Lingerie Careers

Emma Watson

2011-01-06T04:55:00.000-08:00

Emma Watson's filming for the final installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, began on 18 February 2009. For financial and scripting reasons, the original book has been divided into two films which will be shot back to back. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows parts 1 and 2 are scheduled for release in November 2010 and July 2011 respectively.

Gerard Butler

2010-12-09T03:54:00.000-08:00

Gerard Butler garnered critical acclaim for his breakthrough work as the lead in Joel Schumacher's 2004 film adaptation of the musical The Phantom of the Opera. In 2007, Butler gained worldwide recognition through his portrayal of King Leonidas in the film 300. Since then, he has appeared in projects including P.S. I Love You (2007), Nim's Island (2008), RocknRolla (2008), The Ugly Truth (2009), Gamer (2009), Law Abiding Citizen (2009) and The Bounty Hunter (2010). Gerard Butler was recently in Belgrade filming Coriolanus.

Alicia Keys

2010-10-28T01:45:00.000-07:00

Alicia Keys performed "If I Ain't Got You" and then joined Jamie Foxx and Quincy Jones in a rendition of "Georgia on My Mind", the Hoagy Carmichael song made famous by Ray Charles in 1960 at the 2005 Grammy Awards. That evening, she won four Grammy Awards: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "If I Ain't Got You", Best R&B Song for "You Don't Know My Name", Best R&B Album for The Diary of Alicia Keys, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals" for "My Boo" with Usher.

Eva Mendes

2010-10-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

Eva Mendes was voted as No. 4 in the 2008 and No. 1 in the 2009 edition of AskMen.com's Top 99 Most Desirable Women.

Tom Hanks

2010-10-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

Tom Hanks moved to Los Angeles, where he and Peter Scolari played a pair of young advertising men forced to dress as women so they could live in an inexpensive all-female hotel. Hanks had previously partnered with Scolari in the 1970s game show Make Me Laugh. Bosom Buddies ran for two seasons, and, although the ratings were never strong, television critics gave the program high marks. "The first day I saw him on the set," co-producer Ian Praiser told Rolling Stone, "I thought, 'Too bad he won't be in television for long.' I knew he'd be a movie star in two years." But if Praiser knew it, he was not able to convince Hanks. "The television show had come out of nowhere," best friend Tom Lizzio told Rolling Stone. "Then out of nowhere it got canceled. Tom Hanks figured he'd be back to pulling ropes and hanging lights in a theater."

Rihanna

2010-09-10T01:02:00.000-07:00

At the age of 15, she formed a girl group with two of her classmates. In 2003, friends introduced Rihanna and her two bandmates to record producer Evan Rogers, who was vacationing in Barbados with his wife. The group auditioned for Rogers, who said that "the minute Rihanna walked into the room, it was like the other two girls didn't exist." While auditioning for Rogers, Rihanna sang Destiny's Child's cover of "Emotion". Over the next year, Rihanna and her mom shuttled back and forth to Rogers home in Stamford, Connecticut. Then, shortly after turning 16, she relocated in the United States and moved in with Rogers and his wife. Carl Sturken helped Rihanna record a four-song demo, which included the ballad "Last Time," a cover of Whitney Houston’s hit "For the Love of You" and what would become her first hit, "Pon de Replay" to send to various recording companies. It took a year to record the demos, because she was going to school and would only record during summer and Christmas school breaks. Rihanna's demo made its way to Def Jam, which invited her to audition for the label's then-president, Jay-Z, who quickly signed her.

Katie Holmes

2010-09-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

A British writer profiling Katie Holmes in 2003 said, "The way Holmes approached her unusual education was as American as apple pie: she went to cheerleading practice, got straight A grades, and made a pledge that she would remain a virgin until marriage." Katie Holmes told her hometown paper The Blade that the three words best describing herself were "honest, determined, and imaginative."

Robert Pattinson

2010-08-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

In 2010, Robert Pattinson executively produced and starred in the film Remember Me, which was released on March 12, 2010. He will also play Georges Duroy in a film adaption of the 1885 novel, Bel Ami, appear in a theatre production for producer David Pugh. and will star in a film adaption of the Sara Gruen novel, Water for Elephants, with Christoph Waltz and Reese Witherspoon. On May 13, 2010, Robert Pattinson appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show for his upcoming film The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

Stacy Keibler

2010-08-29T19:38:00.000-07:00

In February 2007, Stacy Keibler began a recurring role in ABC's What About Brian. Stacy Keibler played the role of Brian's new neighbor and love interest. This was Stacy Keibler's first major acting role, following her previous minor roles in both Bubble Boy and Pecker. Stacy Keibler guest starred on The George Lopez Show on ABC. In the fall of 2007, Stacy Keibler appeared in both The Comebacks and on ABC's drama October Road.

Mel Gibson

2010-08-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

Soon after being awarded $145,000 in a work-related-injury lawsuit against New York Central Railroad on February 14, 1968, Hutton Gibson relocated his family to West Pymble, Sydney, Australia. Mel Gibson was 12 years old at the time. The move to Hutton's mother's native Australia was for economic reasons, and because Hutton thought the Australian military would reject his oldest son for the Vietnam War draft.

Mel Gibson was educated by members of the Congregation of Christian Brothers at St. Leo's Catholic College in Wahroonga, New South Wales, during his high school years.

Demi Lovato

2010-08-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

In 2006 Demi Lovato guest starred on Prison Break as Danielle Curtin in the episode "First Down". Demi Lovato also appeared in the second season of the television sitcom Just Jordan as Nicole, in the episode "Slippery When Wet". In January 2007, Demi Lovato landed the role of Charlotte Adams on the Disney Channel Original Short Series, As the Bell Rings, which premiered on August 26, 2007. A few of her original songs, including "Shadow," were featured on the show. Upon leaving the show, her character was replaced by Lindsey Black. Demi Lovato sang a cover of "That's How You Know" from the film Enchanted. The song was released on DisneyMania 6 on May 20, 2008.

Christina Aguilera

2010-08-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

Throughout her youth in Pittsburgh, Christina Aguilera sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" before Pittsburgh Penguins hockey, Pittsburgh Steelers football and Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games, including during the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals . Her first major role in entertainment came in 1993 when she joined the Disney Channel's variety show The New Mickey Mouse Club. Her co-stars included Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell, the show lasted another year until its cancellation. According to the documentary Driven, Christina Aguilera's co-stars called her "the Diva". One of her most notable performances was of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing". At the age of fourteen, Christina Aguilera recorded her first song, "All I Wanna Do", a hit duet with Japanese singer Keizo Nakanishi. In 1997, Christina Aguilera represented the United States at the international Golden Stag Festival with a two-song set. Christina Aguilera entered talent contests on "teen night" at the Pegasus Lounge, a gay and lesbian nightclub in Pittsburgh. Christina Aguilera would later debut in Pittsburgh in mid-1999 at Lilith Fair.

Brooke Shields

2010-07-26T02:27:00.000-07:00

Brooke Shields adopted her middle name, "Camille," for her Confirmation at age 10. Brooke Shields' parents divorced when she was a child. Brooke Shields has three half-sisters and two step-siblings. Brooke Shields attended the all-girl Lenox School and graduated from the Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, New Jersey, in 1983. Into the mid-1980s, Brooke Shields was a resident of Haworth, New Jersey.

Gisele Bündchen

2010-07-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Gisele Bündchen consistently works with acclaimed photographers such as Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, Nick Knight, Mert and Marcus, Rankin, Annie Leibovitz, Karl Lagerfeld, Peter Lindbergh, David LaChapelle, Mario Sorrenti, Nino Muñoz and Patrick Demarchelier, and with renowned directors such as Jean Baptiste Mondino and Bruno Aveillan.

In the December 2005 issue, New York magazine chose and publicized a list of 123 reasons to love New York City with reason number 43 being that Gisele Bündchen lived there.

Hilary Duff

2010-07-13T03:04:00.000-07:00

Hilary Duff expanded her repertoire into pop music with the release of three RIAA-certified platinum albums and over thirteen million records sold worldwide as of February 2007. Her first studio album, Metamorphosis (2003), was certified triple platinum and she followed it up with two more platinum albums, Hilary Duff (2004) and Most Wanted (2005). Hilary Duff released her third studio album, Dignity (2007), which was certified gold in August 2007 and released two singles, "With Love", her biggest US single to date and "Stranger". In November 2008, Hilary Duff released a compilation of her greatest hits, Best of Hilary Duff, whose single "Reach Out" became her third #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play.

Scarlett Johansson

2010-07-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

Scarlett Johansson grew up in a household with "little money," and with a mother who was a "film buff." Scarlett Johansson and her brother, Hunter, attended P.S. 41 in Greenwich Village in elementary school. Scarlett Johansson began her theater training by attending and graduating from Professional Children's School in Manhattan in 2002.

Carmen Electra

2010-06-14T02:19:00.000-07:00

Carmen Electra entertainer and guitarist. Carmen Electra attended Ann Weigel Elementary School and then studied dance at Dance Artists dance studio under Gloria J. Simpson, in Western Hills, a neighborhood of Cincinnati. Her mother died of a brain tumor in 1998. Her older sister Debbie died from a heart attack, also in 1998. Carmen Electra graduated from Princeton High School in Sharonville. Carmen Electra also attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) in the Cincinnati Public School District. Carmen Electra has Irish, German, and Cherokee ancestry.

Stacy Keibler

2010-06-12T00:02:00.000-07:00

Stacy Ann Keibler (born October 14, 1979) is an American actress, model and former professional wrestler and valet for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

Vin Diesel

2010-06-09T01:06:00.000-07:00

In an interview on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Vin Diesel said that he changed his name to "Vin Diesel" while working as a bouncer at the New York City nightclub Tunnel, because in that business one's real name is not usually given out. The name "Vin" is simply a shortened version of "Vincent". Vin Diesel received the nickname "Diesel" from his friends who said he ran off diesel, referring to his non-stop energy.

Angelina Jolie

2010-06-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

Angelina Jolie (born Angelina Jolie Voight; June 4, 1975) is an American actress. She has received an Academy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards. Jolie promotes humanitarian causes, and is noted for her work with refugees as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She has been cited as one of the world's most attractive people, as well as the world's "most beautiful" woman, titles for which she has received substantial media attention.

Shannon Tweed

2010-06-01T01:35:00.000-07:00

Shannon Lee Tweed (born March 10, 1957) is a Canadian actress and model. One of the most successful actresses of mainstream erotica Shannon Tweed is identified with the genre of the erotic thriller. Tweed currently lives with her lifetime partner Gene Simmons of Kiss and they have two children.

Tyra Banks

2010-05-29T00:21:00.000-07:00

Tyra Banks was born in Inglewood, California, the daughter of Carolyn (née London), a fashion manager and NASA photographer, and Donald Banks, a computer consultant. The couple divorced in 1980, when Banks was 6 years old. However, the relationship between her parents, and between her and her brother Devin Banks (born 1968), stayed friendly. Later, Carolyn married Clifford Johnson; she now goes by Carolyn London-Johnson. Tyra Banks attended John Burroughs Middle School and graduated in 1991 from Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles. She was accepted by colleges such as USC and UCLA for television producing.

Megan Fox

2010-05-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

Megan Fox (born May 16, 1986) is an American actress and model. She began her acting career in 2001 with several minor television and film roles, and played a recurring role on Hope and Faith. In 2004, she launched her film career with a role in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen. In 2007, Megan Fox was cast as Mikaela Banes, the love interest of Shia LaBeouf's character in the blockbuster film Transformers which became her breakout role and earned her various Teen Choice Awards nominations. Fox reprised her role in the 2009 sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Later in 2009, she starred as the titular lead character in the film Jennifer's Body.

Emma Watson

2010-05-18T00:39:00.001-07:00

Emma Watson was born in Paris, France, daughter of Jacqueline Luesby and Chris Watson, English lawyers. Watson has one French grandmother, and lived in Paris until the age of five, before she moved with her mother and younger brother, Alex, to Oxfordshire, England, following her parents' divorce.

From the age of six, Watson expressed a desire to become an actress. By 10, she had starred in school plays, including Arthur: The Young Years and The Happy Prince. She had never acted professionally before the Harry Potter series. "I had no idea of the scale of the film series", she said in a 2007 interview with Parade magazine; "if I had I would have been completely overwhelmed".

Alyssa Milano

2010-05-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

Alyssa Milano
Lingerie Careers

Alyssa Milano has an interest in the Los Angeles Kings, a National Hockey League team and is involved with a related clothing line. In 2008, Alyssa Milano expanded that to NFL football, as a New York Giants fan. Since Milano is in the same hometown as NFL Network's Rich Eisen (Staten Island), she revealed some of her family's connections with the New York Giants while she picked the winners of NFL games for week 7 of 2008.

Paris Hilton

2010-05-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

Lingerie Careers

Paris Hilton

In the autumn of 2004, Hilton released an autobiographical book, Confessions of an Heiress: A Tongue-in-Chic Peek Behind the Pose, co-written by Merle Ginsberg, which includes full color photographs of her and her advice on life as an heiress. Hilton reportedly received a $100,000 advance payment for this book. Some in the media panned the writing as amateurish, and the book was parodied by Robert Mundell on The Late Show with David Letterman. The book became a New York Times bestseller. Hilton followed it up with a designer diary, also with Ginsberg, called Your Heiress Diary: Confess It All to Me.

Britney Spears

2010-04-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Britney Spears

Lingerie Careers

Spears was born in McComb, Mississippi and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana as a Southern Baptist.

Jennifer Aniston

2009-10-06T18:22:00.001-07:00

Jennifer Aniston
Lingerie Careers

Angelina Jolie

2009-09-28T16:34:00.001-07:00

Angelina Jolie
Lingerie Careers

Keeley Hazell

2009-09-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Keeley Hazell
Lingerie Careers

Denise Richards

2008-12-23T15:48:00.000-08:00

Lingerie Careers

Denise Richards

Denise Richards Playboy Celeb Model Photo.

Denise Richards Hot Women Lingerie Gallery Free Pics.

2009 Cars Update:

2009 BMW X3-Series

Treat your friends and family to a classy, sporty, and powerful SUV like the X3 Series from BMW. Surely this 5-Passenger SUV has more attributes than any other competing SUV.

Driven by a 6-cylinder, 3.0L DOHC 24-valve engine the X3 Series generates up to 260 horsepower and 225 pounds per foot of torque. You're sure to find great mechanical attributes like xDrive all-wheel drive system with traction control; a six-speed manual transmission; Dual resonance intake systen; and Electronic throttle control.

Your impressive performance is owed to great functional and fantastic features like Dynamic Stability Control, rack-and-pinion power steering, twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers, double-pivot strut-type front suspension and vacuum-assisted four-wheel ventilated disc brakes.

And in order to conquer any type of terrain you're sure to find a fully accessorized exterior complete with features like 17" x 8.0" Star Spoke alloy wheels, halogen free-form headlights with automatic control and Daytime Running Lamps, front foglights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and heated washer jets, power heated mirrors, dual chrome tail pipes, and roof spoiler.

The X3 Series BMW is the best combination of functionality, class, power, and convenience.

Surely your friends and family will never hesitate to ride with you on account of a classy interior complete with the latest technology in entertainment and comfort. Interior features include an anti-theft AM/FM/CD audio system with 10 speakers and pre-wiring for CD changer, automatic climate control, Leatherette upholstery, 8-way power front seat with driver's seat memory, BMW Ambience Lighting, and Dual-panel Panoramic Moonroof.

Emma Watson

2008-12-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

Lingerie Careers

Emma Watson

Emma Watson Gallery of Hot Women Photo.

Emma Watson Celebrity Girls Free Pics.

2009 Cars Update:

2009 Bentley Azure

Stylish and powerful, the new Bentley Azure T is the world’s most elegant convertible and destined to become a future classic. With unique Bentley ‘T’ styling cues reinforcing its sporting stance, the 500bhp Azure T delivers driver-focused performance with the ability to transport four adults in first-class, open-top luxury.

The new Azure T, specified with the high performance version of Crewe’s iconic 6¾ litre V8 engine, is the latest in a line of Bentley models to bear the ‘T’ legend. The 1996 Continental coupe was the first modern Bentley ‘T’, followed in 2002 by the Arnage T, both flagship models with a distinctive sporting character and thunderous performance.

The Azure’s already striking form is now enhanced by 20-inch 5-spoke wheels and tyres, ‘Le Mans’ front wing vents, dark tint matrix grille and a sculpted, retractable Flying ‘B’ mascot.
For the performance-oriented Azure T, the twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 500bhp and 1000 Nm of torque – an 11 per cent increase in power and a 14 per cent increase in torque over its 450bhp/875 Nm Azure stable mate.

The famous Bentley wave of torque is even more prodigious than before and performance is significantly raised with a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of just 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.5 sec). Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing, Stuart McCullough comments:

“The new Azure T reflects our passion for creating the world’s most exhilarating and prestigious convertibles that, true to the Bentley T tradition, blend sophistication with a powerful presence.”
2009 Bentley Azure T 2009 Bentley Azure T 2009 Bentley Azure T

A UNIQUE OPEN-TOP MOTORING EXPERIENCE

Based on the Azure, the Azure T offers a range of discreet exterior cues that further enhance its powerful stance and hint at its increased performance potential. Key ingredients of its distinctive appearance include design features 20-inch five-spoke, two-piece alloy wheels and ‘Le Mans’ lower front wing air vents.
Further distinguishing points from the Azure are standard features such as dark-tinted upper and lower grilles, ‘jewel’ fuel filler cap (made from billet aluminium) and door mirror mountings finished in body colour.

Like the Bentley Brooklands, the Azure T sports the iconic Flying ‘B’ mascot, which can retract neatly into the grille surround. Originally designed by motoring artist F. Gordon Crosby, the ‘B’ was first used on the 1930 Bentley 8-Litre.

With exterior lines that echo visual elements of the Bentley Mk.6 from 1946, the Azure was enthusiastically received on its original debut as a concept car at the Los Angeles Show in January 2005. Now, as the Azure T makes its own ‘debut’ at LA, Raul Pires, Manager of Exterior design for Bentley Motors, notes:

“The Azure’s proportions provided us with the ideal platform to work with when creating the new Azure T. The prominent haunches and ‘supermodel’ body inspired our designers to create a new interpretation of a Bentley convertible with the accent placed on a more muscular, sporting stance.”

Bentley’s designers highlight the 1955 Park Ward S1 Drophead Coupé and 1995 Azure as the main influences for the current Azure and Azure T. Like the ’50s convertible, the car has a deep body with a single feature line that runs along both flanks and rises at the powerful rear haunches before spearing off at the rear of the car. Similarly, the Azure T’s fast and flowing roofline is echoed in its seven-bow canvas roof that gives the car a visible sporting profile when raised.

Prominent wheel arches grace a slender, narrowing boot that results in a ‘horse shoe’ trailing edge. This elegant shape is reminiscent of the first Crewe-built Bentley, the Mk.6, and the overall effect is a subtle hint at the power and performance that lies beneath the Azure T’s bodywork.

Delicate brightware detailing accentuates the flowing lines of the Azure T and this includes rear tail-lamp bezels, exhaust finishes and slender strips that run the length of the car.

Significant time and effort has gone into making the Azure T’s folding roof attractive as well as highly functional. Operated hydraulically at the touch of a switch, the impressive, three-layer canvas roof is elegantly stowed beneath the rear parcel shelf in a matter of 25 seconds. Because the roof is held in a separate well area, there is no impact on the generous boot space which was designed to hold two sets of golf clubs and hand luggage.

The engine and transmission of the Azure T are identical to those already employed in the high-performance Arnage T and Arnage Final Series saloons. In this specification, Bentley’s remarkable all-aluminium 6¾ litre V8 engine produces 500 bhp (507PS/373kW) and 1000 Nm (738lb ft) of torque – with over 90 per cent of that torque available between 1,800 and 3,800 rev/min – figures that ensure the signature Bentley ‘wave of torque’ delivers effortless performance for a unique open-top convertible driving experience.

Each of these hand-made V8 engines comes with a black-finish air intake manifold bearing the signature of the team leader who oversaw its construction by Bentley technicians in the Crewe factory. The six-speed ZF automatic transmission ensures optimum flexibility, response and refinement. Three transmission modes (Drive, Sport and Manual) allow the driver to take full advantage of the powerful 500 bhp V8 engine.

A sophisticated electronic management system provides fast yet smooth gearshifts regardless of how the car is being driven. Another important feature of the latest Azure T is the separation of the sports suspension and sports gearbox settings, allowing the driver to select their preference for each system independently – via a ‘Sport’ switch on the dashboard for the suspension and by positioning the gearlever for the transmission’s Sport mode.

Bentley’s V8 guarantees outstanding performance levels. From standstill, acceleration to 60 mph is achieved in just 5.2 seconds (0-100 km/h 5.5 seconds), 100 mph reached in 12.1 seconds (160 km/h in 12.0 seconds) and a top speed of 179 mph (288 km/h) is possible.
2009 Bentley Azure T 2009 Bentley Azure T 2009 Bentley

The Azure’s double wishbone front and rear suspension is carried over to the Azure T unaltered. Set-up and fine-tuned to give a refined ride that best suits the character of this convertible Bentley, the system features coil springs with computer-controlled, adaptive electro-hydraulic dampers and automatic ride-height control with auto-load compensation.

The Azure T’s suspension delivers impressive body control in all driving conditions, while the new five-spoke, two-piece 8.5J x 20-inch Sports alloy wheels with 255/40 ZR20 Pirelli P Zero tyres further improve handling and road holding.

As an option, Azure T owners may specify an upgraded braking system with carbon/silicon carbide, cross-drilled brake ventilated discs. Measuring 420 x 40 mm (front) and 356 x 28 mm (rear), these discs are the largest fitted to any production car on sale today. With eight-piston callipers, the brakes provide impressive deceleration and also give an 8 kg reduction in unsprung weight, benefiting steering response, ride suppleness and acceleration.
This lightweight braking system ensures virtually fade-free use, time after time, and superb resistance to disc distortion under high thermal conditions. Under normal use, the brake discs will last the lifetime of the car and pad life is doubled compare to the standard system.

For Azure T and its Bentley stable mates, the Traction Control system is calibrated with the aim of avoiding all unnecessary reductions in engine torque. The ESP logic system, which is set up to allow spirited handling without any reduction in stability or safety, monitors the car’s overall stability rather than simply loss of grip to the wheels. This reduces the amount of intervention required and restores power earlier and more progressively, allowing the power of the Azure T’s V8 engine to be fully exploited.

The Bentley Azure T enjoys an 11 per cent power and 14 per cent torque increase compared with Azure and the strength and stiffness of the original chassis are such that no changes were deemed necessary, as Brian Gush, Director of Powertrain and Chassis, explains:

“The Azure chassis has always had an immense potential and this enables us to offer the extra power of our 500 bhp V8 engine and the driver-focused qualities of a true Bentley T without compromising ride comfort.”

Compared with the Arnage, the Azure T benefits from significant stiffening members. These strengthened steel parts lie in the sill section of the car and extend into the A-pillars that form the windscreen frame. Beneath the front and rear of the Azure, carbon fibre cross-bracing members reinforce the whole bodyshell, while adding far less weight than steel.

Strengthening has also been applied to the body structure behind the rear seats where an advanced rollover protection system is fitted. This immediately detects if the car is in danger of inverting and deploys two hoops that are integrated within the rear headrests. In conjunction with the strengthened front windscreen frame, these are capable of supporting 2.5 times the entire weight of an over-turned car.

EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP

Befitting its role as a new Bentley flagship convertible, the Azure T embodies a range of standard features that were previously unavailable or only available as cost options on the Azure. The seats and door panels have Diamond Quilting, the fascia features an ‘engine-turned’ aluminium finish (reminiscent of 1920s racing Bentleys), and the instrument faces are finished in Black rather than Parchment.

Bentley emblems are embroidered on the front seat backs and the rear seat centre, an iPod/USB interface is provided, while the full range of Bentley’s premium veneers is available, a knurled finish is applied to several handles and switches and a knurled, chrome gear knob is fitted.

The new Azure T will have a strong appeal to Bentley customers, as Trevor Gay, Personal Commissioning Manager at Mulliner (Bentley’s specialist commissioning department), explains:
“The Azure has always stood apart from the rest of the Bentley range and the higher-performance Azure T will allow customers the opportunity to use the Mulliner service to create a bespoke convertible to their exact specification.”

Although many of the most desirable Mulliner options are included in Azure T as standard, Bentley anticipates that the majority of buyers will request additional enhancements. Inside, the Azure T is everything customers would expect of a bespoke Bentley, offering the highest levels of hand-craftsmanship to a small, discerning audience. The interior offers a spacious, luxurious cabin to provide the ultimate in first-class, open-top travel for four adults.

As in every Bentley, craftsmanship and bespoke finishing are to the fore. Every item of trim, be it veneer, hide or chromed bezel, uses authentic materials.

Azure T is available in the full Bentley range of 42 exterior colours, 25 interior hides, and the full range of premium veneers, plus the comprehensive line-up of Mulliner options and its bespoke colour-matching service that enable Bentley owners to create a uniquely personal car.

Of course, the nature of a convertible means that its interior is often on display as much as its exterior and Bentley’s design team knew that the Azure T’s spacious cabin should make a strong a statement. Consequently, warm and inviting leather hide extend past the seats and onto the parcel shelf and this emphasises the dimensions of the rear compartment.

A new audio head unit with larger display screen and an SD (secure digital) memory card slot instead of the single CD slot is fitted. At the rear, a new hide-covered boot rail with coordinated leather trim and a chrome strip along the top edge gives the load area a tidier, premium appearance.

All Azure T models come with an iPod Interface linked to the Infotainment system, enabling customers to play their favourite music through the car’s audio system. The system is supplied with connectors for iPod, USB, Mini USB and a 3.5 mm AUX jack and includes a 12 volt power outlet for charging purposes.

As an option, Azure T buyers can specify the Naim for Bentley premium audio system. Created in partnership with Bentley by Naim Audio, a UK-based high end hi-fi manufacturer, this system features 10 speakers, a dual-channel sub-woofer and an 1100 Watt amplifier, plus eight individual DSP modes to reproduce true emotions and a ‘live’ concert-like experience.

In Azure T the sub-woofers are located in the rear passenger footwells and contained within a special enclosure to ensure the sound of this pure music remains within the open cabin.

Bentley Continental GT 2009

2008-12-17T23:40:00.000-08:00

2009 Bentley Continental GT

The Bentley Continental GT is a luxury all-wheel drive coupe built in England. The more powerful and exclusive Continental GT Speed joined the Continental GT for 2008. The Continental GT?s 6.0-liter W12 engine produces 552 horsepower and 479 pounds-feet of torque. The Continental GT Speed features the same 6.0-liter W12, but generates 600 horsepower and 533 pounds-feet of torque. Both trims send power through a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with steering column mounted gearshift paddles. Continuous all-wheel drive, traction control and stability control are standard equipment. A navigation system, Bluetooth, Sirius satellite radio, multi-zone climate control, heated memory power seats are standard on all trims. Premium grade leather and genuine wood trim are used throughout the interior. The Continental GT Speed features a dark chrome grille, lowered sports suspension, 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, and diamond-quilted leather seat facing and trim.

This 4-seat coupe features a luxurious handcrafted interior with a large variety of custom trim options, including aluminum and numerous types of wood veneers. Several wheel styles in chrome and painted finishes are available. Optional light-weight carbon ceramic brakes offer superior durability and reduce brake fade, where the brakes become less effective due to overheating in extremely demanding conditions. A rear reversing camera is also available.

Purchasing an older vehicle, such as the 2009 Bentley Continental GT, makes good financial sense. You're able to avoid the steep depreciation rates that occur with brand new vehicles. This essentially gives you the advantage of getting a 2009 Bentley Continental GT for less money than when it was new. If the 2009 Bentley Continental GT was properly maintained, you also have a good chance of steering clear of problems that would have developed when the car was new.

The amount you pay for an older car depends on various factors. One important element is where you buy the vehicle. You're likely to get a better deal if you buy it from a private party, as opposed to a dealer. On the other hand, a reputable dealer will normally have some kind of limited warranty, so you can drive away knowing that if the car breaks down right away, you'll be covered. Another factor that may affect price on a 2009 Bentley Continental GT is whether it's "certified" by the manufacturer. A certified vehicle will cost more because warranty service is provided that normally doesn't come with a used car.

When you're ready to purchase a 2009 Bentley Continental GT, be sure to check out our section on used cars. We have listings for thousands of models so it should be easy for you to find a 2009 Bentley Continental GT that meets your needs. We post valuable information specific to the vehicle, such as options, number of miles, as well as contact information so you can directly reach the seller. Or, if you are selling a vehicle, CarsDirect is an ideal place to post a listing. Every month, more than six million serious car shoppers visit the website.

Eva Longoria

2008-12-17T23:18:00.000-08:00

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BMW M3 2009

2008-12-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

2009 BMW M3

After a 10-year hiatus, the BMW M3 Sedan is coming back. For the 2009 model year, BMW is once again releasing a four-door version of its sought-after M3, which is the highest-performance version of the 3 Series.

The BMW M3 Sedan doesn't look dramatically different from a standard-issue 3 Series Sedan, though the two cars share few body panels. Obvious styling cues include different bumpers, added air intakes, flared wheel arches, a “power bulge” in its aluminum hood, unique side-mirrors and a spoiler designed to keep the rear end stable at high speeds.

As with its larger and more flamboyant counterpart, the M5, the BMW M3 Sedan includes a carbon-fiber-reinforced roof for added structural integrity and weight reduction. It also helps lower the car's center of gravity, which improves handling.

BMW M3 Sedan Vehicle Summary

The upgrades that truly differentiate a BMW M3 Sedan from the rest of the line, however, are more visceral in nature. Prime among them is a lightweight 4.0-liter V8 engine that develops well over 400 horsepower, output roughly on a par with the Chevrolet Corvette (though the latter’s small-block V8 generates about a third more low-end torque). The compact sedan can reach 60 mph from a standstill in just under five seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The BMW M3 Sedan’s engine includes a variation on the regenerative braking systems found on most hybrid-powered vehicles. Here, it takes electrical power recovered while braking to recharge the battery and power various systems while the car is moving; this means the alternator can be disengaged from the engine under most circumstances so that it doesn't sap power.

A beefed-up six-speed, short-throw manual transmission is the only available gearbox. Though some may lament the lack of an automatic, the enthusiasts for whom the BMW M3 is designed won't complain.

Riding on a specially modified all-aluminum suspension, with 18-inch wheels and tires (19-inchers are optional) and a variable locking rear differential that optimizes traction on a wide range of road surfaces, the BMW M3 handles like few models this side of an exotic sports car.

As in the M5 and M6, the BMW M3 includes an MDrive control system that lets the driver tailor the car’s performance and handling characteristics. It can get complex, but those who are so inclined can fiddle with the engine management controls (for more lively throttle response), suspension damping (dial in a stiffer ride for better handling or a softer setting for comfort) and, optionally, the Servotronic power steering system (allowing more or less assistance at varying speeds).

In addition, the BMW M3’s standard Dynamic Stability Control system, which uses throttle- and brake-control to help minimize wheel spin and prevent a loss of control during extreme handling maneuvers, can be turned off altogether, which allows the car to be more easily coaxed into controlled skids around curves, called drifting.

The BMW M3’s interior is similar in appearance to the rest of the 3 Series line, albeit with richer materials and various M-specific embellishments. For example, the dashboard has a gauge that indicates how much of the engine’s power remains available, based not on rpm, but on the temperature of the engine oil. The cabin can be dressed up with various leather and trim treatments and front seats can be fitted with optional adjustable-width side bolsters to allow maximum lateral support through sharp turns.

The BMW M3 includes the automaker’s counterintuitive iDrive system to govern the entertainment, navigation, communication and climate control functions; as in the 5, 6 and 7 Series cars, it clumsily replaces individual buttons with a single knob and menus displayed on an LCD screen.

Is the BMW M3 Sedan for You?
Buy the M3 Sedan if
You want top performance in a compact four-door package with bragging rights to match, at least among BMW aficionados.

Keep Looking if
You need a larger or more practical vehicle, or prefer a sleeker-looking sports car.

Who Fits?
Two adults will find ample room and comfort up front; the rear can feel cramped for larger adults.

Closest Competitors
Audi S4; Lexus IS-F; Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Did You Know?
BMW began selling high-performance M-branded vehicles in the U.S. in 1988, with the original M3, which was essentially a racing version of the 3 Series coupe that had been modestly modified for street use. It was quick, but intensely harsh, even by performance-car standards, and was sold only to a select few enthusiasts and weekend racers. The second generation M3, released in 1995, was considerably more civilized and sophisticated, and set the tone for higher-performance M treatments that would be subsequently applied to the 3 Series and 5 Series Sedans, the Z Roadster, and the 6 Series Coupe.

While the automaker began refreshing its 3 Series line for the 2006 model year with a major redesign, the M3 coupe and convertible continued in their third generation with only minor modifications; the current fourth-generation BMW M3 Coupe and sedan debuted for 2008, with a Convertible version likely to follow.

Jessica Biel

2008-12-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

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Cadillac CTS-V 2009

2008-11-17T19:02:00.002-08:00

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is a limited-production, very high-performance sedan based on the mid-size CTS sport sedan. The model is the latest in a series of Cadillac V-Series cars, all oriented toward top performance, motorsports, and exclusivity. The new CTS-V returns completely redesigned for 2009, with an appearance that borrows heavily from the standard CTS but adding, most notably, a supercharged, 6.2-liter V-8 engine making 556 horsepower—enough to take on the best sport sedans from Germany.

Last year, the CTS line received an extensively refreshed exterior, along with a much-acclaimed, completely redesigned interior. From either the front or rear, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V has a boxy, angular appearance, though the cues soften in the middle with smoother doorlines and handles. Design details abound, including recessed, jewel-like headlamps, meshlike upper and lower grilles, a well-sculpted front fascia, and integrated fog lamps in front. From the side, the CTS-V has a relatively high beltline that rises to a high decklid in back, where stylish vertical tail lamps flank the corners and lid crease is lined with a spoilerlike strip of LEDs. Flashy 19-inch wheels, polished or painted, have V-shaped spoke segments and showcase the heavy-duty Brembo brake hardware. The V-Series is also designated on the outside by several small badges, as well as a chromed side air vent at the back of the front fender.

Inside, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V follows a uniquely American design that stands out from any of its rivals. Trim alongside the doors extends across the instrument panel from both sides and slopes downward into a V-shaped center console that contains audio and climate controls and additional vents, with the available navigation display retracting into the dash when not in use. Piped-in LED lighting adds a sophisticated ambiance, and top-notch materials and trims are used throughout.

Well-bolstered leather sport seats with supportive headrests are offered in front; they provide good support for most drivers, but the recommended available Recaro seats—finished in a breathable and grippy microfiber—add lateral support for high-performance driving and supportive thigh extensions for taller drivers. In back, there's space for two normal-sized adults, though the middle position is not as comfortable.

The interior of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V has some impressive features and design details. The available navigation system, which incorporates an XM NavTraffic function, has one of the best displays we've tested, and the top portion of the screen doubles as a radio display when nav functions aren't being used. And the optional EZ key entry system, which can be set to automatically unlock the doors while the keyfob is in your pocket, slots into its own cubby in the center console if desired. However, we remain disappointed with the position of the climate control displays, which require a distracting glance far down to the area beside the driver's knee.

The CTS-V's lusty 6.2-liter, supercharged V-8 engine—closely related to the one installed in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1—produces an impressive 556 horsepower and 551 pound-feet of torque. That's more power than the top performance sedans from Germany, as affirmed by its performance times of 3.9 seconds to 60 mph either with the standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic. With the manual, the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V can reach at least 191 mph.

In real-world driving, there's enough available torque to pin you back to your seat in just about any situation. Both transmissions in the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V shift smoothly, and the clutch is surprisingly light and precise for the manual. The automatic tends to shift to top gear somewhat early, but manual shifts can be controlled via a manual shift gate or tap-shifters on the back of the steering wheel. Unfortunately, it requires that you shift to the manual gate first.

The latest version of GM's Magnetic Ride Control, which uses a magnetically sensitive fluid in the dampers to almost instantaneously firm up or soften the suspension, allows the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V a quite supple, absorbent ride on rough roads and crisp body control in demanding performance situations. The system has Sport and Touring modes for firmer or softer overall responses, respectively, and for track driving, the StabiliTrack stability control system uses a Competitive Driving Mode to make the most of the balanced chassis, powerful engine, and huge brakes—all enhanced with sticky Z-rated Michelin PS2 summer performance tires. Our only complaint concerns the steering, which doesn't convey much of road feel through to the steering wheel.

For 2009, the Cadillac CTS-V will be sold in a single model, including standard xenon HID headlamps, Adaptive Forward Lighting, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, heated power front seats, ultrasonic rear parking assist, a surround-sound audio system with a 40GB hard drive, USB connectivity, DVD compatibility, and a Bluetooth interface.

The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V is structurally similar to the Cadillac CTS, which earned four-star ratings in frontal crash protection and five-star results in side crash protection from the federal government. While those results are respectable, the CTS got nothing but the best ratings in crash testing from the IIHS: top "good" ratings for frontal, side, and rear protection. Standard safety equipment includes front side airbags, head curtain airbags for front and rear outboard passengers, anti-lock braking, and the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.

The Bottom Line:

The uniquely styled 2009 Cadillac CTS-V pairs track times of an exotic sportscar with luxury-sedan comforts; in nearly all respects, Cadillac beats the top performance sedans from Germany at their own game.

Chevrolet Volt 2011

2008-11-17T11:59:00.000-08:00

2011 Chevrolet VoltAt a recent General Motors media event, GM "product czar" Bob Lutz wanted to be sure there wasn't any confusion. According to Lutz, the 2011 Chevy Volt is not a plug-in hybrid, but rather it is an extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV).

General Motors is determined to sell a E-REV before anyone else. That’s why it’s working flat-out to meet a self-imposed November 2010 deadline with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Among the most radical of GM’s near-term “green car” promises, the Volt is not just a symbolic “moon shot” for this beleaguered American company. It’s a grudge-match challenge to Toyota, which is poised to end GM’s 75-year reign as the world’s largest automaker, an achievement fueled in part by the Japanese brand’s big lead in hybrid technology and sales. As Larry Burns, GM vice president for research and development, told Car and Driver magazine, “Toyota creamed us on the Prius. It won’t happen again.” Yes, folks, this is personal.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt will differ markedly from the Prius and other gasoline/electric hybrids. It will also differ in many ways from the racy-looking Volt concept unveiled at the January 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Since that big-buzz reveal, GM has gone out of its way to keep the media fully briefed on the production car’s progress. As a result, we now have a good many specifics about the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, though important questions remain.

For starters, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will be a compact five-door sedan with front-wheel drive, four-passenger seating, and an external footprint like that of Chevrolet’s conventional Cobalt compact car. It will use GM’s new “Delta 2” global small-car platform, but will have unique styling and GM’s much-touted “E-Flex” powertrain architecture. E-Flex differs from existing hybrid systems that use a battery-powered electric motor as an adjunct to an internal combustion engine. Instead, the gas-fueled engine serves as a electricity generator and battery charger and is not connected to the drive wheels. Technically speaking, the Volt is thus an electric vehicle (EV) as well as a “serial hybrid.” The Toyota Prius and similar vehicles are termed “parallel hybrids.”

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt will be one of the first retail-market vehicles to use state-of-the-art lithium-ion (LI) batteries instead of the older and more common nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) type. LI batteries store more energy in less space, which is why they’re used in cell phones, laptop computers, and other small devices that need ample juice. They’re also faster to recharge. These advantages are naturally attractive for an electric car, but LI batteries have never been used on this scale, and devising suitable cells has been the major challenge in bringing the Volt to market.

GM is currently evaluating batteries from two joint ventures, A123 Systems/Continental AG and Compact Power/LG Chem. Chemistry is the main difference: so-called nanophosphate for the former, magnesium for the latter. Accelerated lab tests are now underway to determine which type better satisfies eight GM criteria, including energy density, extreme-temperature performance, materials, and cost. The choice should be announced by mid to late 2009.

Incidentally, these competing chemistries differ completely from that of the Sony LI batteries that made scare headlines by causing some laptop computers to overheat and even catch fire. The batteries in the 2011 Chevrolet Volt are thus expected to be quite safe, though they, too, must be kept within a specific temperature range. The Volt has a separate liquid-cooling system for that purpose.

The battery pack itself, rated at 16 kilowatts/hour, comprises more than 220 separate cells wired in series. That means the failure of any one cell disables the entire array, though some existing hybrid vehicles also have this flaw. The Volt pack is about six feet long and weighs a hefty 375 pounds. As in GM’s early-1990s EV1 pure-electric vehicle, it mounts in T-formation with the “leg” running beneath the center tunnel and the top situated crosswise under the rear seats. The latter precludes a middle back-seat position, but does allow spreading the outboard seats further apart than usual. For convenience, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will include an “intelligent” control module that allows plugging in to either 120- or 240-volt household circuits. GM estimates the Volt's battery can be charged in less than three hours via a 240-volt outlet, or in about eight hours with a 120-volt outlet.

As for the battery-charger engine, it’s said to be an existing four-cylinder GM unit of 1.4 liters displacement. Two versions may appear: one running on gasoline and tuned to PZEV (partial-zero emissions vehicle) standards, the other capable of using E85 ethanol and tuned to looser ULEV (ul tra-low-emissions vehicle) levels. A small diesel engine could also be used, and was in the recent Opel Flextreme concept, but GM says it has no immediate plans to offer this.

Various reports indicate that electronic controls in the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will fire up the gas engine once the battery pack runs down to 30-percent power, then keep cycling the engine to maintain power within a specified band. GM estimates the Volt’s total driving range at 640 miles, which is about double that of most conventional hybrids.

GM also claims the 2011 Chevrolet Volt can run solely on electric power for 40 miles with a full battery charge. That’s in line with studies showing that most Americans drive only about 40 miles a day, so in theory at least, a Volt could go for weeks without using a drop of gas or spewing any CO2. But some analysts think the real-world electric range will be closer to 30 miles and probably less, depending on vehicle speed, ambient temperature (which affects battery performance), and whether trips include steep grades. Like conventional hybrids, however, the Volt incorporates a regenerative-braking feature that helps recharge the batteries when coasting or decelerating.

Powertrain aside, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt is fairly ordinary. Indeed, GM is reportedly trying to use as many off-the-shelf components as possible to offset the costly batteries and related systems in an effort to keep delivered price reasonable. That’s why the Volt shares a platform with conventional GM compacts and will likely be built alongside some of them in the company’s Detroit-Hamtramck plant. Cost concerns also explain an orthodox coil-spring suspension with front struts and a simple twist-beam rear axle located by trailing arms. Appropriate for a “volts-wagon,” the steering is electrically operated, albeit designed for minimal power consumption. The brakes are electro-hydraulic, with “by-wire” activation and a normal fluid reservoir for antilock control and antiskid/traction control.

GM unveiled the production Volt during the company's 100th Anniversary celebration in September 2008. Against the low-slung 2007 concept, which insiders nicknamed the “Electric Camaro,” the production model has a longer, smoother nose and greater windshield slant, but is otherwise similar, especially in back. Some observers feel the Volt bears a family resemblance to the midsize 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and it does have a similar “twin-cowl” dashboard. GM says many of the exterior changes were made to reduce air drag and thus maximize driving range. The concept Volt was apparently drawn without much regard to aerodynamics, and proved very disappointing when tested in the GM wind tunnel. Company design chief Ed Wellburn claims the final design reduces the concept’s drag coefficient by 30 percent, and a statement by Bob Lutz implies a value of around 0.25, impressively low for a four-seat sedan.

It’s clear that GM views the 2011 Chevrolet Volt as a potential game-changer for the entire auto industry. After all, the E-Flex architecture is designed so that the gas engine can be replaced by a hydrogen fuel cell, once those are ready. But it’s equally clear that GM is throwing all the money and resources it can at the Volt program just so it can one-up Toyota with an extended-range electric car. Yet the Volt is unlikely to make money right away, and GM could even be forced to subsidize the price to pump-prime the market. Later on, of course, the Volt could pay off big in both prestige and profits, much as the Prius has for Toyota.

In any case, GM knows it will eat a lot of crow if it misses its deadline, which could happen if there’s an unexpected delay with the batteries. But all involved express confidence that the Volt will be on time, if not on budget. As Bob Lutz recently told Wired magazine: “November 2010 is our internal target. We are holding the team’s feet to the fire...[T]here is no doubt you’d like to be able to leapfrog Toyota and come out with a car they aren’t ready to do. There’s nothing magic about the technology. Two or three years after the Volt is introduced, everybody will have something like it. We’d just like to be first for once... If we pull it off successfully, it can really put us back at the top of the heap of automotive technology instead of being called laggards that are being left behind by the Germans and the Japanese... If it doesn’t work, it’s not fatal. But if it does work, it will be sensational...”

Maybe so, Bob. We shall see.

2011 Chevrolet Volt
Against the low-slung 2007 concept, the production model has a longer, smoother nose and greater windshield slant, but is otherwise similar, especially in back.

A Notable Feature of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt

The Volt may have a very different powertrain, but GM wanted to make it drive like any other Chevrolet. For example, although there’s no transmission per se, the Volt will have an ordinary mechanical shift lever on the center console, which GM says was chosen to help conserve power versus an electrically operated selector, as on the Prius. For the same reason, windshield wipers, air conditioning, stereo, and other accessories have been redesigned so they will also drain less juice than those in conventional cars. Though such “redundant systems” add to development costs and thus sticker price, they reflect GM’s desire that consumers see the Volt as no less practical than any other car.

Buying Advice for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Despite its alleged game-changing technology, the Volt will face a growing number of “clean-tech” vehicles selling for the same or less money, including not just hybrids but also diesel-engine models. In particular, it will compete with a redesigned version of the Toyota Prius that’s expected in January 2009 as an early 2010 entry. Sources say the third-generation Prius will be somewhat larger yet lighter than today’s version, will offer better performance with higher fuel economy, and will boast a longer electric-only driving range despite retaining NiMH batteries and Toyota’s basic Hybrid Synergy Drive system. Moreover, word is the Prius will switch to LI batteries around 2010, then add plug-in capability as early as 2011. With all this, buyers will want to weigh all the “green car” options with regard to initial cost versus “time to payback” and perhaps net environmental impact. On those counts, one analyst has concluded the Volt would fare much worse than conventional hybrids even in best-case driving scenarios, taking decades instead of several years to recoup its purchase price in fuel costs and reduced emissions. It’s something to think about.

2011 Chevrolet Volt Release Date: As noted, GM insists the Volt will be ready by November 2010, but it’s unclear whether sales will begin then or later. According to two websites (TheGMSource.com and chevyvoltforum.com), the Detroit-Hamtramck plant will close in May 2009 to retool for Volt production, reopening in late September or early October. Those sources also say that first-year assemblies will be capped at around 10,000 units, a fairly slow pace presumably chosen to allow for any needed debugging of the car and/or its production processes. That means only select Chevy dealers will have Volts to sell in the 2011 model year, likely larger stores in major metro markets. After that, however, production reportedly ramps up to around 100,000 a year--or whatever the market will bear.

2011 Chevrolet Volt First Test Drive: GM has treated the media to several Volt technical briefings since the early-2007 concept reveal, and more are likely before announcement day. Assuming no surprise program delays, the first “ride-and-drive” events could be held in summer or early fall of 2010.

2011 Chevrolet Volt Prices: GM first projected the Volt’s base price at around $30,000, but has since upped the estimate to $35,000. And some sources believe the final tab will be more like $40,000, rather steep for a compact Chevrolet. Why so much? Apparently because GM underestimated the cost of the high-tech batteries and other Volt-specific components. The wild card is whether the company might be willing to take a loss by subsidizing the price down to the original $30K target--and if so, for how long.

2009 Volvo C70

2008-11-10T22:05:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Volvo C70 gets no major changes. This four-seat convertible is based on Volvo's S40/V50 compact car. C70 has a power-retracting metal top with heated glass rear window. It comes in a single T5 trim level with a 227-hp turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. Manual or automatic transmission is available. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Also standard are rollover bars designed to deploy from the rear headrests if sensors detect an impending tip. A wireless cell phone link is newly standard. Among options are leather upholstery, heated front seats, navigation system, rear obstacle detection, and bi-xenon headlamps.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buys are the Audi A5 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the BMW 1-Series, Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Nissan GT-R, and Porsche 911.

2009 Porsche 911 Carrera

2008-11-10T21:46:00.000-08:00

BY JENS MEINERS

Look closely and memorize the subtle changes to the exterior. Otherwise, you may overlook the new 2009 Porsche 911 when it appears on American roads this September.

Porsche refers to it as a new generation, even though the internal chassis code 997 remains unchanged. We see it as more of a mid-term facelift with some significant technological changes. Notably, the water-cooled flat-six engines get direct-injection technology, and a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission replaces the previous five-speed Tiptronic automatic while the shift-it-yourself option remains a six-speed.

Let's describe the changes to the exterior as inoffensive. The front end looks slightly more Boxster-like, with a thin glass strip above the air inlet. It houses LED daytime running lights—which can be switched off—and traditional turn signals. Engineers wanted LED turn signals as well, like those on the 911 Turbo, but there was not enough room for the complete unit above the daytime-running lights. The rear lights have a slightly more complex shape than before and are fully LED, including the turn signals.

Mirrors are bigger to comply with upcoming European regulations. The standard Carrera gets larger disc brakes, which share the 13-inch diameter of the Carrera S, but are thinner. Basically the only visible differentiator between the two versions are the tail pipes. The Carrera has two large exhaust pipes; the more powerful Carrera S gets four smaller, circular units. (Step up to the Turbo, and you’re back to two exhaust pipes. Go figure.)

Porsche is initially launching the facelifted 911 with the rear-wheel-drive, narrow-body Carrera and Carrera S models. The four-wheel-drive Carrera 4 will go on sale a few weeks later. Wide-body versions will follow, as will the Targa—the Targa moniker still denoting a big sunroof and not the partly removable roof that was last available on the 964-generation 911.

Interior Little Changed

Inside, you will be hard pressed to distinguish the 2009 model from the one it replaces. In response to customer complaints about the cluttered center console, Porsche has now grouped the buttons in a line without spaces in between. It may look like fewer buttons, but there aren't. We think the pre-facelift 997's console looked more technical and therefore better.

The infotainment unit, supplied by Harman Becker, receives a major upgrade with a touch-screen display. Unlike many other cars with a touch-screen display, the 911 won’t blank out any functions while the car is moving. We will never get used to bringing a car to a full stop to operate the navigation system, and we wish other companies would share Porsche's philosophy of not patronizing the driver.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class

2008-11-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class gets slightly freshened exterior styling. This premium midsize car is essentially a reskinned version of the company's E-Class sedan. CLS seats four vs. the E-Class' five and does not offer all-wheel drive or a wagon body style. Two CLS-Class models are available. The CLS550 has a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 engine. The high-performance CLS63 AMG has a 507-hp 6.2-liter V8. Both have a 7-speed automatic transmission and an air-spring suspension that adjusts firmness within three driver-selectable modes. The CLS63 adds firmer chassis tuning and cosmetic touches by Mercedes' AMG performance division. An AMG Sport Package for CLS550 includes specific trim and steering-wheel shift paddles for the automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Standard is a full-length center console and twin bucket-type rear seats. Newly standard on the 2009 CLS is a navigation system and wireless cell phone link. Options include front and rear obstacle detection, adaptive cruise control, and heated and cooled front seats. CLS550s have 18-inch wheels, while CLS63 AMG models have 19-inch wheels.

Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.

Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Infiniti M, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo V70.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RL, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS-V, Jaguar XF, and Volkswagen CC. The BMW X6 is scheduled to receive a gas/electric model for 2009, and the Infiniti G37 is scheduled to receive a convertible model.

Vanessa Hudgens

2008-11-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

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Alessandra Ambrosio

2008-11-05T17:44:00.000-08:00

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Megan Fox

2008-11-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

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Angelina Jolie

2008-10-31T18:09:00.000-07:00

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2008-10-23T16:43:00.002-07:00

Angelina Jolie

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Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron Spots Fast Cars
Koenigsegg CCX Sports Fast Cars
Bristol Fighter T Sports Fast Cars
Gumpert Apollo Sports Fast Cars
Pagani Zonda C12 F Sports Fast Cars
Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Sports Fast Cars
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren “722 Edition” Sports Fas...
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Sports Fast Cars
Aston Martin Vanquish S Sports Fast Cars
Barabus TKR Sports Fast Cars
Ruf RT 12 Sports Fast Cars
Porsche 959 Sports Fast Cars
Porsche 911 (993) Turbo Sports Fast Cars
Porsche Boxster Sports Fast Cars
Porsche Cayman S Sports Fast Cars
Porsche Cayenne Sports Fast Cars
Porsche 911 (996) GT3 Sports Fast Cars
Porsche 911 S (997) Sports Fast Cars
Porsche Carrera GT Sports Fast Cars
Ferrari F40 Sports Fast Cars
Ferrari Dino Sports Fast Cars
Ferrari 308/328 Sports Fast Cars
Ferrari 288 GTO Sports Fast Cars
Ferrari 250 GTO Sports Fast Cars
Ferrari Daytona Sports Fast Cars
Ferrari 550 Maranello Sports Fast Cars
Ferrari 250 California Spyder Sports Fast Cars
Enzo Ferrari Sports Fast Car
Ferrari F430 Sports Fast Car
BMW E30 3-Series Luxury Car
BMW E36 3-Series Luxury Car
BMW 3-Series Compact Luxury Car
BMW 528i Luxury Car
BMW Z3 M Coupe Luxury Car
BMW 7-Series Luxury Car
Mercedes SSK Classic Car
Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Classic Car
Mercedes 300SLR Classic Sports Car
Mercedes 230SL Pagoda Classic Car
Mercedes 600 Pullman Classic Car
Mercedes C111 Classic Sports Car

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron Spots Fast Cars

2008-10-23T16:43:00.001-07:00

Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron
253mph+, 0-62mph 2.5 secs

Officially the fastest car in the world. Ever. In a straight line the Bugatti Veyron simply owns the opposition. Electronically limited to 253mph, the Veyron’s top-end superiority is underlined by simply staggering acceleration. Remember the 243mph McLaren F1? Even given a 100mph head start, the Veyron would still beat one to the double ton. More fun stats include emptying the 100-litre fuel tank in 11 minutes at maximum velocity – a situation engineers have described as a ‘safety feature’. Travel that fast for a whole half hour and even the special high-speed tyres would apparently start to melt.

With four turbochargers, the 8.0-litre W16 engine makes a minimum 1000bhp, so it’s no surprise to discover the car contains 17 different cooling devices. Four-wheel drive and sophisticated aerodynamics mean the Veyron isn’t just a hyper-performance dragster, either, cornering incredibly for something weighing 1888kg. A super-fast shifting seven-speed DSG gearbox and mega price-tag completes this ultimate high-speed package.

Koenigsegg CCX Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

Koenigsegg CCX
245mph+, 0-62mph 3.2 secs

Poor Koenigsegg. Having spent the entire century so far trying to capture the McLaren F1’s top speed record, the Swedish supercar maker finally achieves it with the 242mph CCR when Bugatti comes along and rearranges the rulebook. That’s got to hurt. Still, what better way to bury the pain than to develop a new version – the CCX. A bespoke 4.7-litre V8 with twin superchargers sits just behind the passenger compartment, developing 806bhp and 678lb ft of torque – enough to propel the car from 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds despite only having rear wheel drive.

245mph is achievable if you can find, well, a runway long enough, though the low drag shape that allows this does mean the Koenigsegg can be a handful in the corners. Extra bonus points for having carbon-fibre wheels on the options list and doors that are cooler than a penguin’s feet.

Bristol Fighter T Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

Bristol Fighter T
225mph+, 0-62mph 3.5 secs

Eccentric is an overused word, but as a description of Bristol, the reclusive British carmaker, it seems perfectly apt. Imagine a sideboard on wheels, add a whacking great American V8 and you’ve got a Blenheim. Bristol got by building variations of these for years (and years) until suddenly it decided a supercar was desperately needed to complete the line-up. Thus, the 200mph Fighter was born, and having gotten hip to the new millennium, Bristol can’t stop improving the specification of the thing. Apparently due to customer demand – no seriously, Bristol customers do attend trackdays – the new Fighter T has an utterly bonkers 1012bhp and immense 1036lb ft of torque.

That’s more power than the Veyron, thanks to a twin-turbocharged version of the 8.0-litre V10 more often found under the bonnet of a Dodge SRT-10. Electronically limited to 225mph, Bristol claims a frankly ludicrous potential maximum of 270mph. They neglect to mention the price, but if you have to ask…

Gumpert Apollo Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

Gumpert Apollo
224mph, 0-62mph 3.0 secs

Yikes. Well, you’re not exactly going to miss this, uh, beauty appearing suddenly in the rear-view mirror. And seriously, move over, because although you’ve probably never heard of it, being fourth on this list means there aren’t many cars capable of outrunning a Gumpert Apollo. 224mph is impressive, but it’s the 0-62mph time that really grabs our attention. Three seconds flat is seriously quick – you’ll be needing a Veyron if you want to go faster. Such high levels of poke hint at an exotic under-bonnet experience, but don’t be too disappointed when we tell you the Apollo is powered by a 4.2-litre Audi V8.

Two appropriately substantial turbochargers later and you’ve got 650bhp under your right foot. That ought to be enough to keep the driving experience entertaining, especially when combined with a six-speed sequential gearshift and rear-wheel drive.

Pagani Zonda C12 F Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Pagani Zonda C12 F
214mph, 0-62mph 3.5 secs

The Pagani Zonda has never been about outright top speed. When you’ve got such extravagant design and exquisite detailing, not to mention epic acceleration, sublime handling and a pair of shoes made by the Pope’s cobbler included in the asking price, becoming part of the supercar elite was almost a given. And Pagani’s done it in record time – going from obscurity to revered supercar status in the blink of an eye. Still, it’s nice to know you can back up all that flash with a bit of firepower if you need to, and the introduction of the 214mph Zonda F nicely boosts a range that otherwise barely cracks the magic 200.

7.3-litres of bespoke Mercedes-Benz AMG V12 does the business very nicely, providing upwards of 602bhp (650bhp in Clubsport guise), and 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds. We’ll take ours in bare carbon-fibre, please. And if you want real exclusivity, there’s a Roadster version available, too.

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Lamborghini Murciélago LP640
211mph, 0-62 3.4 seconds

Lamborghini is synonymous with flamboyance. So when it unveiled this car at the 2006 Geneva motorshow, the world gasped. Who on earth had decided to paint a Murciélago in gloss primer grey? But the LP640 isn’t any ordinary Murciélago , and we rather suspect the utilitarian hue wasn’t just about making the car look harder than a Stealthbomber on a night out. Toning down the paint helps emphasize that this Lamborghini is all about performance, an impression enhanced by the optional transparent engine cover that keeps the LP640’s wailing V12 hard permanently on display.

211mph is six more than the standard version, which doesn’t sound much until you realise it’s taken 61 more horses to achieve, and the going gets pretty tough over 200mph. The total bhp count now stands at 631, helping drop the 0-62mph time by an impressive 0.4 seconds to only 3.4. Oh, and you still get the scissor doors – which should keep the traditional clientele happy.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren “722 Edition” Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren “722 Edition”
209mph, 0-62mph 3.6 secs

What kind of supercar really needs a special edition? Well pretty much everyone is at it these days so that’s something of a moot point. But if anything does, it’s the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren – which has the unfortunate double problem of the McLaren F1 as a forefather and various AMG Mercedes as siblings. Ceramic brakes and an unrestricted top speed are all very well, but you don’t really expect them to be combined with an automatic gearbox and the interior from an executive saloon.

So, in order to up the interest a bit, only 150 “722 Edition” SLRs will ever be made, featuring a 650bhp version of the 5.5-litre V8, specially tuned suspension, a quicker 0-62mph dash and a top speed of 209mph – that’s a whole 1 mph faster than the ‘ordinary’ car. Hmmm. Tough to pick when an SL65 with the limiter removed will lose you your licence just as comprehensively for about £200,000 less.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
205mph+, 0-62mph 3.7 secs

The Ferrari Enzo was such a technical tour de force that it’s easy to imagine the engineers at Maranello scratching their heads over what to do next. No such luck for the competition as it turns out, since in developing a replacement for the 575M Maranello, Ferrari have completely re-written the script for front-engined GT supercars. Other cars on this list may be faster – in some cases very much so – but the 599 GTB Fiorano is just fantastically accomplished to drive.

Technical highlights include Magnetorheological Suspension Control, Formula 1 derived traction and stability control, and the not insignificant achievement of being 40kg lighter than the outgoing 575M despite being considerably larger. Don’t care about the techy stuff? Then simple glory in this 6.0-litre V12’s 8,400rpm redline, soulful interior, and the fact you’re driving a car with a prancing horse on the bonnet. Shame it doesn’t look a little bit prettier, but then the world never has been perfect.

Aston Martin Vanquish S Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

Aston Martin Vanquish S
200mph+, 0-62mph 4.8 secs

The original Vanquish could never really be accused of being short of power, but such is the pace of development these days its cheaper DB9 relative was snapping at its heels in the performance department. Costing some £60,000 more than the DB9 that simply wouldn’t do. So the Vanquish S was born, raising power from its front-mounted V12 to 520bhp, a hike of 60bhp. That also pushes the top speed of this British bruiser up beyond the 200mph barrier.

As well as the engine modifications the S has a tweaked chassis to provide a more focussed, rawer driving experience, marking it out from the still available regular Vanquish and the DB9. Still largely hand built, in tiny numbers, the Vanquish S is a perfect British riposte to the thoroughbred Italians here; sophisticated, yet brutally fast, Aston Martin’s flagship is a very desirable and useable 200mph+ machine. KF

Barabus TKR Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:41:00.001-07:00

Barabus TKR

America is another notable absentee, but the most likely candidate, Saleen’s S7 Twin Turbo makes no greater claim than 200mph+, even if previous talk had suggested 260mph might be possible. The UK’s very own Ultima also claims 200mph+ for certain versions of the GTR, but specifications are quite individual. What we can say for certain is that Ultima does hold the 0-100mph-0 world record, with its GTR720 performing the feat in 9.4 seconds – half a second faster than even the Veyron can manage. Another UK wild card is the Barabus TKR, which was a surprise showing at this year’s British motorshow, and is theoretically good for 270mph.

But then they also claim 0-62 in less than two seconds, and we’re really not sure if that’s possible. But for totally off-the-wall (and totally unverifiable) try Project 1221, an Italian concern apparently building a turbine powered supercar with the equivalent of 1500bhp and a 270mph+ top speed…

Ruf RT 12 Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:40:00.001-07:00

Ruf RT 12

Rather than stick a single car into the number 10 slot, we thought it’d be more fun to round up the list with several… let’s say ‘unverified’ alternatives. No official showing from Porsche since the demise of the Carerra GT could easily be countered with a number of tuner 911 from specialists so deep into modification they actually count as independent manufacturers in some countries. Ruf and 9ff, for example, will happily sell you a professionally fettled 911 turbo capable of well over 200mph. Similarly, Brabus and others make a business out of making Mercedes go very quickly indeed, and the CLS based Rocket has 730bhp and is supposedly electronically limited to 217mph.

Porsche 959 Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:38:00.000-07:00

Porsche 959

It’s perhaps clichéd to mention it, but this mechanical marvel became one of the poster icons for the Athena generation. I had one on my wall with a Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari 288 GTO with ‘decisions, decisions, decisions’ written underneath. Sadly, I’ve never had to make that decision but if I did I’d go for the Porsche. It was a technical masterpiece when it was introduced in ’88 and still commands real respect today. Based on the 911 but with highly sophisticated four-wheel-drive transmisson, twin turbochargers, electronic ride height adjustment and 450bhp it never quite managed the 200mph of its cruder rivals – topping out at ‘just’ 197mph. However there were some drawbacks.

That engine and complex transmission combined with its composite wind-tunnel honed ‘zero-lift’ bodywork made it fiendishly expensive to produce though, Porsche making a significant loss on every one of the 283 cars they sold. They are exceptionally rare and valuable and unfortunately Auto Trader doesn’t list any right now...

Porsche 911 (993) Turbo Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Porsche 911 (993) Turbo

There are a good number of 911 fans out there that regard the 993 series 911 that ran to 1997 as the last of the ‘real’ 911s. That’s because it was the last 911 to be cooled by air. Like most generations of 911 there were several stand-out models based on the 993, the RS, the basic Carrera 2 being notable examples, but for many the Turbo is the 993 to aspire to. Never before had the 911 Turbo offered such blistering pace with ease of use. Previous Turbos had a fearsome reputation, the 408bhp 993 Turbo utilising four-wheel-drive to enable you to use its prodigious thrust on any road in any conditions. Ludicrously quick with a 4.5 second 0-62mph time and a 180mph top speed, the 993 Turbo remains a supremely able and enjoyable high performance 911 that’s hugely sought after.

Porsche Boxster Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

Porsche Boxster

Like the trio above the Boxster has allowed Porsche to indulge its customers with the 911 and projects like the Carrera GT by offering volume models at more affordable prices. The Boxster is a fantastic car and one that’s never been bettered in the roadster market with its combination of decent performance and fantastic ride and handling. It’s made it the benchmark in its price range. However, as it sits under the 911 it’s always been capped for power to prevent it taking sales from its iconic big brother. The earliest 205bhp 2.5-litre cars introduced in 1997 underline this by being a touch slow, but any other model is well worth considering; particularly the faster S derivatives with their larger engines. The current Boxster continues where the original left off. That is, heading the roadster class effortlessly and providing a hugely enticing and relatively affordable step onto the ladder of Porsche ownership.

Porsche Cayman S Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:35:00.002-07:00

Porsche Cayman S

Some might consider it rather early to be proclaiming the new Cayman S as worthy of a place among our top ten Porsches, but we’re absolutely certain it deserves the accolade. A coupe version of the Boxster was always going to be special and the Cayman S certainly doesn’t disappoint. Significantly stiffer than its Boxster relative, the Cayman S offers a supremely sharp and focused driving experience. There’s such immediacy to its responses and fine control it’s an absolute joy to drive on a challenging road. Its Boxster/911 derived 3.4-litre engine offers 295bhp, allowing it to sprint to 62mph in just 5.4 seconds. Certain to be joined by a lesser powered version that should slot between the Boxster and Boxster S in price and performance there’s a lot more to come from the Cayman. We just hope the rumours of a lighter, even more focussed Club Sport version are true.

Porsche Cayenne Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:35:00.001-07:00

Porsche Cayenne

Whoa. The Cayenne? Still a moot point among Porsche enthusiasts the Cayenne is nevertheless a hugely significant model for Porsche. Not least because it accounts for a considerable slice of sales, particularly in the USA, and hence profitability. That means it can afford to continue developing its sports cars while remaining independent. That, and no other model so clearly exhibits Porsche’s ability to engineer the impossible; Porsche making a sports car out of a heavy 4x4. It’s quite incredible to drive, the Turbo able sledgehammer to 62mph in just 5.6 seconds, with agility and performance that’s way beyond what you’d expect from a chunky off-roader. You might think that to achieve this Porsche would have quietly forgotten to develop it to work off-road, but it copes with talent that’s not far off that of a Land Rover. An engineering achievement to be proud of, if not a design one...

Porsche 911 (996) GT3 Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

Porsche 911 (996) GT3

The 997 might be here now, but you can still buy new versions of the 996 series car like the Turbo and GT3. The GT3 is a car in the vein of the RS’s that preceded it, stripping out excess weight, adding precision and power and offering a drive that’s race car fast for the road. Delivering 381bhp from a very special version of the standard 911’s 3.6-litre powerplant the GT3 achieves this heady power output without a turbocharger, yet it’s Turbo brisk with a 0-62mph time of just 4.5 seconds. The even more extreme limited GT3 RS is rawer and even more focussed, and makes a referential link to the iconic ’73 Carrera RS with its white paintwork with blue or red wheels and graphics running along the sills. Porsche is readying a new 997 GT3, when it arrives we expect it to be sensational. It’ll need to be to beat its predecessor.

Porsche 911 S (997) Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

Porsche 911 S (997)

It’s perhaps predictable putting the fastest current version of the 997 into this mix at the expense of other worthy Porsches like the 928 GTS, 993 RS or 964 3.8 RS, but it’s difficult to ignore the latest car’s huge all-round talent. In S guise the current Carrera offers 355bhp, which, amazingly, is around 100bhp more than the turbo 911s of the ‘70s. It’ll sprint to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and reaches a maximum of 182mph – which is 993 Turbo pace. However, it’s not its power or pace that impresses so much, but the way that it remains so easy to drive. That makes it an accomplished everyday driver or a circuit weapon, the brilliant feel, handling and body control all accompanied by the aural thrill of its wonderful 3.8-litre flat six. A fitting step in the 911’s evolution, rival manufacturers constantly try to better it, but none has, or is likely to.

Porsche Carrera GT Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:32:00.002-07:00

Porsche Carrera GT

Fittingly, given we started this top ten with the last Porsche proper production hypercar we’ll finish it with its latest. The Carrera GT. Like so many of Porsche’s models its roots lie in racing, the Carrera GT conceived as a race car before a change in regulations ruled it out before it was ever raced. Pragmatically, Porsche decided not to waste all its efforts in developing the Carrera GT and hastily turned it into a road car project. The result is phenomenal, the Carrera GT able to breach 200mph and sprinting to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds. That’s possible because of the 612bhp 5.8-litre V10 engine powering it, and the light and immensely strong carbon fibre chassis. Expensive, exclusive and outrageously fast and capable, the Carrera GT is the fastest production Porsche to leave the factory, but amazingly for such an exotic machine it’s just like every production Porsche as it really can be used and enjoyed everyday.

Ferrari F40 Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:32:00.001-07:00

Ferrari F40

Unveiled personally by Enzo Ferrari himself on 12 March 1987 the F40 was built to celebrate 40 years of Ferrari. With a quoted top speed of 199mph its twin turbocharged, twin intercooled, 2.8-litre V8 engine was a development of the 288 GTO’s. In the F40 it produced 478bhp, giving this road racer savage performance. 62mph was reached in just 4.6 seconds - it doubling that to 124mph in 11 seconds dead. Constructed using a mix of composite materials and steel alloy tubes the F40 weighed in at just 1254kg. Its raw, stripped interior helped keep the weight down - making no concessions to comfort.

Indeed, the F40 represented a polar opposite to the contemporary Porsche 959’s incredible technical sophistication and comfort, yet its fierce performance and aggressive styling saw it go on to become a tremendous sales success where the Porsche floundered. A total of 1311 were built between 1987 and 1992, making it one of Ferrari’s most successful specials in both sales and profitability.

Ferrari Dino Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:31:00.001-07:00

Ferrari Dino

Say Dino to a Ferrari enthusiast and it’s highly likely that this is the car they’ll think of. That’s despite the fact that the Dino name has been used on several occasions throughout Ferrari’s history. Yet the Dino never, ever wore the prancing horse badge of Ferrari when it left the factory, enthusiasts putting them on afterwards. First shown in concept 206 GT Speciale form at the 1965 Paris Salon, the first production cars followed in 1967. Power for the early Dino 206 GT models was from a mid-mounted 2.0-litre V6 engine producing just 180bhp. Only 152 206 models were built before the engine was enlarged to 2.4-litres, raising power to 195bhp. The Dino’s model number changed to 246 to represent the larger engine, with other changes including a wider track and increased wheelbase. The open GTS model joined the range in 1972, it particularly popular in the USA. It may never have been badged Ferrari, but there’s no mistaking the bloodline of this achingly beautiful and highly sought after car.

Ferrari 308/328 Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

Ferrari 308/328

This is perhaps the archetypal Ferrari, the shape that people immediately associate with the marque. Made famous through its role in "Magnum" television series the 308/328 cars are still today commonly referred to as the ‘Magnum’ cars. And it is a beautiful shape, sharing visual cues with the Dino before it. Its mechanicals came from the edgy, unloved 308 GT4 and early cars featured glassfibre bodies – to the horror of many Ferrari customers. They’re now the more sought after cars, as the metal bodies from 1977 are susceptible to rust. Power for the 308 came from a transversely mounted 3.0-litre V8, hence the 308 model designation - the 328 from 1985 featuring a 3.2-litre engine. Power varied from 255bhp in the early cars to 214bhp in later models - due to the introduction of K-Jetronic fuel injection in 1980 over the previous Weber carburettors. Ferrari solved this with a 32-valve head in 1982 boosting power back to 240bhp. Later 328s produced as much as 270bhp, the 308/328 series cars proving hugely successful over their 1975-1989 production run. In total Ferrari sold over 21,000 examples in both GTB Berlinetta coupe form and also GTS with its removable roof panel.

Ferrari 288 GTO Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:29:00.002-07:00

Ferrari 288 GTO

It may look similar to the 308/328 cars, but the 288 GTO was a completely different proposition. Introduced in 1984 the 288 GTO was limited to just 273 examples, it remaining a highly coveted car among Ferrari collectors today. The 400bhp from its longitudinally mounted 2.8-litre, four cam, four valve per cylinder, V8 engine is achieved by the adoption of two turbochargers and intercoolers these allowing the 288 GTO to sprint to 62mph in 4.8 seconds and onto a maximum speed of 188mph. Its backbone construction was of tubular steel, but fibreglass and Kevlar were also used to keep weight as low as possible. Its beautiful, muscular looks belie its vicious performance, as does its interior, which, unlike its F40 descendant features proper door pulls, handles and carpets. In every way the 288 GTO lives up the famous GTO badge that has always represented Ferrari’s most extreme sporting cars, though such is the pace of progress a current F430 will outperform it in every area.

Ferrari 250 GTO Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:29:00.001-07:00

Ferrari 250 GTO

The most revered letter and number combination in Ferrari’s history the 250 GTO was Enzo Ferrari’s retort to a change in sports car racing rules introducing a new Grand Turismo category. That’s the G and T of GTO taken care of, the ‘O’ representing omologata or homologated. This allowed Ferrari to take the GTO racing, where it dominated. Power for this legendary car came from a 3.0-litre V12 similar that of all the 250 series cars but featuring higher profile cams and larger valves, with it all fed by no less than six Weber carburettors. As impressive as its engine is it’s the 250 GTO’s beautiful lines that make it so legendary. The hand sculpted aluminium panels clothing its tubular structure might have been formed to cleave the air efficiently, but the shape they produce is sensational. Built in tiny numbers the GTO might have been a road racer, but it also fulfilled its Grand Turismo role perfectly. Effectively replaced by the mid-engined 250 LM in 1963 the 250 GTO remains the holy grail among Ferrari collectors. And they’re prepared to pay £millions for them.

Ferrari Daytona Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:27:00.002-07:00

Ferrari Daytona

Daytona. Photo by Perry Stern

An established Ferrari classic the 365 GTB/4 Daytona was so named to celebrate Ferrari’s triple success in the American 24 hour race. Its 4.4-litre, V12 engine is mounted under its impossibly long bonnet in a time when competitors like the Lamborghini Muira were adopting a mid-engined layout. Even so, that V12 produces a more than ample 348bhp, allowing the Daytona to reach 170mph and sprint to 60mph in 6.1 seconds – bettering its then rivals. Impressive as that performance is the Daytona isn’t an easy car to drive quickly. The five-speed transmission is reluctant, and the steering leaden, but it was the undisputed speed king among its contemporaries. Around 1300 were built between 1968 and 1973, pre-‘71 cars featuring perspex enclosed light housings – later cars featuring pop-up units. A spider model was offered for a short time, their production numbering 124, meaning that they’re both sought after by collectors and that a number of GTB coupes have been converted latterly to drop-top specification.

Ferrari 550 Maranello Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:27:00.001-07:00

Ferrari 550 Maranello

Introduced in 1996 the 550 represented something of a change in Ferrari’s philosophy for its flagship sports coupes. Its predecessor, the Testarossa and its 512 TR and F512 M developments were mid-engined machines, the 550 Maranello going back to the front-engined layout of cars like the Daytona. Its 5.5-litre V12 engine is effectively mid-mounted though, being positioned as far back as possible under that long bonnet. It produces 479bhp, more than enough to propel the 550 Maranello to beyond 190mph and to 62mph in 4.6 seconds. Significantly, Ferrari’s decision to re-adopt the front engined layout was vindicated by the fact it could lap around Ferrari’s own Fiorano test track 3.5 seconds quicker than the mid-engined F512 M that it replaced.

The styling might not be Ferrari’s best, but the 550 is such an accomplished supercar it’s difficult to ignore - the fantastic chassis underlined Ferrari’s dominance in the supercar class. A historically significant and brilliant car, Ferrari thought enough of to name it after its Maranello home.

Ferrari 250 California Spyder Sports Fast Cars

2008-10-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

Ferrari 250 California Spyder

America is an important market for Ferrari, so when the US concessionaires ask the factory for something they usually respond. That is exactly why this car exists. Based on the 250 GT SWB the California Spyder was built by Ferrari for its wealthy customers wanting an open-top car to enjoy California’s warm climate. It’s an indulgence in this list as historically it’s perhaps not that significant, but it’s unquestionably one of the most beautiful open-topped cars ever made. A short run of 108 were produced between 1957 and 1962, the specifications of each cars differing significantly depending on customer’s exacting needs. That means you’ll get aluminium-bodied examples and some with steel bodies with the odd lightweight panel. The standard V12 engine offered 280bhp but like the body the engines come in a variety of differing specifications – some California’s were even specified with race engines from the Testarossa. A sensational looking car, California owners are very lucky people indeed.

Enzo Ferrari Sports Fast Car

2008-10-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Enzo Ferrari

No greatest Ferrari list would be complete without mentioning the latest limited run hypercar. Named after the man himself, the Enzo Ferrari represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s road and race car knowledge. That means it features a carbon-fibre and aluminium monocoque, carbon-ceramic brakes, double wishbone suspension with push-rods operating the horizontally mounted springs and dampers and a paddle-shift six-speed transmission. Like F1 drivers each owner has the car fitted to them, the seat and pedals adjusted to suit your exact needs and accommodate factors like whether you prefer to use left foot braking or not. But as with any Ferrari it’s the engine that’s the most important feature. And the Enzo’s 6.0-litre V12 is a masterpiece.

It produces 660bhp, allowing the Enzo to reach 62mph in just 3.6 seconds and breach 220mph. It’s all controlled by highly complex electronic systems that control the damping, engine management, gearshift, traction and stability – though for those wanting to experience their Enzo properly the ASR traction control can be switched off. Exclusive, with only 400 being built, and offering quite staggering performance the Enzo is a highly fitting tribute to the man who started the company.

Ferrari F430 Sports Fast Car

2008-10-23T15:24:00.002-07:00

Ferrari F430

There will undoubtedly be a few of you who will question the inclusion of the F430 in the list of greatest Ferraris. But like its 360 and 355 predecessors it represents the ultimate expression of the current ‘small’ Ferrari and that alone means it’s worth including. With power to better all of the cars, barring the Enzo, listed above the F430 develops 483bhp. That allows this current entry-level Ferrari offer performance that’s equal to and in many respects better than the F40 of 12 years ago. That highlights quite staggering progress, the F430’s 4.3-litre, normally aspirated V8 developing a sensational specific output of 114hp per litre.

Using Ferrari’s latest F1 know-how the F430 features both an electronic differential (E-Diff) and a manettino switch on the steering wheel that allows the driver to directly control the car’s dynamics. Its shape is a result of extensive development in the wind tunnel, too. Overall the F430 underlines Ferrari’s commitment to producing cars that keep pushing the performance boundaries. And that alone is enough to warrant it a mention among these established greats.

BMW E30 3-Series Luxury Car

2008-10-23T15:24:00.001-07:00

BMW E30 3-Series (1987-1991)

In 1987, BMW gently facelifted the E30 3-Series, replacing the chrome bumpers with full-length body-coloured plastic ones, while removing chrome detailing elsewhere, too. And so the yuppie mobile was born. Rarely has so minor a facelift proven so successful; the 3-Series now looked great, just at the right time, and BMW’s upward sales spiral commenced. The company has never looked back, and can thank this car. It can be brought for three-figure sums today, yet flawless mechanical integrity means they’re still decent drives, so long as you watch the back end in the wet...

BMW E36 3-Series Luxury Car

2008-10-23T15:23:00.001-07:00

BMW E36 3-Series (1991-1998)

If the E30 were responsible for BMW’s success, its E36 successor cemented it. Compared to what went before, this was revolutionary, with perfectly proportioned styling that even today still looks fantastic. It used to be the low-slung coupe that looked best, but the chunky four-door saloon is starting to win more fans as the years pass. It was groundbreaking beneath too, debuting BMW’s famous Z-axle rear suspension that cured all the waywardness without diluting the fun. Smaller engines are underpowered but still sweet; buy a £3k straight-six 325i for budget entertainment you never thought possible.

BMW 3-Series Compact Luxury Car

2008-10-23T15:22:00.002-07:00

BMW 3-Series Compact (1995-1999)

It’s easy to get a mid-‘90s BMW hatchback for under £2,000. It looks like the E36 saloon (even though suspension tech is more E30) and has a tidy, if underpowered, engine line-up. Aspects of the interior may, surprisingly, be low-rent and dated, but come on! This, or a Ford Escort. Which would you seriously prefer? The Compact is also a very significant model as it signalled BMW’s intention to become more ‘mainstream’, years before the 1-Series. It wasn’t an unbridled sales success but it nevertheless proved to those within BMW that they could do ‘budget’ cars without losing prestige. 1-Series and, arguably, MINI are the result.

BMW 528i Luxury Car

2008-10-23T15:22:00.001-07:00

BMW 528i (1997-2003)

The best car in the real world? It was when it was launched back in 1997, and for keener drivers, it probably remains so, almost a decade on. Not only was it devoid of flaws, it did nearly everything so incredibly well, particularly for the driver. The handling was pin-sharp, steering beautifully weighted and the six-cylinder engine a purring peach that also returned good economy figures. That you can buy it for £3,000 is nothing short of incredible. Spend £4k and you’ve a car for life that we reckon outpoints the latest one for driver satisfaction.

BMW Z3 M Coupe Luxury Car

2008-10-23T15:21:00.002-07:00

BMW Z3 M Coupe (1998-2003)

The Z3 M Roadster mated a sloppy chassis to a 3.2-litre M-tuned straight six. The results weren’t pretty. BMW engineers knew this so worked in their spare time to find a solution. Many burnt dinners later, out rolled the M Coupe, with stiffer bodyshell that looked utterly unique. A Z3 estate? It was superbly idiosyncratic, yet far better to drive – more accurate, more stable and less liable to leeriness. As a result, it reeks class today and still costs serious money. But what an investment in a car that fans will pay big money for in years to come.

BMW 7-Series Luxury Car

2008-10-23T15:21:00.001-07:00

BMW 7-series (1995-2002)

Bond, driving a 7-Series, just didn’t look right. But YOU in a 7-Series, from just £2,500? (Yes, really – £2,500, for a 10-year-old one). Now that’s much more like it. You can indulge in 007-levels of goodies too, as all are stocked just as you’d expect a luxury car of the 1990s to be. Various engines, but such is the top-line 750i’s thirst, it often sells for the same as most-popular 728i straight-sixes. We’d be torn between them, but would probably go for the smaller-engine’d car as it’s more nimble and fun to drive. A scruffy old Scenic or some of these – which would the family prefer?

Mercedes SSK Classic Car

2008-10-23T15:20:00.001-07:00

Mercedes SSK in the Ralph Lauren Collection

Regarded by many as the finest pre-war sportscar ever built, the SSK was actually designed by Ferdinand Porsche and was the ultimate evolution of the 'S' model line launched two years earlier. The S was itself a lower chassis version of the ‘K’ series cars and used a supercharged 6.8-litre engine. In order to go Grand Prix racing Mercedes needed a smaller, lighter car so they chopped 19 inches out of the chassis to create the “Super Sport Kurz”, the last word being the German for short. Much lighter than its 2.5 ton predecessors the SSK was used to devastating effect by greats such as Rudolf Caracciola, winning numerous competition events including the 1930 Grand Prix, thanks to a 7.1-litre supercharged engine producing 225bhp. The final model actually produced 300bhp and had holes drilled in its chassis to lighten the car in an attempt to keep it competitive.

300SL Gullwing Classic Car

2008-10-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

300SL 'Gullwing' (1954)

Loosely based on the successful 1952 competition car of the same name, the 300SL was available as a convertible or a coupe with those now legendary 'gullwing' doors. These were necessary because of the car’s tubular chassis which ran through where the lower half of the door would be on a standard car, making it exceptionally stiff for its day but making entry and exit a feat in gymnastics. It was also the first production car fitted with fuel injection. The mechanical system from Bosch more than doubled the power of the three-litre straight six from 115bhp to 240bhp, making it more powerful than the original racer. Around 1400 were made, with the similar looking 190SL roadster outselling it by nearly eight to one until both were replaced in 1963 by the 230SL.

Mercedes 300SLR Classic Sports Car

2008-10-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

Mercedes 300SLR (1955)

Stirling Moss and 'Jenks' in the 300SLR on the Mille Miglia

Despite the name this bore no relation to either Gullwing or the earlier racecar. It was essentially the 1954 Mercedes W196 Grand Prix car, its straight-eight engine enlarged from 2.5 to three litres and covered with a two-seater roadster body. It was in this form that a 300SLR won what is perhaps still the most famous race victory of all time. With a young British racing driver named Stirling Moss at the wheel, directed by co-driver Denis ‘Jenks’ Jenkinson, the 300SLR destroyed the opposition in the 1955 Mille Miglia, a non-stop 1000 mile race on public roads in Italy. Moss won the event at a scarcely credible average speed of 97.96mph. The 300SLR was withdrawn from competition when one crashed into spectators at Le Mans in 1955, killing 82 spectators. The shock of this horror stunned Mercedes, and it withdrew from racing, not to return until 1987.

Mercedes 230SL Pagoda Classic Car

2008-10-23T15:14:00.002-07:00

Mercedes 230SL 'Pagoda' (1963)

Sorry if this list seems rather 'heavy' on SLs (meaning 'Sehr Leicht' or 'Sport Light') they can almost all be justifiably regarded as classics. The 1963 model was the first to sell in really significant numbers, shifting nearly 20,000 units between 1963 and 1971, many of them in the American market. With a 2.3-litre straight-six engine producing 170bhp the 230SL was good for 125mph and by using aluminium panels for the boot, bonnet and doors lived up to the 'light' bit of its name, at least in part. The car was available with a distinctively styled hardtop which gave rise to its nickname of 'Pagoda' SL. The engine was enlarged in 1967 to 2.5-litres to create the 250SL, which also gained rear disc brakes, and then again a year later for the 280SL, the biggest selling of all three variants.

Mercedes 600 Pullman Classic Car

2008-10-23T15:14:00.001-07:00

Mercedes 600 Pullman (1963)

The 600 series was introduced in 1963 and intended by Mercedes to represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering. It actually took two years to put the massive car into production, the first ones being delivered in 1965. It was available as a conventional four-door saloon, a four or six-door limousine or even a landaulet with a folding roof over the passenger compartment. The car rode on air suspension to cushion its occupants and an enormously complex hydraulic system powered everything from self-closing doors to adjustable seats and air vents. The car was moved at surprisingly rapid pace by a 6.3-litre V8. It was in production until 1981 and famous owner include Chairman Mao, John Lennon, Leonid Brezhnev, Aristotle Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Hugh Hefner and even Elvis.

Mercedes C111 Classic Sports Car

2008-10-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

Mercedes C111 (1969) record breaker

The C111 was a rare example of Mercedes letting its hair down and testing out some wild ideas. The original 1969 model used a mid-mounted three rotor Wankel rotary engine in an incredibly streamlined fibreglass body that produced a drag co-efficient of just 0.191. Of course being a Mercedes it featured a leather trimmed, air-conditioned cabin and gullwing doors made a welcome return. The following year it reappeared with a four-rotor, 350bhp Wankel engine and was reportedly capable of 180mph. Mercedes decided against rotary technology and the third iteration of the C111 used a 230bhp straight-five turbodiesel. With it Mercedes beat numerous diesel records, achieving 200mph at the Nardo high-speed bowl in Italy in 1978. Mercedes revived the name in 1991 for a road going supercar, the C112 but after taking 700 orders decided to kill the project.

Everbank Forever Service

2008-10-23T15:12:00.002-07:00

Everbank offers online savings and checking accounts for the customer who wishes to have an online account. They offer many different services that provide you with one stop banking online. You have twenty-four hour access to your account from anywhere you may be at the time of viewing. The sign process is easy and fast with some initial investment and verification on your part. After determining the services that fit your needs and the available services you may be interested in, the application process is almost as easy. The process and the services add up to a great place to do online banking and savings account provide great interest rates, not offered at a local bank.

Services Offered at Everbank
Everbank offers checking online, check writing, which are free and bill payment on the web. Everbank offers you the service of viewing all your loans, credit cards, IRA’s and 401K plans, plus other investments online via their web site. This option allows you to view your finances and expenditures in one safe and secure place. With the state of art technology Everbank uses, your online experience protects against fraud and theft. Your personal information is always secure and only for your viewing. Interest compounded daily on your balance then added to your account once a month. Your money is insured and the safety offered from a secure web site finds peace of mind for the customer.

Outstanding Offers from Online Banking at Everbank
At this particular institution, you receive the convenience of viewing transactions by categories; sorted by income and expense. View your account payables, cash flow and a tax report. View a reconciliation report and use MS Money or Quicken to download all the information for future saving. The application process walks you through the sign up and helps you understand the terms and conditions. Once you make your initial deposit, you then receive confirmation that your account is established. Now the process allows you add other accounts to the screen in order to see all your accounts in one place. With the available debit card and checks, banking online has never been easier.

EmigrantDirect for the Best Service

2008-10-23T15:12:00.001-07:00

EmigrantDirect calls the accounts American Dream Savings Accounts offering saving and security for all customers wanting an online savings account. You as the customer pay no fees of any kind to hold an account at EmigrantDirect. These accounts are for consumers only. You can open an online account online or by mail. After that, all transactions need to complete online. They provide you with automatic approvable if accepted and provide steps to complete the sign up process. This type of plan they offer also provides for scheduling of transfers from your main account into your online account. Transferring money back to your linked account will take approximately up to four days.

Other Services Offered By EmigrantDirect
CD accounts supplies you with a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account. EmigrantDirect also has a Platinum credit card available with a credit check. Your account is viable for three years without any activity, after that the account is closed. Of course, you should always read the terms and online account terms before setting up any account. This helps to protect you against possible problems. Terms always need to be established and you need to understand before committing to something that might not suit your needs.

The Setup and Approval
EmigrantDirect banking institution offers a free and secure online application process. Provided you receive approval and have the right credentials, the process should take no more than twenty minutes. Once your account receives verification with the two small deposits that HSBC deposits into your personal account the process is then fully complete and 100% functional. This protects you the customer and the bank itself.

Who Can Receive an Online Account from EmigrantDirect?
If you are 18 years or older, a United States citizen, with a personal bank account at another bank or credit union you can apply for a American Dream Savings Account. Perfect way to setup your account online with minimal confusion on the part of the customer leaves EmigrantDirect featuring fast and user-friendly services. Interest rates change daily and still compounded interest rates make an investment in an online account a real investment.

Washington Mutual for Your Service Needs

2008-10-23T15:11:00.001-07:00

Washington Mutual offers free online banking with many; available services needed to fit with your financials without worry of theft or fraud. The web site declares their highest technology use to provide a safe and secure online banking experience. Online banking with Washington Mutual offers accounts details daily, transferring of funds accounts approved by the customer and the bank, downloading abilities to save your information on your computer or disk. Paying bills online and scheduling payments for future payments, they provide up to eighteen months of online payment history. Order checks, stop payments and change information on your accounts or if you need to talk to a representative, it is secure and safe. Sign up and see the account as soon as you receive approval from the automated response system.

Types of Account Offered

Apply for a loan or credit card from Washington Mutual, home loans and home equity loans available. Retirement, investment accounts, savings, and checking accounts along with Certificated of Deposit offered to the online customer. These types of accounts provide all your banking needs under one roof. Washington Mutual offers investment and Insurance services as well. Terms and disclosures discuss the specific terms for every type of account you may see a need for with Washington Mutual. If you have a need for other assistance, the customer service they offer is secure through email or on the phone. More reasons they profess the best choice for your banking needs.

Paying Bills Online

With an online checking and savings account with Washington Mutual, you pay bills anywhere and to anyone. You can schedule payments for a reoccurring payment plan, pay many bills at one time from one location and the service is free to any account holder. With the bill payment service, you need to schedule the bills for four days in advance of the due date, more if you wish. You have the ability to cancel scheduled bill payments before the deadline. This service provides you protection from overdrafts and banking relations. The options for bill payment and other services make Washington Mutual outstanding in the banking industry.

Citibank

2008-10-23T15:10:00.002-07:00

Citibank offers many online services that provide fast and foremost safety. Bill payment services allow you to schedule payments and provides for permanent history of your accounts for future downloading to your personal computer. You can opt to receive email alerts and wireless alerts about your account. Choose to have a paperless bank statement since you can have and view it online. Savings accounts need no minimum balance depending on the type you choose. Citibank takes pride in their ability to provide safe and secure online banking for all of their customers.

Services Offers at Citibank Online

Checking accounts such as EZ checking offers no monthly fees with automated deposit or you pay two bills a month or average a balance of a certain amount. The basic checking account has a low fee and no balance requirements. There are four other checking services with different balance requirements. They offer e-savings and regular savings accounts, IRA and CD accounts and the best part is the overdraft protection. These services prove to benefit the customer and allow you many choices in the different types of accounts available with each service. The investment services allow you to plan your investments for short term or long term. The interest rates offered are comparable to other financial institutions.

Get the Application Process Done at Citibank Online

To apply for an online account with Citibank, you must be 18 years or older and a United States citizen or an alien resident. Have your social security number, driver’s license and an address. You will enter all your personal information required and then choose the type of accounts you desire. Read the term and conditions before sign any agreement, which is electronically accomplished. This is very important step when taking on an online account of any type. Make sure you sign up for the right checking or savings accounts with the right monthly balance requirement. Watch for the word combined balance and fine out exactly what this term means before selecting an account type. After the application process, you should receive confirmation of approvable or denial of your account setup.

ING Direct Orange Saving Account

2008-10-23T15:10:00.001-07:00

ING Direct Orange Savings Account offers great opportunities for an online savings account for anyone who can deposit funds and follow the easy directions provided in a systematic guide to set the account up for a savings account. ING Direct Orange Savings Account opened online or by mail, but also over the phone if you prefer. The future of your account depends on the way you choose to setup the account. You choose the plan that best fits your needs and ING Direct Orange Savings Account charges no fees and has no minimum deposit requirements attached. You have found a place to open a secure and satisfying account you no worries of securities risks to your accounts and your personal information. Their technology withstands any infiltration that may be tried on their servers.

What does ING Direct Orange Savings Account Setup Require?

You are required to have another personal bank account elsewhere in order to setup an online savings account with ING Direct. Your online savings account links to your personal checking account to accommodate easy viewing and transferring of funds between accounts. Provide your personal information; deposit an amount from your personal checking account and your ready to begin saving money with an ING Direct Orange Savings Account. Many options become available to the customer when using ING Direct as a financial institute of choice.

What is some Options Offered by ING Direct Orange Savings Account?

At ING Direct, you can choose a savings account that offers an annual percent yield on your deposits. There are no fees or other charges associated with a savings account with ING Direct Orange Savings Account. Maybe you like the idea of a CD or Certificate of Deposit from ING Direct. This option offers customers with a term of six months to five years with a decent APY. Maybe your future sees a money market accounts or IRA accounts, ING Direct Orange Saving Accounts and the others, fully insured up to $100,000. ING Direct offers online demos along with current rates today. Other services offered at ING Direct provides for one stop banking needs.

HSBC Direct Online Savings Account

2008-10-23T15:09:00.001-07:00

HSBC is an online account serving the needs of customers with online only services. The accounts offers higher inter rates to the account holder due the lack of paperwork and no yearly fees, so they provide a higher interest rate than your personal savings account somewhere else. HSBC is an online bank that offers three ways to start an account, online, by mail or by making a deposit at a HSBC automated transaction machine or otherwise known as the ATM. You can open an account very easy with the online form and enter all pertinent information needed. Find out the facts of how easy it is to open an HSBC account.

Opening an Online Account with HSBC

Opening an account can be single or a joint account. You will need a social security number and a driver’s license number if you have one or they will require another form of identification. They also ask for other loan or mortgages you have. This may turn some people off to the HSBC online account right away. They explain this as a way to verify your identity. You supply your bank routing number and account number to receive instant account funding. Once you complete the following steps, they notify you when you have approval or denial.

What Does HSBC Offer and Expect

The bank tells true of being highly secure with all the newest technology offered to protect your personal information and secure your accounts online. When you choose a transfer from bank to another bank, they may require more security information to protect your account. To open an online account with HSBC you need to deposit a minimum of $1. Your maximum amount of savings allowed is $2 million. HSBC provides a security measure to protect accounts from fraud by depositing two small deposits in to your personal bank account that need to be verified in order to make sure you are the bank account holder. After you finish all the steps needed to continue with an account, online HSBC you are ready to view and work with your money online at HSBC.

How Online Banking Works?

2008-10-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

Find out how online banking works by looking around and reading article and informational articles about online banking. The bank supplies information brochures about the services and the convenience allowed to you, the customer with online banking. Choosing this type of banking has become a popular way for people to keep track of their finances instead of waiting until the end of the month and finding a surprise on the statement. Reconciling the bank records is easy with online banking. How online banking works for businesses is the same for personal users. You check your bank anytime of the day and see exactly what your available cash on hand is when planning a purchase.

Paying Bills

How online banking works with paying bills decides on the service you choose. Banks offer bill pay through the bank itself and there are online bill pay services available that have a reputable business as well. Pay bills online using your checking account, prevent late charges, and missed payments. This practical way of paying bills leaves more time for doing other things you may need to take care of instead of writing out so many checks.

Transferring Money

How online banking works for transferring money to one account to another is done by selecting the account and submitting the transaction for transfer. Another example would be if you have an account like Paypal you can transfer funds to your bank or request money from your bank. Paypal also allows you to send money to other people and pay bills as well. With all the options you have for transferring money, you will have plenty of time to plan other important things to do with the time.

Downloading Statements

How online banking works for downloading bank transactions is quite easy. This online aggregation process allows you to download to MS money or an online web based program. This allows you to have a copy of your bank statement right on your computer for tax time and allows you to select a category for every expense you acquire. How online banking works for this type of need is impressive to say the least.

Great benefits of Online Banking

2008-10-23T15:07:00.002-07:00

The benefits of online banking allow anyone to have access to their accounts on a daily basis with the ability to transfer money between accounts. Another great benefit is the ability to download your monthly statement right to your computer. The other great benefit of online banking is the option to pay bills. Whether you need the service for paying bills or downloading the monthly statement, online banking fit the needs of the customers. Rely on fast and friendly service providers to provide an excellent way to achieve banking needs in your busy life right from your computer. You receive 24-hour service with online banking, which is another benefit of online banking.

Fast and Immediate

The benefit of transferring money from one account to another account immediately provides one with the benefit of never having an overdraft or returned check. This is also a good way to save money in a savings account and earn a little interest until you need the money to pay something else. The service is fast and accurate because you have control over what you are doing and when. Many benefits of online banking save you money in the long run, your not paying for gas or transportation fees and it is all done under you watchful eye.

Beat that Bill
If you need to pay a bill, your bank may have a bill payment option or you may choose to use an online bill pay service. These services avoid late payments by sending the payment through the mail. If you are a little short on cash, you can wait until the last minute to pay the bill safely. Scheduling a bill payment is offered online and then the money is withdrawn from your checking. Many places have automated phone services to pay a bill, but these sometimes come with a small fee of some kind. Therefore, the benefit of online banking suits the customer better for bill paying.

What is Online Banking?

2008-10-23T15:07:00.001-07:00

What is online banking? Online banking is a way to control your bank accounts from your home computer. You can transfer money between your accounts and pay bills without leaving your home. If you have automatic deposit, which is what most people and companies prefer, the money directly deposited in your bank account provides no hassle banking. You can have work payroll check, social security check, unemployment check and tax return checks deposited into your account. Therefore, when you ask, what is online banking, one might say it is the easiest way to conduct business online.

What can you do Online?

Transfer money between accounts, pay bills through the bank or an online service, check account balances, stop payment on checks or bill payment, receive money from services such as Paypal and or transfer money to a Paypal account. What is online banking, when you have all the necessary options you need to take care of your personal and business needs that require daily attention? It is the ability to travel less to the bank and be able to observe your daily activity. You can apply for debit cards, change pin numbers and do address changes.

Who Benefits From Online Banking?

Everyone benefits from online banking services. The homemaker, the businessperson and the banks all share in the benefits of online banking. Banks offer the service as a way to provide even more quality services to the customer. Therefore, what is online banking? It is the most popular way to track expenses and pay bill on time without running around all over town, or having to apply postage to mailed bills.

Who Can Have Online Banking?

Anyone can have online banking as long as your bank offers the service and you have either a checking account or savings account or both. If you have a password and an account number, you can access your banking information from your home or work computer. The statement of “what is online banking” explained easily as being safe and secure as well for all your banking needs that require you to have access to your account on a daily basis.

New Online Banking Tips

2008-10-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

In ancient-financial times (say, in the year 2000), banks began offering small business customers the ability to bank online — for a price. Sometimes a hefty price.

You can probably guess what happened next. Business owners responded with a resounding silence. The last thing most people needed was an "opportunity" to pay for something that had been free.

Well, banks seem to have gotten the message. Fees have dropped sharply or have been eliminated on many services. The online banking
offerings have increased. And more businesses are doing at least some of their banking online, lured by convenience, the ability to track their own financial activities online, and the potential of saving time.

"We're now seeing a lot more features and functionalities for small business owners to do more online and to manage their cash flow," says Matthew Lehman, senior analyst with Watchfire Gomez Pro, a research company focusing on financial services.

Among the online offerings becoming more common:

1. Check imaging: About 70% of the banks surveyed by Watchfire in 2004 were offering business clients the option of getting online check imaging. "For the small business customer, this is like having account-tracking capabilities," says Lehman. "Small business owners can use this capability to look at their accounts and see which checks have been deposited and accepted."

2. Deposit ticket review: Another online feature some banks are offering: deposit tickets. "If you are handling a lot of checks, this is a valuable feature because it gives you the ability to go back and see what you were depositing," says Lehman.

3. Coordination between accounts:

4. Electronic banking is part of the general move toward allowing integration between different bank accounts. Lehman says banks are making it easier for small business owners to link their business and personal accounts so they can make online transfers between accounts — rather than the old-fashioned method.

5. Payroll and other services: Virtually every online small business banker has a bill pay component, or the ability to schedule and pay multiple bills

6. at one time. "What you're seeing more of is the capability for businesses to conduct other types of financial activities as well," says Lehman. Among the options: Using online banking to pay suppliers, setting up direct deposits for employees, payroll services, payment of employment taxes and sending out payment in foreign currencies.

Making deposits from your desk Burt Davis, director of small business banking with Netbank in Alpharetta, Ga., says that his institution is trying to be a leader in online services for small businesses. Among the products in the works: a system that allows businesses to automatically collect payments from customers, and a way to allow business owners to make deposits without having to leave their businesses. "We'll have a device in your business office, and you'll be able to scan a check and electronically deposit the funds without leaving your business unattended," says Davis.

This type of feature is similar to what retailers like Wal-Mart have when they take a customer's check, electronically scan it, get authorization for an electronic-funds transfer, and then give the approved and voided check back to the customer.

The services now available and under development reflect financial institutions' increased focus on the needs of smaller business clients. "At first, banks took regular consumer offerings and set them up for businesses," says Lehman. "Then they realized that the needs of consumers are not the same as the needs of a small business, so now they are adding things that are more germane
to small businesses."

Banks may offer basic services, such as the ability to see your account history or to make transfers for free, and then charge extra for such goodies as wires, ACH, tax payments and so on.

Of course, anyone involved in commerce over the Internet has to be aware of threats from "phishers" and other frauds trying to break into individual and business bank accounts. Currently consumers who report an electronic funds transfer problem within two days are generally liable for no more than $50 in losses from their accounts. Business accounts, however, don't get the same protection. If you're victimized and the bank determines that your security (or lack thereof) led to the loss, you could be out of luck. Software and firewalls as well as other security measures are essential for anyone doing business on the Internet.

Most of the online banking services offer ways for business customers to link parts of their banking activities and record keeping with information logged into Quick books, Microsoft Money and other financial programs.

Bikini Types

2008-10-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

There are several types of bikini tops and bottoms. Do make sure that you’ve selected the correct one.

Tops

Type A - String Halter, Joined Middle, Thick Back

Type B - Stringed Halter/Middle/Back

Type C - Double Stringed Halter, Stringed Middle/Back

Type D - Joined String Halter/Back, Clipped Middle

Type E - Thick Halter, Stringed Middle/Back

Type F - Thick Halter/Back, Joined Middle

Type G - Thick Halter/Back, Tied Middle

Stringed Halter

Thick Halter

Stringed Back (With Joined Middle)

Stringed Back (With String Middle)

Thick Back

Joined Middle

Stringed Middle

Tied Middle

Type i - Double String

Type ii - Single String

Type iii - Single Thick

Type iv - Double Thick

Type v - Normal

Type vi - Band

Types of Sexy Bikini

2008-10-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

Don’t know your Moonkini from your Pretzel suit? Well we have put together a brief guide to help you when searching for designer swimwear this summer.

One-piece Bikini
The humble one-piece swimsuit is without a doubt the most common swimsuit and has been a favourite design with women for years.

Thong Bikini
One-piece swimsuit with thong back, buttocks exposed, otherwise ordinary.

Two-piece Bikini
Sling bikini
Also known as a “suspender bikini”, “suspender thong”, “slingshot bikini” or just “slingshot”. The slingshot is a one-piece suit which provides as little, or even less, coverage (or as much exposure) as a bikini. Usually, a slingshot resembles a bikini bottom, but rather than the straps going around the hips or waist, the side straps extend upwards to cover the breasts and go over the shoulders, leaving the entire sides of the torso uncovered, but the nipples and pubic area covered. Behind the neck, the straps join and reach down the back to become a thong. (source: wikipedia)

Pretzel Bikini
A one-piece suit similar to a sling bikini, but the straps encircle the torso around the bottom of the ribcage, forming a very high-sided bikini bottom; instead of the straps passing over the neck and down the back, they simply encircle the neck, joining the straps which pass around the midriff. (source: wikipedia)

Tankini Bikini
Over the years the tank suit form is inspiration for the subsequent creation of the tank top as a mainstream article of clothing.

Which Bikini Model is Right for You?

2008-10-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

Summer is a time for fun, sun and the pool or the beach. If you're in the market for a bikini, you may not realize how many different types are actually available to you! When buying a new summer suit, here is a run down of the most commonly available bikinis on the market, as well as tips for finding the best fit for your body type. Bikinis aren't just for supermodels, either, and if you're busty, no worries-you can still find bikinis that offer great support .

The string bikini is probably the smallest bikini available, and offers the least coverage. This type of bikini is very tiny, and should really only be worn by those who can pull it off. The bottom is basically a small triangle that covers the front area, and then a small string connects it to the back, hence why it's called a string bikini . String bikinis may even tie on the sides, or the string may be attached. This also applies to the top, where the piece is also tied together around the neck and back by strings. Often, the top features two simple triangles , one over each breast, joined by a drawstring under the bust that you can adjust as you like. This bikini is great for petite body types. If you've got rock-hard abs, zero body fat and confidence to boot, this is the option for you.

Not quite sure you've got what it takes for a string bikini? Consider a two-piece bikini with slightly more coverage or power mesh designed to hold in those problem spots. Some bikini options are simply two-piece suits that offer more coverage than string bikinis do.

Thong bikinis are like string bikinis, but without the rear coverage. Thong bikinis (also known as G-string bikinis ) work well for those who work out-if you can jump up to hit a volleyball without jiggling your behind, a thong bikini might work well for you. They're also great for sunbathing (don't forget your sunscreen, though!) Thong bikinis come in a variety of sexy styles, including string thong bikini styles. Going to Rio? Bring your Brazilian thong bikini. You can even get thongs in a one-piece style.

The tankini is a newer version of the bikini and makes a great alternative to women who may have a fuller bust. This type of bathing suit has a tank top like upper, but it is still made of bathing suit material. The bottom can be either a traditional bikini bottom or may look more like a pair of shorts. Essentially this is still a bikini, but it offers much more coverage of the bust and midriff. The best thing about a tankini is that the wearer can still mix and match pieces to give them more versatility with their swimwear. This particular type of bikini looks good on just about any body type.

The sports bikini is perfect for the gal who loves to play sports. Like a bra, it's especially designed to be extra supportive so you can move, jump, and run around in it without any problems. It's the swimwear of choice for most professional athletes like volleyball players and bikers who need to be able to air their skin out, while still covering up and looking professional.

While the term bikini is usually reserved for women, the men's bikini is becoming more and more popular as well. This swimsuit is much smaller than the traditional "swimming trunks" or the brief/boxer style of bottoms. The design of the men's bikini has taken off in Europe, and is becoming a more common choice among men in the United States and other countries. Swimmers prefer the aerodynamic nature of bikini styles, in contrast to shorts.

While you wouldn't wear them to the beach, bikini-like lingerie is a comfortable and sexy option for many women. You can even get rhinestone thong -style lingerie for a unique look. Bikini-style panties are available in cotton, mesh , and other comfortable fabrics. Mesh bikinis with charming patterns (like red hearts or polka dots ) are a fun option. Some attractive mesh bikini options include: On Gossamer's appealing mesh hip bikinis , Rufskin's sheer mesh bikinis , or fun mesh halter bikini styles.

These are just a few examples of the wide variety of styles that bikinis come in. You can choose colorful patterns, bold solid colors, or just sleek black. The possibilities are endless, since there are two pieces, you can often mix and match your swim suit to create your own custom look! All women should try a few different bikinis on for size to get an idea of what kind of coverage they will need when lounging on the beach, swimming in the pool, or playing beach volleyball. Your bathing suit should be a personal statement about your fashion, but it should also be comfortable and provide adequate coverage.

Bikinis have played an important role in the icons of movies, television and fashion. It's the perfect suit to wear on that Caribbean cruise, European vacation, trip to the beach, or a dip in the pool. Paired with a pair of chic sunglasses, it keeps you cool looking fashionable and gorgeous, while showing off your body at the same time. Not everyone can wear a bikini, and not everyone feels comfortable in them, but with new additions like the tankini, this cute swim suit style is now more accessible to anybody who wants to make a summertime statement.