0 Mercedes GWA 300 SLC

In the world there are many automotive companies specializing in the manufacture of vintage cars, which are based on modern machines donor. But among them stands out the American company GWA (Gullwing America) whose owner - Arturo Alonso become famous some very distinctive and original designs, earning the respect of colleagues and unconditional lovers of rare cars. His new creation - the convertible GWA 300 SLC. This car is constructed by request of one client from Eastern Europe which name is kept secret, and is a tribute to the memory of Mercedes 300 SC (W188) of 1955, only 92 pieces of which were produced. At the heart of construction the roadster Mercedes SLS AMG to which in GWA studio made a new aluminum body lies and redesigned interior.

The same car has got a removable hard top, adjustable suspension, a new exhaust system and executed in a retro style alloy wheels dimension of 21 inches front and 22 inches rear. Engine and transmission completion is not subjected.

 

Most likely, GWA 300 SLC will be manufactured in one piece, as befits the author's car. However, granting orders Arturo Alonso can make this car a small series, as with other models GWA.

 

The chance to see any of the GWA models on the road is almost equal to zero. These cars go at once to garages of collectors of automobile rarities and if leave on the road, only, as they say, on holidays.

 

 

Detail: Mercedes GWA 300 SLC

0 The great benefits of buying used truck

When it comes to buying a new vehicle, many people stress over the budget. We can’t deny that new trucks have all the eye-catching shiny connotations of being fresh and new, straight out of the showroom. However, these are all selling strategies and will lose their glimpse soon, and in the end it will cost you more than it was worth. But why worry about the price and budget if you can buy a used truck that is even better?  There are many advantages to buying a used truck, and the biggest one is the price.

With the ongoing financial crisis, prices are the first thing to look at when buying a new vehicle. Used trucks are often a lot less expensive than new ones, even if the truck is fairly new and with very few miles.  Most truck owners try to make their truck more comfortable, therefore used trucks can come with great accessories, like leather seats, big tires, an internal mp3 player and other accessories that you won’t have to buy anymore. That way you can save double! Some dealers have so many trucks for sale, that you can actually compare trucks by brand, year, miles, and accessories. New trucks definitely do not come with that many options.

Used trucks have proven their liability, and can therefore be considered as great vehicles. Doing some research on used truck dealers is recommended, the markets differentiate widely in every country, and used trucks in Europe can be a lot cheaper. When buying a used truck, dealers like Hulleman will even have the truck checked by the technical team, so your new truck is ready for departure. Even if you want the truck shipped to another country, within or outside the EU, they will take care of all the customs documents and export plates.

 

Detail: The great benefits of buying used truck

0 Two new cars to keep an eye on in 2013

The new year is fast approaching and that means only one thing for petrol heads – the release of a raft of new cars.

The new Renault Clio and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé are two of the new releases set to hit the market over the coming months and here we profile them.

Renault Clio

 

The Renault Clio first left the factory in 1990, and its four incarnations have been very successful for the French company. The 2013 version looks to continue that success with a range of new features that make it the most desirable version yet.

This car, like its immediate predecessor in the Clio range, is noticeably larger than older incarnations: it is available solely as a five-door, with a longer and lower wheelbase making it a spacious, comfortable family car.

This Clio is also more fuel efficient than ever, with an impressive MPG of 88.3 and an eco-wary 83g/km.

With a retail price of £13,995 this is a great, affordable car.

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

 

This is billed by BMW as a luxury car that is suitable for the family, and its elongated coupé stylings certainly do separate it from the less-practical standard 6 Series. The Gran Coupé features an extra jump seat, enabling a fifth person to sit comfortably, yet the boot is exactly the same size as the standard, so it might not be suitable for accommodating luggage for holidays etc.

 

As you might expect from a car like this, it is not the most economical on the market, with emissions of 149g/km that necessitate annual car tax of £130 per year.

 

The car will be released in June 2013 and has a basic list price of £60,000.

 

If you want an economical car with some of the luxury that the BMW 6 Series provides, look no further than the BMW 1 Series – hands down BMW’s most economical car – and you can buy a used BMW from VCARS.co.uk at a price that fits your budget.

 

Detail: Two new cars to keep an eye on in 2013

0 Winter car safety

Winter driving is fraught with potential accidents. 

It is vital to be extra careful, especially if conditions are icy or the weather impairs your vision. Skidding on ice can result in loss of control which in turn can lead to a collision which in severe cases could even prove fatal.

If you do have an accident that was not your fault, you could make a personal injury claim to help pay any medical bills and cover you if you need time off work to recuperate. Often after a car accident you may be victim to whiplash or trauma. Seeking medical advice is a must and companies such as medicalsolicitors.co.uk or first4lawyers.com can help with medical advice and any compensation that you could be entitled to.  The best solution, however, is to drive safely and avoid accidents wherever possible.

Skidding on ice due to driving too quickly is one of the most common causes of winter car accidents. When the roads are slippery it is necessary to drastically reduce your speed so that you can maintain control of your vehicle even if you do hit a patch of ice.

If the roads are icy the best thing to do is delay your journey until it is safer to drive. If it cannot be avoided then make sure you allow plenty of time. If you are in a hurry you are far more likely to be in an accident.

Early evening darkness and blustery snowstorms can make it difficult to see clearly. Always use your headlights and be respectful of other drivers by dipping them when a vehicle approaches in the opposite direction.

Never set off with an unclear windscreen. The extra few minutes waiting for it to demist may seem like a waste of time but could in fact save lives. If the weather becomes so severe that you cannot see clearly ahead of you then pull over at the next safe junction and wait for it to pass before continuing your journey.

Take extra care of your car when the winter weather kicks in to ensure it does not fail you at a critical moment.

Be sure the brakes are working correctly and you have plenty of petrol, window wash and a spare tyre before heading out on a drive. Always take a fully-charged mobile phone and the number of a reliable breakdown service with you. Let friends or family know your planned route and estimated time of arrival.

Detail: Winter car safety

0 UK Convertible Market Analysis

With our recent bout of sunshine now fading, we decided to look into the recent Used Convertible Market. The graphic below shows our findings. We’ve had some mighty expensive cars over the past few years and a lot of the usual suspects. The main stars being the Mazda MX-5 and the Mercedes SLK proving popular all over the country. In the past year there has been a massive surge in advertised Audi TT’s and A5′s, dealers seem to have got it right as car buyers are searching for these cars more and more. Audi also look to be taking note with new Audi RS5. In light of all this we name the Audi TT our VCARS Convertible Pick.

 

Courtesy of: VCARS

Detail: UK Convertible Market Analysis

0 Top tips when buying a new car

As far as financial commitments go, buying a car is one of the biggest. For those who need to travel long distances on a daily basis, owning a car is essential, but when the time comes to buy a replacement, they may wonder what to consider before parting with their money. Buying the right car can be a time-consuming process that could easily lead to the wrong purchase being made, but if you think carefully before you buy, you could make a wise investment. 

 

The first thing to think about when buying a car is price. Everyone has a certain amount of money they can spend on a car, and they have to find the best possible vehicle they can buy within their price range. While price is important, so is value for money, so it’s important to look at things like fuel economy, performance, equipment levels and safety ratings just to see what you can get for your money.

 

Space, build quality and running costs are also important. Ideally, you’ll want your car to last for a long time, and it should also have enough room in the back for kids or adult passengers. Meanwhile, if a new car is cheaper to run than your old one, then maybe you should consider buying that model if you can afford it.

 

When buying used, any prospective car buyer should look in detail at the state of the vehicle, looking for signs such as rust, dents and other elements of wear and tear on the bodywork and interior. They should also look at mileage and the vehicle’s service history, as they can help to show whether it’s still in good condition and how long it could last for.

 

If you do decide to buy a new or used car, you might wonder how you can get rid of your old model. You could sell a car with wewillbuyyourcar.com in next to no time by getting an instant valuation and receiving the money quickly, meaning that you get your hands on the money needed to buy a new model.

Detail: Top tips when buying a new car

0 Preparing Your Car for the Winter

Preparation is extremely important when it comes to driving during the different seasons of the year and this is especially true in the run up to winter. You’ve already spent a lot of money on the vehicle, either in cash or maybe you bought it using car finance, so you want to take care of it! Preparing your car for the winter is a must for a variety of reasons. Firstly, you are likely to encounter freezing conditions and this can cause a number of problems for your car. You need to ensure that your car is safe to drive on the slippery, icy roads that you will no doubt experience during the winter. Aside from preparing yourself for the these somewhat compromising driving conditions, you have to prepare your car as well. Being prepared will help save you a lot of trouble and more importantly, help to prevent accidents from occurring.

If you are unable to do basic car maintenance yourself, always take your car to a qualified and reliable mechanic. It is best to have your car thoroughly checked before the winter season is in full swing if at all possible, especially if you have an old car. The battery, brakes, thermostat and heater are a few top priorities. The tires also need to be checked for tread as worn tires will be no good in the icy conditions. You can buy special winter tires but most other tires will be fine so long as  the tread is at least 3mm deep. In terms of road safety and accident prevention, your brakes and tires are your top priority. Road surfaces are slippery and treacherous when winter sets in.

It is also advisable that you wash your car before the winter and then apply a coating of wax. This will help to prevent corrosion during the winter season. Salt is usually placed on the road on a regular basis to neutralize the slippery conditions of the winter roads and this can cause corrosion and damage to your car. Washing and rinsing your car on a regular basis will minimize this potential damage to the paintwork and the exterior. Being diligent in this area will pay off in the long run.

 Another important aspect of your car that many people often neglect is the windshield/windscreen wipers. You might find that your standard wipers are not suitable for the winter season. If at all possible, it is best to secure winter wipers to prepare for the winter. Winter wipers are capable of clearing the heavy snow that may gather on your windscreen. It also pays to check that the wiper nozzles are clean and nothing is blocking them. You need the wiper fluid to reach your windshield or windscreen as quickly as possible in order to allow you to easily clear the snow.

If you follow the points we've mentioned in this article, you should be able to cope much more easily during the winter. Remember, preparing your car for winter involves preparing both the inside and outside of your car. Remember to have snow tires if possible (mainly for those living in climates with harsh winters) and check those brakes. Safety is the most important aspect of your preparations.

Detail: Preparing Your Car for the Winter

0 Reduce the cost of car insurance

You can’t drive without car insurance and this necessary expense doesn’t come cheaply. At least there are a number of means whereby you can reduce it. 

Car Insurance is an expense that some people just pay without giving it too much thought. After all, everyone needs car insurance, right? However, with a little bit of thought, there are a number ways that people can reduce the cost of their policy. 

 

With the advent of the web and the online age it is easy to compare car insurance via the internet. A site such as Insurance (USA) Money Super Market (UK) iSelect (Australia) offers comparisons on car insurance. These comparison sites are easy to use and may save you valuable time when comparing auto insurers and their many offerings. 

When it comes to insurance, it’s critical that you read the policy from cover to cover and have a full understanding of what is included. It is a legal document and it will explain to you what you are entitled to, and what you are liable for. 

 

Third party is the minimum level of insurance that you must have. It covers you for any damage you cause to someone else’s car. This does not though; cover you for your own car. 

The cost of insurance is based on the risk assessment of you and the insurer’s pricing model. So if you can prove to an insurer that you are a lesser risk, you are more likely to pay less. Things such as age, gender, and address can’t be changed, however some things can be. For example, if you don’t make any claims and have a good driving record, these factors will be taken into account. 

If you read up on the reasons why you would pay for more insurance, you can work out what would make you pay more and in turn, what you can do in order to pay less. For instance, if your car is a high risk of being stolen, that will raise the price so any form of alarm or other security device is may bring the cost of your insurance premium down. 

The more you drive, the higher the risk of you being involved in an accident so the less you drive, the less chance of an accident there is and, in turn the less you should pay in car insurance. 

Some occupations pay less for car insurance so if you think this applies to you; inform your insurer of what your job is. For instance, driving around the block will appear more favourable then making a two hour trip each-way, the same will apply if you work from home, or use public transport to get to your workplace.

 

Sometimes insurers will have lower costs to attract new customers. It might pay to ask as a new customer, what special offers (if any) they have for new joiners. Don’t be afraid to compare car insurance and as a result of this, who you insure yourself with.

 

By paying your premium, you are insuring yourself for a twelve month period. But how much do you really need to pay for? If you picked a more conservative amount, you would pay less on your car insurance. When you’d finally need to claim, the amount you aren’t covered by could be dwarfed by the amount you saved on lower insurance premiums. Obviously your individual needs would determine whether this would be a suitable or even a viable option for you. 

 

Detail: Reduce the cost of car insurance

0 Honda Civic specifications

Although it began life as primarily a motorcycle manufacturing company, Honda is now just as well-known throughout the world for the cars it produces as well as for its bikes. Honda is currently the seventh biggest automobile producer in the world, and the second largest in Japan with one of its key vehicles being the Civic range. These mid-size hatchback vehicles have been a part of the Honda range for a number of years now with the company releasing new versions pretty much every year recently, and given that the Civic range is competing against Honda’s biggest Japanese rival Toyota, with its Auris range, the importance of the Civic is even more clear. You can find different versions on sites such as motors.co.uk for great cheap prices.

 

Thus the version which Honda debuted at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2011 needed to be a real advance in terms of the specifications compared with previous versions of the car, and this certainly proved to be the case. As with early Civic releases this one came in a number of different trim levels – the ES, SE, EX and EX GT - each of which carried different specifications. For example, the ES version has Bluetooth capability, dual-zone air-conditioning, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, cruise control with speed limiter and rear parking camera alongside other features. However two features which all the versions of the Civic are now include are Collision Mitigation Braking System and the Adaptive Cruise Control – both of which are innovative features developed by Honda and have been included with the company’s other cars for some time now.

 

When it comes to the engine choice this version of the Civic offers buyers the choice of two petrol engines – a 1.4 or a 1.8 litre one – and a single 2.2 litre diesel one with the latter likely  be more fuel efficient, but also noisier than the petrol ones. The Civic also now features the option of ECON, which is designed to further improve its fuel efficiency and subsequent environmental impact – an area that Honda has shown a commitment to since the 1970s.

 

Source: www.autotrader.co.uk/articles/2011/09/cars/honda/civic/honda-civic-prices-and-specs-announced

Detail: Honda Civic specifications

0 Are car running costs a worry?

A survey conducted by Auto Trader revealed that more than six out of ten motorists are worried about how much it costs to run their car, even more so than paying rent or mortgage costs. 63% of those who were quizzed said that they were anxious about being able to afford the rising costs associated with motoring, even though it was essential for them to own a car in order to get to work, take the kids to school or even to do the weekly shopping.



Aside from asking themselves ‘how much is my car worth?’, 55% of those who answered the survey revealed that their disposable income had fallen, while 53% considered selling their old car in order to buy a smaller, cheaper and more fuel-efficient model. The fact that times are tough is evident if the results of the survey are anything to go by, but the cost of motoring can be dealt with and even reduced despite the fact that it’s become more expensive to own and run a car than ever.



Part of the reason why people are panicking about the cost of motoring is the astronomical rise in the cost of fuel. Fuel has become so expensive that you might want to sell your car with autotrader.co.uk and give up car ownership. However, by buying a new or used fuel-efficient model to replace your old car, you could save money on running costs and even car tax, which is lower for smaller models.



If trading down isn’t possible, you could simply look at getting the most out of the car you already own. Use it for necessary journeys such as the school run or for getting to and from work rather than for short-distance drives, which will save you plenty of money in the long run. Also, use public transport when possible, as that could be a cheaper alternative to being totally reliant on your car. Even if you’re anxious about having to spend more for the privilege of owning a car, it’s possible to still cut the cost of motoring.

Detail: Are car running costs a worry?

0 Save Car Fuel

The costs of car fuel is rocketing and although car manufacturers are inventing ingenious new ways to get around the problem of a declining oil supply the cost of electric technology is cars is expensive. A recent report by Benfield Motors in the north-east of England declared the biggest concern for motorists when buying a car was the how much fuel the car uses. At the moment there is little car manufacturers and dealers can do about fuel prices, but the driver of a vehicle there are ways you can cut down on the costs of your fuel bills.

Drive Carefully!

The faster you drive the more fuel you use. It´s a no-brainer! Slowing down and keeping to the speed limits not only maintains road safety, but is also energy efficient and cuts down on your fuel consumption. This is especially more applicable when travelling on the motorway as tests show an average speed of 57mph is the most cost effective over a long distance.



Cruise controls fuel

There are an increasing number of cars these days that have six gears and built in cruise control which help to keep your speed and fuel consumption down. Likewise when you use overdrive to change gear, it slows down your engine so that it doesn´t guzzle as much juice.



Lose Weight

Heavy loads means the car pulls more weight and you are more likely to have your foot to the floor when driving into the wind and to get up a hill. If you keep junk in the boot you don´t really need, give it a tidy out and shed some pounds. You will also make more room to put the shopping in – and maybe even a picnic hamper, nudge, nudge. Also if you can avoid hills in your journey, you might use less fuel even if the alternative route is slightly longer.

Pull into the garage

A little bit of basic car maintenance can help slash pounds of your annual fuel bill.
Improving a failing engine can save you around 4 per cent, replacing an ailing engine sensor up to a whacking 40 per cent. If an air filter on an older car is so clogged it affects driving then getting rid could cut your fuel costs by 14%. Driving with tyres that are flat (or too inflated) puts more surface area on the road increasing resistance. Pumping them to the recommended psi will save another 3.3%.

Fuel for Cash

When paying for petrol, resist the temptation to stick it on your credit card and pay in cash. Buy your car fuel on your credit card can add another 25p or so every time you fill up and over the year those pennies add up into pounds. Do the maths - you´ll be shocked!

Change cars

Downsizing your car to a smaller engine will save on fuel costs although if you are travelling long distances this is not always the case. Diesel engines don´t use as much fuel as petrol cars and are cheaper to buy than electric.

Detail: Save Car Fuel

0 New Breed Hatchbacks with Attitude

The hatchback has held a special place in the heart of many a motorist. From cheap run-arounds to highly tuned performance cars, there is a hatchback to fit every personality. Nor does the popularity of the hatchback look set to wane any time soon. As people increasingly look for cars which perform well in regards to fuel economy and emissions, the hatchback is going from strength to strength - and as a result of this a new breed of spunky hatchbacks are hitting roads around the world.

Here are some to keep an eye out for:

Hyundai i30



The i30 is the embodiment of what the new breed of hatchbacks are all about. Its styling is fluid and precise- this is not a car that would be interested in growing designer stubble- and yet it still has something a little bit wicked about it. In part this is due to the wide front grill, from some angles reminiscent of the plankton filtering mouth of the gentle whale shark, from others the muzzled snout of flat nosed guard dog. One point reiterated in many a Hyundai i30 review is commitment to reducing emissions - another common feature of the new breed of hatchbacks. The i30 even features an Eco Drive indicator that tells you the optimum time at which to shift gear for maximum fuel economy.

The Holden Cruze



When you think of hatchbacks, Australia is not the first place to come to mind. Rather you imagine SUV’s or muscular four-doors like the former undisputed King of the Australian highway (unless you happen to own a Ford Falcon), the Holden Commodore. But times have changed and now Holden’s biggest selling car is the altogether less imposing, Cruze. Lacking the in-your-face styling of some of its contemporaries, it certainly delivers on the economy front, with the 1.4 intelligent turbo induction engine capable of travelling 1000 km on a single tank.

Nissan Qashqai



The Qashqai, or Dualis as it is known in some parts of the world, is an unusual amalgamation of styles and priorities. Part hatchback, part SUV its design is indicative of the demands of 21st Century living. Ideal for families, indeed it is just as at home on the school run as it is on a skiing trip, the Dualis combines top notch safety features with boys toys (360 degree camera, anyone?). Although initial response to it may have been muted, many a Nissan Dualis review now speaks of it as something of a game changer.

Mazda3



The second generation Mazda3, released in 2010, has been a revelation. It is the true embodiment of what we have come to expect from a modern hatchback. Its styling is verging on the aggressive, there’s a definite air of ‘come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough’ about it. And it’s not all talk either - the 2.0 DISI petrol engine combines with the lightweight body to provide a drive dripping with attitude. A diesel version is available, should you like your hatchbacks more bark than bite.

Detail: New Breed Hatchbacks with Attitude

0 Used cars are best for new drivers

Not much beats the feeling of passing a driving test after all those lessons. But in the cold light of day, the truth many new motorists are finding out is that going on to buy a brand new car is almost impossible as prices are so high. What’s the solution? That’s an easy one- buy second hand!

Yes, the best thing about getting a pre owned auto is that prices are in a totally different league when compared to brand new ones. You’ll be looking at significantly lower numbers across a massive range of used cars for sale, and that means something really rather good is well within reach.

While it’s totally pointless to go out and buy something hugely fast, it is possible. The main aim for driving virgins is to keep costs as low as possible, and that includes up front ones as well as those associated with monthly running. A smaller car that’s frugal on fuel and inexpensive to insure and tax is definitely the best thing to get, and guess what? Buying one used will mean you really will spend next to nothing.



When many people hear ‘second hand’, they have images of broken down old bangers that are neither reliable nor fashionable. That’s a common misconception that’s totally wrong- nowadays you’ll see nothing but high quality autos that look no different to those in the showroom. Shopping online will give you the opportunity to browse through thousands quickly and easily as well. Paying less doesn’t mean you have to look like a wally.

So, after all the excitement and elation of earning a license, the last thing new drivers should do is look at brand new cars. Instead, check out the phenomenal range of used cars on the net and avoid the downers. Anything is possible if you look in the right place, and there are deals-a-plenty online!

Detail: Used cars are best for new drivers

0 How Does Car Camouflage Work?

Anyone in the automotive industry will know that spy shots of camouflaged cars being tested are incredibly frustrating since they give a fleeting glimpse of what is come without revealing any tasty details. You’ve no doubt been perplexed in the past by busy black and white patterns adorning what is rumoured to be the next big release from a major manufacturer. Camouflaging cars in such a way serves two functions;



• Primarily, it is designed to guard against rival manufacturers getting an idea of what the car in question looks like, the shape and proportions of a new model are very sensitive and with the design and manufacturing might that auto firms have, replicating a rival’s design could take a matter of days.

• Disguising a car can also have the exact opposite effect, the motoring press are always hungry for a new story and manufacturers are well aware that the sight of a vividly decorated, albeit disguised car driving on public roads will generate massive buzz and online and print news coverage

So the motivation behind manufacturer enshrouding their precious prototypes with layers of distracting pschyadellic tape or low-key matt black paint is clear, but can a mere layer of paint really throw savvy onlookers off the scent? With clever use of patterns and some decidedly low-tech techniques, it is entirely possible.



In Cognito

Even the slightest hint towards the shape of a new car’s headlight, or the angle of the crease running down the length of the body can blow its cover. For this reason, many manufacturers won’t stop at inconspicuous paint jobs, padding will actually be added to the body in order to hide key design features before a layer of paint is applied.

Paint is actually an old trick when to comes to travelling incognito. More manufacturer’s these days prefer to use a thin, adhesive tape that’s slapped straight on to the bodywork. The material made by 3M is no ordinary roll of masking tape however, it is special designed to mould around every subtle contour and is decorated with a ‘disruptive’ pattern that allegedly distorts the eye’s perception of shape



The shape pattern used of often involves concentric circles or spirals that resemble whirlpools, because this is in opposition to the straight, angular regimented lines of a car’s body and is therefore effective in disrupting and distracting the gaze.

In all seriousness Ensuring that high impact new models remain a closely guarded secret until their launch is essential. The grand unveiling, of say a new Ford Fiesta is a global news event that has massive implications for the manufacturer, a leaked image of the new design can undermine the mystery surrounding a launch and potentially cost a manufacturer millions of dollars.

Joe is an automotive blogger who uses Spy Equipment to catch his own shots of prototype cars in disguise!

Detail: How Does Car Camouflage Work?

0 Are Electric Cars Gay?

If you’re Vince Vaughn, the answer to that question is an irrevocable ‘yes’. This weekend, I watched The Dilemma, a pretty awful buddy comedy starring Vaughn and Kevin James as hapless pals working in the motor industry, trying to come to terms with their respective relationship issues. In the film, they conceive a not-so-original concept that makes electric cars sound more like their petrol counterparts? Why, because of course, electric cars are gay, or so Vaughn’s character claims in the trailer.

Political correctness-obsessed America swiftly ripped the trailer from national broadcasters after a news furore claiming that it was homophobic duly erupted. Questioned over this, Vaughn replied;



‘Comedy and joking about our differences breaks tension and brings us together. Drawing dividing lines over what we can and cannot joke about does exactly that; it divides us’

An admirable response from the big ‘ol schmuck, and one the certainly makes a lot sense. Referring to an object as ‘gay’ in order to position it as being lower in value or in some way inferior to its ‘non-gay’ cousins (presumably petrol cars) is clearly in opposition to the views of a largely liberal mainstream American audience and quite obviously a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek joke, nothing more.

Of course, amongst all this fuss, it seems some are missing the point. Electric cars are pretty gay... And if you’re one of the people offended by this, taking it as a derogatory term, then you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.



If you’ve ever seen an electric car in action, you’ll be aware that they are sluggish, whisper quiet, environmentally friendly, and altogether unobtrusive. This in stark contrast to say, a fire-breathing V8 muscle car, which is typical loud, brash, dirty and obnoxious, traditional alpha-male qualities, and not gay by any stretch of the imagination.

As car fanatics however, I feel it is our place to question Vaughn’s accusation. It is extremely short-sighted, and not because it violates the proverbial gagging order bought upon the media by values of political correctness, but because, if he had done his research, he would have realised that not all electric cars are as gay as he thinks.

Take the Telsa Roadster, this fully electric performance car has the grunt to challenge petrol powered equivilents like the Lotus Elise and Porsche Boxster. Equipped with a sophisticated electric motor driving the rear wheels, the Roadster develops 248bhp which propels it from 0-60 in a staggeringly quick 3.9 seconds and onto a limited top speed of 125mph.



This is no slouch, and not ‘gay’ by any stretch of the imagination. Vaughn was clearly not aware of the staggering capabilities of the Telsa when he made this sweeping statement. Had he been aware that the Telsa could embarrass many other petrol cars in the same category, he may have been a little more careful with his words.

All we can do now is attempt to educate Vaughn and his chauvinist minions about the electric revolution. Only knowledge can prevent further prejudice, and education about electric cars and their rights should be taught in school and equal values promoted in the media.


Joe is a automotive blogger, with a focus on vans, and a comedy fan. He’d like you all to know that this post is most definitely tongue in cheek!

Detail: Are Electric Cars Gay?

0 Top Car Panamera Stingray GTR

Now, one of the most serious Russian tuning studio is the Moscow company Top Car. And it well-known not only in Russia, but also in Europe. Top Car one of first-ever have offered a tuning package for Porsche Panamera and not so long ago have exhausted extreme version Top Car Panamera Stingray. Buyers have estimated this car and have demanded to make even more powerful version. As it's known, the buyer is always right, therefore in Top Car have started working over more advanced version Porsche Panamera which has received name Top Car Panamera Stingray GTR.



In comparison with the predecessor, the car began to look even more ominously and more aggressively. This was achieved thanks to a radical black color, which is painted the car, as well as a new body kit made of composite materials. The car has received a new front bumper with huge air intakes, a cowl with characteristic ventilating gills, the thresholds, the expanded side panels and a rear bumper with the choke tube. The rear doors have lost handles and now the car looks as a coupe. And doors open automatically by means of the special disguised button. The interior is finished by a black skin with a white proline, alcantara and decorated by inserts from carbon and aluminum.



Of course, undergone refinement, and 4.8-liter eight-cylinder turbo. With the installation of new air filters, reprogramming the engine control unit and completion of the intake system and exhaust engine power, the customer's request can be raised from 500 to 600 or 700 hp.



Dynamic characteristics Top Car Panamera Stingray GTR aren't informed, but it's known, how much charging will cost. The potential buyer should fork up exactly for 45 000 euros. Certainly, not small money, but it's not necessary to forget that Top Car Panamera Stingray GTR will be made of 25 copies, four of which are already ordered. It turns out that this car is initially positioned as a collection car, and the chance will meet this car on road is equal to zero. So 45 000 euros not such a great sum for the possession right rare and, the most important thing, very stylish car.

Detail: Top Car Panamera Stingray GTR