Aston Martin One-77

Aston Martin has released a snapshot of the stunning new One-77; the ultimate creative interpretation of the renowned British marque.

One-77 fuses advanced technology with stunning Aston Martin design to create possibly the world’s most desirable automotive art form. Based on a sophisticated carbon fibre chassis with a handcrafted aluminium body, this 7.3 litre V12 super car will deliver exhilarating performance for a strictly limited number of discerning customers.

Two new images and more details about the limited edition Aston Martin One-77 have surfaced, providing us with a price, a handful of specs and some new views of the bespoke supercar.

Despite what the original teaser revealed, sources indicate that the One-77 will be packing a naturally aspirated 7.3-liter V12, as opposed to a 7.0-liter unit, putting out 700 hp and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. Power will be channeled through a rear, mid-mounted six-speed automated manual transmission, featuring Auto Shift Manual and Select Shift Manual (ASM/SSM), and controlled by an electro-hydraulic system.

The coupe will be available in left- or right-hand-drive, but seating will be limited to two. The exterior body panels will be made of handcrafted aluminum, while the monocoque body structure will be fashioned from carbon fiber. A deployable rear spoiler, adaptive suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and stability/traction control are all part of the package, and the One-77 is expected to tip the scales at just over 3,300 pounds.

A "Direct Customer Sales Contract" was supposedly leaked to 925.nl, which covers the details in all their fine-print glory, along with the price tag. One of 77 One-77s will set you back £1,050,000, excluding VAT and all the other taxes that go into the purchase. While Aston Martin isn't on the schedule for this week's Paris Motor Show, we're hoping to catch a glimpse of the new coupe in the City of Lights before it goes on sale towards the end of 2009

Maserati Quattroporte S

The new Maserati Quattroporte is unique in the field of luxury saloons, combining elegance and comfort with stunning performance.

The lines of the Quattroporte S are enhanced by the latest technology
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s show-stopping looks are down to Pininfarina, the world famous coachbuilder. New technological features and revised aerodynamics combine to render the elegant Maserati flagship model even more desirable and a car that stirs the soul.

The front end is dominated by the new grille with the traditional Trident logo in its centre. The grille’s chrome, convex vertical slats give the car an assertive poise and hint at the potential that lies beneath the bonnet. The front lights, like those at the rear, make use of LED technology to give the Quattroporte S an even more striking look.
The Quattroporte S is a car with a distinct character that combines power and elegance. Its unmistakeable lines are perfected by the new side spoilers.

The interior of the Maserati Quattroporte S offers superb comfort
The interior of the new Maserati Quattroporte S has raised the bar when it comes to comfort. This improvement is down to the radical changes made to the driving position, the seat set up, the multi-functional steering wheel with its sports grip, the commands now situated on the centre console, the revised instruments and, near the chic clock, the addition of a small storage compartment on the centre tunnel.

The Quattroporte S has electronically adjustable seats that can be set to fourteen different positions (including the seat back in four different ways). The driver’s seat has three memory settings and an easy entry/exit system (that pushes the seat back and raises the steering column). Owners can also opt for the front seat comfort pack that provides heating, ventilation and massage functions.

Passengers in the back can relax and enjoy the ride in a well-insulated cabin, free from any annoying vibrations. The Quattroporte S offers an array of rear seat positions thanks to their numerous functions such as their separate, electronic movement. The separate lengthways shift (10cm) and reclining movement mean that passengers will have no trouble finding a comfortable position. The rear seats can also be fitted with a heating, ventilation and massage capability, as an option.

The spacious, 450 litre boot has an even shape and is especially roomy widthways (it can fit three or four golf bags, depending on their size). Every inch of room in the boot can be exploited thanks to the luggage set specifically designed for the Quattroporte S and available as an option. Boot space has been found to accommodate the puncture repair kit that includes a pump. A 17” spare wheel can also be housed under the boot floor, available on request.

There is a range of other standard equipment that comes with the new Quattroporte S, including a cooler compartment inside the front armrest, two glass holders that tuck away into the rear armrest and an electronic blind for the rear window.

Interior: switchgear

The main commands inside the Quattroporte S can be accessed easily and quickly. Switchgear linked to the driving dynamics (Park Off, Low Grip, Sport, MSP deactivation) is set close to the driver. To one side, on the right of the centre display, are the commands to lock/unlock the doors and the window blinds. Lower down on the console is a group of commands for the dual-zone Automatic Climate control that has its own display.

Simplicity and speed of use are the concepts behind the interior’s design. Each switch does only one thing and the graphics make using them intuitive and immediately understandable.

The electronic handbrake is located on the centre tunnel. It is operated by simply pressing a button (that is slightly recessed to avoid turning it on accidentally). To deactivate the handbrake you need to press the button once more or depress the accelerator pedal. The Maserati Quattroporte S is also fitted with the 'Park' capability that turns on the electronic handbrake every time the engine is switched off. This function can be deactivated via the Park Off switch for times when you need to move the car with the engine off. To complete things, twin, chrome edged glass holders and an ashtray and cigar lighter can be found on the centre tunnel.


Interior: prestigious woods

At Maserati tradition dictates, attention to detail and a refined interior lie at the heart of the new Maserati Quattroporte S’s design. The flawless styling is a celebration of Italian craftsmanship. Wood, that most classic of materials, covers vast areas of the interior, giving the cabin a welcoming warmth. Three new prestigious woods make their debut in the new range: Starwood, Vavona and Polished Wenge. These woods prove once more the lengths Maserati goes to in sourcing new materials. For those who prefer a sleeker look, high gloss Black Piano and Blue Laque finishes are available.

Starwood stands out for its elegance and modernity. The vertical grain on the centre console and horizontal grain on the door panels, combined with a neutral grey-green hue, combines perfectly with cooler colours if the client wishes to create a clean and modern interior. Starwood also works with warmer colours to generate a contrast that brings out the vivid shades. Vavona has warm, amber tones. The wood is recognisable for the rounded and florid form of its grain. It is a wood that works particularly well with all the warmer leather colours in the range.

Polished Wenge, with its stretched grain, is a tropical wood. It is dark and dense and brings warmth to any environment with its brown toned grain. Blue Laque is the new alternative to Black Piano and has been introduced to combine with the Blue Navy leather tint. This creates and new and smart contrast to the lighter colours in the range.

Specially sourced, all the woods undergo treatment that is a combination of traditional working methods and the most advanced precision technology. Owners can even personalise their choice of prestigious woods with inlays.

The interior: Poltrona Frau® leather

The Poltrona Frau® leather that adorns the interior of the Maserati Quattroporte S is the result of a special selection process aimed at guaranteeing the finest quality in a material that is pleasing to the touch. The tanning treatment it undergoes makes the leather supple, hardwearing and practical and adds to the overall aesthetics. Poltrona Frau® represents workmanship of times gone by. It combines time-honoured expertise with more modern techniques. This process makes the leather extremely soft and comforting in winter but cool in summer. Poltrona Frau® leather also ages well, another reason it is rated so highly.

The most discerning Maserati owners can opt for the Luxury Pack in natural Poltrona Frau® leather, the last word in elegance and exclusivity. The leather is extraordinarily supple, something that will give passengers a sensation of refined extravagance. The Poltrona Frau® logo and the double stitched seats embellish the look.Two new colours make their debut on the new Quattroporte S: the natural and subtle Sabbia and Marrone Corniola, a modern shade of brown with a vivid and sporty tone.

Comfort and life on board

The navigation and entertainment systems on the new Maserati Quattroporte S have been completely revised. It is made up of the new Maserati Multimedia System and the Bose® Multi Media System. Created by Marelli, the Multimedia System includes, as standard, an on-board computer, satellite navigation system (a digital map, where available), a CD-ROM and mp3 player, a hard disk driver, jukebox for mp3 files, a 30GB hard disk, voice control, Bluetooth® Wireless Technology, and a USB/AUX-in that doubles up as a USB reader.

Sound is delivered courtesy of the Bose® Surround Sound System, which also comes as standard. The speakers reward occupants with a breathtaking acoustic performance that was designed specifically for the new Quattroporte S. A high resolution, 7" colour TFT screen sits in the centre of the dashboard and displays the CD functions, the satellite navigation (where possible a digital map), the RDS tuner, on board computer (that shows information about the journey and on the car's set up), a jukebox, Bluetooth® and the USB reader.

Controlling the system is easy and instinctive thanks to the commands located in the middle of the dashboard. You can also access the most frequently used functions in total safety via the steering wheel mounted buttons. Safety is also the theme behind the voice controls that work the audio system, the satellite navigation and the telephone.
The on board computer allows you to view information provided by the Trip Computer. This details average fuel consumption, the trip time, distance covered, average speed, the speed limit and the kilometres/days until the next service is due.

One of the available options is the Rear Seat Entertainment system made up of a centrally mounted rear screen and a DVD player. There is an AUX input jack for video games or external plug-ins (for example, a video camera), with sound transmitted via headphones or through the main speaker system.

The colour display panel that faces the driver feeds back useful information about the journey. This includes the settings of numerous electronic functions fitted to the car (MDS transmission, Skyhook, when the MSP kicks in or when the road surface is icy, for instance). The display also reports information from the satellite navigation system (when it is on), to help the driver with easy to read moving images.

Dual-zone Automatic Climate ControlThe new Maserati Quattroporte S comes with dual-zone automatic climate control as standard, further improving the on board environment. A series of sensors measure the quality of the air coming into the car and, for example, prevent unclean air or unpleasant odours from entering the cabin by automatically activating the recycle function. A second sensor stops the glass from misting by reducing the level of humidity in the air whenever it detects that the windows are at dew point.
Rear seat passengers also benefit from an excellent climate control system featuring six inlet ducts (two on the centre console, two on the centre pillars and two at foot level. The system can be enhanced with the addition, as an option, of a rear command panel. This allows rear passengers to control the climate, the intensity of the ventilation and the airflow split between the ducts.

Other on-board features Among the other electronic equipment that comes as standard on the Maserati Quattroporte S are the light sensors. These automatically measure the strength of ambient light and turn the headlights on and off accordingly. There are also rain sensors that activate the windscreen wipers and regulate their frequency, cruise control that sets the cruising speed automatically without the driver having to keep his foot on the pedal, an alarm (with perimeter and volumetric sensing and an anti-lift device), and the automatic locking of the doors when the ignition is switched on.Tyre pressure sensors, electro-chromic wing and internal mirrors and front parking sensors are also available as options.

The Maserati Quattroporte S’s engine, gearbox, chassis and suspension
Engine
The Maserati Quattroporte S is fitted with a new and powerful eight cylinder V90° engine with a capacity of 4,691 cc. It develops 430 bhp at 7,000 rpm and has a peak torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm.
Instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive red cylinder head covers, the 4.7 litre unit is the ultimate in the new family of wet sump engines. It was specially developed to guarantee the Maserati Quattroporte S an even more involving drive, the smoothest gear shifts and top draw performance. Upping the capacity from 4,244 to 4,691 cc was obtained by increasing the bore and stroke and analysing the engine’s longitudinal mass.
The technical solutions adopted make the Quattroporte S’s engine extremely reliable, quiet and also result in reduced friction. All this means lower fuel consumption and the chance to obtain precise phasing that means better refilling of the cylinders. These characteristics fully embody the positive features of the most recent Maserati engines: they are high powered and go up and down the rev range quickly.

Having 82% of the torque on tap at just 2,500 rpm means the 4.7 litre V8 makes light work of overtaking during long journeys and gives the engine a thorough workout through the entire rev range.

The 4.7 litre power unit’s performance is excellent: it produces 430 bhp, reaches a top speed of 280 km/h and sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

Gearbox
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s automatic transmission favours fluidity and smooth gearshifts without compromising power or speed. The 4.7 litre engine’s punchy delivery is teamed with gearbox management software that was developed to optimise gear pick up and make the driver aware of when the automatic transmission was changing gear.
The result of a partnership between Maserati and ZF, the gearbox is served by a hydraulic torque converter. This provides a boost at low-mid revs and also ensures sufficient power right up to 7,200 rpm.

The driver can modify the transmission to best suit the road conditions or to match his own individual driving style by selecting the Low Grip or Sport buttons.

Low Grip mode guarantees maximum safety when the road surface is slippy or icy thanks to the direct input of the ASR traction control. Pressing the Sport button makes the transmission more aggressive and places the emphasis on performance with faster changes at higher revs. To keep in touch with its granturismo heritage, the Quattroporte S can also be driven in manual mode by flicking the switch located on the centre tunnel.

Chassis and suspension
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s chassis makes it an involving drive while also improving safety and comfort. Its torsional stiffness and flexibility results in well-balanced handling and enhances the driving experience.

The car’s front and rear double wishbone suspension, with forged aluminium arms and hubs, features ‘Antidive’ and ‘Antisquat’ geometry. This prevents the front end dipping under braking and the rear end squatting under acceleration. The suspension on the sports version of the Maserati flagship has been further upgraded with Skyhook suspension. Skyhook controls the variable damping and boasts a new setting that allows the optimal balance in roadholding. There are also new valves that improve the way the springs and dampers work.

The Skyhook system
The Skyhook system electronically controlled suspension system provides automatic and continual adjustment of the damping. Any bumps in the road’s surface are absorbed and on-board comfort levels remain as high as ever as the system adapts to the driver’s style behind the wheel.

Skyhook boasts software that is exclusive to the Quattroporte S and conceived to offer the maximum in comfort on the move. Skyhook acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement on all four wheels and the body and instantly adjusts the dampers accordingly.

There are two different settings: Normal and Sport. In Normal mode, the ride is softer, favouring comfort. The driver can switch to Sport mode at any time to stiffen the ride and bring out Quattroporte S’s sporty nature and performance.


Traction and stability control
The Quattroporte S’s dynamic handling is further assisted by the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP). This has been specially designed by Maserati to improve safety and works by integrating the ABS, EBD and ASR, acting on the brakes and the engine in order to give the driver complete control of the car even in critical situations. The programme is based on a series of sensors that are able to pick up any movements that deviate from the car’s ideal handling. Like the Skyhook system, MSP can act according to two different driving styles. These correspond to settings chosen by the driver by pushing ‘Sport’ on the centre console. This setting adjusts the dampers, the traction control and the speed of the gear changes.

Steering
The electronic power steering is direct and precise at speed so the driver knows what the car is doing. At the same time, it is light and easy to use at lower speeds and when manoeuvring.

Weight distribution
The Maserati Quattroporte S’s weight distribution is unique in its category with a slight bias towards the rear end (49% front and 51% rear). This split transforms the luxury saloon into a car where performance is favoured and that rewards the driver with its superb handling. This set up was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle to maximise traction and acceleration while also making the car stable and perfectly balanced.

Brakes
The new Maserati Quattroporte S comes with a high performance braking system developed by Brembo. The 360 mm brake discs benefit from dual-cast technology: cast iron for the braking surface and an aluminium hub. This set up takes advantage of the consistent performance of cast iron at high temperatures and from the lightweight aluminium.
The six-piston callipers, of different diameters, are in a single aluminium block. These keep their shape better than two piece calliper sets and offer unbeatable stopping power.
The system is completed by the ABS, that stops the wheels locking under braking, and EBD, that distributes the braking force between the front and the rear axles; both systems are integrated into the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP). This solution offers excellent performance both in terms of stopping distance and resistance to brake fade, even under intense use. The Quattroporte S’s brakes are always prompt in responding and live up to the standards you would expect from a Maserati saloon.

Lights
The new Quattroporte S uses front and rear lights that have been developed to offer only the best in each individual function. The use of LEDs makes a big impact on the car and is one of the elements that link this model to the Maserati GranTurismo.

The most important lighting functions have been improved. The front xenon cluster now boasts the Adaptive Light Control system. This produces a brighter and clearer beam compared to conventional bulbs. The lights also automatically track the movements of the steering wheel so that the beam points to the inside of a curve (up to a maximum of 15º). For safety reasons, when the car is travelling above 120 km/h, the system returns to a traditional fixed position.

The Daytime Running Light function is a useful addition and is made up of ten LEDs set along the bottom edge of the headlight. The indicators catch the eye and the front headlights are memorable for their side-marks that merge flawlessly with the outside edge of the car, with the wiper forming part of the cluster. The fog lights employ an altogether different set up and are located in the bumper to ensure a wider beam.
This system is also used in the rear with 34 LEDs making up each light. This technology was employed because LEDs illuminate more quickly and produce a more intense beam than normal bulbs. They last longer, consume less energy and their performance does not dip over time.

The Maserati Quattroporte S is made to fit its owner like a glove
The Maserati Quattroporte S is a car that is designed to fit around its owner. The typically Italian made-to-measure concept has been applied to Maserati’s flagship saloon in an automotive take on the custom made suit.

Keeping pace with current trends in terms of exclusive materials led to the establishment of the ‘Officine Alfieri Maserati’, reserved for the Quattroporte. The personalisation options are divided into four categories: colour choice, on-board electronics, interior and travel and driving dynamics.

Colour choice
As well as the exterior colour (eleven standard and eight special colours) and interior finish (ten shades of leather), the owner can select from ten dashboard and parcel shelf colours, ten steering wheel colours, thirteen different colours for the stitching, four for the roof lining, six carpet colours and eleven shades for the seat piping. The brake callipers can also be personalised and come in red, silver, titanium, blue and yellow.

Interior and travel
One of the main choices the owner will have to make is about which of the prestigious woods to go for. There is a selection of six: Rosewood, Walnut Briarwood with Bois de Rose inlays, Mahogany with Bois de Rose inlays, Polished Wenge (also available with Bois de Rose inlays) Vavona and Starwood. Alternatively, you can choose a Black Piano or Blue Laque interior finish. The Quattroporte’s front and rear seats can be heated; there is the Comfort Pack for the front and/or rear seats with heating, ventilation and massage capability and the roof can be lined in Alcantara (beige, pearl beige, grey and black). Opting for the Luxury Pack means natural Poltrona Frau® leather used for the upper dashboard area, the parcel shelf and a choice of stitching colours. The steering wheel can be chosen in any of the wood trims and leather, or in Piano Black.

On board electronics
Some of the Quattroporte’s on board features will make the car an especially pleasant place to be. These include the Rear Seat Entertainment system (that includes a screen mounted in the centre, and a rear DVD player), an electronically operated sunroof, front parking sensors and electro chromatic wing and internal mirrors.

Executive Pack
The Executive Pack offers unbeatable passenger comfort with rear seats that heat, ventilate and massage occupants, climate control that can be regulated from the rear seats, side rear window blinds, Alcantara roof lining and wooden pull down tables.

ENGINE
Displacement : 4,691 cc
Bore : 94 mm
Stroke : 84,5 mm
Compression ratio : 11:1
Maximum power : 317 kW (430 bhp)
Engine speed at maximum power : 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque : 490 Nm (49,5 kgm)
Engine speed at maximum torque : 4,750 rpm
Maximum rev speed : 7,200 rpm
PERFORMANCE
Top speed : 280 km/h
0-100 km/h acceleration : 5.4 s
0-400 m acceleration : 13.7 s
0-1,000 m acceleration : 24.7 s (exit speed 220 km/h
80-120 km/h pick up : 3.7 s
100 km/h - 0 km/h braking distance : 35 m
CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS
Urban : 23.95 (l/100 km)
Extra urban : 10.91 (l/100 km)
Combined : 15.71 (l/100 km)
CO2 emissions (combined cycle) : 365 (g/km)
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Length : 5,097 mm
Weight : 1,895 mm
Width (including wing mirrors) : 1,991 mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors) : 1,885 mm
Height : 1,438 mm
Wheelbase : 3,064 mm
Front track : 1,582 mm
Rear track : 1,595 mm
Front overhang : 891 mm
Rear overhang : 1,142 mm
Turning circle : 12.3 m
Boot capacity : 450 l
Fuel tank capacity : 90 l
Dry weight : 1,880 kg
Curb weight : 1,990 kg
Curb weight + driver : 2,065 kg
Full load weight : 2,365 kg
Maximum weight technically permitted : 2,400 kg
Weight distribution : 49% front.; 51% rear.

The Truth and Lies About Your Car Insurance

If you are a newbie in insurance policies, it is best to be educated on the subject. There are many myths and realities in dealing with insurance companies. It is necessary for you to have a general idea about such insurance rates so that you won't have problems later on.Car insurance is needed by people who want to be assured that their cars won't experience distress, especially when the time comes and they get into an accident or anything else. There are things in this world that you have to be aware and to prepare for. This is why it is vital to assess and choose the most affordable and most reasonable price for your car insurance.

Hence, it is true that the insurance quotes reflect the cost of certain automobile- related expenses. In fact, there are many explanations on how the increasing cost of such insurances is accumulated.

Each year millions of people get into car accidents that involve personal injury. With this type of incidents, the typical price range of such treatment is around $6,000 to $9,000. Thus, this can easily turn into tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the type of car.

This problem is actually joined by the trouble of increasing claims of automobile injury, which are currently as much as 30 % in some states. These dilemmas can turn into the new car insurance holder's burden of additional payments or premiums.

Moreover, another reason for this is the legal expenses that the company needs to pay due to the fact that an average jury award for vehicular liability cases are continuing to rise and can put up the pressure on auto insurance rates.

An average liability can cost from about $187,000 up to $269,000. This was the estimated record from the year 1994 up to the year 2000, respectively. Thus, the number one cause of death for people ages 1 up to 34 is car accident.

According to the United States Department of Transportation, these deaths cost more than $150 billion annually. People who are under the use of prohibited drugs, alcohol abuse, high- speed driving and are not using a seat belt are the leading people who are at risk of such an accident. Auto repair has also increased because of the rapid advancing age of technology, along with construction and design that have now become a must in this era. Automotive innovations and repair costs have increased tremendously and thus, higher car insurance may ensue because of this.

Hence, there is a notion that red cars cost more insurance. This is not true. Colour is never a determinant factor in calculating one's car insurance rate. The factors that are important are the year, model, body, type, engine size and the age of the car. Even if you have a cheap car but you have a large engine, or it is an unusual model, it might cost a lot to have it insured as compared to a more expensive small car.Then again, you will pay for a lesser amount in comprehensive coverage, which can cover the damage that is usually brought about by vandalism, hail, fire or even animal accidents. There is also a case, in which, two speeding tickets can make your car insurance rate go up.

Plus, it is also not true that every car insurance company can charge anyone on any way they please. Despite the increasing expenses of this company, they still have a way of covering all the damages and they also have regulators that review their customer rates.

It is also important to take note of the amount of your car, where in, it's insurance will most likely have a relative cost to. This is due to the fact that some companies shoulders only a minimum amount and will not cover certain accidents. Of course, this will result into a lawsuit but they will not include all the damages. So, it is wiser to read your terms and conditions.

Thus, if someone drives your car and there is an accident, you will still be the one held responsible. You will be financially responsible for the accident. In most states, the car insurance that covers the accident is considered the primary insurance holder, which means that the insurance company is the one that should pay for the damages. Hence, there are cases that it is not enough and the driver's insurance is the next in line to pay for the remaining damages. This is primarily why you need to know the car insurance policy in your state, as well as the laws that go hand in hand with it. States and even countries differ in policies politically and geographically.

Aside from this, there are also other factors that are being considered for car insurance rates. Of course, your rate won't be the same as that of your neighbours. Your age, nature of your work, driving record, type of vehicle and marital status are all considered. This can really vary depending on the company's standards. Sometimes, your charge can go down when you turn 25 because this is the time when car accidents go down. The extremes of ages, like that of a teenager and that of the forty year old individual is where the accident rate is at its highest.

Lastly, there is a so called rental reimbursement that can cover and pay for your rental car. This is for cases, wherein, you are on vacation and you just rented a car that resulted into an accident. This will help drivers pay for the damages to the car but this still depends on the limits you selected. Having more than one insurance policy is not really money- saving technique. In fact, it is more expensive. Most of the time, you can save your money by getting the best rate available in one company. Thus, if you want different types of insurance like that of the auto and homeowners insurance, you can look for another company that can give you the best deal. At times, you will get better deals from different insurance companies.
Car insurance is a way of preparing yourself for some stressful moments while driving your car. Getting one doesn't mean that you are already assuming that you will encou7nter car theft or car accidents. Getting car insurance is a lot like accepting the reality that these things happen and that it is best to be prepared. This is better than not having a car insurance at all and end up paying more, just because you decided is best not to have one. Since car insurances these days have death or disability insurance for the driver or owner of the car, it is a lot like caring for your family and loved ones by leaving them with nothing to worry about.
Since there are many car insurance agencies these days, it is best to assess each one and check which has been in the industry for a long time. You can also check with friends for referrals. This is actually the best thing to do as compared to believing in advertisements and flyers.

Choosing to Get Classic Car Insurance >> NEW<<

Those who own classic cars know the love, care and attention that go into taking care of these cars. Whether you drive it around or not, it is still a good idea to get classic car insurance that is made special for those who own classic cars. One of the reasons to get classic car insurance is because the classic cars are quite expensive thus it is more prone to thief compared to other types of cars. Since classic cars are more expensive and are exposed to higher risk of thief, getting a regular insurance coverage may not really be enough to protect your classic car.

To make sure that your classic car is fully protected, you should always buy adequate classic car insurance for your car. The good thing about a classic car insurance is that it allows to you ensure your vehicle based on its true value rather than stated value. Yes, getting classic car insurance may be a bit costly but if you really want to safeguard your car against theft, accidents and the likes, getting classic car insurance is a must.

Classic Car Insurance

In America today, less that half of collector cars on the road are insured with classic car insurance. These policies have been available for a long time, but many people do not know about them. Most people have a regular insurance policy with high premiums and restrictive policies. You won't get that with classic car insurance. Standard premiums can be at much as 500 percent higher. Why pay that much for such a limited amount of coverage?

There are a few different types of coverage that you have with classic car insurance. There is actual cash value that gives you the book value of the car on a claim, the state value that lets you state the value of the vehicle for coverage, and there is the agreed value that guarantees all of your money back in the event of a total loss. This is the only policy that will not depreciate over the years.

If you are wondering what is considered a collectible vehicle, it may be hard to define. There are many different types of cars that are collected these days, so to find out if your beauty is considered a collectible, you will want to contact a classic car insurance carrier in order to see if your car qualifies for this great insurance.

Finding the Very Best Classic Car Insurance

Before you start hunting for a classic car insurance company for your car, you need to find out first how much the true value of your car is. Getting the true value can sometime be tricky. Bear in mind that an insurance company will want to know how much insurance you want on your car so you need to know the true value of your car.

The value of classic cars can vary and it can be greatly increase based on its uniqueness, its model, its present condition, its age and its history. If your car has some really great history attached to it which can be verified, you can fetch a handsome price on that car. To determine how much is the true value of your classic car, bring your car to an appraiser who works with classic cars in your locality. The classic car appraiser should be able to give you the true value of your classic car.

After determining the market value which is the true value of your classic car, you may now start hunting for a classic car insurance company. First you should call those well known classic car insurance companies. Ask these classic car insurance companies for insurance quotes depending upon the true value of your classic car. When comparing insurance quotes from all these classic car insurance companies, pay close attention to the features of the policy and the cost. Make sure that the cost of the insurance is well justified. You do not really want to pay more money than you should on your car insurance.

10 Ways to Lower your Car Insurance Payments

Many people buy their own cars because it makes life easier. However, many also struggle with the costs that come with maintaining a car especially when it comes to making car insurance payments. Many car owners are continuously in search for better ways to lower their car insurance premiums. What most do is simply search for companies that provide cheap car insurance. However, what many do not know is that they can save so much more just by following a few simple tips.

For those who aim to save on car insurance payments, the first thing to do is make sure to shop around every so often. In fact, the reason why six-month car insurance polices are most preferred is that it allows car owners to switch and buy car insurance from other providers at the soonest possible time. This means that it is important to continuously survey the insurance market to search for the cheapest car insurance around. Some people find that it is most effective to check out rates for car insurance online while others learn about the cheapest services from their friends and family. No matter what your preferred method for getting car insurance quotes may be, the bottom line is to find the best car insurance to not only suit your lifestyle but your budget as well. Many people who make this a practice report savings of over $300 on policies valid for six months. This would translate to so much more in a span of one year.

Another thing to consider when trying lowering your car insurance payments is to take the option for higher deductibles. Many car owners feel afraid to do this because choosing higher deductibles means shelling out so much more money in case they get into a huge accident. However, the logic behind choosing higher deductibles is pretty sound. Obviously, higher deductibles mean lower premiums. Therefore, lower car insurance payments. Car owners should not worry too much about higher payments when a major accident happens because minor accidents happen more often than major ones and when it comes to minor damages, car owners will still pay the same amount.

Many motorists prefer paying for their premiums in monthly installments because it allows them to shell out a relatively smaller amount at a given time and budget their car insurance payments along with the rest of their monthly expenses. However, what they do not realize is that even the cheapest car insurance providers add on administrative fees for each payment. Even if the additional amount is only $7 or so, for people paying their premiums at monthly installments, this could easily add up to $84 which they could have saved over the period of that one year

Another useful tip to help you lower your car insurance payments is to also look around for companies providing multi-line insurance. This means that you purchase all your insurance from the same company. Most insurers offer huge discounts for this. However, many people still try to look for cheap providers for each type of insurance they need. What they do not realize is that getting their car insurance and home insurance from just one provider can easily translate to about 15% savings.

Furthermore, if you think of yourself as a good driver and no evidence to prove otherwise can be gathered, here’s a good tip for you: look for car insurance providers that can reward you with big discounts simply because of your driving. In fact, some states such as California have made it illegal for car insurance providers to disregard good driving discounts. So, if you have not gotten yourself into any car accidents or received tickets for at least the past three years, do some research or ask around. You may qualify for lower premiums.

Nowadays, a lot of insurance companies will base the prices of their car insurance policies on your credit history. If you have been diligent in building a solid credit standing, then you stand a good chance on getting lower car insurance quotes when you buy car insurance. Aside from making sure unpaid bills don’t pile up, keep your credit balance as low as possible and don’t acquire more credit than you need. Keep your records updated and make sure to correct any errors so your credit history remains accurate.Many car insurance companies also offer discounts to people whose cars have safety features. Airbags, seatbelts, anti-lock braking systems and other factory-installed safety features on your car may help you find the cheapest car insurance you can get. Make sure you tell your insurer that you have such features installed on your vehicle when you get car insurance quotes.

Sometimes it pays to be diligent to the point of being anal. If you want the cheapest car insurance you can get, you should review your car insurance coverage to check for unnecessary expenses in it. If you’re not thorough you may be spending on additional coverage that you don’t need or already have. A perfect example would be towing services. Most, if not all, auto clubs provide such services yet this is part of most car insurance policies as well. So before you buy car insurance review the car insurance quotes you’ve gotten and eliminate all the unneeded expenses.

If you’re looking for cheap car insurance, look for insurers that give discounts to students and senior citizens. Some car insurance companies will offer discounts for students with good academic records and for drivers over the age of 50. Ask around or research on car insurance online, as well, if you have a college student in your family. Some insurers give discounts to parents with college-age children who go to school a certain distance away from home and don’t bring a car to their campus.

One last great tip to lower you car insurance payments is to use your car less. There are a lot of car insurance companies that will give you discounts if you keep the annual mileage on your vehicle low. So, evaluate how you use your car. If you make frequent short trips around town you might consider planning ahead and organizing all your errands so you can check all of it off your list in as few trips as possible.One thing to remember though is that car insurance companies may differ in what they consider to be low annual mileage, so do your research. If you think you might be able to lower your mileage then get updated car insurance quotes.

Following just a few of these recommendations will surely help you lower your car insurance payments. Remember, it is not always about finding the cheapest car insurance provider. Most of the time, it is simply about knowing your options and weighing them to find the perfect car insurance strategy for you.

New Cars From Pontiac In 2009

It's been confirmed that Pontiac will be selling the G3 5-door hatchback in 2009. The vehicle is based on the Chevrolet Aveo5 (also known as the Daewoo Kalos in Korea). The sedan version of the G3 was sold in Mexico previously and also sold in Canada as a 5-door hatch that was called the G3 Wave.

The G3 will be mechanically identical to the Aveo, using a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine along with a 4-speed automatic / 5-speed manual transmission. Features will include GM's OnStar system, AC, airbags, and more. The car also comes with standard fog lights and a hatch spoiler to improve the style of the car.

Although it is an economy hatchback, the G3 adds a different flavor to the Pontiac line of cars. Also, in 2009, Pontiac will have 4 cars with EPA highway fuel economy of over 30 mpg, making it a lot more competitive in today's car market. These vehicles include the G3, Vibe, G6 sedan, and the G5 coupe.

The price has not been determined as of yet.

The G6 nameplate was new when the sedan and coupe came out in 2005 (with the convertible following), but the G6 is ostensibly the sixth-generation version of the Grand Am line. The G6 is also available in hardtop convertible form. Trim levels start with the base sedan, fitted with a 2.4-liter four and a four- or six-speed automatic. The G6 GT comes in all three body styles-it's the only droptop trim-and has a 3.5-liter V-6 with a four-speed auto. The GT convertible can also be optioned up to a 3.9-liter V-6.

At the high end are the GXP sedan and coupe, with a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing. The GXP recalls the body-clad Pontiacs from days of yore, with a giant rear spoiler, large grille, and hood scoops inspired by the successful Pontiac GXP.R that races in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. The look doesn't translate well to the street.

The Pontiac G6 is based on the same unibody platform as the Chevy Malibu, but the newer Malibu benefits from three additional years of development and a vastly better interior. By comparison, the G6 feels like a rental car, with cheap plastic coating the cabin.

A six-speed transmission is a new option for the 2.4-liter base car, and it results in an impressive 33-mpg EPA highway rating. Remote start is now standard on GT and GXP models.We picked the G6 convertible first in a comparison test against the Ford Mustang and Chrysler Sebring, but it's worth noting that the trunk is all but unusable with the folding hardtop stowed. We're not huge fans of the aggressive styling of the GXP, but someone-somewhere-must love it. The GT lacks any driving thrills despite 221 horsepower. That leaves the base car, which has appeal in its lower sticker price and higher fuel economy. Our best recommendation, though, is to walk over to the Chevy dealership and look at the Malibu.

Front, front side, and curtain airbags are standard on the sedan and coupe; the convertible makes do with front and front side bags. ABS and traction control are standard on the base and GT cars. Stability control is standard on the GT convertible and GXP models; the GT sedan and coupe get stability control as part of a $1590 Street Edition package.

Crash Barriers- Making Road Travel Safer for You

Crash barriers keep the vehicles from going off the road and steer them safely back on to the road. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that their very presence can boost the confidence of a jittery driver on a mountain road.

Crash barriers can be classified on the basis of their design and implementation. Guardrail, wire rope safety barrier, crash cushions and high containment barrier are a few that can be seen on roadways. All the crash barriers work on a similar principle, they are designed to absorb the impact of the vehicle going off track and hence help it get on to the road again without letting it lose its balance.

At times, the crash barrier to be used on a roadway is determined by the kind of vehicle traffic the roadway gets. For example high containment barriers are put up on the roadways with a large traffic volume of heavy vehicles. Then, crash cushion is specifically designed to protect motorists from impacting the end of concrete barriers and toll plazas. Guardrail is the most commonly seen crash barrier but has a history of highest injury and fatality in a fixed object crash. This is where wire rope safety barrier scores over guard rail as it consists of wire ropes and is flexible.
Though the crash barriers prevent several accidents everyday, they sure don’t prevent all of them. There have been incidences of fatalities, which were mainly attributed to the design and material of the crash barriers. Most of the roadways get all types of automobiles and therefore it becomes difficult to decide on the height and strength of the crash barrier. For, a motorbike can slip under the barrier that’s meant to keep a car from going off track, while a big truck may trip well over the same barrier.

As a step towards ensuring safe road travel, road safety products are first tested and then put up on roadways. The crash barriers are tested in accordance with the guidelines mentioned in National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 350, “Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features”.

These guidelines are based on the findings of continuous road safety researches and are subject to revision.

Guaranteed Auto Loan Now – Receive Your Car Finance Now

When it comes down to it in today's world not many people want to go out there not knowing exactly what the process encompasses when they are trying to buy themselves a car either for their own personal luxury or for them to get from place to place with. You really need to make sure that you have all the knowledge that goes with buying a car already in your head or else you risk ending up having to spend a lot more money then you should be in the first place. In order for you to make sure that you are going to get the best possible deal on a Guaranteed Auto Loan you are going to want to make sure that you get car finance before you ever walk into a car dealerships car lot.



A Car Finance Loans is simply a way for you to go about paying for the car that you are looking to purchase. You are going to take out a car loan from a financial lending company and bring it to the car dealership with you. The reason for going about doing this is because the moment that you bring your own Used Car Finance to a car dealership you are then considered what is known as any cash buyer in that you can buy the car pretty much out right from them just as if you are paying for it in cash in the first place. You can then you should car finance in order to either buy the car that you want from them or you can also use it to lease a car through them.



If you happen to have gone through the process of buying a car in your past then you more than likely know how a car salesman is going to work with you. The first thing that they would go about doing is checking your credit score through their third party financing company before they ever begin to negotiate on a fair price for the car that you are looking to purchase a car finance with you. The moment they go about doing this they are going to then offer you a supposedly special finance deals in any attempt to make you buy the car and finance it through their own third party financing car finance solutions. This is something that you are going to want to avoid like the plague and is going to end up making you pay a lot more money down the line in the future on the car that you desire simply because you did not take the time and energy to do all the research that is required before getting yourself a car finance that you need.

Irish Construction Insurance

One of the most interesting facts about the Irish Construction industry is that there is no legal requirement for a construction company to hold any from of construction insurance! In fact, the only insurance an Irish contractor is legally obliged to have is basic motor insurance on his/her motor vehicles!

Although there is no legal requirement under Irish law for a contractor to hold adequate Construction Insurance it is extremely important that adequate cover is in place.

One of the most important reasons is the high injury & mortality rate on Irish Construction sites. One major positive of the recent construction boom is the fatality per thousand ratio has fallen in recent years although it is still at an unacceptable level.
For example, in 2001 28% of workplace fatalities were Construction related and the Irish Construction industry is consistently second only to the Irish Agriculture& Forestry Industry.

As many primary contractors require their subcontractors to hold Construction Insurance the reality is that although Construction Insurance is not a legal requirement it is usually a prerequisite to obtaining work on the majority of the countries construction sites so the need for construction insurance is a necessity in everything but law!

Although Construction Insurance is quite a complex field the four main areas of cover are as follows:
• Public Liability Insurance
• Employers Liability Insurance
• Contractors All Risks
• Personal Accident
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance [PL] provides cover in the event that the policyholder is sued by a third party who feels that they have suffered injury or loss as a result of the policyholders negligence (lack of care).
Consider the following examples where Public Liability Insurance will provide cover:
• You run a plumbing company. One day you are called to an office to sort out a problem in their kitchen. Accidentally, you burst a pipe, and flood the office. Your client then makes a claim against you for the damage to their carpet and computer systems which have been damaged by the water.
• You are a building contractor. While walking along scaffolding one of your men drops a piece of equipment which falls to the street, injuring a passing pedestrian. The pedestrian makes a claim against your firm.
Obviously these are very simplified examples and we haven’t discussed the complexities of Products Liability/Liability Law/Duty of Care etc however it should provide a basic understanding of Public Liability Insurance.

Employers Liability Insurance

Employers Liability Insurance [EL] provides cover if any of your employees suffer physical injury or death, and it is proven that as an employer you acted negligently and subsequently could have prevented their loss. If they then decide to pursue you for compensation the insurer will pay the cost of the claim.
Consider the following examples where Employers Liability Insurance will provide cover:
• You run a carpentry company. One of your employees loses a finger while using a chop saw and decides to claim against you for his injury
• You are a scaffolding contractor and are erecting scaffolding around an apartment block. While erecting the scaffolding one of your employees falls and suffers severe bodily injury. He decides to claim against your firm.
Please note that Public & Employers Liability is offered ‘hand in hand’, that is when arranging construction insurance you will need to arrange both Public Liability & Employers Liability Insurance together [Also known as Combined Liability Insurance] as Employers Liability Insurance is not available on a ‘Stand Alone’ basis..
Contractors All Risks Insurance

Contractors All Risks insurance (also known as Contract Works insurance) is an insurance policy specially designed for builders and a number of other trades working at a contract site. Contractors All Risks insurance can include cover for contract works, own plant, hired-in plant and employee's tools. The main part of the contractors all risks insurance is the contract works section which provides cover for the property being worked on (e.g. new house, etc.). However, cover for the existing property is excluded (e.g. the existing structure when building an extension) and must continue to be insured under its own insurance cover.
Consider the following examples where Contractors All Risks Insurance will provide cover:
• You are a building contractor and are building a house for resale. So far you have spent €200,000 on materials and labour. The property catches fire and is destroyed before it has been completed. • You are groundwork’s contractor and are presently digging foundations for a new housing development. Naturally you leave your excavator on site until the contract is completed however one night your excavator is stolen.
Personal Accident Insurance

Personal Accident Insurance [Also known as Income Protection Insurance] is highly recommended for a sole traders, business partners and company directors as a combined liability policy does not cover any injury caused to a sole trader/business partner while it is extremely difficult for a company director to sue his/her own company. A policy can be tailored to your exact needs and policies include a tax free monthly benefit, a lump sum [capital benefit] and hospital cash.
Consider the following examples where Personal Accident Insurance will provide cover:
• You’re a self employed carpenter with no employees. You cut your hand and are unable to work for eight months. As you have Personal Accident cover you receive a tax free benefit of €1,500 after one month and continue to receive this amount until you return to work.
• Although Personal Accident/Income Protection insurance is no substitute for full time earnings it will provide you with an income if you are unable to earn and it will reduce your financial worries at a time when your recovery should be your number one priority.

Machinery & Plant Insurance
Machinery & Plant Insurance is normally arranged on a case by case basis and provides Accidental Damage Fire & Theft Cover on Machinery. This policy is normally taken by contractors who wish to cover a specific number of items.
Health & Safety Executive

In Ireland the HSE [Health & Safety Executive] have the ultimate authority over Construction Sites and have the ability to close a site if they feel it is a safety hazard. Their primary initiative is the ‘Safe Pass’ – a one day site safety training programme.
Who needs to do Safe Pass awareness training?
Safe Pass is a one-day safety awareness programme aimed at general construction workers, craft workers and "on site" security personnel in the construction industry. The aims of the programme are to:
• raise the standard of safety awareness in the construction industry
• ensure that site personnel after completing the one day awareness programme can make a positive contribution to the prevention of accidents and ill health while working on the site
• maintain a register of personnel who have received training
• provide participants with a FAS Safe Pass registration card, indicating that the holder has attended a formal course in health and safety awareness
Under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 Safe Pass / Safety Awareness Programmes applies to -
(a) craft and general construction workers,
(b) persons undertaking on-site security work, and
(c) persons or classes of persons as may be prescribed by the Minister.
For more information on Irish Site Safety please visit the website of the Health & Safety Authority www.hsa.ie while for more information relating to Irish Construction Insurance please visit the website of Keystone Insurance www.keystone.ie, Ireland’s premier supplier of Construction Insurance

ELISE 2008

The 2008 Lotus Elise continues the tradition of refined motoring with a sublime sports car that handles and performs like a race car. The Elise has numerous improvements installed as standard equipment including a new Lotus Tire Pressure Monitoring System that provides instant warning if there is a puncture or if pressures fall below safe levels.

Specifications
· Lotus Designed Lightweight Structure of Epoxy Bonded Aluminum Extrusions

· Integral Steel Seatbelt Support Structure and Lightweight Steel Rear Sub-Frame

EXTERIOR

· RTM Composite Fiberglass Body

· Black Soft-Top with Stowage Bag

· LED Taillights with Integral Reflectors

· Daytime Running Lights

· Aerodynamic Rear Diffuser with Central Twin Exhaust

· Solid Paint - Ardent Red or British Racing Green

SUSPENSION
· Fully Independent Suspension with Unequal Length Wishbones

· Bilstein Mono-Tube Gas Damper, Eibach Coaxial Coil Spring

· Front Anti-Sway Bar

· Cast Alloy 8-Spoke Wheels in Silver Finish

· Front Wheels: 5.5J x 16 - 175/50R16

· Rear Wheels: 7.5J x 17 - 225/45R17

· Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 LTS Sports Tires

· 4-Wheel Ventilated/Cross-Drilled Disc Brakes· Lotus/AP Racing & Brembo Calipers with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

INTERIOR

· Black Cloth Seats with ProBax™ Anatomical Padding

· Air Conditioning, Starter Button, Tinted Glass and Carpet Foot Mats

· Airbags - Driver and Passenger (Passenger Airbag Cannot Be Deactivated)

· Factory Anti-Theft Alarm System with Engine Immobilizer and Remote Locking

· Aluminum Trim - Gear Knob and Handbrake Sleeve· Leather-Trimmed Momo Steering Wheel

· Alpine 4-Speaker Stereo with In-Dash CD Player

· Intermittent Windshield Wiper

ENGINE
· 189 Horsepower 1.8 Liter, Mid-Mounted 4-Cylinder with DOHC and VVTL-I (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Intelligence)

· Multi-Point Fuel Injection System with Electronic Ignition and Throttle Control

· Capacity: 1796 cm3

· Bore/Stroke 82.0 mm/85.0 mm

· Maximum Power: 189 hp @7800 rpm

· Maximum Torque: 133 lb ft @6800 rpm

· Compression Ratio: 11.5:1

· Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 Gallons

TRANSMISSION
· 6-Speed Close Ratio

PERFORMANCE
· 0-60 mph 4.9 sec
· 0-100 mph 12.9 sec
· Top Speed 150 mph
· Fuel Consumption 21 City / 27 Highway
· Curb Weight 1984 lbs

Car Insurance – How to Compare Rates From Multiple Companies Instantly

The reason we compare car insurance quotes from multiple car insurance companies is to make sure we’re getting the best rates possible. Of course nobody wants to pay more money than they have to, but in the other hand we also want to make sure that our car insurance company is going to respond quickly and fairly in case of an accident.
What is unknown to many is that there is not one single car insurance company that is cheaper than others. One particular car insurance company can be the cheapest for one person but the most expensive for another. Each car insurance company has a certain category of drivers they want to insure. If you fit their category they will offer you a cheap rate, if you don’t, they will offer you an expensive rate. That is their way of filtering the people they want and do not want to insure. That is the reason we need to compare insurance rates from multiple car insurance companies, to find out which company will offer us the cheapest rate. The key is to find the company that offers the cheapest rate for you, but of course, it is important to compare rates from quality companies only.
There are many quality car insurance companies out there; however, some of those quality companies also have a high price to go along with them. How do we find a quality company for a cheap price? That, my friend, is the key question.The traditional method of shopping for car insurance is to call around which we all know can be a long process. Another drawback of shopping for car insurance by phone is the probability of getting caught with the old “bait and hook” trick. That is when someone gives you a low quote by phone and hikes it up on you when you go into their office to purchase the car insurance policy.
In today’s world, luckily, we have the internet. The internet makes life a lot easier for all of us. Using the internet, we can shop for many types of things we may need which include shopping for car insurance.
Shopping for car insurance online is the best way to compare rates from multiple car insurance companies. Online, you can also read about a company’s history and make sure they’re a quality company. Most companies offer instant online car insurance quotes thorough their websites which makes obtaining car insurance quotes a lot easier than the traditional method of shopping by phone. Better yet, there are some websites that offer online car insurance quotes from multiple companies with one simple process. You can even purchase your car insurance online if you like the price. One such website is OnlineAutoInsurance.com. There, you can obtain quotes from quality companies such as Progressive, AIG, Infinity, GMAC, Bristol West, and several more. All with one simple process!

Aston Martins on film and culture

Author Ian Fleming gave his James Bond hero a DB Mark III in the seventh novel, Goldfinger. A long association between 007 and the marque began on screen with the silver DB5 that appears in Goldfinger (1964) and Thunderball (1965). This was James Bond's company car, and in GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) appeared to have become his private car. In On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) a metallic-green DBS appears at the beginning and end of the movie. After an interlude with Lotus, Aston Martins were again used: a charcoal-grey V8 Volante and Vantage in The Living Daylights (1987). After switching to BMW for several films, the Vanquish appeared in Die Another Day (2002). In Casino Royale (2006), James Bond drives both the classic DB5 which becomes his personal vehicle after winning a poker game, and the new DBS which is revealed to be his new company car in Quantum of Solace (in theaters November 2008)

In Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds (film), a DB2/4 Drophead Coupe (convertible) is driven by male lead Rod Taylor and figures prominently in the final scene.
A black Aston Martin Vanquish appears in The Italian Job (2003 film).
In the film Gorgeous (1999) Jackie Chan drives an Aston Martin.
Rowan Atkinson's own DB7 Vantage was used in Johnny English (2003).
In the HBO series Entourage (2006), Vince buys all the guys an Aston Martin DB9 to celebrate the recent success of "Aquaman".
In the TV Series "Las Vegas" James Caan's character Ed Deline drives a DB9 Volante.
In the TV series Desperate Housewives, the character Gabrielle Solis (played by Eva Longoria Parker) drives a Maroon DB9 Volante.
On Youtube, there is a clip of Kobe Bryant, an NBA superstar, jumping over a speeding Aston Martin.

Italian Grand Prix 2008

The circuit of Monza will again host the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Italy from the 12th until the 14th September 2008. The Italian Grand Prix is one of the most popular races on the F1 calendar worldwide. In 2007 the McLaren team was leading the race. The team took the winner’s podium as well as the runners-up spot. The “Autodromo di Monza” is the ultimate circuit for speed lovers. On the long straight distances the Formula 1 pilots can race high speeds. Overtaking is easy, but also very dangerous. A race on the circuit at Monza forces a lot from both the car and the driver. As a result, spectacular crashes are also known to occur. A race at the “Autodromo di Monza” guarantees annual tension and sensation. This race should not be missed by real race fans!

British Racing Drivers' Club

The story of the British Racing Drivers' Club started way back in the days of the famous Bentley team that so effectively, and romantically, dominated the racing scene - Le Mans in particular - during the late 1920s.

The founder of the BRDC, Dr. J. D. Benjafield, one of the famed 'Bentley Boys' at Le Mans, was keen to organise dinner parties after races for his friends and drivers. It was these dinner parties which were the seeds from which grew the highly prestigious and much respected British Racing Drivers' Club that we know today.

The Club was inaugurated early in 1928, with twenty-five members and a clear set of objectives. These were to promote the interests of motor sport generally; to celebrate any specific performance in motor sport; to extend hospitality to racing drivers from overseas; and to further the interests of British drivers competing abroad.

At that time, membership was restricted to racing drivers of proven success and experience, and quickly grew following the decision of the BRDC to move into race organisation. The first Club-organised event, the BRDC 500-Mile Race, took place at Brooklands in October 1929 and the BRDC badge quickly established itself as a regular feature on overalls worn by the Club pioneer drivers.

After the Second World War, the BRDC became a major force in international motor racing, taking over the lease of Silverstone from the RAC in 1952 and subsequently purchasing the site's freehold from the Ministry of Defence in 1971. The Club through its wholly-owned subsidiary company, Silverstone Circuits Limited(formed in 1966 to develop the commercial aspects of the property), then set in motion a major redevelopment of what had been a wartime bomber training base producing one of the foremost motor racing facilities in the world. A Masterplan for the development of Silverstone is currently being implemented, with the long term security of the British Grand Prix the aim for both the BRDC and Silverstone Circuits Limited.

The entry criteria to the Club remains very strict with Full membership offered only to those ladies and gentlemen who have attained international success over a number of seasons. Associate membership is offered to those persons who have made a significant contribution to the sport and Honorary membership is bestowed upon only a special few, including F1 World Champions who by dint of nationality do not otherwise qualify. Every British or Commonwealth World Champion is, or has been in their lifetime, a Full Member of the Club.

Silverstone Circuits Limited promote a number of major international race meetings at Silverstone, including the British Grand Prix, plus rounds of the rounds of the FIA GT Championships, The British Touring Car Championship, Le Mans Series, British SuperBikes, British F3-GT and the Walter Hayes Trophy to name a few.

As a Club, the BRDC has grown to become the most prestigious motor racing club in the world and today, membership totals over 850.

Laemthong Motor Show 2008 (Rayong) in April

Niki Lauda

Andreas Nikolaus Lauda was born to a well-to-do Vienna family on February 22, 1949. His family's social status proved both nuisance and good fortune. Although he was later to become successful in business on his own, it was obvious early on that he was not cut to fit the conventional Lauda mold, much to his family's consternation. He did, however, find the family connections to be useful when it later became necessary for him to borrow to support his racing.

Lauda became interested in motor racing not from attendance at events or boyhood idolization of racing heroes, but rather from an innate interest in automobiles dating to a young age. When he was twelve, visiting relatives were letting him park their cars. He got hold of, in his early teens, a 1949 Volkswagen Beetle convertible in which he would ride roughshod over a relative's estate. He entered his first race, a hill climb, in a Cooper in 1968 taking second in class. Thereafter, despite his father's insistence that he stay away from racing, he competed in hill climbs and later Formula Vee. He did his stint hauling a Formula 3 car on a trailer to races around Europe. In the course of this he scared himself into a certain amount of sanity, and, in 1971, abandoned the wildness of Formula 3 to take the plunge on his own in Formula 2.

By virtue of his family's business reputation he was able to secure loans that would not otherwise have been available. He used these to buy an F2 seat at March for '71 partnering Ronnie Peterson (who was getting paid for his driving), and the next season an F1/F2 combination. When March fizzled he persuaded Louis Stanley at BRM to sell him a seat. In the course of all this he ran up debts that would have balked a small banana republic. Due dates on notes had an unfortunate tendency not to coincide with the availability of starting money from touring car races. But his abilities got him noticed. In true fairy tail fashion first Stanley began paying him, then the call from Ferrari's Luca Montezemolo came before the financial house of cards collapsed (his devil-may-care approach didn't seem to worry him at the time, although in his mature years he would say that it had been crazy). He squirmed out of his contract with Stanley, and was off on an often-rocky ride with Ferrari to two world championships.

In 1974, his first year with Prancing Horse, Lauda scored the first of his 26 F1 victories. He, as well as teammate Clay Regazzoni, with good cars under them, challenged for the championship. Lauda took it in his second year with the team in a car that was technically far superior to any of the competition. He had 5 wins and a huge margin over second place. He called 1975 "the unbelievable year."

The championship that Lauda may wind up being most remembered for was one that he did not win. It is a curious fact about top level sporting endeavor that something needs to go wrong before there is a contest - before there is real competition. Baseball with nothing but ever-flawless hitting and perfect pitching would be boring not to mention impossible. Likewise soccer with constant errorless goal keeping or shots that never miss. Things must go wrong in motor races as well. But racing involves powerful machines carrying extraordinary levels of kinetic energy. So when something does go wrong, people can get badly hurt or killed. Niki Lauda suffered severe injuries in the 1976 German Grand Prix at the old Nurburgring, in the process setting up what may have been the most dramatic championship that F1 has yet seen.

Lauda had taken a significant early lead in the points despite having cracked ribs as a result of rolling a tractor while mowing his Salzburg property. F1's reigning playboy, James Hunt, had nonetheless adopted a never-say-die attitude, and kept his McLaren barely in touch even though he had a win at the British GP taken away over an alleged technical violation. By the German Grand Prix he was more than 20 down to the Austrian. After an early stop to change from wets to slicks, just past Bergwerk, Lauda's Ferrari unexplainably swerved off to the right, impacted an embankment, bounced back across the track, was collected by Brett Lunger and caught fire. Several drivers including Lunger, Guy Edwards and a fearless Arturo Merzario managed to extract Lauda from the burning wreck. Although he was able to stand after the accident, it soon became evident that his injuries were grave. Hot, toxic gases had damaged the inside of his lungs and his blood. His helmet had come partially adrift and he had suffered severe burns to his head. He lapsed into a coma. For a period of time his life was despaired of. However, he rallied and, in a show of courage that is difficult to overstate, was back in a Ferrari cockpit at speed six weeks after the accident (he later revealed that at the time he was virtually petrified with fear).

This six weeks covered 2 races and saw Hunt draw close. The Brands Hatch win was given back to him on appeal, and he won at Zandvoort. Lauda's return to competition at Monza produced an amazing 4th place and 3 points. Hunt scored wins in both North American races, while Lauda had to settle for no points at Canada by virtue of suspension problems, and a third at Watkins Glen. This impressive run pulled Hunt to within 3 points of Lauda with only Fuji left on the calendar. The race started in a monumental downpour, and after 2 laps Lauda abandoned saying it was crazy to drive in such conditions. He was probably correct, but he was probably also still affected by his Nurburgring accident. In the event, the rain soon slacked, and Hunt finished third despite a late tire change, collecting 4 points to take the title.

Hunt by no means backed into his championship. He won 8 races to Lauda's 4 (in 1976 wins were worth 9 points; with wins now worth 10 points we may not see a championship season like 1976 again), and 6 of the last 9. When he suffered setbacks he always bounced back. When opportunity presented itself he rose, in true championship fashion, fully to the occasion. He would be have been the last to admit it (he seemed to be proud of his uninhibited life style), but he displayed the better qualities of the British competitive spirit - a consistent tenacity and persistence in the face of difficult odds. Lauda had placed himself in an awkward and stressful situation: still leading the championship while suffering the physical and mental effects of a very bad accident. He could easily have (and perhaps should have) sat out the balance of the season. But he faced up squarely to his handicaps in clinging to his lead, and displayed admirable sanity under enormous pressure at Fuji.

In 1977 Lauda cruised to his second championship despite winning only 3 races, then promptly dropped Ferrari at Canada. The parting was not amicable, although Lauda was later to recant much of his criticism of the team (and eventually serve it as a sort of minister without portfolio). He was apparently an example of that rare individual who was not over-awed by Enzo Ferrari. He claims to have regularly simply shown himself into The Drake's inner sanctum when he wanted a word with him. And he was not cowed when those words became heated as tended to be the case following Fuji.

For 1978 Lauda took up with Bernie Ecclestone and Gordon Murray at Brabham. It was not the success that might have been expected from the trio. The Alfa 12-cylinder was not up to the task. Ecclestone was busy running the money end of F1. The only real accomplishment of note during Lauda's 2 seasons with Brabham was the infamous Fan Car. Lotus was starting to make great strides with ground effects, the aim of which was to reduce the air pressure under the car thereby increasing tire grip and cornering speed. In an exercise in loophole exploitation that probably made Colin Chapman green with envy, Brabham repositioned the radiators at the rear of the car and cooled them with a big fan instead of with rammed air as was normal with side-mounted radiators. Of course, they contrived to see to it that the fan just happened to also suck air out from under the car increasing its downforce. Lauda and John Watson employed all of the sandbagging skills they could muster in an effort to hide the fact that the car was unbeatable. It won once, in 1978 at Anderstorp with Lauda at the wheel. It never won again because it never competed again, having been promptly banned as being contrary to some rule or other.
At Canada in 1979, exactly 2 years after kissing off Ferrari, Lauda suddenly decided in the middle of practice that he no longer wanted to race, and promptly retired then and there from F1. For 2 seasons he devoted himself to his airline business and to TV commentary.

Lauda returned to F1 in 1982 for, by his own admission, financial reasons. The fledgling airline that he had started (he loved flying so why not an airline; to Niki Lauda it made perfect sense) had fallen on hard times. He signed up with Ron Dennis and McLaren to partner John Watson for plenty of money (albeit, on only a 4 race contract to start with) and the promise of a competitive ride.

Lauda's comeback got tangled up in the great FISA - FOCA war. One of the more prominent skirmishes in this ugly affair occurred at the 1982 South African GP. Lauda wound up in the middle of a labor fracas before he had even turned a Goodyear in anger. The so-called Super License for F1 drivers had been introduced by FISA in an effort to keep marginal talents out of the cockpit. Owner members of FOCA (with the apparent connivance of FISA), however, had taken advantage of the licensing process to try and bind drivers to their teams. Most drivers, including Lauda with his shrewd eye for all matters fiscal, saw through this ruse and refused to sign. At South Africa they were threatened by FISA with being banned from the race for lack of licenses. Lauda and Didier Pironi, head of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, organized a resistance movement, and got most of the drivers to lock themselves together in a hotel meeting room over night while Pironi negotiated with FISA major-domo Jean-Marie Balestre. Balestre made concessions prior to the weekend having to be completely written off, and Lauda went on to place 4th in his first race back.

And it didn't take long for him to reacquaint himself with winning. At Long Beach he won in only his third race since returning. He also won at Brands Hatch that season. '83 was a no win year while the TAG Turbo was shaken down, but '84 ended with Lauda back at the top of F1. Although he won the '84 championship by a mere 1/2 pt., he seemed to have the measure of his usually faster rival and new teammate, Alain Prost, for most of the season. As quick as Prost was and as good a politician as he was, he met his match in the imposing personalities of Lauda and later Ayrton Senna. Lauda was seldom faster than the best of his rivals. He disliked risks that he considered unnecessary. He was not noted for redoubling his efforts when things weren't going well. He was not one for making selfless sacrifices for the good of the team (though he would do so for the good of Lauda). He did often have good cars, but he also often had talented teammates who had the same cars - Regazzoni, Reutemann and Prost. One might wonder how it was that he was so successful. Lauda had the sort of self-confidence usually reserved for megalomaniacs, minus the psychosis. All three of his championships probably came about as much because he willed them into existence as for any other reason.

An important part of his successful mental approach to competition apparently was for him to be as unsparingly honest and straight with himself as he was with others. In the late '70s a PR visit between the then World Champion driver and Muhammad Ali was arranged. Lauda came away from it scratching his head, not because of the hype the boxer surrounded himself with (which Lauda understood to sometimes be part of a super star's marketing) but because Ali appeared to believe it. This was not a delusion under which Lauda would ever fall.

Another part was sheer smarts. Lauda, though a poor student as a youngster, is obviously possessed of superior intelligence in a branch of sport where that is saying a great deal indeed.

This served him well off the track as well as on. He and collaborators have produced 4 very informative books on racing and his career (which, by the way, thoroughly dispel the notion that he was nothing but a cold-hearted machine). He mastered English quickly (and, per force, Italian while he was with Ferrari), and thus had a language other than German in which to deliver the patented Lauda interviews. These were dispensed with a combination of succinctness, authority and deadly aim that rivaled the Almighty handing down the Ten Commandments on Sinai.

A good example occurred after he had retired from racing for the second time. One of his Lauda Air 767s suffered an uncommanded thrust reverser deployment after departing Bangkok and plunged into the jungle snuffing out a couple of hundred or so lives. Lauda rushed from Austria to the crash site buried deep in the Thai rain forest. The story has it that, plowing around through aircraft pieces, bodies and undergrowth, he single-handedly discovered the mechanical evidence pointing to the faulty reversers. Whether this is actually true or not, he was certainly instrumental in turning up information useful in determining the cause of the accident. He went straight to England where he could test the theory in a 767 simulator, then immediately held a press conference at which, with typical Lauda clarity and economy of words, he stated (not "suggested" or "inferred") that he knew the cause of the crash, and that it was not Lauda Air's fault, but rather a problem with the Boeing aircraft type. The official investigation culminating a year or so later arrived at the same conclusion. This ruthless straightforwardness had served him well in innumerable interviews during his racing career. While Hakkinen shows that he brooks no stupid questions by hemming and hawing, looking at the floor and replaying answers over and over, Lauda showed the same thing by simply providing a (emphasis here) few quick, clever, perfect words.

Lauda did not hang around long after taking his third championship. His second and final departure from F1, at Adelaide in 1985, was typical of his whole approach to racing and to life - quick, with no frills and no glance over the shoulder. One moment he was flying his McLaren down the long straight. The next his front brakes had failed him and he was skittering into the runoff area and up against the wall. The next after that he was out of his car disappearing behind the barrier without a look back and with the next flight out on his mind.

Many of Lauda's actions may appear to have been somewhat precipitous. But he likely is not so much impulsive as pathologically decisive. His extreme dislike of wishy-washiness probably explains such things as his abrupt abandonment of Ferrari in '77, his equally abrupt retirement from Brabham and F1 in '79, and his thumbing his nose at monopolistic Austrian Airlines by founding his own airline. He is unsympathetic to lack of punctuality. By his own admission those around him, including his family, often had to arrange their lives to suit his needs. He was vigilant and not the least bit sentimental when it came to making money from racing, to the point of insisting on handsome payment for autograph sessions. These and other personal traits chafed some egos along the way. In his Ferrari days Lauda, the very antithesis of the Italian persona, never captured the love of the tifosi the way that Gilles Villeneuve, or even Mansell did. Yet he became a bona fide legend in his own time. Certainly part of this was due to his Nurburgring accident. But primarily it was a result of the unique impact that his personality and skills had on the sport. There may have been a few better than him, but there have never been any like him.