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Infiniti G37 convertible, 2012: Stylish, efficient, confident coupe

Now in its fourth year, the Infiniti G37 convertible is the newest of the three body styles and is among five Infiniti G Series model trims. Largely unchanged from last year, the 2012 G37 convertible features a good selection of standard features: leather seating, rearview camera, navigation system with hard-drive music storage, XM Satellite Radio with real-time traffic data, an MP3-compatiable sound system and iPod connectivity Among the most efficient features is the door-mounted button to lower the roof. A Bose audio system is an option as is an advanced climate control system. The Weekly Driver Test Drive This is

NHTSA proposes voluntary ban on drivers' use of 'distracting devices'

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed voluntary guidelines for manufacturers that would automatically disable hand-held and factory installed devices in vehicles that distract from driving. The proposal recommends that devices including GPS systems would not functional unless the vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in park. Carmakers will review the guidelines and will have 60-day period to comment, according to a car industry spokeswoman. GPS and other navigation devices that provide directions would also be permitted while driving, but the safety administration is asking that the systems be designed so that drivers can't manually enter a

Porsche Macan, not Cajun, confirmed as Porsche’s newest SUV

Porsche has announced its upcoming compact SUV will be called Macan, not Cajun as previously announced. The name Macan originates from the Indonesian word for tige, which describes the core characteristics of Porsche’s new all-terrain vehicle — suppleness, power, fascination and dynamics. “The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of an SUV and is a genuine Porsche," said Bernhard Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG. The new car will bebut at the Porsche factory in Leipzig, Saxony, in 2013. The site is currently being expanded into a fully-fledged production plant including body assembly

Volvo S60 R, 2012: Sporty sedan with multi-national flair (video)

The Volvo S60 was introduced 12 years ago as the carmaker's first major departure in a few decades from its box-on-wheels reputation. Now in its second generation. the Volvo S60 2012 edition is offered in three trims, including the most-sports-car-like Volvo yet, the S60 T6 AWD R. The R means "R-Design Elements" and that translates into the car's sportiness with a handful of features — 18-inch alloy wheels to sport tuning and lower front and rear spoilers to the signature Volvo blue watch dial instrument cluster. That's a lot of numbers and letters for a model. But what the alphabet

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2013 and Azera 2012 pricing announced

Prices for the refreshed 2013 Genesis Coupe have been announced, starting at $24,250 for the 2.0T model paired with a six-speed manual transmission and extending to $34,250 for the 3.8 Grand Touring model with a V6 and 8-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission. The facelifted Genesis Coupe features more aggressive exterior styling. The 2013 Genesis Coupe interiro has been enhanced with distinctive, upscale features. The 3.8-liter Lambda V6 engine adds direct-injection technology for improved horsepower, better fuel economy and lower emissions. Peak horsepower rises to 348, a gain of 42, and peak torque increases to 295 lb.-ft. on premium fuel. The 2.0-liter

Jaguar XKR-S, 2012: New kitty has big teeth, purrs

Text/Images By Conrad Dodd Jaguar has stepped up its game with its quickest car ever, the 2012 XKR-S. With its 550 horsepower and 4,100-pound curb weight, that's an easily believable boast. This car is properly fast. Jaguar claims a 0-60 mph dash will take only 4.2 seconds. For once, that feels like an understatement. The current XKR has been tested around the 4.0 second mark already. Doing the math, a 4.2 second 0-60 mph for the XKR-S seems silly. After all, it pumps out an additional 40 horses over the XKR. The exhaust note is violent under full acceleration thanks

Lexus, Toyota, Scion shine in 2012 J.D. Power dependability study

Paced by Lexus, which earned the No. 1 overall rating, eight Lexus, Toyota and Scion models captured segment awards in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study Lexus is the number one nameplate improving by 23 fewer problems/100; Toyota is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate and tied for third place overall, improving by 18 fewer problems/100; Scion achievrd its highest ever position at fifth place, jumping 17 positions and improving by 55 fewer problems/100. Lexus was the highest ranking nameplate in the industry in the 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study and earned more segment awards than any

New cars vs. used cars: pros, cons for both options

If you're n the market for a car and you don't know know whether to buy a new car or a used car, consider some of the pros and cons of each choice. New Cars New cars are great because they have no previous history of ownership, and you won't have to worry about maintenance records, accidents and other things. New cars also come with warranties that have a minimum of three years or 36,000 miles, and some cars have more extended warranties. Therefore, buying a new car means that you won't have to worry about paying any unexpected repair

Kia releases illustrations of new flagship, rear-wheel drive sedan

Kia Motors has revealed the first official sketches of its all-new flagship sedan, Codenamed KH. It's expected to establish new standards for design flair in the large sedan segment. Based on the Hyundai Equus platform, the new model is Kia’s first rear-wheel drive sedan and combines innovative design with high-tech features. KH is among the company’s eagerly anticipated new models and will be launched in Kia’s domestic market in the first half of 2012. Soon-Nam Lee, Kia’s Director of the Overseas Marketing Group, says, “Our all-new flagship sedan integrates all of our key capabilities such as design, performance, high-tech features

Sports Illustrated, Lexus team with supermodel Tori Praver in 2012 swimsuit issue

While Kate Upton has been unveiled as the cover model for the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, SI as per tradition will feature many other models, including Tori Praver in the yearly best-selling issue. In an ideally time public relations move, Lexus has announced the campaign TORI 500. With the headline, “Lexus Throws Sports Illustrated Swimsuit a Curve”, the multi-faceted campaign showcases an actual racetrack the automaker created in the shape of Praver’s body. “Admiring the curves of a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model is one thing, but actually driving it — that’s something only Lexus and its all-new 2013 GS

2012 Kia Rio, Optima get MotorWeek best subcompact, midsize honors

The 2012 Kia Rio and Kia Optima have been designated with Drivers' Choice Awards as the best subcompact and midsize sedan by MotorWeek at the Chicago Auto Show. The long-running television program recognized the Kia models for their performance, fuel efficiency and overall value. The Rio and Optima bring many convenience features to their respective segments, including Bluetooth wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM satellite radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. The annual MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards represent the editors' best automotive picks for a range of lifestyles. This year, a team

Chrysler, Clint East Super Bowl commercial parody: Bailouts, Madonna, Polar Bears

It's halftime. Both teams are listening to a Madonna performance that sounds eerily similar to a Lady Gaga song they'll hear 10 years from now. It's halftime in America, too. People are out of work and they're hurting. And they're wondering where all their money went. Well, $12.5 billion of it went to Chrysler. In the form of a bailout. But it's okay, because Chrysler is all-American. Though technically 58.5% of Chrysler is owned by an Italian corporation. And Chrysler manufactures many of its vehicles in Canada. And Mexico. But I guess that doesn't make for a great commercial. Unlike

Chrylser, Clint Eastwood Super Bowl commercial parody: It's halftime in Grand Rapids

In this parody of the Clint Eastwood's commercial for Chrysler, the voiceover isn't as strong as it could be. Nonetheless, it's about Grand Rapids, Mich., and it's halftime. Public art, graffiti, odd road signs and locals walking the streets are teased, and the parody works well. The video ends on a positive note, with its maker professing his love for Grand Rapids.

NHTSA investigating Toyota Camry RAV for door fires

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating consumer complaints of driver’s side door fires in 2007 Toyota Camry sedans and RAV4 crossovers. "Based on the available information, it appears the fires are originating from the power window master switch located on the driver's side door," the filing reports. Six consumers have complained, according to the investigation NHTSA began this weekl. This probe is not officially a recall, but may lead to one in which an estimated 830,000 cars and SUVs may be affected. Toyota’s safety team is cooperating with the investigation, but will not comment until more information

Tesla Model X revealed: Fastback with wings, room for seven

Stealing some thunder from the Tesla Model S, even before it arrives at showrooms, was the reveal of the Model X at Tesla’s Los Angeles Design and Engineering offices. Fastback designs, such as the Audi A7, Porsche Panamera, and Acura ZDX, are becoming more popular with buyers. Tesla now has its own fastback model with a few differentiating features. In an attempt to make it minivan-easy to load the rear passengers and cargo, the aft "Falcon Wing" doors lift and fold upward, not unlike Ralph Macchio's arms during his celebrated crane kick at the end of The Karate Kid. Inside

Nissan Versa, 2012: Budget concious buyers don't have to settle for less

The redesigned 2012 Nissan Versa sedan is small on the outside, big on the inside. Basically, the new Versa sedan is a no-frills, all-business mode of transportation priced between $10,990 for the S model and $15,560 for the SL model. Utilizing a "clean sheet" ground-up design, Nissan approached the Versa redesign with maximizing usable volume space and increasing fuel efficiency. The goal was to create a totally new global platform and drivetrain, reducing the size of engine and transmission, reducing the number of component parts and reducing platform weight. I drove the middle-child of the model range which was the