P Diddy planning to buy a Formula 1 team

After a diner where he launched his latest perfume, the rapper P.Diddy made the announcement to the guests that he is thinking seriously to buy a Formula 1 team.

This announce was made after he spent almost all evening talking with the big surprise of the season, the British Lewis Hamilton.
The dinner was at Fifty on St James's Street. According to the restaurant's PR, it cost £150,000, with £100,000 spent on champagne alone.

Of course, if he plans to buy a team let's hope he knows that the cars must not be pimped, in the hip-hop style, with 22″ rims and other "bling bling".

Mazda allows haggling on Web site

Mazda North American Operations has upgraded its Internet site so that vehicle shoppers can get a price quote from a dealership without leaving their desk.

Most factory sites lead interested buyers to a dealership's site and will only list the sticker price. But the mazdausa.com site allows Web surfers to contact a Mazda "shopping assistant" via a live Web chat session. The assistant is a Mazda employee.

The program went live today.

With help from the assistant, Web surfers can configure a vehicle, select a dealership, search vehicle inventory, obtain a price quote, schedule a sales appointment and get financing information.

Once a price is agreed upon between the customer and the dealership, the assistant arranges for papers to be signed and the vehicle to be delivered at the dealership.

Mustang continues to rule the convertible competition

Ford is happy to oblige, with four Mustang convertibles in different trims plus special models like the GT California version and the limited edition Warriors in Pink model.

For collectors, the 2008 Shelby GT convertible hits the streets next month in a limited edition.
Along with Shelby and Ford Racing upgrades, this latest ride sports Vista Blue paint with silver stripes plus a 319 horsepower engine, 18-inch polished wheels and Hurst short-throw shifter - just what one needs to show off at a summer cruise.

Warm weather has been a part of Mustang's allure ever since the car was introduced in April 1964. From the start, Ford's oldest continually-produced car brand came in soft- and hard-top models.

"About one of every four Mustangs sold is a convertible. They're fun, affordable, and they represent open-air freedom," explained Dan Geist, Mustang's marketing manager, noting that nearly two-thirds of Mustang soft-tops are sold between March and October.

Market data shows that, with the average U.S. household now owning 2.2 cars, many convertibles are being purchased as third vehicles.

"People say, 'Let's have fun with it,' and buy a third car," Lonnie Miller, Polk's director of industry analysis, told Business Week magazine. "It's a segment that appeals to the id."
John McLellan, the sales manager of Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor, Mich., agreed that the appeal of a Mustang convertible is obvious.

"You can't beat driving down the road with the top down. You have that relaxed, open-air feeling, and life is just much better," he said. "It's like being on vacation, even if you're driving to work."

With Mustang, the attraction is more than just sensory, said McLellan. "Now, the quality is there, too."

Two recent quality surveys back him up. For the second year in a row, Mustang was the highest-ranked vehicle in the Midsize Sporty Car segment of J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey (IQS) of customers in their first three months of ownership.

For the third straight year, Mustang also took home top honors in its class in the J.D. Power's latest Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study (APEAL), which asks customers to rate their delight with their vehicle's design, content, layout and performance after three months of driving.

Daihatsu celebrates centenary with limited editions

Japanese manufacturer, Daihatsu is celebrating this year's centenary with two high-value limited edition models based on the Terios mini-SUV and Sirion supermini. Both will be available in September and - as numbers are limited to 100 of each model - Daihatsu is expecting a total sell-out by the end of the month.

Established in 1907, Daihatsu is a world leader in compact car design and manufacture, renowned for its reliability, practicality and low running costs.

Based on the entry-level Terios S, the new Terios Centenary offers the additional equipment of: Silver metallic paint, alloy wheels, leather-covered steering wheel, front fog lamps and roof rails.Costing just £12,695 On-The-Road, the Terios Centenary is only £350 more than the Terios S which currently enjoys a £1,000 price cut.


Standard specification also includes air-conditioning, power-steering, ABS with EBD and full-time four-wheel drive with electronic centre diff-lock.Also standard on the Terios are driver, passenger and side airbags, radio/CD player, four electric windows and even reverse parking sensors.

Being considerably larger than the previous Terios - and boasting a generous 380 litre capacity boot - the Daihatsu flagship also has three rear-seat three-point seatbeltsRunning costs are low for a 4×4 with a 'politically-correct' Extra Urban fuel consumption of 40.4 mpg for the Terios 1.5 S and a highly-competitive Group 7D insurance rating.

Meanwhile, the Sirion Centenary is based on the entry-level S model but adds: Silver metallic paint, alloy wheels, electrically-adjustable door mirrors and driver's seat height-adjustment.

Priced at £7,395 On-The-Road, the Sirion Centenary is only £115 more than the Sirion S which currently benefits from a £500 price cut.The Sirion's generous equipment includes air-conditioning, ABS with EBD, driver, passenger and side airbags, radio/CD player, four electric windows and remote central-locking.The Sirion also has outstanding fuel economy, recording 64.2 mpg on the Extra Urban Cycle for the 1.0 litre version which also has an ultra-low CO2 of 118 g/km.

Daihatsu's forerunner, Hatsudoki Seizo Company Limited, was founded in 1907 to manufacture internal combustion engines.

The first truck was produced in 1919 and a range of three-wheeled vehicles introduced in 1930, followed by the mid-sized four-wheeled car - the FA - in 1937. In May 1965 Daihatsu became the first Japanese manufacturer to export to Britain with the 797 cc Compagno Berlina.

This exact car is now owned by Daihatsu Vehicle Distributors Limited and regularly takes part in classic car rallies and dealer events.

Saleen reveals a new limited edition Mustang

The American tuner Saleen revealed a new limited edition Mustang, called the Saleen 550, a tribute brought to the Ford GT. We all know that Saleen has been involved in the development and production of the legendary Ford GT, and with this limited ediion the American tuner wants to sell its new 550 only to Ford GT owners.

The Saleen's 550 engine delivers 550 bhp, the same power as the Ford GT.Saleen will paint the new cars with some special paint, called Mark IV red, Tungsten, Midnight Blue, Speed Yellow, Mark II black, Centennial White, Satin Silver, Heritage Blue and Epic Orange, so that the car will match the buyers' GTs.

Sources: Jaguar, Land Rover interest seen limited

The Jaguar and Land Rover brands being sold by Ford Motor Co. are expected to attract less interest than sister unit Aston Martin did, people familiar with the matter said on Monday.

Among the suitors who have been sent informal information by Ford's advisers are buyout firms Cerberus, Ripplewood and One Equity, said one of the sources.

However, unsuccessful bidders for Aston Martin including Syrian-born tycoon Simon Halabi and U.K. buyout firm Doughty Hanson have no plans to express interest in Jaguar and Land Rover when initial indications of value are due to Ford on July 19, the sources said.

Ford said last month it was working with financial advisers on the best options for the two brands as it conducts a strategic review of global operations.

Those interested in Jaguar and Land Rover have received a small amount of data, but have not been sent the full information customary in a more formal sale process.

The July 19 offers will just be "a (value) ranging shot at this point," said one source, referring to the wide valuation ranges because of the lack of information.

The units' combined value was placed at $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion in March by Merrill Lynch analysts.

Many are choosing to sit out the process because Jaguar is unprofitable and Land Rover lacks the trophy asset lure of Aston Martin. Neither has the scale of Chrysler, which DaimlerChrysler has agreed to sell to Cerberus.

Canadian auto parts maker Magna International, which had bid for Chrysler earlier this year, reportedly said last week it would not bid for Jaguar and Land Rover, according to Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper.

Sources familiar with the matter have also said U.S.-based buyout firm Blackstone Group is unlikely to bid.

Others that have ruled themselves out include U.K.-based buyout firm Alchemy Partners, France's Renault SA, Dubai International Capital and Abu Dhabi-owned Mubadala Development Co.

Ford has hired investment banks Goldman Sachs, HSBC Holdings Plc and Morgan Stanley to help explore a sale of the two brands.

Ford agreed in March to sell Aston Martin to a group fronted by former Benetton and BAR racing boss David Richards.

Ford, Blackstone, Halabi, Ripplewood and Doughty Hanson declined to comment. Spokespeople for Magna, One Equity and Cerberus could not be reached.

Aero-Kit “BTR-XL” for 997 Turbo

The new speedART aero kit typ "BTR-XL" (Bi-Turbo Racer Extra Large) for Porsche 997 Turbo,is available.

More down force and an improved aerodynamic:

- complete front spoiler with additional front chin spoiler, design-fog lights and air outlet grill (carbon or PU)

- rear spoiler with adjustable spoiler wing and air intakes (air ram system). Spoiler wing in carbon or painted version

- side skirts

- rear diffusor

- 20″ forged CTS wheels

- sport súspension

- sport brakes

- 550 hp power kit

- sport exhaust system with sound switch

- carbon mirror boxes

- sport interieur with sport steering wheel, short shifter and sport seats

Avoid Social Host Liability and Keep Drivers Safe

Did you know that at least 50 percent of all holiday traffic fatalities are alcohol related? In fact, that is why December is designated National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Definitely a sobering thought if you are hosting or attending a holiday party this year!

Another thought that just might have you rethinking your company's "open bar" policy is that if an employee or guest leaves your party drunk and gets into an accident, your company could be liable - even if that person may have went to another party or to a bar after leaving your party. If you don't think your company can be found liable - think again! Most states have some form of "social host" laws in place, specifically targeting employer-hosted events.

Why so much focus on company hosted parties? Many courts feel that employees have a greater obligation to attend company gatherings, as opposed to social gatherings hosted by friends or family members. Kind of makes you reconsider having that "attendance mandatory" notice on your holiday invitations.

Company Sponsored Parties

Planning your company's holiday party this year? If so, consider incorporating some, or all of these holiday party suggestions into your company's festivities.

Host your party at a local hotel and arrange for discounted or complimentary rooms so employees won't have to drive home impaired.

Hire a cab company or limousine service to provide complimentary rides for employees that are too drunk to drive home.

Check employees' coats and keys at the door. This will help you regulate who is too drunk to drive and who is able to provide rides home.

Hire a bartender to serve the drinks, rather then letting employees and guests serve themselves.

Provide plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and juices.

Designate a person to keep an eye on everyone and the amount of alcohol they are consuming. Discourage guests from drinking excessively and stop serving anyone who appears intoxicated. Include a disclosure on your holiday invitations that notes your company's position on drinking and driving and that the company supports and practices the designated driving law. Pass out designated driver stickers to all attendees participating in the program.
Close the bar 90 minutes before the party has ended.

Serve a variety of nutritious foods to help balance and absorb any alcohol guests may have consumed.

Hosting a Holiday Party

Planning a family gathering or holiday party at your house? Then you too could be potentially liable for any guests that leave your home drunk. If your guests get into an accident because they had too much to drink at your party, the finger could be pointed at you. The best solution is to have a dry party filled with holiday foods, games, prizes, and non-alcoholic beverages. However, if you still want to have a holiday party with alcoholic beverages, then we suggest practicing the following tips.

Ask friends to designate a driver before the party begins.

Collect everyone's coats and keys as they arrive.

Encourage lively conversations and group activities that focus on fun and not alcohol.

Make food and non-alcoholic drinks easily available.

Provide plenty of food so the focus is not solely on alcohol.

Never serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.

If someone has had too much to drink, offer to have them spend the night or call a cab - don't let them drive home drunk.

Drinking and Driving Myths

Think you know everything there is to know about drinking and driving - think again!
Coffee or a cold shower will sober you up.

False: Only time can sober you up.

If you avoid liquor and stay with beer and wine you will be fine.

False: A 12 oz. beer and a 5 oz glass of wine have as much alcohol as a 1.5 oz glass of whisky.
As long as you roll down the windows and turn up the radio, you will be okay to drive home.False: Neither of these will help enhance your alertness, motor skills or judgment.
By driving slow, you will avoid getting into an accident.

False: Driving too slow could potentially cause an accident and besides, driving under the influence is never a good idea at any speed.

DUI
A DUI could do more than potentially harm innocent people; it could also affect your auto insurance coverage. While insurance companies are not allowed to deny coverage to policyholders because of race, religion, residence, age or occupation - they are allowed to cancel your policy for having your driver's license suspended or being convicted of a crime, such as a DUI. That is something to think about before you pick up that next drink at a holiday party!

These holiday party safety tips were provided by Insurance.com, the nation's largest online auto insurance agency. If you are in the market for auto insurance or are thinking about switching auto insurance carriers, visit Insurance.com's auto insurance comparison application. Here, you will be able to evaluate multiple rates from best-in-class insurance providers, helping you save time and money on your auto insurance.

RUF 3400 K - 25th anniversary edition

RUF Automobile GmbH is celebrating 25 years since they tuned the first Porsche. For this special moment they released the "25th anniversary edition" model RUF that offers an exciting entry vehicle for an attractive price.RUF offers the 3400 K in two body versions - as a Coupé (price Euro 79,800 plus VAT) and Roadster (price Euro 75,100 plus VAT).

The agile mid engine concept in combination with a powerful torque and high revving Kompressor engine offers effortless performance and driving pleasure at the highest level.

The 3400 K features a 400 bhp engine delivering 440 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm.

Other specifications available below:0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in 4.4 s0-125 mph (0-200 kph)Coupé: in 14.6 sRoadster: in 14.8 s
Top speed181 mph (290 kph)

Bugatti Increases Veyron Production

Bugatti is increasing the production of their million dollar super car the Bugatti Veyron. Production numbers will increase from the original "60" cars produced in the first year of the Veyron to a total of "75" annually. A spokesperson for Bugatti stated, "We want to shorten the waiting time from just over a year." One has to think, it will still be arduous to acquire one of these vehicles or even see one on the road with just small increase of 15 cars in the production line, but Bugatti in fact wants to keep the car as exclusive as possible.

While the production numbers for the Veyron have increased, there are currently no plans to "change" the performance of the vehicle. With an incredible 1,000 horsepower one has to wonder if this is enough horsepower to keep the Veyron at the top of the super-car food chain in the twentieth century.

Will the Bugatti Veyron's clientele want more out of their super car as the production continues to its speculated production run of "300"? For a million dollars I think so.

Ultimate Aero TT makes one more attempt for braking speed record

Shelby SuperCars (SSC), manufacturer of the world's most powerful production car, the Ultimate Aero TT, announced today that speed testing for the title "World's Fastest Production Car" will be finalized by the end of August. Speed testing is being conducted in the company's home state of Washington and is being validated by Guinness World Records.

There is a standard procedure outlined by Guinness World Records to validate a land speed record. The vehicle must drive the predetermined course, turn around, and drive back the opposite way within one hour. This is to negate any discrepancy there may be in the course or conditions. Top speeds from each run are then averaged to obtain the official speed. This method has been used for decades as the benchmark for land speed record attempts.

Dewetron, a company known for performance testing of missile, train, aerospace, and automotive capabilities will accurately monitor and measure the speed of the Ultimate Aero TT for the record run. Dewetron's equipment is precise that Guinness World Records approved their systems as a replacement for the standard 1,000m laser traps. Dewetron utilizes 4-12 satellites and numerous onboard sensors to track a vehicle's speed.

The lack of access to a US-based proving ground able to accommodate the Ultimate Aero TT's top speed presented SSC with a massive challenge. After scouring the country for months, SSC found the solution in their home state of Washington when they were granted the opportunity to close public highways for testing. Finding appropriate roads eligible for closure proved to be a tedious process as SSC's teams scouted the sites first hand. After a potential site was identified, the company would need to apply for a road closure permit. Hiring police, a crew to man the closed section, and securing insurance for the high-speed test sessions were just a few of the undertakings necessary to be granted the rare closure of public roads.

Since the first test session, SSC has successfully concluded several rounds of high-speed safety and durability testing for each assembly of the Ultimate Aero TT. During these sessions, SSC was able to verify all the engineering specifications as well as aerodynamic data posted at NASA's Langley wind tunnel. Throughout the test sessions, the measured top speed of the Ultimate Aero TT continued to rise, achieving a speed of 241.4 mph at a throttle position of only 71% during the latest transmission durability test. After reviewing all test data, Jerod Shelby and the SSC engineering team feel comfortable in maximizing the capabilities of the 1183 hp Ultimate Aero TT.

GT-R speculation: More tech details emerge

The GT-R may be the most eagerly anticipated Nissan in the history of the Japanese automaker. New information has been coming to us in a steady leak for months, and this time we're getting more details from the folks over at 7tune. Nissan's VQ family of engines won't apply to Nissan's affordable supercar, instead a new VR designation will befit a new 3.8-liter V6 with twin turbos and a bad-ass output of 480hp. Nissan will use plenty of high-quality, light weight materials, like titanium for the intake valves, a carbon fiber hood, and magnesium alloy for the oil pan, cam covers, and exhaust, while Variable Valve Event Lift (VVEL) will help crank out maximum power and efficiency. Nissan is using a platform that they term "Midship Premium", and much of the weight is being concentrated in the middle of the car for better handling.


We're as excited about the coming of the GT-R as most of you are, and the more we hear about Sir Ghosn's crowned jewel, the better it sounds.

Official video presentation of the new Aston Martin DBS

With the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish S ceasing production at the end of 2006, the 2008 DBS will become the top-performing and most extreme road-going Aston Martin available. Company executives describe the DBS as a thinly veiled race car adapted for the street.The DBS looks like a DB9 on steroids. It has added scoops, strakes and bulging fenders.

Protecting Your Child When Driving

Drive with peace of mind, knowing you're doing everything you can to protect your child's life when you're behind the wheel of the family car. Remember - that's precious cargo you're transporting in your back seat. Make sure your children are properly secured, before you start the car.

Buckle up for some sobering statistics on highway deaths, figures that underscore the importance of using proper child restraints for young passengers - a child car seat, booster, or seat belt.

In 2003, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were a total of 42,643 traffic fatalities in the United States. The age group of children up to 14 years old accounted for 5 percent (2,136) of those traffic fatalities.

An insurance trade organization official focused on why many children die in vehicular crashes. "…Kids typically die because they were out of position, meaning that the child in the seat belt, car seat, or booster was either not properly put into the restraint or the child got out of the restraint," according to Dan Kummer, director of personal lines-auto for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), headquartered in Illinois.

Consider sound advice from Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in Virginia. Many children who die in vehicular crashes were riding completely unrestrained, said Rader. "Riding unrestrained in a motor vehicle always has been the greatest hazard for children."

Rader and the American Insurance Association's David Snyder both emphasized the importance of children riding in the back seat of a car. Rader identifies the back seat as the safest spot for young passengers. "This was true before airbags, and now it's doubly true. Infants and children riding in back seats cannot be in the paths of inflating airbags," said Rader.

Snyder brought up a second reason. The back seat generally affords more distance before you hit anything hard. And, secondly, the child is less likely to hit the airbag, which can cause injury, said Snyder, vice president and assistant general counsel at AIA, in Washington, D.C.

All states have child restraint laws for riding in automobiles, with most covering children of all ages but some only address specific age groups. Thus, there can be a gap in a state law impacting children in, say, the six to 12 age group categories. These are kids who may be too big for child safety seats and too small to fit into vehicle-equipped seat belts meant for older children and adults.
An insurance industry executive explains why booster seats are important to child safety in automobiles. Booster seats are valuable because they boost your children up about four inches, enabling them to correctly fit into your car seat belts, says Carolyn Gorman, vice president in the Washington, D.C., office of the Insurance Information Institute (III).

Make no mistake - using child safety seats in automobiles won't necessarily lead to a reduction in your auto insurance premium. Various factors go into determining what rates you pay for car insurance, said Kummer, who named some - type of vehicle, a driver's hometown, number of miles driven annually, and driving record, to name a few. "Child safety issues relate to saving lives, and policyholders who don't become involved in accidents tend to pay less for auto insurance coverage than those who have faced tragedy from highway crashes," Kummer maintained.

Kummer's take on car insurance premiums gets no argument from III's Carolyn Gorman. Motorists get better insurance rates if they have a clean driving record and aren't involved in any accidents on the roadways, Gorman says. "There are no studies that I know of on the correlation between a driver's use of child safety restraints in automobiles and auto accidents, but one might conclude that those who takes steps to protect their children and other passengers in their cars are, indeed, safety conscious and are more likely to have good driving records than those who speed along the highways without wearing seatbelts."

Lastly, keep in mind some travel advice from insurance industry spokesman Tully Lehman. As a case in point, Lehman singled out section 27365 of the California motor vehicle code that stipulates that every car rental agency in California must inform customers that state law requires all children under 6 years of age who weigh less than 60 pounds to be transported in the back seat of the vehicle in a child restraint system.

In California, the car rental agency is required to provide for rental a child restraint system if the customer does not have one available, said Lehman. "Regardless of which state you and your family visit, if you're renting a car there, be sure to know the rules of the road as they apply to child safety seats, because if only for the safety of your child, you'll want to be in compliance with applicable state regulations or laws."

10+ Tips to Help You Save on Car Insurance

Most people complain about the cost of their auto insurance--hardly surprising, given that a typical policy costs at least several hundred dollars a year. Depending on your age, driving record, and other factors, your annual premium can be significantly more than that. So how can you lower your premium and save yourself money?

If you own a car and drive it, going without insurance is generally not an option. In most states, you are required by law to purchase a minimum amount of liability coverage. And you should probably have more than just the bare minimum if you want to provide yourself with adequate protection. There are steps you can take, however, to reduce your auto insurance costs without having to cancel your policy. Some or all of these steps may be appropriate for you, depending on your circumstances.

Specific ways to save money on auto insurance:

1. Shop around. One of your first steps should be to shop around. A particularly good time to investigate your alternatives is when your current policy is about to be up for renewal, especially if you find that your premium has gone up. You may be surprised to learn that auto insurance premiums for the exact same coverage on the same car can vary widely (by hundreds of dollars) between different insurers, even in states that regulate auto insurance rates.

2. Increase your deductible. For many people, raising the deductible on their auto insurance is a good way to cut the cost of the policy. Sometimes you can reduce your annual premium by 10 percent or more if you increase your deductible from, say, $250 to $500. If you do this, however, make sure you have the financial resources to handle the larger deductible when the time comes.

3. Keep an eye on your credit report. Your credit history is an important factor for most auto insurance companies. Many studies have shown a correlation between your credit history and the risk to an insurance company. Paying your bills on time and maintaining a good credit history will allow you to enjoy lower auto insurance rates.

4. Drive less. If you drive less than a certain number of miles in a year (e.g., 7,500), you may qualify for a low-mileage discount. If your insurer offers this discount, try to limit your driving as much as possible. If you commute to work, use public transportation instead of driving. When you go away on vacation, fly or take the train.

5. Don't use your car for business purposes. Since work-related driving generally subjects you to higher premiums than pleasure driving, it may be in your best interest to stop using your car for business purposes.

6. Drive more safely. You may be eligible for a price break on your policy if you maintain a clean driving record for a specified period (usually three years). A clean driving record generally means no accidents, moving violations, drunk driving convictions, etc., during that period. The best way to qualify for the applicable discount is to drive carefully and defensively at all times.
7. Buy a low-profile car. Cars are rated on a risk scale for auto insurance purposes. In general, sports cars and other high-performance, flashy vehicles are classified as higher risks because they are common targets for thieves and vandals, and because statistically, the people who own them tend to drive more recklessly. If you own such a vehicle, you will likely pay a higher premium than if you owned a station wagon, sedan, or other low-risk vehicle.

8. Move. If you live in a rural community with little crime and traffic congestion, your premium will generally be lower than if you live in an urban area where your car is more likely to be stolen, vandalized, or involved in an accident. Granted, you shouldn't move just to cut your auto insurance costs. However, this may be one of many factors in your decision if you're thinking about relocating from the country to the city.

9. Keep your car in a garage. Cars parked in garages are less likely to be stolen, vandalized, or struck by other vehicles. Using a garage to store your car may entitle you to a slight premium reduction.

10. Have safety/anti-theft devices installed. You may receive discounts on your insurance if your car is equipped with one or more of the following options: anti-lock brakes, automatic seat belts, and airbags. Similarly, anti-theft devices such as car alarms and tracking systems (e.g., Lojack) may also get you a discount because they reduce the chances of your car being stolen or vandalized.

11. Inquire about multifamily/multipolicy discounts. You may receive a discount from your insurance company if you buy more than one type of insurance through that same company (e.g., auto and homeowner's). A discount may also apply to your auto insurance if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or with the same company.

12. Other discounts Other discounts may be available if you meet certain criteria. Examples may include discounts for taking a defensive driving course, being a AAA member or staying with the same auto insurance company for a number of years. These discounts vary by company.

10 Tips to Avoid Auto Accidents

1. Avoid drinking and driving.

2. Minimize distractions such as reading newspapers or talking on the cell phone when driving.

3. Properly maintain vehicles. Tune up cars according to maintenance schedule, and especially take note monthly of tire condition.

4. Do not encourage aggressive drivers. Let other aggressive driving behavior roll off your back, or call the police. Losing your temper could worsen the situation.

5. Leave a safe distance between your cars and others. For every 10 miles per hour of speed, leave at least one car length space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

6. Maintain a constant speed. Don't continually slow down or speed up.

7. Adjust mirrors properly and check the side and rear-view mirrors every 15 seconds.

8. Take defensive driving classes to improve your ability to drive and be better prepared for the unpredictable behavior of other motorists.

9. Proceed with great caution through intersections. Intersections are the center of most accidents. When entering an intersection, look left, then right, then left again to ensure the area is clear.

10. Be sufficiently aware of road conditions and be more visible. Keep your lights on at dusk and dawn and during rain, as is the law in most states. Understand basic vehicle dynamics, such as knowing how to recover from a skid.

Car Safety Tips for the Holiday Shopping Season

On your mark, credit cards set and go…to the nearest mall, because it is holiday shopping time. That's right; soon millions of consumers will be flooding the malls in search of the perfect gifts for everyone on their shopping list. But before you hop in your car and drive to the nearest mall, you may want to check out our Holiday Shopping Car Safety Tips - it just might make the difference between a happy holiday season and a disastrous one.

Holiday Mall Parking Lot
Many things can happen to your vehicle in a mall parking lot while you are inside happily holiday shopping away. For instance, your car can get damaged by opening doors, rolling shopping carts or testy drivers trying to fit into tight parking spots. While this may seem like the price your car has to pay for trying to go to the mall during the holidays - it doesn't have to be. There are many things you can do to help keep you and your car safe while at the mall this holiday season.

Popular Shopping Malls
After work and weekends are the most popular times for people to go holiday shopping. With that being said, consider shopping during the day or before noon on weekends. This will not only help you avoid over crowded mall parking lots, it will also help you to get in and out of stores quickly!

In addition, avoid going to popular malls in your area during peak shopping hours. This will help reduce the amount of cars and people you have to dodge and help keep your car safe from potential theft and damage. To help identify the most popular malls in your area, we have listed the Top 10 Largest Shopping Malls in the United States - so you can avoid what could potentially turn into a holiday shopping nightmare.

Largest Shopping Malls in the United States

South Coast Plaza, Orange County, CA
King of Prussia Mall, Philadelphia, PA
Sawgrass Mills, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Del Amo Fashion Cetner, Los Angeles, CA
Mall of America, Minneapolis-St Paul, MN
Grand Canyon Parkway, Las Vegas, NV
The Galleria, Houston, TX
Woodfield Mall, Chicago, IL
Plaza Las Americas, San Juan, PR
Roosevelt Field Mall, New York, NY
Stay Safe During The Holiday Season
No matter when or where you go holiday shopping, safety should always be your first priority - especially when it comes to your car. That's because mall and shopping center parking lots are prime targets for car theft, car vandalism and robberies.

To help prevent this from happening to you, Insurance.com has provided some helpful Holiday Shopping Safety Tips to keep you and your car safe and secure during the holiday season.

Holiday Shopping and Driving Safety Tips

Always park in a spot where there is plenty of light and if possible, park close to your destination.
Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows. Close all windows and lock all doors.
Take note of where you parked your car and what store entrance it is closest to.
Shop with a friend or family member - having a friend walk to and from the parking lot with you will help keep you both safe and sound.
Place your packages in your trunk or under your seat where no one can see them.
Condense your packages into one or two bags to create the illusion that you did not purchase so many valuable (and theft-worthy) items.
If you run out to your car to drop off packages while shopping, make sure to move your car to a new location before heading back into the mall. This will help lead anyone that is watching you to believe that you and your packages have headed home for the night.
Leave your most expensive purchases until the end of the day when you can quickly hop in your car and go directly home.
Request for a security guard to escort to your car.
When walking to your car have your head up and your keys ready, the last thing you want to do is appear vulnerable to criminals. In addition, make sure to look under and in front of your car to make sure that no one is waiting to attack you.
Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
Be aware of your surroundings. Often thieves will disguise themselves as normal shoppers who accidentally bump into you stealing your purse, wallet, packages, car keys or even worse, attacking you.
When entering your car, make sure to check your front seat and back seat for anyone that could potentially be hiding in the car.
Get into the car, lock the doors and exit the area immediately. Criminals prey on shoppers who sit in their cars to make phone calls or review their purchases for the day. Don't leave yourself susceptible to such a risk.
What Your Auto Insurance Coverage Won't Cover
Through the course of a shopping day, many people will take packages to and from their car to lessen the load while they are walking through the mall. Even though this may seem like a great idea at the time, it is not if the gifts are stolen from your car. That's because many auto insurance company will not cover holiday packages stolen from a policy holder's car - even if they were securely stored in your trunk. However, if you paid for your gifts with a credit card you might be in luck! Some credit card companies will cover stolen purchases if they were paid for with their credit card, but if you paid with cash or check, you are out of luck.

Regardless of how you paid for your gifts, you should always file a police report to help alert police of the incident and to potentially prevent this crime from happening to someone else.

Upgrade or change Your Auto Insurance
If your auto insurance policy does not cover stolen property from your vehicle and you would like to find an auto insurance company that does, log on to Insurance.com's auto insurance comparison application. Here, you will be able to evaluate multiple rates from best-in-class insurance providers - helping you find the best auto insurance coverage for you and your holiday shopping needs.

Gumpert Apollo

At $380,000(My god~~), the Gumpert Apollo is "a 1100kg, street-legal race car with up to 650hp and 627 lb/ft of torque, designed to take on the Porsche 911 GT3, it is a mid engined, rear wheel drive two seater constructed on a tubular Chromoly frame, with fiberglass or optional carbon fiber body panels."

An Audi 4.2L V8 engine is joined to a six-speed sequential gearbox with Formula 1 influences. Estimated top speed is 360 km/h (224mph) with 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) reached in 3.0 seconds, making it the 9th best accelerating production car in the world, behind the Ariel Atom

Wet-Weather Driving Tips

The combination of rain, fog, and early darkness in winter causes thousands of car accidents every year. Here are a few commonsense driving tips that can help you avoid wet-weather accidents.
Drive slowly

The most important thing you can do to prevent an accident on a slick roadway is to slow down. When you drive slowly, a greater amount of your tire's tread will be on the road, resulting in better traction. It will also keep you from driving through hidden puddles at a high speed, which can splash water into your car's engine, causing it to stall.

Try to drive at a steady pace and avoid jerky movements when braking, accelerating, or turning. And avoid passing other cars, especially at night.

Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you

It takes up to three times longer to stop on wet roads. This is true even if your tires are good-quality wet-weather tires. So don't tailgate, and be alert for brake lights on the car in front of you. You should also put on your headlights so that other cars can see you.

Know what to do if your car starts skidding or hydroplaning

If you lose control of your car in wet weather and it begins to skid, don't slam on the brakes. Instead, apply the brakes in a steady, slightly firm manner, and steer in the direction of the skid. For cars that have antilock brakes, you should apply more pressure (steady) to the brakes, but avoid pumping them.

Hydroplaning occurs when your tires glide across the surface of the water on the road. If your car starts to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas, but don't stomp on the brakes. Instead, if you have a manual transmission (i.e. stick shift), push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own. If you have an automatic transmission, hold the steering wheel steady and lightly apply the brakes.

Don't drive if you're tired or distracted

Driving in wet weather requires you to be very alert, particularly at night. If you're tired, pull off the road to a safe place and take a break, or better yet, postpone your trip entirely if you can. You should also avoid eating, drinking, talking on the phone, fiddling with the radio, or handing items to children in the back seat--anything where you need to take one or both hands off the steering wheel momentarily.

Prepare for wet weather by checking your tires

Check your tires regularly for tread wear. If you have any doubt about your tires' ability to perform in the rain--a tread depth of less than 1/16th of an inch is inadequate--visit your mechanic or tire center. It's also important to maintain the correct tire pressure. You can find the correct pressure for your car in the owner's manual or inside the door edge. Make sure your tires are properly balanced and aligned at regular intervals, too. And if you live in an area where there's a lot of wet weather, you may want to invest in a tire that's specifically designed for slippery road conditions.