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Top 5 Most Expensive Cars in the World

“Champagne wishes and caviar dreams.” That’s the catchphrase popularized by Robin Leech in the TV show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Who can forget that show, which showcases the celebrities, their houses and most especially their cars? If the show was still on the air today, it would probably have run a couple of episodes that would have shown the different owners of the most expensive cars around the world. But since the show has been off the air for quite some time now, I’ve decided to compile a list of the Top 5 Most Expensive Cars in the World for your drooling…uh, I mean…reading (and viewing) pleasure.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 / Price Tag: $1,192,057

This is the mother-of-all-expensive cars. Considered to be the “most expensive street-legal full production car”, this bad boy is able to hit up to 1,001 horsepower and a maximum speed of 253.81 mph. First produced by Volkswagen in September 2005, the car took its name from Le Mans race car driver Pierre Veyron. While being the most expensive, it isn’t the fastest. That title belongs to the SSC Ultimate Aero. The Bugatti Veyron, however, is considered to be the 2^nd fastest car in the world.

Pagani Zonda Roadster F C12S 7.3 / Price Tag: $667,321

Produced by Zagani, a small company in Italy in 1999, the Pagani Zonda Roadster holds the title of being the 8^th fastest car in the world. What makes it unique is that only 25 of these cars are produced each year. It’s a 2-seat coupe and convertible in one that’s capable of reaching 215 mph and is able to jump from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

SSC Ultimate Aero / Price Tag: $654,400

If Flash is the fastest superhero in the comic book universe (he beat Superman folks), then this car is currently the fastest car in the automotive world. It’s so fast that it’s capable of reaching the speed of 257 mph (although the fastest speed recorded was 255.83 mph in September 13, 2007) and hit 60 mph in 2.7 seconds, probably just a second or two slower than the blink of an eye.

LeBlanc Mirabeau / Price Tag: $645,084

 No, it’s actually not a race car. It just looks like one. Hitting the speed of 229mph, this lightweight car was initially made for racing and was set to be tweaked to meet the standards for Le Mans racing. It’s equipped with a Koenigsegg’s V8 engine and a Lysholm Screw Compressor. So if you have dreams of getting your own race car, here’s your chance. Be prepared to fork up more than $600,000 for it though.

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo / Price Tag: $555,000

This baby is hand-built folks. Nothing touched it except the loving hands of the people from Saleen, Hidden Creek Industries, Phil Frank Design and RML (now that’s a lot of loving hands). It’s the 4^th fastest car in the world and is capable of reaching the speed of 250 mph. The Saleen S7 is America’s first contribution to the supercar genre and first debuted at the Monterey Historic Races last August 19, 2000.

So that rounds up the list of the top five Most Expensive Cars in the World. Other cars that didn’t make the list include the following: Koenigsegg CCX priced at $545,568; Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren priced at $457,250; Porsche Carrera GT priced at $440,000; Maybach 62 priced at $385,250 and the Maybach 57 S priced at $367,000. If you’re done reading and you want to check out the images of the cars that didn’t make the cut, then check out listverse.com or thesupercars.org for a more comprehensive listing. Just don’t forget to wipe that drool off your mouth before you visit these sites.

Sources: Listverse, The Super Cars, Wikipedia 

Volvo and the Boston Red Sox Join Forces

Are you a die-hard Red Sox fan? The type who had to endure the fabled “Curse of the Bambino” before the team won the World Series in 2004? The type who is present at every single game just to be able to watch them play and cheer them on? More importantly, were you there during their second World Series win? Well, if any of these questions apply to you then you may be interested in what the team and Volvo have in store.

The Boston Red Sox and Volvo have banded together to bring to the fold a commemorative Boston Red Sox themed Volvo C30 hatchback. The C30 hatchback, which carries a Passion Red finish, is Volvo’s way of celebrating the teams second World Series victory last 2007. The Red Sox C30 will sport the team’s logos on the car’s fenders, rear-glass hatch and floormats. Each car will have a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Anne Belec, CEO of Volvo Cars in North America, and Larry Lucchino, CEO of the Red Sox. The car will also have a plaque, which indicates the specific game the team won, their opponent and the final score.

There will be a total of 107 Red Sox themed Volvo C30 up for sale to match the team 107 wins. Each car will be numbered, with the label placed inside the car’s interiors. Volvo also plans to donate the 107^th Red Sox C30 to The Red Sox Foundation for their charity raffle to be held this year. Current price for one of these collector’s item cars will be set at $29,465 with an additional $745 destination charge.

So for those die-hard Red Sox fans, here’s your chance to drive around town in one of these limited Volvo C30s and show the world how much you love the team.

Sources: Kicking Tires, PR Newswire, Wikipedia

Sales Dip Not Good For Automotive Market

Automobile manufacturers have hit a roadblock as the sales of their vehicles have dipped considerably this February compared to February of last year. Hmm, that’s not a good way to kick-off the year, folks.

Considered to be the lowest sales drop in a decade, clients have shied away from making big retail purchases, which resulted in a mediocre output of 16.37% for the dates of February 1 to February 17. The statistics, released by research firm J.D. Power & Associates, covered only retail sales made by car manufacturers. Sales generated through rental companies and agencies were not included since retail sales are considered to be the basis that there was indeed a demand coming from the clients. Due to concerns over housing, fuel prices, and inability to avail of credit loans, consumers have opted not to shell out their money to purchase automobiles. Companies like Toyota and Ford felt the demand for their product decline because of this hold out. Chrysler was dealt a big blow when it sales slipped to 27.5% despite making a commitment to their customers that they will work on adding more features to their vehicles. Out of all the car companies that were affected by the sales slump, it was only General Motors who got to enjoy a good start, thanks to its incentives and up-to-date products. All this despite encountering a slump during the first 17 days of February this year when it was only able to sell 31% of its vehicles, a low output compared to what they were able to achieve during the first 18 days of February last year.

However, despite the sales slump this month, some analysts believe that automotive sales will make a comeback during the second half of the year. That could bode well for the car companies affected by the sales drop. But only time will tell whether the forecast they made will come true or not.

Sources: The Truth About Cars, The Wall Street Journal 

Single Digit License Plate Sells For Seven Digits

Ever wanted your own car plate indicating your name and your preferred set of numbers? Nice right? It gives you this unique feeling, this emotional high that you’re better and a cut-above the rest of the pack. It allows other people to distinguish you from the other vehicles around you. Well if that’s your thing and you have tons of money to spend, why not take a plane and head off to the United Arab Emirates. You’ll end up finding more than sand and camels when you get there. It’s actually the place where you can find the world’s largest mall, the world’s largest tower, a group of islands depicting the map of the world, and very (and I mean very) expensive plates that you can get your grubby little hands on to.

The United Arab Emirates, composed of seven different states or “emirates,” has recently gone bonkers for license plates bearing a single digit. During an auction held in Abu Dhabi, license plates with the numbers “5” and “7” immediately sold out. The plate with the number “5” sold for 25 million dirhams which is equivalent to a whopping $6.75 million while the plate with the number “7” sold for 11 million dirhams, equivalent to $2.97 million. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Plans have already been set in place to auction off the mother of all single digit plates, the plate bearing the number “1.” The price tag that this plate could achieve during the auction is expected to set records and make it the most expensive plate in the world.

“As low as the number goes, as high the price goes also,” said Abdullah Al Mannaei, the man responsible for the auction.

Despite the luxurious price tags generated by these auctioned plates, know that the money made from these biddings is for a worthy cause. Income from these high priced plates will be used by the government to fund and help car accident victims. As of this date, five auctions have already been conducted generating an amazing $56 million and selling 300 plates.

That amount could definitely help car accident victims. And probably put kids to school, get rid off world debt and feed an entire populace. But that’s just me.

Sources: TopSpeed, CNN

Smart ForTwo Cars now in NY

For a decade now, Mercedes-Benz’ Smart ForTwo cars went around places and have been accepted in Europe and just recently in Canada. This year, nothing can stop the Smart Cars from penetrating the U.S. automobile market as it finally reached its next destination – Buffalo, New York.

Manufactured by the Germany based-Daimler AG, the micro Smart car arrived in its designated exclusive dealer–the Smart Center Buffalo, which is just one of the 62 Smart ForTwo exclusive distributors in the U.S. The 3,000-sq-ft. establishment will house the Smart ForTwo cars, which can only fit two adult passengers at a time. This new center joined the Mercedes-Benz of Buffalo located in Main Street. Mr. Robert LaMastra oversees both the retail companies of the luxury German car brand in the Western side of New York that also includes Syracuse and Rochester.

Running a decent fuel mileage of 40 miles per gallon, the 1,800-pound Smart ForTwo has three versions. For interested motorists, the tag price of the small cars range from $11, 590 to $16, 590.

Source: Buffalo Business First.

Two Beauties To Topbill Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

As Mercedes-Benz design is a showcase of innovation, elegance and style, it makes perfect sense to use fashion as a “vehicle” for brand awareness. Just like with fashion, cars are now utilized as a medium of personal expression; and since the cutting edge and luxurious refinement of fashion complements what Mercedes-Benz has come to epitomize, the company has chosen to unveil to the world its newest sports coupé—the Mercedes-Benz CLC—in its self-sponsored fashion week in Berlin.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will take place from January 27 to 31; but prior to this grand event, the company has chosen to preemptively tease its public by creating ads, posters, and other materials that only show parts of the CLC. What is keeping people from seeing it in its entirety? It is none other than the flowing evening gown worn by top model Eva Padberg.

Renowned German photographer Ellen von Unwerth captured the two beauties. “Like Berlin, she epitomizes a young, modern lifestyle,” stated Dr. Olaf Göttgens, Vice President for Brand Communications. “Eva Padberg… lends a fascinating face to our long-standing commitment to fashion.”

The Mercedes-Benz CLC will finally be revealed in all its glamorous glory on January 27, 2008 – the first day of the Fashion Week. The “youngster” among the Mercedes coupé family, the CLC is an affordable model that still evokes a high lifestyle value. Featuring 18” light alloy rims, wide base tires, headlights with black painted inner frames, lowered bodywork and chrome trim, the coupe is elegance both in stillness and motion. More than a thousand components are either totally new or revamped from the previous model, resulting in even more beauty and functionality.

For example, the new direct steering allows for much nimbler handling of bends, while the latest automobile infotainment systems maximize riding pleasure for everyone on board. Moreover, its four-cylinder engine is more powerful at 135kW/ 184bhp, yet it is also 10.8 per cent better than its predecessor in terms of gas mileage. Indeed, the CLC is a bold and beautiful lifestyle statement that evokes luxury and globally responsibility – attitudes that must never go out of style.

Another Mazda RX-8 Teaser

It has been Mazda’s tradition to send of it first shipment of vehicles for the year. This year was no different, as Mazda executives left there cozy offices to join the parade in the Japanese brand’s headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan.

 
Corporate bigwigs watched as new vehicles like the Mazda2 and CX-7 rolled out for the brand’s first shipping of the year. However, something intriguing (and noteworthy to say the least) was noticeable in the event photos released by Mazda – a RX-8 Convertible. The said vehicle, which was decorated with balloons and streamers, is a modification of the much anticipated and rumored Mazda RX-8. The convertible held two executive standing in the backseats and holding on the crossbar. Speculations suggest that the vehicle was specially made for the occasion, maybe to tease RX-8 watchers little bit more.

 
In another RX-8 related news, eager watchers of the supercar will get treated to two pictures of the JDM-only RX-8 RS from Mazda. The RX-8 RS has a new set of taillights installed. It also featured a chin spoiler that diverts the air into the intakes, which are larger in this model. The model is also installed with a set of flush-fitting fog lights.

 
Mazda, however, choose to tease us a little bit more and refrained from releasing other information, leaving the public wondering on the engine specifications. Consequently, watchers are wondering if the ride will mount the Renesis motor or an entirely new one. The said vehicle is scheduled to be unveiled this week at the Japanese version of the aftermarket SEMA, the Tokyo Auto Salon. Despite Mazda “generous” serving, fans are still hungry for more.

Hyundai Vies for Luxury Sedan Market Share with ‘Genesis’

Having been debuted as a concept car in the 2007 New York International Auto Show, the Hyundai Genesis was launched yesterday in Seoul, South Korea – right on schedule as per its prior announcements. The luxury sports sedan is to be sold in the U.S. by June with a same-for-less marketing strategy, whereby it offers as much luxury as its competitors, but for a lower price.

So named to mark Hyundai’s venture into the premium car market, “Genesis” carries the company’s hope of raising its brand-value perception among buyers and sellers alike. Thusly, after five years of incubation, Hyundai has their first-born luxury sedan retain the Hyundai brand. This is unlike the strategy some Japanese automakers utilized when they branched out into the high-end market in America: Honda created the Acura brand, whereas Nissan built the Infiniti.

Stated Hyundai Chairman and COO Chung Mong-koo: “(Genesis) symbolizes our determination to enter the highly competitive arena of luxury cars now dominated by the Europeans… Genesis will consolidate our position as the leader of the Korean auto industry and will pave the way forward for our leap into the global market.”

Having many of the industry’s leading sedans as its benchmarks, Genesis was thereby engineered to become Hyundai’s very first rear-wheel drive vehicle. It currently is available in the fuel-thrifty 3.3-liter V-6 Lambda and the larger and faster 3.8-liter engines. Another version, this time featuring an all-new 4.6-liter V-8 Tao engine, will arrive later in the year. As per Hyundai’s initial findings, this engine is able to accelerate the Genesis from zero to 60mph in less than 6 seconds.

An Aisin 6-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission delivers the power to the rear wheels. This showcases an overdrive lock-up torque converter for even better fuel economy.

Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) maximize the capabilities of the front and rear suspension. These dampers allow for optimal road surface contact as well as more body/wheel control. This results in increased driving comfort without having to forsake handling. During high speed driving, the state-of-the-art Sachs sports-tuned Electronic Air Suspension adjusts vehicle height to optimize aerodynamics and thereby increase road-holding even more.

Just like the sedans of Volvo, one of its many newly-adopted rivals, Genesis also features top-of-the-line active and passive safety features that helps prevent accidents as well as keeps the occupants in the best condition possible. As with many of its Hyundai predecessors, Genesis also has key life-saving technology—such as eight airbags, electronic active head restraints that help prevent whiplash, and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP)—standard among its features.

Other features include the switched-operated Electronic Parking Brake, a Lexicon premium surround-sound audio system, and the 30GB Driver Information System that is easily accessed and operated via a user-friendly multimedia jog/shuttle wheel controller. This allows for immediate control over navigation, the cellphone with Bluetooth connectivity, the audio entertainment system or the DMB television. Just like with most technological products, this System is software updatable for installing improvements and expanded features.

Now selling in Korea for between US$43,142 to US$56,240, the Genesis will be sold in the U.S. at a much lower price, where the priciest Genesis is estimated to cost just under US$40,000.

New York Times Highlights Ten of ‘07’s Most Progressive Auto Parts

The hastening pace of technology is not the monopoly of computers. Automobile manufacturers are also in a rush to make the car of the future, especially with regards to pollution reduction as the world faces its greatest challenge yet: climate change.

In his article to the New York Times last December 30, 2007, contributor Don Sherman highlights ten of the most progressive technological advances made by the automotive industry in 2007:

1.      Lithium-Ion Batteries – These do away with fuel altogether by providing energy to an electric motor. Many big-name companies such as Toyota and General Motors are still developing their technology, but Tesla Motors will be able to deliver cars running purely on lithium-ion batteries by 2008.

2.      Two-Mode Hybrid – Earlier hybrid models only had one mode: the car shifts from gasoline to electric when it slows down or becomes idle; and it switches back to gasoline after a certain speed. This mode—called the input split mode—can also use both gasoline and electricity when more power is need – such as when towing.

Now, the collaboration between GM and DaimlerChrysler (now Daimler and Chrysler) bore fruit in the form of a second mode called a compound split. Available in the new Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon Two-Mode SUVs, the compound split mode allows for cruising at faster speeds while still saving on fuel.

3.      Smart Idle Stop System – Mazda has come up with an engine that doesn’t shudder when reawakened from fuel-saving slumber.

4.      Sync – This is a network that connects portable gear such as cellphones to the car’s audio system. Developed by Ford and Microsoft, Sync allows the driver to issue basic voice commands to play stored music or make phone calls.

5.      Around View Monitor from Infiniti – Four miniature cameras on the car’s sides, front and rear are merged to provide a single bird’s-eye view on the dashboard screen.

6.      Diesotto from Mercedes-Benz – This is the name of the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine of the Mercedes-Benz F700 S-Class sedan. Named after Rudolf Diesel and Nicolas Otto, this engine has diesel efficiency and gasoline cleanliness at the same time.

7.      Height-Adjustable Child Seat – Introduced first by Volvo, this seat supports small children at a high level, and larger ones at a lower level. This gives kids a better view while helping them be held properly and more securely by their seatbelts.

8.      Durable Carbon Fiber – Ordinary carbon fiber is prone to peeling after years of being exposed under the sun if not protected by paint, but GM has created a clear-coat formulation for carbon fiber so that this can withstand the damaging UV rays.

9.      Eight-Speed Transmission from Lexus – Quieter cruising, faster acceleration, and nominal improvement in gas mileage is what Lexus achieved with a wider spread of ratios between first and eighth gears.

10.  HD Radio – Radio stations have upgraded their FM and AM broadcasts to digital, thanks to iBiquity Digital. With this, listening to the radio sounds clean and clear like music from a CD.

Not all of these are necessarily new to 2007, but these developments “are likely to see wider use,” according to Sherman. In fact, exactly last Christmas, Green Car Congress reported that Fuji Heavy Industries will begin selling its Lithium-Ion-running Subaru R1e a year early – that is, in 2009.

Small Cars with Big Sales, Ford

Ford’s sales record was highlighted with its increase of sales for small cars. Topping the list are the automaker’s best-selling models which include the Fiesta, Fusion and Ka.

The boost of sales was a success for Ford as the latest small car line-up topped the chart and start the year 2007 with Fiesta Silver. This three door luxury car includes £550 extras in its £9,295 price tag. The silver metallic finishes are very elegant from its handbrake cover to its badge that can be seen on the tailgate.

The Ford Fiesta is likewise offered in a selection of three engines as well as three chic colors. The car is even trendier with the seven spoke alloy wheels and other recent equipments. A total of 3,500 Fiesta were sold for 2007.

Another Ford’s small car, the Fiesta Zetec S 30 th Anniversary is a limited edition model with only 400 models being introduced to Britain. The price starts at £12,595 with added equipments worth £1,400. The launched of the model was a big hit, making the entire Zetec model sold to customers.

The positive reception of customers with the Fiesta Zetec S 30 th Anniversary was truly a good cause for producing further car models and editions.

Inspired by the Style Climate model, the Fiesta Zetec Blue was the newest edition of Ford that includes wide-ranging features. These let an added £800 included in its price tag.

Since the Ford Fiesta evidently hit the Britain market, the line-up is considered as the best-selling small car in the region. A total of 98,891 were sold for this year.

The latest special edition, Fiesta Zetec Blue is based on a Style Climate model. Zetec Blue costs £200 more although its comprehensive list of standard features would normally add another £800 to the price.

The Ford Fusion also made its contribution to the increase of sales. It gives a striking performance while targeting an remarkable fuel economy.

In addition, sales for the Ford Ka reached to 25,427 with its latest edition for 2007, the Ka Two-Tone.

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