Some say this car is the ‘best’ British roadster of all time (et. al. Jeremy Clarkson). I would agree in the sense that this car represents all a driver needs to be one with the road, completely unpretentious, RWD, well balanced, engineered simplicity.
If and when the opportunity arises, I will get this car someday. Whether it be a canyon run, track day, or just a drive to forget life’s difficulties, this will be my vessel of choice. I just hope that someday will be soon.
tastefully modified…
completely stock, but I’d still rock it in a heartbeat…
Just a couple of gratuitous shots of a 993 Porsche. Do want.
– Gyro
One of the former lovers in my life was a GTI Mkiv in green. She was beautiful, raspy, and a hoot to hoon. But like all hot girlfriends to normal men, she wasn’t meant for me. Half the time she was in the shop while I owned her (probably built on a Friday at 4:59PM), like said hot girlfriend not paying attention to you in public. Alas she is gone forever, and Gyro must always keep reminding me that I could have tamed her.
If I did, she might have looked something like this…
Thinking about her again, I’m sitting in the corner of my room rocking back and forth in fetal position.
– Miss Ra
Custom headlights are a great way to give your car a custom look, but there are so many kinds out there it can be dizzying to try to figure out which ones to choose. There are projector headlights, HID headlight kits, Euro headlights, and more. Each option has its own pros and cons and it’s important to do some research to see which ones are the best for your needs.
Projector headlights are great at illuminating the road, providing safer nighttime driving. HID headlights are great for this, too, so if that is your primary concern, these are good options. Even if your primary concern is to customize your vehicle and make it stand out from the rest, these two options fit that bill, too.
Euro headlights are designed to look much like the factory lights, but with a more modern and sleek look. Whereas projector lights come with a projector house included, Euro lights do not. Euro lights still provide good illumination, but not as much as the kinds mentioned above. This is also a more affordable option if you don’t want to shell out the high price tag for some other kinds of custom headlights. They still give your vehicle a cool look, at a more affordable price tag.
LED lights are another option for your vehicle. These are commonly referred to as the “R8” style of light, in reference to the fact that they look like the lights on the iconic Audi R8. These lights have an LED strip across the bottom of the headlight already installed and included in the headlight assembly. The ground wires protrude from the headlight, allowing the installer (whether that’s you or an automotive technician) to wire the strip directly into the parking lights. In addition, you can also wire it to another switch if that suits your needs better, allowing for lots of customization.
Another type of headlight option are those that are designed to be compatible with the factory-standard systems. It’s a good idea to explore this option before you decide to buy other headlights.
No matter what kind of headlights you are looking for, there is an awesome option out there to beautifully suit your needs. The lights come in a variety of colour ways, both in terms of the housing for the lights (which typically come in black, chrome and/or titanium) and the light itself, which can be bright white, yellow, blue, purple, or even green, depending on the type of bulb you choose. Installation depends on your level of comfort with it and the type of kit you buy. If you aren’t familiar with how to change out your headlights to something new, don’t worry. Your mechanic or auto technician will be all-too-happy to assist you in the installation process. However, there are lots of great online tutorials available that will show you how to do this.
Making sure that you and your family are safe while driving on the roadways should be one of your top priorities. There are a variety of ways to increase the amount of safety that you have behind the wheel, but none of them are quite as beneficial as buying an armored suv for sale. With all of the options out there on the armored vehicle market, finding the right one will not be easy. The best way to get a feel for what a vehicle has to offer is by taking it for a test drive. Below are some of the things that a person will need to consider when test driving an armored SUV.
Pre-Drive Inspection
Before jumping behind the wheel of a prospective armored vehicle purchase, you will need to do a good pre-drive inspection. By taking the time to inspect the exterior of the vehicle, you will be able to find a lot of useful information. If you see dents and dings all over the vehicle, then chances are it has been in an accident at one time or another. Be sure to also check the condition of the tires on the armored vehicle. The last thing that you want is to have to replace tires shortly after buying the vehicle. In some instances, the armored car dealer will be able to get you a new set of tires before going off of the lot.
How Does the Vehicle Drive?
Once you have performed the pre-inspection of the vehicle, you will be ready to get behind the wheel of your prospective armored vehicle purchase. By taking the time to drive the vehicle, you will be able to find out how it rides and whether or not it is in line with what you need. Without this information, you will find it very hard to make the right decision.
Vehicle History Report
The next thing that you will have to think about when trying to make the right vehicle purchase is getting the vehicle history report. By taking the time to get a look at this report, you will be able to find out what type of work it has had done to it and if anything will prohibit you from making this purchase. Most dealers will have no problem getting you this type of information. Be sure to ask for this report before the test drive begins to you can narrow down the options you have.
Finding the right armored car dealer is an essential part of getting the right armored vehicle purchased.
James Bond is Britain’s best and most stylish import since the Aston Martin. But he has a tendency to find himself in some trouble behind the wheel. Luckily his never-ending collection of gadgets has saved him from meeting a typical spy demise.
Everybody wants their little slice of 007 heaven, and some of these features could be pretty handy in everyday life. What if the next time you decided to hire a car, hopped onto Drive Now or another luxury car hire site, and could easily choose these features to add onto your rental? What if we could all be a bit more Bond?
It’s dangerous to mix mobile devices and cars, and Bond’s phone from Tomorrow Never Dies, which doubles as a remote control for his BMW (in addition to being equipped with a stun gun, fingerprint scanner and lock pick) might not make for the safest roads. But think of the possibilities. No more walking back to distant parking spaces or having to leave somewhere just to move your car. Smartphones would have nothing on this.
Every once in a while Bond is forced to go where there are no roads. With his Lotus Espirit from The Spy Who Loved Me, he can take to the water without even unbuckling his seatbelt. That’s because it doubles as a submarine. Imagine rolling across the beach and into the water, trolling the ocean floor amongst the fish. The view will be dynamite on its own, so it’s probably safe to leave the surface-to-air missiles and mines at home.
The pride of MI6’s off-road antics don’t stop there, though. No matter how much ice a super-cool agent has in his veins, snowy conditions can lead to treacherous terrain. That’s why 007’s Aston Martin from The Living Daylights comes equipped with skis on each side, allowing him to safely slide down the slopes if necessary.
Sometimes even a night out on the town can feel like an adventure. Pulling up late and having trouble finding a parking spot? The car from Die Another Day features the ability to go invisible. Chuck on the cloak and put it in park wherever you want. The 5-0 can’t ticket what they can’t see.
With these sweet spy gadgets and accessories, all you’d need is a sharp suit and some nice arm candy to cruise around like a real agent. But remember: If you’re going to have one of 007’s trademark shaken-not-stirred martinis, make sure you leave the keys (or the remote control mobile phone) with somebody else.
The wheels are an extremely important part of what makes your vehicle your own. But sometimes, we forget about them, or tend to get a little bored of the chore that is getting them replaced every few months, instead focusing on the more ‘sexy’ aspects of our cars – the sound system, the paint job, the rear view mirror accessories…
If you’re thinking of upgrading the car tyres on your vehicle, there are a few different ways to shake up your regular routine and go for something more out of the ordinary.
Option #1: Get ridiculously large monster truck tyres
We’ve all seen it: people driving around with tyres that look way too big for the vehicle that they’re attached to. However, if this is your kind of thing, then we say go for it! The potential consequences of having such huge monster truck wheels will potentially be that a) your girlfriend will refuse to drive around with you in your car anymore, b) you’ll be almost continually pulled over by the police, and c) you’ll have to invest in a step ladder to reach your front door. But hey, at least nobody will ever cut you off on the road again…
Option #2: Get bling-worthy hub caps
Nothing says bling more than car tyres adorned with golden or sparkling hubcaps. If you’ve got a thing for bling (and aren’t phased by the fact that your car will become approximately 153 times more attractive as a target for thieves), then pimp your car tyres with the brightest, shiniest hub caps you can find. For inspiration, just have a look at most celebrity cars driving around Hollywood. Spinners, fluorescent-colours, and novelty hubcaps with cartoon characters are also potential options.
Option #3: ‘Oni-camber’ your car tyres
Not so much a type of car tyre than it is a method of seriously adjusting your car suspension, ‘oni-camber’ is an auto styling trend to come out of Japan in recent years. ‘Oni-camber’ translates to ‘demon-camber’, and it’s the perfect way to turn heads and attract some attention on the road. However, the funny looks you get from people might not be the only shock-value you get out of these tyres – There have been countless reports of this method of aligning car tyres doing irreparable damage to the chassis, not to mention the risk of destroying rims and wearing out your tyres unevenly. Not to mention the fact that most people think it looks just plain stupid. But, if this is still something you want for your car, then by all means go ahead – just do so at your own risk (of safety and social ridicule).
Option #4: Fit your car with some sensible eco-friendly tyres
Of course, there’s one way to shake up your regular tyre purchase without attracting attention to yourself, spending extra money, or just worrying about whether or not people are going to think you’re crazy. If you want to make a positive change next time you buy new tyres for your car, leave all the gimmicks behind and go for something that’s actually going to help the environment (and your hip pocket too): eco-friendly tyres. Check out the Bridgestone Ecopia EP100, the Michelin Energy MX2, or the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max to get you started. It’s not something that other people will necessarily know about (unless of course you go around bragging to everyone you meet about how your tyres are environmentally friendly) but they are a subtle and honest way to show that despite your love of cars, you’re still willing to make small changes to help improve the environment. And hey, if they end up saving us a bit of money on our fuel and tyre changing costs in the long run, then we’re not going to complain about that either.
How do you shake up your car tyres every once in a while? Do you go for something ridiculous that will turn heads (for all the wrong reasons) or do you go for something a little more sensible?
Supple in design and smooth to drive, the latest version of the Ford Focus puts a new twist on an old favourite. This is one of the most popular cars on the road, for a reason. The Focus offers great value for money, particularly in comparison to similar models from competitors such as VW or Vauxhall. The Focus is also typically ranked much higher in car reviews than other types of vehicles made by Ford. When you’re looking for something that is well designed and that does what you want it to do on the road, the Ford Focus gets top marks. A valuable Ford Focus review is able to explore the new various features that this car sets apart.
Although the original version of the Focus was a bit clunky, if practical, the newer models have stepped up the cool factor with a smoother, sleeker design. The new Focus is streamlined and sportier than older models, with a responsive Sport Steering system that allows you to turn corners easily without the need to reposition your hands in any way. The cockpit is ergonomically designed for comfort and style, allowing the driver to access all functions intuitively. This helps you feel like you’re working with the car. Night-time lighting can be adjusted, as can the seats for added comfort.
Comfort
The newest model of the Focus features improved aerodynamics, which translates to less drag on the car and a more comfortable ride overall. Inside the front cockpit area, you’ll find comfortable adjustable seats and improved performance. The dashboard is easy to navigate and offers features like Bluetooth and climate control. The backseat does feel a bit cramped for larger passengers, since the redesign involves a sloping roof that cuts down on the backspace of the car. This also translates to slightly less boot space. The Estate model of the Focus offers a high volume of storage, however, and overall the car is roomier than many competitors.
Handling
There are three different engines to choose from, including a 1.6 or 2.0-litre diesel model or a 1.0-litre petrol version. The more powerful versions of the Ford Focus can hit 60 mph in less than 10 seconds, usually, while the 1-litre Focus can hit this speed within 12.5 seconds. When driving the Focus, you’ll note that it allows you to grip the road well, with a quiet hum and smooth ride. Torque Vectoring Control helps to rebalance power between the two front wheels, so that you can reduce stopping distances and control your car easily with a light touch of the pedal. One interesting feature is the Traffic Sign Recognition software, which flashes traffic signs on the instrument panel so that you will be sure not to miss them.
Value
If you’re after fuel efficiency but don’t fancy the fussiness of a hybrid car, the Ford Focus offers great value for money. Its new EcoBoost engine promises a reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by up to 20%. The car has numerous selling points that set it apart from the crowd but it also is efficient and reliable. This keeps its value relatively high even after a few years of use.
In the 1980s we expected that by the time the year 2,000 rolled by, we’d be zooming through the clouds in our hovercrafts. Unfortunately those dreams of flying are still in the concept phase, much like the other cars on this list. Concept vehicles are invented to showcase innovative styles and radical technologies that we hope (or don’t hope) to see in the future. From the most outrageous to the slickest ride, here is a few of the coolest cars that we’d love to see on the showroom floor.
MIT Media Lab CityCar
The CityCar seems like something out of a Transformers movie: a full-scale stackable fully-electric vehicle. This collaborative effort by the faculty and student of MIT might just actually become a commercial reality. The car itself would be an inner city dwellers best friend due to its folding chassis to occupy small footprint when parked. It also features drive-by wire control, front entry door, and the ability to spin on its axis. In an already over-populated world, these ultra-small vehicles are the perfect solution.
Rinspeed’s sQuba
Got scuba gear? Good, because you’re going to need it if you ever want to ride in the Rinspeed SQuba. Straight out of a James Bond movie, the 2008 SQuba concept was a world first; a car that can be driven on the safety of land and into the depths of the ocean. While the convertible type frame is not a self-contained submarine, you’ll have keep the regulator tank filled up and find a dry place to stash your bag.
Vitaly Kononov
Are you tired of your 4WD beast not being able to cruise through narrow alley ways? Yeah, me too. Lucky there’s a solution in the form of a Rolling Stone. No, not the band. A car, that’s design best resembles a giant slimline wheel. Created by auto designer Vitaly Kononov, this vehicle boasts two large wheels that spans the circumference of the circle shaped body, a fully electric motor, LED screens that displays navigation and information, and cameras on the outer body to capture images and video of the surrounds.
Jaguar CX-17
So this may be one of the concepts that we will likely see in the showroom as early as next year. No longer seen as the kitty cat of the automobile industry; Jaguars new C-X17 sports crossover has show-stopping looks and inventive features to boot. The craftsmanship is spot on with a luxury interior, premier technology and a spacious yet sophisticated cabin. You can read more about it at Jaguar.com.au.
Smart Fourjoy
Would you like to drive a car with no doors or windows? Probably not, but the Mercedes Benz Smart Fourjoy, sets the scene for the features we are likely to expect heading into the future. This will be the first four seater smart car to ever be released that introduces all those high tech gizmets to make our lives all the more easier. The dashboard has a space for two smartphones – you know, for all those times we’ve been with a passenger who insists a song-for-song driving playlist.
Motoring Con Brio 