Best concepts 2014

7. Lexus RC F GT3

Looking utterly menacing, the GT3 has a front mounted V8 engine delivering 540hp and has been designed to race from next year. Weighing in at 2,755.8 pounds, the car sits low, with a body aerodynamically crafted for maximum performance.

5. Volkswagen T-Roc

Designed as a smaller Jeep-style SUV the T-ROC goes for a more traditional form of engine by using a 184bhp turbo-diesel engine that packs some serious punch with 350nm of torque. It’ll also use a detachable tablet, placed on the dashboard, as the main way to access the myriad of car functions. Another display will show a digital speedometer and rev counter, while a smaller AMOLED screen lets you adjust the climate control and such like.

NextHyundai Intrado

4. Maserati Alfieri

We featured the Alfieri in our Geneva Motor Show 2014: Best cars feature, but as it’s actually a concept, there’s no reason why it can’t be included in here too. Packed under that sexy chassis is a 4.4-litre V8 engine which can produce 460bhp. There’s also a six-speed transmission integrated with the rear axle. Going inside you find a classy look, with a large touchscreen display for full control.

NextVolkswagen T-Roc

3. Mazda Hazumi

Mazda hopes this sleek looking Hazumi concept will go on to replace its popular, Fiesta rivalling, Mazda 2 supermini. It boasts a sporty look, a new 1.5-litre SkyActiv-D diesel engine, six-speed automatic transmission and a futuristic looking interior complete with a heads-up display.

NextMaserati Alfieri

2. Honda Type R Concept

While many concept cars sport rather over the top designs that will never make it to production, this one from Honda is said to very closely mirror the Type R model that will see a release next year. Specs wise you’ll find a VTEC turbo engine, which will come as a 2.0l with direct injection and a four-cylinder unit that'll deliver 280bhp.

NextMazda Hazumi

1. Volvo Concept Estate

Over the last few years Volvo estate cars of the previous decades have become synonymous with cutting-edge tech and if this concept ever comes to reality, it looks like Volvo could be on the road to another tech milestione. On the outside the Volvo Concept Estate is really quite the looker, with swooping curves and a futuristic interior which ditches old-school knobs for a large touchscreen interface.

 

NextHonda Type R Concept

Top 8 open wheelers

The KTM X-Bow (pronounced "crossbow") is an ultra-light sports car for road and race use, produced by Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM. It is the first car in their product range. It was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008.

KTM developed the X-Bow in collaboration with Kiska Design, Audi, and Dallara. The X-Bow uses a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0 litre Audi engine. The 2008 model produces 237 hp (177 kW; 240 PS) at 5500 rpm and 310 newton metres (230 lb·ft) of torque between 2000 and 5500 rpm.^[1] and can accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds.^[2] Its top speed is 217 km/h (134.9 mph). In the 2011 X-Bow R model the Audi engine is further tuned to produce 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS) and 400 newton metres (300 lb·ft) of torque at 3300 rpm.^[3]

Originally launched in the 1990s, the Ariel Atom is now an established motoring icon, turning heads both for its looks and the fact it is as exhilarating a car as you could wish to drive.

Two seats sit within the Atom's intricate steel latticework, and in this case the looks don’t deceive: there are no creature comforts to speak of, but performance is stunning and the handling sharp, whichever model you choose. While an optional windscreen makes it possible to drive without a helmet, that’s all the protection you’ll get from the outside world – and in the right conditions it’s Today, the range extends from a 245bhp base model of the car through to a 500bhp version, which comes with a supercar price to match. Without exception, each model offers a uniquely thrilling driving experience that is, at its best, unmatched for thrills and rawness this side of a superbike.With success, Somerset-based Ariel has grown as a company, although total production is still only around 100 cars a year, a fact which maintains exclusivity and keeps residual values at an impressively high level.

The Caterham Superlight series may as well be called Featherlight or Superfast, because that's the formula that makes the car so wonderful. That and a huge amount of power in a package bristling with simplicity.Three version of Caterham's trackday slayer are offered: R300, R400 and most excitingly, R500. Each has a 2.0-litre Ford Duratec unit, and each boast a power-to-weight ratio more impressive than the last.

Radical

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Radical SR3 RS - $93,000

If You’re Not The Type To Let Something Like Street Legality To Get In The Way Of Owning Your Dream Car, Then We Point You To The Radical SR3 RS. You’ll Have By Far The Fastest Car At Your Next Track Day, And With The $7000 Left Over, You Can Buy The Trailer You’ll Need To Get It There.

Lotus 2-Eleven

Best for the burgeoning boy racer: If you think the Lotus 2-Eleven resembles what would happen if Bam Margera owned an Exige S, you’d be right. Make no mistake though, this topless tracker didn’t come to be at the hands of Billy Idol, a sawzall and boredom. Although based on its street-legal stablemate, the 2-Eleven is a composite clad corner carver that makes that nimble Exige S feel heavy and cumbersome by comparison. Powered by the same bullet-proof Toyota sourced and supercharged 1.8-liter engine, Lotus’ engineers worked wonders on weight distribution, suspension and braking to make the most of every one of the 250hp on tap. Instead of building to a 50/50 weight distribution, the perfectionist petrolheads from Hethel went with 38/62 as their ideal figure — the reason being that every car needs a driver. Once helmeted and harnessed into the 1643 pounder, the average driver (or those that can fit at least) balances things out to optimal racing conditions. Without a windshield for comfort, We recommend a religious regimen of neck exercises before you plunk down your deposit.

LEARN MORE: HERE

Ultima GTR

Best for the speed freak: The Ultima GTR is a 200 MPH supercar that has laid waste to both the Bugatti Veyron and McLaren F1 in acceleration and deceleration testing — and it’s sold in pieces, ready to be assembled with your own two hands. Designed to accommodate a small block Chevy V8 with up to 1,000 horsepower (depending on your tuning desires and courage) mounted mid-ship, it’s also the fastest way to get anywhere. This British-based beast is the most aerodynamic and versatile choice in our list, and you can even drive it in the rain. Capable of pushing the envelope further than most enthusiasts can imagine, the Ultima GTR was 6.2 seconds faster around the Top Gear test track than the venerable Ferrari Enzo. You can order the Ultima as a turnkey car if you wish, but our advice is to pick up a copy of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road when you go tool shopping — you’ll need something depressing to wipe that smile off of your face after you feed it to your neighbor in your home-built racer.

Lotus 125 f1 

If the open-wheeled world of Formula 1 is more to your liking (and you’re not a card-carrying member of the Tifosi), might we suggest looking at yet another Lotus? The Lotus Type 125 is a 640 hp, 1,200 pound weekend weapon, powered by a 3.5-liter V8 with a 10,300 rpm redline and a $1M price tag. While the cockpit cost might seem high, it’s actually quite a bargain — especially when you consider the perks included with ownership. Aside from having an approachable, driveable and reliable F1 car, you also get to have Jean Alesi and Nigel Mansell at the ready to show you how to handle your new toy. Membership here is limited to just the 10 cars built per year, but we can’t think of a more entertaining way to spend that kind of cash.

When people think of the wildest Porsche on the road it's no surprise that the Carrera GT is the first car that comes to mind. With 1270 units sold from 2004 to 2006, and 604 that made it stateside the GT is an iconic piece of work, but it may have never seen the light of day if it weren't for the 911 GT1 Straßenversion.

Porsche first developed the 911 GT1 to race in the FIA GT Championship in 1996. Unlike other manufacturers who typically took versions of their road-going cars and modified them for racing, Porsche built the GT1 as a race car from the ground up. As with others in the class, approximately 25 Straßenversion or Street Versions were built to meet regulations for the series, and this one that is for auction in Montery is said to be the only one to have been imported into the U.S.

10 incredible monster trucks

The crazy world of monster trucks – those strange vehicles featuring large wheels and suspensionsystems placed underneath traditional pick-up bodies - is sometimes referred to as a mechanized version of professional wrestling. Certainly the two forms of all-American entertainment inspire larger-than-life personalities, superhero style names and are both wildly popular. Add to that the power rock chords and manic sounding commentary that resonate at races and car crushing events and it’s easy to see why the comparison is drawn. Monster truck fans dislike this image, however, and want to see it treated as a credible sport. For now, though, let’s take a look at the 10 most incredible monster trucks on earth.


10. Jesus the Monster Truck

This religion-inspired truck went on tour in 2003, ‘kicking ass for America’, competing for the International Semi-Regional State Divisional County Sectional City Wide Title. In a bizarre twist, the truck was able to launch fake ‘stigmata blood’ at its rival machines. Couple that with the trademark monster tires and suspension and you have a highly distinctive machine. Created by the mysterious ‘Reverend Paul’, the Jesus monster truck news has been quiet of late. Perhaps fans can someday hope for a Second Coming.

9. Smart Car Monster Truck
Well here’s a novel idea: why not convert your Smart Car into a monster truck? Designed by Greek 4x4 champion Steffan Attart and Mercedes Benz Greece, the Forfun2 vehicle might look bizarre, but it’s been made to serious specifications with an aluminum safety cage, shock absorbers and a ground clearance of 2 feet. Combining the shell of the SMART Fortwo with the industrial 4-wheel drive underpinnings of Mercedes’ Unimog 406, the Forfun2 was designed ‘for fun’ and not for competition. However, standing at a massive height of 12 feet, its monster truck credentials are assured.

8. Bear Foot
Bear Foot was one of the first monster trucks and began competing in the early 1980s. Built and designed by Jack Wilman and Fred Shafer, the original body was a Chevrolet but is now based on a Dodge Ram. Trucks like Bear Foot are often seen at events crushing smaller vehicles under their huge tires. The trucks are able to drive over most obstacles and for safety reasons are installed with a shut-off switch called the Remote Ignition Interrupter in the event that the driver loses control.

7. Batman
Holy monster trucks, Batman! A very different sort of Batmobile, the Batman competes on the United States Hot Rod Association circuit, where it was World Champion in 2008. It has also taken part in three Monster Jam finals, winning the driving competition in 2007 and 2008. The truck is officially licensed by DC Comics and has a replica of the famous superhero’s vehicle as its body. Currently driven by John Seasock and with a powerful 540 cubic inch Merlin Chevy engine, the Batman is one of the most popular trucks on the circuit.

6. Donkey Kong
Featuring a chassis based on Nintendo’s computerized gorilla, Donkey Kong was a sure-fire hit when it debuted at the Monster Jam event in 2007. The truck includes the big ears, tuft of hair and the smart red bow tie of the original character. Frank Krmel describes driving the truck as "a dream.” What’s for real is that with a fighting weight of 10,000 pounds of machinery bouncing along on 66-inch Terra tires, no one’s going to make a monkey out of this truck!

5. Towasaurus Wrex
Most monster trucks are based on pick-up trucks, but Towasaurus Wrex is currently the only competitive monster tow truck on the circuit. Based on a 1946 Chevy Tow Truck and first seen back in 1988, the unusual looking truck still competes occasionally. An engine size of 496 cubic inches makes it more than a match for its rivals. Owner, driver and motorsports promoter Jeff Bursey’s five ton monster is a car crushing machine and is recognized as an all-time favorite.

4. Cyborg
Owned and driven by Jack Coberna, Cyborg has the distinction of being the only two-wheeled drive vehicle on the circuit. Its front two wheels are not powered and it relies on an independent front suspension. Despite the disadvantage this represents in climbing over obstacles, Cyborg is recognized as one of the more daring and innovative creations in the monster truck world... As well as racing and car crushing, monster truck events also feature freestyle competitions, where drivers perform tricks and stunts such as wheelies and donuts to show off their skills.

3. El Toro Loco
El Toro Loco, or ‘the crazy bull’, is a particularly eye-catching machine. Featuring a 3D body shell with horns sticking out, it creates a powerful, fearsome image. Driver Lupe Soza has only won one world championship with the bull since its creation in 2001, but it is still instantly recognizable as a classic design. Fitted with a 540 cubic inch Merlin Chevy engine, it would be a brave opponent wishing to tame this beast.

2. Grave Digger
Grave Digger is known as one of the most influential trucks of all time. Originally conceived in 1981, there are actually several machines in the Grave Digger team, allowing it to compete at different events at the same time. The lead driver is creator and freestyle master Dennis Anderson. Anderson was extremely influential in the development of the freestyle monster truck competitions as he wanted a chance for drivers eliminated in early races to go on and compete. It was his quote, "I'll take this old junk and dig you a grave with it," that gave the famous truck its name.

1. Bigfoot
Bigfoot is the granddaddy of them all. In fact, Truck-a-Rama promoter Bob George is believed to have coined the term ‘monster truck’ when describing Bigfoot. Bob and Marilyn Chandler’s 4x4 became the first star of the sport. It all started back in 1981, when Chandler decided to see what would happen when he tried to drive Bigfoot – already used in promotions for the Chandlers' 4x4 center – over a couple of junk cars. The car crush was born and the rest is history. Bigfoot went on to be reborn in 10 different versions and monster truck events are still packing out stadiums. In the words of the famous 1980s radio commercials: "Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Be there!"

Source

Best hybrid sedans top 6

2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Completely redesigned for the 2013 model year, the Lincoln MKZ is a distinctive and stylish midsize sedan that's available in both conventional and hybrid versions. One characteristic that sets the MKZ apart from some competitors is its pricing: Both the MKZ and MKZ Hybrid start at $35,925. Most other models cost more than their nonhybrid counterparts.

The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is also equally fuel efficient in both highway and city driving, earning a 45-mpg Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy rating in both cycles. But Lincoln didn't focus all the MKZ's technology on efficiency. An adaptive suspension and active noise control ensure a luxurious ride, while good old leather and wood trim lend a premium feel to the MKZ Hybrid's cabin.

2013 Acura ILX Hybrid

Hybrids are typically heavier than conventional gas vehicles, and the Acura ILX, which is available with either powertrain type, is no different. But the ILX Hybrid only outweighs the base model by about 50 pounds, so it maintains the nimble, sporty feel common to the brand. The ILX is Acura's first gas-electric model, but parent company Honda is a hybrid pioneer.

Pricing for the compact hybrid sedan (the ILX is the smallest vehicle in the Acura lineup) starts at $28,900, making it the most affordable vehicle on this list. Fuel economy is impressive at 38 mpg combined -- a 10-mpg advantage over the base ILX. Dual-zone auto climate control, a sunroof, keyless entry with push-button start and a backup camera are all standard features on the 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid.

2013 Lexus ES 300h

Honda may be a pioneer of hybrids, but Toyota is the undisputed leader, having sold more gas-electric vehicles than any other automaker. Toyota's luxury division, Lexus, now offers the hybrid system on its ES sedan, combining spacious luxury and 40-mpg combined fuel economy.

The ES 300h is available with leather interior, but shoppers focused on going green may prefer to stick with the standard NuLuxe seats, which reduce environmental impact. With no options, the ES 300h is priced just under $40,000. That buys standard equipment such as 10-way power front seats, a sunroof and automatic climate control. Plus, you'll feel both indulged and responsible simultaneously pulling up in the ES 300h in near-silent electric mode.

2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3

Luxury and performance often go hand-in-hand for BMW. With the ActiveHybrid 3, the automaker clearly preserved this mission. Rated at 25 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, the ActiveHybrid 3 is commendable for its economy, but not outstanding. Still, that's thriftier than any conventional gasoline 3 Series sedan. Plus, the ActiveHybrid 3 is more powerful than either the conventional gasoline 328i or 335i.

Combined, its gas and electric motors deliver up to 335 horsepower and provide brisk acceleration. Alternatively, the electric motor alone can power the vehicle for up to 2.5 miles with no tailpipe emissions. The ActiveHybrid 3 requires premium fuel and starts at $50,195, so owning one is not cheap. But in terms of luxury and performance, it certainly delivers.

 

2013 Infiniti M35h

Like BMW, Infiniti offers a hybrid luxury sedan with a performance agenda. It's called the M35h, and it's even more powerful than the ActiveHybrid 3, with 360 hp from its V6 and electric motor. In fact, the Infiniti M35h is the Guinness World Record holder for quarter-mile acceleration by a hybrid.

Yet the M35h is economical in everyday driving, posting ratings of 27 mpg city/32 mpg hwy. It's also luxurious, offering standard heated leather seats, HID headlights and a rear sunshade. Pricing for the 2013 M35h has not been announced yet, but the 2012 model starts at $53,700.

2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz certainly has a reputation for luxury, but the automaker clearly doesn't consider efficiency to be just an afterthought. For years, Mercedes has built some of the most economical, big and upscale sedans around, relying largely on diesel to achieve that. But now, the popular E-Class sedan is available with a different kind of efficient powertrain that doesn't come with diesels drawbacks.

The E400 Hybrid is new for the 2013 model year and, at 26 mpg, it offers the best combined fuel economy across the wide E-Class range. The diesel-powered E350 Bluetec beats the E400 in highway fuel economy, but the hybrid model has higher city and combined ratings. And while the diesel is idling at traffic lights, the hybrid sits quietly with its engine off. Pricing for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid starts at $55,800.

Choosing a sedan that's comfortable, well-equipped and spacious is simple, given an appropriate budget. Yet, until now, finding one that's both environmentally responsible and luxurious has been a challenge. Now, hybrid technology has changed the game. These new hybrid luxury sedans deliver everything drivers want, and then some.

The most expensive helicopters

Helicopters have been around since 1936, when the Focke Wulf FW61 became the first operational helicopter ever made. Igor Sikorsky then conducted some full-scale production in 1942 when he was able to build 131 helicopters.

Before that, the idea of a machine being able to lift off and land vertically has been around for the longest time. As early as 400 B.C., evidence suggests that Chinese kids played with bamboo flying toys that could fly after rolling a stick attached to a rotor. Leonardo da Vinci had an aerial screw design in the early 1480′s. A Russian named Mikhail Lomonosov also demonstrated a tandem rotor in 1754.

Today, helicopters are used for a variety of purposes, including transport, cargo handling, military, firefighting, construction, search and rescue, medical, tourism and even simple aerial observation.

So what does it take to own one of these flying machines? Here now is a list of the top 10 most expensive private helicopters in the world today.

10. Eurocopter EC135 – $4.2 million

The outside of the Eurocopter EC135 looks like an imaginary and even futuristic bird. It has a prominent brown throat and a long tail ending in a loop. Hermes designed the interiors, with impeccable lining and invisible stitches. This helicopter can carry five passengers aside from the pilot. It is powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 turbine engines and two Pratt & Whitney PW206B2 turbine engines. It has a range of 635 kilometers and cruising speed of 254 kilometers per hour.

9. Eurocopter EC145 – $5.5 million

The Eurocopter EC145 is a multi-role helicopter. It is one of the best medium-sized, twin-engine helicopters. It has a hingeless rotor system with a monolithic titanium hub. It also has enhanced rotor blades that has less noise and vibration levels. It can carry up to 11 passengers in high-density seating, aside from the pilot. It is powered by a couple of Turbomeca ARRIEL 1E2 turbine engines. It as a maximum range of 680 kilometers and a maximum cruising speed of 246 kilometers per hour. It can go up at a rate of 1,600 feet per second. The maximum operating altitude is 18,000 feet.

8. AgustaWestland AW109 – $6.3 million

The AgustaWestland AW109 is a lightweight, twin-engine helicopter from the British and Italian company called AgustaWestland. It made its maiden voyage in 1971 and was formally introduced in 1976. The Italian Army, REGA or the Swiss Air Rescue, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force are its main users. It is used for light transport, medical evacuations, search and rescue operations and military purposes.

7. Eurocopter EC175 – $7.9 million

The Eurocopter EC175 is also known as the Avicopter Z-15. It was launched in 2008 and certified in 2011. It is designed for civilian and parapublic applications, including support for the oil and gas industry, search and rescue missions, homeland security, air medical services, utility missions and corporate transportation. It is powered by a couple of Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67E turboshaft engines equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control, or FADEC. It will also have a five-blade main rotor and three-blade trail rotor.

6. Eurocopter EC155 – $10 million

The Eurocopter EC155 is a long-range medium-lift passenger transport helicopter. The twin-engine chopper can fit in 13 passengers, aside from the pilot. Aside from passenger transport, the helicopter is also designed for offshore support, casualty transport and VIP corporate transport. It is powered by a couple of Turbomeca Arriel 2C1 turboshaft engines capable of 635 kW. It will also have dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control system. The entire cockpit is made of glass and equipped with an integrated digital flight control system.

5. Sikorsky S-76C – $12.95 million

The Sikorsky S-76C is a medium-sized commercial utility helicopter. It is powered by a couple of Turbomeca Arriel 1S1 turboshaft engines with a power of 539 kW. It is used by the British royal family, as well as by Donald Trump. The chopper’s main purposes are for airlines, corporations, hospitals and government operators. Both main and tail rotors have four blades and the landing gear is retractable.

4. AgustaWestland AW139 – $14.5 million

The AgustaWestland AW139 is a medium-sized twin engine helicopter. Bell Helicopters used to be part of the development of this aircraft but eventually pulled out. It has since become one of the company’s most influential products, providing the basis for the AW149 being used by the military and the AW189 being sold for civilian use. The main rotor has five blades while the tail rotor has four. Its landing gear is retractable and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6C turboshaft engines. It can carry up to 15 passengers in three rows, underlining the spaciousness of the aircraft.

3. Bell 525 – $15 million

The Bell 525, nicknamed Relentless, is a helicopter currently being developed by Bell Helicopter. It will be a medium-lift helicopter made primarily from composites and metal. It will be the first commercial helicopter to incorporate fly-by-wire flight controls. Two GE CT7-2F1 turboshaft engines will power it. It can carry up to 16 passengers, with a maximum range of 741 kilometers and speed of 261 kilometers per hour. It can go up to as high as 20,000 feet

2. Sikorsky S92 – $17 million

The Sikorsky S92 is a twin-engine medium-lift helicopter. It is the basis of the H-92 Superhawk that is used by the military. A pair of GE CT7-8A turboshaft engines powers it. It has an aluminum frame, as well as some composite components. The rotor has four blades and is designed to reduce noise and increase the lift. Most of its components are made of titanium.

1. AgustaWestland AW101 – $21 million

The AgustaWestland AW101 is a medium-lift helicopter from the British and Italian chopper manufacturer. The variant for important persons is used in Saudi Arabia and India. The main design is primarily used for anti-submarine warfare and as for transport and utility. The Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Italian Navy and the Royal Danish Air Force are its main users.

Best dirt bikes

No one on the planet has tested as many motorcycles as the MXA wrecking crew. Motocross Action is a motorcycle magazine—plain and simple. We aren't a fan magazine or aimed at the teenybopper crowd. We are about machinery and how to make them better. We have ridden every machine made, and some that shouldn’t have been made. Nothing engenders as much interest and controversy as the “MXA Bike of the Year” awards. We have been handing them out for 34 years (MXA has actually been testing bikes for 40 years, but in the ’70s we weren’t smart enough to comprehensively rank them).


- 1986 Honda CR125 - 

The MXA test crew understands that when a consumer plunks down over eight grand for a new bike, he doesn’t want to hear that he bought the wrong machine. We sympathize, but our job is to report the facts as accurately and consistently as possible. It isn’t uncommon for us to get angry emails from owners of a brand that didn’t do well. The complainers have a litany of reasons for why we didn’t choose their brand as the best. Here are the most commons whines.


- 1993 Honda CR250 - 

The “Yamaha Action” complaint: When Yamaha started winning back-to-back shootouts a decade ago, the red, green, yellow and orange fans claimed that we showed favoritism to YZs. We found it amusing, because we got the same letters when Honda won the 250 Shootout for five straights years (1983-1987)—except back then they called us “Honda Action.” Plus, even minimal research would reveal that Yamaha hasn't won a 250F or 450 four-stroke shootout in eight years. If you carried our critics logic up to today, we should be called "Kawasaki Action." We don’t have favorite companies—we reward excellence in machinery.


- 1994 Kawasaki KX250 - 

Advertising trumps integrity: One of the old saws pawned off by morons is that the manufacturer that advertises the most wins the shootouts. Hogwash! Need proof? The Suzuki RM250 won the 250 Bike of the Year award in 2004-2006 and the 2011 250F four-stroke award. Suzuki doesn't run enough advertising with MXA to buy the test riders lunch. Additionally, KTM won the 2004, 2011 and 2014 125cc shootouts, 2011-14 250 two-stroke shootouts and2010-11 450 shootouts—and KTM is definitely not MXA’s largest advertiser. Advertising dollars can’t make a bad bike good...at least not at MXA.

- 1998 Yamaha YZ400F - 

Different mags; different winners: It’s not uncommon for other magazines to choose different shootout winners. More power to them (and their flawed methodology). But, history almost always proves that the MXA wrecking crew is right. Need examples? Every magazine raved about the 2002 Honda CRF450—except MXA. We thought it had a serious handling flaw and a mellow engine. Who was right? Honda’s engineers spent the next three years working on the handling and beefing up the bottom end. When they got it right, they got the top spot. Then, in 2009-2012, the other mags raved about the weirdly configured Honda CRF450. We didn’t. Who was right? Let's not even mention the 2001 Cannondale MX400 which one magazine named the "Bike of the Year."


- 2000 Yamaha YZ125 - 

Anti-Euro faction: In the last 32 years, only 11 European bikes have made theMXA Best Bike list (2004 KTM 125SX, 2010-11 KTM 450SXF, 2011-14 KTM 250SX and 2011-14 KTM 150SX). To our critics’ way of thinking, MXA never gave European bikes a fair chance. To our way of thinking, European bikes came up short in their approach to handling for the better part of the last 30 years. Once they got it right, they got credit.


- 2001 Yamaha YZ250F - 

The winning margin: There are 98 bikes listed in MXA's best bikes listbetween 125 two-strokes, 250 two-strokes, 250 four-strokes and 450 four-strokes. Yamaha has won 39 of the 95 crowns. Yamaha's last win was in the 125 and 250 two-stroke classes in 2010. Yamaha's last four-stroke victorieswere in 2006. Kawasaki is second on the all-time list with 22 Best Bike wins. Kawasaki racked up almost half of those over the last nine years with the KX250F and KX450F. Honda is third on the all-time list with 16 Best Bike awards. Four of their 16 came with the 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008 CRF450. But, the majority of Honda wins came during the hey-day of the CR250 (1983-1987). Suzuki has 11 wins (with five 125 two-stroke wins, five 250 two-stroke wins and one RM-Z250 win in 2011). KTM has dominated two-strokes over the last four years and has swept both the 125 and 250 classes since 2011. They also took one 125 class award back in 2004 and the 450 four-stroke class in 2010 and 2011.

- 2005 Honda CRF450 - 

There have been lots of chances for your favorite brand to make the list. So, love us or hate us, we aren’t telling you what to buy—we are just giving you the tools to make an informed decision.

Ten of the best convertibles

But summer is not a good time to buy a convertible

If you are looking to snap up a convertible bargain, spring and early summer is unsurprisingly the worst period to go searching.

It’s an issue of supply and demand - most people interested in buying a convertible will buy when the weather is warm. 

Dealers give smaller discounts on brand convertibles in summer, as they have more people trying to buy them, while second-hand sellers also see more demand and therefore less need to drop prices.

This means you’ll be better off holding out until the winter months - and if you do, you could end up saving quite a bit (although the car may have to wait in the garage for a while for summer to appear).

The only downside to this tactic is the fact selection will probably be more limited in the winter months compared to the spring and summer, as there may be lower supply of people selling.

What convertible should you buy?

Once you've decided to take the plunge, which are the best convertibles.

This is Money alongside Auto Trader, reveal the favoured convertibles from a recent poll that got motorists engines revving - including one model starting at £17,720.

10. Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 1.2 TSI S (£20,770)

The Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet has a timeless quality and Auto Trader says that each car it tested felt like it was built to last for decades. 

There’s fun to be had behind the wheel and it’s particularly refined for a small convertible. It's price tag isn't too bad either - at just over £20,000 brand new, it's the second cheapest in the list.

9. Lotus Elise 1.6 CR (£27,975)

The Lotus Elise offers a unique driving experience. It has been designed to perform and handle through it slight weight, making it cheaper to run than almost any other sports car.

When the Elise came out, Lotus claimed the entry-level model was the least polluting high-performance sports car in the world.

8. Audi TT Roadster 1.8T FSI (£25,155)

The Audi TT Roadster is one of the most stylish cars on the road. It is beautifully built and great to drive. According to Auto Trader, it holds its value very well and is utterly usable, even if it’s not very practical due to limited cabin and boot space,

The TT Roadster is also very safe, with things made even better with the availability of four-wheel drive. Build quality is superb and while you pay a high price for ownership, the costs are easily justified.

7. BMW 3 Series 320i SE (£33,535)

The BMW 3 Series convertible is classy, discreet, desirable and great to drive, according to Auto Trader.

Stylish, well-built and efficient, the 320i is exceptionally economical according to WhatCar? and has low emissions to keep the taxman at bay.

6. Ferrari California (£152,086)

A Ferrari for all seasons and all reasons? That’s certainly how it seems with the new California convertible.  

The Ferrari California is the real deal. Despite its bling looks it’s not just a poseur’s car, according to Auto Trader. However, it does come with a hefty price-tag and is the priciest motor on the list.

5. Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE (£17,720)

Mazda’s MX-5 comes with fabulous handling, neat styling and a brilliantly simple roof that makes drop-top motoring a joy all year round.

The MX-5 has been around now for 23 years and according to WhatCar?, Mazda did exactly what it set out to do in 1989 - resurrect the British roadster of the 1950s and 1960s. It is also the most affordable convertible on the list, you could buy eight of these for the price of the Ferrari above and still have £10,000 spare.

4. Porsche 911 (£75,013)

Porsche's 911 Cabriolet offers all the performance of its coupe relative, but with greater access to the enjoyable engine note and the wind in your hair.

According to AutoExpress, the 911 Cabriolet retains two-thirds of its value after three years, making it a sound investment. It's also fuel-efficient given its sensational performance, and servicing requirements are infrequent.

3. Jaguar XK 5.0 V8 (£70,400)

This beautiful Jaguar XK convertible offers a classic mix of high performance, elegance and wind-in-the-hair cruising. 

It’s as comfortable being a boulevard cruiser as it is a sports car, but it is expensive to run with a low mile per gallon (MPG) rating.

2. Mercedes-Benz SL350 (£72,170)

The Mercedes SL boasts a lot of highlights but its best is quite simply its status, according to Auto Trader. It’s a great-looking car, and still turns heads. 

And the fact the styling is backed up by substance makes it better still.

1. Aston Martin Vantage 2dr 420 (£95,244)

The Vantage Roadster is beautiful and engaging to drive, though it’s not quite as polished dynamically as some of its rivals. 

Still, you’d never tire of looking at it, or of the sound the V8 makes when it’s reaching its redline. If that’s not enough to have you wanting one, we don’t know what is.

Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2148801/Ten-best-convertible-cars-buy.html#ixzz2ycSV6BMO
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