dream car driving in Dallas TX image

Do you think the merger will turn out to be a good thing for Porsche? Do you share the attitude of Jim Hearndon, vice chair of the Independent Porsche Enthusiasts Club of Great Britain, that “anything that means they [Porsche] survive is good.”

Did they really have a choice?

I hope that Porsche will stay true to its roots and experience the same kind of success that Lamborghini has had as part of VW.

That is going to be a little trickier for Porsche because it was already making 100,000 cars a year, as opposed to the handful that Lamborghini was making at the time it was acquired.

If you live in DFW or are coming for a visit and want to spend a day driving four exotic cars on some of Texas most scenic (and deserted) back roads, check out DFWDriveYourDream.com

The poll studied the happiness of residents in each of the 50 states and then ranked those states in order.  The Lone Start State came in at number 15, a respectable showing but not quite as high as some Texas residents might expect.

“I meet a lot of happy people,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental business.

It’s possible that Sturgeon’s sample doesn’t reflect the entire Texas population.  That’s because Sturgeon gets to speak to people just before and after they make their dreams come true.

“For a lot of people, the dream of driving a Lamborghini or Ferrari seems out of reach,” says Sturgeon, who also owns a business that provides automotive dream tours in the Dallas and Fort Worth area.  “We show them that you don’t have to be a millionaire to drive an exotic vehicle.”

These days, millionaires seem pretty few and far between.  Instead of running out and buying an exotic sports car, many auto enthusiasts are turning to creative alternatives like exotic car rental, automotive dream tours, and exotic car clubs.

While it can be fun to own an exotic car, it comes with a lot of hassle and expense.  In addition to the astronomically high car payment, exotic car owners need to find secure exotic car storage, qualified maintenance professionals, and affordable insurance.

Those are just a few of the reasons that exotic car rental is taking off.

“It’s also great for people who really want to experience a car before buying it,” Sturgeon says.  “This isn’t the kind of decision you should make lightly.”

The happiness survey asked participants about their lives and included questions about things like time spent commuting, quality of area schools, and crime levels.  Of the top 10 states, 7 were located in the Southern portion of the US.  Another high-ranking state was Hawaii.

“We get a lot of sun here too,” says Sturgeon.  “There’s nothing that improves your outlook like enjoying nice Texas weather in a convertible rental.”

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.

It seems that the world has gone crazy to me.

The Twins are in the post-season.

France is talking smack.

People are all over Michael Jordan for enjoying a cigar on the golf course.

A few years ago, Garrison Keillor wrote a funny sketch about the last half dozen smokers holed up in a cave somewhere being hunted down by the ATF as one of them smokes the nub of his last cigarette.

It doesn’t seem like we’re far from that when a fellow can’t burn one on the golf course without criticism.

If your particular vice is driving exotic sports cars, I invite you to make your way to Dallas-Fort Worth and enjoy a day of driving exotic cars on some of Texas’ most scenic and most desolate stretches of asphalt.

If you’ve ever wondered what taking a low slung Lamborghini Gallardo through a series of S-curves feels like, you ought to reserve a spot at DFWDriveYourDream.com’s 2000HP Tour. Why not experience 60MPH in first gear!

Tours are available throughout TX, and the Dallas-Fort Worth driving experiences feature five exotics. The line-up varies but typically includes a Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430 F1, Porsche 911, Dodge Viper Convertible, and 2009 Audi R8.

If you’ve longed for a little seat time in these machines, treat yourself. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime for a car enthusiasts, a fun Dallas TX bachelor party idea, or even a great thank you to a top performing salesperson.

Check out upcoming tour dates at DFWDriveYourDream.com.

This post written by Tampa SAT Tutor Eric Anderson. Visit Eric’s tutoring blog at http://www.I-Tutor-English.com.

It might be just the thing you need to cope with a crazy world.

The land speed record, which was set in 1906 by American driver Fred Marriott, was 127 miles per hour.  That record has been on the books for over 100 years, but now there’s a new record to beat.  On Tuesday, British Steam Car Challenge driver Charles Burnett III screamed around the course at speeds of up to 151 miles per hour.

(British Steam Challenge media photo. Used with permission.)

“It was absolutely fantastic,” said Burnett, who set the offshore water speed record in 1999.  “I enjoyed every moment of it.”

The British Steam Car Challenge, established in 1999, is designed to attract attention to steam as a power source and a viable alternative to fossil fuels.  The goal of the challenge was to create a vehicle that would set a new land speed record for steam, and that record was set on Tuesday.

“The car really did handle beautifully,” Burnett said.  “The team has worked extremely hard over the last 10 years and overcome numerous problems. It is a privilege to be involved with such a talented crew, what we have achieved today is a true testament to British engineering, good teamwork and perseverance.”

The car is a true engineering marvel.  It weighs in at three tons, and is made up of carbon-fiber, steel, and aluminum.  Its sleek, 25-foot-long chassis is a head-turner, and it boasts 12 boilers and almost two miles of tubing.

To power the car, steam is superheated to a temperature of 400 degrees Celsius.  The steam is then injected into the turbine of the car at a rate that is twice the speed of sound.

“This kind of technology is amazing,” said Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Ft Worth car storage business.  “It’s like going back and taking the other fork in the road with automobile propulsion.”

Exotic vehicles like Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and Porsches use internal combustion engines to create their power.  Gasoline engines have been criticized for producing too much carbon, but many exotic car drivers are reducing emission by joining exotic car sharing clubs.

Exotic car clubs give car fans access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.  Because these clubs reduce the number of cars owned, they are considered a great economical and environmental alterative to owning an exotic vehicle.

While steam-powered engines may not be in the near future for many of us, exotic car rental and exotic car clubs are viable alternatives to exotic car ownership.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

Texas has a program that also provides money toward a new car.  However, the state’s old car replacement funds for this year have been exhausted, which means car buyers must wait until September to take advantage of the state program.

That could be too long to wait for the Cash for Clunkers program.  Some analysts expect the funds for that program to be exhausted in a matter of weeks, and if interest in the program is any indication, that seems pretty likely.

Automakers are aggressively marketing toward Cash for Clunkers buyers and are offering special incentives and free online calculators.

“We’ve had over 525,000 users of the calculator,” Matt VanDyke, Ford’s director of marketing communications, told the Dallas Morning News.

In any case, there’s no denying that Dallas car buyers and car dealers are excited about this program.  Eligible buyers can save as much as $4500 on a qualifying new car, and for many, this may be the incentive they need to make a major purchase.

“This has been a difficult time for a lot of auto dealers,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Ft. Worth car storage business.  “People are uneasy about making major purchases like automobiles right now.”

One sector of the industry hardest hit by this financial crisis has been exotic car sales.  Debt-nervous consumers are just not willing to take on additional loans for exotic cars, and the “Cash for Clunkers” program may not help.  To qualify under the program rules, the new car must cost less than $45,000, and new exotics are generally well into the six-figure range.

For those who enjoy driving exotic vehicles but don’t want the hassle and expense of ownership, there are other options.  Exotic car rental in DFW is a great way to enjoy a dream drive for a day or a weekend without buying.

Sports car sharing clubs have also attracted more interest as an alternative to exotic car ownership. For less than the payment on a single exotic, DFW residents can join DFW Elite Car Club and enjoy driving more than a dozen of the best sports cars in the world.

“No matter how great an exotic you buy, you only get to drive that one,” says Sturgeon, the owner of the Dallas car sharing club. “Life is about variety and our members get access to a Bentley GT, Audi R8, a pair of Ferraris and a host of other great cars for one flat monthly fee.”

These alternatives to ownership prove that a bad economy can’t stop you from driving your dream car.

More information about “Cash for Clunkers” is available at Cars.gov.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services

Off Price Shoes sells a variety of footwear at bargain basement prices.  Just like exotic car rental, it’s a creative way to get what you want without spending a fortune.  There are summer shoes for every occasion, and the prices make for excellent guilt-free shopping.  You can still have lots of fun summer shoes.  You just need to get creative about it.

We all know that shoes styles change all the time.  Even if you spend a lot on a pair of brand new sandals for summer, you won’t be able to wear those shoes in a couple of years.  Too soon, the heel shape will be wrong or the toe will be the incorrect shape.  Instead, many Dallas shoppers are finding that it makes more sense to shop at Off Price Shoes.

While online reviews by customers don’t exactly rave about the service at the store, they do talk about the prices and selection.  At times, the shoes are on sale for as little as $4.99 a pair.  Most reviewers report buying multiple pairs of shoes when they shop.

For those who enjoy driving exotic vehicle in their new summer shoes, exotic car rental is a way to drive your dream vehicle without owning an exotic car.  Buying an exotic car is expensive.  With MSRPs generally in the six figure range, it’s not surprising that exotic vehicles are out of reach for many people.

However, just because you can’t afford to purchase an exotic car, doesn’t mean you can’t drive a Bentley or other exotic vehicle.  Exotic car rental, exotic car sharing clubs, and automotive dream tours are all great alternatives to exotic car ownership.

Next time you think you can’t afford to drive a Bentley, think again.  And next time you need a little retail therapy, check out Off Price Shoes in Dallas.  Where else can you find the hottest styles for $4.99 a pair?

Off Price Shoes is located on the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway in Dallas.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance SEO writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

A new list in Business Week, entitled the “25 Most Iconic Cars of the Past 20 Years” singles out the Bentley Continental.  The list of 25 vehicles also includes the Hummer H2, the Lamborghini Gallardo, and the Porsche 911.  It’s easy for auto enthusiasts to experience the thrill of driving these exotic cars with exotic car rental in Dallas Fort Worth from DFW Elite Auto Rental.

The full list of exotic vehicles is available at Business Week and includes the following:

1. Mazda Miata:  The Miata is noted for reinventing the roadster and stirring up interest in small sports coupes.
2. Lotus Elise:  The Elise has been singled out as faster than other sports cars due to its light fiberglass body.
3. Toyota Prius:  Famous for bringing hybrid cars to the commercial forefront, the Prius is a favorite of many celebrities.
4. Audi TT:  The Audi TT is noted for its design features and stylish appearance.
5. New Volkswagen Beetle:  The New Beetle was a huge success at reintroducing fans to the popular Beetle.
6. Pagani Zonda:  With a price tag of $1.2 million and the appearance and performance stats to go with it, the Zonda is the ultimate exotic car.
7. BMW Z8:  Although it wasn’t around for very long, this two-seated roadster is noted for its performance and design innovations.
8. Mini Cooper:  From its stylish retro design to its impressive performance in its class, the Mini Cooper has been a huge success.
9. Hummer H2:  When you drive a Hummer H2, you can see why it’s the ultimate power SUV.
10. Bentley Continental GT:  For auto enthusiasts, the chance to drive a Bentley Continental GT is the chance of a lifetime; nothing turns heads quite like a Bentley.
11. Ford GT:  Even though it was discontinued three years ago, the GT still gets a nod for being a “classic super car.”
12. Lamborghini Gallardo:  When you drive a Lamborghini Gallardo, you understand the true nature of the modern sports car.
13. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren:  Arguably the loveliest Mercedes ever built, the SLR McLaren is famous for its stylish racing design.
14. Jaguar XJ:  The 2003 redesign of the classic 1960s Jaguar style preserved some of the iconic features most prized by auto enthusiasts, including the hood ornament and headlights.
15. Aston Martin DB9:  The DB9 makes the list because it looks beautiful from the rear as well as the front.
16. Maserati Quattroporte:  The Quattroporte is reported to have created a “new niche for high-end, four-door supercars.”
17. BMW 3-Series:  The 2005 redesign of the 1970’s 3-Series was a successful update of a popular exotic vehicle.
18. Bugatti Veyron:  This beauty is sometimes considered the most expensive and fastest car in the world.
19. Chrysler 300:  The 300 is considered one of the only successful joint endeavors between Chrysler and Daimler.
20. Ford Mustang:  The 2005 Mustang redesign was a huge success, mixing retro styling with futuristic design themes.
21. Porsche 911:  For exotic car fans who get a chance to drive a Porsche 911, the appeal is easy to see.
22. Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano:  This exotic sports car is considered the most powerful Ferrari, and its stylish beauty is a sure head-turner.
23. Jeep Wrangler:  The 2007 redesign of the classic Jeep Wrangler preserved much of the popular stylistic items while successfully updating the vehicle.
24. Nissan GT-R:  This car was apparently inspired by Japanese anime featuring giant robots.
25. Tata Nano:  This Indian vehicle will be remember for being one of the world’s cheapest cars, and it may see future release in the US.

Which ones did they miss? I suppose iconic does not necessarily mean exotic, but the Nano?

Article by freelance writer Kate Miller Wilson. Learn more about Kate’s SEO writing services at http://www.kateMillerWilson.com.

GM has sought for four years to unload the medium duty trucks, and in 2007, it seemed likely that Navistar, a manufacturer of truck and engine parts, would purchase the line.  Negotiations were also held with Isuzu, but neither deal panned out.  Exotic car enthusiasts are closely watching the struggles of GM.

Once noted for its production of impressive sports cars and large SUVs like the Hummer H2, GM is now fighting for its life.  If things don’t look up soon, the only way to drive a Hummer may be through exotic car rental.

The cease in production of the GMC Topkick and Chevrolet Kodiak means more plant closings for the already desperate auto industry.  One plant in Flint, Michigan, employs 398 people on the assembly line for medium duty trucks.  GM and the United Auto Workers union are still discussing the fate of these workers.

The Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick are the only medium duty trucks made by GM.  Medium duty trucks are designed for commercial use, mainly as tow trucks and dump trucks.  This sector of the market has been especially hard hit by the economic downturn, with sales slumping 30 to 40 percent 2007 to 2008 and an additional 30 to 40 percent so far this year.

Several GM dealers will be significantly affected by the change.  470 dealers sell the medium duty trucks, and of those, 129 deal exclusively in GM products.  Dealers now have 18 months to unload their existing inventory of medium duty trucks.

For fans of American automobiles, the last couple of years have been hard to watch.  GM, Chrysler, and Ford have all struggled to remain competitive amid a perfect storm of high gas prices, a credit crunch, and other factors of the economic downturn.  GM’s decision to cease production of the Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick is only the latest installment in a sad story.

If you are interested in the fate of Hummer, it sounds like that brand may be purchased by a Chinese company.  Right now, you can drive a Hummer with exotic car rental or an exotic car sharing club.  Exotic car rental also makes it possible to experience the thrill of other great American cars like the Dodge Viper.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

If you dream of driving a Porsche, exotic car rental might be the perfect option for you.  Rather than shelling out over $80,000 to buy a Porsche, you can rent an exotic car for the weekend.

When you own a Porsche, you get an awesome car but a lot of hassle.  You need to find a mechanic certified to work on Porsches, pay for insurance, and find a safe, climate-controlled place to store your exotic car in Dallas.

When you factor in the most sports cars are only driven a few thousand miles a year, renting a sports car like the Porsche deserves a hard second look.

If you find that you frequently rent a Porsche or other exotic car, a good option might be joining an exotic car club.  As a member of an exotic car sharing club, you get access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.

Porsche currently has five models that it sells in the US.  These include the Porsche Boxster, the Porsche Cayman, the Porsche 911, the Porsche Panamera, and the Porsche Cayenne.  Buing a basic Porsche 911 Cabriolet will run about $87,000.

If you are interested in buying a Porsche in the Dallas area, there are three dealerships nearby:  Autobahn Motorcar Group in Fort Worth, Boardwalk Porsche in Plano, and Park Place Porsche in Dallas.  This may be a great time to buy an exotic car, but exotic car owners are also take a big hit because of depreciation in the first year of ownership.

Test driving an exotic vehicle is a great way to experience a car, but most test drives from dealers don’t last long enough to give prospective buyers a chance to really know a vehicle.  Exotic car rental can be a great way to learn whether a car is for you.  You can rent a Porsche 911 for a day or weekend, rather than just driving it around the block.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance web copywriter living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

Skateboarder Tony Hawk, ex-Bull Dennis Rodman and his playmate teammate are just a few of the celebs that put foot to accelerator in the 2009 Gumball Rally.

Hat tip to Terry Box from the Dallas Morning News for a good column on the Gumballers visit to the W. I hope they didn’t throw any of the lobby furniture into the pool. Crazy kids.

If you catch the Gumball fever, you can follow the race at the Gumball 3000 offical website. There are also some good exotic car pics on my favorite photo sharing website. The vehicle wraps and graphics for race are done by a UK firm called Raccoon. If you’ve ever wondered what a Buggati Veyron in chrome looks like, the Raccoon guys are your kind of people.

(Donkey Frog decked out to participate in the Gumball Rally.)

Puma is a major sponsor of the race so their Puma Motorsports also has some great images of the Gumballers in action. The race has a good page on Facebook with a huge Gumball 3000 photos from fans of the race. Tony Hawk bailed out before the race got to Dallas and a few of the Gumballers have run into smokey when they were traveling well in excess of the posted limits.

(Photo of Ferrari F430 interior by Josh Davis of Josh Davis Photography.)

I’m sorry that I missed the chance to see them at the W in Dallas, but maybe next year. Would love to have some pictures of the Dallas event to link to. If you’ve ever wished you could drive exotic cars like the ones in the Gumball, why not stop by Dallas TX exotic car rental company DFW Elite Auto Rental.com!

(photo of Dallas Ferrari rental by Josh Davis.)

We can put you behind the wheel of a Dallas Ferrari F430 rental or a delicious Lamborghini Gallardo rental for a day, a weekend, or a week.