Cars Models List

2012 Shelby GTS Mustang

2011-06-11T02:59:00.000-07:00

2012 Shelby GTS Mustang

Barring the occasional foray into sport compacts and other interesting projects, Shelby American's primary focus has long centered upon building premium, high-performance muscle machines. That's fine and dandy, but corporate executives believe that in order to ensure the company has a customer base in the decades to come, it needs to develop a younger customer base.
Like the 2007-2008 Shelby GT Mustang, the new 2012 Shelby GTS essentially an affordable stepping stone into the Shelby way of life. Designed with budding enthusiasts in mind, the package, available on both Mustang V-6 and Mustang GT models, promises to bring in some younger shoppers.
As is the case with other Shelby models, GTS cars incorporate a number of visual revisions designed to set them apart from a standard Mustang. A custom grille and bumper fascia, cribbed from the company's mid-level GT350 offering, are installed, as is a bespoke ventilated hood. The famed twin racing stripes are standard, as are unique Shelby and Powered By Ford emblems.
Mechanically speaking, GTS models receive new springs, stabilizer bars, and a front strut tower brace from Ford Racing, along with upgraded Baer brakes. The only performance upgrade for either V-6 or V-8 cars is a cold air intake, although customers can opt for a supercharger for either the 3.7- or 5.0-liter engines, boosting power to 475 and 525-624 horsepower, respectively. Other performance options include 6-piston Baer Brakes, adjustable control arms, 18- and 20-inch wheel packages, a two-tone leather interior, and a Watts link rear suspension.
Refrain from dipping into that option list, and the GTS package will run you only $9995 more than a stock 2012 Mustang V-6, or $11,995 over a 2012 Mustang GT. Shelby officials think many GTS buyers will abstain from those add-ons initially, but ultimately opt to retrofit them as their budgets allow.

2012 Shelby GTS Mustang

2012 Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate

2011-06-11T02:43:00.000-07:00

2012 Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate

At $21,485, Land Rover's Autobiography trim package has served to make the $95,465 Range Rover Supercharged the swankiest Rubicon-runner in the land. But the trouble with having it all is that soon you want more. Owners of $117,000 Porsche Cayenne Turbos can go back to the options well and keep ticking until they hit $171,175 (maybe even more). Well, now Range Rover has simplified the selection of wretched off-roading excess by introducing the Autobiography Ultimate Edition-one box to tick that fast-tracks the sticker to $170,000.
For that kind of dough you get baby's-bottom-soft leather everywhere (including the headliner and cargo area sides), Kalahari wood trim (that has a real Born-Free ring to it, eh?) on the dash and doors and genuine teak wood on the cargo deck and tailgate, grouted with the same rubbery non-slip stuff they use on boats. The hinges and tie-downs back there are rendered in Monaco-harbor-grade polished stainless too.
Each rear throne is fully adjustable, heated, and cooled, and enjoys its own iPad integrated into the front seat headrest. Naturally there's a champagne cooler and two stemware holders, plus a truly usable tray table that flips up out of the center armrest for use by either (but not both) of the rear-seat occupants. The choice of interior ambiances include ivory and either dark cherry or Arabica, as desired to coordinate with the exclusive exterior shades of Roussillon Red or Otago Stone. To identify an Ultimate Edition from the outside, look for its unique "atlas" grille, new side vents and special 20" multi-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels. An Exterior Design Package and deployable side steps will also be available. Once identified, however, the rear windows' privacy coating may prevent you from seeing the occupants.
Hurry up and order yours now-of the 500 that will be built, only 50 are coming to the U.S.

2012 Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate

2012 Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate

2012 Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan

2011-06-11T02:36:00.000-07:00

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan

Compact sedans are all the rage, with a host of new entries from both domestic and import manufacturers reaching showrooms recently. Nissan will cash in on that popularity with the 2012 Versa sedan, debuting today at the New York auto show with refreshed styling and tweaks to improve fuel economy.
The 2012 Versa rides on an evolution of the last car's platform called V, for Versatile. The sedan's wheelbase and width are unchanged from the current model, but it loses about an inch of length and height. Despite this, Nissan says that packaging improvements for the engine and transaxle mean there is more trunk space. The new car also should be marginally lighter than before.
Styling-wise, the new Versa takes cues from the larger Altima and Maxima sedans, starting with a new grille design and oval-shaped headlights, and continued with a smoother rear and reshaped taillights that sweep from the rear bumper to the Versa's rear haunches. The hood and sides are broken up by an assortment of creased character lines akin to those seen on the Hyundai Elantra. Whereas the old Versa had a more conventional flat roof and steep rear window, the new car's roofline gently slopes toward the trunk, following the coupe-like trend. The exterior changes reportedly help achieve a low 0.31 drag coefficient.
Nissan claims the Versa's rear seats offer more legroom than a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and says much effort was spent making the seats comfier and the interior more spacious and appealing. The new dashboard has rounded, contoured controls in place of the drab flat-plastic layout in the old car, a simpler dual-gauge instrument cluster, and a redesigned steering wheel. That said, the interior continues to showcase expanses of plain plastics and fabrics (in either Sandstone or Charcoal color schemes) that don't look particularly upscale.

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC

2011-06-11T02:31:00.000-07:00

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC

We've shown you the Maserati MC Corse Concept and the European production car it begat, the GranTurismo MC Stradale. That's MC for Maserati Corse (racing), Stradale for the street-legal variant. See, in the Old World, where Maserati is remembered as a racing marque, some rich folks actually consider tracking the big grand tourers the Trident builds today. But Americans reckon there are better, lighter, more lithe cars to go racing in, so the U.S. spec 2012 GranTurismo MC (making its debut in New York) dispenses with the serious track-only aspects of the MC Stradale. That car has no rear seat, its front seats are non-adjustable lightweight shells, and it wears carbon-ceramic brakes, all of which save 220 pounds. Our version retains the typical interior seating and runs grooved steel brakes behind your choice of three 20-inch wheel designs (each lightened by 2.2 pounds relative to the standard 20s).
Power comes from Maserati's top-performing DOHC V-8, a 444-hp 4.7-liter, bolted to a 6-speed automatic with MC Shift (paddle shifters with quicker response and match-rev downshifting). The factory claims it'll accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 185 mph (of course, so did Joe Walsh's, and he cautions "I lost my license, now I don't drive.")
A revised aluminum hood features vents that relieve underhood pressure to reduce lift. Along with revisions to the rockers, and an aggressive rear spoiler and diffuser, Maserati claims that downforce is increased by 25 percent in front, 50 percent in the rear. And yes, they mean downforce, not just lift reduction-apparently the base coupe generates a small amount of measurable downforce at speeds of 120 and up. More impressive-the drag coefficient is claimed to remain the same, at 0.35. Standard trim changes include piano black treatment of trim that is chrome on other models, dark-appearance headlamps, and a meaner looking front fascia. Optional equipment includes a carbon-fiber package consisting of mirror caps, door handles, and rear spoiler.
Pricing has yet to be announced, but the car is now orderable, and now ranks as the brand's most exclusive, limited production model. Also now on sale, the GranCabrio Sport, sharing the powertrain and dark trim of the MC.

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC

2012 Kia Rio

2011-06-11T02:11:00.000-07:00

2012 Kia Rio

We got a glimpse of Kia's new Rio in hatchback form at the recent Geneva auto show, and the beat goes on this week in New York with the arrival of the U.S. market 2012 Kia Rio sedan and Rio5 hatch. The Rio was the lone Kia product that had not received a full makeover from head stylist Peter Schreyer, whose recent eye-catching designs include the new Optima and Sportage small SUV.
Whereas the all-new 2012 Hyundai Accent, Korea's other subcompact on display at New York, features Hyundai's new "fluidic sculpture" corporate design language, the Rio has a more minimalist, sporty European flavor, no doubt a nod to Schreyer's former Audi experience. From the rear, the Rio five-door shows a strong Seat resemblance, coincidentally Volkswagen's Spanish division.
Probably the most noteworthy feature on the new Rio is the Idle Stop and Go system (ISG), now a fairly common feature on European models, but generally not offered in the U.S. because of concerns that American consumers will think something is wrong with their cars when the engine turns off at a stop. With the greater awareness and sales of hybrids, and their similar behavior when stopped, it seems Kia is confident enough to finally offer this feature stateside. ISG is included as part of the Eco Package available on the EX trim level.
Speaking of the engine, it's the same Gamma direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine as the new Accent, making the same 138 horsepower. Kia is also claiming the same 30/40 mpg rating as the Accent, although the ISG may incrementally increase real-world mpg on models so equipped. Regardless, the Korean compact siblings are at the top of the compact class in standard horsepower as well as fuel economy, although Chevy's upcoming Sonic compact will come to the party with a non-direct-injection 1.8-liter engine with 135 horsepower as standard. Official fuel economy ratings for the Sonic have not yet been released

2012 Kia Rio

2012 Kia Rio

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

2011-06-11T02:05:00.000-07:00

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Following the debut of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it didn't take long before the questions and the rumors started flying: Will Jeep bring back the Cherokee SRT8? Chrysler's Street and Race Technology team remained quiet through all the speculation and waited until the 2011 New York auto show to deliver its answer in the form of its latest uber-Jeep, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
When we tested the first-gen Cherokee SRT8 around California's Willow Springs Raceway back in 2006, we quickly discovered that its 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 -- rated at 420 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque -- helped make it one of the fastest and most agile sport/utilities we had ever tested, outperforming the Porsche Cayenne Turbo in the skidpad, slalom, and 0-60 mph time (4.8 to 5.1 seconds, respectively).
Not surprisingly, Chrysler's revamped 6.4-liter Hemi has been fitted under hood of the new super Jeep. Both the horsepower and torque figures bump up to 465, 45 more than before. Jeep is still rating the 0-60 mph time at 4.8 seconds, although there's a good chance that Chrysler may be sandbagging. We'll find out soon enough when we get our hands on one.
More power, however, doesn't equate to decreased fuel economy, thanks to Chrysler's Fuel Saver Technology and new-for-2012 active valve exhaust system, which deactivates four cylinders in most cruising situations. That should be good enough for a 13-percent improvement in highway fuel consumption, according to the automaker's estimations.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

2012 Jaguar XF

2011-06-11T01:58:00.000-07:00

2012 Jaguar XF

While Jaguar toils away at designing a new and "proper" C-segment car to replace the unlamented X-Type (it's three to four years away), the XF ranks as the volume model. As such, the company has been clucking and fussing over it almost constantly since its 2008 launch. For 2012, the interior and exterior get a good going-over. Exterior enhancements were predicted by the CXF concept that appeared just prior to the production launch, and they leverage technology that now makes some of that concept's styling cues production feasible. Examples include the LED daytime running lamp treatment (which has come to be expected on cars in the class), and the "Tron"-look light-blade taillamp illumination that now extends onto the decklid.
The whole nose is new, including the fenders, fascia, grille, and the aluminum hood, which features a longer, taller power bulge and a little flick on the trailing edge to get the air up and over the wipers for reduced wind noise. (XFRs also get functional hood vents.) The crosshatch grille is set an inch deeper and stands slightly more upright to better resemble the XJ's, and comes in a chrome or gloss black finish (XFR only). The hood cutline above the headlamps lends the visage a slightly more sinister scowl. The little chrome blades in the lower fascia have a more sculptural twist, while the XFR gets a much more aggressive jutting chin with two chrome-ringed air inlets. (The one on the driver side is now blocked off for improved aerodynamics, as it proved unnecessary for cooling.)
Fender ornamentation trades the vertical graphic for a sleeker horizontal one atop a sail-shaped "vent" like the CXF's. Around back, the chrome plinth that conceals the trunk release, reverse camera, and license-plate illumination no longer spells out Jaguar, and hence has been visually slimmed with a strip of piano-black. A leaping cat centered above this chrome strip now provides the brand identity, and new oval exhaust outlets replace the more difficult to align trapezoidal ones. R models get a new spoiler to aerodynamically balance the more aggressive front chin, and the lower fascia features a venturi look (they're never very functional with this much ground clearance). New wheels for all models complete the exterior transformation.

2012 Jaguar XF

2012 Jaguar XF

2012 Hyundai Accent

2011-06-11T01:53:00.000-07:00

2012 Hyundai Accent

2012 Hyundai Accent

A long-neglected segment in the U.S. market, the subcompact scene has suddenly gotten very interesting. First came Honda's second-generation Fit, which set the bar for the other contenders. Then, Ford's Euro-cutie 2011 Fiesta made its stateside debut, followed shortly thereafter by its distant cousin, the Mazda2. All along, Hyundai's Accent soldiered on as competent, if somewhat unremarkable, contender in the segment. Its competitiveness in the U.S. market was also hampered by the lack of a five-door configuration.
Now that Hyundai has finally gained respectability with consumers and critics with such models as the Genesis, Equus, Sonata, and new Elantra, the automaker is looking to dominate the subcompact segment with its all-new 2012 Hyundai Accent. No longer an also-ran, second-tier competitor, the new Accent has upped its game substantially. In equipment, style, and pricing, it poses the most serious and credible threat to the Fiesta and Fit to date. The one casualty of this re-imagining is the three-door hatch. In fact, the only three-door models in the segment are a version of the Toyota Yaris and Fiat's recently introduced 500 subcompact, which isn't offered in any other style.
So what's there to get excited about with Hyundai's new entry-level offering? Try the segment's only direct-injected engine, which also now happens to be the most powerful, at 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. That bests the next-most-powerful Fiesta by 18 horsepower and 11 lb-ft. The 1.6 liter DOHC engine also features dual continuously variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts. With all this technological wizardry, the Accent still manages a segment-leading 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. True, certain trims of the Fiesta manage the big 4-0 on the highway, buy Hyundai is proud of and quick to point out that the Accent's fuel economy ratings apply across the board, regardless of body style, transmission, or trim level.
Speaking of transmissions, it's six speeds for everyone, whether you're of the shift-it-yourself or slushbox persuasion. Automatic models also include an Active Eco button that further optimizes fuel efficiency up to 7 percent in real-world driving, Hyundai claims. However, the fuel frugality in this mode usually comes at the expense of throttle response and overall driving enjoyment.

2012 Hyundai Accent

2012 Fiat 500c

2011-06-11T01:24:00.000-07:00

2012 Fiat 500c

Fiat just can't wait for spring. We wouldn't want to wait either if we were behind the wheel of Fiat's latest 500 variant: the 500c convertible. Fiat chose this week's New York auto show to debut the 500c for America.
The cute-as-a-button design from the hard-top 500 is carried over, swapping out the roof panel for an electrically folding soft top. The new roof is not a traditional convertible, though -- the A-, B-, and C-pillars remain intact along with the roof rails. What that means is that even with the top lowered, passengers will not get a full open-air experience; a good or a bad thing depending on how much you value your hairdo.
The roof is inspired by the canvas roof that was available when the original Fiat Cinquecento premiered in 1957. While the old car's roof only rolled back to the end of the roof panel and was powered by elbow grease, the 2012 500c's top is electrically actuated and can fold all the way back to rest behind the rear headrests. Driver's can drop the top to its fully open position at up to 50 mph, or fold the roof back to the integrated spoiler to create an open sunroof at up to 60 mph. Opening the rear trunk will cause the roof to lift up, allowing unobstructed access to the diminutive, 5.4-cubic-foot luggage compartment.
The look of the 500c is almost identical to that of the hatchback; however, Fiat has extended the windshield to help reduce wind buffeting with the top down and to give rear passengers better forward visibility with the top up. Hidden in the new windshield is a reinforced upper cross member to help maintain structural rigidity once the roads get twisty.
Color options for the 500c are plentiful, offering the same 14 exterior hues as the hardtop, as well as the choice between ivory or black interior dash and gauge trim. The seats are available in 12 different combinations, with the lower part of the buckets wearing either fabric or leather and the headrests matching the dashboard trim. Buyers will have three choices for soft top colors: nero (black), beige, and bordeaux (red).

2012 Fiat 500c

2012 Fiat 500c

2012 Dodge Avenger RT

2011-06-11T01:17:00.000-07:00

2012 Dodge Avenger RT

Given its muddied history, we'll forgive you for brushing off Dodge's latest batch of R/T models. Although the R/T badge once signified a vehicle designed to tease, excite, and appease the enthusiast, in recent years, the nameplate was haphazardly applied to almost every Dodge, many of which drove no better than their conventional cousins.
The R/T range has been renewed and expanded for 2011, but its original purpose is on the way to being restored. Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles has promised all future R/T models will offer a "higher level of dynamic capability" -- and that appears to hold true for the 2012 Avenger R/T, which debuts this week at the 2011 New York auto show.
As is the case with other current models in the R/T portfolio (now including the Charger, Grand Caravan, Durango, and Journey), the new sport-tuned Avenger doesn't receive any wild bump underhood. In fact, it continues to make use of the same 3.6-liter, 283-horsepower Pentastar V-6 found in lesser Avengers, matched up to a six-speed automatic transmission.
In other words, it's not exactly a configuration that's going to raise eyebrows, quicken pulses, and set Internet discussion boards afire. But wait: In the immortal words of Ron Popeil, there's more.
The secret, or so we're told, lies entirely with chassis tuning. Lo, engineers have had their way with the Avenger's suspension bits in an attempt to liven up a front-drive platform long regarded as more milquetoast than magnificent. The Dodge crew says stiffness is increased by 18 percent, while front and rear spring rates are upped by 17 and 12 percent, respectively.

2012 Dodge Avenger RT

2012 Chrysler 300S

2011-06-11T01:12:00.000-07:00

2012 Chrysler 300S

2012 Chrysler 300S

The performance-tuned, muscle-bound 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 may hog most of the limelight, but it isn't the only variant of the 300 sedan to receive some modification for the 2012 model year. Perhaps the most significant news lies with a new transmission: select V-6-powered cars will now be offered with an eight-speed automatic.
The news isn't all that surprising, considering Chrysler formally announced the gearbox last summer. The eight-speed automatic is licensed from German powertrain supplier ZF, and until Chrysler can fully retool its transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana, the automaker will be buying completed transmissions directly from the supplier.
Although the new transmission may ultimately be available on all 300 V-6 models, for now, it's only confirmed for the new 2012 300S -- and only when built with both Chrysler's 3.6-liter V-6 and rear-wheel drive (opt for either all-wheel-drive or the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, and you're relegated to the aging, Mercedes-Benz-derived five-speed automatic). The model, available with either V-6 or V-8 power , is much like the new 2012 200S in that it dresses up both the 300's interior and exterior appearance. Cosmetic tweaks include body-colored accents in the front fascia, a unique black chrome grille insert with matching black headlamp bezels, and large 20-inch polished aluminum wheels with black painted accents.
Inside, 300S models are treated to piano black interior trim; a 10-speaker, 522-watt audio system developed by Beats by Dr. Dre; and cloth-trimmed 12-way power sport bucket seats up front. V-6 300S models are also available with the Luxury Package, which adds premium Nappa leather trim, a heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering colum, heated and cooled cup holders, satin chrome door sill accents, LED footwell accent lighting, and programmable memory functions for mirror, seat, and pedal settings. These features are standard on V-8-powered 300S models, as are LED-illuminated gauges, rain-sense windshield wipers, a back-up camera, and Homelink transponder.
Those seeking further luxury from the 300 can opt for the new Executive Series trim, which is available only on the V-8-powered 2012 300C. Chrysler describes the model as its "most luxurious flagship sedan ever," and to that end, packs the car with all sorts of premium goodies. Executive Series cars receive an instrument panel and door panels wrapped in leather, two-tone Nappa leather seating, hand-sanded wood accents, heated and cooled front and rear seats, and berber floor mats with nubuck trim. Outside, Executive Series cars differ from run-of-the-mill 300Cs by way of a unique grille, which plates both the surround and the horizontal blade inserts in a platinum chrome finish.
Look for 2012 300 models, including both the 300S and 300C Executive Series, to roll into Chrysler showrooms nationwide later this fall.

2012 Chrysler 300S

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2011-06-11T01:07:00.000-07:00

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

The ultimate Chrysler lead sled is back in business and badder than ever. Returning with a new look, more power, and updated technology features, the all-new 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 coming to the 2011 New York auto show is the latest creation from Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology squad. As it's done with 300s past, the SRT team has taken an already solid package and made it faster, meaner, and even a smidge greener.
For starters, the exterior of the new 300 SRT8 has been sculpted to match its high-performance character. The front end retains Chrysler's newly reshaped wing badge, but the SRT8 model gets a unique front valance and a blacked-out mesh grille.
The SRT8 sits a half-inch lower than the standard 300 on 20-inch alloy wheels, lending it a more imposing stance. Out back, there's a new chrome-accented lower fascia and dual 4-inch-diameter exhaust pipes. The available Black Chrome package adds black chrome grille surrounds, rear valance, and exclusive black chrome wheels.
Chrysler's SRT team didn't skimp on power, endowing the SRT8 with 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque from its 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 -- an improvement of 40 horsepower and 45 pound-feet over the previous 300 SRT8's 6.1-liter unit. With the help of an active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft, the new engine produces more torque at lower rpm, and cam phasing optimizes power at higher rpms. Chrysler estimates the 300 SRT8 can click off 0-60 mph in the high four-second range and will top out at 175 mph.

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

2011-06-11T01:02:00.000-07:00

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

It's no secret that BMW's been plotting to return a four-cylinder engine to its U.S. lineup post-haste, and we've finally seen the first result as BMW debuted the Z4 sDrive28i at the New York auto show today. Though the engine hood release was disabled on the display car, within that yellow snout should reside an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
While you might guess that the new four-cylinder Z4 would slot underneath the current naturally-aspirated inline-six in the lineup as a bargain-priced, entry-level model, but we're wagering that's not the case. With 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, the new turbo-four should be more than a match for the current 255-horse, 220-lb-ft six, especially when considering the four's lighter weight. The four's smaller size also allows it to be mounted further back and lower in the Z4's chassis, providing both better weight distribution and a lower center of gravity. With that in mind, expect the new turbo-four, already slated for the upcoming X1 CUV, to gradually replace the naturally-aspirated six across BMW's model range.
The new engine is a smorgasbord of BMW's latest technology, including high-pressure fuel injection, BMW's proprietary double VANOS variable camshaft control system, and Valvetronic, BMW's variable valve timing setup. The turbocharger, BMW says, is also an impressive piece, being driven by two exhaust ducts rather than one (hence its TwinPower Turbo name). This technology is partly to thank for the turbo-four's improved fuel economy over the six, which according to BMW could be a 20-percent improvement. That potentially means a bump from the six's current 18/28 city/highway mpg rating, to 22/34 mpg.
While final EPA figures and pricing information will be announced closer to the car's launch later this year, we predict that the return of a four-cylinder engine could mean big things for the small Z4.

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2011-06-11T00:59:00.000-07:00

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

Audi claims that one small strip (1.2 inches wide, 0.08 inch thick) of the high-strength, lightweight, hot-shaped steel used in much of the new A7 Sportback's body is so strong that it could suspend five A7s, each one roughly 4000 pounds. That's one strong bookmark. Arguably more noteworthy than the super steel is the fact that feathery aluminum makes up nearly 20 percent of the Sportback's bod, including the hood, hatch, doors, and front fenders, resulting in a relatively light curb weight. A BMW 535i xDrive GT, in comparison, tips the scales with about 700 extra pounds.
But what really makes Audi's new blend of coupe, sedan, and wagon so special? Ah, that would be its elegant and sporty sheetmetal, a dead ringer for the drop-dead-gorgeous Sportback concept unveiled at the 2009 Detroit auto show. Full LED headlamps are available (Xenon plus lamps are standard), while the taillamps are made up entirely of LEDs, sans the reverse light. Moreover, the side-view mirrors sport LED indicators, and the CHMSL is a thin LED strip that extends above the back window across the width of the hatch. At the base of the rear deck resides an integrated spoiler that subtly sleeps until 80 mph, when it extends upwards for increased down force. Back to those side mirrors: They're mounted on the doors, a la the R8, to give the A7 a more sports-car feel. Another subtle but significant design cue is the small, rear window incorporated into the sweeping C-pillar that harks back to that of the 1969 100 Coupe S.

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2012 Audi A7 Sportback

2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave

2011-06-11T00:55:00.000-07:00

2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave

Under the management of Fiat, the Chrysler Group has pursued an important strategy -- steady product improvement. This includes the gradual introduction of new trim levels on existing models to improve the appeal of its overall lineup. The latest model to receive an incremental update is Jeep's iconic Wrangler.
Introduced in 2007 and treated to a comprehensive interior revamp at the beginning of the 2011 model year, Jeep is now showing off the Mojave trim level of the brand's spiritual leader, the third-generation JK Wrangler. The package is a combination of some of the most popular features of the other trim levels for the Wrangler, including the side steps from the Sahara trim, and the wheels and tires from the legendary and beloved Rubicon model.
The icing on the cake is a unique graphics package consisting of lizard decals and fender graphics. To add some flair to the interior, the lizard graphic is embossed on the front seats. Beefing up the exterior is a black fuel-filler door and taillight guards. The Mojave trim package will be available on both the standard Wrangler and the four-door Unlimited starting in June.
Unfortunately, there's nothing new to report in the way of mechanical upgrades. The Mojave soldiers on with the 3.8-liter pushrod V-6 and six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. It's widely expected that the company's new 3.6 liter Pentastar DOHC 24-valve V-6 will appear for the 2012 model year with significantly improved power and fuel economy over the current powertrain

2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave

2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave

2011 Chrysler 200 S

2011-06-11T00:36:00.000-07:00

2011 Chrysler 200 S

Chrysler's new 200 is head and shoulders above its predecessor, but the standard sedan and convertible apparently do little to appeal to a youthful audience. Chrysler recently added the 200 to its S sub-brand in an effort to draw a younger audience to its smallest offering.
Following closely in the 300 S footsteps, both 200 variants receive a plethora of equipment aimed squarely at the younger buyers. Chrysler's goal is to pack the cars full of desirable equipment, while keeping its price reasonable, which it appears to have accomplished.
Exterior elements found on the S models are easy to spot and distinguish them from standard 200s. Chrysler started by yanking nearly all the car's chrome accent pieces and replaced them with less flashy bits. The grille and headlight surrounds are swapped for toned-down black parts, while side mirror caps and door handles now match the body color. Those tired of chrome will also be pleased with the 18-inch machined, multi-spoke wheels with black inserts packaged as standard equipment. Unique badges found expressly on S models replaces the blue background for black on the Chrysler winged emblem.
The exterior may be a breath of fresh air, but the interior is equally impressive. Seating surfaces are wrapped in perforated leather, with the front pair getting suede inserts, S embroidery on the headrests, and heaters. Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system comes standard and is paired to a Boston Acoustics stereo pumping 276 watts through six speakers. Suede door trim and a black headliner further separate the S model from standard 200s.
Power comes from the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $26,790 and $32,490 for the sedan and convertible, respectively. Dealers have already begun taking orders and 200 S models are expected to begin arriving on lots in the coming weeks.

2011 Chrysler 200 S

2011 Chrysler 200 S

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2011-06-08T02:40:00.001-07:00