Ferrari can do many things other car companies cannot, including building a machine that links past with present and that tries, however successfully, to be the fastest car to the market and back. The Ferrari California, premiering in 2008, takes its name from a 50-year-old classic while introducing some modern-day developments. It’s the first Ferrari to sport a retractable hardtop, to rock a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission, and the first to wield a front-engine V8. It’s also got something called backseats, which seems like a cute concept for a Ferrari — a “2+” is the technical term. And as a result of this transmission it presents at least one last: The last Ferrari to offer a manual gearbox. Anyway who wants to deal with complaints from the backseat?

The California is a “2+,” a two-door with what we’ll all agree to call two ass-holders in what we’ll all agree to call the “backseat.” Which puts it in the class of “grand tourer,” a fine distinction for a car that really does look like it just wants to get on the road and stay there. The eight cylinders get you to 60 from a standstill in just under four seconds, well on its way to 193 mph, an impressive speed that is the result of long hours in a wind tunnel.

Speaking of flying, you probably remember the California’s ancestors from a movie called “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” The mythic car in that film was a (say it with me now) 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder. You’ll remember the most famous dignitary of the 250 series as the car in the 1986 John Hughes classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” That was a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California, one of few than a hundred cars (as noted by Cameron). There were fewer than a hundred 250GTs made, and as a result they were valuable cars.

To give you an idea just how valuable: In 2008 a 250GT sold at auction for more than $10.8 million. Million. Dollars. So, yeah. Replica. Performance is turn-of-the-century, too: zero to 60 in a shade under four seconds, a top speed of 193 mph, and due to long hours in a wind tunnel, the most aerodynamic car Ferrari’s ever built.

Pretty but not exotic, and with a rear end that offends some, it’s clear that the new California has a mellow side that its cousins do not. It’s lovely, but not shockingly so. So while it’s a bit peculiar for a Ferrari, it’s still a breathtaking machine when compared to, gosh, anything with a backseat. Just make sure you call shotgun at least once. And while the front end brings to mind, say, a dignified Aston-Martin, the rear gets a lot of grief for being a bit too big.

But Ferrari was serious when it decided to build a car that could perform but could also fit a small child (say, the child of your mistress) in the back seat. A little something for everyone, it seems. Everyone who has $230,000 and a wish to take your best normal-sized friend and your best small friends for an exhilarating trip.

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Ferrari F430 – Good Bye!

The great thing about when Ferrari offers a number of different versions of a given series is that you’re choosing your own kind of Best. Look at the F430. This car was in production five years, 2004-2009, and spawned a host of flavors, and I’d say even now, after all the stats and numbers are in, which one is actually the best comes down to delightful decisions like: Do you like having the wind in your hair? and Do you want to go faster than just fast?

The F430 has settled comfortably into what will most likely be a very respectable legacy. It succeeded the 360 and, in time, had to step aside to make way for the 458 Italia, in the manner of all great families. But during its reign it did many fine things. It carried its V8 with pride. It spawned a convertible Spider version as well as a coupe. It preserved the DNA of its bloodline — tail lights and intakes all bearing the design marks of Ferraris of yore. It was true to its roots.

Ferrari F430 vs. Porsche

And when it had to face other royal families — the Porches and the Lamborghinis — it adapted, too. The 430 Scuderia appeared on the scene, a lighter, faster supercar which pushed the top speeds up to nearly 200 mph. It proved to be enough to keep the family proud.

And it fulfilled its duties well. Even when the convertible had to add weight and adjust balance to store the roof, still it runs nearly as fast as the hardtop. And the computer takes care of a lot for you, after you choose which setting you want on one of the F430′s newest adaptations — the manettino control knob, mounted on the steering wheel. Even after you’ve chosen your model, still you get different flavors.

Ferrari F430 – Near 200 MPH

But it’s the classic stuff that still tastes best. The rear mid-engine, thundering under glass right behind your head as you take it up to really close to 200 mph, it’s as refined and capable as ever — no matter where you switch the knob to. It’s all familiar to Ferrari and Ferrari’s people, and that’s what makes the taste of the new stuff sweeter. It’s evolution.

We’re still always talking about a new variety of Best though — let’s be honest. There are people for whom the 360 and the 430 and the 458 are all very different, and comparisons are maybe inexcusable. But the point is that the primary purpose of a royal family, like that of any organism, is to make sure there’s a next generation. You’re around so that you can pass that DNA on, take the tail lights and vents and hold them until its time to give them up. And so it makes it all the more important to enjoy the machine you’ve got, while it speeds toward its succession.

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Ferrari F430 Evolution

On a pretty regular basis, Ferrari makes its new Best Car Ever. Right now there’s maybe some debate over which one this is, but one of the candidates is the F430. It’s been around since 2004 since it can be properly called “venerable,” even if the coming of the 458 Italia has in some ways outshone the 430.

Rest assured it is the Best Car Ever. It followed the 360, considered still by many the Best Car Ever too. Really it’s all in what you want. The F430 is a beautiful machine, almost friendly-looking in a way that the 458 Italia really isn’t. The F430 carries a lot of DNA from previous Best Car Evers. The tail lights and vents, the racing profile of its low front-end. The V8! The fact that it comes in a variety of flavors, convertible and coupe, fast and faster. Best and bester.

Ferrari F430 Race or Sport

It’s a matter of taste and choice, which you won’t necessarily get with some of Ferraris more exotic exotics. Your basic F430 will run 0-60 in four seconds and reach top speeds of 193 mph or more. “More” if your F430 of choice is the Scuderia, which is lighter and faster and meant to run against the really super supercars. At some point, as you see, adjectives start becoming meaningless.

Suffice to say the F430 takes care of a lot of the thinking for you, so you can sit back and drive. From steering to brakes to engine and handling, you’ve got choices, but once they’re made (“race” or “sport?”), leave it to the car. If you choose the Spider convertible, bear in mind that because there’s no roof, the frame is reinforced with strengthening bars and so on, and all the weight scotches its handling a touch. Still, it’s nearly as fast as the hardtop.

Ferrari F430 Spider or Hardtop

The engine sits behind the driver, under glass. It’s a refined way to drive, a loud vibrating ham of a motor that roars behind your head and can be seen to vibrate as you take it up to speed. All these wonderful qualities can be broadly defined as “familiar.” From the 360 to the F430 and on to the really excellent 458, you’re always talking about the Best Car ever.

There’s always something new under the sun. It’s always fast, often red, and sometimes has no top. Its name changes, and it improves, but it’s always the Best. It’s evolution we’re talking about here, and to ask which is the best of the Best Ferrari is to ask which animal is the best. You sort of have to pick the one you like, because it’s here now. But always moving.

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categories: ferrari f430,ferrari,exotic cars,race cars,sports cars,automobiles

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Mark A Cella and His Favorite 60′s era Ferrari 250 SWB Berlinetta

Before the Berlinetta or Sport Coupe, is the Ferrari 250 GTO. What made the GTOs strong were the record braking V12 GT racing engines. GTO, or Gran Turismo Omologato, translated from Italian, meaning Grand Touring Homologated, and homologated is Official Agreement. 250 is the measurement of cubic centimeters inside each cylinder.

Mark A Cella’s Official Agreement is the 250 is all Race

From 1953-64 Ferrari built the SWB model which truly put Ferrari on the center stage. It was their most acknowledged line. It was the first Ferrari to have four wheel disc brakes. It had a model which was the first four seater for this sports car. It had a V12 weighing half as much of competitors, cranking out up to 280bhp at 7000 rpm. It’s 4 gear race engine rocketed its victories at so many races the list is endless so here’s just a few:

1960 Le Mans 24 hr race, it took 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, while Chevy and Aston Martin were far behind. It won three repeat 5500 km Tour de Frances, while taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the 1960 event. That season driver Sterling Moss lapped the entire field at Goodwood to take the second consecutive win. SWB won all over in England, Monza Italy, Spa, Nurbrgring, and Monthlery.

The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione weighed in at only 2,314 lbs., giving it a very high power to weight ratio. Top speed was approximately 152 mph, and 0-60 was done it 6.2 sec. Great numbers for this era.

Mark A Cella Agrees it’s One of the Greatest Ferraris Ever Built

It is said that owners of this car had the luxury and thrill of being able to drive it to the race track, unload their luggage and be ready to race with minimal or no modifications. Just place their numbers on the sides and race. Although the competition models did have an extra 30-40 horsepower and other modifications like shorter wheel base, and aluminum vs. steal, not much could help most other manufacturers.

Motor Trend gave the 250 SWB the ranking of 5th out of ten of the Greatest Ferraris of all time. Sports Car International rated it 7th Top Sports Car of the 1960′s. Mark Cella rates it his first place 1960′s era Muscle Car, followed by the 1967 Corvette Sting Ray and 1968 Chevy Camaro.

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categories: ferrari 250 swb berlinetta,ferrari,exotic cars,sports cars,automobiles

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Owners of sports autos may just be the ‘kings of the streets’. Sports vehicles present superb benefits and features that a great many potential car or truck buyers try to find. On the other hand, sports autos might occasionally become troublesome when obtaining the insurance.

It is an acknowledged fact that the insurance for sports automobiles has higher premiums than any other car. This can be a problem whenever applying for motor insurance since service fees and monthly premiums are ‘tough on the wallet’. Below are great tips to help to get the best insurance costs for sports cars.

1.The vehicle operator should have a very favorable credit rating and have taken care of that rating for a number of years. Insurance vendors offer improved costs for any men and women that have very good credit ratings. Prior to looking for motor insurance coverage, the vehicle owner need to ensure he does not have any unsecured debt…

2.Automobile owners can enjoy improved rates when they wrap their sports vehicles in security features and devices. The driver can buy safety airbags, set up antilock brakes, and stability/traction controls. They’re recommended for the security they supply, and safety features on sports cars enables car owners to receive savings on their insurance coverage.

3.Sports vehicle owners might also want to keep excellent driving records. Insurance companies provide lower premiums to reliable motorists.

4.Premium prices are analyzed based on the info that is furnished to insurance agencies. Sports car drivers should be sure they furnish correct and exact details any time getting insurance quotes for their cars . This will help automobile owners enjoy the insurance coverage rate that is definitely best for them.

5.It is very important to carry out research prior to getting car insurance. Insurance carriers offer different insurance rates. A few offer special discounts during special activities or whenever promoting their company. Vehicle drivers must always continue to keep informed about savings and prices. They might furthermore make full use of the world wide web to obtain insurance quotations and evaluate prices prior to making a final selection.

6.When a final choice has been made, vehicle owners must not quit there. They ought to up-date their insurance plans and also their info often. They should always verify their insurance plans to ensure that they’re still experiencing and enjoying the exact same costs and terms which were initially presented.

Sports vehicles are for excitement and prestige, so they mustn’t be an encumbrance to their drivers. Even if sports cars and trucks have greater monthly payments, when compared with other cars and trucks , the owners can still manage to benefit from the best insurance costs available to them.

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Nearly every person turns their head whenever a high-powered sports car flashes past them on the streets. The roar of its engine, the stylish body of the vehicle plus the sense of class and prestige makes anyone wish they own such a vehicle. Having said that, the prices of sports cars or European luxury cars are beyond the affordability of most individuals.

The solution is car rental. This alternative allows you to drive the car of your dreams without literally having to own one. If you’re seeking to impress someone or merely treating yourself to a cruise on the roads in style, then renting a sports car is certainly an option. There is no better way to appreciate one’s scenery and surroundings than in the driver’s seat of a classy sports car. Considering sky-high taxi fares and the hassle of attempting to procure transportation, hiring a high quality sports car might be just the thing to make holiday a relaxing, and memorable experience.

When you’re considering the type of sports car to rent, you’d do well to think over what your intents are. Exotic sports car rental provides a great opportunity for sports car enthusiasts to spend time driving the vehicles they love. On the other hand, should one wish to surprise someone on his or her birthday, there is no better way is to see a new place than from the driver’s seat of a classy sports car.

Advantages of renting a sports car

* You can meet your aspirations of driving luxury cars without the servicing efforts and hassle of possessing a vehicle. The average consumer may not be able to afford a $250,000+ supercar price tag, but they can afford $388 for a day.

* You can experience the thrill of driving a luxury sports car whilst maintenance, insurance and other aspects of car ownership, are handled by the rental company.

* Boost your ego and show everyone you are successful. The car will definitely catch the attention of those interested and curious. Exotic sports car will turn heads no matter where you go and give you the fix of power and performance that you demand.

* Fulfil your dreams of taking the wheel of a supercar for the day, weekend or even longer. If you normally drive a Luxury car, why not drive one whilst you are on holiday or travelling on business.

* Driving a convertible sports car with the roof down gives you the feeling of freedom. There is nothing more exhilarating than driving a sports car with its top down. The wind blows through your hair and you don’t have a care in the world.

* Renting a sports car can be a great way to add spice to your date nights.

* Make an unforgettable impact for special events such as birthdays, engagement parties, weddings, honeymoon or anniversaries – or basically for that dream holiday you have often promised yourself.

Sports car rental companies offer in their collection cars which are a perfect blend of performance, luxury, and affordability. It can be a pleasure to drive an exotic car, but be warned, you will be noticed. With the versatility and all-encompassing experience of an auto adventure, the experience is much like going wine tasting – members get to enjoy all the benefits of each sip without having to commit to the final purchase.

For that someone special, you can provide them with a gift voucher for the vehicle they always have wanted to own or a drive day where they can drive numerous cars during the day. Classic rental cars are a great way to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary, a special event or for wedding car hire to make for a special wedding day. There is nothing more exhilarating than the thrill of driving a magnificent sports car rental.

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A new Porsche 911 is always intriguing because it’s exciting to see how after more than 40 years of development the Porsche team still manages to bring alterations and advancements to this emblematic model.

The new 997 combines the silky contemporary appearance of the 996 series with the popular retro styling of the older 911′s. The front end is completed with round lights and separate parking/fog/indicator lights. This modification, combined with wider hips resembles the last of the air-cooled 911′s, the 993. Other changes in the body shell are the new door handles, wing mirrors and the trendy cut of the rear wings into the bumper/lights.

Even if the 997 looks a lot like the previous model, the 996, the new car is actually 38mm wider which makes for a more forceful appearance. With each new model introduced, Porsche has aimed to lessen the drag co-efficient helping the 911 glide through the air more effectively thereby increasing performance. The same thing has been achieved with the new car, and if we compare the 993 Cd of 0.34 to the 997`s 0.28, we can perceive how far the aerodynamic game has progressed. The latest body shell and rear wing combine with new under body paneling to also offer increased levels of down force for this latest generation of Porsche’s best.

The latest Porsche model has the best handling 911 ever. Improving a car’s firmness helps ensure that the suspension can work more effectively and although not making such a quantum leap as the team did with the 996, Porsche enhanced torsional rigidity by 8% and added as much as 40% more strength.

For their new model car, Porsche sought to enhance crash safety provisions so they added two new air bags, which are situated in the side of each front seat back-rest and are calculated to protect the thorax. They also kept the previous two front and two side airbags, which means that now there are six air bags in total. For the same reason, that is crash safety, the reinforced body shell boasts further protection such as a more extensive use of super high strength steel.

The most recent model is also 50 kg heavier than the 996. The reason is that modern crash safety regulations sort of force vehicle makers to produce new cars of increased weight, despite the prevalent use of a large range of weight saving measures, such as an aluminum bonnet.

Aside from the crash safety advancements, much of the increased weight can be attributed to the higher standard specifications of the new cars. The power to weight ratio is similar with the latest car offering 233 bhp per tonne against it’s predecessors 238 but the new model’s improved aerodynamics must help it achieve Porsche’s claimed performance figures, which are identical to those of the 996.

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U.S. cheap insurance for sports cars can be difficult to find. The cars themselves are high ticket items and they are very expensive to repair if an accident occurs. Additionally, it is a well established fact that these owners are high risk drivers and the insurance companies charge higher rates as a result.

The assumption is that people who look for performance in a car are going to drive very fast. Fast driving causes wrecks. And wrecked sports cars are expensive to repair.

Sports cars dominate the list of expensive vehicles to insure. The Nissan 2009 GT-R has the highest insurance bill of any car around. The $76,000 vehicle can costs on average $2533 a year to insure.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Ford Mustang G-T is the least expensive sports car to insure.

But, the lowest price new vehicle of all to insure is the Hyundai Santa Fe.

So, how is the insurance rate on a sports car determined? The primary determinants are the price of the car and the average claims of drivers using that vehicle. Beyond that, insurers consider the horsepower to weight ratio and the 0 to 60 mph times. These are what distinguish a high performance car from a mid performance one.

Other factors that go into deciding how much your insurance policy is going to cost you include age (under 21 is very expensive), gender, marital status, how much the car is used, your odometer reading, and potentially a GPS system that tracks your driving.

Remember, there are different types of insurance. If you only want to meet the state’s minimum requirements, you can get straight liability coverage which protects the other vehicle. For most types of cars, liability insurance is one rate, but for sports cars (because they are built for speed), you will pay a premium even for liability insurance. If you want protection for your own car, you’ll need to get comprehensive coverage.

So that is the lowdown on U.S. cheap car insurance for sports cars.

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It’s time. You’re new to the sport of dune buggy driving, but you’ve seen enough, it looks hot. Now it’s time for you to get involved and buy that first dune buggy. But before you buy there’s some things you need to consider.

The first is to decide if you should build or buy a dune buggy. Now for many that’s just not an issue. Building a dune buggy is a long process that requires skills, and lots and lots of time. And you don’t take it on lightly. Dune buggies are like any other vehicle, if you decide to build one you really need to know what you’re doing. Don’t try to build your own buggy unless you’re confident.

So if you’re not building it’s time to get started on buying one. There’s a lot of dune buggies for sale, but not all of them are ideal for you. So here’s a few tips on getting started as a dune buggy buyer.

Firstly you need to consider your needs. Where do you plan to drive your dune buggy and what do you need it to do? You may just want to cruise the streets. That’s ok, many do, but if so your needs are very different to someone who wants to get into the sand.

For example it needs to be street legal. No point in buying a buggy and finding out that you can’t take it on the road. And there’s really no point in buying a buggy with great four wheel drive for instance, if it doesn’t need 4wd to cruise the streets. You’re just spending money on something that you don’t need.

How many people will you need to carry? Now you’re not going to be taking the whole family shopping in your buggy, but there are still plenty of people who love to take along someone else. Maybe you’d like to take your girlfriend with you on a sand dune weekend. No use in a single seater. And you can buy buggies that take 4 people, though there’s not many.

And what size buggy do you want? It wouldn’t be the first time that someone bought a new buggy then found that it wouldn’t fit in the available space in the garage, and had to be left out in the rain.

What size trailer do you have? It has to get on your trailer or else you have to buy another trailer, more expense. Some buggies don’t need a trailer, for example street legal buggies, but many need to be transported on a trailer.

Learn a bit about the different build and motor options you have, and learn some of the terminology. For example do you know what a sandrail buggy is if you see a sandrail dune buggy for sale? Do you know what different types of frames there are? What’s a Baja bug? Like all sports dune buggies have their own lingo, and you need to learn it.

And finally, learn as much as you can about motors and how they work. Whether you want to or not you’ll be doing plenty of dirty hands on work. Even if you’ve decided that buying a buggy is the way to go for you because you couldn’t build one, be prepared for plenty of time spent with hot oily hands. Driving a buggy is a heap of fun, but it comes with it’s own work, and if you’re new you need to understand the basics of mechanics, and be prepared to get your hands dirty and learn fast. That’s fun too, but it’s all part of being a buggy driver.

This is, I’m sure, a little simple to someone who’s owned buggies for years, but for the beginner who wants to buy their first dune buggy that’s the basics. You need to do your homework and find out what your needs are and do some serious learning. Get started learning but don’t buy until you know what your needs are.

And of course start saving, you’ll need some money. There are some wonderful place where you can find cheap dune buggies for sale online, there’s plenty on my website, but it’s not a cheap sport. So start saving for your first dune buggy today.

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