Automotive Reviews

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Dodge Viper, 2013: V10, 640 horsepower and new interior technology (video)

The 2013 Dodge Viper, the third generation of the elusive supercar, is debuting in the New York Auto Show and will be welcomed by power hungy fans of the iconic massive machine. The new Viper, anticipated since the new beast's pending arrival months ago, features its signature long hood, short deck and double-bouble roof as well as twin air extractors, fender vents and side exhausts. The 8.4-liter V10 produces 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via its only transmission option, a six-speed manual. The body is made lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum. Chrysler detailed that the Viper's interior features improved materials, an LCD performance monitor, infotainment system and a grab handle. The Viper is returning

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Hyundai to dump Veracruz, replaced by new Santa Fe

For all of its recent successes, Hyundai has also had disappointments — like the Veracruz. The poor-selling, seven-passender sport utility vehicle will soon be no more, according to John Krafcik, the carmaker's North American CEO. According to Autoblog.com, quoting Krafcik, the seven passenger Santa Fe, which debuted at the 2012 New York Auto Show, will replace the Veracruz. The Veracruz debuted in 2007, but has been among the lowest-selling Hyundai models. This year, while Hyundai is selling at a record-setting pace overall, sales of the Veracruz has continued to struggle. In just-released totals, the Veracruz sold 622 units in March of 2012, 50 fewer that it sold in March 2011. In the first quarter of 2012, the Veracruz has sold

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Mazda2, 2012: lightweight, efficient, fun-to-drive sub-compact

Mazda introduced the third generation Mazda2 in 2011. It featured new front and rear fascias and some interior design tweaks. The 2012 edition remains the same. It's a 100-horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder, lightweight sub-compact positioned in the increasingly prominent segment. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic optional. Mazda factory options include an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a center console with an armrest. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Without any significant changes for 2012, the Mazda2 continues to offer two trims, Sport and Touring. I drove the latter for a week and quickly began to appreciate the car's handling and the upgraded offerings — leather-wrapped steering wheel to upgraded cloth seats to the improved sound system (two additional

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2012 Mazda Mazda3: Functional, versatile, handsome

The 2012 Mazda Mazda3 has been the most popular car in the Mazda fleet for several years. Consumers love the sportiness, versatility and value, but many bemoan the 3’s less than chic fuel efficiency. By the 2016 model year, cars are expected to average 39 mpg and trucks are expected to get an average of 30 mpg. Mazda decided the best way to meet government standards, while maintaining their trademark “Zoom-Zoom” experience, is improve its existing technologies with SKYACTIV. There’s confusion over what SKYACTIV actually is; It’s not a single piece of technology but a complete set of technologies and improvements that come together to achieve, according to Mazda, “an exciting, sustainable future for cars, people and the Earth.” In

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Flying car Terrafugia flying to the public soon (maybe) for $279,000 (video)

About six years after the company started, flying car manufacturer Terrafugia has announced its prototype has completed its first flight and it now hopes to begin selling its Transition model within a year. The vehicle has two seats, four wheels and wings that fold up so it can be driven like a car. Last month, it flew at 1,400 feet for eight minutes. Around 100 people have paid a $10,000 deposit to purchase a Transition, which will be introduced this week at the New York Auto Show. The vehicle is expected cost about $279,000. Five years ago, Terrafugia, based in Woburn, Mass., was helped by the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision create a separate and less restrictive set of standards for

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Volkswagen Tiguan, 2012: Roomy SUV that drives like a sports sedan

The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan has an odd “half tiger-half iguana” name decided on by an apparently intoxicated group of Germans. But never mind — because it’s among Volkwagen’s top vehicles. The 2012 model has mildly revised front styling that will be unnoticed by most. But that’s no demerit because the solid Tiguan looked good to begin with when introduced for 2009 as Volkswagen’s first car-based crossover/SUVand is among the most refined models in its class. Actually, the Tiguan is more of a crossover vehicle than an SUV, because it’s built on a Volkswagen auto platform, not a truck frame. That helps it feel carlike, with quick, nicely weighted electro-mechanical power steering and a supple ride. The Tiguan is fun to

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Mercury no longer rising, Rachel Veitch stops driving her 1964 Comet 'Chariot'

Five years after becoming an international celebrity at age 88 as the sole owner and sole driver of a 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente, Rachel Veitch has stopped driving. Veitch, who recently turned age 93, told FoxNews.com that she is legally blind and will no longer drive the yellow Comet she called "Chariot." "They don't have to take it away," Veitch said of the car with about 576,000 miles on its chasis. "I would not dream of driving that car again." After running a red light in March, Veitch volunteered to stopped driving the car she bought new on Feb. 17, 1964 for $3,289. The four-door Caliente has a tan interior, a 164-horsepower/260-cubic-inch V-8, automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering and

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Volkswagen lineup, 2012: sports cars, station wagons and a Bug

By David Colman I have never experienced a press roll out like this in more than 20 years of attending Volkswagen events in the United Sates and Germany, Usually, the occasions focus on one or two new models with long, complex drive routes scheduled to foster a maximum driving experience. This year, there were multiple models available, but in a three-hour window. Here are my brief impressions from either a 15-mile or 25-mile Northern California loop that encompassed flat and hilly driving conditions in the Half Moon Bay and San Mateo areas: 2012 VW GOLF R This baby is a “little bomb.” The Golf R replaces the Golf R32, which has come and gone in several iterations during the past

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Honda CR-V, 2012: Ugly duckling SUV gets makeover

The Honda CR-V is one of the most unheralded automotive success stories of the past decade. Consistently selling more units than the competition and often besting them in comparison tests, the CR-V is the little SUV that could, even if few bothered to notice. Perhaps one of the reasons for the lack of attention is the Honda's looks. With a buck-toothed front end and curved flanks, the CR-V has always been more ugly duckling cute than aggressively rugged and handsome. But for 2012, Honda has given the SUV the more assertive exterior the segment requires. The nose now features a more prominent slotted grill that resembles other recent Honda designs, such as the new Odyssey and Crosstour. The rear of

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Buick Verano joins rest of family as top safety pick

The 2012 Buick Verano has been selected as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It joins the rest of Buick lineup with the top rating in the testing program that determines occupant protection in front, side, and rollover crashes, and specifically tests seats and head restraints for neck protection in rear impact crashes. To earn a 2012 Top Safety Pick designation, a vehicle must be rated “good” in all four tests. The Verano has 10 standard air bags and the security of OnStar. In the event of a rollover crash, sensors in the vehicle deploy standard head curtain air bags prior to impact and leave them inflated for an extended period. Verano’s body structure is

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Hyundai Accent, 2012: New generation improves sub-compact leader

With the sub-compact car segment increasingly popular, Hyundai redesigned the entry level Accent for 2012. It's the fourth generation of South Korean manufacturer's smallest family member since its debut in 1995. The new Hyundai Accent sheds the bland, underachieving reputation of many entry-level machines. It was a wise move by Hyundai, considering the category is chock-full of quality cars — the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2, Kia Rio and new Chevy Sonic The new Accent includes a more powerful and efficient engine, a new four-door hatchback body style and an upgraded interior. Available as a sedan or hatchback, the new is three inches longer, includes a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine and is available with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual

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Audi A4, 2012: powerful sports sedan with manual shifting makes driving fun again

By Dan Tsuchiya Does anyone buy sedans with manual transmissions anymore? Many drivers view cars simply as transportation to get from point A to point B. Add a few extra dollars for a luxury sedan and the list of drivers interested in shifting further drops. But the manual transmission in the 2012 Audi A4 might bring back some of those drivers who have drifted off to "Automatic Land." When the current A4 debuted in 2009, it was up against a strong contingent, the C-class Mercedes and 3 Series BMW. Audi increased the competition with roomier and better looking A4. Introduction in early 2010 of the direct-injected turbo 2.0L engine made the car more balanced and agile. Since then, Audi has

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Will Tiger Woods soon be driving a free Buick Enclave — again?

In the aftermath of Tiger Woods' recent first PGA Tour victory since 2009, what comes to mind for the automotive world is how long will it take before the famed golfer is once again driving a free Buick? Or this time time around will it be a Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz? Although it seems longer ago than 2009, Woods was once a spokeseman for General Motors, via his contract with Buick. Woods fiilmed commercials driving a Buick Enclave, the luxury SUV. Despite its rather hefty presence, the Enclave was largely unheralded. But GM decided Woods was an ideal representative for the manufacturer. The Enclave quickly became known as the "Tiger Woods car." One prime example occurred in 2006.

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Lexus ES 350, 2012: Fast, plush sedan remains luxury class leader

The Lexus ES 350 is in the wondrous midsize luxury class. It includes tough competition among well-heeled vehicles ranging from the Buick LaCross to the Volvo S60 and the Acura TL to the Hyundai Genesis. For 2012, the Lexus ES 350 remains largely unchanged from the 2011 model, with only one available trim. It's a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 horsepower, 248 pound-feet of torque and has a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Without changes, Lexus must be confident in the Lexus ES 350, the high-brow sibling of a Toyota Camry. There was plenty of evidence for that theory during my weekly drive. Quick acceleration to substantial comfort to smooth driving, the ES 350 continues to

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BMW recall: 1.3 million 5 and 6 series for potential electrical system failure

BMW is globally recalling 1.3 million 5 and 6 vehicles manufactured between 2003 and 2010 due to potential problems with a battery-cable cover that could result in the electrical system malfunctioning, the vehicle failing to start and as well as the potential for charring or a fire. The German manufacturer said it isn't aware of any accident or injury triggered through the technical fault. Vehicle owners will be notified in writing. Repairs will take approximately 30 minutes and will be free of charge to the customer. BMW didn't elaborate on the anticipated costs it will face related to the recall. A BMW spokesman said the recall is a precautionary safety measure as no accidents have been reported. Nine cases of

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Rare Ayrton Senna F1 Toleman set for UK auction

A Toleman TG184-2 Formula One car driven by Brazilian Ayrton Senna in his debut F1 season will be auctioned May 16 at The Spring Sale to be hosted by Silverstone Auctions in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. Senna, who died at age 34 in 1994 while leading leading the San Marino Grand Prix, finished second while driving the same Toleman in the rain-soaked 1984 Monaco GP. Senna, a three-time world titlist, also raced to 3rd in the British and 7th in the Canadian Grand Prix in the Toleman, which has been privately owned for the past 16 years. Senna's life was portrayed in the 2011 documentary, SENNA. A 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 will also be part of the auction. For

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