2011 Nissan 370Z Reviews

2011 Nissan 370Z Reviews

Nissan did not deliver on its plans to unveil a hybrid 370Z in 2011, but the high performance sports car does deliver unparalleled features in the 40-year Z-series tradition.
Nissan is offering three models of the 370Z convertible roadster: the standard entry level model, the Touring car, and the 370Z Touring with Sport Package option. The 370Z Coupe series features three model options plus the NISMO 370Z. Falling far short of the fuel efficiency figures for Nissan’s drawing board hybrid model, the 2011 Nissan 370Z reports 18 mpg in traffic and 25 mpg on the highway, manual or automatic alike. These high-performance vehicles use high-test fuel as well.

The 2011 Nissan 370Z has the loud engine and quick, responsive handling that sports car enthusiasts love. With smooth, powerful acceleration and stable steering control, this Nissan is a snappy commuter vehicle as well as a high-performance ride. Braking is smooth and controlled.
The spoiler on the NISMO model sits high enough to obscure rear visibility, as well. Add-ons such as the Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with touch-screen convenience, XM NavTraffic, and XM NavWeather add tech points to the 370Z control panel. Before you visit any local Nissan dealers, used car sales lots with a "2011 Nissan 370Z" or check out any new Nissan deals, make sure you read our automobile reviews and automobile ratings about the 2011 Nissan 370Z you are considering. It could mean the difference between purchasing a great Nissan 370Z or throwing your money away on a problematic Nissan 370Z.

All car ratings and car reviews are submitted by our visitors and the Modified Life community.
Did you used to have an Nissan 370Z you loved or an "Nissan 370Z" you hated? Help others by posting a review about any Nissan 370Z you own or any Nissan vehicle you used to own on Modified Life. The crew over at Inside Line got its hands on some rather curious spy photos of the new 2011 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition.

Inside, IL claim's you'll find the "standard Z Touring seats" covered in red leather.

According to Inside Line the only exterior badging that distinguishes the 40th Anniversary car from lesser Zs is a small plaque on the car's rear bumper, just below 370Z. Could it be that Inside Line has additional "spy photos" of the 40th Anniversary Z's rear and isn't posting them?

Nissan Navara Reviews

Nissan Navara Reviews

Nissan’s big Navara pickup has been one of those niche products with staying power.

People liked the Spanish-built Nissan Navara chunky looks and separate chassis, with a switchable two/four-wheel-drive system which gave it genuine skills off tarmac, and Nissan sold far more “Navara pick ups” than they did Pathfinder 4×4s, which were essentially the same vehicles, but with big, station wagon bodies and independent coil spring rear suspensions, rather than the pick up’s rear axle’s hefty leaf springs.

The Nissan Navara claimed combined 33.2mpg is a notable improvement on the old model’s 28.8mpg.

With stiff rear springs (intended not to sag if the load bay, with its clever range of fixing points, is filled with heavy gear), the "Nissan Navara" ride proved un-jittery when semi-loaded. For those who like even more power, Nissan is also offering a 3.0 litre V6 diesel in the Nissan Navara for the first time.

No nonsense 2x4 and 4x4 strength with modern comfortable interiors are why the latest Nissan Navara vehicle is such a success. Built for the toughest conditions, the Nissan Navara gets the work done with minimal fuss.

Standout features for this year are things like: a 3-tonne towing capacity, a lusty class leading turbo-diesel engine, advanced safety features, a balanced ergonomic dash, smooth detailing, chrome trim, alloys, power outlets and keyless remote control entry.

You’ve got it covered with the Nissan Navara. At first glance, you see a crew cab pickup truck with loads of features. The "Nissan Navara" is a tough muscular truck with loads of style.

The Nissan Navara range features plenty of power and torque. The Nissan Navara range is a strong ute that is such a loyal and robust working companion. Nissan's latest generation 4.0 litre V6 petrol engine is available on all Dual Cab models, and it's a true beauty. The 2.5 litre turbo diesel offers Nissan's latest generation common-rail technology. The diesel graces the Dual Cab and King Cab models. Naturally, being diesel, this engine returns impressive fuel economy and reliability. Switching from 2 to 4 wheel drive has never been easier in the Nissan Navara. The Nissan Navara's interior has dual zone climate control, cruise control, and comfortable and well designed seats with the option of leather.

The front seats are powered and heated, while the rear has a 60/40 split bench seat, thick rich carpeting, and an in-dash CD auto-changer with steering wheel controls, tilt steering, air conditioning, electric sunroof and fold flat passenger seat.
Your safety isn't compromised in the Nissan Navara either, with front and rear crumple zones. You will quickly realize that the Nissan Navara isn't any ordinary mundane truck.

Nissan Navara Dual Cab DX 4x4 Turbo Diesel 3.0
Nissan Navara Dual Cab RX 4x4 2.5
Nissan Navara Dual Cab RX 4x4 4.0
Nissan Navara Dual Cab ST-R 4x4 Turbo Diesel 3.0
Nissan Navara Dual Cab STX 4.0
Nissan Navara Dual Cab STX 4x4 2.5
Nissan Navara Dual Cab STX 4x4 4.0
Nissan Navara Single Cab 3.0 DX Diesel 4x4
Nissan Navara Single Cab ST-R 4x4 Turbo Diesel 3.0
Nissan Navara is a double cab and this feature makes it advantageous over others. It is true that, all big cars do not offer better performance especially with heavy load vehicles.
Here are a few details what Navara is capable of.

Front end is revised with a new designed grille and bumper.
Nissan Navara is available in different trim options. Navara does not lack the common features like stability control, cruise control, surround sound system, rear view camera etc. Safety features include the stability control and fully loaded air bags including the side screen air bags.

The all new V6 diesel engine is built primarily to offer economy and class performance with reduction in CO2 emission. Power developed is 170 KW with 550 Nm torque. Maximum torque is available at a low 1700 rpm and is available all the way up to 2500 rpm. One adopted technique includes the Overcooling exhaust gas which reduces Nitrogen oxides emission. 2010 Nissan Navara is definitely superior to the previous model and impresses by offering comfort and luxury to passengers. "2010 Nissan Navara" will really be a good option if you adjust with the negative features it comes along.

Nissan LEAF has won the European Car of the Year award

Now the two most prominent electric cars each rule a continent -- Chevrolet Volt in the U.S. and Nissan Leaf in Europe.

The all-electric Nissan LEAF just beat out 41 also-rans to be named 2011 European Car of the Year. The award comes in the same month that Volt won Motor Trend's and Automobile magazine's Car of the Year Award.

The "Nissan LEAF" was hailed as a breakthrough for electric cars and able to match conventional cars in many respects. A panel of journalists has named the battery-powered Nissan Leaf has been named 2011 European Car of the Year. It is the first all-electric car to be chosen for the award.

"The jury acknowledged today that the Nissan LEAF is a breakthrough for electric cars. The Nissan LEAF is also competing for 2011 North American Car of the Year honors, against a wide variety of vehicles that ranges from the extended-range electric Chevrolet volt to the Jaguar XJ luxury sedan. Nissan's battery electric Nissan LEAF has won the European Car of the Year award by a clear margin of nine points.

Nissan Micra Reviews

Nissan Micra Reviews
With more standard features than some luxury European cars and a starting price of just $12,990 ($13,990 drive away), the all-new 2011 Nissan Micra is by and large one of the best light cars on sale

Nissan is a car company run by people that actually love cars (believe it or not, that’s a rarity these days). The only major Japanese manufacturer that has managed to keep its soul amid the global financial crisis by building models that appeal to the heart of every car enthusiast, whilst also staying in touch with the everyday car buyer.

With the new Nissan Micra, Nissan is not taking ‘no’ for an answer. The model is all about delivering an affordable light car jam-packed with so many standard features that it’s bound to put the competition to shame.

Although more conformist than ever, the new Nissan Micra now appeals to a much wider range of potential buyers and it makes Nissan Australia’s ambitious target of 1,500 Micra sales per month a conceivable possibility.

The new model also covers the entire light-car segment. To celebrate the launch of newNissan Micra, Nissan brought Australia’s automotive press to a roof-top car park of Docklands tourist centre in Melbourne. Given the Micra isn’t exactly a GT-R or 370Z, the traditional Motorkhana style (or MicraKhana as Nissan called it) was adjusted to suit the car.

Test the car in its native environment: car parks, busy streets, tight spaces and inner-city driving.
First up, a "Nissan Micra" Ti 1.5-litre automatic. 15-inch alloy wheels; reversing sensors; auto folding door mirrors; intelligent key; push button engine start/stop.

With 76kW and 136Nm of torque, the range-topping 1.5-litre four-cylinder Micra accelerates with reasonable pace from a standstill and also on the road, making overtaking manoeuvres an easy task. All Micra’s have a turning radius of just 4.5m, so they can do tight turns pretty damn well. There are some rather cool features inside the new Nissan Micra too, simple but clever things.
Nissan says one of the ways it has improved the new Micra is by building a lighter car. If you also happen to care about the environment, you’ll be happy to know the new Nissan Micra is 98 percent recyclable.

Sitting behind the wheel the first thing I noticed was the lack of telescopic steering wheel adjustment (pulling steering wheel towards you), which is disappointing. The dashboard controls are pretty easy to manage and the seats are pretty good for the price.
The "Nissan Micra’s" internal computer has an anniversary reminder so you won’t forget birthdays or other special days. This resulted in lots of handbrake turns around tight corners with the car’s electric stability control having a panic attack.

The boot isn’t all that spacious but 60:40 split fold rear seats allow you to make good use of the Micra’s little space. As far as interior-practicality goes, the Nissan Micra still trails the Honda Jazz’s (but it’s also much cheaper).

It’s hard to review a car like the Micra without treating it like your own. In and around Melbourne CBD it’s easy to say the Nissan Micra is ideal, but so are pretty much all the cars in its class.

Take it for a test drive and you’ll notice pretty darn quickly that the new "Nissan Micra" is a generation ahead of its main rivals. Unlike the previous generation Japanese built Micra, the new one comes from Thailand. The new Micra measures 3780mm long, 1665mm wide and 1525mm high. It’s sold in over 160 countries, so if you’re an avid traveller of places relatively unseen, you’re more likely to find a Nissan Micra than a Big Mac (sold in 125 countries).

As it stands now, if you’re thinking about buying a new light car you’d be mad not to put the new Nissan Micra at the very top of your list.

The once mighty Nissan Micra is a vaporous ghost in Tyne and Wear these days, haunting Nissan’s Sunderland factory where workers once toiled over the froglike supermini.

The Nissan Micra best year was 2003 with British sales of 42,000, yet the annual projections for this fourth-generation car are for about 18,000. But then you need to add 20,000 Juke sales, 15,000 Notes and about 7,000 Pixo models, so Nissan shifts about 18,000 more cars into the segment than when the Micra ruled this Lilliputian car world.

If sales projections are pared, so, too, is the rest of the new Nissan Micra, in weight, design and specification. Two transmissions are available to drive the front wheels; a five-speed manual and a continuously variable unit. Nissan is quite open about the type of buyer who will be attracted to the Micra. With steering that only adjusts for reach, taller and shorter drivers will need the height adjustable driver’s seat that comes with the Acenta trim. While rivals use soft-touch materials in this sector, Nissan’s plastics are hard, if well fitted. Top speed is quoted at 106mph, with 0-62mph acceleration in 13.7sec.

The result is a fine riding car, with good bump absorption and body control through corners. The electronically assisted steering system is well-weighted and, thanks to a London taxi-rivalling turning circle, the Micra feels nippy and wieldy in traffic.
Nissan may be a little known car maker in India, but that’s about to change. The Nissan Micra is also pretty practical.

Like all Nissans, there is no traditional key on this car. It’s the first for a B-segment car.
The Micra is powered by a 1198ccc three-cylinder motor that makes 79bhp but unlike other three-cylinder motors sold in India, there is no balancer shaft used. Nissan says it has engineered the car with fewer parts to keep the weight down, and it sure seems to have helped. The car feels nice and sprightly and acceleration is impressive enough to satisfy most drivers. Straightline stability on the car is impressive as well. With a wheel at each corner and most of the weight contained between the wheels, the Nissan Micra drives more like a big car than a little one. Nissan has offered automatic climate control, a feature that’s not common among hatchbacks. Of course, all these features are reserved for the high-end model and in basic trim, you still get power steering and front power windows (manual at the rear). The front seats are very comfortable and Nissan has consciously made the nose of the car visible from the cabin; this is apparently a common complaint from first-time drivers who will make up a fair percent of Micra buyers.

Nissan needs to improve the seat squab before launching the car in India. It is clear that Nissan, known for its engineering and innovation skills, has the know-how to build very effective small cars. The new Micra may not look wildly exciting but behind its cheerful, cute lines lies solid engineering and innovation. How well Nissan tunes and adapts this car for Indian conditions remains to be seen but we are confident that the Nissan Micra will take to Indian roads like a duck to water.

What we don’t know is how Nissan will price the car. Some say that Nissan might even undercut the Swift to get market share. If Nissan prices the Nissan Micra right, it has a winner on its hands.

Nissan Leaf 99 mpg, will be introduced in some U.S. markets in December

The Nissan Leaf electric car, which has been given an official EPA fuel economy rating of 99 mpg, will be introduced in some U.S. markets in December. All cars must be given an EPA fuel economy label rating in order to be sold in the United States.

The EPA created the “mpg-equivalent” rating because the Nissan Leaf uses electricity and not gasoline for fuel. The 99 mpg rating will make Leaf the most efficient mid-sized vehicle sold. Nissan has been heavily promoting the Leaf as having a full driving range on a complete charge of about 100 miles, but the label it provides says the Leaf gets just 73 miles on a full charge.

The EPA officially rates Nissan Leaf as producing no greenhouse gas emissions, and also gives it the best possible rating for other pollutants.

It however trails behind the electric "Nissan Leaf" for which the EPA rated an estimated 99 mpg. The EPA gave the Volt a rating of 93 MPGe in all-electric mode. This comes below 99 MPGe, the rating assigned for the Nissan Leaf earlier this week. The EPA has also rated the Volt’s range at 35 miles, when it was powered by a 400-pound lithium-ion battery pack.

Depending on conditions, GM would continue to describe the Volt’s battery range between 25 miles and 50 miles. The Chevy Volt, when running on gasoline alone, will have a traditional EPA fuel economy rating of 37 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.

In comparison the Chevrolet Volt’s rating tops out the 2011 Toyota Prius, Pirus has an EPA rating of 51 miles per gallon in city driving and 48 in highway driving.

Electric cars have created the rent-seeker's dream. By contrast, the Leaf could make the same trip using subsidized electricity for little or no fuel cost. Consumers have long wondered what kind of fuel-economy rating an electric car would get from the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA has approved a rating of 99 miles per gallon for the 2011 Nissan Leaf in combined city and highway driving.

But we’ll have to wait awhile to find out how the Nissan Leaf main rival, the electric-gasoline powered Chevrolet Volt, will compare. The agency derived the Leaf’s fuel-economy figure using an equivalency formula it designed to give car shoppers a standard by which to judge overall fuel efficiency and environmental impact for a wide range of vehicles using a variety of fuels and power sources.

The fuel-mileage tag will be part of the car’s window sticker, called a Monroney label.

2012 Volkswagen Beetle on oprah

Volkswagen has decided to tease the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle on one of most watched daytime talk shows, The Oprah Winfrey Show. Everyone remembers the time Oprah Winfrey gave a Pontiac G6 to each audience member on her day time talk show. “During today’s Part Two of Oprah’s Ultimate Favorite Things show,” says Mother Proof, “Oprah and Santa gave everyone in the audience keys to their own 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle.”

“Volkswagen isn’t revealing what the newer New 2012 Volkswagen Beetle looks like. “Jonathan Browning, chief executive of VW North America, explained that Oprah had approached the company and said ‘the Beetle was one of her favorite things,’” the New York Times elaborates.
“Mr. Browning added that the Volkswagen Beetle would come with a TDI engine option, which would also be offered on the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet. Even though Oprah’s audience and the public don’t know much about the newest new Volkswagen Beetle that’ll hit the market in May of next year, audience members did luck out this time. VW is paying the bills.

Volkswagen isn’t revealing what the newer New "Volkswagen Beetle looks like". The “Oprah” audience was allowed to see only a silhouette line of the car and Ms. Winfrey’s reaction to the design (in a video clip showing her as she saw the car for the first time). Oprah selected the Volkswagen Beetle as one of the items in her annual “Favorite Things” show, the second part of which aired on Monday. Ms. Winfrey will end “The Oprah Winfrey Show” next May and start her own cable channel, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Alfa Romeo and Maserati may get SUVs based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platfor

The bond between Fiat and Chrysler continues to grow with this latest piece of news that Maserati and Alfa Romeo may get SUVs based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform, which according to Sergio Marchionne can easily take on the larger and more powerful powertrains that a luxury SUV has to offer.

Jeep’s own offering includes a 5.7 liter Hemi and a 6.4 liter SRT-8 Hemi. A large Maserati/Alfa Romeo SUV based on this platform could house Ferrari’s front mounted rear wheel drive engines, already used in Maserati passenger cars.

Chrysler and Fiat boss, Sergio Marchionne, has hinted plans to use the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform as a base for upcoming Maserati and "Alfa Romeo" SUVs.
An Alfa Romeo spokesman said just yesterday the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform could be used as a base for an upcoming Alfa Romeo SUV, which would expand the model lineup.
Chrysler's redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee has been so successful that Fiat may use the sport-utility vehicle’s platform for Alfa Romeo and Maserati models , the companies’ chief executive officer said. Chrysler, the US automaker controlled by Fiat, introduced the updated Grand Cherokee earlier this year. Marchionne plans to open about 165 Fiat franchises in the US in 119 markets. Marchionne said Chrysler is working on bringing the small, multi-purpose Fiat L0, pronounced L-zero , to the US.

Marchionne denied reports in Italy that Fiat was considering spinning off its Mirafiori plant near Turin to a company owned in part by Chrysler. “Expect Chrysler products to be made by Fiat and Fiat products to be made by Chrysler,” Marchionne said. Marchionne said Fiat and Ferrari wouldn’t use the Jeep platform. The Grand Cherokee’s architecture could be used for the higher-priced "Alfa Romeo" or Maserati brands and could handle stronger powertrains , Marchionne said. An Alfa Romeo or Maserati based on the Grand Cherokee could compete against BMW’s luxury SUVs in the US market, she said.

Los Angeles Auto Show-Toyota to bring a RAV4 electric vehicle to the market

Not a long time ago we’ve been presenting the partnership between Tesla and Toyota to bring a RAV4 electric vehicle to the market. Tesla-Toyota RAV4 promises more than Nissan’s Leaf – a true, clean 100 miles of pure electric driving no matter what the weather’s like or the temperature outside. s Toyota showcased a prototype of its highly anticipated new RAV4 EV at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week, on the other side of the ocean, executives made a series of intriguing new announcements about the company's electric-drive vehicles.
The company currently sells eight hybrids in the United States-split between the Toyota and Lexus nameplates-and in September repeated its commitment to releasing six new models by 2012.

- Pricing for the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be in the 3 million yen ($36,000) range when that car is released in Japan in 2012. - Toyota still plans to release a fuel cell hybrid in Japan sometime around 2015.

Fourteen years after it launched its very first RAV4 crossover at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota returned to Los Angeles to launch an all-electric version of its latest RAV4.

Japan’s largest automaker has worked with Silicon Valley electric-car maker Tesla since the May announcement that Toyota would buy a stake in Tesla and the companies would develop electric cars together.

The partnership will build 35 “Phase Zero” test versions of the latest RAV4 EV next year, with production launch expected in 2012.

Few technical details were released, and Toyota USA president and CEO Jim Lentz stressed that many details remained to be resolved. Styling changes to the all-white RAV4 EV unveiled at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show include a new grille front bumper, fog lamps and headlights up front. No cargo area was lost in the conversion; with the rear seats folded down, the RAV4 EV offers 73 cubic feet of storage, just as the current gasoline model does.

Performance Toyota is excited about the collaboration of Toyota and Tesla to create the all-new electric Toyota RAV4-EV, expected to hit Nebraska showrooms in 2012.

The all-electric Toyota RAV4-EV will combine the Toyota RAV4 model with a Tesla electric powertrain to give drivers maximum performance and versatility. A prototype of the Toyota RAV4-EV has already been created by Tesla and is currently being tested by Toyota. A first all-electric Toyota RAV4 was developed in 1997 and sold until 2003. The new Toyota RAV4-EV is expected to perform at higher speeds and have an even greater range.

Toyota and Tesla have not set a starting cost for the Toyota RAV4-EV, but it is expected to be lower than other all-electric vehicles from Tesla. Tesla hopes to drive down the cost of electric vehicles so they are within reach of mainstream buyers.

2012 Porsche 928 Reviews

Porsche introduced the new version of Porsche 928 in 2012. Porsche 928 has a very impressive performance,expensive car. The GT Coupe version has a V10 engine that can produce 605 horsepower. Handling is assisted with control-arm front suspension and multi-link rear. 2012 Porsche 928 version expect to pay more than $150,000.

What We Know About the 2012 Porsche 928
Britain's Autocar magazine reports that Porsche is eyeing a high-performance four-seat luxury coupe based on its first-ever sedan, the 2010 Panamera. Like other high-end brands, Porsche has seen sharp sales declines from the global economic downturn, so it's understandably loath to add another model until conditions improve. It would be the company's fifth "model line" after the Panamera, the Cayenne SUVs, the mid-engine Boxster convertible and Cayman coupe sports cars, and the various rear-engine 911 sports cars.

Autocar cites two motivations for a "2012 Porsche 928". Overall height shouldn't change much for the coupe. Ditto the Panamera's considerable width, aggressive front-end styling, and rear hatch door, the last a novelty in the high-dollar league.

As mules currently in testing suggest, Porsche has in development a third front-engined car. Coming after the successful Cayenne SUV, and the future Panamera saloon (expected in 2009), the third model will be a large four-seat coupe--2012 Porsche 928 GT Coupe

Comparing to the Panamera, the 928 GT Coupe will have a shorter wheelbase and will loose some weights. The "Porsche 928 GT Coupe" will be powered by the same engines used in the Panamera. Also the GT Coupe will use the 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 605 hp used in the Carrera GT.

As the Panamera is aimed against the top-class sports-luxury saloons, the new Porsche GT Coupe will have to deal with the Granturismo high-class, and elegantly mix performance and refinement.

2012 Porsche 928 GT Coupe--Being a front-engined coupe and also a GT model, it is expected the new 928 GT Coupe to compete with luxury models from the market like the 599 Fiorano and Aston Martin.

Fiat 500 commercial

Following months -- if not years -- of anticipation, Fiat is finally weeks away from reentering the U.S. market with its new 2012 Fiat 500. To help prepare consumers for the launch, its retro compact car, and expose buyers to the brand's Italian heritage, the automaker has launched a new wave of TV commercials.

While Fiat plays up the 500's Italian heritage, the car has been modified for the North American market. Although Fiat says the 500 is aimed directly at the Mini Cooper, the $15,500 base price manages to undercut the British car by $4600.

After nearly three decades away, Italian automaker Fiat is set to sell cars again in the United States, starting with the tiny 500.

The car is among a growing crowd of small vehicles entering the U.S. market, all touting small engines and high gas mileage.

Fiat took over Chrysler last year amid the American automaker's Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and in so doing got access to Chrysler's network of dealerships. Orange County is slated to have two Fiat dealerships open soon, Fiat of Irvine (Robert H. Tuttle & Jim Click), and Fiat of Costa Mesa (Jonathan Gray), Chrysler Group LLC announced last week. I got a closer look at the 2012 Fiat 500 at the LA Auto Show, and it looks like a pretty neat little car. Fiat 500 was seen as the star of the LA Auto Show 2010. "Fiat 500" is the model that brings Fiat brand on the US market after an absence of not less than 27 years.

Even though the small city car came on the North American market with softer suspensions and modified interior, the idea of a Fiat 500 is the same:more suited for ladies, combining the Italian classy style with the perfect shapes and sizes of the crowded city roads.
Fiat wants to use, hot commercial in the advertising campaign for Fiat 500 in America.
The brilliant new campaign for the Fiat 500 model is signed by DIESEL.

The new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

2012 Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen New Beetle was the cute car that started the retro-futurist design craze, which is still going strong.

The front-wheel-drive Volkswagen New Beetle is available as a two-door hatchback or a two-door convertible. Options include bigger wheels and a rear spoiler. Power comes from a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower. Transmission choices are a standard five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic.

From 1998-2005, the base engine was a 115-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Until recently, turbocharged gasoline engines have been a big part of the New Beetle's trim lineup. Sold from 1999-2006, the New Beetle 1.8T was powered by a 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder, which put out 150 hp. Throughout the years, Volkswagen has released several special-edition models, including limited-edition colors and trim packages. The new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is sleek, swift, and totally sophisticated. The new Beetle offers differing degrees of power, available in four different models – the Beetle GL, Beetle GLS, Beetle GLX, and Beetle Turbo S. We offer monthly updated information in our 2012 Volkswagen Beetle review as data emerges.

We plan to update our 2012 Volkswagen Beetle pictures, specs and links to 2012 Volkswagen accessories as well.

Beetle is the unique girly styled compact cars manufactured in the Volkswagen kingdom which is a German based auto manufacturing company. The first generation of Volkswagen Beetle came into picture a decade ago. Considering the amazing sale performance of previous versions of VW Beetle, Volkswagen is soon coming with a spectacular redesign to be recognized as 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

The curved front looks more appealing with Volkswagen styled rounded headlamps. The compact car is additionally featured with heated seats, tilt – telescopic steering wheel, cruise control system, climate control system and sound system loaded with CD changer, MP3 player and satellite radio.

This assembly is considered as a base model of 2012 Beetle. The turbocharged 2.0 liter with TSI engine will be designed to produce 200 to 210 horsepower. All these engine versions work on front drive wheel mechanism. It is also suspected that 2012 Beetle will gain R version with the highest performer engine to generate 270 horsepower. The turbocharged engines from Volkswagen will come with automated dual clutch manual transmission.

The descent architecture of 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will appear in the market by spring of next year. The base model of 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is expected to get a price tag of around $18,900 with the advancement of prices associated with higher versions of 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

camaro convertible the feel of driving the coupe

Rear parking assist is standard on all convertible models, which is a good thing because rearward visibility is usually quite limited in a convertible.

“The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a new set of potential customers,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet's marketing vice president. Of course, no one ever expected Chevy not to produce a convertible version of the Camaro. It competes directly with the Ford Mustang, which also has coupe and convertible versions. The other big competitor is the Nissan 370Z, which also comes in coupe and convertible models.

In taking the top off the Camaro coupe, GM engineers had to strengthen the car's body, so the convertible model has an “enhanced body structure” designed to keep it rigid even when hitting bumps in the road.
The reinforced structure gives the Camaro convertible the feel of driving the coupe, GM says. We didn't change a strut, bushing or spring rate from the Camaro coupe.”
The result, GM insists, “is a convertible that preserves nearly all the acceleration, road-holding and performance capabilities of the Camaro coupe.”
Engine choices are the same as those in the coupe models.
Base models will have a 3.6-liter, direct-injection V-6 with 312 horsepower and 278 foot-pounds of torque. With the manual, the V-6 model is EPA rated at 17 mpg city/29 highway; with the automatic, it's 18 city/29 highway.

The SS (Super Sport) models come with V-8 engines. The automatic SS models come with automatic cylinder deactivation, which cuts out four of the cylinders during level highway cruising to help boost fuel economy.


Rear-wheel drive is standard, of course, on all Camaro models.
“Other convertible models in this segment still offer convertible tops with dual latches, forcing drivers into two-hand operations reaching across the car.”
There is a folding, one-piece hard tonneau cover on the uplevel V-6 2LT and V-8 2SS models, which completely covers the lowered top and dresses up the car's appearance. Coupe models come with four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes (with four-piston Brembo calipers on the SS models), GM's electronic stability control, OnStar and XM satellite radio.
Other safety equipment includes front seat-mounted side air bags and side-curtain air bags for both rows.
Chevrolet has unveiled a drop-top version of its best-selling Camaro coupe at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The European version of the Camaro Convertible will get a 6.2-litre V8 engine producing a stonking 426 horsepower. What’s more, the power-folding fabric top should retract in an uber-fast time of just 20 seconds. Speaking at the car’s unveiling ceremony, Chris Perry, Vice President of Chevrolet marketing, said: "The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a new set of potential customers.

See pictures of the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible in the gallery below.

The Chevrolet Camaro Convertible was among the most exciting cars to be unveiled at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show. The 21st century revival of Camaro is tremendously popular, so it's only natural to expand and elevate the product range in new directions."

2011 Elantra (aka the Avante) Review

New styling and new powertrains should improve Elantra's standing against the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and other compact cars.

This latest-generation Elantra looks sleek and sculpted. Given the dramatic appearance improvement of the Hyundai Sonata for 2011 and the crisp new Tucson and Genesis coupe, the Elantra may well become a segment styling leader. A 160-170 hp 2-liter may be used in sporty or five-door hatchback models. Hyundai already has a gas/electric hybrid Elantra that runs on liquid petroleum for the Korean market.

The 2011 Elantra (aka the Avante) has unveiled by Hyundai at the Busan Motor Show in South Korea. World-premier of new Avante compact, Hyundai's global best-seller Featuring 1.6L Gamma GDI engine, 6-speed automatic Hyundaihad its world-premier of the all-new Avante compact sedan, the company's best-selling model worldwide, at the Busan International Motor Show 2010 today.

badged as Elantra in markets outside Korea - continues Hyundai's ?luidic sculpture' design philosophy.

Hyundai has applied its latest 1.6L Gamma Gasoline Direct Injection engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front-wheel drive compact, the first time GDI and six-speed automatic have been featured on a compact sedan in Korea.

At a separate commercial vehicle booth, Hyundai displayed a hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus and a Universe Limousine luxury coach, among other displays.

Hyundai's New 1.6L Gamma GDI Engine
GDI technology doesnt only boost power output: It also improves fuel economy while lowering emissions. End of Hyundai Elantra / Avante review.

After the Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Sonata and the new Accent – Hyundai today unveiled the new Elantra at the 2010 Busan Motor Show in Korea.
“The new Avante encompasses Hyundai’s latest ambitions, featuring the best styling and performance in its class,” Steve S. Yang, President & CEO of Hyundai’s Global Business Division, said at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) today.

The new Elantra has a fluid, curvaceous style similar to the 2011 Sonata that has just begun to appear on American roads, but some critics say the new lines look even better on the Elantra. If it can match the practicality of the 2010 Elantra it replaces, the new car should make a serious push for the top of the Affordable Small Car class.

It wasn’t, however, formally unveiled as the next Elantra. It appeared at the obscure Butan auto show in Korea, where it was called the Hyundai Avante. Hyundai sells the current Elantra overseas as the Avante, so it seems reasonable to assume that this car will reach U.S. shores as the Elantra, but Hyundai spokespeople have yet to confirm that.

Part of the appeal of the current 2010 Elantra is its size – it has the exterior dimensions of a small car but is so spacious inside that the EPA classifies it as a midsize car.

2011 Chevrolet Volt Review

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is a midsize five-door hatchback sedan with seating for four.
This June, the Cruze mules will be retired, and for the first time, the Volt’s powertrain will be mated to the Volt body.

“The beauty of the Volt is the size of the battery,” affirms Posawatz. Weighing in at 400 pounds, the lithium-ion pack allows the Volt to travel as far as 40 miles on electric power. (Having a center tunnel in a front-drive car gives the Volt mule’s cabin the feel of one from a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.) Like most traditional electric cars, the Volt will recharge via a wall plug; the engine is simply to get you to your destination when the charge is depleted. VEHICLE TYPE (Chevrolet Cruze–based prototype): front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 4-door sedan

Although the maximum total power output of the Chevrolet Volt battery pack is 16 kWh, the Volt only uses about 50 percent of the battery’s total power. In the Volt, the battery feeds a 149-hp electric motor that drives the front wheels. The gas engine is never used to charge the battery; the engine turns a generator that directly feeds power to the electric motor. If the engine is revving at 2000 rpm and making 25 hp, the electric motor will be able to make only 25 hp. The upshot: The Volt will be quicker running on battery power than it will be when the gas engine is providing the electricity.

The Premium Trim package adds leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats. The Rear Camera and Park Assist package adds a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors.

The front-wheel-drive 2011 Volt is powered by an electric motor rated at 149 hp (111 kilowatts) and 273 pound-feet of torque. This motor draws power from a lithium-ion battery pack until the battery charge is 70 percent depleted. The battery can only be completely recharged through either a 120-volt or 240-volt outlet, but regenerative braking and the engine generator can replenish it slightly.

Safety features on the "2011 Chevy Volt" include antilock brakes, stability control, front side airbags, front knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
The change-over from battery charge to generator power can be difficult to notice, though the pre-production Volts we've driven do have a disconcerting generator noise level; the engine revs regardless of engine speed.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt ranks 3 out of 19 Upscale Midsize Cars. Amid industry debate (“It’s an electric car!” “It’s neither!”), Chevrolet has rolled out the Volt. The Volt is neither a hybrid car nor an electric car. Chevrolet calls it an extended range electric vehicle. For those buyers, the Chevrolet Volt is largely an electric car.

If you’re fine with leasing and worried about range, the Volt is the better option.
Next to the Leaf, the Volt’s closest competitor is the Toyota Prius. Using only electric power, for the Volt to cover 15,000 miles would cost about $240 in electricity charges – which means that to offset the Volt’s price premium over the Prius would take over 17 years.

The Chevrolet Volt combines an electric motor, which powers the car for the first 50 miles or so of driving, with a 1.4-liter gasoline-powered engine that acts as a generator, creating electricity for the electric motor once the batteries are depleted. To travel solely on electric power, the Chevrolet Volt must have its batteries charged. Because it has a backup engine that generates electric power, the Chevrolet Volt does not have a limited range between charges like purely electric cars do.

The Chevrolet Volt is being introduced in limited markets at first. In 2011, the Volt will expand to other markets.

The Chevrolet Volt is a completely new car with never-before-used powertrain technology.

2012 Fiat 500 offers two transmissions

The 1.4-liter engine features four valves per cylinder and is the first mass-production engine for the North American market to incorporate Fiat’s Fully Variable Valve Actuation (FVVA) (MultiAir). The new 2012 Fiat 500 offers two transmissions for the North American market. Exclusively available for the North American market, the new six-speed automatic transmission provides the new Fiat 500 with smooth shifting and excellent fuel economy. The transmission allows for driver-selectable gear changes
The 2012 Fiat is available in three models: Pop, Sport and Lounge.

Fiat 500 Sport
For the driving enthusiast, the new Fiat 500 Sport model encompasses modified springs, shock tuning, steering calibration and exhaust tuning to deliver a more firm ride and responsive handling. Inside, the new Fiat 500 Sport features unique sport-styled seating in a Gray/Black interior environment, a BOSE--Energy Efficient Series audio system with six premium speakers and subwoofer, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Blue & Me Handsfree Communication technology with USB port and iPod control capability.

Fiat 500 Lounge
Tailored for individuals who want their Fiat 500 to reflect their fashion-oriented lifestyles, the new Fiat 500 Lounge model features premium amenities (in addition to the Fiat 500 Pop features) including the all-new six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes, front- and rear-fascia chromed accents, chrome mirror caps, fog lamps, fixed glass roof, 15-inch aluminum wheels with all-season tires, premium cloth seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, BOSE Energy Efficient Series audio system with six premium speakers and subwoofer, security alarm, Blue & Me Handsfree Communication technology with USB port and iPod control capability.

The Fiat 500 offers 1.4-liter MultiAir engine with two transmission options, seven standard airbags and Blue & Me Handsfree Communication, its interactive driving software
The new Fiat delivers 101 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 98 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Exclusively available for the North American market, an all-new six-speed automatic transmission provides the new Fiat 500 with smooth shifting and excellent fuel economy. An upgraded five-speed manual transmission features new gear ratios for the U.S. market, improving fuel efficiency and acceleration. Key new adaptations for the 2012 Fiat include:

The new" Fiat 500" will be in 14 metallic, non-metallic and premium tri-coat pearl finishes, every new 2012 Fiat 500 two interior options, black or ivory.

A full line of authentic Fiat 500 accessories by Mopar will offer customers even more personalization possibilities at their local Fiat dealership, including unique striping packages, exterior and interior styling accessories and authentic Fiat-styled merchandise.

2012 Volkswagen Eos La Auto Show 2010

it’s been almost a month we’re hearing about 2012 Volkswagen Eos. However, at 2010 LA Auto Show, the brand has released the complete details, images and the first video.

The "2012 Volkswagen Eos" will be available in four 4-cylinder engine options across Europe. Options include a 1.4 TSI with 122 PS, 1.4 TSI with 160 PS, 2.0 TSI with 200 PS and 210 PS and 2.0 TDI with 140 PS. In the US, however, 2012 Volkswagen Eos will be available in only 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder gasoline engine that generates a 200 hp and 207 lbs-ft. of torque. The US engine option will offer 31 mpg fuel consumption on the highway.

Talking about the design side of new VW, 2012 Volkswagen Eos has a new front fascia, newly styled rear end, new headlights design, a front grille with three shiny black louvers, and two-part LED rear lights with fiber optics technology. Inside, there is new instrument panel, chrome-framed window buttons, walnut wood trim parts and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shift knob.
Just a few weeks ago, Volkswagen of Australia revealed images and details of its newly refreshed VW Eos hardtop convertible. The automotive giant claims the 2012 Volkswagen Eos has been "perfected", and the first thing you'll notice about this car is the front and rear fascias, which suffered an alignment with VW's latest releases. Higher trim lines come with walnut wood inserts and "Vienna" leather seats.

The 2012 Volkswagen Eos is powered by the powerful and efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The evening before any major auto shows usually means one thing: PARTY! With Cadillac hosting its own event, where they debuted the Urban Luxury Concept, Volkswagen was having its own soiree with the updated Volkswagen Eos.
Agent001's trigger finger has been itchin' for LA

2011 Camaro convertible at LA Show

Years after General Motors introduced its hot-looking Camaro, the company has finally moved the Camaro convertible version of its popular muscle car to the front of the line.

U.S. pricing for the "Camaro convertible" starts at $30,000 (including destination).
It’s all fun and games at the Chevrolet stand during the Los Angeles Auto Show, where a bright-red Camaro convertible wears a Hot Wheels tattoo and show goers can get high-speed photos of themselves jumping for beach balls.

Although there will be no Hot Wheels special edition of the new Camaro convertible, we were told, the Camaro/Hot Wheels cross promotion will reap some concrete benefit: free Camaro convertible Hot Wheels toys provided by the El Segundo, Calif., toymaker, which created them especially for the auto show. The pairing of Hot Wheels with the drop-top Camaro is certainly appropriate.

The 2011 Camaro convertible certainly is an attractive toy, easily recalling Camaro’s vaunted ragtop past without looking retro or contrived.

The convertible will be available at Chevy dealerships in February 2011, with prices starting at $30,000.
For 2011, General Motors will add a new level of excitement to this iconic sports car with the introduction of convertible models.

“The launch of the new convertible opens Camaro design and performance to a new set of potential customers,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet's marketing vice president. Of course, no one ever expected Chevy not to produce a Camaro convertible version of the Camaro. It competes directly with the Ford Mustang, which also has coupe and convertible versions. The other big competitor is the Nissan 370Z, which also comes in coupe and Camaro convertible models.
In taking the top off the Camaro coupe, GM engineers had to strengthen the car's body, so the convertible model has an “enhanced body structure” designed to keep it rigid even when hitting bumps in the road.
The reinforced structure gives the Camaro convertible the feel of driving the coupe, GM says.

2011 GMC Acadia Denali

Huge Truck, Disappointing Rear Legroom

The heavy duty truck wars are heating up, and until recently the Ford Super Duties have been the only place for luxury truck buyers to go. The Denali nameplate already exists in the GMC showroom on the half ton Sierra. The Denali HD is more of a trim package then a complete package. The front and rear bumpers are painted , while the upper and lower grilles are finished in signature Denali chrome. You can only get the Denali HD in three colors: black, silver and white. Overall, the Denali trim is a very nice looking package on an already good looking truck.
The interior of the Denali HD is similar to any other loaded up GMC Sierra. This seems out of place on a truck of this price. This truck would not fall into that category.

The RAM Heavy Duty is the only one of the three heavy duty trucks that does not use Urea injection in the exhaust system. Driving the Denali HD was an enjoyable experience. The steering was light, with decent on center feel for a truck of this size. With an as tested sticker price of $58,199, is the new Denali HD king of the luxury trucks? The Denali HD is a very understated type of luxury, while the new Super Duty King Ranch is a very in your face, larger-than-life luxury. Between the terrific powertrain and great looks, this new Denali HD really does turn heads.
GMC Acadia Denali Styling

Like Denali versions of the full-size Yukon SUV and the big Sierra pickup truck, this top-end GMC Acadia Denali is highlighted by distinctive Denali design elements. Front-door step-in height is a relatively low 18.9 inches; rear door, 19.8 inches. GMC Acadia Denali Power


All models, including the Acadia Denali, hold a 3.6-liter VVT (variable valve timing) V-6 engine with gasoline direct injection, generating 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, driving a six-speed automatic transmission. With front-wheel drive, the Acadia Denali earns an estimate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of 17 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway. Special Denali design features include unique lower fascias (front and rear), body-colored lower cladding and rocker moldings, body-color rear fascia and fender flares, and dual chrome exhaust tips. Distinctive bodyside moldings have chrome accents and Denali badging. The Acadia Denali rides on two-tone, chrome-clad, six-spoke 20-inch wheels, versus 18- or 19-inch tires for other Acadias. GMC Acadia Denali Interior

Perforated leather upholstery features matching leather door-panel trim. Heated/cooled driver and front passenger seats are standard. The Acadia Denali's Dual SkyScape sunroof includes a sliding front panel and a fixed rear section.

2012 Porsche Cayman at the LA Auto Show

Arguably the best road going sports coupé on sale today just got better with the launch of the R version of Porsche's Cayman at the LA Auto Show.

It gets the four-wheel drive bodyshell but only two-wheel drive running gear.

Holding center stage on its expansive display at the 2010 LA Auto Show, the 2012 Porsche Cayman R made its world debut to become the lightest, hottest and undoubtedly coolest iteration of this mid-engined two-seater. Porsche says it was created for one reason: pure driving dynamics.

In addition to brooming non-performance essentials like the air conditioning and stereo system, the Cayman R swaps steel door skins for lightweight aluminum alternatives and uses carbon-fiber-backed sport bucket seats and interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS to ultimately yank 121 pounds from the curb weight, bringing it down to 2,849 pounds.

That 10-pony advantage over its kin makes it the most powerful current mid-engine Porsche offering. Paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission it will send the Cayman R streaking 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, 0.2 second quicker than a Cayman S. Match it with the optional seven-speed dual-clutch PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) transmission and Sport Chrono package, and that interval dips to just 4.4 ticks. Top speed with the former is 175 mph, while the latter can reach 174 mph.

Other Cayman R performance enhancement include as special sport suspension that drops ride height by 20mm (0.8-inch), a limited slip differential that optional on the Cayman S, the lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels used on the Boxster S and the front and rear spoilers from the Cayman Aerokit. If there is a bit of lightweight vanity in evidence, it's strictly limited to the car's black-framed halogen headlights, contrasting side mirrors and "PORSCHE" side-stripes.

Due in dealerships next February, the 2012 Porsche Cayman R will carry a pricetag of $66,300.

New mid-engine coupe takes its purist cue from Boxster Spyder ATLANTA - November 17, 2010 - Featuring 121 pounds less weight and the most horsepower available in a mid-engined Porsche, the 330-hp Cayman R has been created for one reason: pure driving dynamics.

With its highly-tuned sports suspension and vigilant attention to weight savings, the third Cayman model offers an even more precise driving experience than the "standard" Cayman S. A direct descendant of the famous 1950's 550 and 1960's 904 mid-engined, high-performance Coupes, the 2012 Porsche Cayman R is celebrating its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show November 17, 2010. Light and Powerful The newest member of the mid-engine family features the highly efficient 3.4-liter six-cylinder Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) boxer engine found in the Cayman S, but produces 10 more horsepower. With a six-speed manual transmission, the Cayman R sprints from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, two-tenths of a second faster than the Cayman S. With a DIN unladen weight of 2849 lbs. (1295 kg), Porsche engineers were able to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 8.58 lbs. per hp (3.9 kilograms per hp) and with 8.8 lbs per hp (4 kilograms per hp) with the PDK. In addition to the removal of the A/C and stereo, the driver-focused Cayman R utilizes a sports suspension system that lowers the Cayman R by 20 mm, helping lower center of gravity. Optional on the Cayman S, the Cayman R comes with a standard limited slip differential, front and rear spoilers from the Cayman Aerokit and special lightweight 19" wheels also found on the Boxster Spyder. Lightweight aluminum door skins, carbon-fiber backed sport bucket seats

Fiat 500 Coming to USA

Fiat 500 Coming to USA
The Fiat 500 is finally coming to the USA. Making the Mini look midsized, the Fiat 500 will bring its European tight-parking potential-- and fuel economy-- to American cities. Fiat 500 USA Price The American version of the Fiat 500 will come in three configurations: Pop, Sport and Lounge.
Fiat 500 USA Specs
Weight, 2,350 lbs. (five-speed manual) or 2,430 lbs. (six-speed automatic).
(The European entry-level version is 1.2 liter, 70hp)
The Fiat 500 is 7 inches shorter and narrower than the Mini Cooper.

The 2011 Fiat 500 is coming to America and it’s landing with a base model (Fiat 500 Pop) price of $15,500. Oh la la! Anyway, the Fiat 500 configurator will let you setup and price the 2011 Fiat 500 of your choice.
Fiat is all set to re-enter the U.S. auto market with its compact car, called Fiat 500. The Italian car maker announced Wednesday that Fiat 500 will cost $15500.

The U.S. version of Fiat 500 was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
New model: combination of style and economy
Fiat 500 be similar in style to the original 500 of 1957. A convertible model will be launched next year in the United States. Electrical and high performance models will also follow.
The Fiat 500 is immensely popular in Europe since its launch there in 2007. The U.S. version of Fiat 500 will have better fuel economy, courtesy its new 4-cylinder Multiair engine. Small car market uncertain in US

The market for small cars is quite uncertain in the nation. Fiat’s U.S. Chief Laura Soave has been very optimistic especially after the fuel economy regulations become more stringent.

Range Rover Evoquefive-door's cabin is roomy enough for taller drivers

2012 Range Rover Evoque
The crossover will come in your choice of the newly revealed 4-door or a previously introduced coupe. Discuss.

Chic and sleek. In driving terms, that translates into having the visibility of a space capsule.
The most design-led product ever to emerge from the Range Rover studios, the forthcoming Range Rover Evoque is intended to take Range Rover into upmarket city streets, finally shaking off any lingering SUV-style stigma attached to the urbanised four wheel drive vehicle.

The latter quality might be Land Rover's stock in trade, but things are changing fast. The Evoque has always been a fashion-focused machine, ever since the design debuted as 2008's elegant LRX concept. The road to production-readiness has been remarkably smooth, and only the eagle-eyed will spot key differences between the original LRX and the showroom Evoque (try a similar exercise with the Range Stormer concept and the Range Rover Sport model it eventually sired and you'll get a very different result).

I was impressed with the Land Rover LRX concept when it debuted a few years ago. It was an athletic-looking crossover that had quite a bit of presence despite its relatively small footprint. The production version of that concept, the Range Rover Evoque, is finally here, and it maintains the concept's rakish looks without unduly compromising passenger space.

The Range Rover Evoque's design is instantly appealing. The crossover has a wide, low-slung shape that's decidedly not Land Rover, which has been churning out tall, boxy SUVs for years. The automaker sees the Evoque competing with other luxury crossovers like the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, but I think the Land Rover's styling blows those two away.

For a small crossover, the front of the Range Rover Evoque five-door's cabin is roomy enough for taller drivers, but the bucket seats are quite narrow; when I sat down in the driver's seat I was sitting on the side bolsters. I was surprised by the amount of room in the Range Rover Evoque five-door's backseat. More and more luxury brands have entered the small crossover segment in recent years. The LR2 has been Land Rover's entrant in the segment, but the Range Rover Evoque five-door seems like it has the potential to leave a much bigger mark.

2010 Los Angeles Auto Show Nissan has unveiled a concept

At the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan has unveiled a concept design that points the way toward some of its next-generation sedan models—even though Nissan swears that its Ellure show car is not “intended as preview of any upcoming production model,” in the words of Shiro Nakamura, Nissan’s chief creative officer.

Instead, it’s “an expression of [Nissan’s] long-term vision for the next generation of sedans,” and one that has “an emotive, almost hidden ambience that comes to life after dark” despite the sedan’s “unmatched daytime functionality.”

Nissan has a long history of doing compact-to-midsize sedans right in broad daylight, with its sporty Altima family. In a market where sedan buyers have migrated to crossovers, the Ellure five-passenger sedan could help attract sedan shoppers back--to a design that's potentially more fuel-efficient.

At 190 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 57 inches high, the Ellure is about the same length and width as the 2011 Nissan Altima, though it's several inches lower. Preview of Nissan’s own hybrid
More seriously, the Ellure’s proportions accommodate a “next-generation hybrid powertrain” that mates a 240-horsepower supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to a 25-kilowatt (35-horsepower) electric drive motor with a clutch on either end.
The drive motor is mounted between the blown engine and a Nissan Xtronic continuously-variable transmission (CVT) that powers the front wheels.

What a concept--a concept car, unlike so many these days, that is not a thinly veiled production car but a showcase for future design studies.

At least, that's what Nissan Design America vice president Alfonso Albaisa told AutoWeek during an unprecedented sneak peek last August at the Ellure concept, which makes its official debut at the Los Angeles auto show. He called it "a serious car but not a production car."

Albaisa calls the slippery shape the "aesthetics of efficiency," enhanced by 20-inch wheels with acrylic spokes that add the impression of depth while letting air stream past.

Albaisa calls it a tech-driven, eco nightlife experience. The Ellure might be a concept, but, Albaisa warns, "it's not blue sky." Expect future Nissan sedans to incorporate many of these features.

Mazda3 line-up with the addition of an updated Euro 5 diesel engine to the range

Mazda adds fuel economy to the qualities of the Mazda 3 which include stylish body, sporty drive, cool interior design and compact size. Standard features on all Mazda3 models include power adjustable door mirrors, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, air-conditioning, power front windows, remote central locking, driver’s seat with height and lumbar adjustment, and a radio/CD player with four speakers, plus MP3 capability and an AUX jack for hooking up MP3 devices.

Depending on grade, the Mazda3 adds features like a Bluetooth® interface, a Bose® premium surround sound system, automatic dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, keyless entry and start system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear parking sensor system, heated windscreen, and a rain and light sensor system. Mazda is strengthening its Mazda3 line-up with the addition of an updated Euro 5 diesel engine to the range, now with a six-speed manual transmission.

The 1.6-litre engine produces 85kW/115ps at 3,600rpm and 270Nm of torque across a wider engine speed range of 1,750-to-2,700rpm.

On the outside, the second-generation "Mazda3" boasts a new sporty exterior design. According to Mazda it is aerodynamically highly efficient, with one of the segment’s lowest drag coefficients (0.30 Cd for the hatchback).

Besides the updated MZ-CD 1.6, the diesel line-up also offers the powerful yet frugal MZR-CD 2.2 in two derivatives. The Standard Power version produces 110kW/150ps at 3,500rpm and 360Nm of torque between 1,800 and 2,600rpm. The High Power version delivers 136kW/185ps at 3,500rpm and 400Nm between 1,800 and 3,000rpm.

The petrol line-up’s entry-level engine is the lively MZR 1.6 with intake manifold fuel injection and a five-speed manual transmission producing 77kW/105ps at 6,000rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The MZR 2.0 DISI direct-injection petrol comes with Mazda’s unique stop/ start ‘i-stop’ system as standard. This engine delivers 111kW/151ps at 6,200rpm and 191Nm at 4,500rpm and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Completing the engine line-up is the the high-performance MZR 2.3 DISI turbo direct-injection petrol of the Mazda3 MPS superhatch producing 191kW/260ps at 5,550rpm and 380Nm of torque at 3,000rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard.

Depending on grade, the Mazda3 adds features like a Bluetooth interface, a Bose premium surround sound system, automatic dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, keyless entry and start system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear parking sensor system, heated windscreen, and a rain and light sensor system.

Every Mazda3 features dynamic stability control with a traction control system, as well as ABS and brake assist. Mazda is strengthening this successful line-up even further with the launch of an updated Euro 5 compliant 1.6-litre MZ-CD common-rail diesel engine, now with a six-speed manual transmission. It produces 85kW/115ps at 3,600rpm and 270Nm of torque across a wider engine speed range of 1,750-to-2,700rpm.

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 ‎ - faster with special TracKey ‎

On August 13, the Boss was out the bag when Ford announced the new Boss 302 Mustang for 2012.

With the introduction of the '11 Mustang GT and its new 412hp 5.0-liter engine-conveniently displacing Boss 302 cubic inches-the time was right to bring back the Boss.

"We weren't going to let Boss become a sticker and wheel package," said Mustang chief engineer Dave Pericak. Like the original '69-'70 Boss 302s, the new version has unique engine components, for both 440 hp and high-rpm durability, and a suspension that transforms the car into the "best handling Mustang ever," a description that Car & Driver gave the '69 Boss 302. The '12 Boss 302's front splitter and rear spoiler are decidedly modern.

Reportedly, the '12 Boss 302 will be available in early 2011.
Just as the '11 GT's new 5.0-liter provided the 302 cubic inches for bringing back the Boss name, the new four-valve engine also gave engine engineers a great 412hp platform to build on. Although realizing that supercharging would be the easiest way to add more power for a Boss model, the 5.0-liter engineers assigned to the Boss project decided early on to stay true to the original Boss 302 by sticking with a naturally-aspirated engine. They even enlisted help from two members of the '69 Boss 302 design team.

The original Boss 302 engine built its reputation on its ability to breathe via large-port, large-valve Cleveland cylinder heads. For the '12 Boss 302, engineers also looked to improve breathing, this time with a new intake manifold and aluminum heads with CNC-machined ports and chambers.

The second, red “TracKey” however, takes the Mustang and turns it into a fully fledged, competition-ready track car.
The TracKey system is a joint project between Ford Racing and Mustang engineers and according to the public relations people is the result of a good old-fashioned, all-night garage brainstorming session.

Mustang powertrain engineer, Jeff Seaman, said the team had done “just about everything possible” to give TracKey customers the full race car experience.

The TracKey-equipped 2012 Mustang Boss 302 will be available through Ford Racing dealers in the US, with official pricing and launch details to be announced at a later date.

Ford says the idea behind the TracKey, an ignition key that alters the engine management system in the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 to turn it into a street-illegal racecar, came during an all-night brainstorming session between Mustang team members. The TracKey, introduced this week, looks like a normal ignition key for the coming "Mustang Boss 302", except there’s a bit of red in the middle. The Mustang Boss 302 is already a beast of a car, with 444 horsepower. In TracKey mode, it becomes a track-ready racecar, with higher low-end torque and two-stage launch control.
Throttle limiting and torque management — any daily driveability enhancements are removed and replaced with a pure Ford Racing competition calibration.”
Ford did not reveal pricing on the TracKey.

Renault Zoe

Lawyer David Koubbi sued Renault on behalf of all of the women in France named Renault Zoe, and in particular two girls (aged two and eight) named Zoe Renault.

Mr Koubbi contended that girls and women named "Renault Zoe" (the 11th most popular given name in France, possessed by an estimated 35,000 French citizens) could face a lifetime of taunts and teasing if Renault was allowed to use the name.

The judge threw out the case, ruling that people named renault Zoe would only have a case if they had proof the car’s name would lead to “certain, direct and current harm”.

It's non for two girls named Zoe Renault; the automaker whose name they share has the right to name its forthcoming electric vehicle the Renault Zoe. A French court dismissed a lawsuit by the parents of the two girls, supported by the French pressure group ADNP — the Association for the Defense of Our First Names — which had claimed that the choice of that model name would be harmful to the 35,000 French women and girls who are named Zoe.

A bizarre legal battle over the name Zoe has been won by Renault. The families of several girls called Zoe Renault took the firm to court in France over its plan to call its new electric car the Zoe. Renault already uses girl’s names for its Clio and Mégane models.

2012 Range Rover Evoque

Land Rover has issued the full spec on the new Range Rover Evoque five-door. Land Rover calls the three-door Evoque a coupe aimed at singletons or young couples; the five-door is pitched at young families with one or two children.

How exactly is the five-door Range Rover Evoque different?

The five-door comes with three rear seats, as opposed to the coupe’s 2+2 seating layout.

The SUV will be offered in 3 or 5 door variants. The 5 door variant adds 30 mm of height and 50 mm of shoulder space for rear passengers.

The 3 and 5 door models come standard with front wheel drive, but all wheel drive is optional.

Like the coupe, the five-door Range Rover Evoque remains faithful to the spirit of the groundbreaking Land Rover LRX concept car, offering an innovative new interpretation of the original coupe design.

The five-door Range Rover Evoque also stays true to the core values of the Range Rover brand, providing premium levels of craftsmanship, luxury, performance and renowned Land Rover multi-terrain capability, but in a more compact package.
Coupe style and five-door versatility

The five-door "Range Rover Evoque" offers an exciting new interpretation of the LRX concept car design, combining the dramatic stance and dynamic appeal of the original cross-coupe with the enhanced functionality offered by a five-door format.
"The five-door Range Rover Evoque has the same strong emotional appeal as the coupe, while offering superior versatility," said Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern.

The more spacious interior of the five-door Range Rover Evoque has been achieved without enlarging the compact footprint of the coupe model: the overall length and width remain identical.
Impeccably crafted luxury interior

Beneath its dramatic exterior, the five-door Range Rover Evoque provides customers with an impeccably crafted luxury cabin, with the same premium quality materials and elegant design expected from a Range Rover interior.

The Range Rover Evoque allows customers to specify a lavishly appointed cabin with soft, premium leather providing a luxurious finish to almost every surface of the instrument panel, doors and seats, with beautifully tailored twin-needle stitching.

2011 Kia Sorento New Feature

2011 Kia Sorento

Tony Barlow, Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, recently said about the new model release,

“Kia Motors is constantly working with, and forming strategic partnerships with, technology suppliers who can make the Kia experience more enjoyable for our customers. As new technology becomes available and if it passes our stringent quality controls, we make it accessible to our customers as quickly as possible.”

Pricing for the new models remain almost unchanged. The Kia Sorento Si in two-wheel drive, 2.4-litre automatic form remains at $35,490. Top line SLi and Platinum models get a $200 price hike; $46,190 and $49,190 accordingly. These new models are available right now.

Kia’s Australian division is introducing the 2011 Model Year KIA Sorento to the market, offering customers a long list of enhancements across the range.

All the "2011 KIA Sorento" models, from the entry level Si to the range-topping Platinum will be fitted with Bluetooth technology. The pricing for the KIA Sorento Si models remains unchanged, which means that the entry level model (the Si with a 2.4 liter petrol engine and two-wheel-drive) retails for a starting price of AU$36,490. As for the 2.2 liter diesel automatic SLi and Platinum models, these come with multiple enhancements for an additional AU$200. "Kia Motors is constantly working with, and forming strategic partnerships with, technology suppliers who can make the Kia experience more enjoyable for our customers," said Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Tony Barlow.

Kia's medium sized SUV, Sorento, has received a 2011 KIA Sorento model year refresh across the range with a long list of enhancements ranging from Bluetooth technology to leather wrapped instrument cluster housing.

All vehicles across the KIA Sorento range from the entry level Si to the range topping Platinum will receive the latest Bluetooth technology providing hands-free mobile phone connectivity and media streaming, all operated through steering wheel mounted controls.

Recommended Retail Pricing for the KIA Sorento Si remains unchanged with the 2WD automatic, 2.4-litre petrol staying at $36,490 just like its 2.2-litre diesel counterparts in manual and automatic which also remain unchanged at $39,990 and $41,990 respectively.

The 2.2-litre diesel automatic SLi and Platinum models receive the list of enhancements for an additional $200 making the new recommended retail prices $46,190 and $49,190 respectively.