Luxury cars

, ,

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

Read more
, ,

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

Read more
, ,

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

Read more
, ,

Buick Verano, 2012: Luxury sedan with good looks, value price

The Chevrolet Cruze is an unqualified hit on several levels. But can the 2012 Buick Verano, which shares the same platform with the Cruze, be more than a rebadged GM project? For readers who like jumping to the last chapter before reading the whole book, I am not going to spoil the ending, just read on. The Verano is neither a rebadged Euro-market sedan (like the Regal) nor a “pure” Buick design like the LaCrosse. It splits the difference between the two designs, marrying a conservative design with a few discrete Buick cues such as the signature waterfall grille and the silly do-nothing portholes on the hood. The overall impression is of a clean, classy car with signature Buick styling

Read more
, , ,

Infiniti M Hybrid, 2012: World’s fastest full hybrid combines performance, economy

According to Infiniti, the 2012 M Hybrid luxury sedan features the performance of a V8 engine with the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder. If this sounds too good to be true, consider the numbers: Infiniti claims 0 to 60 in well under six seconds, and up to 32 mpg. Could the M Hybrid be the automotive equivalent of having your cake and eating it, too? The M Hybrid, or M35h, utilizes Infiniti’s new Direct Response Hybrid system, the first hybrid system developed fully in-house by Nissan/Infiniti. The system combines a 302 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 7-speed automatic transmission, and a 50 kW electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery. Total output is a notable 360 hp engine with

Read more
, ,

Audi A6, 2012: Refined sports sedan growls, showcases proud heritage

By Twain Mein Audi introduced the mid-sized A6 sedan in 200. It had an optional 4.2 liter V8 featuring 300 horsepower, swollen fender flares to accommodate low-profile 40-series tires, and a more performance-oriented handling package to compete with the BMW 540i. The A6 4.2 was a practical and roomy sedan with all-wheel drive, luxury, and class leading handling and power. It was voted a Top 10 by Car and Driver in its inaugural year and in 2001. This 4.2 variant is the spiritual predecessor to the 3.0 TFSI (aka, supercharged 6-cylinder) I recently tested. It’s clear that in 12 years, Audi hasn’t sat idle. In fact, the new A6 3.0 TFSI blows away its predecessor. Though the new model has

Read more
, ,

Lexus tops Consumer Reports 2012 best list, Jeep gets top two worst spots

The Lexus 460L luxury sedan has been awarded top honors for best road test, while Jeep has dubious honors with vehicles receiving the worst two scores in Consumer Reports best and worst lists for 2012. Consumer Reports ranked the Lexus LS 460L at the top with a road test score of 99, followed by BMW 135i at 97; Infiniti G37 sedan at 95; Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE; Audi A6 (3.0T); Infiniti M37 and Nissan Altima 3.5 SR at 93. The Audi A8 L, Lexus ES 350 and Nissan Altima 2.5 S all appeared on the list as well with a score of 91 each. The magazine’s list is determined by 50 individualized tests and evaluations. Scores reflect how well a

Read more
, , ,

Academy Awards: Mercedes-Benz joins Hyundai, debuts new hybrid commercial

Mercedes-Benz will join Hyundai during the 82nd annual Academy Awards as carmakers debuting commercials for new 2012 models. In the instance of Mercedes-Benz, the debut will be showcased in a 30-second spot call "Tree of Innovation" and it will be for the S400 HYBRID. The commercial also showcases the company's expanding repertoire of environmentally oriented vehicles. The ad is the first to feature the new "voice" for Mercedes-Benz advertising, Jon Hamm, the Golden Globe winning star of the TV series Mad Men. Hyundai is debuting two 30-second spots for the 2012 Azera. Jeff Bridges, the Academy Award winning actor, is the voice of Hyundai. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the

Read more
, ,

Ferrari sets sales record in 2011, new 12-cylinder model set for Geneva debut

The fluctuating economy didn't hurt Ferrari in 2011. In fact, it helped the Italy luxury carmaker establish two sales records, including the most vehicles it's ever sold in one year. Ferrari sold 7,195 cars globally in 2011, an increase of 9.5 percent from the 2010 previous record, 6,573. The record sales number translated into 2.251 billion euros ($2.63 billion) in sales, the first time Ferrari has surpassed two billion euros in sales in one year. Ferrari, owned by the auto giant Fiat, recorded record sales in the United States, Greater China region and in the Middle East in 2011. "We can only be satisfied with these results," said Luca di Montezemolo, the head of the Ferrari brand. was quoted as

Read more
, ,

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 soup name means for potential buyers is 325 horsepower, a turbo-charged six-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel

Read more
, ,

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 other premium brand. The Lexus IS won the entry premium car segment in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Automotive

Read more
, , , ,

Maserati Gran Turismo Cabrio, 2012: A quick, intoxicating masterpiece

Text/Images by Conrad Dodd Sometimes, something grabs you. It causes an overwhelming feeling. It's unexplainable, illogical. For me, the Maserati GranTurismo Cabrio incites bewildering fascination. The designers at Pininfarina have been turning out automotive masterpieces for 80 years, and this one is no exception to what we’ve come to expect. It’s head versus heart. The car is shockingly stunning. Genius consistencies prevail in the sexy design theme. The taillights, headlights and side-window openings all have a similar sleek shape making the car unmistakable from any angle. The paint is brilliant, and when measured is as thick as my arm compared to many other current manufacturers' specs. The 20-inch wheels come in several available styles all some interpretation of the Maserati

Read more
, , ,

Super Bowl commercials: Jerry Seinfeld, Darth Vader, singing dogs all selling cars

Bolstered by Volkswagen's clever presence of a young child dressed in a Darth Vader outfit, automakers made a big comeback last year in Super Bowl advertising. And carmakers will combine in this year's extravaganza as the largest-spending industry. Volkswagen will return different Darth Vadar and Star Wars' takes this year. Acura, Audi, Chrysler, Kia, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus and Toyota, among other auto-related companies, will also advertise and will be among the sold out 70 commercial spots in the Feb. 5 game between the New York Giants and New England Patriots. Commercial positions for this year's Super Bowl were already taken by late last November, with one slot reportedly selling for $4 million. Ad sales during the Super Bowl, according

Read more
, , ,

BMW X6, 2012: sturdy crossover has keen craftsmanship, hefty price

Now approaching its fourth birthday, the BMW X6 is touted as a Sports Activity Coupe. It's a mixed, odd offering — a small, luxury sport utility vehicle meshed with a high-performance sports coupe. It's built with the X5, it similar sibling (they share platforms) in Greer, South Carolina. In addition three standard offerings, including a turbocharged V8, a hybrid X6, called the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, debuted in 2009. The Weekly Driver Test Drive In its assessment, U.S. News & World Report noted: "If you’re in the market for a practical SUV, the BMW X6 definitely isn’t it." Rarely has so much been said in a car review in so few words. During my week with the base model xDrive35i,

Read more
,

Infiniti G37 IPL, 2012: Fast, powerful luxury coupe attracts attention

The Infiniti G Series dates to 1991, with the Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) debuting in the fall of 2010 with the 2011 edition of the G37 Coupe. The 2012 edition remains much same. The IPL version of the high performance luxury car features a retuned, more powerful engine, more aggressive body work, new wheels and better handling. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Driving a luxury sports car, even one defined as a "entry level premium coupe," attracts immediate attention. Further attention seemed to follow me during my test week, I think, because of the G37 IPL's exterior color. The color is called Malbec Black. And while Infiniti can call its color what its wants, the color is not black. Rather,

Read more
, , ,

Infiniti G25, 2012: Solid performance, excellent value

Does an entry-level luxury sedan need 300 horsepower? For almost 10 years, Infiniti has answered "yes" since the popular G sedan has only been available with a high output V6 engine. For 2012, the automaker has changed it mind and is offering the less powerful G25 sedan. As its name suggests, the G25 features a 2.5 L V6 engine that produces 218 horsepower and 187 lb.-ft. torque. This same engine is used in several Infiniti models overseas. And we thus wonder why it has taken Infiniti so long to bring it to the U.S., especially since it is a charming little engine? Although output is more than 100 horespower less than the 3.7 L V6 found in the G37, performance

Read more
Previous Next