Want to sneak a peek at the hottest new cars coming to the market soon? These new cars are the testament to the levels of progress and innovation currently being made in the motor industry. We have chosen them for their futuristic designs, remarkable technology, the sheer volume of power and above all else, the levels of desire they invoke in motoring enthusiasts. These models may not be production-ready just yet but these test runs suggest that something incredible is around the corner.

BMW Z5 2019

Work on the highly anticipated Z5 series is still underway and due to be released in 2019, and when it is, it will see off and consign the Z4 series to history. The aggressive looking little coupe features rear-wheel-drive jointly developed alongside Toyota which heralds a return of the Supra, adding another interesting twist to the series. The pictures we have seen are of a soft top model but, of course, hard top versions will be available.

Audi R8 E-Tron

Having been spotted undergoing grueling testing at the famous Nürburgring, the Audi R8 E-Tron has everybody talking about it and for all the right reasons. The model has been about since 2010 and was created to prove Audi’s engineering prowess by delivering incredible power from dual electric engines. The new model is suggested to be able to churn out 456 horsepower, 679 pound-feet of torque and carry you from 0-60 mph in less than three seconds which is impressive in itself, electric or not.

Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang

The welcome return of the GT name is well documented but new photos of a partly covered in in-development Mustang suggest that perhaps the plans for the GT500 are not as dead as had been suggested. Given the success of the GT350 and GT350R models, we are all expecting something very special from a souped-up and even more powerful model. Rumour has it that the GT500 will contain a twin-turbo V8 engine with no less than 750 horsepower – truly a muscle car worth keeping an eye out for.

Chevy Corvette ZR1 2018

When Chevy served up the Corvette Z06 it seemed that the world was hardly even ready for it. The 650-hp beast blew everybody away with its looks, sound and, of course, it is unparalleled and frankly terrifying power. The motoring world asked the only question it could; “what on Earth comes next?” Well, the answer is the 2018 ZR1. Spy photographs and videos from Michigan have revealed hard and soft top versions of a supercar with a huge rear wing and what is likely to be carbon fiber body panels. Details at this stage are still a little thin on the ground…

The MINI Hardtop’s individuality and original style make it one of the most popular and enjoyable cars to drive. With the 2017 model release coming up shortly, here are the top 4 cool facts that you need to know:

1. Standard features will include an impressive 6.5-inch center screen on the dashboard, stylish faux leather seats, Bluetooth and 8 airbags. For the more adventurous of MINI drivers, customizations are also available: the popular and much loved Union Jack convertible rooftop and, if faux leather seats aren’t your thing, there is a choice of 8 different tasteful upholsteries available for the interior.

2. With a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder base engine, the Hardtop has 124 horsepower, making this one speedy and fun little car to drive. What’s more, the 2017 Hardtop is available in either 6 gear manual or automatic transmission, with the manual transmission being the top choice for many drivers since it allows for more control – and enjoyability – whilst driving.

3. The 2017 Mini Cooper is available in four equally striking yet different models. In ascending order to most expensive: the classic Hardtop 2 door, the Hardtop 4 door, the larger Clubman, and the soft top and more stylish convertible. The timeless 2 door has grown in size over the years and will now measure in at 150.4 inches long. This means that, although still compact, there is enough head room for a person measuring 6 foot and 3 inches. However, the Clubman – a noticeable 18 inches longer than the 2 door – is perfect for those who love the style of the MINI but simply need a much bigger vehicle.

4. Finally, the Cooper received the highest safety rating available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2016 when it was awarded a Top Safety Pick +, as well as being awarded four stars for safety by the US federal government’s NHTSA, proving that, on top of being one of the most fashionable and iconic cars around, the MINI is also extremely practical.

Here at SimplyCarBuyers, the MINI Hardtop is an old favorite – consistently stylish and fun, yet safety approved and a fantastic drive. We will always love this classic car and we know many of you do too! Keep posted for all the latest updates.

At SimplyCarBuyers, we like to keep you up-to-date with the latest information for car buyers, as well as car news on a brand-by-brand, country-by-country basis. In light of the recent domination of America in the news, and Donald Trump’s heralding of what will surely be a new dawn for libertarians and their and enormous cars, it is interesting to note the most popular cars being sold in America before his inauguration.

#10 Nissan Rogue

With sales up 13.5% from September 2015 to 2016, the Nissan Rogue benefits from either front or four-wheel drive, and seats five with ease. At 33 miles to the gallon, it costs around $31 grand.

#9 Honda Accord

Being sold from $25-$35,000, the new Accord is Honda’s largest car, offering 32 miles to the gallon on the highway, less than that in the city.

#8 Honda Civic

Superior fuel economy and a range of comfortable and useful interior features have kept the sales of the Honda Civic on track, getting 40 miles to the gallon on the open road.

#7 Toyota RAV4

An iconic compact SUV, this Toyota is a useful family vehicle, though its maximum mpg rating leaves something to be desired at 30.

#6 Toyota Camry

With its sleek looks, features and excellent fuel economy, the Toyota Camry is marketed toward the average car buyer rather than the family. It’s spacious yet compact.

#5 Honda CR-V

Spacious, practical and versatile, the Honda CR-V continues the Japanese domination of the American market, offering a family 4×4 with great fuel efficiency at 44mpg.

#4 Toyota Corolla

A bold, compact and reliable car aimed at zipping through the morning commute, the Corolla boasts an excellent 33 miles to the gallon.

#3 Chevrolet Silverado

Big, bold and unashamed, this Chevrolet is both enormous and powerful, with plenty of space to keep your belongings, or another small car.

#2 Ram 1500-3500

Another enormous vehicle that laughs in the face of subtlety, this Ram pickup manages 24 miles to the gallon, somehow.

#1 Ford F-Series

A final American vehicle of a countdown that saw a resurgence in US-manufactured behemoths, sales of this vehicle are up 3% from last year, and it will cost a maximum of $60,000 with all the available features. Its capacity is 24 miles to the gallon, though we’re not sure that fuel efficiency is really the focus on this model.

San Fransisco, California, is now at the forefront of a new scheme of car rental geared towards Uber drivers. In partnership with Maven, the car sharing the branch of General Motors (ironically a huge sponsor of Uber’s main competitors, Lyft), Uber is offering the opportunity to rent either a Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Malibu, or Chevrolet Trax, for $179 a week, including insurance. Although this fee doesn’t include other fees or tax it is still being considered as great value for money for drivers.

The new program will be called ‘Uber Vehicle Solutions’, and is set to add another string to Maven’s car sharing bow. General Motor’s extensive fleet will give many people opportunities to work and utilize a vehicle for personal use.

This flexible new system can all be controlled through an app on the driver’s smartphone, which will allow the driver to choose their car, their choice of pick up location, and length of rental period. There are not even any limitations on the mileage that can be racked up in that time.

This system is set to be a fantastic alternative to car ownership as drivers are able to use the cars for personal use, as well as make money through Uber fares. It’s also a good way for drivers to rent a car with the intention of keeping their Uber miles off their personal vehicle and maintain value.

The move towards ‘social driving’ has been looked into before by the likes of General Motors, with their Express Drive program, which allows car owners to rent their vehicle to Lyft drivers on short term loan. The rates from Uber Vehicle Solutions seem to be in line with other short-term car rental schemes and show a steady move towards this being the norm.

The scheme will be piloted for 90 days and will keep its operations solely in the San Fransisco area for the time being, but it’ll certainly be interesting to see how this takes off. Maven’s recent expansion into the Los Angeles area of California shows they’re not planning on slowing down anytime soon. Is car renting the future of car ownership?

They can save you money on fuel, are better for the environment, and with an increasing number of models becoming available, are now trendier than ever. But is it all plain sailing for hybrid cars – after all, if they’re so good, wouldn’t everyone be driving a hybrid car? In this blog we take a look at the positive sides of purchasing a ‘car for the future’, and look at why you might sell a hybrid car if you aren’t happy with it.

Positives

Incentive to drive efficiently

When you accelerate gradually in a hybrid car, this often uses only the electric engine. For drivers that usually love putting the pedal to the metal, this can encourage them to drive slower and more efficiently.

Suited to the city

For urban residents, a hybrid car can present the perfect solution. Whenever you stop, you are theoretically charging by electricity generation, which gives you power to use at low speeds in typically congested areas.

It’s oh so quiet

If you like the feeling of slipping down the road almost unnoticed, hybrid cars are discernibly slower than cars which are running a gasoline engine.

Nice and warm

Models such as the Toyota Prius are able to keep the car warm on those cold winter mornings by storing coolant in a Thermos-type container. This means you won’t be putting your cold engine under unnecessary pressure when starting it.

Negatives

Increase in fuel prices = rise in hybrid prices

As the cost of filling up surges, hybrid cars become more of an attractive option for drivers looking to buy a car, and when something becomes popular, naturally prices begin to rise.

Lack of larger vehicles

There is a distinct lack of hybrid options in the SUV market, and for those of us with a family, that value the option of a third row of seats, this can be a decisive factor. Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid SUV is one of the alternatives, however, although it has been pulled up for the comparatively low mileage it offers compared to smaller hybrids.

Weak battery

It has been reported that an ‘aftermarket’ battery that can be purchased for a hybrid car actually lasts a lot longer than the one which comes with the vehicle. Mistakes such as leaving an interior light on could leave you completely drained.