www.womanthismonth.com 55 June 2015 SPORTS CAR These cars are rarely practical, they are intended to create an atmosphere of fun for the driver on the streets or at the race track. They are usually small, close to the ground and with very limited interior space. Most of them have seats for two passengers only. The construction of a sports car often relies on lightweight components such as aluminium and carbon fibre to maximise engine power. Despite the enormous horsepower, the future of this vehicle category is becoming enriched with powertrain technology such as hybrid platforms. Some sports car examples are the Porsche 911 and Ferrari Berlinetta. TRUCK OR PICKUP These are the work-horse of the auto industry. Opt for them if you want a heavy-duty vehicle or if you like tough cars like this. They are found with an open, flat bed for carrying a variety of cargo. Regular cab trucks provide single row seating while an extended cab adds rear seats for additional passengers. Offered with two doors or four depending on whether the cabin is extended, they are also usually available with two- or four-wheel drive systems and the engine choice is vast. The robust Ford F-150 Raptor is not only admired for its capacity but also for its design. LUXURY CAR The most valuable feature in a luxury car is comfort. If you think of the oddity and expense of early automobiles, this category was actually one of the first vehicle types established. The expense of its components takes it to a higher level when compared to conventional autos. Both brand prestige and technology are responsible for the high price. Many automotive features first appear on luxury cars before reaching the mass market. Luxury vehicles can be found in almost all body styles from coupés and sedans to convertibles and SUVs. Today’s luxury cars offer a more performance car-like ride, for a faster and smarter driving experience. Due to their high prices, luxury cars are often produced in lower quantities, sometimes even as limited editions such as the Maserati Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna. COVERTIBLE An open-air passenger cabin for travelling during good weather makes convertibles what they are. Early automobile history shows they were the only types of car originally available. Nowadays, a convertible is considered an automotive lifestyle choice. The biggest problem with this kind of vehicle is the amount of trunk space lost when the roof section is retracted. These cars are most used to enjoy scenic driving (not always the best option for the Middle East’s harsh weather). The different aerodynamics caused by an open top result in slower performance attributes. However, most convertibles are adapted from a coupé or share the characteristics of a sporty twodoor. Look for the BMW 4 series convertible. HYBRID CAR Using the strengths and efficiency of two power sources, hybrid cars have emerged as an important vehicle class. They usually operate with a combustion engine and electric power motor working together to enhance fuel economy or to boost power. Plug-in hybrids are gaining popularity in the market, they can run like an electric car for a certain distance and then use the fuel-burning engine when the battery is depleted. This is a great option if you are considering an electric car, but there is still a concern with low battery ranges. However, if you are only travelling a short distance each day, you may be able to avoid regular trips to the gas station. The Porsche Cayenne S E-hybrid (see review pg56) falls in this category.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==