2013

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Honda announces average $300 price increase on 2013 Accord models

Honda has revealed prices for the entire 2013 Accord lineup with the average MSRP about $300 more than in 2012 and with the manufacturer maintaining its current 3-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/unlimited mileage corrosion warranty on all models. Prices for the 2013 Honda Accord sedan begin at $21,680 for the Accord LX with a 6-speed manual and extend to $33,430 for Accord Touring V6 with a 6-speed automatic — the top-of-the-line Accord. Prices for the 2013 Honda Accord Coupe start at $23,350 for the Accord LX-S 4-cylinder and top out at $32,350 for the Accord EX-L Navi V6. Standard equipment on all Accords now includes: alloy wheels rearview camera, an expanded view driver’s mirror,  Bluetooth handsfreelink, USB/iPod integration,

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Hennessey unveils 2013 VR1200, most powerful four-seat car in U.S.

Hennessey Performance has debuted what it’s describing as the most powerful four-seat car available — the 2013 Hennessey VR1200 Twin Turbo Coupe. Based on the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, the team at HPE removes the 556 bhp factory supercharged V8 and replaces it with a de-tuned version of their Venom GT supercar engine. The VR1200’s 7.0L twin turbo V8 engine produces 1,224 bhp. The 2013 Hennessey VR1200 Twin Turbo comes is priced at $295,000 plus shipping costs. This includes the cost of the base Cadillac CTS-V. HPE plans to build only 12 vehicles for the 2013 model year. The VR1200 Twin Turbo is available as a 2-door Coupe or 4-door sedan as well as the ultra exclusive Sport Wagon. Three of

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Range Rover, 2013: Lighter, powerful, fast, eco-friendly

Land Rover has introduced the 2013 Range Rover, with the fourth edition as the industry’s first sport utility vehicle with an all-aluminum structure. As the lightest SUV in its class, the new Range Rover is an indication of Jaguar Land Rover’s intentions to strive toward efficiency and sustainability in a carbon-conscious world. The new model features a lightweight all-aluminum body structure resulting in a 20 percent weight saving over outgoing models and delivering improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions. In the United States, engine options are a 5.0-liter V8 with 375 horsepower and supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 510 horsepower. The naturally-aspirated model reaches 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the supercharged Range Rover will accelerated 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.

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Acura ILX, 2013: Luxury, performance, strong value for new sedan

A new model for Honda’s upscale brand, the 2013 Acura ILX is the carmaker’s smallest offering as an entry level luxury vehicle. It’s only been available in the United States since May, 2012. Six models are offered: a base five-speed automatic, five-speed auto with premium package, five-speed auto with technology package, six-speed manual with premium package, a base hybrid and a hybrid with a technology package. The hybrid models are Acura‘s first and feature a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with a gas/electric powertrain. The 2013 ILX in one respect made an inauspicious debut: Combined with its distant 2012 Honda CR-V sibling, the manufacturer recalled 172,000 units because of faulty door latches. The Weekly Driver Test Drive As a luxury sedan priced at

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Subaru Legacy, 2013: Overlooked sedan offers good value, great safety

Many mid-size sedan buyers act like lemmings, continually buying the same make of vehicle year after year. Otherwise, a lot more Subaru Legacy mid-size sedans would be bought. Rivals to the Legacy — essentially an overlooked gem — include the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Most receive far more advertising and have a considerably larger owner body. Not that Subaru hasn’t been around for decades. It began to get its feet as a small, cramped front-wheel drive model that nevertheless was rugged. It became a favorite for rough New England winters, and for years was known as a “New England” or “Northeast” car. Few Americans knew it scored well in tough European rallies. Subaru began switching from inexpensive  economy cars

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Hyundai Elantra GT, 2013: Versatile new hatchback offers value, vast features

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT joins the Korean manufacturer’s lineup replacing the Elantra Touring in the increasingly popular stable of small, versatile hatchbacks. With a shorter wheelbase and a six-inch shorter overall length than its predecessor, the Elantra GT is Hyundai‘s entry as a lighter (2,750 pounds) and more fuel-efficient offering in the popular segment. The Ford Focus, Mazda 3 Subaru Impreza and VW Golf are its primary competitors. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT offers an impressive list of standard features that include heated front seats, a 10-way power driver seat, a cooled glovebox, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system with an USB/iPod interface, Bluetooth and seven airbags, including a driver knee bag. Two options packages are available, the

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Mazda 5 CX-5, 2013: Comfort, convenience in new crossover

Mazda long has been known for sporty vehicles, and its all-new 2013 CX-5 compact crossover is no exception, with swoopy styling and carlike handling. However, the CX-5 has just average acceleration because it only has a 2-liter, four-cylinder engine with 155-horsepower and weighs approximately 3,500 pounds. It’s no slug, but is designed more for comfort and convenience than 0-60 mph times. For instance, the automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but with no great urgency. It’s tuned more for the best fuel economy—rather than outright performance. The CX-5 is in a tough compact crossover league, with rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape. But, although its vehicles are less promoted than those of competitors, Mazda has been around

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Audi allroad, 2013: Smooth, versatile crossover returns to United States

The German Audi allroad returns to the United States for the first time since 2005 as a roomy car-like crossover vehicle. Or call it an oversized station wagon, if you like. Despite its German engineering, I found during a media preview of the allroad near Denver that this vehicle has a very American feel. For instance, while precise, the electromechanical steering almost feels a little too light. Some may like that feel, but those looking for a firmer “German feel” may look elsewhere—although the nicely built allroad is plenty solid, in the best German tradition. The allroad may look much like an off-road vehicle, but isn’t. Still, it easily tackles rough roads with its supple, all-independent suspension and Audi’s superior

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Hyundai Veloster, 2013: turbocharged, faster, fun

The Hyundai Veloster was new for 2012 and immediately drew attention with its unique three-door design. The new 2013 turbocharged version makes the car much faster and lots more fun. Rivals for the turbocharged front-wheel-drive Veloster include the Volkswagen GTI, Civic Si, Mini Cooper/Clubman S, Beetle Turbo and Fiat 500 Abarth. Hyundai notes the Veloster, with such things as its three doors, is “purposefully differentiated from other core vehicles in Hyundai’s lineup, with unique style and function and advanced technologies.” Hyundai experiment means success Hyundai hasn’t become a major sales success without taking chances. The turbocharger is the big news for the latest version of the Veloster. This turbo has a twin-scroll design for quicker response and more low-end torque.

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Dodge Dart, 2013: Fiat, Chrysler collaborate for rekindled iconic sedan

By Bruce Aldrich The 2013 Dodge Dart is interesting because it uses parts and a platform from Fiat, but the design is pure Chrysler. Fiat acquired a five percent stake in 2009 and this allowed the Italian manufacturer to share its technology with Chrysler. Dodge was given approval to build a compact car on the Alfa-Romeo Giulietta platform. This platform was lengthened and widened for the Dart — to suit American buyers. The car and motors are assembled in Belvidere, Ill. The name Dart was selected late in the development phase. The product marketing people said the name was familiar, comfortable and positive for the older crowd. For younger people who never knew the original Dart, the name gave them

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Honda Fit EV, 2013: Spacious compact gets leaner with industry-best 118 mpg

Seven years after its North American debut and rapid rise to the top of the subcompact class, the Honda Fit has a new title — most fuel efficient vehicle in the United States. Reclassified in 2011 to the compact classification, the 2013 Fit EV will soon be marketed with its recently announced EPA rating of 118 MPGe. It’s the highest number ever awarded by the EPA. The 2012 gas-powered Fit has mpg averages of 27 in the city and 33 on the highway. Key Takeaways 118 MPGe sets the EPA efficiency record: The Fit EV earned the highest MPGe rating ever awarded by the EPA at its launch, surpassing the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (112 MPGe), Ford Focus Electric (105), and Nissan

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Mazda CX-5, 2013: New design, great mpg, needs performance jolt

Following the defunct Mazda Tribute and CX-7, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 debuted internationally last September at the Frankfurt Auto Show and two months later for the United States market at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Neither of Mazda's first two attempts at sport utility vehicles were particularly successful. But the CX-5 has a modern look and feel, and its design and standard features provide plenty of evidence Mazda has made its best effort to make a difference in the crowded segment. Like the Tribute, the Mazda CX-5 is a compact, crossover SUV. It's Mazda's first offering with Skyactiv Technology — a rigid, lightweight platform, combined with a new series of efficient engines and transmissions resulting in reduced emissions and

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Kia Rio, 2013: Versatile subcompact offers great fuel economy, value

The sub-compact segment in the United States is competitive, with every carmaker offering an entry as gas prices rise. But how does a manufacturer break from the pack and impress target buyers? Several dimensions standout — performance, ride quality, fuel economy, driving dynamics, options, styling, price. With the 2013 Kia Rio, the carmaker is concentrating on style, fuel economy, price and value. Driving Impressions Squeezing 138 HP and 123 lb-ft torque out of a 1.6L four cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, the Rio is competitive against the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Chevy Sonic. Sink your foot to the floor and the Rio does what's expected: a slow ramp-up of power. It won't win drag races, unless it’s against

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Tour of California, stage 1: Sacramento to Santa Rosa via 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

The start of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California is in Santa Rosa, about two hours from my Sacramento home, and it was my first freeway driving with 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. My weekly driver edition is the Korean manufacturer's 348-hp 3.8L V6 sports car with stealth looks and surprisingly quick acceleration — and an under $30,000 price tag. Like other high-powered sports cars, the Genesis Coupe does certain things quite well. It's nimble and fast, which affords impressive lane changes and bolting along freeway ramps to merge into traffic with little effort. The Genesis Coupe has a six-speed manual transmission and it shifts through gears adequately, but not smoothly. One frustration: Shifting into reserve is a struggle, although at

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Scion FR-S, 2013: Long time coming for Toyota sports car

Toyota’s first production sports car was its tiny 45-horsepower 1965-69 Sports 800, followed by its dazzling limited-production 150-horsepower 1967-70 2000GT, which was built with Yamaha’s help. Toyota’s last sports car was the 1985-1995 MR2. “Sports cars have become boring. They are overpowered and expensive, only for the wealthy,” said the FR-S’s chief engineer, Tetsuya Tada. Scion wanted a light, compact, agile, “intuitive” sports car at an “affordable price.” Ironically, speaking of affordability, a left-hand-drive 2000GT in top shape is valued at $485,000 to $675,000, if you can find one for sale, according to the Sports Car Market price guide. It’s been a long wait for a new Toyota sports car, but the automaker’s Scion division has come up with its

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Acura RDX, 2013: Sleek new design, more power for upscale SUV

The second generation Acura RDX, the manufacturer's smallest sport utility vehicle, debuted earlier this year as one of several new models in Honda’s upscale line. The 2013 edition has a 3.5-liter engine producing 273 horsepower with a six-speed automatic transmission and a new all-wheel drive system. It replaces a turbo-charged four-cylinder engine. The engine update improves gas mileage estimates to 20 mpg (city) and 28 mpg (highway). Additional changes include a small, efficient convenience upgrade. Easy-to-use pull handles behind the second row seat backs release the seats and they automatically fold flat. The navigation system has been upgraded to a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) system, which also increases music storage capacity. A multi-view back-up camera now is standard, as well

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