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Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Cars

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When it comes to luxury cars there has always been something pretty special about Ferrari. That Italian stallion badge, the color red, the absolute raw power of the engine, and the mindblowing driving experience really is something to behold. They have been directly responsible for some of the most iconic cars over the last few decades and trying to narrow it down to five of the best is a more difficult task than it seems, but these are the five that have ultimately been selected.

1. 1945 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta

1945 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta

If you have never seen this model before, then best you go and check it out as it is gorgeous. There were only ever 25 of them made and it is regarded as one of the models that really set the entire company on their way. The car has a v12 engine and generates 160 horsepower. When it comes to performance it is still one of the best cars they have ever made. The car is simple, straightforward, but just screams out Italian elegance. However, forget about ever being able to own one as the chances are that you will never actually set eyes on one.

2. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

When it comes to an iconic car, then is there one that can possibly beat the 250 GTO? This is the version that all serious collectors want and you can understand why when you check it out, and especially if you can ever drive one. It is a real two seater racing car that made such an impact at the time and continues to do so decades later and that is why people pay tens of millions of dollars to own one.

The car itself is a beast. It is a v12 with 300 horsepower, but boy does it know how to deliver that power. The way it looks is also going to catch your eye as it just screams out power and it also tells you something very important regards reliability when you discover that every single one of the 36 cars that were built between 1962 and 64 are still being driven around today.

3. 1957Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

1957Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

The Testa Rossa name has to be one of the most recognisable in the history of Ferrari. Kids of various generations have grown up with the latest version on a poster on their walls, and this 1957 version was no different. This is the kind of car that does not just grow on you, but instead it announces itself to you with great fanfare and you instantly fall in love.

This model can only be described as super curvy and you can understand why when you set eyes on it. The style of this model makes you feel as if the designer was being rather exuberant when drawing the lines, but it does give it a certain sense of flair that is second to none. However, it does not end there. It was a race car that won Le Mans and it is now regarded as being the second most expensive type of Ferrari that money can buy. If you are interested, then best not to expect much change out of $20 million for one in good shape.

4. Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder.

Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder

There were only ever 50 of this model ever made and you can guarantee that each one is an absolute prized possession. The best versions have the long wheelbase and the entire car was specifically designed for the American market, hence the California name. This car is just amazingly beautiful to look at and you just know that driving this Ferrari would be one if the best experiences of your life. This is a Ferrari that is not only made to be driven, but to be stared at and loved and with it getting up to 60mph in only 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 145mph, it just shows how advanced they were back in1958.

5. 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta.

1962 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta.

This model may not be as well known as some of the others over the decades, but that is a tragedy because the car itself is simply gorgeous. While soft top versions from the 60s are always more sought after, this hard top version will always be capable of turning heads. This model was never intended for speed or racing, but clearly it knew how to move, and instead Ferrari focused more on the luxury side of things whilst still maintaining a high level of performance.

The car still had a v12 engine and 250 horsepower with a top speed of 149 mph, so it was hardly a slouch. The fact that Steve McQueen also had one does also mean that its coolness factor goes through the roof and you can imagine how much that car would cost to own.

There are just so many different models out there to choose from over the decades that trying to narrow it down to five was tough. The one thing that remained constant was the elegance and majestic beauty of each model and that is something that still applies today. With this approach to styling as well as a real eye for performance, is it any wonder that Ferrari are still held in such high regard today?

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The automotive industry took a huge hit during the recession but it has continued growing strongly over the last couple of years. Some brands have merged or sold to other companies, while others have a bleak future ahead of them. Nevertheless, there are car brands which have stood the test of time and continued delivering quality vehicles to the auto-market.

As in any other industry, the car industry needs its top players to find innovative and efficient ways of bringing their products to the market. Thus, all the car brands need to establish reliable marketing strategies in order to stand head and shoulders above their competitors.

Companies like Ford have struggled in recent years, losing millions of dollars due to decreasing sales of their vehicles. That’s not to say that their vehicles are of low quality. The Consumer Report’s Car Brand Perception Survey released this year indicates that Ford is still highly ranked by customers at number two on the list behind Toyota. It is therefore their sales and marketing strategy which needs to be resolved.

The following car brands have managed to work out their marketing strategies and establish frameworks for successful sales of their vehicles. They have made millions of dollars in the last couple of years because their marketing techniques have made an impression on their customers:

  1. Mercedes-Benz

It comes as no surprise that Mercedes-Benz is in a list of top car brands. Even in 2013, Mercedes was in the top 3 list of cars in terms of brand value. Mercedes is in the luxury brand segment and therefore markets itself in terms of quality, comfort, experience, and status. Its marketing slogan is enough to make you interested in their brand. It is “The Best or Nothing”. It is a simple message with a great impact. Mercedes has used a multimedia marketing strategy to ensure they engage with their customers on all media platforms and build long-term relationships.

Concept Style Coupe

  1. Audi

Audi markets itself as both a luxury brand and as a reliable brand for middle income users. All its vehicles have a premium feel and give prestige to their brand. In 2008, Audi was honoured by BBDO Consulting for being “the best market-oriented” car brand. Every consumer can relate to a company whose focus is entirely on making sure they get value for their money.

Audi is famed for its reliability, quality materials, innovation and fuel economy. They use a program, the Audi Experience, to engage their consumers and find out what car solutions the market needs. That is a great marketing technique. Audi’s innovation is also mentioned in marketing campaigns such as “Keeping Ahead through Technology”.

audi

  1. Toyota

Toyota has been one of the most known brands in the world for many years. Everywhere you look on the road, you are bound to see a Toyota passing by. Toyota markets itself as a brand for the people. They have different cars in order to meet the needs of their different consumers. If you want a big car you can get one. If you want a small car, they have one.

Their integrated marketing campaigns have ensured that Toyota is ranked as number one on the Consumer Report’s Car Brand Perception Survey. Toyota also ranks highly in terms of quality and reliability. It is also the best-selling car brand of 2014. Their marketing strategy targets the Millenials with the message “Elevate” your life with Toyota. Their best message has to be this tagline: “Today Tomorrow Toyota”. You simply cannot deny Toyota’s relevance and reliability.

toyota

  1. BMW

Car brands such as Honda might feel aggrieved at not making the list despite their recent performances over the years. Honda is ranked highly among consumers. Nevertheless, BMW takes its slot due to its marketing campaign strategies. Despite a lot of competition from Audi, Mercedes and Chrysler, BMW has managed to continue selling lots of cars. Ad campaigns such as the ConnectedDrive whereby a smartphone is integrated with the BMW and the ad message that “Joy is BMW” are simple examples of how a company can engage its target market and make them loyal. After all, who doesn’t want joy in their lives?

These four car brands have managed to use effective marketing techniques to engage their market on any media platform and to ensure they build consumer loyalty. As long as consumers identify with your car brand, you do not have to worry about where they will spend their money when it relates to their vehicles.

bmw

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There can be little doubt that technology in cars has evolved quite dramatically over the last decade or two and you only have to think back to cars of your childhood and compare them to now to see the difference. It is actually quite exciting to then try to predict where all of this is going, but perhaps we can get some kind of idea by looking at what we have changed in recent times.

The Executive Brands Are Paving The Way.

When it comes to technology, then it is usually the case that brands such as BMW and Mercedes Benz lead the way in its development. It can often be argued that technological advances tend to emerge in the world of motor racing as safety features, although not always, before being developed further by these brands in order to turn it into something that is useful for a road car. Why do they tend to do it? Simply because they have the required budget to take an idea and develop it to a standard where it will make a difference to the driver as this can often cost millions of dollars and not every company has that money to spend.

What this means is that you can often look towards just a few companies to predict what will often become standard in lower priced cars in the next few years.

The Rise Of Computers Running Your Vehicle.cars

Back in the 1970’s and 1980’s you could walk along a street in the cold winter weather and all that you would hear were car engines failing to start. People would have to keep trying and would mess around with the engine just to get things fixed. Now look at the present day. Cars are far more reliable and repairing them yourself is so much harder than before, and why? Simply because of the use of on board computers that end up controlling so much of the vehicle that it is now a case of plugging the engine into a computer and so many issues are then diagnosed in an instant making it easier to then repair it.

Adaptation Of New Technology Has Become More Prominent.

If you think back to even just the 1980’s, you used to think that having electric windows was the height of technology and how things have changed. People then thought that advances such as air bags were a wonderful invention as they saved so many lives, but looking back at those models now makes you feel as if the technology was just completely inadequate compared to what is available now. If you thought a car being an automatic was impressive, then how do you feel about the prospect of driverless cars that will do absolutely everything for you?

How Times Have Changed

If we look at some of the new executive cars that are on the market, we can see that there are some gadgets and additions that will blow your mind. Think about sat nav for example. It has taken the humble map and pulled it into the modern world and now it is almost impossible to get lost.

With safety, there are executive Mercedes models that will slow the car down for you to a safe distance and even bring the car to a complete halt. This can reduce the chances of you having a crash and make driving safer. When you then add in the motoring equivalent of night vision allowing you to see several times further at night and anti stray devices that stop you from moving over into another lane when you do not mean to do so. This technology is just unreal and you can expect a number of these devices to appear on lower end models in the near future.

Driving aids are a big thing and several years ago Lexus produced a system where the car can reverse parallel park for you and without you doing anything yourself. All you do is set the computer and let it do its job. This technology is now available via Ford and us a perfect example of how things filter down through manufacturers.

Where Is It Going?

Technology has pushed the boundaries in the last decade or so and it is interesting to see where all of this is going. As was said earlier, there are driverless cars being trialled and the technology is certainly there that will allow this to be done safely. Perhaps the main area where technology will continue to evolve will be in the mechanical side as there are only certain aids and safety devices that can be installed in your average car. However, making cars more efficient, better for the environment, more reliable, and improving the driving experience will keep people coming back to upgrade their vehicle on a regular basis.

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Electric cars are more common these days, though they are still difficult to find in your local dealership. Every year we see electric cars breaking records on speed, endurance, battery life, acceleration and pulling power. Oil companies cannot suppress electric cars forever because their oil resource is drying up. Electric cars are an inevitable part of our future, so here are a few of the top reasons you should buy one.

They Are Getting Cheaper These Days

As technology is slowly introduced to the market, it slowly goes down in price if it is popular. Mobile phones used to cost a lot of money so that only a few people could have them, and now they are everywhere; the same will happen with electric cars. If you are looking to buy one these days, then it is just as affordable as buying a new petrol/diesel car.

Electric Cars Are Becoming Faster And More Efficient

They are becoming faster and more efficient because that is what the market demands. People want electric cars that rival fossil-fuel cars, which means they want them to be as fast and efficient. If car manufacturers want to add electric cars to their car dealerships, they need to keep researching and building on what they know which means better and better quality electric cars are being built all the time.

If You Can Charge Up Your Phone You Can Charge Up Your Car

A big worry for some people, is that they will not be able to charge up their car, but people used to say that about mobile phones. Visiting your family? You can charge up your phone and your car whilst you are there. Visiting a hotel? You can ask to charge up your car whilst you are there–it will probably become a paid service at every café and hotel very soon. Plus, batteries are lasting longer and longer these days, meaning you will not have to charge up your car as often as you think.

Fuel Prices Will Continue To Rise No Matter What

Oil is a dwindling resource, and the Americans and Chinese are dividing up the last of it. Price is set based on demand and availability. Demand is still rising whilst availability is going down, meaning fuel prices can only go up interminably until all the oil is gone. You are going to have to start using electric cars eventually, so why not skip the transition and start using electric cars now? It will save you more money in the long-run.

It Is “Better” For The Environment Than Fossil Fuel Cars

Arguments that electric cars are perfect for the environment are flawed because we use a lot of fossil fuels and nuclear fuels in order to generate electricity. Still, on the whole, having electric cars is better for the environment because they do not produce emissions individually in the way that fossil fuel cars do. Plus, as more and more electricity is generated by renewable means, then the better electric cars become for the environment.

Aesthetically, They Look Very Good These Days

Early electric cars were inefficient and ugly looking, but these days they are beginning to look very sophisticated. Many of them look like something out of the not-too-distant future, with some looking more like aircrafts than actual cars. They are very good looking these days and many people are very happy to show off their sexy looking new electric car.

Batteries Last Longer Than Ever And Will Continue To Get Better

This is one of the great things about electric cars that spell a very bright future for all of us. The development of electric cars and mobile phones has started a technology race in the world of battery manufacture. Phone and car companies are investing millions into researching better and longer lasting batteries, and battery technology is getting better and better as a result. Mobile phones are now able to handle eight processors and mountains of RAM and still offer up to ten hours of talk time. Cars are able to run on batteries for 12 hours, when ten years ago they would have struggled to make 4 hours.

The greatest thing is that the technology race in the battery world is not slowing down, which means we may see a near-future, where you only need to charge up your car once per week.

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When buying a car, it is impertinent to think unilaterally. You have to consider your family, your needs, their needs, and even the age of you and your family. Here is how you shop for a car cleverly, whilst taking into account all the relevant factors needed to make a balanced decision.

Buy A Car That Suits Your Profession

An attorney turning up to a meeting in a potato truck is not going to reflect well on the attorney, similarly if a charity supervisor turns up to work in a new Ferrari it is not going to look good. You do not have to conform to stereotypes, such as an accountant having a boring and brown car; you just have to consider how your car will be viewed by those you work with.

Spend More On One Car Over Buying Two

There are many families that buy two cars over just one, but many times there is still one car sat in the drive whilst the other is used predominantly more. Do not forget that two cars mean two maintenance schedules, two insurance payments, and two fuel bills. Instead of buying two cars, you should spend your money on a single, reliable and fuel-efficient car, and then work out a Rota so that the car is shared when needed. It takes a little compromise, but it will save you money in the long-run.

Buying A New Car Is Only Practical In Some Situations

Do not instantly assume that buying a new car is the best option for you or your family. A new car loses up to 30% of its value the second you drive it off the lot. Instead, buy a second-hand car that has only been running for a year and you will get a much better deal.

On the other hand, there are times when a new car may be more practical. This is where you resolve to take care of the car and keep it as long as you can. If you take care of the car from the very beginning, then you can extend its life up to three times the amount it typically lasts. If you are planning to keep your car and consider it a long-term investment, then buying a new car may be the way to go.

A Small Loan Is Often Better Than Finance

This is a tricky bit of advice because both car finance and small loans have their pros and cons. Remember that lending money is going to cost you more in the long-run than saving the money up is. But, on the other hand, buying a good car with borrowed money is better than spending a smaller amount of saved money on a car that needs frequent repairs. Here is a list of the pros and cons of car finance and small loans.

Small Loans

  • Pro – Cheaper APR rates
  • Pro – You can borrow extra to fix up the car
  • Con – They are harder to get than finance

Finance

  • Pro – It is easier to get than a small loan
  • Pro – A car company may run a soft search that won’t affect your credit rating
  • Con – They have more expensive APRs than small loans

Shopping On Price Is Like Picking A Lover Based On Shoe Size

If you base your decision on price alone, then you are always going to end up with an unreliable car. People do not sell reliable and safe cars at low prices because, “They don’t have to!” Consider the model of the car, how many years it should have left to run, the current damage, how much work needs doing on it, how many miles it has done, and the current wear and tear on the car. Consider how suitable it is for your family at this present time.

If you want a lower price, then find a few cars that you like and negotiate with all the dealers/sellers until you get the best price for you. Remember that the more you want a car, then the more the dealer/seller has an advantage over you. If you shop around and find several cars you like, then the dealer/seller of each one is at a disadvantage when negotiating.

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For some people, having the correct car to portray a certain image is of paramount importance. This is especially true for people in business as the correct vehicle does create a first impression that may indeed have a direct impact on how a potential client reacts to you. Having the correct executive car is, therefore, something that does require a lot of thought, but then the top car companies are constantly producing new models specifically for the executive market. What then is in store for executives in 2015?

Audi A6 Saloon.

Audi A6 Saloon.

Audi are one of the top luxury car manufacturers in the world and the A6 saloon is one vehicle that any executive should be happy to own. We are not just talking about a car that is sleek to look at and comfortable to sit in, but it also packs one hell of a punch. The base model is a 2.0l TDi and even though the car itself is not the lightest, it really can deliver on power. This is one car that shows you mean business.

Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

This car has specifically been designed to take on the masterful BMW 3 series and that is one tough fight to try to win. However, this latest model from Alfa Romeo has that Italian style and it is breathtaking to look at. If you check out the history of Alfa, you will notice that they have a reputation for developing problems, but reliability is not an issue here. Instead, you get a gorgeous car, with a luxurious feel inside, and rear wheel drive, so this is an executive car for the business person that loves to still feel in control, but wants to live life on the edge.

Jaguar XE

Jaguar XE1

The Jaguar is British style through and through, but it is also a car that is loved by executives as it has that perfect blend of style, luxury, and raw power. The XE claims that it is capable of 75mpg and that is a pretty impressive figure considering a Jaguar has never previously been known as environmentally friendly, but has an executive car ever been known for being green? This model is known as the Baby Jag and its direct competition is the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class as opposed to its big brother that is more aligned to the BMW 5 Series.

BMW M2

BMW M2

Would a year be complete without BMW bringing out a new model? In 2015 they are bringing out the M2 and you just know that this is going to be one car that is going to blow your mind. This coupe has a 3.0l turbo engine and 350bhp and the power is all sent to those rear wheels and with the exceptional handling that is a mainstay of BMW, this is a car that is going to make a statement without appearing to be too over the top.

Lexus RC

Lexus RC

Lexus are one perhaps the main contender to the German powerhouses of BMW and Mercedes. The RC model is aimed at the M4 market and the base model has a 2.5l engine that is capable of delivering you 60mpg. It looks powerful, but stylish at the same time and this Japanese company should be rightly proud of this model. It may not be their top car, but for a mid-level executive that is clearly going somewhere, this is one car that should be a serious contender.

Mercedes AMG GT

Mercedes AMG GT

So if you want to splash out and drive a car that makes a huge statement that shows you are a success, then the Mercedes AMG GT has to be of interest to you. With a 4.0 v8 engine that delivers 456bhp with the base model, this is a car that is aimed at those people that are reconsidering their idea of buying a Porsche. This car delivers in a major way and turning up at a meeting in this vehicle will certainly turn heads like never before. Yes it is expensive, but it is well worth it even just for the driving experience.

There are of course a number of other cars for the executive to look forward to in 2015 including a 7 seater BMW, a new Aston Martin, and the latest Ferrari to come off their production line. The only limit is your budget and the statement that you want to make with your vehicle.

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We are all guilty of looking at super cars and imagining what it must be like to own and drive one. Their raw power, their stunning good looks, the feeling that you must get when sitting behind the wheel. However, for the majority of people, they will tend to remain a dream car and that thought especially applies to those super cars that come with a pretty mind boggling price tag. Wondering as to which cars fall into this category? Well, how about these examples?

Mclaren P1.

McLaren-P1-8

This car has a price tag of $1.1 million, so it is well out of the reach of most people. However, if you are lucky enough to have one, then this is one stunning car. It has a 3.8l v8 engine that delivers over 775 hp and gets from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. This is fast, it is nimble, and it looks absolutely stunning just as a supercar should. Oh yeah, and there is a hybrid version as well.

Koenigsegg Agera S

Koenigsegg Agera S

When a car is going to cost you over $1.5 million, then it has to be something special and the Agera is just that. With 1030 hp, this car is an absolute flying machine and is one amazing driving machine. Just a handful of these cars are going to exist and just on looks alone this is one car that is a winner.

Ferrari LaFerrari

Ferrari LaFerrari

In the world of supercars, Ferrari is one of the names that people always look out for. However, this LaFerrari takes things to a new level and is going to set you back $1.3 million. This has a 6.4l v12 engine and produces a stunning 950 hp. It does also have a hybrid engine as the last 170 hp actually comes from an electric motor. Only 499 will ever exist, so you will probably never see one in the flesh.

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

Lamborghini have always been seen as the crazy relatives when it comes to supercars. This version is priced at $2.2 million and has a v10 engine and produces 570 horsepower. It has that classic Lamborghini angular look to it, but only 20 have been made and they have already all been sold.

Bugatti Veyron Vitesse

Bugatti Veyron Vitesse

At $2.6 million, this car is one of the most expensive that is on the market. This is a soft top, but it is also capable of reaching 254 mph and delivers 1200 hp. They were looking at producing 450 of them, but they have only pressed ahead with 50 of them at this moment in time. How would you handle driving a soft top like this and at those kinds of speeds?

Pagani Zonda Revolucion

Pagani Zonda Revolucion

Pagani are well known for producing some pretty wild supercars and the Revolucion is perhaps their wildest yet. You are looking at having to spend $2.9 million to own one, but they have only made five, so this is really going to remain a dream. It has 800 horsepower and has a 6l v12 engine and as with every other Pagani the driver sits in the middle of the car. This is one vehicle that is just capable of leaving you stunned.

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster

Pagani Zonda Revolucion

According to Lamborghini there will only be nine of these cars built. However, they cost $4.5 million each, so hardly anybody can afford to own one in the first place. You get a 6.5l engine which delivers 750 horsepower and gets you up to 60 mph in just under three seconds. The car is made from carbon fiber and has a top speed of 221 mph, but the one thing that will amaze you is just how gorgeous it is to look at. However, you will probably never see one in the flesh, so photographs online are your only hope.

These cars actually do exist, but as you can see they are out of the reach of most people. They do show you what these companies are capable of producing, but you are going to have to be extremely successful or extremely lucky to ever have the chance to drive one.

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