Rolls Royce Phantom Silver Honors Silver Ghosts

By: Terry Parker

Rolls Royce Phantom Siver

In regard to the formation of the worlds first true luxury automaker, Rolls Royce, who received top billing, the businessman or the designer? Businessman Charles Rolls came first with second billing going to engineer Henry Royce.

Charles and Henry agreed that Rolls company would exclusively sell all vehicles made by Royce. Rolls Royce Motor Cars made its official debut in 1904 at the Paris Salon. Perhaps Royce Rolls sounded too much like a pun or a criticism than an appropriate nomenclature for a fledgling car manufacturer. Shortly thereafter Royce designed vehicles were ruling the roadways.

The first Rolls Royce made was a 10 horsepower, two cylinder vehicle with a top speed of 39 mph. By 1906 the automaker had a vehicle with three chassis styles and six cylinder inline engines capable of exceeding 50 mph.

1924 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost

The first Rolls Royce with an enclosed backseat, the Pullman by Barker, also was introduced at that time. Rolls Royce elevated its status to a producer of elite vehicles with the Silver Ghost in 1907. It was the first reliable and smooth riding manufactured. It set a world record for a non stop motor run, traveling an astonishing 14,371 miles.

The most popular body types of the most elite car of the era were the enclosed Barker cabriolet, the Barker Tourer, the Hooper Landaulet, and the London Edinburg. The fabled vehicle first gained notoriety when it was entered into the 1907 Scottish Reliability Run, winning the gold medal in its class for hill climbing and reliability.

Silver Ghosts were manufactured from 1907 to 1925. It is astonishing that the majority of the 6,000 Silver Ghosts built still run well today. Aside from Rolls Royce, how many automakers today would dare say their cars could be driven 100 years from now?

Rolls Royce has produced 25 Phantom Silvers to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Silver Ghost. The Phantom Silvers bespoke paint color is Metallic Ghost Silver. The interior of the limited edition comes in rose leaf or cream light leather. The RR logo is embroidered into both the piping and the headrests.

Eco friendly Santos Palisander rosewood is used throughout the cabin. The varied grain rosewood also is used for a presentation box that holds the key, two solid silver key fobs and a specially commissioned Conway Stewart fountain pen. The LCD screen for the navigational system is strategically concealed behind the clock in the dashboard to preserve the car's classic decorum.

Rolls Royce Phantom Silver Interior Dashboard

Beneath the hood of this refined vehicle is a fuel injected V12 engine with 48 valves that accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Its top speed is 149 mph. The sedan has a maintenance free six speed transmission and speed sensitive rack andpinion steering.

The Phantom Silver sets on 21 inch alloy wheels with chrome centers. The Spirit of Ecstasy, which has been the automakers traditional grille ornament since 1911, is solid silver. It is retractable for security purposes.

Rolls Royce produced automobiles and aero engines until 1971. Bleak financial circumstances forced the firm into receivership and the divisions became separate companies. The BMW Group has been the owner of the Rolls Royce line since 1998. While many other brands have strived and risen to attain recognition, Rolls Royce Motor Company possessed such panache from its inception.

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What are Hybrid Automotives?

By: Luigi Castagna

Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Car

The vehicles that use two power sources in conjunction with one another are called hybrid automotives or hybrid vehicles. The history of hybrid power technology is very old. It dates back to the time when diesel electric submarines were first used.

The idea is quite simple, use two power sources to increase the overall efficiency.
Now the question arises that why it was needed. The answer is simple, it was realized that an average person would not be able to afford gasoline in the near future. CO2 emissions will also increase similarly an average person does not require a V8, he/she just needs enough power to reach his destination in time. A V8 as well as a small vehicle can accomplish this. So the hybrid vehicle was introduced.

How it works?

The hybrid vehicle works by using electric as well as gasoline power. Diesel electric vehicles are also there but there numbers are quite low. The hybrid vehicle works by using electric power when the requirement for engine power is low for example when starting the vehicle and up to the speed of 30-40 mph as the electric source cannot run a vehicle by itself.

What is the basic idea behind Hybrid automotives?

The basic idea is to use a smaller lightweight engine to run a vehicle up to a required speed and when the car has to accelerate then the electric source can add some extra power to gain more speed. As a 1.0 liter engine can also move at 75 mph just like a V8 although the V8 has more acceleration power so why waste fuel on a muscle car when a 1.0-liter vehicle can work for you.

Types of Gasoline Hybrid Vehicles

There are two main types of gasoline hybrid vehicles: parallel hybrid car and series hybrid car. The series hybrid car uses the gasoline engine to turn a generator that can either charge the batteries or run an electric motor whereas the parallel hybrid car can combine the two power sources to give more power or the same amount of power but with a better mileage.

Body Structure of Hybrid Vehicles

Now the question arises how the hybrid vehicle can deliver these types of performances when they have such a small engine. They do so by using lightweight materials like carbon fiber composites, low-rolling resistance tires and advanced aerodynamics to reduce drag. The hybrids can even turn the gasoline engine off when not needed such as when stopping at traffic lights. Some vehicles even use the electric power to gain a speed of 30 to 40 KM/h. Some vehicles also use regenerative braking. By this method when breaks are applied, the car decreases the speed by cutting some amount of power. This power is then used by the generator to generate electric power that can be stored for later use.

The price of these vehicles start from 23000$ and they reach up to 54000$. There are some hybrid SUVs are also available in the market.

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Bugatti Veyron 16.4

By: Jan Hvizdak

Following four long years of design and development and it’s forerunner 1999 EB 18/4 Veyron, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, the fastest legally-produced car which can be seen on roads very rarely, was finally ready for manufacture in 2004. Billed as the most exclusive sports car ever, the Veyron follows the example of its Bugatti predecessors – the limousines and racecars of the twenties and thirties, which are now among the most desirable classic cars available. The Veyron is the culmination of almost a decade of concept cars and design models, and concept became reality in the form of a limited production of 300 cars.

Performance overview


The outstanding performance, speed and acceleration of the new Bugatti demand safety systems to match. The single-piece unibody construction is made from carbon fibre, and achieves maximum marks in crash tests. This is complemented by both driver and passenger airbags for extra protection. High-speed tyres have been specifically designed for the Veyron to cope with speeds of over 350 km/h, and are fitted with a PAX system to guarantee safety in handling, even under sudden loss of pressure. The rear spoiler also provides an extra safety feature, acting not only as a source of downforce, but also as an extra braking function during emergency stops. When specific braking forces are applied, the spoiler changes position to provide extra air resistance. The Veyron’s braking distance is subsequently comparable to that of a lorry.

The Powerhouse


The Veyron’s W16 (16 cylinder engine with 4 banks) alloy engine occupies a unique position in the history of sports car manufacture. Its special design uses the VR principle – a space-saving technique that employs two slim, eight-cylinder blocks sitting perpendicular to each other.

The new Bugatti boasts 1001 horsepower, providing acceleration which is unparalleled amongst its rivals: 0-60 mph in 3 seconds, and 0-200 mph in an astonishing 14 seconds. With torque peaking at 923 lb/ft, the Veyron’s incredible power allows it to reach a maximum speed of 252.3 mph (406 km/h).

The Veyron’s directshift gearbox is also a unique feature of this vehicle. The 7-speed sequential gearbox transfers power to the wheels through a permanent 4x4 system. This results in acceleration from standstill to top speed without interruption – previously unheard of in the automobile industry. However, 4x4 isn’t as perfect as X-Drive from BMW.

Interior Styling


The Bugatti Veyron 16.4’s cabin is both luxurious and practical. It features high-quality leather upholstery (optional two-tone upholstery), magnificent metallic trim and controls which are carefully designed and laid-out for maximum comfort and accessibility.

Bugatti’s motor sport heritage is also evoked by the instrument panel, which features a central rev counter, around which can be found four smaller instruments. Unnecessary extras are deliberately avoided, further cementing the Veyron’s genuine sportiness.

The classic Bugatti two-tone paintwork remains unchanged on the Veyron 16.4. Five different colour combinations are available for the car. In every combination, the darker colour is used for the bonnet, roof and rear of the vehicle, and the lighter colour for the sides and front wheel arches.

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BMW Prepares for 2008

By: Allweb

2008 BMW - Model Z10

BMW has done well in manufacturing limited series of models, which are the odd numbered and even numbered series. Among these you will be able to find the saloon sedan and the estate wagon on one hand and the coupes and cabriolets on the other. Examples of such limited series of cars are the 6 Series and the 8 Series of BMWs, the later being launched in 1989. More recent examples include the Z3 and the Z4. The Z3 and the Z4 are roadsters available in two door convertible and two door coupe models. If you are wondering where you have seen the Z3 before, the answer is simple: in the James Bond movie Golden Eye. The 5 Series BMWs are the most recent examples of limited series cars. These are mid sized luxury cars or executive cars and can be bought in sedan and touring body styles. The model has been around ever since 1972, but each year BMW has added a plus of technique and charm making them sturdy and attractive at the same time.

2008 BMW - Model Z10

Some of the future models for BMW include the Z10. The Z10 is meant to be an improvement of the Z8, which is presently a two seat, two door convertible car. The Z10 was announced to appear in 2008 and will feature a V10 engine of 550 horse power.
In case you love the sports cars, BMW has a surprise in stock for you: it is called the BMW V/F3 and will be a sports tourer or the V/F5.

2008 BMW - Model Z2

Another future model of BMW is the Z2, which will be a roadster and coupe with a 4 cylinder engine and it is out 2009. The F01 and F02 Series are for those that like the 7-series BMWs and will be around starting from 2008. Are you a Rolls fan? Then you must be aware that a Baby Roller is coming up from BMW and this will be a miniature Rolls Royce.

2008 BMW 7 Series

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2007 Honda CR-V Review

By: Craig Rad

Compact Recreational Vehicle. This is the name which has given the acronym CR-V to one of Honda’s most popular releases. And it is, indeed, both compact and fun to drive. For the past decade, the Honda CR-V has proved to be a reliable family car: affordable, spacious, without appearing too large, and, best of all, safe. The new, 2007 model, however, is taking these features to new lengths.

The CR-V 2007 is slightly wider and lower than its predecessor, which gives it an extra touch of stability in turns, and also shorter, mainly because the spare wheel is no longer attached to the back, as in the previous two generations.

The standard safety equipment included in the car is amazing: Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure on the front end, a total of six airbags (dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, front side airbags with passenger-side occupant position detection system, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor), active front-seat head restraints, stability control system, ABS, break assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System. This model has received a 5-star frontal and side impact rating from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

This functionality-oriented crossover SUV has four doors and five seats, including a fold-and-tumble rear seat which can easily be adjusted to hold two child seats, for that ever-expending family. All the seats are equipped with three-point seatbelts.


The 166-hp, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4 cilinder engine (10 hp more than the 2006 model), five speed automatic transmission, the MacPherson strut front suspension handles, the traction-enhancing Real Time 4-wheel drive, the Drive-by-wire throttle system, are all features which add up to ensure an increased sense of stability, while offering, at the same time, an amazing driving experience.

As Honda has already accustomed us to, the CR-V 2007 allows for reduced emissions, fuel economy and noise reduction, thanks to its trademark variable valve timing and lift electronic control, i-VTEC, and to its aerodynamic design.

Customers can choose from three models: the LX, the EX and the EX-L. For those in search of a more stylish look, the EX-L is the best choice, thanks to its leather trimmed seats and its optional navigation system equipped with a rear view video camera. The model comes in 10 colors, from the Taffeta White to the Nighthawk Black Pearl, to suite any driver’s preferences and personality.

Although its competition, such as the Toyota RAV4, the Mazda CX-7 or the Hyundai Tucson, may offer either more space, a better driving experience or lower prices, Honda CR-V, especially the 2007 model, remains a top choice of the customers in search of all these features and extra safety guarantees.

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Japanese Car Makers Aren't The Only Ones Producing Hybrids

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV

When you think of cars, Ford is probably one of the first things that come to mind. It has been around the American car landscape for a century and people often think highly of the company and of the model T. Ford did not get into the hybrid market as quickly as either Honda or Toyota but it did work to pick itself up quickly with its Ford Escape hybrid. When you think of this, it fits right in with Ford's strategy. Both Honda and Toyota focus upon automobiles while Ford has had an edge within the SUV field with its Ford Explorer for many years. Creating a hybrid SUV fits with a great deal of its consumer base.

The Ford Escape is a compact SUV and is both gas and electric. The vehicle was built and marketed in a strong fashion and subsequent consumer demand matched Ford's hard work. To ensure that there are no legal issues with the leading technology which Toyota has created, an agreement was forged between Ford and Toyota to use some of the hybrid technology which had patented. The vehicle was first introduced in 2004 and in 2006 it had developed a hybrid system acknowledged within the industry as being more advanced than many of the hybrid systems out there. You can now purchase the Ford Escape hybrid as a full hybrid. The car was built in such a smart fashion that is able to use different power combinations depending upon how you drive your car so that it can maximize its fuel-efficiency. This will have an impact both in the way you drive and in the financial sense as you will save more money.


With the success of its first hybrid, Ford has since turned to creating another hybrid SUV. It is producing this under the Mercury brand label and it is very similar to the Ford Escape hybrid. A Mazda SUV hybrid is being developed as well. Part of Ford's strategy has been to focus on SUV market segment but it has not completely dismissed the thought of developing a hybrid automobile. SUVs are still very much in demand with consumers and Ford is parlaying its strong reputation as a creator of good SUVs with the Ford hybrid SUVs.

When looking to buy a Ford hybrid, make sure to also look into tax rebates as the federal tax credit is offered on some Ford hybrids. If you are looking for a SUV hybrid, make sure to look into Ford as it has over a hundred patents that are currently being developed on its hybrid technology. This is one company which is not standing still but is rather looking to further its use of hybrid technology.

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Cadillac in 2008 - What's Caddy Up To

There are millions of Cadillac enthusiasts all over the world and many are restlessly awaiting for news from the USA car manufacturer. Here are the most anticipated news on the 2008 Cadillac models that will either receive facelifts or engine upgrades.

Cadillac CTS 2008

Cadillac CTS – This entry level Cadillac will jump up a few levels in 2008, mainly because of the optional all-wheel-drive system and a much more attractive front design. The CTS is also going to be slightly wider than models up to 2007. A 263 horsepower model is available, but motoring fans will certainly select the 3.6 liter V6 engine with direct fuel injection and an output of 304 hp. The 2008 Cadillac CTS will come with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. Directional headlights that turn progressively as the steering wheel rotates are also a cool addition to the CTS. A more powerful CTS-V is also announced, but no launch date has been confirmed so far.

Cadillac DTS 2008

Cadillac DTS – The luxury sedan from Cadillac is receiving a few additions in 2008, such as lane departure warning systems and an optional blind zone. There’s also a Platinum Edition DTS that comes with a stronger engine and more luxurious interior trim.

Cadillac Escalade 2008 Interiors

Cadillac Escalade – not many changes on the current Escalade model. However, somewhere in 2008 we will see the first hybrid Escalade SUV and a brand new lengthier Caddy Escalade ESV.

Cadillac STS 2008

Cadillac STS – a facelift is also coming for the 2008 Cadillac STS. The engine is a 3.6 V6 with a 6-speed automatic while the 4.6 liter Northstar V8 Cadillac engine remains optional. All wheel drive is also on the extras list and other new optional features include lane departure warning systems, blind zone and a Performance Handling Package that is only available on the V8 and rear-drive V6 models. There’s also a Platinum Edition STS which is more bling with gold paint and a lot more chrome. The amazing supercharged 469 horsepower STS-V will also join the Cadillac line up of cars next year.

Cadillac XLR 2008

Cadillac XLR – Not a lot of changes for the Cadillac XLR in 2008. We do get to purchase it in an Alpine White Limited Edition that is equipped with 18" chrome rims and a cooler grille. The Magnetic Ride Control system is also tuned up for 2008 and there’s also the option of having a heated steering wheel. Chrome rims are also offered as options with 18" rims for the XLR and 19" rims for the XLR-V.

For more information on Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac XLR, plus other concept Caddys, please see the resource box.

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