Archive for March, 2007

Rolls-Royce Phantom

Rolls-Royce Phantom - Credit: Rolls-RoyceMotorCars.com

You never forget your first time doing a lot of things; experiencing a Phantom is indeed one of those things. In photos, it looks brooding and menacing, like it belongs on the movie set of Sin City. In person, the statement is still strong, but you’re also drawn by its magnetic presence and its elegance quickly becomes apparent. There’s no getting around its massive proportions: almost five-and-a-half-feet tall, six-and-a-half-feet wide and stretching more than 19 feet in length. You (or your driver) will appreciate the front and rear cameras and sensors to aid in parking the beast. Thankfully, Rolls-Royce made no effort to understate the Phantom’s mass. The mostly aluminum body lines are graceful, yet taut, with a high beltline and thick C-pillars around an aluminum space frame.

Wearing run-flat tires, the 21-inch wheels are substantial, even for a car this size, but Rolls insisted on them to harmonize with the formal side profile. And in case motorists in lesser transport need to be reminded of your car’s pedigree, the wheels’ centers are self-righting; the “RR” logo remains upright and stationary as the wheels turn. Did I say self-righting or self-righteous? 

Headlining the profile, of course, are the renowned radiator grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy. That’s not a nightclub side effect; it’s the famous lady adorning the Phantom’s grille. She can also perform a neat disappearing act into the grille to avoid being kidnapped from her perch.

As you disappear into the Phantom’s cabin, the door’s “soft-close” mechanism thoughtfully shuts the last quarter-inch behind you. From behind the surprisingly thin wheel, all the familiar Rolls-Royce elements are present: fine wood, leather, wool carpets, the chrome “organ stop” instrument panel knobs. True to tradition, the Phantom also forgoes a true tachometer for the ever-present “power reserve” gauge. Ergonomics are light-years better than previous generations and the list of features goes on for miles. Beyond the aforementioned fore and aft cameras and parking sensors, you’re also treated to four-zone automatic climate control, front and rear DVD-based entertainment/navigation systems with Bluetooth connectivity and a 15-speaker, two-subwoofer, Lexicon surround-sound system.     

Enter through the coach doors to experience the other attraction of the Phantom: being driven. With the push of a button, open coach doors gently close and continue to impress even while stationary. They each contain umbrellas in self-draining compartments. Settling in, you’ll notice that the seat backs are slightly canted for more comfortable conversation with your fellow passenger. Your seat is also set a bit higher than those in the front, aiding your visibility of the road ahead.  Whether you choose to acknowledge the outside world is completely up to you.
Article by:  Thomas Bey
Source:  askmen.com

 

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Mandi on March 26th 2007 in Exotic Car Rental

2007 Audi S8

An all-new 450 hp 5.2 liter V10 engine sets this version of the Audi flagship apart. Reconfigured inside and out to realize the ultimate in full throttle, luxury-driven performance, the Audi S8 delivers a ride of unparalleled agility and comfort. From the adaptive air suspension-sport with S-specific tuning to the latest generation quattro® all-wheel drive, no single superlative can quite do it justice.
Audi S8
Starting at $92,000*   

Take a race-bred 450 hp V10. Add FSI® Direct Injection technology. Make 398 lb-ft of torque available at the low end. Move from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Leave every other car far, far behind. And look absolutely stunning while doing so. The all-new 2007 Audi S8.

Standard Features
  16-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats with 4-position memory system
  20″ 7 double-spoke S design cast-alloy wheels
  265/35 ZR20 performance tires*
  4-corner air suspension-sport with S specific tuning
  4-way power lumbar adjustment for driver and front passenger seats
  5-pointed LED daytime running lights
  6-disc CD changer located in the glove box
  6-way heated front seats
  Adaptive Bi-xenon high intensity, low and high beam headlights with automatic self-leveling and 5-point LED daytime running lights
  Adaptive light system
  Advanced MMI (Multi Media Interface) system
  Alcantara headliner, upper trim of columns, and sunvisors
  Aluminum door sills with S8 badge
  Aluminum-design for trim around air vents and MMI display, control unit below central vents, electromechanical parking switch and ring around light switch
  Audi DVD Navigation system*
  Auto-dimming interior mirror with anti-glare action
  Automatically dimming/power folding exterior mirrors with memory function
  Beverage holder
  Bi-color sport seats in Valcona leather with color-contrasting stitching
  Bose® premium 12-speaker sound system with 5-channel surround sound, subwoofer, center fill speaker
  Brushed aluminum titanium gray inlays
  Convex outer right rearview mirror
  Distinctive badging on trunk lid
  Driver and front passenger knee protection airbags*
  Dual climate control air conditioning with separate driver and front passenger controls
  Dual-paned insulated door glass
  Electronic cruise control with coast, resume and acceleration features
  Extended leather trim and upholstery package
  First Aid kit in rear center armrest
  Front and Rear floor mats
  Front sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors on both the driver and passenger sides
  Gray birch wood trim
  High-pressure retractable headlight washers
  Homelink® universal garage door opener in overhead console
  Immobilizer anti-theft alarm system with blinking theft-deterrent light in driver’s door
  Integrated rear spoiler on trunk lid
  Leather-wrapped shift knob
  Lower Anchorage and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in rear seats
  Multifunction, leather-trimmed 3-spoke sport steering wheel with Tiptronic® aluminum shift paddles
  Phone preparation with Bluetooth® interface
  Polished aluminum exterior mirrors
  Power glass sunroof with slide-and-tilt functions and pinch protection
  Power seat belt height adjustment for driver and front passenger seats
  Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with automatic tilt-away for ease of entry and exit
  Radio frequency remote locking system
  Rear bench seats 3, providing an optional 5-person seating configuration
  Remote power trunk release button in driver’s door
  S8 aluminum-look exterior mirrors
  Satellite radio preparation*
  Separate folding driver and front passenger center armrests with adjustable height
  The Multi Media Interface (MMI™) consisting of a terminal in the center console and an MMI display in the dashboard
  Tire-pressure monitoring system
  Valcona leather
  Voice control for Navigation, radio, CD changer and telephone
  White ambient LED lighting for storage compartments, front & rear footwells, door handles - with adjustable settings (using MMI™)
  quattro® IV permanent all-wheel drive system, includes Torsen® torque sensing center differential

For more information and pic’s: http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/new_cars/Audi_A8/S8/specifications.details.a8group.s8.4e25sl_1.html

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Tracey on March 26th 2007 in Exotic Car Rental

Ferrari F430- A “Bella Machina”

For those who have never driven a Ferrari before, the engine starts at low speeds by making the sort of deep growl you expect from a race car. But as you mash the throttle, you don’t get a predictable automotive “vroom vroom.” Instead, you hear the growl develop slowly into a wail, and then into a piercing scream. Heard trackside at races, Ferraris emit a deafening banshee wail. In the driver’s seat, thanks to that sky-high redline, you seem to hear the engine saying, “Go ahead. Keep pushing me. I dare you. You’ll buckle before I do.”

When you gun the F430 for the first time, you will marvel at how the tachometer keeps climbing higher than you think it can climb, and also at the hyper-sensitivity of the accelerator. This touchiness–evident when you come on as well as off the gas pedal–requires some getting used to, and first drives of the vehicle can make for some awkward jostling of the passengers as the car’s weight transfers forward and backward. But once you adapt to the accelerator, you will love the fury it can dispense.

Driving an exotic automobile used to require a special skill set. This is no longer the case with vehicles such as the F430, thanks to features like an automatic shifting mode on the sequential manual transmission and electronic stability control. The F430 is only the second Ferrari (after the new 612 Scaglietti) to use stability control, but that sequential gearbox is now used on about 80% of all road-going Ferraris

Drive this beautiful machine, or a wide choice of many other exotic vehicles.  Check out www.dfwEliteAutoRental.com

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Teri on March 26th 2007 in Exotic Car Rental

Aston Martin Concept Car: DBX; from Drawing Board to Reality?

Now that Aston has been sold to a private group of investors led by Prodrive’s David Richards after a few years of being under Ford’s reign, the DBX is part of a 3 vehicle strategy that Aston Martin’s chief Ulrich Bez says it is pressing ahead with. Aston plans for this model to be a serious competitor for the likes of the MB SLR and the Bugatti Veyron. It’s chassis will be from the VH chassis and it will use a version fo the 6.0L V12 souped up to produce more than 700HP with a prediction of going from 0-60 in a mere 3.7 seconds. Top speed? more than 200MPH is all they are saying for now. Transmission will be a 6-speed manual and will sport a tuned suspension by Prodrive. Estimated cost will be somewhere in the neighborhood of $500,000. Stay tuned to this blog for more information as it becomes available!

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Jennifer on March 26th 2007 in Exotic Car Rental

Couple’s tour

One day with some very exclusive, unique, exotic cars and that special someone. With the cars in this tour no one will walk away without a smile. Our couple’s tour includes the famous Rolls-Royce Phantom, Porsche Cayenne, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Porsche 911 convertible, and the Mercedes S550. Also with this tour is dinner at a 5-star restaurant wich is a nice touch to a perfect evening. This tour runs about $949 per couple which is nice instead of having to pay for both people. Visit DFW Drive Your Dream website for more info and sign up since spots are filling up fast.

Always burning rubber

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Jennifer on March 25th 2007 in Exotic Car Rental

Lotus Elise

Saw many awesome vehicles at last weeks Dallas Auto Show. Everyone was really excited about seeing the Lotus Elise at the Wells Fargo booth which was rented from DFW Elite Auto Rental.com for an Auto Show promotion. Go to our website to check this car out and rent for the low price of 350.00 per wkday and 400.00 per wkend day. The attention you will get is surprisingly incredible!

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scottt on March 25th 2007 in Exotic Car Rental

Maserati Quattroporte

When you think of Italian automakers, you might first think of Ferrari or even Lamborghini. However, not far behind those names would be Maserati, an auto company known for its distinct blend of luxury and practicality.

Formed by the seven brothers Maserati in 1914, the automaker’s famous trident was first recognized for building famous race cars, such as the 1957 world championship-winning 250F and the Maserati Birdcage. Through the years, street cars became the company’s main focus, starting with popular sport coupes. Along the way, Maserati also developed a sedan called the Quattroporte (meaning simply “four-door” in Italian). For the past 43 years, the Quattroporte has become the definition of an Italian super sports sedan. Now in its fifth generation, the Quattroporte has been reborn for the 21st century and, in turn, has brought new prestige to the Maserati trident.
By Chris Nagy

Source: askmen.com

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Mandi on March 25th 2007 in Exotic Car Rental

2008 Porsche Cayenne

The first set of keys we grabbed at Porsche’s press preview put us behind the wheel of a fully loaded Cayenne Turbo. Although the next-generation Cayenne just went on sale as a 2008 model, there’s still plenty that’s familiar. Much of the chassis, suspension technology, and interior layout offer little change, and the wheelbase and track width are identical to the former model’s. Yet there are a few important differences; in fact, Porsche engineers have injected some exciting technology under the skin and hood.
The all-new, all-aluminum 4.8-liter twin-turbocharged, twin-intercooled V-8 now sports 500 horses, 50 more than the former 4.5-liter V-8 turbo (expect a Turbo S model in the next few years) as well as getting upward of 10 to 15 percent better fuel economy. Estimated EPA numbers are expected to be 14 in the city and 20 on the highway. Not bad for a vehicle our German hosts claim will get to 60 mph from a standing start in 4.9 seconds. 

Much of the magic of these engines is in Porsche’s newly developed high-pressure common-rail direct-fuel-injection system and constantly adjusting variable valve control. On the road, the engine is smooth; easy driving is manageable-until you put your foot into it and get above 2500 rpm when the twin turbochargers kick in. Even then, the all-wheel-drive system and dynamic controls prevent the chassis from feeling unbalanced or jerky. Porsche hasn’t dumbed down its steering just because this is an SUV-it’s firm and quick, as you’d expect from Porsche. Likewise, the Turbo gets one of the most significant brake upgrades to date. The system uses a rigid aluminum, monoblock six-piston caliper that’s eight percent lighter, eight percent stiffer, and 30 percent larger than the last model’s.
Changes to the surface are subtle at best-but they won’t go unnoticed by Porschephiles. The new Cayenne’s face is broader and more sculpted. The front hood has been reshaped by widening the headlights and hood surface, while the rear end has more mass over the rear tires, looking more 911-like from certain angles. 

The engineers made few changes to the active air-suspension system, but did develop Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control, which continuously adjusts (stiffening and loosening) a front and rear anti-roll bar to keep the Cayenne running clean and flat through the corners. PDCC is a $3510 option and can only be paired with the $2990 air suspension, but it’s worth it, especially if you love to drive. Regular and Turbo models use the newly reinforced six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Moreover, Porsche will continue to offer a six-speed manual with the base V-6, now 3.6 liters, producing 290 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque (that’s a jump of 43 horsepower and 44 pound-feet). During our short run, the V-6 proved responsive and playful-a vast improvement over the previous 220-horse, 3.2-liter. The middle engine-the 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V-8-produces 385 horses and 369 pound-feet and is offered only with the Tiptronic automatic. Porsche tells us the V-6 will run 0-to-60 mph in 7.6 seconds and the V-8 in 6.4.

They’ve left the 4WD system alone, too, keeping the dual-action switches for low-range and suspension ride height (when equipped with the air ride) beneath the stick shift in the console. In low range, the active anti-roll bar controller relaxes, allowing the various wheels to droop and compress as the terrain demands. Other cool additions to this new Cayenne are a power liftgate, backup camera, standard rollover sensors that control belt tensioners, and a software program that helps to eliminate trailer sway.
Base Cayennes will start at $44,295, with S models starting at $58,795, and the topline Cayenne Turbos at $94,595. More power, better fuel economy, and potent technology put this new Porsche right at the top of the class with the likes of the all-new BMW X5, Acura MDX, and Mercedes-Benz ML. We predict a nasty dogfight when they’re all in six-cylinder format, but when looking for a 500-horsepower peer, the new Porsche Cayenne is in a class by itself. 

Source: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suv/112_0704_2008_porsche_cayenne_newcomers/

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Tracey on March 25th 2007 in Exotic Car Rental

DaimlerChrysler launches Mercedes-Benz S320 CDi L, CL-Class

DaimlerChrysler India today announced the launch of the latest edition of its S-Class diesel, the S 320CDi L, and the premium Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, for the Indian market at the Brand Showcase in Mumbai.  The Managing Director and CEO of DaimlerChrysler India Dr. Wilfried Aulbur unveiled the cars together with Director for Corporate Affairs & Finance Mr. Suhas Kadlaskar and Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Sanjiv Sahajwala. The brand showcase will also be organized at Delhi, Chennai & Hyderabad over the coming weeks.
 
The Brand Showcase featured the complete range of Mercedes-Benz cars in India- the debutante S-Class & the CL-Class as well as its other products- the E-Class, the C-Class, and its Completely Built Imported range: the SLK-Class, CLS-Class and the M-Class. Also featured was the stately Maybach.
 
“The idea of the Brand Showcase is to share our enthusiasm about growth and direction of the company- and to interact with our friends, customers and media in their home-cities” commented Dr. Wilfried Aulbur. He further added “We are committed to offer our customers the latest products in the least possible time. A very good example of this is our introduction of the new S-320CDI L and the fantastic luxury coupe, the CL class.”
 
Buoyed by strong sales growth in 2006, the company is looking forward to a significant sales outlook in 2007 powered by a comprehensive portfolio of products, well-entrenched sales-service network and strong traction with local markets. As a positive step to cater to the demands of the company’s India operations, DaimlerChrysler has recently signed a MoU with the Government of Maharastra for a new plant at the Chakan area in Pune. These are definite signs of brighter times ahead for the company.
 
DaimlerChrysler is the only automobile company in India to have completed ISO9001: 2000 certification for its entire dealer network. Over the last few years, Mercedes-Benz is attracting younger customers in India; young entrepreneurs, IT professionals and successful businessmen are increasingly fascinated by the Mercedes-Benz brand. There has also been an increasing demand from non-metro cities.  “To satisfy the aspirations of our customers, we now have easy vehicle loan schemes with longer pay-outs which effectively mean that possessing a Mercedes-Benz is within-reach of our aspiring customers.” commented Mr. Suhas Kadlaskar, director for Corporate Affairs, DaimlerChrysler India.
 
The Mercedes-Benz S320CDi L: For over five decades, the S-Class has signified a special aura, intelligent technology and highest quality. The new S 320CDi L not only continues this tradition, but lends a new meaning to it. As with its predecessor, the debutante introduces technical innovations that make the flagship Mercedes-Benz model an example for others to follow. Pioneering safety features and exemplary comfort are once again the outstanding attributes of the S 320 CDi L. The new S 320 CDi L also sets standards with its agile handling and offers an even more effortless driving experience thanks to new, more powerful engines. It is replacing a model series which is a leader in the luxury class, with around 500,000 units sold all over the world. Indeed the new S-Class gives new dimensions to its theme: “Heaven can wait”.
 
The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: The new CL-Class is yet another masterpiece by Mercedes-Benz. Just as this luxury coupé points the way into the future with its innovative technology, its design is a protagonist for a new aesthetic appearance–a new Mercedes style. This is characterised by interplay between taut, striking lines and large, tranquil surfaces. This design idiom lends the Coupé a very special presence, underlining the unruffled calm and strength of its unique character. Other design features which were already have also been reinterpreted in the new CL-Class, keeping alive the great coupé tradition of the Mercedes-Benz brand: for example the fully retractable side windows, whose continuous aperture is not interrupted by a B-pillar, and the large, curving panoramic rear windscreen.

Source: http://news.moneycontrol.com/india/news/pressnews/daimlerchryslerindiasclassdiesel/daimlerchrysler/market/stocks/article/273168

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Tracey on March 24th 2007 in Exotic Car Rental

2,000 Horsepower tour

One day, five cars, 2,000 horsepower, driving around Texas does that sound good? With our 2,000 horsepower tour you get to do exactly that. This tour includes the Ferrari 360 F1, BMW M6 conv., Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Lamborghini Gallardo, and a Corvette Z06. Our tours last between seven and eight hours with breaks in between to switch cars, which you get to drive for 30+ minutes each, and lunch is provided with the tours. You can visit DFW Drive Your Dream Website to get more details. SO reserve your spot now for an experience of a lifetime!

Always burning rubber

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Jennifer on March 24th 2007 in Exotic Car Rental