Ferrari 458 Italia

  Ferrari 458 Italia

The Ferrari 458 Italia has rewritten the rulebook on exotic Italian supercars. Not only is the car completely new from the ground up, it’s also faster than virtually every Ferrari before it--including the Enzo. However, the major draw card is that this Ferrari is actually a very good mode of transport.

 

 Comfortable seats, ample head, leg, and shoulder room, and a level of quality to its build and materials surpassed only by a handful of other cars explains why the Ferrari 458 Italia is winning comparison tests all over the world.

At the end of the day, however, this is still a Ferrari, which means performance always has to come first. Here the car certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Power comes from a new 4.5-liter V-8, which features direct injection technology and is matched to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines that contributed to achieving its relatively high compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers a peak output of 570 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 400 pound-feet of torque 6,000 rpm.

This guarantees 0-60 mph times of less than 3.3 seconds and a top speed in excess of 202 mph. However, these figures give you a feel for the capabilities of the Italia, but none of them give you a feel for the feel of the Italia. You can strap enough rockets to a brick to deliver similar figures, but the driving experience wouldn't be all that rewarding.

Precise throttle response, shift feel better than anything else we’ve driven, and steering feel that’s head and shoulders above the competition--this is a car that can make amateurs look like the pros.

Inside, the 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Here, input from seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher--who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project--played a major part in the way the controls in the cabin are laid out.

Basically, most of the controls are clustered on the steering wheel where you can, in theory, reach them quickly. In day-to-day driving, however, the layout at times can be annoying.

courtesy by: http://www.motorauthority.com/overview/ferrari_458-italia_2011

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Toyota Camry 2011

 Toyota Camry 2011

 The 2011 Camry is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in 10 trims, ranging from the Base 6-Spd MT... read more to the XLE V6 6-Spd AT 

Upon introduction, the Base 6-Spd MT is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 169-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 33-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The XLE V6 6-Spd AT is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 268-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Can the most popular family sedan in America afford to take a risk? Not likely. The 2012 Toyota Camry doesn't aim to find out, either. Sure, the seventh generation of Toyota's bread-and-butter sedan shows a sharper look, including a more aggressive front grille and side profile. Tougher, more angular lines ring the exterior. There's even lip service paid to sporty handling, an effort to woo buyers who've already written off Toyota as the New Old Buick.

No, the new Camry isn't too different from the last one. And that's not a bad thing. For one thing, the 2012 Toyota Camry offers improved versions of last year's engines: a respectably powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Both engines also join a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver better fuel economy. The four-cylinder returns an EPA-estimated 35 highway mpg, while the V6 -- with nearly 100 more horses -- achieves 30 mpg on the highway. There's also a Camry Hybrid, covered in a separate review.

Suspension improvements have been made to enliven the Camry's handling dynamics. There are even paddle shifters on the SE model, offering manual control of the automatic transmission and rev-matched downshifts. That's not to say the 2012 Camry is really sporty, but it does infuse slightly more enthusiasm into a rock-solid legacy of cushy, comfortable ride quality.

Given that the midsize sedan segment has changed considerably, with cars like the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and Volkswagen Passat garnering some of our top recommendations, the Camry is no longer a no-brainer. Redesigned Honda Accord and Nissan Altima models are also due next year. But the 2012 Toyota Camry still has plenty going for it and is infused with all the qualities that have benchmarked the class for so long. It may fit you perfectly.

The 2012 Toyota Camry is offered in L, LE, SE and XLE trim levels. The L features 16-inch steel wheels, power-folding mirrors, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a six-speaker CD sound system with auxiliary input and USB jacks.

The Camry LE adds auto headlamps, remote keyless entry, steering-wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls and the six-speaker Display Audio system featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen.

The SE includes a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, heated exterior mirrors, unique interior and exterior styling treatment, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, sport seats and the Display Audio system. SE V6 models get the upgraded Display Audio system that adds navigation, HD radio, satellite radio, voice recognition and Entune smartphone and Web integration.

The luxurious XLE reverts to the LE's softer suspension settings, and adds heated exterior mirrors, foglamps, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat and the Display Audio system with navigation and Entune. XLE V6 models get a rearview camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery and heated driver and front passenger seats. A premium 10-speaker JBL audio system integrated with a 7-inch touchscreen hard-drive-based navigation system is also optional on XLE V6 models.

The 2012 Toyota Camry is offered with a choice of two engines. Base Camrys are powered by a respectably powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 178 hp and 170 pound-feet of torque. Upgrading gets you a silky smooth 3.5-liter V6 generating 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Both engines drive the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder returns an EPA-estimated 25 city/35 highway/28 combined mpg, while the V6 -- with nearly 100 more hp -- achieves 21/30/25.

The 2012 Toyota Camry comes with a battery of standard safety features, including antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, front- and rear-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and knee airbags for both driver and passenger, the latter new for 2012. A blind-spot monitoring system is also available.

Inside, the Camry's cabin feels slightly roomier. Thinner front pillars increase visibility and narrower door panels open up elbow room. Door panel controls also move higher, allowing knees to breathe better. Among other amenities, top Camry trim levels get an eight-way power driver seat, while all Camry models now offer a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat. But the most notable improvement has been in interior materials. The previous wave of hard plastic is replaced with complementary dash textures, handsome trim and subtle, decorative stitching.

The Camry's new upgraded audio system also includes Entune, a suite of smartphone-connected services that include features like the Bing search engine, Pandora streaming radio, real-time traffic, sports and stock information, and the ability to reserve movie tickets or a table at a restaurant on the go (Entune is optional with the Display Audio package).

In terms of power, both four-cylinder and V6 engines are pretty similar to last year's model. The Camry's new electric steering (once limited to the hybrid) feels pretty decent in the V6 versions. But four-cylinder versions, which use electric steering from a different supplier, feel vague and somewhat lifeless. On the bright side, this new Camry feels more planted to the road and less disturbed by bumps, the result of refined rear suspension tuning. The SE in particular, with its larger tires and sport-tuned suspension, feels more athletic than before.

The all new Camry 2012 has made its regional debut at the first day of Dubai Motorshow revealing its sophisticated, sporty design, spacious interior, improved driving dynamics and a quieter ride.

Andrew Squires National Sales & Marketing manager at Al-Futtaim Motors Toyota said, “The Camry’s low cost of ownership and great resale value, has made it one of the most popular vehicles for the fleet and retail customers alike. We anticipate this introduction to further add to Al-Futtaim Motors’ achievements in 2012. The company is leading position in the UAE market, with a market share close to 41 per cent.

courtesy by: http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/camry/2012/#fullreview

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Koenigsegg CCX

Koenigsegg CCX

The Infotainment product is modular and may be upgraded with time, with new exciting features once we picture them. It's a great platform for all of us to create the Koenigsegg CCX much more communicative. For instance, you'll be able for motorists to record lap occasions, energy levels and G-forces. Around the Koenigsegg CCXR model you'll be able to see ethanol mixture and just how much this effects the energy level.

The ATM Paddelshift system includes a brand-new gearbox design, that has been produced for the Koenigsegg CCX. The gearbox is designed to consider to 1100 nm of torque and because of its transversal layout, it's about 30 centimetres shorter then your manual transaxle gearbox it replaces, which enhances weight distribution. The gearbox includes a revolutionary synchronization system that enables change occasions of 30 milliseconds - an excellent improvement, in comparison to existing synchromesh system. Essentially it's as quickly as a dual clutch transmission, but reduced in weight and size - two key elements inside a Supercar.

The gearbox likewise incorporate a digital differential control. The E-diff, helps make the vehicle simpler they are driving around the limit of performance, and therefore improves the knowledge to many motorists. The gearbox is controlled with ergonomic paddles installed on the controls. Koenigsegg thinks this to become probably the most optimal solution, because the paddles stick to the controls actions whatsoever occasions.
An growing quantity of Koenigsegg clients desire to make their vehicle a “one of special”. Usually what this means is bespoke interior trimming, exterior colors and carbon areas, special wings, wheels and stereo system systems or track biased chassis setting including race harnesses and so forth.

To be able to handle these specifc needs within an organized way, Koenigsegg provides a course known as Custom Vision. The program allows our customer to fulfll their craziest dreams via a production and development system that Koenigsegg has enhanced through the years. For instance Koenigsegg have two engineers on fulltime aleart prepared to tackle any new and exiting challenge originating from our customer and also to take these ideas right through to production.

Each program is personally supervised by Chrisitan von Koenigsegg, that personally helps place the fnal touches towards the features in compliance using the esteemed clients visions.
It has been a lot more than 5 years since our backsides were intimate using the carbon-fiber chair from the only supercar produced in Sweden, the Koenigsegg. That's most likely lengthy enough ago that you are saying aloud, "Koenigs what??"

To create you up to date, here is a Koenigsegg primer: Christian von Koenigsegg only agreed to be 22 when he began a vehicle company in 1994 with the expectation of creating what many thought would be a fantasy - the earth's quickest production sports vehicle. Within the 1990's, the king from the exotics was the crazy $815,000 McLaren F1, able to 231 miles per hour. How could a youngster from Sweden one-up mighty McLaren?

In November 2001, we examined a prototype of his first vehicle, named the CC V-8. It had all of the exotic-vehicle trappings - carbon-fiber chassis, rotating doorways, 655 horsepower from the mid-mounted supercharged V-8, as well as an believed $300,000 cost. A sliding clutch soured our try out, however the vehicle demonstrated potential, running to 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds. A retest is at order, but we made the decision to hang about until a guaranteed U.S. version showed up stateside.

In the end anxiously waited, Koenigsegg mucked around. In 2004, he introduced new - the CCR - that included 151 more horsepower, 806 in most. This vehicle accomplished the unthinkable in 2005 - it outran the McLaren - getting out of bed to 241 miles per hour in the seven-mile Nardo test track in Italia. But Koenigsegg's glory would last only a year, as our very own Csaba Csere drove a $1.25 million Bugatti Veyron 16.4 to 253 miles per hour

Still, Koenigsegg had made his point. Thirty-four of his cars happen to be offered abroad, which is available these days within the U.S. But we simply were built with a opportunity for a short drive from the 2006 Koenigsegg CCX and never the wished-for instrumented test session.

Even though cost has a lot more than bending to $695,000, the bones from the Koenigsegg CCX are very similar as individuals from the vehicle we examined in 2001. The Koenigsegg CCX is lighter, allegedly by 200 pounds, and it has a terrible 806 horsepower from the twin-supercharged 4.7-liter V-8. The Koenigsegg's engine started existence because the aluminum block from the Ford Mustang Cobra. It is an authentic casting that's like the Ford block, but it is firmer and it has bigger cooling passages. It may sound hellacious and transmits the energy to some six-speed stick shift that drives the trunk wheels.

It had been 108 levels whenever we drove the Koenigsegg at Vegas Speedway. The fashionable metal gearshift knob and interior bits felt like branding irons. The vehicle didn't have trouble operating within the warmth, however the extreme temperature might be why it did not feel like it were built with a 50-percent-better energy-to-weight ratio than the usual Corvettes Z06. The handling, however, was without fault, the steering felt precise and nicely weighted, and also the non-anti-lock brakes were reassuringly strong following a fast blast lower the straight. The clutch, which needs to hold firm against 806 ponies, was simple to operate. The Koenigsegg CCX is very civilized for any vehicle that may run about as quickly as an Indianapolis racer, but you'll have to pay that six-figure race-vehicle cost.

 

courtesy by: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2006-koenigsegg-ccx-short-take-road-test

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Aston Martin

Aston Martin

The Aston Martin Rapide is really a five-door, high-performance sport saloon, which British luxury marque Aston Martin introduced at the begining of 2010. It was initially presented like a concept vehicle in the United States Worldwide Auto Show in 2006. The Rapide title is really a mention of the the Lagonda Rapide, a saloon vehicle created by Lagonda, now a part of Aston Martin. The vehicle is dependant on an Aston Martin DB9. The bottom cost for that Aston Martin Rapide is $199,950 (USD) and also the first cars were folded in May 2010.

Production by sub-contractor Magna Steyr will finish in the center of 2012, six years sooner than expected. Manufacture of the vehicle was stopped temporarily in May 2011. To complement output to sales, Aston Martin needs to cut annual production from 2,000 to at least one,250 in June 2011.

The Rapide is made in a devoted plant in the Magna Steyr facility in Graz, Austria. Production started this year and also the factory intends to build 2,000 each year. The idea vehicle version featured a complete-length glass roof and Brought light bars around the rear finish, two firsts for Aston Martin. The glass roof wasn't transported right through to production.

Specifications:
    Unit cost: $199,950 (USD)
    Engine: 6. L V12
    Energy: 470 bhp (350 kW 477 PS)
    Torque: 443 lbf·ft (601 N·m)
    Transmission: Six-speed Touchtronic
    Drivetrain: RWD
    100 km/h (62 miles per hour): 5.3 seconds
    60 miles per hour (97 km/h): 5. seconds
    Top speed: 188.5 miles per hour (303 km/h)

It's the spiritual successor towards the Aston Martin Lagonda, the business's previous four-door saloon, that was stopped in 1989 - 21 years prior to the Rapide's launch.

For luxury and convenience, the Rapide's standard features incorporate a tilt-telescoping controls, bi-xenon headlamps and Brought taillamps. Leather and walnut trim are standard, with metallic accents energy front seats with memory, air conditioning Bluetooth satellite radio (US version only) and USB and ipod device connectivity. The Rapide comes, as standard, in an instant & Olufsen 16 speaker audio system with two that rise in the dashboard on activation from the system. The development version from the Rapide was proven in the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Would you like noir? No, not the perfume, the literary and film genre. You realize, hard-boiled crooks, smart-cracking private eyes, La under cover of evening and blondes so blonde they'll kill you dead. Individuals blondes are, obviously, are also known as femme fatales, and in reality, the colour of the hair does not really matter. Think Theda Bera, Rita Hayworth, Mary Astor, Barbara Stanwyck and Marlene Dietrich. And let us remember the lovely Lana Turner - she's the main one, inside a situation of existence emulating art, using the daughter that wiped out Mickey Cohen's strongman/goon Johnny Stompanato. Quite simply, women so pretty you'd throw your existence away so they are fully aware you are tossing your existence away.

Here's the free, online-encyclopedia meaning of femme fatale just in case you are still wondering: "An attractive and sexy lady whose charms ensnare her enthusiasts in bonds of irresistible desire, frequently leading them into compromising, harmful and deadly situations."

Let us condition in advance the 2010 Aston Martin Rapide isn't, to the understanding, unsafe by any means, shape or form. But guy, oh guy, could it be sexy enough to create us overlook each and every bad factor about this. That, or enter an uncovered manhole cover while looking in internet marketing. Anyhow, "irresistible desire" and "compromising situations" are this British superstar's raison d'etre. Philip Marlowe would eat his fedora only for a ride. Fortunately, we needed to perform no such theatrics: Aston Martin simply let's borrow their vehicle.

Calling the all-new Rapide beautiful is similar to saying water is wet. Its allure is really instantly apparent, so fist-bitingly apparent that the thing is moot. Still, before the vehicle was parked during my front yard, precisely how pretty (fine, stunning) wasn't obvious. Much more traffic other cars seem like fridges and automatic washers. When parked it's just like a Rodin on four wheels. The Rapide, then, is yet another situation, and possibly the best situation, of images not carrying out a vehicle justice. This isn't meant like a slight against our ace digital photographer Came Phillips, who did a bang-up job taking the Rapide on digital film. It is simply that after compressed lower to simply two dimensions, most of the achingly gorgeous curves are flattened out. As a result, I spent possibly half an hour looking at only the Aston's curvaceous front fender. Throughout that point I'd no ideas of other things.

Nor must i have. Many commentators happen to be bemoaning the downward slide of vehicle design since Federal rules mandated five-miles per hour bumpers and side marker lights. For a lot of reasons too varied to get involved with here, they are right. The Rapide, however, is really a in a major way, major groundswell of the exception. Everyone was preventing us in the pub to guffaw. Throughout the photoshoot, deep in Santa Clarita's meth country, a patrol vehicle with a set of officials rolled away to hassle us.

After "Bad Cop" asked us and checked our IDs, "Good Cop" leaped from the Crown Vic, stating, "I can not go anymoreInch and started nipping their own apple iphone shots from the Rapide. This vehicle is beyond lovely so comely actually that its defects (but yet, you will find defects) are rapidly - otherwise instantly - pardoned by all of the blindest and many visually dead. As a result, we are likely to structure this review as something of the Choose Your Personal Adventure. If, like many, we figure, you do not worry about the way the vehicle drives, its interior or the small stuff and therefore are only thinking about the Rapide's luscious shape, skip on ahead towards the finish. For that relaxation individuals I-dotters and T-crossers, let's begin

courtesy by: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aston_Martin_Rapide
courtesy by: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/08/2010-aston-martin-rapide-review/

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Ford mustang gt

Ford mustang gt

For 2012, Ford Mustang’s American style is combined with powerful engines delivering outstanding fuel economy across the lineup. It also puts the driving experience in the customer’s hands with new selectable steering. The 2012 Ford Mustang ranks 1 out of 8 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 13 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Mustang, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2012 Ford Mustang continues to garner winning reviews for its performance and fuel economy, but gets critiqued for its cramped back seat and questionable interior quality in base models. “Mustang made a statement last year with the new engines and improved fuel economy,” said Jim Owens, Mustang marketing manager. “This year, we are giving our customers features that put them more in control of their driving experience and expand their storage options in the visor.”

From a performance standpoint, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2012 Ford Mustang. Consumer Guide writes, “Any Mustang offers an attractive blend of performance, swagger, value, and surprising usability.”The 2012 Mustang offers customers selectable steering that tailors the driving experience to fit their needs. With a choice of three settings, the feature allows the customer to select the steering effort, depending on his or her style of driving.

Most other critics also agree that with the Mustang, you get a lot for your money. A new V6 was introduced on the 2011 model, which not only offered substantially more power, but also excellent fuel economy. While the Mustang may not be the most agile when compared with smaller affordable sports cars like the Mazda Miata, it’s nimbler than competing muscle cars like the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger.

However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. Although higher trim levels have decent interior quality, reviewers frequently note that base models make liberal use of exposed hard plastics. Many recommend opting for the premium trim, which corrects these issues, albeit at a higher price.

Like many competing affordable sports cars, the Mustang’s back seat is also on the small side, and the interior is not without a few minor ergonomic quirks. Still, with comparable power and better handling, the 2012 Ford Mustang makes a compelling argument for itself when compared with rival muscle cars. However, sports cars like the Nissan 370Z still trump the Mustang with better handling and a quality interior.

Most critics agree that the 2012 Ford Mustang is a better choice than the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. However, all three have unique attributes that may appeal to affordable sports car shoppers who want muscle-car looks and driving dynamics.

The Camaro might not be as agile as the Mustang, but its performance is a close match to Ford’s pony car. And while the Mustang is an attractive car, most critics agree that the Camaro’s retro-inspired styling turns more heads. Sport mode provides the most road force felt through the steering wheel and requires the highest level of steering effort, allowing the driver to be more in tune with how the vehicle reacts to the road. Comfort mode provides the least amount of road force felt through the steering wheel and requires the least amount of steering effort, which is ideal for long, relaxing drives.

If you regularly have passengers in the back seat, the Dodge Challenger provides more comfortable accommodations than both the Camaro and the Mustang. Five people can sit in the Challenger’s roomy cabin, while the Mustang and Camaro only seat four, and although the Challenger is larger in size, the base model is just as powerful as the Mustang.

The 2012 Ford Mustang V6 is available as either a coupe or convertible and comes in two trims: base and Premium. New for 2012 is a selectable steering mode with three settings, as well as illuminated dual vanity mirrors and a sun visor storage compartment. See the full 2012 Ford Mustang specs.

For more power, check out the 412-horsepower Mustang GT, the 444-horsepower Mustang Boss 302 and the 550-horsepower Mustang Shelby GT500. Also new for 2012 are illuminated dual visor vanity mirrors, a universal garage door opener and multipurpose sun visor storage. A new color, Lava Red Metallic, also is available in limited quantities. It comes with a unique Lava Red with black interior and Lava Red color-keyed door and seat inserts.

Courtesy by: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Ford_Mustang/

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