Porsche Macan on Review

Meet the Porsche Macan, a new 4x4 that sits below the Cayenne in the German company’s range, the Macan promises to be more agile and car-like to drive.A new factory has been built, at a cost of €500 million, to build the Macan, and Porsche expects to make 50,000 a year. Last year, Porsche sold 143,000 cars in total.

There are three versions: the S, S Diesel and Turbo. Despite the naming strategy, all three are powered by turbocharged V6 engines.Described by Porsche as the ‘most dynamic vehicle in the compact SUV segment,’ the Macan gets active all-wheel drive and a seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission as standard. 0-62mph times are claimed to be 4.8sec, 5.4sec and 6.3sec for the Turbo, this packs a 3.6-litre bi-turbo V6 petrol which engine produces 400 hp, Macan S and Diesel S respectively. Top speeds for each car are 165mph, 158mph and 143mph.


A clever four-wheel drive system is standard and has been engineered by Porsche to send the majority of power to the rear wheels during normal driving but can send up to 100 percent of the engine’s torque to the front wheels if required, when driving off-road for instance.

The five-door silhouette is, at 4.7 metres long and 1.9 metres wide, substantial on the road, while height of more 1.6 metres means it towers above the 911: Porsche's iconic sports car is just 1.3 metres tall.It’s clearly SUV-shaped rather than sports car shaped.


As for rivals, is Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque, along with the BMW X3 and Audi’s Q5 – a car that actually shares much of its structure with the new Macan.

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Lamborghini Veneno - Less Weight More Driving Fun

Lamborghini is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the roadgoing, race-inspired Veneno, with the Veneno, Laborghini’s trademark extreme proportions,  arrow-shaped front end, razor-sharp lines and precise surfaces are taken to the extreme.

The body is designed to mimic a race car’s aerodynamics.The lights sit on pontoons, while the rear converges in to a large adjustable aerodynamic wing and central fin.

The Veneno is equipped with a twelve-cylinder power unit with a displacement of 6.5 liters, coupled with a 7-speed ISR transmission with 5 driving modes and permanent all-wheel drive.


With a maximum output of 552 kW / 750 hp, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 355 km/h.

The carbon fiber chassis is produced as a CFRP monocoque, as is the outer skin of this extreme sports car.

The Veneno is painted in an all-new, grey metallic-look color with individual parts gleaming in the black of the visible carbon-fiber structure. The only car to display all three colors of the Italian flag as an accent is the car shown at Geneva, the unit which will remain property of Lamborghini.


The Lamborghini Veneno is consistently focused on optimum aerodynamics and cornering stability, giving the Veneno the real dynamic experience of a racing prototype, yet it is fully homologated for the road.

The Specifications:
Manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A
Production 2013
Model years 2013
Assembly         Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy
Class Sports car
Body style 2-door coupé
Layout Mid-engine, all wheel drive
Engine 6.5 V12
Transmission 7-speed semi-automatic transmission

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The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7

If it seems like we're talking about the new Corvette Stingray a lot, it's because we're talking about the new Corvette Stingray a lot. We haven't driven it so the specs are just numbers and the promise of great performance is just a guess.


The 2014 Corvette is more powerful, more capable, more comfortable — and surprisingly, more fuel efficient. The Corvette has already experienced six generational redesigns in its history, the fact is that times have changed. The automotive world isn't the same as it was when the previous generation was introduced.

Nothing so drastic as a switch to a mid-engine layout is planned for the C7. The base Vette will remain a front-engine, rear-transaxle coupe with a glass hatch (that is, until the C8 arrives, anyway). Something similar to the current car’s suspension, transverse leaf springs and all, will appear on this 2014 model. We also don’t expect any drastic dimensional changes; while mules we spotted in September appeared to have a narrower track, their bodies were donated by C6 Grand Sports, which have wider fenders and tracks than do base Corvettes. The C7 is likely to shed some mass, which would yield a better power-to-weight ratio.The most significant changes are likely to be a drop in weight and under the hood, where the Corvette's engine size is likely to drop significantly. It's still going to be a V8, but a smaller one.


Of all the rumors, the one that seems most solid is that the C7 will go on sale sometime during 2013 as a 2014 model. Incidentally, June 30, 2013 will mark the 60th anniversary of the first Corvette coming off the assembly line.

Right now, 65 percent of the people buying Corvettes are over 50. And for a lot of potential buyers under 40, it simply isn't on their aspiration radar. Now is the time for GM to step up and build a C7 Corvette worthy of the speculation it has inspired. A Corvette that can win every race it enters. A Corvette 10-year-olds dream about, 20-year-olds fantasize about and 30-year-olds actually buy.

Love it or hate it, the Chevrolet Corvette is an American icon. For most of its 60 years, the 'Vette's shown that a commodity-focused U.S. automaker can confound expectations and compete with the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini.

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2012 BMW Z4 - Combines Comfort and Control

After the successful launch of Jaguar and Land Rover, now German luxury car manufacturer BMW has launched its sports car BMW Z4 Roadster premium high end segment to make its position more stronger in high end car segment. BMW has introduced this new two-seater luxury sports car. It’s great to drive, with strong engines, capable handling and a supple ride.

The Z4 delivers a great mix of comfort and control, combining a slick ride with agile, grippy handling. Every version comes with Drive Dynamic Control, which lets you tailor the responses of the steering, throttle and stability control system to suit the situation. Avoid the M Sport versions, though – the firmer suspension ruins the ride and adds nothing to the handling.

BMW Z4 is powered by the 3.0L, 2979cc engine with 6 - cylinder in-line petrol engine with four valve technology with high precision fuel injection system and with six speed manual transmission gearbox. The BMW Z4 variants that will be packed with this engine are the top end models. This engine offers excellent engine performance with great acceleration so much so that the car can break the 100kmph mark in just 5.1 seconds and it can touch the 250kmph (This speed mark is electronically limited so car can never cross 250kmph mark) of maximum speed mark.

The Z4 has a folding metal roof (rather than a fabric hood) which means it’s quieter than most of its rivals. There’s less wind noise than in an Audi TT, for example, and there isn't much buffeting in al fresco mode, either. A fair amount of road noise does find its way into the cabin, though. Engine noise only intrudes when you want it to, which is exactly what you want from a roadster.

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The stylish designed interiors of BMW Z4 are very impressive and it is packed with lots of dynamic styling features. The interior appearance of BMW Z4 is much stylish and impressive with its dual tone dashboard which is packed with highly advanced instrument panel, leather covered steering wheel and gear knob and other leather upholstery. Some other features that make BMW Z4 interior appearance very stylish and sporty are Ergonomically designed graphic Instrument Panel, BMW individual roof liner in Anthracite, Footmats in Velour, Satin silver Matt, Aluminum finely brushed lengthwise, Fine wood trim Ash Grain, Leather Upholstery, High Quality Sport Seats with Headrests, Dual Tone Elegant Interior, Wooden Finished Panels, Multi Information Display, Front Map Lamp, Glove Box, etc.

BMW Z4 already passed number of crash tests, the advanced safety features that are available with BMW Z4 are Dual Front Airbags for Driver and Front Passenger, Side Airbags for Driver and front Passenger (Head/Upper Body), Inner Vented Front and Rear Disc Brakes, bumpers with Aluminium Impact Absorbers, CBC (Cornering Brake Control), Central Locking, Child Seat Fastening and ISOFIX on Passenger Seat, Crash Sensor, Dynamic Brake Lights, Dynamic Stability Control with additional features like Dynamis Traction Control, Roll-Over Safety System, Safety Belts, Integrated Side Impact Protection, etc. These features enhances the handling of this car and ensures that car will never skid out of control in case of hard braking and enhances safety.

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The closest competitors to the 2012 BMW Z4 include the luxe Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster and the Audi TT. For those who want an unadulterated roadster that gives the true feeling of the open road, the Porsche Boxster might be a better choice. But in general, the BMW Z4 does an admirable job combining fun, comfort and style.

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Subaru Recalls Forester SUV, Legacy Sedan, Outback Wagon and Tribeca SUV

Japanese automaker Subaru on Thursday announced that it was recalling 633,842 vehicles to check for a problem with a fuse in a puddle light that could short-circuit and lead to a fire.There have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue, but there was one report of smoke, it said.

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The models being recalled are certain 2009 to 2012 Subaru Forester SUVs, the 2010 to 2011 Legacy sedan, the 2010 to 2011 Outback wagon and the 2006 to 2012 Tribeca SUV.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website that Subaru will install an additional fuse at no cost to the owners. The recall is expected to begin in February. A spokesperson for the Tokyo-based company estimates that about 54,000 vehicles in total will actually require repairs.Subaru dealers will repair the problem free of charge

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Jaguar F Type

Jaguar has finally built a follow-up to the legendary E-type, the new F-type."It's just a tremendous challenge today to produce a beautiful car that meets all the world regulations," said Philip Porter, a Jaguar historian who has written a book about the E-Type. He hasn't driven the F-Type yet, but likes what he's seen so far. "It's a combination like the great Jaguars of the past of sculptural styling, great engineering and superb performance".And, he added, "it sounds like a sports car, which is essential."

There are two different supercharged engines: a 3-liter 6 cylinder with 340 horsepower for the normal F-type and 380 horsepower for the S; there's also a 5-liter V8 with 495 horsepower. Jaguar says the 0-60 time is 5.1 seconds for the normal F-type; 4.8 seconds for the S and 4.2 for the V-8. The car has an 8-speed transmission with automatic or manual modes.

The body is aluminum, and evokes the E-Type in details like the center hood bulge, the line of the body and the rear flare. But Jaguar is going out of its way not to do a retro E-Type.

The lines are clean on the inside, pared down considerably from many newer cars. Rather than now commonplace touch controls for everything, the heating and ventilation are old-fashioned rotary knobs.


Pricing starts at $69,875 for the 340-horsepower car, and ranges beyond $92,000 for an F-Type fitted with the V-8 engine.

“The F-Type isn’t designed to be like anyone else’s sports car,” Adrian Hallmark, the brand’s global director, said Wednesday. “It’s a Jaguar sports car: ultraprecise, powerful, sensual and, most of all, it feels alive”. Jaguar says the F-Type is an honest sports car.

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Lexus ES 350 - 2013

Lexus has definitely built something new for the 2013 model as they’ve already released the hints all over the news media. They have come with new sedan which is called as the 2013 Lexus ES 350,

It is a design statement born of conviction. From the new spindle grille to its lower and wider stance, it exudes progressive styling. Stretched across a longer wheelbase, the redesigned interior is more spacious and accommodating. Available ambient lighting accents the dash and doors, creating a contemporary vibe throughout the cabin. Contrasting stitching adds intrigue to its smooth, contoured surfaces. And its expansive rear-seating area offers thoughtful amenities like a power rear shade and manual side-window shades.


The new ES unmistakably bears the new face of Lexus with its distinctive, spindle grille. The LED daytime running lights and combination rear lamps reflect the “L” design motif. The ES 350’s rear bumper sports dual exhaust pipes, while the ES 300h hybrid features a distinctive rear design with hidden exhaust and an integrated spoiler. New exterior colors for the 2013 ES include Fire Agate Pearl and Silver Lining Metallic.


Greater rear seat legroom and knee room are the hallmark of the redesigned, more spacious cabin. Knee room is increased by 2.8 inches and legroom is increased by 4.1 inches. The new design also offers additional foot room below the front seats.

Available comfort and convenience features include manual door window shades, a power rear shade, and a one-touch power trunk closer. Optional ambient lighting, discretely placed under the wood trim, softly illuminates the surfaces of the instrument panel and all four doors.

The new ES will feature enhanced NuLuxe seating surfaces, developed to reduce environmental impact. Genuine leather is also available, as is semi-aniline leather for an even more refined look and feel. Interiors are available in Black, Light Gray, and Parchment. Trim colors and materials include Piano Black, Espresso Bird’s-eye Maple, and Bamboo.

The new ES features the next-generation Lexus Enform® system. Lexus Enform® provides seamless connectivity with Bing™ search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Pandora®, Yelp® and Facebook Places through compatible smart phones

There are many ways to take advantage of the impressive and efficient power of this luxury sedan's 3.5-liter V6 engine. You can impose your will on curves, putting its lightweight design, more rigid chassis and new, more dynamic suspension system to good use. You can also sit back and let the engine's new low-friction materials and more efficient transmission help you make the most of every drop of fuel. Or, to help the ES provide the ultimate in both respects, Drive Mode Select lets you opt for ECO, Normal or SPORT modes, modifying its performance characteristics to fit your mood.

The Basic Specifications:
Seating Capacity : 5
Overall Length (in.) : 192.7
Width (in.) : 71.7
Height (in.) : 57.1
Wheelbase (in.) : 111.0
Driven Wheels : Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs.) : 3,549
Wheel size (front and rear):
17” x 7.0” (standard)
18” x 7.5” (optional)
Tires size :
215/55/17 (standard)
225/45/18 (optional)

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Cadillac Escalade - 2013

The Cadillac Escalade, with its bold, super-size look, has become an American luxury icon, a symbol of excess, chromed splendor, and high-end executive transport.


The 2013 Cadillac Escalade is huge and imposing from the outside, but that does pay off inside, translating to a roomy, comfortable interior that's also luxury-car plush and reasonably quiet. Just be aware that if you want cargo versatility and folding seats, this might not be the right pick.

Available as a 4x2 or 4x4 the Escalade is powered by a 403-hp 6.2-liter V8 with Active Fuel Management and E85 compatibility, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes a power liftgate, stability control, remote start, Bluetooth compatibility, a rear-view camera and side curtain airbags. Some options are Magnetic Ride Control and 22-inch chrome wheels. The Platinum Edition takes style and innovation to a whole new level with standard equipment such as LED headlights, power running boards, and a rear seat entertainment system with two monitors.

The Escalade begins its assault on European buyers in September with an expected price of £55,000.

Basic Specifications:

• Engine 6.2L V-8 
• Power 403 @ 5,700 rpm 
• Transmission 6-spd auto w/OD 0-60 6.7 seconds 
• Seating 7 passengers 

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Audi S8

The biggest, baddest, fastest and lightest S8 yet has arrived - filling both the role of the top A8 model and top S model for the Audi luxury lineup. For the latest generation this full-size performance sedan puts a new, downsized and uprated V8 to task along with a lightweight aluminum body for optimal performance and economy.

The S8 is powered by an all-new engine in the Volkswagen family, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo TFSI V8 that turns out 520 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque (from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm).


The S8 features the Audi Space Frame (ASF) body which is made almost entirely of aluminum. As a result, despite its size and extensive list of luxury features, the S8 weighs in at a relatively low 4,354 lbs. The body itself contributes just shy of 510 lbs to that total, which is about 220 lbs less than a comparable steel-body.

Stylistic details include a single-frame grille in platinum gray with eight double bars coated in chrome. Audi also makes use of an aluminum-look blade to make the bumper design appear sharper, while high-gloss black slats and aluminum-look ribs in the side air intakes add touches of style.

Wrapping around to the sides, one will find door handles with strips of aluminum and aluminum-look mirror houses, as well as body color trim strips on the sills. Out back, the S8 features a diffuser insert with a two-layer aluminum-look finish that is offset by platinum gray and frames two oval dual exhaust tips finished in a chrome-look finish.


As one would expect from a flagship Audi sedan, the S8 comes complete with an impeccable fit and finish - says the automaker - featuring luxury bits with sport-minded driving at heart throughout. Seats come wrapped in leather, but are sporty in their shape and style, complete with multi-way, power adjustability and are exclusive to the S8 model. Stitching and piping come in steel gray for added contrast, while the instrument panel upper inlays and tiptronic gear selector lever are finished in Carbon Atlas.

The competitor to the S8:
- The Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, which provides a similar mix of luxury and performance.
- The Jaguar XF equipped with the special order-only Supersport package and the V12-powered
- BMW 760Li serve up comparable power but otherwise lack the Audi's more overt sporting focus.

The Basic Specs:
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 4641
City (MPG) TBD
Hwy (MPG) TBD
Horsepower 520@6000
Torque (lb-ft) 481@5500
Wheelbase 117.8
Length (in.) 202.2
Width (in.) 83.1
Height (in.) 57.5

Overall, The S8 has too much luxuries, too little sport. Good engine, though.

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Citroen DS3

The Citroen DS3 is a supermini, produced by French manufacturer Citroen from 2009. This is the first car in the new DS (pronounced déesse, which is French for goddess) range from Citroon. It was first hinted by the concept car Citroon DS Inside.This range of vehicle shares no common feature with, and is in no way the successor to, the Citroen DS.


Everything on DS3 is beautiful. Each detail has been meticulously worked out and gives DS3 a bijou finish. Citroen underlines DS3’s sporty and forward looking style with its mystic LED signature of six diodes located vertically on the front bumper. Citroen is proving once again its design through DS3’s unique floating roof underlined with a shark fin.

The interior has been designed with style and distinction in mind with chrome finish and a tailored upholstery to suit each specific design. It expresses the same fluidity. The horizontal dashboard is strengthened by a band that runs from end to end and provides a link between the two front passengers. The aim is to create an avalanche of emotions when getting into DS3. The chic atmosphere onboard the DS3 is enhanced by luxury materials. Each piece of fabric or high grade plastic charms the eye and feels good to the touch.The cabin space is identical to the hatchback's too, with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench, and the boot space has only had 40 litres chopped out of it (245-litre capacity). There's also a new rear taillight setup comprising 31 LEDs and semi-reflecting mirrors to create a 3D-type effect. Groovy.

DS3 is designed with an emphasis on robustness, strength and optimum safety to ensure protection for all passengers. For reassuring control in any driving situation, DS3 models feature as standard ESP, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) as well as six airbags and Isofix anchor points on the rear side seats. The comfort is ensured by small two-density wedges settled on the rear beam which absorbs small shocks when passing on minor obstacle.

The DS3 is a compact car which competes against the Mini, Alfa Romeo MiTo and Audi A1.

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Mazda CX 5

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact/small-family crossover SUV produced by Mazda starting in 2012 for the 2013 model year lineup. It is Mazda's first car featuring the new KODO - Soul of Motion Design language first shown in the Shinari concept vehicle in May 2010.It is also the first vehicle featuring the company's full Skyactiv Technology suite, featuring a rigid, lightweight platform, combined with a new series of efficient engines and transmissions resulting in reduced emissions and fuel consumption. The Skyactiv Engine and Transmission Technologies were released in the 2012 Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback.


It's the comfort and refinement that are most obvious. Mazda has used a new insulation material in the construction, and it gives the CX-5 a similarly hushed, isolated cabin to the best German execs.

It just feels very mature to drive, and Mazda - matched only by Ford in the mainstream sector - does dynamics better than just about anyone else. The bigger-wheeled Sport is taut and agile around corners, steers nicely and maintains momentum. The ride might be a fraction stiffer, but all CX-5s have an easy-going, relaxed feel ideal for family life.

Performance is the main reason to choose the 2013 Mazda CX-5. The CX-5’s handling, which reviewers say runs a close second to the small and sporty Mazda MX-5 Miata, is as good as it gets in this class. The CX-5 earns praise for its neutral handling and great corner-hugging ability. Test drivers like the CX-5’s six-speed manual transmission just as much, saying it shifts smoothly and makes the CX-5 really engaging to drive. One thing reviewers crave is more power from the Mazda CX-5’s 155-horsepower four-cylinder engine because a boost would come in handy when traveling uphill.


The Mazda CX-5 has one primary competitor, and that’s the Volkswagen Tiguan. Like the CX-5, the Tiguan is one of the sportiest, most nimble compact SUVs, and it’s also more powerful than the CX-5, thanks to its 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Think twice before choosing the Tiguan if fuel efficiency and affordability are your main concerns because it has lower fuel economy ratings and costs several thousand dollars more than the Mazda CX-5.

This is a good car, a fine family SUV that will serve you well, if unremarkably. It's on sale from 18 May, and its arrival signals the phasing out of the larger CX-7, like the 2 supermini, one of Mazda's underrated, underappreciated cars. Let's hope the CX-5 avoids the same fate. It deserves to.

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Toyota NOAH

The Toyota Noah is an eight-seater MPV with two rear sliding doors built by Toyota Motor Company and sold only in Asia. A five-seater version without the third seat row is available (YY grade). Its predecessor was the Toyota Liteace Noah. The Noah has a twin version named Toyota Voxy, with lower ground clearance.


The Noah's 154 hp engine takes 9.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h (60 mph) up to a top speed of 175 km/h. The Noah was the first Toyota car to be equipped with its next generation technology called valvematic in 2007. Compared to Toyota’s previous topline 2-liter 4-cylinder, the 3ZR-FAE with Valvematic is more powerful by eleven horses.

While conventional engines control air intake using a throttle valve, Valvematic adjusts the volume of air taken in by continuously controlling the intake valve lift volume and timing of valve opening and closing. This ensures optimal performance based on the engine’s operational condition, thus helping vehicles achieve both high fuel efficiency and dynamic performance.



Toyota dubbed the technology a “further evolution of the gasoline engine”. Valvematic, it said, improves fuel efficiency by 5-10 percent, reduces CO2 emissions and boosts output by at least 10 percent.

Technically speaking, the official output numbers for the first Valvematic engine, the 3ZR-FAE 2.0 litre put out 158 PS at 6200rpm, 196Nm at 4,400rpm, and goes 14.2km per litre of fuel used. A non-Valvematic engine 3ZR-FE outputting 143 PS at 5,600rpm and 194Nm of torque at 3,900rpm and went 13.4km per litre of fuel.

The CO2 emissions for the Valvematic engine was also lower at 164k/gm compared to the 173g/km figure of the non-Valvematic engine.

The Noah is positioned as a C-segment MPV similar to the Toyota Wish, and has since 2001 been competing with the Honda StepWGN and the Nissan Serena in the family car category.

Some think it is nothing to look at beauty-wise. And for most city dwellers it’s a total nightmare when parking space is a premium. But ask any owner of the Toyota Noah and you will get an endless list of attributes that excite about this eight-seater Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)/ mini-van.

Most buyers love it for its spaciousness, easy handling, and cool interior, ample baggage and storage spaces. It can seat eight people comfortably even for long hauls. For most however, the appeal is in the power and fuel economy.

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Toyota AGYO

Toyota made its first venture into the UK car market back in the swinging sixties, with the launch of the Toyota Corona in 1965. A decade on from opening its two UK manufacturing bases, Toyota won European Car of the Year 1999 for the first time with the Toyota Yaris, and in March 2006 – just forty years on from its first foray into the UK market, Toyota achieved its two millionth UK new car sale.There are 20 variants of Toyota AYGO.

Rewarded with the 2006 Green Award from What Car? magazine for its pioneering work in developing environmentally friendly vehicle technologies, Toyota has shown an ongoing commitment to building cars that address the environmental needs and challenges faced in the 21st century, without compromising the standards of performance, safety and practicality expected by today's motorists.


The Toyota Aygo is a fun and funky city car that has a zippy 1.0-litre engine. It’s great about town, and the car’s compact dimensions are ideal for nipping into tight parking spaces. The engine can struggle once you hit the motorway, though.

The Aygo isn’t as agile as the best city cars because the initial steering response is sluggish and the small tyres quickly lose grip. The ride is also rather firm.

The no-frills cabin is starting to show its age, because it’s made from cheap-looking and flimsy-feeling materials. There is reasonable space for four adults, but the boot is too cramped to hold much luggage. That said, running costs are very low; with CO2 emissions at 99g/km and has average fuel economy of around 66mpg.

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HB20 Hyundai

HYUNDAI Motor Brazil has released the official name for its Brazil only compact, due for launch next month (September 2012). The teaser images from the company proves that the Fluidic Sculpture design language is alive and kicking.

The new car, the HB20, will be produced at Hyundai Brazil’s plant in Piracicaba, just outside Sao Paulo and will have a 1.0-liter and 1.6-liter  flex fuel engines. The latter gets an automatic gearbox option. Hyundai also revealed that HB20 will grow a sedan and an SUV variants in 2013.

The car is designed and built by Korean and Brazilian engineers. Hyundai Motor Brazil has more than 1,000 Brazilian employees, which will increase to 2,000 by 2013. The Hyundai plant also provides 3,000 job opportunities from its local suppliers, and that will further on create another 2,000 indirect jobs.


Outside, the Accent hatchback features Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, with touches like an upswept beltline and a hexagonal grille giving the car a sporty look. The roomy cabin boasts a class leading 21.2 cubic feet of cargo room along with more passenger space than many competing models although priced like a subcompact, the Accent is classified as a compact by the EPA thanks to its interior volume.

The Accent GS comes standard with a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and iPod/USB auxiliary input jacks, power and heated body colored side mirrors, remote keyless entry, cloth insert door trim, body colored door handles, a trip computer, 14 inch steel wheels and power locks and windows. The six speed manual transmission is standard, while the six speed automatic with Active ECO is an extra cost option.

The Accent SE builds on the GS’s features with steering wheel mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, premium cloth seats, piano black interior accents, a sliding center armrest, 16 inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and a rear spoiler.

The Accent is powered by a 1.6 liter direct injected four cylinder engine that puts out 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 123 lb-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. It is the first car in its class to feature direct injection technology, and one of the few to offer a six speed manual transmission (the automatic gearbox also has six cogs). Notably, the Accent’s impressive 30/40 mpg rating is the same for all models and transmissions, requiring no special package like some of the competition. The car rides on a fully independent suspension with a MacPherson strut setup in front and a torsion beam at the rear. The arrangement isn’t overtly sporty but does provide a comfortable freeway ride.


Specifications:

• 5-speed manual gearbox
• Precise and perfect shifting, providing comfort and a rapid response
• Flex-fuel engine
• The 1.0L model has three cylinders and gains in power due to reduced friction and better energy efficiency, leading to lower fuel consumption, a reduction in pollutant emissions and lower maintenance costs.
• 6% more powerful than the segment’s average.
• The 1.6L version has four cylinders and emits 23% more power than the segment’s average.
• The HB20 is equipped with a continuous variable valve timing (CVVT), which optimizes the air-fuel mixture both at low and high RPM, leading to improved performance and fuel consumption.

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Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is the long-awaited and well-received revival of an Italian icon. What it lacks in terms of interior packaging it more than makes up with sheer style and driver involvement. What we’re all waiting for is the hot little Abarth version, due later this year.

The Fiat 500 is powered by a 101 horsepower 1.4 liter engine. Acceleration is zippy, thanks in large part to the 500's 2400 lb. curb weight (around 400 lbs. lighter than a MINI Cooper). The stick-shift is good fun, despite the fact that it highlights the engine's lack of muscle at low RPMs. The automatic does a better job of distributing the power, though it does a lot of shifting, up and down, to keep pace on the highway. Fuel economy estimates are 30 MPG city/38 MPG highway for the manual, but just 27/34 for the automatic, surprising, as nowadays many small cars get better fuel economy with an automatic transmission. That said, it averaged 32.1 in an automatic 500 in a mix of city and freeway driving.


The most surprising thing is that the Fiat 500 doesn't drive like a small car. It feels big, solid and secure, tracking straight down the highway and cruising happily at 75 MPH.

It's more of a lifestyle vehicle than a driver's car. But that's a personal preference, and the 500 has almost everything else going for it: Small size, low price, cheap running costs, and more character than a parking lot full of Toyotas. If the quality proves to be halfway decent

The Specification:
Turbocharged Abarth is the new bad-boy version of the Fiat 500
Price range: $22,700 - $26,380
Powertrain: 1.4 liter turbocharged inline-4/160 hp, 5-speed manual, front-wheel-drive
EPA fuel economy estimates: 28 MPG city/34 MPG highway
Best rivals: MINI Cooper S, Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI

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Dodge Dart 2013

Dodge has re-entered the compact car segment with a vengeance, replacing the Dodge Caliber crossover with a fresh sedan design called the Dodge Dart


The All-New 2013 Dodge Dart expresses an impressive level of visual drama. Clean lines from nose to tail form its curvaceous silhouette. The unmistakable "split cross-hair" grille accentuates its low, wide stance. And the Dodge Charger-inspired, available full-width rear racetrack style LED taillamp makes an aggressive statement - something truly beautiful every driver behind you will be staring at.

The Dodge Dart's All-New, driver-centric interior boasts an intuitive, fluid layout designed to be both beautiful and ergonomic. It features ambient lighting that highlights interior craftsmanship and refinements. Like refined soft-touch surfaces. Accent stitching on the dash and seats. Tactile grains or available hand-wrapped protein vinyl surfacing. It's an interior so thoughtfully crafted and engineered, it offers interior space rivaling midsize sedans with class-exclusive in-seat storage

The Dodge Dart is the first Dodge vehicle to use an active grille shutter system. It reduces drag by redirecting airflow around the front and down the sides, rather than through the vehicle, enhancing aerodynamic performance.


Engine coolant temperature and vehicle speed determine whether the shutters are open or closed. For example, the shutters will automatically close at highway speeds, when less engine cooling is needed and open during hot city driving, traveling up a hill or pulling a trailer.

Like many cars with six-speed transmissions, the Dart is tuned to keep the engine running below 2,000 rpm under steady load, for best fuel economy. The 1.4-liter gives you power, but not until it revs past 3,000 rpm--which may mean not one but two downshifts. We weren't able to drive the 2.4-liter R/T version of the Dart in our early road tests, so we can't comment on how that engine does in real-world use.

The 2013 Dodge Dart starts at $15,995 for the base-level SE model, with the highest-priced Dart R/T performance model (coming a few months after the rest of the range) at $22,495. On top of that you'll have to add the mandatory $795 delivery fee, plus options from a lengthy list of ways to accessorize and personalize the Dart--which can be ordered in more than 100,000 different combinations, Dodge says.

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2013 Honda Accord

The Accord lineup again comprises sedan and coupe models. At first glance, the 2013 Honda Accord doesn’t look much different than the current edition. Significant highlights are a fresh powertrain lineup developed under the company's Earth Dreams banner that includes a new direct-injection four-cylinder, updated V6; revised transmission portfolio, including a continuously variable transmission; and a couple of hybrid offerings.


So here’s generation number nine, and this Honda is all-new. The question is how well the Accord’s all-newness will stand out in a mid-size sedan arena crowded with other all-new offerings.

The exterior package is trimmer, Honda says the Accord’s interior room is class-leading, especially in the rear seat where legroom has been improved noticeably. Trunk space, too, has increased 50 litres to 447.

The electric power steering is light and has a dead spot on center, but once more angle is dialed in it gets weightier and more responsive. On curvy roads outside of Santa Barbara, Calif., the new Accord feels confidently planted, with some roll tuned into the suspension that takes the edge off of all but the nastiest of bumps. Brakes easily slow the Accord down with firm pedal feedback.


Reducing noise and vibration was another priority, with numerous steps taken to achieve that goal, including the addition of sound-blocking material to minimize the intrusion of road and engine noise and the use of a one-piece instrument panel that reduces rattles and squeaks. A sophisticated active sound and noise-cancelling system is standard on all models, helping to further improve quietness in the cabin.

Many people will want the 2013 Honda Accord, and the good news is there are many reasons for them to want it. Unlike with the Civic, Honda didn't disappoint with the new Accord and has delivered a fuel-efficient vehicle lineup that caters to a wide audience without compromising in key areas such as interior quality. The new direct-injected four-cylinder is powerful enough and when paired with the new CVT should please the heart of the market, while the potent V6 remains at the top of the range for sedan shoppers willing to give up a bit of fuel economy for more power.


Type  : I-4 2.4 litres
Power  : 177 hp @ 6,500 rpm (132 kW)
Torque  : 161 lb·ft @ 4,300 rpm (218 N·m)
Induction : Atmospheric


This will be heading to dealerships in America starting on September 19th, and those interested will be excited to hear that the starting MSRP will be $21,680 for the well-equipped Accord LX model.

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Audi R8

The Audi R8 (Typ 42) is a mid-engine, 2-seater sports car,which uses Audi's trademark quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.It was introduced by the German automaker Audi AG in 2006.

The car was exclusively designed, developed, and manufactured by Audi AG's high performance private subsidiary company, quattro GmbH, and is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform.


As with most vehicles that have the engine mounted behind the driver, the R8 possesses an abbreviated nose that is adorned with the current corporate Audi grille and bi-xenon headlamps. The exotic look of the R8 is further enhanced by a series of 12 LED lights that underscores the headlamp housings and act as daytime running lights. The styling of the aluminum body consists of chiseled flanks that lead your eye to the "sideblades" that highlight the mid-mounted engine. The rear styling is accented by a glass engine cover and additional use of LED lighting.

The 4.2-litre V8 in the R8 (and lifted from the RS4) is simply a beaut. Dry-sumped to sit low, the 414bhp motor kicks the R8 to 62mph in 4.2 seconds and whips up to 187mph. Best of all? These figures feel achievable in the real world.


The Specification:

• Engine Oil 15 qt. [14.2 liter]
• Fuel Tank 23.8 gal. [90 liter]
• Fuel Requirement Premium unleaded
• Compression Ratio 12.5:1
• Horsepower 430 hp @ 7900 RPM
• Torque 316 lb-ft. @ 4500 RPM
• 0-60 MPH 4.4 sec.
• Top Speed 187 MPH

The Audi R8 has everything you would expect from a supercar – staggering performance and brilliant handling, for a start – plus some things you might not, like refinement and everyday usability.

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Range Rover Evoque

The Evoque is based on the Land Rover LR2, a vehicle many of you would be surprised to learn is still on sale today. Just as the LR2 was an impressive improvement on the Freelander, the Evoque is an evolutionary leap over the LR2.

Advancement In Design, When we see fantastical concepts like the Evoque-preceding LRX, we can't help but shrug off hopes it might be produced, as experience has taught us better. Every now and then, though, an automaker will surprise you. To see the Evoque arrive in showrooms within millimeters of the concept's dimensions is a dream come true.


Engineering Excellence, the fact that the Evoque is no less capable or useable than the LR2 is icing on a delicious cake. You would expect such a rakish roofline would wreak havoc on passenger and cargo space, but that simply isn't the case.

Efficiency, the Evoque's Ford-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a radical departure for Land Rover, which powers most of its U.S.-bound models with thirsty V-8s. Returning an estimated 19/28 city/highway mpg, the Evoque can also claim the title of most efficient Land Rover ever built, easily besting its V-8 brethren and even the I-6-powered LR2. A substantial reduction in emissions goes with fuel economy, as Land Rover claims a 20-percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared with larger engines with the same power output. The Evoque lands in the heart of its segment with competitive fuel economy that doesn't sacrifice output. At 240 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, the four-cylinder's output betters that of some six-cylinder competition without guzzling fuel. With full torque available at 1750 rpm, the Evoque experiences almost no turbo lag, and what little is present can be eliminated by rolling into the throttle rather than simply stomping on the pedal.

The petrol will be the quickest powertrain. It's the 2.0 turbo direct-injection engine from the latest Mondeo, but powered up to 240 horses. It's re-engineered to allow the usual Range Rover off-roading ruggedness. It can still run when tipped at 45 degrees, or you're 50cm deep in water.

It gives the little Range Rover convincing acceleration and pick-up to the accelerator, with no lag. Most of the time it's quiet too.

It comes with a six-speed auto. But I'd be using the shift paddles. A lot. Left to its own devices, it doesn't seem to want to shift down until you floor it, and then it goes berserk. And to be honest, a four-cylinder is never as refined as the V8s Range Rover has got us used to.


Again it isn't actually all that quiet. But there's willing torque over a wide rev range, it's easy to drive smoothly or briskly or both, and the standard manual six-speed works well. And in this form it's economical, with a sub-150g/km rating.

Safety, A pervasive myth suggests that smaller vehicles are less safe. Thanks to modern technology, that isn't the case, as the Evoque demonstrates with a litany of standard safety equipment. The steel monocoque frame is reinforced with high-strength and Boron steel and supplemented by impact beams in all passenger doors. Seven airbags, including full-length curtain airbags and a knee airbag for the driver, while a laundry list of computer programs built into the standard stability and traction control systems help avoid a collision in the first place.

Specification:
Tested: Five-door with 1,999cc, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol, six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Price/on sale: £27,955-£44,320
Power/torque: 237bhp @ 5,500rpm/340lb ft @ 1,750rpm
Top speed: 135mph
Acceleration: 0-60mph 7.1sec
Fuel economy: 23.7mpg (EU Urban)
CO2 emissions: 199g/km

The Rivals : BMW X1, Audi Q3, Range Rover

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