The award-winning Kia Rio subcompact has been selected for its modern styling, high fuel economy and exceptional overall value. They have also highlighted the USB connectivity, steering-wheel controls, impressive warranty and available navigation system.
Euro NCAP has published the results for 53 new car models available in the European market, including the commercially available Electric Vehicles. The vehicles achieved a five star rating and showed good scores in each of Euro NCAP’s four areas of assessment.
The best cars in each category are listed below:
Small off-road 4×4 category: Audi Q3
Supermini category: Chevrolet Aveo
Small Family category: Ford Focus
Small MPV category: Mercedes B Class
Large Family category: Volvo V60
The Ford Ranger was the only pickup tested by Euro NCAP in 2011. It is the safest pickup yet tested by the organisation and scored highly in all areas of assessment, most notably in pedestrian protection.
As for electric cars, the Nissan LEAF was the first of its kind to achieve Euro NCAP 5 star overall rating.
Americans have always had an obsession with cars – their speed, loud engines and raw power. We’ve dug out the top 5 classic American Muscle cars that embodied these qualities and have become legends among the automotive industry around the world.
Number 5: 1967 Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO was considered the start of the classic muscle car, and in 1967 it had a engine makeover to see it take on a 400 cubic inch enlargement. If you were lucky enough to get your hands on the 81,722 built in ’67, consider yourself lucky to have a classic that pumps 360 hp @ 5100 rpm. For its overall style and “bad ass” appeal we’ve ranked it at number 5.
Random Fact: This car was used in the hit movie XXX starring Vin Diesel (2002)
Image credits: http://static.cargurus.com/
Number 4: 1969 Plymouth roadrunner
This classic was described as “muscle without the bells and whistles”. Stripped of over complicated options, Plymouth decided to make muscle as cheap as possible without sacrificing power. It ended up over taking sales of the GTO by 10,000 units which puts this 390 hp @ 5000 rpm in 4th place.
Random Fact: Plymouth paid Warner Brothers studios $50,000 to use the Roadrunner cartoon character to promote sales
Image credits: http://awesomecarauctions.com/
Number 3: 1968 Dodge Charger R/T
After a spell of dismal sales, Dodge decided to change the styling of the Charger to “coke bottle styling”. In addition to the new style, a performance package was now offered as R/T (Road/Track) which turned an average muscle car into a 425 hp @ 5000 rpm monster. For its sheer power and ingenious redesign it gets the number 3 spot.
Random Fact: When the car was released Dodge wrote, “This is no dream car. It’s a real ‘take-me-home-and-let’s stir-things-up-a-bit’ automobile.”
Image Credits: http://www.2dayblog.com/
Number 2: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427
Everyone has heard of the Corvette, and it still remains an icon of the pure American muscle car era. 1967 was a special year for the Corvette, not only did it pump out a whopping 435 hp @ 5800 rpm, but included leather seating, air conditioning and many other perks. If you owned this car you were at sexy symbol status, and just short of notoriety it falls to number 2.
Image Credits: http://image.corvettefever.com
Number 1: 1967 Shelby GT500
Why has Eleanor made it to number 1? The Ford Mustang is the icon of muscle cars and with the magic touch of Carroll Shelby, the Mustang took an overhaul to produce a mean road racing champion. In terms of pure styling, Shelby has the winning look hands down. Being famous does has its advantages, especially in this post – the GT500 ranks number 1 on our list for its style, celebrity status and 355 hp. If you forgot why its become famous, see the video below where the GT500 “Eleanor” outruns the police in “Gone in 60 Seconds “
Image Credits: http://www.online-ford.ru/
Have a favourite American Muscle car that’s not on the list? We value your comments and looking forward to adding your choices to the list of the top American Muscle cars.
NOTE: This is a guest post by David who writes on the Make and Model Blog, a car blog discussing all things with four wheels. Make and Model are an online classifieds website advertising a range of used cars including Audis, Fords and Alfa Romeos.
As I was sat in my office working, a trio of exotic cars drove past my window. My colleague and myself started to talk about our dream cars and we came up with a list of cars we would like to own if we could and why. I thought that you might be interested in my selection. The five listed are cars which unfortunately, unless I win a lottery, will never be able to own. Still… one can dream…
1. Lamborghini Reventon
Driving in the Lamborghini Reventon is what I can only imagine to be the perfect driving experience. The two-seater open top is the dream vehicle of choice for many a thrill seeker. It has a luxury sleek style and with a 6.5l twelve-cylinder engine it can zoom from 0 to 62mph in only 3.4 seconds.
2. Lotus Exige S 240
This masterpiece of English manufacturing is one of the most sought after cars available today. With a fixed-roof, this sleek sports car is totally suitable for everyday street driving, but can reach top speeds of 150mph and from a standstill 100mph comes up within 4.1 seconds. Sadly, this 1.8 litre is out of reach for many, with a price tag of around £45,000, though it is still one of the most affordable dream cars around.
3. Ferrari Enzo
Ferrari is perhaps the most famous super car producer in the world and the Enzo certainly lives up to expectations. The high performance sports car has an extremely beautiful body and comes in Ferrari red. As well as a carbon fibre body, this dream machine features a V12 engine with four valves per cylinder.
4. Aston Martin DB9
No wonder Aston Martins are a favourite with 007. The DB9 is a high-class automobile with a beautifully sleek design. The Grand Tourer is a favourite among racing fanatics and those who wish to drive around feeling the ‘bees knees.’ Achieving 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, no wonder its one of the most desirable cars out there.
5. Bugatti Veryon
No surprises here that the fastest driving car in the world enters my top five. Many a man’s dream is to own the Bugatti, but with a price tag of £1,150,000 unfortunately it's not remotely affordable by many of us mere mortals. The car can reach a top speed of 253.2mph, which reflects in the price. Despite the price tag, the Bugatti has been voted one of the most desirable cars on the market, as well as being arguably, the fastest in the world.
These are my top five cars and unfortunately it is very unlikely I will ever be able to own any of them. Of course, this doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to experience the thrill of driving one. Try searching for Red Letter Days Discount Vouchers or Red Letter Days Discount Codes on the net and see what deals you can find.
Many ‘Red Letter Day’ trips include driving some of the world’s most supreme super cars. They also make good presents, just imagine how you would feel if you opened a birthday card, only to find you have been given the opportunity to drive one or more of the most inspirational and breathtaking cars ever to have been manufactured.
Yahoo! Cars UK has come up with a list of Five of the most efficient cars. This was based on fuel uses and emissions. They are listed under 5 different classes :
The award-winning Kia Rio subcompact has been selected for its modern styling, high fuel economy and exceptional overall value. They have also highlighted the USB connectivity, steering-wheel controls, impressive warranty and available navigation system.
