2012 IndyCar Drivers Discuss New, Faster Car

			Taking a cue from the old Six Million Dollar Man television show, the IZOD IndyCar Series is unveiling a new car this year that is better, stronger and definitely faster. With a sleeker body design and the introduction of additional engine suppliers, the new cars are expected to break track records when they arrive at Barber Motorsports Park for the running of the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy, to be held March 30 through April 1. "I expect you’ll see significantly faster lap times here at Barber," four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti said. "It’s lighter weight, more downforce, the engines are producing more power. I definitely expect it to be faster on the road courses." Will Power, the winner of the 2011 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, agreed. "No question it’s going to be faster than last year’s car," Power said. "The engine is probably going to have more power, and the car is larger. So it has more downforce, more grip." The new car will both look and sound different from the old one. The rear wheels are now nearly enclosed, a safety feature that will also provide more stability, enabling the cars to go faster through the turns. In addition, Chevy and Lotus have joined longtime engine supplier Honda in producing the new V-6 turbo-charged motors, which will generate a lower sound than the high-pitched whine normally associated with Indy cars. "It’s going to make a better noise," Franchitti said. Another change that fans won’t notice, except in terms of faster speeds, is the switch to a carbon fiber braking system similar to what is used in Formula 1. The new system, which will allow for quicker entry into the corners, has been met with rave reviews from the drivers. "The brakes on this car are phenomenal," said Graham Rahal, son of 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal. "It’s incredible the way it stops. I think it has a lot of potential." The drivers admit there will be a learning period early this season as they become accustomed to all the changes. But the consensus is that the new car will produce a better brand of racing for the fans. "The biggest thing is we’d had a car for about eight years that we understood and knew everything about," Scott Dixon said. "Once you get something new it requires a lot of work to try to get it exactly where you want it. But by all means, given a little time, we can make the car do what we want. It’s exciting for all of us, and I think it will be exciting for the fans." There also is a new look in the Grand Am Rolex Series, which will be at Barber Motorsports Park on March 31 for the running of the Porsche 250. Chevrolet has introduced a 2012 Corvette Prototype that looks a lot like the famous Corvette street car. "The design of this race car incorporates iconic Corvette styling cues and will be immediately recognized by sports car enthusiasts," Chevrolet vice president Jim Campbell said. "This has the potential to change the face of sports car racing." The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by Legacy will take place March 30 - April 1 at Barber Motorsports Park. Tickets start at $15 and kids 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.

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7 Reasons To Buy A Hybrid Car

You've probably heard a lot about hybrid cars these days. They are certainly being discussed all over the world. Hardly a day goes by that newspaper or television network to feature story on hybrids. And every day it seems that one or another car manufacturer to introduce a new hybrid vehicle.

So what's all the buzz about?

Well, hybrids are a new type of vehicle that runs on electricity (from batteries) and fuel. Now, this idea is not new?

The hybrids are picking up steam (sounds like a pound is not it?) In every place, even the world as a city car Lovin '- Los Angeles - where many of the top stars hybrid owners.

In "City of Angels", you will see that the environment for their loved ones, like Bill Maher, Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and "Seinfeld" co-creator and "limit Your Enthusiasm" creator and star, Larry David at the wheel their hybrids.

You could also see the beautiful Cameron Diaz Cruisin 'Hollywood Hills in hybrids. And when Leonardo DiCaprio wants to feel like "king of the world", I think he'll drive? You do not have to guess a hybrid, right?

What do the stars do not know?

Ben knows that driving a hybrid makes a lot of sense (and may save some cents too :-))

Want to learn more about hybrids? Well. Now here are 7 reasons to buy a hybrid car.

1. only the smaller hybrid sedans and compact large amounts of fuel than the engines of cars powered by gas turbines. If you are interested in dollars saved on gas, which could solve this problem.

2. Hybrid cars are no longer worried about fuel efficiency. These cars are bought as they would like their owners to support the power and performance. If you want to get higher performance, consider a hybrid.

3. Can hybrids save money in many ways. Although the hybrid typically about $ 3,000 more than a car, the cost differential will narrow as more car manufacturers produce hybrid cars in the future. The savings come in the form of hybrid state and federal incentives, lower maintenance costs, and, of course, lower fuel costs.

4. It will be fair for hybrid financial benefit to you when you decide it's time to sell. The resale value of hybrid cars exceptional. Unlike most cars, hybrids retain their value to an astonishing level.

5. If you are interested in the planet and are concerned with the type of environment we leave to future generations, driving a hybrid car is an important environmental statement. Hybrids produce less pollution than standard.

6. Driving a hybrid saves gas. This is a positive for our economy. At least we as a society spend on gas means that we need more money to spend on other essentials and luxury goods. You could also save money that would have spent on gas and use it to our savings or investment plans.

7. Driving a hybrid may help America fight the war in Iraq. Here's why. In addition to funding American troops and Iraqi efforts to build a democracy, many experts argue that the U.S. is actually funding both sides of the war in Iraq. They believe in the Middle East oil interests' is used as part of their profits to fund the insurgency. So, in effect, makes our excessive consumption of oil is more difficult to bring peace to Iraq. Bottom line: that means spending less on gas and less money to our enemies abroad.

For all these reasons, hybrid cars are "the next big thing in the world of cars." So when it comes time for the next car purchase, do yourself a favor and check out some hybrid cars. You might get a hybrid car that is perfect for you.

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