All-new Audi A7 2012

While the coupe design of the Audi A7 attracts the eye, the aluminum-hybrid lightweight construction, with aluminum body panels and a steel frame, provides excellent handling, safety and fuel economy. The 3.0L TFSI V6 supercharged engine generates 310 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission yielding impressive fuel economy ratings (18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the U.S. EPA, for a combined fuel economy rating of 22 mpg) with quattro all-wheel drive standard.

The A7 introduces an available Audi-first headup Display with a high-resolution, full-color display, as well as many innovative technologies which were recently introduced in the Audi A8 flagship, including available full LED headlights, Night vision assistant, Audi pre sense plus and the unmatched Bang & Olufsen® Advanced Audio System, which delivers 1,300 watts of audio bliss through 15 perfectly tuned speakers.

U.S. pricing for all-new Audi A7 starts at $59,250.

Mercedes-Benz SLK350 2012

The first eye-catching feature is an upright radiator grille that bears the new Mercedes-Benz brand look. The grille emphasizes the long and well-proportioned hood, and with its light-catching contours it already hints at the roadster’s dramatic qualities. The wide radiator grille bears the Mercedes-Benz star in a prominent central position and displays a powerfully contoured chromed fin at the front. The clearly defined headlamps complete the look of the new SLK’s face and resemble that of the legendary 190SL from the 1950s, which is regarded by many as being the original “SLK”. However, the designers did not just focus on the past; with the new SLK’s front end they also intentionally created a close visual link with the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG “gullwing” and the new CLS-Class.

At the rear, the eye is drawn to the integrated spoiler lip and wide tail light clusters. For the first time, the tail lights with their pronounced horizontal design are in all-LED technology. Their upper edge extends forward into the sides, culminating in the feature line. A twin exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipes rounds off the muscular impression.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 is powered by a redesigned direct-injection V6 engine developing 302 hp/273 lb-ft. of torque from its 3,498 cubic-centimeter displacement, using this power to accelerate in 5.4 (est.) seconds from 0 to 60 mph (top speed 155 mph). Its fuel consumption is estimated at 20 city/29 hwy mpg thanks to its 3rd-generation direct injection, piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 goes on-sale in the U.S. in June 2011.

BMW M3 GTS 2011 - First Drive Review

With the launch of the E92 BMW M3 now almost three years behind us, we’ve resorted to testing tuner and racing versions of the car for our M3 fix. Thankfully, BMW is introducing a lighter, more powerful version for 2011, so we had an excuse once again to slide behind the wheel. Awesome side note: BMW M GmbH chief Kay Segler says the internal code name for the M3 GTS was Jägermeister, a reference to the famous German digestif and frat fuel with a history of sponsoring motorsports.

Segler and crew came about the weight loss the easy way: They removed stuff. There are no rear seats, the center console and the door trim have shed a few pounds, and even air conditioning is optional. The back window and the rear side glass have been replaced with polycarbonate (the front windows and the windshield remain glass). The M3's audio system was discarded, and so was a lot of sound insulation. The only music comes from the ultralight titanium exhaust system.

Weight loss is less than what we had expected—just over 100 pounds. Considering that’s partly because the standard roll bar and the fire extinguisher eat up some of the savings, though, we’re okay with it. Although three-point seatbelts come installed in the car, six-point harnesses are included as well.

Power rises from 414 hp to 444, arriving at the same 8300 rpm as in the regular M3. Maximum torque rises from 295 lb-ft at 3900 rpm to 325 lb-ft at 3750 rpm. It wasn’t easy, though: M had to bore the engine from 4.0 to 4.4 liters, a lot of effort to gain 30 hp and 30 lb-ft.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe

PRICE AS TESTED: $145,280

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection

Displacement: 266 cu in, 4361 cc
Power (SAE net): 444 bhp @ 8300 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 325 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 108.7 in Length: 182.9 in
Width: 71.0 in Height: 54.6 in
Curb weight (mfr’s est): 3550 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 3.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.0 sec

Lexus CT 200h 2011

Lexus Gets Young, Fun and Green
The 2011 Lexus CT 200h at a press event held in Delray Beach, Florida, a town that's the less exclusive neighbor to Boca Raton, that famously moneyed Florida retirement enclave. It's a fitting location, given that the CT 200h aims to be the affordable player in the Lexus lineup. With a sub-$30,000 price (the least expensive in the Lexus family) and frugal fuel efficiency, the CT 200h stands poised to beckon fresh blood to the brand's silver-haired customer base.

Lexus executives firmly refer to the CT 200h as a five-door compact, but as we take our first look at the car in the bright Florida sun, its sheet metal tells a humbler story. This is a hatchback, no two ways about it, a car meant to occupy the space in your imagination between a Mazda 3 five-door and an Audi A4 Avant.

It's also a hybrid, the fifth in the Lexus family, with the same powertrain as the Toyota Prius. As we'd expected, this translates into fuel economy that's the best in the premium compact segment, but what we didn't expect is how much fun the CT 200h is to drive. Though it's no overachiever in straight-line acceleration, this Lexus feels tightly buttoned up, with sharp, responsive steering. Hybrids aren't usually this entertaining, least of all those that share parts with a Prius.

Thin but diverse, the herd of premium compacts includes the lively BMW 1 Series, the handsome Volvo C30 and the luxurious, eco-minded Audi A3 TDI. Less pricey than most of its rivals and more frugal at the pump than all, the Lexus CT 200h distinguishes itself as a value-oriented luxury car that just happens to be a hybrid.


Who should consider this vehicle
The 2011 Lexus CT 200h is a good pick for shoppers who want Lexus prestige without sticker shock and steep fuel bills. It's also a solid bet for those in search of a less ubiquitous, more high-end alternative to the frugal Prius.

Infiniti G-Sedan 2011

2011 Infiniti G-Sedan

(2.5L V6 7-speed Automatic)

Design/Fit and Finish
The Infiniti G25's 2011 pleasantly familiar exterior combines with modern details that seem appropriate for a vehicle that touts its high-tech credentials. Wraparound headlights and a contoured grille are Infiniti hallmarks, as are the muscular bulges on the hood. Inside the cabin, the design is slightly more subdued and austere. The rounded dash and a good portion of other surfaces in the cabin are soft to the touch and well grained. Elements are tightly fitted and devoid of squeaks and creaks.


Who should consider this vehicle
Unless power and performance are primary concerns for your luxury sport sedan decision, the 2011 Infiniti G25 is an excellent choice. There's more than enough power for the average driver, in a well-mannered package. Plus, buyers can save some cash up front, as well as down the road in fuel economy compared to the Infiniti G37.


The venerable BMW 3 Series is still the leader in this segment of sporting luxury sedans, yet the Infiniti G25 is worth serious consideration, much like the Audi A4 2.0T with its 211-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine — a car with which this Infiniti has much in common, from its power to its price. On the more luxurious side of the spectrum, the Hyundai Genesis, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class could be of interest, but most of these can't compete with the Infiniti's driver engagement or its agreeable bottom line.

Performance
Powering the 2011 Infiniti G25 is a 2.5-liter V6 that produces 218 hp and 187 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, but buyers can choose rear- or all-wheel drive.

In Edmunds testing, our rear-wheel-drive G25 accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds. While this is 2.6 seconds slower than the more powerful G37 (something like a light-year in sport-sedan time), the G25 nevertheless doesn't feel weak by comparison. The 2.5-liter V6 has an energetic character and revs quickly, even as it offers a smoother feel than the 3.7-liter V6.

Mazda5 2011

The all-new Mazda5 is fitted with a newly-developed 2.0-litre DISI1 petrol engine equipped with i-stop, and a six-speed manual transmission with gear ratios specific to this version. This new direct-injection petrol offers linear and smooth performance characteristics and is fun to drive. It is also one of the most frugal and clean C-MAVs on the market, achieving approximately 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the 2.0-litre petrol it replaces. The gasoline line-up features a 1.8-litre engine with a six-speed manual transmission as well.

The all-new 2011 Mazda5 will go on sale in Europe this fall.

Ford C-MAX Hybrid 2013

Ford C-MAX Hybrid is based on the new Ford C-MAX five-passenger multi-activity vehicle, the C-MAX Hybrid models will be built alongside the all-new 2012 Ford Focus and Focus Electric at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. The C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid vehicles sold in Europe in 2013 will be built at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain, starting in 2013.

Ford C-MAX Hybrid will use advanced lithium-ion battery systems developed and assembled in-house by Ford in Michigan. Each system is smartly designed to maximize use of common, high-quality components, such as control board hardware that has proven field performance in Ford’s current, critically acclaimed hybrid vehicles.

Li-ion battery packs offer a number of advantages over the nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries that power today’s hybrid vehicles. In general, they are 25 to 30 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter, which makes them easier to package in a vehicle, and can be tuned to increase power to boost acceleration or to increase energy to extend driving distance.

Fiat Freemont 2012

The Fiat Freemont will have front wheel drive with turbo diesel power units (140 HP or 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet) combined with a manual gearbox. Later, the vehicle will also be available in 4×4 versions with 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet and 276 HP 3.6 petrol V6 engines, both with automatic transmissions. With the exception of the powerful 3.6 litre unit from the Chrysler Group Pentastar family and its automatic transmission, all power units are produced and developed by FPT- Fiat PowerTrain.

The Fiat Freemont’s very individual design includes muscular, decisive lines that are expressed in a front end with brand new bumpers and grille. The rear end has been redesigned with the adoption of a new bumper and LED tail lights.

The all-new passenger compartment features an up-to-date design and soft touch materials. Features include a wrap-around dashboard with chrome elements, a brand-new instrument panel, a strikingly good-looking central console and an innovative infotainment system with a large colour touchscreen.

To simplify the selection and purchase process, only two outfits will be provided that are aimed at different customer types. The equipment level for both outfits is extremely comprehensive and all the main content items comply with the ‘Fiat fair price’ strategy.

Both outfits will offer 7 seats, triple-zone automatic climate control system, keyless entry system, cruise control, advanced trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), fog lights and touchscreen radio with colour screen and controls on the steering wheel. The more metropolitan version will include 17″ alloys, touchscreen radio with 8.4″ screen, SD card and DVD reader, Bluetooth system, rear parking sensors, fold-down door mirrors, automatic headlight activation, darkened rear windows and roof bars.