Aston Martin V8 Vantage Driving Experience

Think of Aston Martin and you can expect a line of powerful, dashing and smart sports cars. Of course, every car by this British car maker is a great model to drive in, but the brand didn't have anything like a party piece - this is why Aston Martin V8 Vantage came into existence.

Aston engineers kept the tried-and-true 4.7-liter V8 engine under the plan but re-designed the valved air intake system, and improved the spark strategy. These changes happened to accrue more air to the engine at the higher rpm, and also ignited the gasoline more effectively. All these factors cause more power generation and more efficiency.

With modifications came an engine paired to either a seven-speed automated manual or a six-speed manual. It produces 361 pound-feet of torque and 430 horsepower. In addition, the engineers expected the car to reach 0 to 60 in just 4.6 seconds and could make up top a top speed of 190 mph.

To ensure V8 stops and goes well, engineers got inspiration from GT racing series and worked with a quick-ratio steering rack and high performance brakes. With the price kept at the lower slot, it is taken as an introductory model to this British luxury car maker range.

If you have driven V12 Vantage S Roadster, you may not feel comfortable driving a cheaper version or a less powerful engine. Also, you would not expect it to offer an enlivening driving experience. You may find your theories wrong after driving this great car. Just a few shifts, and you will become accustomed to heavy yet intuitive clutch, the weight and directness of steering, positioning and heft of the gearbox shifter and its linkage. After a few minutes of ride, you can feel as if you are not driving a simple car, but operating a new appendage, and you will find the car becoming a part of you.

Speaking honestly, no other car would feel as intuitive as V8 Vantage. Take this car for a drive and you would not realize the burden of driving a car. It offers superb grip and can shift the transmission quickly. The handling is confident, and you can drive on road without any fear of losing the grip or control. Every component hits perfection and you will love the experience.

V8 Vantage carries the legacy forward and offers ultimate facilities like any other Aston Model - be it 2013 DB9, Volante or any other model.

Funeral Pre-Planning: What Decisions Do You Have to Make?

The death of a loved one is a stressful time. You have many decisions to make. What type of service? What type of casket? Do you want flowers or simply ask for donations to a favorite charity? If there is no guide in place, family members must make these decisions on the spot. You can save the strain for your family with some simple funeral pre-planning steps.

What to Do with the Body

Before doing anything else, decide what you want to be done with your body after death. Most people opt for either burial or cremation, but some choose donate their corpse to a university or medical school. It is important that to convey this decision to loved ones. It also does not hurt to have it listed in a letter to the family or in your last will and testament.

For those who want to donate their bodies to science check with a local university or medical school. There may be some restrictions on the condition of your body before they will accept it. Find out what their guidelines are and how to word it in your will in order to fulfill your wishes.

Finding a Mortuary

Once you know what you want to do, you need to find a mortuary in order to set up your plan. The director will help you with your funeral pre-planning checklist to ensure that you account for everything and there is nothing for your family to decide.

If burial is the plan, the director will help you pick out a casket. They can help coordinate with your chosen cemetery to help you locate a plot or mausoleum. They will also work with the cemetery to arrange for the actual burial and any services held on the property.

For those who plan cremation, a mortuary director helps coordinate any services before or after the cremation and getting your body to the crematorium. Some homes do have a crematorium on the premises to make the service more convenient.

Pre-Payment

The most important step in funeral pre-planning is getting it in writing. You should have a written document showing what type of service you want and any caskets or urns you have chosen. In addition, each item should have a cost listed.

Once you have finalized all the arrangements, you need to discuss payment. While some people can pay for the costs up front, others arrange for the cost to spread out over several months. Most mortuaries take into account any life insurance paid upon your death and will only require the remaining balance. Almost all will work with you to make sure the arrangement is within your budget. Keep a copy of all documents so your family is certain that your wishes are carried out.

Taking the time to go through funeral pre-planning can take the burden off loved ones during their time of grief. While it may sound morbid, picking out caskets, service arrangements, and burial plots in advance can bring great comfort to those you leave behind.