Company Car Tax Explained

When you earn more than £8500 per year and have been supplied with a company car, you will be liable to pay car tax, or as it is often referred to, benefit-in-kind tax. This is due to your company car being seen as an additional benefit outside of your work and on top of your annual income. The amount of company car tax you are entitled to pay can vary and is determined by the following:

• The list price of your company car and any accessories that are fitted within it.

• The amount of Carbon Emissions (CO2) that are produced.

• The type of fuel the car uses whether it is diesel or petrol operated.

• The highest level of income tax that you pay, 20% or 40%

As a rule of thumb, the higher the carbon emissions, list price or income tax that you are paying, the higher your company car tax bill will be. So driving a low-emission, cheaper car will be more tax efficient that a more expensive, less economical car. The most important factors to watch are the list price and carbon emissions; these directly affect the overall amount of car tax that you will be liable to pay. The calculated amount is then added to your earnings as a cash value, which is then taxed as part of your overall income. Depending on your annual level of income, some of this will be taxed at 20%, or at the higher 40% rate.

There are ways that you can accurately judge just how much tax you will be entitled to pay each year. One of the most popular methods is by using a car tax calculator. Many car dealers will have this feature built into their website, to be used to calculate exactly how much tax you can expect to pay for certain car models. These features are extremely easy to use and give accurate judgments. A car tax calculator works by taking into account the car model (list price) and fuel type (carbon emissions), using this information the calculator then determines how much tax you will be entitled to pay, either monthly, or annually depending on your payment plan.

By taking into account the tax you will be liable to pay, a company car can be an extremely rewarding benefit of your employment. This will provide you with flexibility and security within a busy and ever changing economy.

Car Transport Companies

Car transport companies are a service you can use for a variety of reasons. This can take some of the stress out of moving your car.

There are times in life when you need to move your car a long distance. If you do not have the time, this can be an impossible task. Hiring a company to do this for you will prevent miles from racking up on your car during this move.

It can be very stressful trying to figure out how you will transport a car on your own and then how you will make it back to your original location. This can cost a considerable amount of money. Some cars may not be in the best shape and moving it this far can be very bad for the car.

If your car needs extensive repairs you might not be able to drive it a long distance and using a transportation service is a great alternative. You will be able to know that the car is not being used and this can help it to arrive in the new location in the same shape that it left in.

Many people sell a car with the mileage listed. You will want to make sure that you put as few miles on the car as possible after the sale ahs taken place. Mileage can add up very quickly and a transportation service will prevent this.

If you want a car delivered to your home this will require some special planning. A company that offers door to door service can be a major advantage. You might work with a company that has a drop off point. You will need to make arrangements to get your car picked up if you meet at a drop off point.

If you choose to get your car to your home it can be a major advantage. You will not have to make any arrangements to pick up the car and this might not be something that you have the time for. When your car is delivered to your home it can relieve stress and help you to move on with your life more quickly.

Car transport companies can help you in a variety of situations. The main goal is to ensure that the car arrives safely and that you can trust the company you choose to work with. This will make a big difference in the results you experience and you might choose this company to work with again in the future.

Car Maintenance Packages

Be it a single car or a fleet, to ensure that the full potential of the vehicle is used, proper maintenance is necessary. This includes routine monthly checks, followed by specific tests at periodic intervals and quick diagnosis of any problems that the car might face. While individual repairs are an option, it is better to opt for an entire package as they are more economical and cover a wider range of maintenance arenas. Typically, car maintenance or servicing include replacement of oils in the engine, primarily coolant and the like, followed by the Ministry of Transport's (MOT) test for car safety and engine test under stress. In addition, regular upkeep comprises wheel alignment for optimum handling and mileage and replenishment of air conditioner gas. Interior servicing is also an integral part as comfort of the passenger is the most important aspect of any car.

When you buy a new car, it is bound to run smoothly for a while. The first time it is serviced, if you don't have a package deal, there is a chance that you will be slapped with a huge bill. It is possible that this will be repeated. Maintenance packages help economize by spreading the cost over a year, and the average plan that includes all the important areas of servicing will cost an average of £60/month, a small price to pay for saving a lot in the future. In addition, with a package, you will not have to bear the burden of picking up and dropping off the car in every dealership by yourself. This is even more useful if you are managing a fleet! Imagine overseeing the maintenance of several hundred cars! With periodic maintenance, there is no chance of having huge bills at one go. Instead, the cost is evenly balanced out over a large period of time. Moreover, with servicing at proper intervals, the car performs better and has fewer emissions, thereby reducing the environmental impact too.

The basic coverage of a maintenance plan is the recommended maintenance by the manufacturer and this is taken care of according to the prescribed schedule. This usually includes checking the essentials like air and fuel filters and the electrical fitting and replacing them if necessary. In addition, brake linings, pads and discs are also checked. Moreover, cam belt is replaced in accordance with manufacturer schedule. However, normal wear and tear is taken care of. It is evident if the damage is due to irresponsible driving and this isn't taken care of. Wheel alignment and tyre replacement is handled too. In case of tyres, setting is done according to the specific manufacturer.

Cars, as old as 1 year are taken into servicing and the contract is valid for three years. There is a stipulation that the vehicle needs to run a minimum of 20,000 miles every year. Other plans for higher mileage are also available and the pricing is done accordingly. There are comprehensive pricing plans for fleets at a stretch depending on the composition of the fleet. Usually, fleets comprising of the same car are charged much less. Another factor that influences the price of the servicing is the manufacturer. Cars whose spare parts are easily available are charged much less than those that need parts made by a specific manufacturer or the car manufacturer itself. In some cases, manufacturers don't accept spare parts made by other companies.

Overall, it is a great idea to have a maintenance package that takes care of every aspect of car maintenance. Not only does this reduce the trouble on your part, it is much more economical and statistics have shown that cars benefit in the long run too.

California State DMV Sample Test

Taking a driving test can be an intimidating experience, especially if you are applying for a learner's permit and therefore don't have much driving experience to draw on. It is valuable to take a practice permit test before taking the actual test for a variety of reasons, chief among them to calm your nerves and help you feel prepared.

Before your first trip to the DMV in the state of California, you should start observing traffic signs, traffic patterns, and quizzing other drivers for tips and recommended reactions to specific situations. Along with your initial observations, it is helpful to take a practice permit test to see how much knowledge you have naturally absorbed through all your years of traveling in vehicles. Once you have a baseline test, you can start studying the DMV manual and get ready to take the specific California State DMV sample test.

You may want to take multiple practice permit tests as you continue to study and observe traffic laws and trends to make sure you fully comprehend the information you are reading. In the state of California, the DMV sample test is a good place to start because it allows you to practice questions specific to California state law rather than topics that are all general in nature.

California law requires applicants to be 15 and a half years of age before testing for a driving permit; this permit will allow you to drive with a qualified adult in the car until you are at least 17 and a half, at which time you can apply for a full California driver's license. Taking a series of practice permit tests will ensure that you are not only capable of passing the permit test the first time but more importantly will ensure that you actually know the traffic laws, signs, and regulations before getting behind the wheel of a car. After all, it is more important that you are a safe driver than that you passed a test.

Adults over the age of 18 who have recently moved to California or do not currently hold a driver's license in a U.S. state will have to take a written or computerized test concerning specific California traffic laws and regulations. The California DMV sample test is an invaluable tool to those individuals who have little or no driving experience. It is recommended that even adults with ample driving experience take at least one California DMV sample test to be sure that they are aware of the traffic laws and signs that may be unique to California or that they have simply forgotten since the last time they were forced to recall traffic laws.

British Number Plates

Car number plates have been a feature of British motoring since 1903 when the first ever vehicle registration number was issued. This car number plate was A 1 issued in London. At this time it was the role of councils to issue vehicle registration numbers the alpha characters were used to represent the issuing office, the numerical characters 0-9 being the random component.

The vehicle registration index in England, Wales and Scotland excluded the I & Z's characters. The I & Z characters were used in Northern Ireland who had their own unique system for car registration numbers. G, S & V and their double letter combination characters were originally to be used exclusively for Scotland. This had to be abandoned due to increased demand although I and Z were only used in Ireland.

Dateless Number Plates

The term dateless referrers to registrations that have no age indicator. The earlier car registration numbers were all dateless. There are still thousands of dateless registration numbers on the road today in the United Kingdom. These however are now private number plates. They are a great way for there owners to make a statement about themselves and their personality. Some dateless registrations are used to display the owners initials others reflect a name, hobby, football team, company, qualification, children, grand children or whatever is personal to the owner.

Suffix Number Plates.

The dateless registration number was limited to the amount of possible combinations could be issued. As popularity of the motor vehicle increased the DVLA had to come up with a new scheme to accommodate the volume of new vehicles being registered. Hence the suffix registration was born in 1963. The Format of the registration was three letters excluding I,Q & Z, this represented the issued office. Followed by three numerical characters 0-9, this was the random part or the registration number. The final component was the Suffix character, a single alpha character to represent the first year the vehicle was registered. Each year a new suffix letter was issued reflecting vehicles first registered. This worked really well for many years with motorists seeing who could be first to get a new vehicle on August the 1st, the first day of the registration year. Today private number plates in the suffix style are increasing in popularity.

Prefix Number Plates

By 1983 the Suffix registration number system was exhausted and the DVLA yet again have to rethink the vehicle indexing system. Having had this problem previously they were well equipped with what to do.

As with dateless numbers when the need to increase the available numbers they had reversed them. Essentially that is what happened to suffix DVLA number plates, introducing the prefix car registration numbers. The first Character was an alpha character, representing the vehicle age. Followed by three numbers, 0-9, this was the random component in the vehicle registration number. Then the alpha block, three letters excluding I,Q & Z that reflected the registering office.

The motor trade were delighted in August when there sales rocketed as motorists rushed to get a new registered car, for 12 months everyone would know that had a brand new car quiet a status symbol.

The problem for them was this huge peak in their selling calendar and for years the motor traded lobbied for a change. In 2001 they got their way and since then there has been two registration number changes a year March 1st & September 1st.

Bring These Items On Your Next Road Trip

The nation is in a recession right now and even though money is tight, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice going on vacation. One of the most affordable and fun ways to explore the country is by going on a long road trip. Perhaps you want to explore around your home town or perhaps tour several states if you are brave enough. Either way, it's a great opportunity to get away from home and enjoy some new scenery. One of the ultimate roads to take if you are planning a driving trip is California's Highway 1, better known as PCH. This gorgeous and picturesque road includes stops in San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. Below are a few items to bring along on your trip.

Don't forget to get gas before you start on your adventure. You don't want to start on your road trip and have to pull over shortly after because you need to fill up again. Making sure your tank is full will ensure that you won't have to worry about gas for a long time. Don't forget to bring along a cell phone. A phone allows you to make phone calls in case of an emergency and stay in contact with friends and family.

Burn a bunch of CD's to bring a long; it's even better if your car is compatible with a mp3 music player. Driving can be so much more enjoyable and relaxing if you've got some music to listen to. Another essential item is a GPS system. Newer cars tend to come with a built-in navigation system but if you don't have one, you can purchase a portable one from Garmin or TomTom. These devices can conveniently be mounted on the windshield for easy viewing. A GPS can be extremely helpful if you're lost and need help getting back on track again.

Don't forget to pack along snacks and drinks. Great snacks for long drives include fruit, beef jerkey, nuts and chips. If you don't want to eat junk food you can bring along a cooler and pack some veggies and fruits. Bottled water is great to bring along in case you get thirsty.

If you are going to be seeing a lot of sights you might want to bring a camera along. Or perhaps you might want to bring along a journal in order to record your thoughts and experiences. It's a good idea to bring along some cold hard cash along with a credit or debit case in case the card doesn't work for some reason. Cash can come in great handy in case you need to get a taxi or fill up on gas. Plus if you are traveling a remote area it might be difficult to locate an ATM machine.

Boost Your Mustang 4.6 3v to an Impressive 466hp

I've been selling hardcore automotive racing engine parts for years. Dealing with professional engine builders, speed shops and individuals. Building a high horsepower engine is complicated, grueling, and sometimes catastrophic. A lot of people think there is nothing to it, but they're wrong.

Now there is a new wave of horsepower making that is sweeping the automotive aftermarket. It's called POWER ADDERS. Turbos, blowers, superchargers and nitrous; they all do basically the same thing: add more horsepower. The problem is that until now you could only purchase the components separately and then try to configure a way to put them all together. A lot of guess work. Very intimidating. But now there is the Edelbrock E-Force Supercharger System. A complete, all inclusive kit that contains everything needed for a professional, clean, install at home.

Late model Mustang owners now have the ability to increase the horsepower and torque of their factory 4.6 3v equipped vehicles to a whopping 466 horsepower without rebuilding the engine using expensive crankshafts, connecting rods, and pistons and adding the cost of machine work, assembly labor and finally tuning.

Make horsepower the easy way! Bolt It On! Edelbrock's new E-Force Supercharger System for the 2005-09 Ford Mustang 4.6L. Edelbrock has taken the guesswork out of super powering your street driven Pony with their next generation E-Force all-inclusive supercharger kit. This kit provides instant, reliable and safe horsepower for your stock 4.6 with low boost for minimum stress on the engine.

The heart of the Edelbrock system is the all new Eaton Gen VI TVS® Supercharger rotating assembly. This assembly features a four lobe design with 160° of twist for quiet operation and minimum temperature rise while pushing maximum flow for excellent driveability. Edelbrock utilizes an integral supercharger intake manifold for a seamless design with minimal components to eliminate the possibility of vacuum leaks between surfaces. Longer intake runners provide maximum low end torque and an integrated bypass valve helps eliminate loss of power under light throttle for improved mileage potential.

The kit incorporates a specially engineered 85mm electronic throttle body and comes with all the necessary components to complete the install, including a 110 square inch high capacity air to water intercooler and dual core low temp heat exchanger with recovery tank and water pump. All the belts, pulleys, hoses, fuel injectors, rails, engine covers, air filter, electrical harness and a handheld calibration module with all the tunes.

It can't get any easier. Edelbrock has taken all the guess work out of making your stock 4.6 Mustang a real Street Powerhouse.

Be Curious When It Comes To Shipping Your Vehicle

Many of us can remember or relate to the famous investigative monkey Curious George. Although many of his exploits landed him in difficult situations, a lot can be learned from his willingness to seek out answers and understandings to the concepts and obstacles he faced. Like George many academic teachers have long encouraged inquisitiveness. Statements like, "there is no such thing as a bad question" or "an unasked question never gets answered", are often common threads to a successful classroom and working environment. Very similar to school, the auto shipping process is another area of life where asking questions is an essential part of the proceedings.

Your vehicle and its fate is on the line when you must put it in the hands of a stranger. To understand the auto shipping industry and its processes, you must gather the requisite knowledge to ensure a happy result for you and your auto. Auto transport is a complicated industry so let's begin with the basics and escalate from there.

Probably the first question to ask is about the container your car will be shipped within or on top of. The differences are vast between closed and open container shipping and must be addressed in terms of categories like security and pricing. You must not only determine the price but what that amount covers. Not all price quotes will cover the type of container offered, insurance, door-to-door shipping, and direct or expedited routing.

Along with cost questions should come cancellation fee and policy examination. Delving in depth with the auto shipping provider in regards to the terms and conditions of pricing and service is never a negative. Other simple questions to ask may be about the amount of time it will take to complete the shipping, what are the guarantees of the delivery organization, and if the company represents itself entirely or brokers the work out to third parties. Extra general questions to be aware of include cross-examining scheduling parameters, pickup and drop off locations and the rules of object inclusion inside the vehicle. Once the standard prodding is out of the way there still may be a few more investigations we should be making.

If your car has special needs and/or if it going outside of domestic boundaries, shipment knowledge definitely becomes even more of a priority. For example, even though Hawaii is certainly a part of the United States, there are distinctive conditions that apply to this particular state, and you need to find out what they are. In international shipments, you will need to inquire about customs clearing, local laws and the current idiosyncratic rules and regulations of the particular country of destination. If your vehicle is rare, vintage, classic or oversized, special handling is required. Ask the shipper how they handle such vehicles.

You need to know about damage reporting also. This entails understanding how inspection sheets work, drivers licenses, and how signature reconciliations are coordinated to avoid surprises. You need to be aware of how the shipper handles emergency situations and the historical background of the shipper in that respect and many others to be sure that you are dealing with a shipper who cares about customer satisfaction. There are no dumb questions to ask when finding yourself in unfamiliar territory. If you are dealing with a shipper who is impatient by the many questions you ask, go find yourself another shipper. This one is not interested in customer service and satisfaction.

The automobile shipping industry is a mystery to just about everyone that doesn't deal with it on an everyday basis. Questions about how much gas to leave in the tank, will the car be driven by someone else at any time and does the vehicle have to be in operating condition to ship are not dumb. As a matter of fact, questioning any phase of the process that you do not understand until you do understand it in detail is the wise way to go. Once again, you do not want to encounter any surprises when shipping something so important as your major means of transportation.

Automotive News

Automobile manufacturers all over the world constantly maintain positive sale performances this year regardless of rising oil prices. Not even the horrible earthquake in Japan which happened earlier this year could slow down the pace of the automotive industry. People's interest on this subject is very high. On the other hand, the industry is ever changing. Many car owners and enthusiasts feel the need to keep up with the latest automotive trends such as new car launches, events, car modification tips, technical guides and race reviews. There is where automotive news comes in.

Besides car aficionados, mechanics and workshop owners can also benefit from the latest automotive news. Vehicles and machines are constantly evolving. More recent models may have newer technologies and more sophisticated features or parts. As mechanics always deal with machines, they need to upgrade their knowledge from time to time, to keep up with the changing trends. They can get the latest updates from automotive news or from attending car exhibitions or motor shows.

Besides going to exhibitions, people can also get the latest information from automotive magazines. There are still many people today who buy physical copies of magazines to add to their collection. With the advancement of technology, the internet has changed the way we live. The internet gives us unlimited access to any kind of information. Now it is possible to get the latest news about the automotive industry online. People can access them anywhere, anytime, and free of charge.

Car reviews and car launch dates are two topics that are often searched by car enthusiasts online. We can also find many online automotive magazines that provide the latest news, trends and tips on the web as well. People can easily access information on new car launches, car modifications, as well as car parts and accessories.

There are thousands of weblogs on the internet that also provide free, comprehensive automotive news. Each of them contains different types of information. Well-established blogs usually provides in-depth news and reviews. Today, potential car buyers can check reviews available on these online journals before deciding on a car to buy.

Automotive forums have become a communication media between aficionados. There, people can post articles, open discussions and interact with other members. Car mechanics are encouraged to use online forums, so that they can get the latest scoop and share their technical know-how as well as experiences to others.

Automobile Warranty

When selecting a new auto it is very important to have a look at the automobile guaranty that it incorporates. It can be hard to contemplate the day your new automobile will need repair, but that day will finally come. Since you've paid real money for your auto and depend on it to get you around daily it is important that you can afford the repairs when they occur. A car warranty is a great choice to help in the reduction of the cost of repairs and bring peace of mind you're covered. Often times an auto guaranty is for a number of years or a certain mileage whichever comes first.

One thing to focus on in a vehicle warranty is what it covers. Some new automobile guaranties only cover the most obscure repairs but fail to supply help for common repairs that will very likely happen. Do not be besieged into assuming you are covered completely by the word guaranty. If you happen to feel uncomfortable reading the warranty yourself ask a trustworthy friend or family member to help you decipher what's and is not covered. The last thing you need is to think you are covered only to find out you are not when the repair bill arrives.

The second thing to take a look at when thinking about an automobile warranty is the length of the warranty. It's not uncommon for vehicle guaranties to last a number of years or until an automobile reaches a certain mileage which ever comes first. It's important to grasp that once your auto reaches that age or mileage you are not covered by the warranty. If considering two vehicles, with identical coverage guaranties but one in longer, always select the lengthier guaranty.

The small print of a warranty are truly what it is all about. If you sell the auto is the guaranty transferable? Are you required to get regular maintenance such as oil changes and tire revolutions at a dealer only? These things can make it tough to keep your warranty valid so be certain that you know the T&Cs of the warranty before purchasing the car.

Having an auto warranty brings a peace of mind that if a fix is required the cost will be reduced or fully covered. Buying a new automobile can make repairs appear pointless but finally something will happen and even a minor fix can be expensive. Make sure that you are privy to the restrictions and coverage of your automobile warranty before you purchase the automobile. By understanding the coverage and length of the warranty as well as any limitations you'll make certain you are covered when it counts the most.

An Overview Of Taxicabs

Taxicabs are cars or other vehicles that people can hire. Their role is to transport people to the destination they desire. Taxicabs are divided into main two categories, namely the street taxicabs, and the private taxicabs.

Drivers of street taxicabs are required to wear a special type of uniform. Street taxicabs are also colored in specific colors in order to differentiate them from other vehicles on the road. A special license is necessary for operating a vehicle as a street taxicab. Such licensing is not essential in case of private vehicles that are being offered for hire.

The primary difference between street taxis and private taxis is that street taxis can be hired on the spot, whereas prior notice is required for booking private taxicabs. There are fixed rates applicable for hiring private taxicabs, so the charges are applicable for the entire day. The rates may, however, be defined as vehicle hire charges, driver's charges, and fuel charges.

Unlike the private taxicabs, street taxicabs or taxis as they are normally known, have meters. The passengers have to pay the fare according to this meter. The charges that this meter exhibits often include all the three charges, namely, driver's charges, fuel charges, and vehicle hire charges. These charges are uniform for all operators and are fixed either by the state transport authorities or by the taxi operators' guild.

The meter is given when the license to operate the vehicle as a street taxi is obtained from the relevant authorities. Such meters show the charges that may be collected by any street taxicab. Often, more than one passenger shares the same street taxicab at any one time. By sharing such taxicabs, passengers are able to bring down their conveyance charges.

In many countries the public transport system is such that taxicabs are essential. This happens because buses are not allowed to operate on interior roads, or there is simply too much distance between one bus stop and another bus stop. Time is another factor that influences people to opt for street taxicabs. People traveling from one city to another also use taxicabs for more convenient transport of luggage, as carrying the luggage to public bus stops and loading it on a bus is quite troublesome. Moreover there are limits on dimensions and weights for the luggage that is allowed in public transport buses. Furthermore, with taxicabs people can reach as close as possible to the place where they would like to unload the heavy baggage that they have brought with them rather than being restrained to the spot where the nearest bus stop is located.

Traveling to a new place invariably means opting for taxicabs. This is because it is difficult to know where the convenient public bus stop is. While people do have road maps to go by, taxicabs are a better choice as the possibility of getting lost in a new location comes down considerably. Moreover, the taxi cab driver can offer some information and details about the area while driving by.

However, caution needs to be exercised when hiring a taxicab. It is always better to note down the cab's number. This is because luggage may be left accidentally in the taxicab. In such case, the cab driver would find it difficult trace down the passenger, but the passenger can always trace the cab driver through licensing authorities. It also helps in finding any errant taxi drivers.

2012 Volkswagen CC Overview

The new CC shares it's, platform, dashboard design, and engines with the previous generation Passat, which helps to set itself apart from your average midsize sedan on the market this year. Performance is great and the sleek styling design makes it nice to look at also. The only drawbacks for some may be the limited space in the back seats and that it only has seating for four passengers.

The 2012 Volkswagen CC is available in six trim levels. Below is a breakdown of equipment and specifications.

2.0T Sport- Comes standard with cruise control, 17 inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, automatic climate control, premium vinyl "leatherette" interior, heated eight way power seats with lumbar support, Bluetooth, automatic headlights, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, eight speaker sound system with touch screen interface, iPod interface, HD radio, satellite radio, and an auxiliary audio jack. The 2012 2.0T Sport only comes in front wheel drive and is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound feet of torque.

A six speed manual transmission is standard equipment, while a six speed dual clutch automated manual is optional. Fuel economy is estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the automatic transmission. The manual drops the city mpg number to 21. Consult manufacturer's auto brochure for exact fuel ratings. Standard Safety equipment includes stability control, traction control, ABS brakes with brake assist, hill hold assist, front seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2012 VW CC its top rating of "Good" for side impacts, and frontal offset crash tests.

R Line- Adds a special front bumper, fog lamps, 18 inch wheels, dark taillights, and a side-sill design. All other engine, transmission and standard safety equipment remain the same.

Lux- Adds different 18 inch wheels, brushed aluminum interior trim, dual zone automatic climate control, heated washer nozzles, fog lamps, and a navigation system while deleting the HD Radio. The six speed dual clutch automated manual transmission is standard. All engine and standard safety equipment remain the same.

Lux Plus-Adds a rearview camera, panoramic sunroof, HD Radio, mood lighting, digital music storage, wood trim, and an upgraded navigation system. The six speed dual clutch automated manual transmission is standard. All other engine and standard safety equipment remain the same.

Lux Limited- Adds adaptive xenon headlights, and different 18 inch wheels. All other engine, transmission, and standard safety equipment remain the same.

VR6 4Motion- Adds to the Lux Limited package a 3.6 liter V6 that delivers 280 horsepower and 265 pound feet of torque. A conventional six speed automatic transmission is standard. Also added are AWD, parking sensors, power rear sunshade, headlamp washers, driver memory functions, 10 speaker Dynaudio stereo, steering wheel shifter paddles, and leather interior. All other standard safety equipment remains the same.

2011 FPV GT P335 KW Review

Today I tested a car that I have wanted to drive since word of its release, that being the FPV (Ford Performance Vehicles) GT-P 335. Powered by the new supercharged Coyote 5.0 litre V8 engine, the GT-P produces 335kW of power at 5,750 rpm and 570Nm of torque at 2,200-5,500 rpm.

From the moment you press the red start button there is a subtle burble from the supercharged V8 that almost seems to disappear and become barely noticeable on the inside. All that changes somewhat when you step on the power pedal. Suddenly the exhaust comes to life with a ferocious growl and the whistle from the supercharger was like sweet music to my ears. You get a shiver up your spine as the traction control tries its best to deliver all 335kW and 570Nm of torque to the roads surface.

Once the wheel spin stops and you glance down at the speedometer you soon realize just how fast the GT-P accelerates, in just a few of seconds you have already past the speed limit and it's time to test those massive Brembo brakes to slow you down so you can keep your license. Handling is quite good but when you consider the amount of power you have and the way it gets delivered, it's almost hard to control sometimes and easily steps out of line if you push it hard.

From the outside the GT-P looks great with the bold body kit and the massive bonnet power bulge.GT-P's striking new Boss 335 striping package, unique Silver Chrome front grille and new 19" 5-spoke premium alloy wheels all compliment the exterior wonderfully. The rear of the vehicle also features the new high-flow twin pipe quad outlet exhaust system. This is one car that does get noticed when you are driving around town.

The GT-P I drove had the ZF 6-speed high-torque automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift and it worked really well, never having any problems with finding the correct gear when you put the power down. When I changed to performance mode the changes became much crisper. I had a little play with the GT-P in manual mode and again it worked very well although I'm not a huge fan of this, I just figure if you want to change the gears manually you should buy a manual.

FPV have done an awesome job with the seats. Sliding into them is like putting on a glove. Sitting in the driver's seat is an experience and feeling that one can only enjoy by doing so. They are superb at holding you in place and truly comfortable. High bolstering for your hips and legs is great when cornering at speeds but it makes it a little bit hard to get in and out of the car but it's something you will quickly get used to.

Inside the steering wheel has a nice meaty feel and the controls are in easy reach while driving. I had a small play with the HMI (Human Machine Interface) and I found it also easy to use while driving. The stereo is good while not being outstanding and comes with Bluetooth, I-pod and mp3 compatibility. If you get easily lost then Sat Nav is an extra cost option.

To sum things up the FPV GT-P was a pleasure to drive. Endless amounts of power make it is easy to push around and step it out a bit but one could easily go too far and end up in trouble. While driving the GT-P I never once needed to turn the traction control off and had no problems with it being on constantly, I'm not sure turning it off would be the wisest thing to do on everyday streets. I took some friends along for a ride and there were no complaints from the rear all travelled in comfort. Rated with a 5 star ANCAP Safety Rating makes it great for driving the family around town or going for a long trip as there is plenty of room in the boot.

As for daily driving, the GT-P would be a very comfortable and exciting pleasure but I will warn you it could also be a bit of a handful only from the point of view that it can be so easy to go fast without realizing it. Self control soon cures that but the temptation is always there.

Maintaining Your Car's Mirrors

Your car probably means a lot to you, right? You have most likely invested a great deal of cash (or financing) into your vehicle and try your best to keep it running as perfectly as possible. But ask yourself this: when is the last time you thought about your car's mirrors? As important safety features, your car's mirrors allow you as a driver to connect with the other vehicles on the road and maintain an accurate idea of where other automobiles are. Mirrors keep drivers and their passengers safe, keep the number of accidents lower than they could be, and allow you to confidently share the road with other drivers. This being said, you would probably agree that maintaining the integrity of your car's mirrors is an important aspect of taking care of your car. The truth is, though, most people do not think about their car's mirrors at all.

So, what can you do to fix this issue? To maintain the quality of your mirrors and ensure that when you need to see behind your vehicle you can do so easily and safely? Follow these tips and your mirrors will help you confidently drive from one location to the next:

* Make sure your mirrors are always clean. Though they may seem to be self-cleaning, thanks to rain and other forms of precipitation, you would probably be surprised by how much clearer they can be with just a spray of window cleaner and a quick wipe down. When your mirrors are dirty they can dull the image that you utilize to change lanes, merge into moving traffic, and back out of your driveway—which can lead to accidents. If you want to be sure a lane is clear before merging into it, or be certain that your neighbor's mailbox is a safe distance away before hitting the gas to reverse out of your driveway, you should pay attention to the cleanliness of your mirrors.

* Check periodically to be sure that all of your mirrors are working properly. Regardless of if you have power mirrors or have to roll your window down and push, all side mirrors should be flexible to allow for comfortable use by any driver. Should they stick, fail to move at all, or move too much you should have them looked at by your trusted mechanic.

* Rearview mirrors are a must! Many drivers think that they do not need their rearview mirrors if their side mirrors are properly angled, but this just is not true. Of all of the mirrors in your car the rear view will most likely be the first to cause you trouble, as they often detach from the windshield, but you must make it a point to reattach the mirror as soon as possible. Your local auto repair shop should be able to do the trick.

Keeping your mirrors in shape is something that surely not everyone thinks about, but once you lose one or cannot utilize it properly you will definitely see a difference in how easily you can drive. Missing and malfunctioning mirrors can cause you to lose visibility on the road, so be sure that you maintain them!

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

If you have a spare £1.8m in the bank and you are looking for a new supercar, you will not only be spoilt for choice but the list will be a long one. Although the battle for the top spot is currently firmly held by the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport which is the worlds fastest and most expensive supercar on the road today.

However Lamborghini has its sights on the Bugatti to take the place of the most expensive supercar with its pricey offering the "Lamborghini Sesto Elemento" its name translated meaning the "Sixth Element". Although the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento sells new for around £1.77 million ($2.90m), where the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport sells new for over £1.62 million ($2.5m), where as the standard Bugatti Veyron is a mere snip at £1.45m.

The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento all sounds good on paper, but there is one small problem, it will never be road legal. This is due to the fact that design wise Lamborgini have opted for the Sesto Elemento to be primarily constructed with a carbon fibre body and chassis with many other weight saving and space age materials used in the cars' construction. This is why there is such a weight saving and this is the reason for the bulging price tag. It is reputedly aimed at the super rich as a play toy for track days at racing circuits.

This weight saving is desirable for optimising the power to weight ratio for the car witch translates into faster acceleration, the Sesto Elemento is designed to accelerate from 0-62mph (0-100kph) in under 2.5 seconds which is faster than most road going sports motor bikes. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport still holds its own within the same acceleration speed, but you have to bare in mind the Veyron is carrying over 1,800lbs more than the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento. This is a testament to the Bugatti's remarkable engineering and design, add this to the fact that Veyron will still hold the coveted "fastest road legal car in the world" and it still retains a strong position, it is really just the price that in contention here.

I feel the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento will definitely have a core following and no doubt the exclusively and extremely limited 35 models for sale will sell out very quickly even at this price range. This is mostly about a status symbol and prowess of engineering than anything else. As the Bugatti Veyron gives overall better value (if it's possible to use that term?) because it can be used for both legal daily road driving in every country in the world and if you are rich enough you can also make it into a track car, the choice is yours (if you have the cash to splash).

Xenon Headlight Bulbs

Over the last few years the sales of xenon headlight bulbs has increased quite dramatically. When these types of headlight bulbs first appeared on the market they were specifically designed for use in high-end luxury vehicles, but today most people are choosing to fit them in their own more affordable cars.

The reason that people are choosing to install such lights in their vehicles is down to the fact that they are able to create a much brighter light and so enables drivers to see more clearly on roads when it is dark. You can actually immediately recognize any vehicle today that has been fitted with xenon headlight bulbs as the light they emit is much brighter.

Even though this lighting technology has been around for over 10 years now many people still do not know much about this form of lighting and how it works. So below we offer some information below regarding this form of lighting that you may find useful.

So how do these headlight bulbs work?

They operate by using a high voltage spark which in turn then ignites the xenon gas contained inside the bulb. The spark itself is produced by ballast again contained within the bulb and as a result of this spark being produced then the gas within the bulb can then be activated.

So is it possible for me to switch from halogen bulbs for the headlights in my car to these?

This is one of the most frequent questions people will ask when they are considering installing xenon headlight bulbs in their cars. The answer to this question is yes. In order to change the halogen bulbs in your car for xenon ones you can either purchase an HID conversion kit or you simply buy some xenon bulbs. However, the main disadvantage to purchasing the conversion kit is the cost. These do cost a great deal of money and so if your budget is somewhat limited we would highly recommend that you only purchase the bulbs.

When it comes to purchasing the replacement xenon headlight bulbs for your vehicle make sure that they have the same type of connector as the bulbs you currently have in your vehicle. If you are unsure then it may be advisable to remove one of the current bulbs to see what it is or if you aren't sure how to remove them look through your owner's manual.

Computer Technology Changed The Way Cars Work

Automotive technology is undoubtedly one of the pillars of modern society. It allows us to transport ourselves as well as object quickly, efficiently and safely. The technology involved in cars and their peripherals is constantly changing and evolving to help drivers in many ways. From on-board GPS navigation systems helping drivers with traffic problems to hybrid electric vehicles cutting down on carbon emissions, car technology has made great advances in the past few years and is continuing to do so.

In the past few years, computers have become a more common component in cars and other vehicles alike. Moving from a simple on-board computer that displays car diagnostics, we now have fully-fledged computers integrated into the car which not only tell us valuable information, but help make our day to day lives much easier. Cars equipped with these advanced computers can display things such as current fuel levels, tire pressure, average mileage as well as less technical things such as taking voice activated commands to change the indoor temperature or radio station. These features allow for information to be streamlined to the driver in a manageable way. No longer do people need to worry about learning how to check tire pressure or other fluid levels, now their car can simply tell them exactly what is what.

Voice activation is also another feature that is becoming quite commonplace in the automotive industry. Voice activation is both a convenience as well as a safety feature. Voice activation systems vary from car to car, but most of them usually allow the driver to control simple tasks such as finding a location through GPS navigation or turning up the volume on the radio. Most of these tasks are something that require the driver to use their hands and is often distracting as well as dangerous to do while driving. With the introduction of voice activated systems, drivers can now safely control their music, phone calls, temperature, GPS and more with just their voice. It is features like these which show that the introduction of computer technology to the vehicle industry is helping make things safer.

Another great advancement in vehicles is the inclusion of GPS navigation. Replacing traditional maps and directions, GPS navigation systems give the user exact, pinpoint directions to their desired destination. Modern GPS systems even allow for more advanced features such as re-routing the driver to avoid traffic accidents or backups, tolls, or construction zones. Features like this allow the driver to get to their destination quickly and efficiently. With the advancement in GPS satellite technology, we can now see ourselves on the road with extreme precision. A GPS system can usually tell the driver where they are located to within a square city block of accuracy - most times even to the exact point of location. The introduction of these technologies has helped immensely with preventing traffic and stops. With real time traffic and weather updates, long trips are no longer a gamble in terms of what the driving conditions will be like. We now have access to this information before we even leave and thus allows us to be more prepared and make each trip quick and safe.

The introduction of computer technology in consumer vehicles is nothing new. We have had on-board diagnostic computers telling us our mileage, miles per gallon and miles to engine service for years. But the recent advancement and inclusion of better and smarter technology has helped us not only add more user friendly features, but also has helped make driving safer. From voice activated controls to hands free cell phone calls, we have made our cars safer to drive and to be in. Technology such as hybrid cars have also helped the environment in immense ways and has greatly cut down on carbon emissions from cars. All in all, computer technology in our cars is something that has proven to be very beneficial for all.

Car Mats For Sale

Like most people you probably find it highly annoying when people enter your car with dirty shoes and leave a mess! Thankfully there are various cheap car mats for sale that can deal with the problem and protect the underlying floor of your vehicle.

Car mats are needed to prevent dust and dirt from getting attached to your cars floor which can cause permanent damage if not maintained - using a mat is an efficient way to minimize such damage.

If you're looking to buy a mat for your car it isn't as simple as just going out and buying any old type. There is a little bit of research and thinking involved if you want to ensure you will be pleased with your purchase.

You need to work out what size mats you need, which material is best for your situation and any colors and styles as well! We will now go through all this and more and help you find some quality cheap car mats for sale in the comfort of your own home!

Firstly when it comes to buying car mats you need to buy the correct size. Most mats come in standard sizes depending on the type of vehicle you are driving. For example if you have a sedan you'll want a sedan mat, if you have a 4WD, then you'd want the appropriate type for that kind of vehicle. As long as the mat covers most of the floor area, it will be fine.

When it comes to materials, this is where you have some thinking to do. The main choices include rubber and gel floor mats. Rubber is the most popular choice and come standard in all cars. They are easy to clean, are very sturdy and stick well to the floor which is important and are very inexpensive. For most people, rubber car mats will be suffice and get the job done.

If you are interested in a more unique look however, fancy gel mats are also available. These mats are more for the fashion conscious driver and tend to come in very bright colors such as yellow, blue and pink.

There are certain features to some mats such as those that are anti slip, metallic surface or those that let off a flavored smell to eliminate odor but such offerings are not essential.

If you are looking for some cheap car mats and don't want to break the budget, your best option is to buy them online. Various car accessory sites have a large range of car mats for sale and you'll literally find any style at almost any price point!