What Does it take for you to start investing ?

Ok, let’s get to the point what is it that you need to have in you to be good at the stock market, and make some money … if you are thinking on the lines of an MBA in Finance From Harvard… not exactly, here are a few pointers:
Let’s take them one at a time.

Knowledge: You don’t need to fully understand the capital market or portfolio management theory to get started. Start with reading about the 5 companies where you want to be the shareholder. I am tempted to recommend 7 companies but you can start with as many as you can handle. From 1-10. Let’s keep a cap at 10.
As you read about them, you’ll learn a few jargons along the way like EPS, PE Ratio, etc. Don’t be finicky about learning everything as if you have to answer a test paper. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science but plain simple common sense!
In a few months, you’d be raring to invest in a few of them. Go by your instinct and go for it. Ask around for tips and you’ll be more befuddled than before!

Attitude: Many say that the stock market is a zero sum game where some people make money and some make losses. I guess, it’s true on a day to day basis. But on a longer term, good stocks help you make more money than others. Period.
So decide for yourself that whether you’ll be able to stay positive during the downturns. If the slightest tremors on the stock market have an impact on your own heart, it’s better you stay away. It’s not for the faint hearted, dear.

Skills: Skills normally require knowledge, attitude and practice. In fact if you have the knowledge and the attitude, skill automatically comes in.
It’s like if you have love and compassion, peace/harmony/happiness naturally follows in!!
The few skills I can think of are: Analytical skills, operating the trading account/Demat account and monitoring them.
A few more things like your confidence level, motives and value systems also contribute to your money skills.
In fact, your money competencies are a combination of your knowledge, skills, attitude and your overall orientation (Values/Motives/Confidence)
To my mind, it’s important to be aware of your own realities about the above competencies before you start investing in stocks.
Feel free to share your comments.

for a better understanding of how you could begin investing in stocks and shares you could take a look at http://kotaksecurities.com/smartstart/

letz talk money for a bit

Its very natural that many of you reading this blog have seriously fallen head over heels in love with one or more of the beautiful cars that I've covered. So lets talk about how you can get to actually owning one of these cars.
If every one of us was lucky enough to win a lottery every day of our lives, we'd own choppers and planes or even a massive ocean cruiser for all i know.. but the truth of the matter is that not all of us end up winning lotteries and so owning good cars are a very possible ambition.
once in a while im going to take time out from the cars and talk about how one could possible make enough money to buy them. Apart from being an automobile fanatic i have been a keen observer of the stock market and i also possess a zest of writing stuff related to finance and investing.
you can look forward to reading pointers and tips related to taking that first step into the act of investing to buy that dream car of yours.
Cheers!

Automoblies you want to own india 2009

Ford Figo

Ford India has just announced and given the world at large a preview of the upcoming Ford Figo which should be launched early next year. The Figo is part of Fords ‘One Vision’ and ‘One Team’ and ‘One World’ project.



The Figo is based on Ford’s Global-B platform and promises to offer, economy, safety, driving dynamics, value for money and hopes to establish new benchmarks as the vehicle goes on sale next year. The Figo - roughly Polo sized - will be powered by a 1.2 litre petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel engine.

Ford India has not announced the price, but the car is expected to cost Rs 4 lakh and upwards for the base variant and will be pitted against Maruti Swift and Ritz, Fiat Punto, Chevrolet U-VA and Hyundai I20.

Mercedes: E Class

German luxury car manufacturer launched the next generation E-Class sedan in India priced at Rs 46.98 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
The new E-Class comes with a 3.5 litre V-6 petrol engine, which will be locally assembled at Mercedes’ Pune plant. The diesel variant will be launched after a few months.


Mercedes expects the new model to give a major push to sales growth as it finds its market leader position in the luxury segment under threat from global arch-rival BMW.

LandRover Freelander 2

Tata Motors’ Jaguar Land Rover brand has launched its most affordable model in India — Freelander 2. Powered by a 156bhp, 2.2-litre turbo-diesel motor, The Freelander 2 will be sold with a six-speed automatic and is well-specified too.



Available in 3 variants priced at Rs 33.8 lakh for the “S”, Rs 39 lakh for the “SE” and Rs 45 lakh for the “HSE” variant, ex showroom Mumbai (without octroi), the Freelander 2 will fall somewhere between the Nissan X-Trail and CR-V on one side and the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 on the other.

Audi Q7

It is a luxury crossover SUV produced by yet another German auto maker. The Q7 is designed more for on-road use, and was not meant for serious off-road use. It has quattro permanent four wheel drive system with a central differential lock, and an adjustable-height air suspension which helps in off road situations.



The luxury SUV offers a feature marketed as AMI, or Audi Music Interface, to allow user manipulation of an iPod or similar MP3-style player, which can play through the main sound system.
It was the first Audi model to offer Side Assist, a type of blind-spot detection and warning system

Toyota Fortuner
In August this year, Toyota launched Fortuner diesel. Priced at Rs 18.45 lakh (ex-showroom), the demand for the vehicle has been so huge that the company was forced to ask dealers to stop taking new bookings.

After seeing the interest shown by the customers, the auto giant has increased production by 50 per cent and is hoping to sell 4,500 SUVs by the end of 2010.

Tata Indigo Manza Nov 2009

On 14th October, India's largest auto manufacturer Tata Motors has launched its most awaited Tata Manza in Indian market in B+ segment. Tata Manza is build on the J300 platform and it also houses the shell of the company's popular hatchback model Tata Indica Vista, the all new Tata Indigo Manza comes with increased length and width in comparisonto the existing version of Tata Indigo. Tata Motors alos announced that they are going to phase out the existing Tata Indigo model and only its CS, Marina and XL variants will be available. The base variant of Tata Manza is available at Rs 4.8 lacs (as ex-showroom prices) while its top end variant will be available at Rs 6.75 lacs (as ex-showroom prices). The all new Tata Manza is packed with exciting features like Bluetooth connectivity, power outlets for charging laptops and other mobile devices, outdoor temperature sensor and three barreled headlamps.



Tata Manza Description :

According to the senior company official Tata Manza will be launched with both petrol and diesel variants - its petrol variants will be powered by the 1.4L, 1396cc MPFI petrol engine can produce 85PS of maximum power. This engine is currently the exisiting petrol variants of Tata Indigo. On the other hand diesel variants of Tata Manza will be powered by the Fiat's most popular 1.3L, 1248cc, Multijet diesel engine which is well known across the world for delivering high engine performance with excellent fuel efficiency and acceleration. This 1.3L multijet diesel engine can produce 76PS of maximum power at 4000rpm and it delivers excellent engine performance with excellent fuel mileage. This engine is currently powereing the diesel variants of Tata Indica Vista, Maruti Swift, Maruti Ritz, Maruti Swift Dzire, Fiat Linea and Fiat Punto.







The wheelbase of Tata Manza will be longer than the existing version of Tata Indigo. It is expected that the interiors of Tata Manza will be similar to the existing Tata Indica Vista but the it might be packed with some high end features to give it an upmarket look. Earlier, it was expected that the instrument panel of Tata Manza will be mounted at the center of the dashboard like currently available Tata Indica Vista but the teaser images of Tata Manza displayed by Tata Motors suggests that the instrument cluster of Tata Manza will be placed at the conventional right side of the dashboard behind the steering. Its steering mounted audio controls and larger wheelbase as compared to the existing Tata Indigo makes the handling of this car more easier.



Other exciting feature of Tata Manza will be its centrally mounted MID (Multi Information Display) which is generally available in the higher end vehicles. Other attractive features of Tata Manza like ABS (Antilock Braking System) and Airbags which enhances the safety of this with smaller price tag as other cars were not equipped with these features in this price range. Tata Motors plans to launch Tata Manza in the highly competitive price of Rs 5.5 lacs to Rs 7 lacs to compete with other sedans of this segment which is currently dominated by Maruti Swift Dzire and Ford Ikon. This highly competitive price tag of Tata Manza and its launch date which is scheduled just before Diwali, might give it a good start.


Tata Manza Models


Tata Motors still not disclosed exact information regarding the name and number of variants of Tata Manza, they are going to launch on 14th of this October, but the senior company official said that they will launch Tata Manza with both petrol and diesel variants. It is expected that the Tata Manza will be launched with six variants. Stay tuned with us as soon these information will be available we will provide here.


Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy


According to the company official Tata Manza will be launched with both petrol and diesel variants – its petrol variants will be powered by the 1.4L, 1368cc, MPFI petrol engine which is currently powering Tata Motors' most popular sedan Tata Indigo and Fiat's recently launched models Fiat Linea and Fiat Grande Punto. This petrol engine offers good engine performance with impressive fuel efficiency. This 1.4L, petrol engine delivers around 11kmpl mileage in urban traffic and on highway it delivers 15kmpl mileage.

On the other hand, diesel variants of Tata Manza will be equipped with Fiat’s most popular 1.3L, 1248cc, multijet diesel engine which is well known for delivering excellent fuel efficiency. This 1.3L multijet diesel engine is currently powering number of popular cars in India like – Fiat Punto, Maruti Swift, Maruti Swift Dzire, Tata Indica Vista, Fiat Linea, Fiat Grande Punto etc. This 1.3L, 1248cc, multijet diesel engine delivers great mileage – it delivers mileage in urban traffic around 14kmpl while on highway it delivers 18kmpl.


Power

As we already mentioned that Tata Manza will be launched with both petrol and diesel engine options – its petrol variants will be powered by the Tata Motors' 1.4L, 1368cc, MPFI (Multi Point Fuel Injection) petrol engine with five speed manual transmission gearbox. This engine delivers high engine performance with good power, torque acceleration and mileage. This 1.4L, 1368cc petrol engine produces 85PS of maximum power at 5500rpm with 117Nm of maximum torque at 3500rpm. While the diesel variants of Tata Manza will be equipped with Fiat's most popular 1.3L, 1248cc, turbocharged multijet diesel engine. This engine also delivers high performance and it is well known for delivering excellent mileage. This multijet engine produces maximum power of 75bhp at 4000rpm and 190Nm of maximum torque.

Maserati GranCabrio 2010

The Maserati Gran Cabrio, unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show...

There are a few things Maserati could do to make the GranTurismo look better than it does, but not many. One option is to surround it with unspeakably beautiful women. Another is to remove the roof. Thankfully, they opted for both in Frankfurt, where the Trident marque took the wraps off the new GranCabrio.

The GranCabrio represents the very essence of Maserati in terms of open-top cars. It's a Maserati in the purest sense of the word: from the unmistakable style by Pininfarina to the spacious interior, from the craftsmanship of each detail to the driving pleasure and performance. The Maserati GranCabrio enriches all five senses in a shared open-air experience, without sacrificing comfort and performance. A dream car designed and built for men and women who love to live life in an understated – though sophisticated - manner. Like all the made in Maserati open-top convertibles: special cars aimed at refined connoisseurs.

The GranCabrio is continuing the Maserati tradition in open-top fine automobiles, beginning with the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, and continuing through a long list of significant and thrilling open air models. However, in adding to this tradition, the GranCabrio opens a new chapter, because never before have four-seater top-down models ever been produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory in Modena. Four proper seats are provided, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.

The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 liter V8, 323 kW engine and is the convertible with the longest wheelbase on the market (versus its direct competitors). The GranCabrio's roof is strictly canvas-made, emphasizing the link with the Maserati tradition.

.... c'mon play along...

Now that I’ve given all you guys a low down on all the machines on this insanely crazy list of maniacal cars… “Let the Games Begin.”

However much I try not to emphasize on the fact that driving any one of these cars is the ultimate ambition, it so happens that there is one lingering question that needs to be answered “which one’s the best one?”… clearly money here not being a constraint I simply want to know what you guys think about the cars on this list… cmon it doesn’t take too much of an effort. Oops did I just say it doesn’t take too much of an effort …. Ok I know it’s real tough to decide when you have 10 of the world’s best to choose from.. But give it a shot and leave your comments on the best one and why you’re in love with it..

10. 2009 BMW M3

With a total of 15 different models and four body configurations, the 3 Series is BMW’s most versatile model. While the M3 is the most powerful of the 3 Series models, the twin-turbocharged, all-wheel drive 335xi might be the most exciting to drive. All 3 Series convertible models offers a quiet ride and coupe-like look due to a retractable hardtop. During the first four years of ownership, BMW 3 Series drivers receive a 50,000-mile warranty and $0 maintenance program in addition to an unlimited mileage roadside assistance. The BMW 3 Series gets an estimated 25-28 mpg on the highway; the M3 model tops out at 20 mpg.

9. 2009 Subaru Impreza Sedan WRX

The 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX has been substantially fortified after rally fans cried foul with the release of the '08 redesign. The '08 had morphed into a cushy GT with not particularly impressive power or traction; the '09 gains 41 horsepower, wider wheels/tires, and some stout anti-roll bars to right those wrongs. The '08 redesign's bonuses are still there: hugely improved interior feel and style, and a ride that magically blends comfort with tenacious handling.

Styling on the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX sedan is ho-hum; the hatchback speaks to the sporty rally history with more cohesion. Still, with each successive redesign, the WRX seems to stray further from its angry, purposeful origins and closer to the amorphous world of the kinda-cute, kinda-ugly small car. A mammoth (but blessedly functional) hood scoop signals the insane levels of boost and thrust this little rocket contains, but it flutters curiously at speed.

Just one engine powers the Subaru Impreza WRX: the trademark horizontally opposed (flat) four-cylinder. At 2.5 liters and with 16 valves and dual overhead cams, the engine features a larger turbo for '09 that huffs out an additional 41 horses for a total of 265 hp. Alas, bigger turbos take longer to spool up, and as such, the engine can feel a bit lifeless below 3,500 rpm. Above that speed, however, the engine will happily shove your cheeks back to your ears. Thankfully, only a five-speed manual transmission is offered, a good ally to keep the engine on boost.

Fuel economy is a little disappointing for a small car. The 2009 WRX tops out at 25 mpg highway in the mileage game and is rated at only 18 mpg in the city. Also, while some of our testers like the smoothly thrumming four (the boxer four lacks much of the vibration inherent in an inline-four layout) and its low, growling sound, it is not a quiet engine by any means. It becomes increasingly vocal when you keep it in the boost. Enthusiasts will love all of the mechanical whirring; commuters might soon grow weary.

Scoring a coup in the refinement department, however, is the suspension. Despite thicker anti-roll bars for 2009 that work wonders with the tight, direct steering and low-profile tires, this Subaru soaks up bumps, ruts, potholes, and coarse surfaces with nonchalance. The ride is beautifully smooth and isolated; the handling wonderfully direct and taut. As well, it's nice and quiet inside apart from some wind rush around the A-pillars. Watch the speedo and rearview carefully; 90 mph feels and sounds like 65 in the 2009 Subaru WRX. Someone's been taking notes from BMW.

The 2009 Subaru WRX STI is an even meaner animal, with an especially edgy, high-performance demeanor. It gets a high-boost, 305-horsepower version of the 2.5-liter and is only offered with the six-speed manual, plus a number of suspension and chassis improvements that make it a hoot to drive on racetracks or curvy mountain roads. Unfortunately the STi has quite a bit more road noise and a rather jittery ride; it's just refined enough for enthusiasts to drive daily.

Front and center in the instrument cluster is the large tachometer; it's flanked on the right by a smaller speedo in Porsche fashion. All gauges are clearly marked and readable in an instant; none of the boy-racer silliness from past versions (or econ-car cheapness) makes its way past the '08 Impreza interior redesign.

Race-style seats are very supportive and quite comfortable in the front. The only nit we picked was an odd fixed headrest (the entire seatback is just one long piece) that canted some tester's heads uncomfortably forward. The rear compartment is happily much bigger than the car's tidy exterior dimensions suggest. Headroom back there, a sore spot for most small and even mid-size sedans, is fantastic even for those unusually long in the torso. Trunk space is middling at 11.3 cubic feet, and fold-down functionality for both sides makes it a cinch to tote the skis and snowboards the 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX is sure to carry. For both style and practicality, we think the hatchback's the way to go.

8.2009 Chevrolet Corvette

America's sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette, enters 2009 with even more to like. In addition to the base coupe and convertible and the previously top-of-the-line Z06, power-hungry shoppers now have the ZR1 to consider. The ZR1 name returns after a long layoff, and with it comes serious performance. The car comes as a coupe only and is powered by an Eaton supercharged and intercooled 6.2L V8 (the LS9), which makes 638-hp and 604 ft-lb of torque, all of which is capable of propelling the car to a claimed top speed of 205 mph.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. Also included in the ZR1 package are larger wheels and tires (19 inches front, 20 inches rear), Brembo ceramic composite brakes, and carbon fiber panels for the roof, front splitter, rocker moldings, front fenders and hood (with a window to the supercharger). Quite simply, the ZR1 is the biggest, baddest production Corvette ever built. Elsewhere in the Corvette family, the base model is available in both coupe or convertible forms. Each is powered by a 6.2L aluminum-block V8, delivering 430 hp and 424 ft-lb of torque.

It can be matched with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic with paddle-shifters. Convertible tops can be operated either manually or electronically, depending on equipment. A two-mode exhaust system allows quiet operation during low-speed driving, but opens up to optimize performance (and provide a more aggressive sound) when needed. The Corvette comes with three suspension choices, which allow it to be everything from a comfortable grand-tourer to an edgy, track-ready machine. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of comfort and performance.

Next up is the Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension, which uses sophisticated electronics and magnetically reactive fluid-filled dampers to provide a comfortable ride but tighten its responses when needed. At the top is the Z51 Performance Package, which brings the most aggressive setup, including larger stabilizer bars, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar EMT tires, cross-drilled brake rotors and enhanced cooling. A 6-speed manual is the only transmission available. The 3,100-lb Corvette Z06, now displaced by the ZR1 as top dog, is still no slouch, with performance that bests many exotics costing several times as much. Its 7.0L V8 LS7 engine makes 505 hp and 470 ft-lb of torque, enough to propel the car to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds, reach 198 mph, brake from 60 mph in only 111 feet, and draw a maximum lateral acceleration of 1.04 g. Traction control and Active Handling stability control are standard on all Corvettes, as are air conditioning, cruise control, Head-Up Display, OnStar, a CD stereo system, and XM satellite radio with steering-wheel controls.

7. 2009 BMW M5

BMW’s 5 Series is offered as either a sedan or station wagon with three distinct engine choices including a 500-horsepower V-10 in the M5. As one of BMW’s most aggressively designed cars, the 5 Series sports cues from the ultra-luxurious 7 Series, while providing a similar driving pleasure to the class afforded by the 3 Series. During the first four years of ownership, BMW 5 Series drivers receive a 50,000-mile warranty and $0 maintenance program in addition to an unlimited mileage roadside assistance. The BMW 5 Series gets an estimated 22-28 mpg on the highway; the M5 model tops out at 17 mpg.

6. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is offered in four variants: the V8-powered SL550 and V12-powered SL600, the new SL63 AMG, which replaces the SL55 AMG and the SL65 AMG. Both AMG cars are high-performance tuned, exclusive versions of the SL550 and SL600, respectively. All SL cars receive new front end styling for 2009. The high-performance SL550 luxury roadster gets the same large, 5.5L V8 that's also offered in the big S-Class sedan. The engine churns out 382 horsepower and 391 ft-lb of torque, and comes mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission that ensures the engine can always find the right ratio for acceleration, as well as more mundane real-world passing.

The smooth, 5.5L twin-turbo V12 in the SL600 makes 510 horsepower and 612 ft-lb of torque and features a 5-speed automatic. Both AMG versions feature engines hand-built by the Mercedes-Benz tuner house of the same name. In the new SL63 AMG, the 6.2L V8 has been cranked up to 538 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a new 7-speed gearbox, which offers a find blend between an automatic's smooth shifting and a manual's control. In the SL65 AMG, the 6.0L twin-turbo V12 produces a mammoth 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque and can bring the SL to 60 mph in only 4.2 seconds.

All SL models have very large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and brake assist. Other standard safety equipment includes ESP stability control and Active Body Control, a hydraulic active suspension system that helps keep the SL flat during severe cornering and braking and also helps improve ride during normal driving. New to the line is a variable-ratio steering system that reacts to the SL's speed, offering less effort at slower speeds and better stability as speeds increase. The SL's retractable hardtop opens or closes with a single button in just 16 seconds, thanks to a sophisticated hydraulic system.

With the top up, the trunk measures 10.2 cubic feet, but the capacity diminishes to 7.2 cubic feet with the top down-still enough for a couple of lightly packed golf bags or a carry-on suitcase. The SL550 comes with a full roster of top luxury features, including memory heated sport seats, a revised, DVD-based COMAND navigation and audio system, Bose digital surround sound audio system with 6-disc changer and Sirius satellite radio, and an automatic pop-up roll bar system, while the SL600 adds the Keyless Go entry and start system, a Nappa leather interior, electronic trunk closer, a heated steering wheel and wood and leather trim. A new neck-warming system called Airscarf is available on both cars. In addition to various trim and appearance changes, and larger brakes, both the SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG add sport seats with the Dynamic Multicontour feature, which automatically adjusts to keep occupants in place during cornering. Options on the SL550 include active ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, and a panorama roof. An optional package brings active ventilated seats, Airscarf and Keyless Go to the SL550.

5. 2009 Audi R8

The 2009 Audi returns for an encore performance following its overwhelming debut in 2008. The mid-engine supercar pairs its stellar 420-hp, FSI direct-injection 4.2L V8 to either a 6-speed manual or the "R-tronic" 6-speed sequential manual gearbox. The four-wheel independent suspension employs a magnetic ride adaptive damping system and Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system to maximize handling, and the R8's aluminum space frame keeps the chassis rigid and light.

The end result is a car that excels when whipped through the corners. Outside, the car has sleek and aggressive lines that pair nicely with the enormous front and side air intakes, as well as the handsome 19-inch alloy wheels. The R8's engine is on display through the rear glass (complemented by LED lighting). The end result is a look that is remarkably fresh and contemporary. The interior is extremely well-equipped with all you would expect to find in a car with a sticker price sneaking into six figures.

Features include heated leather-trimmed power seats, a driver information system, satellite radio, automatic climate control and an auto-dimming mirror. Bluetooth handsfree interface and Homelink universal garage door opener come standard as well. More than the equipment, however, is the design.

Chrome trim tastefully adorns the cockpit, ergonomics are outstanding, and the material quality is superb. Standard safety equipment abounds, with bi-xenon adaptive headlights, anti-lock brakes, side impact air bags, knee air bags, stability control with anti-slip regulation, and a tire pressure monitor. A terrific Bang & Olufsen audio system is optional and includes active noise cancellation. Carbon fiber interior inlays and Audi Navigation are optional as well, with the latter including a 6.25-inch LCD display and twin SD card slots for MP3 playback. The optional Premium Package combines auto-dimming exterior mirrors, front and rear parking assist, and Hill-Hold Assist.

4. 2009 BMW M6

Arguably one of the best-looking cars on the road, BMW’s 6 Series is available as a coupe or convertible. Using the same 500-horsepower V-10 as the M5, the M6 is the pinnacle of BMW’s style, luxury and performance. Although it still uses a fabric top when most droptops are using retractable hardtops, the 6 Series convertible offers the highest level of design, rigidity and noise reduction that is expected from a BMW. During the first four years of ownership, BMW 6 Series drivers receive a 50,000-mile warranty and $0 maintenance program in addition to an unlimited mileage roadside assistance. The BMW 6 Series gets an estimated 21-23 mpg on the highway; the M6 model tops out at 17 miles per gallon.

3. 2009 Cadillac XLR-V

The 2009 XLR and XLR-V remain Cadillac's high-end performance cars. Introduced in 2005 and using the Corvette as a point of inspiration, the XLR offers style and performance with generous amounts of leather and wood trim. It also has a softer suspension setup than many two-seaters in its class, which makes it much easier to live with day in and out than most of its rivals. The XLR is equipped with a 320-hp 4.8L V8 and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

It features four-wheel traction control and GM's magnetic ride control, a system that, through magnetic-reactive fluid, allows the suspension firmness to be adjusted multiple times per second. The standard features list is extensive, as is typical from the Cadillac nameplate. The XLR rides on 18-inch polished aluminum wheels and has LED taillights and steering-reactive HID headlights. The interior is furnished with eight-way power leather heated and cooled front seats.

A tire pressure monitor, keyless access, and dual-zone climate control are also standard, as well as a head-up display that indicates speed, gear position, audio player information and fuel level on the inside of the windshield. The XLR also includes helpful electronic aides such as ultrasonic rear parking assist and adaptive cruise control. The XLR-V is the ultra-high performance variant of the XLR. It comes powered by a 4.4L V8 with an Eaton-Roots supercharger that makes 443 hp, and it teams up with a 6-speed automatic transmission with driver shift control.

The magnetic ride control settings are firmer and the suspension gets tweaked with larger stabilizer bars and stiffer bushings for more precise handling. The XLR-V also utilizes larger brakes and bigger wheels and tires. The result is race car performance with Cadillac comfort.

2. 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera

Porsche's family of rear-engine 911 sport cars is now available in three power levels for 2008-standard, S, and Turbo-and in three body styles-Coupe, Targa, and Cabriolet. The standard engine on the 911 is a 325-horsepower, 3.6L horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. S models get a 355-horsepower, 3.8L flat-six. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but a five-speed automatic transmission is available throughout the model line and allows "Tiptronic S" manual gear selection. The unique Targa, introduced last year, features a panoramic roof system that provides a completely open roof when desired, combined with the safety and convenience of a coupe for when the weather turns unpleasant. The Targa also has hatchback-style access to the cargo area with its pop-up back window and is the only 911 model with a separately opening lower tailgate.

This body style is not available as a Turbo. There are also several all-wheel-drive variants of the 911. The Carrera 4 and 4S Coupe and Cabriolet models, along with the Targa 4 and 4S, get larger wheels and tires and a widened track for a more aggressive appearance in addition to the all-wheel drive system, which can send between 5 and 40 percent of engine torque to the front wheels. As standard equipment on Turbo models and available elsewhere in the line, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system adjusts damper stiffness almost instantaneously for the driving conditions and works in conjunction with the stability control system. Cabriolet models get a tight, three-layer soft top that can be opened or closed in about 20 seconds, plus pop-up rollover bars behind the rear seats for supplemental safety and a specially calibrated suspension. Variable-ratio steering is standard on all 911 models. S models come with PASM technology standard, while it is optional on the non-S models. Even though the 911 is primarily a sports car, it comes equipped with many of the features that might be expected in a luxury coupe, like automatic climate control, a 235-watt, nine-speaker sound system, power accessories, heated mirrors and windshield nozzles, and a trip computer.

Split-folding rear 2+2 seatbacks allow for an expanded cargo area, and there's also a substantial cargo area in front. The options list is long, including various wheels and trim upgrades; other highlights include the Sport Chrono Plus package, which brings a more aggressive throttle calibration and a built-in lap timer, and a DVD-based navigation system. The top 911 Turbo and new-for-2008 Turbo Cabriolet come with a twin-turbocharged, 3.6L flat six-cylinder engine. The engine makes 480 horsepower, 60 more than its predecessor, and 460 lb-ft of torque, also up significantly. With the optional Sport Chrono Package, the turbocharger is allowed a 10-second "overboost" that brings peak torque to 505 lb-ft for quick bursts of passing. The Turbo can go from 0 to 60 in only 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 193 miles per hour.

The Turbo Cabriolet can get to 60 mph in just four seconds. Also new for 2008 is the 530-horsepower, very limited-edition GT2, which brings a special Le Mans race-car-inspired body and prominent rear wing, along with weight savings throughout for a top speed of 205 mph, and ranks as the most expensive 911 model ever. The track-oriented GT3 returns for 2008, and it is accompanied by the GT3 RS. Both feature a 415-horsepower, non-turbocharged version of the 3.6L flat-six with a high 7,600-rpm redline. The GT3s are only offered with a six-speed manual transmission with shorter gear ratios. The GT3 duo comes with rear-wheel drive and includes a traction control system that can be completely disabled, along with a mechanical limited-slip differential to help send the power to the wheels as needed. PASM is standard, and the GT3 has a normal mode for driving on rougher surfaces and a sport mode for maximum racetrack performance.

1. 2009 Nissan GT-R

The international auto market has a new love interest. The 2009 Nissan GT-R is luxury sports car that outperforms the competition in virtually every aspect. Incredible performance, sexy styling and impeccable handling all combine to give top-selling stalwarts a run for their money. Speaking of which, the GT-R is certainly a lot of car for the money. At a base price of $79,090 (approx INR 40 Lac minus duties), the Nissan super car is almost $50,000 cheaper than its fiercest competitor, the Porsche 911 Turbo.

The 2009 Nissan GT-R has already started to collect "of the year" awards from publications. These awards are largely due to the pulse-thumping performance of the twin-turbocharged DOHC V6 engine, which outputs 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft. of torque. Rounding out the unmatched driving experience is a fluid 6-speed automated manual transmission, all-wheel drive and 4-wheel independent suspension. Acceleration is the biggest draw of the vehicle, delivering a zero to 60 mph time of 3.3 seconds.

Further cementing the Nissan GT-R as a superstar among celebrities is the superior level of materials found within the cabin. Alloy and leather are used throughout the interior to deliver an upscale environment on par with more expensive alternatives.

The 2009 Nissan GT-R is also one of the most fuel-efficient luxury sports cars on the road today. With an EPA-estimated 16 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway, drivers can expect to achieve a combined mileage of approximately 18 miles per gallon.

the 10 best performing cars in 2009

Hi Guys,

It’s October 2009 and a little more than a century since the time cars were first invented. Before I begin writing, here is a little head’s up on what you could expect to see in this space: anything that has four wheels and is capable of getting you from 0 to 100 km/ph in nothing more than 5 seconds.

I’m going to start off by giving you guys a list of the 10 best performing cars in the year 2009; by Indian standards, if any of us were to own even one of these cars we would represent the richest 0.25 percentile of the Indian population & again I don’t see this as impossible simply because none of the cars I’m talking about today are limited editions of any type and nor are they quarter-million dollar supercars..

what I say here isn’t final or binding, I sincerely understand how sentimental we guys get when it comes to sharing an opinion especially when it has anything to do with the three letters spelt C.A.R, feel absolutely free to make any comments that would enlighten me and the others on what you think about my blog..

Here is the list...

1. 2009 Nissan GT-R

2. 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera

3. 2009 Cadillac XLR-V

4. 2009 BMW M6

5. 2009 Audi R8

6. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

7. 2009 BMW M5

8. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette

9. 2009 Subaru Impreza Sedan WRX

10. 2009 BMW M3