75 Drive

Courtesy of: Cadillac

The luxury Cadillac Escalade is the top target of auto thieves.

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, the luxurious Cadillac Escalade (2007 to 2009 models) is the most frequently stolen car in the U.S.

Following the Cadillac Escalade on the most stolen list, is the Ford-F250 crew pickup, Infiniti G37 sport sedan, and Dodge Charger with a HEMI engine.

This group of vehicles is between three and five times more likely to be stolen, compared to other vehicles, says the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety affiliate.

The data was tabulated based on the number of drivers who had filed insurance claims following an auto theft.

Kim Hazelbaker, who is senior vice president of the Highway Loss Data Institute is quoted saying, “Sedate family cars and fuel sippers aren’t on the hot list.  Thieves are after chrome, horsepower, and HEMIs.”

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, for the last six years running, the Cadillac Escalade has ranked the lowest in overall theft losses. The Escalade EXT 4-door 4-wheel-drive has the highest theft losses of all models.

On the positive side, there are cars out there with the lowest losses. These include : Volvo S80, the Saturn VUE, Nissan Murano, plus the hybrid Toyota Prius.

Source: Highway Loss Data Institute

Many of you probably did not know that Lamborghini actually manufactured an SUV.

From the mid 1986 to 1993, luxury car maker Lamborghini produced only 301 SUV’s. The model was specifically designed for the Italian military but the concept never took off.

The Saudi Arabian military purchased 40 of them. Most of the others were sold wealthy Middle Eastern millionaires.

At Barret-Jackson’s first Orange County auction, a 1991 color-shifting Lamborghini LM002 SUV was auctioned off for $75k.

This particular Lamborghini LM002 SUV includes a DuPont ChromaLusion paint job that actually changes its color from purple to blue depending on lighting and angles.

This custom Lambo SUV also includes custom magnesium wheels, and only had 3,607 original miles on it.
Source: DubDaily

Courtesy of: Dream Car Rentals

Look like a celebrity and drive around vibrant Las Vegas in luxury car rental from Dream Car Rentals.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re out on the town for an exciting night on the world famous Strip, taking a quiet afternoon drive in the nearby mountains, or cruising through the desert country. It’s a must to arrive around Las Vegas in style and there’s only one place you need to try – Dream Car Rentals.

Dream Car Rentals offers a wide variety of luxury car rentals, from Ferraris to Hummers.

Dream Car Rentals has the largest selection of cars for your ultimate driving pleasure. Each vehicle offered by Dream Car Rentals is meticulously maintained and kept clean so you will always be the well deserved, center of attention.

A sample of available luxury cars includes: Ferraris, Vipers, Porsches, Hummers, Luxury SUV’s, Jeeps, other exotic cars and convertibles.

Dream Car Rentals
3049 Las Vegas Blvd
(across the street from the Stardust Hotel)
Phone: 702-731-6452

3725 Las Vegas Blvd
(located next to the Harley Davidson Cafe)
Phone: 702-895-6661

Courtesy of: Volvo

Recently I was asked, “What is the discerning woman driver looking for in a convertible?”

From a woman’s point of view head turning style and sleek lines are the first essentials. Followed by a luxurious leather interior designed for ultimate comfort.

Lots of easy to use gadgets including Blue Tooth; built-in Sat Nav; a terrific sound system; four comfortable seats, heated of course; air con and a spacious trunk for the designer shopping bags. Plus, to make life especially easy, a hard top that retracts in 30 seconds at the push of a button and disappears into the trunk.

Enter the Volvo C70 Convertible. The gleaming silver number I had the opportunity to drive and review matched all of my wish list in looks, and more because it is an absolute dream to drive.

– Quick acceleration
– Easy to handle, it glides
– Great to park – there’s a reverse warning alarm
– 6 gears but there is a choice of manual or automatic
– Everything is within easy reach including neat control buttons on the
steering wheel
– Plenty of leg room both front and back, and a high class sound system that performs perfectly whether the top is up or down.

Courtesy of: Ellen Dean

There’s no need to be concerned about the safety features when the roof is down.

The Volvo C70 Convertible has a semi-rigid inflatable curtain to protect passengers if in a collision with the roof down, and pop-up rollover protection bars.

The Volvo C70 Convertible is not only a convertible, but a stunning coupé to boot.

I was totally seduced by this car.

All-in-all, the Volvo C70 is luxurious motoring at its best.

For additional information on the Volvo C70, please visit: www.volvo.com

Courtesy of: Mercedes-Benz

Award winning Mercedes-Benz re-designed most of it’s luxury line of vehicles this year, including the E550.

The 2010 E550 five-passenger sedan is a perfect example of how Mercedes-Benz, the German manufacturer is trying to win back prior Mercedes owners who decided to purchase more trendy and less expensive luxury sedans in recent years.

There are other luxury sedans with much better fuel efficiency. The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 gets 16 mpg with the required premium fuel.

But remember, the Mercedes-Benz E550 is a performance sedan and it offers a 5.5-liter, 32-valve, 382 horsepower engine along with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

You want acceleration? The Mercedes-Benz E550 provides a 0-60 mph rating in just 5.2 seconds.

The wood trim 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 nicely complements the luxury leather. The car’s seats are very comfortable and make you feel like a million dollars.

Mercedes-Benz has re-designed the E550′s headlamps and gave it a modern sports car look.

One point of disagreement may be the Mercedes-Benz claim that their E series is the “world’s most aerodynamic luxury sedan. I would think a few other luxury ca makers like Audi for example, would beg to differ.

The E550 offers an option titled the Drive Dynamic Multi-contoured Driver Seat. It’s actually a lumbar support that snugs around the driver’s hips while making turns. If you need a free massage, then just use the lever next to the driver’s seat and enjoy. This option is $650 option and well worth the extra green.

If you like your music, then enjoy the Dolby Digital sound system. The E550 comes with a 6-CD changer. Crank up your music and consider the $6,800 Premium Package.

Additional Features of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550:
– Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 5.2 seconds.
– Airbags: driver and passenger front dual stage, front and rear window side, front side and pelvis and driver knee.
– Antilock brakes are standard.
– Horsepower: 382
– Fuel economy (EPA estimates) 16 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway).
– Government Safety Ratings: Not yet rated- Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $56,300.00.
– Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 4 years/50,000 miles; – Roadside Assistance, unlimited miles/unlimited years.

For additional information, please visit Mercedes-Benz

Courtesy of: Mercedes-Benz

The Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall held a luxurious ceremony and crowned their annual Best Luxury Car award.

The winner of the award for the Best Luxury Car is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

This is the second consecutive time that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been named the Best Luxury Car award.

Although it can be disputed by some, but the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the best sedan money can buy in the luxury market.

The award was accepted on May 18th by Adrian Freema, who is the regional corporate sales manager for Mercedes-Benz UK.

Many industry experts believe the new range of highly efficient engines from Mercedes has allowed the luxury car maker to become the overwhelming success success of the luxury sedan.

For example, the Mercedes-Benz S350 CDI BlueEfficiency has a fuel efficiency ranges that achieves 37.2 mpg. What is impressive, is the Mercedes S-Class produces only 199 g/km of CO2 emissions into the environment.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class engine has already achieved Euro 6 compliance despite the fact the Euro 6 emission norms do not go into effect in the UK until 2014.