tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12503550520876572752024-03-13T19:33:26.356+11:00Wheel Spin CentralPersonals thoughts in all things automotive and technologyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01378965288604257395noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1250355052087657275.post-11003713282401213202016-07-02T13:18:00.000+10:002016-07-03T15:28:36.297+10:00Porsche Panamera - An Ugly Duckling Story<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Porsche has recently
unveiled a new Panamera and this one has
addressed the most criticised part of the car - <i>it's humpback rear-end</i>.</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JCnZoS3_491Qt1-6j8y8_NsxwiiREsXoXGmfx5DI_uLIWIRUAkAbym-gVCL2c9HBJkQgceJStcSpKlBWWjhPzZzDPHr6FRIDkWliLAjz6OXetp-kME3usUqtc0cM2_HZZms1Fi2ZRsc/s1600/2017_porsche_panamera_15-0629-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1JCnZoS3_491Qt1-6j8y8_NsxwiiREsXoXGmfx5DI_uLIWIRUAkAbym-gVCL2c9HBJkQgceJStcSpKlBWWjhPzZzDPHr6FRIDkWliLAjz6OXetp-kME3usUqtc0cM2_HZZms1Fi2ZRsc/s640/2017_porsche_panamera_15-0629-930x584.jpg" title="The all new Porsche Panamera. Arriving in Australia in early 2017" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first generation
<b>Porsche Panamera</b> was a brilliant car in all aspects unfortunately it had a
rear-end only it's designer could love.
The Porsche badge usually brings street cred, but the Panamera lacked
this. It was often judged by it's looks
and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">requently</span></span> overlooked when on the road.</span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1fSvpIDzcS24AMbXNDt33hq-6ZSyeGoiCLDeRCsqbjbN_1s_tFnpR75rdEmASF2uAP7gTuQAGEMqIg59y6AmbCHtc5b0ra1VvbMEKn4YWan3QMjUB171L8ehR6dYINbsgIYhhSuVBQM/s1600/2014-porsche-panamera-leaked-images_100424207_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD1fSvpIDzcS24AMbXNDt33hq-6ZSyeGoiCLDeRCsqbjbN_1s_tFnpR75rdEmASF2uAP7gTuQAGEMqIg59y6AmbCHtc5b0ra1VvbMEKn4YWan3QMjUB171L8ehR6dYINbsgIYhhSuVBQM/s400/2014-porsche-panamera-leaked-images_100424207_l.jpg" title="The first generation Panamera. "Does my bum look big in this?"" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Porsche Panamera Turbo with that signature "Humpback rear-end"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dynamically the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">previous</span> Panamera was sublime for a large sedan. It oozed superb performance and responsive
handling. It proved this by bettering
many so called sports cars' 0-100km/h sprint times and 0-400m times. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It also lapped the infamous <b>Nurburgring
Nordschleife</b> as fast and in some cases faster than many supercars offered at
the time. Further cementing it's driving dynamic credentials. And doing all this while
surrounded by comfortable luxurious interior appointments.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All is going
swimmingly for the Panamera until it drives past and see that
rear-end. Then admiration and respect,
turns to laughter and ridicule.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">OK, perhaps I'm over
dramatising it a little, but c'mon you have to admit that humpback rear-end
could have been done a whole lot better.
The Panamera looks like a bloated and stretched 911, than a svelte
sports sedan. It's like the designer ran
out of talent when it came to doing the rear-end. Designer's block maybe?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the other hand the <b>Maserati
Quattroporte</b>, and <b>Aston Martin Rapide</b> -<span style="font-style: italic;"> the
Panamera's logical competitors in the market</span> - have both nailed the exterior
styling. Seen in the flesh, both cars
have a commanding presence and on the road you can't help but stare at
them. Something totally lacking from the
Panamera.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQRTwXamVQu53mG5wykNmKxBkmW3UZfOF5ZmdiPY16OpZ4qydVQsk3YyYTQuHMPyS9zxjOOeukvqpxOyJAXfj6vfg6Eni492bAKo2kC_2-Rj0WOqyxgPWjNS8nReI8kqFl9CEkuZ1WSc/s1600/2014_maserati_quattroporte_overseas_01-1107-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQRTwXamVQu53mG5wykNmKxBkmW3UZfOF5ZmdiPY16OpZ4qydVQsk3YyYTQuHMPyS9zxjOOeukvqpxOyJAXfj6vfg6Eni492bAKo2kC_2-Rj0WOqyxgPWjNS8nReI8kqFl9CEkuZ1WSc/s200/2014_maserati_quattroporte_overseas_01-1107-930x584.jpg" title="2014-2016 year model Quattroporte" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maserati Quattroporte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2rvii-BwwDqzuL2JjTTXc7-CsdaFnzUdZUG7OxlgNYnsU9UwbU-9J_VpC8IjGIe5-zEdRDUHnrXBc9Z1B5OUWNOR_OtcDWjJmo-UvKOAVrOpsY6tweSvPrMRwHpbgTPqq83PWIBV7IM/s1600/2014_maserati_quattroporte_overseas_02-1107-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2rvii-BwwDqzuL2JjTTXc7-CsdaFnzUdZUG7OxlgNYnsU9UwbU-9J_VpC8IjGIe5-zEdRDUHnrXBc9Z1B5OUWNOR_OtcDWjJmo-UvKOAVrOpsY6tweSvPrMRwHpbgTPqq83PWIBV7IM/s200/2014_maserati_quattroporte_overseas_02-1107-930x584.jpg" title="2014-2016 year model Quattroporte" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maserati Quattroporte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <b>Maserati</b> has the
typical Italian car style and flair.
Using the same engine found in the <b>Ferrari 458 Italia</b>, it's practically
a four door Ferrari. It has the Ferrari
V8 growl and grabs your attention whenever it's near. The ladies particularly like it's look. Shame about it's reliability however. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <b>Rapide</b> is an
example of how to turn a gorgeous two door supercar into a four door
performance saloon [<i>from the outside at least</i>]. The
saloon is equally as beautiful as its two door sibling. From dead on front or rear view, if
unfamiliar with the brand, it is difficult to distinguish the saloon from the
coupe.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rJpHLrWrsBVcpSS-wcE1qUCN9T_iwjBGI1wUGf1mhLCS0qyVmWjrxpNh_oRtzVknhkXInT-ukoMBLUedxUJls-JaMu7EsqQgFbAafNoL9Cik_CPAKe5sq0n2DXy52goN9NhZtsgtbmw/s1600/aston-martin-rapide-s.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rJpHLrWrsBVcpSS-wcE1qUCN9T_iwjBGI1wUGf1mhLCS0qyVmWjrxpNh_oRtzVknhkXInT-ukoMBLUedxUJls-JaMu7EsqQgFbAafNoL9Cik_CPAKe5sq0n2DXy52goN9NhZtsgtbmw/s200/aston-martin-rapide-s.jpeg" title="2014-2016 Aston Martin Rapide S" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aston Martin Rapide S</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aiIA2DfBoZRK0aCM9sYk7pF9KooUIxqZHRhf38eTlFV1Jiujn0PzJl3B46cvhw89P1EgYLMLQ-Lb6Z_EJH6cSaBtyP8IX_yEbljX7-VYUcF-CExfOA-Am6PxkzKYM0BcEphJXS7TTsU/s1600/Aston-Martin-Rapide-S-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aiIA2DfBoZRK0aCM9sYk7pF9KooUIxqZHRhf38eTlFV1Jiujn0PzJl3B46cvhw89P1EgYLMLQ-Lb6Z_EJH6cSaBtyP8IX_yEbljX7-VYUcF-CExfOA-Am6PxkzKYM0BcEphJXS7TTsU/s200/Aston-Martin-Rapide-S-3.jpg" title="2014-2016 Aston Martin Rapide S" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aston Martin Rapide S</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> But that gorgeous
exterior comes at the expense of its rear passenger space. The two rear passenger seats offer the least room out of the three. Anyone taller than the average height adult (<i>170-180cm</i>) will find the accommodation uncomfortable on longer journeys. A huge sacrifice by
Aston Martin to let design follow
function. As pretty as it looks, the
Rapide is not as an ideal sports saloon to transport four full size adults in total comfort as the Panamera or Quattroporte are. Friends don't let <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f</span>riends ride at the back
seat of a Rapide.</span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OhoTBhop8P2jUFPCtmFCPszUGlWveDXe-0IL_XeJqZLhn1W_tWfObHkRW9qWf9SVy3ivG2Hfmf2FYuqR-6v_QRIHfqTCgDINesSNsur3MWxCCicWLWZDfWj2S6Ru4dbD0uk3BCdzv20/s1600/2013-Maserati-Quattroporte-Static-2-1280x960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OhoTBhop8P2jUFPCtmFCPszUGlWveDXe-0IL_XeJqZLhn1W_tWfObHkRW9qWf9SVy3ivG2Hfmf2FYuqR-6v_QRIHfqTCgDINesSNsur3MWxCCicWLWZDfWj2S6Ru4dbD0uk3BCdzv20/s200/2013-Maserati-Quattroporte-Static-2-1280x960.jpg" title="A four door Ferrari" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maserati Quattroporte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7E5YSG26l8YdlJpyF6VsyFzNUFerK7mQ7YCCzGGNCaLBJF3ZgkZ9dNVCv83eoyAfBP5G6LB8TGuNsCP-glV0_JG2tpnHL3GZux5v5FtObiX_1WmLceX4_izDHd7MJSzWUnIHxCN9mYyw/s1600/Aston-Martin-Rapide-S-2014-widescreen-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7E5YSG26l8YdlJpyF6VsyFzNUFerK7mQ7YCCzGGNCaLBJF3ZgkZ9dNVCv83eoyAfBP5G6LB8TGuNsCP-glV0_JG2tpnHL3GZux5v5FtObiX_1WmLceX4_izDHd7MJSzWUnIHxCN9mYyw/s200/Aston-Martin-Rapide-S-2014-widescreen-10.jpg" title="A four door DB9" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aston Martin Rapide S</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Porsche's attempt on
the first gen Panamera was a mixed bag result. Either too much <b>Heineken</b> was consumed during it's design
phase, or the design team was trying too hard to incorporate the <b>Porsche DNA</b> into the design. It's a pity as the German nailed the driving dynamics
and performance capabilities. It's certainly superior than its two competitors in this area. Plus being a Porsche, I'm sure it also
surpassed both the Italian and Brit in the build quality and reliability departments.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now with Porsche
having just unveiled the second generation Panamera. The future is looking good. The skies are bluer, the flowers more
fragrant, and food taste better.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBl6IklOXrfv_dC6JHjP9XmFGTU5oD9FEku_O4EaMhPXLEu0Tmf2PXBPOivAYKLVqn8nDSY0VcIX9W21sF8dmRt-dG7bgzeymNluErMCOXrEHRXxSTNJJQH_xCMkUStc9zKWn53Inn3OM/s1600/2017_porsche_panamera_02-0629-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBl6IklOXrfv_dC6JHjP9XmFGTU5oD9FEku_O4EaMhPXLEu0Tmf2PXBPOivAYKLVqn8nDSY0VcIX9W21sF8dmRt-dG7bgzeymNluErMCOXrEHRXxSTNJJQH_xCMkUStc9zKWn53Inn3OM/s640/2017_porsche_panamera_02-0629-930x584.jpg" title="The entry level Panamera 4S differs from the Turbo by the front grill and missing fog lights." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2017 Porsche Panamera 4S</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">From the outset, it
is a hellava lot better looking saloon than the first gen. Porsche knows how to design a four door 911
after all.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3ziwAszuOWkGrQG3d4Aj0ynVUEymMdyxCA-EahSjUvp5f_e1HIoOAva0d7TQ_wMfqmb5hmRFyxtcpGWyrH1wcSqpNTFdeyB1kpTwl1GCxa78qCD2dGsbIrAc80n_ihyphenhyphenDipwkrkBHYcM/s1600/2017_porsche_panamera_03-0629-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3ziwAszuOWkGrQG3d4Aj0ynVUEymMdyxCA-EahSjUvp5f_e1HIoOAva0d7TQ_wMfqmb5hmRFyxtcpGWyrH1wcSqpNTFdeyB1kpTwl1GCxa78qCD2dGsbIrAc80n_ihyphenhyphenDipwkrkBHYcM/s640/2017_porsche_panamera_03-0629-930x584.jpg" title="The area below the rear glass is a pop-up spoiler" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The svelte new rear-end</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reviewing all the
launch videos, photos and subsequent articles about it, the new Panamera is a
whole new level saloon compared to the previous model. Gone is the <b>humpback
rear-end</b>. This time replaced by an
elegant design from nose to tail with just enough hint of its performance
potential incorporated throughout. And
the Porsche DNA is strong. You can't
mistake this car from any angle other than a Porsche.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBk8KmwSXfgeKA-vPoMBvi2y1P0A-b-04ByvJHQAq0NgSur50MMDDukcSSALApK7byM9_0ko2glxwthMNAJjDN6N7uM7eTrShoagVHKz49AOr8gS1vtZTslGb-T49506V4954D4yuTHg/s1600/2017_porsche_panamera_17-0629-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPBk8KmwSXfgeKA-vPoMBvi2y1P0A-b-04ByvJHQAq0NgSur50MMDDukcSSALApK7byM9_0ko2glxwthMNAJjDN6N7uM7eTrShoagVHKz49AOr8gS1vtZTslGb-T49506V4954D4yuTHg/s640/2017_porsche_panamera_17-0629-930x584.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full LED headlights of the Panamera Turbo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although the height
level of the trailing end of the boot is still a little too low for my liking [<span style="font-style: italic;">why can't they level it off from the glass base</span>],
the roofline [<span style="font-style: italic;">which is lower than the previous
model</span>] is more integrated and flows more cohesive than before. And the new tail lights are the usual
Porsche signature lights - <span style="font-style: italic;">sharing some
design cues to those found in the 911</span> - a vast improvements from the
first gen's lights. Add all of this,
makes for one pretty saloon.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Along with
addressing the humpback, they also managed to reduce the heaviness look of the
"C" Pillar of the first gen car.
Another main source of criticism.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskr7eOekLgyfCu8gnkmhSpmxGVJluaeukbmR4jH5Mt2H8kDTSWdpnn0iyACEFSax3CUHpq71uNXsImvcsX43ypISinwkZU9XZ4CoJ-i8x2bpuP-hbm_k1LJ5F0z1yznM3gWZu0cH2Fxs/s1600/2017_porsche_panamera_13-0629-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskr7eOekLgyfCu8gnkmhSpmxGVJluaeukbmR4jH5Mt2H8kDTSWdpnn0iyACEFSax3CUHpq71uNXsImvcsX43ypISinwkZU9XZ4CoJ-i8x2bpuP-hbm_k1LJ5F0z1yznM3gWZu0cH2Fxs/s640/2017_porsche_panamera_13-0629-930x584.jpg" title="2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A prettier side profile - gone is the humpback rear end and a thinner 'C' pillar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let me geek out a little, and let's talk spoilers. I think the rear spoiler of the Panamera Turbo is ultra cool. This was also on the previous Panamera Turbo, but with its ugly humpback rear-end, no one ever really noticed.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Turbo's rear spoiler is slightly larger than the 4S. But where in the 4S, the spoiler simply pops up, in the Turbo, not only does it pop up, it also split open and slide to either side then a centre wing comes up to fill the gap. Making the Turbo spoiler wider than the 4S.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ3nOGnhnA3f_aZ0EFepMqIt7GnbY4bPaR3NTjOMirbJfMFyrpsS5Wi0HbM6avxUFxK5pZutidOJnToPHDCrru5j-4umjq3S3p7Ip23wZ7vkdsIpIfAPSNW_8vLKlCy6ilnqJv-4ZODQ/s1600/2017-Porsche-Panamera-Turbo-spoiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJ3nOGnhnA3f_aZ0EFepMqIt7GnbY4bPaR3NTjOMirbJfMFyrpsS5Wi0HbM6avxUFxK5pZutidOJnToPHDCrru5j-4umjq3S3p7Ip23wZ7vkdsIpIfAPSNW_8vLKlCy6ilnqJv-4ZODQ/s640/2017-Porsche-Panamera-Turbo-spoiler.jpg" title="The engineering alone on this rear wing must have been complex. Not only does it have to do this frequently, but also support up to 100-200kg of downforce" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Turbo's pop and slide rear wing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilikPTqkFMgm-_uV0zivlZmCNjA28607446of6XpitD27_e7AgvC9Z5BL0hnNuZGAIlwWpBcKDI2aJAs_sVbsiqay6tUaRDAvWQjHS-yHZUe1Y45TnBX2RxmVigBr4N5PH6-PI-7mc2No/s1600/1024px-Nurburgring.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilikPTqkFMgm-_uV0zivlZmCNjA28607446of6XpitD27_e7AgvC9Z5BL0hnNuZGAIlwWpBcKDI2aJAs_sVbsiqay6tUaRDAvWQjHS-yHZUe1Y45TnBX2RxmVigBr4N5PH6-PI-7mc2No/s200/1024px-Nurburgring.svg.png" title="21 kilometers of road track" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nordschleife</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now I won't bore you
with the new car's statistics, there are already many articles written about
them elsewhere, but one thing I will point out is that Porsche claims this new
Panamera is faster around the <b>Nurburgring Nordschleife</b>, than the [<span style="font-style: italic;">997</span><span style="color: red; font-style: italic;">*</span>]
<b>Porsche 911 GT3</b>. WOW!</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19NUO4Iidla5vEL42l4jyjHO038v4VM9wqrmPwK35Vl0oRB0V59DudRcRRnWfhgzfCn5MEGWFJIPYiTL3NCOq79XOn74QdoENjO9XMJtfDUs2jgiiAaKEYCt51M4EG9OU57R-oJqghiY/s1600/Porsche-997-GT3-widescreen-015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19NUO4Iidla5vEL42l4jyjHO038v4VM9wqrmPwK35Vl0oRB0V59DudRcRRnWfhgzfCn5MEGWFJIPYiTL3NCOq79XOn74QdoENjO9XMJtfDUs2jgiiAaKEYCt51M4EG9OU57R-oJqghiY/s200/Porsche-997-GT3-widescreen-015.jpg" title="A more track focused Porsche 911 - it's lighter faster and quicker." width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porsche [997] GT3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the unfamiliar, the <b>GT3</b> is the sportier version of the Porsche 911
supercar. And I'd hardly call a standard
Porsche 911 a slouch. Meaning this new
Panamera is supercar quick. And it's a
saloon weighing nearly two tonnes. This
truly is a remarkable achievement.<span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">*</span><span style="font-style: italic;">T<span style="color: #444444;">he numbers 997 is
the code that Porsche use to identify this particular series. The 997 series was replaced by the 991 in
2012 - the current model.</span></span> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not all good news
however, don't plan to get any of these super-saloons, as an investment. Stick to the limited edition supercars for
that [<span style="font-style: italic;">see my previous blog - "<a href="http://wheelspincentral.blogspot.com.au/2016/06/car-flipping-say-what.html" target="_blank">Car Flipping</a>"</span>]. In Australia,
the price of a new Panamera starts from a little over $300k for the Panamera 4S
all the way to a little under $390k for the Turbo [<span style="font-style: italic;">plus on-road cost</span>].</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can pick up a
used 2011 Panamera with around 40k-100k kilometers on the odometer for a little
over $100k. That's around 66% (or $200k+) depreciation in value over 5yrs [<span style="font-style: italic;">or about $40k per year or $109 per day drop</span>]. Older models and/or cars with higher mileage
cost even less.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But if you plan to
keep it for a long time, then it's a smart and intelligent choice, and
definitely the one I'd pick over the Maserati and Aston Martin.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As all reports
suggest, the Panamera will continue to provide trouble-free motoring for <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">years to come</span>. Something [</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>past and current]</i> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">owners </span></span></span></span>of the Quattroporte or Rapide could never say.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pS6TAe00Pbqb1t3kgP5U5DsrgR3ErtbXLYxkdKRrKiTuDRl698lani0WEA1L138ZJzCkHap2d7t6aFBk-X3gcx47BFaMh78tvasU79EfflFKpn5knWH7A4eVTThIq0Dt5VPXyPBdfns/s1600/2017_porsche_panamera_07-0629-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pS6TAe00Pbqb1t3kgP5U5DsrgR3ErtbXLYxkdKRrKiTuDRl698lani0WEA1L138ZJzCkHap2d7t6aFBk-X3gcx47BFaMh78tvasU79EfflFKpn5knWH7A4eVTThIq0Dt5VPXyPBdfns/s640/2017_porsche_panamera_07-0629-930x584.jpg" title="I think the Turbo's pop up, split and slide out rear spoiler is very cool" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panamera Turbo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So just as the ugly
duckling turned into a beautiful swan from the popular children story, the new
Panamera has turned into an elegant and beautiful saloon, and deserving the
Porsche badge.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now if only my Lotto
numbers will come in.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr9mo8Le0mcCjJqxRrFBg9esxYtwWfTSEh4O1EprK5OlJw_nZWvlhWtej4YzeEQU-GtpVRaoF5W_BNlgCu96ukN7Hp0T7whW8CPioMv1Cm2pKn7NqaRtxd3-K-c_lNnMQQCZpt7sJ_eM/s1600/2017_porsche_panamera_18-0629-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr9mo8Le0mcCjJqxRrFBg9esxYtwWfTSEh4O1EprK5OlJw_nZWvlhWtej4YzeEQU-GtpVRaoF5W_BNlgCu96ukN7Hp0T7whW8CPioMv1Cm2pKn7NqaRtxd3-K-c_lNnMQQCZpt7sJ_eM/s640/2017_porsche_panamera_18-0629-930x584.jpg" title="*Choro package is standard on the Turbo but optional on the 4S." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Panamera's interior - this includes the Chrono* package</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi-AQUd2fQ3uEJyB4FykGGrmZuRLJ4u5gOfjjEcRXI2ug3q59LKGQOkVBrW5XetOMRt2rVuDUtAbeNLS8zxTqqgnk-hJco1p0LgS57-qVWzeokr7Z4Ir7bBRpwDKtkHpZwoF8WpB2jNg/s1600/2017_porsche_panamera_19-0629-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi-AQUd2fQ3uEJyB4FykGGrmZuRLJ4u5gOfjjEcRXI2ug3q59LKGQOkVBrW5XetOMRt2rVuDUtAbeNLS8zxTqqgnk-hJco1p0LgS57-qVWzeokr7Z4Ir7bBRpwDKtkHpZwoF8WpB2jNg/s640/2017_porsche_panamera_19-0629-930x584.jpg" title="Roof line is a little lower than the old Panamera, but still offers enough head room for adults" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of room for two full size adults</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RYtolZtwCivpvgvozj9ymohofiepZaPHu8BCbtQhzbzt-SV6TZubUCS6_qKcXFlHp7Rmy4fZnLZH1gLVP80GDnGLsZNNrD4XcOgi-RGihO6cMkdmWC1gtI0hsBUpKgx9uolekqBWfkU/s1600/2017_porsche_panamera_25-0629-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RYtolZtwCivpvgvozj9ymohofiepZaPHu8BCbtQhzbzt-SV6TZubUCS6_qKcXFlHp7Rmy4fZnLZH1gLVP80GDnGLsZNNrD4XcOgi-RGihO6cMkdmWC1gtI0hsBUpKgx9uolekqBWfkU/s640/2017_porsche_panamera_25-0629-930x584.jpg" title="Rear seat passengers do not miss out on the new Panamera's many gadgets." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear passenger infotainment screen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01378965288604257395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1250355052087657275.post-61661344498012709192016-06-24T23:42:00.000+10:002016-06-26T22:21:57.468+10:00Car Flipping. Say What?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Car flipping as a career? Who would have thought. And I'm not talking about physically flipping a car.</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmTgQyYI8Fuf6BGJEdxHdUBBb-MnL3W0EV3LvpFLi7jjH13CIdvu8EwpFc7WZcmM_uKN9kzSHgtDJ8pcDbjkaybgEPwnRvUwSYli7zE0IUg4s_HMVLOZqmyYOA-9bSrL77MoLpFWyAfU/s1600/chevy-sonic-stunt-kick-flip-rob-dyrdek-4-1324301519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmTgQyYI8Fuf6BGJEdxHdUBBb-MnL3W0EV3LvpFLi7jjH13CIdvu8EwpFc7WZcmM_uKN9kzSHgtDJ8pcDbjkaybgEPwnRvUwSYli7zE0IUg4s_HMVLOZqmyYOA-9bSrL77MoLpFWyAfU/s640/chevy-sonic-stunt-kick-flip-rob-dyrdek-4-1324301519.jpg" title="MTV-reality and action sportsman Rob Dyrdek successfully "kickflip" a Chevrolet Sonic and sets Guinness World Record - photo from news.discovery.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids, DO NOT attempt this at home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Up until 2yrs ago, if I heard the word <b>"Car Flipping"</b> I would have visualised a car actually doing a flip - like in a stunt. But now it seems it also means something else and many are turning the practice into a profitable career.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the uninitiated, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">c</span>ar flipping [<em>or flipping cars</em>] is the term used on the process of buying a car, then selling it for more than the manufacturers recommended retail price for as quickly as possible. Sometimes while still waiting to take delivery of the vehicle. It's similar to ticket-scalping for sought after concerts.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The cars involved are usually the ultra-rare [<i>and expensive</i>]<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>supercars from <b>Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche</b>, and now <b>McLaren</b>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not talking about the standard run of the mill offerings like the Ferrari 488, Lamborghini Aventador, Porsche 911 or McLaren 570S. I'm referring to their limited edition models <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">such as</span><b><i> 458 Speciale, Aventador SV [SuperVeloce], GT3 RS, and 675LT</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to name a few.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QtkJvqtEu8_4pqJNAGece10z8I1Zkbmo00dH21b7drvQPbRX4rgeqP80K2lM1Xi5hKUbG0pQsT4Nt6Ti9bxLVWaXWgcdW_kYAa0sNzwGxkTdw1Hs0X1lVwh5uOWZlyTaDnXVmMjc8Aw/s1600/ferrari-458-speciale-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QtkJvqtEu8_4pqJNAGece10z8I1Zkbmo00dH21b7drvQPbRX4rgeqP80K2lM1Xi5hKUbG0pQsT4Nt6Ti9bxLVWaXWgcdW_kYAa0sNzwGxkTdw1Hs0X1lVwh5uOWZlyTaDnXVmMjc8Aw/s200/ferrari-458-speciale-2.jpg" title="Ferrari 458 Speciale" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferrari 458 Speciale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHag3CtTSsTZLO-xaGCvirZv32HWFp-61RHWMwkBSApI9DyIcXaGKtkOAWu_OZHrfV-_vkwNJn2VHoDOhIRQ7nep5tKPVcTKNcpv27Rjpz3Jh-endHbFp2ZhU4vhj3YpreUbdeGBrdP8o/s1600/2015-Lamborghini-Aventador-LP-750-4-Superveloce-Static-1-1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHag3CtTSsTZLO-xaGCvirZv32HWFp-61RHWMwkBSApI9DyIcXaGKtkOAWu_OZHrfV-_vkwNJn2VHoDOhIRQ7nep5tKPVcTKNcpv27Rjpz3Jh-endHbFp2ZhU4vhj3YpreUbdeGBrdP8o/s200/2015-Lamborghini-Aventador-LP-750-4-Superveloce-Static-1-1024x768.jpg" title="SV = SupeVeloce. Veloce meaning "Fast" in Italian" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These cars usually sell out within days of the order books being opened. And generally have a waiting list of 18+ months<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcdTU6NPNuCY9Wm9U3ugR1R8r6Ar1FQkfoiHVvE9bQIIiN5IA7qSPS1V3BtHZRDrr8p4I4p3pZgYvzRn_ohQwJnqmM4uFohkAZVnCP5HYbJOkmgq6IRMx_bOCPbp3CL1sj1uaxYKVSts/s1600/48a528a4598ff2a84dde2b4b0f987284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcdTU6NPNuCY9Wm9U3ugR1R8r6Ar1FQkfoiHVvE9bQIIiN5IA7qSPS1V3BtHZRDrr8p4I4p3pZgYvzRn_ohQwJnqmM4uFohkAZVnCP5HYbJOkmgq6IRMx_bOCPbp3CL1sj1uaxYKVSts/s200/48a528a4598ff2a84dde2b4b0f987284.jpg" title="McLaren 675LT" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McLaren 675LT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FDIa5AK61NamRBfGU0-BxzEwdaz927KCNAHOaRS5N78pvZ57RSh_W_F_ZGvJwzZ_e_bJzgRs6MsSWQa0l7896a9YUgX7388wl5GldvccbHn8Fpeh0Veal-NLOYvi0oZNY7woZtaVH_w/s1600/Porsche-911-GT3-RS-11-640x426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FDIa5AK61NamRBfGU0-BxzEwdaz927KCNAHOaRS5N78pvZ57RSh_W_F_ZGvJwzZ_e_bJzgRs6MsSWQa0l7896a9YUgX7388wl5GldvccbHn8Fpeh0Veal-NLOYvi0oZNY7woZtaVH_w/s200/Porsche-911-GT3-RS-11-640x426.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porsche GT3 RS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A recent example is the<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><b>Ferrari F12tdf</b> [<i>Tour de France</i>]. A total of <b>799</b> will be built and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">all</span> sold out within a week<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While most of the lucky <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">few who were accepted to buy the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">F12tdf are </span></span></span>still waiting for their cars to be delivered, some </span>examples <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in the used car market are already</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">fetching </span>twice its retail price in the UK/Europe [<i>£339k<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> vs</span> £700k</i>]<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. And th<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ere are no shortage of<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>buy<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ers willi<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ng to pay the extra p<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">re<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">mium</span></span> to get their hands on these super exclusive <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">supercars</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7FiiMvUgo9vpByLgtAUl_qlGuyT75Qwbgci_sy2vNYCeW4nirN6sMerd0G7DcUC-3ZaEhK0bU1vsJ_Qk7jlv6obKRkcdR-pTqRaCr4Mei9nQl7A1YpG4oS8uJUYz4y72oZZrwbGWT9o/s1600/Ferrari-F12tdf-front-three-quarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7FiiMvUgo9vpByLgtAUl_qlGuyT75Qwbgci_sy2vNYCeW4nirN6sMerd0G7DcUC-3ZaEhK0bU1vsJ_Qk7jlv6obKRkcdR-pTqRaCr4Mei9nQl7A1YpG4oS8uJUYz4y72oZZrwbGWT9o/s640/Ferrari-F12tdf-front-three-quarter.jpg" title="The name playing homage to the 50s Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France. Named after a gruelling multiday motor race over several diverse circuits in France which Ferrari successfully competed in. However, these days the "Tour de France" name is a trademark and associated with cycling, thus the "tdf" abbreviation on this model." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferrari F12tdf [<i>Tour de France</i>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ford is also experiencing high demands for their supercars. Can you imagine a Ford as desirable and highly sought after as a Ferrari? But it's happening<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The series 2 <b>Ford GT</b> released <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">last decade </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">is</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">an appreciating asset today<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. And the</span></span> soon to be released <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">successor</span> - <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">[s</span></span>eries <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3]</span> <b>GT</b> - have already attracted over <b>6,000 customer</b> deposits, but only <b>500</b> are planned to be built<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Delive<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">r</span>ies <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">are not</span> </span>expected <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">until</span> 201<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7.</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUTJk3TupqWyMldkRfxMkdigJxb0wWd2uvudCkn1A_2Xk0NUHB7Vysx-xMgVqnoifFIBTXLVzejEkzfkYrr6nSQHksJZgNnRouRCCRL4fG2EfeKeQS-ffuEKUQKQDaWcn8V5j2QdDIhU/s1600/2017-Ford-GT-Concept-021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUTJk3TupqWyMldkRfxMkdigJxb0wWd2uvudCkn1A_2Xk0NUHB7Vysx-xMgVqnoifFIBTXLVzejEkzfkYrr6nSQHksJZgNnRouRCCRL4fG2EfeKeQS-ffuEKUQKQDaWcn8V5j2QdDIhU/s640/2017-Ford-GT-Concept-021.jpg" title="Demand is high for the Series 3 GT. And with its recent class win in the 24hrs LeMans [plus 3rd & 4th place], further increased interest in the car." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ford GT [Series 3]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDFB43ee255j9EL4UR5ZhyphenhyphenO8HGJw4WTZb6mEoHxedSkoRHU1Ii0qaPY2pxrQ4W_Am4d9b-F-lkA-QS1EOd5K4N2MTyM6MdihBndFooqPGSF9rYbf3AFyRQ91q5iTs0XUXqycX_DTIjEM/s1600/2006-Ford-GT-004+-+mod1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDFB43ee255j9EL4UR5ZhyphenhyphenO8HGJw4WTZb6mEoHxedSkoRHU1Ii0qaPY2pxrQ4W_Am4d9b-F-lkA-QS1EOd5K4N2MTyM6MdihBndFooqPGSF9rYbf3AFyRQ91q5iTs0XUXqycX_DTIjEM/s320/2006-Ford-GT-004+-+mod1.jpg" title="Series 2 are now appreciating in value despite some quality flaws in the beginning. It was well-known that Jeremy Clarkson experience mulitple issues with his car which he has since sold." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ford GT [Series 2]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a result, Ford will look at all interested buyers and will give preferences to current owners of <b>GT40</b>s and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">[series 2]</span> <b>GT</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s</span>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Followe<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d by<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, what <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can only guess <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">as </span></span></span></span>"<b>who you know</b>". Like the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">well-known</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span> well-connected,<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>famous<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">,</span> </i>and the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">influential</span><i> [ie. business leaders, powerful individuals etc</i>]<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sort of personalities that would bring additional hype and attention to the brand simply by being associated with the car. Here alone Ford will save millions <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">through</span> free publicity. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKe2X4Qhz0Vs9FwB0cr_jwmwNtJLYoXm1ju3ZYo3Qwhv_KJMqaItKZ-zCva9PnlO6MzX1sa6ijGke21ZCvb4dnedTTq9kw2LBsWyhjnyeNQLfFo6SZHKz8T6OWOBRo8TzzZURJl4e6h0/s1600/1960s-Ford-GT40-23077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVKe2X4Qhz0Vs9FwB0cr_jwmwNtJLYoXm1ju3ZYo3Qwhv_KJMqaItKZ-zCva9PnlO6MzX1sa6ijGke21ZCvb4dnedTTq9kw2LBsWyhjnyeNQLfFo6SZHKz8T6OWOBRo8TzzZURJl4e6h0/s320/1960s-Ford-GT40-23077.jpg" title="Series 1 in full Gulf Racing livery. The same livery the Le Mans winning GT40s wore in the 60s." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1968 Ford GT40</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And if there are any left overs, a <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<b><i>first come first serve</i></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">" for the rest. </span></span></span>L</span>ast on Ford's buyers list, are car flippers, only if there are any left<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- doub<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">tful.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There lies the problem. Car flipping has become big business that manufacturers are screening buyers. They <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">[</span><i>manufacturers</i>] can afford to be choosy right now as demand is outstripping supply.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Ferrari </b>is notorious at denying certain buyers acquiring their hypercars and limited edition <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">models</span>. I've even read an article that Ferrari [<em>allegedly</em>] went as far as <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">request<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ing</span></span> their authorise<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d</span> dealers to stop selling used <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s</span>peci<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">al <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">edition Ferrari<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s</span></span></span></span> to individuals on their [Ferrari<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">] </span>black list<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, and</span> to other used supercar dealers.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>It was [<em>allegedly</em>] said that Ferrari threat<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">en</span>ed to </span>limit or stop allocating <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>future special edition<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> cars</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ny</span> dealer <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">defying thi<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">s r<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">quest.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whether <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">you are for or against this <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">me<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">thod</span></span>, m</span>anufacturers will continue <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">this practice</span> so long as there's high demand for their works of art. And right now, I don't see this appetite for rare supercars abating <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">any-time</span> soon. Unless we go through another global financial crisis, that is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">S</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">elling these cars are all about timing. Release it as the financial market takes a dive, manufacturers will end up warehouse full of them collecting dust. And such bad timing was experienced none more so than both the <b>McLaren F1</b> and <b>Jaguar XJ220</b>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51bm1l2eaDyQRpjn50NTcuRD2bQTKMsRzFLtoD6fESYGVfAtya1u-ldK9kpI3yVcygmAD7bXTOOLKvj1nf2CGE6bf4NznleJFfkWEzbwLZIabyBMI_OPmrgoC0YGLM_phxcszHmGRljw/s1600/mclaren-f1-doors-open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51bm1l2eaDyQRpjn50NTcuRD2bQTKMsRzFLtoD6fESYGVfAtya1u-ldK9kpI3yVcygmAD7bXTOOLKvj1nf2CGE6bf4NznleJFfkWEzbwLZIabyBMI_OPmrgoC0YGLM_phxcszHmGRljw/s640/mclaren-f1-doors-open.jpg" title="A 390km/h top speed, central driver's seating and these butterfly doors all add to the drama of the McLaren F1. Add a dash of rarity = guaranteed desirability." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McLaren F1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Both were designed & developed during the high excesses of the 80s, but released as the recession hit in the early 90s. As a result, sales performance was disappointing for both brands.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The McLaren F1 priced from <b>£500,000</b> [<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>£814k / AU$1.5m in <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">today's</span></i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> money</i></span>] </span>sold just <b>71</b> customer cars against a target of 300. Production seized in 1997.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jaguar had intended to produce up to 350 XJ220s with the road vers<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ions </span>priced from <b>£345,000</b> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">[</span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">£561k </span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">/ <em>AU$1m</em> <i>in <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">today's</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">money</span></i>]</span>, but production ceased in 1994 with <b>275</b> production cars <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">built</span>, not all of which had been sold; some left-hand drive examples were still available in 1997. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The recession left many of those who placed a deposit unable to complete the purchase. In the end there were heavy discounting by Jaguar to shift the remaining XJ220. The last of the unsold XJ220s were sold for <b>£127,550</b> [<i>£208k / AU$381k</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> in <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">today's</span> money</i>] plus VAT </span>in 1997.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1gGJQOsTBVBx4f3p5n7y19tXonO922f4qPs6qJy18YF9a6O7vGQmRrUcbUrfXQnC0crxKlGTqzcbxtubO_2n4mRetnzq6YRUH0Qs-fGpwgqmJxlZfIfkylfz6hngQ3Ljd-02I2BO42c/s1600/1994+Jaguar+XJ220%252C%252C%252C%252C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1gGJQOsTBVBx4f3p5n7y19tXonO922f4qPs6qJy18YF9a6O7vGQmRrUcbUrfXQnC0crxKlGTqzcbxtubO_2n4mRetnzq6YRUH0Qs-fGpwgqmJxlZfIfkylfz6hngQ3Ljd-02I2BO42c/s400/1994+Jaguar+XJ220%252C%252C%252C%252C.jpeg" title="The XJ200 had a difficult birth into this world. But it too is increasing in value." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaguar XJ220</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">McLaren's F1 race program eventually turned a small profit thanks to the sale and servicing of the 28 GTR racing variants produced. In all <b>106</b> F1s where built which included <b>7</b> prototypes.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now in today's money<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, the</span> McLaren F1 has fared far better. You'd be lucky to get one for less than <b>$<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">14</span></span> million</b> [<i>£8m</i>].</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t</span>he Jaguar XJ220 is currently selling for around <b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">AU$567</span>,000</span>+</b> [<i>£310</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>k+</i>]</span>. If you got one of the discounted cars in 1997, then you'<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d be in the black. But if you paid full price, you're still seeing re<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">d.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If only you had a crystal ball, right?</span><br />
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">OK<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t</span></span></span>hese are older supercars and you don't want to wait 10-20 years to make your cash. So let's talk about more recent cars. After all car flippers tend to flip cars within days, weeks or months of buying them to make their<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> profit.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The cars that are currently fetching high resale prices are:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><i><b> - 2016 Porsche <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">C<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ayman </span></span>GT4</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b> - 2016 Porsche 911 R<br /> - 2015 Porsche GT3 RS<br /> - 2015 Porsche GT3<br /> - <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2016 </span>Ferrari F12tdf</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><em> </em></strong><strong><em>- 201<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5</span> Ferrari 458 Speciale</em></strong><br /><strong><em> - 201<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6</span> </span>McLaren 675LT</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b> - 2015 Mercedes Benz SL<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">S</span> AMG </b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b> </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you were lucky enough <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">buy any of these cars new</span></span></span>, in Europe and North America there are buyers in the wings ready to take <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">them</span> off your hands offering far more than the original sticker price. In Europe prices offered on top of the origina<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">l retail starts </span>from <b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">£<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6</span></span>0,000</b> for the <b>Cay<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">man </span>GT4</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, the c<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">heap<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">est on the list<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Up</span></span></span></span> to <b>£400,000</b> for the <b>F12tdf</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Not a bad <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">return for a few <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">weeks/months<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> investme<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nt.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnXVXVgp3Lb2YHqIipukg4g8oASgJHLrhiJCMJHIJ30WDlz1qnFIe7eXAd8O0LxVTKZAfmu2n1ael5EsJ2jUfy_wihP6FtRUcEhR55m2n_B8s6ru05DUWPbEywOe24GeA6ub6DZ0ihvc/s1600/2015_porsche_cayman_gt4-wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnXVXVgp3Lb2YHqIipukg4g8oASgJHLrhiJCMJHIJ30WDlz1qnFIe7eXAd8O0LxVTKZAfmu2n1ael5EsJ2jUfy_wihP6FtRUcEhR55m2n_B8s6ru05DUWPbEywOe24GeA6ub6DZ0ihvc/s640/2015_porsche_cayman_gt4-wide.jpg" title="The baby 911 has grown up to go toe to toe with it's bigger brother." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 Porsche Cayman GT4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps you're now thinking, "<i>I can do that. I'd like to flip cars for a living</i>". Before you start, there are some things you should know:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> <b><span style="color: blue;">Money </span><span style="color: blue;">-</span></b> obviously you will need to have money to begin with - these limited edition supercars are not cheap. Be prepared to spend anywhere from half a million to over a million dollars per car new. And<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">h</span></span>ypercars are nearly $2 million & over each<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2.</b> <b><span style="color: blue;">Who you <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">k<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">now - </span></span></span></b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I</span>ncrease your personal profile wi<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">thin the au<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">t<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">o</span>motive ind<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ustry</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. Y</span>ou will need to sociali<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">se and build </span>connections with dealers, manufact<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">urers<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, and automotive clubs <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">&</span> media.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Placing an order<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for a l<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">imi<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ted release car </span></span></span>only once you've read/heard about it from <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">mainstream media</span>, usually means you're too late [<i>ie. sold out</i>]<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3.</b> <b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;">What </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">y</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">ou know -</span> </span></span></span></b><span style="color: black;">Hav<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">e</span> a <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">p</span>ulse in the industry</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">.</span> Y</span>ou'll need to know cars and <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">an underst<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">anding of the market sentiment for <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">each cars.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Whic<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">h car will be highly desirable</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">during and after its release, and<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span>w</span>hich one will appreciate in value quickest and<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">/or high<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">est</span></span>. Rareness is usually a key indicator - but not guaranteed</span> [<i>ie. XJ220</i>].<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4.</b> <b><span style="color: blue;">Know your local laws</span></b> - in some states here in Australia [<i>the US & Europe</i>] car flipping can be illegal. There is a legal way to do it, but you'll need to know the <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"ins & outs" to<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>navigate the sea of <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rules & regulations unsca<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">thed</span></span>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are more points to consider before even contemplating becoming a car flipper. I've only highlighted the most important ones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for me, [<i>let's just say for a moment, I had the means to buy these cars</i>] I am too much of a car guy to be a car flipper. As anything I buy I'll almost certain to end up keeping. What </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">can I say?... I just love <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">GREAT</span> cars - <i>even some quirky ones</i>.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5OOiuoB9uR8A_HNRATkTWvpTtHXthopSNEEJuH_UczxVM39m9g-VcPEnMJgysoptJ7CMCXGurSJG3IyfuRkNTgCaCi3FwQOS43QjNWFSU9qqFHYQ6GxHal_8D0yEVa-rvm9IBysj28Q/s1600/2014-Koenigsegg-One-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5OOiuoB9uR8A_HNRATkTWvpTtHXthopSNEEJuH_UczxVM39m9g-VcPEnMJgysoptJ7CMCXGurSJG3IyfuRkNTgCaCi3FwQOS43QjNWFSU9qqFHYQ6GxHal_8D0yEVa-rvm9IBysj28Q/s640/2014-Koenigsegg-One-1.jpg" title="The One:1 name is the result of achieving one bhp per one kg." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koenigsegg One:1</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><b><span style="color: red;">NOTE:</span></b> <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I didn't include hypercar royalty on this list such as the Bugatti Veyron & Chiron, Pagani Zonda & Huayra, Koenigsegg One:1 & Agera RS, Lamborghini Veneno, & Centenario, Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche Carrera RS & 918 Spyder, and the McLaren P1 [and all its variants], as these are almost guaranteed to be collectables<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></span></i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFgk0CLQLNg5hyrQDv-yS0YxcvLddOym66O3DndSeaD-9U0V1LOKZc3X0l6BT-6iJxQGu_hxirtbXFPfbxsv7HlC8bILg9h5D_8yF7wZ1rhsIx42xztJtdT1biwgjpK9QlhaagSyobjU/s1600/2017-Bugatti-Chiron-Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFgk0CLQLNg5hyrQDv-yS0YxcvLddOym66O3DndSeaD-9U0V1LOKZc3X0l6BT-6iJxQGu_hxirtbXFPfbxsv7HlC8bILg9h5D_8yF7wZ1rhsIx42xztJtdT1biwgjpK9QlhaagSyobjU/s640/2017-Bugatti-Chiron-Crop.jpg" title="The even more expensive multi-million dollar successor to the multi-million dollar Bugatti Veyron" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bugatti Chiron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>And since they already start for serious money to begin with [even for supercar buyers], to make serious returns will require time. Turn over is what car flippers want. A quick ROI. And these hypercars are not a short term investment. Best gains are made long term for these models.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Plus I doubt professional car flippers will even get on the waiting list, let alone order books. Not while the manufacturers are keeping an eagle eye on the buyer's list.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><i></i></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><i></i></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo7gi74W2aULiYHJX5OIBTCStrCgnegup5gTii6M1zKFXHLgTKbp3F9UemTO_LF90tMe2agXk1sbciHjAgnYzwECR0s5PIgU-0soG133BRZRgFU2zMShJWWbo0gcaB0awyy-HGc5QSqw/s1600/2011-Pagani-Huayra-Studio-Front-And-Side-Open-Doors-1280x960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo7gi74W2aULiYHJX5OIBTCStrCgnegup5gTii6M1zKFXHLgTKbp3F9UemTO_LF90tMe2agXk1sbciHjAgnYzwECR0s5PIgU-0soG133BRZRgFU2zMShJWWbo0gcaB0awyy-HGc5QSqw/s640/2011-Pagani-Huayra-Studio-Front-And-Side-Open-Doors-1280x960.jpg" title="After options the Huayra cost nearly €2 milion. Not yet fetching returns but if the Zonda was an indication, they will in time." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pagani Huayra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumkmeMxMVwYRJlKmzwRinX57I6jQhvJflasrzIuKO9VHDwE4rbFdaXdVlhkfzJwBbRkIxg8WUN2cEE3ncSMCzbDQLkSL0NKc8bow3lR8Vsv9Cs-uXDPE_CQj7wnTMrBrsdQPLTPSrWhY/s1600/2013-McLaren-P1-Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumkmeMxMVwYRJlKmzwRinX57I6jQhvJflasrzIuKO9VHDwE4rbFdaXdVlhkfzJwBbRkIxg8WUN2cEE3ncSMCzbDQLkSL0NKc8bow3lR8Vsv9Cs-uXDPE_CQj7wnTMrBrsdQPLTPSrWhY/s640/2013-McLaren-P1-Crop.jpg" title="McLaren P1 the spritual successor to the legendary F1. But will it match or surpassed the F1 for desirability and collectability? Time will tell." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McLaren P1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYrJOMsiT0LUgHV1s1lwGIWKRhOGmdjMK3iVh6Qz1-OT6pLvViNJStNgux8iPsfHizZ3WMuk4d5XMN1jXcbEen_ACUGU9Xxc8NLxQ5-Bt6KxPkmWCKqezYa7Uv5aNQm0IH1zXCywM9ew/s1600/2009-Pagani-Zonda-Cinque-Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYrJOMsiT0LUgHV1s1lwGIWKRhOGmdjMK3iVh6Qz1-OT6pLvViNJStNgux8iPsfHizZ3WMuk4d5XMN1jXcbEen_ACUGU9Xxc8NLxQ5-Bt6KxPkmWCKqezYa7Uv5aNQm0IH1zXCywM9ew/s640/2009-Pagani-Zonda-Cinque-Crop.jpg" title="Super rare Pagani Zonda Cinque. Only 5 coupes were built" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pagani Zonda Cinque</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYWUGD4IkAO8mC8_AekoLi6EMHzoPK2aoVBKBG-WR07rOrHMH_nZNUJPIonW3hOMokEDUuu7nX5CkYsz0ZGT3NowVpP3NygIlx3v3lUsAJmBa2fDrgbUmNNRIIg1FZOH6m_WpOPNEs4Q/s1600/2004-2007-Porsche-Carrera-GT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYWUGD4IkAO8mC8_AekoLi6EMHzoPK2aoVBKBG-WR07rOrHMH_nZNUJPIonW3hOMokEDUuu7nX5CkYsz0ZGT3NowVpP3NygIlx3v3lUsAJmBa2fDrgbUmNNRIIg1FZOH6m_WpOPNEs4Q/s640/2004-2007-Porsche-Carrera-GT.jpg" title="Many considers the Carrera GT as Porsche's first hypercar [the 959 was considered a supercar]. A much sought after model despite some reports of clutch/gearbox issues. A total of 1270 were built between 2004-2007. The sprititual successor of the 959 and the predecessor of the 918 Spyder." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2007 Porsche Carrera GT</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75YE6xqvjDhosxicHlspNoG7gHqjwgJn7rsHAL_SmOUgBsoHWlwOG_NcFMwwEm0nxce4kXaC1VmqR-ftKDbWgP-hshcA6ZH4OP52Sn_cbsMZ7PJUzNMVWXuhxtM1jCl-u2gp772bKphM/s1600/2013-Lamborghini-Veneno-Crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75YE6xqvjDhosxicHlspNoG7gHqjwgJn7rsHAL_SmOUgBsoHWlwOG_NcFMwwEm0nxce4kXaC1VmqR-ftKDbWgP-hshcA6ZH4OP52Sn_cbsMZ7PJUzNMVWXuhxtM1jCl-u2gp772bKphM/s640/2013-Lamborghini-Veneno-Crop.jpg" title="The Lamborghini Veneno is a limited production hypercar based on the Lamborghini Aventador and was built to celebrate Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary. When introduced in 2013 at a price of US$4.5m it was the most expensive production car in the world." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Lamborghini Veneno</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfqYKyz7-MALiIOfrVoX6ttvnSHIx9M7LVMsTdEGvBYs6_t5c7jdjXvMg7Kuqqmw6H1_ZT6HZ_YCQcN2Ha9w73iNWxUDfhyphenhyphenkfGLR2TNa534UyUWOGSwIBW8HX5dKG2IknGlnwxM9L6Ec/s1600/2014_Porsche_918_Spyder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfqYKyz7-MALiIOfrVoX6ttvnSHIx9M7LVMsTdEGvBYs6_t5c7jdjXvMg7Kuqqmw6H1_ZT6HZ_YCQcN2Ha9w73iNWxUDfhyphenhyphenkfGLR2TNa534UyUWOGSwIBW8HX5dKG2IknGlnwxM9L6Ec/s640/2014_Porsche_918_Spyder.jpg" title="One very capable hybrid hypercar." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porsche 918 Spyder</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVSAg2cSvnGk8B1BNUTmhxhURfWaGnS5E-T91ojnf48LsZd6CrN_9HSc6HZx9JqOMndBw_6F2sM29L_dEOJqosBk-7u65musdb4OJzsDWiGebAHkx3HdUwl5lx-gHg99kXOWVh4Z52N0/s1600/2013-Ferrari-LaFerrari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVSAg2cSvnGk8B1BNUTmhxhURfWaGnS5E-T91ojnf48LsZd6CrN_9HSc6HZx9JqOMndBw_6F2sM29L_dEOJqosBk-7u65musdb4OJzsDWiGebAHkx3HdUwl5lx-gHg99kXOWVh4Z52N0/s640/2013-Ferrari-LaFerrari.jpg" title="Hybrid has never been sexier" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferrari LaFerrari</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN6YzY8ondvT4z0ppumKKk0gJncD2C4S-kPM2l06kqPSNpKdndUvzLkGyMGN1MLcHhK6hWIt5duz81L2wOaXLQ9ciXX_qXr04KHxqKuypdfd0enaZnRfNotB11fUI_9pneIGj5ooff8g/s1600/2016-Lamborghini-Cenenario-FP-770-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN6YzY8ondvT4z0ppumKKk0gJncD2C4S-kPM2l06kqPSNpKdndUvzLkGyMGN1MLcHhK6hWIt5duz81L2wOaXLQ9ciXX_qXr04KHxqKuypdfd0enaZnRfNotB11fUI_9pneIGj5ooff8g/s640/2016-Lamborghini-Cenenario-FP-770-4.jpg" title="This is one very rare bull." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamborghini Centenario LP-770-4</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01378965288604257395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1250355052087657275.post-72748193248626646262016-06-17T12:03:00.000+10:002016-06-17T12:20:01.652+10:00Challenges of an Automotive Icon - Mazda MX-5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Could it be that Fiat has released a better MX-5?</strong></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTjimE41Dp5VJBM4cvXe7VdA8BzbcxhyphenhyphenEGACvBDICjOiI_W_wJHb0puDhG6Blxw2TRVpPoUYPY7GsGypBRCm0drI-_CdtNWZXXThEHJpFG0bV0LQu0itOTQMvQApnci94_YHJWui6zKs/s1600/one-million-reasons-to-celebrate_mod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTjimE41Dp5VJBM4cvXe7VdA8BzbcxhyphenhyphenEGACvBDICjOiI_W_wJHb0puDhG6Blxw2TRVpPoUYPY7GsGypBRCm0drI-_CdtNWZXXThEHJpFG0bV0LQu0itOTQMvQApnci94_YHJWui6zKs/s640/one-million-reasons-to-celebrate_mod.jpg" title="4 Generations from the NA ['89] to ND ['16]. Photo from Mazda Australia" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Generations of MX-5s</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let me be clear, I'm a huge fan of the MX-5. In fact I own two of them - <strong>1994 NA8 Clubman</strong> & <strong>2002 NB8B SP</strong>. And to put things in perspective, here's a summary of the models I have…</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJJuDSK2DG0tEE10n3yEMAw5E4kCuv6c0hDTCihdM2kqsn94lKStBjGoRNlpJ7EddFmwEZAE61u006evEcVgQ_oBNRn1JanU53KK8TNeNMD36I3gXBlOP1LZkL6VwVLgsCOUlhj1N7cE/s1600/P1030051_mod.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJJuDSK2DG0tEE10n3yEMAw5E4kCuv6c0hDTCihdM2kqsn94lKStBjGoRNlpJ7EddFmwEZAE61u006evEcVgQ_oBNRn1JanU53KK8TNeNMD36I3gXBlOP1LZkL6VwVLgsCOUlhj1N7cE/s640/P1030051_mod.JPG" title="These are my two MX-5s [SP = Silver & Clubman = Red]" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My MX-5s</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>1994 MX-5 Clubman [NA8]</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The NA8 Clubman has a standard 1.8 litre DOHC engine but fitted with larger diameter anti-roll bars, Bilstein suspension, and a Mazda limited slip differential. It can be differentiated on the outside from regular NA8 MX-5s by the Bilstein decals on both rear flanks of the front wheel arch, and the Clubman badge at the boot lid rear deck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <strong>Clubman</strong> name was only used in Australia. The same spec model was named differently in various overseas markets. The production of this model was not limited. It was part of the regular MX-5 line-up in Australia [<em>between 1993-1995, then an order only model until the end of the NA8 production, in 1997</em>]</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlLKMstBQ83wh9As0UZjKVjdAwJAYVi7ODVPdxft8mmy5ZQgufLh1svZkqt3c9lIqrCDj8YMaPQzYQKRgxXUgW9jn-oAGiY0fE_aEhp32KKREMc133QytrLetAjZqsUfE70-jy-A2TtA/s1600/P1010027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlLKMstBQ83wh9As0UZjKVjdAwJAYVi7ODVPdxft8mmy5ZQgufLh1svZkqt3c9lIqrCDj8YMaPQzYQKRgxXUgW9jn-oAGiY0fE_aEhp32KKREMc133QytrLetAjZqsUfE70-jy-A2TtA/s640/P1010027.JPG" title="This "Clubman" badge is the only indicator from the rear that this NA8 MX-5 is special." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mazda MX-5 Clubman</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mazda released this in Australia for racers who wanted an excellent base car on which to build on for club level motorsport. That's why the Clubman didn't come with power-steering, and air conditioning was a factory fitted [extra cost]</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> option.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ahFovMTrrnXbwxXPWHVrwZwf20-P_7npb0-UDh5QmvjMDq89GvGBJkAQeOSgmUIc2BvLW5u33WT2D0eDblgndr1PyqYNIuxzOOFvfF42hCaSDCg43xKsI1mFtJyAJFppS9VDESNAzUk/s1600/MX+5+_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ahFovMTrrnXbwxXPWHVrwZwf20-P_7npb0-UDh5QmvjMDq89GvGBJkAQeOSgmUIc2BvLW5u33WT2D0eDblgndr1PyqYNIuxzOOFvfF42hCaSDCg43xKsI1mFtJyAJFppS9VDESNAzUk/s320/MX+5+_0156.jpg" title="Photo taken during an MX-5 Club track day @ Wakefield Raceway [Australia]" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My MX-5 Clubman in race mode</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I bought mine second hand in 2008 with the purpose of participating in the <strong>MX-5 Club</strong> track days, competing in Class A [<em>1.6lt - 1.8lt factory standard road legal cars - <strong>NO modifications allowed</strong></em>]. My car had only travelled a little under 60,000 kms when I got her. It spent most of its days parked in the garage, so I'm told.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">According to the original owner (<em>a doctor</em>), bought this car for his wife as a present in 1994. But the wife found the unassisted steering difficult to manage and the stiff / harsh ride [<em>from the stiffer Bilstein suspension</em>] too uncomfortable. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thus it was hardly driven in its previous 14 years of its life. It was in really great condition. And I'm glad to say it still is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hats off to the salesperson for a sterling effort selling this model to the original owner. As no one in their right mind would get the Clubman - a track focus version - as a daily driven convertible for the wife. Unless you hate her. :)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjBqPMdKEWPovBAnYZfUBNgi8-0OuDBQMXDNGxa5kyhnAG_wLIJygVuHxUgjfrlbtMVciwhMUBIMGd4x8I8xaT_BOt9BpHZr7VEFJrKBRAwjYnuhWc_CqeDNPAXBdYi1xNT635NO2oYo/s1600/PA270005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjBqPMdKEWPovBAnYZfUBNgi8-0OuDBQMXDNGxa5kyhnAG_wLIJygVuHxUgjfrlbtMVciwhMUBIMGd4x8I8xaT_BOt9BpHZr7VEFJrKBRAwjYnuhWc_CqeDNPAXBdYi1xNT635NO2oYo/s640/PA270005.JPG" title="The Clubman during a track day @ the Eastern Creek Motorsport Park [Australia]. Waiting to get into the dummy grid." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good 'ol #7 in another MX-5 Club track day</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2002 MX-5 SP [NB8B]</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The NB8B SP was a different story. The SP was a <strong>Mazda Australia only</strong> [<em>developed and produced</em>] limited edition model of which only 100 were built. The development of the car was led by Allan Horsley - whom at the time managed Mazda's defacto racing team - <strong>SP Motorsport</strong> - in Australia. Hence the SP name.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3O8dndCpTV2wR465e0LgDj8O_mzXPMMzYAR7oZ-Vnx2thUxZb5AjL1bR2gMj5YR-nSAI9QtbvX8pIjhyzfhfBjztdz8OynXE-yx7JdBAHe3pJgnTmLw1sQ2BmVBBDzJ8jXZxrlOyPAk/s1600/100_0041_mod.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3O8dndCpTV2wR465e0LgDj8O_mzXPMMzYAR7oZ-Vnx2thUxZb5AjL1bR2gMj5YR-nSAI9QtbvX8pIjhyzfhfBjztdz8OynXE-yx7JdBAHe3pJgnTmLw1sQ2BmVBBDzJ8jXZxrlOyPAk/s640/100_0041_mod.JPG" title="The rollbar and leather seats seen here were extra cost options." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My [NB8B] MX-5 SP</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What is so special about the <strong>MX-5 SP</strong>? The heart of the SP is a 1.8 litre turbocharged engine with a full 2 inch stainless steel exhaust. This boosted the power by 44kw (<em>113 vs 157</em>) and torque by 108 Nm (<em>181 vs 289</em>), while only increasing weight by 29kg (<em>1090 vs 1119</em>).</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixehnv_nyCFBQwTe5M5k9OtLJ80pyA1fYPv-m3ouRj_jfPS5sqW-uceTKq_donDBrjvOHLaMcJ7xkw1s0lBgot5mvbVPjMAAA1y1Jdm6LxqQWDpWGrZU3U7ZOG3QHA9jdkmgMx7upb-eE/s1600/SP+Engine+Bay.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixehnv_nyCFBQwTe5M5k9OtLJ80pyA1fYPv-m3ouRj_jfPS5sqW-uceTKq_donDBrjvOHLaMcJ7xkw1s0lBgot5mvbVPjMAAA1y1Jdm6LxqQWDpWGrZU3U7ZOG3QHA9jdkmgMx7upb-eE/s640/SP+Engine+Bay.bmp" title="This photo clearly shows the SP carbon fibre air filter box, the turbocharger, and the additional plumbing for the intercooler." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MX-5 SP engine bay</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This improved the power to weight ratio (<em>W/kg</em>) from 103.7 to 140.3. Resulting in an impressive 0-100km/h times of 6 seconds (<em>vs 8.5 secs</em>). And in 2002 put it squarely in the performance territory of the legendary tarmac scorchers, AWD turbocharged duo: Subaru WRX Impreza and Mitsubishi Evolution VII. And it was faster than the turbocharged RWD Nissan 240SX [<em>or Silvia as it's known in Japan</em>] available at the time.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fY910n0TmkjDzFYqumE6QiBEPLUomExe-Pqm0gwCYvwafwHZ2hn9aKvcGM3mzkK96QTX42eCp-6sIdhKu3vFwK96HtcCIeKQanYu8vNCo2XmatjyWZ2349-ZRKR67cDoMSujRjq2chk/s1600/100_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fY910n0TmkjDzFYqumE6QiBEPLUomExe-Pqm0gwCYvwafwHZ2hn9aKvcGM3mzkK96QTX42eCp-6sIdhKu3vFwK96HtcCIeKQanYu8vNCo2XmatjyWZ2349-ZRKR67cDoMSujRjq2chk/s200/100_0070.JPG" title="Custom made exhaust specifically for the SP." width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2" stainless steel exhaust</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Apart from a turbocharger (<em>Garrett T25</em>) and stainless steel exhaust, other addition/changes were:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• SP front mounted intercooler</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">• SP custom made carbon fibre air filter box</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• Mazda front suspension strut brace<br />• Mazda brushed aluminium interior trims (<em>air vents, and gear lever surround</em>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• Mazda aluminium gear shift lever</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">• Mazda chrome fuel cover</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">• SP badge decal (<em>located at the rear</em>)</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV24U_lSFoE2kA8_GzBFgsv-5bVrWWsMxsCvw8OZ3o-wuIyq9rUQJrMP-fSo7gA7g7Kytu8nydkm6AwrYu-7b2ammyAVDpwNixbUHY4c6z28Y_88b54_IV7ZpTslT84Vi_AM11g5po6rU/s1600/111609_5lo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV24U_lSFoE2kA8_GzBFgsv-5bVrWWsMxsCvw8OZ3o-wuIyq9rUQJrMP-fSo7gA7g7Kytu8nydkm6AwrYu-7b2ammyAVDpwNixbUHY4c6z28Y_88b54_IV7ZpTslT84Vi_AM11g5po6rU/s200/111609_5lo.jpg" title="Custom intercooler specifically designed for the SP." width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front mounted intercooler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But no other mechanical changes were made. The brakes, gearbox, engine internals, suspension and wheel/tyre combo. were all stock MX-5 affair. It didn't even come with a limited slip differential or body kit [<em>basically from the outside (other than the SP Badge) it looked like any other MX-5, a real sleeper</em>]. Proving what many already knew...that the standard MX-5 chassis can easily handle more power.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdYogAK67__OoASZf07BmyBuE4Bvtbzv-11jzXwo9YD8rUG82eNRPV5w7JkdbTtisTbtq9sXLs8RqGNJt8AN-4Fyw9xByI_C7LrWCNrEp-ENnndLilMZzh5YzSt9pU1Ck5gnDDIi_rkE/s1600/1409_15lo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdYogAK67__OoASZf07BmyBuE4Bvtbzv-11jzXwo9YD8rUG82eNRPV5w7JkdbTtisTbtq9sXLs8RqGNJt8AN-4Fyw9xByI_C7LrWCNrEp-ENnndLilMZzh5YzSt9pU1Ck5gnDDIi_rkE/s320/1409_15lo.jpg" title="This SP badge might be discreet but it packs a hellava punch." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The SP Badge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I got my SP brand new in 2002. But prior to deciding on the SP, I was also looking at the Honda S2000. But with better "<em>seat off the pants</em>" feel, faster acceleration, model reputation and the camaraderie of MX-5 Club community [<em>along with many motoring journalist praising the SP above the S2000</em>], I bought the SP. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I've loved it ever since. And it continues to brings an ear to ear smile each time I drive it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkT-TKEx-FLP2kW3lBx_tKo93t4sFd73oSa_-S-4mg6Ahu2s_S8MYRwyLw6_UHM6nnKoGqb5vntylhfhRpZQ7w_l-Kz7BG9EkAF6gjGCjW25uSQ4o5C1w2ILcnXCdKjhGjIVEZkVfYNI8/s1600/5883548DSC00021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkT-TKEx-FLP2kW3lBx_tKo93t4sFd73oSa_-S-4mg6Ahu2s_S8MYRwyLw6_UHM6nnKoGqb5vntylhfhRpZQ7w_l-Kz7BG9EkAF6gjGCjW25uSQ4o5C1w2ILcnXCdKjhGjIVEZkVfYNI8/s320/5883548DSC00021.jpg" title="Also known as the MX-5 Mazdaspeed in other countries." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2004 MX-5 SE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately since the SP, Mazda haven't released an MX-5 model that remotely comes close to it, in terms of performance. They did a half-bake effort between 2004-2005 with [<em>this time</em>] a global release of a turbocharged model called <strong>MX-5 SE</strong> (<em>MX-5 Mazdaspeed everywhere else in the world</em>), but its performance [<em>121kw, 206Nm, 7.8 sec for 0-100km/h</em>] was no match to the SP. There's no substitute for higher power-to-weight ratio [<em>SE</em>=<em>110.7 vs SP=140.3</em>].</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>New MX-5 [ND]</strong></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When the new 4th generation MX-5 was released, I liked what I saw. The improvements made, particularly in the interior was impressive - it elevated the quality of the MX-5 to the next level. And when I took a test drive on the 2.0 litre GT model, I liked what I heard. Such a sweet exhaust note.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57GARvL9II4bZyH0BB80x62FghA2e19cpIKL2-sKEbVsnqOXiRtwU2dxZ5meV0EE8vHpabR7hZkBwET7Tkn6VnyReznpJ7RFmsIKzGPX03q3RU6rmd6QhhMm42mZJ2S6wvXya4LhPkRY/s1600/Mazda-MX-5-ND-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57GARvL9II4bZyH0BB80x62FghA2e19cpIKL2-sKEbVsnqOXiRtwU2dxZ5meV0EE8vHpabR7hZkBwET7Tkn6VnyReznpJ7RFmsIKzGPX03q3RU6rmd6QhhMm42mZJ2S6wvXya4LhPkRY/s640/Mazda-MX-5-ND-01.jpg" title="2016 Mazda MX-5 - Photo from Mazda Corp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fourth Generation [ND] Mazda MX-5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BUT. There is always a "<strong>but</strong>".</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The exterior design, while not ugly, didn't make me instantly fall in love with it. It's more a pretty "<em>girl next door</em>" than a supermodel.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span> </div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
</div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-q4tuvUt3f06Oi15T6e4PRKalWfQY8UtADYXnLwRz2iYpPXUew-t10t3fVtZnh2P-h6mFO2v4pgnAoQS0AzhDtZj3qMOMThqLeDRA4kQgm7NIJEWw-cdhmD4lneygtPeuW1JpRwHnyk/s1600/003_NH8_manual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-q4tuvUt3f06Oi15T6e4PRKalWfQY8UtADYXnLwRz2iYpPXUew-t10t3fVtZnh2P-h6mFO2v4pgnAoQS0AzhDtZj3qMOMThqLeDRA4kQgm7NIJEWw-cdhmD4lneygtPeuW1JpRwHnyk/s640/003_NH8_manual.jpg" title="GT model with Tan leather and exterior colour match upper door trim. Also avaialble in black [in lieu of tan]." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cockpit of the fourth generation MX-5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the power?... Well, having stepped out of my SP and into the ND 2.0 litre, I found the performance a little underwhelming. No doubt, regular MX-5 drivers and/or new to the brand looking for a great handling roadster will love it. But for me, it needed more oomph.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But could the winds be changing?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Japanese Roadster with European Style</strong><br />With the collaboration of <strong>Mazda</strong> and <strong>Fiat </strong>[<em>with the next generation Fiat 124 Spider based on the underpinnings of the MX-5 but with Fiat engines</em>], could the MX-5 truly have a genuine competitor on its hands?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On paper this collaboration seems like a match made in heaven - Japanese [<em>Mazda</em>] engineering, reliability and built quality, with Italian design and flair. It sounded terrific. Maybe this is the MX-5 to get?</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWktOSzbYdS-WHJKd05nQfmcu3hT_rrAoD04nFC6x3lyGsUEl5XxTZCneeJyd86nml_5jjnM-1w6EGV33km3kavGUHFsWYj0DuqWCZVi9TFlv84MZH8f3dDRGfeoRP5xV5zrr2JJmxgtQ/s1600/fiat_124_spider_004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWktOSzbYdS-WHJKd05nQfmcu3hT_rrAoD04nFC6x3lyGsUEl5XxTZCneeJyd86nml_5jjnM-1w6EGV33km3kavGUHFsWYj0DuqWCZVi9TFlv84MZH8f3dDRGfeoRP5xV5zrr2JJmxgtQ/s320/fiat_124_spider_004.jpg" title="The camouflage did their job. It hid what the car really looked like." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spy shot of the Fiat 124 Spider</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then camouflaged spy photos of the Fiat 124 Spider started coming out. From the first photos I thought it looked hideous. With what seemed like bulging headlights and a more squarer look. I thought, maybe Mazda got the design of the MX-5 right after all.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When official photos of the production Fiat 124 were released, while it proved to be aesthetically better than the spy photos, there was not much in it as far as which was a better looking car between the two. MX-5 or 124? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It really boiled down to your personal preference in style. And from people I've spoken to, it was a 60/40 split in favour of the Mazda.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-ucZbjdZo4fCQtbCzmZs_MkyOZ_SC5yjU4-gqJXjBPtIEmSzp10xYNK1DKAF8qYZVLliirHkir6zKUj7mbF3sLCUg_qdSQuMDSODWdf3Fuk4Mk-9W7SrfFynVkvzKG8a8grFlR8TIbU/s1600/2017_fiat_124_spider_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-ucZbjdZo4fCQtbCzmZs_MkyOZ_SC5yjU4-gqJXjBPtIEmSzp10xYNK1DKAF8qYZVLliirHkir6zKUj7mbF3sLCUg_qdSQuMDSODWdf3Fuk4Mk-9W7SrfFynVkvzKG8a8grFlR8TIbU/s640/2017_fiat_124_spider_2.jpg" title="Photo from Fiat" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 Fiat 124 Spider</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for me, if I had to choose from the two, I would have gone with the MX-5, the original, over the standard Fiat 124 Spider.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sHo8wOeKyikf3sRh-5r5HRLePZ3m6xP8Sc3RNFS7sPHIXmmaDXdCtDVYzx-DLmQ3ptNKgZGAKBQ01yaR-VDFvw7zf5uLB7l9DGFhz5otd_-Gpg_6uurg-AlFE8Zod6kwteZCMteedHg/s1600/fiat_124_mazda_mx_5_reflection-1123-750x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sHo8wOeKyikf3sRh-5r5HRLePZ3m6xP8Sc3RNFS7sPHIXmmaDXdCtDVYzx-DLmQ3ptNKgZGAKBQ01yaR-VDFvw7zf5uLB7l9DGFhz5otd_-Gpg_6uurg-AlFE8Zod6kwteZCMteedHg/s640/fiat_124_mazda_mx_5_reflection-1123-750x400.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mazda MX-5 vs Fiat 124 Spider</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Noticed I wrote "<strong>Standard</strong>"? That's because a few months after the 124 Spider launch, Fiat showed official photos of the <strong>Abarth 124 Spider</strong>. And that changed the dynamics. Oh, and in-case you didn't know, the "Abarth" name is synonymous with sportier Fiat models. </span><strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></strong><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4SPnNWpcRHU3yGUH4xxZRecS8naxdMZ-MoG35v9UtP_UjeIDrNjhd7DtUu3O63xxr5icIxh4M3tdVOCLNC8QO3Ui2kONOXv2gdpnhORyP1ww3o5yibee59YQmlGsxa4F2MOOh0rqw9I/s1600/160301_Abarth_124_spider_01_slider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA4SPnNWpcRHU3yGUH4xxZRecS8naxdMZ-MoG35v9UtP_UjeIDrNjhd7DtUu3O63xxr5icIxh4M3tdVOCLNC8QO3Ui2kONOXv2gdpnhORyP1ww3o5yibee59YQmlGsxa4F2MOOh0rqw9I/s640/160301_Abarth_124_spider_01_slider.jpg" title="The unmistakeably 70’s Abarth 124 Spider paint scheme, matched with elegantly aggressive bumpers and stylish wheels, makes this one fine looking Italian." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2107 Abarth 124 Spider</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Abarth 124 Spider</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With the Abarth 124 Spider's more aggressive front and rear bumper treatments, and paint scheme [<em>playing homage to the 70's model</em>], it improved what I didn't particularly like about the Fiat 124 Spider. The Abarth model even made white paint look good. I thought it balanced the contemporary aggressive and elegant look very well.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFsyy97BB7ietqnAHl7WMTBu_kvcNwOXneUO53DB2w-UAsWKSS8idcWii-L3sWJiq0IC-vTTMGd3oiLZaJduZWuA1Xj2QbYgHzpreeN1dIO1GmaxGe3BHRxoTUpTWK8BmBnKHs1sKByI/s1600/fiat_abarth_124_spider_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFsyy97BB7ietqnAHl7WMTBu_kvcNwOXneUO53DB2w-UAsWKSS8idcWii-L3sWJiq0IC-vTTMGd3oiLZaJduZWuA1Xj2QbYgHzpreeN1dIO1GmaxGe3BHRxoTUpTWK8BmBnKHs1sKByI/s640/fiat_abarth_124_spider_6.jpg" title="Fiat did an excellent job in adding some aggression into the car without ruining it's elegance." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the rear bumper treatment and side skirts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I haven't sat-in or driven the Abarth 124 Spider yet as it hasn't been released in this country. But from what I've read and watched from overseas reviews, the performance isn't that much better than the standard 124 Spider (119kw vs 126kw) or the MX-5 (118kw), but the sound of the exhaust… it's music to car enthusiasts everywhere.</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjO3-bhDI-ChGJ4f_tLppiUVTxgaZZa_fmG0YOk5KkjOeuaaXhF6ziv_4Cald28u6im-yZNOlnIB98CmfU_t3HdsQn-UyLjDgIbF8zxvNARi3DH5HsrFGCC8Lws5-c7-HA7OUhowRlfbE/s1600/Abarth-124-spider-heritage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjO3-bhDI-ChGJ4f_tLppiUVTxgaZZa_fmG0YOk5KkjOeuaaXhF6ziv_4Cald28u6im-yZNOlnIB98CmfU_t3HdsQn-UyLjDgIbF8zxvNARi3DH5HsrFGCC8Lws5-c7-HA7OUhowRlfbE/s640/Abarth-124-spider-heritage.jpg" title="The new kid on the block with the original 70s Abarth 124 Spider" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abarth 124 Spider Heritage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I see the Abarth 124 Spider as an MX-5 with a very stylish Italian suit. An MX-5 with an Italian Flair.</span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5ScBr2p8GX_gClFlLexWXm7Kg8ZuwgslomBcSjOjWnnDlwhva2m2aqjjRPc4_9lyHbYTytj6tcOAP1L3w88HMtGIHUv3ZUq4w5zhSNN2u9F_ny_wfrIdG_L0Q7_m_Xnt8Kd4MD0lyXw/s1600/Mini_John_Cooper_Works_GP_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5ScBr2p8GX_gClFlLexWXm7Kg8ZuwgslomBcSjOjWnnDlwhva2m2aqjjRPc4_9lyHbYTytj6tcOAP1L3w88HMtGIHUv3ZUq4w5zhSNN2u9F_ny_wfrIdG_L0Q7_m_Xnt8Kd4MD0lyXw/s320/Mini_John_Cooper_Works_GP_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini John Cooper Works [JCW] </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can understand Mazda's dilemma about the MX-5. After all the MX-5 is an automotive icon. And you don't want to be known as the person who screwed up an icon. Nor do anyone want to change a winning formula. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But icons that do not innovate, or move with the times, or provide what their fans/buyers are asking, can become irrelevant in the marketplace. Look at the original Mini or VW Beetle. <strong></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>BMW</strong> had to re-invent the <strong>Mini</strong> to suit the modern world and appeal to today's buyers' tastes. And it worked. The Mini had a resurgent in popularity. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes. And it's global sales success is proof.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In addition, MX-5 enthusiasts from every corner of the globe have been asking, even begging, for Mazda to release a performance version of the car. What we enthusiast are asking for is not to redesign the entire car, but simply to release a version with higher levels of performance. A sportier version in addition to the standard models. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Keep the standard model for the purist or to have an affordable entry price point, but release a super sports version to those wanting more performance. Mini has the Cooper S / JCW editions. Why can't the MX-5 have an MPS or Mazdaspeed version?</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_SVgh_51Isyag9JlHScKLM8oWDr-usfv0NV2i2_p_8bvHWa5qPcVL1EQbOeUvM8SB_17NAfdX8tr2E1kLx9Hu1WZ49Orvl3tSLrHrUOSwZUtlkXo4vmRDZ3U-xYoCtJ7yA7LSk6Xekc/s1600/2016-porsche-911-gt3-rs-parked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_SVgh_51Isyag9JlHScKLM8oWDr-usfv0NV2i2_p_8bvHWa5qPcVL1EQbOeUvM8SB_17NAfdX8tr2E1kLx9Hu1WZ49Orvl3tSLrHrUOSwZUtlkXo4vmRDZ3U-xYoCtJ7yA7LSk6Xekc/s320/2016-porsche-911-gt3-rs-parked.jpg" title="I want one! A [991] GT3 RS." width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2015 Porsche GT3 RS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speaking of automotive icons, nothing is more iconic than the <strong>Porsche 911</strong>. The undisputed most iconic sports car ever. <strong>PERIOD!</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yet, even Porsche regularly releases hyper-sports versions of their 911 [<em>eg. GT3 & GT3 RS</em>]. And you'd hardly call a base 911 lacking in performance would you now? But there is a market for higher performing Porsches. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The same goes for Ferraris with their <strong>"<em>Speciale</em>"</strong> and Lamborghinis with their <strong>"<em>SV or SuperVeloce</em>"</strong> editions. As for a super MX-5...I feel there is a ready market waiting to paunch if made available. As Kevin Costner found out in the movie "<strong><em>Field of Dreams</em></strong>", "<em>Build it and they will come</em>". In the MX-5's case, "<em>Build it and they will sell</em>". If only Mazda has the nerve to build it.</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOd5NvzbMWihch92AsVKMfUX1kXuqT5hNWnAqLgy3RBsjXJzQdYS5KDzYi5A11AfBh_64ehlfNHBnlxJwM6KU0UctDGS8cluir2t4w6Gh3ov_2C-t4wOo0MMn6-54S5FJt46JwwjhhQLA/s1600/458+Speciale+vs+Adventador+SV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOd5NvzbMWihch92AsVKMfUX1kXuqT5hNWnAqLgy3RBsjXJzQdYS5KDzYi5A11AfBh_64ehlfNHBnlxJwM6KU0UctDGS8cluir2t4w6Gh3ov_2C-t4wOo0MMn6-54S5FJt46JwwjhhQLA/s640/458+Speciale+vs+Adventador+SV.jpg" title="More potent versions of already potent supercars. And highly sought after collectors cars." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferrari 458 Speciale & Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So this brings me to the question of... Would the impending release of the Abarth 124 Spider finally motivate Mazda to up the ante and endow the MX-5 with a more powerful engine and aggressive sportier styling? I really hope so.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaXFdksJEVkg17sAiTNCPrzjxMMCJUo0UEaCGhhUmTOlDnR66lwGIGpiV_twNhlfUCdtySdhlUQr7HEMyjnrE0AIM1mhvE5_QijN308Z514VjSv8lGd-iCVnBPqPhQJXb-nFaijfcahY/s1600/2017_abarth_124_spider_overseas_09-0608-930x584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaXFdksJEVkg17sAiTNCPrzjxMMCJUo0UEaCGhhUmTOlDnR66lwGIGpiV_twNhlfUCdtySdhlUQr7HEMyjnrE0AIM1mhvE5_QijN308Z514VjSv8lGd-iCVnBPqPhQJXb-nFaijfcahY/s640/2017_abarth_124_spider_overseas_09-0608-930x584.jpg" title="Two face roadster." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abarth 124 Spider or Mazda MX-5?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'Coz if you ask me now, on which model I would buy today, [<em>and my decision was a surprise even to me</em>] I will be heading towards the Fiat dealership and placing a deposit on the Abarth 124 Spider. And sadly I'm not the only one.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sorry Mazda.</span><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01378965288604257395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1250355052087657275.post-41732797149364774222016-06-13T12:05:00.000+10:002016-06-13T15:50:36.609+10:00Losing an Icon – MV Sygna Shipwreck<style>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The recent severe east coast storms in Australia has
finally claimed the last remnant of the Sygna shipwreck from Stockton Beach.</span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXjrk07i7gEIUdKh5dsTPLbhgN3SjNQ4JoGtJ2PUVpRQ-iOR0AHrL4w-DOWVlzwsrUwh9gAZAEz1lWyhaW8kCXljGU4WR-9wt0bzlSIPxCbFv8cYT2_Spa5yY6lIvdvU6WLxTbGf4Yq0/s1600/Sygna-shipwreck-on-Stockton-Beach-Australia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXjrk07i7gEIUdKh5dsTPLbhgN3SjNQ4JoGtJ2PUVpRQ-iOR0AHrL4w-DOWVlzwsrUwh9gAZAEz1lWyhaW8kCXljGU4WR-9wt0bzlSIPxCbFv8cYT2_Spa5yY6lIvdvU6WLxTbGf4Yq0/s640/Sygna-shipwreck-on-Stockton-Beach-Australia.jpg" title="Photo by brentbat" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sygna Shipwreck @ Stockton Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The iconic shipwreck at Stockton Beach – <i>MV Sygna</i> – has finally
succumbed to decades of storm weather, waves, salt water and corrosion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Sygna is no more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In 1974, the <b><i>MV Sygna</i></b>, a 58,000 tonne Norwegian bulk carrier
was blown ashore at Stockton Beach by strong winds on its maiden voyage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">A</span>ll attempts to recover the ship failed. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And<span style="font-family: inherit;"> th</span></span>e constant pounding of the seas broke the vessel in two.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsoXUInKfusdVZ83SiZI_CdgvCr-x1FuQlRS3mshAvXOtcaFo3-wwZkU8Ind-1sVOjHm09KgvifVP_pF0oUvLPg0ki1fp5DkU-Jn5_VSn5DhUxVpj2CrYbmggYD_S-ZOW9XtRSQjYVIM/s1600/Sygna%252C+Stockton+Beach%252C+NSW%252C+May+1974_CoalandCommunity.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsoXUInKfusdVZ83SiZI_CdgvCr-x1FuQlRS3mshAvXOtcaFo3-wwZkU8Ind-1sVOjHm09KgvifVP_pF0oUvLPg0ki1fp5DkU-Jn5_VSn5DhUxVpj2CrYbmggYD_S-ZOW9XtRSQjYVIM/s640/Sygna%252C+Stockton+Beach%252C+NSW%252C+May+1974_CoalandCommunity.com.jpg" title="Locals tried to secure the vessel, but as seen in this photo, the hull has started to buckle. This was the beginning of the end for the Sygna [Photo from coalandcommunity.com]" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stockton Beach 1974</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">In the end, most of Sygna's hull, forward of the superstructure was towed away and sold for scrap metal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The heavier [<i>fully stuck</i>] aft section with the superstructure was left behind [<i>minus many of its internal components</i>], where it
stayed for over 42 years slowly corroding away and reclaimed by Poseidon. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokEpcCBw-U5vCCqpFKc6gOpaqcWLDgKZgQDN1gIN7vLf0Ymy3uysGOWdon8jYlBfleLgGb2FmI5xehi6wn2DlczL_HhyphenhyphenW5SllZXfV_vlfx-dZtUATF_zJah0L6cVRrMOv-CY4BNCdMzU/s1600/19---sygna-defence.gov.au.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokEpcCBw-U5vCCqpFKc6gOpaqcWLDgKZgQDN1gIN7vLf0Ymy3uysGOWdon8jYlBfleLgGb2FmI5xehi6wn2DlczL_HhyphenhyphenW5SllZXfV_vlfx-dZtUATF_zJah0L6cVRrMOv-CY4BNCdMzU/s640/19---sygna-defence.gov.au.jpg" title="Photo from defence.gov.au" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MV Sygna prior to the hull separation</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggVqXUY1sjTI8bNA5S0UNSCpTnUWHekYSeDM0bgOAlGqu5k2Wfhsp236cftRmDIdwTZjx6mKaP_4Lput-nvvU7mhgg5jswLXARIXVXwwhpbmZefygiPrgUle3MUXDtKgZmOtuUhUGNC8/s1600/Sygna-1974-abc.net.au.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggVqXUY1sjTI8bNA5S0UNSCpTnUWHekYSeDM0bgOAlGqu5k2Wfhsp236cftRmDIdwTZjx6mKaP_4Lput-nvvU7mhgg5jswLXARIXVXwwhpbmZefygiPrgUle3MUXDtKgZmOtuUhUGNC8/s640/Sygna-1974-abc.net.au.jpg" title="Photo from abc.net.au" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hull has buckled but not yet breached - 1974</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2QRmhIeyQQUf-OHa9UJIFBiBkN0a9gdpcYajJXWz1JMk9Ma_oz1Al4YA3BeSxr5i76LW2zm2obLadunZQ6WIaogccB7xHK7sEamS6o2NtjTgB6vJWrWEh26nj2YAS6YjG7wLOUN6hTg/s1600/sygna1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2QRmhIeyQQUf-OHa9UJIFBiBkN0a9gdpcYajJXWz1JMk9Ma_oz1Al4YA3BeSxr5i76LW2zm2obLadunZQ6WIaogccB7xHK7sEamS6o2NtjTgB6vJWrWEh26nj2YAS6YjG7wLOUN6hTg/s640/sygna1.jpg" title="Photo from unknown internet source" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sygna as it broke in two - 1974</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTxc6qsbaQkvKfhMLBPnDai-FEn6wciRXNO60wup0Wbp95k7pmvpNmerROiYmEJld7pxoC8WbH3odiDFLfN18b5CCZfcTMO0rnW8z679u0TSJ-UzkVZIoJdUtMHVd_2CNSmYjuAdSOhs/s1600/MV+Sygna+-+1974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTxc6qsbaQkvKfhMLBPnDai-FEn6wciRXNO60wup0Wbp95k7pmvpNmerROiYmEJld7pxoC8WbH3odiDFLfN18b5CCZfcTMO0rnW8z679u0TSJ-UzkVZIoJdUtMHVd_2CNSmYjuAdSOhs/s400/MV+Sygna+-+1974.jpg" title="The hull has fully breached in this photo." width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MV Sygna 1974</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I grew up in <b>Port Stephens </b>[<i>Nelson Bay</i>], and for as long as I can
remember, the Sygna has been a part of the landscape of the Southern end of
Stockton Beach.<br />
<br />
And it’s almost a rite
of passage for us locals growing up in the area to either 4WD, trail-bike or
buggy ride Stockton Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was
certainly the case with my friends and I.<br />
<br />
This inevitably lead to countless photos taken of us and our vehicles in
front of this iconic local shipwreck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
The
last photo taken by me was the end of the last decade on my last capable
vehicle to tackle Stockton Beach - <i>a <b>Mitsubishi Pajero</b></i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwqbvCZJEo3ib_R0glYeRMSDNSBTewckXSeE2fRt4cW7Rr-ban9UiFZHN2apKyEQCxqwicacY38JkKSa-Tn3SThlFVcnhiKMBO6aT7sSW4VDJ4vpCmh1bL3tslEnLfJA4N9WWSjSkwb4/s1600/Pajero+Sygna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwqbvCZJEo3ib_R0glYeRMSDNSBTewckXSeE2fRt4cW7Rr-ban9UiFZHN2apKyEQCxqwicacY38JkKSa-Tn3SThlFVcnhiKMBO6aT7sSW4VDJ4vpCmh1bL3tslEnLfJA4N9WWSjSkwb4/s640/Pajero+Sygna.jpg" title="This was the last photo I've taken of the Sygna. Since moving on from my Pajero, I've not had a vehicle capable of travelling on the dunes." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mitsubishi Pajero at Sygna Shipwreck in 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
At the time of the Sygna grounding in 1974, I was just a baby. But for as far as I can remember, way before anyone
even thought about starting a 4WD tour business and making it a sightseeing tour
destination, us locals have been visiting it regularly ever since.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We’d usually enter Stockton Beach at the Northern end at
Birubi Point, Anna Bay, then drive over an hour the 25 odd kilometers to the
Sygna shipwreck site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The site was
always our main stop and turn around point to return, usually back from where
we came from, or vehicle dependent [<i>whether on road legal car etc</i>] cheat slightly
and exit at the Williamtown end via Lavis Lane.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYziv6f4MPPS-tqzKj-6a1LPqSmNDGVTPGFnvbahhm8qd5tFIxcuR0v8w6e61z8GrDrSVPynwD0NetD5k3_3iDpni5Tp-aInEA7dNL2hwPoPMevfCfgLWk4dAPkyVoj1fQ0bISRXlUXA/s1600/MV+Sygna+Shipwreck+Map+ZO.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYziv6f4MPPS-tqzKj-6a1LPqSmNDGVTPGFnvbahhm8qd5tFIxcuR0v8w6e61z8GrDrSVPynwD0NetD5k3_3iDpni5Tp-aInEA7dNL2hwPoPMevfCfgLWk4dAPkyVoj1fQ0bISRXlUXA/s640/MV+Sygna+Shipwreck+Map+ZO.tiff" title="The top side [North] of Stockton Beach in this photo is Birubi Point, Anna Bay where we usually enter the Beach. And occassionally exit at the Williamtown exit via Lavis Lane near where the Sygna is located." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google Maps Aerial view of Stockton Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l_AQFVGHQzULsE1nGtqXJtGahNycjnf1JI-Du0_ZhgamjeFtcJ2hHiSEbqcq1dMULDHtGo_UdCeeXF9j7ALVMkbNws1v02qMG_jzMwtOwO6uSd3c6r-lB2m-SjSu5wVLRF6kUiB1Ggs/s1600/Sygna-2010-above-australia.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l_AQFVGHQzULsE1nGtqXJtGahNycjnf1JI-Du0_ZhgamjeFtcJ2hHiSEbqcq1dMULDHtGo_UdCeeXF9j7ALVMkbNws1v02qMG_jzMwtOwO6uSd3c6r-lB2m-SjSu5wVLRF6kUiB1Ggs/s320/Sygna-2010-above-australia.com.jpg" title="Gone in this photo the last remaining room from the superstructure [Photo from above-australia.com]" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sygna -2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But in the last decade or two, it was obvious the Sygna is
slowly fading away.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Beyond the initial breaching of the ship, followed by its hull separation in 1974, the second biggest
event to happen to the Sygna in my opinion was when the main structure top
storey collapse onto the deck. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Significantly
lessening the silhouette the Sygna made above the waterline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
But now it seems her stubbornness against mother
nature has finally been lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
RIP MV Sygna, you will be missed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPROT552pK8QN-stCg6OL5aA_ZmhxESXnueVH5pkrlIGo-b-kr8Y4FdSK-YDHtXDKdEJnoB78IVjLs7bJ5y8npbdaoLPf092LvUuB2TKWUM9zfhQKnvQoW-gaJNGYxIRBthBTCQvQRts/s1600/Sygna_Shipwreck_1984_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPROT552pK8QN-stCg6OL5aA_ZmhxESXnueVH5pkrlIGo-b-kr8Y4FdSK-YDHtXDKdEJnoB78IVjLs7bJ5y8npbdaoLPf092LvUuB2TKWUM9zfhQKnvQoW-gaJNGYxIRBthBTCQvQRts/s640/Sygna_Shipwreck_1984_002.jpg" title="Photo from Wikipedia" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sygna in 1984</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMV8yhLfjkcFH7YRx0O_XNTAXOrPQqfWx7oMNUD1qOGXc7o3HjFg2J0W0EEcume-idaumAFbzt0MIpjV4jsBYlvdvN97W5wxoXgvwUqa3vKx4luRiE5tof-8psRHXTsn3Par21sm3MtQ/s1600/Sygna2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMV8yhLfjkcFH7YRx0O_XNTAXOrPQqfWx7oMNUD1qOGXc7o3HjFg2J0W0EEcume-idaumAFbzt0MIpjV4jsBYlvdvN97W5wxoXgvwUqa3vKx4luRiE5tof-8psRHXTsn3Par21sm3MtQ/s640/Sygna2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sygna in 2005</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01378965288604257395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1250355052087657275.post-48832752651963086682016-05-06T23:39:00.000+10:002016-05-07T09:52:59.157+10:00NSW Historic Vehicle Registration & Insurance<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Do you have a classic, or a future classic car sitting in the garage? Are you one these owners who only drive their pride and joy on sunny days? If so, you might be interested to know there are alternative registration and insurance options for these type of vehicle and/or use for residence of NSW.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
Being a car enthusiast is an expensive hobby. There is always that new and shiny part(s) to get, and in case of old vintage cars, something to fix. So if you can save money from your yearly registration and insurance premiums, more goes into the parts kitty.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukH0YBdxHgRSqZgHC9plMzv_LXRK9T-_uVhkeocXKjCBzfWdieCnd5Uc1XOKtvw76-zvkELs8E-GwbWXWYYonTxz7rg_VxTGRoEig21dReNTv0PIzSEGCtMRVRCtD0qIJnFm9d6lXwEw/s1600/Datsun+240z+Orange+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukH0YBdxHgRSqZgHC9plMzv_LXRK9T-_uVhkeocXKjCBzfWdieCnd5Uc1XOKtvw76-zvkELs8E-GwbWXWYYonTxz7rg_VxTGRoEig21dReNTv0PIzSEGCtMRVRCtD0qIJnFm9d6lXwEw/s320/Datsun+240z+Orange+2.jpg" title="Also known as the Datsun Fairlady in Japan" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1971 Datsun 240z</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In this blog I'll cover some of the key points to determine if the Historic Vehicle Scheme [HVS] from the Roads and Maritime Services [RMS] in NSW is something that will suit your registration needs.<br />
<br />
I also contacted two insurance companies to use as examples of historic or classic insurance options for your toy.<br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Historic Vehicle Registration</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><strong>What is HVS?</strong></span><br />
The Roads & Maritime Historic Vehicle Registration is an alternative registration scheme for historical, vintage, veteran and classic vehicles.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><strong>Why HVS?</strong></span><br />
Simple, to save money in yearly registration cost. But I see HVS suitable only for unmodified vehicles driven on club sponsored events.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><strong>Eligibility</strong></span><br />
<ul>
<li>Historic vehicles must be <strong><em>30 years of age or older</em></strong> from the year of manufacture</li>
<li>The registered owner must be a member of a <a href="http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/registration/get-nsw-registration/vehicle-sheets/historic-vehicle-clubs.pdf" target="_blank">Roads and Maritime Services [RMS] recognised historic vehicle club</a></li>
<li>Historic vehicles must be as close to original condition as possible, with <strong>NO</strong> alterations except safety features, or period accessories and options</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><strong>How to Register</strong></span></div>
<div>
You must attend a registry or service centre in person and present:</div>
<ul>
<li>A completed <a href="http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/about/forms/45070939-conditional-reg.pdf" target="_blank">Application for Conditional Registration</a> form</li>
<li>The usual proof of identity</li>
<li><a href="http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/registration/get-nsw-registration/proof-entitlement.html" target="_blank">Proof of vehicle registration entitlements/ownership</a></li>
<li>A completed <a href="http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/about/forms/45070967-historic-vehicle-declaration.pdf" target="_blank">Historic Vehicle Declaration</a> form - signed by an official of a recognised and participating historic vehicle club.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAQ1zGxl5qfTATScseCsevLKVTF3l4Vi_vepjsFkZsLYUALq8HsHd2TOBA0XTj92rDfJEOhuzOYM__W76dC08_sEYfBoEkBO20sh8bIQo7Q5a2DSUhW6tTieIpf6DSoYysuy7O4McCMw/s1600/Porsche+911+RS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAQ1zGxl5qfTATScseCsevLKVTF3l4Vi_vepjsFkZsLYUALq8HsHd2TOBA0XTj92rDfJEOhuzOYM__W76dC08_sEYfBoEkBO20sh8bIQo7Q5a2DSUhW6tTieIpf6DSoYysuy7O4McCMw/s640/Porsche+911+RS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<strong><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Vehicle Use</span></strong><br />
Historic vehicles can be used for events organised by RMS recognised historic vehicle clubs or community organisations, provided an official invitation has been received and recorded by the club in the official minutes.<br />
<br />
<div>
Historic vehicles can also be used on a road or road related area for:</div>
<ul>
<li>Servicing within a short distance from their place of garaging
</li>
<li>The inspection of the vehicle</li>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
If a longer journey is necessary, the operator must notify the club and the details recorded by the club in the official minutes or 'Day Book'.<br />
<br />
Historic vehicles must display conditional registration number plates and a current registration label.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgachceBr3ZeyMCYI2TcQXZLXd2eCVCCxDAyyjligrUWUaHXtBvCEleKRaIfJoA7_CqwoktoF9EAO5e19qxnnuRqmiaqQwObHsqDjFHGwuYWlnQtXjcfgS47ZVGk3HpekV0ykQvDIH9V20/s1600/Thurderbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgachceBr3ZeyMCYI2TcQXZLXd2eCVCCxDAyyjligrUWUaHXtBvCEleKRaIfJoA7_CqwoktoF9EAO5e19qxnnuRqmiaqQwObHsqDjFHGwuYWlnQtXjcfgS47ZVGk3HpekV0ykQvDIH9V20/s320/Thurderbird.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1950s Ford Thunderbird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
NSW historic vehicles may be used temporarily in other States and Territories, under the same conditions as apply in NSW<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><strong>Conditions</strong></span><br />
<div>
Historic vehicles under the HVS may be operated on roads and road-related areas only under the following conditions:</div>
<ul>
<li>Registered operator must be a member of an authorised motoring club</li>
<li>Use only in conjunction with an authorised club event or maintenance</li>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The name of the vehicle owner's club is also recorded as a special condition. If the registered owner belongs to more than one club, the name of the primary club or other clubs may be recorded as a special condition as requested.</div>
<br />
For more information, visit the <a href="http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/registration/get-nsw-registration/historic-vehicles/index.html" target="_blank">RMS HVS website</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong>Historic [or Limited Use] Vehicle Insurance</strong></span><br />
<br />
It's not only on the yearly registration fee where you can save money. If you seldom use your vehicle or used only during car club activities and events, then you could be eligible for the Vintage, Veteran and Classic vehicle or Limited insurance.<br />
<br />
Most insurance companies offer lower yearly premiums and better conditions under these insurance plans.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK88c3lcmBoLhGdf6VIarPungQRIUG5o8OWgQXOW6IRVOOVwnJp89IsuoeMr2Y_4iG-AoMxuDxvq7IEFOuAOV23vK1eDRU1a8-v1JHsBP7Vzls6B3pgH6a9XPqD0E6hh-vGd8-gMywaIE/s1600/Insurance+Co+Logos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK88c3lcmBoLhGdf6VIarPungQRIUG5o8OWgQXOW6IRVOOVwnJp89IsuoeMr2Y_4iG-AoMxuDxvq7IEFOuAOV23vK1eDRU1a8-v1JHsBP7Vzls6B3pgH6a9XPqD0E6hh-vGd8-gMywaIE/s640/Insurance+Co+Logos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
To use as examples in this blog, I've contacted the <a href="http://www.nrma.com.au/" target="_blank">NRMA</a> and <a href="https://www.shannons.com.au/" target="_blank">Shannons</a>. Both offer various insurance options for your vehicle. But to my surprise, there are options for your pride and joy even it's a brand new vehicle.<br />
<br />
In the case of NRMA, you can insure your vehicle under their <strong>'<em>Classic Insurance'</em></strong> plan if the vehicle is 15 years or older.<br />
<br />
With Shannons, they offer three options, two of which do not have any vehicle age minimum requirements.<br />
<br />
I used my <strong>1994 Mazda MX-5 Clubman</strong> as the vehicle in this exercise.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPw6WrlpP4JiQLCZWuVwQ-0Zrb6LGTDoh0in5HN0SaI01R5Szt_hX4qe3iJqSVrDO6Pds5L9YKcTg2Vs5MnZS9VQhfFlRXRG7aoFxR6ecKLx8c8unC6LygyUzUFy6dERnpGve9Dw6cX0/s1600/1994+MX-5+Red+NA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPw6WrlpP4JiQLCZWuVwQ-0Zrb6LGTDoh0in5HN0SaI01R5Szt_hX4qe3iJqSVrDO6Pds5L9YKcTg2Vs5MnZS9VQhfFlRXRG7aoFxR6ecKLx8c8unC6LygyUzUFy6dERnpGve9Dw6cX0/s320/1994+MX-5+Red+NA.jpg" title="1994 Mazda MX-5 NA Series" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mazda MX-5 [NA]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong>Date:</strong> May 2016<br />
<strong>Vehicle:</strong> 1994 MX-5 Clubman with factory hard top<br />
<strong>Condition:</strong> Very good condition and stock (apart for a fire extinguisher and front strut tower bar)<br />
<strong>Garage @:</strong> NSW Central Coast<br />
<strong>Insurance Rating:</strong> Maximum No-Claim Bonus<br />
Here are the result of from both insurance companies. One of them might just suit your needs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWydjLMSD52ub-zqec2il1o_ljTmbSqILLna6TbDq9bAndtZe-JTBZWeXaVs4ygoqdtRu5WyAcgzjP_OTwKWY318hekALJaqRKZUKahPXyroPabgaoeQwcdZSg7CCVdUrfpsFO7lMQSfA/s1600/Insurance+Table.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWydjLMSD52ub-zqec2il1o_ljTmbSqILLna6TbDq9bAndtZe-JTBZWeXaVs4ygoqdtRu5WyAcgzjP_OTwKWY318hekALJaqRKZUKahPXyroPabgaoeQwcdZSg7CCVdUrfpsFO7lMQSfA/s640/Insurance+Table.JPG" title="This table shows the difference between 'General' insurace to a 'Classic' or 'Historic' insurance plans" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Examples of Classic & Vintage Insurance Plans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As shown on the table above, other than the <strong>'<em>Historic</em>'</strong> plan from Shannons, and to a certain extent the NRMA’s <strong>'<em>Classic</em>'</strong> plan, the 'Limited' and 'Extreme Limited' can be considered as insurance options for any car regardless of age.<br />
<br />
Sources: RMS, NRMA & Shannons<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri"; font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "calibri"; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01378965288604257395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1250355052087657275.post-35086456067817495102016-04-15T16:10:00.000+10:002016-04-18T20:00:33.365+10:00The Changing Status of the Humble Ute<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There is no denying utes in Australia have become mainstream. Once only frequently seen on farms, mines, far-away country towns or the outback, now they're part of the everyday motoring landscapes of our cities.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02ebO8wWFLr_RF-MlighiB6keHDMiyMUwsQbju8jqASAfqL_4CyKsYakMI0TLOGD7fDBvccT9mQ0yMPrNM72lFWOfSxafOnLgLHznfBduwCJIn_TThyphenhyphenrK77YqUMzloLTpvamJIvdtIBc/s1600/2015-eight-way-dual-cab-ute-comparison-58-caradvice.com.au.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02ebO8wWFLr_RF-MlighiB6keHDMiyMUwsQbju8jqASAfqL_4CyKsYakMI0TLOGD7fDBvccT9mQ0yMPrNM72lFWOfSxafOnLgLHznfBduwCJIn_TThyphenhyphenrK77YqUMzloLTpvamJIvdtIBc/s640/2015-eight-way-dual-cab-ute-comparison-58-caradvice.com.au.jpg" title="Photo from caradvice.com.au - 2015 8-way dual cab ute comparison" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Examples of Dual Cab utes available in this country</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Utes have gone from a tradie's best friend, a farmer's workhorse to a trendy all round motor vehicle for adventure loving city dwellers. Dwellers who dream of tackling something more challenging than a shopping centre speed bump on weekends. Whether they actually end up doing it is another matter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And with increased appeal to a wider demographics, demands from 4WD ute also widened beyond its traditional versatility, high ride height, and rugged go anywhere capability. Many wanted more refinement, sophistication, and comfort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some manufacturers heard this loud and clear, and wasted no time expanding their offerings to cater to this new taste, and created the "<b>Luxury Ute</b>" Market.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The "<b>Ute</b>" had a humble beginning. It is said, in 1932 a farmer's wife in Victoria wrote a letter to Ford Australia asking for a vehicle she can use to go to church on Sundays, and able to carry their pigs to market on Mondays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The result is a model released two years later called the "<b>Ford Coupe Utility</b>".</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7aZh-jTHFSoYVDknizvthuiKlHGFLCqy1H9Xma8mxyDvmhTKqoYdRIpNesM7cGNqlde_Kt-Bms_FjkvmubLHvrhJxqx5Vrofy-SQJYbqmUZoEKzc_hpSoIyP_nxSPAXN2FAp1EnP8ik/s1600/2014_02_26_ford_ute_80th_anniversary_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7aZh-jTHFSoYVDknizvthuiKlHGFLCqy1H9Xma8mxyDvmhTKqoYdRIpNesM7cGNqlde_Kt-Bms_FjkvmubLHvrhJxqx5Vrofy-SQJYbqmUZoEKzc_hpSoIyP_nxSPAXN2FAp1EnP8ik/s640/2014_02_26_ford_ute_80th_anniversary_05.jpg" title="The father of the Australian ute" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1934 Ford Coupe Utility</td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>PURE LUXURY</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It would have been hard to imagine as little as 15 years ago [<i>let alone in 1934</i>] associating wor<span style="font-family: inherit;">d</span>s like 'luxury', 'so<span style="font-family: inherit;">phisticated<span style="font-family: inherit;">'</span></span> and <span style="font-family: inherit;">'comfort' </span>in describing a ute.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fast forward to 2016, nearly gone are the basic instrument panels and <span style="font-family: inherit;">ho<span style="font-family: inherit;">se<span style="font-family: inherit;">-out</span></span></span> vinyl clad interiors. Replaced with high end cloth or leather upholstery, car like instrument clusters with soft-touch interior surfaces. Truck like road handling are progressively giving way to a more car like refinement, yet still able to carry a one tonne load [<i>or pigs</i>] and tackle roads beyo<span style="font-family: inherit;">nd </span>the bitumen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Utes in general have always been built tough. But with their mainstream popularity, their built quality and safety had to dramatically improve. Motoring journalist have even changed the way they road test 4WD utes today. Where once it was all about its off-road prowess, g<span style="font-family: inherit;">rou</span>nd clearance, ruggedness,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>toughness, deep water fording and rock crawling capabilities… to now commonly include fit and finish, lack of squeaks and rattles, and a quiet rid<span style="font-family: inherit;">e</span>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Safety in utes have never been as good as they do now. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Equi<span style="font-family: inherit;">p<span style="font-family: inherit;">ped </span></span></span>with ABS, ESC, and multiple front and curtain airbags. Most are<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Five-Star ANCAP <span style="font-family: inherit;">safety rat<span style="font-family: inherit;">ed</span></span>. </span>They have safety to rival most cars. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The only area where a <span style="font-family: inherit;">one</span> tonne ute still lag behind a comparable sedan is in handling. Understandable considering the suspension setup<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - o</span>ne is designed to safely carry heavy loads on various terrain, and the other to tackle<span style="font-family: inherit;"> tarmac with </span>confidence.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIU0fFfWzpjY8NWloVxgVGIfqqrVQTCv7X8N9gYEg1xWIFMmdEDUT0HKFE5QkDFOtEPCrnjkmkkpypCFCuu06HQQuEURlJgnIQNq64Y0vqIUp7miD3lJ6vIeHpe33lmxBbsHtfvzLjfFA/s1600/FordWildtrak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIU0fFfWzpjY8NWloVxgVGIfqqrVQTCv7X8N9gYEg1xWIFMmdEDUT0HKFE5QkDFOtEPCrnjkmkkpypCFCuu06HQQuEURlJgnIQNq64Y0vqIUp7miD3lJ6vIeHpe33lmxBbsHtfvzLjfFA/s320/FordWildtrak.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ford Ranger Wildtrak</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Its vast appeal to a wider audience have seen utes offered with the most model variation in any class. <span style="font-family: inherit;">S<span style="font-family: inherit;">tarting from </span></span>single cab 2WDs to bells and whistles dual cab 4WD models [<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">ie.</span> Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Toyota Hilux SR5, Volkswagen Ultimate</i>].</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The numbers done lie. The ute is now the third largest selling segment in Australia (<i>behind small cars and SUVs</i>). The <b>Toyota Hilux</b> - the best-selling ute in Australia for over three decades - has consistently been in the top three new car sales list in the past five years. For a couple of months last year [<i>2015</i>], it even managed to <span style="font-family: inherit;">be </span>the best-selling new vehicle sold in Australia - PERIOD.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And the Hilux is not alone. Fast on its heels is the <b>Ford Ranger</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - a</span>n<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>excellent and worthy challenger. Since the introduction of the previous Ranger model, it has stalked the Hilux like a <span style="font-family: inherit;">bad smell</span> for the title of the best-selling ute in this country. Based on yearly total sales, the Hilux still has this title - for now at least. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These two are accompanied by worthy rivals from: Mitsubishi [<i>Triton</i>]; Holden [<i>Colorado</i>]; Nissan [<i>Navara</i>]; Isuzu [<i>D-Max</i>]; Mazda [<i>BT-50</i>]; Volkswagen [<i>Amarok</i>]. And more rivals in this segment are scheduled to join in the next few years.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>MORE CHOICES</b></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr align="justify"><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuocKHSGOKccOuWrmteBNjCbr0YNkfzWIH0icg0fXyT-j1Qo1UeJe9RgZHOpeONLectmLLCK-Lcf6kqSRAitsZdCCCbKMNPCkYGPp3b-nFxm1S_TjDJALMCRddjVPYdpLpbPCYl5nPR0/s1600/Merc+Ute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuocKHSGOKccOuWrmteBNjCbr0YNkfzWIH0icg0fXyT-j1Qo1UeJe9RgZHOpeONLectmLLCK-Lcf6kqSRAitsZdCCCbKMNPCkYGPp3b-nFxm1S_TjDJALMCRddjVPYdpLpbPCYl5nPR0/s320/Merc+Ute.jpg" title="An artist impression of what the 2018 Mercedes Benz Ute could look like" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2018 Mercedes Benz Ute</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVTi6SN-yVk6P5J_5lAy6CDAObp2ncnwzbfah4UB7HtAUvUqMDpeFQ8mvUVMiBpm7sX8T5kvUYzwv0E-Xa5eNlGcCAD1HtiKPaXVW4je4TtHneGtyINM_5eawDKmA3hMs4ukWrhQ8VW4/s1600/renault_alaskan_concept_01-0903-920x544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVTi6SN-yVk6P5J_5lAy6CDAObp2ncnwzbfah4UB7HtAUvUqMDpeFQ8mvUVMiBpm7sX8T5kvUYzwv0E-Xa5eNlGcCAD1HtiKPaXVW4je4TtHneGtyINM_5eawDKmA3hMs4ukWrhQ8VW4/s320/renault_alaskan_concept_01-0903-920x544.jpg" title="A good looking ute by Renault. All but a certain to go into production" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault Alaskan Concept</td></tr>
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The market for utes is growing so fast that traditional luxury makers like <b>Mercedes Benz</b> are getting into the action. Mercedes Benz have confirmed they are developing a ute based on the Nissan Navara.<br />
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While a Mercedes Benz ute might seem odd. It's not unusual since they already have vehicles with off-road credentials such as the <b>G-Wagen</b>. But never have they offered a ute to the public that isn't a military spec large truck like the <b>Unimog</b>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Renault</b> is another looking to get into the Ute market. The <b>Renault Alaskan Concept</b> broke cover late last year [<i>2015</i>]. This model is also based on the Nissan Navara platform [<i>Renault has a majority & controlling shares in Nissan</i>]. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFxKJ6GyY_e2raeQrSm3Ws0BWLbOPvdi8XznP8SDF_KXMZP1H1zXkdHhgL0UNjIA9D5eb3Aa0P2NTIMLuQGwiOkUtRPgbtAVS7OORElC87f9b2by2R5GPsEWQhFTafG-jbtBMeXtCQqA/s1600/Hyundai-Santa-Cruz-Pick-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFxKJ6GyY_e2raeQrSm3Ws0BWLbOPvdi8XznP8SDF_KXMZP1H1zXkdHhgL0UNjIA9D5eb3Aa0P2NTIMLuQGwiOkUtRPgbtAVS7OORElC87f9b2by2R5GPsEWQhFTafG-jbtBMeXtCQqA/s320/Hyundai-Santa-Cruz-Pick-up.jpg" title="Hyundai's take on what a ute of the future looks. All but confirmed it will go into production" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hyundai Crossover Santa Cruz Concept Truck</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hyundai has also released a gorgeous looking ute concept called the <b>Crossover Santa Cruz Concept</b>, which they claim will go into production. Though it remains to be seen if this will be a true 4WD ute, or a new generation of urbanised utilities.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaOEo5aelD3StwF7BHcNeCwhI9m_1F0TvXxYz-MVj8DpL2SwvMw0PQxiAFIUaT7myhaHHk-2YMO6WXs1eYtrt0ZaZNrqshFlCvFZuanFNXruBaw-qIolWOmVzOIR4SwVupWoKttgOzUI/s1600/Miranda+Kerr+2013+mod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaOEo5aelD3StwF7BHcNeCwhI9m_1F0TvXxYz-MVj8DpL2SwvMw0PQxiAFIUaT7myhaHHk-2YMO6WXs1eYtrt0ZaZNrqshFlCvFZuanFNXruBaw-qIolWOmVzOIR4SwVupWoKttgOzUI/s200/Miranda+Kerr+2013+mod.jpg" title="Ex-Victoria Secrets Australia model" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miranda Kerr</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While both Renault and Hyundai models will be mainstream offerings, Mercedes Benz is likely to cater to the luxury end of the market. I'm sure both Audi and BMW are closely watching.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When manufacturers rush models to compete in <span style="font-family: inherit;">a segment</span>, it's a strong indication there's profit to be made. I have more chance in getting a date with <b>Miranda Kerr</b> than <span style="font-family: inherit;">get a</span> car manufacturer spend millions on a project<span style="font-family: inherit;"> with no</span> ROI [<i>Return On Investment</i>]</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTyxMsSHLG_vYdSIOJRIS4DyUFrLJOVBIc3EkxRxkTSuLApXhd7hgJ4F5jzlfI1fzo5HRbnrEWU325MV5Rc9b6_Sn8zabzZvML1i6GWp6HKvojzI8D000HS6v8a8ATvGOJtGcrgyyQB4/s1600/Ford+150+SVT+Raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTyxMsSHLG_vYdSIOJRIS4DyUFrLJOVBIc3EkxRxkTSuLApXhd7hgJ4F5jzlfI1fzo5HRbnrEWU325MV5Rc9b6_Sn8zabzZvML1i6GWp6HKvojzI8D000HS6v8a8ATvGOJtGcrgyyQB4/s320/Ford+150+SVT+Raptor.jpg" title="US model Ford F-150 SVT Raptor could be the blueprint for the local Ford Ranger Raptor" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ford F-150 SVT Raptor</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Traditional ute makers such as Toyota & Ford are benefiting soundly<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in the luxury ute market.</span> The <b>Toyota Hilux SR5</b> and <b>Ford Wildtrak</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>account for 40% of their respective models sales. And the demand is increasing, with a waiting list of three months and six months respectively.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5R9YDWgyaKxVG59hIUQm_zlS_ngPLwkkkv15o23BbcOu4YU-LjPe5cPnl_aC2b-NfF0TAmVGdtGd0Pv-_X8rpXXsNXEHs5BCIVa_-Q9TMVcVEk23UsVBmqtkmWxmvZok2f1c3OCHnup8/s1600/Ford-Ranger-Raptor-front-side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5R9YDWgyaKxVG59hIUQm_zlS_ngPLwkkkv15o23BbcOu4YU-LjPe5cPnl_aC2b-NfF0TAmVGdtGd0Pv-_X8rpXXsNXEHs5BCIVa_-Q9TMVcVEk23UsVBmqtkmWxmvZok2f1c3OCHnup8/s320/Ford-Ranger-Raptor-front-side.jpg" title="Ford Australia's plan for a more sporting top of the range Ford Ranger Raptor" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ford Ranger Raptor</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ford is looking to slip a model above the Wildtrak, called "<b>Raptor</b>". In the US the Raptor name is based on a Ford F-150. The [<i>US</i>] <b>Ford F-150 SVT Raptor</b> is a sportier, meaner looking and better performing Ford F-150. Ford Australia hopes to endow the Ranger with power upgrades and extensive "more aggressive" looking bodywork, with a price tag upwards of $80k.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If the <b>Ford Ranger Raptor</b> is anywhere near the transformation of<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>the US Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, I can't wait to see the end result.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdbcTyI9hkWQMRzoiK_41SC6K02l3iiA8kjqy7MU0lL9XUJVrIXElostUYpEWxP9_ZG7h2iU6gjZdpruotP2U5LSdtPHIfFTRRwQaItndzfPJ2U3czhCYDTDAtFmSysi_p0m5NspQP3w/s1600/Toyota_TRD_Hilux_4000SL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdbcTyI9hkWQMRzoiK_41SC6K02l3iiA8kjqy7MU0lL9XUJVrIXElostUYpEWxP9_ZG7h2iU6gjZdpruotP2U5LSdtPHIfFTRRwQaItndzfPJ2U3czhCYDTDAtFmSysi_p0m5NspQP3w/s320/Toyota_TRD_Hilux_4000SL.jpg" title="Sold in Australia in limited numbers in 2008" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2008 Toyota TRD Hilux 4000SL</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Toyota has the <b>TRD</b> outfit. TRD has a strong reputation in Australia, due to its involvement in motorsport. Toyota can easily slot a TRD model above the SR5. But Toyota Australia are co<span style="font-family: inherit;">y</span>. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Simply stating<span style="font-family: inherit;"> they [</span></span><i>Toyota</i>] are currently "<b>studying</b>" the market if such a model is required. <span style="font-family: inherit;">If <span style="font-family: inherit;">Toyota decide to rel<span style="font-family: inherit;">ease one</span></span></span>, it will be beyond 2018.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">B</span>ack in 2008, Toyota Australia released the <b>TRD Hilux 4000SL</b>. It came with a mild body-kit and a 4.0-litre V6 engine delivering 225KW of power. But it failed to ignite the market, and was quietly removed from its line-up. Yet now <span style="font-family: inherit;">these </span>TRD Hiluxes are fetching some decent coin in the used-car market. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the recent </span></span>2016 Bangkok International Motor Show, <span style="font-family: inherit;">the </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Toyota Hilux Revo TRD Sportivo</b> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">was previewed. </span> </span></span> </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUT8tY481gRlgnYqYbULiQq6Kw3ksRfrsMEPCYjEPueSeDgC50FhIROQPoCaZzo0yOZWDZQl5KyGKY0CbCOxVs54pNvX1Qo7YBfqmGowNhEvHanAWKFzBOpCiOifOBIebTtqxMCjX7ag/s1600/2016+Toyota+Hilux+Revo+TRD+Sportivo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUT8tY481gRlgnYqYbULiQq6Kw3ksRfrsMEPCYjEPueSeDgC50FhIROQPoCaZzo0yOZWDZQl5KyGKY0CbCOxVs54pNvX1Qo7YBfqmGowNhEvHanAWKFzBOpCiOifOBIebTtqxMCjX7ag/s640/2016+Toyota+Hilux+Revo+TRD+Sportivo.jpg" title="If Toyota continutes to release models with just body kits under the TRD brand, it will lose the equity its built in the TRD brand as a performance arm." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016 Toyota Hilux Revo TRD Sportivo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe04IJkNjcf_B6C4G02gf_AZ3epCKM1NkppJsaq0KK5pjSHc-k5hyphenhyphenIIps90LVjHm1fFbxHKFkEHFs-wAX1IVRUTLp9KtC2UYrsAp3gPyCS_EAsYvI9Qpky1M4OAzxdfggmBmRhfS-F6CI/s1600/Toyota_TRD_Hilux.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe04IJkNjcf_B6C4G02gf_AZ3epCKM1NkppJsaq0KK5pjSHc-k5hyphenhyphenIIps90LVjHm1fFbxHKFkEHFs-wAX1IVRUTLp9KtC2UYrsAp3gPyCS_EAsYvI9Qpky1M4OAzxdfggmBmRhfS-F6CI/s320/Toyota_TRD_Hilux.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2015 Toyota Hilux TRD Sportivo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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But just like the <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2015 Toyota Hilux TRD Sportivo</b> <span style="font-family: inherit;">[</span><i>not sold in Australia</i>]. It seems this is once a<span style="font-family: inherit;">gain </span>purely a cosmetic upgrade and no notable performance improvement. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With all this activity in the ute market, we are about to witness for the very first time in Australia's motoring history, new utes with an RRP exceeding $100k. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While 4WD ute models [or pick-up trucks if you're in North America] imported through the "</span><span style="color: blue;"><b>Low Volume Import Program</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">" such as the <b>Ford F-150s, Toyota Tundras, Dodge Rams, Chevy Silverados</b> cost over $100k new… no factory backed model has been sold for that much here.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc0XD0oo-JlM25woucvo_Jedro3mfQLsdNDgrMGVskjLUSDQtPwjSRWXYc_7NtzjtLVRO4x4Km2Mn0IskI8tCYGMyKv2GFV9-lyxYEZKEEs0G_Q9tDyvybp3UzOG_t8blP4bRjfgTofQ/s1600/129_1002_01_o%252Bf150_vs_silverado_vs_ram_vs_tundra%252Btrucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc0XD0oo-JlM25woucvo_Jedro3mfQLsdNDgrMGVskjLUSDQtPwjSRWXYc_7NtzjtLVRO4x4Km2Mn0IskI8tCYGMyKv2GFV9-lyxYEZKEEs0G_Q9tDyvybp3UzOG_t8blP4bRjfgTofQ/s640/129_1002_01_o%252Bf150_vs_silverado_vs_ram_vs_tundra%252Btrucks.jpg" title="US built trucks imported through the "Low Volume Import" program. Each are locally converted into RHD." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chevy Silverado | Dodge Ram | Toyota Tundra | Ford F-150</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>DOWN SIDE</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With our changing taste, it's unfortunate the sales of our home grown utes are dropping faster than Justin Bieber's pants. Growing up, I remember how both the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon based utes with their sporty styling and rear-wheel-drive were once considered alternatives to two door sports cars. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now with our penchant for high riding, tough looking 4WD utes, and coupled with the impending end of local production for both models, buyers are by-passing them in droves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So if you have an Aussie built ute, I suggest keep it stock and look after it well. In a decade or two, it'll be a collectable classic. An Aussie classic.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92TUwNZQHkSShRsFFRauQcgNLiC7nLaJSrMo5SSFpO37ESgdHwEt27y9b78OV6J6hgCnq5wYiyrevv8wORX0RgTR2HUna542amrkI7YE59ZDHb33MTYCGuD1WI77y_FIIQk3tEqrqK-Y/s1600/2015-holdenvsford-VFFGX-ute-comparison-HERO-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92TUwNZQHkSShRsFFRauQcgNLiC7nLaJSrMo5SSFpO37ESgdHwEt27y9b78OV6J6hgCnq5wYiyrevv8wORX0RgTR2HUna542amrkI7YE59ZDHb33MTYCGuD1WI77y_FIIQk3tEqrqK-Y/s640/2015-holdenvsford-VFFGX-ute-comparison-HERO-2.jpg" title="These are the last of their kind. By 2017 local manufacturing for both will cease. Farewell old friends, you've both done Australia proud." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holden & Ford Utes - The end of the line in nigh. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7w5cfulHDGpfS9yD8ZxMNeKL1m3IVm-9-ZJMm9di4IPPep707YEvVafTr1Tps_gD-q-C-8XHT3AF3zGgJ4Izx7Odjf8njlpU_gS8ztuVojEi1iJGD9F-2b0hf7MzYGvmfkvbEe8Yy5I/s1600/2015-holdenvsford-VFFGX-ute-comparison-32.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7w5cfulHDGpfS9yD8ZxMNeKL1m3IVm-9-ZJMm9di4IPPep707YEvVafTr1Tps_gD-q-C-8XHT3AF3zGgJ4Izx7Odjf8njlpU_gS8ztuVojEi1iJGD9F-2b0hf7MzYGvmfkvbEe8Yy5I/s640/2015-holdenvsford-VFFGX-ute-comparison-32.jpg" title="Photos from caradvice.com.au" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01378965288604257395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1250355052087657275.post-10770368966072224252016-04-06T11:35:00.001+10:002016-04-17T15:06:32.974+10:00Dash Cams - No longer the next "Big Thing"<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">... it is "THE" big thing! </span></b></span><br />
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What do you know about "<b>In-car Safety Cameras</b>" (<i>aka "Dash-Cams"</i>)? </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ofN4zznGzmz_7TU0MFZPLiDZt-9LKCIevwu36xLjyiaL6oU6JCcsH8v57flPxyjXJd8Skh7_RfiQ9zVThWNZDHL73-dRAa5QB7pMkh5AlJUwpD6ehSwNwKEqwxpgR8SVIrLUWB2Rcmc/s1600/dashboard-cam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ofN4zznGzmz_7TU0MFZPLiDZt-9LKCIevwu36xLjyiaL6oU6JCcsH8v57flPxyjXJd8Skh7_RfiQ9zVThWNZDHL73-dRAa5QB7pMkh5AlJUwpD6ehSwNwKEqwxpgR8SVIrLUWB2Rcmc/s320/dashboard-cam.jpg" title="Various after-market Dash-Cam units" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Types of Dash-Cams</td></tr>
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Perhaps you've seen dash-cam footage from YouTube? Or watched TV shows dedicated entirely to showing captured incidents using dash-cams. </div>
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Maybe you've seen in the news, footage of the meteor that exploded near <b>Chelyabinsk, Russia</b> in 2013? If not for dash-cams, it is unlikely that anyone would have captured the meteor as it entered the Earth's atmosphere till its demised a few seconds later.</div>
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This goes to show that many motorist already use these devices in the world. Perhaps you're already one of them.</div>
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No matter your level of exposure with these devices, there is no doubt they're fast becoming common windscreen attachments as SatNavs, eTags and hand free phone holders.</div>
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And just as car stereos with Aux/USB input, Bluetooth, and reversing cameras are now standard in most cars, I see dash-cams as the next "must have" car option for new car buyers. Right now they're selling like hot cakes as an after-market accessory.</div>
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Yet despite this, I have not heard of any new cars available for sale in this country, offering such important (<i>safety</i>) devices as standard. Or at the very least, a factory fitted option. Not even from the likes of uber expensive luxury makers Rolls Royce & Bentley. Though I could be wrong - it won't be the first time, nor will it be the last.</div>
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<b>How difficult is it to include dash-cams as part of the car? And will it cost much?</b></div>
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From an outsider's point of view, it does not seem difficult nor should it cost much at all. Automotive engineers could incorporate the design of the device into the development of the vehicle from the start, coupled with the economies of scale in manufacturing, complexity is removed and cost kept minimal. I see pricing similar to that of a factory fitted reversing camera. In fact it could cost less as dash-cams do not necessarily need a monitor/screen to work.</div>
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<b>What should the unit have?</b> </div>
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<b>Manufacturers can opt for several forms and features:</b></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Camera</b> - should have superb ability to balance light & excellent night vision</li>
<li><b>Resolution</b> - should be Full-HD (<i>High Definition</i>) at a minimum and/or Ultra-HD as option</li>
<li><b>Frame Rate</b> - should be fast! This along with the above specs, will provide clearer resolution in both videos and stills - perfect when trying to identify a person or number plate</li>
<li><b>Motion Sensors and/or Proximity Sensors</b> - the unit should automatically starts recording when sensing movement within the vicinity of the vehicle. Ideal in capturing break-ins, parking incidents (when car is unattended) and vandalism.</li>
</ul>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; height: 288px; width: 253px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FuNqcyUjdW0PCYZFF8xw7TSts3YyL8y_xsnT4Mob1GZU3akr1Gi53rytAVIVPnAk3gbFzLpCydLhmxgfsJs0CSSrX9YuCC4rXs41hDo3EhNT5R-C7ulPGptvwsYHX9D322GhbQdaGJE/s1600/360fly_Camera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FuNqcyUjdW0PCYZFF8xw7TSts3YyL8y_xsnT4Mob1GZU3akr1Gi53rytAVIVPnAk3gbFzLpCydLhmxgfsJs0CSSrX9YuCC4rXs41hDo3EhNT5R-C7ulPGptvwsYHX9D322GhbQdaGJE/s320/360fly_Camera.jpg" title="360Fly Camera Unit" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">360Fly Camera</td></tr>
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<b>Types of Views:</b></div>
<ul>
<li>Forward looking view only</li>
<li>Front and Rear view</li>
<li>360 degree view</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
360 degree view could be done with a single camera like the <b>360Fly </b>(<i>check out their <a href="https://360fly.com/au/" target="_blank">website</a> or their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBNph_5dIKPQFS3IsIVXJfQ" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a>. I was blown away from the experience the first time I saw a video captured using a 360Fly camera)</i> but might not be ideal since many vehicles use their roofs to carry loads. Fitting a single camera on the roof is out of the question.</div>
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Fitting several cameras (<i>one for each sides</i>) would be suitable. Then using software (<i>built into the device</i>) to stitch the videos together, or simply have each cameras capture footage and store these as individual files.</div>
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<b>Is it complex?</b></div>
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If some cars are now equipped with "<b>birds-eye</b>" view cameras to aid with parking, why not video? The technology already exist. No need to reinvent the wheel. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDwQ4uicIpPpTzh5friXFf3In7aJVx2Fw-FYUkP6g7BhdfHyPes4anBGfc87VN3HVlgCObTh1J32mfU460TA7m2sNNqvr2zeFrV8niSBzfE2dGLPW7fw7M14bglyuT_QXkYC4_d_Q2sQ/s1600/surround_view_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDwQ4uicIpPpTzh5friXFf3In7aJVx2Fw-FYUkP6g7BhdfHyPes4anBGfc87VN3HVlgCObTh1J32mfU460TA7m2sNNqvr2zeFrV8niSBzfE2dGLPW7fw7M14bglyuT_QXkYC4_d_Q2sQ/s640/surround_view_01.jpg" title="BMW's Surround View technolgy to aid when parking" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surround View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<b>Where to store the video? And what medium?</b></div>
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A <b>Micro SD</b> would be the ideal storage medium. They are available everywhere; comes in various storage capacity; and ultra-compact.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRKl7ZZjWe9YK_mk0AV0LaenaxbhvLDQB1ObJ57wqyQGFsBXADql9BKpnLRBkKuF5j-F_ddPoU2JVruTrwnBAxW4roahHwIITDRUhO4BznrTucBhPvIVQZOlTbUUcD1cIM_B0W43xgIg/s1600/MicroSD_Finger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRKl7ZZjWe9YK_mk0AV0LaenaxbhvLDQB1ObJ57wqyQGFsBXADql9BKpnLRBkKuF5j-F_ddPoU2JVruTrwnBAxW4roahHwIITDRUhO4BznrTucBhPvIVQZOlTbUUcD1cIM_B0W43xgIg/s320/MicroSD_Finger.jpg" title="SanDisk MicroSD Card" width="320" /></a></div>
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Car manufacturers can design a dedicated slot in the dash, or in the glovebox, or centre console, or in a secure part of the vehicle - perhaps requiring a key to open. Making it difficult for thieves to retrieve the evidence of them breaking into your vehicle.</div>
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And as connected vehicles become common, instant upload or back-up to the cloud is an option.</div>
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So do I own a dash-cam? Yes I do. I personally use an aftermarket front and rear looking dash-cam. But the unit only records Full-HD at the front and 720p at the rear. It simultaneously records both front and rear video into two separate files and stored in a Micro SD card. Its frame rate, night mode and motion sensing mode could be better. But for less than $50 delivered (<i>not including the cost of the Micro SD Card</i>), it's good enough - for now.</div>
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Nonetheless I'd gladly choose a factory fitted dash-cam and be prepared to pay 10x-20x more than what I paid if available - so long as it's a superior unit and incorporate most (<i>if not all</i>) of the features listed above.</div>
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<b>Why do you think dash-cams are not yet offered as factory standard item?</b> </div>
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Beyond the lack of vision from car manufacturers, I doubt cost and technology is the roadblock. There could be bigger underlying reasons. Reasons such as:</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Litigations</b> - Perhaps the roadblock could be a legal one. Manufacturers could expose themselves to possible lawsuits. Scenarios such as faulty/malfunctioning dash-cams on vehicles involved in accidents. If this was the case, I'm sure our lawsuit loving cousins from the U.S. of A. will exploit this to the full extent.</div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><b>Answer:</b> Don't know. This is a tough one to address. Perhaps bring out "<b><i>Common-sense Law</i></b>", where a judge can prevent a lawsuit going to the courts if the reason is deemed plain stupid etc.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><b>Big Brother</b> - Car manufacturers can be accused acting as "<i>Big Brother</i>" for the authorities and insurance companies? Mostly a problem for motorists who regularly break road rules.</li>
<ul>
<li><b>Answer:</b> Manufacturers can offer these units as factory fitted options, or if standard, motorists can choose not to use them. Or better yet, use them and don't do dumb and dangerous things. Problem Solved.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
But no matter what objections there might be, I can see more upside. </div>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXkev6H54Z74WaDq54zF3uGJj7nHrGiKusRZObvFw9Rsi2FOYpjc9KYTMUBbHMVQDFb-3nHHsTM6Z_Qoo15037NF450Ysc797WmHtLfqNPnNAmhorGD31TFzcZ2BoUnyruvltORWs98Q/s1600/car-accident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXkev6H54Z74WaDq54zF3uGJj7nHrGiKusRZObvFw9Rsi2FOYpjc9KYTMUBbHMVQDFb-3nHHsTM6Z_Qoo15037NF450Ysc797WmHtLfqNPnNAmhorGD31TFzcZ2BoUnyruvltORWs98Q/s320/car-accident.jpg" title="Dash-cams can provide the necessary proof in accidents" width="320" /></a>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Reduced Road Rage</b> - As these devices become mainstream, captured incidents are increased. Then maybe short fused motorist will think twice before committing an offence. With more video evidence on hand, success rate in prosecuting these offenders is greatly improved.</div>
</li>
<li><b>Reduced Dangerous Driving</b> - This could reduce "cowboy" driving behaviour. As ever more motorist capture footage of these individuals' anti-social driving behaviours on public roads, having proof is increased.</li>
<li><b>Cheaper Insurance </b>- Insurance companies could offer lower premiums to motorist with these devices fitted in their cars. Just as they once did when a vehicle was fitted with an immobiliser or car alarm. This is not the case yet, but it could be.</li>
<li><b>Driving Monitor</b> - Parents with kids who regularly borrow the family car would love this. As they [parents] now have a way to see how their kids drive their cars when they're not around. Not so good for the hoon teenager. Great benefit for the parents.</li>
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There's no doubt there are more pros and cons on the topic. But I personally believe there are more benefits than hindrance for having dash-cams.</div>
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Hence I put it out there to all car manufacturers. Start incorporate dash-cams into your future models. Not only will it bring additional revenue for you, you could also help improve motorist safety.</div>
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So who'll be first?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01378965288604257395noreply@blogger.com0