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Lexus GS450h

This black Lexus GS450h looks slick, provides a comfortable ride, and has a very quiet cabin. Although Lexus touts this cars performance credentials, theres a noticeable delay in power when you gun it from a stop. Jake Holmes, Associate Web Editor

Lexus has a mixed bag with the GS450h. It has been a long time since Ive driven a GS hybrid and I was pleasantly surprised by the strong acceleration the system offers. Highway fuel economy suffers in comparison with a BMW 535i, but the city fuel economy is pretty good. The next generation Lexus GS will be out in just a few months and battery technology has come a long way since the GS450h debuted, so hopefully Lexus has found a way to better package the battery pack in the upcoming new GS hybrid.

Lexus has promised a game changing new GS for 2012. Phil Floraday, Senior Web Editor

As with the GS350, the interior of this car is quite nice but needs to be updated. The 2011 Lexus GS 450h is unchanged.

The 2011 Lexus GS 450h isnt your typical hybrid. By comparison, the conventionally powered GS 350 achieves 22 mpg and trails the GS 450h in acceleration. Selecting the hybrid GS 450 will set you back an additional $12,000 over the GS 350 and $3,500 over the GS 460. As a luxury sedan with spirited acceleration, the GS 450h is an admirable choice without a fuel economy penalty.

The 2011 Lexus GS 450h is a midsize, hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan offered in a single well-equipped trim level. Other options include a rear spoiler, run-flat tires, an advanced suspension (requires run-flat tires), adaptive cruise control (includes Pre-Collision system) and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound stereo.

The 2011 Lexus GS 450h is powered by a combination of a 3.5-liter V6 engine and two high-output electric motors that combine to generate up to 340 hp. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) directs power to the rear wheels. Lexus estimates the GS 450h will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, which is quick even for a V8-powered midsize luxury sedan. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is better than average for a V6-powered midsize luxury sedan at 22 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2011 Lexus GS 450h include antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, front and rear side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Some trunk space had to be sacrificed for the hybrid battery, with the GS 450h accommodating only 10.6 cubic feet of luggage compared to 15 cubes for the conventionally powered GS models.

The Hybrid badges are small and rather easy to miss on the 2011 Lexus GS 450h, and thats no mistake. This sport sedan, which can accelerate to 60 mph just as quick, if not quicker, than the V-8-powered GS 460, was conceived more as a high-tech performance sedan than a hybrid-halo model.

Speed gathers quickly and often faster than you intend in normal driving

2012 Audi S5

Audi S5 first launched for model year 2008 and beyond. Line-up coming model year 2012 with a new, high technology and an updated design.

The new Audi S5 has an engine placement behind the front wheels, so a better distribution of weight between the axles. S5 is supported by the latest Audi platform. A number of changes to the model 2012 Audi S5 include: engine, quattro drive and infotainment for even more sporty efficiency and intelligence. Updated visual design that highlights the technical expertise involved in this version. Rear lights and headlights have been redesigned and are available in a choice of xenon technology coupled with LED daytime running lights homogeneous.

2012 Audi S5 will be powered by a 3.0 liter TFSI supercharged engine with a total output of 333 HP. This can leave some people shaking them, but green is more streamlined and a new engine that will deliver fuel consumption about 20%. If the environmental aspect is not enough, then rest assured that the 2012 Audi S5 Convertible will still provide performance figures are impressive.

Audi S5 has sportier suspension, unique front and rear fascias, performance wheels and brakes, carbon fiber interior elements, and a selection of six-speed manual or DSG gearbox. While Cabriolet on getting a supercharged V6 Audi Coupe still use it, the less modern, but the V8 is much better. Replacing the 4.2-liter produces 354-hp all the way up to the 7000 rpm, with 325 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm, giving a perfect balance of low-end grunt and rev-happy naturally aspirated automobile. It also sounds throaty growl from the outside, and good (perhaps too quiet) in the cabin.

An Audi trait that has become known. Dive into a corner with a lot of speed S5 can feel a little uncomfortable, but to apply the throttle as expected with an ideal start pushing and distribution of power between all four tires pulled the car out on the turn with a confident grip.

Audi S5 will all be spending more as a luxury commuter car from the corner carver. A total performance machine like that, its probably more in line with the first, with a comfortable ride, quiet cabin and a luxurious pile of sharp to the point of a sports car. Audi S5 is the perfect daily cause for those who enjoy luxury,

Lexus LFA

Lexus LFA, The front-engine, rear-wheel drive Lexus LFA hopes to tempt the well-healed enthusiast faraway from their "Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Audi R8s "and also the like. Every mode incorporates a particular gearshift system, and engine and brake handle logic systems to allow the driving force tailor the car’s performance to accommodate operating illnesses. The low-slung cabin is split into 3 zones: the electro-mechanical zone, which includes the metal framework on the car’s assembly; a zone, with two seats placed correct in the middle with the auto; plus the driving zone, with high-tech instrumentation that can bring driver and machine together.

The new Lexus LFA marks an important moment in both the history of Lexus and the development of the supercar. Constructed using advanced carbon fiber technology, the rear-wheel "drive Lexus LFA" is powered by a bespoke, high-revving 552-hp 4.8-litre naturally-aspirated V-10 engine, matched to a rear-mounted six-speed sequential automatic transmission, giving 200-mph-plus performance.

The heart of the Lexus LFA is a bespoke naturally-aspirated V10 engine. The "Lexus LFA" boasts class-leading aerodynamics to achieve drive train cooling and superb high-speed handling and stability.

The Lexus LFA project began life in 2000. The intention was to enter the exotic sports-car world alongside Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. As the concept cars were making their rounds on the auto show circuit in 2005, work had already started on the LFA prototypes at the Mecca of sports-car development — the Nürburgring Nordschleife track in Germany. A few weeks prior the show, we were invited to the Nordschleife to experience the car for ourselves.

On the outside, the LFA conveys a high-tech image. The instrument panel features a ringed LCD display showing the speed digitally with engine rpm presented in analog format using computer-generated graphics. Behind the steering wheel are stationary downshift (left) and upshift (right) paddles actuating the 6-speed transmission?

Blip the throttle. On the roads around the Nürburgring, the LFA is docile. Tackle a corner a bit more aggressively and the Lexus responds with quick turn-in. On the Autobahn where the car can stretch its legs, 180 mph can be reached easily with absolute stability and confidence. Through the back section of the Nordschleife where a few off-camber turns can upset the car, the Lexus LFA pulls through with minimal drama. The car feels lively as it dances through the corners, the Torsion limited-slip differential helping the car blast out of the turns. Carbon-ceramic rotors mean the car slows consistently with zero fade, but the pedal travel is a bit too long.

Audi TTS

The Audi TTS is a trim line of the Audi TT sports coupe and convertible. The turbocharged, four-cylinder The Audi TTS brings back its high-tune version of the stock TTS’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo.

The 2011 Audi TTS gets a slight restyling of the grille and air intake that mimics the look of the exotic Audi R8 sports car. For proof, witness the 2011 Audi TTS, a high-performance variant of Audis little 2+2 coupe and roadster that elevates the TT into the sports car realm.

With the demise of the V6-powered TT model, the Audi TTS is the only choice for those wanting more power than the Tot’s standard, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides. Theres more to the Audi TTS than power, however.

The 2011 Audi TTS is available as a 2+2 coupe or a two-seat roadster, each available in Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels. Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, adjustable drive settings (alters suspension firmness, steering assist and exhaust note), automatic xenon headlamps, LED running lights, automatic wipers, cruise control, automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats (includes four-way power lumbar), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, and a nine-speaker sound system with CD player and auxiliary audio jack.

The Audi TTS Roadster adds an electrically powered convertible top, a power-operated wind deflector and a trunk pass-through with ski bag. The Audi TTS Prestige gets the heated seats and navigation system with CD changer as standard equipment and also gains rear parking sensors, an upgraded Bose sound system and an interior LED lighting package. In Edmunds performance testing, the Audi TTS coupe went from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

The 2011 Audi TTS boasts considerable performance improvements over the standard TT.

Along with the release of the TT version, Audi also revealed a facelift version for the more powerful Audi TTS. The Audi TTS comes standard with the Audi magnetic ride adaptive shock absorber technology, the Sport button, and a high-performance brake system. A new color combination – spectral silver/black – is available for the interior.

The Audi TTS, both in Coupe and Roadster body styles, combine enthralling spottiness with cultivated comfort. The TT RS Coupe rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.14 mph) in 4.6 seconds; Quattro GmbH will raise the top speed from 250 to 280 km/h (155.34 to 173.98 mph) upon request. The TT RS Coupe with the S Tronic launches itself from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.4 seconds. Distinctive design details, 18-inch wheels and an extremely powerful brake system are standard with the TT RS.

2011 Mitsubishi Evo

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Reviews

The Mitsubishi Evo exhaust system has been tuned for an even more sporty-sounding exhaust note.

A tall trunk lid-mounted rear spoiler or a low-profile rear lip spoiler (MR model) round out the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution’s exciting race car-inspired exterior styling.

Short-Throw 5-speed Manual or Rapid-Fire 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic-Shift Transmission,As standard equipment on the 2011 Mitsubishi Evo GSR, the 5-speed manual gearbox is a driver’s delight.

Working in concert, Super All-Wheel Control modulates torque delivery to each wheel in real-time for maximum control.

The Active Stability Control includes the vehicle’s traction control and stability control systems and helps to regulate brake force and engine power distribution at each individual wheel.

Acting in a similar fashion to a conventional limited-slip differential, the Active Yaw Control rear differential utilizes a planetary gear differential, yaw rate sensor and brake force control via the Active Stability Control system to control rear wheel torque for improved traction and stability in slippery road conditions and high-speed cornering.
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution features numerous innovative safety technologies to help protect all of the vehicle’s occupants.

Seven air bags are also included: Advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system with occupant sensors, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, side curtain air bags and a driver’s side knee air bag. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System and anti-lock braking system (advanced Sport ABS included on the Lancer Evo) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution are also included.

Based on what the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo does, wed say the muscle formula is alive and well. The transformation results in performance numbers that rival those from sports cars. In the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo price range, youll find competitors like the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Nissan 370Z and Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Our choice here is the Mitsubishi Evo. 

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo is a high-performance compact sedan available in GSR and MR trim levels that correspond to the transmission choices. Standard equipment on the GSR includes 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a large rear spoiler, full power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, Recaro sport bucket seats, the Fuse voice-activation system for some electronic features, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and a six-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. A Touring package is also available that adds the sunroof, heated mirrors, leather seats, heated front seats, automatic headlights and wipers, and added sound insulation.

The GSR comes only with a five-speed manual transmission, while the MR is equipped with Mitsubishis excellent six-speed automated manual transmission with column-mounted shift paddles. Power is sent to all four wheels through an advanced all-wheel-drive system.

Standard safety features on the 2011 Mitsubishi Evo include antilock brakes, front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a drivers knee airbag, stability control and a variety of advanced handling technologies.

Recaro sport bucket seats, alloy foot pedals, fancier gauges and a different steering wheel are the only things that differentiate the spicy Mitsubishi Evo from the commonplace Lancer GTS.

The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a sports car in compact sedan clothing. The advanced all-wheel-drive system works behind the scenes to give the car very impressive handling and traction abilities.

The new BMWx5 cars get the fresh exterior and interior colors combined with latest iDrive and different light alloy wheel designs complete the makeover. The occupants in the 3rd row lack adequate leg room.

The important modifications though are hidden under the bonnet since the 2011 X5 gets the latest generation of turbocharged diesel (xDrive35d) and gasoline engines (xDrive35i and xDrive50i) as well as BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. All of engines now are available turbocharged, including the flagship xDrive50i, which packs a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, the xDrive35i powered by the new N55 single-turbo 3.-liter straight six engine, and the xDrive35d with a twin-turbocharged 3.-liter diesel six.

The X5 xDrive50i develops 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 450 pound-feet of torque at 1,750-4,500 rpm and is capable of a 60 mph sprint time of just 5.3 seconds. The vehicle’s 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque see it reach 60 mph from rest in 6.9 seconds while returning an EPA-estimated fuel saving of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

For the latest model year, exterior colors include metallic Deep Sea Blue, Platinum Grey, and Sparkling Bronze are now available for the BMW X5. Furthermore, the new inline-6 of the X5 xDrive35i is the first BMW inline-6 to combine BMWs Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, High Precision direct fuel injection and turbocharging.

New standard equipment includes 1-inch light alloy wheels, roof rails and panoramic moonroof, power adjustable steering column, iPod / USB adapter interface and privacy glass. For the first time, Premium trim also includes standard Nevada Leather.

In addition, buyers of the Premium model may choose up to four packages, including the Active Ventilated Seat Package, Convenience Package, Cold Weather Package and Technology Package. The X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity trim level has an MSRP of $54,600 including destination and handling and additional standard equipment over the Premium model. The Premium trim levels 19-inch wheels are replaced with 20-inch light alloy wheels, sport seats, Shadowline exterior trim and Anthracite headliner. In addition to the packages available on the Premium model, customers may add the popular M Sport Package to the X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity model.

Torque output is 425 lb-ft at 1750-2250 rpm, along with peak power output of 265 horsepower. A lengthy list of options is available on all models, including satellite navigation, rear seat entertainment system, back-up camera, full-roof sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, drivers seat massage, front and rear climate zones, and many others. A Sport Package includes anti-roll stability control and run-flat tires.

Safety equipment includes two-stage dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, front-seat side-impact air bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic traction control, adaptive headlights, and cornering lights.

The X5 is available in five trim levels: xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive35d and xDrive50i. The xDrive35i variants get a new single-turbo 300-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, while the xDrive35d carries over the 265-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder diesel. The xDrive35i and xDrive50i get a new eight-speed Sport automatic transmission, while the xDrive35d retains its six-speed automatic; both transmissions are equipped with Steptronic manual shift mode. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, run-flat tires, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette upholstery and a CD player with MP3 capability; additional trim-specific features include a Panorama glass moonroof, 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, genuine wood trim and a USB port.

Range Rover Evoque

Why it matters: The Land Rover LR2 has wistfully watched the growth of the small-crossover market from the sidelines. Platform: The Evoque shares some of its foundations with the Land Rover LR2. Shorter equals lighter—the three-door should sneak in under 4000 pounds, the five-door just above.

The Range Rover Evoque will be offered in both front- and four-wheel-drive versions.

At 171.9 inches long, 83.7 inches wide and 64.4 inches high, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is the most diminutive Range Rover ever. Cradling a four-cylinder engine with 240 horsepower between its front fenders, it is also the least powerful Range Rover. The question is not, is the Evoque a good vehicle? The question is, is it, actually, a Range Rover?

Remember that the Range Rover Evoque began life as the Land Rover LRX Concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and has now been turned into the remarkably true-to-concept Range Rover for 2012. That couldnt have been terribly difficult to do because the concept already wore the essential picnic basket of Range Rover design cues – clamshell bonnet, floating roof, wheels at the corners – and was either going to become the hottest Land Rover anyone had ever seen, or the really sporty little Range Rover it already looked like. Although its among the nicest interiors of anything in the $44,000 segment, the Evoque naturally resets the latitude for Range Rover plush ness. The $16K separating this from a Range Rover Sport had to come from somewhere. It just took some getting used to in a vehicle labeled "Range Rover." Underneath is really where the Evoque takes its stand as a brand-new kind of Range Rover, even as the Evoque sports stalwart Range Rover features like a surround camera system; adaptive and auto-dipping headlights; a heated windshield, steering wheel and seats; and the aforementioned 825-watt Meridian stereo system and rear seat entertainment package.

The off-road capability you would expect from a Range Rover, however – even if youll never use it – is tough to marry to the best on-road manners youd ever get from a Range Rover. The Evoque trim range is broken into three main design themes: Pure with a black badge, Dynamic with a red badge, and Premium with a silver badge. The larger Range Rover models, even with their titanic windows, are darker, somber places. In terms of comfort, we think it might be the best back seat of any Range in the range.

That depends on what those two words, "Range Rover," mean to you. The Range Rover Evoque, by necessity, cannot be many things one might associate with a brand built on royal backs of King Range Rover and Prince Range Rover Sport. For buyers who want those particular Range Rover values that can be applied to a package that is smaller, friendlier, easier to handle and more frugal than anything Range Rover has ever done, this is where you need to look.

Wed just deplaned and couldnt pile into the awaiting Land Rovers quickly enough. Officially dubbed a Range Rover, alongside the brands top-shelf, signature model, and this 2012 Evoque is the vehicle that will carry Land Rover into a new era.

To be sold as a $46,995 five-door, or an achingly sex $52,595 three-door coupe, Evoque, "isnt supposed to be an entry-level vehicle," said an obviously hopeful Gerry McGovern, Land Rovers design director and chief creative officer. "This is for somebody who wants a Range Rover, wants the qualities that are intrinsic for Range Rover, but that want it on a small scale. Performance

To give you a sense of scale, Range Rover Evoque measures two-feet shorter than a top-drawer Range Rover and weighs an astounding 2,000 lbs. less. Sound familiar? Naught to 100 takes 7.6 seconds and mid-range powers plump. Well, thats the idea behind Evoque.

Ergonomics/Comfort/Quality

Evoques cabin is leather-lined, high-quality and refreshingly straightforward in its design (bordering on Scandinavian?). Note that unlike zee Germans, Land Rover ought not to bury simple functions way down in its computer system. Standard comfort kit includes a heated, acoustic windscreen, heated power seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic dual zone climate control, push button start and ambient lighting. The reasons simple: Says McGovern, "the customer that buys Evoque may never have been in a Range Rover, never in a Land Rover dealer or never in an SUV."

Land Rover’s engineers have done a bang-up job maximizing rear seat room despite the Evoques svelte lines (the five-door has slightly more aft headroom than even the Range Rover Sport).

To illustrate how high Land Rovers hope is for its new Evoque, look no further than its Halewood, England factory. "We expect the Evoque to be the biggest selling Jaguar Land Rover product," said Richard Else, operations director at the plant.

2012 Cadillac SRX Reviews. Due to the powertrain changes, the only remaining powertrain-related option is that of all-wheel drive over the standard front-wheel drive offering. Bob Reuter, global vehicle chief engineer for Cadillac says this of the SRX, The all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited slip effectively transfers torque not only from front to rear, but also along the rear axle. If entry-level luxury is enough for you, than the leatherette found in the base Cadillac SRX may do the trick. Other changes include the addition an optional heated steering wheel, xenon Blue Metallic exterior paint, all-ebony interior option with contrasting stitching and a new 20-inch wheel finish.

2012 Cadillac SRX

Cadillac SRX includes HID headlamps with Adaptive Forward Lighting, Bose 5.1 surround sound with navigation, a full-color LCD Driver Info Center and a rear-view camera system. OnStar is standard and features my Cadillac and OnStar Remote Link mobile apps and Stolen Vehicle Assistance.
The latest Cadillac SRX continues to lay claim to holding the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award.

Available luxury and high-tech features include genuine wood interior trim, adaptive Xenon headlights, rearview camera, navigation system, double-sized glass sunroof, 20" wheels and tires and rain-sensing wipers.For 2012, the Cadillac SRX replaces both 2.8-liter and 3.0-liter V6 engines with one new 3.6-liter V6 engine.

Other enhancements to the 2012 SRX include standard Bluetooth phone connectivity on the Base model, a heated steering wheel on the Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections and door lock switches on the driver and passenger door panels. It is offered in a Base model and Luxury, Performance and Premium Collections, with all-wheel drive offered on all but the Base model.

The Cadillac SRXs exterior features a multi-piece shield grille and Cadillacs iconic vertical headlamps, with light pipe technology and available adaptive forward lighting technology that turns the lamps in the direction of the front wheels.The Cadillac SRX has a wide stance, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on the Base and Luxury Collection and 20-inch wheels are standard on Performance and Premium Collections.