How would you like to show up in style at any Las Vegas night club or dining establish? Would you like to turn heads and make a great impression in Vegas? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should definitely consider a luxury car rental in Las Vegas. A Las Vegas luxury car rental is the ultimate status symbol. Along with its mystique, it commands respect and recognition. Choosing a Las Vegas luxury car rental allows you to “drive the dream” of the Vegas experience. There are a number of companies that specialize in luxury rental cars.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
1953 Plymouth Belmont Concept Car
The Plymouth Belmont was the first plastic-bodied (reinforced fiberglass) Chrysler “idea car,” an experiment in new materials and design brought out in the same year as the DeSoto Adventurer.
The Belmont was a two seat V8-powered sports car, which the dealers had high hopes for, as being aimed at the Thunderbird and the Corvette. Not to worry. In the usual Chrysler Board mentality, the car and the design was retired before 1955, as being “too old.” Plymouth just shook its head and dug in again, working against odds as it went about setting new records, sales, speed, and design for 1955. Possibly, Chrysler had seen the sales figures set by the 1953 and 1954 Corvette and were underwhelmed by them. However, surely after seeing the sales recorded for the 1955 T-Bird, they probably kicked themselves in the rear area a few times.
The Belmont was a convertible, made for the 1954 Chicago Auto Show by Briggs Manufacturing (rather than the usual Ghia, because Chrylser had just bought Briggs); it was designed in the Advanced Styling Studio, under the supervision of head stylist Virgil Exner. Underneath the fancy curves was a chassis shared by Plymouth and Dodge, with a 114 inch wheelbase. The V8 engine was, according to the numbers, the 14th allocated to Plymouth, which had no V8 powered cars at the time; it was used in Dodges as the Red Ram, and squeezed 150 horsepower out of its 241 cubic inches, good at the time. The transmission was the corporate semi-automatic, sold by Plymouth as the Hy-Drive.
The Plymouth Belmont was long (191.5 inches), low (49 inches), and sleek, painted light metallic blue (it would later be repainted in red), with what passed for an aerodynamic theme; it also had turbine styling cues, not surprising given that Chrysler was seriously intending to release a turbine engine at the time (“[Chrysler’s] gas turbine has solved high fuel consumption, exhaust heat problems usually associated with turbine engines.”) The roof itself was a soft top hidden behind the seats, with a hard cover.
According to Second Chance Garage, Belmont used a stock engine, except for chrome valve covers and a low-profile air cleaner (to allow the hood to close) on the standard Stromberg WW-3-108 carburetor. The wheels were stock Chrylser options, and tail lights were from the prior year’s Chryslers; various pieces were taken from standard cars across the Chrysler Corporation lines. The windshield itself was made of Plexiglass. Virgil Exner had gotten permission to keep the Belmont after it was shown; it was sold in 1968, and changed hands a couple of times before being left on its own a garage. It was later rescued and is now in Don Williams’ collection in New Jersey.
2009 Honda Pilot
When the new 2009 Honda Pilot turned up as a concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January, most observers were decidedly underwhelmed. Unlike many other recent crossovers, notably the GM Lambdas, Honda chose to go with a decidedly more utilitarian look for the second-generation Pilot. As Honda officials explained when we gathered for a preview drive of the 2009 Pilot, they wanted to retain the “Utility” in CUV and a big part of that involved maximizing the useful interior volume within the Pilot’s relatively modest exterior dimensions. That means a boxy shape that provides room for up to eight (at least as defined by the seat-belts) inside.
While the Pilot won’t be challenging the Buick Enclave or Mazda CX-9 for style points, it isn’t too painful on the eyes. It’s more a case of being almost invisible. The greenhouse is actually strongly reminiscent of the first generation Jeep Liberty, only longer. In spite of the rather barn like shape, it’s actually more aerodynamic than the original Pilot, resulting in substantially less wind noise. In fact, the Pilot has a whole range of improvements that reduce noise, which we’ll explore a bit later. There are also some things that might be considered a step backwards. Read on after the jump to learn about our first drive in the new Pilot.
Let’s cut to the chase. Setting aside the Pilot’s appearance, the new unit is generally a much better vehicle than the 2008 model. Under the hood, propulsion still comes from a 3.5-liter V6 with a slew of upgrades. The new engine spins out 250 hp and 253 pound-feet of torque, increases of 6 hp and 13 lb.-ft. respectively. Fuel economy picks up 1 mpg across the board, thanks in part to a new version of Honda’s variable cylinder management (VCM) deactivation system. Previously, VCM would simply shut off one bank of cylinders. The new version can run on three, four or six cylinders, with four-cylinder mode available by disabling one cylinder on each bank.
The unibody has seen one of the most significant upgrades, with high strength steels growing from 13-percent of the body structure to 52-percent, resulting in seriously improved rigidity. Honda has also implemented what it calls Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) into the structure. According to Honda, ACE provides better protection for occupants in the event of a crash involving vehicles with different bumper heights. The extra inch of body width on the new model also meant that Honda was able to fit a third LATCH position in the middle row for mounting child seats. A fourth kid seat can be mounted in the third row. The second row seats are split 60/40 and each can slide forward independently to provide some extra leg room for those relegated to the back forty.
Speaking of that rear-most row, hip room in the back-back is only 48.4 inches. With the middle seat pulled forward, there’s a reasonable amount of leg room, but using all three nominal seating positions will require either super model-thin passengers or some extreme coziness. The seat is mounted high off the floor, so passengers won’t be sitting “knees up” like they do in the much larger Chevy Tahoe SUV. However, if you go back to the 48.4-inch hip dimension for a moment, you’ll notice that is slightly more than four feet. That means if you fold the second and third rows of seats, you can lay the proverbial 4′x8′ sheet of plywood flat.
As always, the prime seats are up front and here Honda shines. Just like the Accord, the Pilot’s seats are wonderfully comfortable and supportive. The instrument cluster has an interesting new look. The gauges have transparent front faces and the needles are reminiscent of a vintage radio dial. The shift lever has moved from the steering column to the center stack, below and to the left of the audio system. Where the new Pilot falls down is the materials and assembly of the dashboard. The plastics are hard and the textures look cheaper than those in a Honda Fit. Perhaps worst of all is the fit and placement of some the seams. Compared to the current version, the new model looks distinctly cost reduced.
Fortunately, that’s really the only area that feels cheaper. The driving experience is vastly improved, beginning with engine noise. The new Pilot has both active engine mounts and active noise cancellation. Combined with the much improved structure, the interior environment of the Pilot is downright serene in everything from the base model up to the new, top-end Touring model. Another advantage of a stiff structure is that it allows the suspension to work more efficiently. The Pilot feels more compliant, soaking up the heavily patched pavement in a controlled and compliant manner. In transient maneuvers, the 4,500-pound Pilot feels lighter and more responsive than the GM Lambda crossovers. That’s because, in spite of increased dimensions and equipment, all that previously mentioned high strength steel allowed the weight of the body to be reduced and the overall heft held about even with the old model.
Acceleration feels adequate for the type of vehicle this is, but it certainly won’t be confused with some of the more sporting crossovers like Audi Q7 TDI 4.2. On the other hand, the Pilot is skewed more toward the utility side of the equation and those looking for better performance might want to check out the Acura MDX that shares a platform with the Pilot. Still, even a family-oriented utility vehicle needs to be able stop quickly, and the new 13-inch brake rotors front and rear provide a claimed 11-percent reduction in stopping distance. The stability control on the Pilot also compares favorably with other Hondas we’ve tried. An informal lane change maneuver on a gravel road just off the official test loop showed the stability control to be extremely smooth and effective. The only dynamic issue we found with the Pilot was some torque steer on the front-wheel-drive model.
The test route we drove didn’t provide an opportunity to try out the new hill assist system, so we’ll have to wait for a longer evaluation period to play with it. Hill assist uses a longitudinal accelerometer to detect when the vehicle is on a hill. If you apply the brakes while the Pilot is stopped on an incline and then release the brakes, the traction control system will hold the pressure in the brakes until you hit the gas pedal. As soon as the throttle opens up the brakes are released.
Overall, the 2009 Honda Pilot isn’t likely to set anyone’s heart aflutter. It’s designed for function, i.e. hauling a bunch of people and/or stuff around in relative comfort. For what this vehicle is supposed to be, it seems very capable. It’s smoother, quieter and apparently more fuel efficient than its predecessor, and if you choose the new Touring trim level, equipped to be almost on par with its more expensive Acura sibling, the new Pilot is quite a bargain. If Honda would just take another look at the dashboard materials and the upright face, we’d probably be good to go.
Lexus to launch Luxury Sports Car in 2009
Toyota’s luxury arm Lexus is reportedly developing a new two-seat luxury sports coupe to be launched in 2009 for the Japanese, European, and U.S. markets. Japan’s Nihon Keizai Shimbun said that the coupe will be based on the LF-A concept car which Lexus displayed at the 2005 NAIAS in Detroit. The LF-A concept car has a 5-liter V-10 engine and Formula One racing technology. If launched, the new luxury sports coupe will become the priciest model in Toyota’s vehicle lineup. As customary in Japanese newspapers, the Shimbun did not cite sources. As of press time, Toyota has yet to confirm these reports.
Lexus LF-Xh Concept Car 2009
Lexus is using the high visibility of the Tokyo Motor Show to debut the LF-Xh concept. The SUV could be the next RX, which is the brand’s best-selling model in the U.S. Yes, this is a big deal. Of course, besides the hybrid drivetrain, Lexus isn’t revealing much about this concept
We can tell you that the design language — a fancy term for style — of the LF-Xh falls in line with the company’s other concepts of late. However, we haven’t seen any of those other Lexus concepts yet come to fruition as production cars. But Lexus needs to replace the RX sometime around the end of the decade, so we’d guess this concept is a stab at a replacement. What do you think? Check out the photos below and tell us if this is a step in the right direction for Lexus.
The styling appears to be considerably more chiseled and chunky than the current Lexus RX 350, with sharp creases along the sides and a more aggressive face with narrow headlights. The LF-Xh concept has a 112-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 189 inches. It’s also 75 inches wide and 65 inches high. In comparison, the 2008 Lexus RX 350 has a 106.9-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 186.2 inches. It is 72.6 inches wide and 66.1 inches high. The RX 350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 270 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
There are concepts ahead of their time, and there are concepts appearing after production designs are done. This hybrid SUV looks like a teaser to prepare buyers for a more angular and expressive RX. If Lexus holds to its usual cycle, a replacement RX will appear in a little more than year as a 2009 model. Lexus is saying only that this is a concept SUV that uses the L-finesse design philosophy that appeared when customers thought the original batch of Lexi too bland -successful as they were.
However “bland” the original RX concept was when it appeared at the Chicago Auto Show in 1997, the production RX300 SUV that appeared in 1998 propelled Lexus to record sales and created the crossover SUV formula ultimately adopted by all makers. The RX quickly became the best seller of the line, car or truck, and with more than 100,000 sales a year it still is. The RX firmly established Lexus as the luxury sales leadership in the U.S. for the past seven years. Even with some pricing pressure from all the competitors, the $40,000 RX remains a leader.
It’s no wonder that the concept is almost identical in dimensions to the existing RX400h and RX350 models. The sharply creased LF has even a larger more exaggerated grille, and more pronounced front fenders and wheel wells than currently offered (length 189.0 inches, width 74.6 in., height 65.0 in., wheelbase 112.2 in.). A five-inch stretch in wheelbase out to the corners might indicate that some vestigial third row seat could be added, but it’s not clear from the interior photo. The huge wheels, cameras instead of exterior mirrors, and lack of door handles or a roof rack are typical show-car tricks that rarely survive in production.
Technical details are scarce at this time. The all-wheel-drive vehicle has a V-6 gasoline engine and ” Lexus Hybrid Drive ” just like the existing car. It’s also expected Toyota will continue to use NiCad batteries as it has since the original Prius appeared a decade ago. Toyota has been extremely skeptical about the near term prospects for the use of lithium-ion batteries in hybrids, that General Motors is betting on for its Volt hybrid. No need to change the winning formula?
GM’s Upcoming Full-Size Pickups Arguably
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The 2007 Chevy Silverado LTZ 4×4 extended cab |
General Motors is introducing its next-generation full size pickup trucks, the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, two trucks that could help lead the General out of its financial doldrums.
GM says the trucks have been redesigned from top to bottom: They have new exterior and interior designs, new engines and new chassis.
The Silverado and Sierra are offered with three cab styles, three cargo box lengths and several suspensions setups. GM hopes the range gives customers more choice when trying to suit their needs, particularly with the heavy duty models.
The Silverado and Sierra light-duty models will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2006. Sierra Denali and Silverado and Sierra heavy duty models will be available in the first quarter of 2007. The heavy duty trucks offer more powerful gas and diesel engines.
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The new pickups are sleeker and more aerodynamic, including a 57-degree windshield angle designed to reduce wind noise and improve fuel economy. Tolerances between panels are greatly reduced - including a 50-percent reduction in the space between the cab and cargo box.
In addition to the trucks’ three cab designs (regular, extended and crew cab), there are three cargo box lengths, including short (5 foot 8 inches), standard (6 foot 6 inches) and long (8 foot). The pickup boxes have been redesigned with enhanced versatility, increased strength and greater capacity. A one-piece wheelhouse and inner box side adds strength and smoother, more integrated appearance. The boxes are 1.18 inches (30 mm) deeper in the front and 1.57 inches (40 mm) deeper at the rear, with stronger inner walls that offer improved performance when fitted with ladder racks, tool boxes and other accessories. New tailgate designs include locks and torque-rod assist for easier operation. A standard end cap on each tailgate features an integrated spoiler lip that enhances aerodynamics.
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A new cargo-management system is also available: Three rails that run the length of the box sides and the forward box wall are secured with high-strength anchors and, unlike competitors’ systems, incorporate upper and lower tracks. Four adjustable tie-down brackets are included with each system and can be located anywhere on the tracks, each rated for a load point of 500 pounds.
The interiors are designed to be quieter and more spacious and refined. Legroom, headroom and hip room have increased. The recline angle and fore/aft travel of the front seat has been increased and power adjustable pedals are available.
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The fourth generation of the legendary small-block is the power behind GM’s all-new full-size trucks. Horsepower is up, torque is up, and the pickups will have Active Fuel Management (AFM) and variable valve timing (VVT). A FlexFuel engine is available. GM says highway fuel economy for models equipped with the 5.3L V8 now are estimated at more than 20 mpg for both 2WD and 4WD models. Engines range in size from the 4.3-liter, 195 hp V6, to the 6.0-liter, 367 hp V8.
2010 Lincoln MKT Concept Car
Lincoln MKT Concept
Responsible luxury: The Lincoln MKT concept reaches a new level of responsible luxury with the use of more environmentally friendly materials that offer a premium look and feel.
DETROIT, Jan. 14, 2008 – Lincoln today pulls the wraps off a new premium utility concept vehicle – unsurpassed in its balance of spaciousness, comfort and fuel efficiency – that shows customers a new way to tour in style.
The Lincoln MKT concept features a 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine with turbocharging and direct injection that produces the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. EcoBoost – combined with advanced transmissions, electric power steering, weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements – is a key part of Ford Motor Company’s vehicle sustainability strategy.
The company is introducing EcoBoost engines that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America within the next five years. Ford will first introduce EcoBoost in the Lincoln MKS next year. The luxury sedan will feature a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6, delivering an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque on regular gas.
“EcoBoost engines can deliver better fuel economy and performance on a full range of vehicles, from small cars to large trucks,” said Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “The Lincoln MKT concept offers the comfort of a luxury sedan, the spaciousness and flexibility of a full-size utility and the performance of a sporty roadster – executed with new technologies and materials that make it as environmentally friendly as it is elegant.
“The Lincoln MKT concept is understated but powerful – inside, outside and under the hood.”
Premium Efficiency
The Lincoln MKT concept features an EcoBoost engine that’s flex-fuel capable, providing the driver with the flexibility to switch back and forth between premium gasoline and E85 ethanol-gas blend. Burning these high-octane fuels, the MKT concept’s V-6 engine delivers 415 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque – an impressive 118 horsepower per liter.
The concept’s engine is mated to a six-speed transmission for greater fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency also is helped by weight-saving, eco-friendly “upcycled” materials from SABIC Innovative Plastics.
Two upcycled plastic materials, Valox iQ and Xenoy iQ, were used in making the Lincoln MKT body panels, energy absorbers, wire bundles andglazing. The resins are made from discarded soft-drink bottles and other polyester waste, keeping them out of landfills, reducing energy consumption and shrinking the vehicle’s overall carbon footprint.
Some applications of the resin help the vehicle resist heat and chemicals and also improve overall noise and vibration.
Spacious Elegance
Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate the Lincoln MKT concept’s spaciousness – right down to the seats that mirror those found in first-class aircraft cabins. Four executive-sized chairs offer comfort and unprecedented leg room. As an added pleasure, second-row heated and cooled thigh supports deploy from under the seats, while footrests deploy rearward from the front seats, allowing passengers to fully recline.
“We envisioned this concept as a modern grand tourer, really a Learjet of the road,” said Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, The Americas. “With the Lincoln MKT concept, you find a premium utility that could as easily accommodate a businessperson slipping into the back seat on the way to his or her next meeting in the chaos of Manhattan as a family packed up for a weekend getaway to the coast.”
The vehicle’s symmetrical interior design divides the cabin thoughtfully, providing all four passengers equal access to the vehicle’s appointments.
Through the use of soothing tone-on-colors, eco-friendly materials, ambient lighting and flexible storage, the MKT concept offers customers a unique combination of serenity and connectivity.
Environmentally friendly details include the plush, hand-knotted rug made from banana silk that covers the floor and complements the contrasting Creamy Pearl chromium-free leather seats.
Elsewhere in the interior, chrome accents – including a one-piece sculpted door handle featuring a baroque-influenced graphic – mirror the elegant lines on the concept’s exterior.
For the center stack, designers invented and patented a solid-state lighting technology that allows them to project onto a contoured surface in 3-D. Until now, all projection was limited to flat surfaces with square or rectangular boundaries like a flat-screen television.This new technology allowed designers to use non-traditional shapes and spaces for information displays as well as unique storage spaces in the center stack.
The expansive instrument panel and twin-level center console, finished in a reconstituted oak veneer, houses an assortment of technologies, including an instrument cluster inspired by Swarovski crystals. It uses Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) strategically positioned so light appears to emanate from the center of three circular dials and radiate to the outer edge of the dials.
Lexus LF-A Concept Car
Lexus today unveiled the IS-F luxury sedan at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The all-new 2008 IS-F will target the BMW M3 and Audi RS4, delivering more than 400 horsepower and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque from a 5.0-liter V8 engine. It will eventually be offered as a two-door coupe, as well.In concept form, the LF-A measured 5 inches shorter in length than a Porsche 911, yet had a wheelbase that was 9 inches longer. It’s low, too, with a roof that comes in an inch and a half lower than the Mercedes-Benz SLR. The exaggerated proportions not only emphasize its performance intent, they serve as yet another iteration of a new styling direction that Lexus calls L-Finesse.
At the unveiling of the concept, Chief Operating Officer of Toyota Motor Sales Jim Press noted the LF-A’s close connection to Toyota’s Formula One program. “Theoretically developed to run in tandem with our efforts in Formula One, the LF-A would probably feature a power and drivetrain system strongly influenced by what’s being used in competition at the time.”
In plain English, that means we should expect a V10 engine, a spec that puts the LF-A in the same league as other notable exotics like the Lamborghini Gallardo and Porsche Carrera GT. Unlike Toyota’s Formula One powerplant, however, the LF-A’s V10 is expected to displace roughly 5 liters and generate around 500 horsepower. Toyota officials also boasted that a top speed of 200 mph was well within the LF-A’s reach.
Luxury Car
Well will you determine what you want to spend. Luxury cars start at about $30,000, and prices can go into your pocket.
Best Used Luxury Cars

Saturday, June 5, 2010
Charitable Shelby 427 GT500 Super Snake
Carroll Shelby and fund of the help to children through online auction eBay sell exclusive Shelby 427 GT500 Super Snake 2009 modelling years.
Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu
At competition of elegant cars in Pebble Beach Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has shown some magnificent cars, including, and unique Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu.
On the Auctions it is Exposed Mustang 1985
The Air Forces of the USA have created absolutely unique two cars
For experiment took one of the most popular cars among youth — Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang.
Ford Mustang have altered even more considerably.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
2010 Honda Hybrid
Spy shots of the 2010 Honda Hybrid may have Toyota looking over its shoulder.
Road & Track’s team of spy photographers caught the next-generation Honda hybrid in the scorching deserts of the Southwest performing hot-weather testing. You can immediately tell from the car’s profile that Honda’s new “green” car is going straight after the Toyota Prius. Although the car is heavily camouflaged, you can see the basic overall design that mimics Toyota’s popular hybrid and is heavily influenced by the shape of the company’s FCX Clarity fuel-cell concept that appeared at the last Tokyo Motor Show.
We’re not sure yet on the gasoline part of the equation; it could be the company’s lean-burning 1.3-liter inline-4 (in the current Civic Hybrid) or something even leaner. The expectation is class-leading fuel economy, no doubt way north of 40 mpg. Look for the new Honda Hybrid to arrive at dealerships here in the Greater Toronto Area in late 2009.