2012 Lexus LF-LC Concept

The 2012 Lexus LF-LC Concept, a rear-wheel drive, front engine 2+2 hybrid sport coupe, was debuted at the 2012 North American International Auto Show with an eye toward indicating the direction of Lexus for the future.

The overall design concept embodied in the vehicle has its focus on the driver, but with a premium placed on elegance and beauty, futuristic technology, and evocative power.

Exterior Design

Starting with the front, designers employed a functional yet distinctive grille using Lexus elements. Using surround aluminum frames, the meshed spindle grille, allows the air intakes nestled in the lower corners give the face of the vehicle a functional air. "L"- shaped running light for daytime use and vertically-oriented fog lamps complete a unique but still-identifiable front-facing presentation.

The sleek glass roof and supports, suggests an open, greenhouse-style design and lends an airy quality to its sumptuous interior. The driver focus is evident here with increased visibility all around the concept car.

In the rear, design elements from the front have been carried over and augmented with inner-lit taillights and fog lamps with the same shape and patterning as the front lamps. The stunning design draws the viewer from the rear of the car to the signature quad exhaust pipe.

Interior & More

On the inside, the Lexus feels both open and secure, with a dual emphasis on high-technology and soft and organic forms and textures. Everything in the interior including the high-sitting console and the enveloping door panels seems to hug the driver and invite a focal point of the road ahead.

The instrument panel includes a touch-screen remote and 2 LCD screens. Using this interface the driver can control navigation tools, the sound system, and heating and cooling. On each door a touch screen allows side control of the seats, windows and mirrors. The front instrumentation is completed by layered displays that suggest a combination of retro analog style and futuristic digital elements.

With leather and metal, suede and wood carefully and artistically employed for finishing and trimming the seats and surfaces, the interior of the 2012 Lexus LF-LC Concept is elegant and advanced, comfortable and sleek, and all Lexus.

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How a Maserati Is Made: Focus on Body Shell Production and Paintwork, Used Maserati, Maserati GranTurismo Convertible, Maserati Cost

The construction of the body shell is one of the most important processes in the entire car production cycle, and no exceptions are made for Maserati. The Trident marque has been working with ITCA, an extremely specialized company from Turin, Italy which is in charge of making the Quattroporte and GranTurismo body shells.

Maserati was the first automobile company in the world, through ITCA, equipping its product cycle with a robot for seaming the hood and doors which ultimately minimizes errors and provide better parts shape and geometry at the same time. The seaming robots are welding modified robots that replace the clamps with steel rollers, avoiding the inconvenience of having electrodes during the welding process.

The monocoque for both models is in steel sheets electrically coated in zinc on both sides to assure protection from rusting. To further improve quality, the monocoque is now made from steel sheet bi-coated in zinc for an even more rust resistance. The body shell production cycle takes place in two assembly jig lines, one for welding and the other one for quality control. Assembly jigs are tools used to positioning bodywork parts (such as roof frame, front framework and rear crossbar) and the outer layer to then have either manual or automatic closures. The assembly jig lines have three jigs each, where the outer layer, the C-pillars and the roof panel are welded.

Maserati chassis are typically stiffer and more robust than other manufacturers thanks to its single piece roof with C-pillar welded to rear quarter. CO2 soldering is used all over the car apart from A and C pillars where copper is instead employed. Other manufacturers typically have the spot welds on the roof instead.

Doors, trunk and hood are mounted in the welding production line, where chassis are checked against established gauges on the windscreen, rear window and mirror mounting points. In the quality control line, the bodywork is instead checked for any pockets or imperfections; the welding is tested to make sure it meets all the quality standards under the Initial Customer Perception (ICP) index. The last steps involve the cleaning of the bodies to have eventual metallic residue removed before sending them to the Ferrari Factory in Maranello for the paint finish. The entire paint process lasts four days from the arrival date of the unpainted body shell from ITCA in Turin to the final checks. Several are the manual and automatic stages involved in the paintwork that provide unrivaled quality standards. Temperature and humidity are also constantly monitored to ensure optimum conditions during the overall paint process.

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Best Used Cars Under $5,000

If you are having troubles going to and fro various locations because you do not have a car, and unfortunately you are stuck in a difficult financial situation, you can still get yourself a good and reliable vehicle for just under $5,000. These are three of the most dependable automobiles that you can get without completely emptying out your pockets.

For those looking for a transportation that is suitable for families to use, then the Toyota Camry comes highly recommended. The specific models you are looking for are the ones manufactured between the years of 1998 and 2001. The average market price of this respectable family sedan is $2,714 and can take you and your family as far as 21 miles per gallon on city roads, and eight miles more per gallon on the highway. Although the vehicle comes highly approved for its exceptional comfort, sturdy built and comfortable handling, as it is primarily targeted and marketed for families, the Camry is not suitable for aggressive outdoor driving. Breadwinners who like their cars to have a bit of a daring look to them may be a bit disappointed with the boring exterior of this Toyota.

The second used automobile option that can be relied upon to give its driver good performance and quality is the 1994 to 2001 Acura Integra. In its used condition, the average market price of this vehicle is only a very affordable $1,432. With a gallon of fuel, the car can cover a distance of 21 miles on city roads and 29 miles on the highway. The Integra does not only possess a sleek and sporty exterior, but it is also a utilitarian hatchback that can easily accommodate up to four people with its rear seats. Other than that, critics also praise its anti-lock brakes and good steering and road holding.

Lovers of sports car will also rejoice knowing that another great used vehicle for under $5,000 is the 1998 to 2004 Ford Mustang. For only $2,158 the car can go between 16 to 18 miles per gallon of fuel on city roads and 21 to 27 miles on the highway. Sports car and automobile enthusiasts alike will love the power and performance of the Mustang, just like they will adore its classic sporty exterior. However, be remembered that although the Mustang is a very capable sporty vehicle, it is not suitable to be driven in the rain or snow.

The Toyota Camry, Acura Integra and Ford Mustang are three of the best used automobiles that you can purchase for below $5,000.

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2004 Koenigsegg CCR Overview - World Record Carm Koenigsegg,CC8S,CCR,CCXR,Koenigsegg CC8S,Koenigsegg CCR,2004 Koenigsegg,Bugatti,Veyron,top speed

If I ask you what car held the world's top speed production car record in the 90s, most of you would answer the McLaren F1. If I would then ask what is the top speed production car record for the 2000s, most of you would answer the Bugatti Veyron and Veyron Super Sport. But what most of you don't know, is that there is a small Swedish company, no - not IKEA, that briefly held that record as it transitioned from the F1 to the Veyron: the Koenigsegg CCR.

The CCR, an enhanced, face-lifted version of the original CC8S, grabbed the top speed world record from McLaren in 2005 but it's fame was short-lived as only two months later Bugatti triumphed over both McLaren and Koenigsegg. In terms of ranking first place down that means that the Koenigsegg is a lesser car than the Bugatti, at least in terms of top speed, but this isn't a discussion about the world's highest top speed, this is an overview of the engineering ingenuity, automotive enthusiasm and sheer passion that has led to the creation of one of the best hypercars on this planet.

The CCR is a ripened version of the original Koenigsegg CC8S that was produced from 2002 to 2004 with only six versions made. In 2004, at the Geneva Auto Show, Koenigsegg revealed the CCR which is essentially a face-lifted, lypo-suctioned, version 2.0 of the CC8S. The major features remained the same such as the engine, body and chassis but enhancements were made throughout to yield a significant overall improvement.

A larger front splitter was added to improve downforce, headlight arrangement was tweaked and the rear-end was revised. Larger tires with wheels were added along with bigger brakes and better suspension. The resulting body changes actually led to a relatively immaterial increase in the car's weight from the CC8S's 1,175 kg (2,590 lbs) to the CCR's 1,180 kg (2,601 lbs). The honeycomb kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber semi-monocoque body structure remains unchanged.

The engine remained the same, a rear mid-engine 4.7 liter V8 paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. The output; however, did not remain the same as the CCR pushes out 795 horsepower at 6,900 RPM and 680 lb-ft of torque at 5,700 RPM due to the addition of another supercharger. The Twin Rotex superchargers increased output for the CCR by 140 horsepower and 130 lb-ft torque over the CC8S. As a result, the CCR is able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and on to a claimed top speed of 245 mph, although the actual world record that Koenigsegg set was at 241.01 mph in 2005, only to be trumped by the Veyron's 253.81 mph record.

World record or not, this car wasn't made to put trophies on a shelf. This car was purpose-built by Koenigsegg to scare your exceedingly boring great-grandmother out of her grave, and with this leaned out and improved build over the CC8S, there are 14 very angry zombie great-grandmothers out there.

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2011 Ferrari 599 GTO Overview, Ferrari,599,GTO,GTB,GTB Fiorano,Ferrari 599,Ferrari 599 GTO,Ferrari GTO,2011 Ferrari,Enzo,599XX,2011

Ferrari has undoubtedly made some of the best cars on this planet. With grueling, manly V12s that seep with power and torque to high revving V8s that chill your blood, Ferrari certainly has a large amount of models to choose from to captivate enthusiasts with emotional experiences. What should one expect then, when Ferrari introduces their fastest ever road going car? Spawned from a race version Ferrari, with genetically tuned components that mad scientists created in secret caves, and the largest Ferrari engine to date. (that is, until the FF came along) You can now have the experience of getting punched in the face by Ferrari and you'll love every bit of it in the 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO.

Not to get confused with the current model 599 GTB Fiorano, the 599 GTO is essentially an enhanced version of the GTB Fiorano and a tamed version of the 599XX. This is the kind of hybrid we should be talking about, one with the foundation of a soulful racing beast and the demeanor and presentation of a Ferrari Grand Tourer. Did someone mention gas mileage? Nope, don't think anyone cares about that when you're going to fly from 0 to 60 mph in 3.35 seconds on to a top speed 208 mph.

That's great says Cletus from Alabama, "My Mustang does 9 second ¼ mile runs," but what he doesn't tell you is that if you take it around a corner it'll roll over faster than a Ford Explorer with Firestone tires on it. That's where the 599 GTO will make you cry once you realize that it laps Ferrari's Fiorano race track in 1 minute and 24 seconds, 1 second faster than the legendary Ferrari Enzo.

The immense amount of information and engineering time spent around the 599XX has allowed Ferrari to create the GTO, which stands for Grand Tourer Omologato. In Italian that means that this 599 has been Homogolated, or essentially accredited and officially transformed from the racing spec 599XX. In other words, the very blood and organs of the 599XX superbeast run rampant throughout the 599 GTO, yet it meets the requirements to be street legal. With a front-mounted V12 that displaces 5999 ccs or 5.99 liters, the 599 GTO squeezes out 661 horsepower at 8250 RPM and 460 lb-ft of torque at 6500 RPM. Paired to Ferrari's F1 transmission with similar characteristics as the 599XX, the 599 GTO can shift gears in as little as 60 milliseconds, barely enough time for you to squeeze a quiet one out.

Unlike Cletus' drag Mustang, the 599 GTO's chassis setup is critical to track handling performance. Ferrari claims to have pushed the "handling limit" on the 599 GTO, paired to electronic stability controls and something called a magnetorheological suspension control system, where as a result, understeer has basically been eliminated. The car's responsiveness and lap times are thus attributed to the incredible amount of engineering conducted around the vehicle dynamics. Improved suspension, springs, roll-bars, traction control and brakes ultimately lead to greater responsiveness from the driver. Stable under heavy braking, sharper turn-ins, quicker cornering and of course, greater power coming out of corners are all very great reasons to start unbuttoning your wallet straps.

Also akin to homogolation of a racing spec is to reduce weight in the road legal version. Rather than take out the comfortable leather seats and put in plastic chairs like Porsche, Ferrari decided to exchange a widespread number of trinkets and components with racing spec variants. Slight tweaks such as using thinner grade aluminium panels or thinner glass components. These minor adjustments throughout the car have contributed to a total dry curb weight of 1,495 kg (3,296 lbs), 193 kg (425 lbs) lighter than the GTOs fatter and slower brother, the 1,688 kg (3,721 lbs) GTB Fiorano.

Only 599 production units will be built and will sell for an MSRP of $426,843, roughly $116,300 more than the GTB Fiorano's sale price of $310,543. That seems expensive, but considering the aforementioned car and the fact that the GTO is a Ferrari, it's really quite a bargain. Think about it, half the price of the rare and expensive Enzo, better looking than Pierce Brosnan's face, and spawned from the 599XX racing menace. There's no better way to consider the 599 GTO than to call it exactly what Ferrari calls it, their "fastest-ever road going Ferrari."

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New Ferrari 599 GTO V12 Extreme Sound w/ Downshift !


Ferrari 599 GTO launch drive


Ferrari 599 GTO road review - evo Magazine

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5 Good Reasons to Move Up in a Micra

New or used, bright red or powder blue... your decision to buy a Nissan Micra might just be your best one yet. And there are endless reasons to support it. Here are just five...










1. It's a Nissan. And that says a lot. You can't go wrong buying from a brand that has been around for decades and has built a solid reputation for creating great quality products that last. For you this means great resale value, so when you're ready to trade up, you won't lose out. What's more, as Nissan vehicles are assembled locally, parts are readily available so you won't have to wait weeks for it to be imported like some European badges will have you do. Plus, you won't have to look far and wide to find a reputable dealership to service your Micra as Nissan boasts a countrywide network offering professional support in and around all major cities and even smaller towns.

2. It makes good financial sense. Not only is the new Micra competitively priced, retailing from under R100 000 at leading South African dealerships, but you'll also be able to find a value-for-your-money deal in the used Micra market. The Nissan Micra has been around since 2004 and since been released with 1.2L, 1.4L and 1.5L engines with petrol and diesel options in both 3-door and 5-door derivatives. Smaller yet punchy drivetrains in this case equal low fuel consumption figures for further savings. The latest 1.2L petrol Micra boasts an astoundingly low 5.2L/100km fuel economy reading, so you can go pretty far on a tank and even further on your fuel budget.

3. It's just the right size. The Nissan Micra might look small from the outside, but it's considerably bigger on the inside. With ample headroom, legroom, luggage space and various little storage nooks it can easily fit a family. Also, as the Micra is lighter, it's more agile and can move around comfortably in congested traffic. Its exceptional rear and downward angle visibility and class-leading turning radius make it easy to get into and out of the tightest parking bay. Add smooth handling to the mix and you're ready to enjoy a hassle-free drive whatever the conditions.

4. It's packed with features. You'll get a whole lot more than you'd expect in this price range. Comfort features such as air conditioning, an audio system at your fingertips and modern info display add to your driving pleasure while top safety measures such as ABS, EBD and multiple airbags provide added peace of mind.

5. It looks different. Love it or hate it, the Nissan Micra's quirky design lets it stand out in a crowd. And for those who don't like following the masses and driving the same car as their friends and neighbours, the Micra makes for a clever alternative. Nissan even has a range of accessories available such as bonnet and headlight guards, chrome mouldings, sporty pedals and even a roofbox, should you wish to add your own stamp of individuality. Plus there are numerous fun colours like Tangerine, Active Blue and Dark Red to choose from in the latest range.

And the list goes on... If you are serious about buying a new or used Nissan Micra, the best way of course to cement your decision, is to test-drive one. Why wait?

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Automotive Maintenance - Checklist Before Starting Your Day

When it comes to automobiles, regardless of whether you are the proud owner of a high tech sports-car or drive a rugged 4x4, the need to take apt care of your ride is always there. Although the developments in the field of automotive engineering have made today's vehicles truly spectacular; none of the advancements have been able to eliminate the need of maintenance from automobiles. However, by examining the critical parts of your vehicle on a daily basis, you can make a considerable cut in your overall auto maintenance spending.

Though it is undeniable that keeping a constant check on the critical parts of your vehicle is sure to minimize its overall maintenance cost, but the question that arises here is, what are the parts you must check on a daily basis? Hence, to help you maintain your car better, following are some of the checkups recommended on a daily basis:

The Tires - Regardless of whether you are using conventional tires or tubeless ones; you should walk around the car daily before starting off the day, ensuring none of the tires have a flat or inapt air pressure and take immediate action if required.

Automotive Lights - After ensuring the state of tires, checking that the headlights, backlights, blinkers, parking light and the like are functioning fine is also extremely important. You also need to ensure that none of the lights not obscured by dirt or any other foreign body.

Windscreen - Before starting your day, it is extremely important to ensure that the windscreens of your car are clean and the view is not restricted by any possible obstruction. If required, add a screen cleaner or a mild detergent to the washer fluid dispenser.

Brakes - Brakes are unarguably one of the most critical of all parts and hence demands great attention. Therefore, it is indispensably critical for you to check the brakes of your car on a daily basis.

Further to following the aforementioned daily checkups, if you are a DIY person, you may also address basic maintenance jobs such as replacing bulbs of the headlights, changing fuses, and the like at home. Thanks to the web, setting up a small home workshop has become a walk in the park. Owing to the wide array of automotive equipment available online, no matter whether you need Honda parts for your car or a hydraulic pump for the workshop, you are sure to find all sorts of supplies required to setup a home workshop with a few clicks of your mouse.

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Mercedes Benz, Mercedes, Benz, Mercedes Benz

Oh lord could you buy me the Mercedes Benz? The most popular song by Janis Joplin portrays the craving of the nations for one of the best German automobiles the world ever had. Mercedes Benz is in the wish list of all and sundry. Mercedes Benz was first named in 1926 from Austrian girl Mercedes Jellinek the daughter of Emil Jellinek and its last name from Karl Benz the founder of Mercedes Benz manufacturing company. Mercedes Benz started its marketing with powerful slogan Das Beste Oder Nichts which means The Best or Nothing and indeed it is one of the extra-ordinary cars, unique in its features which follow the standard of government to provide their customer the best car of their life.

Mercedes Benz continues to be in its 10th generation and it has maintained its stylistic image with luxurious wholesome looking, shiny texture and classiness. Mercedes Benz is believed to be the evergreen car because of its timeless body styling, texture and color but before being hot cake, it has gained its beauty through hard slog. Car is dipped in 52 ton of anti corrosion solution before it goes for painting to make it even more interminable, it is sprayed through the four coats of paint in between hand polishing and finally sprayed with salt resistant painting to enhance the glossy effects.

Mercedes Benz has got its reputation through its meticulous work. It goes through the intense thousand of separate inspection under the supervision of 11 people. Its engines are tested and retested; each part is double checked. It is stabilized and welded in 10,000 places making sure there is no loosen bolt to make rattle and squeaky sounds. You can have quality time in your car even the engine is very old. During the inspection process engine oil is refilled more than a 60 times to flush away the dirt, each hollow parts are brushed with zinc dust to protect from rusting agents.

Furthermore, Mercedes is added with servo booster in steering that will ease the driver while handling the car. One of the most useful aspects of this car is suspension system attached to spring of seats which gives a stable and firm driving while speeding without feeling car sick. Benz seats are designed by expert consulting with the orthopedic doctors to support the back, knee-joint and kidneys. Tires used in them are of high quality with extra low resistance and low sound emission for optimum stability and control.

With the time, Mercedes Benz has always approached new inventions thus it was the first car based on diesel engine, first car to have a brakes on all four wheels. In fact seat belts, traction control and air bag were firstly introduced as safety measures in the Benz. And now it has come up with new innovation with dynamic quality apart from its external beauty, it is pioneering high in engine technology. It uses power plant with the latest direct- injection and turbo changing technology. It is rated at 210 horsepower 400 Ib feet of torque giving 31 mpg on freeways. Dual clutch transmission, stability control, traction control, navigation system, iPod input, satellite radio, automatic transmission where seven automatic transmissions has been altered for fuel efficiency. It is set up with high quality with composite brake, extra cooling agent, and aerodynamic body modification, a rear diffuser, real axle differential lock, and wider track with 19 inch wheel and with supported by good fuel economy.

Thus, Mercedes Benz is carefully engineered and then constructed. It is no surprise that it has won 35 grand Prix title as constructor. Mercedes Benz is well designed, externally stylist and internally satisfied. It is car to die for.

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