Ferrari Signed Ms&rb Factory Photo on 2040-parts.com

Used car values look strong for 2014

THE VALUE OF USED cars is set to stay strong in 2014 following a rise in values this year, according to the latest analysis of the market. The latest report by British Car Auctions shows that compared to last year, new-to-market car values are around 15% higher than this time last year while older part-exchange cars are as much as 20% higher than a year ago. Simon Henstock, BCA’s UK Operations Director commented “We have seen an upturn in the supply of dealer part-exchanges in 2013, reflecting reports that retail sales have been strong.

CES: Cranking up Harman's QuantumLogic 3D surround-sound system

Yesterday we reported how Audi was readying a lavish 3D sound experience with 23 speakers and 1,400 watts of goosebump-inducing audio power. Not to be outdone, Harman had been quietly developing a system of its own: Quantum Logic 3D brings together 25 speakers and more than 2,000 watts of Tubthumping power to a new car near you, like driving inside Phil Spector's Wall of Sound. Sitting inside the demonstration BMW 7-Series that Harman painstakingly lifted into the Studio at the Palms, Global Audio Engineering vice president Phil Muzio explained, "great music is delivered in stereo, yet our consumer research indicates that people enjoy surround sound." QuantumLogic 3D's surround sound expands beyond the boundaries of the vehicle's cabin, providing "a sense of detail and spatial placement that you don't get in stereo." Five height component speakers mounted in the corners of the headliner, and above the rearview mirror, elevates audio beyond the confines of the roof, "almost like you're in a convertible," said Muzio.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 actually gets 650 bhp and 650 lb/ft of torque

The new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible (pictured) gets 650 bhp The American are found of telling us there’s no substitute for cubic inches, but throw in a supercharger to the equation and numbers become even more appealing, and more linear than a turbo too. So the fact the 6.2 litre V8 under the bonnet of the new Corvette Z06 already manages 465 bhp in naturally aspirated guise, it wasn’t a stretch when the car world was expecting around 625 bhp when Chevrolet finally revealed the power for the Z06. But it’s more.