Will this be the world's fastest car? Inventor claims it has a top speed 340 mph...

Plans for a supercar capable of reaching 340mph have been revealed by a Manchester firm.

Simply the best:and it'll scare every other car off the road,thrilling box of automative tricks ever!

Range Rover Sport

We had a French lady stay with us for a while last year.

Citroen's new eye-catching family car is cheerful but not cheap

 French giant Citroen describe their new C4 Cactus as a car which 'sheds the superfluous' and eliminates unnecessary and fiddly knobs and buttons
French giant Citroen is going back to basics with its new family car. But don’t call it a ‘no-frills’ budget crossover vehicle, or Citroen executives will get prickly.

New British-built Caterham sports car will hurtle to 60mph in under 4 seconds... but no windscreen!

 Sleek: The new British-built Caterham AeroSeven Concept is the most technologically advanced model in the company's history
British car manufacturer Caterham has taken the wraps off its latest high-performance model - a radical racer with no windscreen.

Introducing the world's smallest street legal car with the license plate IM BIG

 Mini me: Austin Coulson is celebrating becoming a record breaker with fiancee Lisa Stoll, who is sitting on the smallest road legal car in the world
A Phoenix man had a very big reason to celebrate last week when he captured the Guinness World Record for the smallest roadworthy car. 

Mercedes-Benz reveals its first-ever compact SUV, the aerodynamic GLA

 The aerodynamic GLA: Mercedes-Benz's first-ever compact SUV, on sale in November
All roads lead to Germany next week as the Frankfurt Motor Show gets under way. Mercedes-Benz will be showing off its first-ever compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) - the GLA - on sale here in November at around £25,000 with deliveries expected from early next year.

Lean, green, speedy machines: Porsche and BMW unveil hybrid supercars that are built for racing

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show, the Porsche 918 Spyder can reach 60mph in less than 2.8 seconds proving its racing credentials. But the sleek sports car can also do 72 miles per gallon and is almost a third more fuel efficient than the Toyota's popular hybrid model - the Prius
Supercars are not usually known for their fuel efficiency, but both Porsche and BMW have debuted hybrid vehicles that are less thirsty at a petrol pump than a Toyota Prius.

Now you see it... The 'invisible' skyscraper which can DISAPPEAR (but why are architects building it near an airport?)

 Futuristic: A combination of state-of-the-art lighting and cameras will create the illusion the tower disappears
In an illusion that TV magician David Copperfield would be proud of, work is about to begin on building the world's first 'invisible' tower.
Tower Infinity, a 450-metre tall glass structure, will use a series of state-of-the art LED lighting and cameras to create a 'reflective skin' on the exterior of the building to make it 'disappear', according to the architect behind the scheme.
GDS Architects first began designing the tower on the outskirts of South Korea's capital Seoul and near the city's airport in 2004, but has only now been given the green light to start its construction.

Mussolini's magic motor sells for £6million

Sold: The 'uneconomical relic', here driven by an auctioneer at Goodwood Revival Sale, can still hit 165mph

Hands Free! Self-driving Mercedes-Benz is unveiled - and it should be available within seven years

It is thought the car, which will be able to drive on its own in most situations, will still hand control back to the driver during difficult situations such as dealing with traffic lights
Daimler, the maker of Mercedes-Benz and Smart cars, has announced that it will start selling a self-driving car by 2020.

Powerful! The 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

 DO YOU AGREE?

Not sure where to begin. I'm getting more MPG in town than advertised and haven't taken it on the road yet. Transmission is smooth as well as changing from electric to gas. The interior is comfortable and carries 5 easy (I took out 3 row seats). Rides so smoothly down the highway, you forget your in such a large vehicle. When put into 4WD, it just digs in, and again , smoothly. There is nothing about this vehicle I dislike. Radio, phone, & cruise are easily reached on the steering wheel. Tow anything, put it in Manual and 3 more gears.

Wonders Of 2013 Honda Insight

The Honda Insight has made its mark as the least-expensive hybrid on the market for some time now. While inexpensive, the Insight has never been an easy car to recommend. For 2012, a minor redesign with enhancements to areas where the car previously faltered attempts to spark some life in the Insight. See a comparison of the 2011 and 2012 here.

While the 2012 Honda Insight takes a step forward in refined driving and improved gas mileage, it needed to take five or six more steps to remain competitive.

What Do You Have To Say About 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid?

 

Someone has this to say:    

We love our Jetta Hybrid. Excellent get up and go from the 18 wheeler disasters on the highway and then electric mode city traffic driving, We have more fun and are so proud to have taken the risk to buy it! Price was great, dealer had it ready on time. Smooth handling with the once in awhile Boost need, makes us not even question buying it. DC and NOVa driving make it perfect with its turbocharged engine. We want to wear tshirts in our clinic to promote hybrids. Look out Prius, there is a truck in your rear view mirror that cannot slow down for you.

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Life Saver! 2014 Ford Taurus

 

Like a prehistoric animal living blissfully without influence from the rest of the world, the 2014 Ford Taurus has had evolutionary blinders on; it simply hasn't changed quickly enough to stay competitive in this class.

Bonanza! Vauxhall cuts price of its Ampera electric car by 10% sparking hopes for a 'green car' sales surge

While ‘green car’ technology has come on dramatically in recent years, the public appetite for hybrid and electric cars has yet to take off.
Potential customers are wary of the technology and are put off by fears that they will be stranded miles from home during a long journey.
The high price of  the vehicles has also been a deterrent. With the launch in Frankfurt last week of BMW’s i3 electric car with a price tag of just under £26,000, Vauxhall has responded by cutting the price of its Ampera by 10 per cent to just over £28,000.

Cutting edge: Vauxhall's Ampera

‘We felt the time was right to try to make it more affordable to more people. It’s as simple as that,’ said Duncan Aldred.
‘Sales of electric or related cars is about 30 per cent of what anyone expected it to be across Europe, so that whole segment has been well below forecast. Ampera is a critical and effective part of our range, but we will also introduce a new series of engines that will drive down emissions and we believe that’s the way we will grow our business in the future.’
Even before the price  cut, the Ampera ‘was never going to be a project that made a massive amount of money – cutting-edge technology rarely does – but you have to make progress and  have it associated with  your brands'.
‘I don’t believe that the future will be electric,’ he adds. ‘There’ll be more hybrids and hydrogen [fuel-cell technology] will come into play, but the combustion engine will remain the primary driver for everyday motorists and there’s a lot to go  with it yet.
‘For example, the small gasoline engine [SGE], which we’re putting out next year, is powerful  but produces low emissions. It is going to  be a leap forward.’

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The ten best cars of the last 25 years: How to bag one of the nation's favourite motors for as little as £395 (or more than £500k)

The Ford Focus has been voted for as the most popular car of the past 25 years, beating supercars such as the McLaren F1 and Aston Martin DB9.
The survey, by motoring magazine Auto Express, was carried out to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
A Ford Focus MK1 – produced between 1998 and 2005 – can be bought for as little as £395 today.

McLaren F1: Voted one of the most popular cars of the last 25 years - could you afford one second hand? (If you can find one first)

It was an immediate sales success with experts and owners hailing the modest motor for its design and performance.
And it appears its popularity has stood the test of time, with the 15-year-old MK1 model taking the title as the best car from the past quarter of a century.

 

The Focus came top with the Lancia Delta Integrale rally car taking second spot and the 240mph McLaren F1 third.

 

Making up the top five were the current Volkswagen Golf family hatchback and the Nissan GT-R supercar.
Other cars in the top ten include the Audi TT, Alfa Romeo 156, Aston Martin DB9 and Rover Mini Cooper.
Jack Rix, news editor for Auto Express, said: 'The Ford Focus has beaten a hot hatch with world rally championship-winning pedigree and the world's greatest supercar to the top prize.
'That may shock some of you, but for us it there is no more deserving winner.
'Why? Because when the Focus was introduced, it didn't just improve on the stodgy looks and driving dynamics of the Escort it replaced.
'It redefined what customers should expect from an affordable hatchback. Even today, it is a very comfortable car.'
This is Money took a look at how much you can snap up each of the top ten motors second hand by trawling the Auto Trader website compared to their original price - click on the cost now for the examples we found:

10. Rover Mini Cooper (1990 - 2000)

Cost new: £8,995

Cost now (from): £1,800
The Mini is a British institution (much like Cliff Richard below). Readers of Auto Express named the nineties model as the best - and it sneaks in at number 10 on the list. We found examples starting 80 per cent lower than its original price.

9. Aston Martin DB9 (2004-)

Cost new: £103,000
Cost now (from): £31,950
Luxury car maker Aston Martin has produced a number of motors that would be worthy of this list - Auto Express readers chose the DB9. It can be purchased as a convertible or coupe, a true British built beauty.We found examples starting 70 per cent lower than its original price.

8. Alfa Romeo 156 (1998 - 2006)

Cost new: £17,972

Cost now (from): £695
This Italian staple launched in the late nineties and even had glamour-puss Catherine Zeta-Jones in its advertising campaign. We found examples starting 96 per cent lower than its original price.

7. Bugatti Veyron (2005-)

Cost new: £839,300

Cost now (from): £585,000
This supercar, designed and developed by the Volkwagen Group, is a speed lover's dream. Its Super Sport edition is the fastest street-legal produced car in the world. We found (limited) examples starting 30 per cent lower than its original price.

6. Audi TT Mk1 (1998 - 2006)

Cost new: £24,050
Cost now (from): £1,995
The Audi TT has always had a futuristic and smooth feel about it. Auto Express readers agreed, placing this modern day classic as number six on the list. We found examples starting 92 per cent lower than its original price.

5. Nissan GT-R (2008-)

Cost new: £52,000
Cost now (from): £31,750
This sports car was launched in Japan in 2007 and reached these shores two years later. The GT-R has a huge following and this shows in the poll, edging into the top five. We found examples starting at 39 per cent lower than its original price.

4. Volkswagen Golf Mk7 (2012-)

Cost new: £16,495
Cost now (from): -
The Golf has built its reputation on being reliable and easy on the eye. It's latest edition has already wormed its way into the hearts of the British public - it's currently the third biggest selling motor of 2013. Being a brand new model, it's hard to find used examples for much less than new prices. 

3. McLaren F1 (1992 - 1998)

Cost new: £634,500

Cost now (from): - However much its owner wants
The supercar, famous for being driven into a tree by Rowan Atkinson - otherwise known as Mr Bean - is a powerful beast. The car is so popular worldwide that they have become collectors' items - it's near on impossible to find one for sale online. Let us know if you can in the comments section below.

2. Lancia Delta Integrale (1979 - 1994)

Cost new:  £25,500
Cost now (from): £8,990
A slightly kooky choice for number two in this list, but here it is - an old school Lancia Delta Integrale. We found examples starting at 64 per cent lower than its original price.

1. Ford Focus Mk1 (1998 - 2005)

Cost new: £13,350
Cost now (from): £395
The Focus cost £13,350 new and can now be picked up for as little as £500 today. The motor has been a hit with families since it launched as a replacement for the Escort 15 years ago. We found examples starting at 97 per cent lower than its original price.

AND THE CARS VOTED THE WORST (IN NO ORDER)...

Rover CityRover (2003)
Daihatsu Move (1997)
Mitsubishi Carisma (1993)
Suzuki X-90 (1995)
Renault Avantime (2001)
Skoda Estelle (1988)
Lexus SC 430 (2001)
Nissan Serena (1992)
Citroen C3 Pluriel (2003)
Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible (2005)

Motor joke: Skoda's have become popular vehicles in Britain - but in 1988 it had this: the Estelle

HAVE YOUR SAY: Agree with this list - what cars would you put into your top ten? And into your bottom ten?

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Exclusive! The She-type Jag: Luxury carmaker launches 4x4

It is best known for producing luxury saloons and roaring sports cars beloved of high-flying executives.
But Jaguar these days has a very different target market in mind.
Yesterday it unveiled its new ‘Chelsea  Tractor’, a sleek off-roader intended to attract women customers – and not least the school run mum.
At a cost of £38,000, the C-X17 will spearhead a new 'family' of smaller and more affordable luxury cars while creating thousands of jobs in Britain.

'Head of the family': The Jaguar C-X17 will spearhead a new 'family' of smaller and more affordable luxury cars that will create thousands of jobs in Britain

Jaguar says the sleek family off-roader is aimed primarily at 'school-run mums' and younger, more cosmopolitan drivers in a direct challenge to BMW’s market-leading 3-series.

The car is furnished with a host of state-of-the-art technologies and is even linked in to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, allowing passengers to stay connected on the move, 'flicking' information from seat to seat.
Delivering top speeds of up to 186mph while keeping C02 emissions to under 100g/km, the C-X17 promises sports-car performance and real-world practicality and is to be built using a radical new all-aluminium manufacturing system.
Though best known for its large luxury saloons such as the XJ, used by Prime Minister David Cameron, or its roaring sports cars like the XK and F-Type range, Jaguar says its dramatic leap into new markets will allow a massive increase in production by creating a new series of smaller spin-off cars designed to take on German rivals such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

 

'It has a seductive design which we think will appeal to women,' said Jaguar’s design director Ian Callum. 'A high proportion of our customers already are women. If it appeals to school run mums, that’s great. But we also think it will be a car that everyone will want. It’s every inch a Jaguar. It’s got to be.'
Experts say it will put parent company Jaguar Land Rover on track to more than doubling its current production, which stands at around 750,000 vehicles a year.

Keep connected: It's even linked in to social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter to allow passengers to stay connected on the move, 'flicking' information from the front seat to the back

Mum's choice: The sleek family off-roader is set to be a firm favourite with school-run mums and will feature a new generation of super-efficient 'green' engines

Jaguar unveils its 4x4 'Chelsea tractor'

A prototype of the C-X17 was unveiled today, on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show in Germany.
It will be just one of a new line of cars – all based around the same hi-tech aluminium chassis, almost all of it made from recycled metal.
However, the very first model off the line will be a high volume 'baby Jaguar saloon car' to be built at its Solihull factory in Birmingham from 2015.
The new cars will be powered by a new generation  of frugal 'green' 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines to be built from 2015 at Jaguar Land Rover’s brand new £355million engine plant now under construction in Wolverhampton.
But for blistering performance there will also be the choice of the existing 3.0-litre V6 used in the new Jaguar F-Type sports car.
Jaguar said: 'The first car in the new segment will be a new saloon which will be produced at an all-new, ultra high-tech production facility at Solihull, creating new jobs and substantial opportunities for suppliers.'
The firm went on: 'The new system will be "scalable" making it possible to produce a wide range of models off the same basic single-cell aluminium chassis.

Prototype: A prototype of the new four-door Jaguar SUV was unveiled on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show in Germany

Cosmopolitan: Priced from around £38,000, Jaguar bosses said the new car would help woo more women customers, as well as younger and cosmopolitan buyers

But for blistering performance there will also be the choice of the existing 3.0-litre V6 used in the new Jaguar F-Type sports car.
Jaguar said: 'The first car in the new segment will be a new saloon which will be produced at an all-new, ultra high-tech production facility at Solihull, creating new jobs and substantial opportunities for suppliers.'
The firm went on: 'The new system will be "scalable" making it possible to produce a wide range of models off the same basic single-cell aluminium chassis.
'It means Jaguar designers and engineers can apply the philosophy, "anything we can imagine we can deliver."

‘It will allow Jaguar to  move into higher volume production without compromising the unique character, breath-taking design, outstanding vehicle dynamics, performance and luxury for which Jaguar is famous.
‘The flexibility of the new architecture  will enable the manufacture  of different products  on the same production line at the same time.’

High tech: It allows the vehicle occupants to Its wifi network and console will allow users to upload pictures, video and sound files from their mobile devices and share the with their fellow passengers, as well as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media channels

The new system will be ‘scalable’ making it possible to  produce a wide range of models off the same basic single-cell aluminium chassis

It means the company can respond quickly to changing demand for the different model variants.
It mixes sensuous feline curves, with strong muscular haunches and a masculine grille: ’Its low height, optimised centre of gravity, and lightweight all aluminium body endow it with superior car-like driving dynamics and a level of agility that would make it quite at home on the fastest roads.’
Of its new on-board wi-fi network and console that allows occupants to keep in touch with each other and the outside via social networking, the company said: ’It allows the vehicle occupants to upload pictures, video and sound files from their mobile devices and share the with their fellow passengers, as well as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media channels: ‘Information can be  ‘flicked’ forwards and rearwards between passengers.’
However road safety experts may raise an eyebrow if the driver is ‘tweeting’ or updating his or her Facebook while driving.
Nissan meanwhile is unveiling its own British-built crossover rival – the new upmarket Infiniti Q30, which will be built at the firm’s UK factory at Sunderland which is preparing to crank up production for it and the new Note.
Business Minister Michael Fallon, who is attending the Frankfurt show, welcomed the Jaguar Land Rover announcement. He said: ‘It’s a great boost for jobs, investment and new models. British car-makers  are flying the flag in Germany. We have our towels on their sun-loungers.’
Mike Hawes, chief executive of Britain’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said: ’The UK automotive industry is in its strongest position for many years, a fact perfectly illustrated by today’s announcement for new Jaguar cars which will be made in the UK.’

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Unbelieveable! Six speedy routes to raise the cash for a new motor

 Lady in red: Susan Dove usually buys a new car every three years 
Proud buyers will drive 424,000 new cars – displaying the latest ‘63’ number plates – out of showrooms this month. It will be a sharp rise on the same time last year when 360,000 vehicles were bought
Here The Mail on Sunday explains the finance options available if you are thinking of buying a new motor.

1.) PERSONAL LOAN

The most popular way to finance a deal is to take out a personal loan, according to research by What Car? magazine.

By arranging your finance independently of a car dealership you can shop around without fear of being seduced by sales patter.

 

CHEAPEST RATES ON £7,500+ LOANS

	Provider	APR
1	Sainsbury's	4.8%
2	Nationwide	4.9%
3	Derbyshire	5.0%
4	M&S	5.0%
5	Clydesdale	5.1%

Price comparison websites indicate that the best loan rates for purchasing a car start at about  5 per cent APR.
Rachel Springall of financial research company Moneyfacts says Sainsbury’s Bank has one of the best deals, offering loans of up to £15,000 at 4.9 per cent APR over five years. A £15,000 car would cost £281.65 a month. Spending above this level would incur interest charges at the higher rate of 7 per cent APR.
The best rate for a £20,000 loan to buy a car is offered by HSBC at 5.1 per cent APR, but is only available for existing customers.
Most personal loans are set up on an unsecured basis, so your home will not be at risk if you fail to make the loan repayments.

 

2.) PERSONAL CONTRACT

This sort of arrangement is favoured by motorists who like to regularly change vehicles.
Customers need a deposit of up to a third of the price. They must then make monthly loan repayments over three to five years. They have several options at the end of the loan period.

On a budget? You can still bag a Beamer

Not everyone can afford to buy a new  car this month. Nicholas Daw, 21, of Launceston, Cornwall, has just taken delivery of a BMW Series 3 after arranging an £8,000 personal loan with Halifax.
The lorry driver was unable to afford a brand new ‘63’ registration motor. So instead he chose to buy second-hand. His loan over two years will cost him £359 a month at 7.4 per cent APR.
Nicholas says: ‘I went into a BMW dealership and the salesman was over me like a rash. I almost buckled and bought a new car using a personal contract purchase deal, but I realised after getting home that it was not quite right for me.
‘My “new” BMW is nine years old and I bought it in a private sale. The loan payments are within my budget.’

Provided they have kept the car in good condition and stayed within the mileage limit agreed, it will have a minimum guaranteed future value.
This can be used as a deposit to purchase a new car or the driver can pay off this sum and own the car. Alternatively they can walk away with nothing more to pay.
A £29,000 Audi A4 purchased through car dealer Sytner with a £4,135 deposit requires 47 monthly deposits of £299. The loan rate is 6.1 per cent APR and the minimum guaranteed future value is £10,830.
Accountancy clerk Susan Dove has used personal contract purchase on a regular basis to buy the latest Renault Megane.
Ten years ago, she traded in her old Renault Five, using it as a deposit for a new Renault Megane with a local Renault dealer on a personal contract purchase deal.
She paid £170 a month to keep the car for three years after which she used the minimum guaranteed future value to trade up for a newer model.

 

Susan, from Watford, Hertfordshire, says: ‘It is a great way of getting a new car every three years or so and my deal also included attractive extras such as free breakdown cover. But last year when I went in to Renault I did not feel so excited about getting a new car so I paid £3,500 to keep the old one.’
Now the car is worth only about £2,500 second-hand, Susan is considering using it as a deposit in another personal contract deal for a new Renault Dynamic.

3.) HIRE PURCHASE

Those who buy using hire purchase do not own the car until the final payment is made.
Buyers put down a deposit which is typically 10 per cent of the price, although it can be as much as 30 per cent. They repay the rest in monthly instalments over two to five years.

Rethink: Lorry driver Nicholas Daw opted for an older BMW

You might expect to pay a typical APR of between 9 and 12 per cent.
There are a few ‘zero’ per cent deals offered by dealerships desperate for sales. These can prove great value but may require a large deposit – often as much as half the price of the car. Dealers charge full price for the vehicle.

4.) CREDIT CARD

Paying with a credit card charging zero per cent interest is fraught with danger.
You must clear the card balance before the zero per cent offer ends to avoid paying over the odds. 
According to Moneyfacts one of the best credit card deals is through Tesco Bonus Clubcard MasterCard which offers zero per cent interest on purchases for 18 months.
The maximum amount you can borrow on the card depends upon your credit rating and could be as little as £400, but some applicants will be eligible to borrow £10,000.
After 18 months, interest charges of 16.9 per cent apply.

5.) LEASE

With a lease agreement, you simply rent the car. Monthly payments depend on the mileage agreed and on how long you want to keep the vehicle.
At the end of the lease the car is simply handed back.
A lease can ease the headache of fast depreciation.

6.) CASH

The AA motoring organisation says offering cash can help you knock 10 per cent or more off the asking price of a new car. With cash you can also haggle over ‘free’ extras such as car stereos and trim.

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.What A Class!

 

Despite using old names like Stingray and LT1, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray's technology, performance and style look to the future like never before, and they impress on the way.

Chevrolet's Corvette sports car has seen only seven redesigns in its 60 years of existence. By 2013, the sixth-generation Corvette (model years 2006 to 2013) suffered, due to outdated features and quality, for anyone who wasn't a track hound. Compare the 2013 and 2014 Corvette here. The 2014 Corvette Stingray addresses those complaints head-on, in addition to doing what the Corvette does best: go fast.

I drove various versions of the 2014 Corvette coupe, sampling the Z51 performance package and the non-Z51 Corvette with manual and automatic transmissions.

For a photo gallery, click here.

Z51 vs. Base Suspension
One of the biggest takeaways is how different ride quality is between the base suspension and the Z51's performance suspension. Base and Z51 Corvettes may as well be two completely different cars.

For $2,800, the Z51 package adds invaluable performance features to move the 'Vette as fast as possible around a racetrack, including a sport suspension, unique chassis tuning, larger wheels with higher-performance tires, and much, much more. A Magnetic Ride Control suspension with adjustable firmness is a separate $1,795 option available only on 'Vettes with the Z51 package.

The Z51 is a more refined performance package than the former Corvette Grand Sport, which was a fast but raw experience. Similar levels of handling are achieved without the Grand Sport's disturbing front tire chatter, which reverberated through the steering wheel when turning into a parking space.

The Z51 package's awesome performance for the money is offset by its ride quality. Z51s ride with the subtlety of a battleship speeding through a no-wake zone. I struggled to differentiate ride quality of the optional Magnetic Ride Control suspension's Tour, Sport and Track settings over choppy roads. Enthusiasts may not find the ride quality overly offensive coming from a car with lowering springs or stiffer shocks.

Dropping the Z51 package transforms the Corvette into a car completely capable of driving cross-country in comfort, with a soft ride that's still taut enough to be considered sporty. Many Corvette owners enjoy driving and do a lot of it — whether it's from car show to car show or cross-country on vacation. A base-suspension 2014 Corvette is the car those buyers want. Getting from home to the racetrack may be as far as you want to drive the Z51.

This duality is one area where Porsche has Corvette whipped. A week prior to the Corvette drive, I was behind the wheel of a 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S with an adjustable suspension and various driving modes. Comfort settings in that car were as comfortable as the base 'Vette, while sport settings were aggressive enough to rival the Z51 — all in one car. That one car does cost as much as two 2014 Corvettes, however. Compare the 911 with the Corvette here.

One Fast Fish
The moment of clarity came with the Stingray Z51's huge levels of grip and controllability on an autocross course. The Z51's unique Performance Traction Management system helps make the Corvette extremely rewarding to drive fast in closed conditions. PTM is included with the optional Magnetic Ride Control suspension for $1,795.

With PTM, five levels of electronic assistance — on top of standard Weather, Eco, Touring, Sport and Track driving modes — rein in the Corvette's immense capabilities for novice drivers. "Experts" can turn them off completely. Relaxed degrees of PTM show how well the all-new, balanced chassis handles throttle and steering input, as the car becomes steerable through throttle control. Even though the 2014 Corvette is heavier, this generation feels lighter, quicker and more agile, with a smaller steering wheel and an aluminum chassis. A new electronically controlled limited-slip differential contributes to the controllability and predictability once the rear end breaks loose; it's active all the time in Z51 'Vettes and gets more aggressive in track modes.

While non-Z51 cars don't have PTM, they do have Weather, Eco, Tour, Sport and Track driving modes. Weather mode tailors traction control and engine torque for slippery conditions; Eco mode uses cylinder deactivation to shut down four cylinders when cruising, for optimal economy; Tour mode is the default startup mode, with comfort settings like enhanced steering assist; Sport mode reduces steering assist while providing sportier throttle progression, firmer and later automatic transmission shifting; and Track mode ups the ante even more with the sportiest steering, throttle progression and transmission shifts. Most notable of the changes is the decreased power steering assist from Tour to Sport, though it's not a particularly good feeling. The car tracks poorly on the highway with the looser steering effort, as it doesn't feel matched to the wide front tires that follow every imperfection in the road. Decreased steering assist in Sport and Track modes prevents the car from darting around, so it tracks straighter at highway speeds, giving a more natural steering feel.

With 455 horsepower in standard form and 460 hp with the must-have $1,195 dual-mode exhaust, the LT1 engine is a powerhouse in base and Z51 cars. The new V-8 is a torque monster with direct injection making huge output throughout the rev range, so the car doesn't care at what rpm you hit the accelerator — it's going to move out blazingly fast wherever you punch it. Chevrolet estimates zero-to-60 mph in 3.8 seconds in the Z51. The new engine is smooth, quiet when the optional dual-mode exhaust is closed, and as satisfying as an engine with aftermarket exhaust when the flaps are open and the exhaust sings its bass-filled angry song.

Even with all this power, Corvette owners are rewarded with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg highway rating with the seven-speed transmission, 17/29/21 mpg city/highway/combined for the manual and 16/28/20 for the automatic. A new seven-speed manual transmission keeps revs down on the highway as the engine spins lower than 1,500 rpm at 70 mph. Driving the seven-speed manual isn't as foreign as you'd imagine. Base Corvettes have the same first six gear ratios as the 2013, just with an extra seventh gear tacked on for fuel economy.

The Z51 package's unique transmission has shorter gear ratios that keep you on your toes as the engine screams into redline extremely quickly. The manual transmission also uses a rev-matching feature, like the Nissan 370Z and BMW M5, where the throttle automatically blips on downshifts for smooth gear changes. The Corvette's execution isn't as perfect as the 370Z's, but it gets the job done without too much intrusion — and it can be turned off via steering-wheel paddles on manual cars.

On the Inside
The Corvette's all-new interior is light-years ahead of the old one, with impressive standard technology including a configurable gauge cluster with enough data and performance information to make automotive engineers wet their pants in excitement. The data can also overwhelm someone who just wants to drive and not think about g-forces, tire temperatures or track timers. Thankfully, all this information is customizable in the gauge cluster, so traditionalists can see a tachometer and little else, while a gearhead can view practically every one of the car's other vitals. The digital needle fails to sweep as smoothly and precisely as an analog dial, however.

The configurable display is surrounded by all-new materials and interior design. Perhaps most impressive are the standard leather seats. I couldn't have been more comfortable in the new seats, which are a big improvement over the previous ones for comfort and body holding in the corners. Choose the optional Napa leather in the 3LT package ($8,005), and the seats are impeccable. Chevrolet has optional performance seats on the way later this year.

Chevrolet claims the interior materials are authentic, and many do look the part, but I couldn't help being disappointed by the $995 carbon fiber trim package in many of the cars I drove. The material's dull sheen made it appear fake. Many of the cars I drove with stickers north of $70,000 — base price is $51,995 with destination — didn't look like they should be $70,000 cars on the inside despite optional premium materials like the carbon fiber and suedelike microfiber. The outside is a completely different story.

Costs $52,000, Looks $100,000
My driving partner and I stopped at a fire station to see if the guys would let us take a few pictures in front of their helicopter. They did, and they gushed over the car: "It looks like a Ferrari or Lamborghini," "I don't like Corvettes, but this looks awesome." The exterior design is undoubtedly striking and untraditional for Corvette. Aspects of the design scream "boy racer," such as the black accent pieces on the hood, brake vents and side cladding — as does the way Chevy painted half the rear end black, not body-colored. I'd much prefer those parts in the same color. Darker colors hide those pieces better than bright red or white.

The 2014 Corvette has various cosmetic choices for the removable carbon fiber roof panel, including the standard body-colored roof, optional exposed carbon fiber, carbon fiber with painted side rails and transparent. The roof is bulky but extremely light and easy to carry to the trunk if your arms are long enough to wrap around it. When stored, the roof takes up most of the available cargo space, though it does tilt upward and allow items like a purse or camera bag underneath.

Safety
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Standard safety equipment includes the federally mandated dual front airbags, electronic stability system and antilock brakes. Side-impact airbags are also standard. Click here for a full list of safety features.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray in the Market
The new Corvette delivers an unrivaled performance bargain, which isn't shocking news when talking about Corvettes. Purists can get into a Z51 coupe with a manual transmission and Magnetic Ride Control for as little as $56,590 with destination charge, and cruisers can step into an awesome cross-country driving package for $51,995. Shoppers should also budget for the $1,195 dual-mode exhaust, which is a must-have option. Either car can be gussied up with interior packages and options like carbon fiber trim and a microfiber headliner, upgraded leather, navigation, xenon headlights, a head-up display and more to bring the price of a coupe near $70,000. That's a high price for a non-Z06, non-ZR-1, non-Grand Sport Corvette, but even though the interior quality isn't as world class as Chevrolet touts, the Corvette surprises with its exotic design, performance and innovative, customizable technology that should remain relevant and exciting for years to come.

$38,000 Full-Size Sedan Challenge: Overview

 
If the new-car market is a Big Mac, full-size sedans would amount to only the sesame seeds. They're a sliver of the auto market, accounting for just 3.5% of new-car sales in the first seven months of 2013. Still, automakers believe in big cars. Seldom does a comparison see so many redesigned or new entrants. From April 2012 to April 2013, four new or redesigned full-size sedans hit dealerships. Through the first seven months of 2013, those four nameplates accounted for nearly half of full-size sedan sales.
Despite the product infusion, however, sales for the segment have increased just 2.5% in that period, well below the market's 8.4% jump. Gas prices have pushed shoppers toward more efficient four-cylinder engines and away from the thirstier V-6s in most full-size cars. It’s no secret that shoppers prefer midsize over full size: Ford sells 3.6 Fusions for every Taurus; Toyota sells 5.6 Camry sedans for every Avalon.
"Despite all the product activity, we've seen market share for large cars continue to shrink," AutoPacific analyst Ed Kim said. "And we expect that to continue happening. Basically, the customers of larger sedans tend to be older baby boomers and older [buyers in general]. … In the upcoming years, as more and more of these older buyers stop buying new vehicles, we'll continue to see market share in that segment drop."
Why do automakers continue to invest in new products? Because those baby boomers remain one of today's most reliable shoppers. A recent study by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute found 55- to 64-year-olds the most likely group to purchase a new car, and these cars are meant to target them.
That brings us to our latest comparison. Cars.com, USA Today and "MotorWeek" set out to compare the segment, procuring seven test cars that each cost less than $38,000 (including destination charges)

2014 Jeep Cherokee A Must Buy

 
The release of an all-new Jeep model is not an everyday occurrence. The radical-looking 2014 Cherokee, which replaces the Liberty, has a simple formula: It looks crazy on the outside and upscale on the inside, makes the most of its interior space and has perfectly acceptable on-road performance and mileage.

The fact that a version of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee can handle extreme off-roading is a bonus, but everyday drivers will find the well-rounded new model a tough crossover to pass over.
For a photo gallery, click here.

While the Cherokee's price puts it up against the entire compact crossover class, at 182 inches in length it's sized between the likes of Honda's CR-V and Ford's Escape, both of which come in at roughly 178 inches in length, and Chevrolet's Equinox, at 187.8 inches. See the Cherokee compared side-by-side against key competitors here.
 Performance
During a day of testing, I drove the new Cherokee on twisty mountain roads and pockmarked streets, as well as a brief highway stint, and it performed about as well as any SUV in the class. Sandwiched between that testing were a few hours of slow-speed rock-climbing and off-road trails in Moab, Utah, renowned for its adventurous terrain.

There are two engine options: the standard 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and an optional 271-hp, 3.2-liter V-6. Both are teamed to a nine-speed automatic transmission, a first for Jeep and its Chrysler parent.

I tested both in a variety of trim levels and found the 2.4-liter to be competent but a bit slow, while the V-6 was impressive and had me pushing it as fast as allowable.

Unfortunately, it will be the four-cylinder that most shoppers settle on. I was able to test the engine only in the off-road-focused Trailhawk trim level, which is the worst-case scenario for acceleration. The Trailhawk's extra equipment adds significant weight, even compared with an all-wheel-drive non-Trailhawk trim, let alone a front-wheel-drive model.

Weight was definitely an issue during my test on surface streets. The four-cylinder Trailhawk lumbered from a dead stop and had trouble accelerating up inclines, uttering unpalatable groans as it went. At highway speeds, however, passing maneuvers were adequate, and the Cherokee didn't seem underpowered.

The V-6 is another story entirely. The Trailhawk V-6 accelerated through the mountains with little struggle, kicking down a gear aggressively when needed, and didn't make me think the added all-wheel drive and off-road equipment was a hindrance.

Once I shed the Trailhawk's heavy equipment for a Limited and its simpler all-wheel drive, low-rolling-resistance tires and lower ride height, the V-6 Cherokee felt like a different car — sporty and exceptionally fast on the open road.

The nine-speed transmission felt relatively ordinary, certainly not extraordinary versus a continuously variable transmission or more common six-speed automatic. Shifts weren't whip fast in the four-cylinder model, and with the V-6 I wasn't able to shift among the higher gears manually. Jeep representatives say that the manual feature only allows for shifts within a threshold of maximum efficiency.

All versions of the Cherokee I tested handled well in corners, with crisp steering. There was some body lean on the tightest corners, but nothing beyond what the rest of this class exhibits in similar scenarios.

The Cherokee is nevertheless heavier than most other compacts by 200 pounds in some cases; it is nearly 100 pounds lighter than the Equinox.

So while the four-cylinder engine's specs compare favorably with smaller crossovers, it is definitely at a disadvantage due to its weight. The four-cylinder Equinox similarly lacks thrills in the acceleration department.

Fuel ratings for the entire Cherokee lineup have not been released yet, but the all-wheel-drive version of the four-cylinder is rated at 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. Those numbers come in behind all-wheel-drive versions of the CR-V, Subaru Forester and RAV4 but ahead of the Equinox.

There aren't many V-6 options in the class, and the Cherokee surpasses the Chevy with a more fun-to-drive experience; it's neck and neck with the Escape's sprightly, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

All-wheel-drive versions of the V-6 Cherokee are rated at 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. Again, that bests the V-6 version of the Equinox while coming in behind the turbocharged four-cylinder options of the Escape and Forester. 
 Off-Road Performance
 
This being a new Jeep, the company wanted to make sure journalists put the Trail Rated Trailhawk version through a trail worthy of the badge. That we did.

I took both the four-cylinder and V-6 Trailhawks through more than an hour of trails made of sand, rock and obscenely large rocks that were unlike any off-roading I had done before. Incline grades of well more than 30 degrees were common, and the Trailhawk handled them just fine as long as I exhibited deft control of the accelerator.

There aren't rock rails on the Trailhawk, which would add even more weight, and a few "crunches" were heard. They can be added as a dealer accessory. Some journalists' vehicles showed slight signs of damage along the front lower bumper.

The fact that an automaker's vehicles can take on such challenges to earn a "trail rating" isn't that significant. It's when a relatively untrained driver can step into a Cherokee Trailhawk, drive it for just an hour or so on the road and then simply take it up the side of a giant boulder without any alteration to the vehicle, even tire pressure, that I sit in awe.

The Cherokee is available with three all-wheel-drive systems (which Jeep calls 4x4 in traditional fashion): Jeep Active Drive I, Jeep Active Drive II and Jeep Active Drive Lock for the Trailhawk models. All three feature selectable terrain modes, and the Active Drive Lock adds more modes for off-road situations, like sand and rock.

It's likely that serious off-roaders will still frown upon the Cherokee. They see nothing wrong with the Wrangler and its even more capable nature. The Trailhawk Cherokee will likely be sold to outdoorsy types looking for a little extra capability. And let's be honest; some people are going to buy it just for the looks.
 Interior
 
There's no denying the Cherokee is a polarizing car to look at from the outside. It has stirred debate on our site for months. But inside there's nothing that should cause controversy.

If anything, the Cherokee's interior is perhaps Chrysler's best-executed one to date. The materials in even the second-tier Latitude trim level were top-notch for the class. The look and padding of the dash are beyond what you find in a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, while the overall design of the interior is stylish instead of rugged.

Touches of metallic flash exude luxury, and in fact nothing inside really speaks to this being a Jeep in the traditional sense. There was no attempt to make the inside look like it belongs in a military vehicle.

Beyond the design, the seats are comfortable, the backseat roomy for the class at 40.3 inches of rear legroom, and all the controls are laid out in the straightforward fashion we've come to appreciate in other new Chrysler products, like the Dodge Dart and the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Cargo
Where the Cherokee comes up short against the competition is in cargo space. Even with the sliding second row moved to its forward-most position, cargo volume is rated at 29.7 cubic feet. That's less than the Equinox, at 31.5 cubic feet, as well as the Subaru Forester at 33.5, Escape at 34.3, CR-V at 37.2 and RAV4 at 38.4 cubic feet. 

With the rear 60/40-split seats folded, the Cherokee's cargo volume extends to 54.9 cubic feet, again slightly behind the Equinox, at 63.7 cubic feet, but farther behind the rest of the field.

I still think most shoppers will find the cargo area spacious enough for most needs, and there is enough space for a full-size spare tire under the floor on Trailhawk models. The 4x4 versions of the other trims get a compact spare, while the rest get a large storage compartment underneath along with a tire inflator kit.

There's also a standard cargo management system that features a rail installed on the side of the cargo area that serves as an attachment point for hooks and other items shoppers can buy through the dealer, like removable grocery bags, a cargo bin, a cooler, a first aid kit and an off-road accessory kit for Trailhawk models.

I'm not sure many people will take advantage of this system, but I have de facto "storage" bags in my own wagons at home that prove invaluable. The Cherokee's look much nicer.
 Features & Pricing
The 2014 Cherokee comes relatively well-equipped at a starting price of $23,990, including destination, for the 4x2 and $25,990 for the 4x4. That gets you the base Sport trim with cloth seats and 17-inch steel wheels, as well as a six-speaker stereo with a 5-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth and USB.

Most buyers will opt for the Latitude model, which is next up the chain at $25,490 and adds more content. The Limited has even more convenience features, while the Trailhawk is the "performance" model. You can see a detailed explanation of features and trim prices here.
 Safety
As an all-new model, the Cherokee has not yet been crash-tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Cherokee comes with 10 standard airbags including driver and front passenger knee bolster airbags. The rear seats also have side, seat-mounted airbags as well as curtain airbags.

There are a number of optional active safety systems, like lane departure warning, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection. 
Drop your comments if this meets your taste

New or Used: What Should I Do?

Many car purchases start with one decision: New or used? It's hard to remember a better time to buy either. There are plenty of good vehicles out there either way.

In the end, the decision to buy new or used boils down to what you can afford and what will give you peace of mind.

If you're on a tight budget, then buying a used car gets you the most vehicle for the money. You can count on one hand the number of new cars that list for less than $12,000. For less than half the price of the average new car, you can buy a 3- or 4-year-old used vehicle that is larger and loaded with more features than a small, bare-bones new one. But buying a used vehicle has its own risks, which could cost you over the life of the vehicle. The fact is, you are buying a vehicle that someone else has owned and driven. You don't know how it's been driven or how well it's been cared for. A used vehicle will almost certainly require maintenance and possibly expensive repairs sooner than a new one, and those repairs probably won't be covered by a warranty.

The Case for Buying New

For some people, buying used isn't an option; they want a brand-spanking-new car. They want to select the color and the features in it. There's definitely a pride of ownership and peace of mind in being a vehicle's first owner. Some other advantages include:

• Reduced maintenance expense: A new vehicle won't need maintenance for the first several thousand miles, and then only an oil change and tuneup will be required. More manufacturers are covering the cost of those routine maintenance items. The new vehicle likely won't need new tires, a battery, exhaust system or brakes during its first few years of ownership, or even longer.
• Warranty coverage: The manufacturer covers its new vehicles under warranty for at least three years, and some warranties last much longer. Under a manufacturer's warranty, if something goes wrong with the car, it's the responsibility of the dealer and manufacturer to fix it. Typically, these bumper-to-bumper warranties last from three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first — an important detail to note) to five years and 60,000 miles. In addition to comprehensive warranties, many automakers provide warranty coverage for powertrains. These often extend past the bumper-to-bumper warranties and are often valid for years longer. Some extend up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. It's good to be aware of these powertrain warranties; if you buy a used car, what's left of the warranty may (or may not) be fully transferable.
• Peace of mind: If you encounter problems with your new car, you have legal recourse through state lemon laws. If you can prove that your new car is a lemon (definitions differ), you could receive a replacement vehicle or get your money back. Lemon laws apply only to new cars. You also can find out if your vehicle was returned to the used-car market as a lemon by looking at the vehicle's title or checking out a vehicle history report.
• Roadside assistance: In addition to a comprehensive warranty, virtually all mainstream new cars and light trucks come with some level of free roadside assistance while the vehicle remains under warranty. In addition, some automakers reimburse you or provide alternate transportation if you are stranded far from home.

The Case for Buying Used

If you're not married to the idea of buying a new car, used vehicles have their own appeal:

• Improved reliability: Although used vehicles typically don't carry the same warranties as new ones, the original factory warranty on a new car is often transferable to a second owner. Buyers of certified pre-owned cars from an authorized dealer can purchase a late-model used car and get the balance of the original warranty. Often, a manufacturer will offer a longer-term warranty for certified cars, or some buyers choose to add their own extended warranties. Of course, cars have been getting more reliable over the years, as consumers have demanded it.
• Just like new: Another trend that makes buying used a better option is the proliferation of certified pre-owned programs. The idea started with luxury brands such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benz and has become a popular alternative for car buyers.

If this article helps you, or you find it beneficial, then feel free to comment

2014 Kia Cadenza

 
When it comes to premium vehicles, the old adage that "you get what you pay for" applies not just to style, comfort and performance, but to the subjective perception of brand value. Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder says the 2014 Kia Cadenza boasts features that are comparable, sometimes even superior, to competitors — if only would-be buyers can go without the luxury name-dropping value of, say, a Lexus.
The front-wheel-drive sedan comes with a 293-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and is good for a 19/28 mpg city/highway rating. It starts at $35,900 and tops out at $42,160, including an $800 destination charge. Our model totaled $41,900, adding Nappa leather upholstery and the Luxury Package, which includes a powered bottom-cushion extension and ventilation for the standard heated driver's seat, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel with driver's-seat memory, a power rear-window sun shade and a panoramic moonroof.

World's first wedding car will get you to the church on time... but with a top speed of just 11MPH you'll need to set off early

The year Queen Victoria celebrated 60 years on the throne - the first British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee - the world's first wedding car was built.
This vintage 1897 Daimler Wagonette is believed to be the world’s first wedding transport after a black and white photograph of the car during a 1903 wedding ceremony has been uncovered.
The Haynes Motor Museum in Yeovil, Somerset has swept the cobwebs off this stunning British-built classic and now allows newlyweds to recreate the vintage look by having their wedding photos onboard the historic car.

World's first wedding car: This photograph taken of the 1903 wedding of James Andrews and Rosa Gough suggests that this is the first example of cars being used as wedding transport

The 1897 British-built Daimler Wagonette, with a top speed of just 11mph, dates back to the first days of motoring when cars were better known as ‘horseless carriages’.
Its basic two-cylinder petrol engine only generates 6.5 horsepower but in its day it was at the forefront of technology.

 

It did however have a tendency to backfire, which earned it the nickname ‘Fiery Liz’.
The car boasted all the mod cons of the time - a ‘handbrake’ that comprising of a metal rod that digs into the ground and cart wheels with solid rubber tyres.

Trendsetter: The car cost £373 new, equivalent to £42,000 today, and was nicknamed 'Fiery Liz' for its tendency to backfire

It even has leather mud flaps and brakes that are rubber blocks that grip the tyres.
But it came at a price – the car cost £373 new, equivalent to £42,000 today.
The museum received the car as a donation from the Bristol Museum, prompting curious staff to delve into its history.
Research revealed the car was the centre of attention at the wedding of Mr James Andrews and Miss Rosa Gough in Weston-Super-Mare in 1903.
Mike Penn, the museum’s curatorial director, said: ‘When the car first arrived we knew that it was one of the very first motor cars to be used in Somerset and that it had previously been owned by a Mr J H Pruen from Burnham-on-Sea.