Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
How to cut the costs
How to cut the costs
Whether you live in a low or high risk area there are always steps you can take to drive down the cost of your car insurance. Here are our top tips on how to ensure you get the most competitive deal possible:
*
Shopping around is the easiest and quickest way to save money. Many people assume loyalty pays but when it comes to insurance that is almost certainly not the case. Insurers know that many customers won't bother to move their cover elsewhere when their policy is up for renewal, so they reserve their best prices for new customers.
You should therefore shop around every year to compare prices from as many providers as possible to ensure you find the best deal. Moneysupermarket.com's car insurance tool makes this job easy as we compare prices from more than 100 insurers, cutting out all the leg work for you.
*
Look at ways to reduce your mileage. When you carry out a quote you will be required to enter the estimated miles you drive per year: the more you drive the higher your premium is likely to be. So car sharing with a work colleague or taking another form of transport to work a couple of times a week will cut your mileage and bring down the cost of your insurance.
*
Where you park your car overnight. This is a major factor when it comes to assessing the likelihood of you having to make a claim. If you can keep your car off the road overnight in a garage or on a driveway you are reducing the chances of it being vandalised, stolen or damaged by another vehicle. As a result, your premium will be lower.
*
It's not just where you live and where you park your car that affects the amount you pay. The car you drive is the main starting point for how the insurer will calculate your premium. For example, driving a sporty little number may look and feel good, but the bigger and faster the engine, the more you will fork out. Changing to a smaller engine may not do much for your street cred but it will do wonders for your wallet.
*
Increasing the excess you pay can cut your premiums considerably. Agreeing to pay a higher excess than you do currently is a good idea. However, you must remember in the event of a claim, you will have to stump up the excess amount - so make sure you amend this to an amount you can afford.
*
Add an older driver. Adding an older, more experienced driver to your policy could again reduce the cost of your premium, particularly if you are young and have only been driving for a year or two. However, this person should only be added as a named driver - don't be tempted to insure the car in their name if you are the main driver. This is known as fronting. It's illegal and could invalidate your insurance.
Whether you live in a low or high risk area there are always steps you can take to drive down the cost of your car insurance. Here are our top tips on how to ensure you get the most competitive deal possible:
*
Shopping around is the easiest and quickest way to save money. Many people assume loyalty pays but when it comes to insurance that is almost certainly not the case. Insurers know that many customers won't bother to move their cover elsewhere when their policy is up for renewal, so they reserve their best prices for new customers.
You should therefore shop around every year to compare prices from as many providers as possible to ensure you find the best deal. Moneysupermarket.com's car insurance tool makes this job easy as we compare prices from more than 100 insurers, cutting out all the leg work for you.
*
Look at ways to reduce your mileage. When you carry out a quote you will be required to enter the estimated miles you drive per year: the more you drive the higher your premium is likely to be. So car sharing with a work colleague or taking another form of transport to work a couple of times a week will cut your mileage and bring down the cost of your insurance.
*
Where you park your car overnight. This is a major factor when it comes to assessing the likelihood of you having to make a claim. If you can keep your car off the road overnight in a garage or on a driveway you are reducing the chances of it being vandalised, stolen or damaged by another vehicle. As a result, your premium will be lower.
*
It's not just where you live and where you park your car that affects the amount you pay. The car you drive is the main starting point for how the insurer will calculate your premium. For example, driving a sporty little number may look and feel good, but the bigger and faster the engine, the more you will fork out. Changing to a smaller engine may not do much for your street cred but it will do wonders for your wallet.
*
Increasing the excess you pay can cut your premiums considerably. Agreeing to pay a higher excess than you do currently is a good idea. However, you must remember in the event of a claim, you will have to stump up the excess amount - so make sure you amend this to an amount you can afford.
*
Add an older driver. Adding an older, more experienced driver to your policy could again reduce the cost of your premium, particularly if you are young and have only been driving for a year or two. However, this person should only be added as a named driver - don't be tempted to insure the car in their name if you are the main driver. This is known as fronting. It's illegal and could invalidate your insurance.
Record rises in car insurance costs
Record rises in car insurance costs
Take cover: no need to panic--we've got tips to help you cut your car insurance costs.(Wheels): An article from: Entrepreneur
Car insurance premiums are now rising at the fastest rate in 15 years, according to The AA, so what's behind the rising cost?
If you're looking for cheap car insurance just now, you may want to move fast.
According to The AA's British Insurance Premium Index, we're in the middle of one of the steepest rises in car insurance since records began.
In fact, car insurance premiums are rising faster than at any other time in the last 15 years, increasing by 5.6% over the last three months and 14% over the year.
The AA suggests is down to fraud, personal injury claims, uninsured drivers and rising car thefts. Providers are actually paying out more in claims than they are earning in premiums.
Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, explains: "Most drivers will be seeing sharp increases when they renew their annual insurance premiums. The index suggests that 89% of insurers have increased their premiums by more than £5 over the past quarter. Only 2.5% cent reduced them."
Cutting car insurance costs
This means there's never been a better time to compare car insurance providers and make sure you're finding the best quotes.
People who use the moneysupemarket.com car insurance comparison page save an average of £157 a year. So, if your premiums are rising, comparing the market is a great way to find the right cover at the lowest price possible.
There are other ways to reduce your premiums. Read our article 'Beat rising fuel prices' for our top tips on driving down the cost of cover.
Cover for younger drivers
The AA's findings are pretty bleak for younger drivers. Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) cover - the kind typically bought by new motorists - rocketed by 9.3% over the last quarter.
Newbies looking for cheap car insurance quotes may be less than impressed to discover the average quoted premium even for such basic protection is now £1,059.
Douglas is concerned premiums may be unaffordable or even encourage younger motorists to risk driving without insurance.
Take cover: no need to panic--we've got tips to help you cut your car insurance costs.(Wheels): An article from: Entrepreneur
Car insurance premiums are now rising at the fastest rate in 15 years, according to The AA, so what's behind the rising cost?
If you're looking for cheap car insurance just now, you may want to move fast.
According to The AA's British Insurance Premium Index, we're in the middle of one of the steepest rises in car insurance since records began.
In fact, car insurance premiums are rising faster than at any other time in the last 15 years, increasing by 5.6% over the last three months and 14% over the year.
The AA suggests is down to fraud, personal injury claims, uninsured drivers and rising car thefts. Providers are actually paying out more in claims than they are earning in premiums.
Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, explains: "Most drivers will be seeing sharp increases when they renew their annual insurance premiums. The index suggests that 89% of insurers have increased their premiums by more than £5 over the past quarter. Only 2.5% cent reduced them."
Cutting car insurance costs
This means there's never been a better time to compare car insurance providers and make sure you're finding the best quotes.
People who use the moneysupemarket.com car insurance comparison page save an average of £157 a year. So, if your premiums are rising, comparing the market is a great way to find the right cover at the lowest price possible.
There are other ways to reduce your premiums. Read our article 'Beat rising fuel prices' for our top tips on driving down the cost of cover.
Cover for younger drivers
The AA's findings are pretty bleak for younger drivers. Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) cover - the kind typically bought by new motorists - rocketed by 9.3% over the last quarter.
Newbies looking for cheap car insurance quotes may be less than impressed to discover the average quoted premium even for such basic protection is now £1,059.
Douglas is concerned premiums may be unaffordable or even encourage younger motorists to risk driving without insurance.
Top 10 most expensive areas in UK for car insurance
Top 10 most expensive areas in UK for car insurance
Average
lowest
quote Postcode Postal area
£873.45 M13 Ardwick / Longsight / Chortlon-on-Medlock, Manchester
£839.87 B10 Small Heath, Birmingham
£821.12 M8 Crumpsall / Cheetham Hill, Manchester
£819.93 L7 Edge Hill / Fairfield / Kensington, Liverpool
£818.79 BD8 Girlington / Manningham / Lower Grange, Bradford
£818.59 B11 Sparkhill / Tyseley, Birmingham
£814.04 B12 Balsall Heath, Birmingham
£809.72 B8 Washwood Heath / Ward End / Saltley, Birmingham
£808.58 E12 Manor Park, London
£805.20 BT12 Falls, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Average
lowest
quote Postcode Postal area
£873.45 M13 Ardwick / Longsight / Chortlon-on-Medlock, Manchester
£839.87 B10 Small Heath, Birmingham
£821.12 M8 Crumpsall / Cheetham Hill, Manchester
£819.93 L7 Edge Hill / Fairfield / Kensington, Liverpool
£818.79 BD8 Girlington / Manningham / Lower Grange, Bradford
£818.59 B11 Sparkhill / Tyseley, Birmingham
£814.04 B12 Balsall Heath, Birmingham
£809.72 B8 Washwood Heath / Ward End / Saltley, Birmingham
£808.58 E12 Manor Park, London
£805.20 BT12 Falls, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The 10 cheapest areas in UK for car insurance
Is yours one of the most expensive car insurance postcodes?
When it comes to car insurance, motorists in Scotland are having the last laugh as they pay the lowest premiums, according to new research from moneysupermarket.com.
Analysis carried out on one million car insurance quotes over the last 12 months has revealed that out of the top ten areas, seven of the cheapest postcodes are in Scotland. The hardest hit areas are postcodes in Birmingham and Manchester which feature six times in the top 10 most expensive areas - with motorists in Manchester standing to pay £500 a year more on average than those living in Scotland.
However, while Scotland may generally be the cheapest part of the country for car insurance, Truro in Cornwall actually bags the top spot among individual postcode areas. Penzance in Cornwall is also in the top 10 as is Bury St Edmonds in Suffolk.
Here's the list of the top 10 areas and bottom 10 areas for car insurance:
The 10 cheapest areas in UK for car insurance
Average lowest quote Postcode Postal area
£355.72 TR1 Truro, Cornwall
£374.99 KY12 Dunfermline, Scotland
£379.26 KY6 Glenrothes, Scotland
£379.69 DD5 Dundee, Scotland
£381.50 AB15 Aberdeen, Scotland
£382.76 IP33 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
£383.33 FK3 Grangemouth, Scotland
£384.75 IV30 Elgin, Scotland
£385.68 TR18 Penzance, Cornwall
£386.13 DD2 Dundee, Scotland
When it comes to car insurance, motorists in Scotland are having the last laugh as they pay the lowest premiums, according to new research from moneysupermarket.com.
Analysis carried out on one million car insurance quotes over the last 12 months has revealed that out of the top ten areas, seven of the cheapest postcodes are in Scotland. The hardest hit areas are postcodes in Birmingham and Manchester which feature six times in the top 10 most expensive areas - with motorists in Manchester standing to pay £500 a year more on average than those living in Scotland.
However, while Scotland may generally be the cheapest part of the country for car insurance, Truro in Cornwall actually bags the top spot among individual postcode areas. Penzance in Cornwall is also in the top 10 as is Bury St Edmonds in Suffolk.
Here's the list of the top 10 areas and bottom 10 areas for car insurance:
The 10 cheapest areas in UK for car insurance
Average lowest quote Postcode Postal area
£355.72 TR1 Truro, Cornwall
£374.99 KY12 Dunfermline, Scotland
£379.26 KY6 Glenrothes, Scotland
£379.69 DD5 Dundee, Scotland
£381.50 AB15 Aberdeen, Scotland
£382.76 IP33 Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
£383.33 FK3 Grangemouth, Scotland
£384.75 IV30 Elgin, Scotland
£385.68 TR18 Penzance, Cornwall
£386.13 DD2 Dundee, Scotland
In your car
In your car
Of course, your house isn't the only expensive asset at risk if flooding does strike, your car is also at risk and many people have been caught out by rapidly rising water and ended up trapped in their vehicles.
The weather makes it very likely that some people will have to make a claim on their car insurance, but what can you do to limit the risk? Here are some key tips:
* If you're at risk of flooding, try to move your car to high ground where it will be safe.
* Check your route before you leave your home - phone work and check the Environment Agency's website to be sure you can reach your destination.
* Carry a fully-charged mobile phone with you so you can request help if you break down.
* Do not drive into water - even if it looks shallow, it could be deeper than you think.
* Avoid leaving your car if you do become trapped, unless you are in direct danger. There will be less damage to the vehicle if you are towed out of the water.
* Do not try to restart a stalled car if you're in the water - this will suck water into your engine and cause far more damage.
It really is preferable to avoid driving in water as you risk becoming stuck. However, if you have to then avoid driving at speed and avoid other traffic, so you do not swamp other motorists.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists recommends staying in first gear, keeping the revs high and never taking your foot off the accelerator, even slightly. That could allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe.
Once you are clear of the flooding, it suggests drying the brakes by lightly applying them as you drive.
At your business
Flooding can devastate businesses, particulary smaller companies that do not have a disaster management strategy.
* If you're at risk of flooding, make sure your data is backed up.
* Put arrangements in place to inform staff if the workplace is inaccessible - you could organise a phone chain so that each member of the team phones one other.
* Follow the advice for protecting your home and move any valuable documents or company possessions as high up as possible.
The Federation of Small Businesses has opened its £500,000 disaster recovery fund for member companies in Scotland, Lancashire, Cumbria and the north-east of England.
Small firms can apply for interest-free loans of up to £5,000 to help them overcome flood-related crises.
Where to check the weather
It's all very well urging you to check the weather situation before travelling if you're in an at-risk area, but where can you find this information?
The Environment Agency is responsible for issuing flood warnings in England and Wales.
In Scotland, you can check the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website.
The Met Office carries localised information on weather and flood risks.
Your local radio station is also likely to carry regular updates on the developing situation.
Local authorities will be offering relevant advice for your area and setting up centres for evacuees. It may well also be able to offer you emergency supplies, including sandbags.
Essential numbers
Floodline: An advice and support number run by the Environment Agency for England, Wales and Scotland.
0845 988 1188
The National Flood Forum: This charity, which exists to support people and communities being affected by flooding, has a wealth of information and supportive advice.
01299 403055
The Rivers Agency provides advice on flooding for those in Northern Ireland.
0300 2000 100
Keep your insurer's details and your policy number in a safe place.
In an emergency, do not hesitate to contact the emergency services.
Of course, your house isn't the only expensive asset at risk if flooding does strike, your car is also at risk and many people have been caught out by rapidly rising water and ended up trapped in their vehicles.
The weather makes it very likely that some people will have to make a claim on their car insurance, but what can you do to limit the risk? Here are some key tips:
* If you're at risk of flooding, try to move your car to high ground where it will be safe.
* Check your route before you leave your home - phone work and check the Environment Agency's website to be sure you can reach your destination.
* Carry a fully-charged mobile phone with you so you can request help if you break down.
* Do not drive into water - even if it looks shallow, it could be deeper than you think.
* Avoid leaving your car if you do become trapped, unless you are in direct danger. There will be less damage to the vehicle if you are towed out of the water.
* Do not try to restart a stalled car if you're in the water - this will suck water into your engine and cause far more damage.
It really is preferable to avoid driving in water as you risk becoming stuck. However, if you have to then avoid driving at speed and avoid other traffic, so you do not swamp other motorists.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists recommends staying in first gear, keeping the revs high and never taking your foot off the accelerator, even slightly. That could allow water to travel up the exhaust pipe.
Once you are clear of the flooding, it suggests drying the brakes by lightly applying them as you drive.
At your business
Flooding can devastate businesses, particulary smaller companies that do not have a disaster management strategy.
* If you're at risk of flooding, make sure your data is backed up.
* Put arrangements in place to inform staff if the workplace is inaccessible - you could organise a phone chain so that each member of the team phones one other.
* Follow the advice for protecting your home and move any valuable documents or company possessions as high up as possible.
The Federation of Small Businesses has opened its £500,000 disaster recovery fund for member companies in Scotland, Lancashire, Cumbria and the north-east of England.
Small firms can apply for interest-free loans of up to £5,000 to help them overcome flood-related crises.
Where to check the weather
It's all very well urging you to check the weather situation before travelling if you're in an at-risk area, but where can you find this information?
The Environment Agency is responsible for issuing flood warnings in England and Wales.
In Scotland, you can check the Scottish Environment Protection Agency website.
The Met Office carries localised information on weather and flood risks.
Your local radio station is also likely to carry regular updates on the developing situation.
Local authorities will be offering relevant advice for your area and setting up centres for evacuees. It may well also be able to offer you emergency supplies, including sandbags.
Essential numbers
Floodline: An advice and support number run by the Environment Agency for England, Wales and Scotland.
0845 988 1188
The National Flood Forum: This charity, which exists to support people and communities being affected by flooding, has a wealth of information and supportive advice.
01299 403055
The Rivers Agency provides advice on flooding for those in Northern Ireland.
0300 2000 100
Keep your insurer's details and your policy number in a safe place.
In an emergency, do not hesitate to contact the emergency services.
Why women win with car insurance
Well, moneysupermarket.com knows better than to wade into that particular debate but we can bring you some statistics that show what the car insurance companies believe.
Analysis of more than six million motor insurance quotes made through our website during the 12 months to June 2009 shows that men are paying an average of 71% more than women for their cover.
Why is this the case?
Insurance companies price for risk, and claims data shows that male drivers make more car insurance claims than their female counterparts.
Steve Sweeney, moneysupermarket.com's head of motor insurance, said: "Many insurance companies view women as being safer and more mature in the way they drive. This why their premiums are not only cheaper but also decrease with age at a much faster rate than those of men."
Isn't this just for teenagers?
Admittedly the price gap is at its widest for teenagers. An 18-year-old man will fork out an average of £2,318.83 a year for cover - that's 87% more than the average a female driver of that age will pay.
The good news for young drivers is that prices do start to fall once they reach their twenties; the average man then pays £1,004.25 a year - although the girls are still winning in the cost-stakes at an average of just £598.02.
Age Male Female Difference % difference
18 £2,318.83 £1,237.33 £1,081.50 87.41%
19 £1,873.31 £1,006.78 £866.53 86.07%
20s £1,004.25 £598.02 £406.24 67.93%
30s £473.13 £348.60 £124.53 35.72%
40s £331.08 £260.99 £70.08 26.85%
50s £249.16 £204.33 £44.83 21.94%
60s £200.41 £170.59 £29.82 17.48%
70s £217.90 £199.69 £18.21 9.12%
80s £308.82 £236.83 £71.99 30.40%
Average £885.86 £517.37 £368.49 71.22%
Analysis of more than six million motor insurance quotes made through our website during the 12 months to June 2009 shows that men are paying an average of 71% more than women for their cover.
Why is this the case?
Insurance companies price for risk, and claims data shows that male drivers make more car insurance claims than their female counterparts.
Steve Sweeney, moneysupermarket.com's head of motor insurance, said: "Many insurance companies view women as being safer and more mature in the way they drive. This why their premiums are not only cheaper but also decrease with age at a much faster rate than those of men."
Isn't this just for teenagers?
Admittedly the price gap is at its widest for teenagers. An 18-year-old man will fork out an average of £2,318.83 a year for cover - that's 87% more than the average a female driver of that age will pay.
The good news for young drivers is that prices do start to fall once they reach their twenties; the average man then pays £1,004.25 a year - although the girls are still winning in the cost-stakes at an average of just £598.02.
Age Male Female Difference % difference
18 £2,318.83 £1,237.33 £1,081.50 87.41%
19 £1,873.31 £1,006.78 £866.53 86.07%
20s £1,004.25 £598.02 £406.24 67.93%
30s £473.13 £348.60 £124.53 35.72%
40s £331.08 £260.99 £70.08 26.85%
50s £249.16 £204.33 £44.83 21.94%
60s £200.41 £170.59 £29.82 17.48%
70s £217.90 £199.69 £18.21 9.12%
80s £308.82 £236.83 £71.99 30.40%
Average £885.86 £517.37 £368.49 71.22%
Performance Car Insurance
Performance Car Insurance
Insurance tips for owners of high performance cars
If you are planning to buy a high performance car you'll be aware that insuring your dream car could be expensive. Here we look at steps you could take which may help to reduce the cost of insuring the sports car or hot hatch you've always wanted.
The specification of your performance car
A vehicle that's built for speed is likely to be in a high car insurance group. This is because acceleration and top speed are both considered when the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (Thatcham) carries out tests which are used in the recommendation of car insurance groups. Acceleration and top speed are taken seriously by insurers because claims statistics show that high performance cars often result in more frequent insurance claims.
If you are buying a high performance car you can search the Association of British Insurer's database to find the recommended group rating for the car you're interested in. By comparing similar models of a car you may find one which is in a lower group, this could attract a lower premium when you get quotes from insurers.
The cost of repairing a car is also taken into account when insurance groups are recommended, so it's worth doing some research into the car you're interested in. If parts are hard to come by or repairs are likely to be complicated and time-consuming it may be worth considering a different car.
Performance car mileage
If you can resist the temptation to drive your performance car all the time you may be able to find a lower insurance premium by reducing the number of miles you put on the clock each year. The fewer miles you do the lower the risk may be for your insurer.
Car security
High performance cars and their components tend to attract thieves, so you'll need to take security seriously. If you're looking to save money when you insure your dream car make sure you keep it in a locked garage at night.
Improving the security of your motor vehicle can also help towards reducing the cost of high performance car insurance. Your insurance company will be able to advise you on which approved devices to fit. Tracking devices and immobilisers are likely to attract the best discounts. A tracking device could be a sound investment if you consider your high performance car to be irreplaceable.
Driving safely
While performance cars are built for speed it's important to remember to drive carefully and stay within the speed limit. If you are caught speeding, a motoring conviction is likely to make insuring your high performance car much more expensive.
Insurance tips for owners of high performance cars
If you are planning to buy a high performance car you'll be aware that insuring your dream car could be expensive. Here we look at steps you could take which may help to reduce the cost of insuring the sports car or hot hatch you've always wanted.
The specification of your performance car
A vehicle that's built for speed is likely to be in a high car insurance group. This is because acceleration and top speed are both considered when the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (Thatcham) carries out tests which are used in the recommendation of car insurance groups. Acceleration and top speed are taken seriously by insurers because claims statistics show that high performance cars often result in more frequent insurance claims.
If you are buying a high performance car you can search the Association of British Insurer's database to find the recommended group rating for the car you're interested in. By comparing similar models of a car you may find one which is in a lower group, this could attract a lower premium when you get quotes from insurers.
The cost of repairing a car is also taken into account when insurance groups are recommended, so it's worth doing some research into the car you're interested in. If parts are hard to come by or repairs are likely to be complicated and time-consuming it may be worth considering a different car.
Performance car mileage
If you can resist the temptation to drive your performance car all the time you may be able to find a lower insurance premium by reducing the number of miles you put on the clock each year. The fewer miles you do the lower the risk may be for your insurer.
Car security
High performance cars and their components tend to attract thieves, so you'll need to take security seriously. If you're looking to save money when you insure your dream car make sure you keep it in a locked garage at night.
Improving the security of your motor vehicle can also help towards reducing the cost of high performance car insurance. Your insurance company will be able to advise you on which approved devices to fit. Tracking devices and immobilisers are likely to attract the best discounts. A tracking device could be a sound investment if you consider your high performance car to be irreplaceable.
Driving safely
While performance cars are built for speed it's important to remember to drive carefully and stay within the speed limit. If you are caught speeding, a motoring conviction is likely to make insuring your high performance car much more expensive.
Compare Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance
How to compare car insurance quotes
Advisors struggle to compare PPOs.(Group Health Insurance): An article from: National Underwriter Life & Health
With so many car insurance companies to choose from in the UK, it can be difficult to know where to go for the best deal. Comparing car insurance quotes from the many different direct insurance providers, brokers and price comparison websites can be time-consuming and frustrating. To help you find car insurance that's right for you, here are some tips on comparing policies and information on what we can offer you as an insurance broker.
How do I find the best deal for my motor vehicle?
To find the right car insurance policy, you need to compare insurance quotes from several different providers, making sure you look at policy features as well as price. One way to do this is to make a chart, recording policy benefits, exclusions and costs. Things you might want to include are:
* the levels of compulsory excess you'll pay for things like accidental or windscreen damage
* the level of cover you'll receive against theft of your personal belongings
* whether or not a policy covers you to drive other cars
* whether a policy covers you for driving in Europe, and if it does, for how long
What about insurance price comparison websites?
Ill. exchange pres. looks to restore confidence. (Illinois Insurance Exchange President James E. Tait compares troubles to Lloyd's of London): An article ... & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management
Using price comparison websites to compare car insurance quotes can save you time because they allow you to view prices for several quotes at once. Although the cheapest quote (in a list of quotes provided for comparison) may look attractive, it's important to look closely at the policy benefits as well as the price, particularly with cheaper quotes, where you may well receive fewer benefits if you decide to pay a lower premium.
How to compare car insurance quotes
Advisors struggle to compare PPOs.(Group Health Insurance): An article from: National Underwriter Life & Health
With so many car insurance companies to choose from in the UK, it can be difficult to know where to go for the best deal. Comparing car insurance quotes from the many different direct insurance providers, brokers and price comparison websites can be time-consuming and frustrating. To help you find car insurance that's right for you, here are some tips on comparing policies and information on what we can offer you as an insurance broker.
How do I find the best deal for my motor vehicle?
To find the right car insurance policy, you need to compare insurance quotes from several different providers, making sure you look at policy features as well as price. One way to do this is to make a chart, recording policy benefits, exclusions and costs. Things you might want to include are:
* the levels of compulsory excess you'll pay for things like accidental or windscreen damage
* the level of cover you'll receive against theft of your personal belongings
* whether or not a policy covers you to drive other cars
* whether a policy covers you for driving in Europe, and if it does, for how long
What about insurance price comparison websites?
Ill. exchange pres. looks to restore confidence. (Illinois Insurance Exchange President James E. Tait compares troubles to Lloyd's of London): An article ... & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management
Using price comparison websites to compare car insurance quotes can save you time because they allow you to view prices for several quotes at once. Although the cheapest quote (in a list of quotes provided for comparison) may look attractive, it's important to look closely at the policy benefits as well as the price, particularly with cheaper quotes, where you may well receive fewer benefits if you decide to pay a lower premium.
Car Insurance Groups
Car Insurance Groups
How car insurance groups affect car insurance premiums
Group Insurance
If you're looking to save money and get a cheaper car insurance premium, it's worth thinking about how the insurance group your car is in affects your car insurance premium. Cars in lower insurance groups attract a lower premium, so it's worth understanding how insurance groups work.
Car insurance groups are set by the Group Rating Panel, which includes members of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Lloyds Market Association (LMA). The panel meets each month to recommend an insurance group for each new passenger car built to a UK specification. 70% of the information used by the panel in its assessment is based on research conducted by the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (Thatcham).
Aviva goes solar; Aviva, the global savings, investment and insurance group, has announced its sponsorship of the Aviva Southern Aurora solar car, an entrant ... article from: Australian Banking & Finance
The car insurance market 1992: In revolution, evolution or cyclical change? (Mintel special report)
The panel assign cars to one of twenty groups. Cars in the highest groups, typically high performance models, are those which are likely to cost insurers the most in insurance claims.
Insurers may use the panel recommendations in their calculation of car insurance premiums but, as these groupings are provided as a recommendation only, they may choose to use their own groupings. Thatcham have recently introduced a new set of fifty groups, which they are using alongside the existing twenty groups in testing new cars. The move to fifty groups means that each model of car can be more accurately banded with similar cars. Some insurers are now using fifty groups in their premium calculations.
According to the ABI, the cost of motor vehicle repairs accounts for over half of all the money paid out in motor insurance claims, so it's no surprise that repair costs feature strongly in how the groups are defined.
Based on their research, Thatcham define the factors used to assess new cars as follows:
Damage and parts costs
This covers the likely extent of damage to each car model and the cost of the parts involved in its repair. The lower these costs, the more likelihood there is of a lower group rating.
Repair costs and times
Longer repair times mean higher costs and the greater likelihood of a higher group rating. Different paint finishes on modern cars are an important factor, so these are also taken into account.
New car values
The prices of new cars are taken into account, as they are often a good guide to the cost of replacement and repair.
Parts prices
A standard list of 23 common parts is used to compare the cost of parts from one manufacturer with those from another. The lower these costs, the more likelihood there is of a lower group rating.
Car performance
Acceleration and top speed are important factors. Insurers know very well, from their claims statistics, that high performance cars often result in more frequent insurance claims.
Car security
Security features fitted as standard equipment by motor manufacturers can help to reduce insurance claims costs. Such features include high security door locks, alarm / immobilisation systems, glass etching, coded audio equipment, locking devices for alloy wheels and visible Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) numbers.
How car insurance groups affect car insurance premiums
Group Insurance
If you're looking to save money and get a cheaper car insurance premium, it's worth thinking about how the insurance group your car is in affects your car insurance premium. Cars in lower insurance groups attract a lower premium, so it's worth understanding how insurance groups work.
Car insurance groups are set by the Group Rating Panel, which includes members of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Lloyds Market Association (LMA). The panel meets each month to recommend an insurance group for each new passenger car built to a UK specification. 70% of the information used by the panel in its assessment is based on research conducted by the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (Thatcham).
Aviva goes solar; Aviva, the global savings, investment and insurance group, has announced its sponsorship of the Aviva Southern Aurora solar car, an entrant ... article from: Australian Banking & Finance
The car insurance market 1992: In revolution, evolution or cyclical change? (Mintel special report)
The panel assign cars to one of twenty groups. Cars in the highest groups, typically high performance models, are those which are likely to cost insurers the most in insurance claims.
Insurers may use the panel recommendations in their calculation of car insurance premiums but, as these groupings are provided as a recommendation only, they may choose to use their own groupings. Thatcham have recently introduced a new set of fifty groups, which they are using alongside the existing twenty groups in testing new cars. The move to fifty groups means that each model of car can be more accurately banded with similar cars. Some insurers are now using fifty groups in their premium calculations.
According to the ABI, the cost of motor vehicle repairs accounts for over half of all the money paid out in motor insurance claims, so it's no surprise that repair costs feature strongly in how the groups are defined.
Based on their research, Thatcham define the factors used to assess new cars as follows:
Damage and parts costs
This covers the likely extent of damage to each car model and the cost of the parts involved in its repair. The lower these costs, the more likelihood there is of a lower group rating.
Repair costs and times
Longer repair times mean higher costs and the greater likelihood of a higher group rating. Different paint finishes on modern cars are an important factor, so these are also taken into account.
New car values
The prices of new cars are taken into account, as they are often a good guide to the cost of replacement and repair.
Parts prices
A standard list of 23 common parts is used to compare the cost of parts from one manufacturer with those from another. The lower these costs, the more likelihood there is of a lower group rating.
Car performance
Acceleration and top speed are important factors. Insurers know very well, from their claims statistics, that high performance cars often result in more frequent insurance claims.
Car security
Security features fitted as standard equipment by motor manufacturers can help to reduce insurance claims costs. Such features include high security door locks, alarm / immobilisation systems, glass etching, coded audio equipment, locking devices for alloy wheels and visible Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) numbers.
Car insurance
To get a secure online car insurance quote, we need to have these detail before you start:
1. an estimate of your annual mileage
2. your car registration number or car make and model details
3. details of any car insurance claims you've made or points on your driving licence
Car insurance tips
Here are some car insurance that are useful.
Renting a car this summer? Insurance tips for vacationers.(Focus: PERSONAL FINANCE and INSURANCE SERVICES): An article from: Westchester County Business Journal
Renting a car this summer? Insurance tips for vacationers.(Focus: PERSONAL FINANCE and INSURANCE SERVICES): An article from: Westchester County Business JournalRenting a car this summer? Insurance tips for vacationers.(Focus: PERSONAL FINANCE and INSURANCE SERVICES): An article from: Westchester County Business Journal
* Young drivers' car insurance
* Car insurance for women
* Cheaper vehicle cover
* Cover for learner drivers
* Student motor insurance
Here are the some of best car insurance provider.
Why it pays to switch to the AA for car insurance
* Save time with quick and secure online motor insurance quotes
* We'll get you the best quote we can from our panel of leading insurers
* We show you our policy features and benefits before you get a quote, so you know what cover you'll get
* Get fully comprehensive cover with a truly comprehensive range of policy features and benefits
* 90% of our customers would recommend us to a friend**
1. an estimate of your annual mileage
2. your car registration number or car make and model details
3. details of any car insurance claims you've made or points on your driving licence
Car insurance tips
Here are some car insurance that are useful.
Renting a car this summer? Insurance tips for vacationers.(Focus: PERSONAL FINANCE and INSURANCE SERVICES): An article from: Westchester County Business Journal
Renting a car this summer? Insurance tips for vacationers.(Focus: PERSONAL FINANCE and INSURANCE SERVICES): An article from: Westchester County Business Journal
Renting a car this summer? Insurance tips for vacationers.(Focus: PERSONAL FINANCE and INSURANCE SERVICES): An article from: Westchester County Business Journal* Young drivers' car insurance
* Car insurance for women
* Cheaper vehicle cover
* Cover for learner drivers
* Student motor insurance
Here are the some of best car insurance provider.
Why it pays to switch to the AA for car insurance
* Save time with quick and secure online motor insurance quotes
* We'll get you the best quote we can from our panel of leading insurers
* We show you our policy features and benefits before you get a quote, so you know what cover you'll get
* Get fully comprehensive cover with a truly comprehensive range of policy features and benefits
* 90% of our customers would recommend us to a friend**
What is Insurance Fraud?
What is Insurance Fraud?
Insurance fraud is not a highly visible crime, but an extremely costly one. In fact, insurance fraud is the second most costly white-collar crime in America (tax evasion being the first).
Insurance Thrillers; Sinister Mysteries Centering About Insurance Frauds
Insurance fraud is any activity in which people use fraudulent means to obtain payouts from insurance companies. Industry organizations suspect that as many as 10% of insurance claims may actually be fraudulent in nature, demonstrating how common insurance fraud can be, and many fraudulent claims are never firmly identified, causing large losses for the insurance industry as it pays out on such claims. Consumers are impacted directly by insurance fraud even when they don't commit it, because insurance companies are forced to charge higher premiums to compensate for funds they lose due to fraudulent activity.
Insurance fraud costs consumers approximately $150 billion a year in damages, leaving the average family paying a minimum of $1,000 a year in higher insurance premiums and costs of goods and medical services.
What could be a reson for insurace fraud?
Car, life, health, and property insurance can all be subject to insurance fraud. In soft fraud, people simply exaggerate an existing, legitimate claim. For example, a driver involved in a car accident might claim that damage to the windshield was caused in the accident, even though it wasn't, forcing the insurance company to replace the windshield. In hard fraud, people actually make up a situation which would result in an insurance payout, either entirely on paper, as in the case of a medical provider who submits claims for services which were never provided, or in reality, as in the instance of someone who burns down a home to get an insurance payout.
Insurers have been struggling with fraud since they opened for business. A number of nations have laws in place which provide specific penalties for insurance fraud, making it a potentially dangerous activity to engage in, and many nations also support insurance company investigations with law enforcement investigations which are designed to identify and put a stop to fraud.
how to tackle insurance fraud?
Tackling Insurance Fraud: Law And Practice (Practical insurance guides)
how to claim on insurance fraud??
Putting a claim on insurance fraud. (Investigations): An article from: Security Management
Insurance fraud is not a highly visible crime, but an extremely costly one. In fact, insurance fraud is the second most costly white-collar crime in America (tax evasion being the first).
Insurance Thrillers; Sinister Mysteries Centering About Insurance Frauds
Insurance fraud is any activity in which people use fraudulent means to obtain payouts from insurance companies. Industry organizations suspect that as many as 10% of insurance claims may actually be fraudulent in nature, demonstrating how common insurance fraud can be, and many fraudulent claims are never firmly identified, causing large losses for the insurance industry as it pays out on such claims. Consumers are impacted directly by insurance fraud even when they don't commit it, because insurance companies are forced to charge higher premiums to compensate for funds they lose due to fraudulent activity.
Insurance fraud costs consumers approximately $150 billion a year in damages, leaving the average family paying a minimum of $1,000 a year in higher insurance premiums and costs of goods and medical services.
What could be a reson for insurace fraud?
Car, life, health, and property insurance can all be subject to insurance fraud. In soft fraud, people simply exaggerate an existing, legitimate claim. For example, a driver involved in a car accident might claim that damage to the windshield was caused in the accident, even though it wasn't, forcing the insurance company to replace the windshield. In hard fraud, people actually make up a situation which would result in an insurance payout, either entirely on paper, as in the case of a medical provider who submits claims for services which were never provided, or in reality, as in the instance of someone who burns down a home to get an insurance payout.
Insurers have been struggling with fraud since they opened for business. A number of nations have laws in place which provide specific penalties for insurance fraud, making it a potentially dangerous activity to engage in, and many nations also support insurance company investigations with law enforcement investigations which are designed to identify and put a stop to fraud.
how to tackle insurance fraud?
Tackling Insurance Fraud: Law And Practice (Practical insurance guides)
how to claim on insurance fraud??
Putting a claim on insurance fraud. (Investigations): An article from: Security Management
How do I make an insurance claim?
How do I make an insurance claim?
* Keep any evidence: Depending on the situation either get the names and addresses of any witnesses, keep any relevant receipts, or take photographs.
* Contact the broker/ insurer: Give them a ring then follow up with a letter, keeping a copy for yourself. They should send you a claim form, which you should fill out and send back ASAP. Send 2-3 professional estimates for the repairs with the form.
* Help with your claim.
listen to insurance claim in mp3.
* Keep any evidence: Depending on the situation either get the names and addresses of any witnesses, keep any relevant receipts, or take photographs.
* Contact the broker/ insurer: Give them a ring then follow up with a letter, keeping a copy for yourself. They should send you a claim form, which you should fill out and send back ASAP. Send 2-3 professional estimates for the repairs with the form.
* Help with your claim.
listen to insurance claim in mp3.
Types of insurance
types of insurance:
Types of insurance to consider for business.: An article from: San Fernando Valley Business Journal
Cafeteria plans offer flexible insurance options: This type of insurance coverage may benefit small-business owners and their employees.(Brief Article): An article from: Alaska Business Monthly
Melanoma care varies by region, insurance type.(Skin Disoders): An article from: Family Practice News
Two kinds of Insurance
There are two different kinds of insurance - life insurance and general insurance.
With life insurance you don't renew your policy each year. Instead, you agree to pay a fixed premium for a set number of years. In other words you enter a long-term commitment when you buy a life insurance policy.
What is the Difference?
General insurance pays out:
* if a car has an accident or is stolen;
* if a house catches fire or is burgled;
* if a holiday has to be cancelled;
* if someone is careless and damages other people's property.
Most life policies, on the other hand, pay out when an event happens;
* when someone dies;
* when someone survives beyond a specific date.
Anyone can buy life insurance but, of course, the premium will depend on your age, your health, and your occupation.
Husbands and wives can insure each other's lives. However, you cannot insure the lives of other people unless you have a financial involvement in their life. This principle of insurance is called "insurable interest".
There are many different types of insurance:
You are unlikely to need every single one of these, so read around, choose carefully and remember to read the small print.
* Travel: Holidays can be dangerous occasions - especially abroad. If someone falls ill it is much more difficult than it would be at home to cope with the situation. Medical treatment is expensive. More here.
* Household contents and building insurance: Contents insurance covers the contents of a home such as furniture, carpets, clothes, television, refrigerators, jewellery and so on. In other words, what you would take with you if you moved. Buildings insurance protects against damage to the actual structure of the home and to its fixtures and fittings. Contents and buildings policies can be bought separately or together in one package. More here.
* Car insurance: Most people know something about motor insurance. This is because any vehicle driven on public roads must have a certain level of insurance. The Road Traffic Act ensures that drivers must meet liabilities they incur should they injure other people or cause damage in an accident. More here.
Life insurance: A means of providing for your dependents should you die early, but also a way to save cash through endowment policies or similar.
* Private medical insurance: This covers the costs of private medical treatment for curable short-term illness or injury. It means that should you become ill you could be treated immediately privately rather than being put on an NHS waiting list. More here.
* Critical illness insurance
: This allows you to insure your income/ health were you to become too ill to work later on in life, and protects any dependents/ loved ones from the financial consequences of such unexpected events. More here.
* Accident, sickness and unemployment cover: According to Moneyextra: "In 1999, 30,000 properties were re-possessed by mortgage lenders... Many lost their homes because they could no longer afford to pay their mortgage payments through an accident, sickness or unemployment." If you are planning on buying a house it may be sensible to think about getting some mortgage payment protection insurance.
* Pet insurance
: This basically helps you foot the vet's bills if your pet gets poorly. By paying regularly into an insurance policy it means you have paid for the bill gradually rather than having to find the money for a steep bill when you can least afford it. More here.
Types of insurance to consider for business.: An article from: San Fernando Valley Business Journal
Cafeteria plans offer flexible insurance options: This type of insurance coverage may benefit small-business owners and their employees.(Brief Article): An article from: Alaska Business Monthly
Melanoma care varies by region, insurance type.(Skin Disoders): An article from: Family Practice News
Two kinds of Insurance
There are two different kinds of insurance - life insurance and general insurance.
With life insurance you don't renew your policy each year. Instead, you agree to pay a fixed premium for a set number of years. In other words you enter a long-term commitment when you buy a life insurance policy.
What is the Difference?
General insurance pays out:
* if a car has an accident or is stolen;
* if a house catches fire or is burgled;
* if a holiday has to be cancelled;
* if someone is careless and damages other people's property.
Most life policies, on the other hand, pay out when an event happens;
* when someone dies;
* when someone survives beyond a specific date.
Anyone can buy life insurance but, of course, the premium will depend on your age, your health, and your occupation.
Husbands and wives can insure each other's lives. However, you cannot insure the lives of other people unless you have a financial involvement in their life. This principle of insurance is called "insurable interest".
There are many different types of insurance:
You are unlikely to need every single one of these, so read around, choose carefully and remember to read the small print.
* Travel: Holidays can be dangerous occasions - especially abroad. If someone falls ill it is much more difficult than it would be at home to cope with the situation. Medical treatment is expensive. More here.
* Household contents and building insurance: Contents insurance covers the contents of a home such as furniture, carpets, clothes, television, refrigerators, jewellery and so on. In other words, what you would take with you if you moved. Buildings insurance protects against damage to the actual structure of the home and to its fixtures and fittings. Contents and buildings policies can be bought separately or together in one package. More here.
* Car insurance: Most people know something about motor insurance. This is because any vehicle driven on public roads must have a certain level of insurance. The Road Traffic Act ensures that drivers must meet liabilities they incur should they injure other people or cause damage in an accident. More here.
Life insurance: A means of providing for your dependents should you die early, but also a way to save cash through endowment policies or similar.
* Private medical insurance: This covers the costs of private medical treatment for curable short-term illness or injury. It means that should you become ill you could be treated immediately privately rather than being put on an NHS waiting list. More here.
* Critical illness insurance
: This allows you to insure your income/ health were you to become too ill to work later on in life, and protects any dependents/ loved ones from the financial consequences of such unexpected events. More here.* Accident, sickness and unemployment cover: According to Moneyextra: "In 1999, 30,000 properties were re-possessed by mortgage lenders... Many lost their homes because they could no longer afford to pay their mortgage payments through an accident, sickness or unemployment." If you are planning on buying a house it may be sensible to think about getting some mortgage payment protection insurance.
* Pet insurance
: This basically helps you foot the vet's bills if your pet gets poorly. By paying regularly into an insurance policy it means you have paid for the bill gradually rather than having to find the money for a steep bill when you can least afford it. More here.
Principles of insurance
auto insurance quote
Principles of insurance
| |
 |
- Large number of homogeneous exposure units...
- Definite Loss.
- Accidental Loss.
- Large Loss.
- Affordable Premium.
- Calculable Loss.
- Limited risk of catastrophically large losses.
what is insurance??
auto insurance quote
what is insurance??
Insurance is a precaution against a possible unwanted outcome: in life and in business, it's a way of managing risk and keeping things on the move.
Insurance is the promise of reimbursement in the case of loss; paid to people or companies so concerned about hazards that they have made prepayments to an insurance company.
Insurance, in law and economics, is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent loss. Insurance is defined as the equitable transfer of the risk of a loss, from one entity to another, in exchange for a premium, and can be thought of as a guaranteed and known small loss to prevent a large, possibly devastating loss.
An insurer is a company selling the insurance; an insured or policyholder is the person or entity buying the insurance. The insurance rate is a factor used to determine the amount to be charged for a certain amount of insurance coverage, called the premium. Risk management, the practice of appraising and controlling risk, has evolved as a discrete field of study and practice.
We use insurance to protect against the possibility of loss, usually financial. When we buy insurance, we transfer our risk to someone else in exchange for a payment or premium. Then, if we suffer a loss, insurance puts us back into a position pre-claim (reinstatement).
It works because insurance companies group together a large number of people who all feel exposed to the same possible circumstances. The company knows that, in any one year, the total premium collected from the group of people should cover the cost of the claims made by the unfortunate few who actually suffer a loss.
In simple terms, insurance allows someone who suffers a loss or accident to be compensated for the effects of their misfortune. It lets you protect yourself against everyday risks to your health, home and financial situation.
Basically, insurance enables those who suffer a loss or accident to be compensated for the effects of their misfortune. The payments come from a fund of money contributed by all the holders of individual insurance policies. In other words, individual risks are pooled and shared, with each policyholder making a contribution to the common fund.
what is insurance??
Insurance is a precaution against a possible unwanted outcome: in life and in business, it's a way of managing risk and keeping things on the move.
Insurance is the promise of reimbursement in the case of loss; paid to people or companies so concerned about hazards that they have made prepayments to an insurance company.
Insurance, in law and economics, is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent loss. Insurance is defined as the equitable transfer of the risk of a loss, from one entity to another, in exchange for a premium, and can be thought of as a guaranteed and known small loss to prevent a large, possibly devastating loss.
An insurer is a company selling the insurance; an insured or policyholder is the person or entity buying the insurance. The insurance rate is a factor used to determine the amount to be charged for a certain amount of insurance coverage, called the premium. Risk management, the practice of appraising and controlling risk, has evolved as a discrete field of study and practice.
We use insurance to protect against the possibility of loss, usually financial. When we buy insurance, we transfer our risk to someone else in exchange for a payment or premium. Then, if we suffer a loss, insurance puts us back into a position pre-claim (reinstatement).
It works because insurance companies group together a large number of people who all feel exposed to the same possible circumstances. The company knows that, in any one year, the total premium collected from the group of people should cover the cost of the claims made by the unfortunate few who actually suffer a loss.
In simple terms, insurance allows someone who suffers a loss or accident to be compensated for the effects of their misfortune. It lets you protect yourself against everyday risks to your health, home and financial situation.
Basically, insurance enables those who suffer a loss or accident to be compensated for the effects of their misfortune. The payments come from a fund of money contributed by all the holders of individual insurance policies. In other words, individual risks are pooled and shared, with each policyholder making a contribution to the common fund.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Running With the Big Dogs
By Alistair Weaver, European Editor Email
Date posted: 02-24-2009
The 2010 Jaguar XFR sneaks up on you. You have to drive with one eye on the speedometer, cross-checking your perception of speed with the reality displayed in black, white and red. The XFR is not a raw-edged racing sedan; it's a supercharged 510-horsepower express that baits the BMW M5 with its sheer sophistication.
The Jaguar XFR is a fast, beautiful and very British challenge to the hegemony of German sport sedans, good enough to makes moustaches quiver in Ingolstadt, Munich and Stuttgart. If the introduction of the XF sedan last year woke Jaguar from its self-induced slumber, the 2010 XFR gives it a potent shot of caffeine.
With the 2010 Jaguar XFR, the guys at Jag have finally delivered the car they've been promising ever since Ford began pumping money into the company in 1990. It's ironic that new owner Tata Motors will be the one to get the credit.
As Always, It Starts With an Engine
It's been a long time coming, but the new 5.0-liter Jaguar V8 is finally with us. A naturally aspirated example will follow soon, but it's the supercharged version that concerns us here. It might be known as the AJ-V8 Gen III, but this is effectively an all-new motor with just two parts shared with the old 4.2-liter V8. The key technology in this R-Type application is direct injection, variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust, twin intercoolers and the latest Roots-type, twin-vortex supercharger.
Turbochargers have been in the news a lot lately, especially with BMW's decision to implement the technology in its street cars, but a new generation of supercharger technology has also recently arrived. Jaguar chose to continue its past work with supercharging in the interests of throttle response, efficiency and packaging. Now that AMG has largely abandoned the Kompressor, the use of supercharging also gives the Jag a key point of difference compared with its German rivals. The new engine is mated to the familiar ZF 6HP28 six-speed automatic, although it's been uprated to cope with the extra thrust.
And the thrust ratings are certainly impressive, as the Jaguar engineers targeted 500 hp in the belief that this is now a prerequisite for entry in the hyper-sedan club. To this end, the 2010 Jaguar XFR's supercharged 5.0-liter V8 offers up 510 hp between 6,000 and 6,500 rpm, with 461 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 and 5,500 rpm. This compares pretty impressively with the Audi RS6's ratings of 580 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, the BMW M5's output of 500 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG's 507 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque.
Get Down the Road
Those figures are impressive, even in a car that weighs 4,169 pounds. Jaguar claims the XFR gets to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.6 seconds on the way to the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds. It accelerates from 50 mph to 70 mph in just 1.9 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. This is a thunderous car, and you don't have to work for the performance as you do in the naturally aspirated Merc or BeeEm. You rely not on the power but on the huge dollops of torque served up by the compressor.
This distinctive power production together with the superbly smooth gearbox is the key to the XFR sedan's stealthy performance. Plus the engine is so quiet that you're never aware that it's working very hard. Jaguar has all but eliminated the supercharger whine that always laid down a soundtrack to the old blown 4.2-liter V8, and the 5.0-liter V8 emits a deep, bass woofle that's never more than subdued. And just like the 2010 Ford Mustang and 2009 Ford Focus RS, there's a system in place to introduce engine sounds into the cockpit for a little more personality.
Nevertheless, this engine is actually too quiet. After all, if you've spent this much on a sport sedan, you deserve a bit of theater. The 2010 Jaguar XFR is another modern car that sounds better from the sidewalk than it does from the driver seat. Perhaps Jaguar might do well to offer an optional version of the new active exhaust system featured by the latest Jaguar XKR sports car.
A Sport Sedan That's Sporting
There are two significant chassis developments that the R-Type designation brings to the XF sedan: Active Differential Control (ADC) and Adaptive Dynamics. ADC is simply a differential that uses electronics to control the torque distributed to each wheel, operating only when required. The differential control works in conjunction with the stability control to manipulate the horsepower in all road conditions. It is hugely effective, enabling the car to pull away smoothly and cleanly with significant steering input, even on a wet surface.
Meanwhile, the Adaptive Dynamics system modifies the throttle and gearbox response depending on the way you're driving, while also altering the parameters of the continuously variable suspension damping. Put simply, it recognizes that you now want to play and will quickly switch to a more aggressive damping setting. As a result, you can take advantage of the suspension's comfort without having to sacrifice readiness for the fun zones.
Of course, this technology also makes the 2010 Jaguar XFR nowhere near as raw as an M5. The BeeEm demands your full attention, all of the time. The Jag isn't like that. The ride, while significantly firmer than a standard XF, is still pleasingly supple. Even with standard 20-inch wheels and tires plus a fast-acting steering ratio, the R-Type feels more sophisticated than the M-car. Yet this shouldn't be mistaken for a lack of talent, or ambition. The XFR sedan is stealthy, but still capable and entertaining.
The harder you try, the better it responds. You brake hard and deep into the corner (the front discs now measure 14.9 inches) to offset any initial understeer and then lean on the throttle pedal and ride the engine's torque. In high-speed corners, the XFR starts to feel lighter and smaller than it actually is, helped by crisp, accurate and well-weighted steering that's significantly better than that of the opposition. The six-speed ZF automatic is also an ideal foil for the V8, swapping cogs swifty with the aid of the shift paddles on the steering wheel and, in manual mode, refusing to change up without human intervention.
The stability control also has two modes: standard and track. In theory, the latter allows you to play a little, but it still intervenes strongly and relatively early. Of course, you can also turn the system off altogether, at which point the Jag can easily be tempted into glamorous, heroic powerslides, the sort of thing Jaguar development driver Mike Cross has spent a lifetime perfecting. The Jag XFR is much more amenable to oversteer than an M5 or an RS6. It isn't the Jag's default setting, but if you want to be a hooligan, it's happy to oblige.
The Look of Speed
The XF has been designed from the outset as a sport sedan, but the R-Type has given it an added dose of machismo. The chrome-mesh air ducts in the redesigned front fenders and the usual R-Type mesh grille are the most obvious visual changes that contribute to the car's aggressive new face. You'll also notice a deeper front bumper, louvers in the hood, extended rocker-sill skirts, a subtle spoiler on the deck lid, quad exhaust tips and of course the big 20-inch wheels inscribed with "supercharged." It's a comprehensive package that stays on the right side of tasteful.
The revisions within the interior are modest. You get discreet "R" badges on the steering wheel and fascia, a new twist to the aluminum trim, plus sport seats that move in 14 different directions. The only other tweak is to the instrument dials, which now boast a "supercharged" logo and a red needle. The Jaguar XFR remains a thoroughly nice place to be, even if there isn't as much room in the rear seat as you'd find in the Audi RS6.
The Price of Speed
The 2010 Jaguar XFR will come with a price tag of $80,000, which is a long way from the $52,000 of the entry-level XF sedan, but also a fair way below the supercharged $96,000 XKR coupe. Most important, the XFR sedan's price tag is $5,500 less than a BMW M5.
Just as with the XF sedan, the new R-Type probably won't get the instant badge recognition of a car from AMG, the M division or Quattro GmbH, but this new Jag deserves to run with the best. Handsome, massively quick and hugely capable, this car fulfills the XF's potential.
At last Jaguar is back in the game.
By Alistair Weaver, European Editor Email
Date posted: 02-24-2009
The 2010 Jaguar XFR sneaks up on you. You have to drive with one eye on the speedometer, cross-checking your perception of speed with the reality displayed in black, white and red. The XFR is not a raw-edged racing sedan; it's a supercharged 510-horsepower express that baits the BMW M5 with its sheer sophistication.
The Jaguar XFR is a fast, beautiful and very British challenge to the hegemony of German sport sedans, good enough to makes moustaches quiver in Ingolstadt, Munich and Stuttgart. If the introduction of the XF sedan last year woke Jaguar from its self-induced slumber, the 2010 XFR gives it a potent shot of caffeine.
With the 2010 Jaguar XFR, the guys at Jag have finally delivered the car they've been promising ever since Ford began pumping money into the company in 1990. It's ironic that new owner Tata Motors will be the one to get the credit.
As Always, It Starts With an Engine
It's been a long time coming, but the new 5.0-liter Jaguar V8 is finally with us. A naturally aspirated example will follow soon, but it's the supercharged version that concerns us here. It might be known as the AJ-V8 Gen III, but this is effectively an all-new motor with just two parts shared with the old 4.2-liter V8. The key technology in this R-Type application is direct injection, variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust, twin intercoolers and the latest Roots-type, twin-vortex supercharger.
Turbochargers have been in the news a lot lately, especially with BMW's decision to implement the technology in its street cars, but a new generation of supercharger technology has also recently arrived. Jaguar chose to continue its past work with supercharging in the interests of throttle response, efficiency and packaging. Now that AMG has largely abandoned the Kompressor, the use of supercharging also gives the Jag a key point of difference compared with its German rivals. The new engine is mated to the familiar ZF 6HP28 six-speed automatic, although it's been uprated to cope with the extra thrust.
And the thrust ratings are certainly impressive, as the Jaguar engineers targeted 500 hp in the belief that this is now a prerequisite for entry in the hyper-sedan club. To this end, the 2010 Jaguar XFR's supercharged 5.0-liter V8 offers up 510 hp between 6,000 and 6,500 rpm, with 461 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 and 5,500 rpm. This compares pretty impressively with the Audi RS6's ratings of 580 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, the BMW M5's output of 500 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG's 507 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque.
Get Down the Road
Those figures are impressive, even in a car that weighs 4,169 pounds. Jaguar claims the XFR gets to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.6 seconds on the way to the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds. It accelerates from 50 mph to 70 mph in just 1.9 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. This is a thunderous car, and you don't have to work for the performance as you do in the naturally aspirated Merc or BeeEm. You rely not on the power but on the huge dollops of torque served up by the compressor.
This distinctive power production together with the superbly smooth gearbox is the key to the XFR sedan's stealthy performance. Plus the engine is so quiet that you're never aware that it's working very hard. Jaguar has all but eliminated the supercharger whine that always laid down a soundtrack to the old blown 4.2-liter V8, and the 5.0-liter V8 emits a deep, bass woofle that's never more than subdued. And just like the 2010 Ford Mustang and 2009 Ford Focus RS, there's a system in place to introduce engine sounds into the cockpit for a little more personality.
Nevertheless, this engine is actually too quiet. After all, if you've spent this much on a sport sedan, you deserve a bit of theater. The 2010 Jaguar XFR is another modern car that sounds better from the sidewalk than it does from the driver seat. Perhaps Jaguar might do well to offer an optional version of the new active exhaust system featured by the latest Jaguar XKR sports car.
A Sport Sedan That's Sporting
There are two significant chassis developments that the R-Type designation brings to the XF sedan: Active Differential Control (ADC) and Adaptive Dynamics. ADC is simply a differential that uses electronics to control the torque distributed to each wheel, operating only when required. The differential control works in conjunction with the stability control to manipulate the horsepower in all road conditions. It is hugely effective, enabling the car to pull away smoothly and cleanly with significant steering input, even on a wet surface.
Meanwhile, the Adaptive Dynamics system modifies the throttle and gearbox response depending on the way you're driving, while also altering the parameters of the continuously variable suspension damping. Put simply, it recognizes that you now want to play and will quickly switch to a more aggressive damping setting. As a result, you can take advantage of the suspension's comfort without having to sacrifice readiness for the fun zones.
Of course, this technology also makes the 2010 Jaguar XFR nowhere near as raw as an M5. The BeeEm demands your full attention, all of the time. The Jag isn't like that. The ride, while significantly firmer than a standard XF, is still pleasingly supple. Even with standard 20-inch wheels and tires plus a fast-acting steering ratio, the R-Type feels more sophisticated than the M-car. Yet this shouldn't be mistaken for a lack of talent, or ambition. The XFR sedan is stealthy, but still capable and entertaining.
The harder you try, the better it responds. You brake hard and deep into the corner (the front discs now measure 14.9 inches) to offset any initial understeer and then lean on the throttle pedal and ride the engine's torque. In high-speed corners, the XFR starts to feel lighter and smaller than it actually is, helped by crisp, accurate and well-weighted steering that's significantly better than that of the opposition. The six-speed ZF automatic is also an ideal foil for the V8, swapping cogs swifty with the aid of the shift paddles on the steering wheel and, in manual mode, refusing to change up without human intervention.
The stability control also has two modes: standard and track. In theory, the latter allows you to play a little, but it still intervenes strongly and relatively early. Of course, you can also turn the system off altogether, at which point the Jag can easily be tempted into glamorous, heroic powerslides, the sort of thing Jaguar development driver Mike Cross has spent a lifetime perfecting. The Jag XFR is much more amenable to oversteer than an M5 or an RS6. It isn't the Jag's default setting, but if you want to be a hooligan, it's happy to oblige.
The Look of Speed
The XF has been designed from the outset as a sport sedan, but the R-Type has given it an added dose of machismo. The chrome-mesh air ducts in the redesigned front fenders and the usual R-Type mesh grille are the most obvious visual changes that contribute to the car's aggressive new face. You'll also notice a deeper front bumper, louvers in the hood, extended rocker-sill skirts, a subtle spoiler on the deck lid, quad exhaust tips and of course the big 20-inch wheels inscribed with "supercharged." It's a comprehensive package that stays on the right side of tasteful.
The revisions within the interior are modest. You get discreet "R" badges on the steering wheel and fascia, a new twist to the aluminum trim, plus sport seats that move in 14 different directions. The only other tweak is to the instrument dials, which now boast a "supercharged" logo and a red needle. The Jaguar XFR remains a thoroughly nice place to be, even if there isn't as much room in the rear seat as you'd find in the Audi RS6.
The Price of Speed
The 2010 Jaguar XFR will come with a price tag of $80,000, which is a long way from the $52,000 of the entry-level XF sedan, but also a fair way below the supercharged $96,000 XKR coupe. Most important, the XFR sedan's price tag is $5,500 less than a BMW M5.
Just as with the XF sedan, the new R-Type probably won't get the instant badge recognition of a car from AMG, the M division or Quattro GmbH, but this new Jag deserves to run with the best. Handsome, massively quick and hugely capable, this car fulfills the XF's potential.
At last Jaguar is back in the game.
2009 Jaguar XFR
Top Cat: New 510-hp Leaper is the Best of the Breed
By Mike Connor
You know you're suffering from hp-war battle fatigue when your first reaction to the news the Jaguar XFR's all-new, supercharged 5.0L direct-injection V-8 develops 510 hp is a faintly disappointed "Oh..." It might outgun the 500-hp BMW M5 and the 507-hp Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but it comes up short against Cadillac's mighty 556-hp CTS-V and Audi's head-banging 572-hp RS6. We're here to tell you, however, that sheer horsepower ain't everything. Just point the new XFR at your favorite stretch of gnarly two-lane, nail the gas, and you'll soon see what we mean.
The XFR is, of course, the new flagship car in an upgraded and expanded XF range for the 2010 model year. By now you will have noticed the entirely predictable exterior mods: a new front bumper fascia with large air intakes, deeper sills, a vented hood, new 20-in. alloy wheels, and quad tailpipes. Inside, the XFR retains the XF's cool and charismatic interior design, though Dark Oak veneer is the standard wood trim, complementing a unique dark mesh-aluminum dash panel. The XFR's front seats feature electrically adjustable bolsters for greater side support.
Top Cat: New 510-hp Leaper is the Best of the Breed
By Mike Connor
You know you're suffering from hp-war battle fatigue when your first reaction to the news the Jaguar XFR's all-new, supercharged 5.0L direct-injection V-8 develops 510 hp is a faintly disappointed "Oh..." It might outgun the 500-hp BMW M5 and the 507-hp Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but it comes up short against Cadillac's mighty 556-hp CTS-V and Audi's head-banging 572-hp RS6. We're here to tell you, however, that sheer horsepower ain't everything. Just point the new XFR at your favorite stretch of gnarly two-lane, nail the gas, and you'll soon see what we mean.
The XFR is, of course, the new flagship car in an upgraded and expanded XF range for the 2010 model year. By now you will have noticed the entirely predictable exterior mods: a new front bumper fascia with large air intakes, deeper sills, a vented hood, new 20-in. alloy wheels, and quad tailpipes. Inside, the XFR retains the XF's cool and charismatic interior design, though Dark Oak veneer is the standard wood trim, complementing a unique dark mesh-aluminum dash panel. The XFR's front seats feature electrically adjustable bolsters for greater side support.
The big news is all under the skin: suspension tweaks that include magneto-rheological shocks, bigger brakes, an active differential, and the supercharged version of the all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engine.
The 5.0L Gen III has been designed in-house at Jaguar. The new engine is almost an inch shorter than the current 4.2L V-8, thanks to the relocation of the oil pump. The aluminum block is now a high-pressure die-cast item with cross-bolted main bearing caps. The four-valve cylinder heads are made from recycled aluminum, and the camshafts feature variable valve timing activated by the torque motions of the valves themselves instead of oil pressure, enabling the oil pump to be reduced in size. The engine features what Jaguar claims is an industry-first direct-injection system with centrally mounted, multihole, spray-guided injectors.
First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX35
Nissan builds a faster cheetah
David Booth, National Post Published: Friday, February 20, 2009
The Infiniti FX35 gets an improved 303-horsepower V6 engine
Of all the vehicles I have tested, one of the least likely candidates for cult classic status is Infiniti's FX35. Oh, sure, from its inception it sported a striking visage, what with its "bionic cheetah" styling, big ol' wheels and a countenance that is just a bit more daring than your average sport-utility replicant.
But, SUVs, sporty or not, are a dime a dozen these days and, except for odd creatures with specific abilities -- such as Land Rovers -- few seem to generate much loyalty. Everyone might lust after an SUV (even if they don't buy one for economic reasons), but few are undyingly loyal to a specific vehicle -- except for the first-generation FX35.
I have known many an Infiniti owner who swears by them, enough that most actually lament the end of their lease. Convinced that they entered the leasing market to switch vehicles, many FX35 owners have trouble giving up their old paint.
In marketing circles, the loyalty to the first-gen FX35 was even odder as it was the runt of the litter. Pride of place in the FX series went to the FX45, powered by a 4.5-litre V8. But, as all powerful as the 45 was, it was a rough-riding beast that sacrificed much in the way of creature comforts for its sporting aptitude. No such comprises marred the FX35 and, for a select crowd, there was nowhere they could get a dramatically styled SUV with so much performance for so little money. In other words, there are some very big shoes for the totally revamped 2009 version to fill.
One could accuse Infiniti of wimping out a little in the styling department, as the 2009 version doesn't look much different from the '08. But, to give Nissan's luxury brand credit, at least the modest changes the company made haven't softened the FX's edge. The new model's gaping front grille looks even more predatory than before and the bulges on its quarter panels are a little more pronounced.
It's under the hood-- where the updated VQ35HR 3.5L V6 lives -- where the real upgrades have transpired. Now breathing through twin throttle bodies, the FX35 boasts 303 horsepower. That's enough muscle for a mid-six-second run to 100 kilometres an hour, reason enough to (almost) forget about the fuel-hogging 5.0L FX50 version.
What's truly surprising is how sporting the six-cylinder engine sounds. V6s are notoriously difficult to make aurally appealing. Just ask Mercedes, which, despite its many abilities, still hasn't found a way to make the C-Class family of V6s sound like anything other than a tramp steamer. The Infiniti motor, on the other hand, sounds rorty as all get out, like it wants to--as Eddie Murphy sang with mediocrity -- party all the time. Matched to a close-ratio, seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters, the 3.5L likes to spin, its penchant for high rpm very much like Nissan's 370Z sports coupe. The allusion is apt since its engine is all but identical.
The FX35 also does an admirable job of emulating the Z's cornering ability. Though it rides on higher-profile, 18-inch tires rather than the FX50's 20s, there's still plenty of grip and precious little roll. It seems (oxy)moronic to buy an SUV so it can emulate a sports car, but, if that's what you want, that's what the FX35 delivers. It also does so without the buckboard ride of its V8-powered sibling (or the BMW X5 that the FX50 so slavishly tries to emulate). It may not be Lexus RX soft, but it won't shake the fillings out of your teeth.
Inside, there's an elegance that was missing from the first generation. The '09's build quality is excellent as are the materials. And even if they aren't quite up to Audi's top-notch standards, they'll do quite nicely. The FX35's cabin also doesn't lack for amenities, loaded to the gills (properly packaged, of course) with one of the better navigation systems, an excellent stereo and ventilated as well as heated seats. But, the killer app -- that technological thingy you can boast to all your friends -- is Infiniti's Around View Monitor system, which essentially offers a 360-degree view of everything around the vehicle via a set of four exterior cameras and the navi system's LED screen.
In just about every way, the 2009 FX35 improves upon its predecessor. It is larger, sportier, more powerful and better appointed -- succeeding where so many sophomore efforts have failed. The question, then, is whether those improvements are sufficient to guarantee the second-generation model the same cult status the original enjoyed.
THE SPECS
Type of vehicle: All-wheel-drive, mid-sized SUV
Engine: 3.5L DOHC V6
Power :303 hp @ 6,900 rpm; 262 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed manumatic
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires: P265/60R18
Price: base/as tested: $50,700/$56,450
Destination charge: $1,825
Transport Canada fuel economy L/100 km: 13.3 city, 9.3 hwy.
Standard features: Power door locks, windows and mirrors, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, Bose 11-speaker AM/FM/ CD/MP3 audio system, XM satellite radio, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, cruise control, power glass sunroof, information display, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, leather seats, eight-way power front seats, heated and cooled front seats, auto headlights, dual front air bags, front seat side air bags, front and rear side curtain air bags, rollover sensor, immobilizer and antitheft systems
Nissan builds a faster cheetah
David Booth, National Post Published: Friday, February 20, 2009
The Infiniti FX35 gets an improved 303-horsepower V6 engineOf all the vehicles I have tested, one of the least likely candidates for cult classic status is Infiniti's FX35. Oh, sure, from its inception it sported a striking visage, what with its "bionic cheetah" styling, big ol' wheels and a countenance that is just a bit more daring than your average sport-utility replicant.
But, SUVs, sporty or not, are a dime a dozen these days and, except for odd creatures with specific abilities -- such as Land Rovers -- few seem to generate much loyalty. Everyone might lust after an SUV (even if they don't buy one for economic reasons), but few are undyingly loyal to a specific vehicle -- except for the first-generation FX35.
I have known many an Infiniti owner who swears by them, enough that most actually lament the end of their lease. Convinced that they entered the leasing market to switch vehicles, many FX35 owners have trouble giving up their old paint.
In marketing circles, the loyalty to the first-gen FX35 was even odder as it was the runt of the litter. Pride of place in the FX series went to the FX45, powered by a 4.5-litre V8. But, as all powerful as the 45 was, it was a rough-riding beast that sacrificed much in the way of creature comforts for its sporting aptitude. No such comprises marred the FX35 and, for a select crowd, there was nowhere they could get a dramatically styled SUV with so much performance for so little money. In other words, there are some very big shoes for the totally revamped 2009 version to fill.
One could accuse Infiniti of wimping out a little in the styling department, as the 2009 version doesn't look much different from the '08. But, to give Nissan's luxury brand credit, at least the modest changes the company made haven't softened the FX's edge. The new model's gaping front grille looks even more predatory than before and the bulges on its quarter panels are a little more pronounced.
It's under the hood-- where the updated VQ35HR 3.5L V6 lives -- where the real upgrades have transpired. Now breathing through twin throttle bodies, the FX35 boasts 303 horsepower. That's enough muscle for a mid-six-second run to 100 kilometres an hour, reason enough to (almost) forget about the fuel-hogging 5.0L FX50 version.
What's truly surprising is how sporting the six-cylinder engine sounds. V6s are notoriously difficult to make aurally appealing. Just ask Mercedes, which, despite its many abilities, still hasn't found a way to make the C-Class family of V6s sound like anything other than a tramp steamer. The Infiniti motor, on the other hand, sounds rorty as all get out, like it wants to--as Eddie Murphy sang with mediocrity -- party all the time. Matched to a close-ratio, seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters, the 3.5L likes to spin, its penchant for high rpm very much like Nissan's 370Z sports coupe. The allusion is apt since its engine is all but identical.
The FX35 also does an admirable job of emulating the Z's cornering ability. Though it rides on higher-profile, 18-inch tires rather than the FX50's 20s, there's still plenty of grip and precious little roll. It seems (oxy)moronic to buy an SUV so it can emulate a sports car, but, if that's what you want, that's what the FX35 delivers. It also does so without the buckboard ride of its V8-powered sibling (or the BMW X5 that the FX50 so slavishly tries to emulate). It may not be Lexus RX soft, but it won't shake the fillings out of your teeth.
Inside, there's an elegance that was missing from the first generation. The '09's build quality is excellent as are the materials. And even if they aren't quite up to Audi's top-notch standards, they'll do quite nicely. The FX35's cabin also doesn't lack for amenities, loaded to the gills (properly packaged, of course) with one of the better navigation systems, an excellent stereo and ventilated as well as heated seats. But, the killer app -- that technological thingy you can boast to all your friends -- is Infiniti's Around View Monitor system, which essentially offers a 360-degree view of everything around the vehicle via a set of four exterior cameras and the navi system's LED screen.
In just about every way, the 2009 FX35 improves upon its predecessor. It is larger, sportier, more powerful and better appointed -- succeeding where so many sophomore efforts have failed. The question, then, is whether those improvements are sufficient to guarantee the second-generation model the same cult status the original enjoyed.
THE SPECS
Type of vehicle: All-wheel-drive, mid-sized SUV
Engine: 3.5L DOHC V6
Power :303 hp @ 6,900 rpm; 262 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed manumatic
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires: P265/60R18
Price: base/as tested: $50,700/$56,450
Destination charge: $1,825
Transport Canada fuel economy L/100 km: 13.3 city, 9.3 hwy.
Standard features: Power door locks, windows and mirrors, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, Bose 11-speaker AM/FM/ CD/MP3 audio system, XM satellite radio, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, cruise control, power glass sunroof, information display, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, leather seats, eight-way power front seats, heated and cooled front seats, auto headlights, dual front air bags, front seat side air bags, front and rear side curtain air bags, rollover sensor, immobilizer and antitheft systems
Friday, March 20, 2009
Infiniti Essence Concept Revealed
Embodies Core Infiniti Values for the Future
by Sam StockleyMarch 3, 2009 2:31 PM
L'eau d'Infiniti. A brand personification; Infiniti's 'Essence' in concept form. Presented this week at the Geneva Motor Show, the Essence showcases Infiniti's core values for the future and a compact celebration of the brand's past. Heralding a future of Infiniti's 'Inspired Performance' into the luxury super-coupe market for the first time, the Essence aims at re-establishing Infiniti at the heart of the world's most vibrant brands and positioning it towards the most exclusive.
With a first for Infiniti, the Essence provides the company's first motor show preview of their petrol/electric hybrid powertrain. Dubbed appropriately as 'responsibly powerful', the combination of 3.7-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and the firm's new 3D electric motor feed a mighty 600 PS to a rear-wheel-drive setup. An equally mighty 160 PS being chanelled from the electric motor, the technology works on optimisations to the layout of the electromagnetic coils and permanent magnets - decreasing the lithium-ion battery's size and increasing output.
But the concept's essence requires further investigation. Turning to the design, the Essence is not about showing signs of wealth or success, says Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President of Design. It's a 'driver's car', but not an 'aggressive sports car'. Infiniti's "Dynamic Adeyaka" is said to inspire design from both the human and natural worlds, bringing a new classical and dynamic shape to the brand not experimented with in Infiniti's 20-year history.
The Essence is as much a driver's car in the cabin - while the cabin is as much a passenger's car. Two seperate 'cocoons' - the driver's side themed black and the passenger's side themed 'earthy red' - dominate the interior's design. But designers claim the real magic is the 'hidden tech' - allowing minimalism in place of controls and information overload. An exclusive range of luggage specifically designed for the concept car by Louis Vuitton harks back to the partnerships first made with coachbuilders in 1908.
Coinciding not only with the brand's 20-year anniversary as a platform for the three pillars of Infiniti (driving pleasure, hospitality and peace of mind), the Essence takes Infiniti forward with their current challenge: introduction into the European market.Source: Infiniti
Embodies Core Infiniti Values for the Future
by Sam StockleyMarch 3, 2009 2:31 PM
L'eau d'Infiniti. A brand personification; Infiniti's 'Essence' in concept form. Presented this week at the Geneva Motor Show, the Essence showcases Infiniti's core values for the future and a compact celebration of the brand's past. Heralding a future of Infiniti's 'Inspired Performance' into the luxury super-coupe market for the first time, the Essence aims at re-establishing Infiniti at the heart of the world's most vibrant brands and positioning it towards the most exclusive.
With a first for Infiniti, the Essence provides the company's first motor show preview of their petrol/electric hybrid powertrain. Dubbed appropriately as 'responsibly powerful', the combination of 3.7-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and the firm's new 3D electric motor feed a mighty 600 PS to a rear-wheel-drive setup. An equally mighty 160 PS being chanelled from the electric motor, the technology works on optimisations to the layout of the electromagnetic coils and permanent magnets - decreasing the lithium-ion battery's size and increasing output.
But the concept's essence requires further investigation. Turning to the design, the Essence is not about showing signs of wealth or success, says Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President of Design. It's a 'driver's car', but not an 'aggressive sports car'. Infiniti's "Dynamic Adeyaka" is said to inspire design from both the human and natural worlds, bringing a new classical and dynamic shape to the brand not experimented with in Infiniti's 20-year history.
The Essence is as much a driver's car in the cabin - while the cabin is as much a passenger's car. Two seperate 'cocoons' - the driver's side themed black and the passenger's side themed 'earthy red' - dominate the interior's design. But designers claim the real magic is the 'hidden tech' - allowing minimalism in place of controls and information overload. An exclusive range of luggage specifically designed for the concept car by Louis Vuitton harks back to the partnerships first made with coachbuilders in 1908.
Coinciding not only with the brand's 20-year anniversary as a platform for the three pillars of Infiniti (driving pleasure, hospitality and peace of mind), the Essence takes Infiniti forward with their current challenge: introduction into the European market.Source: Infiniti
2009 Hyundai i20 and i20 Blue Concept - Auto Shows
Hyundai started with the 1.4-liter CRDi diesel engine and mated it to a six-speed manual. The ratios were altered in 3rd, 4th, and 5th to keep engine rpm low. The engine software was also tuned for the high efficiency and low emissions. Hyundai even went as far as to use low-friction, high-performance engine oil which has been known to improve mileage as much as two percent.
Other modifications include a start-stop system to cut the engine when the car is not moving and the tranny is in neutral. Outside, the ground clearance has been lowered an unnoticeable 15 mm and full-length covers enhance aerodynamics underneath.
Hyundai says the package should result in 64 mpg on the European combined cycle and a 15-percent reduction in carbon emissions. Performance from the 1.4-liter—which puts out 89 hp and 162 lb-ft—is a top speed of 109 mph and a 0-62 time of around 13 seconds.
No i20 for the U.S.
Set to be launched early 2009, the i20 will only be available across the pond with no word on a version for the States. The i20 Blue is so far only a concept but we wouldn’t be surprised to see it join the production Blue family along with the 2011 Sonata hybrid and Santa Fe Blue hybrid.
Hyundai’s little subcompact makes its big debut.
BY TOM LUDWICK, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHIAS KNOEDLER AND THE MANUFACTURER
BY TOM LUDWICK, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHIAS KNOEDLER AND THE MANUFACTURER
The big news in Hyundai’s camp at the 2008 Paris auto show is the tiny i20 B-segment car. This all-new addition to the i line will replace the economic and reliable Getz predecessor.
The i20 was designed and developed in Europe, along with the i10 (which we don’t get in the U.S.) and the stylish i30 known here as the Elantra Touring. Thus the design elements are similar. Up front, a chrome-topped grille is flanked by teardrop headlights, and all models come standard with 16-inch alloys.
Inside, Hyundai claims the i20 blends luxury and versatility. There are four trim levels—classic, comfort, style, and premium. Each abounds with standard features such as climate control, CD and MP3 audio, a multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry, and power windows and mirrors.
To pack some practicality into its tiny body, the i20 employs the usual tricks. The rear seats split 60/40, there is a low lip in the rear cargo area, and it will swallow 10.4 cubic feet of junk. The glovebox is cooled much like the Chill Zone in Chrysler vehicles and there are many handy storage spaces throughout the cabin.
Under the hood, the i20 offers a smattering of powertrain options. There are three gas-powered flavors: 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6-liter inline-fours; with horsepower ranging from 77 in the 1.2 to 124 in the 1.6. The efficiency highlight of the gas engines is the 1.2, which returns 45 mpg on the European combined cycle. To meet the Euro demand for torquey and efficient diesels, there are two versions of the 1.4-liter and two versions of the 1.6-liter. The star here is the 113-hp 1.4-liter that delivers an impressive 55 mpg.
The Newest Member of the i-Blue Family
Following hot on the footsteps of the all-new i20, the i20 Blue Concept pushes the efficiency envelope even further. The ‘Blue’ concept includes enhancements to the powertrain, aerodynamics, and chassis.
The i20 was designed and developed in Europe, along with the i10 (which we don’t get in the U.S.) and the stylish i30 known here as the Elantra Touring. Thus the design elements are similar. Up front, a chrome-topped grille is flanked by teardrop headlights, and all models come standard with 16-inch alloys.
Inside, Hyundai claims the i20 blends luxury and versatility. There are four trim levels—classic, comfort, style, and premium. Each abounds with standard features such as climate control, CD and MP3 audio, a multifunction steering wheel, keyless entry, and power windows and mirrors.
To pack some practicality into its tiny body, the i20 employs the usual tricks. The rear seats split 60/40, there is a low lip in the rear cargo area, and it will swallow 10.4 cubic feet of junk. The glovebox is cooled much like the Chill Zone in Chrysler vehicles and there are many handy storage spaces throughout the cabin.
Under the hood, the i20 offers a smattering of powertrain options. There are three gas-powered flavors: 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6-liter inline-fours; with horsepower ranging from 77 in the 1.2 to 124 in the 1.6. The efficiency highlight of the gas engines is the 1.2, which returns 45 mpg on the European combined cycle. To meet the Euro demand for torquey and efficient diesels, there are two versions of the 1.4-liter and two versions of the 1.6-liter. The star here is the 113-hp 1.4-liter that delivers an impressive 55 mpg.
The Newest Member of the i-Blue Family
Following hot on the footsteps of the all-new i20, the i20 Blue Concept pushes the efficiency envelope even further. The ‘Blue’ concept includes enhancements to the powertrain, aerodynamics, and chassis.
Hyundai started with the 1.4-liter CRDi diesel engine and mated it to a six-speed manual. The ratios were altered in 3rd, 4th, and 5th to keep engine rpm low. The engine software was also tuned for the high efficiency and low emissions. Hyundai even went as far as to use low-friction, high-performance engine oil which has been known to improve mileage as much as two percent.
Other modifications include a start-stop system to cut the engine when the car is not moving and the tranny is in neutral. Outside, the ground clearance has been lowered an unnoticeable 15 mm and full-length covers enhance aerodynamics underneath.
Hyundai says the package should result in 64 mpg on the European combined cycle and a 15-percent reduction in carbon emissions. Performance from the 1.4-liter—which puts out 89 hp and 162 lb-ft—is a top speed of 109 mph and a 0-62 time of around 13 seconds.
No i20 for the U.S.
Set to be launched early 2009, the i20 will only be available across the pond with no word on a version for the States. The i20 Blue is so far only a concept but we wouldn’t be surprised to see it join the production Blue family along with the 2011 Sonata hybrid and Santa Fe Blue hybrid.
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Hyundai has already said it plans to start selling an Elantra in Korea in July 2009 as the automaker’s first ever gas-electric hybrid vehicle.
Seven-Vehicle Plan 
Hyundai will introduce seven new vehicles by the end of 2011 under what it calls its 24/7 Version 2.0 program. It is the second phase of a product onslaught that began with the original 24/7 that called for the launch of seven new vehicles from 2004 to 2006.
First up under the new plan is the Elantra Touring five-door hatchback, based on the i30 wagon sold in Europe, which is slated to begin production in November for sale in early 2009. Second to bat will be the 2010 Genesis coupe in the first quarter of 2009.
Hyundai plans to meet the 35-mpg fleet average by 2015.
BY ALISA PRIDDLE AND JON YANCA
Hyundai used the L.A. auto show to announce its first U.S.-market hybrid vehicle. The next-generation Hyundai Sonata will be a full hybrid, meaning it can run on electricity alone at low speed and for a limited distance.
Hyundai will use a unique version of a two-mode—or parallel—hybrid system designed to operate at peak efficiency in both city and highway driving. The Sonata will be the first hybrid to use lithium-polymer batteries instead of the current nickel-metal hydride or planned lithium-ion applications. The Korean manufacturer says the use of lithium-polymer batteries will result in a more durable and space-efficient package than other hybrids. The Sonata hybrid will not be a plug-in hybrid but Hyundai plans to add such a system alongside a fuel-cell vehicle at some point in the future.
The Sonata hybrid is due to launch in 2010, likely as a 2011 model. This hybrid introduction, accompanied by high-mileage “Blue” editions of the Accent and Elantra, will help Hyundai achieve a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2015, five years ahead of the 35-mpg CAFE requirement’s 2020 effective date.
Hyundai will use a unique version of a two-mode—or parallel—hybrid system designed to operate at peak efficiency in both city and highway driving. The Sonata will be the first hybrid to use lithium-polymer batteries instead of the current nickel-metal hydride or planned lithium-ion applications. The Korean manufacturer says the use of lithium-polymer batteries will result in a more durable and space-efficient package than other hybrids. The Sonata hybrid will not be a plug-in hybrid but Hyundai plans to add such a system alongside a fuel-cell vehicle at some point in the future.
The Sonata hybrid is due to launch in 2010, likely as a 2011 model. This hybrid introduction, accompanied by high-mileage “Blue” editions of the Accent and Elantra, will help Hyundai achieve a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2015, five years ahead of the 35-mpg CAFE requirement’s 2020 effective date.
Hyundai has already said it plans to start selling an Elantra in Korea in July 2009 as the automaker’s first ever gas-electric hybrid vehicle.
Seven-Vehicle Plan
Hyundai will introduce seven new vehicles by the end of 2011 under what it calls its 24/7 Version 2.0 program. It is the second phase of a product onslaught that began with the original 24/7 that called for the launch of seven new vehicles from 2004 to 2006.
First up under the new plan is the Elantra Touring five-door hatchback, based on the i30 wagon sold in Europe, which is slated to begin production in November for sale in early 2009. Second to bat will be the 2010 Genesis coupe in the first quarter of 2009.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
2009 HUMMER H3T Alpha
By Sajeev MehtaMarch 13, 2009
Walked into a HUMMER dealership lately? The poster child for everything wrong with the automotive industry went from a vibrant, stylish lounge for conspicuous consumption to a somber, museum-like tribute to modern architecture and failed business models. It’s a sad combination of soaring heights and eerie, uncomfortable silence. This also describes the HUMMER H3T Alpha to the proverbial T: the brand’s failed promises of functionality and fashion for a premium price culminate into the worst product rollout of the 2009 model year.
But wait a moment: can we still party like its 1999? The H3T’s rugged proportions, slender overhangs, unmolested lines and an unbelievably evocative front grille could’ve set the burgeoning SUV flame into a five alarm fire. It’s a brand honest effort in contrast to every other GM division that squanders, distorts or disregards their potential. The style is classically right, but socially wrong.
Which makes it right, in a historically perverse way. Driving the H3T down Houston’s boulevard of broken dreams feels like the (hopelessly optimistic) pink tailfins of a ’59 Caddy cruising Pennsylvania Avenue while a black armband protest against the Vietnam War looms in the background. Two generations, two schools of thought collide all over again: part of which is why the H3T is the coolest lifestyle-enhancing wannabe ever created. No matter what you think, there will never be a vehicle like this again.
And that’s gotta be worth something, since there’s not much worth cheering for inside. While HUMMER infused the Chevy Colorado’s interior with a great pair of contrast-piped leather seats and faux cowhide door inserts, the rest of the re-skin reeks of down market dour. Unyielding plastics are immensely stain proof, and the black chrome center stack absolutely begs for more reinforcements to justify the H3T’s lofty asking price. And from the mudslide of bass from the Monsoon Audio to the lack of a rear seat armrest, the baby HUMMER is lost in the dark ages of SUV interiors.
Note: if an H3 driver cuts you off in the shopping mall parking garage, don’t hate the player. Hate the game. The memorable styling of the HUMMER brand translates into side/rear visibility that makes a Chrysler 300 blush. The only lifeline to scratch free sheetmetal is a pair of gargantuan side view mirrors, creating a series of educated guesses as to where the 5-foot bed lies in relation to fixed objects. With these sightlines, the HUMMER lifestyle requires a damn good spotter for any serious four-wheelin’ event.
But things ease up back in the real world of the urban cowboy. The H3T is an easy rider, with basketball-height sidewalls and a softly sprung suspension. But the chassis has more flex than you’d expect in a modern pickup. No surprise there, the third-rate engineering of the Chevy Colorado shows up again. And this isn’t a hack job of the H3 SUV: the fully enclosed baby-HUMMER fares no better in back-to-back testing.
Which makes the off road ready H3T’s poor handling less of a surprise. The Alpha HUMMER still weighs in at a massive 5069lb, with more body roll, brake dive and understeer compared to the (relatively) refined movements of a full-size Chevy pickup. Maybe that’s fine—this brand makes no bones about it’s admirable off road manners coming straight from the factory.
Don’t like it? Don’t buy it. But that cocky attitude no longer works for the Big H.
So consider the H3T’s genuine truck bed with a handful of rails, tie downs and hidden storage tricks. Plus, being V8 motivated, this must be a manly man’s truck: the unique “Alpha” interior/exterior badging and brushed aluminum plaque bearing GM’s Performance Parts trademark (on the engine) mean something. Or not: the H3T Alpha has far more “area under the curve” over the standard offering’s five-pot mill, but the modest peak numbers and a quad-cog gearbox fail to motivate this leviathan in a fashion befitting Detroit’s other body-on-frame beasts.
So the H3T Alpha is the quasi-truck that prefers you not compare it to a real truck, much less the other poseurs at Chevrolet, Ford and Honda showrooms. That’s because the HUMMER’s payload capacity is almost 400lb less than the car-like Ridgeline, and tows about 1000lb less than the independently sprung Ford Sport Trac. The bed is an ergonomic triple threat: small, narrow and tall. Don’t even think about the folding mid-gate from the Chevy Avalanche as the H3T isn’t built on that GM platform. Oops.
If we still lived in the SUV’s heyday, the HUMMER H3T Alpha’s lack of substance wouldn’t mean squat. It’s got the right look, has a mean (sounding) engine and works like a somewhat incompetent pickup. But the market has changed, and even if HUMMER used their whole ass while creating the H3T Alpha they’d still screw the pooch. Hasta la vista, baby.
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