Initially, the value of goods was expressed in terms of other goods, i.e. an economy based on barter between individual market participants. The obvious limitations of such a system encouraged establishing more generally accepted means of exchange at a fairly early stage in history, to set a common benchmark of value. In different economies, everything from teeth to feathers to pretty stones has served this purpose, but soon metals, in particular gold and silver, established themselves as an accepted means of payment as well as a reliable storage of value. Originally, coins were simply minted from the preferred metal, but in stable political regimes the introduction of a paper form of governmental IOUs (I owe you) gained acceptance during the Middle Ages. Such IOUs, often introduced more successfully through force than persuasion were the basis of modern currencies. Before World War I, most central banks supported their currencies with convertibility to gold. Although paper money could always be exchanged for gold, in reality this did not occur often, fostering the sometimes disastrous notion that there was not necessarily a need for full cover in the central reserves of the government.At times, the ballooning supply of paper money without gold cover led to devastating inflation and resulting political instability. To protect local national interests, foreign exchange controls were increasingly introduced to prevent market forces from punishing monetary irresponsibility.
In the latter stages of World War II, the Bretton Woods agreement was reached on the initiative of the USA in July 1944. The Bretton Woods Conference rejected John Maynard Keynes suggestion for a new world reserve currency in favour of a system built on the US dollar. Other international institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank and GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) were created in the same period as the emerging victors of WW2 searched for a way to avoid the destabilising monetary crises which led to the war. The Bretton Woods agreement resulted in a system of fixed exchange rates that partly reinstated the gold standard, fixing the US dollar at USD35/oz and fixing the other main currencies to the dollar - and was intended to be permanent.
The Bretton Woods system came under increasing pressure as national economies moved in different directions during the sixties. A number of realignments kept the system alive for a long time, but eventually Bretton Woods collapsed in the early seventies following president Nixon's suspension of the gold convertibility in August 1971. The dollar was no longer suitable as the sole international currency at a time when it was under severe pressure from increasing US budget and trade deficits.
The following decades have seen foreign exchange trading develop into the largest global market by far. Restrictions on capital flows have been removed in most countries, leaving the market forces free to adjust foreign exchange rates according to their perceived values.
But the idea of fixed exchange rates has by no means died. The EEC (European Economic Community) introduced a new system of fixed exchange rates in 1979, the European Monetary System. This attempt to fix exchange rates met with near extinction in 1992-93, when pent-up economic pressures forced devaluations of a number of weak European currencies. Nevertheless, the quest for currency stability has continued in Europe with the renewed attempt to not only fix currencies but actually replace many of them with the Euro in 2001.
The lack of sustainability in fixed foreign exchange rates gained new relevance with the events in South East Asia in the latter part of 1997, where currency after currency was devalued against the US dollar, leaving other fixed exchange rates, in particular in South America, looking very vulnerable.
But while commercial companies have had to face a much more volatile currency environment in recent years, investors and financial institutions have found a new playground. The size of foreign exchange markets now dwarfs any other investment market by a large factor. It is estimated that more than USD 3,000 billion is traded every day, far more than the world's stock and bond markets combined. 
Is it possible that there is a worldwide phenomenon of abundance thinking? Maybe this phenomenon is causing people to notice that by giving away information, we actually get richer. As more and more people give away information, everyone in the world gets richer and richer.
The I.D.E.A KAZ was a luxury limousine concept from 2001. The KAZ, Keio Advanced Zero-emission vehicle, has a total of 8 wheels, 6 of which are involved in turning. Each of the KAZ's 8 wheels is powered by its own electric motor - hence the zero emissions. 
Unfortunately, whereas most luxury vehicles have names which evoke a sense of prestige and quality, the I.D.E.A KAZ sounds more like an electronic gadget
The RSQ concept starred alongside Will Smith in the blockbuster movie
The RSQ features the novel idea of spherical wheels at all four corners to increase maneuverability. They move in a manner similar to the ball in computer mouse to theoretically allow the RSQ to travel in all directions with equal agility
The 2009 Roock RST 600 LM was built to commemorate the Roock Racing victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Roock's extensive tuning program for the 997 Turbo RST 600 LM includes modified twin-turbochargers, titanium exhaust, proprietary fuel maps and engine management software. These upgrades allow the Roock Porsche 911 Turbo RST 600 LM to produce 602 horsepower and a maximum torque of 611 lb-ft, while maintaining daily drivability. Roock's RST 600 LM takes just 3.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, top speed is 212 mph. 
Roock has also added a carbon racing clutch for precise shifting and a tuned suspension that is fully adjustable in jounce and rebound. To ensure ultimate stopping power, Roock has equipped the Porsche 911 RST 600 LM with new cross drilled and vented 380mm rotors, carbon swivel brake lines and 8 pot calipers.
The TechArt GTstreet R is fitted with the TechArt performance kit (TA097/T3 if you're interested) which means an engine output of 660 horsepower (485 kW) and a maximum torque of 860 Nm @ 4,600 rpm. The GTstreet R with Tiptronic S can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.4 seconds and with manual transmission it only takes a tenth of a second longer. The top speed is in excess of 214 mph.
The aggressive styling of the bodywork includes a new aero-bonnet, headlight trims and mirror trims, deeper sill panels and carbon fibre roof spoiler characterize the dynamic design of the car. Air intakes on the front spoiler and rear wing provide ventilation for the engine, while the rear apron with its carbon fibre diffuser and air ducts leading to the intercooler are additional special features of the comprehensive TechArt GTstreet R aerodynamic package.
The Gemballa Mirage GT Carbon Edition is based on the Porsche Carrera GT.
The 5.7 litre V10 engine has been enhanced with the addition of a revised engine management system and a full sports exhaust system. This means the power output now stands at 670 horsepower @ 8,000 rpm and torque at 630 Nm @ 5,700 rpm. As a result the 0-62 mph sprint takes just 3.7 seconds and the top speed is 208 mph.
The Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss is the final swan son for the SLR supercar. The SLR Stirling Moss is a limited edition version strictly limited to 75 units.
In case of bad weather the vehicle can be closed by two tonneau covers which are carried in the trunk. Powered by a front mounted 5439cc supercharged V8 which develops 650 horsepower, the SLR Stirling Moss can reach 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 217 mph. Thanks to the high-precision work carried out in the wind tunnel, the SLR Stirling Moss always generates sufficient downforce for extremely safe handling. But the driver can also manually operate the AIRBRAKE in order to increase the contact pressure further. 
The Ferrari California is also equipped with Ferrari's F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been adapted to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this GT car. Brembo brakes with carbon-ceramic discs guarantee the speed can be reined in at any time.
The Tesla Model S, which is due to go into full production at the end of 2011, is an all-electric powered luxury saloon with a versatile and practical interior. With a 300-mile range and 45-minute QuickCharge capability, theTesla Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort. Charges can be made from a 110V, 220V or 440V outlet and Tesla are working with the US government to set up charging stations at various locations.
Designed by Franz von Holzhausen, the car's aggressive stance gives way to a modern silhouette, with minimal front and rear overhangs for maximum space efficiency. The car's mature face defines the future of the Tesla brand and incorporates the touches from the Tesla Roadster. Environmentally friendly materials are incorporated throughout, including water-based paint for the exterior, chrome-free vegetable tanned Italian leather on interior, and 100 percent recycled PET plastic carpeting from Futuris. Other high-tech features of the Tesla Model S include a panoramic glass roof with sliding moon roof, permanent 3G connectivity with Internet, HD and satellite radio, 17-inch touchscreen display housed in the center console and a fully digital instrument cluster.
The long awaited 2010 Porsche Panamera was finally revealed in November 2008. While the overall shape of the car has long been known, and many spy shots of the pre-production test cars have been circulating print magazines and websites for nearly a year, the final styling details were always covered up. The four door Porsche Panamera is the first foray into the sports sedan market for the manufacturer. However after the introduction of the Cayenne SUV in 2002 it's not really that surprising, and is a fitting addition to the model lineup. 
The styling of the Panamera is almost instantly recognizable as belonging to a Porsche model. The front end is especially familiar, and closely resembles the face of the Porsche 997 (911). In profile the Porsche Panamera quite clearly displays it four door layout without trying to hide the rear doors with clever styling tricks. Stylewise the rear section is probably the cars least successful angle, and while the sloping hatch clearly sets the Panamera apart from its competitors, it also looks strangely out of place on a luxury four-door car. Powering the Porsche Panamera is a range of 6 and 8 cylinder engines. More details on power output and performance will be added to this article as they are released. 
Like the famously luxurious and spacious open-plan Pullman railway coaches after which it is named, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S 600 Pullman Guard Limousine treats its occupants to a travelling environment characterised by generous accommodation and the highest comfort. The S 600 Pullman Guard owes its spacious interior to its 4315-millimetre wheelbase (115 centimetres longer than that of the long version of the special-protection S-Class). Indeed, with an overall length of 6356 millimetres, the S 600 Pullman Guard is a vehicle of truly majestic proportions which offers its passengers not only a maximum of comfort, but also a superbly appointed setting for discreet meetings, equipped, of course, with all the key communications and entertainment systems. This ensures they are always able to remain fully in touch with the rest of the world while enjoying the luxury and comfort of their own very special place in it.
Integrated special protection for outstanding safety
In order to ensure that the Mercedes S 600 Pullman Guard offers outstanding protection, specialists with many years of experience in this field apply the principle of integrated special protection to the Pullman limousine. In effect this means that, rather than retro-fitting the protective elements in the doors, rear wall, side panels, roof lining and firewall etc. of an already finished vehicle, they fully integrate them into the bodyshell in a dedicated production process. This effectively creates a coat of armour around the entire passenger cell. Even the roof frame struts, door locks, door gaps, exterior mirror mountings and other components are incorporated into this security concept. The resulting vehicle offers hallmark Mercedes-Benz build quality combined with comprehensive Highest Protection characteristics, even in those areas where retrofitting would be all but impossible. 
The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V sport sedan, Cadillac's ultimate expression of performance and luxury, is powered by a 556 horsepower supercharged V8 engine which also develops 551 lb-ft of torque. The engine is a modified version of the LS9 V8 found in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.
"The CTS-V represents the full extension of our design, technology and performance capabilities," says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The V-Series takes the award-winning CTS sport sedan and elevates it to a position within the club of the world's most exclusive and capable cars."
BMW is pretty good at inventing entirely new vehicle segments and the 5 Series Gran Turismo is just such a vehicle. The defining feature of the 5 Series Gran Turismo is the coupe-like profile and slightly raised stance over the 5 Series sedan.
Gran Turismo means luggage or cargo can be loaded in two different ways. Either by opening the small, sedan-like door beneath the rear window, with the tailgate remaining closed, or by opening the entire rear hatch.
Regenerative braking is used to charge the battery for the car's electrical circuit. When the driver is accelerating the alternator disengages so all of the engine's power is channelled towards the car's performance. Other ancillaries, such as the air-conditioning compressor, are also able to disengage to improve the all round performance of the car, while at the same time improving fuel economy. To aid driving dynamics and comfort the 2009 7 Series is the first BMW Saloon to feature race car-like double-wishbone front suspension. This arrangement allows engineers to fine-tune the suspension for the best kinematic configuration. The rear suspension consists of a five-link arrangement made of aluminium which can be further optimised with the inclusion of Adaptive Air Suspension. Inside the 2009 BMW 7 Series is a host of modern conveniences. The 2009 7 Series is the first BMW to enable a customer to upload their favourite music to be stored on the vehicle courtesy of an 8Gb hard drive. In excess of 100 albums can be saved in this way. Four-zone automatic air-conditioning is fitted as standard while, for the first time, the 7 Series can have a rear seat ventilation system combined with massage function. The air-conditioning system feeds cool air to the seat squab and backrest, while 12 massage bubbles gently knead the occupants' upper body. On the 10.2-inch dash-mounted screen, owners will be able to programme frequently selected radio stations or navigation destinations on favourite buttons located on the centre console. For the first time on a BMW the instrument cluster comprises a high-resolution colour display with Black Panel technology. 
Powering the Acura TL is a choice of two engines. Standard fitment is a 3.5 litre V6 which develops 280 horsepower and sends its power to the front wheels through Acura's Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and Grade Logic Control.
Available on both the Acura TL and TL SH-AWD is a technology package that includes the most comprehensive array of advanced electronic features ever offered by Acura. The Technology Package includes the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink real-time traffic, AcuraLink weather with Doppler-style radar mapping, an Acura/ELS Surround premium audio system and Keyless Access System with pushbutton ignition. The included Navigation System features a new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display for improved visibility.
The styling of the Estoque is instantly recognizable as belonging to Lamborghini. And while the car is not exactly beautiful in the purest sense of the word, it is still a striking vehicle. The extremely aggressive front end is dominated by the massive air intakes either side of the bumper underneath the slit-like headlights.
The interior of the Lamborghini Estoque features four individual sport seats with electric adjustment. The dominant interior covering is Nappa leather.
The Alfa Romeo Berlina Da Corsa which means 'Sedan From Race' in Italian is a concept created by Seongjun Ko, a Transportation Design graduate from Hongik University in South Korea.
The design brief for the concept called for a next generation sedan, however the Berlina Da Corsa fulfills two roles thanks to its unique roof system. The rear section of the roof can be raised or lowered depending on whether the rear seats are occupied or not. This has the effect of turning the profile from a coupe to a sedan and back again, and due to the fact the roof is flexible and not made of separate metal panels the roofline remains fluid and unbroken in both positions. The end result is that the driver can use the Berlina Da Corsa for dynamic and fast driving on racing tracks, and when needed the concept can transport four adults in style and comfort. The only downside to the design of the concept is the fact the rear seat passengers have a very limited field of vision and the passenger compartment would be very dark indeed.
The construction of the Lotus Electrive consists of a tubular aluminium spaceframe covered with a GRP body. At the rear is a carbon fibre pod which conceals the electric motors, and rear suspension components. The suspension system is fully adjustable for compression and rebound so the car can be setup to suit the drivers preferences and the road conditions. The high mounted spare wheel (which is securely bolted to the frame when attached) acts as rollover protection for the occupants. 
While the storage and cargo capabilities of the Electrive are obviously limited, there is additional space for items in the two pods located on either side of the body. These lockable drawers slide out from under the car and can hold items too large to fit in the glove box. 
The Volkswagen Scirocco Studie (Study - as in design study) R was unveiled at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show. The Studie R gives a good idea of what the upcoming hot version of the Scirocco will look like, the Scirocco R. Since its introduction the new Scirocco has lent itself very well to customization and modification with its low-slung almost coupe-like proportions and affordable performance. The VW Scirocco Studie R is powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine which is related to the unit found in the Audi S3. This engine develops around 270 horsepower and sends its power to the front wheels through a 6 speed, double clutch DSG gearbox. The styling of the Scirocco Studie R is discreetly flashy, if that's possible. 
The aerodynamic modifications include a deeper front bumper with larger air intakes, a roof mounted rear spoiler, and a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser-style center section with provisions for the twin exhaust pipes. The Scirocco Studie R also comes with 19" five-spoke wheels which fit snugly into the wheel arches thanks to lowered sports suspension.
The vehicle was created for GreenGT, a Swiss company who specialize in cutting edge environmentally friendly technology for the automotive sector. GreenGT are also actively involved in the development of racing vehicles and products which have a limited impact on the environment. The GreenGT LeMans prototype is the next stage of development for the company and the first vehicle is due to be fully revealed in September 2009. 
While the LeMans prototype is currently just a concept it does provide a hint at what sort of vehicles could be coming from GreenGT in the next few years.
