Race Car Talk

2012 Audi A4

admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

The is ideal for those shoppers after a smart-looking, German-engineered sedan with a touch of luxury and none of the negative connotations that some of its rivals attract. Better still, the A4 also comes as a stylish wagon, or “Avant” in Audi-speak, and in our opinion is the better buy due to its extra storage. The 2012…

Source: MotorAuthority

2012 Porsche Cayman

admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Love everything the Porsche Boxster offers but wished it was a coupe instead of a convertible? Then the is the car for you, offering the same lightweight body, mid-engine dynamics, and powerful drivetrains. But also like the Boxster, which is being replaced by a brand new generation for the 2013 model year, the Cayman is also…

Source: MotorAuthority

2012 Honda CR-Z – A Capable Fuel Miser

admin — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:21:01 +0000

Good Sporty looks; agile handling and size; good fuel economy; quick steering. Bad So-so crash test ratings; poor rearward visibility; lacks quite a few upscale features; excessive road noise; most rivals feature rearseats. Introduction 2012 Honda CR-Z is a sporty hybrid coupe, spiritual successor to previous CR-X and fun to drive vehicle with contemporary hybrid technology. It isn’t that sporty to drive as it looks and the two-seater cabin limits its practicality. The CR-Z continues a long tradition of sporty two-seater coupes in US. In the year 1984, the Japanese automaker launched the Civic CRX. Nimble and light, the CR-X quickly founded itself within enthusiast community. The combination of excellent driving dynamics and high quality led Motor Trend to name the 1984 CRX as its Import Car of the Year. In 1985, fuel-injected Si and the high-efficiency HF models were added to CR-X lineup. The 1988 model year brought CRX to the marketplace with new smoothed out lines that felt drastically more upscale and split rear window which became a trademark feature. With wider track and longer wheelbase, the CRX handled better was snatched up by driving enthusiasts.
One of the unique features found on 2012 Honda CR-Z is its three-mode drive system, which enables driver to customize the driving experience to personal preference or actual conditions. The default position is Normal. So whenever you turn the key it will always start out in Normal mode, providing standard settings for all systems. The Sport mode enables driver to enjoy performance side of CR-Z to its fullest and uses electric motor more aggressively, for quicker throttle response and acceleration. The Sport mode also offers sharper steering feel, which is great for curvy stretch of open road. If you are stuck in traffic on freeway, you could push ECON button, which will optimize vehicle power and accessory load for maximum efficiency. The three-mode drive system makes CR-Z a versatile machine, providing the driver ultimate control over how the car should perform. The Honda CR-Z is a small hybrid electric vehicle designed and engineered by Japanese automobile manufacturing company called Honda and sold as sport hybrid coupe. It fuses hybrid gasoline electric powertrain with conventional sportscar elements and is considered to be the spiritual successor to 2nd generation Honda CR-X in both exterior design and name. In United States, the CR-Z is one of the least polluting cars offered and is rated as AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) as defined by CARB (California Air Resources Board). It is the only gas-electric hybrid vehicle available by any automobile manufacturer, which can be equipped with manual transmission. The Honda CR-Z symbolizes 6th exclusive version of the company’s IMA technology since it was originally introduced in 1st generation Insight, three-door hatchback. Sales of CR-Z started in Japan in the month of February 2010 and in United States, it started in August 2010. The CR-Z was formerly showcased in America at 2008…

Source: Automotive Craze

Super Bowl Ads: BMW Proves Germans Have A Sense Of Humor

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 +0000

Germans—and Bavarians in particular—aren’t known for their sense of humor. Oktoberfest aside, where everyone seems to be having a beer-fueled good time, Germans just don’t seem to laugh as much as other nationalities. In fact, we’d be hard pressed to name a German stand-up comedian, and couldn’t identify a famous German…

Read Article @ MotorAuthority

Lotus Enters LM P2 Car For Le Mans And Full WEC Season

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:54:00 +0000

In a 56-car 80th anniversary 24 Hours of Le Mans field that’s heavy on prototypes – there are 15 LM P1 invited cars and an enviable 18 LM P2 production-based racers on the list – one very surprising invitation emerged from the list. That would be Lotus, spreading its tentacles throughout the motorsports world from Formula 1 to Indy cars…

Source: MotorAuthority

Consumers’ Favorites: Best Hybrids

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:19:58 +0000

Still boasting a winning combination of comfortable ride, spacious cabin, meager appetite for fuel and plenty of features, the Toyota Prius (including V model) took first place with 19.7% of the vote. The Chevrolet Volt that allows one to drive nearly 40 miles on electric power alone was right there in a photo-finish second place with 19.3%. The more distant third went to elegant Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at 12.4%. Toyota Prius (including Prius V) Toyota denotes Prius variants using Roman numerals. The base model is Prius I, and comes with CD player, air conditioning, power windows, auxiliary audio input jack, power door locks, power mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, remote keyless entry, push-button starting and height-adjustable driver’s seat. 15-inch aerodynamically designed alloy wheels are also standard, and Prius I offers three driving modes depending on driver’s preference: Power, Eco and Normal. Stepping up to Prius II variant adds EV driving mode, which allows Prius to travel at speeds up to 25 miles per hour on battery power alone. In addition, the Prius II adds cruise control, better stereo, rear window wiper, Smart Key keyless entry for driver’s door, Touch Tracer steering wheel controls, which initiate matching display in instrument panel when touched and cargo cover.
Opting for Prius III will get you Bluetooth handsfree calling and upgraded JBL audio system with six-disc CD changer and satellite radio. The Prius III also features an optional Navigation Package, which includes voice activated touchscreen navigation screen, Bluetooth streaming audio, XM NavTraffic real-time traffic reporting, iPod connection, reversing camera and USB port. The Solar Roof Package is also available on Prius III, and includes Navigation Package plus solar-powered moonroof. Those who are looking for a dose of luxury, the Prius IV is the model you want. It includes lumbar support for driver, leather, heated front seats, Homelink, Smart Key entry for four doors and auto dimming rearview mirror. The Prius IV is equipped with upgraded interior trim, water repellent window glass for front doors. Options include Solar Roof and Navigation Packages. The range topping Prius V trim level is identified by foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels and LED auto-leveling headlights with washers. The Prius V is solely available with Advanced Technology Package that includes features from Navigation and Solar Roof Packages with Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Parking Assist, Pre-Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Chevrolet Volt Chevrolet sells the Volt in single level of specification with just few options. Standard feature highlights include power mirrors, power windows, cruise control, power door locks, cloth seats and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. In addition, every Volt comes standard with automatic climate control, Bluetooth, premium Bose surround sound audio system with pause and play radio functionality, satellite radio, auxiliary audio input jack, USB port and real-time traffic and weather reports and hard drive navigation system with storage for music files. The 5-year subscription to OnStar Directions and Connections service is also included with LED running…

Source: Automotive Craze

Wald International Works Wonders on the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:39:39 +0000

If it seems like just last week that we reported on Wald International releasing a Black Bison cosmetic package for a German super sedan (specifically the Porsche Panamera), that’s because it was just last week. So the Japanese automotive aesthetics enhancement specialists are taking a bit of a breather now, right? Um…no. Instead of taking a powder, Wald International has rolled out a Black Bison package for the new C218-chassis Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG. But aside from the all-black-all-the-time exterior treatment, what else is included in the proverbial box? Read on and find out! read more

Source: sub5zero.com

Obama’s Chrysler 300C Gets No Bids At $1 Million eBay Starting Price

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

An eBay seller looking to capitalize on President Barack Obama’s former ownership of a 2005 Chrysler 300C with a starting price on the car’s auction of $1 million has ended up with nothing to show for it but a healthy spate of media coverage. The car’s auction history shows no one bid on the car, despite the seller’s declaration that the $1…

Read Article @ MotorAuthority

Porsche Salutes Its Iconic 911: Video

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:30:00 +0000

When it comes to sports cars, perhaps the most iconic one of all is Porsche’s storied 911. In production since 1964, the basic shape of the car has changed little over the past five decades, although the car’s engineering has kept pace with the times. Few cars can match the 911′s racing heritage, and even fewer can match the number of…

Read Article @ MotorAuthority

Top 10 Cool Tech Cars for Less Than $20K

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:26:15 +0000

Some time ago, the greatest and latest car technology, including CD players, navigation systems and cruise control – debuted on high-performance vehicles long before trickling down to less expensive models in the carmaker’s line. However, the last few years have seen a spectacular democratization of tech. Attractive bells and whistles are now found on a broader array of vehicles as compared to before, and are offered at very accessible prices. These days, purchasing an economy car doesn’t mean foregoing the latest gadgets. The following 10 vehicles cost under $20,000 and are equipped with some of the best auto tech toys. 2009 Ford Focus Fun, small and economical, the 2009 Ford Focus is a wonderful choice for those who are in the market seeking a small car. It is designed and developed by Ford Motor Company since 1998 and its sales started of Europe in the month of July 1998. The company started selling Focus in North America during 1999 for 2000 model year. It replaced several ford Escorts in South America, Europe, South Africa and North America and also replaced ford Laser in Australia and Asia. Ford launched Focus in the year 1998 to European market for replacing Ford Escort. Available as sedan or coupe, the 2009 Ford Focus includes only minor changes for 2009. The engine is 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder 140-hp mated to five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Refreshed and restyled for 2008, the company updated and modified Focus’ interior, exterior, engine intake and cooling and suspension systems. The cabin inside comes with available Sync system, which allows driver for synchronizing several mobile electronic devices like cell phones and mp3 players. Rear seats with headrests, electronic stability control and Four airbags are all standard and Ford offers two trims on coupe, SES and SE; and four on sedan, SE, S, luxury SEL and sporty SES. 2009 Dodge Caliber The 2009 Dodge Caliber is a versatile, compact four-door hatchback with unique features. It is a less expensive and reliable vehicle, which is built to last. Its low price makes it a great investment, as it has durability and strength required for providing years of smooth performance. It comes equipped with standard features that make driving in it, or even riding in it as a passenger, an enjoyable experience. Shoppers have a choice of four trims: SXT, SE, SRT4 and R/T. The affordably-priced SE is comes standard with CD stereo with auxiliary input jack and 15-inch wheels highlighting standard features list. Those who want power windows and mirrors or air-conditioning, you have to get them as options. With midgrade SXT, the picture enhances, as its standard features include keyless entry, 17-inch wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning, 60/40-split rear seat that folds and reclines, full power accessories, satellite radio, 115-volt outlet and fold-flat front-passenger seat. Main options for SXT include hard drive based navigation system with real-time traffic updates, sunroof, Bluetooth, color keyed instrument panel trim and heated front…

Source: Automotive Craze