Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Top 10 TV and Movie Cars

There have been many amazing cars in film and TV over the years, although some aren’t as memorable as others. Here is a list of the Top 10 TV & Movie Cars:

 

1. K.I.T.T from Knight Rider

A talking car and the Hoff himself, what more does a TV series need? K.I.T.T can drive itself using Artificial Intelligence and an alpha circuit as it’s main control system. The car could also communicate with Michael Knight using a voice synthesizer, and was fluent in French and Spanish. Other cool features included a turbo boost, a silent mode to avoid detection, oil jets to get rid of pursuing vehicles, a microwave jammer to stop electronic signals, a tear gas launcher and an eject button should the situation arise. This is easily the best car ever; however the original was sold for $150,000 in 2007. There are many replicas out there, but none will have the above mentioned features or have been driven by David Hasselhoff himself.

 

2. The DeLorean DMC 12

Dr Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown created a time machine from a Delorean DMC 12 in “Back to the Future”, which was able to travel through time once it hit 88mph which in turn activated the flux capacitor enabling the driver to travel to a specific date. The Delorean factory was closed in 1985 however there are still plenty of replicas and the odd original around.

 

3. The A Team Van

The GMC Vandura featured disguise kits and surveillance devices but was mainly used to get B.A Baracus, Murdock, Face and Hannibal on the scene of a crime or to help someone out quickly. There are plenty of replicas of the A Team van out there so finding one should be easy.

 

4. Ghostbusters Ecto 1

The Ecto 1 is a 1959 Cadillac ambulance conversion Miller-Meteor, used by the Ghostbusters when they were investigating paranormal activities. Complete with a Proton Cannon mounted on the roof to take on Slimer or Staypuft, the Ecto 1 is one of the most memorable cars out there, although you’ll struggle to find one in the same 1959 model seen in the film.

 

5. The Batmobile

The original is always the best, and the 1960s version of the Batmobile driven by Adam West is easily the best Batmobile out there. You’ll struggle to find one that has the Bat-ray, the Batsmokescreen, or the Bat-computer.

 

6. The Mystery Machine

The Mystery Machine was the van used by the team made famous by Scooby Doo & Mystery Inc. With the aid of his friends Freddie, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy, Scooby got to the bottom of every mystery to usually reveal a man hiding behind a ghoul or ghost mask. Unfortunately, the Mystery Machine didn’t include any special features or crime fighting tools, but was still a cool looking van.

 

7. New York

If you think of a yellow taxi you automatically think of New York, made famous by Robert De Niro in the movie “Taxi Driver”. There aren’t many of the old style around anymore, although if you’re lucky you may get a ride in one.

 

8. Italian Job Minis

Pretend you are Michael Caine ready to steal a shipment of gold from Italy and check out the Mini Cooper S straight from the film “The Italian Job”.

 

9. Lady Penelope’s Limousine

Over 20ft long and incredibly hard to manoeuvre round corners, Lady Penelope’s car (also known as FAB1) is available if you want be seen driving round in the longest, pinkest car you can imagine. Just find someone willing to act as Parker and you’re ready to go.

 

10. The Flintstone’s cars

As this doesn’t have an engine, airbags or brakes, The Flintstones’ car cannot be deemed roadworthy. Powered by the driver and passenger running, the Flintstones’ car was capable of a top speed of 2mph.

Top Ten Automakers of 2010

The financial crisis has changed the demographics of the auto industry putting formerly unknown manufacturers on the map, while top companies have lost their worldwide positions.

 

1. Toyota

Popular throughout the world by the sheer volume of cars it produces and sells in almost all countries; Toyota majorly caters the car and Light Commercial Vehicle segment. With marques such as Daihatsu, Hino, Lexus, Scion and Toyota, this giant manufacturer produces cars of mass appeal, elegance and comfort. With stylish cars regularly churned from its basket it would be hard to beat it from its top position.

 

2. General Motors

General Motors is a United States manufacturers and the second largest automaker in the world. This company has been ranked as the largest manufacturer of motors in the world though its share dwindled due to the financial crises and declaration of bankruptcy. Currently it is focusing on its core brands Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. Its biggest markets are North and South America and China; however it’s trying to put a foothold in other emerging markets like India, Germany, Spain, etc.

 

3. Ford Motor Co.

Ford Motor Co. introduced the revolutionary method of large-scale manufacturing of motor vehicles. It is the third largest manufacturer in the U.S behind Toyota and General Motors. The Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo are the brands under its automobile segment. With a majority of its market share in North America and the U.S, Ford Motors is rapidly expanding its foothold globally with its ‘Ford’ brand.

 

4. Fiat

This Italian automotive major has a 20% stake in Chrysler since 2009 and its cars are best sellers in Brazil, Argentina and Poland. Its long list of ventures with local companies in India, China, France, Turkey, Russia and Pakistan has ensured that this company has made a mark on the auto industry. Fiat is constantly involved in R&D and its ‘Multiair’ engine won the ‘Best Engine of the Year 2010’ in the International Engine of the Year Awards for its innovative engine technology.

 

5. BMW

Renowned for manufacturing luxury and performance vehicles, this German company also owns the MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. It’s famous for its BMW 3

Series of models and has brought out many innovations with its flagship 7 Series sedans. The company also had a successful stint in Formula One before winning 20 races before selling out to Peter Sauber. BMW is rapidly expanding its client base by setting up subsidiaries in South Africa, India, United States, China, Canada, Austria and Egypt.

 

6. Daimler AG

Daimler Corporation is the thirteenth largest car manufacturer. This German automaker has an envious basket of brands consisting of the ultra-luxurious Maybach, the ever popular statement-Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mitsubishi Fuso, Setra, Smart. Luxury and comfort are its two main focuses while manufacturing models. To increase its market share it has also entered into an alliance with Renault-Nissan in 2010.

 

7. Porsche SE

Another German manufacturer to feature on this list, Porsche is into manufacturing of luxury high performance automobiles. An impressive list of marques such as Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Scania, SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen group has ranked it among the top luxury automakers in the world. Porsche cars are immensely successful in the Formula One circuit winning more than 28,000 races. Porsche Cayenne SUV is also very popular with more than 250,000 models sold till date.

 

8. Tata Motors

TATA Motors emerged as a leader in automotive manufacturing after its historic takeover of British brands Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008. With a 70% market share in India, and ranked 19th by OCIA as the world’s largest automaker, TATA Motors is renowned for manufacturing affordable and cost-effective vehicles. It has also rolled out production of the cheapest car in the world ‘TATA Nano’ available at an ex-showroom price of $ 2,146 only. Apart from India it also has manufacturing plants in Argentina, South Africa and Thailand.

 

9. Honda Motor Co.

The sixth largest automobile manufacturer in the world, Honda’s products are mid-sized and highly fuel efficient. Their line-up cars like the Honda Civic, Fit, Accord, Odyssey, Insight and CR-V are very popular in the car market. The Honda Civic has the longest running production period. Honda also produces more fuel-efficient cars than any other automakers according to the U.S. Environment Protection Agency.

 

10. Chrysler Group LLC

A U.S. automobile manufacturer Chrysler has manufactured popular brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep and GEMCAR- battery powered vehicles. Chrysler vehicles are also very popular among gamers with the Chrysler parody being used as ‘Chryslus Motors’ in Fallout video game series. Dodge vehicles are also used in the Need for Speed and Tom Clancy video games.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Ten Most Expensive Cars in Each Brand


    Ten Most Expensive Cars in Each Brand



Expensive cars exist only in the realm of the rich and famous. We can look at them enviously as they glide past us with a murmur and with the grace of a gazelle. Every car manufacturer has at least one elite, fabulously expensive car within his brand, which is built exclusively for their select customers. They bring them out in limited quantities since they want to retain the exclusivity of the brand.
Here are ten of these cars:

1. Lamborghini Reventon:
They are renowned for their expensive cars, but this one is on top of their list also. Costing about $ 1,600,000, it has a top speed of 212mph. They build only 20 of these every year; hence their exclusivity and price are maintained.

2. Ferrari Enzo:
A superb car, it has always been very popular among the rich and the famous. They produced only 400 of these cars, and even today the previously owned models are sold at a much higher price than it’s original costing of $ 670,000. Ferrari’s craftsmanship is renowned and this is one of their masterpieces.

3. Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster:
With superb German technology behind it, this gorgeous convertible is prized among car fanatics. It has the world’s fastest automatic transmission, and a top speed of 206 mph, is well known for its excellent performance and style. At $ 495,000 it is definitely not built for the general public.

4. Porsche Carrera GT:
How can we expect anything but the best from Porsche? A true racing car feel in a convertible of the highest quality, this beauty can cost you anything around $ 440,000.

5. Maybach Exelero :
Most people are not familiar with a Maybach car – since every model of it is a high-end model. It is loosely termed as a super luxury Merc, because the production lines are the same. But for those who have owned a Maybach – there are none which are equal to it in performance and engineering. Be ready to fork out $ 8 million for this particular beauty.

6. BMW Z8:
How can we not have a BNW in this list? Always the symbol of ultimate luxury, BMW cars have the hallmark of excellent craftsmanship, great looks and superb technology. The Z8 is all this and much more. It is a limited production series, so if you want to buy one, be quick about it and spend about $ 130,000.

Let us now look at some of the other more common brands and their offerings in this category:

7. Honda NSX:
Also known as the Acura NSX, this beauty from Honda was a sports car built by them. With a cost factor of around $ 160,000, it achieved great popularity due to its excellent engine and superb styling.

8. Hyundai Equus:
Hyundai’s most expensive and its largest sedan the Equus can put you back about $ 110,000. Available in a range of styles, there is even a bullet proof model on sale for some special people. Among Hyundai aficionados it is considered to be a milestone car.

9. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1:
Among Corvette models, this is the king of all it surveys. With a powerful engine and a speed of 200 MPH, it has overtaken all other Corvette models. It carries a price tag of over $ 106,000.

10. Nissan GT – R:
At $ 77,000 this is one of the cheaper cars in this category, but Nissan has achieved a great deal of success because of this model. The performance of the car has received many kudos and it carries with it the symbolism of being the most expensive Nissan car with it.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Top 10 Best Cars of 2010-2011

Honda Odyssey

Honda Odyssey

 The Odyssey is powered by a V6 engine with beautiful luxury interior,more spacious and looking brighter.   Honda Odyssey comes with an optional rear-seat DVD system with a 16.2-in. (41 cm) screen - with split-screen capability. You can have a navigation system to get updates on traffic conditions around the vehicle. The exterior has also been redesigned, giving the car a sleeker, more aerodynamic look. The Odyssey is powered by a V6 engine and still comes with sliding doors. Starting price is $29,000.


Buick Regal Buick RegalBuick brand has 182 horsepower engine with six-speed transmission that, on average, will get 23 miles per gallon in city driving and 30 m.p.g. on the highway. General Motors is rebuilding the Buick brand the car with a larger backseat, European-style suspension from Germany with high-tech & fuel-efficient, four-cylinder American motor. its crisp steering and handling give the nimble feel of a smaller car. Starting price is $26,000.


Kia Sportage Kia SportageKia Sportage has been equipped with electric power steering, which improves the overall handling and boosts the fuel-economy rating of the new four-cylinder engines to 23 m.p.g. in the city and 31 m.p.g. on the highway. The Sportage comes with a backup camera, a navigation system and dual-zone climate controls. Starting price is about $19,000


Ford Explorer Ford ExplorerFord Explorer is under the (SUV) sport-utility segment. The new Explorer has  unibody construction , so the vehicle is lighter and less cumbersome. The result is a smoother ride,and more fuel-efficient. The vehicle's handling has been given a boost with the inclusion of a steering system with electric power assist, while its fuel economy has been improved by a new, more efficient engine that delivers 17 m.p.g. in the city and up to 25 m.p.g. on the highway. The vehicle also comes with the latest communications gear from the Ford-Microsoft combine. Starting price is $28,000.


Mazda 2 mazda_2  The Mazda 2 gets 100 horsepower from its 1.6-liter engine, while a solid suspension and excellent steering give the car great presence on the road.  It also has an excellent sound system and a handy fifth door in the rear. The short wheelbase makes it easy to park in tight, urban spaces, and it comes with a full range of safety equipment, including six airbags, antilock brakes, traction control and stability control. Starting price is $14,000.


Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee The Chrysler Group has made the 2011 Grand Cherokee more refined on the inside, more fuel-efficient (with a V6 engine that gets 16 m.p.g. in the city and 23 m.p.g. on the highway) and more comfortable overall. The suspension has been completely reworked to make the Grand Cherokee steadier and less harsh on the highway. But the four-wheel-drive version retains the ability to go off-road in places where most SUVs get stuck. Starting price is $30,000.


Hyundai Equus Hyundai Equus Hyundai Equus  powered by a 385-horsepower V8 engine, with a large, rear-wheel, luxury interior. The Equus sleek design reduces drag, helping it get almost 24 m.p.g. on the highway. The car comes with an elaborate electronic package, including an entertainment system with 17 speakers for anything from an iPod to HD radio to compact discs, a high-definition navigation system, a lane-departure warning system and electronic vehicle-stability management. It is equipped with nine airbags and a rear seat befitting a limousine and comes with Hyundai's standard 10-year warranty. Starting price is $57,700


Volkswagen Jetta Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen's Jetta is the huge compact car with 2.5-liter engine delivers 170 horsepower and gets 22 m.p.g. in the city and 30 m.p.g. on the highway.Volkswagen's Jetta has a large compact wheelbase, luxury interior Space. It comes with a full list of comfort and convenience features, like a brake-pad-wear indicator, a multifunction trip computer that tracks time and distance as well as average speed and fuel consumption. Starting price is $17,000.


Toyota Scion tC Toyota ScionThe Scion tC is Equipped with a 180-horsepower engine, with good fuel economy of 23 m.p.g. in the city and 31 m.p.g. on the highway. It  has a solid feel on the road, excellent brakes, steady ride and handling. Starting price for the automatic model is $19,900.


Nissan Rogue Nissan Rogue Nissan Rogue 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine will get 22 m.p.g. in the city and 28 m.p.g. on the highway. The Rogue comes with a long list of features, including xenon headlights, heated outside mirrors, UV-reducing glass, remote keyless entry and a fold-down passenger seat for extra long cargo. Starting price is $20,810.