Let’s face it, even with the bail-outs and rising gas prices (and prices rising on just about everything else), the economy still sucks. Jobs and careers still are disappearing as company after company declares bankruptcy. So, buying a car isn’t exactly an option on everyone’s horizon.

But right now is either the best (or worst) time to buy a brand new auto.

The current President and United States House of Representatives have passed numerous bills providing all types of discounts to new car buyers. Even more money is being deducted for buyer’s interested in picking up a new fuel efficient (and environmentally friendly) auto.

In fact, Congress just passed a bill, which allows car dealers to provide up to $4,500 in cash back to consumers who trade in their older (aging) or non-efficient autos for newer models. The bill also calls for the older autos that are traded in to be crushed, so that they are pulled out of commission and kept off the road.

Certain states even passed a bill that fully protects consumers if a car dealership defaults on paying off auto loans. This means that even if the company goes under, the consumer is protected and their money does not go down the drain.

GM and Ford came up with a “job-loss” protection program that will protect new car buyers for a certain period of time in the event they lost their job. In order to participate consumers must fit the criteria for state unemployment benefits.

The government also protected auto warranties for those manufacturers that could possibly declare bankruptcy. The auto industry bail-out set aside an option for the government to honor warranties for GM and Chrysler while they get back on their feet.

As you can see, there are plenty of deductibles and deals set in motion for consumers interested in purchasing a new car. There are a few more not even mentioned here, and as time goes on and more auto dealers file for Chapter 11, I can be quite sure more will surface.

So, if you’re thinking of picking up that new energy or fuel efficient auto you’ve had your eye on, why not go for it?

The new 2010 Lotus Evora will be released just in time for those big shot CEOs that got a taste of the economic stimulus (and I’ll be willing to bet many of them will use the money on something like this, for “business”).

It broadens the field of sports automobiles with a new concept: more head room without sacrificing power and style. When compared to earlier Lotus models (Elise, Exige) the Evora has a total of nearly two feet added to the length of the frame.

What makes the Evora increasingly more imaginative is the fact that all that extra room is given to the passengers in the back, which means no more tiny seats in the back. Now thanks to Lotus a total of four passengers can fit comfortably inside such a beast and have the ride of their lives.

The Evora borrows technology from the earlier Elise and Exige models and also offers its own unique features without straying too far off the Lotus path. Special features include a hydraulic assisted steering column, a unique front and rear sub-frame (which is designed to collapse and absorb impact in an accident to keep passengers safe), an especially rigid chassis, smooth suspension system, and touch-screen navigation with full iPod connectivity support. Unlike previous Lotus models, the Evora also includes a glove box and a huge trunk space for a sports vehicle measuring at 5.7 cubic feet.

The Lotus Evora is equipped with a 3.5L V6, that sports 276 hp at 6,400 rpm, combined with 252 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. The Evora can go from 0-60MPH in 5 seconds flat and gets a decent 25MPG while doing so.

One of these bad boys will set you back $75,000 (the established base price) and will not be available until January 2010.

Are you a Gas Pedal Addict?

Do you have pictures of gorgeous sports cars all over your walls or decorating your office area? Then listen up, because you’ll love this.

Rinspeed, auto designer of some of the most beautiful concept cars in existence, has recently announced a new line of art up for grabs. The canvas style prints will come in all shapes and sizes and feature some of the most unique concept designs offered by the manufacturer.

The prints will be available in five different collections, originating from five different concept cars: the iChange, the sQuba, the eXasis, the zaZen and the Bedouin concept designs. Additional art will be offered to fans of E2 Fiat concept cars and their new models, which fall under a unique “Futurism” concept.

All prints will include art paper stretched onto canvas, fully protected by plexiglass, and each art piece will be available in different sizes. As always, to commemorate the release, Rinspeed is offering limited and collector’s edition versions with a special water-mark symbol on the back, which will allow art dealers to verify the authenticity of the prints.

Rinspeed is very well known for unique concept designs, such as the revolutionary iChange, which is a space module shaped auto that has no doors included in the body structure (it slightly resembles the exterior of a Maserati). Other unique concept designs include the Senso convertible type vehicle, the Splash water/land vehicle, the Presto electric vehicle and the Rone single manned sports auto.

To peruse some of the unique concept models look here.

Across desolate terrain a rumbling vehicle speeds forward. The exterior body is smooth, and futuristic adorned with a red and silver matte finish. It looks as if the vehicle were modeled after some sort of space sci-fi craft.

Does this vehicle exist?

The answer is yes.

The Italian automobile company Fornasari, known for its rather strange model productions, has designed a very unique racing buggy. It was structured to withstand any type of condition, man-made or natural, and bridge the gap between true all-terrain vehicles and average consumers. Most similar vehicles are only available to professional organizations or certain military operations.

To further allow the average consumer a wider array of options, the buggy will be available in two separate models. One model is simply a basic, stripped down, version, and the other is a high-performance, tuned up, model.

Nothing on the specs of the basic model have been released as of yet. However, the high-performance model will include a 610 horsepower, 7.0 liter, V8 engine. The buggy itself can go from 0-60 mph in just under 3.8 seconds.

Both models include a unique body structure mirroring a B-2 stealth bomber, only with different colors. The buggy also features a tubular chassis with triangulated suspensions for increased absorption and an integrated Chevy power plant.

No word as of yet on a release date, but early images prove that this thing is a beast.

If you wanna trek off-road in style, get one of these bad boys.

Everyone loves to rock ‘n roll, or rap, on the road. But do you ever stop and wonder what kind of vehicles some of those band members drove around with all their money and fame?

What did Elvis rock ‘n roll in back in the day? What about Miley Cyrus or the Jonas Brothers?

The ‘Rock Stars’ Cars and Guitars 2′ exhibit opens up May 16 at the Henry Ford museum in Dearborn, Michigan and will run until September 7. As it’s the sequel, the return exhibit used the original Rock Stars’ Cars and Guitars’ success to boost the featured memorabilia and now offers more.

Because of the first show’s success more rock artists were willing to donate “artifacts” for display.

Tom Varitek, senior manager of the Henry Ford Museum commented, “We literally have all 60 years of rock ’n’ roll represented.”

Some of the “artifacts” or vehicles on display include Janis Joplin’s 1965 Porsche, Miley Cyrus’s 2008 smart car (which debuted on the Nickelodean Kids’ Choice Awards), Mike Ness’ (of Total Distortion) 1940 Ford Coupe and 1964 Gretsch guitar side by side, Sheryl Crow’s Ford Mustang Fastback, Elvis Presley’s Custom Cadillac Eldorado coupe, James Hetfield’s 1953 purple Buick Skylark and many more.

Several other rock-related items, including costumes, guitars and even Alice Cooper’s stage-featured Guillotine, are on exclusive display for visitors.

Tickets for the Henry Ford museum start at $15.00 for adults and $11.00 for youth (5-12), children under 5 years old are always free. Of course, if you don’t live nearby, you’ll have to check out your local plane ticket listings.

Additional special events includeperforming artists: Hot Rocks (a Rolling Stones cover band), Wanda Jackson, rock comedian Charles Phoenix, and artist Mark Arminski’s poster art (which was used for many famous musician’s cd covers- Grateful Dead, Black Crowes).

The official link for the event can be found here.