Friday, February 3, 2012

Exposed: 2012 Bentley Continental GTC



The masses presence the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show witnessed the presentation of the new 2012 Bentley Continental GTC. This second-generation model takes the magnificence found in the first GTC and sprinkles in a strong dose of sportiness.

The latest Continental GTC’s power plant is a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W-12 engine producing 567 bhp at 6000 rpm and 516 lb.-ft. of torque at a humble 1700 rpm. A new 6-speed automatic ZF diffusion prepared with Quick shift helps cut shift times by up to 50 percent and enables orchestrated downshifts. Continental GTC is said to drag from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and from 0-100 mph in 10.9 sec.

Boasting wider front and rear tracks, grippy 275/40ZR-20 Pirelli P Zero tires, sharper navigation, a retuned double-wishbone front and trapezoidal multilink rear suspension and a rear-biased awd system splitting power 40/60 front/rear, the 2012 Bentley Continental GTC promises less under steer and an exciting driving experience. EPA fuel economy figures for the new GTC have it burning 11 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the main road, amazingly decent considering its boosted 12-cylinder transportation close to 3 tons.

In the cabin, a neck radiator system makes top-down driving contented during evenings and cooler weather. Slim and sympathetic “Cobra Style” front seats provide additional comfort, while also providing more freedom and easier access for the rear. Premium soft-touch leather adorns the cockpit and comes existing in 17 colors with six split color combinations and a choice of seven veneers. The GTC’s tailored multi-layered cloth roof, auditory glass and insulated underbody panel provide optimal sound insulation, perfect for the new touch screen 30-GB infotainment system prepared with the latest wide-frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers. The infotainment system introduces highly developed satellite navigation with Google Maps compatibility and dynamic direction guidance.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Study: customers articulate concern regarding electric, plug-in hybrid cars


As more electric and plug-in hybrid cars accuse to market, most (87 percent) consumers have a concern, with range limits being chief in the middle of them. There are also major safety concerns, many of which may have been fan by the extensively covered Chevrolet Volt fires experienced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after conducting smash into tests. The examination may have been closed, but the public remains worried.

In conduct our recent 2012 Car make Perception Survey, we additional a couple question to take America’s pulse on electric vehicle security, and the results propose consumers are misinformed and are likely overestimate the risk.

Despite the concern raised, 43 percent of respondents feel emotional and plug-in hybrids are as safe as gasoline-fueled cars, and one-fifth (20 percent) deemed them safer. Twenty-eight percent said the electrified cars are less safe, and nine percent respond they don’t know (a fair answer). Young consumers, those aged 18-44 years, were additional probable than others to view the option powertrains as safer (23 vs. 17 percent).

The top worry spoken during the telephone interviews was for limited range (77 percent)—an understandable anxiety. Range can vary depending on many factors, including weather. We have found that although theoretically the Nissan Leaf has abundance of variety to address the typical daily wants for most American drivers, have to sprint the warmth and defrost can take its toll. Of course, an extended-range EV likes the Chevrolet Volt or plug-in hybrids like the Toyota Prius do not have such limits. For these cars, when the touching power is consumed, there leftovers a gasoline engine to provide choice on par with any other conventional car.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

2012 FIA Formula One World Championship Race Calendar

2012 FIA Formula One World Championship Race Calendar
Date
2012 FORMULA 1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX (Melbourne)
16 - 18 Mar
2012 FORMULA 1 PETRONAS MALAYSIA GRAND PRIX (Kuala Lumpur)
23 - 25 Mar
2012 FORMULA 1 UBS CHINESE GRAND PRIX (Shanghai)
13 - 15 Apr
2012 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX (Sakhir)
20 - 22 Apr
FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA SANTANDER 2012 (Catalunya)
11 - 13 May
FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2012 (Monte Carlo)
24 - 27 May
FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA 2012 (Montréal)
08 - 10 Jun
2012 FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF EUROPE (Valencia)
22 - 24 Jun
2012 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX (Silverstone)
06 - 08 Jul
FORMULA 1 GROSSER PREIS SANTANDER VON DEUTSCHLAND 2012 (Hockenheim)
20 - 22 Jul
FORMULA 1 ENI MAGYAR NAGYDÍJ 2012 (Budapest)
27 - 29 Jul
2012 FORMULA 1 SHELL BELGIAN GRAND PRIX (Spa-Francorchamps)
31 Aug - 02 Sep
FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO SANTANDER D'ITALIA 2012 (Monza)
07 - 09 Sep
2012 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX (Singapore)
21 - 23 Sep
2012 FORMULA 1 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX (Suzuka)
05 - 07 Oct
2012 FORMULA 1 KOREAN GRAND PRIX (Yeongam)
12 - 14 Oct
2012 FORMULA 1 AIRTEL INDIAN GRAND PRIX (New Delhi)
26 - 28 Oct
2012 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX (Yas Marina)
02 - 04 Nov
2012 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX (Austin)
16 - 18 Nov
FORMULA 1 GRANDE PRÊMIO DO BRASIL 2012 (São Paulo)
23 - 25 Nov

Thursday, January 20, 2011

The three important steps in vehicle transportation

It is essentially important for people to get a clear idea about the auto transport process as many people are going for vehicle transportation every day. The most important thing people should know is that the process of auto shipping is not as simple like the postal service or Fed-Ex. Here the pickup and delivery dates would be given in the estimates and it is not necessary to stick to the time-line exactly. This is because the automobile transportation is subjected to mechanical problems, traffic and weather. Sometimes even the customers may contribute to delays by failing to show up on time, changing the pickup or drop off locations in the last minute.
Car shipping is a responsible process and a reputed auto transport company would do their best to deliver the car on time. Patience is largely required in automobile transportation process and it is has to be noted that even the company would want to get the cars delivered on time. So the equal co-operation of the customers and car shipping company is needed to ensure a smooth process.

Auto transportation method

The first and foremost thing in car shipping is selecting the transportation method. Mainly there are two methods- the open trailer and the enclosed method. In open trailer method, the car would be either partially or fully exposed to outside elements. The open trailer differs in their sizes. There are different types like the small three car carriers to the large eleven car carriers which are used for transporting many cars. On the other hand, in the enclosed trailer method, the car is kept inside and is not exposed to elements. The vehicle would be shipped in a mobile garage. The better way is to ship in enclosed carriers as it ensures safety to the car. The transportation method is largely a personal choice and depends on your needs and budget.
Vehicle delivery services

The auto transportation company would offer delivery services like door-to-door delivery and terminal-to terminal service. But door-to-door doesn’t exactly mean that the vehicle would be delivered right front of the home. The truck would not be able to pull up to your front door due to its size. It would get as close to a specified location where it would be legal and safe. The trucks are restricted in large towns and residential areas. The transportation trucks are usually up to 75 foot long and it need lots of room to turn around and move. Anything from low-hanging trees, speed bumps or sharp turns to narrow streets can hinder the running of the trailers. So the car would be delivered in a nearby spacious area.

Ensuring proper insurance

The auto transport company gives insurance for your car against damages and theft that occur during the transportation process. It is better to keep a copy of the insurance coverage offered by the company and see if there is any deductible that the customer requires to pay if damage occurs. All the personal belongings should be removed from the car prior to shipping as it would not be covered in the insurance.
Auto transportation can be a hassle free and simple process if dealt wisely. The customer and car shipping company have equal role to play to ensure a proper transit.