Posts Tagged ‘Exotic Car Rental’

A few months ago, fuel prices became so obscenely high that it wasn’t practical to drive a luxury car or any car at all, unless it was very important or necessary to. Nowadays, fuel prices have gone down to very affordable levels that V-8 powered SUVs and gas-guzzling luxury cars are back on the streets, and in full force! Unfortunately for these luxury car owners and prospective buyers, another storm is brewing on the horizon – a feared financial recession is beginning to be felt in Europe and in North America.

Fortunately for us Filipinos, we came late to the globalization party thus, when the recession does hit affected countries, we won’t be feeling it immediately, or at least, not for a long while, if our local industry and government financial analysts are to be believed. It’s like we arrived late to a drinking spree and when we got there, everybody was already punch-drunk. And then, just as we were about to enjoy our second glass of wine, (or bottle of beer, if that’s what you prefer), everybody’s itching to go home and nurse their headaches and hangovers.

So, in light of these global developments, do we still need luxury cars?

Drive One to Know One

The only way to answer the question above is to drive a full-size luxury sedan and see if there’s still a reason for their being. We borrowed a 2008 Chrysler 300C and lived with it for a while just so we could get a glimpse of an owner’s experience.

With a low stance, chiseled shoulders and its signature large front grill, the Chrysler 300C is an eye-catcher that’s masculine, a little bit retro and undeniably high-end. Local Chrysler 300C buyers have a choice of three engines: The most affordable model gets a 190hp 2.7-liter V6 which replaced the Touring model that has a 250hp 3.5-liter V6; the Hemi model gets a 340hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 while the high-performance SRT8 model offers a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 that makes a whopping 425 horsepower. For practical purposes, we got a 2.7-liter for our test.

Beyond the hype and the resultant image, the Chrysler 300C provides an excellent ride that borders on luxurious and sporty, as it provides handling dynamics that’s unexpected from American-made sedans. Its overall combination of style, performance and room make it a really desirable yet practical luxury car. In fact, we get more stares, thumbs-up and pointed fingers driving the Chrysler 300C than we would with a popular European luxury car brand.

Well-Appointed

The rear-wheel-drive Chrysler 300C is a large sedan imported into the country by its official Philippine distributor, CATS Motors and comes well-appointed even in its most affordable trim level. With automatic climate control system, power seats, cruise control, remote keyless entry, 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon-headlights, fog lights, a Boston Acoustics sound system, foldaway mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, premium leather trim, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and a driver memory system, our base 2.7 V6 300C rivals the luxury appointments of even the top-of-the-line Japanese executive luxury sedans.

While more options are available on the higher 300C models, we found that as equipped, our 2.7 V6 300C already satisfies. However, if we had a little more “disposable” income, we’d opt for the 5.7-liter Hemi model, not only because it adds more features, but because we felt that the bigger V8 engine with its higher torque rating carries the weight of the 300C much better, especially off the line. Of course, as car enthusiasts, we would like to get our greedy little hands on the high-performance SRT8 models but these 6.1-liter V8 monsters, even when equipped with the vaunted multi-displacement demand system that would make them a little more fuel-efficient, will gulp down fuel faster than a thirsty sailor on shore leave because of our heavy right foot.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), traction control and stability control, dual airbags and side curtain airbags all make the 300C a safe place to be in case of a crash and it was proven in American NHTSA crash tests, where the car earned a perfect five stars for frontal-impact protection. In side-impact tests, it earned four stars for front-occupant safety and five stars for the rear. It earned a “Good” rating – the highest possible – in IIHS frontal-offset crash testing.

Driving Impressions

The interior opens to feature a simple but elegant layout. The dash may not be as fancy as some other cars in this segment, but its combination of sporty, semi-retro and luxury motifs is effective and the white-faced gauges add to its luxurious feel. Cabin dimensions are generous in all directions, and the trunk is simply cavernous. General driving position is compatible with European and Japanese cars, and the 5-speed automatic transmission is a joy to drive.

Understandably, the 300C comes with plenty of Mercedes-Benz technology since it was designed when M-B and Chrysler were still partners as DaimlerChrysler and the V6 motor was one of technologies developed by M-B. When we got the car, our trip computer showed an average fuel consumption of 15.4 liters per 100 kilometers (6.5 kilometers per liter), probably due to its use in the crazy Metro traffic. However, our smooth drive to Subic and around SBMA brought it down to a more manageable 9.8 liters per 100kms or 10.2 km/L in combined city and highway driving.

Do We Really Need One?

With a price hovering around 2.5-3 million pesos for the 2.7 V6 300C, this Chrysler will give the comparably priced Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 a serious run for the money. Styling, of course, is subjective and the brutish-looking 300C is far more distinctive than the sleek, organic look of its European counterparts. On the other hand, many pundits are saying that the Chrysler 300C is the “poor man’s Bentley”, if indeed poor men should need a Bentley during their humble existence.

But, we’re not really poor. And we’re not really wealthy, either.

So, to answer the question, YES, some of us need to have luxury vehicles and YES, the luxury and image that Chrysler 300C affords its occupants is one of the reasons for its being. It may not be a practical everyday mode of transportation, but the new Chrysler 300C models are more fuel efficient, more earth-friendly and more attractive than their ancestors from the ‘60s. Blessed are the men who can afford the 300C.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=441225&publicationSubCategoryId=72

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Have the winter blues got you feeling a little under the weather lately? Not sure how to put a little pep back in your step?

-If you’re planning to fly, it might be a good idea to pack light and carry on your luggage. That way, you can avoid the possibility of losing your luggage, not have to bother with any additional baggage fees, save on check-in time and give yourself additional flexibility.

-So many travel problems occur when you miss your connection, get stuck in an unfamiliar city or have to rebook your flights. If you book a direct flight, you won’t have to worry about missing connecting flights and a good suggestion is to book the earliest departing flight possible.

-The day before and after a holiday are the most expensive times to travel. The reason for this is obviously because they are the busiest times as well. Allow for more flexibility with your travel dates so you can not only get a better deal, but also avoid the crowds.

- Rent a van and avoid the hassle of finding transportation around town. Just be sure to get a map of the city you are visiting so you’ll have a better idea of where you’re going. If possible, try to make car rental arrangements in advance.

-You’re always told to arrive at the airport early, but this statement is never more true than during holiday travel. With the added crowds, it’s important to arrive at least two hours before your departure time to allow for waiting at security checkpoints.

-Don’t forget to bring any important phone numbers that will help with your travel. For emergencies, it’s always important to bring the phone numbers of family members, but don’t forget the number for your travel agent, airline, rental car company or anyone else who may be able to help relieve headaches along the way.

For more information on car rentals during the holiday season, contact Image Rent a Car today or Image Van Rentals!

Rent A Rolls or a Mercedes Benz S550 2009 ( http://www.forbes.com/2006/09/29/ferrari-bentley-rolls-life-autos_cx_dl_1002carclubs.html )
A few years ago, when Torbin Fuller was a senior analyst in Ford Motor’s corporate-finance department, he gave up on his red 1982 Ferrari 308 (the Magnum P.I. Ferrari). Ownership was a hassle, particularly considering that Italian supercars are not known for reliability or affordable maintenance.

 
Mercedes Benz Sprinter ( DODGE) 12 Seat Vans Dodge Sprinter 12 passenger van rental today! Image Rent A Car is proud to provide travelers with a wide variety of van rentals including specialized luxury vans, full size vans, fuel efficient minivans and ultra spacious.
Mercedes Benz CLS500 Rentals: Automatic, seats 4, sports package, cruise control, power door locks, CD player & changer, power windows, power seats, sunroof, leather seats, navigation system
Designed with the world’s first seven-speed automatic transmission, the Mercedes CLS500 is full of record breaking potential, setting the standard for first-class automotive genius around the world. Equipped with a myriad of technologically advanced systems, the Mercedes-Benz CLS500 is capable of handling most any on-road situation, be it a slipper street or bumpy roadblock. Standard features of the CLS500 include Sensotronic Braking, computer-controlled air-springs, a COMAND driver interface and ultra comfy seats. The CLS500 also features a plethora of trunk space, boasting over 15.8 feet of prime storage space. Exotic car rental New York customers are also treated to side curtain airbags, as well as removable headrests. The perfect plush passenger carrier for cosmopolitan travelers and corporate clients, the Mercedes-Benz CLS500 exotic car rental is well on its way to becoming one of America’s favorite foreign coupes.
Want sportiness?  Then we got the convertibles
Mercedes Benz SL500 Convertible: Automatic, seats 2, cruise control, power door and windows, convertible top, CD player & changer, power and leather seats, navigation system
Mercedes Benz CLK320 Convertible: Automatic, seats 4, cruise control, power door locks, convertible top, CD player, power windows, power seats, leather seats
Mercedes Benz CLK430 Convertible: Automatic, seats 4, cruise control, power door locks, convertible top, CD player, power windows, power seats, leather seats
Mercedes Benz ML-class Luxury SUV Rentals: Automatic, seats 5, cruise control, power locks, CD player & changer, power windows, power seats, sunroof, leather seats
 
 
 
 The Mercedes-Benz CLK500 or the CLK430 luxury sports car is currently one of the most progressive Mercedes vehicles in production. Designed to push the limits on everyday driving, the CLK500 Cabriolet features a 5.0 liter V8 engine capable of outputting nearly 305 horsepower at just 5600rpm! Impressive under any circumstance, the CLK500 Cabriolet’s engine is also paired with a seven-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission complete with driver-adaptive shift points and Touchshift, Mercedes first steering wheel mounted button-activated gearshift. A long list of standard amenities can also be found inside this stellar automobile including 10-way adjustable power seats with three different memory settings, emergency brake assist ABS brakes, Mercedes’ flagship Electronic Stability Program, dual-zone climate control (complete with a convenient pollen and dust filter), and a newly designed side-impact airbag system. You simply can’t find a vehicle that’s better than this one, so don’t delay ? reserve the CLK500 Cabriolet Rentals today!
Prefer to drive the streets in a SUV instead of a luxury or sports car?
Mercedes Benz ML500: Automatic, seats 5, cruise control, power door lock, CD player, power windows, power seats, leather seats, sunroof, navigation system
Mercedes Benz G500: Automatic, seats 4, cruise control, power door locks, CD player & changer, power windows, power seats, sunroof, leather seats, navigation system
 
Mercedes Benz E Class: Automatic, seats 5, cruise control, power locks, CD player & changer, power windows, power seats, sunroof, leather seats
Mercedes Benz C Class: Automatic, seats 5, cruise control, power locks, CD player & changer, power windows, power seats, sunroof, leather seats
The Mercedes-Benz C240 luxury sedan is the most popular C-Class sedan on the road today boasting thousands of sales nationwide. A superb exotic rental vehicle, the C240 features a wide variety of standard amenities including (but not limiting itself) to a 168-horsepower 2.6 liter V6 engine, a standard five-speed Touch Shift automatic transmission, leather seat inserts, power front seat adjusters, power windows, power locks, cruise control and a sensational seven speaker stereo system. Designed to accommodate the needs of both the young and the old, the Mercedes-Benz C240 is powerfully nimble, demanding attention on most any roadway! The C240 is also enhanced with the industries most advanced safety equipment and technology providing exotic car rental New York travelers with a constant blanket of protections and security. Amongst these features you’ll find the highly regarded Electronic Stability Program, also known as the world’s best traction and anti-skidding devise; side-impact airbags for both the front and rear passengers and curtain-style head protection airbags at both the front and the rear of the vehicle.
“It’s really complicated, sitting at your desk, discreetly trying to arrange to get the car towed into the dealer or trying to order a part,” he said in a recent phone interview. “Stepping out into a hallway or trying to find a conference room… kind of took all the fun out of it.”

Fuller, now 33, sold his Ferrari and in March 2003 pioneered (according to him) the business of exotic-car timeshares. As the president of Club Sportiva, which has six locations in the U.S. and Europe, he supervises more than 200 members, who save tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars each by sharing luxury cars, sports cars and exotic cars, rather than buying them.

In Pictures: The Hottest Cars, The Coolest Clubs
Demand is increasing for alternatives to traditional ownership of high-end cars. Membership clubs and organizations offering fractional luxury-car ownership are in their infancy, as are agencies that rent new-model supercars, but they are expanding.

More and more exotic-car drivers are finding they don’t spend enough time in their cars to justify owning them year-round and paying six-figure prices. If you’re a Manhattan executive with a Lamborghini, you probably don’t drive it to work each day. You might only use it on vacation. Or maybe you only bring out your Rolls-Royce. These are the kind of folks signing up.
Another advantage of membership clubs is that instead of having to choose which car to buy, you can get a variety of different vehicles delivered in the course of a year.
“It’s a bit of an addictive thing,” said Fuller. “Once you’ve driven a Ferrari and a Bentley and a Lamborghini and a Porsche, you ask, ‘What’s next on my hit list?’ ”
Ron Van Horssen, chairman of Phoenix’s Van Horssen Group membership club, agrees. In a recent phone interview, Van Horssen, 55, said, “The time is right for people to rethink how they’re enjoying the latest cars. The cars are depreciating assets, so there’s no reason to own them–fractionally or otherwise. But there are a lot of reasons to enjoy them and compare them.” (He did, however, state that “if you’re going to use it for more than 100 days, it’s going to be more cost-effective for you to buy the car.”)
Despite Van Horssen’s assertions of the superiority of membership clubs, George Kiebala, who says he pioneered fractional car ownership with Chicago-based Curvy Road, argues that fractional ownership offers a richer experience, in which you don’t have to worry about whether you have bought or accrued enough “membership points” to take advantage of all your club has to offer. Membership clubs often have different tiers you can buy into–buy a mid-level membership package, and you won’t have access to the club’s hottest vehicles.
Both membership clubs and fractional-ownership plans offer several advantages that traditional ownership does not. For traditional owners, exotic cars are expensive to own, store and maintain. And they depreciate, something that isn’t a big worry for sharers or fractional owners. With these alternatives, the parent companies change the shared vehicles’ oil, detail them, give them other maintenance and deliver them to you with full tanks of gas, so you’re always getting into cars that feel clean and new.
Membership clubs are also just that–clubs, with group activities. Club Sportiva recently took some members on a four-day tour of the Swiss Alps. They arranged hotels, airfare and dinners for its members and their spouses. On Nov. 17, several Club Sportiva members will travel to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where they will get to drive a million-dollar Formula 1 race car. This summer, Van Horssen Group members took a six-day tour of the best fly-fishing spots in the Rocky Mountains.
Fuller believes that membership clubs are superior to fractional-ownership plans, because they offer a variety of vehicles for you to drive, as opposed to partial ownership of one car. However, Curvy Road says that it should be able to arrange for its vehicle owners to swap cars as they wish.
The slide show should help you determine which alternative to ownership is right for you. Kiebala says Curvy Road is the only place offering fractional exotic-car ownership, but membership clubs are on the rise. Fuller says that in the last 12 months, around six competitors to Club Sportiva have appeared.
The slide show focuses on new-model cars. And an organization’s “location,” as listed there, usually indicates the center of a 50- to 100-mile area in which deliveries are available. For example, Image Rent-a-Car is based in Brooklyn, N.Y. and serves New York, New Jersey, Connecticut , Pennsylvania and Miami Orlando Ft Lauderdale West Palm Beach Florida.
Get to know your delivery people. Once you get used to having clean, detailed, new exotic models at your service, you’ll want to test all the models you possibly can.

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