Saturday, July 31, 2010

Avis offers $1.33B for Dollar Thrifty in effort to trump Hertz for rental car company



PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Avis Budget Group Inc. said Wednesday it has offered $1.33 billion in cash and stock for rival rental-car operator Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc.

The bid is an effort to trump Hertz Global Holdings Inc., which in April said it was buying Dollar Thrifty for about $1.17 billion in cash and stock.

"In short, we believe that the higher purchase price we are offering, combined with the terms of our proposed merger agreement, makes our offer a superior one from the perspective of Dollar Thrifty and its shareholders," Ronald Nelson, Avis Budget's chairman and CEO, said in a letter to executives at Dollar Thrifty outlining the bid.

In response, Dollar Thrifty, which is based in Tulsa, Okla., said it will study the offer but noted it had already signed a definitive merger agreement with Hertz.

The latest bid consists of $39.25 in cash and 0.6543 shares of Avis Budget stock. It amounts to $46.50 a share for Dollar Thrifty, a price below the stock's Wednesday close at $48.68. It slipped 68 cents, or 1.4 percent, to $48 in after-hours trading.

The bidding war is part of an ongoing consolidation in the rental-car business that began in 2002, when Avis' parent company bought Budget.

When it announced its deal in April, Hertz, based in Park Ridge, N.J., said the Dollar and Thrifty brands would expand its reach among vacationers who rent cars at airports. Hertz's business is roughly evenly split between business and vacation travelers.

Avis Budget, based in Parsippany, had criticized Dollar Thrifty for not contacting it to discuss a rival bid even though it had expressed an interest in a deal. It also accused Dollar Thrifty of setting an unusually high breakup fee of 5.25 percent in order to deter competing bids. Nelson said his company's bid is more attractive because it does not include those conditions.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5

2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5
Tesla launched the new Roadster this week and is delivering to customers now. More than 1,200 current Tesla owners in at least 23 countries have logged over five million electric miles in their Roadsters. CHICHESTER, UK — Tesla Motors (TSLA) will unveil its next-generation sports car to the public this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The latest version of revolutionary electric sports car, Tesla Roadster 2.5.
‘Goodwood is one of the most beloved motoring events in the world and a highlight of the English summer – so it’s only appropriate that this iconic celebration will be the public launch of the latest Roadster,’ said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla’s Vice President of European Operations.
The Festival of Speed is the world's largest motoring garden party - a unique weekend that brings together a heady mix of cars, stars and motor sport 'royalty' to create the largest car culture festival worldwide. Held in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, this annual hill-climb extravaganza celebrates all things automotive.
Its two newest Tesla Stores–in Newport Beach, California, and Copenhagen, Denmark–will open with evening receptions. Both will have the Roadster 2.5 on display. The 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5 features improvements in design and technology, including a new front fascia, rear diffuser, improved seat comfort, sound dampening and an optional large touch screen navigation system with back-up camera.
Inside, the most significant alteration is undoubtedly more comfortable seats, which have larger bolsters and now include a lumbar support system. Interior noise has been reduced in several ways, including new sound-suppressing front fender liners.
Finally, Tesla has further modified the Roadster’s power-control system, adding unspecified hardware to permit “spirited driving” (which we presume means maximum electric power) in exceptionally hot climates.
Prospective customers can see the Tesla Roadster 2.5 at Goodwood or at the London showroom at 49-51 Cheval Place in Knightsbridge, near Harrod’s. Tesla is now delivering this latest version of the car in all Tesla markets in Europe, Asia and North America.

2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5

2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5
Tesla launched the new Roadster this week and is delivering to customers now. More than 1,200 current Tesla owners in at least 23 countries have logged over five million electric miles in their Roadsters. CHICHESTER, UK — Tesla Motors (TSLA) will unveil its next-generation sports car to the public this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The latest version of revolutionary electric sports car, Tesla Roadster 2.5.
‘Goodwood is one of the most beloved motoring events in the world and a highlight of the English summer – so it’s only appropriate that this iconic celebration will be the public launch of the latest Roadster,’ said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla’s Vice President of European Operations.
The Festival of Speed is the world's largest motoring garden party - a unique weekend that brings together a heady mix of cars, stars and motor sport 'royalty' to create the largest car culture festival worldwide. Held in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, this annual hill-climb extravaganza celebrates all things automotive.
Its two newest Tesla Stores–in Newport Beach, California, and Copenhagen, Denmark–will open with evening receptions. Both will have the Roadster 2.5 on display. The 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5 features improvements in design and technology, including a new front fascia, rear diffuser, improved seat comfort, sound dampening and an optional large touch screen navigation system with back-up camera.
Inside, the most significant alteration is undoubtedly more comfortable seats, which have larger bolsters and now include a lumbar support system. Interior noise has been reduced in several ways, including new sound-suppressing front fender liners.
Finally, Tesla has further modified the Roadster’s power-control system, adding unspecified hardware to permit “spirited driving” (which we presume means maximum electric power) in exceptionally hot climates.
Prospective customers can see the Tesla Roadster 2.5 at Goodwood or at the London showroom at 49-51 Cheval Place in Knightsbridge, near Harrod’s. Tesla is now delivering this latest version of the car in all Tesla markets in Europe, Asia and North America.

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 612 GTO Concept Cars

 2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 612 GTO Concept Cars
Sasha calls himself 'the angry car designer' for some reason, and has no time for fools. A pure conceptual study for a top-end Ferrari, possibly a future generation of the 612 Scaglietti, Selipanov design proposal appears to borrow bits and pieces from certain supercars like the Aston Martin One-77 as well as Maranello’s own 458 Italia.
The Ferrari 612 GTO concept is the work of Sasha Selipanov, an extremely talented, and also incredibly irate, automotive designer based in Berlin, Germany.
The 612 GTO concept is a proposal for the next generation 612 Scaglietti, but with a high-performance GTO twist and completely revised aesthetics. Sasha calls himself 'the angry car designer' for some reason, and has no time for fools.
For the 612 GTO concept Sasha has used influences from the classic Ferrari 250 GTO - which is evident in the triple air intakes molded into the hood.
2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 612 GTO Concept Cars

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 612 GTO Concept Cars

 2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 612 GTO Concept Cars
Sasha calls himself 'the angry car designer' for some reason, and has no time for fools. A pure conceptual study for a top-end Ferrari, possibly a future generation of the 612 Scaglietti, Selipanov design proposal appears to borrow bits and pieces from certain supercars like the Aston Martin One-77 as well as Maranello’s own 458 Italia.
The Ferrari 612 GTO concept is the work of Sasha Selipanov, an extremely talented, and also incredibly irate, automotive designer based in Berlin, Germany.
The 612 GTO concept is a proposal for the next generation 612 Scaglietti, but with a high-performance GTO twist and completely revised aesthetics. Sasha calls himself 'the angry car designer' for some reason, and has no time for fools.
For the 612 GTO concept Sasha has used influences from the classic Ferrari 250 GTO - which is evident in the triple air intakes molded into the hood.
2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 612 GTO Concept Cars

Monday, July 26, 2010

2011 Kia Forte Five-Door - Three is a Charm

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Korean automaker Kia has found much success in its compact Forte line, due to sedan and coupe body styles prized for its good looks, fun to drive capabilities and value. Knowing that it has a good thing going for it, Kia has rolled out a third body style, a five-door hatchback, just in time for the 2011 model year.

Third Choice

The latest Forte bridges what the sedan and coupe have to offer. With plenty of storage capacity and the good looks to go with it, the hatchback will likely make it difficult for shoppers to decide which Forte they want. Each body style offers distinct advantages although the hatchback just may provide a happy middle ground for shoppers.

Officially known as the Forte five-door, this body style features a new grille, alloy wheels, lower valence design, updated center console, paddle shifters, push-button start and navigation as well as the fifth-door for hatch compartment access. Otherwise, the five-door shares all other components and features of the coupe and sedan.

Powertrain Options

The Forte five-door is available with two four-cylinder engines: a 2.0-liter or a 2.4-liter; each of which can be paired with either a new six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Yes, Kia is attempting to one-up its competitors by offering transmission choices not common to this segment.

When asked about its aggressive marketing strategy including the release of eight new models in just two years, Michael Sprague, vice-president of Kia marketing offered, "We have been promoting the Kia brand evolution over the past few years and backed it up with dramatic gains in quality and value while adding world-class design every step of the way." Those changes haven't been lost on consumers as Kia along with Hyundai and Subaru were the only manufacturers to enjoy a sales gain for 2009 in the U.S.

Generous Warranty

Kia's generous warranty program provides industry best consumer protection. Included with this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the vehicle coverage.

Yes, that means Kia believes in its product line and is backing it up with a warranty to match. With new cars in the mix, good value offered and a top-notch warranty, you may want to consider Kia especially its smart-looking Forte portfolio.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including tail lamps and lift kits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

2011 570-4 Superleggera Specifications

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In this economic system many automakers are having a tricky time trying to push out enough inventory during the year. One that is able to get by with very little problems is Lamborghini. For years they have turned out models that are both fantastic and rare. This is attractive to anyone who is able to afford to spend over $100,000.

The new 2011 LP 570-4 Superleggera is the hottest supercar to be released and it is in all probability the best Gallardo that we have seen from them so far. In order for it to be the greatest it must be lighter than all the previous models up to now. In true fashion it managed to lose 154 pounds by using carbon fiber, polycarbonate, and an aluminum body shell. It now weighs in at 2,954 pounds.

The loss in weight would be unusable if they did not increase the engine power and output. The original Superleggera was given a 5.0 liter V10 that could push out 530 horsepower. The 2011 model is designed with a direct injected 5.2 liter that forces out 570 horsepower and 398 pound feet of torque. With this much power it can go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and is given a top speed of 202 mph.

A serious supercar has two main properties; power and luxury. This is part of what helps to make them so unusual and rare gems to see driving on the road. The new Gallardo has already proven that it has the power and the interior is more than uxuiorus for even the most enthusiastic fan. Carbon fiber is utilized on the center tunnel cover door panels and gear level. The alcantara upholstery is used throughout the cabin and over the seats.

Other features that Lamborghini utilized include; sports AC, rear camera, satellite navigation system, and electric windows. At this time no price has been given.

The new Lamborghini Superleggera has more power than what we are used to. Discover more information on the Lamborghini Supercar and what new things to expect.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Naomi_West

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

http://www.goodcleantech.com/2010_Volkswagen_Jetta_SportWagen.jpg

Volkswagen enthusiasts are waiting with eagerness as the all-new Jetta goes into production and hits the dealer room floor in the coming months. Since its introduction in the mid-1980s, the Jetta has stood out from other compact models thanks to its design, engine choices and dependability. But the sixth generation model is likely to be perceived as the best, offering improved cabin room, a sleek style and class leading fuel economy.

Best Seller

Jetta is the best selling Volkswagen model, easily outselling the Golf/Rabbit and the only compact car built in Germany and sold in the United States within the financial range of the masses. No, the Jetta isn't a Mercedes or BMW, but it does offer craftsmanship and more upscale cabin then the typical car in its class.

The Jetta isn't likely to challenge the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic for sales, but it easily bests these two cars in powertrain choices and amenities offered.

For the 2011, the Jetta gains a more rakish roofline and a crisper nose and tail. Inside, rear seating room tops 38 cubic inches, comparable to what some midsize cars offer. Still a compact, Volkswagen has done everything to keep the Jetta at the top of the segment's pack, while lowering its price. Yes, the base sticker price of the Jetta is about $16,000, just above the price of the Corolla and Civic.

Engine Choices

But what sets the Jetta apart from everyone else is what can be found under the hood. Volkswagen may not win the price war, but they certainly take top honors when it comes to powertrain selection. Four engines are offered including the potent 2.5-liter five-cylinder and 2.0-liter TSI. No other car in its class offers a diesel, with the 2.0-liter TDI likely to once again offer highway fuel economy well north of 40 mpg.

Take note of this: with the new 2.0-liter TDI and 2.0-liter TSI, Volkswagen will offer a six-speed DSG - what the automaker says is "...one of the most advanced and efficient automatic transmission systems in the world." You'd be hard-pressed to find a six-speed anything in this class; an unusual auto trends at that.

Cabin Changes

Back inside, the Jetta gains a new steering wheel design, with ergomatically situated controls. On the console, controls for audio, climate and navigation have been repositioned; indeed, the entire console is tilted toward the driver. Rear seating improvements include a folding 40/60 seatback, while the rear liftback opens with a remote unlock switch.

Safety remains high up on the Jetta's list of important features, with six airbags standard, stability control and what will likely be high marks in crash tests.

Will you put the Volkswagen Jetta on your compact car buying list? You should or, even if you prefer a midsize this model, this car may give you what you want thanks to its roomy interior, ample storage and class-leading engine choices. Yes, Volkswagen has arguably the best compact car on the market, a new improved Jetta with good looks, solid engineering and driving fun to go with it.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including body kits and car parts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

Bugatti Sports Cars Type 12-2 Concept Car

Bugatti Sports Cars Type 12-2 Concept Car
Here is a Bugatti Concept CarBugatti Type 12-2. Racer X has lifted the covers on a new concept vehicle they are calling the Bugatti Type 12-2 concept car which is highlighted by ample storage space and new practical designs. Bugatti is a most famous sports car manufacture, so it is just about power, speed, luxury and everything, designed especially for those who love speed, comfort and style.

Bugatti Type 12-2 concept has been created as a 2+2 sports GT for the Bugatti brand. it is not intended for production. Designed as an example of a luxurious four seater GT, the type 12-2 is the artwork of Reuben Zammit.

The idea is to use a VW derived W12 engine with a twin turbo layout hence the name 12-2. Although not as extravagant as the W16 used in the Veyron, there would be enough power to propel the Type 12-2 to over 200 mph. Every time it competed with 4 different demo cars in 2 different classes for bodystyling.

On the subject of performance, things get considerably more hypothetical. This being purely a design study (and not even a Bugatti-commissioned one) any power-train speculation should be taken with more than a few grains of salt. Racer X's specified FR configuration seems to eliminate the Veyron's all-wheel drive, quad-turbo W-16 configuration. Meanwhile, the name "12-2" seems to hint at a 12-cylinder mill sleeping beneath the coupe's hood.


Bugatti Sports Cars Type 12-2 Concept Car
Pop over to Racer X Design for more images of the Type 12-2 Streamliner concept. While you're there, check out the rest of its portfolio, which features a few wild takes on Chrysler, BMW, and Alfa Romeo vehicles.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

2011 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Challenge 4497 cc V8 Engine


 
 2011 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Challenge 
Coming just a few months after the 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia on which it is based, the Ferrari 458 Challenge introduces a number of important modifications to adapt it for competition use. Ferrari 458 was presented the 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show. Lately, the Ferrari 458 Challenge has made its world premiere debut in Maranello during the Annual Dealer Meeting.
With the new 458 Challenge, Ferrari is offering its sportier clients - professional and gentlemen drivers alike - a car that is extremely responsive, with great performance and superb handling. This mid-rear V8-engined berlinetta will allow Ferrari Challenge participants to enjoy to the full the exhilarating cut and thrust of the race weekends on the world's leading circuits, as well as the passion that has always been an integral part of Ferrari's one-make championship.
The Ferrari 458 Challenge introduces a number of important modifications to adapt it for competition use. This car use the direct injection 4497 cc V8 remains strictly in production tune, with an output of 570 hp at 9,000 rpm. That said, modifications have been made to the gear ratios and calibration of its dual-clutch F1 gearbox to assure gamier torque at bluer revs. The Ferrari 458 dispute are as well equipt with the E-Diff electronic differential already employed on the road-going adaptation, a 1st for Ferrari’s track-only automobiles.
 2011 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Challenge
For a Ferrari Challenge model is the adoption of the F1-Trac traction control system, the most sophisticated of its kind. The F1-Trac system constantly monitors levels of grip for maximum high-performance road-holding. Two specific track-biased calibrations – wet and dry – have been developed for this application.
Important work has also come in abbreviating the auto angle. This centered both the exterior and interior with Ferrari’s engineers boiling down particularly about abbreviating the thickness of the bodyshell panels and on using lightweight cloths, such carbon-fibre and Lexan.

2011 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Challenge 4497 cc V8 Engine


 
 2011 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Challenge 
Coming just a few months after the 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia on which it is based, the Ferrari 458 Challenge introduces a number of important modifications to adapt it for competition use. Ferrari 458 was presented the 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show. Lately, the Ferrari 458 Challenge has made its world premiere debut in Maranello during the Annual Dealer Meeting.
With the new 458 Challenge, Ferrari is offering its sportier clients - professional and gentlemen drivers alike - a car that is extremely responsive, with great performance and superb handling. This mid-rear V8-engined berlinetta will allow Ferrari Challenge participants to enjoy to the full the exhilarating cut and thrust of the race weekends on the world's leading circuits, as well as the passion that has always been an integral part of Ferrari's one-make championship.
The Ferrari 458 Challenge introduces a number of important modifications to adapt it for competition use. This car use the direct injection 4497 cc V8 remains strictly in production tune, with an output of 570 hp at 9,000 rpm. That said, modifications have been made to the gear ratios and calibration of its dual-clutch F1 gearbox to assure gamier torque at bluer revs. The Ferrari 458 dispute are as well equipt with the E-Diff electronic differential already employed on the road-going adaptation, a 1st for Ferrari’s track-only automobiles.
 2011 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Challenge
For a Ferrari Challenge model is the adoption of the F1-Trac traction control system, the most sophisticated of its kind. The F1-Trac system constantly monitors levels of grip for maximum high-performance road-holding. Two specific track-biased calibrations – wet and dry – have been developed for this application.
Important work has also come in abbreviating the auto angle. This centered both the exterior and interior with Ferrari’s engineers boiling down particularly about abbreviating the thickness of the bodyshell panels and on using lightweight cloths, such carbon-fibre and Lexan.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Perfect Performance Saleen s7 Car Advanced

The Saleen S7 Twin Turbo is classified as a supercar, alongside Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and the Bugatti Veryron. It should be classified as a space rocket. The amount of horsepower and torque squeezed from the Ford-based V8 engine (yes a Ford V8 in a supercar), boggles the mind and leaves your stomach suspended in mid-air two miles behind you, where you just were a second ago.

Saleen s7 carssaleen s7 interior
saleen s7 showrooms
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saleen s7 pics
Saleen s7 cars
Looking at the car, you can see that a lot of hard work went into designing an aerodynamic body, but the real miracle sits a few inches behind the driver: the V8 engine. On a common supercar, the engine will be sized anywhere between a V8 and a V16, weigh 600+ pounds, and be loaded down with all sorts of fancy controls and cam shafts. The V8 in the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo laughs in the face of this excess. It weighs in at a slim 440 pounds, is made of aluminum, has only one cam shaft, and only two valves per cylinder, where most engines would have five. Sound too simple? Well, it generates 750 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque.