2012 Audi R8 LMS ultra Images, Pricing and News

Audi R8 LMS ultra to be launched in 2012

• Deliveries of new vehicle to start in March 2012

• Next generation of successful customer sport race car

• Further technical development for even better performance


In 2012, the Audi R8 LMS ultra will succeed the successful R8 LMS GT3 sports car wîth which R8 LMS customers have won 115 races and 12 national and international titles in the space of just three years.

Improving a totally successful vehicle yet again: This was the challenging task specified for the engineers of quattro GmbH. Audi's wholly owned subsidiary that has been responsible for the customer sport program as of this season pursued a clear aim for this project. 'Our customer teams provided us wîth valuable suggestions and stated their wishes for the various fields in which the car is used,' says Werner Frowein, Managing Director of quattro GmbH. 'We have close ties to our customers and analyzed their suggestions and wishes worldwide, and subjected the R8 LMS to further development in many details. In the R8 LMS ultra we consistently implemented all the performance measures which ensure that we'll be able to continue to offer an intercontinentally competitive and attractive race car in the future.'

The Audi R8 is synonymous to racing success. Previously used to name perhaps the greatest Le Mans prototype racer, the R8 was used to represent Audi’s supercar. The R8 name did not stay on the road though, as the R8 name made its way back to the track. Thanks to the R8 LMS GT3, Audi was able to dominate the touring car scene for the last 3 years, winning 12 different championships and winning a grand total of 115 races.

However, Audi, not resting on its laurels, created its successor that aims to continue the tradition. This successor is the 2012 Audi R8 LMS Ultra.

Thanks to the work of Audi’s subsidiary Quattro GmbH, the daunting task of improving an already strong sports car has been accomplished with great results. Using the inputs of those that owned the R8 LMS GT3, these inputs are then utilized to improve the Ultra. The result is a car that is made to keep winning and exceed even the loftiest expectations.

Performance

Romolo Liebchen, Head of Customer Sport at quattro GmbH, and his development team focused on several central areas. New doors made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in combination wîth high-energy absorbing new crash foams not only help reduce the race car's weight even further but also result in another increase in passive safety. The new PS1 safety seat developed by Audi, which is now part of the standard equipment, serves this purpose as well. It offers perfect protection and clearly surpasses the mandatory minimum requirements under extreme loads.

An updated transmission provides additional reserves on long-distance runs. In the past season, the Audi R8 LMS had already made its mark as an excellent long-distance expert and achieved overall victories at the Bathurst (Australia) 12 Hours, the Spa and Zolder 24 Hours and GT3 class victory plus third place overall at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

A new exhaust system equipped wîth race catalytic converters helps improve the engine's characteristics. The V10 mid-engine can draw on even higher torque at lower engine speeds. The 5.2-liter unit delivers a power output of up to 419 kW (570 HP), depending on restrictor regulations. It is still based on the production engine produced at Audi's plant in Györ, Hungary. Mileages of up to 20,000 kilometers were certainly typical in customer operations before and continue to be easily achieved.

The optimized cooling system of the race car successfully combines several objectives. In addition to a larger engine oil cooler and transmission fluid cooler, an oil cooler for the §teering hydraulics that used to be installed at the front is now located in the vehicle's mid-section. The characteristic side blades of the Audi R8 enable enlarged air vents for the cooling system in the new R8 LMS ultra for improved thermal management. At the same time, air supply to the radiator at the front of the vehicle has been improved, as has the interior ventilation.

The chassis of the Audi R8 LMS ultra was updated in several steps. At the front 12-inch, instead of 11-inch, wheels are now used. As of the next season, development partner Michelin will be offering wider – 30-65/18 – tires, which allow more consistent lap times to be achieved. Optimized brake cooling at the front wheels improves the durability of the braking system. Instead of the previous silent rubber mounts the transverse control arm mounts now feature uniball joints. Weight-reduced compression and rebound-adjustable gas dampers wîth optimized characteristics from partner Bilstein complete the chassis package and represent the latest state of development.

Aerodynamic improvements complement the changes for 2012. The wider front hood has been optionally provided wîth louvers, subject to permission by the homologation rules for the various racing series. The new rear wing has been widened and now features larger end plates. Work in the Audi wind tunnel has led to a yet more efficient position of the wing for maximum downforce and minimized aerodynamic drag. The improved air flow and larger effective area increase downforce on the rear axle. A new front plate wîth optimized diffusion under the front end guarantees perfect aerodynamic balance.

As of 2012, all new vehicles will be equipped wîth the evolution stage described above. For the existing vehicles, quattro GmbH offers conversions to the 2012 evolution stage.

In addition, Audi is pursuing a subsequent homologation for individual aerodynamic improvements to include the 2011-generation vehicles. This ensures that the current model continues to be competitive wîth slight modifications.

'We're convinced that the Audi R8 LMS ultra will continue the successes of its predecessor,' stresses Romolo Liebchen. 'With over 40 customer sport vehicles delivered, the first generation of the R8 LMS was already a sporting and commercial success.'

New carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) doors and new energy absorbing foams not only reduce the car’s overall car weight but also increase the car’s overall safety. A new PS1 safety seat further increases safety even more. An updated transmission is created to provide better toughness necessary for endurance races.

The 5.2 liter V10 produces a maximum output of 570 horsepower, designed to fit in with GT3 regulations standards and last for thousands of kilometers. And with improved aerodynamics and suspension settings, the 2012 Audi R8 LMS Ultra is poised to continue the Audi R8’s legendary reputation.

Video:
AUDI R8 LMS Test and Review


rFactor Audi R8 LMS

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MW i3 and i8 Revealed in New York City

Finally, the first member of the new i-Series cars "flesh" has revealed - BMW i3 and BMW I8. Both recruits will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and present to the market in 2013.

I8 and i3 are the first car i-Series line of environmentally friendly BMW. While the five-door hatchback i3 electric vehicle is the first mass production of the BMW, I8 hybrid sports car is strong.

General principle that BMW developed applications for both i3 and I8 is based on a completely new structure of the firm, called "LifeDrive", the car division into separate compartments. Drive is the first compartment, which is made mostly of aluminum to hold the pin, suspension and safety structure. Next to the passenger compartment Life applications of plastic materials reinforced carbon fiber materials (CFRP). BMW said the CFRP material as hard as steel but lighter than 50%.

BMW generous concept demonstration both at the same time, so easy to understand i3 and I8 also share a common language futuristic design. Certainly many details on both the sedan and hatchback when you go into mass production will be eliminated. Especially the interior space of the i3 and I8 only for ideas.

Symbol logos are familiar BMW front hood more green circle represents the car-friendly environment, similar to the kidney-shaped grille, on the wing and the following resistance. Current round headlights of the BMW replaced by a U-shaped LED is coming, this change also appears on the tail lights. Furthermore, both the i3 and carry on his I8 with many soft lines, the graft used to shape and the wheels 5-spoke turbine design format.

BMW i3 pioneering electric hatchback

Provides power for BMW i3 concept is a electric motor mounted on the rear combined with the drive system. This is the upgraded version of the electric motor for MINI E test vehicles, the capacity can produce 170 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, which allows i3 to accelerate from 0 to 60 km / h in less to 4 seconds and hit 100 km / h in less than 8 seconds, before reaching a top speed electronically limited 150 km / h.

In addition, the support of single-level gear to help BMW i3 concept can reach a top speed of 150 km / h. Energy supply for the electric motor works by lithium-ion battery supply, with a cooling system with liquid placed between the floorboards. In winter, the battery system was heated by a similar method.

With standard power source, the battery can fully charge in six hours. Meanwhile, if fast charging options, just one hour would have been 80% battery. The five-door hatchback can make the long journey of about 120 - 160km when fully charged battery.

To increase the distance every time you charge the battery, BMW introduced a Range Extender option (Rex). Rex package including a small gasoline engine capacity to function as a generator to maintain the battery's energy can therefore extend over distances. Specifically, to save energy, Rex is also equipped with the engine off and restart automatic Start / Stop and operating features intelligent.

i3 is BMW's smallest model, with dimensions length x width x height respectively 3.845mm, 1.537mm and 2.011mm, the 2.570mm wheelbase. Thus, compared with the Volkswagen Golf, BMW i3 higher and wider, but shorter than 30 cm. In return, the BMW i3 own weight at just 1,250 kg, 50 kg lighter.

The car had four seats, door open turn counterclockwise, around 200 liters of storage volume, add a small storage space in front. Thus, usability of the vehicle not inferior to the other petrol hatchback rivals, while cars take up less space to hold the pin.

BMW I8 - a powerful hybrid

I8 is BMW coupe plug-in hybrid sports car based on the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept unveiled in 2009, or a step closer to commercial production version of BMW for green technology. Expected, BMW I8 also present on the market in 2013.

Members of the sports i-Series combines electric propulsion systems of the i3, but has been modified, combined front drive system rather than the rear. This electric motor paired with gasoline 3-cylinder turbocharged 1.5L instead of diesel as in the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, for a capacity of 220 kW and 300 Nm of torque.

Traditional gasoline engine power directly to the rear wheels via a semi-automatic gearbox, while the electric motor is at the front using two-level transmission delivers power to undertake his duties for the front wheel. Thus, the hybrid system on the BMW I8 for a total capacity of 349 kW and peak torque of 550 nanometers. Coupe capable of accelerating from 0-100km / h in just 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250km / h.

At the same time, BMW I8 property index impressive fuel consumption, averaging 2.7 liters per 100 kilometers. A large lithium-ion battery will power the electric motor of the vehicle. Full charge time is 1 hour 45 minutes, with power in the family car for 35 miles in full electric mode.

BMW says the arrangement of the electric motor and gasoline engine in front and above the weight distribution made before / after optimization 50/50, while the use of lightweight materials, like aluminum in the chassis and plastic reinforced with carbon fiber (CFRP) in the body, helps the weight of the vehicle at only 1.480kg. BMW I8 length 4.632mm, 1.280mm wide and 1.955mm high.

Currently, both the i-Series rookie last stop in the form as a concept. However, they appear on the market in 2013, i3 and I8 is expected to most applications and equipped with the technology. Prices for the BMW i3 can be about 26,000 pounds and 150,000 pounds for BMW I8.

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2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Facelift Specs and Review Announced News

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Facelift was revealed today, ahead of its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. See the updated version of their small SUV has already leaked on the Internet, today released Volkswagen with complete information and photos of the new 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Facelift. Volkswagen has announced that 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Facelift will be sold with a 1.4 TSI (90 kW / 122 hp), and other TDI and TSI units. The Volkswagen Tiguan facelift will be sold in two versions, one for the road, and a more off-road oriented.

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Facelift features new headlights with integrated LEDs, a new front bumper and grille, new fog lights, and re-designed side skirts. The rear of the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Facelift also shows various updates, including a new bumper and LED tail lights. At the interior, the Volkswagen Tiguan facelift shows a re-0designed center console, navigation and various other elements. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Facelift will offer improved quality, look and feel.
The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Facelift price list will start at 24,175 EUR for the 1.4 TSI model in the Trend & Fun trim level.

Volkswagen Australia has announced the new facelifted 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. It gets revised styling, a new entry-level 1.4 TSI engine available in two-wheel drive, slightly more power for the base model 2.0-litre as well as a top-spec 2.0 TSI with 155kW.

Like the latest range of Volkswagen vehicles, the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan showcases the company’s consistent and conservative design language. At the front, there’s the new horizontal grille which extends right to the inner edges of the headlights, while at the rear there’s new taillights with slightly more squared-off bottom edges, in tune with the horizontal design theme.

The biggest change for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is the introduction of the 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger (turbo and supercharged) four-cylinder engine with BlueMotion Technology. Like other models in the Volkswagen range, the 1.4 TSI produces 118kW of power and 240Nm of torque. It comes with an average fuel consumption rating of 6.9L/100km and is able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds.

The 1.4 TSI is available with a six-speed manual transmission only. Interestingly, the 1.4 TSI is available in two-wheel drive form paired with BlueMotion Technology, as opposed to the rest of the range, including the current models, which feature Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

The BlueMotion Technology showcases features such as Start/Stop, Brake Energy Recuperation and a Coasting Function (available on the DSG version of TDI only), all aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Next up in the lineup is the new 2.0 TSI variant, which comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection, now producing 132kW of power and 280Nm of torque – up from the current 125kW and 280Nm.

It’s available in either six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic, and comes with an average fuel consumption rating of 8.7L/100km (manual) and 8.8L/100km (DSG). Acceleration from 0-100km/h can be achieved in 8.3 seconds (manual) and 7.9 seconds (DSG).

Apart from the exterior revisions, the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI diesel remains relatively unchanged, mechanically. It will come with the option of two-wheel drive matched with BlueMotion Technology though like the 1.4 TSI, and features reduced fuel consumption ratings compared with the current model despite maintaining the same power and torque figures (103kW and 320Nm).

Equipped with the six-speed manual it comes with an average consumption rating of 6.0L/100km, while the seven-speed DSG is rated at 6.2L/100km. Acceleration from 0-100km/h can be achieved in 10.2 seconds.

Finally, taking place as the flagship variant is the new 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 155TSI. It features the same 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol four-cylinder engine as seen in the Volkswagen Golf GTI, producing 155kW of power and 280Nm of torque.

The top-spec variant only comes in DSG transmission form, and offers an average fuel consumption rating of 8.8L/100km. Acceleration from 0-100km/h can be achieved in 7.3 seconds.

The new Tiguan also comes with an array of standard safety features including ABS brakes, Auto Hold function, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) and Engine Braking Control (EBC).

Video:
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan First Drive Review


2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Track and Style Offroad Driving

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Finding Affordable Car Insurance In This Tough Economy insurance companies,liability insurance quotes,affordable car insurance

There are so many different companies that offer car insurance it may be hard for you to decide which one is for you. You should consider a number of different factors in order to find a company that will help you the most. You can go with a company that will give you the cheapest rate, only to find out later that you have to pay for your repairs and medical bills. The cheapest will not always be the best, and here are a few ways to find out who will be the best for you.

You can start by comparing your options online. There are many helpful sites that will let you compare multiple rates at one time. You should think about what your needs are before you use one of these, however, because you may end up getting a cheap quote that doesn't fit your needs. For example, if you want full coverage and go on a site that is only showing you liability insurance quotes you'll be surprised later on. You should also read all of the policy before you decide to use the company. There can be gaps in your coverage that can end up costing you. You can avoid these by reading everything thoroughly.

You can get the perks you want without having to pay extra. If you want windshield replacement for a lower price than most, you can usually find that in the policy. If the company you are considering doesn't have a discount for the windshield or free towing, you may want to go with a different company. There are many insurance companies out there that will offer these things for a fraction of the price of other companies. You don't have to settle because there is so much competition. You can also combine your policies to get a bigger discount. If you own a home you can combine your car and home insurance in order to receive a discount. You can also save the hassle of paying your bills by only going to one place. If your car is safe, such as having air bags and anti-lock brakes, you can also expect a discount on your policy. You can also save if you have been a safe driver without tickets or accidents. If you have one ticket you probably won't end up paying more.

If you don't trust getting a policy online then there are other options. You can call an agent near your home and meet with them in order to get all of your questions answered. They should be able to tell you what will be covered and won't. A broker will also be able to help you compare different companies, as they usually aren't only working for one company. Brokers are limited to what questions they can answer, so don't expect many. If you still aren't sure which company you should use you can ask your friends and family who they have used. They will often want to tell you all about who has helped them the most for their insurance. You have many options to find your car insurance, you only have to do some comparing.

Key: insurance companies,liability insurance quotes, affordable car insurance

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Auto and Homeowner's Insurance Auto Insurance St Lucie, Company Port St Lucie

It is always important to protect your investments. Whether it be your automobile, boat, or home, it is crucial to have yourself covered. Insurance is the first and one of the most necessary steps to owning property or a vehicle. It is impossible to predict an automobile accident from happening and especially something as out of the ordinary as a house fire. Who will you turn to if your property is not protected when something devastating occurs? Insurance coverage is available to keep both you and your investment protected from loosing it all over just one horrible event.

Automobile insurance specifically is offered to people for very low rates per month. With just one call you can have your plan ready to go and set for years to come. Of course we all hope for a safe drive when we enter our vehicles, but this is not always the case. Automobiles are expensive and just one wrong turn can total a car and leave you with nothing but a hospital bill and a piece of junk. When accidents unfortunately happen, this is when insurance companies kick in. Since you have been a reliable customer they will pull through and cover all costs listed in your policy. From repairing your vehicle and perhaps the one you hit to taking care of hospital fees and rental cars. Costs that would triple the value of your automobile alone could leave you in debt for years without insurance.

Homeowner's insurance is also available to purchase for costs that are too low to pass up. When setting up an insurance plan for your home you can be confident that at any time of the day someone will be reachable for you to talk with. It is always better to notify them immediately when a problem arises to avoid further issues so you never have to worry about it being too early or late in the day. Many people choose to get homeowner's insurance to save their investment if any natural disasters or accidents happen that destroy their property. A simple hurricane can knock a tree on to your roof and leave you with thousands of dollars of damage. This is a scenario when your agent will step in to help to pay you back for being a loyal customer and paying your small monthly fee.

It is almost unheard of, and sometimes illegal, to not have insurance for homes and automobiles. You are not just dealing with thousands of dollars for the house or car itself, but much more with other costs that come along with accidents. The monthly fee will easily feel like small change when you realize the total costs just one little mistake can have on your life

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Finding Cheap Insurance Companies For Your Vehicle Coverage and cheap insurance companies insurance budget

Many different options can be found today for cheap insurance companies. However it will be important to remember that there is a possibility of the old saying you get what you pay for popping up when you need that coverage for an accident or something of that type. If you have purchased discounted auto coverage, you might find that your coverage is not what you thought it was to be.

Using a variety of methods, you will be able to determine the best rate for you and your family today. You will likely need to shop around to get the best deals that can be found. However there are several options for doing that as well. You can also use am insurance broker who will do all of the research for you and give you the best quote that was received for the coverage that you requested.

Today most people are looking for ways to reduce their costs overall. Lowering the rate that they pay for vehicle coverage will be important as well. When you are able to reduce every expense that you have even just a little bit, the end result could be substantial savings. Today people are looking at a variety of little things that will eventually add up to big savings for them.

Getting discount rate coverage for your vehicles can present a problem for some. However, most of the companies offering coverage are truly able to provide that coverage for you. There are only a few that might not provide the coverage that you paid for when you bought the policy. However, you will not know about these until you have done all of the necessary research.

Finding the best rate for you will involve finding a company that is the best fit for your family and your automotive needs. When you are looking for a great rate on the best coverage, you will need to compare a variety of companies to learn which one has the lowest quoted price for you. Doing this research can be time consuming but it will be well worth it in the end.

Finding cheap insurance companies to provide you with the coverage that you need might depend on your vehicle as well as your driving history. In addition some companies use your credit score and other factors to determine the rate that they will quote you. As a result some people are able to find much lower prices than others.

You can find more information about cheap insurance companies and tips on how to stay within your insurance budget, now.

Key: cheap insurance companies, insurance budget

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How Drunk Driving Affects Your Insurance

Drunk driving is a serious offense, yet the rates for DUI and DWI's are steadily increasing little by little, rather than decreasing. If you are convicted of drunk driving, a number of things will happen, but perhaps the most severe, besides death and manslaughter, is the long term negative effects on your car insurance rate. You probably have figured out that drunk driving is definitely not worth it, but here's what you will face in terms of car insurance penalties. Read on with an open mind and silent vow to never drink and get behind the wheel. Always have a designated driver on your nights out involving alcohol.

If you are convicted of a DUI or DWI offense, be prepared to have your automobile insurance rates increase drastically. There is no other way out. For at least three years you will be punished and will be paying a much higher rate. In fact, you will no longer be on a regular insurance plan, but be put on a probationary insurance policy specifically for people with a past drunken driving offense such as DUI or a DWI. You will become more familiarized with something called a SR-22 car insurance policy. Chances are, your rates will increase before you are even allowed to resume regular driving routines again.

This SR-22 form varies by state in terms of the magnitude and duration of penalty. For example, your driver's privileges may be postponed or even revoked for a varied amount of time. The level of intoxication upon your arrest will also determine other more severe penalties. Your revoked license may be in effect for a minimum of thirty days to even one full year, even if it is your first time offense.

The SR-22 form proves to a judge that you actually have official motor vehicle liability insurance and in many states, if you want to redeem your driving privileges again, you will have to show proof of the SR-22 form. Your insurance company is required to notify if you cancel your policy.

Another hefty penalty is the amount you pay for your premiums, which could triple. Depending on your status as a "high-risk" driver, your premiums will increase accordingly, which is determined by your insurance provider upon acceptance of your SR-22 form. You will also have a cancellation on your claims history, causing your rates to go up inevitably. The duration of this increased rate policy vary from state to state, and also depending on the drunk driving conviction you receive. Be prepared to get slammed with at least three years of costly rates, even for the first offense. After the first time, the length of time will be much longer because it reflects on your irresponsible and untrustworthy driving pattern. If your reckless driving has hurt someone, this length of time will be doubled, tripled, or carry on indefinitely.

So, the bottom line is, how can you avoid an increase in car insurance rates after a drunk driving incident? These rate increases will only come into effect if you want your driving privileges back. Avoiding these costs will force you to take public transportation of find alternative methods of getting around. The best policy to avoid insurance premium increases is to simply don't get behind the wheel intoxicated.

Key: car insurance quotes, cheap car insurance, car insurance, cities, drunk, drivers, accidents

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Taking the Time to Source the Best Car Insurance for Your Vehicle This Summer

There is nothing like buying a car in Summer. Cruising down to the beach with friends on board and taking the day in its stride is always fun. What allows you to enjoy yourself in a new car is the certainty that you have about your comprehensive car insurance.

Recently Australian's have been worried about the cover they are actually getting regarding their cars. When we mention new cars we are also referring to a new car to you, which perhaps has been used. Your insurance for a used car may not actually be saving you much money at all, there are two reasons for this.

The first reason is that the cover you have opted for may seem cheap however it might not cover you under many circumstances such as fire and theft. Some insurance companies may not even pay out if for example they find you were driving on bald tires, of the car was not in a roadworthy state as judged by them. The last thing you need after a vehicle accident is added stress about your financial situation.

The second reason is that you probably have not shopped around - Nobody is to blame for this, as it takes a lot of time to shop around for the right car insurance deal, in terms of what you are getting for your hard earned money and what the actual cost to insure your car will be.

With the silly season approaching and party's to attend to after work, not to mention getting everything you need to get done before the Christmas break, Not many Australian's have the time to compare car insurance from major providers and then decide on one.

That is where online comparison sites come in to play. You see, they do all the hard work for you. They are the ones that find the best deals and compare the prices of insurance policies on offer so you simply don't have to, the best part about the process is that is does not cost you one single cent.

They will compile all the research and get you to just fill out one single form to compare providers. We all know that filling out forms is a nightmare and each time you want a quote you need to fill out a separate form. Well now those days are a thing of the past. Rest assured knowing that your new car, (whether brand new or used) is covered for all things that could go wrong and more importantly you are paying what you should and not a single cent extra.

The great news is that if this is your first car of your family's 10th car, you can still save money.

When it comes to car insurance comparison Infochoice will ensure that you get a great deal on comprehensive car insurance policies.

The great news is that if this is your first car of your family's 10th car, you can still save money. When it comes to car insurance comparison Infochoice will ensure that you get a great deal on comprehensive car insurance policies.

Key: car insurance, low rate car insurance, car insurance Australia

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