McLaren F1 Celebrates the Big

McLaren's F1 is 20 years old this year (18 if you consider its 1992 debut date, so it's still legal) and to celebrate, McLaren invited owners out to Woking for a dinner at its Technology Center. The highlight of the get-together has to have been the 21-car F1 roundup, featuring the largest collection of F1s ever seen together.

McLaren chairman (and anti-Bugatti spokesman) Ron Dennis was on-hand to express his own feelings about owning and driving the car: "The F1 is a technological tour-de-force and a real triumph in terms of packaging and design."

"Whether endurance racing or on road, it is supremely fast, agile and yet comfortable. Its styling is enduring and will never fade. I enjoy driving mine more today than ever before because I find its technical purity highly satisfying; the F1 remains one of McLaren's proudest achievements."

Over its twenty years on Earth, the F1 has spawned 72 road cars (64 F1s, 5 F1 LMs, and 3 F1 GTs), 28 racers (F1 GTRs), and 6 other prototypes. The F1 GTR took just three months to develop, and the 28 examples McLaren built were big time winners: the 1995 GT1 Championship and the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans (1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 13th places), both its debut seasons.

The five cars that finished at Le Mans were the inspiration for the five Papaya Orange F1 LMs, which get a "de-restricted engine" putting out 680 horsepower.

Lastly, the "Longtail" GT came out in '97 in order to meet homologation standards for the new GTR.

If McLaren's F1 weren't a household name after its impressive race history, it sure was once it became the world's fastest car (it's still the fastest naturally-aspirated car). After a 106-car production run, Mclaren decided to call it a day with the F1. After a brief hiatus working with Mercedes to create the avian SLR, the Woking wonders are back with their own purebred 911 hunter: the MP4-12C.

Still interested in an F1? The last we heard, there was a Longtail GTR for sale in the Land of the Rising Sun.

By Phil Alex

__________________________________________________________________

Smart car2go in Texas

Texas, nicknamed the "Lone Star State" could be called the "Smart Star State." Daimler and smart, GmbH’s car2go car sharing pilot program will kick off in Austin, Texas next month. The car2go project will have a well-defined group of customers, Austin city employees. After a 6 month preliminary period, the Smart’s could be available to the general public and optimistically the car2go project will shift to additional metropolitan areas. The city of Austin will have a lease agreement for the smarts with car2go, a division of Daimler, AG. This innovative car sharing proposal will ease congestion, reduce co2 emissions and be a ground-breaking transportation alternative for the city of Austin and smart USA.



The contract will go before the Austin city council the first week of April and when approved, the arrangement will mark car2go's admittance into the U.S. car-share market. The car2go project was started by Daimler AG in Ulm, Germany last year.

car2go_goes_Texas

car2go_goes_USA-2

Car sharing is very attractive to folks who only occasionally use a vehicle and America is the prominent sector in the world for car sharing.

Zipcar, I-GO Car Sharing and even Austin CarShare are companies that have been on the cutting edge of the car sharing industry. The Austin, Texas car share program will be the largest of its kind in the nation, with plans to launch 200-Smart Fortwo’s.

Will Wynn, the mayor of Austin said, "We very much look forward to becoming the first international partner of car2go." We must agree with the good mayor. Smart_longhorn_Austin

We agree with the good mayor and too look forward to the launch of the car2go project and the launch of ED version of the Smart Fortwo, as do many Smart and electric car enthusiasts.

During this pilot phase (six-month) Austin would permit on-street and off-street parking spots for the car2go smart cars and car2go would offer driving time for city workers.



Source: media.daimler.com Stuttgart / Ulm – Good reasons for rediscovering city driving can now be found literally on every corner in Ulm.

Daimler AG sees to it with car2go – its new mobility concept that makes driving a car as easy as using a mobile phone. Following the successful completion of the internal pilot phase, car2go with a fleet of 200 smart fortwo cdi is available from now on to all registered residents and visitors to Ulm – every day, around the clock, and at low rates. From Ulm, car2go goes straight to the international level, to the USA: Daimler plans to launch car2go in Austin, Texas, this autumn.car2go_in_Austin_Capitol

"The very promising results of the first, internal pilot phase in Ulm show that with car2go we have found another answer to current and future mobility needs in metropolitan areas. Our project in Austin is the next logical step," says Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
car2go_goes_USA-no-parking
With car2go, on 24 October 2008 in Ulm Daimler AG kicked off a pilot project for a new, flexible and environmentally compatible form of mobility concept of the city. car2go is another important element of the Daimler strategy on the road to sustainable mobility.

The principle is as simple as can be: whenever a car is needed, it can be rented spontaneously in passing out on the street, or it can be pre-booked via mobile phone or internet. The car then can be used as long as one likes, and can be returned to any unoccupied public parking space within the area of operation.

The cost structure is clear and the use is simple: the 19 euro cents charged per minute covers taxes, insurance, mileage and even fuel. There are low rates for rental by the hour or day: 9.90 euros per hour or 49 euros per day.

Sole condition for use is one-time free registration as a customer and a valid driver's license, to which a small seal is affixed. Once a person registers, he or she can open any car2go by means of a card reader placed behind the windshield.

From inside to outside
In the first pilot phase that began last October with 50 smart fortwo, some 500 employees of the Daimler Research Center in Ulm, plus 200 family members, participated as test drivers.

The aim was to test the technical systems and gather initial experience with acceptance, user behavior, and effort for service in practical operation.

Next Chrysler Sebring to be built in Italy

If ever there was a model in the Chrysler line up that needs updating, it's the Sebring. While the car was a perfectly capable competitor when it debuted way back in 1995, subsequent generations have left it as nothing more than rental-fleet fodder. But if a report from Automotive News is to be believed, that may change significantly when the next iteration of the sedan debuts in 2013. According to AN, Fiat has its eyes on producing a new mid-sized four-door in Turin, Italy just for the Chrysler brand, with the new sedan being sold exclusively in the U.S.

While it may no longer carry the Sebring name once it hits our shores, the car will likely be a spiritual successor to the company's Camry-fighter. Beyond that, details are scarce as to what will be under the hood, what gearboxes will be offered or how much it will cost.

Fiat also made mention of the fact that starting in 2012, the company will build a new small sedan here in the Land of the Free that will be sold under the Chrysler banner. That may mean the company is looking toward sending the near unlovable Dodge Avenger out to pasture or eying a replacement for the Dodge Caliber. Either way, Chrysler is getting a much needed infusion of new metal sooner rather than later.

Second-ever iPad car installation keeps it simple

Second in-car iPad installation by SoundMan Car Audio – Click above to view video after the jump

The gang at SoundMan Car Audio was the first to install an Apple iPad into an automobile when they dropped one into the dash of a Toyota Tacoma pickup the very day the device was officially released. That install was pretty slick, but required a bit of customization to the dash and a relocation of the controls. Now that they've had more than a week to think about it, SoundMan has once again done a car install of the wündertablet, this time sticking it into the dash of a 2004 Nissan Maxima.

Follow the jump to see how the follow-up install went, but know that SoundMan has taken a remarkably different tack with this configuration, making a simple notched slot for the tablet to slip into, with a single plug leading to the existing audio system's aux jack. Slipping the iPad out of its holder reveals that the Max's stock navigation and back-up cam screen are still functioning in their original locations. Assuming glare isn't an issue, this install is very trick.

What is in a standard homeowners insurance policy?

A standard homeowners insurance policy includes four essential types of coverage. They include:

1. Coverage for the structure of your home.
2. Coverage for your personal belongings.
3. Liability protection.
4. Additional living expenses in the event you are temporarily unable to live in your home because of a fire or other insured disaster.

1. The structure of your house

This part of your policy pays to repair or rebuild your home if it is damaged or destroyed by fire, hurricane, hail, lightning or other disaster listed in your policy. It will not pay for damage caused by a flood, earthquake or routine wear and tear. When purchasing coverage for the structure of your home, it is important to buy enough to rebuild your home.

Most standard policies also cover structures that are detached from your home such as a garage, tool shed or gazebo. Generally, these structures are covered for about 10% of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home. If you need more coverage, talk to your insurance agent about purchasing more insurance.

2. Your personal belongings

Your furniture, clothes, sports equipment and other personal items are covered if they are stolen or destroyed by fire, hurricane or other insured disaster. Most companies provide coverage for 50% to 70% of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home. So if you have $100,000 worth of insurance on the structure of your home, you would have between $50,000 to $70,000 worth of coverage for your belongings. The best way to determine if this is enough coverage is to conduct a home inventory.

This part of your policy includes off-premises coverage. This means that your belongings are covered anywhere in the world, unless you have decided against off-premises coverage. Some companies limit the amount to 10% of the amount of insurance you have for your possessions. You have up to $500 of coverage for unauthorized use of your credit cards.

Expensive items like jewelry, furs and silverware are covered, but there are usually dollar limits if they are stolen. Generally, you are covered for between $1,000 to $2,000 for all of your jewelry and furs. To insure these items to their full value, purchase a special personal property endorsement or floater and insure the item for it's appraised value. Coverage includes “accidental disappearance,” meaning coverage if you simply lose that item. And there is no deductible.

Trees, plants and shrubs are also covered under standard homeowners insurance. Generally you are covered for 5% of the insurance on the house—up to about $500 per item. Perils covered are theft, fire, lightning, explosion, vandalism, riot and even falling aircraft. They are not covered for damage by wind or disease.
3. Liability protection

Liability covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or family members cause to other people. It also pays for damage caused by your pets. So, if your son, daughter or dog accidentally ruins your neighbor’s expensive rug, you are covered. However, if they destroy your rug, you are not covered.

The liability portion of your policy pays for both the cost of defending you in court and any court awards—up to the limit of your policy. You are also covered not just in your home, but anywhere in the world.

Liability limits generally start at about $100,000. However, experts recommend that you purchase at least $300,000 worth of protection. Some people feel more comfortable with even more coverage. You can purchase an umbrella or excess liability policy which provides broader coverage, including claims against you for libel and slander, as well as higher liability limits. Generally, umbrella policies cost between $200 to $350 for $1 million of additional liability protection.

Your policy also provides no-fault medical coverage. In the event a friend or neighbor is injured in your home, he or she can simply submit medical bills to your insurance company. This way, expenses are paid without a liability claim being filed against you. You can generally get $1,000 to $5,000 worth of this coverage. It does not, however, pay the medical bills for your family or your pet.
4. Additional living expenses

This pays the additional costs of living away from home if you can't live there due to damage from a fire, storm or other insured disaster. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals and other living expenses incurred while your home is being rebuilt. Coverage for additional living expenses differs from company to company. Many policies provide coverage for about 20% of the insurance on your house. You can increase this coverage, however, for an additional premium. Some companies sell a policy that provides an unlimited amount of loss-of-use coverage, but for a limited amount of time.

If you rent out part of your house, this coverage also reimburses you for the rent that you would have collected from your tenant if your home had not been destroyed.

New cars from Citroen

Let us find you the best new car prices for new Citroen models including:

Citroen C1

The Citroen C1 may be the baby of the Citroen family, yet, with room for four adults, its stylish design and compact size make it ideal for city use. Available in both three and five door models with diesel and petrol engines, the C1 has a 4-star EURO NCAP rating and a number of safety and security features as standard.

Citroen C2

The Citroen C2 is compact, easy to handle and one of the more popular cars in the three-door supermini market. The C2 model range features three dynamic petrol engines and the acclaimed HDi diesel engine along with excellent handling and performance and striking good looks.

Citroen C3

The Citroen C3 is a spacious five-door supermini with seven trim levels and nine engine options. Designed to be stylish, spacious, comfortable and versatile, the C3 is available with “Stop and Start” technology, which gives lower fuel consumption and improved environmental performance.

Citroen C4

The Citroen C4 is available as a family-sized five-door hatchback and a sporty three door coupe. There’s a choice of 29 models within the C4 range, all equipped with powerful and advanced petrol or diesel engines.

Citroen C5

The Citroen C5 is a large family car available in hatchback and estate versions. With advanced safety and security features, excellent interior comfort and a generous volume of load space, the C5 has a range of seven petrol and diesel engines and a number of trim options.

Citroen C8

The award-winning Citroen C8 is an MPV boasting a massive 3,000 litres of load space, the largest windscreen fitted in any mainstream passenger vehicle (giving panoramic visibility) and a seating system that can accommodate up to eight adults.

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder Model Comparison
Buyers Guide Comparison
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Data No Vehicle Data
Year 2011
Make Mitsubishi
Model Eclipes Spyder
Trim
General Pricing
View: Expand All
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
MSRP $27,799.00 $18,999.00 N/A N/A
Destination $745.00 $745.00 N/A N/A
Internet Price Get My Price Get My Price Get My Price Get My Price
Engines & Power
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Standard Engine 2.4L 162hp I4 2.4L 162hp I4 N/A N/A
Horsepower 162 @ 6000 RPM 162 @ 6000 RPM N/A N/A
Torque 162 @ 4000 RPM 162 @ 4000 RPM N/A N/A
Valves 4 4 N/A N/A
Displacement (cc) 2378 2378 N/A N/A
Bore X Stroke (in.) 3.4 X 3.9 3.4 X 3.9 N/A N/A
Compression Ratio 9.5:1 9.5:1 N/A N/A
Fuel Economy
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
City (mpg) 19 20 N/A N/A
Highway (mpg) 26 28 N/A N/A
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Curb Weight - Automatic (lb.) 3516.4 3269.5 N/A N/A
Wheelbase (in.) 101.4 101.4 N/A N/A
Length (in.) 180.4 180.4 N/A N/A
Width (in.) 72.2 72.2 N/A N/A
Height (in.) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Track Front (in.) 61.8 61.8 N/A N/A
Track Rear (in.) 61.8 61.8 N/A N/A
Ground Clearance (in.) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Interior Dimensions
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Standard Seating 4 4 N/A N/A
Front Headroom (in.) 39.6 38.5 N/A N/A
Rear Headroom (in.) 35.7 34.6 N/A N/A
Front Legroom (in.) 42.8 42.8 N/A N/A
Rear Legroom (in.) 27.7 29.2 N/A N/A
Front Shoulder Room (in.) 54.2 54.2 N/A N/A
Rear Shoulder Room (in.) 40 51.2 N/A N/A
Front Hip Room (in.) 53.7 53.7 N/A N/A
Rear Hip Room (in.) 40.3 44.4 N/A N/A
Payload & Towing
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Passenger Volumn (cu. ft.) 81.3 97.3 N/A N/A
Steering, Suspension & Brakes
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Front Suspension strut strut N/A N/A
Rear Suspension multi-link multi-link N/A N/A
Tires 225/50R18 225/50R18 N/A N/A
Anti-Theft & Locks
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Power Door Locks Std. Std. N/A N/A
Braking & Traction
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
4 Wheel Drive / All Wheel Drive front wheel drive front wheel drive N/A N/A
ABS Brakes (2 or 4 Wheel) Std. Std. N/A N/A
Limited Slip Differential or Axle N/A N/A N/A N/A
Vehicle Stability Control System Std. Std. N/A N/A
Entertainment, Communication & Navigation
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Radio N/A AM/FM N/A N/A
Cassette Player N/A N/A N/A N/A
CD Player N/A Yes N/A N/A
CD Changer Yes N/A N/A N/A
DVD Player N/A N/A N/A N/A
Navigation Aid N/A N/A N/A N/A
Interior
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Cruise Control Std. Std. N/A N/A
Tilt Steering Yes Yes N/A N/A
Telescopic Steering Column N/A N/A N/A N/A
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Air Conditioning Std. Std. N/A N/A
Safety
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Driver Airbag Std. Std. N/A N/A
Front Side Airbag Std. Std. N/A N/A
Passenger Side Airbag Std. Std. N/A N/A
Rear Side Airbag N/A N/A N/A N/A
Seats
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Driver Multi-Adjustable Power Seat Yes N/A N/A N/A
Roof
Mitsubishi Eclipes Spyder GS-Sport Mitsubishi Eclipse GS No Vehicle Selected No Vehicle Selected
Sunroof / Moonroof N/A N/A N/A N/A
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers

Recall Alert: Hyundai Sonata

With what seems like every eye on Toyota executives testifying about safety lapses, other automakers are upping the speed at which they handle defects. Hyundai briefly issued a stop sale on the all-new 2011 Sonata midsize sedan over a defective front door latch and a voluntary recall is under way.

According to the automaker, the [Sonata’s] front doors incorporate a convenience feature that allows a locked door to be unlocked and opened by pulling the inside door release handle without first unlocking the door with the inside door lock switch. If a front inside door lock switch is held in the locked position while the inside door handle is pulled to open the door, the door latch may malfunction. If this occurs, the inside door handle will not return to its normal, stowed position and the door latch will remain in the unlatched position when attempting to close the door.

Basically, if the malfunction occurs, the door will not shut.

The new Sonata is the company’s most important model and is being marketed heavily, including numerous spots during this year’s Super Bowl.

Dealers have already fixed many of the 4,000 or so unsold cars, which are now back on sale after the company halted sales briefly to wait for new parts to arrive at dealers. Hyundai estimates that about 1,300 models have already been sold; those will be recalled and fixed.

If you have questions about your 2011 Sonata, contact Hyundai’s customer help line at 800-633-5151.