2012 | Top Speed

Ferrari is doing its part to help Hurricane Sandy victims by auctioning off the first F12 Berlinetta that will be sold on American soil.

Posted by Tasfik |

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Ferrari
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta has a 6.3-liter V12 making 731 hp.

Ferrari is doing its part to help Hurricane Sandy victims by auctioning off the first F12 Berlinetta that will be sold on American soil. The base price of Ferrari's halo model is about $315,000. We'd expect this one to go for much more than that. The auction will take place at 9 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 17 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
“Here at Ferrari, we have experienced and seen the devastation that Hurricane Sandy has caused in the affected area firsthand,” Marco Mattiacci, chief executive and president of Ferrari North America, said in a statement. “We want to use our event next week at Formula One in Austin to give back to our local community by auctioning the F12 Berlinetta.”
If you can't make it to the auction, but want to win the car, contact your local Ferrari dealership. They have information on how to place bids.
Ferrari also has a partnership with the Red Cross—including its own contribution page—for its fans.
We drove the F12 back in July and were smitten with its 731-hp V12, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and its relatively light weight, which is 150 pounds lighter than that of the Ferrari 599.
Make your best estimate of what the car will sell for in the comments section. We'll send out some swag to the person whose guess is closest.

Read User's Comments(0)

Mazda Motor Corp. will build a Toyota subcompact car at its new plant in Mexico for sale in the United States.

Posted by Tasfik |

Mazda will build a new subcompact car for Toyota, based on the Mazda2.

Mazda will build a new subcompact car for Toyota, based on the Mazda2.
Mazda Motor Corp. will build a Toyota subcompact car at its new plant in Mexico for sale in the United States.
The new Toyota will be a rebadged version of the Mazda2 and go on sale in 2015. Toyota expects to sell 50,000 copies of the car a year.
The Mazda2 subcompact car competes with vehicles such as the Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota's Yaris and Scion xD.
Through the first 10 months of this year, Toyota has sold 26,397 copies of the Yaris, up 17 percent from the same period in 2011, and 9,280 copies of the Scion xD, up 17 percent from last year. The Yaris and xD are imported from Japan, where current dollar-yen exchange rates means Toyota makes minimal profit or loses money on sales in the United States.
But the new Toyota is likely to be an addition to the automaker's lineup, not a direct replacement for the Yaris or xD, according to a Toyota spokesman. Toyota also plans to sell the car in Canada and Mexico.
The automakers announced the deal early Friday. The Mazda plant in Salamanca, Mexico, is currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2014. It is designed to build the Mazda2 and Mazda3, with a capacity of 140,000 units a year. The Toyota production will add to the plant's capacity.
A redesigned Mazda2 is scheduled to arrive in 2014, which would coincide with the plant's opening. The current Mazda2, launched in 2007, was jointly developed with Ford Motor Co. and shares its platform with the Fiesta.
Ford has since minimized its ownership of Mazda and the two have stopped developing products together. Earlier this year, Mazda pulled out of a production joint venture with Ford in Flat Rock, Mich., that built the Mazda6 sedan. Ford uses Flat Rock to build the Mustang and is adding production of the redesigned 2013 Fusion sedan.
Mazda and Fiat announced in May that they would cooperate on the design of a new generation of the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster, which will also produce a version for the Alfa Romeo brand.

Read User's Comments(0)

BMW is set to preview its upcoming X4 SUV for the first time at the Detroit

Posted by Tasfik |

BMW X3

BMW is set to preview its upcoming X4 SUV for the first time at the Detroit auto show in early January.
Confirmed by BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer earlier this year, the ute is set to debut as a near-production concept that will rival the appearance, dimensions and packaging of the Porsche Macan due to go on sale in North America in early 2014, according to highly placed BMW officials.
Although the all-wheel-drive X4 is set to share its monocoque steel platform, engines and underpinnings with the second-generation X3, it's earmarked to receive individual styling in a move intended to convey more sporting image and enable BMW to position it higher in its lineup for added profitability. Expect prices to start at around $42,000.
Autoweek first reported plans for BMW's Porsche Macan-fighter last two years ago (“Faceoff,” Nov. 17, 2010).
A series of design proposals made official by BMW in 2010 suggest the X4 will differ visually from the X3 in much the same way the larger X6 is distinguished from the X5, with a bullish front end, plunging coupé-style roofline, four conventional front-hinged doors and a heavily angled one-piece tailgate.
The German carmaker is yet to announce what engine options it plans to offer with the X4. Autoweek understands it will receive a combination of four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel units in line with those already used by the X3.
Most intriguingly, the SUV get a range-topping performance model from BMW's M division. Nothing is official just yet, but the X4 M due out toward the end of 2014 is planned to run a uniquely tuned version of the twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder gasoline engine set to appear in the upcoming sixth-generation M3.
Also planned is a hot X4 M diesel (not likely for North America) running a detuned version BMW's tri-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine launched in the X5 and X6 M. It will form part of a fast expanding range of BMW M Performance models.
Production of the X4 will take place alongside the second-generation X3 at BMW's sprawling Spartanburg, S.C., manufacturing facility. Officials from the company's headquarters in Munich, Germany, have already confirmed an extensive expansion plan for the site, which also produces the X5 and X6.

Read User's Comments(0)

2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5L

Posted by Tasfik |

2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5L

After gas prices started strangling truck sales, the 2008 Malibu was an early bright spot in Chevrolet’s volume-car lineup. The sedan claimed a spot on our 10Best list for 2008, but was not without its shortcomings. Its styling was clean but unexciting, and the back seat in particular wasn’t as spacious or comfortable as those in its chief competitors.

Redesigned for 2013, the Malibu addresses a few of those complaints—and ignores or even exacerbate others. It’s 2.7 inches wider, but the wheelbase is significantly shorter—down 4.5 inches—and rear legroom shrinks by 0.8 inch. Measured interior volume is up 2.6 cubic feet, but the reduction in length means that major gains are in hip- and shoulder room when they really needed to be made fore and aft. The trunk grows one cubic foot, from 15 to 16. Front suspension remains a strut-type setup, and the rear is still a multilink. Variable-assist electronic power steering is standard on all Malibu models.

Chevy also offers a mild-hybrid Malibu Eco and a turbocharged 2.0-liter range-topper with 259 hp, but the car tested here packs the base engine, an all-new naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four. With a block and head cast from aluminum, dual overhead cams with variable valve timing, and direct fuel injection, the 2.5 is state of the art. With 197 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, it’s also quite potent—that’s more twist than any other base four in the Malibu’s segment. Better still, its EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway betters last year’s weaker (by 28 hp) base motor. All 2013 Malibus get a six-speed automatic transmission.

Warning: Tirade Ahead!

So the new Malibu’s specs paint a mixed picture. (Less legroom? This is a class in which space and comfort are of the utmost importance.) In person, though, our consensus is that it paints a flat-out discordant picture. Style is an individual preference, so all we’ll say is that we’re not fans.

Open the door, though, and you’ll forget all about the exterior styling. Discretion is not just the better part of valor, it’s the better part of everything. It enables such enjoyable phenomena as social drinking and civil disobedience, but you won’t find discretion in the Malibu’s interior styling. There is an overwhelming assortment of colors, textures, and finishes inside, and our example’s optional two-tone leather makes the Malibu’s cabin look like the equivalent of a Top Chef challenge in which contestants must use every one of a wild assortment of ingredients—including American cheese. We counted at least eight different materials/textures—not pieces, mind you, but different types of material—making up just the front door panel, and we didn’t even count the little parts. The seats in our car were black leather with teal stitching, orange-ish-brown faux-football-look inserts, and piping that was almost the same color as the football-looking swaths but not quite.

That’s Where All the Restraint Went

Close your eyes, though, and the Malibu is a nice place to be. The 2.5 is surprisingly strong and linear—quiet, too, during normal use, although it drones a bit at high rpm. It yanks the car to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 16.1 at 88 mph. Those figures are dead even with the best from our two recent mid-size sedan comparos—in one of which the Malibu Eco finished dead last. While the turbo engine offers 62 more horsepower and 69 lb-ft more torque, the Malibu doesn’t need them. It’s not a sports sedan, and we’d happily trade the power for better fuel efficiency. (The EPA rates the 2.5 at 22/34 mpg city/highway; the turbo at 21/30. Our observed 17 mpg is based on primarily full-throttle driving.) We don’t recognize rocker switches atop shift levers as an involving method of manually requesting shifts, but if you do, you’ll be rewarded with sporty, rev-matched downshifts

Read User's Comments(0)

2013 Pagani Huayra

Posted by Tasfik |

2013 Pagani Huayra

PAGANI. PAGANI? SI, SI, PAGANI!

After 14 years as the auto industry’s House of Fabergé, Pagani Automobili has built the paltry sum of 132 cars, just shy of Ferrari’s output every two weeks. Most are the original Zonda, with just 10 of the new, U.S.-bound Huayras yet in existence. Judging from the interrogations we received while stuck behind a massive wreck on the autostrada only 10 minutes from Pagani’s Modena, Italy, headquarters, that’s not enough to sear the brand into the consciousness of the locals, who are accustomed to seeing Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Ducati test vehicles tearing up their streets.

Horacio Pagani’s customers—an all-hands meeting wouldn’t make a decent lunch rush at a Denny’s—don’t seem to mind the brand’s obscurity. If you can peel off an easy million for a new Huayra, which starts at 849,000 euros or, when it arrives later this year, the spot-exchange equivalent in dollars, chances are good you own a lot of stuff that Italian truck drivers have never heard of.

Pagani’s first car, the Zonda, is recalled in the headlights (top) and the rear suspension (bottom) with its forged arms and inboard coil-over shocks.

To be sure, Modena is a tough town to make a splash in. But the Huayra (pronounced WHY-ra) has the requisite assets. It’s not just that it’s flagrantly gorgeous even while dragging its belly over an Italian speed hump. Or that it is adorned with fascinating details, from its soybean-sprout mirrors to the four titanium Inconel peashooters in back. Or that the carbon fiber’s clear coat looks deep enough to do 10-meter platform dives into.

And it isn’t just the beguiling movement of the Huayra’s motorized body surfaces that constantly lift and tuck like an F-16’s flaperons with the goal of reducing body roll and stopping distances. Or the 720-hp, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12, the old single-cam three-valver from the S65, custom built for Pagani by Mercedes-Benz AMG and anodized to a gilded fare-thee-well to resemble the Ark of the Covenant. Or even the cockpit with its bionic-Bauhaus sculptures in cut aluminum that make the driver feel like Lucky Starr chasing the Pirates of the Asteroids.

What really makes the Huayra startling is that all of its highly cultivated (and, in some cases, efficaciously questionable) flair pulls together to make a stupendous road car. The level of lateral grip, the triple-digit stability, and the braking and steering control give this Beaux-Arts glamour boat the muscle to mix it up with the cars from Brand F and Brand L. Think Le Mans prototype with carpeting and license-plate mounts.

You feel comfortable in the Huayra. You can see out of it. Even if the gauges with their finely etched numerals aren’t easy to read in daylight, you are going fast very quickly, probing the lofty limits of the chassis’ relentless neutrality as the super-boosted Benz V-12 wheeze-bangs through each terrifying, scenery-smearing blast. This is not an exotic that is best hung on a wall—though it would nicely adorn just about any living room

Read User's Comments(0)

2013 Volkswagen Up

Posted by Tasfik |

2013 Volkswagen Up

Instrumented T

Ford once wanted us to spell the name of its doomed electric-car concern as Th!nk. That makes Volkswagen’s mandate of an exclamation point on its “up!” city car seem less grammatically absurd. Still, we’re putting typographic cheekiness aside and rendering it Up.

Cuteness, typographic or otherwise, is the norm in little city runabouts. Invariably, they project a sort of sexless kookiness. But this European-market city car, down one cylinder and more than seven inches of length to a Mini, is a product of typically sober VW. Its comes by its cuteness less overtly. With its 15-inch wheels pushed all the way to the corners, the Up looks improbably simple, as if sketched as a cartoon. Children’s book creator Richard Scarry might have drawn the happy Up, no doubt being driven by a smiling cat wearing lederhosen.

Our smiles while driving the Up weren’t as broad, but we were smitten with its cool charm, its clown-car-like feats of packaging, and its ambience, which is not at all chintzy. It’s a refreshingly honest little box of transportation, which VW won’t bring to the States anytime soon because the car is far too sensible. There’s nothing revolutionary about the Up. It follows the basic blueprint that the original Mini laid down more than a half-century ago. Simply tuck the tiny 74-hp, 999-cc engine into the front pocket of this 2029-pound commuter, and leave the rest to package the flesh of adult humans.

Naturally, the Up is very slow (11.8 seconds to 60 mph), and its skinny tires struggle to hold 0.80 g on the skidpad. But the Up feels nimble, lithe, and unburdened. And this city car isn’t intimidated by interstates, where it is unusually stable and quiet for a squirt. The only econo-car nastiness is the traditional three-cylinder vibration that runs through the primary controls.

The Up returned 36 mpg in mixed driving, splitting the difference between B-segment cars we’ve tested and small hybrids.

At around $14,000, the Up would represent the sort of high-quality, efficient, not-dangerously-slow vehicle that a sensible person might want to drive to work every day. Maybe if VW swapped the “!” part of the badge for “hybrid,” there would be sufficient demand here!

Read User's Comments(0)

2013 Toyota Avalon

Posted by Tasfik |

2013 Toyota Avalon

In 1994, Toyota wrote a love letter to the AARP and called it Avalon. A stretched Camry, the Avalon replicated the classic American car with a vast rear seat, a column shifter, and a front bench seat. Even the name served up a warm bowl of nostalgia, simultaneously conjuring up the old movie house on Main Street, Hugh Downs, and a backrub from Jessica Tandy. Soft, comfortable, and spacious, the Avalon chased the Big Three right down the big-car rabbit hole.

Toyota is now maintaining that the new, redesigned 2013 Avalon is a car for those who have yet to notice their first liver spot. It’s worth noting that Toyota made that same claim in 2005 after slipping a 3.5-liter V-6 into the contemporary Avalon; we welcomed the extra power, but the car’s soft suspension and casual roll control failed to connect. That didn’t stop us from giving the ’05 Avalon a comparison-test win against some admittedly ineffectual competition. But the recycled claim that this new Avalon isn’t just for old folks may actually hold water: Its chassis has been slipped a Viagra, there’s an emphasis on driver involvement, and the styling marks a clean break from yesteryear’s examples.

Trimmed and Toned

The exterior design seems to borrow from a number of sources, including Hyundai, Lexus, and Infiniti—and its grille placement and shape recalls that of the second-gen Chrysler Sebring—but the net effect is a sedan that doesn’t immediately conjure images of applesauce and cribbage. That’s a good thing. On the driving front, the stiffened suspension keeps body roll in check, and the previous car’s acceleration squat and earth-plowing dive under hard braking are things of the past. The steering now requires effort, and even more weight can be dialed in by hitting the Sport button located between the seats. Jack LaLanne himself would be pleased by the Avalon’s transformation from flabby and sloppy to tight and athletic.

Power remains the same at 268 hp, but muscle was never the Avalon’s problem. The familiar 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic are standard and carry over from the outgoing car. Paddle shifters are fitted to the top two trims, the Avalon Touring and Limited. The previous car hit 60 mph in 6.6 seconds when we tested it a couple of summers ago, and the new Avalon should easily match or beat that time despite having a taller final-drive ratio because weight is down by approximately 100 pounds, according to Toyota. The structure is stiffer than that of the previous version, too, which has helped make powertrain, suspension, and road noise even more hushed than before—and decidedly Lexus-like. We had a chance to sample new and old models back-to-back, and the latest Avalon feels more modern, more solid, quieter, and more expensive.

Riding in Style

The redesigned interior represents a massive upgrade. Leather upholstery covers the seats in every Avalon, and a vinyl-wrapped dashboard gives the appearance of real hide. Opt for the grey or tan interior and there are contrasting colors throughout. At night, ambient lighting glows out of the base of the dashboard, à la Mercedes-Benz S-class. The Avalon’s 111-inch wheelbase is unchanged, yet rear legroom is down 1.7 inches due to the rear chairs being moved slightly forward to coexist with the sloping, contemporary roofline. Riders will find that the rear seat remains large and comfortable, though; Toyota believes it’s spacious enough to test the waters of the livery market with the new model (orders accepted for black cars only, please).

Read User's Comments(0)

2013 Acura RDX Tech review notes

Posted by Tasfik |

ROAD TEST EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: I was a fan of the first-generation Acura RDX, but it never caught on like its MDX big brother did. Truth is that the previous RDX was too small, featured a harsh ride and wasn't exactly fuel efficient with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For a single guy like me who puts a premium on performance and doesn't care so much about fuel economy, it was pretty darn cool. It hustled through turns well, and the turbo really got the little RDX moving. The biggest problem was that it simply didn't sell.
With the arrival of the second-generation RDX, Acura is much better prepared to capture a broader audience. In place of the turbocharged K-series four-cylinder engine is Acura's tried and true 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The engine provides good muscle and is among the smoothest drivetrain pairings on the market, in my opinion. And with EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, it's respectably fuel efficient. Oh, and it happens to have 33-hp more than the outgoing turbo four-cylinder powerplant.
Ride quality is also more forgiving. Gone is the borderline jarring ride replaced with a chassis that's capable of taking the edge off of most bumps and potholes. It's not overly cushy and you'll still feel some jolts in the cabin when going over bigger road hazards. Steering is responsive to inputs and feels nice for a small SUV. The brakes are great with firm pedal feedback and strong stopping power.
The interior is also nicer with higher-grade materials and larger dimensions. The back seat is more spacious and the front buckets feature decent support. As in other Acura vehicles, there are a good number of hard buttons on the center stack (but not as many as in the MDX) to control audio, climate and navigation. The ELS audio system sounds rich and doesn't get the credit it deserves, often overshadowed by the Bose and Harmon-Kardon units of the world. The navigation system is easy to use, but the map graphics are in need of an update. While other luxury automakers like Audi have 3D Google Maps graphics, Acura is still rolling along with the same system as in the Wong family's first-generation MDX. I'm also disappointed that this range-topping Tech trim doesn't included blind-spot monitors on this luxury small SUV, while our long-term Mazda CX-5 does.
With those couple of nitpicks aside, the second-generation RDX is very strong redo and the sales numbers are proof. In September alone sales are up almost 120 percent compared to September of 2011. For those who liked the previous car's sporty personality, they won't be too disappointed with the new one because it's still a great handler for the class. But to draw in customers who dismissed the old car, it's grown a little, offers a better ride quality, fuel efficiency, and good value.
NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: The 2013 Acura RDX is a nicely equipped crossover with broad appeal and potential, but it failed to inspire me during my commuter laps. With the sweeping changes for the 2013 model year, however, the brand does seem poised to sell a bunch of them and build on its base.
From this view, the styling was bland, and even the smaller cues like the headlights and creases in the panels didn't really spark my interest. Inside was worse, with dark materials (which usually present well) that made the cabin feel like a cavern. Normally there are too many buttons in Acura's center stack. It seems to be remedied in this vehicle, though the abundance of buttons unfortunately migrated to the steering wheel.
That's the negatives. The RDX is comfortable, offering an elevated driving position and soft yet supportive seats. This was perfect for a stop-and-go-slog into work. With the windows cracked and satellite radio humming, it was a pleasant experience—even as I stared at taillights. The chassis is compliant, and the vehicle handles road imperfections with ease.
The next-generation all-wheel-drive system seems flawless, and credit to Acura for improving something it probably didn't have to; it makes the brand and this vehicle more relevant.
The engine is just OK. The power isn't obvious to the driver, and it doesn't come on until high in the band. No one expects a drag racer, but only a heavy foot and aggressive attitude will make this thing feel even remotely fast. It does add power compared with the turbo four, and the replacement is part of sweeping changes for the '13 model year. Overall, the RDX could attract a wide range of customers, as blandness can also be viewed as universal appeal. Lots of things like leather and heated front seats are standard—making it a solid value. Personally, I'd opt for a different SUV.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: Two things really stand out for me with the RDX—the engine, and the excellent navigation system. Honda's 3.5-liter V6 is a sweetie, free-revving and fuel efficient. Personally, I like engines with a bit more low-end torque, but the engine works just fine in this configuration. Acura's nav system ranks among the best, in my opinion. It's easy to use, the screen is nice and big, and with real-time nav traffic, it can save you a bunch of time commuting.
As crossovers go, the field is getting pretty crowded, and I'm not sure this would be my first choice. The exterior design is bland, to be kind. And at $40k, I would want more interior space than this vehicle affords.
2013 Acura RDX Tech
Base Price: $40,315
As-Tested Price: $40,315
Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; AWD, six-speed automatic
Output: 273 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 251 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,852 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 22/22.6 mpg
Options: None

Read User's Comments(0)

Jaguar Concept Speedboat complements XF Sportbrake

Posted by Tasfik |

Jaguar Concept Speedboat

Jaguar introduced the Concept Speedboat at the drive event for the XF Sportbrake.

On Tuesday Jaguar unveiled a Concept Speedboat at the driving debut of the Europe-only Jaguar XF Sportbrake. Jaguar says it “showcases the design DNA of the manufacturer in a spectacular package.” We think it's another feather in the hat of design-guru Ian Callum.
"We recognize that both our existing and future customers enjoy diverse and active lifestyles. With the launch of the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake, we had an opportunity to create a vision of how our design philosophy might be applied to an alternative product in which speed and beauty are also priorities,” said Callum. "The Concept Speedboat looks powerful. It follows, in so many ways, the idea of a traditional speedboat but with the sleek and fast characteristics that you would expect from a Jaguar car."
Jaguar consulted with Seventy Seven Design on the project. It gets a gel coat, fiberglass hull and is finished with natural teak wood. A carbon-fiber fin, inspired by the Jaguar D-Type, spans the length of the boat. A sharply raked tinted windscreen stretches around the outside. Fuel-filler caps are inspired by the Series 1 XJ.
Jag didn't specify a powertrain for the speedboat, but we'd suggest the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 from the XKR and not the 2.2-liter diesel from the Euro Sportbrake.

Read User's Comments(0)

Porsche 918 spotted in San Francisco

Posted by Tasfik |

Porsche 918 hybrid supercar rear 3-4

Carson Chen/Jason Chen
The Porsche 918 hybrid supercar looks just as mean in candid photos as it does in official publicity shots.

We've seen the upcoming Porsche 918 supercar in a variety of paint schemes, and read about it in action everywhere from California's Death Valley to the Nürburgring.
Now, a reader-submitted photo shows a 918, wearing black and white livery and a large “21,” prowling the streets of San Francisco. Autoweek's Mark Vaughn had a hands-on experience with a pair of cars, numbered 12 and 18, undergoing some desert testing, so this likely represents a third car on the roads of the Southwest.
Appearances are a bit deceiving here—what may appear at first glance to be carbon fiber weave on the rear of the car is actually a reflection from the photographer's dashboard. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of composites on the roughly 3,748 pound car. Don't miss our report on all the (speculative) details.
Thanks to Autoweek reader Carson Chen, whose son Jason snapped the photo, for the submission.

Read User's Comments(0)

2013 Audi R8 Coupe and Spyder Evolution of Audi's superhero.

Posted by Tasfik |

Like superheroes, supercars don’t have a typical life cycle. The Audi R8 might be showing a hint of gray around the edges—but it’s still a looker. Launched initially with a 4.2-liter V-8, a V-10 was added, then a spyder, and, finally, the lightweight, limited-production, and loud R8 GT. Audi has toyed with the idea of an R8 V-12 TDI, and several prototypes of a fully electric R8 e-tron were built.
Now the mid-engined supercar has been face-lifted for the first time, and a new top model—the R8 Plus—is scheduled to come to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2013. The lineup now consists of the 4.2 FSI with a 430-hp V-8, the 5.2 FSI powered by a 525-hp V-10, and the R8 5.2 FSI Plus sporting a 550-hp V-10. Compared with the regular V-10, the Plus version gets extra power and torque—it makes 398 lb-ft instead of 391—thanks to modified engine management. No hardware is changed. The additional power helps to make the R8 a bit quicker.
More important than the power boost, however, is the weight saving in the Plus model. Compared with the regular V-10, almost 35 pounds of sound insulation are expunged. Racing-style seats mean 45 fewer pounds, ceramic brakes—optional in the lesser versions—shed another 25 pounds, and switching from magnetic ride to conventional suspension damping tosses about 15 additional pounds. What’s more, the R8 Plus is loud; the combination of intake and exhaust sound will send shivers of joy down your spine. Aurally, this is pure Lamborghini territory, which isn’t much of a surprise, since the R8 shares not only its structural components but also its V-10 engine with the Gallardo. With the manual box, 0 to 60 mph takes an estimated 3.5 seconds, and top speed is an ungoverned 198 mph. Audi means business with the R8 Plus, and the fact that you can’t presently get its goods fitted to the 200-pound-heavier R8 Spyder proves it.

We are thrilled to report that you can still get the R8—and this includes every engine and body variation—with a six-speed manual transmission operated via a gated shifter. Internally called the ML600, the box is a marvel of precision and aesthetics. Customers here in the U.S. should congratulate themselves; we and the U.K. have the highest manual take rates.
More big news comes in the form of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, internally called the DL800. This box—marketing calls it the S tronic—weighs about 45 more pounds than the manual transmission but provides lightning-quick shifts. It blips the throttle artfully, rarely finds itself out of step, and is objectively fast. In the R8 Plus, it trims the quoted 0-to-60-mph time from 3.6 to 3.3 seconds. Top speed is lower by a fairly insignificant 1 mph.
The DL800 entirely replaces the previously offered SL600 (R tronic in Audi-speak), a six-speed automated manual that weighed a mere 10 more pounds than the ML600 but was known for its jerky shifts. Interestingly, Lamborghini keeps the SL600 in its face-lifted Gallardo

Read User's Comments(0)

2013 Land Rover Range Rover The luxury SUV heavywe...

Posted by Tasfik |

So what you really want to know is how it feels to drive a Range Rover with nobody in it. Compared with the outgoing Range Rover, that’s how this new one should feel: empty, unladen. By building what it describes as the world’s first SUV with an all-aluminum unibody, Land Rover has cut a claimed 700 pounds from its flagship; that’s the mass of five average-size Europeans or 4.1 Americans.
Can you feel the difference? Definitely. This new model is a milestone in industry efforts to arrest the death-spiral of ever-increasing weight, complexity, and consumption that has afflicted the SUV more than most. Automakers’ hands might have been forced by public opinion and fierce governmental fuel-economy and emissions rules, but let’s not argue with the result: better cars for us to drive. And few demonstrate the myriad benefits of making a vehicle lighter and stiffer as dramatically as Land Rover has with this new Range Rover.

Although ownership now rests with India’s Tata Motors and the very element from which it’s crafted has changed, this remains a Range Rover, true to a clear, bright set of styling and engineering principles that have been followed consistently since 1970. Successfully, too. In its last full year of production, the 10-year-old outgoing model defied the usually immutable laws of automotive sales gravity by posting an astonishing 21-percent global sales increase.
Land Rover wasn’t going to mess with that formula, and it hasn’t. Despite the diet, it’s still the ultimate luxury off-roader—dispatching challenging terrain, dispatched to nights at the opera. And it still hews to design attributes that have always made driving one a distinctive experience: the throne-like, command driving position; the squared-off, castellated front corners; the clamshell hood; the side gills; and the flying body-colored roof.
It’s all there in the new one, of course, and it looks good in aluminum. But the styling—overseen by design director and chief creative officer Gerry McGovern—doesn’t have quite the impact of the previous model, either by comparison with its peers or in its simple physical presence. The old car looked as bluff and upright as the White Cliffs of Dover. Here’s a gentler, softer, more sculpted, less arrogant Range Rover. It’s also the most aerodynamic version ever, though that’s hardly saying much.

Read User's Comments(0)

BMW 6 Series 640d xDrive diesel

Posted by Tasfik |

BMW has confirmed the new 640d xDrive Coupe and Convertible will be available in spring 2012.

The BMW 6 Series 640d features a 310bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.

It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and has a limited top speed of 155mph.

The 640d Coupe comes as standard with several BMW EfficientDynamics fuel-saving technologies, including brake energy regeneration and stop/start. As a result, it returns 49mpg and produces emissions of 150g/km.

Both models offer three driving modes allowing drivers to switch between Sport, Sport+ and Comfort. This adjusts the throttle, steering, stability control, suspension and gearshift settings. Each mode also adjusts the engine's sound.

Prices and full UK specifications will be announced nearer to launch.

Read User's Comments(0)

2012 Infiniti FX Review

Posted by Tasfik |

2012 Infiniti FX

If you are interested in purchasing a 2012, you may already have several choices in mind; however, prior to making your final decision, you need to ensure that you have had a proper look at all the options available. This 2012 Infiniti FX review will give you an idea of what this 2012 vehicle has to offer.
In 2009 when the second generation of the Infiniti FX crossover was released, it enjoyed very good sales which aided in the expansion of the brand in Europe and other regions of the world. An updated model of the FX crossover has been released on the market, which the 2009 Infiniti Essence Concept has inspired. The new 2012 Infiniti FX has new trim additions, plus some small styling changes.
This 2012 Infiniti FX review is meant to provide you with more details about this recently released vehicle. Some of the features that have been revised on the 2012 FX crossover are inclusive of: conventional heated seats up across the range, brand new gauges that can be found in the primary instrument cluster, new bumper designs, a revised grille; additionally, there has been a release of the AWD FX35 model (which is a limited edition).
This limited edition of the 2012 Infiniti FX is equipped with several special features, which includes: a camera monitoring system from Nissan Around View, floor mats with blue piping, a navigation system that is hard drive based, aluminum pedal accents, rail and roof crossbars with tinted headlights, 21-inch alloys that have dark satin finish and an exterior color of Iridium Blue.
Let us now talk about the remainder of the range. The former Platinum Graphite color has been replaced by the Graphite Shadow; on the other hand, the FX35 Deluxe Touring Package now has new 20-inch wheels, in addition to quilted leather front seats that are climate controlled. Meanwhile, the FX50 Sport Package has brand new adaptive headlights.
A 2012 Infiniti review would not be complete without some information about the engine. The 2012 Infiniti FX50 and FX35 drivetrain package has remained untouched from former years. The Infiniti FX35 boasts a 303 horsepower 3.5l V-6 engine; on the other hand, the Infiniti FX50 boasts a 390 horsepower 5.0l V-8 engine. Additionally, these two engines are matched with a conventional 7-speed automatic transmission, which features paddle shifters (solid magnesium) and a manual mode. The FX35 is available in AWD and RWD configurations, while the FX50 still features the ADW configuration.

2012 Infiniti FX front

2012 Infiniti FX interior

Read User's Comments(0)

2012 Buick Verano Review

Posted by Tasfik |

2012 Buick Verano back

This 2012 Buick Verano review will provide you with some of the features and specifications of this new car, in order to help you decide if this is the 2012 car that you should invest in.
First and foremost, the 2012 Buick Verano is available in three different trim levels, which starts with the Base Model, then the Convenience Group 2, and finally the Leather Group. The Base Model is equipped with IntelliLink smartphone connectivity by Buick; auxiliary audio jack; iPod/USB interface; satellite radio; 6-speaker sound system and CD player, along with OnStar telematics; Bluetooth (audio streaming and phone); touch screen display (7-inches); telescoping and tilt steering wheel; spilt folding rear seats; cloth upholstery; auto climate control (dual zone); full power accessories; remote ignition; keyless entry; cruise control; fog lights; and alloy wheels (18-inches).
On the other hand, the Convenience Group 2 features: driver’s seat that is power adjustable; auto dimming rearview mirror; sensors for rear parking; and side view mirrors that are heated. The Leather Model is equipped with: 9-speaker Bose audio upgrade; leather upholstery; heated front seats; heated steering wheel; and keyless entry/ignition. You have the option of adding a navigation system or sunroof; however, these options are not available on the Base Model.

2012 Buick Verano Review

2012 Buick Verano Reviews

Read User's Comments(0)

2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid Review

Posted by Tasfik |

Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and its counterpart the GMC Yukon Hybrid were the first automobiles to use the innovative two-mode powertrain hybrid industrialized together with General Motors followed by BMW and the past DaimlerChrysler. This SUV that is full-size launched a new class of larger automobiles that are considerably greener than the versions that are gas-powered.
Presented with either four or two wheel drive, two trim levels are available. The foundation Yukon Hybrid the 2WD model price has a starting of $51,610; the 4WD starts at $54,420. The Yukon Denali Hybrid 2WD is lavishly appointed and it starts at $58,925 and $61,770 for the 4WD. There are no major changes to the Yukon Hybrid for model year 2012, the only changes were a radio that has a USB port, the ability to record broadcast audio an and updated touch-screen navigation.
Powertrain
The GM’s 6-liter Vortec V8 with a technology that deactivates the cylinder is the core of Tahoe Hybrid’s powertrain. In simpler terms, what the engine does is shut down from four up to eight of its cylinders when it senses that the added power is not required. This is a fuel saver. Further from the engine, below the second-row seats you find a 300-volt battery that is hidden. Within the transmission the automobile’s two electric motors are housed.

2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid White

2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid Interior

This hybrid system is capable of running in one of two detached modes which contribute to the vehicle operating at peak efficiency, hence “two-mode hybrid” as the name suggest. Low-impact driving, for low-speed, the powertrain works similar to other hybrids; which means it halts the gasoline engine where feasible so that it can draw power from either both or one of its electric motors. Commonly for highway driving the second mode is mostly used, and at this time both or one electric motors may run simultaneously alongside the V8 engine so as to provide a boost to power. The key to the entire system is the two-mode transmission, which tries to sustain the engine operating at the rpm’s optimum for low fuel use. Basically, it accomplishes a harmonizing act between the electric motors and the engine. Also it is accountable for keeping the transitions practically seamless between the two modes.
This entire advance in technology has resulted in an improvement of 25-percent in the economy’s overall fuel above the gas-powered Yukon hybrid’s counterpart. 40-percent improvement in city driving is even more impressive.

Read User's Comments(0)

2012 Kia Optima Review

Posted by Tasfik |

2012 Kia Optima

This is a 2012 Kia Optima review. The 2012 Kia Optima is a medium-sized sedan that is accessible in 5 different levels of trim inclusive of the EX, the LX, the LX Turbo, the Hybrid as well as the SX.
It comes with standard equipment on the LX; with manual transmission. This includes automatic headlights, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, full power accessories, as well as the driver’s seat that is adjustable and comes with a lumbar power adjustment, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a glove box that is cool, a sound system with a CD player, a USB audio interface/iPod. If you take the option of the LX with the transmission that is automatic, then you will get the cruise control, the alloy wheels, and the convenience package. This consists of a driver seat that has eight-way power, as well as a rear view miller that is auto-dimming.
The EX also comes standard with the convenience package with the seventeen inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition, automatic climate control that has a dual zone, wood interior trim, leather upholstery as well as air vents to the rear. A more powerful engine comes with the EX Turbo. It also comes with brakes that are bigger as well as a grille design that is different. The Optima Hybrid is mostly the same as the EX but it has a sixteen inch alloy wheels as well as cloth upholstery and a rear-view camera.
A technology package is proffered with every trim except for the LX that is manually-equipped. It comes with the addition of a rear-view camera and a navigation system. On the LX, there is a dual-zone climate control and rear air vents. The premium package that comes with both the SX and the EX comes with a sunroof that is panoramic, a passenger seat that comes with four way power, ventilated and heated front seats, rear seats that are also heated, driver memory function, as well as it’s a sound system that has infinity speakers and that also comes with the voice-activated electronics interface. The package that comes with the EX Turbo and the EX includes a steering wheel that is heated as well. With the Hybrid Premium, those 2 packages are combined and it also includes xenon headlights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, as well as leather upholstery.

2012 Kia Optima interior

2012 Kia Optima sedan review

When there is performance testing, an Optima EX that is loaded in SULEV structure goes from 0-60 miles per hour in less than nine seconds. It has an estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city and thirty four mpg on the highway, and twenty eight mpg combined with whatever transmission that is being driven.
The standard safety features of the 2012 Kia Optima are inclusive of four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, side airbags, hill start support, stability and traction control as well as side curtain airbags. There is also an optional rear-view camera.

Read User's Comments(0)

2012 Porsche Panamera Review

Posted by Tasfik |

2012 Porsche Panamera review

In the year 2012, the new Panamera Turbo S model, recently introduced, has caused a stir in the area of performance. This new model produces a remarkable 550 horsepower – and this is in comparison to the Turbo 500 hp which is anything but standard. Also on the market is the recent Panamera Hybrid which guarantees performance of V8 status with V6 economy fuel.
With these latest models, there are now seven models in the Panamera listings. There is no doubt that you will be satisfied even if you opt for other V6 model. Adequate power is available for the regular driver plus a lot of lavishness that increases as you go up in the line of models.
There are few down downsides. It can accommodate only four persons but they can be adults of full size and the comfort level is still high in each seat. Although you will pay more options, this is not likely to deter persons from wanting to own one of these Porsche. The major issue for several buyers is its unconventional look.
In the competition line is the Jaguar XJ, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Maserati Quattroporte but the car that provides more of what these car have to offer is the 2012 Porsche Panamera.
This four-door hatchback and four-passenger Porsche comes in seven trim levels – Turbo, Turbo S, S, 4, 4S, base, Hybrid.
Among others, features of the Panamera include V6 powered rear wheel drive, wheels of 18 inches, xenon headlights (automatic), rear parking sensors, adaptive suspension dampers, daytime (LED) running lights, pop-up back spoiler and mirrors that dim automatically.
Basic features of the cabin are driver memory functions, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, cooled glove box, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, leather upholstery, rear bucket seats and eight-way power front seats. In addition there are navigation system plus a sound system (11-speaker) which facilitates iPod/USB and support audio jack.
The Panamera S Hybrid do not have parking sensors or xenon headlights. There is conventional air-conditioning instead of automatic climate control. However it has Bluetooth.
The Panamera S and the 4S has every feature in the V6 non-hybrid models but also has more interior lighting, adaptive headlights, shift paddles and driver-seat memory.
Some features included in the Turbo s and Panamera Turbo is 19-inch wheels, V8 turbocharged, more articulation on the back spoilers, air suspension having ride height that is adjustable, front parking sensors, additional driver memory, steer column that is power-adjustable, modifiable lumbar support, full leather interior and audio system of high quality.

2012 Porsche Panamera front

2012 Porsche Panamera rear

Read User's Comments(0)

2012 Jaguar XK Review

Posted by Tasfik |

Jaguar is a self defined brand which is a synonym for perfection, opulence and grandness. The 2012 Jaguar XK review will give you an insight over the changes of the latest version of the car. Once you take a look, this automobile is pretty big, sharp and has well defined curves which can even put human body to fall in shame. A 5.0L AJ-V8 engine complements its racy look and well to do interiors.
The 2012 Jaguar XK review also includes the physical appearance and other signs. The model has the iron covers in the exchange for the aluminum, and the horsepower from 385 to 510. The jaguar XK can be changed by the six speed, automatic Paddle shift and it goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Its economy is enhanced by the light aluminum body which also marks the best for this type of car.
The 2012 Jaguar XK Review is the first thing to be read when the new or advanced version is out. Different from the last version the cars interior makes you feel the luxury and comfort of the Jaguar cabin. You can have 11 different types of alloy wheel in size of 18 to 20 inches. The car provides an optional side graphics and incorporates Spray Guided Direct Injection and Dual independent cam timing.
This version has fuel mapping and revised active exhaust which further enhances the powerful drive of the Jaguar. Its top speed is 186mph and has high efficiency by emitting only 292 g/km of CO2. The gear box is the six speed automatic box which steering buttons to handle and control other sequences in the car. This has the latest technology of the adaptive dynamic strategy which contradicts the traditional trade off between the ride and the handling of the car.
The interiors are pretty smooth and absolute luxury. Great space and must have climate control, sun control and rear window power buttons; it is all inclusive of the monitoring of wheel position every second, the driver can shift the mode with dynamic mode to increase control and reduce gear shift times. The 2012 Jaguar XK review also tells you about its active differential control technology which helps to drive the car with precision and keep a control at the edges but also at the middle.
The car interiors are done with carbon pattern leather with contrast stitches. it has central seven inch touch screen is equally interactive and helps the driver to connect via the Bluetooth, USB connectivity and satellite navigation. Truly, it has a class of its own!

2012 Jaguar XK rear red

2012 Jaguar XK front red

2012 Jaguar XK f review

Read User's Comments(0)

2012 Hyundai Elantra Review

Posted by Tasfik |

2012 Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra was completely redesigned last year, getting rid of its unattractive, non-descript style, and now looks so much more attractive with its coupe-like roof line and its fluid curves. It now really looks good; like a car you would be very proud to own.
Albeit looks are important in a car; this 2012 Hyundai Elantra review will look at more than just the visuals of the car, but also on how it functions and performs. The 1.8 litre engine is quite powerful for this class of vehicle, and it comes with extremely good fuel economy that its counterparts have to add high-efficiency packages to achieve. The even better news is that the 2012 Hyundai Elantra comes with still more improvement with respect to its fuel economy with their new system called the Active Eco. When this mode is selected by the driver, the car’s automatic transmission shift points and throttle response are attuned to improve the fuel economy by about seven percent. Consequently though, the vehicle is now a little slower when the mode has been selected.
The cabin’s interior comes with a bold dashboard design, as well controls that are very simple to use. Albeit they do not have the finest quality materials overall, the materials that are used in this vehicle is still of great quality. The cabin is spacious, and there are many options available for the consumer that helps with the comfort of the car. There are also a number of electronic features as well.
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is quite well-built, fuel efficient, comfortable, attractive, very equipped, and also has a great warranty as well. Albeit competitors such as Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Focus and Chevrolet Cruze offer consumers very good choices, we still endorse the Elantra as the top choice in its class.
On addition to the foregoing, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra also comes with fifteen inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, keyless entry, full power accessories, a trip computer, a sound system that has 6 speakers with a CD player, a satellite radio, as well as an auxiliary audio jack, the height-adjustable driver’s seat, a sixty/forty split-folding rear seat.

2012 Hyundai Elantra rear back

2012 Hyundai Elantra interior

With the GLS comfort package, there are sixteen inch steel wheels, solar glass, air-conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel. In addition, when it comes with an automatic transmission, it also comes with Active Eco System. The proffered package comes with alloy wheels of sixteen inches, upgraded interior trim, illuminated vanity mirrors, Bluetooth, fog lamps and sliding front centre armrest.

Read User's Comments(0)

2012 Toyota Corolla Review

Posted by Tasfik |

2012 Toyota Corolla

The 2012 Toyota Corolla compact-sedan is the perfect car for the conservative driver. This vehicle comes with the recent navigation system and other modern features such the Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connection and a USB iPod interface.

The lowest edition of the Corolla offers keyless entry, locks and power windows as benchmark to the vehicle. These additions to the model offer alteration for Corolla into the modern day market that is committed to information and entertainment as a package together.
Although the 2012 Toyota Corolla resembles the 2011, as the self-effacingly reshaped nose and tail end of the vehicle of the 2012 and 2011 are the same. Toyota has not interfered with the car’s shape or size, therefore the 2012 model is very much the same sedan model that was launched as the company’s10th design generation for the year of 2009.
By far the external size of the 2012 Corolla has made it the biggest car in the compact-car field, however, the wheelbase which is the distance from the front and rear axles that measures approximately 102.4 inches is miserly compared with models newer and exceeding that measurement.
Having a wheelbase measurement such as 2012 Corolla detracts from the rear-seat space and this is further compared other leading competitors like Elantra with a wheelbase of 106.3 inches and Honda Civic of 105.1 these two vehicles offer more room as oppose to Corolla.
Three levels of trim is offered in the Corolla 2012 line up these are the entry-level L, its sporty looking S and volume selling LE. Having eliminated the entry-level Corolla of the black exterior mirrors and giving the mirrors body colour similar to those on the LE and S it eradicates the styling characteristics for the 2012 model that also improved the LE wheels to 16-inch wheels.
The 2012 Toyota Corolla Review sees this vehicle as competent and rivals with newer model vehicles that boasts a 40 mpg highway fuel efficiency and city or highway of 30-33mpg while the Corolla rates the best 35 mpg highway and 30 mpg within the city and that is with a rare manual transmission.

2012 Toyota Corolla Interior

2012 Toyota Corolla Review

The three 2012 Corolla models all have 1.8 litre 4cylinder engine that is rated at 132 horsepower as well as 128 pound-feet of torque. These engine features were once ideal however, with competitors like Elantra and Focus that puts forward as their base four cylinder engines with approximately 150 horsepower and superior fuel injection to boot puts Corolla always initiating new means to remain on par with their competitors.

Read User's Comments(0)

2012 Volvo XC90 Review

Posted by Tasfik |

2012 Volvo XC90

A vehicle that places the priority on comfort, safety and passenger space over off-road capabilities is the luxury crossover, the 2012 Volvo XC90. The vehicle is packed with features and it can accommodate as much as seven; however, it has an interior look that is quite dated as well as lackluster fuel economy, these drawbacks cause is not to be leading in its class in every respect.
The XC90 from Volvo was among the very first luxury crossover that was carlike when it reached the market in 2003; however, the appearance has not changed a great deal ever since that time. Except for one slight refresh, the vehicle carries through with its broad-shouldered, smooth exterior design that still looks great from a distance. Inside of the XC90 is looking rather dated given that it is representative of Volvo’s design direction prior to it going for layouts that are more minimalist as well as thin panel controls, which you will discover in the XC60 and S60, among others models.
The Volvo XC90 executes as well as you may be expecting from a crossover that is family-oriented; there is lots of power provided by the 3.2 liters six-cylinder engine, the six-speed automatic as well as the 240-horsepower and it is quite impressive. However, the Volvo XC90 is just not a great deal fun to drive; mostly it is as a result of the detached feeling of the steering wheel, even though fast movements are safe and sound.

2012 Volvo XC90 Back

2012 Volvo XC90 Review

The 2012 Volvo XC90 is equipped with three rows of seating, it can accommodate as much as seven and it is a good substitute for either a minivan or the SUVs that are more truck-like. Volvo has developed a reputation for exceptional seats and that has been carried over in the XC90; the seats are comfortable, supportive and worthy to drive around in all day. The third row of the XC90 can be difficult to get to for adults, the smallest kids will have no trouble though; however, the second row has a comfortable feel and it is shaped for adults. The seating position for everyone feels a bit more carlike and relaxed in comparison to that of other crossovers. If the third row is kept down, generally you will have a whole lot of space for bigger grocery runs. The ride quality is outstanding since there is less side-to-side motion and pitchiness than in a number of other crossovers.

Read User's Comments(0)

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review

Posted by Tasfik |

n this 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara review, you will be provided with some of the details of this newly released vehicle. The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara features a 4-cylinder, 2.4 liter inline that is capable of producing 162 pound feet of torque and 166 horsepower. All of the base models feature a 5-speed manual transmission, while the other versions have a 4-speed automatic transmission. All the vehicles in the lineup have RWD as standard; however, 4WD is on all the trim levels, with the exception of the base. On the Limited Edition, the 4WD also includes low range gearing.
In the test of the performance of the Grand Vitara, the RWDs took 10.2 seconds to achieve 60mph. The estimates of the EPA for the fuel economy of the Grand Vitara are less than the best. The RWD models had an estimated 22mpg highway, 19mpg city and a combination of 22mpg; on the other hand, the 4WD models returned 23/19/20.
This 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara review will now cover some of the features of this new vehicle:

Safety – The Grand Vitara has standard safety features such as: side airbags for the front seats; side curtain airbags (full length); antilock disc brakes; and traction and stability control. In testing, the Grand Vitara only required 110 feet to make a stop from 60mph.

Special Features and Interior Design – The 5-passenger interior of the Grand Vitara is rather attractive; however, it seems somewhat outdated when compared to the other cabins of most of its competitors. The controls and the gauges are very easy to read and are also well place; however, the removable navigation system is somewhat out of reach. Additionally, it is a bit difficult trying to read and operate the navigation screen, as it quite smaller than most units that are built-in.

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara interior

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Even though there is sufficient amount of room for you to stretch out in the Limited Edition, the cloth upholstery of the Premium models is a lot more comfortable than the leather upholstery found in the Limited model. Another one of the disadvantages of the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is the lack of space to store small items such as MP3 players and cell phones.

Driving Impressions – The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a great choice for your daily errands and commuting; however, the firm seats can become tiresome and uncomfortable if you are travelling long distances. Additionally, the handling is not as stable as some of the other newly released 2012 vehicles.

Read User's Comments(0)

Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)