Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Review 2012 BMW 328i
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:
- Review: 2012 Hyundai Veloster
- Review: 2012 Kia Rio
- Review: 2012 Mazda5
- Review: 2012 Mazda2
- Review: 2012 Honda CR-V
Monday, March 3, 2014
Mazda CX 5 Review And Prices
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is one of the latest version of 2013 Mazda. A 2013 Mazda CX-5 is 10% lighter than earlier models, with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The 2013 Mazda CX-5 has top of-the-line Grand Touring all-wheel-drive test vehicle is EPA-rated at 25-31 mpg on regular unleaded gasoline.
Initially, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 will only be offered with one engine, a 2-liter inline-4 developing 155 horsepower with 150 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. A 2013 Mazda CX-5 has a manual transmission will be offered, the majority of vehicles will carry the six-speed automatic like that on our test vehicle. With a 0-to-60 time of about 9 seconds, you’ll hardly be hanging on for dear life.
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 has TomTom-based navigation system is needlessly complex in a 5.8-inch touch screen that tops the center console. For the more technically savvy it offers lane guidance, voice recognition and real-time traffic. An SD card will allow the owner to load customized maps. The 2013 Mazda CX-5 system comes as part of an overpriced Technology Package. The package’s lone noteworthy feature is bi-xenon headlamps, and they would be more effective without automatic leveling. Add in transportation, and the Sky Blue 2013 Mazda CX-5 test vehicle sold for $30,415, along with all-wheel drive. A base-model Grand Touring would go for just over $27,000 with just front-wheel drive. 2011 Skoda Superb GreenLine
As a world premiere, Škoda Auto is going to present a facelifted version of the Octavia at this year’s Paris Motor Show (2-19 October, 2008).
Produced or assembled in altogether eight countries, the Octavia is Škoda’s bestseller. The rejuvenated version is now coming with a more emotionally powerful design. ‘The Octavia has always had a special position among Škoda vehicles. It is our most successful model, very popular worldwide. Now it has gone through a complete transformation that is apparent in the new interior and exterior, as well as the applied technology,’ said Dr. Eckhard Scholz, BOD Member responsible for technological development.
When looking from the front, the key enhancements include newly shaped, bolder headlamps, a more robust radiator grille and a one-piece bumper. The innovation of the rear part of the vehicle is mainly about new tail lamp covers and a dynamic bumper with integrated cat eyes.
The interior offers an innovated line of Škoda audio and navigation systems. The steering wheel, the dashboard (white-backlit), the air conditioning controls and the decorative strips on the doors and the central console have been redesigned. In addition, new upholstery fabrics are available across all equipment levels (Classic, Ambiente and Elegance).
In spite of being almost identical in overall length to the previous generation Škoda Superb, the new Superb exceeds the already generous interior measurements of its predecessor in almost all aspects thanks to the transverse engine design. This begins in the front, where space has been gained by moving the gear position. The central tunnel has been designed in a much leaner form. And, in the rear, the knee space has been increased by 19 millimetres, affording the passengers unique travelling comfort. The new Škoda is 4,838 millimetres in length, 1,817 millimetres in width and has a height of 1,462 millimetres.
The interior, with its finely tuned mix of materials and excellent workmanship, satisfies the needs of even the most demanding customer. The dashboard with its wave-shaped design groups the operating elements into sensible individual functional units. All of the primary functions are concentrated around the steering wheel and quick access is guaranteed because of the logical location. Thanks to the unique design, erroneous operation is practically eliminated. In certain trim levels, the steering wheel includes multi-function buttons for the operation of the radio unit, MFA and a mobile phone. Chrome inlay in the centre of the newly designed, leather wrapped steering wheel lects the clear V-shape form of the cars front.
This design cue is also lected in the look of the central console. It includes the new Columbus navigation system with advanced, operator-friendly, touch screen technology and a 30 GB hard disk for rapid data access and also the dual-zone climate control system. In addition, there is the large capacity glovebox. Further storage space can be found to the left of the steering wheel, attractively designed door storage spaces, drink holders on the central tunnel and pockets on the rear of the front seats.
One new item is found when switching on the engine. The speedometer and tachometer dials move from their starting positions to the top of the dials and then return to zero, a quick and simple indication that they are functioning properly.
The foam cushioned dashboard surfaces, all friendly to the touch, are available in three different colours and three different versions of the decorative strips. Depending upon the model chosen, these ensure an exceptionally elegant, a stylishly sporting or a simply timeless ambience.
| 2011 Skoda Superb | ||
| Base Price | n/a | |
| Vehicle layout | Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 5-pass, 4-door, hatchback | |
| Engine | 1.4L/125-hp/148-lb-ft turbocharged 16-valve I4, 1.8L/160HP/185-lb-ft turbocharged 16-valve I4, 3.6L/260HP/258-lb-ft V6, 1.9L 105HP/250-lb-ft turbocharged 8-valve I4 diesel, 2.0L 140HP/236-lb-ft turbocharged 16-valve I4 diesel, 2.0L 170HP/258-lb-ft turbocharged 16-valve I4 diesel | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto-clutch manual, 7-speed auto-clutch manual | |
| Curb weight (dist f/r) | 3150-3700 lb (mfr) | |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 in | |
| Length x width x height | 190.5 x 71.6 x 57.6 in | |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5-12.5 sec (mfr est) | |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | n/a mpg | |
| CO2 emissions | n/a lb/mile | |
| On sale in U.S. | never | |
FWD versions have enough traction, but AWD is optional with the torque-rich 170-horsepower diesel. On the 260-horse V-6 all-wheel drive is standard, as is a DSG transmission, but no one will buy the V-6 because a top-end car from a low-end brand is a route to massive depreciation. Its the diesels that will do the business in Europe, but I rather enjoyed the sweet, torquey gas-fueled 1.8 turbo. Its engine downsizing done well.
Well proven and unique fittings afford the new Škoda Superb the same user-oriented character which is a feature of all Škoda automobiles. Thus, the solution for holding a wet umbrella has lost none of its functionality. The water resistant storage space is in the inner panel of the left rear door. A drainage system draws off the rainwater so that the umbrella undergoes "self-drying". When the door is closed, the umbrella storage space is invisible. The straight line design of the door does not break the line of the door panelling.
New round instruments with clear glass white numerals guarantee best legibility both during the day and at night. Diodes for the diffusion interior lighting, CatVision, are incorporated in the head liner. As opposed to their predecessors, these LEDs are now white, providing the car with an even more exclusive interior atmosphere. The clearly organised and easily recognisable gauges glow in a soft green light, the Škoda Auto brand colour. In addition, the colour green now has an additional important significance: Škoda takes environmental protection seriously in all areas. One way we protect the environment is by making nearly 95 percent of the new Škoda Superb recyclable at the end of its functional life. source:www.zulva.com,www.motortrend.com
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Cheapo Upgrade
G Power BMW M3 RS Car Model
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| 2013 G-Power BMW M3 RS Car Model |
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| 2013 G-Power BMW M3 RS Car Model |
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| 2013 G-Power BMW M3 RS Car Model |
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| 2013 G-Power BMW M3 RS Car Model |
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| 2013 G-Power BMW M3 RS Car Model |
Saturday, March 1, 2014
BMW M6
For comfort and luxury are mainly the relatively abundant space, at least allow the emergency also take a foursome, the army of assistance systems and electrical workers and lots of paint and leather, which make the 2013 BMW M6 to the oasis of luxury for the fashionable summer resort.
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| 2013 bmw m6 |
Engines
For The adrenaline is, however, the new V8 twin-turbo charging and replaced with the previous ten-cylinder engine. The engine sounds better, not only by miles than the old V10, because the Ms engineers have composed it with the four tailpipes, a wonderful sound. He also has more steam: 412 kW/560 hp and 680 Nm are now in the car registration and provide breathtaking acceleration. After all, the BMW M6 comes in 4.3 seconds to 100 outlet to 305 km / h That the engine is not only stronger but also more economical, in circles of the M-driver at best a side note worthy. Who cares about 30 percent efficiency gain and a consumption of 10.3 liters, which is anyway if only to get put to the test and you as a potential customer is likely to M6 has no monetary worries?
Luxury boat and boat racing - this conflict have brought the Bavarians not only for ambience and inaugural under one roof. The chassis is this balancing act. Of course, the M6 conceal his two-ton curb weight any more than his handsome format of almost five meters. But its amazing how sharp and smoothly it can also drive along narrow country roads. At least as impressive as it is, however, how dignified and calm hovers over the M6 motorway, how little he can get short of transverse joints in the peace and quiet as it suddenly on board, if you will for once make the roof.
Specifications: 2013 BMW M6 Convertible
Four-seater convertible in the luxury class
Drive: V-8 twin-turbo direct injection engine, 4395 cc,
412 kW/560 hp, 680 Nm, double-clutch automatic transmission 7G-
Top speed: 305 km / h
0-100 km / h: 4.3 sec
Consumption: 10.3 liters
CO2: 239 g / km
Trunk: 300-350 liters
Price: starts at $ 106,995.
2012 Acura ZDX Price of 46 000
The 2012 Acura ZDX is one of the latest version of 2012 Acura. 2012 Acura ZDX is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in 3 trims, ranging from the 6-Spd AT to the 6-Spd AT w/Advance Package. The 2012 Acura ZDX is available at Starting Price of $46,020 - $56,570. 
Upon introduction,the 2012 Acura ZDX are both trims are equipped with a standard 3.7-liter, V6, 300-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. 2012 Acura ZDX will have an interior, well appointed closet-laden, stylish exterior, full of spirit and an aggressive performance.
The 2012 Acura ZDX has a color choices for 2012 and anticipated to continue with the ceiling of the metal and pearls that recalls the muted colors and the fog of the autumn storms. This is a sporty car that brings utility to the urban streets with sophisticated streak. The 2012 Acura ZDX safety Features has standard safety features include all-weather traction wheel safety, blind spot warning system for vehicle stability assist, tire monitoring, airbags, active head restraints. It meets and exceeds government safety regulations for children. The 2012 Acura ZDX too new for reliable data on long-term reliability, but as the product-off-assembly-line, it is to win points reviewer for the dollar.