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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Bugatti Veyron Supercar


The Bugatti Veyron is a modern automotive legend. The sleek speedster from Volkswagen boasts a top speed of over 260mph, making it the fastest road-legal car in the world, and it has a stunningly large $1.5 million price tag to match. Because of this astronomical cost of entry, only a few hundred of the vehicles have ever been built, meaning your chances of owning one are rather slim. That is, unless you're Mike Duff, an ambitious 25-year-old from Florida who decided to build his very own Bugatti with his bare hands.

Friday, July 8, 2011

2011 Honda FCX Clarity

2011 Honda FCX Clarity

The aim of the electric car is to give consumers a vehicle with a decent driving range and reduced emissions. The 2011 Honda FCX Clarity meets such an aim; it is a vehicle that delivers 73 miles per gallon, it emits water vapors only, and it can cover 270 miles. The FCX Clarity by Honda may have some limitations, but the vehicle is serious evidence that fuel cell technology can indeed prove beneficial. The FCX Clarity hosts a powertrain consisting of a battery, a fuel cell, an electric motor, and a storage tank for hydrogen. The fuel cell creates electricity from the reaction between oxygen and hydrogen. This electricity powers the motor and the wheels. The battery stores excess power from recovery systems as the regenerative brakes and the fuel cell.

2011 Toyota Tacoma

2011

In 1964, the Stout was the vehicle known as the Tacoma today. In 1969, the Tacoma was called the Hi-Lux. It wasn't until the mid 1990s that the Tacoma took on its present identity. The names have changed and so has the vehicle. This small truck is now offered with a Double, Access, Xtra or regular cab and a variety of truck bed sizes.

In modern 2011 Toyota Tacoma the consumer will get a 2.7-Liter inline four, 159 engine joined to a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual tranny or a 4.5-Liter V-6, 236 hp motor married to a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual tranny. It is offered with rear-wheel and four wheel drive in all trims, including the XRunner and PreRunner. This truck even has a supercharged TRD configuration for those that demand off road capabilities. The XRunner has an Access cab, a V-6 motor and a six-speed manual gearbox. Its suspension is lowered and it sports a reinforced frame that improves trosional rigidness.

2011 Bentley Continental GT

2011


The 2011 Bentley Continental GT is offered in 2-door configurations; car buyers can opt for the GT base coupe, speed models, or the GTC convertible. If a car buyer wants more power than that which is offered in the 6.0 liter W-12 552 horsepower configuration, they can choose the Bentley GT or the GTC with 600 horsepower and triple digit speeds up to 200 mph. The Supersports configurations now offer 621 horsepower, ceramic brakes, and a better suspension than before. After choosing the GT or the Continental GTC, the car buyer will enjoy a lavish cabin made with high quality elements. The two-door Continental GT configuration fuses impeccable features and high style appealing to the weekend driver and luxurious elements for the daily driver.

2011 Honda Accord

2011 Honda Accord


The 2011 Honda Accord has established a solid history because it is well designed, and well executed. Consumers also enjoy the reasonable price associated with the vehicle. The Accord is an ideal family-oriented car with a unique design. It hosts the exterior styling of a midsize car but it gains an EPA classification of a large vehicle due to its spacious cabin. The Accord is visually appealing but its platform is outdated. The 2011 redesigns enhance some of the interior components, the fuel economy of the vehicle, and its stylish appearance only. Competitors of the vehicle host six-speed automatic transmissions or CVTs. Meanwhile the Accord for 2011 still holds onto its five forward gears transmission. Competitive vehicles have better driving manners and a quieter ride. However, none of the competitors can match the Accord's impressive on-the-road handling.

2011 Audi R8

2011 Audi R8


Existing as a halo vehicle for the carmaker is the 2011 Audi R8; this 2-passenger vehicle stems from the Lamborghini Gallardo design and sports a low-slung body. The R8 is sold with a V-8 engine or a V-10, married to the Quattro All Wheel Drive system. The car offers high-speed, on-the-road performance too. Still, it is tame when it comes to handling, and when compared to other supercars the price of the R8 is definitely nice. The V-10 addition to the R8 ensures the car remains competitive in its second generation. For its third generation, a convertible configuration is expected; the Spyder convertible will host the V-10 under the hood and it will sport all the unique features of the R8 coupes too. The Spyder will eventually be sold with a V-8 option as well.

2011 Lexus ES350



The 2011 Lexus ES350 got a new frontal grille, new side mirrors with integrated turn signals, new taillights, new foglights, and brand new headlights. The vehicle is also offered with a new 17-inch wheel design. Additional add-ons include things like rain sensing wiper blades, driver-seat memory, leather seats, USB ports, Safety Connect, XM satellite radio, and rear and side airbags. The Lexus ES for 2011 has some more changes. A change of motors allows the new model to run on unleaded, regular gas. The motor inclusion is a 3.5-Liter V-6, 268 horsepower engine offering 248 ft-lbs of torque. The 2010 offering only offered 272 horsepower and 254 ft-lbs of torque.

Monday, July 4, 2011

2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Tiptronic

2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Tiptronic

Porsche has taken the wraps off its first-ever hybrid-electric vehicle, the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid. It's one of several models in a totally redesigned version of its controversial but profitable crossover.
But if any brand should have a hybrid, it's Porsche. The world's very first hybrid is widely acknowledged to be the Lohner-Porsche of 1902, created by 27-year-old engineer Ferdinand Porsche, who founded Porsche AG after the Second World War.

2012 Audi A6

2012 Audi A6

With the exception of the two familiar forced-induction engines, the 2012 Audi A6 is a clean-sheet design. Re-engineering the front differential enabled the front axle to move way forward, reducing the front overhang to achieve a more contemporary design aesthetic. Fuel economy is up thanks to extensive use of aluminum in the body, automatic engine start/stop, an aggressive powertrain friction-reduction program and the extra gears in the ZF eight-speed automatic. Inside the roomier cabin, available technology includes a color heads-up display, night vision, radar-based cruise control and a brilliantly clear NAV display.

Monday, June 20, 2011

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2011

The Miata much since they first introduced it 1989. Sure, it's been through a few redesigns, and like most of us it's gotten bigger and heavier over the past two decades. The last major change came in 2009, when the Miata grafted on the big smiley grille you see on my test car. But the basic format remains the same: Two seats, an open top, and a chassis designed to make the driver feel connected to the road. The Miata is a great choice for amateur racers: Its light weight and rear-wheel-drive setup make it great for entry-level autocrossing, and there are enough aftermarket parts that the Miata can grow with your skill level. But even if you never break the speed limit, it's difficult not to have fun in the Miata.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

2011 Volvo XC90

2011 Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 led the charge as automakers transitioned from traditional body-on-frame SUVs to large car-based crossovers. Nearly a decade later, the XC90 has undergone only minor changes, and while it's still fresh and up-to-date in some areas, it's falling behind the times in others.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012

The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, GLI essentially the sedan version of the GTI returns to the Jetta lineup for 2012. The GLI ditches the standard Jetta's twist-beam rear axle for a fully independent setup; under the hood is our old familiar favorite, the 200 hp 2 liter turbo four with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic. Styling changes over the base model are subtle, with a slighly different grille and unique wheels.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan

2012

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan gets minor exterior styling changes, an upgraded dashboard (which it badly neededs), and a new 4-cylinder engine option for the US market. The C250 features a 1.8 liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine with a turbocharger that produces 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the C350 gets direct fuel injection and a bump to 302 hp, up from 268.

2012 Mazda5

2012

Mazda has redesigned the Mazda5 minivan and Mazda3 for 2012. The six-seat interior layout is the same, but the Five now gets the 2.5 liter four-cylinder from the Mazda3 as well as more aggressive styling inside and out.

2012 Mazda3

2012

The 2012 Mazda3 gets a restyled front end that tones down the grille's giant grin. Along with the current 2.0 and 2.5 liter engines, the 3 will offer a direct-injected 2-liter engine "called SKYACTIV" good for 167 hp and 28 MPG city/40 MPG highway in automatic form.

2012 Kia Soul

2012

Whe Soul gets revised styling with minor touch-ups to the grille now 2012 Kia Soul, headlights and bumpers. More importantly, the base 1.6 liter engine gets direct fuel injection and a bump to 135 horsepower, while the 2-liter engine is up to 160 horsepower, and all Souls get six-speed transmissions and significantly improved EPA fuel eocnomy figures.

2012 Kia Rio

2012 Kia Rio


The Hyundai Accent, The Kia Rio is all new for 2012 and features a direct-injected 1.6 liter engine that can shut itself off at stoplights, just like a hybrid. EPA fuel eocnomy estimates are 30 MPG city/40 MPG highway, and the interior has been vastly improved.

2012 Kia Rio

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is bringing back the muscle SUV with the Grand Cherokee SRT8, which they say is the best-performing Jeep ever produced. Jeep says the 465 hp 6.4 liter V8 drives the GC SRT8 to 60 in 4.8 seconds; 60-0 braking takes just 116 feet , while all-wheel-drive and a two-mode adaptive suspension helps it pull 0.90g on the skidpad.
2012

If the 510 horsepower in the XKR isn't enough for you for the new 2012 Jaguar XKR-S, then you'll be happy to see the new-for-2012 XKR-S, which pushes the 5-liter supercharged V8 to 550 hp, with a similar 41 lb-ft increase in torque. 0-60 acceleration is 4.2 seconds 0.4 seconds faster than the XKR and the XKR-S has no speed limiter, so it can reach 186 MPH.

2012 Jaguar XF

2012 Jaguar XF

The 2012 Jaguar XF gets new front-end styling designed to make it look more like the flagship XJ, along with an improved interior and stereo/navigation systems. The high-performance XFR gets a more aggressive look designed to further differentiate it from the standard XF.

2012 Jaguar XF

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec performance-oriented Genesis R-Spec gets the 5-liter V8 from the Equus tuned up to 420 horsepower (44 more than the Equus), sport-tuned suspension and steering, and 19" alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires (from same tire family as those fitted to the Corvette ZR1). All Genesises (Genisi?) get 8-speed automatic transmissions, and the base V6 gets direct fuel injection which improves both horsepower (now 333) and fuel economy.

2012 Hyundai Accent Sedan

2012 Hyundai Accent sedan


The 2012 Hyundai Accent Sedan, Hyundai's new Accent will no longer be America's cheapest car (prices will start at a still-reasonable $13,205), but like the Sonata and Elantra, it has evolved into a much nicer car than before. The new Accent comes in 4 and 5door versions and includes a full complement of safety hardware as standard. Power comes from a direct-injected engine delivering best-in-class fuel economy (30 MPG city/40 MPG highway).

2012 Hyundai Accent sedan

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

For the press preview, Ford brought us out to the Laguna Seca raceway, where Parnelli Jones won the 1970 Trans Am season opener in the original Boss 302, and invited us to drive some laps in the new $40,995 Boss 302 back-to-back with a BMW M3. The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is not just another limited-edition Mustang with tape strips and a few extra horsepower. This is a serious attempt to re-create the original Boss 302 of 1970 a racing car that you can legally drive on the street.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe test drive

2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe test drive

2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe test drive plain vehicles on the market right now, perfectly suited to a wide range of buyers who need to get from point A to point B with the minimum of fuss and bother. The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS is not one of them. Now in its second year back after an eight-year hiatus, the Camaro represents General Motors' salvo into the retro muscle car wars, following on the heels of the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. There have always been Ford guys, Mopar guys and Chevy guys. Camaro is good enough to attract the faithful, but may have arrived too late to win over any converts from the opposing camps.


Pros
Gorgeous exterior
Potent engine
Retro roots

Cons

Monster clutch
Giant blind spot
Miniscule back seat

Description

Camaro is in its second year as Chevrolet's compact sport coupe
Price range (including options): $22,680 - $43,280

Powertrains: 3.6L V6/312 hp, 6.2L V8/426 hp, six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive

EPA MPG estimates: 18 city/29 highway (V6 AT); 17/29 (V6 MT); 16/25 (V8 AT); 16/24 (V8 MT)
Best rivals: Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Monday, April 4, 2011

Porsche to take on Camry, Accord

Porsche to take on Camry, Accord

In the wake of the success of the entry-level 2011 Panamera V6, Porsche has decided to launch an even less expensive version of their four-door sports sedan. The new Panamera V (for "Value") will be priced at $34,995, just $3,000 more than a top-of-the-line Toyota Camry.

"Mid-size, mid-priced sedans are one of the fastest-growing segments in the North American auto market," explains Porsche representative Ferdinand Ferry. "We feel we can grow our market share by offering Porsche prestige at a price that is competitive with mid-size offerings from Honda and Toyota."

The Panamera V will be powered by a Volkswagen-sourced 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, similar to the one found in the Volkswagen GTI, coupled to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Other mechanical changes include a simplified live-axle rear suspension and front disc/rear drum brakes. Externally, the Panamera V is distinguished from pricier Panameras by black bumpers, mirrors and door handles and steel wheels with full-width plastic covers.

Inside, the Panamera V gets cloth upholstery, manually-adjustable seats and steering column, and a two-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. Power windows and cruise control will be available as part of an $895 Value Deluxe Preferred Package, but buyers who want air conditioning will have to step up to the $75,350 Panamera V6.

2012 Nissan NV Van

2012 Nissan NV Van

2012 Nissan NV Van is no stranger to trucks. Commercial vehicles make up 20% of their sales worldwide, but they've never fielded a commercial-grade truck in the US or Canada -- until now. Nissan offers several large vans in Asia and Europe, so why not just bring one of those over here? Nissan did extensive research into the van market, and found that none of their existing products would fit our needs. The key result of their research was that most people who own or drive a Ford, Chevrolet or GMC van don't like it.
So Nissan set out to design a commercial van that would suit the needs of North American small business owner-operators -- and that's how the NV came to be. Did they succeed? Let's drive the 2012 Nissan NV and find out.

The NV certainly looks like a vehicle designed by committee. The reasons for the huge schnozzle are twofold: First, the NV is based (loosely) on the Titan pickup truck. Second, van drivers said they don't like having the engine with them in the cab, it generates heat and robs legroom. Nissan says the long hood makes for easier maintenance, although seeing how low and far back the engine is mounted, it doesn't look that way to me.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

2011 Audi R8 Cabriolet

2011 Audi R8 Cabriolet

The new 2011 Audi R8 Cabriolet convertible version of the R8 iscalled the R8 5.2 Cabriolet. Power comes from the 525 hp V10 introduced for the 2010 model year.

2011 Audi A8

2011 Audi A8

2011 Audi A8 all-aluminum flagship will be redesigned for the 2011 model year. Styling follows Audi's trend towards more angular lines, while all-LED headlights denote the A8's top-of-the-line status. The electronics are more advanced than ever, and the US version of the 2011 Audi A8 will feature a more powerful version of the familiar 4.2 liter direct-injected V8 with a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon  is jumping on the Sport Wagon, um, bandwagon with the TSX. Like the TSX sedan, the wagon is based on the European-market Accord (which differs greatly from the Accord sold in the US. Unfortunately, the new load-lugger 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon misses out on the sedan's V6; instead, it comes exclusively with a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission.

2011 Acura TSX Sedan

2011 Acura TSX Sedan

The 2011 Acura TSX Sedan gets mild updates to its grille, front bumpers and taillights. The cabin gets some trim and detail updates, most notably a revised center console, rear seat air vents, a higher-resolution display for the navigation system, and a higher capacity hard drive for the stereo's music server. 2011 Acura TSX Sedan updates to both four-cylinder and V6 engines result in EPA fuel economy estimates that are 1 MPG higher across the board.

2011 Acura RL

2011 Acura RL

The 2011 Acura RL  gets a minor freshening with new front-end styling, new taillights, improved interior trim, and a 6-speed automatic transmission (in place of last year's 5-speed) which boosts EPA fuel economy estimates to 17 MPG city/24 highway (up from 16/22). The 2011 Acura RL  gets better sound insulation and an industry-first "quiet wheel" that reduces resonance inside the tire to diminish road noise.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Hyundai Accent 2011 New Launced

Hyundai Accent New Launced


Hyundai Accent 2011 hasn’t issued a press release on the introduction of the new model and hasn’t yet updated the Hyundai Accent 2011 official webpage. We understand that there are no changes under the hood or to the Accent’s interiors. Hyundai doesn’t have a modern Etios, Manza or Dzire competitor. It has to make do with the Accent by giving it mild makeovers until something is ready. Hyundai has no interest in discontinuing the Accent, and we predict this model will run for another three years until a replacement arrives.

The Hyundai Accent 2011 edition comes with elegant styling which makes it more sophisticated and desirable. It is our continuous effort to gauge changing customer preferences and keep introducing new features in our products.We are confident that with the new styling the Accent 2011 edition will become even more popular", Hyundai Motor India Director Sales and Marketing Arvind Saxena said. The exteriors of the new edition Accent Executive comes with a chrome finish front grille. The body coloured sideline molding is equipped with chrome inserts. Besides the car also has a new chrome garnish over license plate.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Renault Dezir

Renault Dezir

Renault Dezir proof that green and sexy are not mutually exclusive, this two seater uses Nissan Renault electric powertrain technology. The DeZir’s styling points the way for future Renault design, and the scissors doors one rear-hinged, one front attracted scads of eyeballs at the Paris show. Our favorite part? The pimp daddy quilted white-leather interior, which was inspired by the idea of an “amorous encounter” and the “coming together of opposites.”

Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche 918 Spyder an auto show world awash with electric and hybrid concepts, Porsche’s 918 trumps them all with four driving modes and performance potential rivaling the spectacular Carrera GT’s. The heart of the matter is a 500-plus-hp, 3.4-liter V-8, augmented by a trio of electric motors. Production is confirmed for the Geneva showstopper. So is a very high sticker.

Pininfarina Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta

Pininfarina Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta

Constructed to celebrate Pininfarina Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta 80th anniversary and as a tribute to Alfa Romeo’s centennial, this choice roadster concept made its debut at Geneva. If the thought of pronouncing the name sends your tongue into convulsions, think “Duetto.” Memo to Fiat: If you’re serious about saving Alfa, build this car.

Peugeot SR1

Peugeot SR1

In Peugeot SR1 addition to its sculpted shape, this hybrid GT concept first seen at Geneva—has a couple of unusual features: a centered third seat and a Bell & Ross wristwatch that stows in its own dashboard slot. The design won’t see production, but its internal combustion/electric propulsion system will appear in the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 crossover.

Lancia Stratos

Lancia Stratos

This Lancia Stratos prototype debuted not at an auto show, but while brutalizing an Italian test track. Faithful in appearance to Bertone’s 1972 homologation special, the revival Stratos sports a V-8 derived from the Ferrari F430 Scuderia’s but promises a power-to-weight ratio that’s better than an Enzo’s. Pininfarina and the team of wealthy enthusiasts behind the Stratos will build you one.

Jaguar C-X75

Jaguar C-X75

It’s Jaguar C-X75 reminiscent of the old XJ220 (1992–94), but this stunning Paris show car’s primary propulsion is provided by electrons rather than combustion events. Like the Chevy Volt, the C-X75 augments its batteries with a range-extending power source. Unlike the Volt, that source is two gas turbines. Top speed is a claimed 205 mph, also unlike the Volt. But forgive us if we remain leery of an electronically powered Jag.

GMC Granite Concept


A GMC Granite Concept vehicle that’s not a rebadged Chevrolet? That’s the story of this very small but very butch crossover. A Detroit debutant, the Granite has been a show-circuit hit. Future production is at this point a poorly kept secret; the challenge will be preserving the pillarless design and easy-access rear doors.

Deltawing Concept

Deltawing Concept

Deltawing Concept Created by Ben Bowlby (former Lola design chief, former Ganassi Racing tech director), the DeltaWing was one of several proposed 2012 IndyCar chassis. The shape generates downforce without wings or spoilers and is supposed to be immune to turbulence in close quarters. Unveiled at Chicago, it was serious enough to have the support of Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi, but a modular Dallara design ultimately won IndyCar’s affections.

Citroen Survolt

Citroen Survolt

Citroen Survolt Silent racing could be closer than we think. Shown in Paris as a styling buck, the Survolt later gained twin electric motors generating 300 horsepower. It’s capable of 0 to 62 mph in less than five seconds and a top speed of 162 mph, according to Citroën. The company also claims max range of 124 miles but at slightly lower speeds.

Audi e-tron

Audi e-tron

This Audi e-tron rear drive electric concept bowed in Detroit wearing slinky metal over tidier than TT proportions. Unlike the R8 esque EV of the same name, this e-tron isn’t scheduled for production. All is not lost; its design the aspect we like most portends that of Audi’s upcoming R4. An equally gorgeous topless version shown in Paris uses a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain.