LATEST NEW CAR INFORMATION AND EXPORT NEWS
07/03/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2013 Porsche Panamera
Porsche Panamera offers luxury, space and performance, all in a dizzying array of model choices and configurations. With its massive rear-seat space, the Panamera delivers the performance of sportscar with luxurious room for four adults.
New for 2013, Panamera GTS fits into a gap between the all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo. The 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS uses a souped-up version of the V8 found in the Panamera 4S that's good for 430 horsepower, a 30-hp bump over the 4S. Panamera GTS comes standard with many features found on the more powerful, more expensive Panamera Turbo, including 19-inch wheels, a sport steering wheel and unique interior and exterior trim.
Also new for 2013 is a Platinum edition of the base V6 engine, available in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive. They're fitted with the same 19-inch wheels found on Turbo models and include heated seats with upgraded leather upholstery, navigation, park assist, a sport steering wheel, bi-xenon headlights and unique exterior trim.
Panamera's exterior design is based on roominess and space efficiency while attempting to maintain Porsche styling heritage. The look is a love-hate proposition, with little middle ground. We think it looks ungainly from the rear three-quarter view, but park a Panamera among its competition from BMW and Audi, and it's the Porsche that stands out, the one that you want to get in and drive. In any case, those who can embrace the styling will be rewarded with a truly substantial, satisfying automobile.
Panamera is only slightly smaller than the BMW 7 Series, and it delivers the sporting performance of a world-class sports sedan with the comfortable ride and refinement of a luxo-cruiser. Those extremes required a lot of careful engineering. Porsche builds the body from lightweight materials and puts the engine low and as far back as possible. The Panamera's standard adjustable suspension can change the ride from soft but stable to race track-ready.
All Panamera models are fast. The V6 model hits 60 mph from a standstill in as little as 5.6 seconds, while the V8-powered Panamera S models pull off 0-60 in 5.0 seconds. Panamera Turbo cuts that time to a sports-car bashing 3.6 seconds, with little if any turbo lag and a rush of power that pins you back in your seat.
Don't think you're giving up cabin space by choosing a Porsche. Headroom, legroom and hip room in a Panamera rival that of a 2013 Mercedes S-Class sedan (S-Class is all-new for 2014). A standard full-length center console divides Panamera into four distinct and comfortable seating positions. The feel from the driver's seat is much like that in a Porsche 911, only slightly higher off the ground. All of the seats are supportive without being too firm or too deeply bolstered.
The hatchback design makes the Panamera useful as a family vehicle. With the rear seats up, the rear cargo area is as roomy as the trunk in a mid-size sedan. With the seats down, the Panamera has more cargo room than a luxury wagon, with easy access to a fairly expansive load floor.
Porsche Panamera is one of the best cars in its class. The competition includes Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Aston Martin Rapide, and Maserati Quattroporte. The Porsche Panamera doesn't come cheap, and options can add 50 percent to the model price. Yet on another level, given its impact and relative performance, the base Panamera V6 might be considered a deal.
Model Lineup
The Porsche Panamera and all-wheel drive Panamera 4 are powered by a 3.6-liter V6. Panamera S and all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S models come with a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8. Panamera GTS uses a slightly more powerful version of the 4.8-liter V8 found on the S and 4S. Panamera Turbo and Turbo S are powered by a turbocharged 4.8-liter V8. Panamera S Hybrid uses a 3.0-liter V6 paired with an electric motor. All come with Porsche's 7-speed, dual-clutch PDK automated transmission.
The 2013 Porsche Panamera ($75,850) comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power and heated front seats, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a cooled glove compartment, 60/40 split folding rear seats, navigation, 11-speaker audio system with USB port and auxiliary audio jack, rear spoiler, power moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic xenon headlights, rear parking sensors and a sunroof, 18-inch wheels.
Panamera 4 ($80,450) adds all-wheel drive.
Panamera Platinum Edition ($80,500) and Panamera 4 Platinum Edition ($84,600) upgrade further with leather upholstery, 14-way power seats, heated front and rear seats, sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, navigation, front and rear park assist, bi-xenon headlights, special exterior trim, and the same 19-inch wheels found on Turbo models.
Panamera S Hybrid ($96,150) is equipped like the V6 models.
Panamera S ($91,350) and Panamera 4S ($96,350) upgrade with adaptive HID headlights, a driver-seat memory function, shift paddles and more interior lighting.
Panamera GTS ($111,000) adds 18-way active front seats with suede-like upholstery inserts, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, unique exterior and interior trim and 19-inch wheels.
Panamera Turbo ($138,650) and Panamera Turbo S ($175,300) come standard with full leather upholstery and interior trim, 14-way power seats with passenger memory, and Alcantara headliner. All-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires, and Porsche's adaptive, load-leveling air suspension are included.
Options are numerous: The Premium Package includes the 14-way power heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Premium Plus adds electrically operated sunscreens for the rear and rear-side glass. Audio upgrades include premium Bose audio package ($1,692). Performance options include adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) ($3,980); ceramic composite brakes ($8,520); and the Sport Chrono Plus package ($1,330), which includes analog and digital stopwatches, Sport Plus button and launch control.
Safety equipment on the Panamera includes front airbags, front occupant side-impact airbags, front-passenger knee airbags, and head-protection curtains for all occupants Active safety systems include rear park assist, full-feature anti-lock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control.
2013 Porsche Panamera
Porsche Panamera offers luxury, space and performance, all in a dizzying array of model choices and configurations. With its massive rear-seat space, the Panamera delivers the performance of sportscar with luxurious room for four adults.
New for 2013, Panamera GTS fits into a gap between the all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo. The 2013 Porsche Panamera GTS uses a souped-up version of the V8 found in the Panamera 4S that's good for 430 horsepower, a 30-hp bump over the 4S. Panamera GTS comes standard with many features found on the more powerful, more expensive Panamera Turbo, including 19-inch wheels, a sport steering wheel and unique interior and exterior trim.
Also new for 2013 is a Platinum edition of the base V6 engine, available in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive. They're fitted with the same 19-inch wheels found on Turbo models and include heated seats with upgraded leather upholstery, navigation, park assist, a sport steering wheel, bi-xenon headlights and unique exterior trim.
Panamera's exterior design is based on roominess and space efficiency while attempting to maintain Porsche styling heritage. The look is a love-hate proposition, with little middle ground. We think it looks ungainly from the rear three-quarter view, but park a Panamera among its competition from BMW and Audi, and it's the Porsche that stands out, the one that you want to get in and drive. In any case, those who can embrace the styling will be rewarded with a truly substantial, satisfying automobile.
Panamera is only slightly smaller than the BMW 7 Series, and it delivers the sporting performance of a world-class sports sedan with the comfortable ride and refinement of a luxo-cruiser. Those extremes required a lot of careful engineering. Porsche builds the body from lightweight materials and puts the engine low and as far back as possible. The Panamera's standard adjustable suspension can change the ride from soft but stable to race track-ready.
All Panamera models are fast. The V6 model hits 60 mph from a standstill in as little as 5.6 seconds, while the V8-powered Panamera S models pull off 0-60 in 5.0 seconds. Panamera Turbo cuts that time to a sports-car bashing 3.6 seconds, with little if any turbo lag and a rush of power that pins you back in your seat.
Don't think you're giving up cabin space by choosing a Porsche. Headroom, legroom and hip room in a Panamera rival that of a 2013 Mercedes S-Class sedan (S-Class is all-new for 2014). A standard full-length center console divides Panamera into four distinct and comfortable seating positions. The feel from the driver's seat is much like that in a Porsche 911, only slightly higher off the ground. All of the seats are supportive without being too firm or too deeply bolstered.
The hatchback design makes the Panamera useful as a family vehicle. With the rear seats up, the rear cargo area is as roomy as the trunk in a mid-size sedan. With the seats down, the Panamera has more cargo room than a luxury wagon, with easy access to a fairly expansive load floor.
Porsche Panamera is one of the best cars in its class. The competition includes Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Aston Martin Rapide, and Maserati Quattroporte. The Porsche Panamera doesn't come cheap, and options can add 50 percent to the model price. Yet on another level, given its impact and relative performance, the base Panamera V6 might be considered a deal.
Model Lineup
The Porsche Panamera and all-wheel drive Panamera 4 are powered by a 3.6-liter V6. Panamera S and all-wheel-drive Panamera 4S models come with a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8. Panamera GTS uses a slightly more powerful version of the 4.8-liter V8 found on the S and 4S. Panamera Turbo and Turbo S are powered by a turbocharged 4.8-liter V8. Panamera S Hybrid uses a 3.0-liter V6 paired with an electric motor. All come with Porsche's 7-speed, dual-clutch PDK automated transmission.
The 2013 Porsche Panamera ($75,850) comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power and heated front seats, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a cooled glove compartment, 60/40 split folding rear seats, navigation, 11-speaker audio system with USB port and auxiliary audio jack, rear spoiler, power moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic xenon headlights, rear parking sensors and a sunroof, 18-inch wheels.
Panamera 4 ($80,450) adds all-wheel drive.
Panamera Platinum Edition ($80,500) and Panamera 4 Platinum Edition ($84,600) upgrade further with leather upholstery, 14-way power seats, heated front and rear seats, sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, navigation, front and rear park assist, bi-xenon headlights, special exterior trim, and the same 19-inch wheels found on Turbo models.
Panamera S Hybrid ($96,150) is equipped like the V6 models.
Panamera S ($91,350) and Panamera 4S ($96,350) upgrade with adaptive HID headlights, a driver-seat memory function, shift paddles and more interior lighting.
Panamera GTS ($111,000) adds 18-way active front seats with suede-like upholstery inserts, a sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, unique exterior and interior trim and 19-inch wheels.
Panamera Turbo ($138,650) and Panamera Turbo S ($175,300) come standard with full leather upholstery and interior trim, 14-way power seats with passenger memory, and Alcantara headliner. All-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires, and Porsche's adaptive, load-leveling air suspension are included.
Options are numerous: The Premium Package includes the 14-way power heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Premium Plus adds electrically operated sunscreens for the rear and rear-side glass. Audio upgrades include premium Bose audio package ($1,692). Performance options include adaptive air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) ($3,980); ceramic composite brakes ($8,520); and the Sport Chrono Plus package ($1,330), which includes analog and digital stopwatches, Sport Plus button and launch control.
Safety equipment on the Panamera includes front airbags, front occupant side-impact airbags, front-passenger knee airbags, and head-protection curtains for all occupants Active safety systems include rear park assist, full-feature anti-lock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control.
07/01/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2013 Volkswagen Jetta
olkswagen Jetta comes in a range of models with a choice of engines. Among them is a new Jetta Hybrid model that joins the 2013 Jetta lineup. The Volkswagen Jetta competes with compact cars such as the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic.
The Jetta sedan was redesigned for 2011 using less sophisticated technologies and lower-cost interior materials, with a lower price, a package with a great deal of value because the Jetta solidity and quality was still there. For 2012, the sporty turbocharged Jetta GLI reclaimed some of the lost content.
The Jetta TDI Sportwagen, with its turbo-diesel direct-injection engine (and especially its DSG twin-clutch automanual transmission), has gotten rave reviews for its performance and fuel mileage, 40-plus miles per gallon. Jetta Sportwagen rides on the previous-generation Jetta platform and has a more sophisticated suspension.
The base sedan model is the Jetta S, which uses a single-overhead-cam 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 115 horsepower. That engine is an old but solid design.
Jetta SE brings a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes more power, 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, while getting almost the same fuel mileage. The five-cylinder, 20-valve 2.5-liter engine is a Volkswagen stalwart, with good power. It's capable of propelling the Jetta SE from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds with the 6-speed automatic, and powers Jetta to a top speed of 127 mph. It's EPA-rated at a Combined 26 mpg, about what we got over nearly 500 miles of driving in a Jetta SEL automatic and SEL manual. We prefer the very good automatic.
Most models offer a choice of 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. We found the sport mode for the 6-speed automatic sharp and effective. We used it in city driving, where it responded crisply on San Francisco's hills, and in slow-and-go freeway traffic, where it kept the transmission in third gear rather than upshifting and downshifting all the time. Manual mode can be used for spirited driving, shifting at the lever. It's programmed well, responsive and obedient.
Jetta Hybrid boasts an EPA-estimated 42/48 mpg City/Highway, 45 mpg Combined. We drove a Jetta Hybrid for one week, covering 340 miles, half city and half freeway, and we only got 35 mpg. Jetta Hybrid demands Premium gasoline, while the 2.5-liter five-cylinder on Jetta SE and SEL demands only less-expensive Regular.
The Jetta TDI Sedan and Sportwagen use the latest turbo-diesel direct-injection technology in their engine, making 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, while getting an EPA-rated 30/42 mpg City/Highway.
To keep the price down, Volkswagen uses an old-school rear torsion beam suspension in Jetta S and SE models; the ride is firm, but most owners won't miss a multi-link suspension. The build quality is impressive. The Jetta is quiet at speed and feels solid. Rear disc brakes have been added to these models for 2013, after gripes that the drum brakes on 2011 and 2012 models were archaic.
Jetta shoppers might notice that the interior materials on the base S model aren't of the highest quality; it's not that the materials are cheap, just less rich than they were a few years ago. There are hard plastics that can creak and rattle over the years. But the trim is tasteful, and the standard cloth seats fit well, while the optional V-Tex leatherette upholstery passes easily for real leather. The trim in the SE has been upgraded for 2013.
Jetta Sedan's interior is clean, stylish and comfortable, while being smart, accommodating and functional. There's good headroom front and rear. Rear-seat legroom is first in class at 38.1 inches, nearly as much as a BMW 7 Series. VW makes smart use of cupholders and little storage cubbies. The instruments are handsome, with clean white-on-black numbering.
Jetta GLI brings back all the interior quality. The dashboard is made of a soft-touch material, and there is accent stitching on the shifter, seats and steering wheel. The GLI features a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo engine, accelerating from zero to 60 in 6.8 seconds using the magical DSG twin-clutch automated manual transmission. It offers a relaxed, refined sportiness that makes it the most satisfying Jetta to drive.
The Sportwagen has a nicer interior and multi-link independent rear suspension. With a shorter wheelbase, it has less rear legroom, but with the cargo room of an SUV and the popular TDI option, the Jetta Sportwagen can be a great alternative to a crossover or SUV while offering outstanding fuel economy.
Model Lineup 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jetta S sedan ($16,720) comes with the 115-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic is optional ($1,100). Standard features include cloth upholstery, air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, auxiliary input jack, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, theft-deterrent system, and P195/65HR15 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers.
Jetta SE ($19,015) uses the 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, and adds V-Tex leatherette upholstery, trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors with turn signals, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats, and P205/55HR16 tires. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic is optional ($1,100). The Convenience package ($20,330 manual) gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, heated front seats, satellite radio, iPod interface, Bluetooth, heated washers, and alloy wheels. The automatic transmission is optional ($1100) for the S, SE and S Sportwagen models.
Jetta S Sportwagen ($20,595) comes with the 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, and is far better equipped than the Jetta S sedan, with cruise control, heated power front seats with lumbar adjustment, center console, rear-seat trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors with turn signals, Bluetooth connectivity, heated windshield washer nozzles, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats, roof rails, and P205/55HR16 tires. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic is optional ($1,100).
Jetta SE Sportwagen ($24,395) comes with the 6-speed automatic transmission, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, trip computer, AM/FM radio with 6-disc in-dash CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, HD radio, iPod interface and alloy wheels. The SE Sportwagen with sunroof ($26,195) includes 17-inch alloy wheels.
Jetta SEL sedan comes with manual ($22,895) or automatic ($23,995) and upgrades with a six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar adjustment; keyless access and starting; sunroof; a 9-speaker, 400-watt Fender sound system; trip computer; fog lights; and P225/45HR17 tires. Navigation is optional.
Jetta Hybrid ($24,995) uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged gas engine with 27-hp electric motor; seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission; front and rear disc brakes; Daytime Running Lights; power and heated exterior mirrors; 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; rear spoiler and rear diffuser; unique grille; hybrid badging on front, sides and rear; power windows with one-touch up/down; hybrid interior accents; six-way manually adjustable front seats; automatic climate-control; Bluetooth; auxiliary input jack; trip computer; radio with CD player and six speakers; leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; 60/40 folding rear seat; and tilt/telescoping steering wheel column. Jetta Hybrid SE ($26,990) adds LED taillights; power recline front seats; Media-Device Interface (MDI) and iPod cable; Premium VIII touch screen radio with color energy flow display in center console; SiriusXM Satellite Radio; and keyless access with push-button start.
Jetta Hybrid SEL ($29,325) adds 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; a power tilt and slide sunroof; upgraded radio and navigation; heated front washer nozzles; heated front seats; and a six-way power driver's seat. Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium ($31,180) adds bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, Active Front-lighting System (AFS); fog lights with cornering lights; 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; Fender Premium Audio System with subwoofer; and a rearview camera.
Jetta TDI ($22,990) uses the 140-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel engine. A 6-speed manual is standard, a 6-speed DSG twin-clutch automated manual transmission is optional ($1,100). Jetta TDI is equipped like the SE with Convenience package, but TDI also gets a hill-holder clutch, four-wheel disc brakes and a trip computer. Jetta TDI sedan with Premium package ($24,430) adds a sunroof and the Fender audio system. Jetta TDI with Premium and Navigation ($25,890) adds navigation system, keyless starting, and foglights.
Jetta TDI Sportwagen ($25,795) adds a 115-volt power outlet. Also offered are the TDI Sportwagen with Sunroof ($27,595), which adds a sunroof and P225/45HR17 tires.
Jetta GLI sedan ($23,945) uses a 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. In addition to SE equipment, the GLI has a hill-holder clutch, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, satellite radio, iPod interface, Bluetooth, trip computer, cooled glovebox, fog lights, sport suspension, and P225/45HR17 tires on alloy wheels. Jetta GLI Autobahn ($26,195) adds automatic climate control, V-Tex upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, heated windshield washers, and P225/40HR18 tires. Jetta GLI Autobahn with Navigation ($28,200) has navigation system, keyless access and starting, and the Fender sound system. A 6-speed manual is standard, a 6-speed DSG twin-clutch automated manual transmission is optional ($1,100).
Options for Jetta models include a Ground Effects kit with body cladding and chrome exhaust tips; a Protection package with rubber floormats, a cargo net and mudguards; an Appearance package with rubber floormats, a cargo mat, a cargo net and a rear spoiler; iPod interface, Bluetooth; a rear spoiler; P225/45HR17 tires with alloy wheels; and P225/40R18 tires on alloy wheels.
Safety features on all Jettas includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, traction control, Electronic Stability Control, and the mandated tire-pressure monitor. The Sportwagen and higher-end sedan models have four-wheel disc brakes, while the base sedan models have less-expensive rear drum brakes.
2013 Volkswagen Jetta
olkswagen Jetta comes in a range of models with a choice of engines. Among them is a new Jetta Hybrid model that joins the 2013 Jetta lineup. The Volkswagen Jetta competes with compact cars such as the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic.
The Jetta sedan was redesigned for 2011 using less sophisticated technologies and lower-cost interior materials, with a lower price, a package with a great deal of value because the Jetta solidity and quality was still there. For 2012, the sporty turbocharged Jetta GLI reclaimed some of the lost content.
The Jetta TDI Sportwagen, with its turbo-diesel direct-injection engine (and especially its DSG twin-clutch automanual transmission), has gotten rave reviews for its performance and fuel mileage, 40-plus miles per gallon. Jetta Sportwagen rides on the previous-generation Jetta platform and has a more sophisticated suspension.
The base sedan model is the Jetta S, which uses a single-overhead-cam 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 115 horsepower. That engine is an old but solid design.
Jetta SE brings a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes more power, 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, while getting almost the same fuel mileage. The five-cylinder, 20-valve 2.5-liter engine is a Volkswagen stalwart, with good power. It's capable of propelling the Jetta SE from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds with the 6-speed automatic, and powers Jetta to a top speed of 127 mph. It's EPA-rated at a Combined 26 mpg, about what we got over nearly 500 miles of driving in a Jetta SEL automatic and SEL manual. We prefer the very good automatic.
Most models offer a choice of 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. We found the sport mode for the 6-speed automatic sharp and effective. We used it in city driving, where it responded crisply on San Francisco's hills, and in slow-and-go freeway traffic, where it kept the transmission in third gear rather than upshifting and downshifting all the time. Manual mode can be used for spirited driving, shifting at the lever. It's programmed well, responsive and obedient.
Jetta Hybrid boasts an EPA-estimated 42/48 mpg City/Highway, 45 mpg Combined. We drove a Jetta Hybrid for one week, covering 340 miles, half city and half freeway, and we only got 35 mpg. Jetta Hybrid demands Premium gasoline, while the 2.5-liter five-cylinder on Jetta SE and SEL demands only less-expensive Regular.
The Jetta TDI Sedan and Sportwagen use the latest turbo-diesel direct-injection technology in their engine, making 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, while getting an EPA-rated 30/42 mpg City/Highway.
To keep the price down, Volkswagen uses an old-school rear torsion beam suspension in Jetta S and SE models; the ride is firm, but most owners won't miss a multi-link suspension. The build quality is impressive. The Jetta is quiet at speed and feels solid. Rear disc brakes have been added to these models for 2013, after gripes that the drum brakes on 2011 and 2012 models were archaic.
Jetta shoppers might notice that the interior materials on the base S model aren't of the highest quality; it's not that the materials are cheap, just less rich than they were a few years ago. There are hard plastics that can creak and rattle over the years. But the trim is tasteful, and the standard cloth seats fit well, while the optional V-Tex leatherette upholstery passes easily for real leather. The trim in the SE has been upgraded for 2013.
Jetta Sedan's interior is clean, stylish and comfortable, while being smart, accommodating and functional. There's good headroom front and rear. Rear-seat legroom is first in class at 38.1 inches, nearly as much as a BMW 7 Series. VW makes smart use of cupholders and little storage cubbies. The instruments are handsome, with clean white-on-black numbering.
Jetta GLI brings back all the interior quality. The dashboard is made of a soft-touch material, and there is accent stitching on the shifter, seats and steering wheel. The GLI features a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo engine, accelerating from zero to 60 in 6.8 seconds using the magical DSG twin-clutch automated manual transmission. It offers a relaxed, refined sportiness that makes it the most satisfying Jetta to drive.
The Sportwagen has a nicer interior and multi-link independent rear suspension. With a shorter wheelbase, it has less rear legroom, but with the cargo room of an SUV and the popular TDI option, the Jetta Sportwagen can be a great alternative to a crossover or SUV while offering outstanding fuel economy.
Model Lineup 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jetta S sedan ($16,720) comes with the 115-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic is optional ($1,100). Standard features include cloth upholstery, air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, auxiliary input jack, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, theft-deterrent system, and P195/65HR15 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers.
Jetta SE ($19,015) uses the 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, and adds V-Tex leatherette upholstery, trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors with turn signals, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats, and P205/55HR16 tires. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic is optional ($1,100). The Convenience package ($20,330 manual) gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, heated front seats, satellite radio, iPod interface, Bluetooth, heated washers, and alloy wheels. The automatic transmission is optional ($1100) for the S, SE and S Sportwagen models.
Jetta S Sportwagen ($20,595) comes with the 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, and is far better equipped than the Jetta S sedan, with cruise control, heated power front seats with lumbar adjustment, center console, rear-seat trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors with turn signals, Bluetooth connectivity, heated windshield washer nozzles, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats, roof rails, and P205/55HR16 tires. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 6-speed automatic is optional ($1,100).
Jetta SE Sportwagen ($24,395) comes with the 6-speed automatic transmission, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, trip computer, AM/FM radio with 6-disc in-dash CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, HD radio, iPod interface and alloy wheels. The SE Sportwagen with sunroof ($26,195) includes 17-inch alloy wheels.
Jetta SEL sedan comes with manual ($22,895) or automatic ($23,995) and upgrades with a six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar adjustment; keyless access and starting; sunroof; a 9-speaker, 400-watt Fender sound system; trip computer; fog lights; and P225/45HR17 tires. Navigation is optional.
Jetta Hybrid ($24,995) uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged gas engine with 27-hp electric motor; seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission; front and rear disc brakes; Daytime Running Lights; power and heated exterior mirrors; 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; rear spoiler and rear diffuser; unique grille; hybrid badging on front, sides and rear; power windows with one-touch up/down; hybrid interior accents; six-way manually adjustable front seats; automatic climate-control; Bluetooth; auxiliary input jack; trip computer; radio with CD player and six speakers; leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; 60/40 folding rear seat; and tilt/telescoping steering wheel column. Jetta Hybrid SE ($26,990) adds LED taillights; power recline front seats; Media-Device Interface (MDI) and iPod cable; Premium VIII touch screen radio with color energy flow display in center console; SiriusXM Satellite Radio; and keyless access with push-button start.
Jetta Hybrid SEL ($29,325) adds 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; a power tilt and slide sunroof; upgraded radio and navigation; heated front washer nozzles; heated front seats; and a six-way power driver's seat. Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium ($31,180) adds bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, Active Front-lighting System (AFS); fog lights with cornering lights; 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; Fender Premium Audio System with subwoofer; and a rearview camera.
Jetta TDI ($22,990) uses the 140-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel engine. A 6-speed manual is standard, a 6-speed DSG twin-clutch automated manual transmission is optional ($1,100). Jetta TDI is equipped like the SE with Convenience package, but TDI also gets a hill-holder clutch, four-wheel disc brakes and a trip computer. Jetta TDI sedan with Premium package ($24,430) adds a sunroof and the Fender audio system. Jetta TDI with Premium and Navigation ($25,890) adds navigation system, keyless starting, and foglights.
Jetta TDI Sportwagen ($25,795) adds a 115-volt power outlet. Also offered are the TDI Sportwagen with Sunroof ($27,595), which adds a sunroof and P225/45HR17 tires.
Jetta GLI sedan ($23,945) uses a 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. In addition to SE equipment, the GLI has a hill-holder clutch, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, satellite radio, iPod interface, Bluetooth, trip computer, cooled glovebox, fog lights, sport suspension, and P225/45HR17 tires on alloy wheels. Jetta GLI Autobahn ($26,195) adds automatic climate control, V-Tex upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, heated windshield washers, and P225/40HR18 tires. Jetta GLI Autobahn with Navigation ($28,200) has navigation system, keyless access and starting, and the Fender sound system. A 6-speed manual is standard, a 6-speed DSG twin-clutch automated manual transmission is optional ($1,100).
Options for Jetta models include a Ground Effects kit with body cladding and chrome exhaust tips; a Protection package with rubber floormats, a cargo net and mudguards; an Appearance package with rubber floormats, a cargo mat, a cargo net and a rear spoiler; iPod interface, Bluetooth; a rear spoiler; P225/45HR17 tires with alloy wheels; and P225/40R18 tires on alloy wheels.
Safety features on all Jettas includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, traction control, Electronic Stability Control, and the mandated tire-pressure monitor. The Sportwagen and higher-end sedan models have four-wheel disc brakes, while the base sedan models have less-expensive rear drum brakes.
06/28/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2014 Porsche 911 GT3
A completely redeveloped fifth-generation Porsche 911 GT3 goes on sale near the end of the year, as Porsche celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 911.
The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is completely redesigned, with a new chassis, body and engine. It's 55 pounds lighter than the outgoing model and boasts more power, estimated to scream from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds.
Compared to the new 911 Carrera S, the new GT3 is 1.7 inches wider and, as before, sports a giant fixed rear wing. Standard wheels are 20 inches, up from 19s on the previous model. And while bigger wheels and tires often sacrifice ride quality, Porsche says the new wheels weigh less.
Powering the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is a new 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine. It uses direct injection for increased efficiency, and while it's based on the engine used in the current 911 Carrera S, many of the GT3's parts were created especially for that model, including titanium connecting rods and forged pistons. The result is 475 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, up from 435 hp and 317 in the current model. Porsche says the 2014 GT3 has a top speed of 195 mph.
Though lighter, the GT3 appears to be moving away from its purist, club sport roots, with rear-wheel steering and the high-tech PDK in place of a traditional manual gearbox.
Previously available with only a manual transmission, the change to the 7-speed, dual-clutch PDK transmission with paddle shifters represents a major paradigm shift for the GT3. The sequential gearbox will be the only transmission available on the new GT3.
Also new on the 2014 GT3 is a speed-sensitive, active rear steering system. At speeds slower than 30 mph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction of the fronts to improve maneuverability. When going faster than 50 mph, the rear wheels point in the same direction as the fronts to help with high-speed cornering and stability.
The 2014 Porsche GT3 is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in late 2013 with a starting price of $130,400, plus a $950 destination fee.
2014 Porsche 911 GT3
A completely redeveloped fifth-generation Porsche 911 GT3 goes on sale near the end of the year, as Porsche celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 911.
The 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is completely redesigned, with a new chassis, body and engine. It's 55 pounds lighter than the outgoing model and boasts more power, estimated to scream from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds.
Compared to the new 911 Carrera S, the new GT3 is 1.7 inches wider and, as before, sports a giant fixed rear wing. Standard wheels are 20 inches, up from 19s on the previous model. And while bigger wheels and tires often sacrifice ride quality, Porsche says the new wheels weigh less.
Powering the 2014 Porsche 911 GT3 is a new 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine. It uses direct injection for increased efficiency, and while it's based on the engine used in the current 911 Carrera S, many of the GT3's parts were created especially for that model, including titanium connecting rods and forged pistons. The result is 475 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, up from 435 hp and 317 in the current model. Porsche says the 2014 GT3 has a top speed of 195 mph.
Though lighter, the GT3 appears to be moving away from its purist, club sport roots, with rear-wheel steering and the high-tech PDK in place of a traditional manual gearbox.
Previously available with only a manual transmission, the change to the 7-speed, dual-clutch PDK transmission with paddle shifters represents a major paradigm shift for the GT3. The sequential gearbox will be the only transmission available on the new GT3.
Also new on the 2014 GT3 is a speed-sensitive, active rear steering system. At speeds slower than 30 mph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction of the fronts to improve maneuverability. When going faster than 50 mph, the rear wheels point in the same direction as the fronts to help with high-speed cornering and stability.
The 2014 Porsche GT3 is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in late 2013 with a starting price of $130,400, plus a $950 destination fee.
06/26/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2014 BMW Z4
The BMW Z4, BMW's sporty roadster, gets a refresh and a new variant just in time for spring convertible weather. For 2014, the front end gets revised headlights with new LED accent lights, along with other minor changes to the front fascia. New wheel choices and colors also debut, including a Valencia Orange metallic paint.
Perhaps most significant is the introduction of a new entry-level model, the 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive 18i. It uses a less-powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Z4 sDrive 28i. And sadly, though the model is new, BMW keeps the same awkward naming structure. This engine is already used on European models as well as in the new 320i sedan, which debuted for the U.S. market alongside the new 2014 Z4 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Z4 sDrive18i is no track star; it's rated at 156 horsepower and goes 0-60 mph in an uninspiring 7.9 seconds. The 2.0-liter engine can be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic.
The other 2014 Z4 models are unchanged underneath: The Z4 sDrive28i features a more powerful version of the 2.0-liter four cylinder that makes 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Its 0-60 mph acceleration performance is much more impressive at 5.5 seconds with the 6-speed manual, and only 0.1 second slower with the automatic. Now we're talking.
The BMW Z4 sDrive35i continues to use the 3.0-liter inline-6, good for 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque with a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds with the optional 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, or 5.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual. Very quick, indeed.
A line-topping Z4 sDrive35is uses a more powerful version of the 3.0-liter inline-6, with 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.8 seconds.
Standard features on all 2014 BMW Z4 models include automatic climate control, an 11-speaker audio system, soft-close automatic trunk lid and HID headlights. Options include several packages, as well as a 14-speaker premium sound system and navigation.
The 2014 BMW Z4 is set to arrive in dealer showrooms Spring 2013. Pricing hasn't been announced on the new Z4 sDrive18is, but the new 320i starts at $4,000 less than the 328i, so we're estimating the two Z4 models will have a similar price difference. That puts the starting price for the Z4 line at about $44,000.
2014 BMW Z4
The BMW Z4, BMW's sporty roadster, gets a refresh and a new variant just in time for spring convertible weather. For 2014, the front end gets revised headlights with new LED accent lights, along with other minor changes to the front fascia. New wheel choices and colors also debut, including a Valencia Orange metallic paint.
Perhaps most significant is the introduction of a new entry-level model, the 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive 18i. It uses a less-powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the Z4 sDrive 28i. And sadly, though the model is new, BMW keeps the same awkward naming structure. This engine is already used on European models as well as in the new 320i sedan, which debuted for the U.S. market alongside the new 2014 Z4 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Z4 sDrive18i is no track star; it's rated at 156 horsepower and goes 0-60 mph in an uninspiring 7.9 seconds. The 2.0-liter engine can be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic.
The other 2014 Z4 models are unchanged underneath: The Z4 sDrive28i features a more powerful version of the 2.0-liter four cylinder that makes 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Its 0-60 mph acceleration performance is much more impressive at 5.5 seconds with the 6-speed manual, and only 0.1 second slower with the automatic. Now we're talking.
The BMW Z4 sDrive35i continues to use the 3.0-liter inline-6, good for 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque with a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds with the optional 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, or 5.1 seconds with the 6-speed manual. Very quick, indeed.
A line-topping Z4 sDrive35is uses a more powerful version of the 3.0-liter inline-6, with 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.8 seconds.
Standard features on all 2014 BMW Z4 models include automatic climate control, an 11-speaker audio system, soft-close automatic trunk lid and HID headlights. Options include several packages, as well as a 14-speaker premium sound system and navigation.
The 2014 BMW Z4 is set to arrive in dealer showrooms Spring 2013. Pricing hasn't been announced on the new Z4 sDrive18is, but the new 320i starts at $4,000 less than the 328i, so we're estimating the two Z4 models will have a similar price difference. That puts the starting price for the Z4 line at about $44,000.
06/25/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2014 Infiniti Q50
Infiniti, Nissan's luxury brand, got off to a slow start following its 1989 U.S. launch and, despite a variety of generally handsome, fine-performing and well-reviewed luxury/sport products, still trailed rival Toyota's Lexus sales by nearly 100,000 units as of 2012. So the primary mission of new Infiniti Motor Co. President Johan de Nysschen whose previous job was leading Audi in North America is to improve on that performance, as he did Audi's. And one of the first thing he is doing is changing Infiniti's model names.
By 2014, all Infiniti car names will start with the letter Q, harking back to the marque's first luxury sedan, the Q45. Infiniti trucks and car-based crossovers will be QXs.
Instead of engine size, the numbers following those letters will indicate relative size, price and/or hierarchy in the line.
Thus this all-new 2014 Q50 replaces the former G sedan, the G coupe and convertible be replaced by new Q60s, and the larger M luxury sedan will be renamed Q70. On the truck side, the Infiniti EX, 7-passenger JX and performance-oriented FX crossovers will become QX50, QX60 and QX70, while the full-size QX SUV will be QX80.
Infiniti's G sedans have always looked fine to our eyes, but this new Q50 carries the brand's design language to higher levels. Its flowing, sculpted lines look good from every angle, beginning with the raised hood over its signature double-arch grille and the sharp character line trailing rearward from its headlamps. Another line curves over its rear haunch into the rear deck, while aggressive creases in the lower doors are echoed in the rear quarters.
Two propulsion systems will be available in North America for 2014: a 328-hp 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve aluminum V6 with Infiniti's Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) and Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL), and a Direct Response Hybrid system with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. The latter marries a 3.5-liter version of the V6 to a 50-kW electric motor through a single-motor/dual-clutch system to deliver 354 combined horsepower for unhybrid-like strong acceleration and good fuel economy.
Both will drive the rear (or all four) wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium steering column paddle shifters.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive will be available with either.
Infiniti sports sedans are known for crisp, precise handling, and this new 2014 Q50 lightweight front suspension is a single pivot double-wishbone design, while the revised rear set-up uses multi-links with coil springs and Dual Flow Path shock absorbers. A stiffer sport suspension is available on Sport models.
Four-wheel power vented disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist will be standard, sport brakes with upgraded rotors, four-piston front calipers and two-piston rears optional. Steering is speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion. Standard tires will be 225/55R17 all-season run-flats on machine-finished 17-inch alloy wheels, while 245/40R19 run-flat summer or all-season tires on 19-inch alloy wheels will be optional.
The 2014 Q50 also will boast a couple of industry-first features. The first is Direct Adaptive Steering, which enables independent control of steering inputs and tire angle to transmit the driver's intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system while quickly communicating road feedback to the driver. Four different settings will adjust both steering effort and steering ratio to the driver's preference and road conditions.
The second is Active Lane Control, part of the available Lane Departure Prevention system, which uses camera-based lane-marker detection to not only correct unintended lane drift with small steering adjustments but also make finer adjustments for minor road surface changes or crosswinds.
2014 Infiniti Q50
Infiniti, Nissan's luxury brand, got off to a slow start following its 1989 U.S. launch and, despite a variety of generally handsome, fine-performing and well-reviewed luxury/sport products, still trailed rival Toyota's Lexus sales by nearly 100,000 units as of 2012. So the primary mission of new Infiniti Motor Co. President Johan de Nysschen whose previous job was leading Audi in North America is to improve on that performance, as he did Audi's. And one of the first thing he is doing is changing Infiniti's model names.
By 2014, all Infiniti car names will start with the letter Q, harking back to the marque's first luxury sedan, the Q45. Infiniti trucks and car-based crossovers will be QXs.
Instead of engine size, the numbers following those letters will indicate relative size, price and/or hierarchy in the line.
Thus this all-new 2014 Q50 replaces the former G sedan, the G coupe and convertible be replaced by new Q60s, and the larger M luxury sedan will be renamed Q70. On the truck side, the Infiniti EX, 7-passenger JX and performance-oriented FX crossovers will become QX50, QX60 and QX70, while the full-size QX SUV will be QX80.
Infiniti's G sedans have always looked fine to our eyes, but this new Q50 carries the brand's design language to higher levels. Its flowing, sculpted lines look good from every angle, beginning with the raised hood over its signature double-arch grille and the sharp character line trailing rearward from its headlamps. Another line curves over its rear haunch into the rear deck, while aggressive creases in the lower doors are echoed in the rear quarters.
Two propulsion systems will be available in North America for 2014: a 328-hp 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve aluminum V6 with Infiniti's Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) and Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL), and a Direct Response Hybrid system with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. The latter marries a 3.5-liter version of the V6 to a 50-kW electric motor through a single-motor/dual-clutch system to deliver 354 combined horsepower for unhybrid-like strong acceleration and good fuel economy.
Both will drive the rear (or all four) wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium steering column paddle shifters.
Intelligent All-Wheel Drive will be available with either.
Infiniti sports sedans are known for crisp, precise handling, and this new 2014 Q50 lightweight front suspension is a single pivot double-wishbone design, while the revised rear set-up uses multi-links with coil springs and Dual Flow Path shock absorbers. A stiffer sport suspension is available on Sport models.
Four-wheel power vented disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist will be standard, sport brakes with upgraded rotors, four-piston front calipers and two-piston rears optional. Steering is speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion. Standard tires will be 225/55R17 all-season run-flats on machine-finished 17-inch alloy wheels, while 245/40R19 run-flat summer or all-season tires on 19-inch alloy wheels will be optional.
The 2014 Q50 also will boast a couple of industry-first features. The first is Direct Adaptive Steering, which enables independent control of steering inputs and tire angle to transmit the driver's intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system while quickly communicating road feedback to the driver. Four different settings will adjust both steering effort and steering ratio to the driver's preference and road conditions.
The second is Active Lane Control, part of the available Lane Departure Prevention system, which uses camera-based lane-marker detection to not only correct unintended lane drift with small steering adjustments but also make finer adjustments for minor road surface changes or crosswinds.
06/24/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2014 Toyota Corolla
Few cars have been around as long as the Toyota Corolla. Lauded for its reliability, the Corolla has been around since it launched in Japan in 1966 and is the top-selling car of all time. Despite its mass volumes, the Corolla has always been about as exciting as a toaster. Until now.
Toyota unveiled the 11th-generation Corolla with much pomp and circumstance at a private event in Los Angeles, and it's clear designers took pains to make the car look good. Or, at least, much more interesting. Styling cues are taken from Toyota's Furia concept car that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2013.
The upper front grille is a thin band of mesh, connecting sculpted headlamps that point inward. Below, is a wide trapezoidal air intake, giving the Corolla a look that's more assertive, without looking angry. LED headlights and daytime running lights are standard, a big leap in the compact segment, where LEDs are typically optional, if available at all.
The wheelbase and total length of the car have grown nearly four inches compared to the outgoing generation, and front and rear overhangs are shorter, giving the new Corolla a tighter, more athletic look. Inside, the cabin has been redesigned, and the front seats have a greater range of adjustability. Front seatbacks are also thinner, resulting in more rear legroom.
In spite of its much larger size, the Corolla has shed significant weight. Toyota claims the Corolla will have a curb weight of less than 2,900 pounds, regardless of trim or equipment. That's quite a feat, and if true, would make the 2014 Corolla the lightest car in the compact sedan class. Less weight usually means better fuel economy (plus improved braking and acceleration performance and better handling).
Four trims are available for the 2014 Toyota Corolla: L, LE, S and a new LE Eco. Standard features on every 2014 Corolla include air conditioning, power doorlocks and windows, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and Bluetooth handsfree connectivity. Options include pushbutton start, a leather tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Softex upholstery (a premium leather-like vinyl) with heated seats, and Toyota's Entune infotainment interface.
Engines carry over unchanged: Toyota's 132- horsepower, 1.8-liter all-aluminum four cylinder will power L, LE, and S trims. The new LE Eco model get a 140-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder with Valvematic, a technology that offers a broader range of continuously variable valve timing Toyota claims can improve fuel economy and engine output by 5 percent.
Significantly, the 2014 Toyota Corolla offers a new Continuously Variable Transmission. CVTs are infamous for their elastic-y feel and to combat this Toyota's CVT uses a pulley mechanism the carmaker claims will provide a more direct feel, closer to that of a traditional automatic transmission. Toyota calls its transmission a CVTi-S, the i for intelligent, the s for shift.
Official fuel economy estimates were not available at this writing, but Toyota expects an improvement over the old models thanks to the new CVT and the lighter curb weight.
The 2014 Toyota Corolla is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in Fall 2013. Toyota typically withholds pricing until just before a vehicle is available. We're guessing it will start at around $17,000. The 2013 Corolla starts at $16,230 MSRP.
2014 Toyota Corolla
Few cars have been around as long as the Toyota Corolla. Lauded for its reliability, the Corolla has been around since it launched in Japan in 1966 and is the top-selling car of all time. Despite its mass volumes, the Corolla has always been about as exciting as a toaster. Until now.
Toyota unveiled the 11th-generation Corolla with much pomp and circumstance at a private event in Los Angeles, and it's clear designers took pains to make the car look good. Or, at least, much more interesting. Styling cues are taken from Toyota's Furia concept car that debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2013.
The upper front grille is a thin band of mesh, connecting sculpted headlamps that point inward. Below, is a wide trapezoidal air intake, giving the Corolla a look that's more assertive, without looking angry. LED headlights and daytime running lights are standard, a big leap in the compact segment, where LEDs are typically optional, if available at all.
The wheelbase and total length of the car have grown nearly four inches compared to the outgoing generation, and front and rear overhangs are shorter, giving the new Corolla a tighter, more athletic look. Inside, the cabin has been redesigned, and the front seats have a greater range of adjustability. Front seatbacks are also thinner, resulting in more rear legroom.
In spite of its much larger size, the Corolla has shed significant weight. Toyota claims the Corolla will have a curb weight of less than 2,900 pounds, regardless of trim or equipment. That's quite a feat, and if true, would make the 2014 Corolla the lightest car in the compact sedan class. Less weight usually means better fuel economy (plus improved braking and acceleration performance and better handling).
Four trims are available for the 2014 Toyota Corolla: L, LE, S and a new LE Eco. Standard features on every 2014 Corolla include air conditioning, power doorlocks and windows, a 60/40-split folding rear seat and Bluetooth handsfree connectivity. Options include pushbutton start, a leather tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Softex upholstery (a premium leather-like vinyl) with heated seats, and Toyota's Entune infotainment interface.
Engines carry over unchanged: Toyota's 132- horsepower, 1.8-liter all-aluminum four cylinder will power L, LE, and S trims. The new LE Eco model get a 140-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder with Valvematic, a technology that offers a broader range of continuously variable valve timing Toyota claims can improve fuel economy and engine output by 5 percent.
Significantly, the 2014 Toyota Corolla offers a new Continuously Variable Transmission. CVTs are infamous for their elastic-y feel and to combat this Toyota's CVT uses a pulley mechanism the carmaker claims will provide a more direct feel, closer to that of a traditional automatic transmission. Toyota calls its transmission a CVTi-S, the i for intelligent, the s for shift.
Official fuel economy estimates were not available at this writing, but Toyota expects an improvement over the old models thanks to the new CVT and the lighter curb weight.
The 2014 Toyota Corolla is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships in Fall 2013. Toyota typically withholds pricing until just before a vehicle is available. We're guessing it will start at around $17,000. The 2013 Corolla starts at $16,230 MSRP.
06/24/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet
Mother Nature was a busy lady during our time with the 2013 Audi RS 5 cabriolet. First she blasted most of California with a heat wave, erasing all excuses to not drive with the Audi's top down. Then she turned up the drama with an earthquake close to Motor Trend headquarters. It was relatively weak, with a registered magnitude of just under 3.0, but strong enough to shake the building and my nerves -- I froze, my heart raced, and my eyes widened. Perhaps Mother Nature was foreshadowing exactly how I'd react after a few minutes behind the wheel of the RS 5. The feeling hit me the first time I brought the RS 5 to a halt. That's when its 4.2-liter V-8 and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (in S mode) downshifted and produced a series of thunderous booms from the sport exhaust system, a $1000 option that should be required for anyone who enjoys rowdy engine noise. Its effectiveness was confirmed by a few passengers. "Oh my god, what was that?" one asked. "Man, those downshifts are violent," said another, "I love it!"
The aural entertainment continues at wide open throttle as the engine races to its redline of 8500 rpm, producing a frenetic snarl. The sound is fantastic and completely natural -- no firewall-protruding sound tubes or help from audio speakers here, folks -- with a pitch that falls somewhere between the C63 AMG's deep growl and the Lexus LFA's F1-like wail. It's the sound of a high-revving engine that produces 450 hp and 316 lb-ft of torque, propelling the RS 5 cabrio from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Blasting through a quarter mile takes 12.8 seconds at 108.9 mph. Both times are 0.3 second behind the coupe variant we previously tested.
2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet
Mother Nature was a busy lady during our time with the 2013 Audi RS 5 cabriolet. First she blasted most of California with a heat wave, erasing all excuses to not drive with the Audi's top down. Then she turned up the drama with an earthquake close to Motor Trend headquarters. It was relatively weak, with a registered magnitude of just under 3.0, but strong enough to shake the building and my nerves -- I froze, my heart raced, and my eyes widened. Perhaps Mother Nature was foreshadowing exactly how I'd react after a few minutes behind the wheel of the RS 5. The feeling hit me the first time I brought the RS 5 to a halt. That's when its 4.2-liter V-8 and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (in S mode) downshifted and produced a series of thunderous booms from the sport exhaust system, a $1000 option that should be required for anyone who enjoys rowdy engine noise. Its effectiveness was confirmed by a few passengers. "Oh my god, what was that?" one asked. "Man, those downshifts are violent," said another, "I love it!"
The aural entertainment continues at wide open throttle as the engine races to its redline of 8500 rpm, producing a frenetic snarl. The sound is fantastic and completely natural -- no firewall-protruding sound tubes or help from audio speakers here, folks -- with a pitch that falls somewhere between the C63 AMG's deep growl and the Lexus LFA's F1-like wail. It's the sound of a high-revving engine that produces 450 hp and 316 lb-ft of torque, propelling the RS 5 cabrio from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Blasting through a quarter mile takes 12.8 seconds at 108.9 mph. Both times are 0.3 second behind the coupe variant we previously tested.
06/15/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2014 Chevrolet Camaro
Two souped-up versions of Chevy's rear-wheel-drive pony car debuted at the March 2013 New York International Auto Show: A sporty 2014 Camaro SS and a track-ready 2014 Camaro Z/28. It's a preview of what's to come, as the entire Camaro lineup is slated to be updated for 2014.
Refreshed styling on the 2014 Camaro is the most significant since the fifth-generation car launched for the 2009 model year. Proportions have been tweaked to create a wider, lower appearance, with a narrower upper grille and a larger lower grille.
On the Camaro SS, a functional hood vent pulls more air into the engine and aids aerodynamics. In back, there's a redesigned rear diffuser, and the Camaro's previously squarish tail lights (which appeared in almost identical form on the all-new Corvette) are gone, squished and stretched into wide, short rectangles.
The Camaro SS is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 good for 426 horsepower. Details on options are scarce, but we surmise most will carry over from the 2013 model, like the 1LE handling package, which includes race-ready suspension, tires and other hardware upgrades.
Perhaps the biggest news is the return of the Z/28. Introduced in 1967, the first Z/28 was launched as an SCCA racecar. The upcoming 2014 Z/28 is a street-legal track star that's faster and 300 pounds lighter than the current Camaro ZL1. It uses the small block, naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V8 that's found in the Corvette C6. Official specs haven't been confirmed, but Chevrolet boasts the Z/28 will crank out at least 500 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The 2014 Camaro Z/28 will be mated only to a 6-speed manual transmission.
The standard 19-inch wheels are lighter and offer better performance than the 20s found on the Camaro SS and ZL1 models. Tires are huge 305/30ZR19 Pirelli PZero Trofero Rs. Stopping is courtesy of big Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes.
A bevy of aerodynamic bits help to make the Z/28 as slippery and hunkered down as possible. They include a giant front splitter, side fender flares, extended rocker panels, an underbody panel and a rear spoiler.
Inside, a flat-bottomed steering wheel comes standard, as does manually adjustable Recaro sport seats that use five-point racing harnesses in lieu of standard seat belts. Air conditioning is optional, allowing true enthusiasts to save as much weight as possible.
The Camaro Z/28 will go head-to-head with the Ford Mustang Boss 302, which in its current incarnation makes 444 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque via a 5.0-liter V8.
Other variants expected to join the Camaro lineup include a new base coupe that will be powered by a V6 engine, as well as a new convertible.
The ZL1 will remain the most powerful of the bunch, and if Chevy's recent updates are any indication, the next version will most likely be lighter and even more powerful than the current model's 580 hp.
Pricing hasn't been announced yet for the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro lineup, but we guess most models will see a slight increase over 2013 prices, starting at around $25,000 for the base. The new Z/28 will most likely stay on par with Ford Boss 302, at around $42,000. The line-topping ZL1 will continue to be the most expensive model, which currently starts at $54,350. All 2014 Chevrolet Camaro models are slated to hit dealerships later this year.
2014 Chevrolet Camaro
Two souped-up versions of Chevy's rear-wheel-drive pony car debuted at the March 2013 New York International Auto Show: A sporty 2014 Camaro SS and a track-ready 2014 Camaro Z/28. It's a preview of what's to come, as the entire Camaro lineup is slated to be updated for 2014.
Refreshed styling on the 2014 Camaro is the most significant since the fifth-generation car launched for the 2009 model year. Proportions have been tweaked to create a wider, lower appearance, with a narrower upper grille and a larger lower grille.
On the Camaro SS, a functional hood vent pulls more air into the engine and aids aerodynamics. In back, there's a redesigned rear diffuser, and the Camaro's previously squarish tail lights (which appeared in almost identical form on the all-new Corvette) are gone, squished and stretched into wide, short rectangles.
The Camaro SS is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 good for 426 horsepower. Details on options are scarce, but we surmise most will carry over from the 2013 model, like the 1LE handling package, which includes race-ready suspension, tires and other hardware upgrades.
Perhaps the biggest news is the return of the Z/28. Introduced in 1967, the first Z/28 was launched as an SCCA racecar. The upcoming 2014 Z/28 is a street-legal track star that's faster and 300 pounds lighter than the current Camaro ZL1. It uses the small block, naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V8 that's found in the Corvette C6. Official specs haven't been confirmed, but Chevrolet boasts the Z/28 will crank out at least 500 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The 2014 Camaro Z/28 will be mated only to a 6-speed manual transmission.
The standard 19-inch wheels are lighter and offer better performance than the 20s found on the Camaro SS and ZL1 models. Tires are huge 305/30ZR19 Pirelli PZero Trofero Rs. Stopping is courtesy of big Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes.
A bevy of aerodynamic bits help to make the Z/28 as slippery and hunkered down as possible. They include a giant front splitter, side fender flares, extended rocker panels, an underbody panel and a rear spoiler.
Inside, a flat-bottomed steering wheel comes standard, as does manually adjustable Recaro sport seats that use five-point racing harnesses in lieu of standard seat belts. Air conditioning is optional, allowing true enthusiasts to save as much weight as possible.
The Camaro Z/28 will go head-to-head with the Ford Mustang Boss 302, which in its current incarnation makes 444 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque via a 5.0-liter V8.
Other variants expected to join the Camaro lineup include a new base coupe that will be powered by a V6 engine, as well as a new convertible.
The ZL1 will remain the most powerful of the bunch, and if Chevy's recent updates are any indication, the next version will most likely be lighter and even more powerful than the current model's 580 hp.
Pricing hasn't been announced yet for the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro lineup, but we guess most models will see a slight increase over 2013 prices, starting at around $25,000 for the base. The new Z/28 will most likely stay on par with Ford Boss 302, at around $42,000. The line-topping ZL1 will continue to be the most expensive model, which currently starts at $54,350. All 2014 Chevrolet Camaro models are slated to hit dealerships later this year.
06/12/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2014 BMW 328d
The diesel Bimmer is back. A new wave of diesel BMW 3 Series models is invading the U.S., beginning with the 2014 BMW 328d, the sister version of the entry-level 3 Series sedan.
This isn't the first diesel 3 Series to hit the States. The 335d (E90 generation) launched in the U.S. in 2008 and was discontinued for the 2011 model year. Perhaps feeling the pressure of other carmakers bringing more diesel models to American shores, BMW is back in the game with a smaller diesel-powered engine for its bread-and-butter model.
Under the hood is BMW's 2.0-liter TwinPower diesel four-cylinder engine, good for 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which is available from as low as 1750 rpm. That's compared with the 328i gasoline sedan's turbocharged inline-4 good for 240 hp and 255 lb.-ft.
The BMW 328d will use an 8-speed automatic, which will be the only transmission choice. The 328d will be available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter likely called BMW 328d xDrive.
BMW says the 328d sedan will sprint from 0-60 mph in slightly more than seven seconds, far slower than the 328i gasoline model's 5.7-second 0-60 mph time.
But what the 328d lacks in speed, it makes up for in efficiency. Manufacturer fuel economy estimates put it at 32/45 mpg city/highway for the rear-wheel-drive model, compared with an EPA-estimated 23/26 mpg City/Highway with the gasoline engine.
Equipment on the BMW 328d is expected be identical to that found on the 328i gasoline model: The 2013 BMW 328i comes standard with vinyl upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with driver's seat memory, cruise control and Bluetooth. BMW's iDrive interface with 6.5-inch display controls a standard premium sound system with a CD player, HD radio, auxiliary audio jack, USB port and iPod/iPhone connectivity. Standard wheels are 17-inch alloys.
Exact specs on options aren't yet available, as BMW is still tweaking some of the content packaging for the 2014 model year. We do know some changes will be made to infotainment and telematics options. For example, BMW's collision notification system, known as eCall, will come standard on all BMW models for a 10-year subscription period, and will be transferable between owners. Previously, eCall was bundled with the BMW Assist Safety Plan, which cost $650 and provided only four years of eCall service.
BMW Apps will also expand, providing seamless smartphone integration for subscribers of Audible.com and Rhapsody. Location-based service Glympse and streaming radio app TuneIn also join the lineup.
A diesel version of the 3 Series sport wagon, which is all-new for 2014, will launch with the 328d sedan. All models are scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the fall of 2013.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but sources at BMW hint that the 328d will fit somewhere between the 328i and 335i gasoline models, which start at $36,850 and $43,150, respectively. That should put it somewhere around the $40,000 mark.
2014 BMW 328d
The diesel Bimmer is back. A new wave of diesel BMW 3 Series models is invading the U.S., beginning with the 2014 BMW 328d, the sister version of the entry-level 3 Series sedan.
This isn't the first diesel 3 Series to hit the States. The 335d (E90 generation) launched in the U.S. in 2008 and was discontinued for the 2011 model year. Perhaps feeling the pressure of other carmakers bringing more diesel models to American shores, BMW is back in the game with a smaller diesel-powered engine for its bread-and-butter model.
Under the hood is BMW's 2.0-liter TwinPower diesel four-cylinder engine, good for 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which is available from as low as 1750 rpm. That's compared with the 328i gasoline sedan's turbocharged inline-4 good for 240 hp and 255 lb.-ft.
The BMW 328d will use an 8-speed automatic, which will be the only transmission choice. The 328d will be available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter likely called BMW 328d xDrive.
BMW says the 328d sedan will sprint from 0-60 mph in slightly more than seven seconds, far slower than the 328i gasoline model's 5.7-second 0-60 mph time.
But what the 328d lacks in speed, it makes up for in efficiency. Manufacturer fuel economy estimates put it at 32/45 mpg city/highway for the rear-wheel-drive model, compared with an EPA-estimated 23/26 mpg City/Highway with the gasoline engine.
Equipment on the BMW 328d is expected be identical to that found on the 328i gasoline model: The 2013 BMW 328i comes standard with vinyl upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with driver's seat memory, cruise control and Bluetooth. BMW's iDrive interface with 6.5-inch display controls a standard premium sound system with a CD player, HD radio, auxiliary audio jack, USB port and iPod/iPhone connectivity. Standard wheels are 17-inch alloys.
Exact specs on options aren't yet available, as BMW is still tweaking some of the content packaging for the 2014 model year. We do know some changes will be made to infotainment and telematics options. For example, BMW's collision notification system, known as eCall, will come standard on all BMW models for a 10-year subscription period, and will be transferable between owners. Previously, eCall was bundled with the BMW Assist Safety Plan, which cost $650 and provided only four years of eCall service.
BMW Apps will also expand, providing seamless smartphone integration for subscribers of Audible.com and Rhapsody. Location-based service Glympse and streaming radio app TuneIn also join the lineup.
A diesel version of the 3 Series sport wagon, which is all-new for 2014, will launch with the 328d sedan. All models are scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the fall of 2013.
Pricing has not yet been announced, but sources at BMW hint that the 328d will fit somewhere between the 328i and 335i gasoline models, which start at $36,850 and $43,150, respectively. That should put it somewhere around the $40,000 mark.
06/11/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2014 Porsche 911 Turbo
On the 40th anniversary of the first 911 Turbo, Porsche rolled out its newest incarnation of the line-topping sportscar, complete with larger dimensions, more power, new performance features and more. The 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S now join the rest of the 911 lineup on the new 991 chassis.
Like the other 911 models, which launched in the new body style for 2012, the new Porsche 911 Turbo rides on a wheelbase that's stretched about four inches, and an overall length that's increased by two inches. The roof is lower and the track is wider. In fact, the new Turbo is even wider than the other 911 models, by more than an inch compared to the current 911 Carrera 4. Porsche says it's the widest body 911 yet.
Power gets a bump thanks to a new turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, good for a heart-thumping 520 horsepower in the Turbo and 560 hp in the Turbo S, up from 500 and 530, respectively.
Porsche also refined its dual-clutch PDK transmission and added fuel-saving technologies including a new thermal management system and an auto stop/start feature, which Porsche says will kill the engine sooner, as the car is coming to a stop (as opposed to waiting until idle). Although EPA fuel economy hasn't yet been released, with these updates Porsche expects fuel economy to improve over the previous model.
New technologies include a revised all-wheel-drive system, which sends more torque to the front wheels, and rear-wheel electromechanical steering, which varies the steering angle depending on speed. Like the other new 911s, the newest Turbo and Turbo S should be easier to drive than previous generations. Enthusiasts may or may not agree, however, on whether that's a good thing.
Although the look is new, it retains all of the classic 911 Turbo styling cues. Headlamps have a bit more of a three-dimensional look, in keeping with a body that is more sculpted than before. Headlamps are full LEDs. The sheet metal has a more precise and taught feel, with a cabin that has moved ever so slightly forward. It also rides on new, larger, 20-inch wheels.
Not dissimilar to modern racecars, the 911 Turbo and Turbo S use what Porsche calls an active aerodynamic system. A front spoiler and the familiar deployable rear wing can each be set in one of three positions, allowing the driver to choose between maximum efficiency or performance. Porsche says the Turbo was able to gain two seconds on Germany's famous Nurburgring Nordschlife during testing with this system alone.
The interior was also revamped. Leather upholstery comes standard in the new Turbo, and a new black/red combo with sport seats come on the Turbo S. A Bose audio system now comes standard on both models. New options include an upgraded Burmester stereo system, radar-based cruise control, camera-based road sign recognition and speed limit recognition.
The 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S are expected to be available in dealerships at the end of calendar year 2013. As with all Porsches, performance doesn't come cheap. Porsche announced MSRPs start at $148,300 for the Turbo and $181,100, plus a $950 destination charge.
2014 Porsche 911 Turbo
On the 40th anniversary of the first 911 Turbo, Porsche rolled out its newest incarnation of the line-topping sportscar, complete with larger dimensions, more power, new performance features and more. The 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S now join the rest of the 911 lineup on the new 991 chassis.
Like the other 911 models, which launched in the new body style for 2012, the new Porsche 911 Turbo rides on a wheelbase that's stretched about four inches, and an overall length that's increased by two inches. The roof is lower and the track is wider. In fact, the new Turbo is even wider than the other 911 models, by more than an inch compared to the current 911 Carrera 4. Porsche says it's the widest body 911 yet.
Power gets a bump thanks to a new turbocharged 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, good for a heart-thumping 520 horsepower in the Turbo and 560 hp in the Turbo S, up from 500 and 530, respectively.
Porsche also refined its dual-clutch PDK transmission and added fuel-saving technologies including a new thermal management system and an auto stop/start feature, which Porsche says will kill the engine sooner, as the car is coming to a stop (as opposed to waiting until idle). Although EPA fuel economy hasn't yet been released, with these updates Porsche expects fuel economy to improve over the previous model.
New technologies include a revised all-wheel-drive system, which sends more torque to the front wheels, and rear-wheel electromechanical steering, which varies the steering angle depending on speed. Like the other new 911s, the newest Turbo and Turbo S should be easier to drive than previous generations. Enthusiasts may or may not agree, however, on whether that's a good thing.
Although the look is new, it retains all of the classic 911 Turbo styling cues. Headlamps have a bit more of a three-dimensional look, in keeping with a body that is more sculpted than before. Headlamps are full LEDs. The sheet metal has a more precise and taught feel, with a cabin that has moved ever so slightly forward. It also rides on new, larger, 20-inch wheels.
Not dissimilar to modern racecars, the 911 Turbo and Turbo S use what Porsche calls an active aerodynamic system. A front spoiler and the familiar deployable rear wing can each be set in one of three positions, allowing the driver to choose between maximum efficiency or performance. Porsche says the Turbo was able to gain two seconds on Germany's famous Nurburgring Nordschlife during testing with this system alone.
The interior was also revamped. Leather upholstery comes standard in the new Turbo, and a new black/red combo with sport seats come on the Turbo S. A Bose audio system now comes standard on both models. New options include an upgraded Burmester stereo system, radar-based cruise control, camera-based road sign recognition and speed limit recognition.
The 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S are expected to be available in dealerships at the end of calendar year 2013. As with all Porsches, performance doesn't come cheap. Porsche announced MSRPs start at $148,300 for the Turbo and $181,100, plus a $950 destination charge.
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Website property of Global Export Motors™
Website design by Invigorating Media