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A completely new model, the Audi S5 is the top of the 5 Series, a brand new range which is filled out with the A5 models. All look very similar, and provide good performance in a neat package. Stiff competition for the BMW 3 series coupe, but can it compete with the BMW 650i, Jaguar XK or Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG? Possibly.In any event, the Audi S5 is a sleek looking coupe, with a front end reminiscent of the R8, and a semi-fastback roof line, and just discernible swept lines up and over the front and rear wheels. It is a smart looking car, and one that will blend in well at the country club. Like almost all Audi designs, the S5 and A5 are smart, balanced designs with some neat features, but there is nothing shocking, nothing very exciting about the shape.V-8 power, 354 bhpBut what about performance? Well, Audi has picked its V-8 to give enough power to see off many competitors, although this is not the most powerful version of this superb engine. For the S5 it is rated at 354 bhp at 7,000 rpm, with 325 lb ft (440 Nm) torque at 3,500 rpm, against the 420 bhp of the RS4.So it is not as fast as it might be, but still packs plenty of oomph, taking the S5 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, which is true supercar territory, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. This really puts it up with some heavy metal, although it is nowhere as quick as the Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG, which has 480 bhp on tap from a massive 6.2 liter engine.On the other hand, the straightline performance of the Audi A5 is slightly better than that of the BMW 650i and Jaguar XK, and up there with the likes of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Porsche 911 Carrera.The V-8 is coupled to a six-speed manual box in the S5. More important, Audi has adopted a front:rear torque split of 40:60% for the center differential. This means that in the normal state the car will not understeer strongly like the front-biased split of some Audi quattros. This means the car will handle nearer neutral, which is good.Also new is the double-wishbone front suspension and trapezoidal multi-link rear suspension which will ensure good tracking and handling.
By Mike CainThe MGF, designed and produced by Rover, is a small mid-engined sports car, with a soft top roof and plenty of boot space. Despite this, it is not renowned for its practicality, but if that is what you are looking for then you are missing the point of the MGF - it is intended to be fun to drive and something of a head turner. The driving position is quite low to the ground, which means when the top is down you get a unique driving experience, it is ideal for the summer months. It grips the road well and has good balance when driving, which is just as well with a 0-60 time of just 8.5 seconds. It responds immediately to the slightest touch on either the accelerator or the break, roaring into life with a great burst of energy, yet slowing quickly without much effort.However, the slightly cramped cabin (especially when the roof is up) and hard body styling makes for an uncomfortable time when taking in long journeys or negotiating bumpy roads and sharp corners. The plastic rear windscreen means is liable to cloud up, and can become creased and folded where the roof has been put up/down many times. Frequent problems have also been reported with head gaskets on the older models, and this is a common cause of breakdowns.Second hand values have stayed quite strong, due to Rover restricting the supply, and cars can be picked up from around £3,500 for a 1995 model and upwards, and it proves relatively cheap to run. Fuel consumption is good, at around 38.4 mpg, and with an insurance group of 9/10
cover is cheap as well.Production is due to begin once more in 2008, courtesy of Nanjing Automobile, at the old Longbridge plant in West Midlands, as well as in their yet to be completed Chinese factory. The MGF is expected to go back on sale in 2009.All in all the MGF is a fun sports car, with great style and personality, suitably cosy and enjoyable during the winter, and a fast, thrilling ride in the summer sun. --------------------------------------------------------------------
In the world of a young man’s dreams, visions of fast women and faster, are the be all and end all of his existence. The images of a tough rouge cop or super spy dominate thoughts of speed and adventure to the exclusion of almost nothing else.The next go ‘round into the ultra espionage transport vehicle is a truly sleek and serious sports car, tailor made for the best of all spies – James Bond. His car of choice?The Aston Martin DBS.Aston CEO Dr. Bez recently described the DBS as it will appear in the newest Bond flick "Quantum of Solace", "It is explosive power in black tie." he said, taking a sip from his Vodka Martini.This 6.0 litre, V12 powered luxury sports car packs high performance, slippery aerodynamic styling and an elegant hand finished interior that will make men drool and hot girls sweat. The quintessential undercover agent’s exotic car of choice for those not really looking to go incognito, the makes a statement of speed and eloquence few can match.Being fast and sleek isn’t the only thing required in the competitive world of high-end sports cars. You have to be unique, sexy and be able to perform on the road. This isn’t a category for posers and mass manufactured muscle cars. In this universe you need to be able to out run the bad guys in a Italian dinner jacket, one hand on the wheel and the other on the knee of your latest long legged conquest. A flute of Champaign in the cup holder isn’t a bad touch either.The DBS leaps from the starting line with a revised handmade engine derived from the DBR9 racing car. This kitten is tuned to deliver 510 bhp and purrs at 6500 rpm, 420 lbs.-ft. of torque at 5750 rpm. It has a new by-pass air intake port that opens above 550 rpm to give the engine a breathing boost and re-profiles the air inlet ports to improve oxygen flow through the combustion chamber.With a curb weight of 3737 pounds, this cat will hit the road with enough acceleration to move from 0-62 in 4.3 seconds. That’s barely enough time to take a breath. Top speed hits 191 mile an hour which is great when you’re being chased by the local henchmen or want to open her up on the Bonn.If you ever do want to stop, be assured that the Aston DBS comes with new vented carbon ceramic brake discs – a first addition to the off track Aston Martin. These are specially designed to align with the double wishbone alloy suspension that features damper control which utilizes two separate valves to set the damper for five different positions. An important aspect if you want to have instant adjustment of the car’s handling characteristics and out maneuver the thugs behind you trying to shoot out your tires.Another new and unique addition to the 2009 Aston Martin DBS is a hand finished black lacquer interior with brushed alloy touches and semi-aniline leather. The exterior paint, color is a beautiful; Graphite Grey that adds a touch of blue tint and is appropriately named "Casino Ice".Gentlemen, if you are going to drive a car that says spy me, what could possibly be cooler than the original choice of Aston Martin updated for the 21st century. At only $265,000 you can get your hands on one now and begin your next assignment.You can start by renting one and get the feel of it. Aston Martin is one of the favorites among the high-end choices.
Anyone who has seen the Lamborghini Reventon or the Aston Martin DBS knows that unmistakable feeling. It's the thrill & the allure of the , overhauled & updated for the 21st century. Since their inception, sports cars have continually pushed the boundaries of both engineering & art. These are the cars that exemplify speed, power and beauty.: The Grandfather of Exotic Sports CarsAlfa Romeo first began producing race cars in Milan, Italy in 1910. Their first endeavor, the HP 24, turned some heads with its superior speed and handling. Chief Designer Giuseppe Merosi worked on all Alfa Romeo models from 1910 to 1923. When Merosi retired, race car driver Enzo Ferrari persuaded Vittorio Jano to leave Fiat and take over Merosi's work.In 1925, Alfa Romeo unveiled the P2 Grand Prix Car, Jano's first car with Romeo and widely considered the first "supercar." The P2 was powered by a straight-8 cylinder supercharged engine, and placed first in 14 Grand Pix races between 1924 and 1930. Today, the P2 Grand Prix is considered one of the most rarified of the collectible antique cars, with less than a dozen still intact.Ferrari: High Performance, Luxury CarsAfter racing Alfa Romeos in the 1920's & 30's, Enzo Ferrari decided that he wanted to build his own racecars. He prototyped a few models in the 1940's, but it wasn't until after World War II that he found success. Notably, Ferrari's exotic sports cars took first place in the Formula 1 World Championships, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Sportscar Championships throughout the 1950's.Ferrari's Gran Turismo series remains its most successful lines, with the 2007 599 GTB Fiorano bringing even more luxury and innovation to the table. Patrons of the Ferrari Club of America cite performance as the primary reason for purchasing a Ferrari over other collectible cars.Lamborghini : Exotic Sports Cars for a New GenerationFerruccio Lamborghini had a successful business building in Italy before his eyes turned to the exotic sports car. And it wasn't a love for performance that stirred his fire, but a disdain for Enzo Ferrari.According to Lamborghini's family, Ferruccio purchased a Ferrari 250 GT in the early 1960's and was unhappy with the handling & response of the clutch. He brought it into Ferrari's factory and met with Enzo Ferrari to voice his concerns. Ferrari was immediately upset with Lamborghini's complaints so he mocked Lamborghini and sent him away. Lamborghini went home, dismantled the car and discovered that the clutches installed in Ferraris were from the same manufacturers he used for his tractors. He installed a new clutch and vowed to create a higher-quality, than Ferrari.Aston Martin: Unforgettable Collectible CarsBritain's Aston Martin was founded by Lionel Martin & Robert Bamford in 1914. They designed exotic sports cars and drove in competitions, but it wasn't until David Brown became managing director of the company in that they were able to establish themselves as a maker of high-quality, high-performance sports cars. They introduced the DB line (DB standing for David Brown) in 1950, and many of their models have become synonymous with antique and collectible cars.
If high acceleration, top speed, and appearance are what you want in a vehicle, is probably what you're looking for. Sports cars are a $4.5 billion industry with about 55,000 units sold annually.Sports cars are built as performance vehicles - meaning they are to be pushed in ways regular cars can't. For example, acceleration is often no more than 5 seconds to go from 0 to 100 mph. As it is more difficult to manoeuvre a speeding object, sports cars are specially designed to be handled at top speeds. The term 'sporty' was coined to refer to a sleek but robust design that exudes a powerful persona for the person behind the wheel. What follows is a basic run-through of sports cars out in the marketplace - their general designs and layout, as well as a listing of the more popular models and makers.- FF - front engine, front wheel drive. The FF layout has a moderate capacity for high speed handling and is seen in select models such as the Fiat Coup, and the Lotus Elan M100. - FR - front engine, rear wheel driveConsidered the 'classic' layout, the engine drives the rear wheels but keeps the weight off the back. The FR is good at drifting corners while still maintaining control. Mercedes-Benz is recognized for using this layout for its models.- RR - rear engine, rear wheel driveWith the engine at the back driving the rear wheels, weight placement on a RR layout provides excellent traction for a car. However, wi
thout auxiliary driving aids like stability control, handling becomes difficult. As of today, the only maker who keeps the RR layout for its cars is Porche.AWD - AWD layout provides the easiest handling, making it ideal for those who are just starting out with sports cars. Audi started the widespread use of this technique with the Quattro. Japanese manufacturers like Mitsubishi used this layout to increase handling making it an excellent rally car.Because of higher restrictions in the states, sports car manufacturers are more prevalent in Europe than in America. Nevertheless, American brands are in equal competition with its European and Asian counterparts. Some recognized makers and models are:Alpine Aston Martin Austin-Healey BMW Bugatti Caterham Davrian De Lorean Ferrari Fisker Jaguar Koenigsegg Lamborghini Lotus McLaren Maserati MG Morgan Panoz Porsche Triumph TVR VectorNow that you've gotten started, take your next step by discovering the excitement a sports car can bring you today, just like it has for generations.
As a female child of the 60's, I grew up in New Hampshire when a sports car was just the thing for those super-cool young men or the Aqua-Velva wearing, slightly paunchy, middle-aged out there. Women racecar drivers were practically unheard of, and my mother drove a nice, respectable , while my older sister drove a rather nondescript, beige 1968 Chevy Nova, hardly anything to make my pre-teen peers stop and gaze in awestruck, open-mouthed wonder.My older brother, however, drove a 1968 Rally Red Corvette with T-tops, which, according to my ten year old brain was the epitome of cool. He shopped around at the used car Dover dealers and used car nh dealers until he found the right one. The deep-throated rumble of that 327c1 350hp engine when he roared off down the street was music to my ears. I remember marveling at the hidden and the unmistakable smell of the black leather heated by the midday sun. I remember how that same black leather upholstery would sear the backs of my shorts-clad legs during the summer on the rare occasions when I did get to ride in that magnificent vehicle (which was only when my mother forced my brother to take me to swim lessons at the pool when she got too busy.) But I didn't care. The wide-eyed stares and envious remarks from my more than made up for the pain when I got in with a flourish and shut the door I'd give my friends a lofty wave as we made our way out of the parking lot, that magnificent engine purring away. My brother knew what he was doing - he would back out of the space, then proceed slowly and nonchalantly to the stop sign at the corner, at which he would look both ways, then floor it. The engine would roar like a tiger as we peeled out into the road, and we would exit in high style, him smirking and glancing in the rear view mirror while my friends all stood stock-still, visibly impressed. The memory of that sweet slice of automotive heaven will stay with me for the rest of my days.Fast forward 30 years later. I am now a married, professional businesswoman with a husband and three kids, one in college and two not far behind. I drive a minivan (only when I have to) and a 1997 slightly upscale red Eagle Talon ESI, which boasts a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder with 16 valves. It's only 140 horsepower, but it still looks good for its age (like me I hope) and it's paid for. Men and boys often stop me at the gas pump and ask if I want to sell it. I always say no.But my real baby is garaged 9 months out of the year, isn't driven in the rain, and never except in summer. It's my 2003 garnet red Mazda MX5 convertible. It's a five-speed (let's admit it, an automatic transmission in a sports car is a travesty.) It has a 1,839 cc 1.8 liter 4 in-line front engine with DOHC, and at 142 HP, it's affordable (remember those three kids and the mortgage) and fun to drive. And, like any woman of good breeding, I tactfully ignore the neighbors' smiling tongue-in-cheek references to my "second youth" when I drive that baby down the street. And sometimes when nobody's around, I peel out, just for fun.It seems I am not the only woman in love with the sports car. 
Times certainly have changed. According to recent statistics, some 25 percent of Corvettes are bought by women - not bad for a car that typically stickers at anywhere from $44,000 to $65,000. And I see more and more boomers like myself driving sexy retro-styled cars these days. Hmmm...I'm driving a Miata in my forties, will I be driving a '68 Corvette in my 60's? I sure hope so.
Claiming any one new sports car is the most affordable is a great way to start an endless debate. Even if the list price of a particular sports car is less than its competitors, a forthcoming model is likely to sneak in at a few dollars less. Meanwhile, limiting discussion to current models overlooks the truly most affordable sports cars—used models.
Used sports cars can be bargains, particularly older models from less glamorous manufacturers. Fiat sports cars from the 1970s, for instance, can often be found in running condition for under a few thousand dollars. Any sports club car membership will undoubtedly boast scores of stories detailing great bargains found from individual owners on classic sports cars that are more coveted by collectors, too.
If you are looking for a truly affordable sports car and are not intimidated by the prospect of the necessary maintenance issues inherent in older models, you should certainly seek out a used sports car.
There are a variety of ways to find affordable sports cars. The traditional method of looking through your local classified newspaper advertisements on a regular basis can still yield amazing values. Sellers are motivated to part with their sports cars for a variety of reasons and sometimes their needs can be immediate. This will encourage them to sell the car at prices sometimes well beneath market value. Bargain hunting via classified advertisements is a great way to stumble upon a real bargain sports car.
Mechanics can be a great source of bargain cars, too. Often, customers will leave a sports car for work at an auto shop. Once repairs are completed, they will be unable to afford the repair bill and may be forced to default the car to the shop. Mechanics acquire liens on the vehicles and are able to offer them for sale. Mechanics are experts in repairing vehicles and are primarily interested in maintaining cars—not in selling them. A mechanic holding an abandoned vehicle still lacks payment for the work performed, too. As such, these cars can often be purchased at bargain rates. As an additional benefit, buying from a mechanic may indicate the car has had any known problems already repaired. At the very least, you will have a great source of information about the car's mechanical status—a benefit frequently missing from other bargain sources.
Internet auctions also provide an outlet for sports car bargain-hunters. The auction market is always tricky—sometimes a car may actually sell for far more than one would think it was actually worth. In other cases, there may be a window of opportunity to snag a used sports car at an amazing price. Poorly timed auctions or auctions that do not feature a highly sought after made or model of car can result in very low prices.
Of course the bargain shopper needs to enter the market well informed. Many seemingly great deals can really be busts for a buyer if they are not sufficiently educated. However, affordable sports cars are out there on the market—one need only find them.
Classified advertisements, repair shops and internet auctions are all great opportunities to find a sports car at a bargain price. One need not resign themselves to the prospect of paying top dollar for a sports car. By choosing less popular models, or simply by hunting out great deals, a prospective buyer can save literally thousands of dollars on their sports car purchase.
Toyota Celicas have been around for quite some time now. Not quite as old as the Ford Pinto, but you know what I mean. Celicas have always been known for being the made by Toyota.But, whats so special about this car? When in comparison to other similar priced cars, their quickness is no where near the performance that other cars can produce.Not only that, Honda's and Scion's have much more aftermarket parts availiable for tricking out your ride. So, once in a while you'll see a Black Toyota Celica in a street race, but if your a true racer, you're not afraid of the Celica.Modified Honda's or Scion's, even Chevy's will blow away the Toyota. But that doesn't stop Toyota lovers from their Celicas. Of course, they have their parts for modding, and they look pretty sweet, but when it comes down to racing, they just don't cut it.It's not very common to see a Toyota Celica For Sale nowadays, it seems like they have all disappeared off the market. Unforunately for the United States, we get the shaft as the imported Celica's can be quite beastly.But, for Americans, it seems that all of the import cars get dumbed down when they come to America to comply with our sorry standards for safety, when in reality it is just stupid drivers that cause all the havoc.Eighty-five year olds that can't see 15 feet in front of them should not be driving anymore, and this society allows for practically every elder to own a license, and then there are those that are too stubborn to quit, even when they know they shouldn't be driving.The United States is full of ignorance, if you were to take that all away, along with a harsher requirements, all of the really cool import cars that can pick up speed like no other might actually be legal.But, of course, it just doesn't work that way. But, lets get back to Toyota Celicas. If your really interested in a Celica, it's not like they are bad cars in anyways, but when compared to other sports and racing cars these days, they just can't compete.Toyota makes great cars, you can almost always rely on them that you are going to get a quality car that will last you a long time, and they've proven that over the years.If you like the car, by all means go for it. You can find a Toyota Celica For Sale quite easy, although they don't come in the numbers that say a Honda Civic might. They have decent performance for the they get, and they have a unique style to them. You definitely won't find any other car that looks like the Celica, they are quite easy to point out, even in the older years.Although, there are way too many Red Celicas in the world right now, it would be a lot nicer if they were black, because if you've seen a nice black one, then you've seen a nice Celica. The red ones are too flashy for their own good, they are nice cars, but not that nice.All in all, I think Toyota Celicas are quality cars, driveable, and reliable, but if you plan on racing one of these babies, you should prepare yourself to lose quite a bit, or be willing to put a lot of time and effort into modifications to compete with the big boys.
l. After that, the vehicle becomes a gas/electric hybrid. Since the average person only drives about 40 miles a day, the vehicle could run most days purely on electricity. Chevrolet estimates that the vehicle could average about 150 miles per gallon. Yet, at the same time the Chevy Volt looks quite sporty. No word has come from Chevrolet about how fast the Volt will go and what kind of horsepower it will achieve, but it will be a big step forward for the hybrid sports car for sure. 
Audi of America, Inc. has just released the latest from the German automaker. Audi of America announced the starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the all-2008 Audi R8 that will roll out in dealer showrooms all over the United States beginning in fall 2007.The all-new 2008 Audi R8 sports coupe is distinctive from other Audi vehicles because it is the first ever mid-engine model ever produced by the German automaker. The Audi R8 features a perfect body proportions for a , marking its racing attitude. The sporty body styling is accented by Audi's signature wide grille along with standard bi-xenon and daytime running lights comprising 12 light-emitting diodes (LED), LED tail lights with a 3D appearance, and 19-inch alloy wheels for the vehicle to ride on. In addition, Audi improved the aerodynamics of the R8 by including underbody complex diffuser and automatically extended rear spoiler. Inside, the 2008 Audi R8 features a luxurious and elegant interior design cues and equipments. These include , automatic climate control, power and heated leather/Alcantara sport seats, cruise control, Sirius® satellite radio, and nine-speaker audio system, Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi hill hold assist, a six-disc CD changer, HomeLink, Bluetooth wireless phone system, auto dimming exterior mirrors, and a storage package. Optional interior features include 12-speaker, 465-watt Bang & Olufsen® sound system, Alcantara headliner, and Audi navigation plus. In addition, Audi wants their customers to personalize the R8. That is why Audi is offering other optional packages like the Leather Package and Enhanced Leather Package, which include leather covered dash and interior trim pieces, metallic/pearl effect paint, carbon fiber side blades, and body color side blades. At the heart of this sports car is a 4.2-liter V8 FSI engine capable of delivering 420 hp at 7,800 rpm and pulls out 317 lb.-ft. (430 Nm) amount of peak torque rotating between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm. The engine is combined with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional the six-speed R tronic automatic gearbox, powering the vehicle's Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system. With this powertrain package, th
e Audi R8 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 187 mph. With this powerful performance, Audi said the R8 is fastest Audi model ever produced. The Audi R8 also comes with a hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering with to provide an excellent vehicle handling and steering in various . The 2008 Audi R8 will roll out in dealerships carrying a base MSRP of $109,000 for the R8 equipped with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, and $118,000 for R8 models equipped with the optional 6-speed R tronic automatic gearbox.
The purchase of sports cars is a precarious business; there are so many factors to take into consideration before you hand over that (soon to be) maxed out credit card. For a start, cars of this nature have some of the harshest depreciation rates of all cars. You are likely to find that your prized, new vehicle loses almost half of its value as soon as its pristinely tuned engine elegantly pulls you away from the forecourt. Secondly, there are the age-specific dilemmas to take into consideration. We are all aware of the "mid-life crisis" tag that is (often) justly hung over the heads of the greying gentlemen who buy them. Amongst other sneers is the occasional jibe that a middle-aged man in a sports car looks like a Worm on a Diamond. Thirdly, there are the obvious cost implications. A high performance car that looks the part is going to set you back in a major way; in many cases you may just be paying over the odds for the badge on the front.So, what if you were able to buy a sports car that neatly avoided all three of these social faux pas in one handy and rather impressive, sporty little number? The answer is the Mazda MX-5; one of the most popular roadster sports cars in the world (including the USA's Miata namesake).The Mazda MX-5 is currently in its third generation and enjoying a consistent and fully deserved level of popularity. But what keeps dragging the consumers in is the unbelievably low price. For less than £20,000 you can own a fully functional, stylish looking and high performing sports car. Best of all, you won't get the jeering masses pointing at you as you drive through the town centres, accusing you of having some kind of breakdown. The question is; how does the sporty Mazda manage to be both cheap, mock-proof and maintain its value in the used car market?The answer is slightly depressing to the prospective Mazda MX-5 owner, but true nonetheless. The Mazda MX-5 is quite a common car. When I say "common" I don't mean like your Cousin Jeanette who spends every Friday night at the working men's clubs looking for a 'victim' for the night, but common in the sense that more than a few people have cottoned on to the benefits of owning a Mazda MX-5. The Mazda represents the meeting point between dreams and reality for a lot of drivers. It is achievable but not disappointing, which is probably the best that the largest proportion of the population can hope for in driving terms.In terms of performance, the Mazda MX-5 really states its case for being the world's most popular sports car. It is one of the lowest cost cars you will be able to get rear wheel drive in and with the 0-60 of slightly over 7 seconds, you are looking at car with pretty serious power. The 2.0 Litre Petrol is my personal favourite of the two available engines (the other being a slightly limp 1.8 Petro
l) with an impressive 158 BHP. In a car of this size, that amount of torque can feel as though you have a rocket strapped to your back when you put your foot down.It would be foolish to state that the Mazda MX-5 is the dream car for the sporty drivers amongst us, I think everyone would prefer a Porsche 911 or a Ferrari 599, but for the money you pay, the Mazda is a heck of a car
Every loyal customer to Toyota and the people behind the company itself are looking forward to 2008. Why? Because that is the slated release for the much-awaited Toyota hybrid sports car dubbed the Volta. Toyota has always been known to set itself apart from all other car manufacturers, releasing some of the most outrageous designs that seem to grow onto society once the cars establish themselves as bestsellers.Japan Goes ItalianToyota's hybrid sports car can only be a real head turner. This is what's expected when you have an elite group of designers to give the new concept car a new, nice Italian twist. Pictures of the concept car have emerged from the company itself and the first thing that may come to mind is the Lamborghini Diablo; only the Volta is eco-friendly.Toyota believes that hybrid technology can also be used in high-performance vehicles such as the Toyota Volta. After all, it is rumored to go from 0-60 in 4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph; not as fast as the Diablo or any Ferrari but the important thing is how much gas this vehicle doesn't use.The Name GameThe 2008 new Toyota Volta will be paying homage to Alessandro Volta, the man who came up with the electric battery in 1800. It is only very apt considering that this vehicle does run on a type of battery. The Volta runs a V6 engine and there's an electric motor on each axle.The electric motor will be used to operate several things at the same time such as, for example, a computer that operates the movement of the wheels, activation of brakes, etc.; basically something known as drive by wire, a technology that is fitted into modern fighter jets, so you can imagine how much time in design was spent on this near-future release. This technology also allows for an awkward feature that can have the passengers reposition the steering wheel and pedals in front of them.EconomyTwo centuries after the invention of the electric battery after which the new hybrid is named, Toyota aims to have the Volta out and running by 2008. It is expected to have a tank that holds only 13.7 gallons that will allow it to go 435 miles when filled up. Plus, if 408 horsepower isn't enough, you will just have to weight for later versions of the Volta because this is the top speed estimated for the initial release.Toyota 
France expects to release this to the European market in 2008. However, Germany might be happy to know that the car will be for sale there by December of 2007. Experts are speculating that prices for the Toyota hybrid sports car will range from $72,000 to $165,000 in the US market once it hits North American shores.Whether or not the market is ready for this sports car, Toyota itself is ready to prove that hybrid technology does belong in the automobile industry and will suit any purpose and application.
When we think of Morgan automobiles, we don’t usually associate them with alternate fuel, low emission technology. Morgan is the oldest privately-owned automobile manufacturer in the world and has been pumping out full-fendered, minimalist for almost 100 years. Even today, most Morgans utilize an ash-wood body tub and front suspension designed in 1910, and for many non-cognoscenti, today’s breed of 4/4 or Plus-4 is indistinguishable from the ones that came out of the plant fifty years ago.But there are changes in the wind. Morgan recently debuted its alternate-fuel Life Car, and it couldn’t be more different from the traditional models that come out of the plant in Malvern Hills. In almost every respect, it has absolutely nothing in common with its tweedy stablemates."We have been trying to demonstrate that as a business we have a very high technical capability," explains Morgan’s public relations manager, Matthew Parkin. "This has been hard when we continue to make traditional cars, as there are such strong associations with this car not changing. The Life Car project seemed a good opportunity to help to re-position the business as modern and capable, using a mixture of high tech materials and craftsmanship."And when you think about it, utilizing sports car technology in the pursuit of environmentally friendly, emission-free transport isn’t that over the top. After all, sports cars are all about weight reduction, performance engineering, and getting the most out of the least. And few carmakers can top Morgan when it comes to delivering maximum bang for the buck. They may look ancient and creaky, but, over the years, Morgans have consistently out-performed their larger, heavier, and more powerful competitors.In a study conducted by Cardiff University, Morgans also held their own in overall environmental impact. Measuring things like carbon dioxide output, toxic emissions, and the consumption of raw energy and resources during production, the Environmental Rating for Vehicles (ERV) ranked Morgan automobiles near the top of the heap, surpassed only by the Smart Car. On a scale of two to 60, the Morgan 4/4 was given 24 points....the same as a Toyota Prius. By way of comparison, a Porsche 911 Carrera garnered eight points and a Bentley Arnage, two. The average rating for most production automobiles is 15 or 16.With a body shell and frame made from recycled aluminum, and laminated ash-wood seats, the Life Car will tip the scales at about 650 kilograms. That’s considerably less than the company’s regular , which typically weigh in at around 800 kilos, and about half the weight of most conventional, similarly-sized cars. Unsurprisingly, the prototype features a hand-welded body shell, with wood patterns used throughout during the forming process. As sleek as something out of Star Wars, the Life Car also retains vestiges of the classic Morgan body profile, with flowing fenders, oversized wheels, and the unmistakable "tombstone" front grille. So far, the company has designed the Life Car around a fastback bodystyle, but that could change. Either way, the company assures us that the "Morgan DNA is clearly visible."Propelling the Life Car are four - one at each wheel - with small gearboxes incorporated to maintain power. Interestingly, this type of technology is also found in the massive off-road dump-trucks used by mining and construction companies. Morgan says that the Life Car will go from 0 to 100 km in about seven seconds, with a top speed of some 130 km/h. It will travel 240 kilometres for every gallon of fuel consumed, with a range of approximately 400 kilometres.And that fuel will be liquid hydrogen, which is stored in a carbon fibre-wrapped tank at the back of the car. It feeds a four-stack fuel cell that produces some 22 kilowatts of electrical energy, which is in turn directed to the electric motors through a set of electronic controls developed by Cranfield University. Needless to say, there are no emissions whatsoever. The electric motors are said to be "95 per cent efficient." Each motor will also have a regenerative braking feature to capture kinetic energy during deceleration, and Morgan engineers are claiming that their system is up to five times more efficient than that found on today’s hybrid vehicles. There will also be conventional hydraulic brakes at each corner. Unlike many alternate fuel vehicles, the Life Car does not have a battery pack, instead employing heavy-duty capacitors, which can "shuffle" 1000 amps of power throughout the vehicle. This helps keep the weight down, as battery technology continues to be the weakest link in alternate fuel technology.The Life Car was on display at this year’s and Morgan has been quietly putting it through the endless bench, track, and road testing necessary to get the bugs out of a vehicle this sophisticated. It’s also interesting to note that the finished product is almost identical in appearance to the computer-generated image that was proposed at the beginning of the project.It’s far too early to think about marketing, production numbers, or pricing, or if the Life Car will even make its way across the pond to North America. "We still have much work to do before we can give an onsale date," adds Matthew Parkin.But one thing’s for sure; the Life Car is now officially the best looking alternate fueled vehicle in the world, and things will never be the same at the Morgan plant.
