Study: Younger buyers open up to Ford, Hyundai

They are embracing more Detroit-made cars, and a lot more South Korean brands

American Ido(Photo: Matt Hamilton AP)

Younger buyers are increasingly choosing Detroit brands over Japanese rivals, a huge reversal from the past, reports research groups R.L. Polk and Edmunds.com.

New vehicles from Detroit's Big 3 -- General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler -- accounted for 36.8% of cars bought by Americans age 25 to 34 in 2012, up from 35.4% in 2008. During the same period, the share of cars from Japanese brands -- Toyota, Nissan, Honda and others -- for the same age group fell from 50.6% to 42.9%.

Detroit automakers have reached out to young buyers as never before with a raft of appealing small cars that they would have rejected as unprofitable in the past. Chrysler Group has the fun Fiat 500, General Motors has models like the small Chevrolet Sonic and smaller Spark and Ford has sponsored TV's American Idol for its small car lineup, such as the Fiesta and Focus.

But before anyone breaks out the champagne in Detroit, there's another factor to consider: Hyundai. The same Edmunds study based on Polk data found that many buyers fleeing Japanese brands looked to the Hyundai or Kia.

The twin South Korean brands accounted for 10% of cars bought by young buyers, a rate that has doubled since 2008.

"U.S. automakers have burst onto the scene in recent years with small, fuel-efficient and affordable cars that really appeal to a young set of buyers," says Edmunds.com senionalyst Jessica Caldwell in a statement. "But while Detroit might be chiseling away at the Japanese grip on Gen X and Gen Y, South Korean brands are taking big hacks."

She says in addition to an appealing lineup of cars for younger buyers, Hyundai and Kia also have made credit available to young buyers who may have limited work histories.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/03/21/young-buyers-japanese-cars-edmunds-polk-toyota-honda/2005133/

The most beautiful girls from Opel team dancing at 83rd International Motor Show Geneva

The most beautiful girls from Opel team dancing at 83rd International Motor Show Geneva

New Ferrari Supercar, LaFerrari, Unveiled at Geneva Auto Show

The fastest Ferrari road car ever has finally debuted at the Geneva International Auto Show. The new Ferrari supercar combines the highest performance V12 engine ever placed in a Ferrari with the Formula One derived hybrid drive system, the HY-KERS. LaFerrari will be produced in only 499 examples and its bodywork is entirely in ultra-light weight carbon fiber. The computer controlled aerodynamics, dynamic control systems and braking are all integrated with the revolutionary hybrid drive system which provides superior levels of low speed torque allowing optimizing the V12 engine at higher speeds. The result leads to a seamless delivery of exceptional power and a maximum speed of 217 mph.

LaFerrari represents the marque's most important project to push the limits of technology on a road car, in order to achieve the best expression of the Prancing Horse's technology enhancements in both GT engineering and Formula One. The new Ferrari supercar features the most extreme performance ever achieved by a Prancing Horse production car as well as the most innovative and advanced technical solutions and will be available to only 499 selected clients in the world.

LaFerrari is the first car produced in Maranello featuring a hybrid technology. Its V12 6262cc engine delivers 800 CV that generates a total of over 960 CV if we add the electric motor additional 163 CV. The new Ferrari Supercar is the most efficient and high performance Ferrari ever built, mainly thanks to one of the most technological enhancements o represented by the new HY-KERS, a system that provides maximum incorporation between the electric motor and the V12 engine, impeccably mixing maximum efficiency with extreme performance. The high levels of torque delivered at low revs by the electric motor optimize the performances of the internal combustion engine at higher revs, while also securing a maximum torque peak of over 900 Nm. A solution that did not increase the car wheelbase or dimensions but that contributed, instead, to lower its gravity center.

The Formula One dual-clutch gearbox is joined with the electric motor allowing reducing weight and optimizing the overall car dimensions. Lastly, the Ferrari HY-KERS system was designed to be modular and flexible so it can be applied to other Ferrari models in the future.

The new electric motor was coincided with High Specific Power Density technology to allow a drastically volume and weight reduction compare to available torque as well as performance easily equivalent to those of the Formula One car, since both features the same efficiency and torque density.

As every Ferrari, the new 458 Spider and its coupe version the Ferrari 458 Italia have a truly unique design approach and technology innovations to achieve indisputable performance and driving experience under all weather conditions. Inquiry about the new Ferrari California today. Only available at Authorized Ferrari dealerships, such as Beverly Hills Ferrari.

http://EzineArticles.com/7537460

£3million Lamborghini that can travel from 0-60mph in under three seconds and is named 'Veneno' after a fighting bull

An exclusive new 220mph supercar named after a legendary and lethal fighting bull is to roar into life  with a £3million price tag.

But only three of the new Lamborghini Venenos - described as a 'street legal racing car' - will be built and sold; and they already have buyers.

The £9million trio have been built specially to celebrate the Italian supercar firm’s 50th anniversary and each will carry a different colour from Italy’s national flag – green, white and red.

Speed: The car is expected to be able to accelerate from rest to 60mph in under 3 seconds

The two-seater Veneno is powered by a massive 6.5 litre 12 cylinder petrol engine developing 750 horse-power – equivalent to seven Ford Fiestas – linked to a seven speed manual gear-box with five different driving modes and permanent all-wheel drive, which Lamborghini says delivers ‘a thrilling combination of absolute high-revving frenzy and phenomenal pulling power’.

It is expected to accelerate from rest to 60mph in under 3 seconds.

Lamborghini described the ‘extremely exclusive’ Veneno as ‘a racing prototype and road-going super sports car’ based on the Lamborghini Aventador.

It was unveiled on the eve of the Geneva Motor show in Switzerland at a special evening event hosted by the parent Volkswagen Group at which Britain’s Bentley also showcased its new Flying Spur.

The supercar firm said: 'Only three unique units of the Lamborghini Veneno will be built and sold.

'Its design is consistently focused on optimum aerodynamics, giving the Veneno the look of a racing prototype, yet it holds a regular road license.'

Exclusive: Only three of the new Lamborghini Venenos will be built and sold - and they already have buyers

Power: The two-seater Veneno is powered by a massive 6.5 litre 12 cylinder petrol engine developing 750 horse-power, equivalent to seven Ford Fiestas

Lightweight but super-strong carbon fibre materials form the single cell or monocoque chassis as well as the outer skin of the ‘extreme sports car’ with an aluminium sub-frame and ‘scissor doors’ which open up and out.

A spokesman for Lamborghini said: 'Fully in keeping with the tradition of the brand, the name of the Veneno originates from a legendary fighting bull.

'Veneno is the name of one of the strongest and most aggressive fighting bulls ever. He is also famous to be one of the fastest bulls in the history of bullfight. His name became popular in 1914, when he gored do death José Sánchez Rodríguez during the bullfight in the arena Sanlúcar de Barrameda's.'

The aerodynamically sculpted supercar has razor-sharp lines, an arrow-shaped front, a smooth underbody, four sizable exhaust end pipes divided by a splitter, a large central fin and an adjustable rear wing. 

To boost aerodynamic flow, the side line of the Veneno is therefore dominated by enormous sills and mighty wheel arches front and rear.

A spokesman said: 'The Lamborghini Veneno brings the aerodynamic efficiency of a racing prototype to the road. Every detail of its form pursues a clear function – exceptional dynamics, optimum downforce with minimal drag and perfect cooling of the high-performance engine.

'The entire front end of the Lamborghini Veneno has been laid out for perfect airflow and downforce. The front end works as a large aerodynamic wing.'

It has 20 inch alloy wheels at the front and 21 inches at the rear. A carbon-fibre ring around the wheel rim works like a turbine to deliver additional cooling air to the powerful carbon-ceramic brake discs as they get hot.

Aerodynamic: The supercar has razor-sharp lines, an arrow-shaped front, four sizable exhaust end pipes divided by a splitter, a large central fin and an adjustable rear wing

Rare: The fourth car, called 'number 0' and created as a test vehicle for the other three, is the only one being shown at Geneva

The Veneno is painted in an all-new, grey metallic-look colour with individual parts highlighed in black in the exposed and visible carbon-fibre structure.

The three cars sold to customers compose a trilogy in green, white and red accents, each of one featuring a single color of the Italian national flag, thus representing a unique piece: ‘The trilogy of three unique vehicles will be produced in the course of the year 2013 and handed over to their future owners.’

A fourth car called 'number 0' and created as a test vehicle for the other three is the only one being shown at Geneva and will also be the only Veneno displaying all three colours of the Italian flag.

Lamborghini said: 'Its future has not been determined yet, but it will allow Lamborghini to continue its activity of testing and innovation, both on the road and on the race track.'

Quick: To boost aerodynamic flow, the side line of the Veneno is dominated by enormous sills and mighty wheel arches front and rear

All exterior parts are made from carbon fibre which also dominates the interior with an exposed central tunnel and sills.

Two lightweight bucket seats are made from Lamborghini’s patented composite. A specially woven carbon-fibre skin is used to clad the entire cockpit, part of the seats and the headliner.

A spokesman said: 'This unique material is soaked in a very special kind of resin that stabilizes the fibre structure, while allowing the material to remain supple. Like a hi-tech fabric, this extremely fine-looking carbon-fibre matting fits perfectly to any form. And it reduces weight.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2288044/Veneno-Lamborghini-Car-travel-0-60mph-seconds-named-fighting-bull.html

The Lamborghini Veneno, a $4 million supercar for three owners, leaks pre-Geneva

Of all the world's supercar makers, none stretch the idea of an ultimate sports machine quite so far asLamborghini. For its 50th anniversary, the Italian automaker has created its most bizarre car yet: Meet the Veneno, a $4 million alien craft that will be assembled for only three buyers who've already put down their deposits — and being sold out before it goes into production is only a hint of the Veneno's speed. 

Built from the Aventador chassis, Lamborghini says the Veneno was designed to come as close as possible to a Le Mans-quality race car that's still usable on public roads. Power comes from a 740-hp version of the Aventador's 6.5-liter V-12 linked to a 7-speed automated manual transmission and permanent all-wheel-drive, good for a top speed of 220 mph and 60 mph in less than three seconds.

Named for a Spanish fighting bull that killed a toreador in 1914, the Veneno uses carbon fiber everywhere, from the tweaked Avendator chassis to the body and interior controls. Even the wheels wear a carbon fiber ring that Lamborghini claims acts like a vortex to shunt air toward the brakes for cooling.

The three copies of the monster from Sant'Agata Bolognese that Lamborghini plans to build will have red, white, or green touches to match the Italian flag; technically, there will be four copies including the test model Lamborghini plans to hold onto. With two of the buyers hailing from the United States, the Veneno will soon enter the rarefied realm of personalized exotic cars — but its fortunate owners would do well to remember what happens when you mess with the bull.

http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/lamborghini-veneno-4-million-supercar-three-owners-leaks-005241756.html

Where To Choose Your New Car

Until fairly recently, one of the best places to start your selection of a new car would have been to visit a motor exhibition and see new cars and shortlist the models that you were interested in. In the UK the British International Motor Show was held regularly between 1903 and 2008 at a variety of venues, perhaps most famously at Earl's Court. It moved to the NEC in Birmingham in 1976 and stayed there until it moved back to London and the ExCel Centre for 2006 and 2008. Unfortunately, the shows for 2010 and 2012 were cancelled due to the recession.

The British show, like all the major motor shows around the world is recognised by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, a federation of automobile manufacturers, based in Paris, founded in 1919. Other shows in Europe recognised by the organisation are still active and are well worth visiting, especially if you are based nearby.

Perhaps the most famous is The International Geneva Motor Show held annually in March in Switzerland. The event was first held in 1905 and has thrived ever since, even though Switzerland has no automotive industry of its own and has banned motor racing since 1955.

While exotic cars and concept vehicles often steal the headline, manufacturers from around the world launch their latest models in Geneva, so it is a fantastic place to compare new cars.

Most other shows are biennial events. The Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany is the largest in the world and is held in odd numbered years during September. German makers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW usually use it to launch their new models. The organisers do run an event in even numbered years in Hanover, but this is for commercial vehicles only.

The Brussels Motor Show is held in even numbered years in January. In 2012 it attracted nearly 600,000 visitors. Across the border in the Netherlands, AutoRAI organise the Amsterdam Motor Show in odd numbered years. The next show is due in April 2013.

The Madrid International Motor Show in Spain takes place at the end of May in alternate years. The next event is in 2014, while in odd numbered years the Spanish event takes place in Barcelona. Naturally, this show will usually see new model launches from the local car manufacturer SEAT.

Later in the year, the Paris Motor Show takes place at the end of September and the beginning of October, but only in even numbered years. Over one and a quarter million people visitors attended the last show in 2010, making it the most popular of the large international motor exhibitions.

To end the year you can visit the Italian Motor Show held during December in Bologna.

Back in the UK, petrol heads without a local show to indulge their love of cars at can instead opt for what has become known as the 'Moving Motor Show' at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Held in the grounds of Goodwood House, this annual hill-climb event is a true celebration of motor sport and all things automotive. As well as Formula 1 cars and some of the world's most amazing supercars in static displays and whizzing up the hill, an extensive display of the latest models from many of the world's top car manufacturers can be found in the dedicated exhibition area.

Rising exhibition costs for manufacturers and easier access to vehicle information via dealers and the Internet may eventually bring an end to all but the largest and most popular motor shows. Web information certainly makes it easier nowadays to shortlist the cars that you can afford, or are interested in knowing more about. The final step is to talk to someone who can supply the car you're looking for at a good price, preferably with a discount. That's something you would be most unlikely to get at a large motor show!

http://EzineArticles.com/7217156

New Concepts and Luxury Cars at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show: A Brief Guide

Undoubtedly one of the most highly regarded automotive shows of the year is the International Motor Show at Geneva in Switzerland (or Salon International de l'Auto, as it is named by the French/Swiss). The Geneva Motor Show was first held in 1905; since then, this prestigious show has showcased some of the most significant and famous motor cars in the world.

The Geneva Motor Show is often where many of the world's car manufacturers choose to unveil or debut a new model or range of cars, and the 2012 Geneva Motor Show is no exception. From the 260 exhibitors at the show this year, we will see a total of 180 world and European vehicle premieres from automotive manufacturers from around the globe.

The event annually takes place in March, and this year the show will be held from the 8th - 18th at its usual venue of the Geneva Palexpo convention centre in the city of Geneva. This is close to the airport, allowing it excellent access for visitors.

This year there is sure to be a raft of new cars, concepts cars, prototype vehicles, exotic super-cars, family cars, luxury cars, SUVs, green cars, eco-technology, new in-car equipment and technological breakthroughs, which the motoring industry press and later the public can view during the 10 day show period.

A selection of the car marques which will be showing off their new and luxury cars to keep an eye out for will include the new Aston Martin range, including the Virage model based on the DB9, with its excellent 6.0-litre V12 engine delivering 490bhp; the 235mph Pagani Huayra, which is the awesome 700bhp supercar successor to the Pagani Zonda; and the Koenigsegg Agera R with its V8 5.0 litre engine that gives an amazing 1,115bhp and will even run on biofuel, which is not bad for a hyper-car. Also on show will be the mighty new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, with its breathtaking top speed of 252mph (407km/h).

For greener car fans, you will be able to see the Mercedes SLS AMG E-CELL, a zero-emission electric prototype with a power output of 535hp, which incidentally will soon be going into production, so customers will be able to place orders during 2013 for this special and highly technical super sports car.

For luxury cars, look out for the Bentley Continental Flying Star - Touring Superleggera by Carrozzeria, based on the Bentley Continental GT coupe chassis, which will also be on show at this prestigious global event.

http://ezinearticles.com/?New-Concepts-and-Luxury-Cars-at-the-2012-Geneva-Motor-Show:-A-Brief-Guide&id=6895589