Frankfurt Auto Show Features New Lamborghini

Posted on October 2, 2009 by Eric

Since the Frankfurt Auto Show started on September 15, there’s been a lot of buzz about the exciting new exotic vehicles car manufacturers have been showing off.  One of the most incredible is the new 2010 Lamborgini Reventón Roadster, which had its initial unveiling at the famous car show in Germany.

New Lamborghini Rentals in DFW

The Lamborghini Reventón Roadster has an exterior that was inspired by the sleek design of stealth fighter jets.  The front end of the car is sharply pointed, reminiscent of an airplane.  The entire vehicle is painted matte grey, just like the color used on stealthplanes to help them avoid being detected by radar.

The car’s dashboard is constructed of carbon fiber, and a single piece of aluminum houses the vehicle’s gauges.  Excluding the steel doors, the majority of the Lamborghini Reventón Roadster is made of carbon fiber.

Capable of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds, the Lamborghini Reventón Roadster doesn’t skimp on performance.  The vehicle is powered by a 6.5-liter V-12 engine that can produce an incredible 670 horsepower.

Fewer than 20 Lamborghini Reventón Roadsters will be produced, which means most regular people will never even see one in person, let alone experience the thrill of driving the ultimate exotic vehicle.  However, just about anyone can drive a Lamborghini with exotic car rental.

Renting an exotic car is easy!  You can have the fun of driving a performance automobile for just a day, an adrenaline-filled weekend, or an entire week.  It’s a great way to test drive a vehicle before committing to ownership.

For a lot of exotic car fans, owning an exotic car is a dream that they keep putting off.  Buying an exotic car is a pretty expensive indulgence for most people, especially with the economy in its current state.  Instead, people are turning to exotic car rental.

When you own an exotic car, you have to deal with finding a qualified mechanic, coming up with the money to make your high car payment, insuring the vehicle, and worrying about security.  When you rent an exotic vehicle, you get to turn heads and impress your friends without the hassle of ownership.

The Lamborghini Reventón Roadster goes on sale this month.  The car will retail for around $1.2 million.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living near the Twin Cities.

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Italian Carfest Equals Exotic Car Eye Candy in Grapevine, TX

Posted on September 11, 2009 by Eric

Need a little early fall pick-me-up?  Head over to Grapevine to view some Italian exotic cars at the ItalianCarFest.  The festival will be sponsored by the Italian Car Club of the Southwest and will include up to 85 exotic cars.

Concours de Elegance Pebble beach Showcar image

Photo taken by Craig Howell of San Carlos, CA. Licensed under Creative Commons. See more of Craig’s beautiful car photos in his Flickr photostream.

The event takes place on Saturday, September 12.  Cars will be arranged on the lawn at Nash Farm, a historic site in Grapevine.  Owners will be present to discuss their automobiles, and it promises to be an exciting event for exotic car fans.

Attending exotic car festivals is a great way to experience the beauty of these vehicles up close.  While you can’t have the thrill of driving these gorgeous Italian cars, you can still appreciate how the sun glints off the sparkling exteriors.

For those more interested in driving than looking, a great option is exotic car rental.  You can rent a bright yellow 2005 Ferrari F430 F1 to get a real taste for Italian craftsmanship.  This car boasts 490 horsepower and will turn heads wherever it goes.

Ferrari F430 rental in DFW

Ferrari image courtesy of DFW Elite Auto Rental in Fort Worth, TX.

Another option is joining an exotic car club.  You and other members of the club will have access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other impressive exotic vehicles.

“You don’t have to own an exotic car to experience the fun of driving it,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental company.  “Renting an exotic car is also a great way to try it out before committing to buy.”

There’s no denying that owning an exotic car is an expensive hobby.  There’s the high MSRP, $235,000 in the case of a Ferrari F430 F1, and then there’s maintenance, security, and insurance.  For many of us, the dream seems out of reach, but that’s not true, according to Sturgeon.

“It really is the ultimate way to enjoy a car,” he says.

The ItalianCarFest promises to be a good time.  There will be Italian sandwiches and ice cream available for purchase, along with wine and soft drinks.  You also can’t beat the free parking and free admission.

For a list of the vehicles on display at the festival, check out the official festival website.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, who enjoys writing about exotic cars, crafts, parenting, genealogy, and a variety of other topics.  Contact her via her website for more information.

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Florida Drivers Rush to Renew Licenses

Posted on August 31, 2009 by Eric

Driving an exotic car in Florida just got more expensive.  On Tuesday, September 1, drivers will begin paying more money to renew driver’s licenses and car tags.  Getting an  initial driver’s license will go from costing $27 to $48, and the price of renewing a license will more than double.

Dallas exotic car rentals from DFW Elite Auto Rental at Hotel ZaZa

Florida drivers are flooding into the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to renew their tags and licenses.  In fact the DMV Florida website has been overwhelmed and has shut down for online renewals.  A highlighted message greets website visitors.

“In order to efficiently process transactions in local field office, Virtual Office online services are unavailable at this time,” the message reads.  “We apologize for the temporary inconvenience.”

For owners of exotic vehicles, this is just one more hassle that comes with exotic car ownership.  In addition to renewing tags, exotic car owners need to find qualified auto maintenance professionals, high quality car storage, and an affordable exotic car insurance policy.

“For a lot of people, it’s simply too much of a hassle,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Ft. Worth car storage facility.  “They turn to other ways to get their exotic car fix.”

lamborghini rentals in DFW

Those other ways include exotic car rental, exotic car sharing clubs, and automotive dream tours.  Fans of exotic vehicles are learning that ownership is not the only way to drive your dream car.

Exotic car rental is increasing in popularity.  With exotic car rental, you can rent a car for a day, a weekend, or even an entire week.  This option is perfect for business professionals and DFW area visitors.  It’s also great for impressing a date or celebrating a special occasion.

Another option, joining an exotic car sharing club, is ideal for people who routinely enjoy renting exotic vehicles but don’t want the commitment and expense of owning a car.  Exotic car clubs offer the ultimate in driving variety.  Members have access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.

For those who enjoy a truly impressive automotive experience, automotive dream tours are an excellent choice.  Participants in dream tours get to drive several incredible cars in a single day.  This is a great bachelor party activity and a unique gift for many exotic car fans.

Many Florida residents are not happy about the rate increase at the DMV.  Lawmakers expect to raise at least $800 million with the fee, but Florida drivers are complaining about timing the fee hike during a national recession.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

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Mazda 3 Sedan Impressed Critics

Posted on August 26, 2009 by Eric

ferarri rentals in DFW

Mazda has been getting the attention of exotic car enthusiasts in recent years due to its zippy cars with decent performance statistics.  Most of Mazda’s vehicles are more commuter cars than exotic vehicles, but they do hold some appeal for those who like to drive Bentleys or Lamborghinis.

Ferrari at platinum exotics.com

The all new Mazda 3 is getting a lot of attention.  The car has been totally redesigned for the 2010 model year and features four doors, a 2.5-liter, 165-horsepower engine, and a price tag just over $16,000.  While 165 horsepower may not seem like much to driving a 520-horsepower Lamborgini Gallardo, it’s still pretty good for a commuter car.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Mazda 3 is pretty reasonable.  It won’t win any records for gas mileage, but it will save you money at the pump.  Typical fuel economy for the base model gets about 25 miles per gallon around town and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2010 Mazda 3 4-door is expected to be popular with young adults and young families.  The practicality of the sedan designs means it will be easy to get kids in and out of the backseat, but the performance and styling still make it fun to drive.

According to Edmunds.com, “No other car… provides as much performance and driving fun for the money.”  Most reviews of the car are positive, citing its stylish body design, impressive performance, and attractive cabin interior.  Overall, it is a serious contender in the small family sedan market.

“Driving an economical family car is a great way to save money and gas,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Ft. Worth exotic car storage facility.  “Saving money on your basic transportation gives you more money for luxuries.”

For some car enthusiasts, those luxuries include automotive dream tours.  In the space of a single day, you can drive some of the most amazing cars on the planet over some of the most beautiful roads in West Texas.  It’s an auto enthusiast’s dream come true.

“It’s nice that there are options that are practical but mean you don’t have to compromise on performance,” says Sturgeon.

Even used models of the Mazda 3 are popular among used car buyers.  The 2010 model of the Mazda 3 has just hit dealerships, and sales promise to be impressive.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

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Could the Chevy Volt Save Gas for DFW Residents?

Posted on August 18, 2009 by Eric

Even though last summer’s high gas prices have dropped significantly, gas mileage is still a major consideration for Dallas residents purchasing a new car.  Whether DFW consumers are buying an exotic vehicle or a simple commuter car, gas mileage is no longer just a number on the window sticker.  That’s where the Chevy Volt comes in.

Chevy Volt DFW image

Image of Chevy Volt at the Detroit Auto Show by Kevin Ward. See more of Kevin’s photos in his Flickr Photostream. Image licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Only Share A Like License.

General Motors recently announced that the new Chevy Volt will get the equivalent of 230 miles per gallon.  This announcement immediately drew criticism from some auto industry analysts.  The math used to reach the figure has come under fire, and a new system for determining gas mileage will be required to get an accurate number.

Yahoo Autos recently ran a story on this new Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) and the method for computing fuel economy.  The EPA has refused to back up GM’s claim of 230 miles per gallon.

To understand the difficulty, you first have to have a handle on how the Chevy Volt operates.  The car functions on electric power until that power is used up.  The expected battery range for the Volt is about 40 miles.  At that point, the vehicle transitions to the gasoline engine, experts predict will get about 35 miles per gallon.

All of this means that figuring gas mileage for the Volt is going to be somewhat problematic.  A mile per gallon rating will have to take into account the number of miles the car is driven.  If you drive 40 miles, you’ll get infinite gas mileage, since you’ll be using all battery power.  When the gasoline engine comes into play, things get trickier.

Regardless of the official number, there’s no doubt that the Chevy Volt and other EREVs offer an interesting alternative to gasoline engines and standard hybrid technology.  No matter how the mileage is computed, these cars will help Dallas residents save gas while driving.

Dallas Ferrari Rentals image

Besides driving a new hybrid or EREV, Dallas residents can save gas in other ways.  You can drive a commuter car to work and then rent an exotic vehicle on the weekend.  This scenario represents a significant gas savings, since you are only driving the exotic vehicle for part of the week.

Another alternative to owning an exotic car is joining an exotic car sharing club.  Member of exotic car clubs share an entire garage of exotic vehicles and can use membership points to drive the exotic cars whenever they wish.  Inventory can include Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and other amazing cars.

For Dallas residents, fuel efficient options like the Chevy Volt may help make it possible to drive an exotic vehicle.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

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Exotic Car Powered By Steam

Posted on August 10, 2009 by Eric

There’s no doubt that the world of automobiles is changing.  With increased focus on fuel efficiency and low prices, the last couple of years have been hard for automobile manufacturers.  Even exotic vehicles have seen design changes as part of the new emphasis on fuel efficiency.

British Steam Car Record Attempt image

British steam car media photo. Used with permission.

The British Steam Car Challenge is all about changing car design to save fossil fuels.  The team is working to create a car that can set a new speed record for steam vehicles.  Officially launched in 1999, the project has seen many ups and downs over the years, but they have made significant progress toward their goal.

Last week, the team beat the current world record for steam vehicle land speed, but the feat has not yet been officially recognized.  The team will be conducting official testing next week to record a new land speed record.

The steam car traveled at 131 miles per hour during last week’s test.  The official record for a steam car is currently 127 miles per hour and was set back in 1906.  The team feels that breaking is record is an important step toward making steam a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

For fans of exotic vehicles, these new technological changes are truly exciting.  If you’re driven a Lamborghini down winding Texas roads or enjoyed the power and luxury of a Bentley, you know how exciting new technology can be.

Few people know that you don’t actually need to own an exotic vehicle in order to drive your dream car.  Exotic car rental is becoming a very popular alternative to ownership.  Owners of exotic cars face high purchase prices, expensive maintenance, costly insurance, and a host of other hassles.  When you rent an exotic vehicle, you get the joy of driving without the worry of ownership.

Ferrari 360 rental in DFW

Another difficulty for exotic car owners is finding secure car storage.  Exotic car storage is available in the Fort Worth area, but in other areas of the country, it can be very difficult to find a safe, climate-controlled storage facility for your exotic vehicle.

In addition to renting exotic vehicles, there’s the option of joining an exotic car club.  As a member of an exotic car sharing club, you share an entire garage of exotic vehicles with other members.  Members use points to drive the vehicles of their choice.

If everything goes smoothly at next week’s test session at Edwards Air Force Base, the British Steam Car Challenge team will be well on its way to breaking the world record for land speed in a steam powered vehicle.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

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DFW Residents Making Cash for Clunkers Pay Off

Posted on July 20, 2009 by Eric

Wondering how to take advantage of the government’s new Cash for Clunkers program?  Yahoo Autos recently ran through some common scenarios and tips for getting the most out of this new law, whether you plan to buy an exotic car or a commuter vehicle.

Dallas Lambo rentals image

This Lambo rental at DFW Elite Auto Rental is anything but a clunker!

The Cash for Clunkers law helps car buyers buy more fuel-efficient vehicles as a replacement for old polluting cars.  If you’re 18 or older and have owned your car for more than a year, you are probably eligible to participate.  If your car’s value is below $3500 to $4500, you may be money ahead with the new law.

If you want to buy a new car that has better fuel economy than your old car, you might be able to save as much as $4500.  The law allows this maximum rebate for cars that improve gas mileage by more than 10 miles per gallon.  For trucks, the improvement must be at least 5 miles per gallon.

When buying a new car or truck, the gas mileage must also meet certain requirements to qualify for the minimum amount of $3500.  Cars must get at least 22 miles per gallon, and a truck needs to get a minimum of 18 miles per gallon.

The government requires that all traded vehicles be scrapped, since part of the law’s purpose is that is to reduce overall pollution from automobiles.  Another goal is to increase sales and serve as a shot in the arm for ailing automakers.

The website fueleconomy.gov can help you compute your vehicle’s current gas mileage.  The fuel economy of new cars is easy to find on the window sticker or in the manufacturer’s literature.  The overall fuel economy (average of city and highway economy) is the number you need to know.

Cash for Clunkers can serve as a good way to get a discount on an exotic car.  However, you can’t set your sights too high and still take advantage of the rebate.  Most sources indicate that there is no significant savings if your new car costs more than $45,000.

If you are looking to buy an exotic car in DFW, you will need to find a safe place to store your exotic vehicle in Dallas Fort Worth TX, a skilled mechanic to perform maintenance, and a good insurance agent.

Instead, why not rent an exotic car? Most exotic car owners only drive their six figure rides a few days a year.  Exotic car rental or joining an exotic car sharing club in DFW makes much more sense.  Both options allow you to drive your dream car without the hassle and expense of ownership.

For more information on some common scenarios and the Cash for Clunkers program, check out this Cash for Clunkers news article.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

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Cheapest Car in the World: Tata Nano

Posted on July 17, 2009 by Eric

Tato Nano image

Tata Nano Image licensed under Creative Commons attribution only. Image created by bbjee. See more of his photos in his Flickr photostream.

The release of the new Tata Nano proves that exotic cars don’t have to be expensive.  The tiny automobile is the cheapest car in the world, and it just hit the streets in India, where demand for the auto has been high.

The Nano, which has a MSRP of just under $2500, is now available to customers in India.  Over 203,000 people registered to buy the car, and 100,000 vehicles will be delivered in coming months.

Tata is the number one auto manufacturer in India, but the global economic crisis has affected sales of the company’s cars.  The Nano is designed to be an affordable car for the people, and advance sales indicate that it will be very successful.  The vehicle has also been touted as eco-friendly.

However, some reviewers have concerns about the safety of the tiny car.  In India, over 90,000 people are killed every year in automobile accidents.  The Nano’s small size makes safety a concern.

There are several cost and space saving design features that make the Tata Nano unique, including a trunk that is accessible only by folding down the rear seats, three rather than four wheel lug nuts, a single front windshield wiper, and a single side mirror.  The car also has no power steering.

The Tata Nano differs from the Smart Car and other new small vehicles in that it is powered by gasoline.  Environmentalists are concerned about the popularity of the Nano because more vehicles on the road may mean increased pollution.

Currently the Tata Nano is only being sold in India, but it is expected that the company will expand to other countries as well.  If you want to drive a car that will turn heads, the Nano may be for you, but the vehicle’s performance is unlikely to impress US drivers.

For those who enjoy impressive performance and head-turning good looks, exotic car rental is a great option.  You can drive an exotic vehicle without the hassle and expense of ownership.

Another great option for exotic car enthusiasts is joining an exotic car club.  Members of exotic car clubs have access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles, including Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and BMWs.  It’s the ultimate way to drive your dream car without having to worry about insurance, maintenance, and exotic car storage.

Tata is expected to continue production of the Nano to meet customer demand.  The initial production target for the car is 250,000 units.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

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Taste of Dallas 2009: Drive a Lamborghini and Make it a Perfect Weekend

Posted on July 10, 2009 by Eric

The 23rd annual Taste of Dallas celebration is happening this weekend, and it’s sure to be an amazing gastronomic experience for locals and tourists alike.  The festival is expected to draw 300,000 visitors to the Dallas area to explore Texas’ largest free festival.

For many Dallas visitors, a great weekend is topped off with an exotic car rental.  Dallas is a fun town to explore, especially when you drive a Lamborghini.  Many visitors like to rent a convertible or other exotic car for their fun weekend in Dallas.

Drive a lamborghini in DFW

“The Taste of Dallas festival is a great event, and it’s for an awesome cause,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental company.

This year’s festival will benefit the North Texas Food Bank.  The North Texas Food Bank is committed to ending hunger in North Texas.  Concerned citizens can help in many ways, including volunteering and donating food and money.

The Taste of Dallas festival will feature foods prepared by local restaurants, as well as a variety of family-friendly activities.  There will also be live entertainment and displays by local artists.  It promises to be a very exciting weekend activity for Dallas visitors.

“It’s a fun event every year,” says Sturgeon.  “It’s great when there’s an event like this that is a good time for the whole family.”

After checking out the Taste of Dallas, some families may want some other fun Dallas activities to keep them occupied.  The DFW Elite Toy Museum is a great way for kids to check out the automotive toys of the past and spend quality time with the family.

For automobile enthusiasts, there’s more to do in Dallas than enjoy the festival.  Why not rent an exotic vehicle to explore the city.  Exotic car rental makes an excellent alternative to owning an exotic vehicle.  It allows regular people to drive a Bentley or other exotic car.

The Taste of Dallas 2009 kicks off Friday and continues through Sunday evening.  Entry to the festival is free, but visitors should bring cash to buy food and drinks while there.  There are fun carnival rides for the kids, and tickets can be purchased at various ticket stands.

Hours for the Taste of Dallas 2009 are as follows:

Friday 11:00am to 11:00pm

Saturday 11:00am to 11:00pm

Sunday 12:00pm to 8:00pm

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

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Exotic Car Rental Business Featured in Star Telegram Article

Posted on June 23, 2009 by Eric

The economic downturn has been hard on some businesses and disastrous for others, but Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental business, says his business has seen a less than 10 percent profit reduction this year.  However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to make a profit in the business of exotic car rental.

Sturgeon explained to the Star-Telegram that operating costs can be pretty significant for an exotic car rental business.  The initial purchase cost of an exotic vehicle is the first hurdle, with many cars costing in the six figure range.  Then there’s maintenance.

“A scraped wheel can be a couple of thousand on one of these cars,” Sturgeon said.

But for Sturgeon, the business is also a pleasure.  He loves exotic vehicles, especially the Bentley Continental GT.  For auto enthusiasts, getting behind the wheel of a Bentley can be a dream come true.

“Cars have been my whole life,” Sturgeon said. “It’s probably 90 percent of my fun and less than 10 percent of my business.”

Sturgeon’s Dallas exotic car rental business is unusual in that they own all of their exotic vehicles.  For most exotic car rental companies, the exotic car inventory is largely borrowed.  Owning the vehicles give Sturgeon an edge when it comes to making sure vehicles are available and well maintained.

Surprisingly, the Dallas exotic car rental business hasn’t taken a lot of economic hits.  Sturgeon said they have lost one Lamborghini when it was totaled, but otherwise, the cars are returned in good shape.  The engines in the exotic vehicles can be disabled remotely, and speed reports are also available.

For exotic car enthusiasts, exotic car rental can be a great deal.  When an oil change alone can cost $1200, a couple of days of exotic car rental don’t seem all that expensive.  In general, the cost of maintaining and insuring exotic cars can be astronomical, and for many people it just makes more sense to rent a Lamborghini.

rent a ferrari in DFW

Sturgeon’s company also features automotive dream tours in DFW and throughout Texas.  Participants in these tours can drive a Lamborghini and several other exotic cars over some of the most beautiful back roads in Tarrant County.  And a price tag about $1200 is pretty reasonable for the chance to drive several exotic vehicles.

“I think the price is good,” said Sturgeon.  “Everybody is always just blown away by how much fun it is. It’s quite a treat.”

dallas dream car driving tour image

Many people may not be aware of the alternatives to owning an exotic car.  It’s a dream that just seems out of reach for many people, but Sturgeon is in the business of making that dream come true.

“I don’t think people think we exist,” he said.  “I just don’t think the average person knows you can rent a Ferrari in Dallas.”

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

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