Getting Online Vintage Car Insurance

by: Adam Rise
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Although some people are involved in the restoration of vintage cars as a means of business, the greater driving force behind many of those involved in this industry is their great passion. Their primary source of joy is to see a vintage car come back to life.

Many people strive to own a vintage car as a sign of some unique kind of prestige, particularly when you consider how involving it is to maintain such a vehicle. However, owning such a car is not just a matter of having the necessary funds. You need to be passionate about vintage cars in the first place.

The restoration of a vintage car requires a great deal of patience. It requires delicate skill and a lot of determination. Although restored cars are usually displayed at car shows, some owners will drive them occasionally. However, some people will just keep them carefully in wait for the appropriate shows. This should not take you with surprise as we have already said that restoring such cars is quite an involving undertaking. It requires a lot of money and time in order to be done successfully. Risking its destruction or theft is hence quite a high price to pay. Which is why it is important for you to take an insurance when you have such a prized possession.

Vintage car insurance is not the same as that of the ordinary cars. Contrary to what you may think, it is actually cheaper to take a insurance than the normal one. This is due to the limited mileage covered in addition to such considerations as parking garages. Another factor that determines the price of vintage car insurance is the type of car itself. If it is a rare model that is costly, the price of the insurance too will be higher.

There are some things you should bear in mind before you take your the insurance. For instance, you need to determine whether the provider guarantees your car's valuation first. Otherwise you may discover that your claim will not be accepted when the time comes. Of course you will foot additional bills for such a valuation, but it is still a worthwhile undertaking.

You will not find difficulties in getting a suitable vintage car insurance, as they are readily listed in vintage car magazines or yellow pages. You can then get in touch with the relevant providers either by visiting their offices or placing a call.

However, these two options have their respective drawbacks. You may need to make several phone calls and then comparing the quotes will be difficult. And speaking to an agent may make you make a commitment before you do enough research. So, you can instead do your search online more conveniently and quickly.

2012 Dodge ram 1500

                          2012 Dodge ram 1500                                    

                           2012 Dodge ram 1500 

Among the many types of vehicles, Dodge has been named as one of the most impressive car in the world, at least for fans of Dodge. There are many types of Dodge cars that we would like the Dodge fans. In 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 is one of the latest versions of the Dodge cars would hit for lovers of Dodge. Well. Because some people are not the kind of car experts, we should consider looking for more info about it. There would be many sort of info we have to win before we decided to buy the Dodge Ram the 1500th According to some users, this can be considered the finest collection in the world. It's really the kind of decent car that would give users something better than just other cars.

                                       2012 Dodge ram 1500

Well, would not it be nice if we chose a car without knowing all about it. We can not expert on the car, but with decent complete information, we would have opportunities to obtain opinions on the car by the experts. We could ask our friends on the car. About 2012 Dodge Ram 1500, we should be looking for any info about it. The engine of the Dodge Ram 1500 2012 is to use the new base engine. The engine was known as the Chrysler 3.6-liter. The V6 engine uses the configuration that was considered the best way of driving this car amazing. The owner of the old Dodge Ram may be disappointed with this Dodge Ram because fundamentally, it can be seen that the product of 2011 was better with the V8 engine.

                                        2012 Dodge ram 1500

The 3.7-liter engine of 215 horsepower can produce. It's really the kind of decent engine give drivers comfort. There would be many benefits of car users would be happy to get. The Dodge Ram 2012 1500 could provide the thrill of driving. A car is very comfortable with large cabin, spacious, which would undoubtedly make users comfortable. Of course, we know how we have to spend to get the car, right? We have to spend about $ 26,000 for the Dodge Ram Quad Cab and we pay more for about $ 30 000 for the double cab.

                                        2012 Dodge ram 1500

                                         2012 Dodge ram 1500

                                        2012 Dodge ram 1500

                                         2012 Dodge ram 1500

                                        2012 Dodge ram 1500

                                         2012 Dodge ram 1500

                                       2012 Dodge ram 1500

Ferrari 360 Modena

Ferrari 360 Modena was unveiled at the 1999 International Geneva Motor Show. Styled by Pininfarina, the all-aluminium 360 Modena has been designed to represent the ultimate in performance, lightness and advanced engineering and is the result of four years intensive research and design. This 'small' Ferrari incorporates superb handling due to a revised suspension system, excellent interior space with an exceptionally refined cabin layout. Powered by a normally aspirated, 400 hp, 3.6-litre, 40-valve, 8-cylinder engine the 360 Modena was available with the second generation of the highly successful F1-type gearbox as well as the conventional six-speed manual transmission.

This car had a significant part to play in the Ferrari model mix and will sit alongside the Ferrari 550 Maranello, the Ferrari 456M and the Ferrari F355 Spider. Offered as a two-seater sports car, the Ferrari 360 Modena replaced the highly successful and internationally acclaimed Ferrari F355. This addition to the Ferrari range was expected to account for 65% of Ferrari's annual production of around 3500 cars. The Ferrari 360 Modena initially went on sale in some of Ferrari's 42 key markets in Spring 1999. The car was available throughout the international Ferrari sales network by the Summer.
Many of the technical features and the build processes to create the Ferrari 360 Modena are unique to Ferrari and this car promises to be one of the fastest and most powerful GT road cars ever to be produced at Maranello. Luca di Montezemolo, President of Ferrari SpA, said: "In the past six years, Ferrari has launched no less than 10 different models and variants. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects Ferrari's continual efforts to be at the leading edge of technology and engineering design. "The Ferrari 360 Modena again represents a major step forward for us. It incorporates all of the traditional elements of the Ferrari marque but sets new and significant standards for high performance cars. The Ferrari 360 Modena is one of the most technically advanced cars that we have ever produced.".

Equipped with a 400-bhp 90° V8 engine, the Ferrari 360 Modena and the Ferrari 360 Spider are a winning concentration of high technology, style and performance. The extruded aluminum chassis, the special attention paid to detail in ensuring a roomy and comfortable interior and, in the Ferrari 360 Spider, the innovative soft-top opening system are some of the key reasons for the cars' success.

Audi S6 Avant

Athletic character, quiet understatement and richly appointed - Audi is remaking the Audi S6 and S6 Avant. Both models are sports cars for everyday use, offering uncompromising practicality. Their new engine, a four-liter, twin-turbo V8, combines ample power with low fuel consumption in keeping with the times.
Drive
The Audi S6 and S6 Avant use the 309 kW (420 hp) version of the new 4.0 TFSI. The twin-turbo V8 provides a constant 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque from 1,400 to 5,300 rpm. It accelerates the S6 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds and the S6 Avant in 4.9 seconds. With both models, the electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is just a formality.

The 4.0 TFSI brings Audi's downsizing strategy to the high-performance class. Compared to the engine in the previous model, the free-breathing, 5.2-liter V10, it offers even sportier performance while reducing fuel consumption by as much as 25 percent. Average fuel consumption is just 9.7 liters per 100 km (24.25 US mpg) in the Audi S6 and 9.8 liters (24.0 US mpg) in the Audi S6 Avant, well below that of the competition.
A number of technologies contribute to this top result, including the recuperation and start-stop systems as well as the new "cylinder on demand" cylinder management system. When the V8 deactivates four cylinders under part load, the Active Noise Cancellation system (ANC) is activated. Four microphones integrated into the headlining record the noise in the cabin, which is then analyzed by a computer. If the computer detects intrusive sound elements, it broadcasts an antiphase sound through the speakers of the sound system. This sound combines with the intrusive sound and largely cancels it out.

Fiat 500 by Gucci Makes U.S. Debut In New York

The 500 by Gucci, shown here in black with Gucci girl the lovely Natasha Poly, celebrates 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and Gucci’s 90th anniversary. These special editions of the Fiat 500 and 500 Cabrio have been customized by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with Fiat’s Centro Stile.

This car can win a big market amongst the fashion-aware customers in New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. But I’m not sure they’re going to buy many of them in Texas!

“In the 50s, the Fiat 500 created a style revolution when it first hit the road. It quickly became the must-have car of its time. Travelling in style has also been at the heart of Gucci ever since Guccio Gucci founded his company as a producer of leather trunks, suitcases and handbags in 1921. So, when Lapo Elkann suggested the idea of this collaboration it struck me as a perfect opportunity to create a new modern travel statement in Gucci’s 90th anniversary year,” said Frida Giannini.

Inspired by neo-classic black-and-white film, the new black-and-white Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci models are finished in unique eye-catching glossy pearl-glass paint. These two distinct colors complement one another: black with detailing in shiny chrome paired with interiors that contrast sharp black and white for a contemporary and racy attitude. White with satin chrome detailing and ivory and black interiors for a softer, sophisticated look.
“With Gucci as our design partner, we’ve amplified the Italian style of our Fiat 500 with unique exterior and interior looks that will make the car truly unique on the road,” said Laura Soave, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “This special edition adds dimension to the Fiat 500 portfolio and will appeal to North American customers who appreciate Italian style just as much as modern technology, value and fuel efficiency.”

2012 KIA Rio 5-Door First Photos

KIA has revealed the first official photos of the 2012 KIA Rio 5-Door. The new KIA Rio will be available in 3- and 5- door body styles.
New KIA Rio has its own interpretation of Kia’s signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. In profile, the body to glass ratio and its strong wedge form give new Rio a dynamic sporty stance.

The new KIA Rio features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres (hatchback) and 390 litres (sedan). Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width) to enhance the feeling of sportiness.
No picture available for interior now, but KIA says it will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models – together with a wide selection of trim options.

The world premiere of the new Kia Rio will be celebrated at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 – alongside another all-new product for Kia, the next generation Picanto city car – during its press conference, taking place at 16.15 (CET) on the Kia stand in Hall 6. Also being displayed at Geneva, and making its European debut, is the innovative hybrid version of Kia’s stunning Optima sedan, scheduled to go on sale in the US market later this year.

2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta

The Ferrari 599 SA Aperta is a true roadster which allows its occupants to enjoy the superlative emotions afforded by our signature front-engined V12 architecture in a completely open-top setting. In fact, it has just a light soft top designed to be resorted to only if the weather gets particularly bad. A low-slung windscreen and the fact that it crouches lower to the ground than our other models lend the SA Aperta an exceptionally aerodynamic sleekness. Its profile arches back from the A-post to two aerodynamic fins beautifully integrating the two roll-bars which themselves cleverly mimic the outline of the seats.

Thanks to the 670 CV engine beneath its bonnet, the SA Aperta beautifully embodies the sporty spirit of the Ferrari 599, incorporating Ferrari’s most advanced technology to deliver absolutely benchmark performance and superb driving pleasure. Its interior too is stylishly sporty with particularly sophisticated materials, trim and colours used throughout. The virtually endless combinations available guarantee that each and every SA Aperta is absolutely unique.
The Ferrari 599 SA Aperta is a special series model of which a strictly limited number of just 80 will be built. All have already been sold. Ferrari chose to build 80 SA Apertas in celebration of Pininfarina’s 80th anniversary. The SA nomenclature also pays homage to both Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina whose company and work have been linked to the most successful road-going cars ever built at Maranello.

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am

The Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am is built to match the American regulations and is therefore different to the European car, especially in that it develops 500 horsepower and has less efficient aerodynamics than the GT version. It is also fitted with a 48 mm restrictor and maximum revs are 8000. Significant modifications have been made to the braking system, as the car has neither ABS nor traction control. Other differences to the GT3 include the roll-over bar which gives greater lateral protection to increase safety in a series in which collisions are rather more frequent. The car is fitted with tyres from Continental, the sole supplier to the series, featuring a very hard compound, again to conform with the series regulations.

BMW Z4

Combining classic proportions with modern sportiness, the new BMW Z4 has reached the top of its market segment almost overnight. And now this charismatic roadster is entering a new dimension in driving dynamics, the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is offering an even higher standard of performance ensured both by the modified straight-six power unit with BMW Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection, on the one hand, and by BMW's seven-speed Sport Automatic with double clutch operation and the M Sports Package including the adaptive M Suspension likewise featured as standard, on the other. Appropriate optimisation in engine

technology increases maximum output of the 3.0-litre power unit to 250 kW/340 hp. Peak torque is 450 Newton-metres/332 lb-ft, increasing briefly with the Overboost function to 500 Newton-metres/369 lb-ft. The outstanding power and performance of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is is expressed in particular by the significant increase in pulling power and muscle to be clearly experienced in all situations. In conjunction with seven-speed Sport Automatic featuring double clutch operation, this new top-of-the-range

BMW 6-Series Coupe

The German automobile manufacturer BMW launched its 6 Series coupe in India in 2007. Targeted at the super-rich Indian consumers, the second-generation two-door coupe flaunts striking exteriors, which are well complemented by spacious interiors. Powered by a smooth, but forceful engine, the coupe promises to deliver an impressive mileage. Seamless transmission, advanced safety features, high stability and handing quality are the highlights of BMW 6 Series coupe.

Engine
Under the hood of the 650i variant of BMW 6 Series coupe, the only one available in India, lies a powerful gasoline engine, which generates a maximum output of 270 kW @ 6300 rpm and a peak torque of 490 Nm @ 3400 rpm. The eight-cylinder V8 engine delivers impressive performance, with exceptional smoothness. Double vanos and Valvetronic technology of the coupe makes driving an effortless task.

Design And Comfort
The wide stance and long bonnet give BMW 6 Series coupe an eye-catching appearance. Body colored bumpers, sparkling headlamps, sleek double-kidney shaped front grille and clear lens jewel-like fog lamps enhance the sporty appearance of the frontage. The muscular rear end is adorned by dazzling tail lamps and an additional brake light, integrated in the spoiler lip. The interiors of the car are roomy and quite comfortable. Four people can easily fit into the two-door coupe.

Interiors
The dynamism of the exteriors of BMW 6 Series coupe is extended to its plush interiors as well. Top quality materials are used in the cabin to provide functionality and exclusivity to the car. The 2+2 seater has generous boot space too and a good amount of legroom for rear seat passengers. Upholstered in finest Dakota leather, the cabin gets sleek wooden trim in the trendy instrument cluster and leather wrapped steering wheel with multi-function buttons. Standard features found in the 650i variant of BMW 6 Series coupe include automatic air-conditioning, power windows and power door locks.

Ride And Handling
The Active Steering System of BMW 6 Series coupe makes use of an electric motor, which modifies the wheel angle according to the increasing and decreasing speed of the vehicle. The optional Dynamic Drive active suspension system takes handling precision to a new high. It not only provides optimum stability to the automobile, but also offers high level of riding comfort by minimizing body roll via the active anti-roll bars, positioned on the front and rear axles. This ensures a smooth ride for all its passengers.

Jaguar XKR

The Jaguar XK was the first car created entirely under the aegis of Design Director Ian Callum. Dramatic and purposeful, yet as sensuous as only a Jaguar can be, the XK now receives a number of revisions that reinforce its contemporary, assertive character.
The latest lighting technology has allowed the front headlamps to be made slimmer and at the same time incorporate LED signal functions and running lights. Combined with a larger grille and new bumper design, this gives the XK instant 'rear-view mirror' recognition. Unmistakably a Jaguar, each model in the range gains unique styling attributes that distinguish it from its siblings. Chrome mesh grilles on the XK are replaced with matt black detailing on the XKR while the flagship XKR-S receives a unique front bumper underlining its sense of purpose.

The power vent along the front wing has been altered from a vertical to horizontal design with a mesh insert. Emblazoned with the Jaguar name, it serves to emphasise the potential inherent in the XK's design. To the rear, the boot lid has been revised with a slimmer chrome finisher which allows the car to be graced by the famous Jaguar 'leaper', bringing it into line with the rest of the company's products.
Complementing the design changes are 17 paint colours, five of which are new and a range of alloy wheels that now total 11 different designs ranging in size from 18 to 20 inches. A further opportunity for owners to express their individuality is available through the 'Black Pack', now also available as an option on the naturally aspirated cars as well as the Jaguar XKR. This replaces exterior chrome with a matt black finish, complemented by 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels. On the Jaguar XKR, the package also includes body coloured aerodynamic enhancements and optional side graphics.

■ 2008 Dodge Viper

Inspired by the classic AC Cobra of the 1960s, the Dodge Viper is one of the most iconic American cars produced in the last two decades.

The Viper has long been known for producing a staggering amount of powerthe first versions from the early 1990s used a version of Dodges V10 truck engine modified by Lamborghiniand the latest incarnation continues this trend by boosting output up to a staggering 600hp.

Viper Green

At A Glance
2 door, 2 passenger convertible
8.4L V10, 600 hp,
560 lb-ft of torque
Exterior: Snakeskin Green
Interior: Black  

Original versions of the Viper were available only as stripped down roadsters, and while more creature comforts have been added over the years, including a fully enclosed coupe version, the Viper is still a fairly Spartan vehicle by modern standards.

The latest iteration boasts dramatically improved traction, cornering, and stability, along with a refreshed, more aggressive appearance. Our Viper is dressed in the stunning new Snakeskin Green paint scheme, and is presented with the traditional convertible body style.

2008 Dodge Viper

Blue version

To rent this Dodge Viper, click here to visit our online reservations page, or call (800) 309-9150 to speak with a Rental Service Associate. This unique and exclusive vehicle is just one of the many ways to experience the joy and excitement of rent exotic car Las Vegas.

We hope that Eminence Luxury Services will be your choice to rent a Dodge in Vegas, and all of your luxury service needs!

Car thieves trends in US - Top 10 MOST STOLEN CARS

In US are stolen about 800,000 to 1 million cars each year. While the most brands release a new version of their best cars almost yearly, the thieves still prefer older cars. Some of them have the (non) advantage of being component-compatible with the most releases of that model, and this feature makes thieves to love them. Below is the top 10.

10. TOYOTA COROLLA [2009]

The Toyota Corolla is one of the “best loved cars in America” according to Kelley Blue Book . It rates high on maintenance and resale value — and it gets decent gas mileage. The 2011 had just “minor cosmetic changes,” which means parts from prior year models can be used in the newer models, which makes the car very attractive to car thieves

TOYOTA COROLLA 2009

09. FORD EXPLORER [2002]

The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular SUVs on the market. People love the vehicle because it has the functionality of an SUV but also has style and comfort. Because they’re so popular, Ford hasn’t made too many changes in subsequent models, except for improvements to safety and roominess. You know what that means — thieves love them for the parts!

FORD EXPLORER 2002

08. ACURA INTEGRA [1994]

The Integra makes the stolen list because it was a popular vehicle that Honda made from 1985 to 2007 that people liked to buy and soup up “Fast and Furious” style with everything from engine modification to enhanced suspension and blinged-up wheels, Keah explains.

ACURA INTEGRA 1994

07. CHEVROLET PICKUP [1994]

Pickup trucks like the 1994 Chevy Silverado are extremely popular, particularly in Texas and the south. In Texas, for example, they’re often stolen and then driven across the border into Mexico where they’re harder to recover.

CHEVROLET PICKUP 1994

06. DODGE CARAVAN [2000]

The Dodge Caravan is a popular minivan that is a big hit among soccer moms in places like Michigan and, as a result, thieves, who steal them for their parts. Thieves love the older models because they lack anti-theft devices and they have valuable parts like airbags and catalytic converters. The Caravan is so popular in Michigan, that five of the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Michigan are Caravans (the 2000, the 1999, the 1998, the 1997 and the 1996).

DODGE CARAVAN 2000

05. DODGE RAM PICKUP [2004]

Pickup trucks like the Ram are stolen for valuable parts such as the wheels and tailgates, Keah said. Tailgates can often get mangled in an accident and the new ones are expensive to replace since they often have cameras for backing up in them. (A tailgate with a camera can set you back $1,000 to $1,500.) Plus, the older ones are easy to steal, he said.

DODGE RAM PICKUP 2004

04. FORD F-150 PICKUP [1997]

Ford has been making its best-selling F-series pickup trucks since 1948 and for most of that time the F-150 has not only been the best-selling truck in America but the best-selling vehicle in America. That means there will always be a market for parts — and for thieves, who love those older models. 1997, incidentally, marked Ford’s first redesign of the F-150 since 1980. It was also the model where Ford introduced the rounded nose, a risky move given the F-150′s popularity.

FORD F-150 PICKUP 1997

03. TOYOTA CAMRY [1991]

The top three cars are all popular sedans, including the 1991 Toyota Camry. What makes them attractive to thieves is that these makes and models are easy to steal and the parts don’t change much from year to year. The Camry is known for its quality and reliability and great resale value. As a result, it’s a popular target for thieves all across America, from Delaware to Florida, Kansas, California and Hawaii.

TOYOTA CAMRY 1991

02. HONDA CIVIC [1995]

The Civic gets great reviews and is one of the best-selling compact cars. People love them for their great fuel efficiency, reliability, repair history and resale value, according to Kelley Blue Book. It’s also pretty roomy inside, despite being a compact. Thieves love them for their parts. Cars like the Camry and Civic make the most-stolen list just about every year though the model year generally goes up one.

HONDA CIVIC 1995

01. HONDA ACCORD [1994]

The Accord is loved by both drivers and thieves and is universally stolen all over America. Drivers love it for its quality and refinement. It handles well, rates high on safety and maintenance and has a roomy interior. Thieves, of course, love them for their parts, which don’t change much from year to year, and for their lack of anti-theft technology.

HONDA ACCORD 1994

Source of article

2013 Dodge Viper teased

The Chevrolet Corvette’s dominance in the U.S. sports car segment has gone unchecked since Dodge dropped the V10-powered Viper last year. But that will all change in 2012 with the re-introduction of the, “icon of the Dodge brand’s performance car lineup.”

In addition to this news, Dodge has released a single teaser photo of the next-gen Viper. OK, so it’s actually a 2010 model year car. Except there’s one big difference – this car has stability control. Dodge SRT engineers used the old platform to create and test a stability control program that will be fitted to the fourth-generation machine, making the first time the Viper will have the driver aid.
Does this mean the 2013 Viper will be a watered-down versions of itself. Hardly. After all, it’s not like the Dodge engineers, accountants of lawyers had anything to say in the matter, as stability control is now required by the government

2011 Dodge Ram Runner

2011 Dodge Ram Runner

2011 Dodge Ram Runner

2011 Dodge Ram Runner

Bugatti Veyron

One quickly runs out of superlatives when trying to describe the Bugatti Veyron. I'm not even sure if one should use the word "car" to refer to such a monster. Endowed with absolute power and a daunting maximum speed, the Veyron looks and sounds like it just came out of some impossible future inhabited by gigantic gas pumps.

50 years after Ettore Bugatti's death, Volkswagen used its magic wand to resurrect the legendary firm, and to say the least, the German carmaker did a mindblowing job.

Motorsports enthusiasts will instantly refer you to the mythical Bugatti Royale from the 1930s, a colossal and majestic masterpiece, sold at such a prohibitive price that only three people were able to afford to buy it at the time. The Royale turned out to be one of the most rare and prestigious automobiles of all times, but despite record-breaking performances, its endless and fairytale-like silhouette became above all a symbol of unequivocable luxury able to make any Rolls Royce look like your everyday sedan. Instead of trying to match the Royale's incredible legacy, re-Volkswagen decided to look for inspiration in Bugatti's racing history to design the Veyron, rightfully using the name of the famous driver who won at Le Mans in 1939 behind the wheel of a Bugatti Type 57.

We got to drive this exceptional vehicle for a few miles in the parking lot of a San Diego country club. It's easy to feel intimidated by this incredible machine, so we carefully and promptly handed it back to its official tutor, French race car driver PierHenri Raphanel.

The Veyron is unbeatable. Its wide and massive shape sets it aside from other supercars such as the sleek Mercedes McLaren SLR or the angular Ferrari Enzo. But the real thrill comes from the Veyron's unrivaled performances: with an engine delivering 1001 hp and a top speed neighboring 250 mph, the new Bugatti flies over the road like a rocket in the morning sky. The Veyron goes from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds, which is no less than a second faster than a Ferrari Enzo. Pedal to the metal, you can reach 200 mph in little more than 15 seconds. This is a first in the field of street-legal vehicles, and you would have to steal a Champ Car to have a chance to catch up with the Veyron. To be frank, at the end of the day, I still wouldn't put a dollar on you.

Revolutionary techniques were involved in the making of this 21st Bugatti. In order to gather the 1001 horsepower needed to establish a new automotive legend, Volkswagen has designed an 8 liter W16 engine by mating two narrow-angle V8s. Peak torque is 922 lb/ft at 2200 rpm No less than four turbochargers garnish this frenzied powerhouse and engineers had to come up with a special seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to allow for all this wild energy to be transferred to the road. Needless to say, fuel efficiency was never an issue in the process, and you'll be delighted to learn that the Bugatti Veyron has given a new meaning to the term gas-guzzler by settling for a little more than 2 miles per gallon at top speed. In this configuration, the tank would go from full to empty in less than 12 minutes. All kinds of rumors are surrounding this unbelievable ride: pushing hard on this monster will make a set of tires last about 125 miles.

It took several years of trial and error to achieve the Bugatti Veyron's final version. Launched by flamboyant CEO Ferdinand Piëch in 1999, the project started with a prototype equipped with a W18 engine (three flatV6's side by side).

Soon, engineers realized they needed a more compact structure, and the W16 was adopted and installed in a mid-rear position. Fine tuning the beast was a long and difficult task, and many incidents occurred during the testing. A lack of stability at high speed even provoked an accident and the destruction of a prototype. In 2003, Piëch was replaced by Bernd Pischetsrieder at the helm of Volkswagen, and the new leadership took the project back to the drawing board. Under the supervision of engineer Wolfgang Shreiber, the Veyron became more stable and drivable. Gordon Murray, the famous and brilliant father of the astounding McLaren F1 of the early 90s who had in the past harshly criticized the Veyron initial concept and prototypes, was recently revealing his thoughts on the Bugatti's final version: "One really good thing, and I simply never expected this, is that it does change direction. It hardly feels its weight. Driving it on a circuit I expected a sack of cement, but you can really throw it at tight chicanes."

Only 300 Bugatti Veyrons will be made over the next five years. It will cost you no less than $1.5 million to get your hands on one of them, but apparently, Bugatti has already received 70 firm orders. In a classy move, Volkswagen moved Bugatti back to Ettore's original headquarters at Saint Jean Castle in Molsheim, Alsace, and the resurrected firm should even increase its production in 2006 to meet the demand. Believe it or not, all in all, the Veyron is a good bargain: its manufacturing costs far exceed its selling price. Following the steps of its respectable ancestors, this unique automobile is first and foremost a magnificent and decadent study announcing the end of an era. Stepping away from the cockpit of this unforgettable machine, lost in a state of denial, it was almost hard to keep in mind that the days of gasoline engines are numbered.