Hong Kong Pictures




First and foremost is Hong Kong Island, which is home to the majestic Victoria Peak. But if you venture even further from the main areas, these is even more natural splendor to enjoy. The Outlying Islands number well past 200, and hold a majestic array of beaches, ranging anywhere from resort-like to hidden stretches of sand where you'll be hard pressed to find another tourist (at least during the week). Throughout the hundreds of islands, however, only four of them offer easy access and enough attractions to entertain most tourists. Easily approached by ferry from Kowloon or Hong Kong Island, these islands also offer some of the best hiking in all of China - most of the trails can be found in the sparsely populated Lantau Island, while the rest are on Lamma Island. Lamma is the closest to central Hong Kong China in both proximity and cultural landscape. It has a smaller scale version of the excitement of the big city, an urban atmosphere immediately surrounded by all the natural beauty that Hong Kong has to offer.
Hong Kong itself is divided into four main areas— Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands. Though each have a vital and long-standing role in Hong Kong tourism, most visitors spend the majority of their time in the densely populated area of Kowloon. This is where the action is. Hundreds of bars and clubs, Hong Kong restaurants and hotels line the crowded streets, remaining active well into the early hours of the morning. But savvy visitors know that Kowloon is not the entirety of Hong Kong travel. Though the bright lights and frenetic pace will appeal to most, those looking for a more nature-specific vacation will not be disappointed by what the islands have to offer. If you're traveling around for the first time, you'll want to grab a map of Hong Kong so you'll have a better idea of the area.
At first glance, Hong Kong China can put more than a few people off—it can appear like some kind of post-apocalyptic shopping mall, especially at night. But Hong Kong travel continues to be such a well-liked option because of the varied options you have within the tiny region. While shopping and dining out at a Hong Kong restaurant are still the are still the pillars for any great experience here, often overlooked are the burgeoning arts scene and the many natural wonders that expand a Hong Kong China vacation into a well-rounded trip that has something for just about everyone.

One of the nicest things for many looking into Hong Kong travel is the inclusion of the English language into most aspects of life. Everywhere on menus and street signs, a large portion of the population here (though 95% Chinese) speak impeccable English. And while Hong Kong tourism can provide plenty of culture shock, much of it won't be due to the inability to communicate.
One of the most popular facets of a Chinese vacation is a side-trip to Hong Kong for a couple days. With all of the Hong Kong hotels available, lodging will be the least of your worries. Bright and eager to please, Hong Kong China is a unique and fascinating glimpse at the collision of Western and Eastern cultures, of capitalism and communism, of ancient values mixed with the mores of the modern world.

But many travelers never leave Kowloon—it's not the center of Hong Kong tourism for nothing. For less than $50 a day, you can see everything the city has to offer, plus eat world-renowned seafood at any decent Hong Kong restaurant - as long as you don't mind staying in a budget hotel. But with all the sights and sounds the city has to offer, who cares where you stay?

Palm Island reviews


Welcome to Palm Island, our exclusive, private-island resort. Iguanas and interesting birdlife are natives along the panoramic walking trails, while authentic island life is portrayed through yachts and traditional beach homes. Yachtsmen and divers from around the world gravitate to this strand of unspoiled Caribbean islands, lured by exotic sea life, rainbow-colored reefs and fascinating shipwrecks. Come join us for your own private island escape at Palm Island.
The Palm Islands, also referred to as The Palm Dubai and The Palms, are the world’s three largest man-made islands, which are being built on the coast of the emirate of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Palm Islands has also been named ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’.

The two Dubai islands, The Palm Jumeirah and The Palm Jebel Ali, will be built in the shape of date palm trees and consist of a trunk; a crown with 17 fronds; and a surrounding crescent island – the back of which forms the breakwater. Collectively, the island will support more than 60 luxury hotels, 4,000 exclusive residential villas (sale), 1,000 unique water homes (sale), 5,000 shoreline apartments (sale), marinas, water theme parks, restaur
Specs for Palm Island:

* 2,000 villas
* 40 hotels
* 120 kilometers of beach
* Built from 80 million cubic meters of dredge
* Attractions include shopping malls, movie theaters, marine parks


For an online sales presentation, go to Palm sales.

This is just one of many large projects getting underway in Dubai. For example:

* There's Dubai Marina, a $10 billion project that will house 100,000 people.
* There is The World, a 200-island complex that will form the shape of the world map. It will be 5.5 km x 5.5 km and have 60 million sqare feet of real estate.
* There is a second Palm Island.

And so on... It will be fascinating to see if this trend takes off in other parts of the world.
I am going to add more Dubai architecture photos to this page time to time. So visit back or bookmark this page.

Please contact me if you want to add your Dubai photos to this collection. I will then provide you an email address to send your photos.

Bring the mouse over the photo to read a description of the photo.

dubai burj

The living wonder, a pure work of art, the tallest building, and an engineering genius is what Burj Dubai represents to the world. Apart from being a symbol of progress and prosperity in the Middles East.

First we have the Empire State Building in America, Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia, Taipe 101, CN Towers in Canada and now Burj Khalifa as the newest tallest towers in the world. It only goes to say that progress is inevitable all over the world.

Burj Dubai is a sign that the country visions will slowly be realized and that this project is only the beginning of many things in Dubai. The building is famous not just because it is the tallest but also of how it was created and what can be found in it.

Tourist who will be flocking to the tower will be assured of their safety as the building underwent over 40 wind tests to make certain that the building would be able to withstand pressure from outside at the height of the tower.
dubai burj
dubai burj wall paper
dubai burj under construction
dubai burj the tallest building in whole word
dubai burj
dubai burj wallpaper

miami beach


miami beach
miami beach
miami beach

Miami Beach is a city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. The city was incorporated on 26 March 1915. Miami Beach has been one of America's pre-eminent beach resorts for almost a century. Miami is a world unto itself. Miami's South Beach is home to the übermodel fashion scene and ultra-exclusive nightclubs-within-nightclubs where the in-crowd parties all night and all day. But whether it's the scent of fine cigar tobacco along Calle Ocho in Little Havana, or a hint of Chanel wafting amid the elaborately expensive Bal Harbour Shops, a Florida vacation in Miami can literally take your breath away.


South Beach (also known as SoBe, or simply The Beach the area from 1st street to about 25th street) is one of the more popular areas of Miami Beach. Topless sunbathing is tolerated on certain designated areas of the beach. Before the TV show Miami Vice helped make the area popular, SoBe was under urban blight, with vacant buildings and a high crime rate. Today, it is considered one of the richest commercial areas on the beach, yet poverty and crime still remain in some places near the area.

Thailand Culture Photos

he country that was formerly known as Siam is known for its rich and long history. Thailand is one of the few countries in the world where modern times has not had any effect on its traditions and culture. Culture Of Thailand has traditionally be handed down from one generation to the next.

The source of Thai culture and customs are deeply rooted in Buddhist religion, crafts, martial arts and beautiful clothing. Along with this there is the inspiring music with wonderful and exotic Thai dances.

Once can really experience Thai culture by witnessing the Thai classical dance performances. These dances are generally performed by beautiful and elegant Thai ladies wearing exotic and beautifully sewn local Thai costumes. These dance performances are popular not only with tourists but also with the local populace. Many hotels and resorts offer Thai culture dance shows for their foreign visitors as a part of the evening entertainment.

Wai, the Thai greeting, is considered as the greatest aspect of Thai culture. Wai is when a person joins both hands to either head or chest level while bending the head slightly towards the hands. This is the way of greeting and is especially done when a younger person greets an older person. It is a sign of respect.

For those visiting Bangkok, experiencing the Thai culture can be a unique experience as modern times and traditions have blended together to create an atmosphere which can not be replicated. Bangkok offers a package of Thai culture which showcases it through museums, beautiful Buddhist temples and ancient Thai architecture.

To experience the true blend of western and eastern civilizations, Thailand is a place to visit where both cultures are comfortably accommodated and of course the Thai hospitality makes all the difference.


Thailand Culture

Thailand Culture
Thailand Culture image
Thailand Culture wal photo
Thailand Culture
Thailand Culture
Thailand Culture foods

Escribe temas de moda y gana mucho mas dinero

He hablado anteriormente acerca de las tendencias y cómo pueden ser una ayuda para conseguir más visitantes a su blog.

He sostenido que poniéndose en el comienzo de una tendencia, que es relativa a su nicho, puede traer más tráfico.


En otras palabras, si buscamos algo nuevo, y en subida, a diferencia de lo que fuera escrio por todos los demás, el esfuerzo vale la pena.
Y más tráfico = más dinero.

Leí hace un tiempo que un conocido y exitoso blogger opinaba que las tendencias, tales como Google Trends , no eran realmente útiles. Su idea era que los temas que figuran ya habían alcanzado un máximo y que escribir de ellos por lo tanto era demasiado tarde.

Mi experiencia es algo diferente.

No hay ningún conjunto de reglas , pero he encontrado que, siguiendo una tendencia a menudo hay una afluencia de visitantes de tal vez uno, dos o tres días más tarde. A veces el mundo en general toma un tiempo para ponerse al día.

Esto no funciona todo el tiempo, la Internet es un lugar inestable, pero me gustaría sugerir a experimentar con las tendencias y ver cómo se filtra hacia fuera de su nicho particular.

moscow st basil's

St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia was built by Ivan the Terrible between 1555 and 1561. According to legends, the builder of this Cathedral was blinded so that such a beautiful structure could never be built again. The Cathedral is vividly colorful and contains redbrick towers that add to its beauty. The church’s design consists of nine chapels, each mounted with its individual dome that marks the assault on the city of Kazan.

The Cathedral provides a strong religious symbolism and is based on architectural designs found in Jerusalem. Eight of the domes make a circular form around the ninth dome, forming a star (if viewed from the top). The number eight is considered an auspicious number according to Jewish calendar. There is a deep contrast between the interior and the exterior of the Cathedral. The interior contains modest decorations and is not that spectacular. The corridors inside are narrow and don’t have adequate space for worshippers seating.

Many times in history, the Cathedral has suffered damage due to violent communal incidents. If stories are to be true, the French ruler Napoleon wanted to take St. Basil back to France with him, but due to the lack of such technology, he ordered his army to destroy it so that no one else could occupy the church. His army had prepared to attack the church and had also lit up the gunpowder, but a mysterious rain shower prevented the explosions. These are legends, but people really believe in St. Basil’s mysterious powers and there are a lot of committed worshipers.


moscow st basil's photo
moscow st basil's image
moscow st basil's wall paper
moscow st basil's pic
moscow st basil's amazing view
moscow st basil's russian
moscow st basil's people spot place

Ford Mustang Review

As household a name as Folgers, Marlboro or Kraft Mac 'n Cheese, the Ford Mustang is the longest surviving of the affordable breed of classic American muscle cars. Sold always in coupe and most times in convertible and 2+2 fastback forms as well since its 1964 introduction, the Ford Mustang is the only one of the original pony cars to enjoy an uninterrupted production run. It hasn't been easy, either, as oil crises, tightening emissions standards and corporate budget cuts have put the Mustang's future in doubt on more than one occasion. Ultimately, though, its iconic status within the Ford lineup and popularity with consumers has seen it through.



2008 Ford Mustang GT Convertible Shown

There have been many great Mustangs over the decades: Most revered as collector cars are the 1965-'70 Shelby Mustangs and the '69 and '70 Boss 302 and 429, while the '69 and '70 Mach 1, 1984-'86 turbocharged SVOs, 2000 Cobra R and '03 and '04 supercharged SVT Cobra are also coveted. Most Mustangs have had far more pedestrian credentials, of course, but with at least one V8 in the lineup for virtually all of the car's lifespan, the Mustang has long been the choice of consumers seeking power and style in a rear-wheel-drive coupe, fastback or convertible. The current-generation Ford Mustang is easily the best ever from the standpoints of performance, refinement and day-to-day livability.

Completely redesigned for 2005, the Mustang moved to an all-new chassis after a 25-year run on the late-'70s-era Fox-body platform. Ford's pony car still uses rear-wheel drive and a fairly basic solid-axle rear suspension, but ride quality and handling are more precisely controlled than on any previous Mustang.

Most noticeable is the car's styling, which pays homage to the famed Mustangs of the 1960s: With its big grille, round headlights, high-mounted foglights and fastback roof line, the current Mustang GT coupe is a throwback to the muscle car heyday. The classic motif continues inside where an old-school dash, steering wheel and instrumentation are integrated into a modern, ergonomically friendly design. Some materials are low in quality, however, as Ford sought to keep the price tag low as well.

Indeed, value remains one of the Ford Mustang's strengths. For about $20,000, you can get into a Mustang coupe with a healthy, 4.0-liter V6 good for 210 horsepower. For about five grand more, you can get a convertible or opt for the GT coupe, which packs a 300-hp, 4.6-liter V8 complete with burbling exhaust note. Fully loaded Mustang GT convertibles top out in the mid-$30K range.

For those who find the GT too tame, an elite Mustang called the Shelby GT500 debuted in coupe and convertible form for 2007. It's much pricier than regular Mustangs, but the payoff is a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 good for 500 hp, and a thoroughly reworked chassis.

There have been eight previous generations of the Ford Mustang, and given the car's sustained popularity over the years, older models are relatively easy to find on the used market. Still, most specimens you're likely to find will be from the eighth generation, sold from 1999-2004. This is the best of the Fox-body Mustangs, and like the current car, it offered a good blend of performance, fun and affordability. Downsides included rather crude handling characteristics (a consequence of the aged platform) and a cheap interior with an awkward driving position.

If you're shopping for an eighth-gen Mustang, our pick would be a GT from any year, as it offered a healthy 260-hp V8. If you're seeking something faster and rarer, consider the limited-edition Mach 1 (305-hp V8) or supercharged SVT Cobra (390-hp V8), which were sold in 2003 and 2004. The Cobra is the only Ford Mustang ever fitted with an independent rear suspension; it was also sold in '99 and 2000 but wasn't supercharged. Even rarer is the 2000 Cobra R, a race-ready, 385-hp Mustang coupe stripped of its rear seats and air-conditioning.

You'll also encounter plenty of seventh-generation Mustang coupes and convertibles, sold from 1994-'98. This car is very similar mechanically to the eighth-gen Mustang; the main difference is exterior styling. If you're thinking of buying one, 1996-'98 GT and SVT Cobra models might be preferable, as the '96 model year brought a new 4.6-liter, SOHC V8 that was much smoother than the outgoing 5.0-liter V8. Although horsepower held steady in the GT, the Cobra jumped from 240 to 305. The most collectible Mustang of this period is the '95 Cobra R, a 300-hp coupe without a backseat.

Infiniti G37 Review

When Infiniti's first G35 coupe stormed onto the scene in 2002, it proved a worthy alternative to BMW's 3 Series — the best you could get for $35,000 at that time. Now, as the new 3 Series reassumes control of the segment with a rip-snorting 300 horsepower in the 335i, it seems time for Infiniti to hatch the latest G.


That the redesigned G35 sedan already provided a compelling alternative to the 3 Series didn't matter. Infiniti decided against matching that car's 306-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, instead building a 3.7-liter engine for the appropriately named G37 coupe. The larger V-6 sends an estimated 330 hp to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

Three trim levels are available: base, Journey and Sport 6MT, which is sold exclusively with the manual. Infiniti G37s hit dealerships in August 2007.

Exterior
The G37 looks much like you'd expect for a two-door offshoot of the new G35. The curvaceous body integrates large — but fairly subtle — fenders, while the bumper boasts one of the more sinister interpretations of the familiar air dam and side portals you see on many cars. Twin L-shaped headlights flank the slatted grille. The taillights aren't all that different from those on the previous G35 coupe.

Adding the Sport package to a G37 Journey gets you a sport-tuned suspension, exterior ground effects and massive 14-inch front disc brakes — the same size as those on a Corvette Z06. The Sport package also swaps the G37's standard 18-inch alloy wheels for 19-inchers. The G37 Sport 6MT includes all the enhancements standard.


Infiniti's 4-Wheel Active Steer system is optional on the Journey and 6MT. It turns the rear wheels as well as the front ones, which purportedly improves high-speed handling and makes it easier to turn at parking-lot speeds.

At 183.1 inches long and 71.8 inches wide, the G37 is nominally bigger than the 335i coupe. It's even a bit wider than the G35 sedan.

Interior
Apart from having a smaller backseat with room for two instead of three, the G37's cabin is not much different from that of the G35 sedan. The coupe's interior is a vast improvement over the first-generation G35, and now features such novelties as aluminum trim modeled after Japanese Washi paper.

Standard features include power front seats, automatic climate control, a six-speaker CD stereo and leather upholstery. Heated seats with power side bolsters, a moonroof and a navigation system with real-time traffic monitoring are optional.

Under the Hood
Sporting an elaborate air induction system similar to (no surprise) BMW's Valvetronic, the 3.7-liter V-6 makes an estimated 330 hp and 270 pounds-feet of torque. It teams with a five-speed automatic transmission in the G37 base and Journey, while the Sport 6MT gets a six-speed manual. Cars with the Sport package include a limited-slip differential for better traction while cornering.

Infiniti estimates that the G37's engine actually delivers around 1 mpg better gas mileage than the 3.5-liter V-6 in the G35. With the EPA's revised fuel economy ratings for 2008, that should translate into roughly 21 mpg in combined city and highway driving for a manual-equipped G37.

Safety
All G37s come standard with six airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows. Active head restraints, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are also standard.

Infiniti's Intelligent Cruise Control, which can match highway speeds with the car ahead, is optional. It includes a Preview Braking function that preloads the brakes for faster response if the car in front slams on its brakes. Also optional are pre-crash seat belts that can tighten in response to emergency braking, as well as adaptive headlights that can swivel several degrees to better illuminate corners.

Jaguar XK-Series Review

The Jaguar E-Type or XKE is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful, iconic cars of all time. Introduced in 1961, it has been lusted after ever since, appearing on teenage boys' bedroom walls, grown men's garages and in movies like the "Austin Powers" series, where it served as the international man of mystery's Shaguar. More than three decades since the XKE went to cat heaven, its spirit lives on in a new breed of sleek Jaguar coupes and convertibles. The latest Jaguar XK-Series maintains classic design cues like the oval grille, but adds a thoroughly modern all-aluminum body and high-tech features designed to better defend Britain against German competition.




2008 Jaguar XK-Series XK Convertible

After 22 years of the unloved Jaguar XJS, the XK name and spirit were revived in the late '90s with the stunning XK8 coupe and convertible. Powered by an all-new 290-horsepower V8, it was quick and capable of keeping up with the best of the sub-$100,000 luxury coupe rivals of the time. As its 10-year life wore on, however, the competition predictably began to surpass the XK8 and the high-performance XKR in terms of refinement and comfort.

For 2007, the Jaguar XK ditched the "8" in its name and dusted off several layers of old-school Jaguar heritage to reveal an all-new, more modern coupe and convertible. Sharing components with the XJ sedan's aluminum structure, the XK is lighter and more rigid -- actually 50 percent stiffer -- than the old XK8, Jag says. Its interior is a drastic departure from the typical Jaguar look, with a modern dashboard design featuring a more intuitive control layout. The biggest interior change is the availability of alloy trim in lieu of wood – although some may argue that a Jag without wood is like Tom Selleck without the mustache.


Current Jaguar XK-Series

The new Jaguar XK and supercharged XKR are available as a two-door coupe and convertible. The standard XK comes with a 4.2-liter V8 churning out 300 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the XKR's supercharged version of the same engine pumps out 420 hp and 418 lb-ft of torque. Both models come standard with a six-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for automanual control. Jaguar's old "J-gate" shifter has finally been replaced with a new design that could perhaps be called a Backwards L Gate or Upside-Down 7 Gate.

The XKR adds sportier interior trim, 19-inch wheels (versus 18s), a firmer suspension, retuned steering, larger front brakes and exterior modifications like an aluminum mesh grille. The XK's standard stability control program is reprogrammed for the XKR to allow the driver more leeway and the option of shutting it off completely.

In road tests and reviews, we've found the regular Jaguar XK to be a little disappointing in terms of acceleration; the coupe's 0-60-mph time of 6.4 seconds is about a second slower than some competitors' times. Both XKR models are expectedly much quicker, going from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. When driving calls for something other than a straight line, both XKs display impressive composure through high-speed sweeping turns. On tighter roads, though, they lack a nimble feel. One final aspect to consider before a purchase would be reliability. In the three XKs we drove, we discovered electrical gremlins involving the touchscreen interface that operates navigation, stereo and climate functions.


Past Jaguar XK models

They say cats have nine lives and quite appropriately, it takes a long time for Jaguar coupes and roadsters to die. The XKE survived from 1961-'74 before being replaced by the very different XJS, which languished in mediocrity for 22 years before being mercifully put out of its misery. By comparison, the 10-year-old XK8 was practically a kitten when it was replaced by today's XK.

The 1997 Jaguar XK8 debuted in coupe and convertible body styles, with the XKR arriving in 2000. The standard 290-hp 4.0-liter engine was Jaguar's first-ever V8 and only the fourth all-new engine in its history. We were impressed with its low-end torque and found that it accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. We also thought it was "a hoot to drive" with effortless acceleration, precise steering and a supple suspension.

Inside, the XK8 featured a classic Jaguar look with lots of Connolly leather and walnut trim. Although it began to look antiquated later in life with unintuitive controls and subpar materials, in the retro-crazed late '90s, it was certifiably chic. The car's cramped interior dimensions and small trunk were never in style, however.

In 2003, the Jaguar XK-Series engine was upgraded to 294 hp and 303 lb-ft of torque (from 284 lb-ft), sending the coupe from zero to 60 in 6.1 seconds – which is better than the current model. That year also saw a new six-speed automatic and more than 900 other mostly minor changes, none of which touched the still-attractive sheet metal. After that, the XK8 prowled about through 2006 without any significant updates.

The high-performance XKR featured a supercharged version of the 4.0-liter V8, making 370 hp and 387 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 mph in the coupe was accomplished in 5.1 seconds. The 2003 revisions also applied to the XKR, including a power boost to 390 hp and 399 lb-ft of torque.

Prior to the XK8, Jaguar offered the XJS coupe and convertible. The latter appeared in 1989, replacing the odd "Cabriolet" model, which featured a Jeep Wrangler-esque retractable roof that maintained the window frames. By 1990, a 262-hp 5.3-liter V12 was the standard engine. It was briefly replaced in 1993 by a 4.0-liter inline-6 making only 219 hp, but a new 278-hp, 6.0-liter V12 emerged in 1994 to complement the standard six-cylinder. A four-speed automatic replaced the ancient GM TH400 three-speed auto in 1993. In 1992, a new head- and taillight design debuted.

The XJS was actually heavier than today's XK, making it all the more slow, ponderous to drive and generally undesirable. Also, with its 1970s-era interior and Jaguar's notoriously poor reliability from this era, used-car shoppers should avoid the XJS as if it were a rabid cat in heat.

Lamborghini Gallardo Review

Although it's probably difficult for most people to think of a nearly $200,000 automobile as "affordable," that's the position the Lamborghini Gallardo coupe and spyder convertible find themselves in within the Lambo product lineup. But no matter -- sports cars with exotic looks and the performance to match have a built-in ownership audience.



2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe Shown

Since its introduction, the mission for this "baby Lamborghini" has been to maintain the style and attitude of Lamborghini's 12-cylinder cars but be more livable in everyday use. It's been a successful strategy, as there's been no shortage of takers who rightly lust after such a usable and alluring sports car. In fact, the Gallardo has become this Italian automaker's best-selling model ever.

In terms of layout and design, the Lamborghini Gallardo is a true exotic. There's a mid-mounted V10 engine, all-wheel drive and the availability of an F1-style transmission. To keep weight down, the chassis is a composite blend of alloy stampings, extrusions and castings. And except for the traditionally opening steel doors (no scissors), the exterior is constructed of thermoplastic-formed panels.

Inside, the Gallardo's handsome furnishings sublimely marry form with function and offer a surprising level of comfort for a vehicle of this type. Credit is certainly due to the influence of parent company Audi, whose expertise with interior design has been of no small benefit since the Volkswagen Group purchased Lamborghini in the late 1990s.

Without too much difficultly, one can claim that the Gallardo is Lamborghini's best sports car ever. If there's anything lacking, it's the outrageous spirit and flair so often associated with the company's more expensive or legendary offerings. But the trade-off of a little spirit for a lot of functionality has been a good one, and there's no doubt that the Gallardo is a true, world-class exotic.


Current Lamborghini Gallardo

The exotic Lamborghini Gallardo is currently available as a coupe or spyder convertible, with the coupe available in two trim levels: base and SE. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, fully powered accessories and a CD audio system. A winter package adds heated mirrors and seats along with winter tires and specific wheels. A sport suspension, navigation system, carbon-ceramic brakes and rear back-up camera are also available. In keeping with its pedigree, the Gallardo's trim and paint can be further customized, too. The limited-production SE is similar to the base coupe mechanically, but has a specific two-tone color treatment and includes as standard equipment some of the base car's optional features.

A new addition for 2007 is the Gallardo Superleggera. This coupe-only model has been modified for even better performance. It features 10 additional horsepower, slightly different suspension settings and an approximate 150-pound-lighter curb weight thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber and reduced feature content.

For optimum dynamic balance, the 5.0-liter V10 engine is positioned just aft of the driver. It develops 512 horsepower (522 for the Superleggera) and 376 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. An automated, sequential-shifting manual "e-gear" transmission is also available, which can be placed in an automatic mode or shifted via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Antilock brakes, traction control and stability control are standard safety fare, as are head-protecting side curtain airbags.

Audi's influence is obvious inside the Lamborghini Gallardo, with plenty of precisely fitting leather and soft-touch materials. Despite the fact that this is an exotic sports car, seating is comfortable enough to accommodate the occasional road trip. Though not as flamboyant as its extroverted exterior, the interior styling still befits a vehicle in this price range. Storage space is tight, though, with a minimal amount of room available behind the seats and in the nose-mounted trunk.

But once behind the wheel, you'll gladly leave everything behind in exchange for the sweet, sonorous symphony of its V10 at full throttle. With more than 500 horses at your command, the Gallardo is capable of spine-compressing speed in any gear. The big V10 and all-wheel-drive system do add quite a bit of mass, so it doesn't deliver the razor's-edge responsiveness of some of its rivals. And the powerful brakes can feel a bit inconsistent at the limit. But there's still plenty to like about the Gallardo. Its gearing practically begs you to rev the V10 for all it's worth, and its AWD system certainly gives it a clear advantage for safely wringing out maximum performance when the road ahead is slick and unfamiliar.


Past Lamborghini Gallardo Models

The Gallardo coupe debuted in 2004. An expanded lineup arrived in 2006 featuring the addition of the spyder convertible with an automatic folding soft top and the SE model featuring two-tone color treatments and a host of mechanical updates that ultimately extended to the regular Gallardo as well.

Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA6 Review

2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA6 Sedan

Since its launch, the Mazda 6 has been a favorite among those looking for a midsize sedan with a little more verve. Characterized by its edgy good looks and sporty handling, the 6 also provides the requisite amounts of comfort and features expected in the class. It has been criticized, though, for not offering enough power from its optional 3.0-liter V6. To compensate, Mazda introduced the high-performance Mazdaspeed 6 in 2006.

Beyond the regular 6, the Mazdaspeed version features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, a limited-slip rear differential, larger brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and subtle body modifications. The result is a performance-tuned sedan well-suited for driving enthusiasts who need a usable backseat but can't (or won't) pay for more expensive sport sedans.



Current Mazda Mazdaspeed 6

Compared to boy racer mods made to cars like the Subaru WRX STI or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the styling tweaks made to the Mazdaspeed 6 are subtle. There are no hood scoops or rear wings the size of mom's ironing board. In fact, its trunk lid spoiler is noticeably smaller than the regular Mazda 6's wing. The most noticeable transformations were made to the front fascia to accommodate a bigger airdam and a taller hood needed for the turbo's intercooler. Fifteen-spoke 18-inch wheels and larger dual tailpipes round out the visual spice.

The biggest changes are found under the hood, where a turbocharged and direct-injected version of Mazda's 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out an impressive 274 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Zero to 60 mph goes by in 6.1 seconds, with the quarter-mile achieved in 14.3 seconds. Though the regular 6 is front-wheel drive, the Mazdaspeed version gets an exclusive all-wheel-drive system to prevent torque steer and improve handling. It automatically varies the power split between 100 percent to the front wheels and a 50/50 front/rear ratio, depending on factors such as traction, steering angle and yaw. The driver can also select Normal, Sports and Snow modes for optimized traction. A limited-slip rear differential borrowed from the Mazda RX-8 rounds out the handling modifications.

The Mazdaspeed 6 is available in Sport and Grand Touring models. Inside, there are few differences from the standard Mazda 6 cabin, which is perfectly acceptable due to its good build quality, classy patterned plastics and stylish red lighting. The front seats are sporty and comfortable, though the rear hiproom and shoulder room are tight compared to other midsize family sedans. Both trims come equipped with xenon headlamps, automatic climate control, a Bose stereo with six-CD changer and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls. The Grand Touring adds leather, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats and keyless ignition. Navigation, satellite radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a moonroof are options on the Grand Touring.

In reviews, we were impressed with the Mazdaspeed 6's combination of performance, practicality and value. Its handling and mostly lag-free turbocharged acceleration impressed, as did its roomy interior and subtle exterior that allows for discreet performance. There are drawbacks, however, and most have to do with its everyday use. The steering and clutch are heavy, making this 6 an iffy choice for five-day stop-and-go traffic. There's also no automatic transmission offered.

Past Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 models

The Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 sedan was all-new for the 2006 model year and has not been changed.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

When the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster debuted in 1989, this snazzy little convertible was an instant hit. Marking a revival of the affordable roadster format that was once dominated by British automakers, the Mazda Miata introduced a modern approach to reliability and engineering. Buyers lined up outside Mazda dealerships and gladly paid sticker price-plus-some for the fetching new Miata.



Though the initial mania has long since faded, the Mazda Miata continues to be a very popular convertible. Over the years, Mazda's little roadster has gotten bigger and heftier due to the addition of comfort and safety equipment. But it's also gotten more powerful and capable. The first major redesign came in 1999. Our editors found that Mazda improved the second-generation Miata with a larger interior, a stiffened chassis, exposed headlamps and more aggressive styling, without bumping up the price or diluting its perky personality.

The third-generation car continues the trend. It still changes direction like a go-kart, communicates clearly to the driver and accelerates with an inspiring inline-4 growl. If you're in the market for an affordable car that provides plenty of top-down, open-road thrills, we highly recommend putting a new or used Mazda Miata on your list.

The current MX-5 Miata has gone upscale with the inclusion of an available power hardtop on Grand Touring, Touring and Sport models, with regular power soft tops standard in these models, as well as a value-filled Base version. This somewhat simplified new lineup replaces the six multiple personalities -- Club Spec, Base, Touring, Sport, Grand Touring and Limited -- previously offered since the third-generation redesign in 2006.

All Mazda Miatas are powered by a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine good for 170 horsepower -- nearly as much as previous turbocharged Mazdaspeed high-performance models. Depending on trim levels you'll find this power routed to the rear wheels through a five- or six-speed manual transmission, or an available six-speed automatic for shiftless types -- though with the automatic, horsepower drops to 166.

In terms of options, luxurious items like leather seats and a seven-speaker Bose audio system are available. But with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, we feel "less" may actually be "more." If you're piling a ton of extras on this little sports car, you're missing the point: The essence of this Mazda roadster is about simplicity in design and operation, and about having fun and feeling unencumbered behind the wheel on a warm summer night.



If you're such a purist (or a racing enthusiast) and shopping for a used Mazda Miata, we suggest you save a few bucks and shop for a non-special edition or Club Spec model with just the basics like a five-speed manual, tilt wheel, CD player and power windows/mirrors -- or a simple Base model, which adds air-conditioning and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to the mix.

To meet the ever-increasing demand for comfort and safety equipment, the MX-5 Miata was carefully redesigned in 1999 and improved over the original in almost every way. The following year, a streamlined model lineup included the Miata and Miata LS with three simplified option packages available. In 2001, horsepower was bumped again to 155 and a six-speed manual was optional on the Miata LS. The MX-5 received a Mazdaspeed makeover and newfound life in 2004, featuring a 178-hp turbocharged engine, high-performance suspension and exterior styling enhancements.

The original Mazda Miata roadster of 1990 offered one engine, one transmission and three colors: red, white and blue. Detail improvements saw the Miata through its first several years, with revised option packages, more power and a stunning M-edition with Merlot Mica paint, tan top and matching leather interior and 15-inch BBS wheels available in 1995. Competition-minded individuals might want to focus on R-Package-equipped Miatas introduced in 1994, which turned the Miata into a race-ready street machine with drivetrain and suspension modifications. The final year for this model was 1997, and there was no 1998 model.

Mazda RX-8 Review

Most people know that Mazda builds sporty cars. But for driving enthusiasts, it's the company's history of building sport coupes with lightweight rotary engines that sets it apart from the competition. The Mazda RX-8 is the latest of these coupes, and it's the only one with a four-door configuration.



2008 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring Coupe Shown

The heart of the Mazda RX-8 is its high-revving, 1.3-liter rotary engine called the Renesis. It's a made-up word: The "R" and the "e" stand for "Rotary engine," while "nesis" comes from the word "genesis." Odd name aside, the Renesis engine is an impressive bit of engineering: Unlike its forbears, it locates the exhaust ports on the side of each of the combustion chambers, rather than on the outer edge of the rotary housing. Sounds simple, but this one change allows for more power, higher fuel economy and lower emissions.

Because of the engine's compact size, engineers were able to mount it further back in the RX-8's chassis, giving the car a coveted 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. This, along with balanced suspension tuning, sharp steering and a svelte 3,000-pound curb weight, makes the rear-wheel-drive RX-8 one of the best-handling cars on the market. It's certainly among the best sports cars available for less than $30,000, and deserving of any consideration you give it.

Introduced for 2004, the Mazda RX-8 heralded the return of the rotary-powered sports car to the U.S. after a near decade-long hiatus. It also gave Mazda an image car with greater stature and performance credentials than the fun-loving Miata. Although the RX-8 hasn't been a runaway sales success, most people would agree it's been good for the company's reputation.

Although Mazda sells its sport coupe with either a manual or automatic transmission, the six-speed manual version is really the only way to experience an RX-8. It's not just the closer connection you feel to the car when moving the short-throw shifter among the neatly defined gates. It's the fact that manual-shift RX-8s get a more powerful version of the 1.3-liter rotary engine.

In a manual-equipped Mazda RX-8, horsepower crests at 238 at 8,500 rpm, with redline hitting at an amazing 9,000. Low-end torque has never been a strong suit of rotary engines, and with a mere 159 pound-feet coming together at 5,500 rpm, the RX-8 doesn't really feel potent below 4,000. Fortunately, the rotary engine loves to rev and is very smooth when doing it.



Inside Line testers have timed the RX-8 at 6.6 seconds to 60 mph and 15.1 seconds through the quarter-mile -- respectable numbers but not enough to win many straight-line acceleration crowns in this class. However, Mazda's rotary coupe quickly makes up ground when the road turns curvy.

Automatic RX-8s are tamer, redlining at just 7,500 rpm. If you're going to buy one, 2006 and newer models are your best bet, as they come with a more advanced six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters. They also provide 212 hp at 7,500 rpm, compared to 197 in the '04 and '05 models, which came with a four-speed automatic.

In spite of its capability, the Mazda RX-8 rides comfortably enough to serve as a daily commuter, though with fuel economy typically hovering in the high teens, it's not the most economical choice. The rear seats are roomy enough to seat adults on short trips, and reverse-hinged rear doors allow the loading of bulky car seats.

RX-8s come standard with all the essential amenities, though manual versions come with a firmer suspension and 18-inch wheels, which are optional on the automatic. Further suspension upgrades are available via the Shinka special-edition package. You can also add luxuries like leather upholstery and a navigation system.

Although it has an extra set of doors, the Mazda RX-8 is a descendant of the two-door RX-7 sport coupe sold in three generations from 1979-'95. The RX-7 was yanked from the U.S. market due to poor sales and difficulty in meeting emissions standards, but lived on in the Japanese market through 2002. At the time of its U.S. demise, the third-gen RX-7 was a much more expensive car than today's RX-8, with a base price of $32,500 in 1995 dollars.

That's not to say it wasn't worth the extra money. Sold from 1993-'95, this model was turbocharged and capable of 255 hp at 6,500 rpm and 217 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Zero to 60 took just 5.5 seconds, with the quarter-mile mark coming in 14 seconds flat. Not only was it fast, it was a superb handler, often inspiring comparisons to Formula cars. Harsh ride quality was the big downside. This car fetches high prices on the used market, though potential buyers should be attentive to excessive wear and tear and aftermarket modifications made by the previous owner.