New 2013 Volvo V40 at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

Posted: February 29th, 2012 | Author: bestcarsadmin | Filed under: 2013 New Car Models, Car News, News, Volvo | Leave a comment »

More images have hit the Web, revealing the V40 from almost every angle and including a look at the interior for the first time. The Swedish V40 premium hatchback is Scandinavia’s answer to the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.

For starters, the new 2013 Volvo V40 will be available with the cleanest diesel Volvo’s ever offered with 254 horsepower.

The new 2013 Volvo V40 incorporates the latest in safety features including low-speed collision avoidance and pedestrian detection with full auto brake and the world’s first pedestrian airbag.

The new 2013 Volvo V40 will be officially launched next week, at 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Volvo V 40 at Geneva Motor Show

2013 Volvo V40

2013 Volvo V40 interior unofficial picture

2012 BMW X3

Posted: February 28th, 2012 | Author: bestcarsadmin | Filed under: 2012 New Car Models, BMW | Leave a comment »

The BMW X3 is a small crossover vehicle that offers standard all-wheel-drive along with a good blend of luxury performance. This five-seater combines BMW’s signature driving prowess with the utility of a crossover. The 2012 BMW X3 competes with other luxury crossover like the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti EX35 and Volvo XC60.

The 2012 BMW X3 is a luxury SUV available in two trim levels that correspond to the engine: the xDrive28i (starting at $37,100 MSRP) and the xDrive35i (MSRP from $42,700).

Standard features of 2012 BMW X3 xDrive 28i include 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic wipers, automatic headlights, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth, BMW’s iDrive electronics interface and a 12-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. The 2012 X3 35i is similar but has 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive xenon headlights and wood interior accents.

Options are largely grouped into packages, but several of the items are available separately. The Sport Activity package includes 18-inch (28i) or 19-inch (35i) wheels, sport front seats, a sport steering wheel and a sport transmission with paddle shifters (35i). The Premium package for the 28i includes auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery, additional lighting and more storage features. The Premium package for the 35i adds keyless ignition/entry and rear window sunshades. A rearview camera with top view, front and rear parking sensors and a navigation system are disponibles on the Technology package.

The profile of the 2012 BMW X3 is characterized by flared wheel arches and short front and rear overhangs. Three creases in the car’s side add detail to the silhouette with the X3′s signature upper contour line rising steeply from the front wheel arch area, then tapering toward the rear light clusters. This line is echoed by two subtle lines following the contour line above the wheel arches. When compared to its predecessor (pre-2011), the new 2012 BMW X3 is a half-inch taller, 3.36 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider and features a half-inch more ground clearance.

The interior of the 2012 BMW X3 is welcoming, with tasteful surfaces and a tidy arrangement of components. Dark dashboard moldings contrast with lighter lower sections and carpet colors. High-grade wood trim accents are used sparingly on the center console, door cappings and above the glovebox. The view out the windscreen is commanding. Big mirrors provide a good spread of rearward visibility to deal with the inevitable blind spots that occur in cars with vertical D-pillars. A fourth-generation iDrive Multimedia controller keeps control-button proliferation to a minimum, and the dashboard looks tidy and organized.

In a class that puts sporty performance before practicality, the 2012 BMW X3 offers good cargo and passenger space. With the second row in place, the X3 has 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space. With all seats folded, there is 56.6 cubic feet of space.

The BMW Mobile Office system can provide calendar updates while you’re on the road, making it easy to keep the entire family on schedule.

You can also opt for a backseat iPod holder, which attaches an iPad to the back of the front seats, allowing kids in the back to watch videos or play games.

A 3.0-liter 6-cylinder in-line engine powers both 2012 BMW X3 models. The engine in the xDrive28i makes 240 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged variant in the xDrive 35i is rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is standard on both models, as is all-wheel-drive.

EPA fuel economy stand at 19 mpg city/ 25 mpg highway for BMW X3 28i, while the X3 35i actually achieves 19/26 mpg.

The 2012 BMW X3 comes with standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes, hill descent control and brake fade compensation. Passive safety features include front airbags and front side-impact airbags. The X3 also has a crash sensor that disconects the starter, fuel pump and alternator, unlocks the doors and turns on the hazard and interior lighgts in an accident.

You can read more about this car in 2012 BMW X3 review by automotive.com.

The automobile.com website says about 2012 BMW X3:

This “soft-roader” has become the luxury standard when it comes to family wagons. It combines the off-road performance and horsepower of sport utility vehicles with the size and fuel efficiency of station wagons.

New 2012 BMW X3

new 2012 BMW X3

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Fiat 500L – Geneva Auto Show 2012

Posted: February 27th, 2012 | Author: bestcarsadmin | Filed under: 2013 New Car Models, Car News, Fiat, News | Leave a comment »

New Fiat 500L (L for ”Large”) go on sale in the U.S. in 2013, after debuting at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show. As the largest of 500 range, the 500L commands a taller ride height, marrying the American concept of a compact crossover with the European take on an MPV.

It features a 5-seater single-volume structure wich is 1673 inches in length, 71 inches wide and 65 inches tall. It is a further development of the concept introduced by the Fiat with the Multipla.

New Fiat 500L

2012 Geneva Auto Show - new Fiat 500L

Fiat 500L 2013 on Geneva Auto Show 2012

Fiat 500 America

2012 Audi A8

Posted: February 22nd, 2012 | Author: bestcarsadmin | Filed under: 2012 New Car Models, Audi | Leave a comment »

As Audi’s flagship sedan, the 2012 Audi A8 offers all the technology, comfort and performance that buyers expect from a super luxury car. For 2012, the Audi A8 continues to offer excellent hanling, standard all-wheel drive and an opulent, tech-heavy interior. The rivals of A8 are BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Porsche Panamera. For 2012, the Audi A8 comes with a new 500-horsepower 12-cylinder engine.

The 2012 Audi A8 comes in three trims: standard 4.2 (starting at $ 78,750), long-wheelbase 4.2L (MSRP from $ 84,700) and long-wheelbase 6.3L (starting at $ 133,500 MSRP). The numbers indicate whether a V8 (4.2) or W12 (6.3) powers the car. The L versions provide more room for rear seat passengers.

Both Audi A8 4.2 models come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, Audi Drive Select (allows adjustment of suspension, steering and engine/transmission response), adaptive air suspension, a sunroof, a navigation system, cruise control, Audi’s Multi Media Interface system, leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, Bluetooth and a Bose Surround-sound audio system with iPod connectivity, a 20 GB music server and a CD changer. The 4.2L adds park assist (with rearview camera), keyless ignition/entry, power operated trunk and power-closing doors.

The A8 6.3L includes all the 4.2L features along with a more powerful engine, 20-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, dynamic steering, LED headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, power front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats, ventilation and massage function for all seats, a heated steering wheel, rear seat entertainment and Audi Connect with Wi-Fi capability. Option highlights include a solar-powered venting sunroof, various wood accents, a night vision camera and a premium 19-speaker Bang&Olufsen audio system.

There are also several packages available. The Premium package includes 22-way power front seats. The Cold Weather package includes heated steering wheel and rear-seat pass-through (with ski sack). The Rear Seat Comfort package adds power lumbar/recline and ventilation for rear seats, rear vanity mirrors and four-zone climate control.

The new Audi A8 luxury sedan is a technical work of art combining sportiness and progressiveness. Its elegant and powerful body is an aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF), weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel structure. The new full LED headlights, which use light emitting diodes for all light function, are a completely exclusive high-end solution on board the new Audi A8.

The interior of 2012 Audi A8 enchants with new, even lighter lines, uncompromising quality of fit and finish, and extraordinary attention to the smallest of details. The comfort on board is first class – from new, emotionally charged ambient lighting to the luxurious adjustable rear seats.

The 2012 Audi A8 combines a new level of technical intelligence with exemplary and easy operation. When combined with the optional navigation system, its Multi Media Interface MMI includes a pioneering innovation: the MMI touch. This MMI touch system enables the driver to control many functions intuitively; for example the navigation destination can be entered by tracing the letters on the pad with a finger.

The 2012 Audi A8 4.2 and 4.2L models come with a 4.2-liter DOHC V8 engine with FSI direct injection, hydraulic valve lifters and variable intake valve timing. This engine produces 372 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 328 lb-ft of torque. The 2012 Audi A8 6.3L comes with an all new 6.3-liter W12 (4 rows of 3 cylinders) DOHC engine making 500 hp and 463 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives all four wheels. Mileage of Audi A8 is estimated at 14 mpg city/ 21 mpg highway for W12 engine and 18/28 MPG for V8 engine.

The quattro all-wheel drive system makes the 2012 Audi A8 feel more surefooted in the corners and not at all cumbersome. In regular driving, it sends about 60 percent of power to the rear wheels. Up to 60 percent of power can be sent to the front wheels when needed. For enthusiasts there is also an available sport differential system that brings an active torque split from left to right as well.

Standard safety equipment for 2012 Audi A8 includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, full-length side curtain airbags, front- and rear-seat side airbags and active front headrests. More technical details and driving impressions you can read on 2012 Audi A8 review by thecarconnection.com.

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New A8

Subaru Tribeca 2012

Posted: February 14th, 2012 | Author: bestcarsadmin | Filed under: 2012 New Car Models, Subaru | Leave a comment »

The 2012 Tribeca is Subaru’s largest model. Well equipped and with seating for seven it continues to offer drivers a safe comfortable ride in any kind of road condition or weather.

The 2012 Subaru Tribeca is a seven-passenger midsize crossover SUV that’s offered in Premium (at $ 30,595), Limited (at $ 32,595) and Touring (at $35,895) trim levels. Standard features on the Premium model of 2012 Tribeca include 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, cruise control, cloth upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, heated power front seats, 40/20/40-split second-row seats, 50/50-split third-row seats and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Subaru Tribeca Limited adds leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, driver seat memory functions and a 10-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio. The Moonroof package adds a sunroof, roof rails and a rearview camera. The Touring adds a monotone exterior paint scheme, HID headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and the moonroof package.

An optional touch-screen GPS navigation system available for Tribeca Limited and Touring models incorporates a Rear Vision Camera and 7-inch LCD display. When the driver moves the transmission shift handle into reverse, the center color LCD display will show what the camera lens can detect within its field of vision behind the vehicle. The screen view features distance/width guidelines to assist the driver in backing up the vehicle.

The 2012 Tribeca‘s twin cockpit interior design features a flowing, sculpted dash and center console design. Aluminum-look trim highlights the sculpted shapes of the dashboard. Electroluminescent dials and subtle ambient interior footwell lighting provide a sophisticated touch. The center console is anchored by an information center that groups the readouts for the audio system, clock, fuel economy and outside temperature. The second row seat features a tilt-and-slide control on both sides and an assist spring that reduces the effort needed to slide the second row seat. Molded assist grab handles on the lower C-pillar ease passenger step-in to the third row. The standard 50/50 split fold-down third-row seat features integral headrests.

The optional rear-seat entertainment system for the Limited and Touring trim lines consists of a nine-inch wide-screen format LCD screen and a DVD player featuring remote inputs for video games and a video camera. The package includes two sets of wireless headphones an a wireless remote control.

The 2012 Subaru Tribeca is powered by a 3.6-liter six-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. This Subarus’ Boxer is engineered to produce powerful low-end torque and its use of regular-grade fuel helps reduce operating costs. Active Valve Control System (AVCS) variable valve timing is employed on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. A five-speed automatic with a manual shift mode is the only transmission offered. The EPA rates all models of 2012 Subaru Tribeca at 16 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.

Every 2012 Tribeca features an all-wheel-drive system that sends 55 percent of the power to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provide excellent balance thanks to the longitudinally mounted Boxer engine and the way power flows from it through the transmission and to the rear differential along a straight, near-horizontal path. In the Tribeca, Subaru integrated its all-wheel drive technology with a stability system and 4-wheel traction control to form one of the industry’s most effective dynamic handling systems.

Like the rest of Subaru’s current lineup, the 2012 Tribeca is a Top Safety Pick at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It scores the agency’s best rating in front-, rear- and side-impact crash tests, as well as in a roof-strength test. The 2012 Subaru Tribeca is build around the Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame structure proven in Subaru models for over a decade. The 2012 Tribeca is equipped with occupant-sensing, dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, standard curtain side airbags, ABS, brake assist and so on.

You can find more details on 2012 Subaru Tribeca review by Edmunds.com

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2012 Hyundai Veracruz

Posted: February 10th, 2012 | Author: bestcarsadmin | Filed under: 2012 New Car Models, Hyundai | Leave a comment »

The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz is an midsize SUV that remains essentially the same SUV that was available in showrooms in 2011. New for 2012 is a new front grille and standard second-row heated seats (on Limited models). An Alpine-branded navigation system is also available on the 2012 Limited model. The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz competes with Mazda CX-9, Ford Flex, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz is a sevepassenger crossover SUV available in GLS ( starting at $28,345 MSRP) and Limited ($34,495 MSRP) trim levels. All models come standard with FWD (front wheel drive) configuration. The All Wheel Drive configuration with driver-selectable lock is optional on all 2012 Veracruz models.

The GLS trim level of 2012 Hyundai Veracruz comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, foglights, automatic heatlights, rear parking sensors, an eight-way power driver seat, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, heated front seats (on all-wheel-drive models only) and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB interface. The Premium Package adds a sunroof, a windshield de-icer, a power liftgate and auto-dimming mirrors. The 2012 Veracruz Limited includes the content of the Premium Package and adds 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver memory functions, leather upholstery, a four-way power passenger seat, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a heated second-row seats and an eight-speaker Infinity sound system with a six-CD changer.

For the Limited, an Alpine navigation system is optional and includes a rearview camera, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system with HD radio.

Using high-grade materials, Hyundai’s designers have created a spacious cabin that is both versatile and elegant. Every major component of 2012 Hyundai Veracruz has been designed to reduce cabin noise. To isolate outside noise, Hyundai applies acoustic damping sheets to the doors and unibody, a steel plate beneath the engine and four layers of carpet padding. Engine noise is reduced through an electronically controlled engine mount, a multi-curvature dash, custom hood insulation and a pilow tripod joint, to lessen vibrations from the driveshaft. Seating for seven is made possible because of Hyundai’s standard Hideaway third-row seat, accessible via a simple lever to slide the second row forward. Additionally, a well-thought out design means cargo space is abundant in the new 2012 Hyundai Veracruz.

Brushed metal accents and blue backlighting for all interior gauges, switches and buttons highlight the modern, integrated interior design. Even the front cupholders are accented with blue light, while soft blue lighting in the overhead console provides subdued mood lighting. Hyundai’s focused attention to detail can be seen throughout the interior with the console bins and glovebox lined with soft flocking material. Powerpoint caps, seatbelt buckles and cupholder inserts are color-keyed for design harmony.

Exterior color options for the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz are Shimmering Silver, Black Noir Pearl, Stone White, Marine Blue, Athens Blue, Boulder Gray and Sahara Bronze.

The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz is powered by a modern 3.8-liter DOHC V8 engine. It delivers 260 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque. To maximize torque across the rev range, the engine utilizes CVVT ( Continuously Variable Valve Timing ) on the intake valves and a Variable Intake System which helps cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high rpm. The engine has an aluminum block and cylinder heads for light weight and thermal efficiency, and features a steel timing chain with no scheduled maintenance.

For all 2012 Hyundai Veracruz models, the standard transmission is an Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox with Shiftronic manual control. This transmission uses an integrated transmission control unit and low noise gears that help reduce friction.

For 2012 Hyundai Veracruz EPA fuel economy estimates are 17 mpg city / 22mpg highway for the front wheel drive models and 16 mpg city/ 21 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive models.

Standard safety features of 2012 Veracruz include: four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for all three rows, active front head restraints, electronic stability system, traction control and more.

You can read more about all this on 2012 Hyundai Veracruz review by thecarconnection.com.

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Ford Focus 2012

Posted: February 6th, 2012 | Author: bestcarsadmin | Filed under: 2012 New Car Models, Ford | Leave a comment »

Available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback the front-wheel drive Ford Focus is all-new for 2012. The Focus brand isn’t new to the U.S., but the 2012 model is the first Focus to be shared among the U.S., Europe and the rest of the world. The Ford Focus was popular and well-liked when it debuted in 2000, but over time the competition improved and the Focus lost its appeal. About twelve years later, Ford has revamped the Focus from the inside out to take on the competition. The all-new 2012 Ford Focus competes with Chevrolet Cruze, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic.

The new Ford Focus benefits from eye-catching styling and a sharply designed interior dressed up with high-quality materials. It also comes with a new four-cylinder engine that’s more fuel-efficient, and a suspension that delivers both above average handling and a refined ride.

The new 2012 Ford Focus is available in sedan and five-door hatchback body. There are four trim levels available: S (which is only offered as a sedan and start at $ 17,295 MSRP), SE (from $ 18,295), SEL (starting at $ 21,295) and Titanium ($22,995).

The S model of Ford Focus 2012 comes with 15-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power locks and mirrors, power front windows and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The SE adds 16-inch steel wheels, rear power windows, front foglights, automatic headlights, a trip computer and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The hatchback gets a 60/40 split-folding seatback and a removable cargo cover.

The SEL model of Ford Focus adds one-touch up/down power windows, multicolor ambient lighting and most of the SE’s optional features. The Titanium model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded exterior and interior trim, sport-tuned suspension, keyless ignition/entry and a 10-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio and HD radio.

Following an unprecedented global development program under the company’s One Ford strategy, the 2012 Focus is set to continue its successful tradition. Focus demonstrates how Ford can scale to meet the universal needs of worldwide customers, while fine-tuning to suit regional preferences.

In every world market where Focus competes, customers are looking for expressive design, meaningful technologies, responsive performance and exceptional fuel economy. Focus will set new standards for these comparatives and offer a class-leading range of standard and available content, enabled by its global scale.

said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development.

The new 2012 Ford Focus is packed with more affordable technologies and features than Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla or even larger competitors such as Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. In addition, Focus offers high standards of quality and craftsmanship and class-leading fuel economy, and it takes driving dynamics to a new level.

Both Ford Focus body styles (sedan and hatchback) share a sporty character, marking the next evolution of Ford’s acclaimed kinetic design form language. With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the new Focus signals the rewarding experience awaiting a driver. The Focus four-door has a drag coefficient as low as 0.297, compared to the current model’s 0.320. The slippery Focus shape and steeply raked windshield contribute to significantly reduced drag. Optimized aerodynamics help to reduce Focus wind noise at speed and contribute to improved fuel economy.

The dynamic quality of the exterior is reinforced by the distinctive design of the interior. Focus has a modern, cockpit-style interior, with a stylish center console. The most significant interior innovation is SYNC with MyFordTouch, which replaces many of the traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges with clear, colorful LCD screens and five-way buttons. The screens can be personalized to display information relevant to each driver using a simple button click, voice command or touch screen tap.

The all-new 2012 Ford Focus has a all-new 2.0-liter gasoline direct-injection DOHC four-cylinder engine that combines high-pressure direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. This engine produces 160 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. Entry-level S and SE models get a five-speed manual transmission standard while a six-speed automatic transmission is standard on SEL and Titanium trim levels. Official EPA estimates for fuel economy of 2012 Focus a 26 mpg city/ 36 mpg highway with the manual transmission. The automatic has a 28/38 mpg estimate.

The new Ford Focus gets a long list of important safety features as standard equipment, including antilock brakes, stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and more.