2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Convertible

2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Convertible. There's nothing quite like the sound of the 2012 Ferrari 458's V8 -- a mechanical 562-horsepower scream that's only a few inches from the driver's head. There's really only one way to make it better, and that would be to remove that pesky roof and back window unfortunately placed between your ears and its addictive wail. For 2012, that's exactly what's been done, as the convertible Spider model joins the 458 Italia coupe.

Together, the 458 Spider and Italia represent a stunning leap forward not only for Ferrari but also for supercars in general. Naturally you expect the perfect fore-and-aft balance of the handling, the precise steering and the fantastic high-tech electronics that combine to keep the car poised on the road while still making you feel fully engaged in the process. There's also the 4.5-liter V8 that can deliver the 458 from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The act of driving doesn't really get much better -- at least when you've got a sparsely populated back road and a friend in the local sheriff's department to watch your back.

With the Spider added to the lineup, the 458 stands above the crowd in another way. Its clever retractable hardtop roof provides a quieter, more secure cabin and a better top-up appearance than a conventional convertible, yet the aluminum pieces of the top and its operating mechanism are actually lighter than a traditional folding soft top. Although the 458 sacrifices some structural integrity in the process of losing its roof, the Spider is still remarkably rigid, and it's hard to argue with the wind in your hair and sound of the high-revving V8 in your ears.

Even though the Ferrari 458 Italia and Spider are incredible to drive, they can be a little irritating to live with. Besides the inherent problems associated with any midengine supercar (limited passenger space, cargo room and visibility), the Italia features some rather bizarre ergonomics. The turn signals are triggered by buttons on the steering wheel, for instance. Still, we've lusted after Ferraris since the days when their electrical systems rarely worked, the pedals were halfway in the passenger footwell and you needed a man named Carlo on retainer just to keep the thing running.

As such, we can't think of a true deal-breaker for the 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia and Spider beyond the obligatory high price. There are obviously other exotics plying for your ample money, but when it comes to driving thrills, only the McLaren MP4-12C comes close. It doesn't (yet) offer a convertible version, but it's certainly an incredible machine in its own F1-bred right and doesn't suffer from the 458's ergonomic shortfalls. The Audi R8 coupe and convertible and Lamborghini Gallardo are in the game as well. Yet when it comes to overall driving involvement and pleasure, the Ferrari 458 remains the car that will deliver the most chills up your spine.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Ferrari 458 is a two-seat exotic sports car available in two body styles. The coupe is known as the Italia and the convertible is known as the Spider.

Standard equipment includes 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, performance tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, adjustable driving and vehicle settings, automatic xenon headlights, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and trim, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (with buttons for the turn signals, wipers, lights, ignition, suspension and other vehicle settings), Bluetooth and a sound system with an auxiliary audio jack. The Spider includes a fully powered retractable hardtop roof.

Both body styles can be equipped with forged alloy wheels, carbon-fiber body pieces, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, adaptive headlights, cruise control, auto-dimming mirrors, power seats, carbon-fiber race seats (available in three sizes), four-point belts, a navigation system, an iPod interface, satellite radio and a premium sound system. The Italia can be furthermore equipped with run-flat tires.

The 458 is also highly customizable, with items that include three different standard seat designs (regular, Daytona-style and diamond quilt), multitone interior schemes, contrasting stitching, extended leather or faux-suede interior trim, four color choices for the instrument faces, carbon-fiber interior trim, a carbon-fiber steering wheel with built-in LED shift lights and, finally, specialty fit luggage. The Italia gets the option of contrasting roof colors.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia and Spider are powered by a 4.5-liter V8 that sends 562 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Ferrari says it will go from a standstill to 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds, which makes it one of the quickest cars in the world. As if anyone cares, EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.

In the off chance you do care, or are simply interested in sampling every dollop of technology Ferrari has to offer, the optional HELE system adds a number of technologies designed to reduce fuel consumption and increase performance. These include an engine stop/start system, a different air-conditioning compressor, changes to the electrical system, and adaptive transmission programming and throttle response.

Safety

The 2012 Ferrari 458 comes with antilock carbon-ceramic brakes, traction and stability control and side airbags. A rearview camera and parking sensors are available.

Interior Design and Special Features

To free up space for the enlarged transmission paddle shifters, Ferrari did away with traditional steering wheel column stalks. While it's one thing to change the light and wiper controls to buttons on the steering wheel, it's quite another to reinvent the turn signal stalk as buttons on each spoke of the steering wheel. It's unintuitive, just a bit silly and likely destined to eventually become only a footnote in history.

There are also other ergonomic faux pas. The stereo, navigation and other infotainment systems are controlled via buttons on knobs that flank both sides of the steering column. This makes it a wee bit difficult for the passenger to control anything, but the bigger deal is that the display shares real estate with the gauge cluster. Want to see your speed and the navigation system? No can do. You can either know where you're going or how fast you're getting there, but not both at the same time.

On the upside, the cabin is still slathered in beautifully soft leather, while the refinement and build quality are better than that of any previous Ferrari. Even the driving position is more comfortable than ever. So even if it can be a little frustrating to use, the 458's cabin at least offers the luxury one now expects from this rarefied segment of sports cars. The Spider also stands out with the first retractable hardtop applied to a midengine supercar. Not only does it maintain the look of the Italia coupe, but it also provides improved security and road noise isolation than the soft top of the previous-generation Ferrari F430 Spider. Top operation is also fairly quick, taking just 14 seconds to open or close.

Driving Impressions

The 458's V8 is a legend in the making, with brutal acceleration bettered by only a scant few cars on the road. The powertrain has been blessed with a mechanical whine that is at first gruff and then intoxicatingly vibrant as the engine revs fly toward 9,000 rpm. The only way it could sound sweeter would be to remove the roof, and that's been done for 2012 thanks to the Spider. We'll always lament the absence of a traditional manual transmission, but the dual-clutch automated manual whips through its seven gears with a quickness and smoothness that perhaps only Porsche can match.

Of course, a Ferrari is also meant to be characterized by its poised handling. In this respect, the Italia shines even brighter. The steering effort is weightier than other Ferraris and the action is remarkably quick, and the response to even small inputs creates a sense of hyper control. The chassis is beautifully tuned, showcasing incredible talents around corners in a way that makes it easy to exploit those talents. There is an abundance of high-tech wizardry going on to keep you safe and the car perfectly composed, but the 2012 Ferrari 458 never feels as if it is relying upon digital 1s and 0s rather than old-fashioned analog engineering. 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Convertible

Source : http://www.edmunds.com/ferrari/458-italia/2012/?sub=convertible

2011 Ferrari 599 Coupe

2011 Ferrari 599 Coupe. The 2011 Ferrari 599 seats only two people, achieves only 11 mpg in the city, has a dinky trunk and is stuck with woefully behind­-the-times in-car electronics. Plus -- brace yourself for this one -- there's not even a cupholder. And with that we conclude the practicality-minded portion of our consumer advice program. If you care about any of the above, the Ferrari 599 clearly isn't the best way to spend your $300,000.

If, however, the above reads like a series of "blahs" upon "yada yadas," then you'll be interested to know that the 599 remains the pinnacle of the Ferrari lineup. It starts with the engine. Be it in GTB Fiorano guise or the new-for-2011 GTO, the 599's 6.0-liter V12 still blares its way to an 8,400 rpm redline with an intoxicating scream that must be heard in all its glory to be fully appreciated. The acceleration that accompanies that scream punches you into your seat with a fitting amount of brutality.

Around corners, the 599's superb handling belies its near-2-ton curb weight. Credit for this impressive talent goes to the sophisticated suspension with its Magna Ride active dampers that firm up in milliseconds in response to aggressive cornering, yet ease off for relaxed interstate cruising. It's this dual-natured performance that's a bit surprising, as Ferraris have seldom been considered comfortable enough for a good road trip (that's what an Aston Martin or Bentley is for).

If we were to nitpick, the GTB's steering could be sharper, especially at higher speeds. That's taken care of, however, in the 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO. Not only is the steering quicker and more communicative, but also the general handling balance has been improved and the entire car sharpened to be a more hard-core driving machine thanks to increased horsepower and reduced weight. Plus, since it, too, has Magna Ride dampers, the GTO maintains a reasonably civilized ride. Sure, it costs $90,000 more than the GTB Fiorano, but we suspect that will matter little to the prospective buyer.

Of course, there are other grand ways to spend one's portfolio. The Ferrari 458 Italia is utterly brilliant even if it doesn't come with the cachet of being Ferrari's most expensive, V12-powered GT halo car. Should you actually care about those practical gripes we mentioned above, Ferrari's new FF takes care of some of them -- just don't hold your breath about fuel economy.

Beyond those supercars wearing the prancing horse emblem, the Lamborghini Aventador brings an entirely different degree of drama -- both in terms of visuals and driving experience. The Aston Martin DBS and Lexus LFA are similar to the 599 in a number of (admittedly divergent) ways, but go about their business in manners more indicative of their native lands. For that quintessentially Italian passion, however, no GT car can top the 2011 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Ferrari 599 is a two-seat coupe available in two trim levels: GTB Fiorano and the higher-performance GTO. Standard equipment on the GTB includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels shod in performance tires, xenon headlights, an adaptive suspension system, carbon-ceramic brakes, rear parking sensors, automatic dual-zone climate control, power seats, leather upholstery and interior trim, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system and an eight-speaker Becker sound system with a CD player.

The optional HGTE package (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) specifies stiffer springs and a stiffer rear antiroll bar along with revised damper calibration, a lower ride height, a unique high-performance tire compound, quicker shifts from the single-clutch automated manual transmission, more immediate throttle response and a throatier exhaust note. HGTE also adds unique exterior and interior styling cues.

The GTO gains more power, enhanced suspension and steering, 20-inch wheels all around, a different transmission calibration, different exterior details, a carbon-fiber racing wheel with integrated LED shift lights (optional on GTB) and manually adjustable carbon-fiber racing seats. It lacks the standard rear parking sensors and navigation system, but both are optional. The standard full leather interior is swapped out for a lighter-weight combination of leather, faux suede and tech fabric.

Options on both models include different wheel designs, a space-saver spare tire, run-flat tires, front and rear parking sensors, tinted rear windows, fully powered Recaro sport seats, an iPod interface, a six-CD changer and a premium audio system. There is also a wealth of customization options, including innumerable exterior paint and interior leather color choices, extended interior leather trim, different leather seat finishes (GTB only), cross-stitching and two carbon-fiber interior trim packages. The GTO gets two-tone exterior paint schemes, additional sport seat choices and optional interior surfaces in multiple color choices of faux suede and/or leather.

Powertrains and Performance

Both 2011 Ferrari 599 models are rear-wheel drive and powered by a 6.0-liter V12. The GTB Fiorano version produces 612 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque. A traditional six-speed manual transmission is standard and a single-clutch six-speed automated manual transmission is an optional. Ferrari says the GTB Fiorano will go from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds. Fuel economy (as if you could possibly care) is 11 mpg city/15 mpg highway and 12 mpg combined.

The 599 GTO produces 671 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. The automated manual is standard, but upgraded for improved performance. Ferrari says it'll hit 62 mph in 3.4 seconds.

Safety

Carbon-ceramic antilock disc brakes, stability control and traction control are standard. Notably, side and side curtain airbags are not available.

Interior Design and Special Features

Unlike supercars of old, the 2011 Ferrari 599 offers much more than a cramped cockpit with minimal accoutrements. The well-shaped seats are finished in premium hides, or in the case of the GTO, a rich combination of leather, faux suede and a specially designed tech fabric. Aluminum and available carbon-fiber accents enrich the ambience further, while buyers can customize their 599 with two-tone color choices, contrasting stitching and different seat designs.

The car's many interactive systems (such as stability control, suspension settings and F1 gearbox response) can be adjusted via a knob on the steering wheel called the manettino -- Italian for "little manager." If you're looking for the latest infotainment electronics features, however, the 599 is behind the times. The navigation system offers a tiny, antiquated screen and there's no HD or satellite radio available. Still, do you really need 180 commercial-free channels when you have 612 raging horses screaming just a few feet in front of you?

Driving Impressions

In addition to predictably brutal acceleration, the 2011 Ferrari 599 provides a soundtrack to savor. The unmistakable shriek of the V12 under hard acceleration changes to a guttural hum at part throttle and nearly disappears at high cruising speeds, where wind noise is practically the only indication of pace. The F1 gearbox provides instantaneous gearchanges that no human could hope to match with the standard six-speed manual (GTB only), but its single-clutch design prevents it from being as tractable in low-speed traffic as the dual-clutch unit found in the Ferrari 458 Italia. A lack of a hill holder feature could also make the clutch awfully smelly and smoky when repeatedly starting from a stop on a hill. (We wouldn't recommend driving around San Francisco.)

In tight corners, the Ferrari 599 GTB remains composed and poised, without a hint of body roll or squealing tires. The adaptive suspension damping works miracles on nearly any surface, swallowing bumps without drama while keeping the car planted in all situations. It's hard to imagine improvement here, but the Ferrari 599 GTO is indeed an even more incredible driver's car. The steering is quicker and provides more immediate feedback, the transmission is even more reactive and the car is even more balanced and less likely to understeer than the GTB. This is a car that excels on a racetrack, yet thanks to those adaptive dampers, its on-road ride is surprisingly comfortable. If there is to be a major detractor, it would be the 599's size. This is a larger car than the brilliant Ferrari 458 Italia, and it feels it.  2011 Ferrari 599 Coupe

Source : http://www.edmunds.com/ferrari/599/2011/?sub=coupe

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Convertible

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Convertible. The 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage gets a few updates this year. The base model is now equipped with the seven-speed automated manual transmission, quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tires from the Vantage S. A new optional navigation system also arrives for 2012, replacing the Vantage's previous, much-maligned navigation system. The Vantage also receives slightly updated exterior styling.

2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupe

2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupe. Don't show up the star. It's a good rule of thumb in show business and common sense in the sports car world. After all, wouldn't it be foolish for a brand to outdo its most expensive, famous and fanciest performance car with one that's cheaper? You'd think, but that's exactly what the 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage does.

2012 Aston Martin Rapide Sedan

2012 Aston Martin Rapide Sedan. Manufacturing of the 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is moving from Austria to England. As for the car, it receives a new, easier-to-operate navigation system this year.

2012 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe

2012 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe. The Aston Martin DB9 is no longer available with a manual transmission. The previously antiquated navigation system has been replaced by an improved Garmin-powered unit. Finally, there are two new special editions for 2012 known as the Luxury and the Sport.

2012 Aston Martin DB9 Convertible

2012 Aston Martin DB9 Convertible. The Aston Martin DB9 is no longer available with a manual transmission. The previously antiquated navigation system has been replaced by an improved Garmin-powered unit. Finally, there are two new special editions for 2012 known as the Luxury and the Sport.

2012 Acura RL Sedan

2012 Acura RL Sedan. The luxury sedan arena is fiercely competitive, so much so that having a powerful engine, all the latest luxury gadgets and a handsome cabin chock full of high-end features may not be enough. Case in point: the 2012 Acura RL. While it has a 300-horsepower V6, standard all-wheel drive, a classy interior, top-notch build quality and plenty of features, the Acura flagship sadly remains off the radar of discerning shoppers.

2012 Acura RDX SUV

2012 Acura RDX SUV. When it debuted a few years back, the Acura RDX was a pioneer in its segment, coming out well before other luxury-brand automakers developed small crossovers of their own. Now, five years later, the 2012 Acura RDX still has a lot going for it, though in certain cases it's starting to show its age.

2015 Acura NSX Coupe

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2013 Acura ILX Sedan

2013 Acura ILX Sedan. After a decade of moving upmarket and farther away from the entry-level buyer, Acura's back with a new-generation compact model, the 2013 ILX. Smaller and less expensive than the TSX, the ILX sedan is aimed at shoppers who want something a bit nicer and sportier than the typical mainstream sedan but aren't willing to step up to the higher expense of an established luxury car. It reminds us a lot of the brand's old Integra, and like that car, the ILX is pretty successful in its mission. Nevertheless, you'll also want to be aware of the limitations of this strategy.

2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

2012 Acura TSX Sport Wagon. The 2012 Acura TSX sedan gets a new Special Edition package with sporty styling touches. The TSX Sport Wagon receives additional cargo-area storage space courtesy of a compact tire repair kit.

BMW 6 Series 2013 Review

BMW 6 Series 2013 Review. After last year's full redesign, the 2013 BMW 6 Series continues largely unchanged. The 650i's turbocharged V8 engine is more powerful this year, rising from 400 horsepower to 445 hp. The V8's available manual transmission has been discontinued, however.

Chrysler Town and Country 2013 Review

Chrysler Town and Country 2013 Review. For 2013, the Chrysler Town & Country receives an upgraded rear seat entertainment system. The base entertainment system includes a higher-resolution screen, while the premium system now includes a Blu-ray player and an HDMI input. Rear-seat USB ports (for charging electronic devices) and trailer sway control are also new this year.

Cadillac SRX 2013 Review

Cadillac SRX 2013 Review. The 2013 Cadillac SRX receives a new electronics interface. Called CUE, this touchscreen system operates via voice command or smartphone-like hand gestures. The 2013 SRX also has new safety features, an active noise-cancellation system to reduce wind and road noise, and subtly restyled front and rear fascias.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 20913 Review

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Land Rover LR2 SUV 2013 Review

Land Rover LR2 SUV 2013 Review. First downsizing hit the economy and the workplace. Now it's showing up in the luxury car ranks as well. Not even Land Rover is immune. The 2013 Land Rover LR2 loses its thirsty six-cylinder engine in favor of a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the same engine also found in the Range Rover Evoque.

Ram to Launch New Fiat Ducato–Based Promaster Full-Size Van in Late 2013

Ram to Launch New Fiat Ducato–Based Promaster Full-Size Van in Late 2013. A new full-size van has arrived at Ram. After the Daimler-Chrysler juggernaut was dissolved, the Sprinter was no longer an option, leaving Chrysler without a full-size cargo hauler. In 2003, that Mercedes-engineered van replaced the positively ancient Ram Van, whose roots went back to 1971. Dodge stopped selling the Sprinter a few years ago, and now the commercial vehicles division—since renamed Ram Trucks—is getting a slightly re-engineered version of the Fiat Ducato.

BMW i3 Concept Coupe

BMW i3 Concept Coupe. BMW is launching yet another variation of its i eco-car theme this week at the Los Angeles auto show. The new i3 Concept Coupe complements thefive-door i3, as well as the i8 Concept and the i8 Concept Spyder.

SRT Viper / Viper GTS Coupe 2013 Review

SRT Viper / Viper GTS Coupe 2013 Review. The Viper is back, new and vastly improved after more than two years in stasis. Chief among the tweaks to the fifth iteration of the new SRT brand’s headline supercar (it’s no longer a Dodge) are a more upscale interior and increased creature comforts. Has the Viper gone soft? In a single word, no. But after a half-day sneak preview at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan—where we previously captured some shakedown images and video—we can say with confidence that the new Viper is not only better than ever but is finally as appealing in person as it is on paper.

Porsche Cayenne S V-8 Diesel 2013 Review

Porsche Cayenne S V-8 Diesel 2013 Review. Former Porsche CEO Wendelin Wiedeking long resisted using diesels, but now Porsche has finally embraced the compression-ignition engine. In Europe, both the Cayenne and Panamera are offered with the smooth and capable 3.0-liter V-6 TDI that's also available in a number of other VW Group vehicles, from the Audi A4 to the VW Phaeton. With 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque on tap, it is a highly capable, autobahn-friendly engine. Here in the States, we get that diesel Cayenne, as well as itsAudi Q7 and VW Touareg relatives.

Porsche Carrera 4 / 4S Coupe and Cabriolet 2013

Porsche Carrera 4 / 4S Coupe and Cabriolet 2013. As master illusionists Siegfried & Roy demonstrated night after night—well, most nights anyway—the spectacle of two sequin-studded Germans ordering around uncaged and hopefully housebroken lions and tigers can be riveting. Not nearly as gamy, but accomplished with equally Teutonic flourish, is the job Porsche has done taming its once-wild and still-exotic rear-engine flagship. Whereas existential consequences once awaited those drivers of early 911s too unwise or foolish to try lift-throttle maneuvers midcorner, today’s 911 is certainly more forgiving than an uncaged Bengal tiger.

Ferrari Enzo Replacement Details Revealed

Ferrari Enzo Replacement Details Revealed. Ferrari is preparing a new hyper car to replace the legendary Enzo with, and it will debut next Spring. That’ll be 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The new Enzo – reportedly codenamed F150 and not F70 – won’t have the same collection of awesome numbers as, say, McLaren P1 or Bugatti Veyron, but to drive it could be better than both.

Aston Martin DB9 Volante by Kahn Design

Aston Martin DB9 Volante by Kahn Design. The best thing about Aston Martin launching a new DB9 recently is the fact that the old models are going to get cheaper and cheaper. So it is probably a good time to take a look back at some of the finest tuning packages available for the car. Here’s Kahn Design’s magnificent 0077 DB9 Volante.

Ford Focus WTCC Limited Edition Announced

Ford Focus WTCC Limited Edition Announced. Paying homage to their World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) race car, Ford announced a limited WTCC edition of the Focus Zetec S, same car used by Team Arena, for the road. The car comes with race-inspired stripes and graphics on the outside, and a tweaked 1.6 liter engine under the bonnet.

Porsche Cayman 2013 Caught Undisguised

Porsche Cayman 2013 Caught Undisguised. Two weeks ahead of its official debut at the 2102 Los Angeles Auto Show the new Porsche Cayman has been spotted undisguised at Atlanta airport. Porsche hadn’t confirmed the Cayman’s debut in L.A. – they’d just said a new sports car is coming to the show – but this shots reveal the facts.

Ford Focus 2013 Gets NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating

Ford Focus 2013 Gets NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating. The new Ford Focus has been designed with safety in mind, so it’s hardly surprising that it passes all safety tests in Europe and America with flying colors. The latest organization to confirm the car’s high level of safety is National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They awarded the 2013 Focus with five-star rating.

Dodge Dart Limited 2013 Review

Dodge Dart Limited 2013 Review. I'd been looking forward to driving the Dart since the car was revealed—this marks my first impression, if you don't count drives of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta that helped form my positive underlying opinion of the car. I'll admit that despite my good vibes going in, and the car's apparent high level of equipment for this money, I was somewhat underwhelmed—at least at first. The car seemed softened too much, with oversized upholstery, and I found it hard to find the “just right” driving position. Within a block of the office, the suspension crashed so hard over a bump in the pavement on a corner that I was really concerned that I'd set way too high an expectation. The drive home was generally uneventful, but allowed me time to start getting accustomed to the Dart and learn to appreciate its Italian nuances.

Honda Ridgeline Sport 2012 Review

Honda Ridgeline Sport 2012 Review. This  Honda Ridgeline Sport 2012 is a comfortable, nice-looking vehicle that drives more like a crossover with a bed, rather than a true truck. That's to be expected, but the Ridgeline actually has a decent amount of grunt and can tow 5,000 pounds. It's not fast by any means, but the 250 ponies are up to the task for merging onto expressways and launches from a stop if you aggressively use the throttle. The five-speed is fine, and four-wheel drive is a nice feature, though I had no reason to use it in my brief stint.

Lincoln MKZ 2013 Review

Lincoln MKZ 2013 Review. No one at Lincoln minimizes the importance of the 2013 MKZ. The sedan is the first of four new Lincolns debuting over the next three years, and the starting point for an overhaul intended to remake the brand and return it to prosperity, or at least relevance. Lincoln’s management team understands that the clock is ticking.

SRT Viper 2013 Hits The Race Track

SRT Viper 2013 Hits The Race Track . It was raining, one of the world's toughest road courses was pretty wet and all the cars had 640 hp at the rear wheels. What could possibly go wrong?

Buick Regal GS 2012 Review

Buick Regal GS 2012 Review. The Buick Regal GS 2012 is a strong, sporty execution for Buick that's sharply styled and fun to drive. The chassis is excellent. I like the styling cues that blend bling and subtlety, and the cabin is purposeful and well-laid out.

BMW M6 Convertible 2012 Review

BMW M6 Convertible 2012 Review. After two years without one (how did we survive?), the BMW M6 convertible will be back in showrooms in late June. “It's the fastest convertible we've ever made,” said M brand manager Matt Russell. If you measure “fastest” by top speed, BMWs have been electronically limited to 155 mph for some time, which is pretty fast. But if you look at 0-to-60-mph times, it should take just 4.2 seconds, a few tenths quicker than the old model. The M6 also does it more efficiently, with a 30 percent mileage improvement.

BMW 640i Gran Coupe 2013 Review

BMW 640i Gran Coupe 2013 Review. Cynics would say that the 640i Gran Coupe is a BMW CLS, a Bavarian copy of the Mercedes-Benz CLS four-door coupe introduced way back in 2005 (not to be confused with the two-door 1973 BMW CSL coupe). The 2012 BMW 6-series Gran Coupe certainly shares its basic proportions with the Mercedes CLS, a car now well into its second generation. But BMW designed its Gran Coupe with its own distinct take on the genre, with a relatively small greenhouse canted inward around the edges and dolloped on top of a wide, powerful base. There is less of the distinct roofline arch that you see flowing from nose to tail on the Mercedes.

BMW 528i xDrive Sedan 2012 Review

BMW 528i xDrive Sedan 2012 Review. I won't say that the 2012 BMW 528i xDrive is slow, because when you wind it out it gets up and going. But the acceleration isn't something you'd comment on, unless, of course, it was the lack of acceleration.

Volvo S60 T5 2013 Review

Volvo S60 T5 2013 Review. When Volvo introduced the redesigned S60 for 2011, it relegated the availability of the Haldex AWD system to the higher-spec T6 model, leaving the five-cylinder T5 to make do with front-wheel drive. In an attempt to sell more cars in climes where premium customers won't bite unless all-wheel drive is available, Volvo added four-wheel motivation to the T5 as a $2,000 option.

Lexus LS 2013 Review

Lexus LS 2013 Review. At the end of 1989, Toyota put the world's schmantziest carmakers on notice. Detroit was stumbling aimlessly through its quality nadir. The Europeans were selling finicky machines that were as expensive to buy and maintain as they were enjoyable to drive.

Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG 2012 Review

The Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is an effortless assassin, offering an abundance of power delivered in smooth, athletic fashion. The naturally aspirated V8 is the critical element in this machine. It sounds great, delivers a lot of grunt from launch and when thrusting to higher speeds on the expressway, and it really feels like a hot rod at times. A well-dressed one? Yes. But the engine offers up so much juice it's hard to not want to drive this thing fast.

BMW ActiveHybrid 3 2013 Review

The ActiveHybrid 3 is BMW's fourth series-production hybrid. After the short-lived X6 ActiveHybrid and the more recently introduced ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid 5, there is now another gasoline-electric-powered BMW to tempt U.S. car buyers.

Set to reach North American showrooms in October, the car should be seen as more as a modern-day performance machine than a fuel-sipping economy commuter-as evidenced by its official 0-to-62-mph acceleration claim, which sees it outrun the 335i sedan at 5.3 seconds versus 5.5 seconds. Both have a limited 155-mph top speed.

Impressively, the ActiveHybrid 3 is also claimed to return an average 39.9 mpg on the combined European cycle. That also beats the 335i sedan, which is rated at 32.7 mpg on the same test procedure.

As with BMW's previous hybrid models, this car relies on a combination of gasoline and electric power. Being a full hybrid, as opposed to a mild hybrid like some rivals, it can run on either gasoline or electric power alone, or alternatively a combination of both for added performance.

Mounted longitudinally up front is the 335i's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine delivering 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It is supported by a brushless electric motor mounted in the forward section of the gearbox housing, developing 55 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque.

When running together, or parallel as it is known in automotive-engineering jargon, the gasoline engine and the electric motor provide a combined 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque-33 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque more than the 335i sedan.

All of this sounds rather appealing until you learn that the added reserves come with a 320-pound penalty, taking the curb weight of the new BMW up to 3,649 pounds.

A plug-in version is in the works and is likely to be offered in 2014. But for now, the ActiveHybrid 3 recharges its battery pack on the run. As such, it is fitted with a relatively small battery boasting a capacity of just 675 watt-hours.

The lithium-ion unit, the individual cells for which are manufactured by A123 in the United States, is mounted in the space usually used for the spare wheel. Although BMW claims there are no packaging compromises, the ActiveHybrid 3's trunk capacity is 3.2 cubic feet less than that of the 335i at 13.8 cubic feet, according to the European measurement procedure.

Drive runs through a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox with remote shift paddles to the rear wheels. The driver can choose from four individual modes: eco pro, comfort, sport and sport-plus.

As with all recent BMW models, there is a whole armada of fuel-saving features, including automatic stop/start, brake-energy recuperation and ancillary functions such as the water pump that only operate when called upon rather than all the time, as in the past.

To these, BMW has also fitted the ActiveHybrid 3 with a coasting function that sees the gasoline engine idle when you back out of the throttle and lightly touch the brakes at speeds up to 100 mph in eco pro mode for additional fuel savings.

What is it like to drive?

Straightforward-at least to begin with. You simply jump in, hit the starter button, select a gear and head off, exactly as you would in the 335i.

The rest of the driving experience, however, is a little different from BMW's more regular models. The electric motor, produced in-house by BMW, can propel the ActiveHybrid 3 alone for a distance of up to 2.5 miles at speeds up to 47 mph on light throttle loads. So with sufficient battery charge and a degree of restraint, you can set off in silence, or with just the noise of the tires rolling across pavement from underneath.

There's appeal in attempting to run as far as possible in electric mode, and a detailed display on its color monitor with all sorts of different graphs indicating the fuel-saving advantages urges you to do just that. It can even be linked to the topography feature of the ActiveHybrid 3's optional navigation system to see it provide greater benefits, such as at the end of programmed journeys where, if the conditions permit, the drive system automatically switches into electric mode for the final mile or so, providing there is sufficient battery charge.

But the reality is that the ActiveHybrid 3, as it is today, doesn't travel very far without the help of its gasoline engine. The battery simply lacks the capacity to entertain anything more than a brief zero-emission excursion.

The real intrigue, then, centers on the performance-enhancing qualities provided by BMW's latest hybrid system. The additional reserves offered by the electric motor are like having an extra degree of turbocharger boost for the gasoline engine.

Despite the added weight, the ActiveHybrid 3 always feels determined, thanks to its generous amount of torque. The delivery is tremendously flexible, allowing it to pull tall gears at low revs without any trouble at all. It's much like a 335i sedan, only faster, quieter and more economical.

As you up the pace, two factors stand out: the new BMW's solid straight-line stability and its excellent driveline refinement. But as we found out as we entered the fast lane of an autobahn outside of Munich, it is the pace generated at full throttle and its ability to cope with it for prolong periods of high-speed running that really set it apart.

It's not quite M3 quick through the gears. However, the ActiveHybrid 3 is not that far behind the German carmaker's iconic performance sedan for outright speed. It also tracks beautifully at speeds, well beyond those deemed legal in the United States.

There's also entertainment in the dynamic properties. The inherent response in the steering makes it fun to guide the ActiveHybrid 3 over winding back roads. The overall body control isn't quite up to the high level attained by the 335i, but with the optional adaptive dampers on our test car switched into sport mode, we discovered that roll is well suppressed.

Despite running low-rolling-resistance tires overall grip levels are excellent-again, perhaps not quite to the level of the 335i sedan but impressive all the same. And while the added weight gives the ActiveHybrid 3 a busier ride at around-town speeds than its more conventional stablemate, it is nonetheless cosseting in comfort mode at higher speeds.

Do I want one?

The ActiveHybrid 3 is an impressively engineered car boasting a state-of-the-art driveline that, if BMW's figures are to be believed, will net you the sort of fuel economy usually associated with much more compact and less well-equipped cars.

Along with providing zero-emission capability for short distances around town, the car also is exceptionally rapid when the conditions allow, giving little away in sheer pace to cars with truly illustrious performance credentials. In outright dynamic terms it is also close in appeal to one of our all-time favorite drives, the 335i sedan.

If it has to be a hybrid, make sure the ActiveHybrid 3 is firmly on your list. Even with the price premium it will command over the $43,295 335i sedan, it's unlikely to disappoint.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120709/carreviews/120709851#ixzz2CqlEXY9I

BMW X1 2013 Review

BMW has offered the X1 in Europe since 2009, but the company waited for this mid-cycle refresh to bring its small SUV to the U.S. market. While BMW offers a plethora of X1 gasoline and diesel variants outside of North America, we'll get two engines: the 28i featuring a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the U.S.-exclusive 35i employing BMW's potent twin-scroll turbo 3.0-liter six mated to a six-speed automatic. All- or rear-wheel drive is offered with the smaller engine (SDrive28i or XDrive28i), while all-wheel drive is standard with the bigger powerplant in the XDrive35i.

BMW 335i Sedan 2012 Review

This BMW 335i sedan is a pricey little bugger. It's a very nice, small-to-midsize sedan seriously let down by its tires. On all but the smoothest pavement, the ride is harsh and slams over road imperfections, even in comfort mode. BMW's run-flat program is not good--witness our troubles with the long-term 550i xDrive.

BMW Z4 sDrive28i 2012 Review

Wow, this BMW Z4 sDrive 28i is really yellow and expensive. And a whole lot of fun. I really like this 2.0-liter engine with its decent torque relatively low in the rev range for such a small engine, and the turbo picks up midrange and really packs a punch. The gearbox action and clutch engagement are spot-on, just what we've come to expect from BMW. The steering is direct, and the suspension settings can be set for sport or comfort. While there's not really enough horsepower to kick the rear end out in twisty corners, there's certainly more than enough oomph to keep the driver engaged.

Audi A8 L 4.2 FSI 2012 Review

I'm left a bit flat by this big German bruiser, which surprises me. The seats are fantastic, the infotainment system is easy to use and the whole car smells of fine leather and wood. But as a package, particularly a $90,000 package, the 2012 Audi A8 L 4.2 FSI is not my favorite mode of transport in the segment.

Audi TT 2.0 TFSI Prestige Coupe 2012 Review

This is what the Audi TT should be--a high-revving, precise-handling, rock-solid all-wheel-drive sports coupe. I’ve always felt that the front-drive TT roadster was a bit of a poseur, with not enough chassis stiffness and too much front-drive understeer to support its high-charging aspirations. This car, with the fixed roof and well-balanced all-wheel drive, does a great job of exorcising all of the demons and bringing out the car’s devilish character.

Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Premium Plus 2012 Review

This is certainly a handsome execution of the 2012 Audi A4, and the manual gearbox makes it come alive for enthusiast pursuits. I love this bright red color, which was absolutely gleaming when I grabbed the keys and headed out after work. I like the simple elegance of the A4’s design. It’s balanced, sleek and done in a smart fashion. I love these headlights, too. Seeing the reflection of the outlines in vehicles in front of you is arresting.