Automotive Archive

The Ferrari FF is the most exclusive GT on the market, the very pinnacle of achievement in the “extreme GT” segment and it is considered the most powerful four-seater in the world. The FF has it all: exceptional, superior performance in its class that pushes its signature Ferrari thoroughbred DNA and driving pleasure, regardless of weather or terrain. Even on snow, ice and dirt. The Ferrari FF is the first four-wheel drive V12 with a rear-mounted electronic differential, the E-Diff, setting a new benchmark in terms of pure innovation.

Driving the FF is like having the world’s most intuitive driving coach with you, only powered by a V12 engine. The car knows in advance what the driver needs. Despites its size and power, the FF is really a very tractable car; not to mention incredibly supple in the way it deals with the sort of rough road conditions that would have limited an Enzo to low speed with the raised ride height in operation. The Ferrari FF is extremely comfortable even in the back seats.

There is a new multi-link rear suspension to thank for that, as well as a new wishbone design in the front suspension architecture and clever adaptive damping. The FF, like all modern Ferraris, is thoroughly useable, but still powered by one of the most astonishing engines you will ever come across. The engine is a new, 6.3 liters in capacity, it pumps out a faintly startling 660 hp and revs to a stunning 8,200 rpm. There are no turbocharges or other agents of forced induction hereabouts, and the result is a car that pulls like the proverbial freight train. The FF is a Ferrari definitive Gran Turismo, so it accelerates to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and thunder on to 320 km/h with no pause for thought. Where conditions permits it will also settle into a phenomenally relaxed motorway cruise. It should also be noted that the Ferrari FF’s V12 uses direct injection to improve its emissions and reduce fuel consumption. » Continue Reading

Each and every part of an automobile requires special attention. Car maintenance is not only about the regular check-ups of oil and water levels but one need to look after several other aspects as well and tyres are obviously one of them. While selecting the correct car tyres for your car, the factors like appearance, brand, convenience, safety and rates are vital but one real thing which should not be neglected or compromised is the quality.

Many people believe that only the branded or expensive tyres will deliver the desired results. That perception is not correct as sometimes cheap car tyres might also perform very well. The tyres to be chosen must be well balanced, strong and in good shape.

You are not required to be a master of car wheels, when it comes to choosing them for your automobile. By following some basic things, there is every possible chance of making a fair and good deal. It always works well to do a brief market analysis before making the final decision. It is also an excellent and useful method of analysing the difference in market prices.

Moreover, it is not necessary that one always prefer the top quality tyres for the vehicle as the cost and affordability factors should always be remembered while buying the car tyres. However, a car that is designed for high performances will surely requires high performing tyres » Continue Reading

Very few car owners get excited about the fact that they need new tyres for their car. But the condition of a car’s tyres is a very important safety factor as the tyres keep the car attached to the road. A car owner is very seldom a tyre expert, and therefore it is important to know what to buy and where to buy. Here are a few tips on how to do it the right way.

Have an idea how long the car is going to be owned and how much mileage will be put on the car. Financially it’s not a really good idea to buy tyres with a 100,000 miles warranty if the car is going to be sold or traded in within a few months.

What type of driving? No need to look for racing type tyres in normal driving. Check the owner’s manual of the car for the recommend rating of the tyres, or ask a tyre retailer. Make sure the tyre that is capable of supporting the load the car might demand. Write down all the information from the tyres on the car right now, size, and speed rating, etc., if the intention is to just replace them with the same type.

The budget is also a factor. After all, most car owners would prefer to have cheap tyres fitted on their cars. This means that some factors have to be sacrificed, such as mileage warranties. But do not base the tyre purchase only on the lowest price. Remember, choosing the right tyre can be the difference between a near miss and an accident. » Continue Reading

We take it for granted that we can jump into our family sedan and automatically become a good driver. Fact is, most of us cannot drive to save ourselves. We don’t realize the important relationship between good health and driver safety. For example, like a drug, fatigue behind the wheel can kill you. The knowledgeable motorist will check his physical condition before taking the wheel.

Driving a car can make demands on a driver. He/She must be in just as good health as the automobile. Now, don’t worry, you don’t have to have a body like Vin Diesel in “Fast Five”. But, a minimum standard of well-being in body and mind is essential. If you are thinking of driving 200 miles and the car is a bit dodgy, you might say, “well, not sure if the car will make it, steering’s been a bit shaky lately”. On the other hand, if YOU were in the same condition as the car, you would not think twice about getting behind the wheel.

If you are tired, upset, got a headache or the flu and dosed up with antihistamines or tranquilizers, then you are a mobile timebomb! You are an accident waiting to happen! You have put your driving skills to the ultimate test and you’re gonna lose! » Continue Reading

Have you been driving in the city for most of your life? You’re in a big shock once you drive in the city; the traffic is ten times worse, the roads are extremely narrow with tons of potholes. Parking is a massive pain not to mention expensive.

If you’ve been driving in a suburb you’re probably spoiled by the nice big lanes and smooth roads. Streets in the suburbs of California sometimes have 5 or 6 lanes. You’re going to be in for a shock because cities like L.A have many roads with only 2 lanes! Yes, the city has more people and the streets have less lanes! You can imagine the traffic and congestion; it can take half an hour just to travel a mile.

The key to parking in the city is to look for “street parking”, these are the spaces without the meters. Be on the lookout for signs though, don’t park there if the signs forbid and don’t park at red curbs or if it says “truck loading only”. Enforcement is strict and some places will not hesitate to tow your car! If you need to park in a garage or public parking structure expect to pay at least ten bucks. Meters are a pain because they are usually only good for two hours at a time and you have to keep coming back to put quarters in the meter. » Continue Reading

Petrol prices have been soaring since last year and as a result many motorists look towards new ways of reducing the cost of owning a car. One way of doing this is to swap your existing car with something which is more economical. And according to some figures, swapping to a smaller more fuel efficient car is what 1 in 20 car owners have done. In addition to make savings on fuel, buying a smaller car can also save you money on road tax and the London Congestion Charge as both are calculated on the basis on your car’s engine size.

Currently the top five most economic vehicles to get are the Fiat 500 TwinAir, The Smart Fourtwo Coupe, the Toyota IQ, the Nissan Pixo and the Ford Ka.

The Fiat 500 TwinAir only emits 95 g/km of CO2 and has a combined fuel economy of 68.9 mpg. The 0.9-litre petrol engine has been popular amongst London celebs because of its quirky yet stylish looks. It’s also fairly cheap with prices starting at £9,465.

The Smart car has a three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine and saves fuel with stop/start technology which cuts the engine at traffic lights. It emits 97 g/km and is thus, like the Fiat 500, exempt from the London Congestion Charge. Fuel economy is around 67.3 mpg. It is however, only a two seat car and thus considerably smaller than some of its rivals. » Continue Reading