Blog Auto Review

More power for the 2013 McLaren MP4-12C
Syringe with a force of 25 hp McLaren has raised the performance of its super sports car MP4-12C to now 462 Nm / 625 hp. At the same time helping revisions to the drive train to an even simpler handling.

2013 mclaren mp4-12c

The increase in performance over the tuning of the engine - mainly by software and boost pressure - but does a better power delivery, but does not change the efficiency of the engine. Still want the power package to operate with a consumption of 11.7 liters per 100 kilometers. Noticeable is the increased performance in his only three km / h to 333 km / h top speed and lifted the sprints to 200 km / h and 300 km / h. The sprint to 100 km / h remains unchanged at 3.1 seconds.

2013 mp4-12c

For a more sporty, yet comfortable driving sensation will also contribute the revised seven-speed gearbox. It will change even faster, but the hallways unnoticed. Who now believes that the British sports car is too quiet and comfortable, the McLaren has prepared a special treat. Has a sound generator, the pilot can change over from him the touch of a button, the selected driving mode noise in the interior. The three different levels of "normal", "Sport" and "track" let the roar of "soft" sound to "dramatically" in the interior space. Moreover, in each driving mode of the interior noise levels are controlled by a separate electronic menu.



A new door system, a revised air-conditioning, leather interiors in a variety of different colors and tail lights, the address automatically when it rains, further details of the revisions. As an option to offer the British in 2013, an automatic lifting of the body by pushing a button on the front and rear axle. At the front, the body raises the state then by 40 millimeters by 25 millimeters at the rear. At a speed of 60 km / h, the body automatically lowers it again.

The BMW 3-series. She is the Gold Standard. The sport sedan against which all others are judged against. The rules of entry level sport sedans are written by BMW, and even its competitors concede to that fact. And when a new 3-series arrives, well, it is big news. And for 2012, a new 3-series four door sedan has arrived. The Garage had patiently waited for months to get access to this car, as we were so impressed with the last generation 335i convertible we reviewed last year.

No one denies the 3-series legacy, but as a former E30 325 owner, I was especially keen to see what BMW had cooked up. And when my red 328i was delivered to my door, it was like serendipity, as my 325i was also red, and was the car I owned when I started to date the woman who has now been my wife since 1998.

That said, upon receiving the 328i, it looked fairly large. Sleek and sophisticated without a doubt, but the compact style of prior 3-series seems to have been lost. Attention to detail is absolutely meticulous, and BMW ranks at the top of the stack for quality and execution. Although it appears larger than prior 3-series, the car is graceful, elegant, and sporty. I emphasize elegant, a quality prior 3-series did not really have. They do now. If I had any complaint, it is the dual kidney grille is no longer set by itself.

As you would expect, the cockpit is driver focused. The iDrive is workable, but still inferior to its premium Japanese competition for ease of use. Seats were perfectly comfortable, and easy to find a perfect driving position. Thankfully, the gauges are still clear as day, it just takes some getting used to the other tech the new 3 offers. The new 3 is not opulent, but rather adheres to the German standard of old-nothing fancy. That said, I loved the supportive seats and the simple, no nonsense interior. The quality of materials and workmanship are exceptional.

BMW has given up on its model number lecting the engine displacement under the hood, as our 328i is powered by a 2.oL turbo four rated at 240hp. Our test car was blessed with a six-speed manual, though an 8-speed automatic is an option. Ever present overseas, the new 3-series harkens the return of a four cylinder BMW to our shores. The little turbo four makes an impressive bark at start-up. The car was plenty quick merging on the highway, in passing, and was quite at home on back roads. You can still order up a six cylinder, but in the real world, the four was more than adequate. And its tough to argue with EPA fuel economy ratings of 23/34 MPG city/highway.

In the effort to preserve fuel, the 328i features stop/start technology. Meaning, you bring the car to a halt, and instead of idling, the engine shuts down, and starts up again once you depress the clutch. The trouble is, this engine, as I said, has a bark on ignition, so this is a fairly abrupt process, with plenty of noise and vibration. This is something that my passengers complained about as a real annoyance. Worse, on a blazing hot week in July, in stop and go traffic, each time the engine shut down, we lost a lot of cold air from the AC. Again, something my passengers, or myself for that matter were not happy about. The only way around the problem was to set the climate control to MAX, which kept the engine running at all times. I see the need to conserve fuel, but this system is in serious need of fine tuning. I am honestly surprised BMW rolled this technology out in its current state.

BMW still considers themselves the makers of the Ultimate Driving Machine, and I am pleased to say the 328i was a joy to drive. Handling, steering and braking were flawless and befitting the roundel on the hood. The trouble is, the competition is closing the gap, namely the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with the Infiniti G37 nipping at the 3s heels. Id still say the BMW is the most rewarding to drive, but the playing field is getting more level all the time.

The 2012 BMW 328i four door starts at $34,900USD. Standard equipment includes Driving Dynamics Control, iDrive, HD Radio and 17 alloys. Our test car added Melbourne Metallic red paint, Sport Line Package (includes sport steering wheel, 18 alloys, M suspension, sport seats, brushed aluminum trim), Premium Package (includes keyless entry, moonroof, auto dimming mirrors, power seats), Premium Sound Package (XM Satellite radio, Harmon Kardon audio), Technology Package (Navigation and head up display), heated seats, park distance control, xenon headlights, and BMW Assist. Including destination, our 328i had a sticker price of $50,370. Thats quite a chunk of change, and as tested, more money than a base Audi S4. At this price I was incredulous our car did not have a back-up camera.

Dont get me wrong, the new 3-series is a great sports sedan, and is likely still the best. But I never heard the Hallejuah chorus. I thought Id be hearing Carly Simon reinforce it with Nobody Does it Better from James Bond fame. Because in my lifetime Ive had many similar moments driving many BMWsbut not this one. I cant point to a specific fault. Maybe its because the competition is now catching up. BMW, the 3-series is still the best around, but your enemies are getting ever closer.

Related posts:

1. Review: 2012 Hyundai Veloster
2. Review: 2012 Kia Rio
3. Review: 2012 Mazda5
4. Review: 2012 Mazda2
5. Review: 2012 Honda CR-V

Framed by the long triangular headlights shows the Peugeot 5008 with clenched lips a slightly cooler pouting face. The gentle rise in the windshield is optional panoramic roof, which stretched up to the second row of seats, even the rear passengers are free to look to the heavens.

Interior
Relatively unspectacular are the well-contoured and also suitable for long-range front seats that give the driver a good view of traffic ahead. An additional (second) rear view mirror allows the children in the rear at all times to keep in mind. Centered drivers are self-explanatory controls. Conveniently located on the center console is wide and high the shift lever.

Seating and storage options
Through rear doors that soar into tight parking spaces dangerously far, the passengers get into the second row. Three individual seats, each with Isofix attachments are ideal for the support of the children who find pockets and small tables in the front seat storage space for games and stuffed animals. In another floor, small pockets are integrated.

Adults can also easily take place, however, must be displaced by 13 inches seats are then pushed back in order to have enough leg room. The three side by side it is small for corpulent people. The retractable floor in positions six and seven are of course only suitable for shorter people up to 1.75 meters tall.

Space
Great is the cargo space, hiding behind the wide-opening tailgate. Seven of the trunk is sufficient for even one or two small bags, a five-seater up to 679 liters of luggage stowed. Bulky goods can be transported as soon as the second-row seats are folded - it creates a virtually flat surface. If the back is folded down the front passenger seat, can fit up to 2.76 meters long objects in the car. The 60 centimeter high loading lip makes loading without a twinge in his back.

With the second-generation Galaxy and Ford S-Max is started, which is the 5-seater and sportier version of the Galaxy. Visually, it differs mainly in the rear area of the Galaxy, but also the round fog lamps in the front end are a design feature of the S-Max.


Even more sporty he is tested by us 2.0 liter EcoBoost version and Titanium S-Type. Ford Individual body styling package, a center console "Piano Finish", a leather / Alcantara upholstery, 18 "alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, bi-xenon headlights, tinted windows from the B column, cruise control, heated front seats , a 2-zone climate control and much more on board.

Our test vehicle drenched in addition, with the driver package PLUS, the business package medium, the travel package, the seat package, scuff plates front with S-MAX logo and painted in candy red, which is the sporting Van particularly well.

Although the S-Max has been on the market for several years, he has still rough around the edges and seems to be the elixir of eternal youth to have to get on the road. Even newer representative of its class can compete neither with the sporty appearance even when space is limited.


The interior offers plenty of room, but it is designed so that you also might think that with a sedan on the road. Front of the driver is a very tidy dashboard, which is home to the modern speedometer with large display for navigation, radio stations and more.

Due to the large center console with cup holders and a comfortable armrest, he is very similar to the Mondeo. The grip leather steering wheel with contrasting stitching and the sports seats with perfect support convey a bit of a sports car feeling. The passengers in the second row in the travel business class on long-haul flights, at least as far as the leg-and headroom.

No wish unfulfilled and the trunk volume. With more than 700 kilos of payload and 854 liter capacity of the S-Max is clearly identified as Van. Who can do without the second row gets even up to 2,100 liters of cargo space provided, so the S-Max 2.0 EcoBoost is an ideal quick loadmaster.


And "fast" can be understood in the literal sense of the word. The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine is a real goodie and gives the Van sporty acceleration data. The power of the turbocharged engine is 240 hp (176 kW) and maximum torque of 340 Nm the engine delivers 1900 to 3500 rev / min. He has been out of the rev range a very responsive power delivery, the word "turbo lag" is for the new Ford turbo engine is a foreign word.

The force is so immediately made ​​available, that one must above all be very careful when parking maneuver. The S-Max bites at every little touch on the accelerator immediately enormous.

Very good for the characteristics of the car fits the Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. The 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox impresses with fast switching operations, which are also designed to be very soft. Thus, the power flow is continuously present, and one to sprint in just 7.9 seconds from a standing start to 100 km / h The top speed is 235 km / h.


Yet despite its sporty engine performs its work even at full acceleration or at highway speeds very smoothly and quietly. The S-Max is recommended also as an ideal touring sedan with a perfect sound insulation offers great comfort.

Even the sports suspension provides enough comfort and filters bumps off perfectly. Ford has also found the S-Max is a very good match between sportiness and driving comfort. Nevertheless, the large van is like a board on the street, and you can measure exactly around tight curves without causing a capsizing feeling.

It is in such moments is easy to forget that you are actually traveling with a family van and no sports car. The very direct steering is also very pleasant, because it requires but rather higher steering forces, leading to the vote but it fits well.


With a length of 477 cm, the Ford S-Max move also quite handy and also loses its terror in the city. The large windows give a perfect view and provide good visibility. With the parking aid can also be estimated very accurately all the corners and perfectly maneuver in tight spaces. Nevertheless, the practical Ford feels more on the highway or freeway probably where he makes with his performance and good vote for a lot of driving pleasure.

Weighing in at just under 1.7 tonnes and the Van typical high build because you have to, especially in the city to expect an increased consumption, which can quickly crack the 10-liter mark. In mixed driving the S-Max has consumed during our tests around 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers, which is indeed the work of the promised 8.3 liters, but for a car of this performance and class size is just under.

Who wants it more economical, can still pick up the diesel. The Ford S-Max 2.0 EcoBoost is especially for those the ideal choice, although they want a sporty car, but need plenty of space for passengers and luggage. The S-Max combines perfectly the versatility that a Van offers, with the driving performance of a sports coupe and can also convince with comfort, a perfect finish and a good equipment.

Can not assume it would be the CEO of Audi, Rupert Stadler, and development boss Michael Dick, Member of the Board, to be there on the first day of the international press launch of the new Audi A8 L (nes) in Salzburg. Discourage them from their purpose could also not be midsummer scorching heat, which is like a bell through the imposing Red Bull Hangar 7 in steel and glass placed at Salzburg Airport, the starting point for test drives. Literally a race, both speakers raved about the quality, aesthetics, comfort, the incomparable feeling of space, giving an A8 L, and also by the impressive efficiency of Audis flagship used for engines.


Top model as a driver of innovation
Again proving to be the top model as a driver of innovation. You simply need such leaders who voranbrächten.Vorstellung in terms of efficiency, in Lightweight and consumption reduction Audi A8 L: Automobile sovereignty with a new name "The upper class has a future - we can define the times." Already been achieved through tools: An Audi A8 L 3.0 TDI V6 was content despite all-wheel drive with an average of 6.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. Even the twelve-cylinder with its incomparable dynamism come from ten percent less fuel than its predecessor: 13.6 liters instead of 12.4 - despite the ten-percent power increase from 450 to 500 hp! Moreover, it is also been the A8 W12 in the news that characterize the brand was first introduced, such as the new brand image, the single-frame or the LED daytime running lights.

A true gift
With great pleasure, told Stadler, put it more often and even the wheel of an Audi A8 L. The large long wheel base, he sees "a real gift," the idea really Audi A8 L: good-for cars with new sovereignty Namenzum relax. "You get your head and can work well in the rear."

Every reason to rejoice
Mediate Rupert Stadler and Michael Dick was at the press presentation in Salzburg that the company has every reason to rejoice. With fewer than 550,000 vehicles delivered worldwide in the first six months of this year, Audi has put down the best half-year in its history. At the end of the year there are estimated by the Audi bosses probably be back more than a million units.

Cadillac has slowly been rebuilding its brand to glory, but it has been a long road. For Cadillac, the phoenix that rose from the ashes is without a doubt the successful CTS. The brands greatest triumph since the V-16 Cadillacs of the 1930s is without a shadow of a doubt the CTS-V, an absolute menace to society dressed in a tuxedo. Yet, with all focus on the CTS, Cadillacs larger car family went neglected, and between the DTS and STS, it seemed confusing as to where Cadillac wanted to go with their premier large car. Which made me scratch my head, given that Cadillac has been building luxury cars for over 100 years.

The DTS and STS are now extinct, and the XTS takes their place. The XTS boasts a prominent grille, and the creased styling weve come to expect from Cadillacs Art & Science design mantra. The XTS is easily recognizable as a Cadillac, but there is no hiding the fact the car was engineered as a front wheel drive vehicle, and it looks it. And that can be a tough sell in the luxury car market, where buyers demand looks above all else. The XTS is a handsome car, but being front wheel drive, it cannot pull off the elegance of design its rear wheel drive competitors offer.

Inside, the XTS is a revelation. Step in to the drivers seat, hit the start button and you are greeted with a swirling digital display for not just the infotainment center, but the dashboard itself. Thats right-no needles, the gauges are all computerized. They look fantastic. If youve complained that stepping into a car has stopped having any sense of occasion, step into an XTS. You genuinely feel like you are sitting in the most cutting edge car out there. And thats not always a good thing. Meet CUE, Cadillacs newest infotainment system. Cadillac has forgone buttons to control climate control and other functions. Yes, it is high tech, but as a Gen Xer with an iMac, iPod, iPad and Android phone, the XTSs controls proved to have the highest learning curve of any car I have ever driven in all the years I have reviewed cars. My Grandfather loved Cadillacs, but he would positively hate the XTS for its controls. Which I understand. Cadillac has been desperate to reach out to a younger audience, and shake the old mans car that has dogged them for decades. But the reality is the guy contemplating an XTS will likely be in his 50s at least, not understand how to work Facebook, doesnt know what a tweet is, and think Pandora is about a box. Yes, the XTS is extremely comfortable, build quality and materials are on par for the price paid, but simpler controls would be welcome.

Motivation for the XTS comes in one form only, a 3.6L V-6, rated at 304hp, and paired to a six-speed automatic. Buyers have a choice between front and all-wheel drive. The XTS does a decent job of getting out of its own way, and passing power is perfectly fine. However, I suspect Cadillac buyers will be disappointed at the lack of a V-8 option. As expected, the XTS was stellar as a highway cruiser. Fitted with 20 alloys, the XTS Magnetic Ride Control delivered one of the smoothest rides I can recall in a car sporting wheels that large. Brembo brakes up front instilled confidence, and the XTS was cool as a cucumber when pushed, but few owners are likely to drive this car hard. For its considerable size, the XTS EPA fuel economy numbers are 17/26 MPG city/highway, not bad for a large all wheel drive luxury car.

A base front wheel drive XTS starts at $44, 075USD, and comes well equipped. The XTS is available in four trim levels: Standard, Luxury, Premium, and Platinum. Our test car was the Platinum with all-wheel drive. The standard equipment list is staggering. Bose studio surround sound with 14 speakers, SiriusXM and HD radio, Opus leather interior, real wood trim, power tilt/telescope/heated steering wheel, heated/vented front seats, three-zone auto climate control, head up display and a panoramic moonroof. Of course, there are shades aplenty for privacy. I mentioned before the XTS offers a real sense of occasion when you step in, but even before you get in, while leaving a five star restaurant after dinner, walk up to your XTS, hit the button to unlock the doors, and the illuminated door handles are jaw-dropping sexy. In words, it may sound tacky, but in person, seeing this puts the XTS at the height of class. Our test cars sole option was a gorgeous Crystal Red Tintcoat, which brought the tally to $62,300, including delivery. Thats a far cry from the base XTS price, but with all-wheel drive and every conceivable luxury option as standard equipment, the XTS we sampled did not seem excessively priced for what you get.

Still, the XTS, as fine a car it is, seems conflicted. With Cadillac, you have the well received CTS, and the new rear wheel drive ATS, meant to fight the BMW 3-series. With the XTS we have a front wheel drive, full size luxury car competing in a market segment that practically demands rear wheel drive. Then again, the XTS nearest domestic competitor,the Lincoln MKS, also based on a front-drive platform, which is less expensive and more powerful in Ecoboost form, but seems old next to the XTS. Cadillac may not be after the BMW 5-Series buyer, but their renewed interest in a large car has produced a luxurious, capable car that suffers none of the driving traits of the cars the XTS can trace its roots to.