Rally car engine Technology

Considering the various series, racing engines are about as different as the cars they power. In the case of premier motorsports series, four types of race engines have been typically employed. These versions are identified as normally aspirated injected, turbocharged and blown.

Normally Aspirated

1. Normally-aspirated engines operate on the basis of normally pressurized air being drawn into the engine, then mixed with a regulated amount of fuel. The resultant air/fuel combination is then pushed into a combustion chamber and, consequently, creates power by moving the crankcase and pistons. Engines of this type are typically seen on NASCAR racetracks each weekend, although there are a number of other race series, including Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events that employ this type of engine. Power generated can range from 100 up to 1000 horsepower, depending on the displacement of the engine.

Injected

2. Injected, or more formally referred to as fuel-injected, engines are similar to normally aspirated engines, with the exception of how fuel is managed and metered within the engine. In this case, an electronic component, referred to an electronic control unit or ECU, delivers the right amount of fuel required based on the position of a digital throttle position sensor. Engines like this are typically seen in American Le Mans Series (ALMS) events nearly every weekend, in addition to finding these engines in various SCCA classes. Power generated can typically range from 200 up to 900 horsepower.

Turbocharged

3. Turbocharged engines utilize similar normally aspirated and fuel-injected bottom-end mechanical components. However, in the case of charged systems, air is drawn into the engine and, subsequently, experiences enhanced air volume by employing a mechanical complex that integrates a powered turbine and a supporting compressor. Prior to 1996, turbocharged engines were regularly mounted in the rear of race cars in the Indy Car Series; however, the engine configuration was eliminated when the sanctioning body altered its technical specifications in 1997. Regardless, the configuration proved its mettle for nearly 20 years by making dependable power ranging from 600 up to 1000 horsepower throughout that time.

Blown

4. Blown engines are the most exotic of all race engine configurations. Aside from the pure engineering innovation associated these kinds of powerplants, they also produce the most pure horsepower. The use of the word "blown" refers to the application of a belt-driven "blower unit" that creates a powerful inlet vacuum to increase the speed of air being drawn into a pressurized plenum that sits below the unit. Subsequently, this pressurized air is mixed with the appropriate fuel and, consequently, is pushed into the combustion chamber. Blown engines can be seen every weekend at dragstrips across the country. These engines are capable of generating power on the order of 6000 horsepower in the case of Nitro Dragsters or Funny Cars. And this degree of power is capable of moving these cars from a standing start, to well over 300 mph in under four seconds.

Alternative

5. Until now, the only way to generate speed from a race car was to put some kind of petroleum-based fuel in the engine and light it in order to create combustion. However, beginning in 2008, the world changed significantly when Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH ("Gumpert") fielded the first lithium-powered plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for racing. The car was driven by former Formula One driver Heinz Harald Frentzen and run at the June 2008 24 Hours Du Mans. Since then, additional hybrid or PHEV cars have begun to appear on the racetrack. For example, this year Corsa Ginetta-Zytek fielded a hybrid in the ALMS series at Lime Rock in July, and there are at least two other prototype cars, either in development or already being track tested.

Installing a Roll Bar in a Race Car

I want to do this! What's This?

A roll bar is a welded metal frame that is attached to a car to prevent physical harm to passengers. A race car needs to have a durable roll bar attached properly to avoid driver injury during a serious collision. It is important to learn how to install a roll bar in your race car without damaging the vehicle body.

Things You'll Need:

• Drill
• Installation kit
• Screws
• Chalk

1. Step 1

Remove the front and rear seats in your race car before you install a roll bar. The empty space in the car allows you to maneuver the roll bar into the passenger door from the inside. Leave the passenger and rear seats out after installation is complete to keep your car light.

2. Step 2

Strip the plastic trim and carpet from the interior of your race car to aid installation of your roll bar. You will need to drill directly into the car frame to install the roll bar. Store the carpet elsewhere in the garage to avoid stains and damage during replacement.

3. Step 3

Lift the roll bar from the garage floor, with the help of a friend, to begin installation. Use the passenger side door to navigate the roll bar into the cockpit without hitting the gauges and steering wheel.

4. Step 4

Set your roll bar down on a few different spots before you drill holes into the car frame to find the right fit. The roll bar should fit naturally along the top of the rear window, the bottom of the rear window and the stripped car floor. Outline the roll bar with a light chalk line to provide guidance for drilling.

5. Step 5

Drill holes within the boundaries of your chalk outline to begin the final stage of installing a roll bar. Use a heavy-duty drill to cut through the car's metal frame without getting the drill bit stuck.

6. Step 6

Apply a few screws to the roll bar from the cockpit to set the bar in place as you finish installation on the exterior. Place a screw at each corner of the roll bar for temporary stabilization during work on the external plates.

7. Step 7

Lock your roll bar in place with external screws and metal plates. You will drill several holes through the bottom of the car as well as the rear wheel wells during installation. External bolts keep your roll bar in place while you install the internal bolts before taking to the race track.

Rally car driving

Rally racing is one of the oldest types of auto racing, dating back to the first Paris rally in 1911. It differs from other types of car racing in that it is held on public or private roads, as opposed to a circuit. Rally races also involve different stages of the race, during which drivers are required to reach checkpoints at specified times. When you learn to rally race, you will need to stress driving precision over pure acceleration.

Things You'll Need:

• Co-driver
• Map of rally race
• Rally car
• Designated safety equipment

Participate in a Rally Race

1. Step 1

Choose a competent co-driver. Both you and your co-driver should not only possess excellent driving skills, but also a keen sense of time and direction, not to mention the ability to read a map.

2. Step 2

Decide the type of rally race in which you want to compete. A stage rally may require fast, efficient driving through specific stages of the race. A road rally is a pure form of the sport, in which you will be expected to arrive at specific checkpoints during designated times. The latter form of rallying is considered even more challenging because it relies on the driving team's knowledge of the area and the ability to overcome obstacles.

3. Step 3

Consider the type of road surface on which you will be competing, and match your rally car to that type of course. While many rallies are held on public roads, some are conducted on dirt, sand or even ice and snow. Choosing a vehicle that has four-wheel drive and a rugged suspension should be considered mandatory when preparing for a rally race.

4. Step 4

Find out which type of safety equipment may be required for the rally race. This may include a roll cage, racing seat belts, fire extinguishers and even fireproof suits and helmets. Check with the racing organization that is sponsoring the rally to find out about specific requirements.

5. Step 5

Plan for the practical side of the rally race, especially if it's an endurance race, by considering how you will eat, drink and go to the bathroom in a manner that will not compromise your race times. While many rally racers bring a collection of bottles for their needs, some experienced drivers actually wear adult diapers.

How to build a rally car

n today’s ultra competitive motor sports arena, you are sure to find a track you will like if you participate in a rally car race. This form of racing involves a type of vehicle that can go from dirt roads, to river crossings, to high-speed paved road races, making it the most diverse form of motor sports available today. The perfect rally car is small, lightweight, and able to handle the quick turns and road conditions. Here’s how to make a rally car.

Things you’ll need:

• Chassis
• Roll cage
• Engine components
• Wheels
• Tires
• Hand tools
• Welder

1. Step 1

You can make a great rally car from quite a few selections of manufacturer’s street model vehicles like the Ford Focus, VW Jetta, Honda Civic and other body frame styles that can handle, sharp turns and still go fast. This type of vehicle makes the best rally car.

2. Step 2

Because rally road races are performed at extreme speeds and in difficult driving conditions, a roll cage is a must in the event of accidents, roll-overs or collisions with obstacles you may find in your path to a win. Have a roll cage installed so that you have the protection you need in the event of an accident.

3. Step 3

Though you can take a stock Ford Focus to a rally race, you will surely not win without boosting the performance of your stock engine. Air intakes, brakes, computer controlled fuel systems and performance exhausts all add to your rally car's performance. Be sure you take the time to build more horsepower with improved engine components.

4. Step 4

Because your new rally car will be expected to traverse a multitude of different road conditions, you will need a set of tires and wheels that work well under the expected conditions. By fitting your new rally race car with quality wheels and tires you will increase you chances of winning it all, or losing control if you don’t include this important piece of rally car equipment.

5. Step 5

Every winning race car has been tested and tuned prior to performing at its best levels. Now that you learned how to build a rally car you are ready to be safe while you compete for rally race trophies, and prize money. Be sure to test your new rally car for as many quality checks as you have added to the original chassis and engine. Welds, connections, nuts, bolts, gaskets, o-rings and dip sticks need to be check for their performance when able. Now that you have done all the work, get ready to enjoy the new experience of running in a rally car race.

car-care tips that save Fuel

Fill up with a lower-octane gasoline. Buy the lowest grade or octane of gasoline that is appropriate for your car. Unless your car requires premium gasoline, filling up your car with high-octane fuel is a waste of money. That pricey premium fuel won't boost your car's fuel economy or performance in the least, so skip it.

If you're not sure what grade of fuel works best for your car, open up your owner's manual and take a look. As long as your engine doesn't knock or ping when you fuel up with regular unleaded, you're good to drive on this much cheaper gas. Passing on pricey premium gasoline could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Don't top off. Don't bother topping off when filling your car's gas tank. Any additional gas is just going to slop around or seep out. Why waste your money paying for gas your car won't use? Stop pumping at the first indication that your tank is full when the automatic nozzle clicks off.
Tighten up that gas cap. Gas will evaporate from your car's gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council. So be sure to tighten up that gas cap each time you fuel up your car.

Go for the shade. The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna also zaps fuel from your gas tank.

"If you let your car bake in the sun there's going to be a greater amount of evaporative emissions that take place than if you park in the shade," says Jim Kliesch, research associate at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and vehicle analyst for GreenerCars.com.

So park your car in the shade of a building or tree whenever possible. And buy a good windshield shade. A windshield shade blocks sunlight and helps to keep heat out of the inside of your car.

Use your garage for your car. Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.

Pump up your tires. Don't get caught driving on underinflated tires. Underinflated tires wear down more quickly and they also lower your car's gas mileage.

"Tires that have low pressure offer more resistance so the engine is going to work harder to keep the car at 60," .

Your car's gas mileage may plummet by as much as 15 percent. Driving on underinflated tires may also reduce the life of your tires by 15 percent or more.

Check your tire pressure once a month. Buy a digital gauge and keep it in your glove box. Compare the pressure in your tires with the recommended pressure listed in your owner's manual and on the placard in your car door. Then inflate your tires as needed. Be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time is early in the morning after your car's been idle overnight.

Keep your engine in tune. Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You'll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car's fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.

Replace air filters. Keep a close eye on your engine's air filter. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car's air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.

Use the right oil. You can improve your car's gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with the words "energy conserving" on the API performance label. This oil contains friction-reducing additives.

Don't skimp on maintenance. Be serious about auto care. Your car's performance depends on it.

"Always follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance," Moody says. "The car's designed to run a certain way. If you neglect it, it won't be as efficient."

Obey the car-care guidelines outlined in your owner's manual. For more auto-care guidelines check out this free maintenance schedule from the Car Care Council.

2009 Toyota Corrolla

we’ve seen some of their previous work so we probably shouldn’t have expected much more this time around, but when we heard that Mansory had gotten its hands on an SLR and a Ferrari 599 GTB, we certainly hoped that it would figure out a way to enhance their gotta-have-it quotients. Alas, our prayers went unanswered. Done up in a matte gold and black combo, the SLR looks a bit toy-like, but it should manage to sell in the single digits at least. Which digit you choose to count the sales is up to you. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano had actually been criticized in some camps for being a bit too evocative of the Chevrolet Corvette when it was first shown. The Mansory edition done up in white and carbon fiber looks even more Vette-like to our eyes. Thoughts of a ZR1 or the recent 427 special edition Z06 leapt to mind. There was also a Phantom in the booth, but quite honestly, doing something outrageous to a Roller just doesn’t offend us as badly. Take a look at the gallery and let us know if you agree. We’ve already heard from at least one other journo who happened to be winding his way down the road towards us that the 599 looks seriously racy and that we are dead wrong about it. We’ll let you decide for yourselves. Click away.

Suzuki Concept Kizashi 3

At the Frankfurt Motor Show last year we met the first Suzuki Kizashi Concept, a large sport wagon proof of concept that looked like a Dodge Magnum had crashed into a box of Anime. Next we encountered the Kizashi Concept 2 at the Tokyo Motor Show, which carried forward the first concept’s design theme but applied it to a low-slung CUV body. At the New York Auto Show later this month, we’ll meet the Concept Kizashi 3, the most production feasible Kizashi concept to date and the last one in the series. Cast in the form a sport sedan, the Concept Kizashi 3 portends a future performance four-door for the Japanese brand, and we’re down with that given Suzuki hasn’t played in this space with a decent offering, like, ever. We have no other information on Suzuki’s big debut for New York, so no word on what powers it, which wheels are driven or what the interior’s like, but we’ll find out soon enough when Autoblog goes to Gotham.Â

Maintaining a car value

Cars tend to depreciate very quickly, as even small damages can have a big impact on their resale value. However, just by taking a few simple steps, you can help your car maintain as much of its resale value as possible. All it takes is regular checkups and bit of mindfulness.Here are five tips to ensuring that you get the most for your vehicle when it comes time to sell it.

1. Get a Neutral Color
Bright, eye-catching colors might be appealing to those wanting to have a unique car that stands out, but unfortunately such colors are hard to sell. If you want a car that will keep its value the best, go for neutral colors, i.e. black, white or silver.

2.  Regular Maintenance
Take your car to the mechanic on a regular basis and keep the records of all these checkup in a place where you can easily find them. When it comes time to sell, buyers will place higher value on your car if you can show them proof that you’ve been regularly taking it in for professional maintenance.

3. Don’t Smoke, Eat, or Drink in Your Car
Cigarette smell, leftover food smell, food stains and drink stains will decrease the value of your car tremendously. Avoid smoking, eating or drinking in your car and clean your car’s interior on a regular basis.

4. Protect Your Car From Rust
Leaving your car exposed to the elements when idle, especially if you live in a place with lots of humidity, rain or snow, will cause it to rust faster, which is very bad for its resale value. Keep your car parked in a garage if possible or covered with a tarp if not. Find BMW repair in San Diego to replace quickly any components that start to rust, especially important ones like your bake lines.

5. Don’t Ignore Small Blemishes
Paint chips, small scratches and tiny dents make a huge difference in your car’s value. Making sure to avoid these small blemishes and fixing them quickly when they do occur is crucial if you want it to keep its value in the eyes of potential used car buyers. Being free of the little imperfections is what is going to make a car look new and well kept.

The Nurburgring Nordschleife in Western Germany is quite possibly the most famous race course in the world, and many call it the most difficult as well. With a storied, and sometimes tragic, car racing history, the Nurburgring dates all the way back to 1927, when it was completed for use in both cycling races and the German Gran Prix.

Nurburgring lap times are often published in sports car and auto racing car specs from both official and unofficial channels. In today's supercar market, Nurburgring lap times for sports cars such as the Nissan GT-R and Corvette ZR-1 are as coveted by the car manufacturers as any other automotive prize on earth.

The Nordschleife translates to "Northern Loop," as opposed to the Nurburgring Sudschleife "Southern Loop" section, which is now used mainly for classic car racing. The Nurburgring Nordschleife has been nicknamed the Green Hell, or simply just "The Ring." Today it is used year-round for many auto racing-related purposes. Nearly every automaker worldwide uses the Nurburgring, or more specifically the Nurburgring Nordschleife portion, as a test track for their new performance models.

The 24 Hours Nurburgring is one of the auto racing world's most fiercely competitive, and eagerly anticipated, amateur races each year. It draws hundreds of private and sponsored teams driving everything from Hondas to Porsches and up.

Earn a Nurburgring Decal: Drive the 'Ring yourself for 15 Euros!

Even more exciting for your average car nut, nearly the entire span the of the Nurburgring Nordschleife is actually classified as a German public road, available as a one-way toll road to anyone with a road-legal car when it is not being used for racing or test track purposes. According to the official Nurburgring Nordschleife website, drivers can pay a low fee of around 15 euros for each lap driven around the Nurburgring Nordschliffe.

Ever see those black-and-white Nurburgring decals proudly displaying a map of the Nordschleife on the rear bumpers of tuner cars around town? This is the mark loose-knit club of drivers who have successfully completed a lap of the Green Hell, or potentially the mark of the PlayStation/Box-of-bees-exhaust tuner set who bought one of the Nurburgring decals for $6 from eBay.

Crashes, Deaths, Fire and Flames: Do Not Underestimate the Nurburgring

Crashes during these amateur test runs are frequent, as many would-be race car drivers are not aware of the incredible challenge the famous German road racing course presents, having only driven the 'Ring in Gran Turismo video games. Auto enthusiasts who plan to travel to Germany can easily make lapping the Nurburgring Nordschleife a highlight of their trip. Caution and a certain amount of "Don't try this at home!" applies, and since it is classified as a German public road, the Nordschleife is policed as such, with local law enforcement even circling in helicopters looking for reckless drivers.

Taking a Daihatsu K-Car out on the Nordschleife on an open-road day might not be the wisest idea. The 'Ring draws true hardcore auto enthusiasts the world over who travel to Western Germany just to drive the Nordschleife. Safety equipment, roll cage and fire extinguisher are of course recommended.

The Modern Ring Wars: Chevrolet, Nissan, Acura Oh My!

The new R35 Nissan (Skyline) GT-R made a serious footprint on the auto enthusiast world when it turned in a verified Nurburgring lap time of 7:29.03 in factory trim. Just two months later, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 turned in a verified Nurburgring lap time of 7:26.4, giving it the fastest production car lap time for the Nurburgring Nordschleife in its history, since the modern version of the race course was adopted.

The 'Ring is a favored place for spy photographers to look for prototypes and other sports car test vehicles, which are often caught in camouflaged trim while conducting performance testing on the Nordschleife. Honda's CEO, Takeo Fukui, has promised that the 2010 Honda/Acura NSX will turn in faster Nurburgring lap times than the GT-R, unofficially marking the second coming of the Japanese horsepower wars. Look for Subaru and Toyota to follow suit soon, as the Japanese and worldwide car buying communities demand faster and more powerful sports cars.

A jewel of automotive racing history, the Nurburgring has piqued the curiosity and admiration of car lovers worldwide. As automakers raise the bar for what their halo sports car models are capable of, look for the Nurburgring Nordschleife lap times to be the chief metric by which they are measured.

Sports Cars with Great Fuel Economy

In the age of cylinder deactivation, high-efficiency diesels and low boost turbocharging for fuel economy purposes, modern go-fast cars need be gas guzzlers no longer. We at RSports are constantly on the lookout for lustworthy transportation machines we can actually afford to operate. Here is a roundup of sports cars heavy on thrills and easy on the wallet at the pump.

The Chevrolet C7 Corvette - Promising Gains in Good V8 Gas Mileage

Despite their always-thrilling big displacement American performance pedigree, Corvettes have a reputation for burning rubber, silk shirts, gold chains and terrible gas mileage. The latest generation Corvette, introduced for the **2008 model year, has smashed most of these conventions. Mileage for the C7 Corvette is a more-than-respectable 26 mpg by EPA estimates in Z06 trim, numbers that were unheard of as 400+ horsepower cars go just a few years ago.

Chevrolet parent company General Motors Corp. accomplishes this mildly remarkable feat through the use of the same cylinder deactivation technology that has been used with great success for Chevy and GM trucks.

In the case of the Corvette, a Chevy small block rated at so much power does not need all eight glorious cylinders for cruising on the highway at 70 mph or coasting through bumper-to-bumper traffic. A step on the gas puts full power to the wheels instaneously, letting Chevy Corvette owners have their gas mileage and eat it too.

2009 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI - The Ultra High-Tech Approach to Turbocharging

As a maker of fine luxury sports sedans currently enjoying good sales in a downturned industry, Volkswagen/Audi has the cash flow for significant R&D toward alternative powertrains and ways to sip every ounce of precious fossil fuel during every burnout.

The new Audi A5, critically acclaimed for its breath-of-fresh-air styling and driving dynamics, is now a technology showcase for the powerful combination of twin-scroll turbocharging with valvelift technology, putting power to the flywheel in combination with direct injection.

Audi has been slowly perfecting the art of turbocharged 4-cylinder engines for many years. Modern engine management technology as well as micromanaged fuel injection systems, based wholly on how much power the driver requires at any given time, has given the A5 some truly impressive gas mileage numbers.

While running 0-60 in under 7 seconds and reaching a German automaker agreement-limited top speed of 155 mph, the turbo four A5 pulls off EU a 42.8 combined-cycle mpg rating.

2009 BMW 330d - Stellar Gas Mileage from a New Generation of Cleaner Diesels

For years, some European automakers have shunned exporting popular diesel cars to the American market, due to extremely stringent emissions regulations and consumer image.

The Germans are leading the charge toward bringing real performance cars with torquey, clean diesel engines for worldwide markets. The benefits of oil-burners are many, especially in modern times where they are much less noticable to the driver than the stink emanating from the tailpipe of the Peugeot wagon in your grandmother's driveway.

The twin-turbo 3.0 liter diesel used in the 330d, which will be known as the 335d when it comes to American markets next year, produces 286 horses and a superfluous 383 lb-ft. of torque that comes at 1750 rpm. Better still, the engine is extremely clean burning as any fossil fuel engines go, let alone diesel motors.

Performance meets or exceeds that of the twin-turbo 3.0 gas motor from BMW, so customers willing to get over their preconceived notions about diesel engines are in for a great gas mileage versus performance bargain.

Audi S1

Take a look at Audi’s pocket rocket! This stunning machine is the S1 – a super hatch flagship that will sit at the very top of the German firm’s all-new small car range.

Gunning for high performance small cars such as the MINI John Cooper Works and the forthcoming Alfa MiTo GTA, the S1 will be the ultimate evolution of the A1 line-up, packing 200bhp and a Quattro four-wheel drive chassis.

But it’s the looks that will have buyers beating a path to Audi’s showrooms. Taking the compact, chunky A1 three-door shape – previewed by the Metroproject Quattro concept, revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show – the S1 adds an aggressive bodykit.

It features flared arches, filled with 19-inch alloy wheels, a neat roof-mounted spoiler, and a particularly aggressive front end with a low front splitter, deep air intakes and menacing daytime LED running lights. Chrome highlights finish the visual upgrades.

The A1 line-up is set to benefit from a wide range of innovative, small capacity, forced induction engines including a turbocharged1.2-litre TFSI unit for the entry-level model – and the S1 will be no different.

Under the bonnet will be a development of the same supercharged and turbocharged 1.4-litre engine as the VW Polo GTi (Issue 1,044) and SEAT Ibiza Cupra. In those models, the unit produces 178bhp – but thanks to some upgrades and a tweak of the ECU, the tiny powerplant will produce in excess of 200bhp and 300Nm of torque.

Hooked up to a seven-speed S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox, the S1 should provide shattering performance. Expect a 0-60mph time of around six seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. However, it’ll also be economical too – that small capacity should mean it’ll return 35mpg combined.

Making sure all that power reaches the road is a four-wheel drive system, biased 40:60 in favour of the rear wheels. Together with lowered and stiffened suspension, the little Audi should feel every inch the baby Quattro, offering lightning reactions and amazing grip.

It’s also likely that Audi will make its magnetic dampers available too. These will work in conjunction with Drive Select – a system which offers owners the choice of several driving modes including Dynamic and Comfort, allowing them to sharpen steering, throttle and suspension response according to road conditions.

Indeed, the S1 is likely to be a real technological tour de force. Audi has already previewed many new ideas on the Metroproject concept car, including an interface that allows owners to control many of the car’s functions through their mobile phones. This is likely to be an option on top-spec models such as the S1.

Factor in a sporty cabin with a flat-bottomed steering, figure hugging, lightweight seats and aluminium pedals and the result will be a high quality small performance car with real showroom appeal. It won’t come cheap, though. While entry-level A1 models are likely to kick off at £13,000 when sales start in early 2010, the S1 will weigh in at £25,000.

Importance of tyre alignment

Keeping your car in tip-top shape is no easy task, but it's not entirely impossible. There are several tell tale signs that even the average driver should be able to identify to know 'something' is wrong with the car. In this article, we're going to cover a bit about diagnosing a tyre misalignment.

A misaligned tyre simply means that one or several of the tyres on your car is not pointing directly straight. This can be caused by potholes, speed bumps, and even general wear and tear. A misaligned tyre may cause uneven tread wear which in turn may seriously affect car handling.

One of the most important elements of a car is its tyres. The tyres alone are responsible to keep the car gripped to the ground, ensuring our cars don't become bumper cars. It is therefore of paramount importance that the tyres maintain their treads and that those treads are even, as uneven treads can cause your car to lose grip during cornering and on wet, slippery surfaces.

One way to spot misaligned tyres is to park your car on a level area and turn the tyres until you can see the entire width of the tyre. Place a ruler in the middle of the tyres, in between the treads and mark the level on the ruler. Compare both the left and right tyres, and if one side is higher than the other, you have uneven tread wear which is most probably caused by misalignment.

An easier way is to find a long stretch of straight road that you can easily drive on to reach cruising speeds. Once you reach speeds around 60 to 70 km/h, slowly release your grip on the wheel. If your car 'pulls' to either side, you most likely have misalignment. Also look out for vibrations through the steering wheel, which may indicate a misaligned tyre or a dented rim.


Tyre alignment is a simple process, and it won't cost a bomb. Simply bring your car to the nearest tyre shop, usually identified by huge signboards with tyre brands such as Michelin, Kumho, Hankook, etc. Before committing your car to an alignment process with a shop though, be sure to ask if they have a laser wheel alignment gauge. This is a tool that is attached to either side of your car, on the rims. This tool then transmits a laser that is read by a computer to determine tyre alignment. Make sure that the vehicle displayed on that computer is indeed your car model as different cars have different readings.

The objective of tyre alignment is to get those tyres pointing in the right direction, without a positive or negative toe angle. A positive toe angle or toe out, means that your tyre(s) are pointing outward from your car. Imagine a 'V' shape, whilst a negative toe angle or toe in, means your tyre(s) are pointing inwards to your car. Imagine an inverted 'V' shape.


Also, as discussed in another article 'Car Suspension - Components and how they work', the camber angle of your ride is important. Depending on what you want, you may want to set your car to a negative camber alignment for more stability during cornering, or a neutral angle, for even tread wear.

Whilst you're at it, it would be a good idea to get your wheels balanced to determine if your rims are indeed round and not bent.

Audi ABT AS5 Sportback

Power and elegance are rarely spoken in the same breath but Autovox partnered with ABT has created that rare instance for us right here. Barely four months after the launch of the Audi A5 Sportback, they've taken one of Audi's latest babies and given it a sprinkling of ABT's racing fairy dust.    

This isn't my first encounter with a German sled hopped up with ABT parts. It was barely five months ago that Autovox sent me knee-deep into depression after I spent an entire day in an ABT tuned Mk6 Golf GTI. No, don't get me wrong. The Golf wasn't bad. Not at all. It was specifically because it was anything but that drove me to madness the next couple days cause of how much I wanted one.

Naturally, I could hardly contain myself when Brighid, Autovox's Marketing Manager, rang me up with an invitation to review their latest ABT tuned Audi A5 Sportback. Of course my reply was an over exuberant (bordering on juvenile) "Hell yeah!".

You'll have to excuse my seemingly unprofessional outburst of emotion. My exuberance stems from my lengthy love affair with most things Audi. Of course my love for 911s still casts a deeper and wider gorge in my heart but Audi's long history of motoring greatness has me pretty smitten too. It all started after a close friend of mine bought himself a standard B7 Audi A4 1.8T and turned it into a sinister looking Bahn cruncher within a year.

Audis for me are a refreshing breakaway from the staid design of other German rivals. It seems that the design language of nearly every Audi in the range is heavily influenced by the elements of power and performance.

The muscular lines belie a caged beast under its white collared exterior. It is a fine balance of power and elegance with a bias towards the former.

Keeping that balance when tuning a car like the A5 Sportback requires great restraint and understanding of the market you're aiming for. Improving upon a car like the Sportback is much different from your run of the mill import models. Lest you end up with a garish looking Audi that would cause Ingolstadt designers to drop dead from the desecration of their work. Rather than slapping on random go-faster bits like what so many of the local import tuners do, ABT approaches the project with thorough research and fore planning. In which the end result is as much a compliment to the Audi designers as it is for ABT's design team.
   

Renault reveals Twingo RS rally cars

    
   

   
Renault has revealed two new Twingo variants that are designed to both go rallying as well as being used as a daily driver.The new versions can be used for low level rally competitions, while at the same time are adequate enough to be driven on an everyday basis. The new Twingo Renaultsport R1 and Twingo Renaultsport R2 join the Renault Maxi and the Renault Clio Renaultsport R3 Access in their range of budget rally cars.

The R2 is powered by a four-cylinder, 16V 1.6-litre engine that produces 160bhp and 160Nm of torque, which is 27bhp more than the standard Twingo. The unit is mated to a five-speed sequential gearbox with dog clutch, and wheel-mounted shifter.

Externally, there is little change, with only the optional air intake on the roof being the main design feature. Sabelt Renaultsport seats, harnesses, and a LED instrument panel are all included, while Renault’s data acquisition system can be purchased additionally.

The R1 meanwhile is the ideal car for rally drivers with small budgets, and Renault says that it is qualified for all "regional, national and international rallies at a greatly reduced cost." The engine and transmission is shared with the R2, as well as the welded roll cage, and Renault expects drivers to upgrade to the R2 after winning races with the R1.

Peugeot unveils the limited edition 207 S16

To celebrate Kris Meeke's 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) driver's title, Peugeot has revealed a limited edition 207 S16 model with styling cues from the rally car

The special edition Peugeot 207 S16 will be limited to just 250 units, and is based on the standard Peugeot 207 Sport 1.6 VTi. The changes are merely cosmetic though, with the 207 S16 using the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 120bhp as the Sport 1.6 VTi, which propels the car from 0-100km/h in 10.7 seconds, and reach a top speed of 201km/h.

Among the cosmetic enhancements to the 207 S16 are a Bianca white paintjob with a full 207 RC Cup body kit comprising front and rear spoilers, side skirts and a pseudo rear diffuser, 17-inch Hockenheim alloy wheels, dark tinted rear windows, a 'sports mesh' front grille and special interior badge signed by Kris Meeke.

Peugeot also offers buyers the option of specifying the car with the same vinyl graphics as the ones found on Kris Meeke’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge title winning 207 S2000 rally car, with the graphics available at no extra cost.
   

Subaru Impreza STI Spec C homolagated for N group

Subaru has completed the homologation process for its Impreza WRX STI Spec C, which paves the way for its entry into the FIA's Group N rallying class     
   
The Japanese carmaker is still making its presence known in motorsport despite withdrawing from the World Rally Championship in 2008, and the Impreza WRX STI Spec C has completed its homologation process and received its official Group N Homologation certificate from FIA.

The Group N regulations allow for limited modifications to the standard specification model, such as a mildly enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body. Group N cars are entered in the FIA's Production World Rally Championship series.

Subaru will enter the Group N Impreza WRX STI Spec C rally car at the Production World Rally Championship's Rallye Deutschland in Germany, which will be held on August 22. Subaru has not announced who will be its drivers for the
championship however.

Volkswagen’s rally raid champ facelifted for 2011 Dakar

With two consecutive victories on the world's toughest rally raid to its name, Volkswagen's Race Touareg is being updated for next year's event. Not so much a next generation machine, the Race Touareg is being heavily facelifted to make it go faster...
With the Race Touareg's proven reliability and unchallenged dune-busting prowess, Volkswagen has chosen not to fettle with the winning formula so much, leaving the suspension and TDI engine virtually untouched. What will be significantly altered in the chase for a third title on the trot is the exterior.
Volkswagen Motorsport will field four Race Touareg 3s with "fundamentally-updated" aerodynamics at the 2011 Dakar, which will once again run through Argentina and Chile in South America. In line with the fresh looks of the second-generation Touareg, the racing variant gains an updated exterior that offers less aerodynamic resistance than before.
"With new aerodynamics this Race Touareg will look even more spectacular than before, while quoting aspects of the design language of the new production Touareg and, in addition, receiving further detailed optimizations. Its core is well proven because we continue to bank on the consistently optimised technology package that has been giving the Race Touareg first-rate performance and maximum reliability," says Volkswagen Motorsport director Kris Nissen.

With spy photos of the new Race Touareg in the Alps already doing the rounds, the next phase of the development programme is in the Moroccan desert at the end of July. After its official launch in August, the Race Touareg 3 will compete in the Silk Way Rally through Russia (widely regarded as a serious dress rehearsal for Dakar), which starts in St. Petersburg on Septmeber 11 and ends in Sochi seven days later.

Civic Type R

What’s this – I didn't know Honda was going rallying?

It’s not, well, not just yet. Let me explain. In 2005, the FIA World Council decided to create a new cost-effective rally championship for 2007, called the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. The nine-round calendar for 2007 includes some classic stages like the Sanremo and Safari rallies, as well as some more new-world events held in Russia and China. It’s given global coverage by Eurosport, which beams the races into 110 million homes in 59 countries.
I’m still with you… just

Honda’s official customer racing support partner, Italian-based JAS Motorsport, has just unveiled a full rally-spec Civic Type R that’s primed to compete in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. It will also meet the FIA’s new regulations for Group R next year. The idea behind the JAS car is to show off the company’s motorsport prowess, offering various stages of mechanical upgrade. So if you have a new Civic Type R and fancy a bit more poke, there’s an off-the-shelf engine chip upgrade. If you’re a track day fan, you can order a brakes and suspension upgrade. Of if you fancy having a punt at the full rally experience, you just phone JAS, slap down £65,000 and they will get the whole car prepped and ready to go. And it will be road legal – which is why JAS let us loose in one on the winding mountain roads near Verbania, on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Italy.

Rally D1

If you are a fan of the rally driving days, then you will surely be interested in the rally experiences presented online. You have to be aware that such experiences are reserved only for those with a clear taste for adrenaline, who enjoy complete driving and the firsthand sensations that are felt. While it is true that there are many websites out there that promise the best rally experiences, don’t be quick to choose the first one that appears in front of your eyes. Do a little bit of research and choose the rally driving experience that suits your style, first and foremost.

All of the rally experiences that are available online are split into rally driving days. Apart from a brief description of the event, interested drivers are also informed about the different locations and other useful details. Rally experiences guarantee the possibility to try a form of driving that is unique. Many people consider that rally driving days are days when you experience a sport, one that is defined by high quantities of adrenaline, speed and excitement being two defining attributes. However, rally experiences also imply being in control, regardless of how difficult the chosen circuit actually is. In the end, the one thing that you have to ask yourself is: can I be fast and furious?

Among the locations where these rally driving days are held you can find Bristol, Oxford and Suffolk, just to offer three examples. You should know that rally experiences are open to all drivers that have either a UK or an international driving licence, without any negative events. If you want to be accepted in the rally, then make sure you take your permit with you. Also, if you are curious how long does one rally experience last, you ought to know that the timeframe varies somewhere from one to four hours, depending on the circuit. The available locations are presented online, for anyone to view.

What are the cars that one has the opportunity to drive in the rally? Well, you will probably be surprised at how many options you have available. On the list, you can find Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Evo, Peugeot 106 and BMW 325 just to offer a few examples. When you take a look at the available rally experiences, keep in mind that both the cars and the dates can change, depending on availability. If you have a friend that is interested in the rally driving days, without having any experience as a rally driver then you can take him/her long as a spectator. In fact, the more, the merrier, as they will keep the atmosphere alive and encourage those that have signed up for rally experiences.

When you say rally experiences, you automatically think about racing and proving that you can go over your limits, in order to be the best. If you are a fan of rally driving days and you want to show what you got, then you should certainly consider one of the many rally experiences available online. Sign up as soon as possible and prepare yourself for an adrenaline-filled event.

Student Loan Consolidation.

Student Loan Consolidation - How does it Work?

Student loans are a great source of financial aid for students who need help paying for their education. Unfortunately, students often leave college with burdensome debt. In addition, they often have multiple loans from different lenders, meaning they are writing more than one loan repayment check each month. The solution to this problem is loan consolidation.
What is loan consolidation?

Loan consolidation means bundling all your student loans into a single loan with one lender and one repayment plan. You can think of loan consolidation as akin to refinancing a home mortgage. When you consolidate your student loans, the balances of your existing student loans are paid off, with the total balance rolling over into one consolidated loan. The end result is that you have only one student loan to pay on.

Both students and their parents can consolidate loans.
Should I consolidate my loans?

Loan consolidation offers many benefits:

* Locks in a fixed, usually lower, interest rate for the term of your loan, potentially saving you thousands of dollars (depending on the interest rates of your original loans)
* Lowers your monthly payment
* Combines your student loan payments into one monthly bill

In addition, consolidated loans have flexible repayment options and no fees, charges, or prepayment penalties. There are also no credit checks or co-signers required.

You should consider consolidating your loans if the consolidation loan would have a lower interest rate than your current loans, particularly if you are having trouble making you monthly payments. However, if you are close to paying off your existing loans, consolidation may not be worth it.
How will the interest rate for the consolidated loan be?

The interest rate for your consolidated loan is calculated by averaging the interest rate of all the loans being consolidated and then rounding up to the next one-eighth of one percent. The maximum interest rate is 8.25 percent.

To figure your interest rate, visit loanconsolidation.ed.gov for an online calculator that will do the math for you.
How much can I save?

How much you save by consolidating loans depends on what interest rate you get and whether you choose to extend your repayment plan. According to Sallie Mae, the leading provider of student loans in the United States, consolidating student loans can reduce monthly payments by up to 54 percent. However, the only way to reduce your payment this much is to extend your repayment plan. You typically have 10 years to repay student loans, but, depending on the amount you're consolidating, you can extend your repayment plan all the way up to 30 years. Remember that if you choose to extend your repayment term, it will take longer to pay off your overall debt and you'll pay more in interest. There are no preypayment penalties, so you can always choose to pay off the loan early.
Am I eligible to consolidate my loans?

In order to consolidate your loans, you must meet the following criteria:

* You are in your six-month grace period following graduation or you have started repaying your loans
* You have eligible loans totaling over $7,500
* You have more than one lender
* You have not already consolidated your student loans, or since consolidation you have gone back to school and acquired new student loans

The following types of loans can be consolidated:

* Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
* Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
* Direct PLUS Loans and Federal PLUS Loans
* Direct Consolidation Loans and Federal Consolidation Loans
* Guaranteed Student Loans
* Federal Insured Student Loans
* Federal Supplemental Loans for Students
* Auxiliary Loans to Assist Students
* Federal Perkins Loans
* National Direct Student Loans
* National Defense Student Loans
* Health Education Assistance Loans
* Health Professions Student Loans
* Loans for Disadvantaged Students
* Nursing Student Loans

Where can I get a consolidation loan?

You can consolidate your loans through any bank or credit union that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program, or directly from the U.S. Department of Education. The loan terms and conditions are generally the same, regardless of where you consolidate. You may want to check first with the lenders that hold your current loans.

If all your loans are with one lender, you must consolidate with that lender.

If you decide to consolidate your student loans, remember that you can only do so once unless you go back to school and take out more loans. Therefore, you will want to make sure you get the best deal the first time. The interest rate will be the same from all lenders, but some lenders may offer future rate discounts for prompt payment and a discount for having monthly payments directly debited from your account.
Can my spouse and I consolidate our loans together?

You can consolidate your loans together, but it is not a good idea for a couple reasons:

* Both of you will always be responsible to repay the loan, even if you later separate or divorce
* If you need to defer payment on the loan, both of you will have to meet the deferment criteria

When should I consolidate my loans?

You can consolidate your loans any time during your six-month grace period or after you have started repaying your loans. If you consolidate during your grace period, you may be able to get a lower interest rate. However, since you will lose the rest of the grace period, it is a good idea to wait until the fifth month of the grace period before consolidating. The consolidation process usually takes 30-45 days.

How to Shop For Low, Interest Only Mortgages

Where do you find low interest, interest only mortgages? Almost every store on the street offers these types of mortgage products, but who is the best, and who is the lowest? That's going to take some work on your part, and maybe just a little luck.

What kind of information will you need in order to shop for and secure a great interest only mortgage, with a great low interest? Well, you're definitely going to need a good credit rating, proof of income, an appraisal on the property, and a little bit of luck. There are several products out there in the interest only mortgage segment of the market, and a few are actually going to have a pretty low interest rate tied to them.

For example, the 3/1 ARM, or the 5/1 ARM, these mortgages should have great interest rates, and if you have great credit, you should be able to find financing to suit your budget, your desire for a low interest rate, and an interest only mortgage that you can live with. These types of adjustable rate mortgages offer the interest only feature for a very limited time, and this is what the average consumer should discipline him or herself to use for financing. Extending the interest only option out past these years, could put the consumer in a dire position, should the real estate market take a downward turn, they're going to be left with a huge mortgage, and property that is no longer worth the original mortgage amount. Now, that's not likely to happen since the value of the average home in America has seen a steady 5 to 6% growth for the last 10 years. But, it could happen. Take a look at the stock market after the tremendous growth spurt of the late nineties.

Other variables in your quest for a low interest rate will be determined by the type of lending institution you choose, the determination of any government program eligibility, and your geographical location.

Banks are traditionally a little higher with their down payment requirements, but their interest rates are usually lower than those of a mortgage company. The exception: online mortgage lending. Thanks to the fact that this is an area of growth that everyone and every company are promoting, they're striving to compete with even the lowest interest rate lenders, in order to grow their market.

What kinds of government approved mortgage loan programs are available for the low interest-only mortgage shopper today? There are actually more programs available today than any other time in recorded mortgage history; and the ability to qualify for these programs is at an all-time high. Fannie Mae, or the Federal National Mortgage Association and Freddie Mac set guidelines and product availability for homeowners and residents that quality for low- to moderate income based mortgages. They also offer low-interest only mortgages in order to accommodate an ever broadening market. The graduated payment mortgage is an option for FHA homeowners who currently have low to moderate incomes but expect them to increase substantially over the next few years; this can be compared to a balloon note or the interest only products in use today.

Your location will play a key role in your ability to obtain the lowest interest rate using the interest-only mortgage option, also. Prospective homeowners looking to purchase a home in a high end, resort area will, of course, have more choices available, as there are more buyers and sellers competing, as well as lenders for business. The other geographical contributing factor is the real estate market in your area. If the market is great, prices are not suppressed, and there is moderate movement in the buy and sell market, it increases your chances of obtaining the low interest rate you're seeking.

The interest only mortgage product and a low interest rate are not mutually exclusive. They can be paired, and under the right circumstances produce a winning mortgage product for the right consumers. The route to achieving this goal will take education on the part of the consumer, hard work, and a little luck in locating the right mortgage lender.

Death and Disability Insurance

An illness can cost far more in monetary terms than just the value of the medical bills or health insurance premiums you pay. The disruption to your income stream can wreak havoc with your lifestyle (and/or that of your dependants), especially if the illness is prolonged or (yikes!) terminal.

Wherever there's a financial risk, the insurance industry is sure to be there with a product to cover you. And death and disability is no exception.

There are several different types of policy in the insurance marketplace, designed to maintain your financial security, and/or that of your family or other dependants.

You can get these policies directly from a life insurer – all the major general and life insurers offer them. Or you can use an intermediary, like a broker or an agent. They come as a stand-alone product, or several products bundled together.

Some policies are available via your superannuation fund – and usually at a very competitive price. But the amount of cover may be limited, so you may need to take out additional cover.

If you don't have dependants, or you wouldn't suffer financially from a disabling condition, then these policies probably aren't for you. Feel free to click your back button of your browser and visit another part of the site.

But if you do have dependants – and the consequences of your death and/or disability have been preying on your mind – then read on (we promise to keep it snappy).

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Term (Life) Insurance

This is a lump-sum payment in the event of your death, paid out to your nominated beneficiary. The payout can be used for any purpose – to pay off debts, or invested to generate an income stream for surviving family.

Premiums vary depending on age, sex, whether you smoke and your occupation – higher-risk occupations such as blue-collar manual work attract a higher premium than white-collar professional work.

Most policies will require you to have a medical examination and possibly blood tests. If you have a pre-existing medical condition you may have to pay an additional premium. Some policies won't pay out if death is from suicide.

Some financial institutions offer policies called accidental death cover, which covers you in the event of death from accidental injury. As only a small percentage of deaths are from accidents, these aren't really worth the money.

Our verdict – term (life) insurance is a must for anyone with dependants.

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Income Protection (Disability) Insurance

Life insurance industry statistics tell us that at the age of 35 you are 10 times more likely to be disabled from an illness or injury than you are to die from it.

How will you pay the bills? The mortgage repayments? School fees, etc etc?

You may get a limited amount of sick pay from your employer if you're salaried, but it won't last long. There's always workers' compensation, but that only covers you for work-related injuries – a small percentage of causes of disability.

But if you have an income protection policy it will pay up to 75 per cent of all income (salary/wages plus super plus any other benefits) allowing you to maintain your lifestyle pretty much intact, and to keep paying off the home mortgage and any other loans you may have.

The actual monthly income you are paid from the policy can be agreed on when you take the policy out (a so-called 'agreed value per month' policy). Or it can be calculated according to the income you're earning at the time when you make the claim. These so-called 'indemnity policies' are cheaper, but riskier – if your income has fallen at the time you make a claim, you risk a much lower payout.

Income protection polices aren't quite as cheap as term/life policies. The cost as a rule-of-thumb is two per cent of annual salary. But that buys you a lot of cover.

Just like term cover, premiums are higher the older you get, if you smoke, if you're male and if you are in a risky occupation. There is usually a waiting period between claiming and getting your first payment – the longer the 'no claim' period, the cheaper the premium. The premiums are tax deductible, but the income stream paid out by the policy is taxed.

A word of warning about these policies – there is a lot of variation from policy to policy and the devil is in the detail.

Look carefully at the definition of disability. Some define you as disabled if you're unable to do the sort of work that you normally do. Others define it as being unable to do ANY sort of work. With the latter type of policy,

Some policies are guaranteed renewable. Others don't automatically renew, but will only renew at the insurer's discretion. If you develop a condition that could lead to a later claim the insurer may choose not to renew the policy.

Our verdict – recommended for those with financial liabilities and dependants.

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Trauma Insurance

Otherwise known as 'crisis' or 'vital' cover, trauma insurance pays out a lump sum on the diagnosis of a range of about 30 nominated life-threatening conditions – like cancer, heart attack, stroke, heart bypass surgery, paralysis, and head trauma (but not for accidental death from injury). It's often bundled with term/life cover.

Trauma insurance is designed to pay the inevitable medical bills associated with a major illness, or fund a holiday, pay out a home mortgage, or allow the injured person to work part-time until retirement.

Things to watch out for: some policies have a narrow definition of what constitutes suffering from a particular condition. It may not be enough to have signs and symptoms of a heart attack – you may have to have certain changes in an electrocardiogram test, for example. The policy that covers the greatest range of conditions isn't necessarily the best.

Our verdict – optional.

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Where do I get it?

You can buy any or all of these insurance policies direct from the insurer or through an intermediary such as a broker or agent, who will advise you on which combination of policies and products are best suited to your needs.

Brokers are preferable to agents, as they are independent and have access to a greater range of products – insurance agents only deal with products from a limited range of insurers. Brokers charge a commission but they generally negotiate discounts from insurance companies, so in the end it costs no more to go through a broker than it is to buy direct from the insurer.

Life insurance

All policies fall into one of two camps.

There are term policies, or pure insurance coverage. And there are the many variants of whole life, which combine an investment product with pure term insurance and build cash value.

2. Insurance is sold, not bought.

Agents sell the vast majority of life policies written in the U.S. because the life insurance industry has a vested interest in pushing high-commission (and high-profit) whole-life policies.

3. Whole life is expensive.

Policies with an investment component cost many times more than term policies. As a result, many people who buy whole life often can't afford an adequate face value, leaving themselves underinsured.

4. Whole-life policies are built on assumptions.

The returns quoted by the agent are simply guesses - not reality. And some companies keep these guesses of future returns on the high side to attract more buyers.

5. Keep your investing and insurance strictly separate.

There are better places to invest - and without the high commissions of whole-life policies.

6. Buy enough term coverage to fill your needs.

Life insurance is no place to skimp, especially with rates at historic lows.

7. Match the term of the policy to your needs.

You want the policy to last as long as it takes for your dependents to leave the nest - or for your retirement income to kick in.

8. Buy when you're healthy.

Older people and those not in the best of health pay steeply higher rates for life insurance - so buy as early as you can, but don't buy until you have dependents.

9. Tell the truth.

There's no sense in shading the facts on your application to get a lower rate. Be assured that if a large claim is made, the insurance company will investigate before paying.

10. Use the Web to shop.

Buying life insurance has never been easier, thanks to the Internet. You can get tons of quotes - and avoid the pushy salespeople.

How to Pay Off Your Payday Loan

Are you trapped in payday loan cycle? You get new payday loan to cover your existing loan and it keep repeating until you are overwhelming. If you are, you are not alone. Many people take out their first one hoping to pay off in full in the next payday, but end up with taking out more loans and scrambling to cover one after another until their debt reach to the overwhelming level and don't know what to do. How to break this payday loan cycle and pay it off? Here are 5 practical ways to help you break the payday loan cycle:

1. Understand What You Are Up Against

Each state and each country have certain law against payday loan borrowers. For example, Oklahoma's laws allow payday loan's repeat borrowers who have taken out three consecutive loans to repay their loan balance in four equal installments. This is a good opportunity for you to break the cycle and pay off the loan.

You should also be able to find your local or state government representative that can provide help and advices on how to handle your overwhelming debt issue. You may discover more options to pay off your payday loan.

2. Pay the Loan(s) off ASAP

The fact is whatever you have borrowed, you need to pay it back; Let face it. Thinking of paying off your payday loan without any action won't get your debt problem resolve. What you must do is finding a way to repay the loan in the next payday without getting a new payday loan and find some way to get through what will be a very difficult several weeks without the money.

Some ideas to cash out money to pay loans:

* Have a yard sale or garage sale. Put anything that can be sold such as furniture, clothes, gifts, watches, jewelry and etc.
* Sell a few things in your local newspaper's free ads or sell them online at eBay.
* If you are under employment, you may discuss with your employer to get an advance salary and repay it over several pay periods.
* Borrow from your family or relatives to pay off your payday loan and repay them over several pay periods.
* Get a second job or part-time job to earn extra money to clear your debt.
* Cut down your monthly expenses and optional spending such as entertainment, clothing and vacation to save more money to pay into your debt.


3. Get Help From Credit Counseling Service

If your debt is too overwhelming and something in such a desperate situation, you can be out of mind in thinking a solution. Then, the best option should be getting help from finance professional such as credit counseling service.

Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) are non-profit counseling centers that can offer you with individual financial advices based on your financial situation. A consultant will be assigned to you to understand in details your current financial situation before proposing options and solutions to your financial issue. These options can be especially helpful to help you understand your options and what are the best solutions to your debt issue. In many case, you will be advised to enroll into their debt management plan so that you can follow their plan to work your way out of debt. However, it is optional but if you decide to enroll into any debt management plan, you must aware that there will be a small monthly fee involve.

Summary

Keeping yourself circular inside the payday loan cycle will drag you into overwhelming and stressful debt issue. The only solution is finding a way out of it by breaking the payday loan cycle. Beside, working out your own ways to pay off the loan as soon as possible, you can get help and guidance from professional such as consumer credit counseling service.