2011 Nissan 370Z – Honest-To-Goodness Athlete with Great Visibility to Boot

Good Relatively affordable price; excellent braking and handling; top notch cabin; nifty rev matching manual transmission; compliant highway ride; powerful V6 engine. Bad Large rear blind spots; plenty of road noise; V6 sounds coarse at high rpm. Introduction 2011 Nissan 370Z falls in line with Z cars of the past. It is designed with value, performance and style in mind; it is a pure two-seater sports car in every aspect. Reasonable high performance sportscars don’t get any better as compared to Nissan 370Z. Precise control makes all the difference between wasting precious power and maximizing all 370Z has to offer. A nearly 50/50 dynamic weight balance achieved at precise moment the driver accelerates out of corner helps establish 370Z high precise handling and distinctive feel. For  [...]

2012 Volvo C70 – A Must-Have Convertible

Good Astonishingly practical; well-located retractable hardtop; comfy and quiet ride; cherishing interior. Bad Confusing navigation controls; unremarkable performance. Introduction 2012 Volvo C70 is a four-seater convertible with stylish lines and brilliant styling, while its retractable hardtop is an engineering masterpiece. It boasts a retractable hardtop, smooth ride and prestigious cabin, though its middling performance means quite a few rivals will leave it behind. The 2012 model lineup gets redesigned with three variants, while standard Bluetooth system now adds audio streaming capability. Styling revisions provide the C70 a freshened appearance for 2012. It gets redesigned front fascia, front fenders, grille and headlamps. The Intelligent Driver Information System is another Volvo  [...]

2012 Subaru Impreza – A Small Car Packed With Stylish Features

Good Wickedly fast STI and WRX models; standard four-wheel drive system; voluptuous and top notch cabin for 2.0i; 2.0i’s excellent fuel economy. Bad Substandard audio systems; disappointing interior quality of STI and WRX; STI lacks dynamic edge of other models. Introduction 2012 Subaru Impreza is a unique, engaging and appealing vehicle that features stunning exterior, which understates its very real performance credentials. The redesigned Impreza is a competitive and more appealing small car, which provides plenty of performance, but is saddled with quite a few drawbacks of previous generation model. It has been fully redesigned for 2012 model year with more fuel efficient engine, higher quality and spacious interior and updated styling. Fit three in back with both rearseats up, and  [...]

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket Creates Buzz at LA Auto Show

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket was publicized shortly prior to the opening of 2011 Los Angeles Motor Show and as the show continues during this week, the viewers will have an opportunity to check the bright yellow muscle car personally. The all new Special Edition Dodge Challenger SRT8 gets exclusive Stinger Yellow interior and exterior appointments. Motivation for the Challenger comes from a HEMI 6.4 liter 392 cubic inch burly V8 engine, which is good for pulsating 470 pound feet of torque and 470 horsepower. The engine is paired with six-speed manual transmission and offers the fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon in highway driving. It gets adaptive damping, dual mode suspension that provides selectable suspension tuning and adapts automatically to driver and road inputs  [...]

2011 Acura TSX – A Steady Performer for Acura

Good Impressive number of technical and standard equipments; excellent quality of materials and build quality; voluptuous interior; sporty handling with V6 wagon and saloon. Bad Underpowered four-cylinder engine; button happy center console; unimpressive braking performance. Introduction 2011 Acura TSX is a performance oriented vehicle, which provides a satisfying combination of efficiency, performance and style. It boasts great handling and muscular appearance, complemented by enhanced safety, comfort and convenience features. The TSX gets handful of mechanical and styling updates along with a new wagon variant. For 2011 model year, it get slightly raised fuel economy, new hard drive based navigation system with higher resolution screen, exterior design refinements, improved acoustic  [...]

2012 Mazda MAZDA6 – The Most Appealing Midsize Sedan

Good Sporty handling; voluptuous interior; smooth automatic transmissions; large trunk; muscular performance from V6 engine. Bad Quite a few cheap cabin materials; mediocre fuel economy. Introduction 2012 Mazda MAZDA6 is one of the most appealing midsize sedans in the market, particularly to drivers, who enjoy spirited performance and handling. It is aimed squarely at other Japanese family saloons, which dominate the midsize car category in North America. It is also one of the most well rounded sedans, which ranks highly among family saloons for its voluptuous cabin and sporty driving dynamics. Its unique RX-8 inspired front fenders provide an eager front stance, while the flowing character lines are both sporty and enticing providing it a distinctive look, which is anything  [...]

2012 Dodge Charger – A New and Improved Muscle Sedan

Good Intuitive 8.4 inch touchscreen interface; capable handling and composed ride; available four-wheel drive system; plenty of performance features. Bad Aggressive personality might not suit everyone; tight rearseat headroom. Introduction 2012 Dodge Charger is a boldly engineered four-door full size sedan, which can be factory equipped from wild to mild to suit virtually all buyers’ desires or needs. There aren’t many large family saloons like Charger. It is a rear wheel drive muscle car with V8 engine. It was redesigned in 2010 with revised interior, more aggressive exterior styling and base V6 engine. For 2012, it gets two trim levels; the performance oriented SRT8 and midlevel SXT along with eight-speed automatic transmission. Inviting and imposing at the same time, its design  [...]

2012 BMW X6 M – Is a Whole Lot of Fun

Good Cheaper as compared to Porsche Cayenne Turbo; otherworldly acceleration, stout brakes, handles better than other crossovers. Bad Feels unwieldy on tight road; only four-passenger seating capacity; limited cargo space. Introduction 2012 BMW X6 M expands on X6 Sports Activity Coupe model lineup, introducing legendary BMW M power to unique four-passenger, four-door car, which fuses coupelike style and agility with versatility of sport utility vehicle. It blurs the line between sport utility vehicle and car and for this reason it is called crossover. The X6 M is a four-passenger, high riding car and four-door coupe, a combination of sports utility vehicle and sportscar. The power of M meets four-wheel drive capabilities of BMW Sports Activity Coupe in this legendary car. Its optional  [...]

2012 Fisker Karma – The World’s First True Electric Vehicle

Good Earth friendly interior materials; plug-in hybrid fuel efficiency; head turning style and sharp handling. Bad Only four seats; stiff ride; small trunk; unrefined sound from gasoline generator powertrain. Introduction 2012 Fisker Karma is the first true electric premium luxury vehicle with extended range and freedom to fill up or plug in. The all new Karma expands what plug in hybrid can be, as it not only offers fuel economy, but also performance, exclusivity and luxury. With the capability to toggle between fuel assisted Sport Mode and all electric Stealth Mode with simple paddle shift, it provides high impact performance, while maintaining low impact on environment. It is a bold expression of uncompromised responsible luxury. Its elegant lines of windswept sand dunes and muscular  [...]

2012 Audi S5 – Offers Superior Elegance and Efficiency

Good Four-wheel drive traction; sumptuous styling; premium cabin; available V8 model; balanced handling and ride. Bad MMI can be a challenge; artificial steering feel. Introduction 2012 Audi S5 is a performance oriented version of the A5, the four-seater, two-door luxury sports convertible or coupe of Audi that offers additional standard features, muscular styling and more power. In either convertible or coupe form, the all new S5 represents an intoxicating combination of luxury, style and performance. It not only continues the performance, but also unmistakable design cues of the company legends of present and past. The short rear deck area and long hood are reminiscent of classic GT (Gran Turismo) upgraded with contemporary and progressive look only found in Audi. The modern design of  [...]

2011 Lexus CT 200h – Offers Luxury and Performance

Good Driver friendly interior with outstanding performance; impressive fuel economy in its class; engaging handling for hybrid; attractive price tag. Bad Few controls look dated and less than premium; pokey acceleration; not a lot of in-cabin storage space. Introduction 2011 Lexus CT 200h is a five-passenger premium compact car that provides both functionality of rear liftgate and performance oriented driving experience along with low emissions and impressive fuel economy. It joins the Lexus lineup as its 5th hybrid vehicle. The CT 200h stands out in small, yet impressive premium compact category with its attractive price, high fuel economy and sporty handling. With performance suspension, bold sportback design and driver focused cabin, it provides effortless style and fun. Motivated by  [...]

2012 Volkswagen Passat – A Sophisticated Car with High-Quality Interior

Good Top notch interior; voluptuous rear seat; plenty of upscale features come standard; offered fuel efficient turbodiesel powertrain. Bad Offset pedals; ho-hum performance from 2.5 liter engine; below average braking distances. Introduction 2012 Volkswagen Passat is the biggest passenger vehicle in the company’s lineup that has all the refinements and technology expected of sophisticated German car, but is now designed and developed in United States of America especially for North American market. Engineered and designed in Germany, but made in America for Americans, the fully redesigned Passat deserves serious consideration from midsize family saloon shoppers. It has been completely redesigned for 2012 model year with newly offered turbodiesel engine and spacious cabin. Its Automatic  [...]

2011 BMW M3 – A Thoroughbred Performer

Good Sleek retractable hardtop of convertible; awe-inspiring high revving V8 engine; three offered body styles; otherworldly handling; enjoyable ride. Bad Saloon’s relatively confined back seat; limited interior storage. Introduction 2011 BMW M3 is the defining performance car in the sporty 3 Series lineup of BMW and possibly the purest in the inventory of BMW. It is perhaps the perfect all around vehicle for aficionados, from track day shenanigans to daily commute. The BMW M3 Sedan and Coupe are available for 2011 model year with Competition package that adds lowered suspension, reprogrammed stability and electronic damping controls, 19 inch wheels and wider track. Dig deeper and find F-1 inspiration motivated by first ever production V8 engine, that churns out 414 horsepower and redlines  [...]

2012 Audi TTS – Offers Drivability, Comfort, Power And Performance

Good Hatchback utility of coupe; first-rate interior; frugal fuel economy; tenacious handling; efficient automated manual transmission. Bad Lack of manual transmission; expensive price relative to performance; stiffed legged ride; steering not that sharp as compared to rivals. Introduction 2012 Audi TTS is an entry level sportscar in the Audi/Volkswagen AG selection of performance oriented cars and is aimed directly at the class leading cars from Porsche and BMW. It beats the standard TT model in terms of performance, but falls short of true sportscar status. The all new TTS provides rapid acceleration, beautiful cabin, crisp handling and remarkable fuel efficiency, all wrapped in an extremely unique, stunning body, which will not be mistaken for anything else on the road. Its signature  [...]