The Best Looking Cars Available Today

When I sat down to do this I was planning on having a Best Looking Cars list, but I didn't want it to be full of exotic cars we never get to see. So think of this as a list of the "Best Looking Cars of Today That You Might Actually See", but it's not a top ten list it's a top six list. That's because I ran out of ideas.

The Volkswagen CC: The CC has been around for a few years now and it is worse in nearly every way than the V.W. Passat on which it's based. It only has four seats for example. But what it lacks in practicality it makes up for in style. It looks expensive and classy which is why it landed on my best looking list.

The Audi A5: This sporty Audi is appealing for much the same reason as the CC. A sales rep at our local Audi dealership described it as "simplistic but beautiful." He's right.

The Cadillac CTS: The CTS certainly isn't simplistic. It's covered in details. There isn't a panel on the car without a crease or a bulge. Despite all of the details, it doesn't look overdone. There's a sedan, a coupe, and a "sport wagon." Every model, looks great, but I'd say the wagon looks better than the sedan which is unusual, and the coupe looks the best.

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage: This is the one that goes against my "cars you may see" rule because its an Aston Martin which means you probably won't see one on the way to work, but it's so pretty that I had to include it. It's small and it sits low to the ground. This is the cheapest Aston on the market, but also the best looking.

The Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger: While these three cars all come from different manufacturers and look very different, they are all three big American muscle cars so I'm putting them all in one section. These cars are an incredible blend of modern design and retro influences. Which means that they look like the sixties and seventies versions without looking outdated. Little else can turn heads like a V-8 filled American muscle car.

    
The Ford Fiesta: This little Ford is the best looking small hatchback avaliable today. It's got a great shape with cool details all over its body. Big wheels and wrap-around head lights make this a really charming car.

I'll be writing about design stuff for the next couple of days. Keep reading to see the most improved designs, the worst designs and more.

LOTUS vs PROTON: Long-drawn fight expected.

The Star: Thursday September 30, 2010

SOURCE:

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/30/nation/7131281&sec=nation 

Long-drawn fight expected

PETALING JAYA: The cordial-turned-sour relationship between Lotus Racing Formula One team and Proton Holdings Bhd is not likely to be patched up any time soon.

Their fight over who owns the ‘Team Lotus’ rights, which has reached the British courts, is set to continue with Proton-owned Group Lotus insisting that former British racing driver David Hunt did not have the rights to the Team Lotus company.

It claimed that Group Lotus did not sign a deed to effect the transfer of the company after Hunt bought Team Lotus from a liquidator in 1994. Proton claimed it had lodged a lawsuit on that matter to secure the rights to use Team Lotus and its brand, said a source.

“The brand is about the company and the car,” the source said yesterday.

Hunt had recently sold his Team Lotus Ventures Ltd and the rights to the Team Lotus name to locally-backed Lotus Racing. Team Lotus is an iconic name in the motorsport world.

The privately-funded Lotus Racing team is jointly-owned by Tune Group founder and AirAsia group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, Tune Group co-owner Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and Naza Group chief executive officer SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin.

Fernandes, who is Lotus Racing team principal, announced last week that its team would be known as Team Lotus from next year’s Formula One season after buying Team Lotus Ventures from Hunt.

Proton then announced on Monday that it was terminating the Lotus Racing licence it gave to 1Malaysia Racing Team to race in Formula One. The relationship between Lotus Racing and Proton became more tense during the team’s maiden F1 season.

Lotus Racing on Tuesday had filed an application with the English High Court to declare that Team Lotus Ventures, which was now owned by Tune Group, was the rightful owner to the Team Lotus brand.
The court documents stated that the purpose for the declaration proceeding was to “establish the validity of Team Lotus Ventures’ position as the true owner of the name Team Lotus”.

Group Lotus owns the car-making and engineering companies under the Lotus banner while Team Lotus historically is the owner of the racing team.

Both companies were separated by Lotus’ original owner Colin Chapman to distinigush its functions in his company.

RELATED ARTICLES (All from The Star online):

1) Lotus-Proton saga: 
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/29/nation/7123869&sec=nation

2) Battle over Team Lotus goes to English Court
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/28/nation/20100928095849&sec=nation

3) More than a brand at stake in Lotus-Proton saga 

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/30/business/7129434&sec=business  

 THAT'S ALL FOLKS, Thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.

PRODUCT REVIEW: KYOTO Oil AFR

On 1 September, I spotted this Product in ENEOS Bukit Tinggi, Klang.  It's called "KYOTO Oil AFR".  AFR stands for "Advance Fuel Reformulator".  It's claimed to be made in Japan and costs RM36 for 4 bottles (1 bottle's good for 60Litres of fuel.  (Ie. 6 times application).  As at 29 September, I'm using my 3rd bottle poured into my Fuel Tank.

The result?

1) Better, more stable idling (previously Idling goes up and down 800 to 1100rpm, NOW steady at 900rpm).
2) Slightly better midrange Acceleration
3) 10% more fuel economical (at the moment)
4) Smoother and quieter engine. (Less vibration)

Well, there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words.  Here's some pictures:

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  An original Jeff Lim's Production.  Ie. my Original work.

LONGTERMER #1: Update 27, Sept 2010: Ford Telstar 2.0i4 Ghia Auto

In this blog entry, I'm updating my ride. The Ford Telstar 2.0i4 Ghia Auto. This is the 27th Update. What happened in the month of September?

This month, I tried adding an addictive called "KYOTO OIL" to the fuel tank.  So far, I'm on the 3rd bottle.  The result?  See next post.

Also, on the 2nd week of September, my front left tyre punctured again.

  I drove to the nearest tyre shop and change to the spare tyre. 

The next day, I bought a set of EXORA M-line Steel Rims + Hubcaps for RM130 from an EXORACLUB member.

I then proceeded to TEIK MENG Sunway again to source for used tyres.  Lo and behold, I spotted a set of used 60% thread left CONTINENTAL ComfortContact1 (CC1) for RM75/piece (total RM300). 

After that, I drove to Brothers Kelana Jaya to buy black stickers to cover the PROTON logo.  The result? 

Over the past few days, my car suddenly STEERING became heavier and heavier (especially parking and cornering) until it's unbearable.  I drove to the nearest mechanic, he discovered that my POWER STEERING PUMP's LEAKING.  He managed to find a used part for RM480 + workmanship.

This month, I covered a total of 1138km.  One of the highest mileage covered per month I personally covered.

Without further ado, let's proceed to logbook:



Mileage last month: 156,897km
Mileage used last month: 991km

Mileage now: 158,035km
Mileage used in September 2010: 1138km



Fuel consumption so far:


Best 10.2km/L (8 June 2010) (80% Highway Driving)
Worst: 5.9km/L (September 14,2009) 90% City driving

This month:

Best: 9km/L (Ron 95, EssoMobil, Kyoto Oil) 27/9/2010
Worst: 6.95km/L (Ron 95, Shell, Kyoto Oil) 3/9/2010

0-100km/h: 10.2 seconds (20/9/2010)


Today, as at 29 September 2010,

Expenses this month:

1) Exora Steel Rims + hubcaps  = RM130
2) Used Continental CC1 tyres  = RM300
3) Power steering pump    = RM480
4) Fuel: RM180
5) Others: RM100
TOTAL: RM1190.

Before I go, here's some parting shots:

Above: Before the Proton Logo cover up.  Below: after covering up the Proton Logo.

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  An original Jeff Lim's Production.  Ie. My Original Work.  See you on October 30 2010 for the 28th update.

Peugeot 206 Key Fob

New key fob from http://stores.ebay.com/Auto-Parts-Revisited

The old and new key fob. The circuit board must be transferred to the new fob.

The lion can be gently removed with a paper clip.

This chip must be transferred from the old fob to the new fob.

Lamborhgini Murcialago (2001-2010)

The Lamborghini Murcielago has been around for about nine years and for seven of those years, it has been the heavy and overpriced alternative to the Ferrari F430.

Motor Trend, Car and Driver, and Top Gear said the big Lambo wasn't worth the money because it didn't drive as well as it should have. Its four wheel drive system slowed it down on the drag strip, and made it to slow in the corners. It's interior is dark, and the quality is poor. The Roadster version's roof seemed like an afterthought.

Even though it was often criticized, it was also well loved. The last year of the Murcielago has now come to an end. I'll miss the scissor doors, the aggresive styling, and the loud exhaust note. Since the beginning, something about the big Murcielago just seemed more exciting. It was always the crazy one, the one that made you look twice. Bruce Wayne didn't bother with the Ferrari. He drove the Lambo, and so would I (if I had a choice).

Now, with the excellent Ferrari 458 Italia on the market, Lamborghini needs something new. At the upcoming Paris Motorshow, Lamborghini will unveil the new Jota. It should be pretty exciting, but this time being exciting may not be enough with the new range of supercars available. The Mercedes SLS Gullwing, the McLaren MP4-12C (stupid name), the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, and more are all excellent cars that will be tough to beat. The Jota needs to be as crazy as the Murcielago and as good as the Ferrari 458 Italia.

That will take a Jota work (Get it? Jota, lot a... nevermind).

RM40,000, What car can you get? (Updated 27/9/2010)

 NOTE: This article is 1st published back in 2006 (4 years ago), I merely updated it due to popular demand.

A lot of people most of which are YOUNG Grads asked me, "What NEW car choices do I have if I got RM40,000 budget. I told them, for NEW car, the choices are VERY VERY LIMITED. It's limited to:  PERODUA Viva, Myvi 1.0, Hyundai i10, SAVVY, Saga BLM, Naza Sutera, Chana CM8 MPV, Chana CV6 Hatchback, Chevrolet Spark. IN SHORT, There's LESS than 10 choices available.

Now the Picture is very different if you are considering USED cars. Suddenly, you are SPOILED for Choices. For RM40,000, there's MORE THAN 80 Varieties of vehicles to Choose from in any forms...

But if you are getting LOANs (I'm sure FEW will have the money to PAY CASH RM40k!), I'm afraid you can only buy UP TO 12 yrs old cars (typically) with Lowish interest rates (Below 5%). Ie. Oldest 1998. After 12 years, YOU typically HAVE TO PAY CASH or ended up paying HIGHER interest rates (as high as 6%)! In this scenario, LUXURY cars such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Jaguar IS OUT as these cars will be too old by that time it Reaches the RM40k mark.

Case Example 1, I saw an ad in Lelong someone wanted to sell 1981 PORSCHE 924 for RM25,000!!! He is the 1st OWNER!, BUT CASH ONLY!!! If you have the CASH and the money to Maintain and Insure the car, then it's a good buy...

Case Example 2: This friend of mine was VERY EXCITED knowing that He can owned a 1992 MERCEDES 230E W124 (with AMG 17" rims, "77" no plate, bodykit, Automatic, Sunroof etc) for RM23,000. Ie. within his budget (Initially he thought). BUT he was disappointed, CANNOT GET LOAN as the car was too OLD... This means that he HAD to PAY CASH! Having ONLY 2 yrs work experience and still working as a TRAINEE, obviously he cannot afford... What a waste...

All is not LOST, depends on your criteria, RM40k still have LOTS and LOTS of "CLASSY" and/or RESPECTABLE Japanese and "COLD European" cars which is below 11 yrs old and can still obtain Loan... Here are some of My recommendations: (BOLD = Highly recommended)

NEWISH (below 5 years old) CARS: 

 1) Proton Waja 1.6 CAMPRO Enhanced 2007

2) Perodua MYVI 1.3SXI/EZI 2008/2009, RM38,800/RM39,800

3) HYUNDAI ELANTRA 1.8iGLS(A) 2007(!), RM39,000(!). Wonder why RESALE value so LOW. Note that brand new: RM88,000. Within 3 yrs value dropped so MUCH! Bad news for 1st owner BUT GOOD NEWS for YOU!

4) Mazda Fighter 2.5 Turbodiesel 2006 RM39,000
5) Naza Citra 2006: RM40,000
6) Kia Optima 2.0 2006 (RM36,800)
7) Kia Spectra5 2007 (RM40,000)
8) Proton Persona 1.6 2008 (RM37,000 Manual, RM39,000 Auto)
9) Proton Satria Neo 1.6 M/A 2009 (RM39,000/41,000)
10) Hyundai Accent 1.5 RX-S 2007, RM37,000
11) Naza Bestari 206 (RM37,000) 2007
12) Chevrolet Optra 1.6/1.8 (2006/2005) RM36,000
13) Chevrolet Aveo5 2007, RM39,000
14) Hyundai Matrix: 2006: RM36,000
15) Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 GLX (2006) RM42,000.
16) Kia Rio 1.5 (2007) RM38,800
17) Hyundai GETZ 1.4 (2007) RM39,000
18) Renault Kangoo 1.4 Sportiv/NEVO (2007) RM37,000

EXECUTIVE LOCAL/Japanese/Korean Car:

1) Honda Accord 2.0 VTI (2000) = RM40k
2) Nissan Cefiro V6 3.0i 2001 = RM32,000 (This is the BEST V6 engine, surprisingly Economical for a 3.0L car, But Road tax RM2000!). A 2.0iV6 model is RM5-7k more and Road tax RM391.00.
3) Toyota Camry 2.2GX 2000. RM40,000.
4) PROTON Perdana V6 2.0 2003 Enhanced Facelift RM39,000
5) Hyundai Sonata GOLD 2.4i (2004) / 2.0i (2005)  (RM37,000 / RM38,000)

Executive "COLD" Continental car (ie. Weaker demand) which still can obtain loan easily.

1) VOLVO S40 2.0T 2001. RM40,000. But beware of the High maintenance costs and reliability.
2) Peugeot 406 2.0 Deluxe 2003 (Last batch, facelift, RM36,000.
3) Ford FOCUS 1.8(M) Hatchback 2001, RM37,000
4) Volkswagon Jetta/Bora 1.6 2002 (RM40,000)
5) Volkswagen Passat 1.8T (2001) RM42,000)
6) Peugeot 307XSi Hatchback 2004 RM38,000
7) Citroen C5 2.0 2005 (RM37,000)
8) Alfa 147 1.6M 2002 (RM43,000)
9) Skoda Octavia 1.6i 2003 (RM41,000)
10) Skoda Fabia 1.4i 2003 (RM38,000)
11) Peugeot 206 1.6 CBU 2003 (RM40,000)
12) Audi A4 1.8 Non-Turbo B5 (2000) RM39,000

Other 4 door cars:

1) Mazda 323 BJ Sedan/Hatchback 2003 RM32,000.

2) HONDA Civic EK 1.6i VTEC (Last batch) 1999(M)/2000(A), RM42,000. Another HOT Demand car, Very HIGH resale value and ENDLESS Modification OPTIONS...

3) Toyota Corolla AE111 SEG 1.6 2000, RM35,000. This 8th Generation Corolla, economical yet good looking (applicable to 98-01 facelift only). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

4) BMW 525i E34 1996 (Last Batch) RM33,000

5) Mercedes E220 Masterpiece 1995: RM38,000 (E280 Masterpiece RM33,000)
6) Nissan Sentra 1.6XE 2001 (RM36000),b
8) Mercedes C220 1996: RM40,000
9) Honda City Type Z/VTEC LEV 2002/2002: RM31,000/34,000



Can RM40k buy you a LIMOUSINE?  Sure, Why Not?  

Here's the list (if you can afford the maintenance):

1) Mercedes S320 1997: RM39000
2) BMW 728i(A)/730iL E38 1996 (RM38,000)
3) Proton Perdana EXECUTIVE 2001 (RM35,000)
4) Lexus LS400 V8 1992: RM40,000
5) Honda Legend 3.5RL 1996: RM43,000.
6) Audi A6 2.4 1998 (1st batch), RM42,000
7) Jaguar/Daimler XJ6 1995: RM40,000
8) Ssangyong Chairman 2.8/3.2 2003 (RM40,000)

IF YOU WANT FAST car for RM40k, there's the following choices:

1) VOLVO V70 T5 2.3i WAGON. 2000 model priced RM40,000 only. This TURBOCHARGED car has a Top speed of 230km/h and 0-100km/h in 7.3 SECS!!! It's so fast that our POLIS used as Chase car. Though Maintenence is HIGH and Reliability is BAD. But if it's in GREAT Condition with low mileage and Service record or 1 owner, then GRAB IT!

2) PROTON SATRIA GTI 1.8i DOHC 2003 model RM35,000. This is, in my opinion ONE OF THE BEST PROTON, losing out only to Proton Putra (better looking and more practical - better rear legroom + bigger boot)!  0-100km/h below 9 seconds and top speed 210 km/h. VERY WORTH THE MONEY!

3) BMW 328i E36 1998 (Last batch). RM38,000. ANOTHER POWERFUL car, Just missed the cut for Lowish Interest rate loans (more difficult as oldest recommended year to obtain LOAN is 11 yrs old). But If you CAN GET LOAN, this is the ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE. FUN car. The IT CAR (Very CLASSY). Rock solid Resale value. Maintenence and Spare parts costs are not an issue as there's MANY Units on the road and TONS of "CHOP SHOPS" and spare part shops...

4) Fiat Coupe:20v Turbo 1999 (RM40,000)


5) Volvo V40 T4 turbo. 2000,  RM39,000.  Like the V70 but smaller and more economical and slightly more powerful.

6) Alfa Romeo 156 Selespeed RM40k (2001) / 2.5 V6 (1999)

7) Honda Prelude H22A 2.2 DOHC VTEC 1996 (RM36,000)

SUV/Truck Options:

1) Toyota RAV4 2.0i 5dr. 1999. RM40,000.
2) Ford Ranger Pickup 2.5i Turbodiesel 2005 (M). RM39,000. Auto add another RM2-4k)
3) Mazda Fighter 2.5 Turbodiesel 2006 RM39,000
4) Toyota Hilux Diesel Pick-up 1997 RM39,000
5) Ford Escape 2.0XLT 2002 RM40,000
6) Nissan Frontier 4x4 2005 RM40,000
7) Honda CRV 1st generation (PERFORMA150ps) 2000 CBU: RM36,000
(2001 Kah Motor spec same price)
8) Kia Sportage 2.0 2005 RM34,000
9) Ssangyong REXTON Petrol/Diesel 2003: RM39,000
10) Hyundai Santa Fe 2002 (RM40,000)
11) Isuzu Rodeo Pickup 2000 (RM40,000)
12) Isuzu Bighorn 3.1 Diesel/Citation 3.2 Petrol 1999/2000, RM40,000
13) Land Rover Range Rover 4.6 V8/2.5 DSE 1996/1995 (RM38,000)
14) Mitsubishi Pajero V31V 2.4, 2000 (RM36,000)
15) Mitsubishi STORM 2.5 Turbo-Diesel Pick-up 2003 RM40,000
16) Land Rover Discovery 1998 (RM34,000)
17) Mazda Tribute 2.0 2003 (RM40,000)

MPV/Vans

1) Naza Ria 2005: RM38,000 

2) Naza Citra 2006: RM40,000 

3) Hyundai Trajet 2003: RM40,000

4) Hyundai Matrix: 2006: RM36,000

5) Fiat Ulysse MPV 2002: RM32,000

6) Nissan Serena 2.0 MPV 2000. RM38,000

7) Toyota Unser 2002 (A) RM38,800

8) KIA PERGIO 2005, RM35,000 

9) Opel Zafira 1.8 2002, RM38,000

10) Chevrolet Nabira 1.8 2005 (RM40,000)

11) Toyota Estima Emina/Lucida (1999) RM40,000

12) Toyota Avanza 1.3 2005 (M/A) RM37,000/RM39,000

13) Citroen Xsara Picasso 2004 (RM43,000)

14) Citroen Evasion MPV 2.0i 2002 (RM35,000)

15) Toyota Ipsum / Picnic 2.0 MPV (1998) RM42,000

16) Renault Kangoo 1.4 Sportiv/NEVO (2007) RM37,000

17) Mitsubishi Space Gear MPV L400 2.4 (2000) RM38,000

18) Mitsubishi Chariot Grandis MPV (1999 recond)  RM40,000

19) Nissan C22 Vanette 2005 (Window van) / 2007 (Panel van) RM40,000

20) Toyota Hiace (1999 Window van/2001 Panel van) RM39,000

Other cars:

- See motortrader, for "abnormal National car" such as "Wira EVO, Satria 1.8 GSR, Waja Mivec, Perdana V6 Twin Turbo. Ie. "Modified MILOTINS". Not recommended as the BODY and CHASSIS can't cope with the power, unless you reinforced it (think "ULTRA RACING" bars). But few will bother to do that because it's EXPENSIVE. Also, some have no JPJ approval.

- In motortrader, There's FTOs, RX7 FC, Levin AE86, Silvia 180SX, Original EVOII, MR2 (Ferrari like version) within the 40k budget... BUT MOST ARE OVER 12 yrs old and DIFFICULT TO GET LOAN. But If you are lucky and able to get loan, then your choice will be even wider...

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  MY (Jeff Lim's) ORIGINAL WORK!

History of Vintage Cars

A definition of vintage cars: a vintage car is classified as a car that was built between 1919 and 1930. Although; there has been some debate between what the actual end date for a vintage cars was.
Americans believe the end of the vintage era is 1925, while the British prefer 1930. In the principal years the ability to agree on unpaved roads was no longer an important consideration of automotive design.

In 1919 the car started off still something of a scarcity and ended up in 1930, seemingly showing up everywhere at once. This vehicle production was not matched again until the 1950s came around. During these years cars became more opportune comfortable and useful. Antifreeze was also introduced allowing water cooled cars to be used all year long. Shortly also car heating was introduced, as it was for the radio.
An hydraulically actuated brake was introduced, as it was for the four wheel breaking for common foot pedals .
Find a classic car club and join this club. Some of the clubs require a small fee, but most are willing to work with the owner of a classic car. If you do not own a classic car, this may not be possible for you, but they may be willing to put you on their mailing list. Watching the papers and internet posts will also make it possible to find the classic car events in your locale.
Classic car events are also a great option for anyone in the market to bring home one of these big bad babies. Going to classic car events can get you in touch with other classic car lovers who are knowledgeable about the perfect project, daily driver or show car. Besides all this, going to classic car shows is just a fun hobby!
The end of this era brought about the octane rating system of fuel with an assessment between fuels. vintage cars are a celebrated and coveted type of car that reminds people of the good old days.

About the Author

By: Shirley Warren

Shirley Warren is associated with Internet Marketing of Hero Events which is specialized in organizing Classic Car Events (trials and tours).

(ArticlesBase SC #3309119)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Vintage Cars

New Cars 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

As standard, the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS has a six-speed manual gearbox and the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), is available as an option. Compared Carrera S. The upper speed GTS with manual transmission increases 2mph to 190 mph. In general, the acceleration from zero to 62mph is improving, 0.1 seconds; for GTS Coupé with PDK and Sport Chrono Package Plus Sport Plus mode, the source sprint takes only 4.2 seconds.

Special attention was paid to charge exchange in the 3.8-litre flat engine delivering 408 hp: In a special resonance intake manifold, six vacuum-controlled tuning flaps switch between power- and torque-optimized geometry whereas in a Carrera S power unit there is only one tuning flap. Thus, maximum torque of unchanged 420 Nm is already available at 4,200 rpm, 200 rpm earlier compared with the Carrera S. Add to that a sports exhaust system with two dual tailpipes. Their outer shells are painted in black and their inner tubes are polished on the outside and nano-coated.

Unique within the 911 Carrera family, the GTS combines the 44 millimetre wider body of the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models – including widened rear track – with a classic rear-wheel drive configuration. The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS sits on 19-inch centre-locking RS Spyder alloy wheels, painted in black with high-gloss finished rims, with 235/35 ZR 19 tyres on the front axle and 305/30 ZR 19 tyres on the rear. Further features include the SportDesign front apron with spoiler edge painted in black, special side skirts also in black, and the Carrera GTS logotype on doors and rear lid, in black or silver depending on the body colour. The area between the two tailpipes on the rear apron is also finished in black.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera GTS will have its global debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show on October 2 and goes on sale in the UK in December, priced from £76,758 for the Coupe and £83,493 for the Cabriolet.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 (PS2)

Capa do Game de PlayStation 2

Fãs da velocidade têm uma excelente segunda opção no PlayStation 2, que difere da simulação precisa de "Gran Turismo 3". O mais recente jogo da série "Need for Speed Hot Pursuit" leva ao seu console as perseguições policiais do segundo game da série, que se consagra como ponto alto da marca.

"Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2" (NFS: HP2) se divide em duas categorias principais: corridas normais e com policiais. A primeira é similar aos tantos outros jogos do gênero. A diferença está na segundo modo: se você for flagrado por policias ao cometer uma infração, dá-se início a uma perseguição no melhor estilo dos filmes de ação americanos. Dependendo da gravidade e da duração da infração, múltiplos carros entram na perseguição, criam barreiras na estrada e até chamam um helicóptero para jogar bombas no vândalo!

Versão certa

A versão para PlayStation 2 do jogo foi a base de todas as outras, que foram rapidamente portadas para PC, Xbox e GameCube. Como resultado, o console da Sony não apenas tem gráficos melhores, mas tem mais opções, melhor áudio e melhor controle. Isso sem falar da sensação de velocidade que o jogo oferece. A diferença é gritante.

O jogo traz uma respeitável lista de 40 carros que foram digitalizados com precisão (Aston Martin, Ferrari 550 Barchetta, Lamborghini Murcielago, Lotus Elise, M. Benz CLK GTR entre outros). Mas as semelhanças com "Gran Turismo 3" terminam aqui. Diferente do popular simulador, que se destaca pelo realismo, em NFS:HP2, os carros fazem curvas impossíveis e dão pulos gigantescos (ressaltados por um efeito Matrix acionado automaticamente, que congela o tempo e gira a câmera com um borrão). Mas isso não deve ser encarado como um ponto negativo, já que toda estrutura do game é baseada em correr perigosamente.

Enter the Matrix

Dois botões do game permitem que o usuário ative a "câmera Matrix" quando quiser: um dá a volta no carro e permite que você veja quem está à sua volta e avalie o estado do carro (R2), enquanto o outro adianta os próximos momentos do percurso (L2). Esses recursos dão um sabor único ao game.

As duas categorias de corrida são apresentadas em forma de uma chave de eventos que vão sendo liberados cada vez que se completa um deles. Além disso, jogadores ganham pontos para liberar pistas e veículos para serem usados nos eventos individuais. Fechando o pacote, o game ainda oferece uma opção para um ou dois jogadores para controlar a polícia na hora de prender infratores.

Quebra tudo!

Diferente de "Gran Turismo 3", os veículos podem e serão danificados com impactos, e isso pode influenciar seu desempenho. A lataria pode ser riscada, pneus furados e não se assuste ao perder o retrovisor... ou a porta! Por isso mesmo, na versão de PlayStation 2 você pode ser parado pela polícia duas vezes sem perder a corrida - e quando isso acontece, você ganha um veículo novo.

CONSIDERAÇÕES

O NFS: HP2 conseguiu se destacar do resto da série e da grande massa de jogos de corrida que inundam os consoles. O jogo oferece ação rápida e muita satisfação. Só não espere uma simulação realista!

Fabricante: EA (Electronic Arts) Games

Lançamento: 01/10/2002

Distribuidora: EA Games

Suporte: 1-2 jogadores, cartão de memória8/16 MB

Outras plataformas: PC, Xbox e GameCube

Avaliação: Imperdível