Business Car_The safest luxury sedans: Volvo S80

Among luxury sedans, the Volvo S80 has always been something of an alternative choice. Through two generations, Volvo's largest sedan has spurned outright luxury and serious performance in favor of cutting-edge safety features and in-cabin technology. And, in a class dominated by rear-drive sedans, Volvo continues to tout the virtues of front-wheel drive, while offering all-wheel drive as an option.

There are plenty of premium-brand sedans that feel more upscale than the S80. There are just as many that surpass its balance and grip on a winding back road. Yet the Volvo S80 is certainly one of the safest cars money can buy. It also boasts some of the industry's most supportive seats.

For luxury sedan buyers whose tastes diverge from the mainstream, the Volvo S80 is an interesting car to consider. And with a price tag that undercuts many European and Japanese-brand competitors, it can be a sensible option as well.

Current Volvo S80

The Volvo S80 is only midsize in dimensions, which means it can seat four adults comfortably but doesn't have yards of legroom to spare. It has about the same footprint as the Acura RL, the competitor it most closely resembles in personality and performance.

Volvo sells two versions of the S80. The entry-level S80 3.2 is front-wheel drive and is motivated by a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder rated for 240 horsepower. Coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission, the 3.2 moves the S80 along adequately in most situations.

However, buyers seeking a more authentic luxury experience will undoubtedly prefer the S80 T6, which uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 good for 300 hp. It uses the same transmission as the base S80, but power goes to all four wheels via a standard all-wheel-drive system.

Both Volvo S80s come standard with the usual luxury amenities, including xenon headlamps, leather upholstery, wood trim, Bluetooth, power-adjustable seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. Major options include front/rear park assist, heated front and rear seats, an excellent 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system, a navigation system, a rearview camera, a dual-screen rear entertainment system and (T6 only) a sport-tuned "Dynamic" suspension.

On the safety front, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and collision warning system (bundled with adaptive cruise control) are worthwhile options for long-distance commuters to consider. One of the first systems of its kind, BLIS uses warning lights mounted on the A-pillars to alert the driver when another vehicle pulls up in the S80's blind spot. Although PCC is basically a glorified security system, its transponder has a heartbeat sensor to let you know if someone is still in your Volvo after the alarm has been activated.

Useful features like these are the main reasons someone might want to buy a Volvo S80. The utter comfort of the front seats and a reasonable price tag are additional points in the car's favor. In other respects, though, the Volvo S80 comes across as tepid compared to its luxury sedan rivals. It rides comfortably, handles predictably and stops short, but otherwise does little to engage its driver. And although its cabin has all the expected amenities, it lacks the unrestrained elegance and exacting quality of competitors' interiors.

Business Car_History of BMW 7-Series

The BMW 7-Series is a large luxury sedan that's well into its fourth decade of production. Introduced in 1977 with its "7-Series" moniker, the car was preceded in mission by a large six-cylinder sedan built from the 1960s to 1977. Today's 7-Series is the most expensive sedan sold by BMW, and its most powerful--not counting the Rolls-Royce lineup, which BMW acquired in the late 1990s. The 7-Series comes in six-, eight-, twelve-, and eight-cylinder hybrid versions, and competes against the Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, and the Mercedes-Benz S Class in the business-luxury segment.

The first 7-Series was introduced in 1977, and was sold through the 1986 model year. A large, roomy four-door, the "7er" came to America in three versions: 733i, 735i, and L7. The U.S. versions were outfitted with power features, leather and wood trim, and a sunroof, as well as bigger bumpers, and marketed as luxurious competitors to the most expensive Mercedes four-doors. Some versions of the European-market, turbocharged 745i were sold in the U.S. in the grey market--technically not illegal but not imported by BMW itself. The L7 was a version of the 735i fitted with more leather trim and more standard features, as well as an automatic transmission and a driver-side airbag--making it the first vehicle sold in America with that safety feature.

With the second-generation 7-Series, which was sold from 1987 to 1994, BMW added a new engine variant. The 730i sported a 3.0-liter in-line six; the 735i carried on with its 3.5-liter in-line six; and the new 750i arrived with a 300-horsepower V-12 under its hood. The new sedan's styling was more sleek and yet still dynamic, with the quintessential BMW twin-kidney grille tilted forward at the front and inside, a functional--almost austere--cockpit that still featured a manual gearbox on some versions. An "L" version added length to the wheelbase, and late in life the 7-Series gained a new 3.0-liter in-line six and a 4.0-liter V-8.

In the third generation, which ran from 1994 to 2001, BMW watered down the car's styling to near-anonymity. The six-cylinder engine was discontinued, leaving behind a 740i and a 740Li model with a 4.0-liter V-8 (later upgraded to 4.4 liters) and the V-12-powered 750Li. A five-speed automatic was featured, and some mild facelifts accompanied the car through the end of its model run in 2001. This 7-Series also made a start turn, in the 1997 James Bond film,Tomorrow Never Dies.

The fourth-generation 7-Series changed dramatically, and with that change came controversy. This 7-Series, sold from 2002 to 2008, brought with it a radically "flame-surfaced" style that was said to have been a response by chief designer Chris Bangle to a BMW board demand that their cars become more expressive. Expressive they were, but critics contended the high roofline, big glass areas, and oddly tiered styling didn't work well, and disrupted the company's focus on "ultimate driving machines." BMW would go on to sell more of this generation 7-Series than any before, but sales grew thanks to expansion in new markets, particularly China. Over its lifespan, this generation would include short- and long-wheelbase variants, rear- and all-wheel-drive versions, but no manual-gearbox versions.

Perhaps the most disliked feature of the new 7-Series was iDrive. BMW pioneered the round controller on the center console, and intended it to take the place of dozens of buttons and switches in its cockpits. iDrive proved difficult for many users to master, even with haptic feedback and a large LCD screen for navigation. Changing radio stations could be an exercise in frustration; even redundant voice controls for the car's navigation system proved to be a hurdle. Widespread dissatisfaction with both the car's styling and iDrive didn't temper enthusiasm for its handling nor for its brisk acceleration, however. In 2006 BMW uprated the V-8 engine to 4.8 liters and 360 horsepower, and changed the car's nomenclature to 750i / 750Li. It had boosted the V-12 to 6.0 liters and 438 hp in 2004, making it the 760Li. In 2007 it reintroduced an Alpina B7 with the 4.4-liter V-8, without output rated at 500 hp.

In 2009, BMW introduced the current version of the 7-Series. With a revamped look that greatly muted the prior car's humps and crests, the new car turned out much more attractive, particularly inside, where iDrive lost the battle to control every function, and the dash was clarified into a more logical, handsome piece. The iDrive system itself received an entirely rethought, more logical action, with intuitive icons, plus more redundant buttons that "bookmarked" settings for audio, climate, and navigation--whatever the driver's preference. Performance came from a range of V-8 engines for the first model year, with a six-speed automatic the norm in the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li; in the 2010 model year, BMW added six- and twelve-cylinder (735 and 760) versions, as well as a hybrid teamed with lithium-ion batteries, and new all-wheel-drive versions--and wait, there's also a new Alpina edition. The V-12 version brought with it a new eight-speed automatic transmission, which is expected to make its way through the lineup in due course. A bulletproof version can be ordered, and BMW has long experimented with hydrogen-powered 7-Series sedans--though none has been offered for sale.

The 7-Series has seen no significant changes for 2011 or 2012, but it's expected to get some mid-cycle appearance upgrades for 2013.

Little Car BIG HEART

Fun, cute, all in ONE!!! The Mini Cooper, covertered by many. Why?? Maybe, due to its "cut" fun size, performance or even durability. Well, we've all watched Mr Bean movies. Now, what car does he drive. Of course, a mini cooper. At first, an orange 1969 BMC Mini MK II (registration RNT 996H) was Mr. Bean's vehicle, but this was destroyed in an off-screen crash at the end of the first episode. From then on, the car was a 1976 model, applejack green in colour with a matte black bonnet. 

Mini Coopers a small economy car that was made by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 until 2000. The original is considered a British icon of the 1960s, and its space-saving front-wheel drive layout.

In 1976, the Mini became the first British car to produce a special edition - the Mini 1000 Special. Priced at £1406 (€1220), it came in Brooklands Green or Glacier White and featured a gold waist coachline, twin chrome door mirrors and reclining front seats. To reflect the fashion of the 70s, the interior had an orange-striped brushed nylon seat trim from the MGB range and dark orange safari carpets.

 

A Mini Cooper is the dream car for most women, but they are restricted due to its "costly" price for a little car, packed with alot of goodness, with prices ranging from $35, 000 upwards!!! In a study conducted, it concluded that 70% of Minis were brought by women, 56% of Mini owners were married, 13% were younger than 24, 16% were older than 65 and that the main use for the Mini was as a second car to be driven in the city.

 So, lets learn to appreciate this Little Car with a BIG HEART!

Formula1 Cars

The Ultimate Top 10 Formula one cars

 10: Ferrari F2007 (2007)

The Ferrari F1 Team is exactly like the people who buy their road cars—they are brash, arrogant, and obsessively self-absorbed. Unfortunately, they build beautiful race cars, and the F2007 is no exception.

The only car in this list to have been built since the turn of the millennium (just keeping out the McLaren MP4/20), the F2007 is an engineering masterpiece—as are all cars of the modern era—but this Ferrari stands out from the pack.

9: Arrows A2 (1979)

Conceptually, it was brilliant making the front wings into winglets and bringing them inboard and maximizing the body size so as to maximize the benefit of the ground effects skirts.

Converting the concept into on-road performance, however, seemed somewhat more challenging. The car terrified its unfortunate drivers and was all but undriveable on bumpy roads with the car breaking ‘suction’ at inopportune moments.

 8 Williams FW16 (1994)

The FW16 will be forever be associated with the death of Ayrton Senna. Despite that, it was a beautiful car. It was the last of the F1 cars with a proper nose and it was the first one with the uber-stylish Rothmans livery.

The car was problematic, with designer Adrian Newey referring to it as a “bloody awful cock-up.” The return to non-assisted suspension, after two years of active suspension, apparently proving to be more difficult than imagined. This, coupled with some aero package issues resulted in a car that was challenging to drive.

7: BRM P160 (1971)

After declaring the 1970’s a disaster zone for aesthetics, the BRM P160 comes in at No. 7 to prove me wrong. It was one of the last cars to avoid the ludicrous, jester’s hat airboxes that became the must-have accessory for an F1 car through to around 1976.

Its shovel nose, simple wings and understated, predominantly white livery complemented the rounded sidepods to deliver a car that was the standout of the 1971 series and the last car to not induce nausea for almost a decade.

6: Maserati 250F (1967)

Any car driven by Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Alberto Ascari has some serious credibility in the F1 world. Maserati 250F is one of the best formula 1 cars.

5: BRABHAM BT52 (1983)

Thi car was bolted to an insane, turbocharged BMW engine that was capable of 1300 brake horsepower in qualifying configuration and carried Nelson Piquet to his second world championship

4. McLAREN MP4-5 (1989)

In the now universally recognized Marlboro livery, the MP4/5 absolutely dominated the 1989 season, despite the simmering feud between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost that threatened to derail their progress towards the driver’s and constructor’s championships.

The MP4/5 took pole position in 15 of the 16 races and won 10. The Prost-Senna rivalry drove development of the car at a ridiculous pace and left their competitors in their wake.

3: LOTUS 97T (1985)

The Lotus 97T was one of the last of the stunning black and gold John Player Special cars that started with the 72 and finished with the 98T.

It was a livery widely believed to be the best ever on an F1 car and the 97T was a magnificent example of the series, eclipsing its successor by virtue of the chromed rims looked infinitely better than the black ones.

The 97T stood apart from the earlier 72, 77, 78, and 79 models in that it was more tapered, not the flattened shape that was typical of the 1970s.

2: NGLO AMERICAN RACING EAGLE (1967)

The hand of former Lotus designer Len Terry was very evident in this gem from the golden-era of F1. It was built by Dan Gurney and the legendary Carroll Shelby as an “All American” tilt at the world of Formula One

1: LOTUS 49 (1967)

The fact that the two most beautiful cars in F1 history raced against each other is an unlikely, but nonetheless real, coincidence. The fact that the cars looked strikingly similar, thanks to the influence of Len Terry, made comparisons inevitable.
The 49 became the backbone for the Lotus team’s first tentative steps into the world of wings and served them through until 1970 when it was replaced with the Lotus 72

Business Car_Benz S600

 

Visionary design

A moving vision of power and prestige, the 2012 S600 stands above the crowd with an authoritative grille featuring a double-slat motif, staggered-width 19-inch wheels, and an exclusive chrome-highlighted rear bumper integrating dual exhaust tips. Its timelessly modern profile is complemented by windswept side mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators, while chrome trim strips extending from bumper to bumper accentuate the long wheelbase. At the rear, wraparound LED tail lamps highlight the broad S-Class stance and deliver a dazzling nighttime presence.

5.5 L twin-turbo V-12 engine

The number only tell part of the story: 12 cylinders, 510 hp and 612 lb-ft of peak torque from 1,800-3,500 rpm. The rest you have to feel for yourself. Staggering acceleration and low-end torque stems from two advanced, compact turbochargers, which nearly eliminate "turbo lag". Two liquid-to-air inter coolers further intensify combustion for seemingly endless thrust at any rpm. And with high-strength components like a die cast block, it's both seamlessly smooth and stunningly strong.

 

Sports Car

New Vanquish SV12 is the fastest production model ever to be built by Aston Martin made its world debut at the 2004 pairs Motor show. With a maximum speed in excess of 200 mph (321 km/h) and a 6.0 liter V12 engine developing 520 horsepower, the Vanquish S has been designed to deliver even greater performance, complemented by subtle suspension and steering changes and a number of interior and external style revisions

The Vanquish S has received subtle but effective changes to complement its elegant muscular body. The famous Aston Martin grille has a new rounded and more open appearance for better cooling, and an aerodynamic splitter improves high-speed stability . At the rear, a redesigned boot lid featuring a new high mounted stop lamp reduces lift and improves balance and stability, helping to achieve an impressive Cd figure of 0.32.

 I like this car because the sports Dynamics suspension, steering and braking package is now standard on the Vanquish S. This includes stiffer springs and dampers and shorter steering arms. Furthermore, development of Aston Martin's low emissions, all alloy, quad-overhead camshaft, 48 valve, 6,0-liter V12 engine generates an increases in power from 460 bhp to 520 bhp at 700 rpm and torque is boosted to 425 lb-ft at 5800 rpm.

Engine enhancements include new cylinder heads with fully machined inlet-ports and combustion chambers to improve airflow, revised engine mapping and new fuel injectors. The overall interior design is a subtle blend of traditional, classic and modern materials with Bridge of Weir leather upholstery matched to contemporary metal interior fittings and finishes. A number of detailed improvements have been made to interior of the Vanquish S to enhance the overall appeal.

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Barbie Cars! Pink Cars for Girly Girls

PINK! PINK! PINK! Barbie's pink convertible in the 21st century!

When we think of pink cars, ironically, we often visual  images of Barbie and her pink convertible with the song 'I'm a barbie girl, in the barbie world! Life's plastic, its fantastic!' playing in the background. 

When we look at the streets around us, pink cars are increasing in numbers as more and more brave and adventurous girls are buying cars in the color pink. while some people think pink cars are 'tacky' making close references to Barbie and her little pink car. HOWEVER...I believe pink cars can be viewed as a form of self expression as the color pink adds a pop of fun, excitement  and color onto our dull streets within our society where people conforms, buying cars in the 3 typical colors of black, silver and white.

Personally, I love pink! I'm not overly obsessed but I think the color pink is a powerful color as its the colour of universal love, while girls who are the lovers of beauty favors pink. Since I got my license, I've always wanted a small car in light shades of pink, however, this is proven to be extremely hard to find due to its niche market.

So...Here to help all girls out there! let me give you some guides when choosing your own little pink car :)

- SUZUKI SWIFT: 

The stylish new Suzuki Swift. Totally new from the ground up, it’s set to turn even more heads with its sporty all new design and a sleek new interior with plenty of flexible storage space. This small yet efficient car has a 4 cylinder VVT engine which runs on  5.5 liters of fuel per 100kms with a max power of 70kW@6000rpm. This car comes in a variety of bright colors ranging from a pop of dark pink with hints of red to light shades of silvery pink. This is a great car for girls due to its size, color and excellent performance, currently this car is priced at $19165 driveaway (automatic). 

- TOYOTA YARIS: 

Yaris is a very clever car. It's designed to be big inside, small outside, fun to drive, cool to look at, easy to park and nippy round town. Yet it's comfortable and powerful enough, to head out on the highway for kilometre after kilometre. This car comes in the color HOT PINK called cosmopolitan! So for those girls out there who's brave enough to flaunt it!!  Here are the color chart for the Yaris' interior and exterior designs-->http://www.toyota.com.au/yaris/colours?WT.ac=VHYarisTopNavColourDemos#block-chart

This cute pink car with three door hatch is priced at $18558 driveaway.

- VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE:

This car is described as a statement in style due to its unique structure as this has the cutest appearance among it all with head turning lines and eye catching colors!!! The new beetle is called 'Miami', as this new range comes in a variety of pastel colors ranging from red, blue, yellow and pink. At the same time this car is suitable for all girls out there due to its superior designs and high engine performance with;

• 1.6L petrol engine
• Max power 75kW @ 5600rpm
• Max torque 148Nm @ 3800rpm
• 5-speed manual and 6-speed auto
• 3 door hatch body style
• Front and front side/head airbags
• Safety systems: ESP, ASR, ABS, EDL, EBD

In contrast, this cool convertible beetle is on the pricy side as price varies in accordance with the model and features included. 

Here you go! :) These are the top three pink cars on my wishlist! 

Good luck on finding your little pink car! As we transform ourselves into the Barbie dolls of our century!!!

ooh! If you current own a pink car, please leave a comment below about your model and experience!