Automotive News, Car Reviews, and Podcast
The 2012 Hyundai Azera, which features a more powerful Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI engine, six-speed transmission, best-in-class combined fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon and a wide range of advanced safety equipment, is making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Read moreAs expected, the much-touted 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV has the highest gas mileage of any vehicle available in the United States, according the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The new Mitsubishi gets a combined 112 mpg, with the combined mileage weighted via 55 percent city and 45 percent highway mileage calculation. The Mitsubishi attained a 126 mpg average in city driving and 99 mpg on the highway.
Read moreBy Derek Mau The fifth generation BMW M5 will soon reach the United States. But until the new 190 mph machine with 0-60 mph speed in 4.4 seconds arrives, a video of the powerful beast will have to suffice. The 2012 BMW M5 features a newly developed direct injection 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo package – consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. At full tilt the 2012 M5 pumps out 560 hp at 6,000 — 7,000 rpm with maximum torque of 502 lb.-ft. from 1,500 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via the 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, where the new Active M Differential ensures an
Read moreResigned for 2012, the Volkswagen Passat has been named Motor Trend Car of the Year based on its combined pedigree of value, safety, efficiency and design. It joins the 1985 Volkswagen GTI as the second of only two Volkswagens to receive the award.
Read moreThe 2013 Ford Escape, the first complete redesign of the iconic Sport Utility Vehicle, has debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show featuring a sleeker design, two new engine options and a host of outrageously titlet exterior colors, Ginger Ale to Frosted Glass Metallic.
Read moreThe 2013 Lexus GS 350, GS 450h and GS 350 F SPORT models, featuring new technology, design and power upgrades, will make their first North American auto show appearance Nov. 18-27 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 and 306 horsepower, the 2013 GS 350 has 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, equipped with paddle shifters, offers four driving modes: Normal, ECO, SPORT S, and SPORT S+.
Read moreVolkswagen continues to add driving excitement to its models. The new Jetta GLI provides this practical, roomy sedan with additional driving kicks. Far more Americans have welcomed the larger Jetta since it was redone for 2011 to give it greater U.S. appeal. The GLI version arrives for 2012 to make it sportier.
Read moreToyota has continued its massive marketing campaign for the 2012 Camry Hybrid, announcing the revised version of the increasingly popular sedan is now available at dealerships nationwide. The 2012 Camry Hybrid features an updated version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain that helps propel the Hybrid LE model to EPA mpg rating of 43 city/39 highway and a class-leading 41 mpg combined.
Read moreBy Mary Ellen Ash Pros: Sleek, sexy exterior Uconnect infotainment system Good driver visibility Revamped suspension and drivetrain Better than expected fuel economy Cons: Heavy Sluggish acceleration Outdated 5-speed automatic transmission The original Dodge Charger was a two-door muscle car that debuted in the 1960s and hits its peak popularity in the early 1970s. While the Charger’s appeal faded into the early eighties, the latest models have been revitalized and modernized for more diverse consumer tastes while still retaining aggressive styling from the Charger’s old glory days. The transformation has updated the 2011 Charger into a modern-day sedan while keeping its menacing exterior and powerful engine. The new Charger is ready to tear up the open road. With an American
Read moreWith a motto of "small cars for the big future," Suzuki will have unique presence at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, including its share of the auto industry's always interesting concept cars. Suzuki says it cars for today, the near future, and the more distant future will be highlighted by fuel economy, user-friendliness, innovation and brisk performance. The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show is scheduled Dec. 2-11 at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. Th Suzuki presence will include: the Regina, Q-Concept, Swift EV-Hybrid and Swift Sport. According to Suzuki: Regina is a next-generation global compact car with excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions thanks to lightness and superior aerodynamics. It’s as light as a minicar (730kg) thanks to a clear focus
Read moreIt wasn't the fastest sellout in automotive history, but Ferrari's popularity is still acutely intact after 10 Ferrari FF models recently sold in 50 minutes. The caveat: the 2012 editions were part of the annual Fantasy Gift category in the Neiman Marcus holiday catalog. Despite a $395,000 price tag (about $100,000 more than the cost of the same car at a delearship), the allotment of Ferraris as catalog gifts were purchased quickly because there's more to the story. Since only 10 specialty Ferraris were made, each car's exterior is painted "Grigio Caldo" and will bear a numbered interior plaque. Each of the buyers of a Ferrari from he Neiman Marcus catalog was also given a Ferrari Winter Driving Experience in
Read moreThe 2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible, which like its sibling the ZL1 Coupe, has 580 horsepower and 6.2-liter V8, will make its world debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. "The Camaro ZL1 convertible will be one of the most powerful and most capable, convertibles available at any price," said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. "This is a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you drop the top – or hit the gas." The Camaro ZL1 convertible's power is complemented by advanced powertrain and chassis technologies designed to deliver exceptional performance on the road or track. In fact, it's the same balance of acceleration, handling and ride quality that enabled a Camaro
Read moreForget the Smart ForTwo, Fiat 500 and Scion iQ. They’re only small cars. And the Mini? It’s really only small via its name. If you want a small car, how about the smallest car ever made — the Peel? Located on the Isle of Man, Peel primarily made fibreglass boats as well as fairings for motorcycles. But it was also the manufacturer of the Peel Manxcar, Peel P50 and Peel Trident microcars. The original Peel 50, for example, was 54 inches long (less than half the length of the new Scion iQ), 41 inches wide and weighed 130 pounds. And it was legal to drive on roads in Great Britain. The company halted manufacturing in1969, but the three-wheeled Peel P50 is
Read moreKey Takeaways Unveiled at the 2011 LA Auto Show: The production Fit EV followed its concept debut at the same show one year earlier, marking Honda’s entry into the mass-market battery electric vehicle segment. 90 mph top speed with 70-100 mile range: The concept demonstrated respectable performance limits and a driving range that would cover most daily commutes without needing a mid-day charge. Honda’s challenge to Toyota’s EV dominance: The Fit EV represented Honda’s direct response to Toyota’s leadership in alternative fuel vehicles, joining the FCX Clarity, Civic Natural Gas, and Insight in Honda’s green lineup. Familiar Fit platform with electric powertrain: By using the popular gas-powered Fit as its base, Honda aimed to deliver an EV that felt familiar
Read moreTop-10 convertibles. Top-10 Green Cars. Top-10 sedans, coupes and luxury cars. They're all worthwhile lists and fun to agree with or make fun of as worthless. But for a car list to be pertinent it has to include passion, and thus Edmunds.com, site InsideLine took on the task of creating the most important list of cars — in movies. Cars old and new are in most movies, sometimes witth subtle but important roles like the gangster cars in The Godfather trilogy. And cars are importnat in small films, too, like in the art house film of a few years ago, Frozen River. In reverse order, and subjectively chosen, a 1969 Dodge Charger wins out over a 1963 Aston Martin DB5
Read moreIn his iconic career with CBS, Andy Rooney gave opinions about politicians and personalities and even used cars, including the history and affection for his one-time Lexus sport utility vehicle. In the commentary, Rooney traced his former Lexus SUV's life after he sold it. It transitioned from wholesaler to wholesaler to used car lots to car auctions to the suburban family who bought the car. As was his style, Rooney expressed his opinion, noting that the only company who didn't speak with him was the company "that probably made the most on the car." Even in his three-minute commentarty, Rooney was a master at explaining the entire used car industry. He had a passion for his Lexus and found out
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