2012 Honda Civic,Reviews
How good is the newly redesigned 2012 Honda (HMC) Civic that hit the market on Apr. 20? The Civic used to be the classiest compact economy car on the market. Rather than make dramatic changes to fend off rising competition, Honda improved the Civic in numerous small ways. The price of the Civic hybrid rose a mere $100, to $24,800. Crucially, with gasoline prices topping $4 per gallon in some areas of the country, the Civic's is up 3 miles per gallon. With an automatic transmission, both the Civic sedan and two-door coupe are rated to get 28 mpg in the city, 39 on the highway, for an average of 32 (up from 29 before).However, that still leaves the Honda a tiny bit behind the 2011 Elantra sedan, which is rated at 29/40/33 whether with an automatic or a stick shift, and versions of the 2012 Ford Focus that are rated at 28/40/33 with an automatic. (The 2011 Toyota Corolla trails behind at 26/34/29.)
Honda claims the HF gets the best highway mileage of any car on the market with an automatic transmission and conventional gasoline engine.
The efficiency-oriented Civic HF sedan will list from $19,455 with a standard five-speed automatic, while the range-topping Civic EX-L sedan with navigation and XM Satellite Radio stickers for $23,455.
2012 Honda Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas vehicle specifications
All of these models share a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine that is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. This model uses a modified version of the same model on the standard Civic, and increased fuel economy by 7 percent, meaning highway fuel economy should come in between 38 and 39 mpg, but power will be slightly down compared to the gas-powered models.
2012 Honda Civic Hybrid specifications
Should fuel economy be at the top of your list, and your budget isn’t too tight, stepping from the 41 highway mpg Civic HF to the combined 44 mpg rating of the all-new Civic Hybrid is the move for you. The Civic Hybrid also features ECO Assist, a system that provides feedback to drivers to optimize fuel econo
2012 BMW X5,Reviews
Almost 1,000 clean-diesel versions of the 2012 BMW X5 crossover will be recalled to replace a part that could cause the power steering to fail.
All BMW X5 models are built in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Affinia and NAPA Auto Parts are recalling certain aftermarket Acura TL suspension parts for incorrect labeling and sizing. BMW is recalling all 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d models for issues with welds in the belt tensioner.
Aftermarket Suspension Ball Joints for 2004-2008 Acura TL Recalled for Improper Sizing, Labeling
Owners can also contact Affinia at 1-815-759-7757.
Only extends to 2004-2008 Acura TLs with aftermarket suspension parts purchased through NAPA.
"2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d" Recalled for Belt Tensioner Issues
Customers can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 923 2012 X5 xDrive35d models, manufactured between March 31 and M
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class,Reviews
We usually see women behind the wheel of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. The original SLK debuted in 1996 with a four-cylinder powerplant and all of 136 ponies. The SLK gained some testosterone with its first facelift in 2000. While the exterior was still rather tame, the chick car jokes ceased in 2001 with the introduction of the 354-horsepower SLK 32 AMG.The reality that AMG could stuff its hand-built 5.4-liter V8 under the hood made the second-generation SLK a serious performance car.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Classrides on the same 95.7-inch wheelbase. In the States, we will eventually get two of three available engines for the new SLK: the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6. Four-cylinder models will be called the SLK250, while V6 models gets the SLK350 badge.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class engineers use the crankshaft position sensor to know which cylinder has stopped closest to the optimum position for re-starting the engine. Mercedes-Benz literature claims 6.4 cubic feet with the roof lowered and 10.1 cubes with the roof raised. The SLK's hallmark retractable hardtop comes in three varieties: solid steel panels, a tinted roof section or with Benz's trick new Magic Sky Control electrochromatic roof section. (Geek Note: Magic Sky Control uses a similar principle to Delphi's Magnetic Ride Control dampers that control the flow path of damper fluid.)
The imperfect roads on Tenerife presented a less-than-ideal surface that worked to shake and rattle the SLK. Short-wheelbase cars can feel skittish, but the SLK simply doesn't. Even at full throttle with every foot-pound of torque twisting the rear half shafts, the SLK350 felt unshakable and secure.
The SLK senses the understeer and helps to mitigate it by adding a measured amount of braking to the inside rear wheel, helping to increase the car's yaw rate and make it rotate more easily.
Unfortunately, the ESC on the SLK350 cannot be completely disabled. Even with ESC on, the SLK remained a remarkably fun steer. In all, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class driving experience was a good one. First, we're looking forward to some time behind the wheel of the lighter SLK250. The SLK350's smaller-engined sibling could end up being the better of the two offerings – that is, until the V8 AMG model enters the mix.
2012 Ford Mustang,Reviews
The big news for the 2012 Ford Mustang is the revival of the storied high-performance Boss 302 model. For 2012, Ford reintroduces the Mustang Boss 302, a nameplate that recalls the Boss 302 of 1969. The 2012 Ford Mustang isn't the only horse in the race, either.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
"The 2012 Ford Mustang" is available as a coupe or convertible and is offered in five trim levels: V6, V6 Premium, GT, GT Premium and Boss 302. The V6 Premium adds upgraded 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, Ford's Sync system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, color-adjustable gauges, ambient lighting, upgraded interior trim and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system with satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio interface. The V8-powered GT comes with the base V6's features plus 18-inch alloys, automatic headlights, a rear spoiler, adjustable steering effort and foglamps. The GT Premium is essentially a GT with different 18-inch wheels and the V6 Premium's roster of features.
Options on Mustang V6 models include an exterior appearance package that adds bodywork graphics and a rear spoiler. Also available is a V6 Performance package (for coupes with manual transmissions) that includes 19-inch wheels with summer tires, numerous suspension and brake upgrades, a recalibrated stability control system and a 3.31 rear axle ratio.
The Mustang GT can be outfitted with upgraded Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, summer tires and the recalibrated stability control system. The GT Premium can be had with all the options of the V6 Premium and GT packages plus a selection from an array of 18-inch and 19-inch wheels, the California Special package (more exterior styling variations) and a more powerful 10-speaker sound system (not available with the Electronics package).
The new high-performance Boss 302 is only available as a coupe and adds a more powerful V8 engine, 19-inch wheels, quad exhaust tips, special exterior trim and aerodynamic elements, a 3.73:1 rear-axle ratio, Brembo brakes, adjustable shock absorbers, unique interior trim, a suede-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals, cloth seats and the base audio system. Recaro front seats (from the GT500) and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential are optional.
The 2012 Ford Mustang V6 is powered by a 3.7-liter engine producing 305 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. The Mustang V6 coupe earns an EPA fuel economy estimate of 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 23 mpg in combined driving with the automatic transmission, while the manual is estimated at 19/29/22 mpg.
Standard safety features for all 2012 Ford Mustangs include antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags, side spotter mirrors and stability control. In Edmunds brake testing, the V6 and V8 Mustangs turned in impressive stopping distances. The Mustang also lacks a telescoping steering wheel, though thankfully most drivers should be able to find a comfortable seating position
2012 Chevrolet Malibu,Reviews
Designed to be sold in nearly 100 markets, the new Malibu boasts a new exterior design, new interior design, Ecotec engine and well, new just about everything else.“The 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has left an award-winning impression and changed the way people think about Chevrolet. “This all-new Malibu delivers on the intangibles of today’s Malibu but gives customers even more: more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, craftsmanship, and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans.
Other exterior design cues include 2012 Chevrolet Malibu dual-port grille, projector HID headlamps, larger Chevrolet bow-tie badges front and rear, and new Camaro like LED dual-element tail lamps. The new Malibu has a 4.5-inch (114 mm) shorter wheelbase and 62-inch (1,574 mm) front and rear tracks that are more than 2 inches (51 mm) wider than the model it replaces.
Ice blue lighting on the center stack dials, exposed ice blue French contrast stitching, soft-touch and textured surfaces, and "strategic" applications of noise-deadening materials.
The new 2012 Chevrolet Malibu rides on MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspensions with ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, clamped on by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum calipers, four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control, electric power rack-and-pinion.
Safety features include Dual-stage driver and front passenger air bag, Driver and front passenger pelvic/thorax side-impact air bags, Driver and passenger knee air bags, Roof rail air bags with rollover protection. Malibu production in the United
2012 BMW 7-Series,Reviews
Reports indicate that the 2012 BMW 7 Series will be available in the standard length and Li models. The Li orexecutive saloon model has a slightly wheelbase.Models
In addition to the Li several other models of the BMW 7 series should hit the showrooms in 2012. The Alpina are higher performance models of the 7 series that are slightly more polished and sporty.
The turbocharged 3.0 liter six cylinder should provide drivers with 315 horsepower and 330 pounds of torque. The 4.4 liter V-8 should give drivers 400 horsepower and 450 pounds of torque. All series 7 models will be available in rear wheel drive. Most Series 7 models will have BMW’s xDrive all wheel drive available as an option. This feature won’t be available on this years Series 750 and Alipina B7 models.
Features
As usual BMW will be offering a wide range of features in this years’ Series 7.
• Xenon Headlights
• Keyless push button ignition system.
Price
Unfortunately the sticker price for this year’s BMW 7 series hasn’t been announced
2012 Ford Escape,Reviews
Consumer Guide’s Impressions of the 2012 Ford EscapeA popular compact SUV is redesigned within a new global vehicle family headed by the next-generation Focus compact car. What We Know About the "2012 Ford Escape"
The Ford Escape remains one of America’s most popular compact SUVs. No market looms larger in global sales and earnings than the so-called C-segment--compact cars and SUVs--so the redesigned Focus and 2012 Ford Escape are bound to loom large in the automaker’s future.
Ford’s global C-segment sales were about a million units in 2008, but involved three different platforms. Though Ford and others have tried “world cars” before, most of the efforts were commercial disappointments, especially in North America. (Remember the Euro-designed Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique compact sedans?) Because we’ve now learned enough about the redesigned Focus and Focus C-Max to sketch the broad outlines of the 2012 Ford Escape.
The Ford Vertrek Concept from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show adds a few more hints. The current Escape, designed in collaboration with Ford’s Japanese affiliate, which sells the same basic vehicle as the Mazda Tribute, uses orthodox concentric strut-and-spring units and freestanding shock absorbers.
2012 Acura TL,Reviews
The 2012 Acura TL Sedan Review – Luxury and Performance in a Midsize SedanThe name Acura is synonymous with technologically sophisticated luxury. The 2012 Acura TL lives up to this reputation with advanced styling and features throughout the vehicle and an available Technology options package.
Under the hood
"The Acura TL" features a powerful V-6 engine with plenty of power for performance-minded drivers. The SH-AWD model handles noticeably better than the basic Acura TL, especially on uphill climbs and curving roads, but both trim levels benefit from the Vehicle Stability Assist feature to prevent oversteering and understeering on curves.
TL model Details:
Engine: 3.5 liter V-6
Horsepower & Torque: 280 hp/254 lb-ft
Transmission: six-speed automatic standard
Fuel Economy: 20/29
Base MSRP: $35,605
TL SH-AWD model Details:
Engine: 3.7 liter V-6
Horsepower & Torque: 305 hp/273 lb-ft
Transmission: six-speed automatic standard; optional manual
Fuel Economy: 18/26
0 to 60: 5.2 seconds manual; 6.2 seconds automatic
Base MSRP: $39,155
The 2012 Mazda5 New,Reviews
The 2012 Mazda5 has been completely redesigned.There's a reason the minivan is considered the quintessential vehicle for parents. No other vehicle can match the minivan's huge interior space, three rows of seating, sliding rear doors and low ride height. With two seats in each of its three rows, it only seats six compared to the seven- or eight-passenger seating of a big minivan (now that's an oxymoron). There's another advantage the The 2012 Mazda5 has over its quasi-family mobile competitors -- it's fun to drive. Like the Mazda 3, it goes around corners with control and poise.
Some automakers may boast that their minivans or SUVs "handle like a car," but The 2012 Mazda5 actually does. The Mazda 5 also isn't available with certain features common to regular minivans, like power-operated sliding doors, sunshades or factory-installed navigation and entertainment systems. Essentially a design hybrid between a minivan and a wagon, the Mazda 5 is a great alternative choice and definitely worth a look in these lean economic times.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2012 Mazda 5 is a three-row, six-passenger compact minivan available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The base Sport comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, automatic climate control (with rear vents and fan controls), a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
This package is standard on the 5 Grand Touring, which also gets automatic xenon headlights, heated mirrors, automatic wipers, driver lumbar adjustment, heated front seats and leather upholstery.
Every 2012 Mazda 5 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. "Every Mazda 5" comes with standard stability and traction control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
Interior Design and Special Features
The front seats provide respectable comfort, though taller folks may wish for more rearward seat travel.
Driving Impressions
On the Edmunds test track, the 5 nearly matched the handling numbers of the much
Volkswagen Eos 2012 (Convertible),Reviews
Volkswagen Eos 2012Today, most small, moderately priced convertibles have retractable tops. The hard top also keeps out noise.
One drawback: The retractable top encroaches on trunk space when it is folded, leaving room for only a couple of small bags.
Getting into the back seat is aided by sliding the front seats forward.
The Eos is powered by VW’s 200-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to the excellent Direct-Shift Gearbox. The Eos comes in Komfort, Lux and Executive trim levels. I drove a Komfort.
The Eos has front, side and side-curtain airbags. Price
The base price of the test car was $33,995. Warranty
Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2012 Volkswagen Eos Komfort
Engine: 2.0-liter, 200-hp four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed DSG automatic, front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 101.5 inches
Base price: $33,995
As driven: $34,765
MPG rating: 22 city, 30 hwy.
2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup,Reviews
In the performance department, Magnat enlisted Wimmer RS to install a revised ECU and sport exhaust system.It’s a race-ready 435-hp rear-wheel-drive beast with a miniscule curb weight of 3,200 pounds. The most advanced course is the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Experience.
Michael Harley of Autoblog recently signed up for the two-day $10,000 GT3 Cup Experience to…well…experience the new 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is actually based off the GT3 RS road car. The brakes are made up of 15-inch rotors clamped by six-piston calipers at the front and 14-inch rotors clamped by four pistons at the rear. Massive slicks dwell under the flared fenders, especially the rear, which features a 1.73-inch wider body compared to the previous GT3 Cup car.
merican tuner Autodynamica Performance has released a tuning package for the high performance 2011 Porsche 911 GT3. The aftermarket specialist has released several performance and visual upgrades for this car at different prices. Individual tuning option can be selected by the customer. This program is offered at a price of $1400 by the tuner. The standard GT3 delivers 435 hp.
Fiat 500c 2012 (Sports Car),Reviews
It was inevitable that once Fiat 500c 2012 (Sports Car) assumed control of Chrysler, we'd see Fiat products back in the U.S. market sooner or later.It turned out to be sooner, as the tiny Fiat 500c 2012 (Sports Car) showed up early this year not at Chrysler dealers, but at dedicated Fiat dealers -- some of which also happen to sell Chryslers. To get a Fiat franchise, dealers had to agree to open a separate showroom for the Fiat, with a dedicated sales staff. Most Fiat dealers are doing that now, and the others must eventually. (By the way, Fiat dealerships are called "studios," which seems a bit precious.)
Fiat was requiring dealers to make a substantial investment not so much for the opportunity to sell the Fiat 500c 2012 (Sports Car), but to sell future Fiat products that will arrive in the next decade or so. Rust, electrical problems and traditionally complicated Italian mechanicals earned Fiat the unfortunate "Fix It Again, Tony" nickname.
What would Fiat stand for this time around?
Essentially following in the Mini's footsteps in the U.S., Fiat is hoping the 500 will capture younger buyers looking for something fun and frugal.
2012 Fiat 500C
Base price: $19,500
Price as tested: $26,050
Engine: 1.4-liter, 101-horsepower four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Length: 139.6 inches
Wheelbase: 90.6 inches
TESTED 2012 Fiat 500C
1.4-liter MultiAir in-line 4-cylinder (101 horsepower, 98 pound-feet of peak torque) with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive.
ALTERNATIVES? Mini Cooper convertible, $25,550; Smart Fortwo Cabrio, $18,440.
The brown car in question was the 2012 Fiat 500C, finished in an Espresso paint job with Marrone leather seats that looked as comfortable as a well-worn catcher’s mitt.
The 500C is the drop-top version of the 500 hatchback, a small and exceptionally cute car that’s big on style and economy, though rather short on rear legroom.
Acceleration is leisurely. After spending time with both the manual and automatic gearboxes, I’d counter the conventional wisdom and recommend the automatic. The magic stops momentarily at what Fiat refers to as the “spoiler” position, where the glass rear window stays upright. Rear visibility suffers when you roll back the roof, because the retracted top takes up much of the space where the rear window had been. All 500Cs come with antilock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control and enough air bags (seven altogether) to turn the Fiat into a four-wheel flotation device.
Fiat returns to U.S. with city-friendly models
I have been anxiously anticipating the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Fiat 500c 2012 (Sports Car) and 500c models that usher in Fiat’s return to North America.
The front-wheel drive, four-passenger subcompact is ideally suited for city driving. When equipped with the six-speed automatic, it has an EPA of 27 mpg city, 32 mpg highway.
While almost all of my driving this week was conducted in city driving conditions, I had no trouble at all on the highway — or cruising at highway speeds.
The new Fiat 500 and 500c Cabrio are worth a test drive.
MODEL:
2012 Fiat 500 and 500c
4-seat subcompact coupe and convertible
Front-wheel drive
Trim packages:
Pop, Lounge
PRICE RANGE:
$15,500 (coupe base) - $19,500 (Cabrio base)
ENGINE:
1.4-L I-4 (101 hp/98 torque)
TRANSMISSION:
5-speed manual
6-speed auto
EPA: 30/27 mpg city, 38/32 mpg highway (MT/AT)
FUEL: Regular unleaded (premium recommended)
TRACTION CONTROL:
Traction control with electronic stability control program
BRAKES: ABS
LENGTH: 139.6 inches
WHEELBASE: 90.6 inches
WIDTH: 64.1 inches
HEIGHT: 59.8 inches
The 2012 Renault,Reviews
The 2012 RenaultThe Fluence Z.E. is a "100 percent electric" car, powered by a synchronous electric motor that produces 70kW and 226Nm of torque.
Under the agreement announced today, Renault Australia will import the Fluence Z.E. and Better Place will provide the electric car charging network.
The 2012 Renault partnership with Better Place offers a breakthrough mobility solution and electric drive experience to Australian motorists," Renault" Australia Managing Director Justic Hocevar said.
"Energy used to charge the batteries for Renault Fluence Z.E. vehicles will be drawn from renewable energy sources," he added.
The 2012 Renault news follows a Better Place announcement in 2009 that it would launchAustralia's first electric vehicle recharging network in Canberra.
Mercedes-Benz AMG,Reviews
Mercedes-Benz AMGDitching the gull-wing doors and roof in favor of conventional doors and a soft top has required Mercedes to stiffen the body, resulting in the Roadster being 40 kg (88 lbs) heavier than the coupe ... but it can still go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 317 km/h (197 mph).
The open-top SLS Mercedes-Benz AMG sports the same 6.3-liter V8 engine as its gull-wing counterpart with a peak output of 420 kW (571 hp) at 6,800 rpm and maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4,750 rpm.
Mercedes says the flush, gap-free transition between the outer roof skin and the bonded rear window of heated single layer safety glass helps keep wind noise to a minimum. At 243 kg (535.7 lb), the Roadster's weight-optimized aluminum spaceframe is only two kilograms (4.4 lb) heavier than the Coupe model.
The Roadster also sees a new Mercedes-Benz AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension available as an option. Mercedes will also be making the new suspension system available as an option on the Coupe in the future.
The system will also be installed on other AMG high-performance cars in the future.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS Roadster, which was designed in parallel with the Coupe, is the second of at least four variants of the SLS AMG with an electric-powered E-Cell and Black Series versions also in the works.
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