Hybrid Super Cars

The futures an exciting place, especially in the automotive world.  The evolution of cars has been an interesting one.  Engineers have done wonders in technology since the first car.  Most recently we’ve seen the growing trend of Hybrid vehicles, which are friendlier to the environment.  These cars are definitely major leaps in the automotive industry, but they started off ugly and slow.  As they evolve we are starting to see more creative hybrid cars and even better we’ve got supercar makers now experimenting hybrid technology.

I’ve done a small list of hybrid super cars that I think will be popular in the near future.  Some are still on the drawing board, some may be rumours and there’s one which are extremely close to production.

Ferrari 599 Hybrid

This is also known as the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS, it has green technology which had been engineered by Ferrari’s Formula1 racing car team.  The car comes with its regular 6.0 litre V12 engine and a 2cm thin lithium-ion battery which gives the existing 620bhp engine an extra 100bhp, giving it a total of 720bhp enabling it to do 0- 124mph in an eye watering 10.4 seconds.  As a hybrid the Ferrari will give an average of 22mpg, which doesn’t sound great but compared to the 15.8mpg the regular version of the Ferrari 599 gives, it’s a fair saving for a Ferrari.  Due to the cost of the new technology, Ferrari probably won’t release this model till 2015.

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

 

I love Porsches and from driving hybrid cars for about 2 years, id say I like Hybrids too, although now I drive a Citroen which I got from Citroen Gateshead dealership, I hear their making a Citroen Diesel Hybrid, which I’m looking forward to.  Anyways back to the point, a Porsche Hybrid sounds pretty damn cool and when I get to my midlife crisis; if I turn into an environmentalist, at least I can still buy a Porsche, guilty free.  Although to be honest this cars not so green really, it has a 4litre engine kicking out 473bhp and the hybrid technology gives this car the extra edge on the race track.

Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid

As I said I love Porsche’s so here’s another Hybrid Porsche.  This one looks more like something I could drive around on a regular basis; the Hybrid GT3 R is more of a track car.  This model is actually green and can nearly give 100mpg!  This doesn’t reduce its power output at all; it has 493bhp firing out the car from its 3.4litre V8 engine.  The clever thing Porsche have done in order to add the extra power and fuel efficiency is, two hybrid motors instead of one.  0-62mph in the Porsche 918 Hybrid can be achieved in just 3.2seconds and amazingly it can hit top speeds of 198mph and can beat the Carrara GT on laps.  I think I want this car now, shame there’s no actual release date for this car.

It’s almost pointless to have supercars as hybrids, as they are still gas guzzlers and they’ll only reduce their emissions by a little.  What I think the real advantage here is that the combination of engine power and electric has given these vehicles extra oomph.  Also rumour has it that Lamborghini are looking to make a Gallardo Hybrid and McLaren are working on a McLaren Hybrid.  Exciting hybrid car times ahead!!

The Jaguar X Type

The Jaguar X Type was built to take Jaguar into a new market of executive saloons, a class which includes the ever favourite BMW 3 Series.  The 'baby' Jag drew heavily on parent firm Ford's Mondeo - but the four-wheel drive and V6 engines were exclusive.

As you may have heard the X-type is based on the Ford Mondeo, but none of what you see or touch is obviously Ford, so it feels like a real Jag.

I’ve owned a 3.0 V6 Sport model for the past 4 years and I must admit it has been a joy to drive; it has this warm feeling and makes you smile when driving along the high street. The cabin is very comfy and has that Jaguar feel to it. I have full leather seats and they are a must!

I love the power that is delivered from the 3.0 V6 power plant, the grunt from the V6 is like music to the ears.  The all wheel drives makes the X Type very stable on the road and gives the reassurance of grip and minimal over steer.

One of the main reasons I purchased my Jaguar X Type was the feeling of value for money, I got a lot of car for my money, a lot of a very good car. Yes it has little issues like all cars do but overall it has been a superb car and one that still puts a smile on my face.



   

Car Wash

Summer is upon us, finally! I love driving around in summer with a nice clean shiny car and just knowing that it won’t pour down the minute I finish waxing it is enough to get me reaching for the bucket.

During the summer months it is best to leave washing the car till late afternoon or even early evening, I tend to start about 6pm. At that time the car’s bodywork isn’t piping hot and the sun’s not hot enough to make me fill the bucket with my sweat.

I always start by giving the car a rinse off with the hose just to get the dirt and grit off before I start scrubbing, making sure I wet the wheels too. It is best not to use washing up liquid on paintwork as it may be too aggressive for the lacquer, always use a car wash shampoo.

Washing the car from the top down ensures all the dirt does not get moved around too much, I do the wheels right at the end to avoid contaminating the bucket of water with brake dust residue. When I rinse the soap off I again start from the top and work my way down.

After drying the car I then set about applying a layer of wax, that’s if I haven’t given up already and gone inside to watch the footie! If all this sounds like too much hard work, why not take your car to a reputable car wash, there is a used car dealer in Oxford who also have a car valet centre, I hear they are very good.

The Peugeot 407

The Peugeot 407 is comfortable and very refined, with smooth and punchy diesel engines. It's also packed full of safety equipment. Though it may not be the prettiest executive saloon in the market it has got its own characteristics and stands out.

The 407 is made for the diesel driver, it comes in 5 various diesel engines, from a 1.6 litre 110 bhp to a 2.7 litre with 205bhp. There is only one petrol version which is a 2.0 'Bioflex' unit with 140bhp designed to run on E85 bioethanol fuel.
Fuel Economy; the 1.6 HDi averages more than 50mp, the 2.0-litre isn't thirsty, with an average of 49mpg, while the 2.2 drops slightly to 46mpg and the 2.7 manages 33mpg.

Many 407 drivers have commented on how it is a much better cruiser than a city car, the ride is quite firm at low speeds but becomes very “grippy” around faster bends.

As you would expect from a model of this class road and wind noise are impressively subdued, making the 407 a relaxed long-distance machine. All versions of the 407 have climate control, electric front windows, a CD player and cruise control; SR versions add alloy wheels, Bluetooth phone connectivity, satellite navigation and rear electric windows. Sport versions have alloys, front and rear parking sensors and part-leather upholstery.

Prices for the Peugeot 407 start at £18, 545 for the Petrol model, the superb diesel engine models start from £19, 545.

VW Parts

At Shop4Volkswagen their passion is parts! They can supply these parts nationwide within72 hours with the Volkswagen assured quality stamp and the high customer service standard that Beadles deliver.

With a vast range of stock to choose ranging from Volkswagen Mini moneyboxes to Interior Lights and an easy to use ‘look up’ system, locating and buying VW parts could not be easier! There is even a dedicated Customer Service Team on standby should you require assistance or information on any particular part prior to you purchasing.

The Look Up guide is useful should you have the product number you require for your car, but should you not have this to hand you can also locate the part via the vehicle type which is then split into categories such as; In Car Entertainment and Number Plates so it really is that easy locating the part you need for your vehicle.
With a tab condensing all products for your desired vehicle into one it is a quick reference spot if you are in a hurry and with straight forward methods of payment available such as Pay Point you can buy with the added security of knowing where your money is going.

A full and honest refund and cancellation procedure is available on the site so you are clear of your rights when ordering and buying the product so there really is no better way of buying the parts you need for your beloved VW.

Beadles Land Rover

There is nothing worse than buying something on the net and realising you have forked out a fortune for a fake. When buying car parts online with Beadles you can be sure you are getting the real deal, as they only sell genuine Land Rover parts. Find everything from cables and clutch Asseys, to compressors and convertors on their online parts and accessories store- Shop4Landrover.

Manufactured to the stringent specifications of the original component you can be guaranteed maximum performance and economy. In line with Beadles mission to continually exceed customer’s expectations they will source parts (if still available) for any Land Rover of any age.

Not sure what you are looking for? The experienced parts team can provide advice and recommendation on any Land Rover parts & accessories. Not only do they aim to respond to enquiries within 4 hours but guarantee they will be able to identify and supply what you are looking for.

The approved Land Rover dealer also sells accessories such as body graphics and alloys to personalise your Land Rover and everything from body coloured door handles, mirror caps, to tailgate handles, mud flaps, tow bars and dog guards.

You’ll also find experienced parts staff and an on-site parts warehouse at their dealership in Sidcup, Kent, where staff will be happy to fit accessories at any time – not just when the vehicle is new.

Videos of my old Modded Honda Civic!