There’s nothing quite like a road trip, giving you the opportunity to really bond with your nearest and dearest, friends, partners, companions – setting out together on a voyage of exploration and discovery. Unfortunately the down side is that you will probably never have spent such lengthy periods of time with your companions – you will probably be in each other’s company 24/7 and pretty soon you’ll want to kill each other.

Fear not, it just takes a little preparation. It doesn’t matter whether you will be travelling in a twosome or as part of a large party – it is important to get a few things right so that everybody can relax and enjoy the trip.

Choose your companions well – this really depends upon where you are going and how adventurous this trip is actually going to be. If you are embarking on a high pressure expedition then it is even more important. All people deal with pressure situations in different ways and if you have to rely on these people for your safety you need to know that they will step up to the mark and not crumble.

Be open and let it all out – if someone says something which annoys you don’t be afraid to tell them, the more you hold things in the worse they become. If someone is really getting on your nerves tell them politely but firmly and hopefully they’ll get the message before things escalate out of control.

Don’t be afraid to say sorry – if you do have a fall out with a member of your party don’t be afraid to apologize – even if you were completely right and they were obviously wrong. Step away from the situation, give yourself space to calm down, come back and say sorry over a cup of tea. If you allow bad feelings to simmer they can really get out of control but just saying “sorry” can really defuse the situation.

Get a little space – it may be difficult if you are all cooped in a car for 24 hours a day but when you do get the chance to take a little space then take it. Plan a little alone time whenever possible, sit back and relax then you will be refreshed and more able to deal with the annoying little habits of your traveling companions.

Keep an eye on your moods –everyone gets into bad moods once in a while so recognize when you are in one and apologize to your companions in advance. Okay, so it might not be much of a help but at least they’ll realize why you’re being so inconsiderate or strange all of a sudden.

Get plenty of sleep and good food – this goes for all of the travelers. If people get plenty of rest and good food inside them it really is half of the battle. Nothing is worse than a car full of cranky, sleep deprived hungry travelers – it really is a recipe for disaster. If you can be sure to stay hydrated, eat well and get a good night’s sleep every day then half of the other potential problems will disappear.

Choose a good motor – there are loads of fabulous motors to choose from at http://mcpeeksdodge.com. If you have a good, reliable and comfortable vehicle for your trip then you that is half the battle. Check out http://mcpeeksdodge.com and see what they’ve got – it really can make the difference between an okay experience and a truly awesome, memorable road trip with a bunch of terrific traveling companions.

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Some famous names recently picked the world’s greatest sports coupes for an exhibition at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The cars will be on display from April to October.

The Petersen polled a wide-ranging group of celebrities, including actor Patrick Dempsey, filmmakers Francis Ford Coppola and John Lasseter, musicians James Hetfield and Brian Johnson, and even racers Tanner Foust and Bobby Rahal. The museum rounded up the cars, and Jaguar North America paid the bills.

Ian Callum, Jaguar design director, came from Britain to celebrate the opening of the exhibition and then walked us through the gallery. The sports coupe is the ultimate expression of automotive design and performance, he says. When you put a roof on a car, it tightens up the shape and completes the car.

IT’S ALL A MATTER OF TASTE

As we looked over the exhibit, it was more apparent than ever that cars speak to enthusiasts in surprisingly different ways. Each of the cars has a placard with the comments made by the celebrity who selected it. As Callum surveyed the choices made by the various personalities, he talked about how each of the cars speaks to him as a car designer.

1963 Ferrari Berlinetta Lusso Front Three Quarters 02

Carolla comments: I love the aesthetics. With classic race cars, I drive them and try to break them. With classic street cars, I just love looking at them.

Ian Callum comments: Such a gorgeous, elegant Ferrari, like nothing else from them. Styled by Pininfarina, of course. The tail droops down distinctively.

1961 Aston Martin DB4 Zagato Front Three Quarters

Ian Callum comments: Like the Ferrari 250 GT SWB, it has muscular elegance, so tucked in and sleek like an animal. Zagato never designed anything as good either before or since. Only nineteen cars were made, and every one was slightly different.

1954 Plymouth Explorer Concept Front Three Quarters

Coppola comments: It’s breathtaking. I’d love to have one.

Ian Callum comments: One of the dream cars that Ghia designed in Italy for Virgil Exner at Chrysler. So elegant in an early 1950s way. Coppola must love that era, since he produced American Graffiti for his friend George Lucas and then made a movie about Preston Tucker.

1964 Porsche 356SC Front Three Quarters

Dempsey comments: The drivability of it is fantastic – very comfortable for the driver. Some sports cars alienate you; this one doesn’t.

Ian Callum comments: When I was just three years old, I remember walking with my grandfather in Glasgow, Scotland, and seeing a Porsche 356. Compared to British cars, it looked like it was from outer space. I remember saying to my grandfather, ‘You know, I would quite like to draw cars like that.’

COUPES CAN EXPRESS PURE ART

Tanner Foust, Adam Ferrara, Rutledge Wood, Top Gear USA: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Front Three Quarters

Foust comments: A really important car to this country in what it represented, and just pretty, too.

Ian Callum comments: For me, it’s the best-looking Corvette ever. Zora Arkus-Duntov might not have liked the split-window rear glass, but I do. Overall, there’s a horizontal line that circles the top of the car that is quite distinctive of the GM cars of that era.
James Hetfield, musician, Metallica: Black Pearl custom

Hetfield comments: It’s got a fast look to it. Graceful, classy, no frills.

Ian Callum comments: It’s a custom car made from a 1948 Jaguar Mk V, and it belongs to Hetfield. Maybe I would have left the original Jaguar grille in place as a point of departure to show where the rest of the car came from.

1974 Iso Grifo Front Three Quarters

Johnson comments: It’s brutally beautiful, and you know it’s not kidding, because it has the grunt to back up the beauty.
Ian Callum: Designed in the early 1960s by Giorgetto Giugiaro when he was working for Bertone, this later car has a big-block Chevrolet V-8, not a small block. The vertical element in the front quarter-panel is like an architectural detail, and we see it on many cars today.

COUPES CAN EXPRESS PURE PERFORMANCE

1968 Ford GT40 Mark III Front Three Quarters

Lasseter comments: If you don’t think the GT40 is a beautiful car, you need to check your pulse.

Ian Callum comments: The first 1964 Ford GT40 was styled by a couple of British designers in a little studio at Ford Dunton down in Essex. Later, Carroll Shelby’s people added a new front end to keep the car from flying into the air. This is the last GT40, which was made for the street.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Front Three Quarters

Mason comments: It looks fantastic, is a race winner, and yet is also a car that is very well suited to the amateur driver.

Ian Callum comments: We think of it as beautifully styled by the Scaglietti body shop, but it was more like engineering, since Ferrari’s Giotto Bizzarrini was making a more aerodynamic racing car by testing things on the highway and at the track.

1991 Acura NSX Front Three Quarters

MacKenzie comments: I picked a car that made a contribution, which changed the sports car world. The Ferrari 458 Italia is great because the Acura NSX came along all those years ago.
Ian Callum comments: It gives you a strong feeling of a mid-engine car in the way the front of the car dives down between the fenders and in the way the cockpit glass sweeps up and over your head.

Bruce Meyer, car collector: 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing

1955 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing Front Three Quarters

Myer comments: It defines spectacular design, innovative mechanics, and performance. It’s an icon.

Ian Callum comments: Such a Teutonic shape, just so strong and direct. And yet there are interesting details, like the chrome streamlines. It’s so confident.

1967 Jaguar E Type Front Three Quarters

Rahal comments: It really set the tone for the 1960s and forced other manufacturers to extend themselves and build cars that were both creative and beautiful.

Ian Callum comments: Such a classic now, but back then it was a real bad boy’s car. With the F-type coupe, we’ve tried to get back some of that same feeling.

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This week Mazda Motor Corp. declared a recall on pick Tribute types for support frames which could corrosion too early. The vehicle’s frame may rust, which could result in the loss of steering control, as cold-weather states salt the road pretty regularly during the winter months. Mazda has mentioned that we have seen no accidents or injuries related to the remember. To correct the situation, the car maker will use a encouragement brace on the bottom of your vehicle. Those who own affected cars will probably be notified by Mazda, and also the remember is predicted to start out in May possibly. But Mazda isn’t the only car maker having a corrosion matter because of salted streets. Previous this four weeks, Ford recalled virtually 386,000 Evade types for the very same issue. Equally autos talk about mechanized underpinnings which are built at Ford’s Kansas City assemblage herb. If you live in a cold-weather state here in the U.S. and drive a 2001-2004 Mazda Tribute compact SUV, you may want to take it to your local dealership.

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Staying connected is an imperative part of today’s world. I can hardly remember a world without Facebook or even email and I’m not sure that I want to either. I remember when cell phones first came out, I thought they’d be a passing fad. Seriously, who would want to carry a phone with them at all times? Boy, was I wrong. I felt the same way about bottled water. Now, more than ever, staying on top of social media and having all of your cyber needs accessible at the push of a button is important if not completely necessary. The new line of Fiats is the quintessentially connected car.

First and foremost, the Fiat is a superb driving machine. It handles just as you’d expect a European luxury car to. It’s sharp, tight steering allows you to corner better than any other car I’ve ever driven and its light frame allows you tremendous power along with amazing fuel efficiency. Simply as a car, it allows you everything you could be looking for. Unless of course, you’re looking for something to carpool in. One thing that is notable about Fiats is that they’re on the smaller side. They are not designed for camping trips or apartment moves, but other than that, you’re good. What Fiat does have to offer is an inspired state of the art cockpit is reminiscent of a fighter jet’s.

Everything is right there. From your controls to the amazing sound system to the exciting blu tooth, you form an elegant symbiosis with your car. Fiat is less a car company with great technology and more a technology company with great cars. It’s so refreshing to sit down and have all of your podcasts, your Itunes or your Pandora right at the press of a button. It almost seems like magic how your car can sync up with your mobile device so seamlessly. However, this is coming from someone who, until recently was driving a 1998 station wagon in which getting the mere suggestion of continued, non-static radio reception was a thing of fairy tales. For anyone of you who longs to have access to all of his devices, even while driving, the latest Fiat dealership is where you should start looking. If you’re interested in going down this enlightened path of inspired automotive ingenuity and convenient connectivity, go to either www.ocfiat.com or http://www.ocfiat.com and schedule a test drive today!

It’s important to note that investing in a Fiat is really like investing in the future. These guys are really paving the way, and to stay on top of what they’re doing is to really keep your finger on the pulse of expanding technology. It is an inspired and innovative company that will always keep you on your toes. They are more relevant now than ever, and I suspect that this trend will continue.

If the latest crop of hot hatches isn’t quite hot enough for you, this trio of supercar-quick pocket rockets should be just the ticket.

Leading the demand may be the all-new Volkswagen Playing golf R which, with 296bhp and 380Nm of torque, will be the quickest-accelerating manufacturing The game of golf possibly. Fitted using a 5th era of VW’s Haldex 4MOTION all-wheel travel, it’s the latest inside a lengthy type of ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ main Golfs. But will the latest R swap the GTI within the hearts and minds of quickly VW fans? And is also it superior to two quite interesting.

• Volkswagen Golfing R review

• Mercedes A45 AMG overview

• Audi RS Q3 assessment

The even more powerful Mercedes A45 AMG has rewritten the rule book when it comes to hot hatch performance, although it’ll cost you £6,220 more than a five-door Golf R with a DSG box. Additionally, you might choose Audi’s new RS Q3, which exclusively integrates crossover usefulness and high-riding posture with traditional fast Audi appearance and power, in addition to a characterful several-cylinder engine.

All three cars will cover -60mph in under five seconds, but which of the trio is the pick of the bunch?

Click the hyperlinks previously mentioned to learn each overview, after which continue reading for your verdict.

Head-to-mind

Hottest hatches

In 2000, Porsche released the 996-technology 911 Turbo, that was able to do -60mph in 4.2 moments. Only 14 yrs on and these household hatchbacks match up a young modern day supercar.

We saved our own acceleration and braking stats with the path, along with the results show how closely matched all 3 automobiles are. With kick off manage techniques, from the drenched all of them matched up or bettered their official stated efficiency.

Gearbox

The Mercedes’ seven-speed DCT box is a real highlight, although all three cars have dual-clutch transmissions. In handbook setting it provides you with complete handle with no kickdown or car upshifting and contains a beautiful fluttering exhaust on each and every alter. Only the Golf is available with a traditional manual gearbox, however.

Person area

The Audi Q3 offers more rear legroom than the Golf, but as the wheelbase is shorter than the hatches’, you don’t get the SUV space you expect. A tapered roofline and firmer back implies the A45 can seem to be claustrophobic.

Verdict

1st location: Volkswagen Golf R

Even though the The game of golf R frequently challenges to create a scenario for itself up against the GTI, it is a fantastic very hot hatch that brings all-wheel-travel grip and additional ability to the standard upmarket bundle. It’s cheaper than its competitors on this page, and it has performance to suit.

second position: Mercedes A45 AMG

There’s much to enjoy concerning the A45 AMG. It appears great, is definitely the most affordable AMG version but as well as its turbocharged motor generates incredible potential. Although the directing could do with far more truly feel and the optional additional items are pricey.

third position: Audi RS Q3

The RS Q3 can be another demonstration of Audi filling up every single niche market. The engine is packed with persona and also the chassis is exciting, additionally it holds on to its worth effectively. The looks won’t be to all tastes and, in this company, it’s an expensive choice.

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With the starting point, Polestar has been doing an excellent job creating the heavyweight V60 truly feel light-weight on its toes. The target was to create an all-season, all-weather overall performance vehicle rather than a razor-distinct competition wagon – and though it is expensive (instead of awfully efficient), as a replacement selection from the substantial-velocity load-lugging field it is a welcome inhale of Swedish fresh air.

Polestar Volvos started off showing up in 2009, but until recently they have possibly been intense ideas or seller-in shape tuning bundles. Causeing this to be new, Volvo factory-created substantial-overall performance 345hp V60 residence the first real Polestar highway car.

It is actually only available in seven markets around the world – and however some is certain to get an S60 saloon version at the same time, creation is limited to 750 models overall. Whilst the Great britain has been assigned a fairly nice 125 V60s, this will likely be a uncommon and special selection. Specifically due to the price.

At £49,775 it’s way beyond the £41,100 you will buy a 302bhp Activity Vehicle prepared BMW 335i Touring M Activity or perhaps the £40,740 Audi fees for that 329bhp S4 Avant, each of which will be more effective where you can even bigger boot. In reimbursement for that extra money you have a car definitely loaded package – the only option may be the painting shade – and a respectable amount of customised technology.

Polestar remains an independent company, but it is also Volvo’s motorsport partner – and has been since it was created in 1996. Both worked well extremely closely to redevelop the 300bhp V60 T6 AWD in to the automobile the truth is on this page.

Visual confirmation comes by means of new spoilers front and back, increasing downforce on the 155mph restricted leading rate. You can also find the massive 20-inches alloys, right behind which lurk enormous 371mm Brembo front braking system with Polestar labelled six-piston calipers. A fresh turbocharger and intercooler established-up add more the excess power, boosting to 1.2 bar (rather than .8) and inhaling using a 2.5-in . stainless steel exhaust system, valved to get louder at full conversation.

With -62mph getting a confirmed 5. mere seconds because of the effortless-access kick off control, regular 6-speed auto and Haldex several-wheel push program, it is a quickly automobile. However, at 1,834kg, it’s also a heavy one. So Polestar has wisely expended a great deal of effort upgrading the chassis.

Changes right here involve quicker-changing gearbox application and biasing the four-tire drive much more towards the back end, along with a carbonfibre-established strut brace, more powerful leading brackets and more rigid suspensions bushes. The springs are 80Per cent stronger in comparison to the typical R-Design equivalents, the anti-roll pubs 15% improved – nevertheless the important improvement arises from the ultra-strategy Öhlins dampers.

Distinctive motorsport-extracted control device technology means these deal impressively nicely with medium, low and high velocity bumps, supplying this V60 a satisfyingly deft combination of convenience and management. While Polestar has not touched the electronically assisted steering, one other mods assist supply added feel, and with large grip levels what needs to be a bit of a barge is remarkably in your house over a twisting race circuit. Polestar is excited to pressure it absolutely was in no way intended as a monitor automobile.

On the streets the ride is definitive enough to provide confidence in the edges without having wrecking motorway composure. The effect is peaceful but rapid advancement with engaging elegance, with a hurrying turbo soundtrack such as a muted Nissan GT-R. The feeling of critical masses snugly marshalled is very similar, as well – however let’s not get carried aside using that comparing.

You need to do still have to be patient paddleshifting on downchanges, and inspite of Polestar’s best endeavours with dark leather and azure stitches, the inner suffers the normal deficiency of high quality and quality. However, if you’ve obtained the resources and elegant anything various there is a lot to enjoy.

The closing is done and you got the keys. You may be wondering at this point what to do when it comes to your new home. Unless you were lucky enough to have a place built exactly to your specifications, you have loads to do. Here are some things you are going to need that you probably never even thought about when you were buying your new place.

1. A Truck

Whether you are hauling mulch for your new garden or just bought that perfect Mid Century Modern bedroom set, a truck like the Dodge Ram from www.ocauto.com will come in more handy than just about any other vehicle. The ability to haul large items is a must when you move into a new house and you will use your new truck over and over again. Find out more and schedule a test drive at http://www.ocauto.com.

2. A Good Handyman

Even if you are pretty good with tools, there are some jobs that you aren’t going to know how to do. Make sure that you have a great handyman available to you to help when you need that leaky sink taken care of or to help you figure out why your boiler isn’t starting. Get a lot of references and make sure that you find a reputable guy and it will make your life easier for years to come.

3. Good Insurance

While your mortgage company may have demanded that you get insurance, think about getting a more complete policy to cover the things that you may not have thought about. Flood damage, for example, isn’t covered by pretty much any policy, and even if you don’t live in an area that floods, it is smart to have in case the worst happens. Liability insurance is important as well to protect you when an accident happens on your property.

MINIs are the best cars at keeping their value, while models made by Chrysler are the worst, Auto Express can exclusively reveal.

Figures analysed by pricing expert Glass’s found cars from Chrysler dropped an average 26.6 per cent every year. These folks were closely followed by those from another USmaker and Chevrolet, with an annual depreciation figure of just 26.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, MINI models lost just 16.4 per cent with their average value annually. In second place was Land Rover, which saw its models fall in value by an average of just 17 per cent a year.

To ensure the values were truly comparable, Glass’s analysed each model at four “milestone” ages (one, seven, three and five years). MINI – which sells cars in a class with traditionally strong residuals – was helped by its desirable image. A strong brand also aided Land Rovers’ effectiveness against depreciation, as did the increasing refinement of luxury off-roaders in general, plus improved fuel efficiency.

Glass’s blamed the poor performance with the US manufacturers on a number of things, including their public perception. It put Chrysler’s poor peformance down to a disjointed model line-up, containing an assortment of large, inefficient saloons and smaller cars, such as the Ypsilon, that haven’t sold well.

At the supermini and hatchback ends from the market, Glass’s found that Volkswagen was the most effective performing manufacturer. Its Golf and Polo were found to get lost just 16.17 and 3.8 % of their values respectively every year. Despite its desirable name, Jaguar placed in the bottom 10.

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