Manhart Land Rover Defender is a Stealthy 500-HP SUV

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– not actual vehicle –

Manhart Performance, the tuning house based in Wuppertal, Germany is known for building and optimizing some of the best vehicles on the market. Over the years, they have moved from tuning BMW M vehicles to refining vehicles from multiple manufacturers including Land Rover. To optimize performance, Manhart uses in-house developed carbon fiber parts and custom exhaust systems.

Over the 67 years since its launch, the Land Rover Defender has become one of the most definitive and capable off-roaders in the market. More than two million Defenders have been shipped so far. Unfortunately, Land Rover pulled the plug on the Defender back in 2016, and after a brief hiatus, the latest generation (built from the ground up) was launched in 2019. In this case, Manhart has revealed that only 10 Defender DP 500s will ever be made.

Since its launch in 2019, the Defender has got various updates over the years and is now available in three versions. Defender 90 variant gets a smaller 3-door design, while the bigger 110 model gets five doors and plenty of cabin space. Finally, the new Defender 130 slated for 2023 is an extended version of the same to fit a third row of seats (providing seating for upto 8 people). Land Rover is also launching the 30th anniversary model for 2023 (limited to 500 units) with unique design elements.

The 2023 Defender range now starts at $54,000 for the base S model and goes up to $113,000 for the Carpathian model. And Manhart hasn’t revealed the prices for the Defender DP 500 yet. As a focused off-roader, LR offers a wide range of equipment as options including a height-adjustable air suspension setup, locking differential, and even special modes for deep water wading. But it also drives exceptionally well on the tarmac with decent driving dynamics and ride quality.

Manhart already launched their first Defender DP 500 last year and the latest one builds off it with some extra tweaks. Instead of tuning the range-topping 518 hp supercharged V-8, Manhart has built the DP500 on top of the Defender 110 P400 model. This standard variant comes with a smaller 3.0L six-cylinder powertrain producing 395 hp in stock form. With all the modifications from Manhart, the DP 500 now makes 505 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. While the standard Defender is known for its stellar off-road capabilities, the DP 500 is focused on the tarmac which is evident from the massive 24-inch wheels and ultra low-profile tires.

Along with the engine remap, which now produces similar power figures as the supercharged V-8 in the lineup, the DP 500 also adds a custom stainless exhaust system with either carbon or ceramic coated tailpipes. This will give the Defender a distinct soundtrack to go along with the performance. The tarmac-focused approach also reduces the ground clearance by 1.2 inches by modifying and optimizing the air suspension and coupling rods. However, Manhart hasn’t revealed any upgrades to the braking system to handle the extra power.

Going with the same theme, the DP 500 also gets several exterior modifications. The most obvious among them are wide fender add-ons, new bumper intakes, and a distinct gloss black color scheme throughout. Silver stripes are also included to break the monotony. The Manhart forged line rims measure 24×10 inches and get a light gray finish. You also get 295/30ZR24 ultra-low profile tires. Also available are smaller 22-inch wheels on request. As expected, these massive wheels limit the Defender’s off-road capabilities. 

On the inside, the Defender DP 500 gets high-quality leather/Alcantara upholstery with customizable accents. Customers can also opt for ErgoMed front seats developed by Recaro with features like heating and ventilation. These seats also get integrated airbags. You can also find design elements like exposed rivets to structural magnesium beams amping up the overall appeal of the cabin. Coming to the dash, it has a minimalist design approach with most of the functions moved to the central touchscreen display. Fortunately, you get some physical controls near the gear lever and access to switchgear is easy. Land Rover also offers a bigger 11.4-inch display running the Pivi Pro interface. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and more are included as standard. 10-speaker and 14-speaker sound systems from Meridian are also available as options to blast your tunes. 

The latest generation Defender is based on the D7x platform which is part of the JLT premium lightweight architecture, specially tailored for this vehicle. To keep its occupants safe, it comes equipped with all the latest driver assistance technologies including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a lot more. Also, the Advanced terrain management system continues to impress us, offering dedicated modes for almost all surfaces and scenarios. It is capable of sampling the surroundings 500 times a second and thus the vehicle continuously adapts for better control and performance, even on tarmac. 

Jumping Into Real Estate Investing For Beginners

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If you’ve been browsing around Charlotte for a new rental, you’ve seen low vacancies and fierce competition to get a unique rental. 

The most competitive rental market report for 2022 revealed that Charlotte had the highest jump in the state for competitiveness for renters. 

And that trend is also a national phenomenon with a reported 95% occupancy rate, meaning finding a new rental is next to impossible. 

So what does that mean on the other side of the coin? For owners and landlords, rental properties are a boon. 

That’s because, due to low inventory and high demand, the value of real estate continues to appreciate, even in inflationary times. Additionally, real estate is a finite item, is desirable, and will accrue more equity over time than almost any other investment. 

The benefit of real estate investing is that you can leverage your bank loan into making substantially more on your return. There aren’t many other areas where you can take out a sizable loan on good repayment terms and use that money to make even more money. 

There are numerous ways to get ahead and make money in real estate. 

You could;

  • Buy and rent
  • Develop new construction
  • Wholesale
  • Fix-and-Flip
  • Buy and Hold

If you’re looking to flip the script and go from a renter to a landlord or looking for different ways to get into real estate and make some money, understanding the various methods and how they may benefit your interests is a must. 

Buy and Rent

The process of becoming a landlord and renting properties is an easy one. First, you need to find a property that you can buy at a discount or below market, invest in a little touch-up or renovations, and rent it out at a slight monthly profit. 

To succeed, you’ll need to evaluate how much you can charge over your mortgage to profit. For example, if your mortgage and taxes are $2,000 a month, and the market can shoulder a rental at $2,400, then you’ll make $400 a month in profit on the property.

What’s more, is that over time, as people rent out your property, they pay down the mortgage debt on the place so that, in time, the gains you get from your rental income increase while your debt obligations decrease. 

The concern with renting is that you’re on the hook for significant issues with the property and any potential vacancies that may occur. 

Develop New Construction

Finding, permitting, and developing new property to sell or lease is another way to get involved in real estate. 

Suppose you have some assets that you can use as collateral. In that case, this may be an excellent way to make significant money, but only if you understand how to scout an area, acquire the rights to develop, and can deliver on the construction. 

Wholesale Real Estate

Wholesaling is the process of agreeing to buy a property and immediately selling those rights to a third party at a markup from the agreed price. Wholesaling in North Carolina is a great introductory way to get involved in real estate investing without significant capital. 

To wholesale, you would look to secure a contract with a seller and, in turn, have an agreement to sell that contract to some other party. 

To minimize your exposure, you would want to already have a potential buyer of your contract before agreeing to any purchase agreement. 

The difference in price between what you agree to buy the property at and the amount you’re able to sell it is your profit. 

Wholesaling is similar to fix and flip, except with wholesaling, you never take hold of any property or contracts; you act as an intermediary between the seller and the secondary buyer. 

And if you’re wondering is wholesaling real estate legal in North Carolina, the answer is yes. Wholesaling is legal in most states and allowable as most purchase agreements place the responsibility on both parties to fulfill the deal and is considered a civil matter. 

Fix and Flip

Maybe you’ve seen shows on DIY and Netflix where a person comes in, buys a broken-down home, rebuilds it, and sells it for a considerable profit. Well, if you have, that’s the idea behind fix and flip. 

With a flipped home, you’re looking to buy a property below market value, invest some money in renovating it, and put it back on the market quickly to maximize your profit opportunity. 

Buy and Hold

A buy and hold the standard way most people get into real estate investing. Buy and hold describes typical home ownership where the profit for the investor is measured in equity made over time as the debts are paid off and the home appreciates. 

North Carolina Is 2022’s State with the 4th Best Elder-Abuse Protections

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With over 10% of Americans over age 60 suffering from elder abuse, and seniors especially vulnerable during this period of high inflation, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2022’s States with the Best Elder-Abuse Protections.

To determine which states fight the hardest against elder abuse, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 16 key metrics. The data set ranges from “elder-abuse, gross-neglect and exploitation complaints” to “financial elder-abuse laws.”

Elder-Abuse Protections in North Carolina (1=Best; 25=Avg.):

  • 14th – Elder-Abuse, Gross-Neglect & Exploitation Complaints*
  • 21st – Total Long-Term Care Ombudsman-Program Funding*
  • 11th – Number of Eldercare Organizations & Services*
  • 1st – Number of Certified Volunteer Ombudsmen*
  • 1st – Financial Elderly-Abuse Laws

*Per resident aged 65+

For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-best-elder-abuse-protection/28754

Albemarle Corp Building $180 Million Lithium Facility in Charlotte Adding 200 New Jobs At $94k Per Year

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Lithium battery and technology leader Albemarle Corporation just announced plans to build a massive new advanced materials research and development facility in Charlotte’s University City.

The new complex will focus on advanced materials R&D, novel process development, and next-gen lithium-ion products. Specific focuses will include; lithium recovery, improve production methods, and new forms of lithium to propel lithium-ion batteries and the electric vehicle technology. It will create at least 200 new jobs with an average salary of $94,000 per year.

“North Carolina’s innovation economy continues to surge thanks to Albemarle Corporation building its research and development operations in Mecklenburg County,” said Governor Cooper in a press release about the announcement. “Albemarle’s cutting edge work will help bring the next generation of clean energy technology to life and create great jobs in North Carolina’s clean energy economy.”

The new facility will cement North Carolina and specifically Charlotte’s role as a leader in EV innovation and technology. Over the past 2 years, global EV companies including Arrival, Toyota, and VinFast have announced major investments across the state. The I-85 corridor through the Carolinas is emerging as the destination for electric vehicle and clean energy innovation.

“Charlotte has been home to Albemarle Corporation for several years,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This investment signifies their commitment to the growth and innovation of the company as well as our city, and we have a talented workforce that can fill the jobs this expansion will bring.”

What do you think about the new plans?

These Are The 2 The Most Iconic Sandwiches In The Carolinas

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Orbits recently published an article entitled “The Most Iconic Sandwich in All 50 States“, and what they name for the Carolinas might surprise you.

The list includes some truly unique creations, including; Alaska’s ‘Reindeer Sausage Sandwich’, Idaho’s ‘Potato Salad Sandwich’, Nevada’s ‘Catfish Sloppy Joe’, and Mississippi’s ‘Slugburger’. Given those unique creations, you may be thinking they’d give the Carolinas something along the lines of a livermush biscuit, chitlin collard sandwich, or chicken and waffles, but thankfully, they went easy on us.

The most iconic sandwich in North Carolina was declared to be the ‘Carolina-Style Hamburger’.

“Who needs the standard ketchup, mustard, pickle, onion, etc. when you can layer a burger with chili con carne, coleslaw, chopped onions and mustard? Try the version at Al’s Burger Shack in Chapel Hill or at Duke’s Grill in Charlotte,” reads the article.

Personally, I think Cook Out makes the best Carolina style burger in the state, but I know most fancy people would disagree.

For South Carolina, Orbitz declared the most iconic sandwich to be the ‘Pulled Pork Sandwich’.

“Some sandwiches never make it out of their home state or region—we’re looking at you, reindeer sausage sandwich—but the pulled pork sandwich (made with piled high tender pork topped with BBQ sauce and slaw) can be found virtually everywhere these days. Lucky us!.”

They forgot to mention that South Carolina’s pulled pork has a unique mustard-based sauce and the best place to find it is at the legendary Shealy’s BBQ in Batesburg, SC.

Do you agree with their Carolina choices? 

What do you think the most iconic sandwiches in our 2 states are? 

5 Benefits Of Buying Liquidation Pallets From Wholesale Liquidation Stores

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Are you looking to buy some items for your business but don’t have enough money? Or are you a smart buyer who always buy the liquidation pallets from the wholesale liquidation stores and ensures that your money is spend effectively. 

If you are the second person, good but if you are the first person I would suggest to think more about your buying decision and switch to the second option. 

Liquidation is when a company sells their inventory to the wholesale liquidation stores at discounted prices, usually to generate cash. As the stores cannot sell the item which takes a lot of storage space. 

The wholesale liquidation stores then sell these liquidation pallets at bulk prices to the individuals depending on what type of item they want. You can look for the liquidation pallets in Maryland and the USA. 

There are also multiple places where you can buy the liquidation pallets such as liquidation auction sites, online wholesale liquidation stores, liquidation centres and many others. Buying liquidation pallets from wholesale liquidation stores helps in growing your business as it offers multiple benefits. 

In this post, we will tell you the 5 benefits you can enjoy by buying liquidation pallets from wholesale liquidation stores. So, let’s get started :-

Let’s find out the 5 Benefits Of Buying Liquidation Pallets From Wholesale Liquidation Stores:

1. Affordability 

First and the most significant benefit of buying liquidation pallets from wholesale liquidation stores is the affordability. You can buy liquidation pallets in Maryland at huge discounted prices which allow you to sell them at a price lower than the retail price and make profit. 

In addition, you can buy the items at liquidation auction sites and liquidation stores which is convenient as well as saves you a lot of time and effort. But make sure whatever site you are using is valid and reputable.

2. Wide variety of goods 

Another benefit you can enjoy is that you can choose from a huge variety of items. There is huge variety of branded clothing at cheap prices to attract customers. It will help in increasing the number of customers as when the stores offer more variations it will elevate the reputation of the business in the eyes of customers. 

You can also strategically set a price range depending on different items that will expand the profit margin and the cheap items will attract more customers which will then look at other items available in the store.

3. Branded items 

If you search for a branded product online it would cost a huge amount of money which your bank account may not approve of. But if you look for the same item at a wholesale liquidation store you can get it at a much lower price.

And as it is a branded item it has the same value in the market and by selling it at a lower price you can generate higher profit. 

4. Reduced shipping cost

The shipping cost of buying liquidation pallets from wholesale liquidation stores is much lower than ordering the product individually. 

Every small cost can add a big load on the business so it is better to consider the shipping cost while making a buying decision of any liquidation pallets and its impact on the profit. This will help in reducing the total cost and growing your business.

5. Side hustle 

Last but not the  least, if you are buying liquidation pallets from wholesale liquidation stores, you don’t have to own or start an online or offline store, you can easily operate it as a side hustle while doing your 9 to 5 or whatever you are doing. This will add an additional source of income and allow you to pay your individual expenses . 

Conclusion

These are only a few benefit that you can enjoy by buying liquidation pallets from wholesale liquidation stores, there are a bunch of other benefits that we haven’t covered.

Looking at the affordability, wide range of goods, getting a branded product that already has its own reputation in the market, reduction in the shipping cost and easily manageable side hustle, all these advantages are already assisting your business to generate elevated profits and flourish in the market.

In addition, as you are getting the product at lower price, even selling it at your lowest still left you with reasonable profit  Those who know the tactics, know that buying and reselling the old items can make a successful business. 

It will take you some time at first to know the dos and don’ts of the liquidation business but as you continue to make purchases and deal with the wholesale liquidation stores, you will be able to lower the risk of loss and maximize the profit.  Furthermore, it is an excellent way of adding an additional source of income.

North Carolinians Favorite States To Move to Revealed

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New research has revealed the states where North Carolinians are moving to the most, with South Carolina coming out on top.

The study by moving experts at Forbes Home analyzed the latest available state-to-state migration data from the U.S. Census Bureau, which detailed where people in each state had been living one year before, to discover how many Americans are moving—and where they’re moving to.

According to the study, the top five states that North Carolinians are moving to are:

  1. South Carolina
  2. Florida
  3. Virginia
  4. Texas
  5. Georgia

South Carolina

The latest data shows that South Carolina is the most popular destination for residents moving out of North Carolina, with 33,940 people making the move in the past year.

Florida

Florida is the second most popular destination for moving North Carolinians, with 28,207 people making the move in the past year.

Virginia

26,435 people moved from North Carolina to Virginia in the past year, giving the state the third-place position.

Texas

Texas comes in fourth place, with 15,838 people moving there from North Carolina in the past year.

Georgia

Georgia rounds out the top five, with 15,580 North Carolina residents moving to the state in the past year.

City of Charlotte Launching TRAVELSAFELY App Pilot Program in South End

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The goal of the new program is to use AI technology to tie in the movements of drivers, walkers, and bikers with streetlights, crosswalk indicators, and smartphone alerts.

The app will use the data of South End residents to give the following notifications:

Why Tutoring Services in Charlotte Are More Important Than Ever

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Has Your Child Fallen Behind Since The Pandemic?

Regarding success in the classroom, utilizing all the tools, you have available to give your child a competitive edge is helpful. Unsurprisingly, tutoring services have become an increasingly important part of the equation for many families, as it provides personalized attention that can help achieve tremendous academic success. 

Does Tutoring Help Elementary Students?

Tutoring can be an effective way for elementary students to learn and grow. The benefits are many, including: 

  • Tutoring can help students break through barriers to learning by providing personalized instruction and feedback tailored to their individual needs. 
  • Tutoring can help students develop confidence in their abilities, identify areas of strength, and develop specific strategies for overcoming areas of difficulty. For example, a tutor could help a student who is struggling with math by breaking down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable steps. 
  • By providing support and guidance, a tutor can help the student gain insight into their struggles and develop strategies for success. 
  • Tutoring can provide a safe environment where students can explore their academic interests, ask questions, and receive positive reinforcement. 
  • Ultimately, tutoring can help elementary students grow to become confident, independent learners.

For parents and caregivers who struggle with their children when it’s time for homework or reviewing lessons, working with a patient and experienced tutor helps to reduce friction, making learning more natural and comfortable for your child. And less frustrating for parents and care providers, too. As you might imagine, tutoring is a “win-win” situation for everyone involved. 

Is Charlotte Good For Education?

When seeking a place to call home, choosing somewhere with a solid reputation for elementary school education is critical for most parents and caregivers. 

Those who choose Charlotte, North Carolina, will be glad to know the city is home to many excellent public elementary schools. In addition, several private schools provide excellent instruction and diverse educational experiences for students of elementary school age. 

With a solid commitment to supporting the arts and sports, many schools have active music, sports, visual arts, and theater programs. 

Activities such as field trips to The Discovery Place Science Museum enrich the learning experience. It’s an excellent way for kids to learn about science and technology in a fun and interactive way. Other popular spots include the Charlotte Nature Museum and the Sea Life Aquarium. The US National Whitewater Center is also an excellent place for kids to get outdoors and enjoy the natural environment. With many options, Charlotte is a fantastic place for children to learn and grow.

The student-to-teacher ratio for elementary school children in Charlotte, North Carolina, is approximately 16.2 students for every teacher. This ratio is slightly higher than the national average of 15.9 students for every teacher in the United States. However, to ensure that all students receive the best possible education, the district works to maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio by hiring additional teachers as necessary.

Regardless of your child’s age, working with a private tutor offers personalized support if your child struggles to keep pace in the classroom.

This article was brought to you by Swan Learning Center, a learning center in the heart of Cotswold that offers professional academic development services.

Sports Betting For Real Money: 7 Tips To Get Started

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Do you like to take risks and test your luck? Do you have a knack for predicting sports results? If so, sports betting might be the perfect hobby or side gig for you.

Sports betting is a terrific way to get involved in the excitement of a game while also earning some respect by wagering. But to have any chance of winning, you need to understand that gambling is based on more than simply luck alone. Therefore, learning as much as possible about sports betting is important before placing any wagers.

In recent years, the sports betting market has changed so much that bookmakers now perform a thorough job setting the odds, especially when dealing with games affiliated with big-money leagues like the NBA, EPL, NFL, etc. But even with this being the case, there are still plenty of great opportunities to earn money on sports betting.

Here are some tips to help you get started on your journey as a sports bettor:

1. Shop At Different Sportsbooks

Shopping around at different sportsbooks can be important in ensuring you get the best bet deal. Different sportsbooks will offer different odds, so it is important to shop around and compare the lines from multiple bookmakers. This can help ensure that you get the best bet value.

For instance, the best real money casinos in Canada will have different odds for a particular game. As a result, you can easily maximize your winnings and make the best out of available opportunities. The best part is that most online bookies offer complimentary loyalty programs for regular customers who continue their patronage with them. 

So check what’s on offer from multiple bookmakers and find one that best suits your need!

2. Have a Gambling Strategy

Having a plan and strategy in place can be essential to successful sports betting. Whether deciding how much money to wager or picking the ideal markets, having a plan of attack before you start placing bets is critical.

Studying past games and looking at the results to develop a strategy can also be helpful. Having an informed approach and understanding of the market is key to success in sports betting.

3. Avoid Drinking Too Much

When you’re placing real money bets, it is important to stay focused and disciplined. Drinking alcohol can impede your judgment and decision-making process, making it more difficult to analyze the betting markets accurately. It might be tempting to have a few drinks while gambling but try not to lose focus and stick with clear-headed decisions.

4. Focus on Beating Smaller Markets

When you’re just starting, it’s best to focus on smaller markets. This means picking fewer mainstream sports and games with more obscure betting options like halftime scores. These might be the better value bets, as the bookmakers may need more information and data to set their lines accurately.

5. Understand The Basic Terminology

The sports betting markets can be full of jargon and complicated terminology. It is important to understand what these words mean before you start placing bets. Otherwise, you may end up making some costly mistakes. Familiarizing yourself with the different gambling options and bet formats will ensure that your betting efforts are successful in the long run!

For example, you should understand the difference between a Moneyline bet and a point spread. Moneyline bets rely more on picking the winner of the game and are typically used in individual games like football, whereas point spreads are used when one team is expected to win by a certain number of points.

6. Specializing In One Sports

Bet only on one sport at first if you’re just getting started. The reason? You will only overextend yourself by betting on multiple sports simultaneously. You can gain an advantage in betting if you try to learn about and wager on only some games. 

It’s more than a chore to keep up with a couple of sports happenings, let alone all the leagues and teams. So just stick with one sport until you get the hang of it. Once you feel comfortable with your knowledge, you can also move on to betting on other sports.

7. Place Your Bets Early In The Week

Sports betting can be a tricky business. The lines open up early and move quickly depending on what happens in the game, so getting your bets in as soon as possible is important. It would be best if you placed your bets before the week begins so that you have more time to research and study the odds before the game starts.

This will help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of success. Also, if you wait until the last minute to place your bets, the lines may have already moved significantly, and you’ll miss out on any value that might have been available earlier in the week.

Conclusion

Sports betting for real money can be a great way to make some extra cash and have fun at the same time. However, it is important to remember that gambling should always be done responsibly, so following these tips will help you get started in the right way. Good luck!