August 2, 2007

Choosing your Dream Convertible Car

Filed under: Uncategorized - Administrator @ 6:41 am
BMW 3-Series Convertible - Hamann

I’m personally fascinated with the style of convertibles these days, specifically the BMW 3-Series convertible from Hamann.  Its power is boosted through optimized curved maps.  It is conceptualized with powerful sport aerodynamics and 18 to 20 inches of wheels thus making the vehicle look so sporty and really powerful.  It has a better handling and has powerful gripping brakes.

On its rear, you could obviously see an eye-catching 4-pipe sport muffler, incorporated with matching cutouts for the tailpipes.

The interior has been designed to suite the desires of the customers for pleasurable and luxurious taste.

Convertibles are considered to have the sporty and fun concept - even with the classic Mercedes convertibles that came out in movies.  They look good even without really knowing if every part of it (like the Mercedes Benz distributor cap) contributes to its performance boosted looks.

Anyone could dream of an elegant convertible.  But, in real life, you must take smart steps on buying one.  I’ve tried to search what are the important things to consider.  First thing, you have to determine the price range which is mainly based in your financial status, the availability of resources or your cash on hand.  If you have infinite resources, you have a wide scope of choices - from cheapest unit ranging from about $20,000 to the most expensive that could be ranging over $100,000.  But, most of the popular ones ranges from $35,000 to $80,000.

Then, you may start to choose a make and model of the convertible to want to buy.  There are many choices actually.  Almost all car manufacturers have convertible type models.  But, of course, consider the safety features.  Recent models offer fixed or pop-up roll bars to protect passengers in the event of a rollover accident.  There are also ones with side airbags deployed from the seats - but you cannot find such in an inexpensive model.

You may visit the car manufacturer’s websites, which includes pictures and specifications of your prospected model.  You may also ask for suggestions from family and friends and also from convertible owners through forum sites.  Then, you could easily lay down the comparison.

Narrow down your choices and visit the appropriate dealerships for test drives.  Be attentive with the noise when driving the car with the top up.  Some are known to produce excessive clunky sounds.

It is important to get prices of multiple dealerships - three would be enough.  For used convertibles, you can find several from online auction sites such as eBay.  Then, decide where to order your convertible.

Complete these steps and it would surely make you greatly satisfied with your choice.

The Classic Auburn Speedster

Filed under: Uncategorized - Administrator @ 4:37 am

The revolution of sports cars began a long time ago and their legacy remains in every super car there is today. The latest innovations today has been totally inspired from the universality of appeal of the old school vintage sports cars! And when you get to compare the new ones from the vintage, you’ll be talking to yourself: “Man, how I wish I was back in time!”

One of the all-time greatest super cars that I wish to own (hopefully) is the Auburn Speedster! Yeah, you heard me! The Auburn Speedster was one of the limited prewar cars American sports cars. Way back during its glorious days, this classic ride was a vicious road monster and it displayed sophistication and elegance - yet, it was affordable (unlike most of the supercars we have today)!

The Speedster was produced from 1929 to 1937 and was manufactured in three separate phases. Auburn Speedsters are powered by Lycoming’s massive V12 engine! Wow!

Let’s get to know the characteristic of this ride by checking out its original details… ladies and gents, the Auburn Speedster!

  • Price $2,245 USD
  • Engine Water Cooled, Inline-8 position Front Longitudinal aspiration Schweitzer-Cummins Supercharger valve train 2 Valves per Cylinder displacement 4589 cc / 280.0 cu in bore 77.78 mm / 3.06 in stroke 120.6 mm / 4.75 in compression 6.5:1 power 111.9 kw/150.1bhp @ 4000 rpm hp per liter 32.71bhp per liter bhp/weight torque 311.8 nm / 230.0 ft lbs @ 2750 rpm drive wheels
  • RWD body / frame Steel Body on Steel Cross-Braced Chassis
  • Front brakes Lockheed Drums w/Hydraulic Assist rear brakes Lockheed Drums w/Hydraulic Assist front tire size 6.5x15 rear tire size 6.5x15 steering Worm & Peg
  • Suspension Non-Independent w/ Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hydraulic Dampers r suspension Live Axle w/ Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Hydraulic Dampers
  • Weight 1699 kg / 3746 lbs
  • Wheelbase 3226 mm / 127.0 in front track 1488 mm / 58.6 in rear track 1575 mm / 62.0 in length 4938 mm / 194.4 in width 1816 mm / 71.5 in height 1473 mm / 58.0 in
  • Transmission 3-Speed Manual gear ratios 2.86:1, 1.68:1, 1.00:1 final drive 3.1:1 or 4.5:1 selected ratio
  • Top speed 167.4kph/104.0 mph 0 - 60 mph 15.0 seconds 0 - 1/4 mile 19.5 seconds

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