Official Car of the Golden State

Welcome to California: where the sun is always hot, and exotic cars are everywhere; well, in Beverly Hills at least. California, home of warm weather, palm trees, its famous Golden Gate Bridge, and lots of Movie and TV stars, would be the last place to find an Italian Supercar named directly after the state. Luckily, I found one. This the 2010 Ferrari California.



The California was originally born in 1950's with Ferrari 250 California convertible. The car is still considered a "true legend" today. The new Ferrari keeps the old 250 alive with more power and speed. With a 4.3 liter Ferrari V8 pumping out 453 horsepower, the new California reaches 60 miles per hour in under 4 seconds and tops 193 miles per hour. The new California is Ferrari's first front-engine V8 exotic. Now, you may argue that Ferrari made many front-engine cars, but none of them had a V8. Ferrari did have V8s back then, but only for mid-engine cars. Their front-engine cars back then had V12s.



The new California introduces new technology and specifications to Ferrari. For example, as I said before it is the first front-engine Ferrari with a V8. It also the first Ferrari with a 7-speed dual clutch paddle shift transmission and the first Ferrari spider with a metal retractable roof. Basically, the California goes along the lines of "first in improvements". The only way to see if Ferrari has improved is by driving this car. Unfortunately, by this time all 5000 Californias have been sold and won't be sold again until later on. Fortunately, there was a way for me to truly get a feel for this car: Gran Turismo. Since GT5 was the closest thing to reality, I attempted to test drive the California on multiple circuits. It really did feel real. The car truly grips the road and its acceleration is truly breathtaking. Ferrari really did a really good job on bringing the California back to life.



Just because the car is named California, doesn't mean it can only be driven there. Once Ferrari puts this car back in production, you can get this Golden State car anywhere in the world for just under $200,000. So, if you love the state of California, this car will bring the best of that state to you anywhere you go.

Electric beats Petrol

Ever since the Global Warming threat was introduced, America and countries around the world have been working to make the earth greener. According to the presenter of this threat, Al Gore, the cause of the ice caps melting in the North Pole is the carbon dioxide being produced in our cars. Because of this, many car companies have come up with solutions on how to reduce this compound from melting the ice caps. One car company in particular has astounded many environmentalists and drivers today. With the combination of a state-of-the-art lithium ion storage system and a powerful electric motors, the new Tesla Roadster has left electric hybrids and supercars in "green" dust.



The 2010 Tesla Roadster is the fastest and the most powerful electric car yet. Under the hood, you'll find an advanced 4-Pole Electric Motor generating 288 horsepower. With a 0-60 in an astonishing 3.9 seconds, the Tesla Roadster reaches a limited top speed of 130 miles per hour. This means that this electric car accelerates faster than Porsche 911, Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, and even its design inspiration, the Lotus Elise. Because it's an electric car, the need for gas has been taken out. Emitting zero emissions, the Tesla Roadster is one of the greenest cars of all time. I'm surprised they don't have green as a color for this car.



As I mentioned before, the design of the Tesla Roadster is similar to that of the Lotus Elise.



Both cars are lightweight, weighing up to 2500 lb., and make corners with ease. The only difference is their engines. While the Elise is powered by direct-injected 4-cylinder engine, the Tesla Roadster is powered by an advanced electric engine, which actually has more power than the 4-cylinder elise engine.

At 288 horsepower, you'd expect the Tesla Roadster to have a fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon, right? Not even close. The Tesla Roadster gets an estimated 250 mpc (miles per charge). Thanks to its long-lasting lithium ion battery, drivers can go for weeks without charging the car, saving hundreds of dollars on gas. More importantly, like a charger included with a cell phone, when you buy a Tesla Roadster, you get the charger, too. At night, before you go to bed, you can plug you're charger into a wall like a cell phone charger and allow the car to regenerate overnight. In the morning, unplug the charger, turn on the car, and start driving. It's even possible to take this car on long distance road trips and still be able to charge it. Basically, with this car, the nearest charging station is the nearest electrical outlet.



The Tesla Roadster may look like an ideal sports car, but it was a $6 million project by Tesla motors. Because of this, the base price of the Roadster is $110,000. The Tesla Roadster has generated a very unique waiting list. Ever since its launch in 2007, many celebrities have wanted one including George Clooney, Matt Damon, Will.I.Am, even the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, said it was an ideal sports car for the road and the environment. Therefore, If you can afford it, and you really care about the earth, buy this car. Al Gore would.

German Tank

Imagine this. You're in the German army in the mid-1970's. You're battalion is under attack by enemy forces and the only weapon you have is an LAPV (Light Armored Patrol Vehicle) Enok. You use that and start running over as much of the enemy as possible. Surprising, you end up winning, with all of you're comrades calling you a hero. 30+ years later, you're a retired veteran with a lot of money in your bank account. You go out to Mercedes-Benz and buy the new 2010 G-class and say to yourself, "Mmmmm. This car looks vaguely familiar." That's because it is.




The Mercedes-Benz G-class SUV was first introduced in 1970 as a multi-purpose military vehicle. In 1979, it went into civilian production. In 2005, it came back into production after it was stalled in 1991, introducing a more luxurious side to the rugged SUV. Today, the G-class is available in 2 models. First, there is the G550. With a 5.5 liter V8 generating 382 horsepower, the G550 reaches 0-60 miles per hour in an astonishing 6 seconds and has a top speed of 120 miles per hour. Then, there's the G55 AMG, the pinnacle of the G-Class sector. Under the hood you'll find a Supercharged 5.5 liter V8 generating 500 horsepower. With a 0-60 in just 5.4 seconds, the G55 reaches speeds of 155 miles per hour. Even though it's Mercedes-Benz's heaviest vehicle, the G-Class still outperforms its competition.



The G-class calms with all of its features standard, including 4-Matic all wheel drive, Anti-Lock Braking System, Rear View Camera, and Rear View Assist. The G-Class is very heavy on the ground weighing at 5,622 lb. Because of its weight, its fuel efficiency stands at a gas guzzling 12 mpg with 11 in the city and 15 on the highway. Nevertheless, G-Class a very fun vehicle to drive. Many consumers who have driven the G have proposed that it has the power to "take down trees". Metaphorically speaking, the weight and power of this SUV gives it the ability to do almost anything. If you don't believe me, check out the video below.



The 2010 Mercedes G-class is only available to those worthy of respecting. The base price of this SUV is $104,000, making it one of the most expensive SUVs on the planet. The G55 AMG starts at $122,000. Many of you who are reading this and looking at these pictures may say, "Ewww!! It looks like a Hummer!" Well it does. But I don't think Hummers can go as fast as our as strong as this "German Tank".

Rebirth of a legend

General Motors has really stormed back into economic success after their sudden crash two years ago. With a new focus of creating more fuel efficient vehicles, GM is once again one of the top car manufacturing companies in the world. What's surprising, however, is that GM owes most of its success, to this car. It's production ceased after 2002 and now its back with more power and more fuel efficiency. This is the 2010 Chevy Camaro.



Ever since its birth in 1967, the Camaro has attracted many drivers who love speed and power. The 2010 model delivers all of this and more. Drivers have a choice of 4 models and 2 engines. The LT, LS, and RS models all have a 3.6 liter V6 pumping 304 horsepower making it the most powerful V6 powered Camaro yet. With a 0-60 of 5.9 seconds, the V6 camaro reaches a top speed of 157 miles per hour. The 6.2 liter 422 horsepower V8 engine is only available on the SS model. With a 0-60 of 4.2 seconds, the SS reaches a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. Both engines are as powerful as they are fuel efficient. The V6 engine gets an estimated 29 miles per gallon, with 24 in the city and 35 on the highway. The V8 engine gets 25 miles per gallon with 19 in the city and 30 on the highway. These engines make the new camaro the most fuel efficient muscle car to date.



Most movie fans may recognize the 2010 Camaro from the film series Transformers. One of the autobots, Bumblebee, was a special edition Camaro, of which consumers can purchase today. It was because of the mega box office movie that the Camaro became one of America's most popular cars. Although its performance is ideal, its design is legendary. Possessing the popular throwback design of the 1967 Camaro, the all new Camaro has attracted some of the older folk as well. In fact, I've seen a lot of older consumers with Camaro saying that it's the best move GM has made in a very long time.



What truly made the Camaro a very popular pony car was its price. The base model, the Camaro LS, starts at $22,680. Although it's $1,280 more than the current Mustang V6, the engine delivers more power and more fuel efficiency, making it a perfect deal. The more powerful Camaro SS starts at $30,945. Again, its more expensive than the Mustang, but you get more out of it than the Mustang. If you like the way the new Camaro looks, are a die-hard muscle car fan, or just want to save money on gas, buy this car. Trust me, it's one of the best GM has to offer.

Beauty, Braun, and Brains

Most people think of SUV's as giant gas-guzzlers that are meant for heavy duty activities. However, some SUV's don't have the latest in technology including Bluetooth, GPS Navigation, and Satellite Radio. Other aren't as appealing as we think they are when we look at them. Most, honestly, are not even as tough as we think they are. So, in reality, there is not perfect SUV. This has changed. Say hello to the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport.



The gentlemen at Land Rover in Warwickshire, England wanted to create a vehicle with the durability and stability of an SUV, the power and handling of a sports car, and the fuel efficiency of a standard economy car. The ended up producing the high-tech, ultra-powerful, and surprisingly fuel efficient SUV. Range Rover consumers have the option of choosing one of two engines. First, there is the 5.0 liter Naturally Aspirated LR-V8 engine producing 375 horsepower. This new engine produces 25% more power, 19% more torque, and 13% more acceleration than its previous model. With a 0-60 of just 7 seconds, LR-V8 helps the Range Rover Sport reach a top speed of about 130 miles per hour. Then, there is the 5.0 liter Supercharged LR-V8 engine producing an impressive 510 horsepower. This engine also out performs the engine of its previous model with 31% more power, 12% more torque, and 24% more acceleration. The supercharged engine helps the Range Rover Sport reach a 0-60 in under 6 seconds and a top speed of over 140 miles per hour. With two very powerful V8 engines, Land Rover has shown us that the Range Rover Sport is definitely a force to be reckoned with.



The new Range Rover Sport is smart as it is powerful. The interior of the SUV is loaded with all new bells and whistles that make it stand out in any crowd. One new whistle is the new Touch Screen Interface located to the right of the steering allowing the driver to do what they desire with a lift of a finger. This central interface puts drivers in command of almost everything available in the car. One of those things include the Hard Disk Drive Satellite Navigation System that gives you points of interest (POI) nearest to your location so you don't have to travel far to get to a restaurant or shopping mall. Another is the revolutionary surround camera system. How this system works is there are five hidden cameras situated around the vehicle providing drivers with a vivid 360 degree view of the area around them through their Touch Screen. This can be beneficial when dealing with blind spots while driving. The surround camera system allows drivers to observe objects below their line of sight and gives vital views at blind spots. Basically, with this SUV, you'll never be afraid of blind spots ever again.



The Range Rover Sport is also smart while driving. It's advanced Adaptive Dynamics Suspension system helps drivers drive smoothly on any terrain. The system monitors each wheel 500 times a second the analyze the type of terrain and the behavior of the car. It will then adjust the each wheel's damper setting to deliver the smoothness of drives. This means that potholes, bumpy roads, and speed bumps are no match for the Range Rover Sport. Another astounding feature in the SUV is the Terrain Response System. This system allows drivers to climb over rocks and boulders and glide through soft sand and ice and snow with a turn of the dial. Located on the the center console as a dial with 5 options displaying an icon for each option. By turning the dial to the appropriate option, the engine, transmission, suspension and traction settings are instantly reconfigured for optimum drivability in all conditions. This means that when driving this SUV, you'll feel like you're driving a tank with nothing standing in your way. These are just some of the many features available on the Range Rover Sport.



The Range Rover Sport, surprisingly, is also very fuel efficient and green for its size. Unlike the last generation model, which had a disappointing 12 mpg fuel economy, this generation's Range Rover Sport has a surprising 15 mpg with 12 in the city and 18 on the highway, making it more fuel efficient than its competition. Don't let the gas rating fool you, though. This SUV has improved in emissions. Due to the new engines, CO2 emissions of the Range Rover Sport have improved from 5.6 to 6.2% respectively. The curb weight of this car is 5891 lb. Yes, it's heavy, but its pretty fuel efficient for an SUV with over 500 horsepower.



The Range Rover Sport is only available to consumers who have truly earned it. The base price for the SUV is $60,495. The SUV with all the bells and whistles makes out to about $90,000. If you're a true explorer and you have the money to buy such expensive equipment, buy this car.

Uber-Wagon

What comes to your mind when you hear or see the word "Station-Wagon"? You might think of a small, lightweight vehicle with 5 doors powered by a four cylinder or V6 engine. Audi, on the other hand, loves to overdo things when it comes to their cars. The 2010 Audi RS6 avant is one example.



"Unbelievable" maybe one word that comes to your mind after I tell you the true specs of this German 5-door monster. Powered by a whopping 5.2 liter twin-turbocharged V10 engine generating 580 horsepower, the RS6 reaches 0-60 in 4.4 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155 mph. Taking the limiter off would take the RS6 up to 180 mph. Audi's patent-pended Quattro all-wheel drive gives this car complete control of any surface, whether it be tarmac or snow.



With so much power under the hood, and a curb weight of about 4500 lb., don't expect this car to be full efficient. It gets an estimated 17 miles per gallon with 11 in the city and 20 on the highway. If you were to compare this data to that of a regular station wagon, you will definitely see a huge gap between it and the RS6. This car definitely does not play around with other cars in its class. The handling of this car is similar to that of a Bentley Continental GT: they're both pretty heavy and really hug the road within each turn.

Don't expect this German monster to be cheap either. The base price of this car starts at an estimated $160,000. So, if you're rich and crazy and have a family that is as crazy as you are, buy this car. Sadly, this car is only available in Europe and Asia and won't be coming to North America for economic reasons.

The New Face of Gran Turismo

Ever since 1997, Gran Turismo has always had Japanese cars as the showcase of the award-winning simulation game. This is partly because the developer of the game, Polyphony Digital, is located in Japan, where they're used to the many Japanese performance cars. But, in 2004, Gran Turismo's producer, Kazunori Yamauchi, took a different turn in things, by having American cars on the cover. Gran Turismo 4 introduced the legendary 2005 Ford GT in all it's splendor, with a special race version of the car only available to racers who were the best. Last year, during the release of the all new PSP Go, Kazunori introduced the new 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to Gran Turismo for the PSP. Many of his fans were thrilled to see the new "American King of Speed" on the cover of the highly-anticipated game. Kazunori Yamauchi is looking for the best of best to grace the cover of his games. This year, with Gran Turismo 5 coming next season, Kazunori has chosen a true legend reborn: the 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG.



Mercedes-Benz redefined the word design by creating a car with doors that lift up like eagle's wings. The Gullwing was first created in 1955, with the Mercedes 300SL coupe. Since then, it has become one of the world's most popular cars, with the idea of the gullwing doors used on cars today such as the Lamborghini Murcielago,



the Mclaren F1,



the Enzo Ferrari,



and many other exotics. The 1955 Mercedes 300SL was powered by a 212 horsepower V6 engine. The all new Gullwing SLS AMG is powered by a 563 horsepower 6.3 liter V8 engine. This car is one of the fastest V8 automatic transmission cars in the world with a 0-60 just under 4 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph. The fastest V8 automatic car happens to be the car's Predecessor: the SLR Mclaren. Kazunori Yamauchi chose this car to be the official car of Gran Turismo for it's unique design and exhilarating performance. "This car truly defines Gran Turismo", Yamauchi said during an interview. "The performance of this car is unbelievable. Driving this unique super sports car in Gran Turismo 5 will be a fantastic experience." The Mercedes SLS AMG will be in showrooms this spring with a price tag of about $200,000. If you don't have that much money in your bank account, then you can wait until Gran Turismo 5 arrives for the Playstation 3 this summer to virtually test drive this unique supercar.