Ferrari unveils new 458 Italia

Ferrari has unveiled its new 458 Italia, a mid-engined replacement for the F430. Unlike the launch of its California model, Ferrari hasn't drip-fed us the details, instead dropping them all in one release today (July 28). They take a bit of digesting too, the stunning 458 Italia exceeding even our lofty expectations as to what Ferrari would deliver to replace the highly regarded F430. Like the F430 the Italia is mid-engined, with 58 percent weight distribution to the rear, the 458 badge referring to the engine's 4.5-litre capacity and V8 layout.
Its engine produces 562bhp at a high 9,000rpm from its eight cylinders, which combined with its torque output of 398lb.ft at 6,000rpm allows the Italia to sprint to 62mph in under 3.4 seconds and onto a 202mph top speed. Driving through a seven-speed, twin-clutch, paddle-shifted transmission the 458 Italia benefits from all of Ferrari's latest F1 know-how. Making up its impressive electronic driver aid arsenal is Ferrari's E-Diff and F1-Trac, which will enable the 458 Italia to corner with staggering speed. The suspension comprises of double wishbones up front and a multi-link rear set up and the Italia is certain to be offered with Ferrari's variable magnetic damping system. Like its predecessor, all the electronic control systems are likely to be controlled by the Manettino dial mounted on the steering wheel, much like Ferrari's F1 drivers use.
The 458 Italia's development has been heavily influenced by Michael Schumacher, his input into cars like the 430 Scuderia underlining that the Italia should be very special to drive. Ferrari suggests that the 458 Italia is quite a departure from the usual replacement model cycle, its all-new car even more driver focussed thanks to the inclusion of the more practical California at the 'entry' point of Ferrari's line-up.
It's clear then that Ferrari is aiming the 458 Italia at a hardcore driving audience. Setting records for specific output per litre and torque output per litre Ferrari describes the Italia as 'designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance and occasional track day capability.' Like all cars in Ferrari's current range the 458 Italia's shape is honed as much to cleave through the air as efficiently as possible as it is for style. The results are certainly spectacular, its shape more sensuous and organic than the F430, its rear reminiscent of Ferrari's Enzo hyper-car. The front exhibits some real aggression, with the LED equipped headlamps cutting dramatically into the bonnet.
It's not just efficient in the wind-tunnel either, the 458 Italia improving economy and emissions over its predecessor. CO2 emissions of 320g/km and a combined fuel consumption figure of 20.6mpg might not sound brilliant in isolation, but in the context of the 458 Italia's performance they are rather impressive. Production models will already be working their way down Ferrari's lines in Maranello in anticipation for the rush of orders following its Frankfurt show unveiling, so if you've not got your order in already then it's likely you'll be in for a long wait. It sounds like it will be worth it though.

FORD Focus Coupé-Cabriolet GBP 20,745

Sensible shoes’ or elegant, sophisticated footwear – need we ask which you would choose? The impressive bodystyling of the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet beautifully illustrates our commitment to inspired design, and this carries through to the contemporary and sophisticated feel of the soft-touch interior. Every flourish, every innovative feature has been meticulously crafted to ensure that the car feels just as sublime as it looks.

From the city to the sea or the country to the mountains, the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet CC-1 is filled with stylish and practical features. Everything for your comfort and safety, from air conditioning and a premium radio/CD player with 6 speakers to driver and front passenger air bags, are included. It’s ample proof that beauty really is more than skin deep. Key features include:



16" 5-spoke alloy wheels
Radio/CD with six speakers
Available with 1.6 Duratec petrol
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
CFC-free air conditioning
Electrically operated heated door mirrors
Thatcham Cat 1 Alarm

3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car

I have always purchased my cars used. And every single time, I got a great deal because of a few secrets that is easy to do.

These secrets will save you money. And the good news is there is no luck involved.

If you follow these steps you are guaranteed to save lots of money, so please pay attention.

BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #1 - Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but never ignore safety.

Here's what you do: Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over.

There is a 99% chance they will say "yes".

While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most often. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe.

Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs.

Be sure the report includes the vehicle's make, model and VIN. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.

Do you see how easy it is?

Are you going to purchase from an individual? If yes, then here is your next tip.

BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #2

Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don't have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide's list of an auto's major systems as a shopping tool.

It's simple.

You can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.

Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract.

The car also may be covered by a manufacturer's warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable.

Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully.

Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case, though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency.

Hey, it's just a phone call. And it will take less than 5 minutes.

Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:

BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #3

Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.

Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it didn't work. If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works!

Test drive the car under varied road conditions--on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.

Ask for the car's maintenance record. If the owner doesn't have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.

Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car's history.

Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.

There you go.

Follow those three "used car buying" tips and you are guaranteed to save a ton of money buying a used car.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss Edition

Now that the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will cease production in May, the company is crowning the exclusive model line with one final variant to outdo all the others. Considering how special the SLR McLaren already is, it couldn’t have been easy coming up with the end-all-be-all SLR for the history books.



Well, Mercedes seems to have done it with the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss edition.



The company created a car so arcane that only the most extreme car enthusiasts would ever see the point of it, let alone want to pay 750,000 euros (about $1.02 million at current exchange rates). Not that they would even get the chance: Only current SLR McLaren owners will be considered for the privilege of buying one of the 75 being built. None will be sold in the United States.

The new SLR is a rolling homage to Mercedes’ racing heritage. It’s named in honor of legendary British racer Stirling Moss, who in 1955 set a speed record by driving an equally legendary Mercedes 300 SLR to victory in the Italian Mille Miglia, a thousand-mile cross-country race so grueling and dangerous that it was banned after a fatal crash in 1957 that killed two participants and 11 spectators.





Like the 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR race car, the new SLR Stirling Moss doesn’t have a roof or windows. Minuscule “wind screens” in front of the driver and passenger are designed to divert wind over occupants’ heads, although they’re probably not nearly as effective as a full windshield when driving the car at its top speed of 217.5 mph.



But getting pelted by road debris and having your face peeled back by the forceful onrush of wind is all part of the experience of owning an SLR Stirling Moss. After all, the car’s namesake was tough enough to withstand such a ride for 10 hours, 7 minutes and 48 seconds in the 1955 Mille Miglia, with only an open-face helmet and goggles as protective gear.