Sports Cars 2008-2009

Sports Car Articles : Find out the best way to buy a sports car

First, before going to a car dealership, buyers should already have an idea of the type of sports car they will be looking for.

Do they want a convertible, a two-seater, a mid-engine sport car, or a luxury sports vehicle? These are questions prospective car buyers need to ask themselves before they start their search. This will make the selection process much easier.

Buyers need to do their homework

It would be best for prospective buyers to do some research ahead of time. Read car magazines, talk to friends and memorize information on those sports vehicles buying guides that they might be interested in buying.

Don’t forget to surf the net to get the latest news and information about the various models of sports cars that are on the market.

Compare prices

Pay a visit to a number of car dealerships. Look for special deals and discounts that they might be offering. This way a prospective buyer could get the best possible deal by comparing prices.

Budget

If money is a concern, prospective buyers should set a limit on how much they are going to spend, and stick to it!

Insurance premiums for sports cars tend to be relatively higher. This is reason prospective buyers need to set aside a portion of their budget for insurance. They always need to take into account the cost of: maintenance, operation, and repairs.

Timing is everything

The best time of the year to purchase a new sports car is near the end of the year when car dealerships are holding their annual end of the year sales. This is when dealers try to get rid of old models and try to replace them with new ones. The car dealerships offer especially low rates that they would not normally offer during these ‘end of the year’ sales. So it would be best for customers to take advantage at this time.

Warranty

The warranty is an important part of your decision when buying a car. It is a part of the cost that customers pay for when they make a purchase, they must be sure that the terms of the warranty are satisfactory.

Buying a new sports car doesn’t have to be a big headache. It can be fun and exciting, as long as buyers know what they are doing.

This is why they need to prepare ahead of time, before going on a car hunting expedition so that they can own the sports car of their dreams.

Sports Car Articles : How to Get a Cheap Sports Car

When buying sports cars, the buyer must not only assess his needs and preferences, but more importantly, he must put everything in the context of his budget. Sports cars are generally priced not less than $15,000. However, there are some options available for buying cheaper but valuable sports cars.

Auction
An enthusiastic buyer may want to check out the local auctions that are held in his area. Some good sports cars can be bought cheaply in these auctions. However, the auction arena is not made for the faint-hearted buyer. Just like any other kind of auction, it is a stressful and fast environment. One must attend a couple or more auctions before actually trying to purchase a car from this kind of activity.

Another downside of auctions is that there is no opportunity to test the car. In auctions, people buy cars “as they are.”

Car Exchange
Auto Exchange Centers may offer you the best cars at very reasonable prices. Buyers might want to do a little Internet research since car exchange centers do advertise their merchandise on the Internet. Remember that the market for cheap sports cars is a buyers’ market, which means that you hold the aces when negotiating prices.

Private Seller
Buyers may also look for private sellers of sports cars. Some people need quick cash in cases of emergency so they are forced to sell their precious cars at very attractive prices. Be aware and watch out for such quality deals.

The problem with dealing with private sellers is that once the purchase is made, the buyer is left on his own. He cannot run back to the seller to complain.

Good Models that no one wants
There are good sports car models out there that are being taken for granted by the market. Because of trends in sports car demand, some of the good ones are being left out. This is a good thing for buyers who are looking for value for their money. Some Jaguar, Austin-Healey and Morgan car models are out there, up for grabs at great prices.

Sports cars are luxury cars, but that does not necessarily mean that they should be expensive. Maybe the best things in life are not for free, but you can get good deals to get them. But at the end of the day, quality should be the main aspect that a buyer must look at in purchasing a cheap sports car.

Sports Car Articles : How to buy the cheapest sports car insurance policy

For most people a sports vehicle is the car of their dreams. The feel of a revving engine and their hair being swept back by the wind as their convertible speeds down on the highway, they feel is a prize worth paying for.

But what if once they acquire the sports car of their dreams, and the thrill of victory dies when they realize that something has gone terribly wrong? They suddenly realize they have blown most of their hard earned cash on the purchase of their new vehicle, not leaving enough for the purchase of car insurance. This is when the hunt for a cheap sports car insurance policy begins!

Some things to remember when looking for cheap sports car insurance:

Shop around the internet for insurance rates

Some of the cheaper sports car insurance rates can be found on the internet. Several insurance companies offer deals and discounts. There are also car insurance companies that offer free insurance estimates online.

Factors in determining cost

Sports cars that are driven in places that are considered to have high crime rates cost more to insure. Sports cars are known to be more often stolen than a non-sports vehicle. Their cost for repairs is relatively higher. This is why the insurance premium for sports vehicles are higher than average.

But if a sports car is equipped with safety features such as car alarm, detachable stereo, and steering wheel lock - the cost to have it insured will be reduced.

Compare prices

Shop around for the cheapest sports car insurance policy. This way you will be able to compare the different deals and offers car insurance companies are offering.

Customers would also know if they are being treated fairly, since they have a basis of comparison from different sources.

It is also a factor how many individuals are to be covered by a particular insurance company. This is why it is imperative to look into different sources for the best deal. Different insurance companies offer different terms and agreements.

There are numerous car insurance companies out that are less expensive sports car insurance.

The key is to find those that are offering discounts and special deals for the specific model of car and one that cover the buyer’s needs and specifications. This way the owning a sports car will be an exhilarating experience.

2008 Mazda Miata Sports Car
Price Range: $21,500 - $28,600
Body Style: Convertible
Sum Up: Still brilliant after all these years.

2008 Mazda Miata Sports Car Buyers Guide
Whats New: Few changes for Mazda’s iconic two-seat sports car, which returns in SV, Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims. Both basic softtop and Power Retractable Hard Top versions of the Touring/Grand Touring get a new six-disc CD changer while all MX-5 variants add a tire-pressure monitor and height adjuster for the manual driver’s seat.

2008 Mazda Miata Sports Car Specifications
  2008 Mazda Miata Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
- 1,992 cc 2.0 liters in-line 4 front engine with 87.4 mm bore, 83.1 mm stroke, 10.8 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder MZR
- Premium unleaded fuel 91
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 12.7 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 10.6
- Power: 124 kW , 166 HP SAE @ 6,700 rpm; 140 ft lb , 190 Nm @ 5,000 rpm

Source: 2008 Mazda Miata Sports Car, Automobile Sprots Car, Automotive information at motortrend.com

2008 Lotus Exige Sports Car
Price Range: $60,500 - N/A
Body Style: Coupe
Sum Up: Take this to track school.

2008 Lotus Exige Sports Car Buyers Guide
Whats New: Extreme performance may seem an exaggeration for a 220-hp car, until you remember the Exige weights only 2077 pounds. A Roots-type s’charger boosts the 1.8L I-4’s power by 16 percent and ups torque by 19, achieving 165 lb-ft at 5500 rpm. Adding the Track Pack (requires Sport Pack) and the limited-slip differential turns the Exige into a racetrack-ready ride.

2008 Lotus Exige Sports Car Specifications
  2008 Lotus Exige Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
- One supercharger compressor
- 1,796 cc 1.8 liters in-line 4 mid engine with 82.0 mm bore, 85.0 mm stroke, 11.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder 2ZZ-GE
- Unleaded fuel 91
- Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 26 and EPA city (mpg): 20
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 10.6 gallon main unleaded fuel tank 8.8
- Power: 163 kW , 218 HP SAE @ 8,000 rpm; 156 ft lb , 212 Nm @ 5,000 rpm

Source: 2008 Lotus Exige Sports Car, Automotive Sports Car, Automobile information at motortrend.com

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Sports Car Review

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Balanced all-wheel-drive handling and a great Audi-inspired interior make the 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo a surprisingly livable exotic.

Pros

Phenomenal V10 power, ferocious all-wheel-drive traction, seductive engine and exhaust noises, Spyder’s top-down fun, look-at-me styling.

Cons

Not quite as nimble as some of its competitors, at-the-limit brake feel could be better, choppy ride even by exotic car standards.

What’s New for 2008

The 2008 Sports Car Lamborghini Gallardo coupe and Spyder remain unchanged for 2008, although a new higher-performance edition known as the Superleggera makes a one-year appearance.

2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Vehicle Overview

Introduction

The 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo sports car does not appear to have been designed for “Star Wars” by Industrial Light & Magic. It isn’t wider than a Chevy Silverado. The doors don’t slice and dice and make julienne fries. Yet these characteristics have been some of Lamborghini’s calling cards for the past 30-something years, applied to a wild sports car bunch that took the word “exotic” to even higher levels. Cars like the Countach, Diablo and most recently, Murcielago, were not only wildly expensive but also often cumbersome to drive.

The Gallardo, by comparison, is only really expensive, versus wildly so. And with saner dimensions, traditional doors and a more habitable cockpit, it’s the first Lamborghini in decades to be considered actually livable. And what a fun life it must be for those who purchase one of the three Gallardo variants: the standard coupe, Spyder convertible and the lightweight performance edition known as the Superleggera. New for 2008, the latter’s more aggressive suspension tuning and weight reductions (about 150 pounds) make it less livable than the other two, although the Superleggera does increase the Gallardo’s handling and performance prowess significantly.

As for the higher-volume 2008 Gallardos, they feel surprisingly similar — the Spyder’s 250 additional pounds of structural reinforcement bless this topless Lambo with unyielding integrity that the coupe manages to only slightly surpass. As such, both versions display prime composure, taking to twists, turns and dips like Fred and Ginger — or Jason Taylor and that brunette girl from “Dancing with the Stars,” if you have no idea who Fred and Ginger are.

It’s important to note that the Sant’Agata factory has already begun production on the coupe’s successor, next year’s improved Gallardo LP560-4. The Spyder will carry over unchanged, but the Superleggera will be sold for only this year. As such, coupe buyers might want to wait a bit until the ‘09 model arrives. Either way, however, it’s hard to describe the Gallardo as anything but Lamborghini’s best car ever. True, it’s not the brand’s most memorable model, nor will it likely be a timeless classic. But in terms of actual driving enjoyment and daily functionality, it can’t be topped.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The sports car 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo comes in two body styles: a coupe and a convertible known as the Spyder. The coupe is also available in a lightweight, higher-performance edition called the Superleggera. Standard equipment on all models includes 19-inch wheels, an automatically extending rear spoiler, bi-xenon headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a four-speaker stereo with six-CD changer and two auxiliary audio jacks, and a multimedia control interface virtually identical to Audi’s MMI system. The Spyder adds a fully powered soft top and integrated tonneau cover.

Options include a suspension lift system to prevent front spoiler scrapes, carbon-ceramic brakes, a rearview camera, heated seats and side mirrors, and a navigation system. Lamborghini also offers a variety of special-order “Privilegio” options, most of which involve specialty colors and trims.

Powertrains and Performance

The all-wheel-drive Gallardo coupe and Spyder are powered by a 5.0-liter V10 that produces 512 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission with gated metal shifter is standard. A six-speed automanual transmission known as e-gear is optional. The sprint from zero to 60 mph should take around 4 seconds.

The Superleggera receives an upgraded version of the 5.0-liter V10 good for 522 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. E-gear is the standard transmission. Although that power gain may seem insignificant, combined with a 150-pound weight loss, it gives the car an estimated time of about 3.7 seconds from zero to 60 mph.

Safety

The Gallardo comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control and side airbags. A rearview camera is optional, while the rear spoiler on the regular coupe and convertible deploys at 75 mph for added downforce.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Audi influence is obvious inside the 2008 sports car Lamborghini Gallardo, with plenty of properly fitting leather and soft-touch materials. The cockpit features comfortable seating that won’t leave you reaching for the painkillers after a long trip, while the driving position is a big improvement over past Lambos. The Lamborghini version of Audi’s MMI electronics interface is a bit counterintuitive, as the control knob and accompanying buttons are placed next to the screen rather than near the shifter. Essentially, it takes the driver’s eyes off the road for too long — and in a car that can go 195 mph, that’s never a good thing.

Though not as flamboyant as the exterior, the interior styling is still suitable for a vehicle that commands such a high price of admission. Like everything Audi touches, build and materials quality is excellent. Storage space is minimal; just a bit of room is available behind the seats of the coupe and in the nose-mounted trunk. The Superleggera is practically identical in terms of design, but differs by featuring lightweight racing seats and Alcantara upholstery covering most surfaces.

Driving Impressions

At full throttle, the V10 produces a sweet soundtrack truly befitting a Lamborghini. With 512 hp on tap, the 2008 Gallardo is capable of warp speed from any gear. It’s true that the big V10 and all-wheel-drive system do make the Gallardo a bit portly for this class of car, and it has been hyperbolically described as feeling like “a faster, more expensive Audi TT.” Therefore, it doesn’t quite provide the same razor’s-edge responsiveness that one can get from, say, a Ferrari F430. Additionally, the brakes, though immensely powerful, can be inconsistent in feel when pushed to their limit.

There’s still plenty to like about the Gallardo, particularly the Spyder, which provides the thrilling combination of Lamborghini thrills and top-down sunshine. Then there’s the Gallardo Superleggera, which provides more of that razor’s-edge responsiveness. By going on a lightweight carbon-fiber diet — and by producing a more visceral (read: loud) exhaust note — the Superleggera offers a more agile, lively feel.

Source: 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Sports Car Review, 2008 Sports Vehicle Review, Automotive Review, Automobile information at edmunds.com

2008 Lotus Elise Sports Car Review

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

For those willing to put up with its heavily compromised utility and comfort, the 2008 Lotus Elise provides the most unfiltered driving experience of any roadster sold today.

Pros

Laser scalpel handling, supercar performance without the supercar price, telepathic steering, low volume ensures rarity, relatively good fuel economy.

Cons

Spartan interior with little space, difficult entry and exit, peaky power delivery, rough ride quality, limited dealer network.

What’s New for 2008

The supercharged Elise SC debuts for 2008, boasting a 218-horsepower version of the standard Elise’s 189-hp four-cylinder power plant. All Elises for 2008 get a new instrument display with a trip computer, along with revised options packages.

2008 Lotus Elise Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Lotus Elise is a pretty name, isn’t it? If we were celebrities, we’d put it right up there on the crazy baby name list with Kal-el Cage and Suri Cruise. Actually, Lotus Elise Edmunds is much better — at least our celebaby would be named after one of the coolest cars around.

The 2008 Elise is a one-of-a-kind, lightweight sports car for purists who yearn for the closest thing to a telepathically controlled track special you can find on the road. While other exotics rely on massive engines, space-age materials and high-tech technologies to hustle them down America’s twistiest roads, the Elise utilizes an age-old principle — the lighter, the better. Now there’s a mantra celebrities can get behind.

Despite a mere 189 hp generated from its Toyota-sourced 1.8-liter four-cylinder, the base Elise still manages to go from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Credit a curb weight of 1,984 pounds, which is a minor miracle in this era of perpetually pudgy vehicles. By comparison, a Mazda Miata weighs 2,498 pounds and has only 170 hp aboard. For 2008, a slightly detuned version of the supercharged four-cylinder found in the Lotus Exige S makes its way into the more street-going Elise SC, which boosts thrust up to 218 hp and 156 pound-feet of torque (versus 133). This power increase means a 0-60 drop to 4.4 seconds, a number matched by the 420-hp Audi R8.

However, we’re not sure if those few 10ths of a second are enough to warrant the Elise SC’s $8,000 price premium. That’s because 4.9 seconds is still pretty darn fast, and quite simply, the Lotus Elise would be a riot even if it was powered by several hamsters running on a wheel. Referring to “go-kart-like” handling has almost become cliché, but if there was ever an apt car for that phrase, it’s the Elise. Body roll is negligible, grip is exceptional and every subtle turn of the steering wheel has an immediate effect on the roadster’s heading and attitude. Like kids named Dweezil and Moon Unit, this is a car that demands your attention. Yet every second you’re behind the wheel, you’re rewarded by steering that involves you in the process so directly (there’s no power steering) you’d swear your fingers were touching asphalt.

Unlike grown-up celebrity children, the Elise does not come fully loaded. Quite the opposite, really, as the spartan interior is little more than two chairs bolted into an aluminum tub with some trim pieces tacked on for effect. A Touring Pack adds leather upholstery, additional sound insulation and a cupholder, but nothing can hide the fact that this Lotus is a throwback to a different motoring time. This is a weekend toy, and even then, the distance traveled on any given weekend will be limited by the Elise’s miniscule interior and cargo space. Getting in and out of the “cabin” is especially difficult with its huge sill and low-slung seats. But it’s this lack of creature comforts and amenities that allows the Elise to be both a lightweight handling star and cost about $46,000.

Therefore, the 2008 Lotus Elise presents quite the trade-off. But if you view it strictly as a grown-up’s toy — a second or third car to add to a collection — no other sports car can touch its level of high-speed thrills and driver involvement for such a low price. Now, isn’t that a better namesake than Superman’s Kryptonian birth name or whatever Suri means? You bet your Moon Unit it is.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2008 Lotus Elise is a two-seat roadster with a targa-style removable soft top. It comes in standard and SC trim levels, although the two cars only differ in engine, rear spoiler and wheel design. Standard equipment includes 16-inch front wheels and 17-inch rear wheels with high-performance tires, Lotus/AP Racing & Brembo brakes, HID xenon headlights, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel, aluminum handbrake and shift knob, trip computer and a four-speaker Alpine stereo with CD player. The Touring Pack adds leather upholstery and interior trim, interior storage net, thermal- and sound-insulated soft top, additional sound insulation, floor mats, a cupholder and an auxiliary audio jack. The Touring Pack is only available in four special colors. The Sport Pack includes lightweight silver alloy wheels, a track-tuned suspension with Bilstein dampers, traction control (stand-alone also), sport seats and a subsequent 20-pound weight reduction. Stand-alone options include a limited-slip differential, a body-colored hardtop and a variety of special color choices. An extremely low-volume California Edition will be available that features special exterior colors and interior trim.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2008 Lotus Elise is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 189 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque. The SC model utilizes a supercharged version of the same engine spruced up to 218 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available. Lotus claims a 0-60-mph time of 4.9 seconds for the regular Elise and 4.4 seconds for the SC. Because of its super-lightweight body and small four-cylinder engine, the Elise is one of the most fuel-efficient high-performance cars around. EPA fuel economy estimates are 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for the Elise, and 20/26 mpg for the Elise SC.

Safety

Don’t expect much more than federally mandated safety equipment on the 2008 Lotus Elise. An antilock brake system is included, but neither stability control nor side airbags are available. Traction control is optional.

Interior Design and Special Features

Creature comforts are kept to an absolute minimum, with accommodations being little more than two sport seats bolted into an aluminum cockpit. Secondary controls are few and far between. For 2008, the gauges have been redesigned to incorporate an LCD screen and trip computer.

Getting into and out of the diminutive Elise can be an adventure, particularly if you’re taller than the average bear. The wide door sills, low steering wheel and butt-on-the-floor sport seats require some contortionist movement — which is made worse if the top is in place. Tall drivers also might find their knees heavily interfering with the shifter — they can add this to their “sucks to be tall list,” along with airplane coach seats and helicopter rotors. Those of shorter stature fare better and will find the Elise to be the most in-tune driving environment one can enjoy.

Driving Impressions

The 2008 Lotus Elise’s non-power steering feels as natural as anything we’ve ever driven. Braking is handled by AP Racing two-piston calipers up front and Brembo single-piston calipers in back (11.5-inch rotors all around), and 60-0 braking distances under 110 feet are commonplace. Handling is nothing short of extraordinary. Not only does the Elise exhibit superb balance and grip through the turns, its exceptionally low curb weight allows it to react to driver inputs much faster than other cars. In addition, it transmits every ripple in the road to the driver’s hands, feet and seat — a quality that makes it highly engaging to drive on a back road or on the track, but taxing during highway travel. This year’s SC model, which brings more power to this tiny go-kart of a roadster, lends the car an extra level of rear-end throttle control that’s lacking in the less powerful standard Elise.

Source: 2008 Lotus Elise Sports Car, Sports Car Review, Vehicle Review, Automotive Sports Cars, Automobile Review information at edmunds.com