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Thursday, March 29, 2012

Thursday, March 8, 2012

An Amazing New Sports Car


Here is a truly amazing new sports car - the KTM X-Bow. It is amazing in the way it looks, the way it is made and in its performance. So what is so special about the way it looks? Well, it has open wheels, with cycle type fenders, but you can hardly see them. At the front there is a big cowl which hides the wheels, but beneath that is a narrow chisel nose that is the front of the body, the engine being behind the cockpit.

On top of the engine is a curved cowl that acts as a cover, and provides some downforce at speed. Then, twin radiators are mounted each side of the engine, just behind the cockpit, where they partly conceal the engine and rear wheels. If you look from the back, you can see the rear suspension and a big muffler across the back with the exhaust coming straight out. This mufflers acts as a safety crash member, taking the impact in a crash.

One more thing that is different: the instruments and controls are all mounted in the hub of the steering wheel.

Austrian, with mid-engined layout

So who has produced this unusual sports car? KTM, the Austrian maker of high-performance off road motor bikes. Like KTM motorcycles, the X-Bow is a hot performer, without any creature comforts, and has shaken up the sports car world.

It has a carbon fiber body, made in Italy, which is one reason why this is a lightweight car, although not as light as the Lotus 2-11 or Caterham CSR, two competitors.

What is normal about it? Well, like the Lotus Elise, Exige and 2-11 sports cars the engine is mounted cross-wise in unit with the transaxle behind the cockpit, an arrangement which allows the use of a power train of a mass production front-drive car. In this case, the power train is the Audi two-liter turbo unit, developing 240 bhp.

All about performance without any frills

Like the Caterham and Lotus 2-11, the KTM X-Bow is all about performance. It can reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and 100 mph in 8.5 seconds, which puts it up in the supercar category. For example, The acceleration is faster than the Audi R8, Jaguar XKR or Porsche Carrera S. It is matched by some other ultra-lightweight super sports cars like the Lotus 2-11, and is a little slower than the Caterham CSR, which reaches 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Even so the performance is remarkable.

In some respects, the KTM X-Bow seems inspired by the Caparo T1, although it is slightly heavier and has half the power. Overall, the KTM X-Bow is an amazing addition to the sports car world.



Essential Accessories For Your New Sports Car


Getting a new car is always very exciting and thrilling, especially the part where you'll outfit it with the right items that you can use while you're on the road. Things are even more special with a sports car, as most people see owning these vehicles as a dream come true.

Now, aside from being a very happy experience, accessorizing your new sports car is also challenging. Of course, you need to get the right items that will help you get the most out of these great wheels, so you need to choose wisely and appropriately.


To help you get an idea what are the most important things in outfitting your new sports car, here's a short list of items that you should definitely consider getting:

1. Phone or gadget docks

A lot of people who own sports cars also have very busy schedules, so they may still need to be available even while driving. To make it safer, though, hands free systems are more attractive options. These docks aren't even too intrusive and wouldn't mess t he interior of your ride. Also, you can choose something that will match the design of your dash, so it can fit in sleekly into the whole scheme.

2. Car cover

Of course, you'll want your car to be pristine and spotless at all times. This makes them a lot prettier and more valuable, and it says a lot about its owner. This is why most owners make it a point to park them in a covered garage, where no intruders can damage or mess up the car's exterior. However, this may not be enough protection for your ride.

To ensure that no falling debris will damage your car's exterior, a car cover could help you give it another "coating" that can prevent scratching or any kind of damage happening on your paint job.

3. Special car seat covers

The inside of the car is also very important to beautify as much as the outside of it. This makes it a complete wondrous package altogether. The great thing here is that by just outfitting your car with a sleek and attractive car seat covers, you can easily make it even prettier and envy worthy. As these items come in a wide array of designs and styles, you can really find something that will best decorate your sports car without a fuss.

4. Rugs and mats

Covering the floors of your car is another important thing to do. These things can help complete the look you're trying to go for in your vehicle, so make sure to find something that will match or even complement the seat covers that you have.

5. GPS system

A GPS system is a definite essential for every vehicle, not just sports car. They're extremely useful in so many ways. This is why having them should be your top priority.

6. Tools

Although, these items aren't exactly what you can call as an "accessory", they're still extremely important to have. Being prepared is one of the most vital things you should be while on the road, so having the right items to help you in facing almost any incident while traveling could be very helpful.

Aside from these five examples, there are still tons of other accessories that could be very useful for new sports car owners. Make sure to do ample research for these things, so you can be prepared in taking your new luxury car for a ride.

What You Should Know Before Buying a New Sports Car


Buying a new vehicle is exciting, especially if it's a luxury sports car. The look and feel of a brand new Audi or Porsche is hard to beat, from the rush of adrenaline accelerating off the line for the first time, to the pride and satisfaction you feel stepping out. Before rushing to the dealership, however, there are five important things you should consider before buying.

1. Research Dealerships
Since it is a highly competitive industry, a company that's lasted over 20-30 years is probably doing something right, so look for a dealership that's been around awhile. Also, make sure they offer services beyond sales, since you may need to replace or repair certain parts of your car in the future. Lastly, look for a dealership willing to negotiate a reasonable price for the car you want. This doesn't necessarily mean the lowest price, as a cheap price tag can often mean cheap parts and service.

2. Pick the Best Car for You
You really want that cherry-red Audi convertible, but it might not be reasonable in a rainy climate. When picking the right car, consider your environment, occupation, and what you plan on using it for. If you have a big family, you might consider an Audi Q7: sporty, classy, and roomy enough to hold a family. Or perhaps you're a high-energy business person seeking to impress potential clients. If so, a smaller, sleeker car such as the Porsche 911 Turbo may be what you need.

3. Know the Insurance Costs
Insurance is often an unforeseen cost of purchasing a new sports car. Most states require liability insurance, and almost any loan you take to purchase the car will, too. Import sports cars usually have a very large price tag when it comes to insurance, so make sure you have a realistic figure in mind, otherwise, you may find yourself in the final steps of purchasing the car before you realize it is out of your budget.

4. Don't Wait on Registration
Getting your new car registered is the final step in the purchasing process, and it is an important one. Registering the car and obtaining the title can usually be handled by the dealership, but you will be responsible for paying for new plates or a plate transfer, a title, and the sales tax, if applicable. Taking care of these matters immediately means you can start enjoying your new dream machine right away.

5. The Safety Inspection
New cars must undergo a safety inspection within seven days of registration, so don't put it off till last. Some cars, especially previously owned cars, will also need a pre-insurance inspection to determine if the car has any pre-existing damage. This may seem like a hassle, but safety and insurance inspections help protect the customer as much as the dealership or insurance companies.


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