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  1. Spotlight: 2012 Audi A4

    22/11/2011 by Erick

    Audi officially launched their 2012 A4 lineup including the A4 Sedan, the Allroad Quattro, Avant, and the S4.

    The Audi A4 receives a facelift and features a totally new exterior boasting of new headlamps, grille, fascia, and hood. On the rear end of the car, the tail lights were redesigned, a new rear diffuser was installed, plus it gets a dual exhaust setup. The S line of the A4 gets a lower ride height but sports 18 or 19 inch alloy rims.

    The dimensions are not significantly altered. The Avant and the Sedan will be around 4700 mm long by 1,830 mm wide, the Allroad Quattro is at 4,720 mm long as well as the S4 variant with a width of 1,840 mm. The height of the new A4 ranges from 1,410 mm thru 1,510 mm. The wheelbase for the A4 lineup will be 2,810 mm.

    Buyers can choose from fifteen paint finishes which includes 4 new tones. The Avant has an option for an S line package for the exterior and a rear spoiler while the Sedan offers an exterior S line package.

    The interior gets high gloss and chrome inlay treatment plus a new steering wheel. Audi also modified the ignition key and the steering arm. The carmaker also implemented changes to the navigation system, transmission, air conditioning, and drive select.

    You can also choose from several engines. There is the 2.0L TDI that gives out either 163 PS or a tamer 136 PS. Another option will be the 4-cylinder engines that comes as 177 PS, 143 S, and 120 PS. The 3.0L V6 TDI gives out either 245 PS or 204 PS. The fuel rating for the engines were also improved and they can go for 100 kilometers using only 4.2 to around 4.8 liters.

    There is also the new 1.8L TFSI that gives out 170PS with a torque of 320 Nm. There is also the 1.8L TFSI and the 2.0L TFSI that gives out 120 PS and 211 PS, respectively. The 3.0L powerplant delivers 272 PS.

    The S4 comes with the 3.0L TFSI V6 supercharged engine that gives out 333 PS with a torque of 440 Nm. It can go from 0 to 100 kph in 5 seconds flat. The top speed is pegged at 250 m/h.


  2. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport

    10/12/2010 by Erick

    The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is manufactured by a British automaker. The Land Rover name is automatically thought of to be rugged and able to handle whatever is thrown its way, however, it does so with a touch of elegance and class, which is just what the manufactures were aiming for. 2010 Range Rover SportThe Land Rover Range Rover Sport is an SUV that is considered much smaller than most Land Rover’s, which is good news for those that did not like the bulkiness of the original Range Rover. The Sport version of this vehicle is smaller than the other Range Rover, however, this is only on the exterior of the vehicle, amazingly they were able to keep the interior at about the same size. This may have been the one thing that most consumers loved about the vehicle, simply because they did not feel as if they are driving a bus, but still got the benefit of all the room.

    Engine wise, there are two V8 engines that are available for the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, both of which are equipped with superchargers that help the SUV to compete with other top of the line sport SUV’s. Range SportHowever, the take off speed of the Land Rover Range Rover Sport is nothing to write home about. This is due to the sheer weight of the vehicle that comes in around 5,700 pounds. Though the British automaker was able to lose some size, they simply could not affect the weight. Through testing, it was found that the Land Rover Range Rover Sport went from zero to 60 in around 7.1 seconds, which is not fast by any means, however, the brand does not boast quickness it is more known for durability. Gas mileage wise, drivers can expect to get around 12 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway, which is not very bad considering the weight and size of the SUV.

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  3. The Audi R8 – German Magnificence

    02/10/2010 by Erick

    Audi R8 was designed by the German automaker Audi AG, and was first introduced to the auto market in 2006. The car is loosely based on the Lamborghini Gallardo platform, however with a few more designs and implements that were supplied by private company that is owned by Audi, called GmbH. Audi R8 SpyderOne of the neatest aspects about the construction of the R8 is that is takes around 70 workers who put together the 5,000 parts by hand that make up the Audi R8, which could explain the how price of the vehicle since it does take so much man power and hours to build.

    Audi R8 comes in two models, the standard coupe, which was the first released, on the R8 Spyder, which is a convertible version of the couple which was released a few years after the first version. Each version is available throughout the world auto markets, and are very popular with sports enthusiasts, who follow racing. The Audi R8 isAudi R8 V10 actually a concept that was first used as a race car, which means that performance wise, the Audi R8 is going to give you the most bang for your buck, and perhaps be one of the best performing vehicles on the street that is legal.

    The Audi R8 when first released was the first car that professionals gave the unique honor of being able to compete and win with Porsche, which was a huge honor for the car. While other professionals stated that the Audi R8 was the best car that Audi has ever produced, stating that Audi used all of their knowledge of racing to the best of their ability when they designed and built the Audi R8. Those who have test driven the car, often comment on the handling of the vehicle, as well as the car being able to be driven in the real world.

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  4. The Spyker C8 Spyder

    25/07/2010 by Erick

    The Spyker C8 Spyder is produced by Dutch automaker Spyker. There are many versions of the C8, including the Spyder, which was the original base model. The Spyker C8 Spyder is a two door sports car that is considered to be extremely powerful. Probably one of the most loved features of the Spyker C8 Spyder is that it is a convertible that most consumers desire in small sports cars.

    Spyker C8 SpyderThe first development of the C8 Spyder was to reinvent the brand name of Spyder. The designers wanted to make sure that the Spyder has style, innovation, performance and quality that was always associated with the Spyker name. Basically the Spyder is a race car in all manners of speaking, however, the designers were able to gear it more towards the consumer market. However, probably the most coolest aspect in most peoples opinion is the looks of the Spyder. The car looks as if it were virtually made from one lump of metal, however, this is due to the lines and edges of the car being unseen, which is how the designers wanted the car to appear. They also made the doors open upwards, instead of the typical outwards, which gives a complete sporty feel to the car and a feeling of being unique, plus the doors open electronically, which is something that Spyker has patented.

    The car is made mostly out of aluminum, which does give it a somewhat lighter weight when compared to other cars, which does help out in the performance of the vehicle. However, this was the material of choice of the designers since they wanted something that would look sleek and flawless. The frame is also made from space aluminum to give it more strength and even help with the handling of the car. In keeping with the sports car feel, the car is very low to ground which helps it to hug those curves no matter how fast of speed these curves are approached.

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  5. Toyota’s Aggressive Incentives

    18/05/2010 by Erick

    Bridie TuckerThe Japanese car manufacturer needs to hold on to its current sales momentum if it wants to get back on its feet, and to do that, they have to retain the aggressive consumer incentives they’ve put up, at least for this month. The Lexus division of Toyota was also reported to release a fresh new program of low interest rates and special leases.

    Largely because of its consumer incentives, Toyota was able to increase sales by 24% compared to April 2009’s figures. This meant that the company sold 139,080 trucks and cars. The Lexus sales in particular rose to 29% with about 18,359 Lexus vehicles sold to the public. It was noted that the company started releasing these consumer incentives last March 2. This was shortly after 8 million of its vehicles were pegged for a recall.

    The defects of the recalled vehicles included brake and acceleration problems. Aside from repairing the vehicles, Toyota was also quick on its feet when it came to redeeming their customer’s trust. Aggressive ad campaigns have already begun all over Europe. In the same light, Toyota said that it will continue giving 0% financing and cut-rate deals for popular brands to its loyal customers.

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  6. Panoz Abruzzi “Spirit of Le Mans”

    07/05/2010 by Erick

    The United State’s small-volume car maker Panoz levels up on its game. Georgia-based creator of the Esperante and the AIV Roadster had people talking when it released a teaser about its brand new Abruzzi. The much-anticipated model “Spirit of Le Mans” is slated to be introduced officially in Le Mans’ Circuit de la Sarthe next month. The design of the car is said to be inspired by that classic period when racers still drove their own cars to the race and then drive them back home after the competition.

    While the exterior does sound a bit retrofitted based on the write up, the manufacturer says that the Panoz Abruzzi Spirit of Le Mans’ technology is nothing but cutting edge. On both accounts, the claims are extremely brave, but Panoz goes to back them up.

    The car manufacturer explains that the body of the sports car will be made from a Recyclable Energy Absorbing System (REAMS). This system will give the car significant performance and structural advantages over the competition.

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  7. The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro

    10/04/2010 by Erick

    The guys at General Motors just can not afford to watch the new Ford Mustang to get all the spotlight, last week they announced some changes to the 2011 Camaro putting attention to the base model’s horsepower rating. Camaro comes over the top of the Mustang with 312 horsepower.

    Chevrolet Camaro 2011 Convertible Chevy Camaro Convertible 2011

    With the better number for horsepower, the Camaro though is still number two when it comes to torque. The mustang boasts of 280 pound-feet while it gives out 278.

    It can be an awkward numbers game with the powerplant under the Camaro’s hood still the same. The hair like improvement of 8 horsepower is still something to feel better of for those getting the muscle car.

    According to GM, the 304 horsepower of the 2010 Camaro is a conservative assessment knowing all along that they can get something more out of it. This explains the extra effort to certify and verify the additional power.

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  8. New, Lighter Range Rover coming in ’12

    31/03/2010 by Erick

    The next generation Range Rover that is lighter on the scales, with more room, uber luxurious interiors, and with a fuel mileage of 40 mpg is due to roll out in 2012.

    Lighter 2012 Range RoverThe new Range Rover will also be the source of DNA for the Sport version which will get a seven-seat setup for the first time. It will eventually take the place of the Discovery.

    The new models of the Range Rover are on the final phase of engineering while the styling will be finalized by mid of this year.

    The upcoming Range Rover will be released as a 2013 model and will be featuring a lightweight aluminum chassis which is the same underpinning used for the Jaguar XJ. The use of the lighter material translates to about 660 to 880 lbs. or 40% of weight being shed off for the latest Range Rover.

    The kerb weight of the vehicle will just be like a fully loaded sedan. This now contributes to better performance and better fuel economy. The fuel mileage numbers can go as high as 33.3 mpg.

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  9. This is what happens…

    20/12/2009 by Erick

    When you crash a 2009 Smart ForTwo (probably the most ridiculous car currently on sale in the United States of America) into a very dull and “grandfather-ish” Mercedes-Benz C-class…

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    And the winner is…. Surprise Surprise…. The Merc!


  10. Fisker receives $528 million from U.S. DoE

    24/09/2009 by Erick

    The plug-in Karma hybrid from Fisker was just recently unveiled to the public in Laguna Seca and the DOE did notice the potential granting $528 in loans for production of the green vehicles in the United States.

    Fisker Karma HybridThe half billion loan will be spent for Project NINA which focuses on the production of the next breed of hybrids from Fisker Automotive. The car manufacturer has not revealed the name of the next car but gives the public a hint that it will have a tag price of about $39,900 or half the sticker of the Karma at $87,900. A third car has been in the development phase since May of this year.

    The move to assemble the new units in American soil is a change for Fisker which signed a deal with Valmet to construct the Karma in Finland. The press release of Fisker though suggests that the company is still open to have the components of the car produced outside the U.S. with the final phase of production and assembly to be completed in North America.

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