Even though it revealed its first exotic car offering this weekend, McLaren is a famous name in the automotive world.  The producer of the popular McLaren F1 supercar of the 1990s, the company is striking out on its own for the first time.

While McLaren has had its name on street cars in the past, the new model will be the first car produced solely by the British auto manufacturer.

The new McLaren model, called the MP4-12C will feature a V-8 engine capable of producing 592 horsepower.  The 2,865-pound, carbon-fiber bodied MP4-12C has a retail price of about $225,000.

McLaren will be selling the car at 35 dealerships in 19 countries worldwide.  Some dealers already sell other exotic car brands like Ferrari or Lamborghini, but others will be focusing primarily on McLaren automobiles.

McLaren expects to release another model in a couple of years, but in the meantime, they plan to focus on offering exceptional service for the existing model.  In fact, Antony Sherriff, the managing director of McLaren Automotive, feels this might be where the small company beats its larger Italian competitors.

“There are things we can do as a small company that a larger one couldn’t,” Sherrif told The New York Times. “Every single technician, whether they’re from Greenwich or Abu Dhabi, will spend significant time at the factory. They might even spend time on the assembly line.”

Sherrif says that McLaren dealerships will have all the parts necessary to handle any maintenance and repairs on the cars.

While the sticker price of a McLaren MP4-12C is high by most standards, the car is actually pretty reasonably priced when compared to other exotic vehicles.  However, the cost may put it out of reach of many enthusiasts.

That’s where exotic car dream tours come in.  An alternative to buying an exotic car, these tours give you a taste of speed without the worries about maintaining an exotic car, finding a facility that specializes in exotic car storage, or tracking down a low cost insurance quote.

The initial production run for the MP4-12C will be only 1000 units, but the company plans to recoup some of its development costs by increasing production in future years.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance SEO writer, who specializes in web content, editing, and technical writing.

The last decade has been marked by a dramatic shift in the priorities of car buyers.  We started the millennium on top of the market with new car sales on the rise.  Buyers were looking for SUVs and exotic cars with Viper-like HP.

Then the economy went south.

Although the Ford F-Series was still the best-selling vehicle in 2009, hybrids and compacts also sold well last year.

The trend in sports cars has been to maximize performance by lowering cutting vehicle weight. According to a recent article by Forbes, you will see more lightweight and fuel-efficient sports cars in the next decade.

At the top of Forbes’ list is the Porsche 918 Spyder.  If you’ve been lucky enough to drive a Porsche, you know there is no substitute.

The Porsche 918 Spyder will weigh in at only 3,285 pounds.  The lighter weight is because of carbon-fiber in the frame.  And this exotic will get 78 miles per gallon and go from 0 to 60 in just over three seconds.

Another impressive exotic of the next decade is the Audi E-Tron.  While auto industry experts don’t know the performance stats for this car, it’s expected that the E-Tron will have an air intake that can be controlled in order to reduce drag.

Even if new exotics get 78 mph, they are likely to remain expensive to own.

After all, fuel economy is one of the factors in cost of ownership.  Exotic car owners also need to find affordable car storage, budget for maintenance and repairs, and find affordable auto insurance.

The good news is that Texas residents can request a free Mineral Wells TX insurance quote and register to win a free automotive dream tour from DFW Drive Your Dream. (No quote request is required to enter to win the dream car driving experience.) Enter the contest at http://get-insurance-quote.net/contest-rules.php

What could be better than driving today’s hot exotic cars and saving money at the same time?

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, who specializes in web content, editing, and technical writing.

For Toyota owners, this week has been full of mounting concerns about vehicle safety.  3.8 million Toyota cars and trucks were recalled earlier in the week, and Toyota stopped production and sales of affected autos.

The issue is a sticky accelerator pedal.  Over time, especially in cold or damp conditions, the gas pedal on certain Toyota models can cause dangerous driving situations.  There is a chance the gas pedal can be slow to return after it has been depressed by the driver’s foot.

That means that the car could accelerate at the wrong time, causing an accident.  Toyota is still working on a fix for the problem, but the Japanese automaker believes the issue is due to a faulty gas pedal assembly.  It is working to develop a replacement part.

Vehicles affected include the following Toyota cars and truck models:

1. 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon
2. Some 2007-2010 Toyota Camry vehicles
3. 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla
4. 2010 Toyota Highlander
5. 2009-2010 Toyota Matrix
6. 2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia
7. 2009-2010 Toyota Rav 4
8. 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra

As of right now, Toyota claims that these vehicles are safe to drive.  The automaker says that it wants owners to be aware of potential problems and know how to respond if they encounter this issue.  Toyota recommends that if drivers experience a sticky accelerator, they immediately stop driving and contact their Toyota dealer.

Toyota is not the only automaker to issue a major recall.  In recent years, most of the big car companies have had to recall models for various safety issues.  Even exotic car companies, like Lamborghini, have recalled models in the last few years.

For exotic car fans, keeping up with all of these issues can be a bit of a hassle.  Instead of owning an exotic car and dealing with maintenance, insurance, car storage, and other ownership concerns, many are turning to options like exotic car rental, exotic car clubs, and automotive dream tours.

While Toyota works on solving the accelerator issue, they have suspended production of the affected vehicles.  The automaker has also halted sales of these cars and trucks until a new part can be developed.

If you own one of these cars, you can find out more information by calling Toyota Customer Service at (800) 331-4331.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

In an attempt to draw attention to the plight of unpaid sellers, Ross decided to create a website (http://www.kruseauctionripoff.com) to publicize the stories of sellers and their experiences with Kruse Auctions International.

Rodney Ross’ beautiful Lincoln Limo that was sold at Kruse International’s Labor Day Weekend Classic Car Auction in Indiana. (Photo: Rodney Ross / Fort Worth, TX)

“Our goal is to give people a place to tell their stories and to be a clearinghouse for information that sellers need to know,” said Ross, a Fort Worth car collector.

The site contains links to recent news stories about Kruse Auctions and Dean Kruse

Read the full press release about the new website, KruseAuctionRipoff.com

This year’s Detroit Auto Show is remarkable for featuring eco-friendly cars.  Gone are the huge SUVs and gas-guzzling vehicles of the past.  Instead, the show is filled with small autos like the Smart ForTwo.

Fuel economy is one of the major innovations for many of these six new cars.  In addition, performance is also a priority in many models.

The Honda CR-Z, a new hybrid offering from the Japanese automaker, is based on the CR-X of the 1980s.  However, while the CR-Z won’t get the incredible gas mileage of the CR-X, it will have safety and performance features that the old model didn’t have.  And at 38 miles per gallon on the highway, the fuel economy isn’t too shabby either.

Lincoln also has a new offering, the MKX.  The crossover has an impressive 3.7-liter V6 engine, which is capable of 305 horsepower.  In addition to the performance specs, the car boasts a version of Ford’s new Sync software system.  The Sync system provides voice activation and hands-free operation of music players, cell phones, and other mobile technologies.

The redesigned Ford Focus is expected to wow car buyers with both its performance and fuel economy.  Up to 10% more efficient than previous iterations of the Focus, the 2011 model also features a 2.0-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission with dual-clutch shifting.

Even though it’s a standby when it comes to American sports cars, the newly redesigned Ford Mustang will probably turn a few heads.  The 5.0-liter V8 engine will generate an impressive 412 horsepower, and the redesign also delivers improved steering and suspension.

The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe was unveiled in November at the L.A. Auto Show, and it already has Cadillac enthusiasts excited.  The car is a lighter, leaner version of the CTS-V sedan will be available with a manual or automatic transmission.

Perhaps the most exciting new development for exotic car fans is the Mercedes-Benz E-class Cabriolet.  The convertible coupe features a cloth top and impressive sound insulation.  It also has several design innovations to protect occupants from wind.  The 382-horsepower E550 Cabriolet will hit showrooms this spring.

Luckily, if you’re anxious to drive a Mercedes, you don’t have to wait for the E550 to go on sale.  You can avoid the expense and hassle of ownership, including car payments, insurance, and vehicle storage, if you join an exotic car sharing club, rent an exotic car, or participate in an automotive dream tour.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

If an unnamed Swiss man didn’t already know this, he knows it now.  The world’s most expensive speeding ticket was handed down to a Swiss millionaire for driving his Ferrari Testarossa at 85 miles per hour.

Although 85 miles per hour is nowhere near the top speed of this car, which sports a 4.9-liter, 428 horsepower engine, it’s fast enough to cost the driver a fortune.

The driver was charged the equivalent of $290,000 for speeding through a village.  The man was going 35 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, and Swiss officials assessed the fine based on his wealth.

The Ferrari driver owns a nearby villa and five exotic vehicles.  His offence angered the court, which claimed the man was acting out of a “pure desire for speed.”

Fortunately, for Texans, there are ways to drive a Ferrari that won’t get you quite as much attention for the Swiss cops.

Exotic car rental is one option that is increasing in popularity.  Instead of hassling with car payments, automobile storage, insurance, and maintenance, drivers can simply drive a dream car for a day.

You won’t find a Bentley at the Hertz counter, but you can find one to rent using any of a number of online directories of exotic car rental companies. One of the very best is http://www.rentexoticcars.net.

Another great choice is joining an exotic car club.  Car club members have access to an entire garage of exotic cars.

A third alternative is a dream car driving tour.  Automotive dream tour participants get to drive several exotic vehicles over the course of a single day.  They can compare vehicles and enjoy some of the most beautiful roads in Texas.

Learn more about a dream car tour for yourself or for a gift by visiting DFW Drive Your Dream. Public tours are given in cities throughout Texas and corporate events are offered throughout the United States. Take a peak at photos from our recent tours on DFW Elite Auto Rental.com’s Facebook page.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

As consumers grappled with a credit crunch, high unemployment, and mountains of debt, many were resistant to the idea of buying a new vehicle last year.  This reluctance resulted in one of the worst years for the auto industry.

In 2009, China edged out the United States as the strongest car sales market worldwide.  The year also saw two iconic U.S. car manufacturers, General Motors and Chrysler, file for bankruptcy.

Depending on the sales figures for the month of December, 2009 was either the worst year since 1982 or 1970.

TrueCar analyst Jesse Toprak told FoxNews.com that he expects 2009 will be the worst year since 1970, but he does predict an improvement in 2010.

“I think what we are going to see in 2010 in a nutshell is steady and slow recovery,” Toprak said. “The fundamentals that fuel new car sales are improving, but there is still a lot of skepticism from consumers.”

For many consumers, especially those considering exotic vehicles, this skepticism has led to outside-the-box thinking.  Instead of purchasing a six-figure exotic car, many exotic car enthusiasts choose instead to join exotic car clubs.

Touted as being environmentally responsible, as well as economical, car clubs are a great alternative to owning an exotic vehicle.  Instead of hassling with insurance, maintenance, storage, and other owner concerns, exotic car club members can just sit back and relax.

Members have access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.  Rather than committing to one car, they can experience the thrill of driving a Lamborghini one week and a Bentley the next.

Other options include exotic car rental and automotive dream tours.  Exotic car rental is great for those who want to have a great time on vacation or impress friends and dates.  It’s also an excellent option for special occasions like class reunions, major birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.

Automotive dream tours are the ultimate way to experience the adrenaline rush that comes with driving exotic vehicles.  Over the course of a few hours, participants can sit behind the wheel of some of the fastest cars in Texas.

These and other creative options may be the future of the exotic car world.  Toprak expects that it may take three more years for domestic car sales to return to normal, and it could be even longer for exotic car sales.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

The Detroit Auto Show, which begins January 16, 2010, will feature the newly redesigned Ford Mustang.  For exotic car fans, the Mustang has always been a respectable domestic standby, but this redesign may make it a true exotic vehicle.

The 2011 Ford Mustang is expected to receive a full remodel, including a new 5.0-liter V8 engine, capable of producing 412 horsepower.

Those stats may put the new Mustang on par with exotic cars like the Lamborghini Gallardo or Bentley Continental.

According to Autoweek, Ford engineers achieved the impressive performance by giving the engine room to breathe.  The new design features an aluminum engine block, and vertically-placed air intake ports.  The car also features a pair of stainless steel exhaust headers, providing even better air flow.

Wondering about the weight of an engine this size?  The new Mustang’s V8 engine weighs in at only 430 pounds.  That’s 20 percent less than the previous 5.0-liter Mustang’s engine.

Most of the weight reduction is due to the materials used.  The aluminum block and composite components cut the car’s weight.

Anyone who has driven an exotic car knows that decreased weight can mean increased thrills. If you haven’t experienced the adrenaline rush of sitting behind the wheel of a high performance automobile, you can do so without the expense of owning.

Owning an exotic car means finding secure car storage, affordable insurance, and a qualified mechanic.  With these other alternatives, all you have to do is drive.

You can participate in an automotive dream tour.  These tours are designed to give you an exceptional automotive experience.  Over the course of a few hours, you can drive five super sports cars over some of the most secluded roads in the hills of North Texas.

Another option is exotic car rental.  You can rent the car of your dreams for a special occasion like a wedding, anniversary, or class reunion, or you can just rent an exotic car for the weekend.

For hard-core exotic car fans, the best option is joining an exotic car club.  You’ll have access to an entire garage of incredible vehicles, and you can use points to drive the exotic car of your dreams.

The new Mustang will be displayed at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

The table, which is designed to look exactly like the lower part of a 1965 Ford Mustang, would make a great centerpiece for a game room or family rec room.  The table was originally produced with a Poppy Red exterior, but it is now available in a variety of colors to suit your tastes and décor.

Built using a regular pool table frame, the body of the Mustang pool table is made from solid fiberglass.  Actual molds from the 1965 Mustang were used to create the car chassis.  The top of the table is regulation sized and made from slate and felt.

The Mustang pool table is accented with chrome bumpers, wheels, a Mustang insignia, and real working headlights and taillights.  The body is finished with high quality auto paint and a protective clear coat.

At just under $15,000, the Mustang pool table costs more than five times as much as a real Mustang cost in 1965.

If you think Santa may have trouble fitting the Mustang pool table down your chimney, another great option is an automotive dream tour from DFW Drive Your Dream.

Dream tours give exotic car enthusiasts a chance to drive several incredible automobiles.  Participants get to drive cars like the Bentley GT Coupe, the Ferrari F430, the Audi R8, and the Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

At $697 per person, the 2,000 horsepower automotive dream tour is a great deal, and right now, when you buy one tour, you get 20% off the price of a second one.

If you still need ideas for the exotic car fan on your list, why not consider an exotic car club membership?  Perfect for people who love to rent exotic cars, these memberships provide access to an entire garage of amazing vehicles.

Exotic car rental, exotic car clubs, and automotive dream tours all present alternatives to owning an exotic vehicle.  Many exotic car owners complain that it is difficult to find secure exotic car storage and affordable insurance.

With so many gift options for exotic car fans, it may be hard to make a decision!

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

An ailing auto market has had a major impact on the type of vehicle featured at the auto show this year.  While exotic cars like the Rolls-Royce Ghost, which retails for $245,000, still have a place at the show, the focus is obviously on small cars and minivans like the Toyota Sienna.

In fact, many high-end carmakers won’t even be preset at the L.A. Auto Show this year.  After a year of fierce competition and dismal sales, several exotic car manufacturers, including Maserati, Ferrari, Bentley, and Lamborghini, will be staying home to lick their wounds.

“We had no North American [product] launch, so we decided not to go,” Ferrari spokesman Matteo Sardi told the L.A. Times. “But we value the show, so we’ll definitely be back.”

In the case of this year’s L.A. Auto Show, the absence of the exotic car manufacturers gives regular car companies a chance to shine.  And according to reviews, the 2011 Toyota Sienna stands out from the rest.

As a nod toward the market’s current values of frugality and fuel economy, Toyota has designed the Sienna with a standard 2.7-liter, 4-cylinder engine.  The V-6 will remain an option for consumers, but this new 4-cylinder offers an improvement in fuel economy at 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

Debuting the redesigned Sienna at the L.A. Auto Show represents an aggressive marketing move for Toyota and draws admiration from some car enthusiasts.

“It’s a very straightforward way of doing things,” Dave Thomas, senior editor at  Cars.com, explained the L.A. Times. “A Toyota Sienna minivan? That’s not the type of thing you would normally debut at the L.A. Auto Show. It’s certainly not a sexy car, but it’s a big deal for Toyota.”

Some exotic car fans may be just a little disappointed at the absence of many of the big names.  Despite exotic car ownership hassles like getting an Azle TX insurance quote or finding secure car storage, we all fantasize about driving a Bentley.  Those who wish to indulge the fantasy can find an excellent exotic car rental directory at http://www.rentexoticcars.net.

Luckily, most exotic car manufacturers are not ruling out their attendance at next year’s auto show.

This year’s L.A. Auto Show runs from December 4 through December 13.

Kate Miller-Wilson is an SEO web writer and a professional freelance writer.  To view more of her work, please visit her website.