It is not like years ago anymore as you no longer have to go down to the local betting shop in order to put your money down, instead these days with the internet you can see the odds and place money on who you think will win while sat on your own sofa. This type of betting started with online casino companies such as Jackpot city, they offered websites with casino games available 24/7. Because of these sites not only has it become easier to place a bet but it has also become a lot more popular with people who have never stepped foot in a betting shop going online and putting money down. It doesn’t matter which motor sport you enjoy as these betting sites will have you covered with both new stories about the competitors and the latest live odds on who will win and where you should place your bet.

Just around the same time as the New York Auto Show, Ford Motor Company took it upon themselves to bring up this challenge and present it. It seems a bit odd to ask for such a product, especially with how well the EcoBoost and Hybrid models have done in the last couple of years. But much like Ford’s new slogan “Go Further” they are looking to find a user-friendly way to help drivers extend their fuel range. Providing them with a personal app could help add 1-2 mpg for each driver once they are able to identity bad driving habits and make the necessary changes.  Improving 1-2mpg, could save drivers hundreds or even thousands on annual basis.

Personalized applications are a growing trend in the digital community, like Nike Plus for example which allows runners to track, put tighter their own personal training plans and set goals. It also allows them to gauge their performance against other runners. Also allows them to discover new methods to improve performance. Now we can’t compare a runner to a car, but ultimately they are striving for similar goals which are to run longer and more efficiently. Creating a personal fuel-economy app would allow drivers to view their data, and notice any type of hiccups in their performance, based on speed, and other factors, they can then make any changes they deem responsible for this decline in performance. Ultimately this could improve a lot of drivers understanding of efficient fuel management.

If you are a software developer or know someone who is, then you can go ahead and register at the Ford Challenge Post site. The winner or winners will receive $50,000 for their software.  The only challenge is that they require that the software be designed on a OpenXC platform. It is also uncertain whether the app will be utilized on the Ford infotainment systems, or obtainable on most smart phones.

Lastly if you are wondering what sort of fuel-economy the newest Ford vehicles receive, you can easily find out by going to www.kengarffford.com.

Brand New back in the 90s the F1 ran for about $4 million USD, even though this one used has only a few hundred miles, the price tag is likely to bring the same price tag, if not even more considered its rarity. But how about we put aside price tags, and just take into consideration this McLaren F1 apparently hasn’t even been driven at all from its current owner. Like how does the King of Supercars, just sit in a garage all day every day for almost two decades? When do you cross the line of an investment, or a pleasure? For many it would be nearly impossible to avoid the temptation to hop into this supercar, and just burn! Somehow this owner was able to avoid that temptation for a long time, and because of that he is likely to get a huge return on investment by major player in the car enthusiast world.

Imagine you go to a family gathering, and you walk out back into your uncles garage and stumble upon the marvel and beauty which is a McLaren F1, barely used. If you weren’t a car guru, you wouldn’t know that this vehicle would reach an official speed of 240-mph, which is a Guinness-verified top seed record, which was held for almost a decade.

Or you can be like Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) and enjoy it until you crash it and still make its worth back in a payback. The only drawback of his incident is has to pay 60,000 Euros in insurance policy. Hope it was fun Bean.

So what is it that makes the McLaren so fast, and so powerful? For starters let us look at the 24-karat gold that is used to help reflect heat off the titanium components of the engine, allowing it to reach such stressful situations. At 627-hp, and a V12 engine with 6.1-liters, it really is hard to imagine that this vehicle is even street legal. It is like NASA put aside its efforts with space exploration and shifted their focus to sport cars.

The structure and body of the F1 is made up of a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque, or a one-piece body design. It is incredibly aerodynamic, and this engineering feat was a first of its kind. There were only 100 of these models built between 1993 and 1998, thus improving the value of this one being sold by this individual used, or barely used to be exact. It is known that if a vehicle sits for to long it could actually be damaging to the engine components, but reports state that the vehicle has been started a number of times to ensure it works properly.

Even though used car deals like KG USED don’t carry such high price tagged used vehicles, they, like many other used car dealerships do sell vehicles that are practical for everyday use. Contact Us, to learn about our inventory today.

The German automakers plan to create this three-cylinder an inline, and are essentially just half of their six-cylinder. It will be a turbocharged 1.5-liter unit, direct fuel injection and designed for optimal fuel-economy results. The only real problem that BMW needed to overcome when they were electing to drop a whole cylinder down to just three, was would it produce enough power so the driver wasn’t feeling the drag?

By removing one cylinder BMW found that it didn’t just help remove mass/volume, but it also reduced the amount of friction that optimally slowed down performance, and ultimately improved fuel-economy. These are changes that the BMW knew they had to make going forward.

Early test drives with the prototype of the three-cylinder proved to be successful and positive for BMW as critics announce that the 175 horsepower and three cylinders proved more than ample to give a unique and enjoyable driving experience.  The fears that the reduction in engine would create a bit more loss in acceleration than the four-cylinder, but it actually provided minimal difference.

The release of this three-cylinder engine block isn’t expected to happen until 2014. It is expected to make its big splash with the 1 Series, and even could make use in the lower model 3-Series. BMW isn’t the only ones looking to market this three-cylinder idea to North America; Ford also has announced that they want to do the same thing with their subcompact Fiesta next year. But BMW will be the first luxury brand to introduce such a small engine.

Want to learn more about how this three-cylinder will stack up against the recent BMW models as four-cylinders and six-cylinders? You can do that research yourself by visiting www.bmwrockville.com. There you can find an in-depth research center, reviewing many of the newer BMW models.

GPS Tracking

Some car manufacturers currently offer satellite based tracking systems as extra features with their newer models. These can pin down the location of a missing vehicle to within a few yards and provide valuable information to the over-stretched police when looking to recover a stolen car. The same systems are also available as add-ons from separate dedicated companies, and although they don’t come cheap you may want investigate whether the extra investment would be worth it.

Make haste

Once you have had your car stolen, time really is of the essence – particularly for those not fortunate enough to have the latest technology at their disposal. The longer that thieves have your vehicle, the more unlikely that it is that you will ever see it again, as many work in conjunction with garages who strip the car of identifying features. An alarm system with a two way communication system that shows on your key fob when the immobiliser has been over-ridden can keep you informed even when the vehicle is not in sight, and help you to notify the police as soon as possible.

Park smart

You can do yourself a lot of favours by choosing your parking spot carefully and avoiding areas that make It easy for thieves. Go for well lit areas whenever possible, and if you are using a paid car park avoid leaving it by the exit. It may be more expensive, but the few extra pounds to use a space that is staffed by an attendant could be a big deterrent to potential criminals. At home you may want to clear out the old junk from your garage and store it in there overnight, as this really is the best way to keep your car safe. This not only saves you a lot of potential heartache and administrative stress by deterring the vast majority of thieves, it can also help you find cheaper motor insurance quotes too. Many providers recognise the reduced risk of locked off-street parking by significantly lowering the rate of your premiums – one such company is AXA Insurance, so take a look at their website to find out how much you can save.

Remove belongings

Leaving valuables in plain sight on car seats is a big mistake, and should be avoided at all costs. You should also be careful about leaving personal documents in your vehicle, as these can be used to defraud you by identity scams. If you are away from the car for any length of time you may also want to take the vehicle documents with you to prevent the thief from an easy re-sale. Never keep spare copies of keys in your car, and don’t forget to double check that you have properly closed windows and locked doors.

Avoiding car theft is tricky and there are no fail-safe guarantees, but by taking these steps you can give yourself a much better chance of deterring criminals and increasing peace of mind when leaving your beloved vehicle unattended.

Helped in particular by models such as the Q3 SUV and the A6 Avant (soon to be succeeded by the new Audi RS6 Avant), the company recorded total worldwide sales of 1,455,100 premium vehicles, which translated into an 11.7 per cent increase on 2011 sales.

Although sales have held up in the company’s home market of Europe, it is results in other markets such as the US and China that have helped Audi record impressive figures. In the US, the car maker has increased deliveries by nearly 50 per cent since 2007 and chalked up record-breaking sales in every month of 2012 leading to a total of 139,310 vehicles shipped.

In China, sales growth has been even more spectacular. Just 12 months after crashing through the 300,000 vehicles mark, 2012 saw the company sell more than 400,000 cars to residents of the most populous country in the world, marking a 29.6 per cent increase year-on-year.

In Europe, tough trading in certain Eurozone countries including Spain and Italy was countered by better figures in the likes of France, Russia and the UK, with the latter growing 8.6 per cent to 123,622 vehicles. The company also recorded its highest market share ever in its home country of Germany with sales of 263,163 giving it 8.6 per cent of the market.

Further growth was recorded elsewhere, including increased sales in South Korea, South Africa, India and Turkey.

Commenting on his company’s latest figures, Luca de Meo, Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG for Sales and Marketing, said: “In 2012, Audi achieved new record totals in every region worldwide, including in Europe. We managed to buck the negative market trend and continued to grow there, extending our lead as the strongest premium brand.”

You may have thought the driver to be trustworthy when he informed you that there was insurance in place. But even telling the magistrate this while swearing with everything that is holy to you, would make no difference. And even though you are shown some little leniency, you could still find yourself convicted of a criminal offence. But it may be true the driver thought he was insured. Most people believe that if they have a fully insured coverage for another car, any car they drive will also be insured.

While this may hold true for some car insurance companies, some do not allow it or may have some strict conditions. More often, drivers under a certain age limit, especially the younger drivers with a learner’s licence, are excluded. When you allow a person to borrow your car, you lend your car insurance as well. In other words, when you lend your car, it is your car insurance UK policy that provides coverage in the event of an accident—not his.

The accident could go under your insurance history and may result in a premium increase for you especially if your car would be involved in at-fault accident. If you lend your car to a friend on a regular basis, he/she may constitute an “occasional” driver on your car insurance plan. This way, he will have to be insured to use your car, and you won’t be on the hook for thousands of pounds of damages. If your friend uses it rarely, there is no need to include them in your insurance plan.

Matters, however, can get out of hand if your friend doesn’t have a valid driver’s licence. In such event, your car insurance policy will not cover you, and you’ll have to pay for the damages. In addition, if your friend drives the car under the influence, and is involved in an accident, your driver ratings and insurance policy are affected. As a result, the Driving under the influence (DUI) will be reflected on your driving record, and this could potentially limit where you can obtain your car insurance.

In some cases, your car may be involved in a serious accident and the policy limits aren’t enough to cover the damages. In such cases, you will be liable for the excesses. But for any questions regarding your insurance policy, it’s good to contact your insurance provider. In case you are not covered, get an insurer as soon as possible. The Internet is a good place to start searching for cheap car insurance services, compare the car insurance quotes online to ensure you get the best quote.

Imagine having kept your premiums down and maintaining a good record, and then suddenly someone else’s accident is tarnishing your record and driving up your premiums, not good, right? An accident is always unpredictable, that’s why it’s called an accident. You cannot know what will happen if you lend your car to somebody—be it a family member, a close neighbour or someone significant. The bottom line; don’t give anyone those keys unless you are sure they are competent behind the wheels.

There are many types and styles of trailer available. Enclosed trailers can offer protection and greater security compared to open sided trailers. However, you can find some of the smallest, most convenient and least expensive trailers in this open sided range. You don’t have to pay a large sum for a convenient trailer and if you’re considering buying second hand trailers then it means that you can save even more money.

Different trailers typically have different uses. Marine trailers are designed to carry or tow boats while livestock trailers are for carrying and transporting different types of livestock including pigs and sheep, cows, and horses. Utility trailers are, essentially multi-purpose, and they can be used for anything from going on holiday to moving furniture and taking refuse to the local refuse centre.

Indespension has a wide range of second hand models available and these can offer you access to the latest and greatest models without you having to pay the highest price tag. This is because second hand trailers typically cost less than their brand new counterparts. You can buy a second hand model, get it serviced, and then potentially enjoy many years of quality service from your inexpensive trailer

Do ensure that you choose a trailer best suited to your requirements and that the model you choose offers everything you need. This way you will be able to enjoy real value for money because nothing can prove more costly than buying something that isn’t quite suited to your needs. Do take good care of your trailer and look for those that are in good condition when buying second hand trailers.

Groundbreaking performance: The new Audi RS 6 Avant

• Powerful twin-turbo V8: 4.0 TFSI with 412 kW (560 hp) and 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft)
• Reduced weight for greater efficiency and stronger performance
• 0 – 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds, top speed 305 km/h (189.52 mph)

The new Audi RS 6 Avant stands for groundbreaking performance. It is lighter and more efficient than the previous model, and performance has been improved once again. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes just 3.9 seconds, and top speed is 305 km/h (189.52 mph). The 4.0 TFSI develops 412 kW (560 hp), but is content with an average fuel consumption of just 9.8 liters per 100 kilometers (24.00 US mpg).

The new Audi RS 6 Avant is a high-performance sports car for everyday use. Its character and uncompromisingly sporty tuning is the work of quattro GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG. The company’s RS models with their powerful engines form the dynamic spearhead of the model program. The abbreviation “RS” stands for the most powerful version of a model series, for quattro permanent all-wheel drive, for extreme handling, for an understated appearance and for full everyday utility.
The 4.0 TFSI, which debuted last year, is a perfect example of Audi’s downsizing strategy in the high-performance category. In the new Audi RS 6 Avant, the twin-turbo V8 delivers confidence-inspiring power in every driving situation from its displacement of 3,993 cc. Peak output of 412 kW (560 hp) is reached between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, with a constant 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.

Pulling power develops quickly due in large part to the two large twin-scroll turbochargers. They are mounted together with the intercooler in the inside V of the cylinder banks. The exhaust side of the cylinder heads is also on the inside, the intake side outside. This concept allows for a compact design and short gas paths with minimal flow losses.

The RS-specific engine management and unthrottled intake system also contribute to the eight-cylinder engine’s spontaneous response. The 4.0 TFSI delivers a sporty, full-throated sound. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system make the sound even fuller, if desired. Audi also offers an optional sport exhaust system.

The powerful twin-turbo V8 accelerates the new Audi RS 6 Avant from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in a best-in-segment 3.9 seconds. In the standard configuration, top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). This is increased to 280 km/h (173.98 mph) with the optional Dynamic package. With the Dynamic plus package, Audi reigns in the engine only upon reaching 305 km/h (189.52 mph). According to the European driving cycle, the high-performance Avant consumes on average just 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.00 US mpg). Among the factors contributing to this figure are the new, standard start-stop system and innovative thermal management. Fuel consumption has been reduced by roughly 40 percent compared to the previous model.

One pioneering efficiency technology in the new Audi RS 6 Avant is the cylinder on demand (COD) system. At low to intermediate loads and engine speeds, it shuts down the intake and exhaust valves of cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a four-cylinder engine until the driver accelerates more strongly again. Efficiency in the active cylinders is increased because the operating points are displaced toward higher loads.

The changeover from four and eight-cylinder operation takes just a few hundredths of a second. About the only thing noticeable to the driver is an indication in the instrument cluster. The COD technology reduces ECE fuel consumption by roughly five percent. Even greater savings of approximately 10 percent are possible when driving at moderate speeds. Active engine bearings use out-of-phase counter-oscillations to compensate for the vibrations that occur during four-cylinder operation.

The 4.0 TFSI is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic featuring shortened shift times. The automatic transmission offers D and S modes. Drivers who wish to shift for themselves can use the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever, which sports a unique RS design. The lower gears of the tiptronic are tightly spaced for sporty performance, while a tall eighth gear reduces fuel consumption.
At the heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is a self-locking center differential with an elevated locking value. An oil cooler regulates its temperature. If desired, the sport differential distributes the power steplessly between the rear wheels to further increase agility and stability.

The new RS 6 Avant is the first RS model from Audi to come standard with a specifically tuned air suspension. The dynamic setup of the RS 6 adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.79 in). The system combines the air suspension with controlled damping and takes into account the road conditions, the driving style and the mode chosen in the driving dynamics system Audi drive select, with which the driver can influence the function of key components in multiple steps.

Audi also offers the tauter sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as an alternative to the RS 6 adaptive air suspension. This system uses steel springs and three-way adjustable shock absorbers that are interconnected diagonally by means of oil lines and a central valve for improved body roll stability. Another option is dynamic steering, which features steplessly variable steering boost and ratios. This system can also be integrated into Audi drive select and, just like the standard electromechanical power steering, is tailored specifically for the RS 6 Avant.

The brakes offer uncompromising performance. The four internally vented discs feature a weight-saving wave design with a wave-like outer contour. The front discs measure 390 millimeters (15.35 in) in diameter and are gripped by black, six-piston calipers. Customers can also opt for red brake calipers. Also available as an option are carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs measuring 420 millimeters (16.54 in) in diameter. Their calipers are painted anthracite gray. The electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a Sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes standard with high-gloss, 20-inch, forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke design. Optional 21-inch cast wheels are available in three versions: high-gloss silver, polished black and polished titanium-look.

The body plays a major role in the handling. It is roughly 20 percent aluminum and includes numerous components made of high-strength steel. The new Audi RS 6 Avant weighs roughly 100 kilograms (220.46 lb) lighter than its predecessor. The improved power-to-weight ratio contributes to even better handling with improved performance coupled with reduced fuel consumption.

Numerous RS-specific design details underscore the distinctive appearance of the high-performance Avant. Most noticeable are the matte aluminum applications on the body, the high-gloss black protective grille at the front of the car, the bumpers, the fender, sill flares and the large roof spoiler. At the rear of the car, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes make a bold statement.

Two optional appearance packages – Matte Aluminum or Carbon – further customize the look and include such things as quattro badges on the central front air inlet. With the Carbon appearance package, the front splitter and the diffuser are even more boldly shaped. The new Audi RS 6 Avant is available in nine exterior colors, including the exclusive shade Daytona Gray matte. Additional options from the Audi exclusive range offer numerous opportunities for customization.

The sportily elegant cockpit of the new Audi RS 6 Avant is singularly tailored to the driver. The dial instruments feature black faces, white dials and red needles. The key; the flat-bottomed, three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel; the illuminated entry sills; the tachometer and the displays for the MMI as well as the driver information system (DIS) sport RS logos.

A new feature in the RS menu of the DIS is the shift light. Green segments are illuminated as revs increase. The bar turns red and begins to blink when revs approach the red line. Displays for the gear selected, boost pressure, oil temperature and a digital speedometer round out the RS 6-specific driver information system.

The footrest, pedals and switches in the MMI navigation plus terminal shine in an aluminum-look finish. The decorative bezel surrounding the retractable monitor sports a piano finish; the interior door openers feature a delicate double-bar design – a classic RS feature. Carbon inlays are standard; six additional materials are available as options. A black headlining is standard; Moon Silver or black Alcantara are optional.

RS sport seats with pronounced side bolsters, integrated head restraints and RS 6 logos are standard. They are covered in a combination of black Alcantara and leather, and the center sections feature diamond quilting. The seats can also be covered in high-grade, honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or Moon Silver. Audi offers optional power-adjustable deluxe seats with memory function.
The Audi RS 6 Avant comes standard with two sportily molded rear seats. A three-person bench seat is available as an option. The luggage compartment holds up to 1,680 liters (59.33 cu ft).

The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes with a generous list of standard equipment, including xenon plus headlights, LED rear lights, a tire-pressure control system, illuminated entry sills and the custom driver-information system. Also on board are the parking system plus, cruise control, three-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and the 10-speaker Audi sound system.

Options include LED headlights with a unique design, ceramic brakes front and rear, the sport differential on the rear axle and the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The Dynamic package, Dynamic package plus, Comfort package and practically every high-end option available in the model series are also available for the RS 6 Avant. These include the head-up display and the high-performance driver assistance systems as well as the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers and 1,200 watts of total power. The Bluetooth online car phone – the perfect complement to the MMI navigation plus – delivers web-based Audi connect services to the car.

If you can afford it, the new Audi RS6 Avant is one of those cars that allows you to have a mid-life crisis without actually affecting the others around you, and by that, we mean you can get supercar-levels of performance with all the comfort amenities and more importantly, the space and practicality of a large family car.

Sadly, if you live in the States, this is one super wagon that you won’t be able to park under your garage during this phase of your life.

In an email we received today from John Schilling, product communications manager for Audi North America, we were told that, the brand has “No plans on bringing the RS6 Avant here to the U.S.”.

And for those of you wondering, yes, we did ask him if Audi had plans for a sedan version of the 190mph, 552hp RS6, but unfortunately, we did not receive an answer…

Not to rub salt on the wound, but thanks to a tip from CarScoop reader Bruno, we can share with you a new gallery of wallpaper pictures of the RS6 Avant sourced from Audi’s German website.

If you would like to voice your opinion on whether Audi should bring the RS6 Avant to the States, place your vote in the poll after the break.

via Carscoop