The Top 5 Sexiest Cars for 2011

Most men, and quite a few women now a days, love to drive a real head-turner that forces everybody to stop and admire their car. If you feel the same way, then you certainly should greatly appreciate our list of the top 5 sexiest cars for 2011.

#5 Sexiest Rated Car for 2011 - Chevy Corvette - The Corvette is Americas very own premium sports car. It might not possess the handling of some of the European models that are designed to be driven on roads built 500 years ago, but then again, the US was not even a country back then.

However, if you want to do a little drag racing with it, the Corvette will blow away most of the European models that come close to being in its price range. For a meager $48,950, you can drive one of the fastest and sexiest cars presently being manufactured in the US. It lines are outstanding, and both the front and back ends are spectacular creations.

#4 Sexiest Rated Car for 2011 - Maserati Granturismo- This little beauty is a 4 seat coupe that is produced by one of the most famous and respected car manufacturers in the world. When you compare its price to some of its competition, it does very well, selling for only $118,900.

It comes with a stunning red interior made of leather, and its body's design is everything that you would expect a Maserati to look like. Its V8 produces a very respectable 405 horsepower. Men read this sentence very carefully, 100% of the women that were asked if they would date somebody who owned one of these cars answered "YES".

#3 Sexiest Rated Car for 2011 - Tesla Model S - Who says that you cannot build a car that not only looks tremendous, but is also great for the planet and the environment. It was certainly not the people that designed and produce the Tesla Model S. It is a full-sized battery electric sedan that not only handles superbly, but it also goes from 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds, which is not so shabby.

They range in price from $60,000 to $109,000 and it can travel up to 300 miles after only having its batteries charged up for 45 minutes. This is a very smart car, with incredible lines that forces everybody close to it to take a second and third look.

#2 Sexiest Rated Car for 2011 - Mercedes Benz SLS AMG - This one of a kind creation sells for approximately $200,000 and comes with 10 spoke forged wheels, a V-8 that produces 563 horsepower, carbon fiber trim, and an out of this world Bang & Olufsen stereo. Not only does it look marvelous, it performs superbly as well.

#1 Sexiest Rated Car for 2011 - Aston Martin DDS Volante - Nothing in the world is better than driving down the road in a convertible that is so astonishing that everybody just stops to watch you go by. If you want to own one of these gems it is going to cost you $284,000, and it comes with a V-12 engine that generates 510 horsepower that goes from 0 to 60 in a mere 4.3 seconds.

There you have it, the top 5 sexiest cars for 2011. So, please explain what are you waiting for, it is time to run to the nearest dealer and drive away with the car of your dreams.

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Original article

Useful Tips For Starting A Classic Car Restoration Project

Classic Car Restoration

When purchasing a classic car you need to establish what work needs to be done and list the parts that you are going to need.

Assessment of body work.

What work is needed to be carried out?

Is it a replacement or repair?

Can you carry out the work yourself or will you require professional help?

Do you have all the specialist tools needed to carry out the repairs and work?

Do you have all the correct certification to carry out the work? Welding work will require a certified welder to carry out the work.

Do you have adequate space to carry out the work required?

Timescales

How much time can you devote to your restoration?

Cost

What is the estimated cost taking into account the timescales you have given yourself?

How much money do you have to restore your car?

How much work will you have to do yourself?

Road Tax

Is the car permanently off the road? If it is not of a certain age will you need to make the car SORN whilst carrying out the restoration?

Acquiring parts

To purchase parts for your vehicle maybe difficult as many parts become discontinued stock.

It maybe possible to replace the part with a modern alternative.

Second hand parts could be an option although if you can find the part you need it maybe in the same condition as the one you already have.

Where to find parts.

There are many ways to find parts if you are restoring on a shoe string.

Car parts suppliers.

Some modern suppliers may still have certain parts. Most parts after a certain period become discontinued, although there maybe a modern equivalent that is suitable although not authentic. You might even be lucky and there might be some old stock!

Specialist car suppliers maybe your next option as they specialise in classic cars.

Newspapers and newsagent windows

You never know what will be advertised. You may want to advertise a Wanted space yourself, but that can be costly. If you want to keep the costs down ask them for a late space advertisement. If they have spare spaces to fill and you can negotiate a better advertising rate.

Newsagents window are cheap and effective although localised. Keep a look out for adverts in your local newsagents for garage clearances, motor parts and vehicles for sale.

Car magazines

Car magazines can be costly but great for information. Have good look in the shop to make sure you have the right magazine to suit your car. Many of the magazines are now online and you may be able to find out details of specialist repairers and restorers free of charge.

Another cheap way of buying car magazines is to have a look at boot sales and local newspapers. It is amazing what information, books or manuals you can find for very little money.

Scrap yards

Get to know your local scrap dealer or car breaker. Tell them what you are looking for and they can contact you if anything suitable comes in.

Specialist car parts suppliers

Car Associations

Their members have been there and done it. You can find out details of associations in specialist classic car magazines and on the web.

They will be able to provide you useful advice. Possibly have access to parts and specialist repairers.

Car jumbles

Look out for car jumbles or classic car jumbles. They are always great to have a look round and you never know what useful part or tool you will be able to pick up.

Internet

The web is a fantastic source of information. The internet provides copies of manuals, reference books, association feedback, newsletters and forums as well as purchasing essential items such as parts, tools and specialist classic car insurance.

Insurance.

Do you have the correct cover for your classic car whilst being restored to its former glory and when roadworthy? It is important to check with a classic car insurance broker for advice.

Dave Healey is a regular writer and contributor about classic cars and car restorations at Car Blog.

Original article

Three Steps To Car Restoration

A successful car restoration project is based on several factors. What is the purpose of the restoration: is it to personally enjoy driving that 68 Mustang you drove as a teenager? Or is it to enter car shows and win prestige and possibly prizes? The purpose of your vehicle restoration is very important to identify before you start your big project.

A restoration project can be a fun hobby that you do in your own garage. If it's for personal use, you likely won't be too concerned if every replaced part exactly matches the model and year of your car. However, professionally restored car enthusiasts would cringe at the thought of replacing even a bolt or a belt with something other than the original or an exact replica of the original.

There are three steps to take when planning any car restoration. They are first, take time to evaluate the car and take notes while it is being inspected. Second, take your car to a professional car restorer if you expect a professional result. Third, visit the restoration shop to ask questions and check on the progress of your car.

First of all, what shape is the car in; is it worth restoring? The car should be inspected from top to bottom by someone who knows what they are looking for. Signs of rust, deterioration, missing parts and problems with structural integrity are all relevant when determining the extent and cost of the restoration process. The evaluation should also include a check for body filler, which can be done using a weak flexible magnet. A thorough inspection under the car using a bright light, preferably with the car lifted up for a closer look, is also a top priority.

Second, match your expectations with your budget. If this is to be a do it yourself project that you are considering a hobby, then the budget will likely be lower, but don't expect professional results. If the goal of the whole restoration process is to result in a show car to be taken to car shows, then a professional restoration is in order.

Third, check on the progress of your car restoration. Is it progressing as planned? If location is a problem, ask for regular detailed photos to be emailed to you with an explanation of what is being accomplished. If this project is a hobby you are attempting yourself, check to make sure you are keeping within your decided budget and schedule.

Whether you do it yourself or with the help of a professional, restoring your car to the original look and feel can be a very enjoyable and satisfying experience. The most fun, of course, is driving down Main Street showing it off to everyone.

Dan Annweiler is a car enthusiast who will be launching two car related websites November 1, 2011. To celebrate this forthcoming launch, Dan is giving away 2 auto-related eBooks to anyone who subscribes to his email list. Dan's first ebook is entitled "62 Ways to Save Money at the Gas Pump" and the title says it all. The second eboook is entitled "Gas Saving Devices: Fuel Saver or Consumer Scam?" Dan's second ebook discusses the pros and cons of gas saving devices. These two eBooks are available for free simply by registering using the electronic form located on his website: GasSavingTips.us.

Original article

The First Audi Models

In the early twentieth century, car makers all over the world were experimenting and testing new and innovative ideas in the area of car manufacturing. Historically, there was no blueprint to go from and any new and ground-breaking thoughts were treated as viable ideas. It was an era of pioneering in a society that was enjoying novel ideas about where to take the automobile next. One company who ventured into these unknown waters was Audi.

The first Audi was made by August Horch in 1910 at a plant in Zwickan, Germany. The Audi Type A 10/22hp (16Kw) Sport-Phaeton was created as a recreational vehicle that felt comfortable on the open road as well as in the city. These were long, heavy, and awkward vehicles that really were not designed for the narrow cobblestone streets of small German towns. One of the main problems that existed in those days was the infrastructure of the country. There simply wasn't one. What was good was having an automobile if the streets in which you drove were 12 feet (and sometimes narrower) wide. And that was a good road. Until the German government could build the roads for these new vehicles, cars that would be the first technological success of the 20th century, the car in general was not practical.

As Audi continued to change and adapt the Type A Sport-Phaeton, it somehow found its way into the racing competition of central Europe. Competing against the well-known manufacturers of Germany, the likes of which would become recognized names worldwide in automotive engineering, the Audi stood next to Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Peugeot, and a host of others.

Taking the Type A into competitive racing, Audi made numerous adaptations to the car in order to become relevant in the manufacturing and racing fields. Engines were tested and changes were made. Horsepower and acceleration were improved and body construction enhanced. It was not too long before Audi's Type A was making its presence felt.

Feeling the tight economic times of the post WWI era, Audi was not a major player in the market before the Second World War. Using the Type A as the prototype for new engineering, Audi began reducing the size and weight of the cars it built. The Type A was used for the trial of new and more powerful engines as well as the improvement of body design.

The Audi has come a long way since the Type A left the factory. Audi now creates automobiles that compete in a worldwide market and for the past 25 years has enjoyed growing success. From the Type A to today, Audi enjoys renewed success.

Enid Glasgow is an auto enthusiast who is never blue when she'd driving her Audi automobile.

Original article

Where Do Audis Come From?

Many people throughout the world think the automobile was invented in the United States. True, Henry Ford is generally considered the father of the American automobile, but automobile invention was happening all over the industrialized world. Besides the USA, many other industrialized nations were mass-producing cars as well. Four such countries were Germany, England, Italy, and Japan. Where each country has a vast history in automobile manufacturing, Germany, for all intents and purposes, is arguably the historical leader in all of Europe. Such worldwide names we hear of most often are: Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, Fiat, and Renault. Yet ever so infrequently the name not heard worldwide for the first half of the 20th Century was Audi.

With the German economy still reeling from the First World War, Audi and three other businesses began experiencing financially hard times. So, joining together with four other car companies (Audi/DKI, Horch, and Wanderer), they formed a financial alliance which came to be known as Auto Union. Protected by this business umbrella, each car company continued on its own, eventually sharing product ideas and engineering technology.

During the Second World War, with agreements from new chancellor Adolf Hitler, Auto Union was awarded many government contracts given to businesses to help raise a shattered German economy in hopes of getting the country out of its depression. As Germany entered WWII, Auto Union made thousands of vehicles used by the German government and it's military.

In the post WWII economic boom, Auto Union began again its movement into the world automobile market. Encouraged by worldwide importation marketing techniques, Audi began to carve out a niche for itself in the world automobile marketplace.

Purchased by Volkswagen in 1964, Audi was able to expand its division and its product line. They simply made their re-debut in September 1965 throughout the car world. Since that time, Audi has been a leader in research and development for the car industry. Audi/Volkswagen eventually merged again, this time with Porsche in 2006.

The original trademarked logo, the four inter-twined circles, has nothing to do with the Berlin Olympics of 1936. Rather, it symbolizes the original four automakers that joined together in the 1930s. Today, Audi enjoys worldwide success in automobile manufacturing and advanced technology.

Today, Audi is an automotive leader in luxury cars that provide state-of-the-art safety features and performance characteristics that make it a leader in a fast, aggressive auto market.

Enid Glasgow is an Audi junkie who is never blue when she'd driving her Audi. Purchase Audi parts keeps her cruising along until dawn.

Original article