New Texas Laws for 2009: Changes to Driving Laws

Posted on September 25, 2009 by Eric

Lamborghini Rentals in DFW

Several new Texas laws went into effect on Tuesday, including regulations that make it hard to talk on a cell phone while driving.

Drivers of exotic cars, as well as regular vehicles, will no longer be able to use a handheld phone while driving through a Texas school zone.

Ferrari F430 rentals in DFW

The cell phone laws aren’t the only new regulations that went into effect on Tuesday.

There were also changes to the car seat law, which now requires children under the age of 8 years old or shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches to ride in a booster seat.

All automobile passengers will now be required to wear a seat belt while in a moving vehicle.

Other important changes that began on Tuesday include the following:

  • There will be a tax increase for smokeless tobacco.
  • It will remain illegal to carry a concealed weapon into a bar, but a legal defense will be possible if the bar does not post a sign saying that 51 percent or more of the business’s income results from the sale of beverages containing alcohol.
  • Applicants for a concealed handgun license will no longer be disqualified for defaulting on student loan payments.
  • Those carrying a concealed handgun with a license who refuse to display it to peace officers will no longer face suspension of their license.
  • A new law will mandate the method of folding the state flag.
  • High school students will have more choice of elective courses.

While the booster seat law is not likely to affect exotic car drivers, who often drive cars without a back seat, they will be required to wear a seatbelt at all times.  However, most people already feel the need to buckle up when they drive a Lamborghini.

More and more Texas residents are realizing that they don’t need to own an exotic vehicle in order to drive the car of their dreams.  Alternatives like exotic car rental, exotic car sharing clubs, and automotive dream tours make it possible to drive an exotic car without the hassle and expense of ownership.

The new laws were created and adopted during 2009, and they took effect on Tuesday. Tuesday is the first day of the 2010 fiscal year in Texas.

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.

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Arlington Man Drives Exotic Vehicle Through Asia

Posted on September 19, 2009 by Eric

Jacques Grelley, from Arlington, TX, will be traveling through China in a Citroen “truck-ette.”  The vehicle will be one of 22 Citroens being used for an 8,000-mile, 33-day trip, which will include a visit to Tibet.

Parts of the trip may be challenging for the Citroen, a truly exotic vehicle.  Roads may be unpaved in parts, and the altitudes could read 16,000 feet.

“We should be able to take a clear picture of [Mount] Everest,” Grelley, 73, told the Dallas Morning News. “We’re taking extra carburetor jets to change at the higher altitudes.”

The Citroen is a French car, noted for its reliability.  The model being driven by Grelley and his collegue Phillipe Orsetti is a 1978 version with a two-cylinder engine.  While it’s not a powerhouse, boasting only 35 horsepower, the car is front-wheel drive.

The car has been modified with a pickup bed instead of the usual rear half of the vehicle.  Grelley and Orsetti call it a “truck-ette.”  Grelley is confident that the Citroen will be a perfect vehicle for the adventure.

“Those things go forever and ever,” he said.

Grelley is a native of France, and in the 1950s and 1960s, he raced cars in Europe.  In recent years, he has been taking trips all over the world.

“Many people tell me the same thing: They say ‘I wish I could do it,’ ” he said. “I say it’s up to you.”

While the Citroen may not be your idea of a dream car, it certainly is getting Grelley where he needs to go.  For a lot of people, dream exotic vehicles include things like Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Bentleys.

dallas car sharing club paddock

Many people consider the dream of driving an exotic car to be impractical and unlikely to actually come true.  But, like Grelley, you can make it happen.  There are several options that make it possible for you to drive an exotic car without the hassle and expense of ownership.

Dallas Lambo rentals

One of the most popular options is exotic car rental.  You can rent a Lamborghini for the week, weekend, or even just for the day.  You can also join an exotic car club and have access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.

If you’re interested in following the progress of Grelley and Orsetti, check out Orsetti’s blog.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities area.

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Truly Exotic Cars on Display at Concours d’LeMons

Posted on August 29, 2009 by Eric

Studio City, CA resident Mike Parente is proud of his 1971 Ford Pinto completely covered in little mirrors.  In the California sunlight, the car resembles a sparkling disco ball, a perfect image for a vehicle that exemplifies 70s style.

Concours de Lemons Dodge Rampage Image

Special thanks to Bear Klaw on Flickr for the Creative Commons attribution only no derivative works licensed photos of the Concours d’Lemons event used in this post. Check out his photostream.

The tagline for the event pretty much sums it up: “Celebrating the oddball, mundane and truly awful of the automotive world.”

True Exotic Car at Councours de Lemons

This unique example of an exotic car is on display with about 90 other unusual vehicles at the Concours d’LeMons auto show.  If you hadn’t already gotten an idea from the Pinto, you should know that the vehicles at this auto show are a little different.  All the cars are here because the display their owner’s creativity and unusual style.

Dallas Ferrari rentals

Okay, this one isn’t from the Concours de’ Lemons. This pretty Ferrari 360 can be rented from DFW Elite Auto Rental in Dallas Fort Worth.

“I had this car for about 10 years or so, and I always felt it was just sort of a pain,” Parente told the New York Times. “But then I started to appreciate it.  No matter what, it will always be a Pinto.”

Other impressive automobiles at the show include a 1967 Volkswagen Squareback with a coffee cup glued to the roof and a souped-up 1930s car featuring a lantern-lit engine compartment and a radiator overflow container that looked a lot like a Johnny Walker bottle.

A car show isn’t really a contest without awards, so the Concours d’LeMons gives out honors to the worst cars in a variety of classes.  There are awards for worst American, Japanese, French, German, and British cars, along with a class for “Rust Belt American Junk.”

Alan Galbraith, the organizer of the show, was also one of the judges.  He told the New York Times that several factors were influential in determining the winners, “including the size and quality of the bribes.”  Chocolate cake, whiskey, and cash were reported to be some of the judges’ favorites.

While you may not be as proud of your every day car as these guys are of their enhanced vehicles, you can experience the thrill of the road in a truly head-turning vehicle.  Exotic car rental makes it possible for you to drive a Lamborghini or another elite automobile.

Exotic car clubs are another great option if you’re interested in getting attention on the road.  Members of exotic car sharing clubs have access to an entire garage of amazing cars.  They use credits to drive the car they want when they want to drive it, and they don’t have to worry about the hassle and expense of exotic car ownership.

Of course, you could always turn head by plastering your car with little mirrors.  It worked for Parente, who walked away with the Studio 54 Award for his Disco Pinto.

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.

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British Steam Car Breaks Land Speed Record for Steam Vehicles

Posted on August 26, 2009 by Eric

Good news for fans of exotic cars, at least the ones who are also enthusiastic about alternative energy!  The British Steam Car Challenge has succeeded in breaking the land speed record for steam vehicles.

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 world record image

(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.

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Texas Man Designs Unique Exotic Vehicles

Posted on August 20, 2009 by Eric

When it comes to exotic vehicles, most people simply think of the options available on a dealer’s lot.  But Earnest Tarrango, a resident of Midland, TX, had other ideas.  The Midland Reporter-Telegram recently interviewed Tarrango about his exotic car conversion projects.

Dallas bentley GT rental at DFW Elite Auto Rental

“I wanted a Bentley,” Tarrango said, “but I didn’t want the maintenance or the cost.”

Instead of buying a Bentley, Tarrango converted a 2006 Chrysler 300 sedan into a sport coupe with a convertible top.  Changes included swapping four doors for two, exchanging the hard top for a rag top, completely reworking the cars interior, and installing a custom windshield.  Tarrango also created moldings by hand and painted them to match the car’s exterior.

Tarrango won a first-place trophy at a car show in Dallas and plans to show the car at other nearby auto shows.  Midland is about five hours west of DFW.

“It’s a common problem,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental company.  “People really want to drive a Bentley, but they just don’t want the hassle and cost of owning one.”

Fortunately, there are a few options out there for car enthusiasts who don’t want to finance an exotic vehicle.  Besides building your own convertible sport coupe, you can rent an exotic car or join an exotic car sharing club.

Dallas exotic car sharing club image

Exotic car clubs offer access to an entire garage of exotic vehicles.  As a member of one of these car sharing clubs, you can drive a Bentley GT one day and explore West Texas roads in a Hummer the next week.  It’s all about enjoying the freedom of driving exotic vehicles without the constraints of ownership.

“Renting a Bentley GT is actually a great way to experience the thrill of the road,” says Sturgeon.  “It’s easy and affordable, and it’s becoming a popular vacation activity too.”

For Tarrango, it wasn’t just about driving his dream car.  He also enjoys completely reconfiguring a vehicle in order to transform it into another car.  This creativity is part of his daily life.  He owns a body shop in Odessa, TX called “Stylz Paint and Body Works.”

Tarrango says he outdid himself with the Chrysler 300 conversion, however.  Turning a large sedan into a sport coupe isn’t easy.

“I ripped this one apart, cut the whole top off,” he said.  “It was a lot of work.”

But according to Tarrango, all that work really paid off.  He’s proud to drive the vehicle around town.

“Everybody loves the car,” he said.

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.

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Dallas, Texas Car Buyers Taking Advantage of Cash For Clunkers

Posted on July 29, 2009 by Eric

As Cash for Clunkers fever sweeps the nation, auto buyers in Dallas are no exception.  In fact, Texas car buyers may even have an advantage over the rest of the US, whether they are buying an exotic vehicle or a simple commuter car.

drive your dream tour photo

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.

fort worth car storage image

“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.

Dallas Lamborghini rental

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

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Dallas Private Jet Firm Upbeat about Business

Posted on July 23, 2009 by Eric

This economy may be the worst anyone remembers, but the downtown isn’t discouraging to some local business owners.  When it comes to private aviation, this economy may represent a chance for exceptional growth.  An article in the Dallas Morning News featured one Dallas business owner.

Private aviation has been hammered by the recession, but some signs indicate things may be improving for the niche industry.  However, that doesn’t discourage Brent Carreker.  His new private aviation business at Dallas Love Field allows high flyers to purchase travel cards good for a set number of hours on turboprops, small or mid-sized business jets.

“The timing couldn’t be any better for us,” Carreker says.  “There are a lot of people who like to fly, and there are a lot of people that will always fly.”

Carreker’s business, Jet Linx Texas (http://www.jetlinx.com), hopes to stand out with its refundable travel cards and personal attention to the needs of its customers.  In markets where competition for the jet traveler is more intense, having memorably excellent service can be a key to survival.

Carreker also hopes his personal connections will help. “My parents have lived in the Park Cities for years and years and years, know the right kind of people if you’re going to get into the jet aviation business,” Carreker says.

“Our perfect customer would be an individual who is the head of either a corporation that cannot own a private jet, doesn’t want the publicity of owning a private plane and flies 25 to 30 hours a month,” observed Carreker.

Lamborghini at Dallas car sharing club image

Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Fort Worth TX exotic car sharing club and DFW luxury car rental business sees similar potential for growth for companies that deliver flexible, first-class service. “For those who want the convenience of jet travel without the costs of ownership, Jet Linx is a fantastic concept,” he says.

Hummer H2 Rentals in DFW

Dallas Car Sharing Club Offers First Class Ground Transportation

“DFW Elite Car Club.com (http://www.dfwelitecarclub.com) has been offering a similar service to DFW exotic car enthusiasts who want ground transportation in the best cars in the world without paying thousands for maintenance, insurance, or for secure climate controlled Ft Worth car storage,” says Sturgeon.

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.

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Money Magazine Best Places to Live Includes Keller, TX

Posted on July 13, 2009 by Eric

p>It’s no surprise that Keller, TX made it onto Money Magazine’s list of the 100 Best Places to Live.  The Dallas/Fort Worth suburb, which ranks number 7, has a healthy economy, beautiful parks, and rising home values.  And it’s located near Dallas, where there are lots of fun things to do.

Audi R8 rentals in Dallas image

Home values in Keller, TX went up by 6% last year, making it one of the few places where owning a home actually proved to be a good investment.  Unemployment is far below the national average, with only 5.8% of the population out of work.  All in all, the residents of Keller seem to be somewhat insulated from the economic woes that plague the rest of the country.

The population in Keller has tripled since 1990 and currently hovers around 38,000 people.  Residents work in the energy field and at nearby corporate giants FedEx and Fidelity Investments.

Even though the economy in Keller is going strong, many residents may still be uncomfortable making major purchases like exotic automobiles.  Buying an exotic car is expensive, and there’s the added hassle of maintaining the vehicle, paying for insurance and finding secure exotic car storage.

Lamborghini at Dallas car share club picture

For many automobile enthusiasts, exotic car rental is a great alternative to ownership.  You can still drive the car of your dreams without worrying about where you’ll keep it or how you’ll come up with the payment.  And for those who really love exotic cars, and exotic car club is also a great option.  Members of exotic car clubs share an entire garage of exotic vehicles.

Visitors to the Dallas area enjoy the summer festivals, fun cultural events, and excellent shopping.  There’s always something to do in the Dallas area, especially if you’re a fan of exotic cars.  Automotive dream tours make the ultimate vacation entertainment or Dallas bachelor party activity.  Participants get to drive several exotic vehicles in a single day.

For residents of Keller, TX, the beautiful parks and new town center make it fun to live in the Dallas area.  The town has a rural feel with all the conveniences of big city living, and residents are proud to see it on the Money Magazine list.

“We keep hearing about this recession,” Keller resident Tracey Ramirez said to Money Magazine, “but we don’t really feel it here.”

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.

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Off Price Shoes in Dallas: The Perfect Stop for Bargain Hunters

Posted on July 9, 2009 by Eric

In this economy, retail therapy can be hard to come by.  After all, it’s not always easy to justify spending way too much money on a pair of new summer sandals when you really should be keeping more in the bank.  But a shoe store in Dallas may have the answer.

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.

Drive your dream vehicle in Dallas image

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.

Dallas car sharing club paddock image

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.

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Fourth of July Holiday Weekend: Rent an Audi R8 in Dallas

Posted on July 4, 2009 by Eric

The Fourth of July is a holiday for lounging by the pool, grilling something tasty for dinner, or catching some fireworks.  But the quintessential summer holiday is also the perfect time to rent an exotic car.

Exotic car rental is becoming a popular alternative to buying exotic vehicles.  Just as the fashion-conscious rent designer dresses and handbags, exotic car enthusiasts can drive their dream car with exotic car rental.

Audi R8 rental in DFW

So what’s the hottest option for exotic car rental this summer?  It might be the new 2009 Audi R8.  The two passenger coupe will turn heads and knock your socks off with its 420 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 engine.

“Renting an Audi R8 is a great way to experience Dallas in the summer,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental business.  “There are some amazing driving roads in the area, and there’s nothing like exploring Dallas in an exotic car.”

One popular drive takes motorists east from Dallas on US 175.  Any winding side road will take you through some beautiful summer scenery and provide a fun way to celebrate the holiday weekend in style.  There’s nothing more stylish and fun that driving a bright red Audi R8.

Dallas exotic car rentals image

For those who frequently rent exotic cars, a great option is joining an exotic car club.  Members of exotic car clubs enjoy the benefit of an entire garage of exotic vehicles.  You could drive a Hummer one week, drive a convertible on the weekend, and impress clients with a luxury car at an important meeting.  Exotic car clubs are the ultimate in flexibility.

The 2007 model of the Audi R8 was the first road version of the car produced by the German automaker.  The car is based in part on the Gallardo, another incredible exotic car.  Reviews have described the Audi R8 as the most exciting supercar of 2009.

“It’s really just an incredible experience to drive the Audi R8,” says Sturgeon.  “We’ve had rave reviews from clients.  It’s simply one of the most impressive, fun-to-drive sports cars available today.”

Driving an Audi R8 is easy with exotic car rental.  For an exotic car rental business in your area, check out the Exotic Car Rental Directory.

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.

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