Category: Lifestyle (Page 11 of 13)

Basketball fun in the driveway

December 14, 2011 /

Americans love their cars, and all across this country you’ll see driveways full of vehicles. We proudly wash them on the weekends and our cars always say something about us.

But there’s one thing that can consistently clear driveways all across the suburbs of America, and that’s a friendly basketball game in the driveway. We love basketball and it’s such a popular sport with kids and adults alike. And because we love our cars, most people are smart enough to move the cars as far away as possible from the game, usually onto the street.

This tradition is a long one, with hoops often put on the garage years ago. But with the advent of poles, you could place the hoop away from the house or garage, which put much less strain on the house and the ears of parents.

We’ve seen big improvements in in-ground basketball goals over the years, and now many of them are adjustable so that the little ones can play as well.

So as you’re thinking about your holiday gifts, you might not be able to afford a Lexus wrapped in a bow for your wife, but you can probably swing a cool new hoop for your kids. Just make sure to move the car to the street!

Lifestyle

Infographic: NYC Taxis & the Taxi of Tomorrow

November 2, 2011 /

New Yorkers will get their first look at the interior of the Nissan NV200, the city’s next generation taxi, at the Nissan “Taxi of Tomorrow” Design Expo. The exhibition is located on the pedestrian plaza across from the Flatiron building at Broadway and Fifth Avenue, and will be open to the public Tuesday, Nov. 1 through Saturday, Nov. 5.

To mark the occasion, Nissan created an infographic with surprising facts about New York City taxis, passengers, and the NV200 Taxi. You can view the full press release and download the infographic by clicking here.

The NV200 Taxi design reflects the input of hundreds of taxi owners and drivers, and thousands of passengers from all walks of life, who shared their ideas and priorities with Nissan designers and engineers. Interior features planned for the NV200 Taxi include:

– Spacious cargo area to accommodate luggage for four passengers
– A transparent roof panel to provide unique views of the city
– Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles for easy entry and exit
– USB charging access for passengers
– Independent, passenger controlled rear-seat heat/air conditioning with a grape phenol-coated air filter to improve cabin air quality
– Flat floor – with no hump Enhanced interior materials intended to help passenger cabin smell fresher
– Breathable, anti-microbial, easy-to-clean and environmentally friendly seat upholstery

Lifestyle

Eye candy still helps sell cars

October 28, 2011 /

The auto industry is always evolving, but some things never change. A commitment to style and beauty has always been an important aspect of the business, and brands like Ferrari, BMW and Lamborghini are examples of brands that embrace this ethos.

With the beauty of cars often comes beautiful women as well. As you can see from the photo above from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, many brands understand this connection very well. This photo has two models in the Lamborghini display. Now that Chrysler is owned by Fiat, you have this trend reappearing in the United States as well with all of their brands. Some brands are more conservative, but you wonder if they’re missing something.

The result is that the car business keeps the calendar printing business going, as calendars featuring stylish cars with attractive models never seem to go out of style. While much of the marketing and PR business has gone digital, beautifully printed brochures and calendars are still an important part of the equation. And for some, it’s a great business as these calendars never go out of style.

Car Sales, Lamborghini, Lifestyle

The Best Performance Accessories

October 21, 2011 /

Here are some tips for upgrading your sports car:

The Best Performance Accessories to Upgrade Your Sports Car

Driving a sports car goes beyond your average, run-of-the-mill experience behind the wheel. Once the engine turns over and you’re in full control, a finely tuned sports car not only looks hot while you’re in motion, but it moves the heart aflutter and really gets the adrenaline pumping. There are few things in this world that make you feel truly alive – driving a sports car is one of them. So, don’t shortchange your ride by sticking with simple stock values. Instead, upgrade its performance and looks with only the best accessories out there. Things like exhaust tips are just one way to boost power, while there are several other options available that also separate you from the rest of the pack on the road.

Simple Add-ons Make a Big Difference

Another way to unleash the full power potential of your ride’s motor is by installing a cold air intake. Finding the right one for your specific sports car is easy. Plus, it’s really a no-brainer – blasts of cold, fresh oxygen to your power plant results in more horsepower and torque. Add to that better gas mileage when you’re red-lining your beast on the highway or just out for a nice Sunday cruise, and you get a whole new way to glean more excitement from your drive.

Sure, your sports car features a nearly flawless interior, equipped with all kinds of esoteric lights and dials that enhance the total package of your ride. Go the extra mile and keep your cabin looking its cleanest with a fresh set of car floor mats. It’s not like you’re going to be hopping in and out of your sportster with muddy shoes or boots on, but floor mats go a long way to keeping your carpet floorboards always looking their best.

Red Line Your Overall Performance

When it comes to taking tight turn on the street or out at the track, your brake system is begging for a boost in performance. Aside from adding more bite to your stopping power, brake rotors also offer a custom look when they peek out from behind your rims. Drilled, slotted or a combination of both, with upgraded brake rotors even your brake pads are given a slight reprieve, lasting much longer than they normally would had you stuck with those stock rotors.

Tapping into your ride’s computer motherboard with performance chips benefits you in several ways. Though you’re sports car already outperforms most other vehicles on the road, it’s still hiding some secrets under the hood. With the right performance chip in place, you unleash power potential unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Get ready to rev up your engine and unleash more ponies and torque, while also getting the most out of a single tank of gas.

The best performance accessories are often just a click or two away. So, find yours now and revitalize your ride with these simple additions.

Lifestyle, Sports Cars

Top 6 Tips for First Time Car Buyers

September 17, 2011 /

First car.

When buying your first car, you will probably feel a little overwhelmed. There are so many things to think about when purchasing any car, but when you are getting your first car, these decisions seem even more important. Keeping these tips in mind can help you when purchasing your first car.

Consider Your Insurance Options

Almost every vehicle on the road must be insured. When you are looking at getting a new car, you will also want to consider buying new car insurance. You may have previously been on your parent’s insurance, but this isn’t always the most affordable option for you. Getting good car insurance can help you significantly if something were to happen to your car.

Don’t Forget to Negotiate

The art of negotiation is slowly dying. Many people don’t feel the need to negotiate their car prices anymore. However, if you do choose to negotiate, you will likely get a much better deal than if you just take the sticker price. Whether buying new or used, try out your negotiation skills when purchasing a new car.

Shop for a Loan

It may be enticing to get a car loan through the dealership, or even go with your normal bank for your loan. However, if you do a bit of shopping around, you may find a better interest rate somewhere else. The interest rate that you get will help determine your monthly payments. Having a great interest rate is important for those looking to buy a new car.

Look at the Options

Though you may feel that one type of vehicle is best for you, take the time to look around. You may find something that you hadn’t thought of before, for a great price. 

Think of the Pros and Cons

Has the vehicle that you are considering been recalled recently? Is there something about the vehicle that may increase your insurance rate? If you are looking at a used car, make sure you find out any damage the car may have had. Can you get a discount on your taxes for this particular car? Going over the pros and cons of your car choice can help you make the right decision.

Have Fun

Don’t forget to have fun while looking for the perfect car. Though it may seem like a chore, it is also a great adventure. Buying your first car is something you will remember for the rest of your life. Keep your car buying experience fun.

If you are buying a car for the first time, use these tips to make sure you bring home a winner. Do you have any car-buying tips to add to this list?

Car Insurance, Car Loans, Lifestyle, New Cars

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