2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate

Specification Modification Image Review 2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate
The 2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate is a reasonably executed flagship luxury sedan -- but should anyone care? Flagship luxury and sound financial sense just don't go together, and that's what makes the 2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate so tough to review.

Pricewise, the $66,650 Equus Ultimate -- the more expensive of two trims -- competes with midsize luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E550 and Infiniti M56, but no one is going to cross-shop those vehicles. That leaves the Equus fighting cars like the Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes-Benz S550 -- vehicles that, even in their old age, can stifle the 2012 Equus' arguments for rational luxury on a price-independent level. 

 Interior refinement on the Equus is exactly what you'd expect for a proper luxury flagship, though there are a few small omissions. We aren't talking about big stuff here – little amenities like power lumbar adjustment for the front passenger seat, side bolster adjustments for the front chairs or a one-touch close feature for the sunroof, for example. Still, our Ultimate-spec tester's cabin arrived positively lousy with bells and whistles – niceties like a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats all around, a refrigerator in the rear console, power sunshades and a rear entertainment system.

What separates the Ultimate from the base Equus is its rear seating configuration, ditching the three-passenger bench seat in favor of two chairs with a fixed center console. The rear passenger-side chair – the one we've named the "executive throne" – even has massage and recline functions. If you ever have the chance to sit in a four-passenger Equus, we highly recommend spending no less than five minutes exploring the features of the royalty seat. Be warned, though – even with the Equus' longer wheelbase over the Genesis, those rear seats don't offer as much legroom as you might think.

Hyundai will continue to offer its unique ownership experience for 2012 Hyundai Equus customers, including tailored dealership showrooms, “Your Time, Your Place” at-home vehicle demonstrations, valet service appointments and an interactive owner’s manual for Apple iPad and Android tablet devices.

The sales and service experience for 2012 Hyundai Equus is unlike any other in the industry, with a focus on the customer’s time and convenience. Prospective buyers can participate in the “Your Time, Your Place” valet test drive program, where a specially trained Product Champion will deliver an Equus to their home or office for a personalized shopping experience.

2012 Hyundai Equus features the industry’s first interactive owner’s manual, providing a convenient and simpler way for owners to become familiar with the full capabilities of the vehicle.
When service is required, Equus owners can schedule their maintenance and service through a simple online scheduling system or from the interactive owner’s manual. An Equus owner can also choose to have their vehicle picked up at their home or business, with a complimentary loaner dropped off. Once service is completed, the owner again chooses the time and location for the vehicle to be delivered.
source:autos.aol.com,motortrend.com,autospectator.com

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

Information Specification Modification Image Review 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Porsche has already taken the wraps off its next-generation 911 but the virtually identical convertible, or “Cabriolet” in Porsche speak, is still under development.

As can be seen by these latest spy shots, prototypes appear to be almost complete, though there could be some major surprises before the covers do finally come off. 

Porsche is going to great length to break as much new ground as possible with its latest 2012 911.

For instance, the automaker has introduced a new seven-speed manual, a world first for a production car, but it also looks like the 911 Cabriolet will get an intricate folding roof composed of both metal sections and traditional canvas.

The 911 is available as either a coupe or a cabriolet, in either a rear-wheel drive (Carrera) or an all-wheel drive (Carrera 4) configuration, as well as a Turbo all-wheel drive model. The 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 are powered by a 345-hp direct-injection 3.6-liter flat six-cylinder, and the Carrera S and Carrera 4S's are powered by a 385-hp direct-injection 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine. The Turbo is a 500-hp version of the 3.8-liter (530-hp in the Turbo S). Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch known as PDK. The track-derived GT3 is powered by a 435-hp 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine and comes exclusively as a rear-wheel drive coupe with a six-speed manual transmission.

For 2012, a Carrera GTS has been added to the line-up to bridge the gap between the Carerra and the Turbo, it sports a 408-hp version of the 3.8-liter engine, and is available in rear- or all-wheel drive. Also, a limited edition of the rear-wheel drive Carerra called Black Edition has been introduced. Late in the 2012 model year, an all new 911 will be introduced, the 991-generation will be launched as a RWD coupe and convertible first, with more variation to come in the following model year.

Both models will be backed up by a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission. A seven-speed manual transmission will be optional.
When it hits Australian shores in March, prices will kick off at $255,100 for the base model Carrera (up from $245,300 from the outgoing model), and $288,300 for the Carrera S Cabriolet (up from $275,100).
More images of the new variant have been released to build up anticipation before its show debut (click on the ‘Gallery’ button at the top of the article to see them all). The Detroit show starts on January 9.source:autos.aol.com,caradvice.com.au,motorauthority.com

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee

Information Specification image Review 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee
Designed and built for the core performance enthusiast, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee makes its public debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.
There is no mistaking the unreserved performance attitude of the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee. Available in either Stinger Yellow or Pitch Black exterior paint with special Super Bee graphics, the exclusive models reflect a specially designed modern and extroverted interpretation of the legendary Super Bee performance built for the enthusiast who enjoys a vehicle with one mission in mind - to go fast.

"The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is a salute to the fun-loving past of Dodge muscle cars powered by the legendary 392 HEMI® V-8 in a back-to-basics performance machine," Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - SRT and Motorsports said.

Exclusive Super Bee Content Inside and Out
The race-inspired interior of the 2012 Charger SRT8 Super Bee features the SRT exclusive three-spoke contoured performance steering wheel, exclusive Z-stripe cloth performance seats with amped yellow and silver striping in both the front and rear as well as silver accent stitching and embroidered Super Bee logos on each of the front seat headrests.

 "The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is a salute to the fun-loving past of Dodge muscle cars powered by the legendary 392 HEMI V-8 in a back-to-basics performance machine," Ralph Gilles, President and CEO - SRT and Motorsports said.

The special Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee is set to make its world debut next week at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

 That $40,000 buys a 470-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V-8-powered car with a five-speed automatic transmission.

More than just a whimsical name, the Super Bee is fully themed, inside and out. It comes in black or yellow with a Super Bee graphics package and unique logos. Inside, it gets cloth seats with a yellow-and-black Z stripe, headrest logos and dashboard plaque.

While the car packs plenty, its $8,000 drop from the standard SRT8 means it misses out on some of the standard equipment therein. Things like navigation system, leather upholstery, twelve-way memory driver's seat and active exhaust are cut in favor of the lower price.
source:netcarshow.com,topspeed.com,motorauthority.com

2012 Chevrolet Colorado Global E

Information Specification Image Review 2012 Chevrolet Colorado Global E
GM has unveiled the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado ahead of its global public debut scheduled to take place at the Bangkok International Auto Show.
The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup truck featuring an extended cab body sitting on a high-stance AWD chassis, uses 20 inch wheels wrapped around off-road tires, and extracts power from a 2.8-litre turbo diesel plant for which output remains unspecified.
In terms of design the Colorado resonates with strength due to its wide, high positioned body that 'appears tightly wrapped over the chassis', and besides the Pepperdust Metallic exterior paint highlighted by various polished aluminum accents, the new pickup is also featuring GM's dual-port grille, a pair of large headlamps, integrated side steps, full LED taillights., and LED turn signals on the outside mirrors.

INTERIOR
The interior will combine the best of Chev designs, with the Thai pickup bearing a striking interior look to the Camaro, complete with twin pod instrument panel and meaty steering wheel with redundant controls for audio and Bluetooth. The centrestack looks very familiar to Chevy truck owners, with the typical radio over a round cabin temperature control centre. The dash is topped by a covered bin.

Colorado is based on a new global midsized truck architecture developed in Brazil, with local engineers tailoring the truck to fit the individual markets.
“Chevrolet Colorado Chief Engineer Roberto Rempel and his team lived in Thailand during the Colorado’s development,” said Brad Merkel, global vehicle line executive. “They immersed themselves in the highly competitive truck market and observed how the Thai people use their vehicles and the driving conditions they experience.

The drive was smooth, and the engine pushed out 150 brake horsepower at 3,800 rpm with a generous 258 pounds-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm. The Colorado rode surprisingly well, and handling at speeds approaching 70 mph was fine.
It soaked up bumps and did well on gravel roads, with the rack-and-pinion steering returning a good feel and firm feedback, just like in an SUV. To get an SUV-like ride on the highway, the Colorado’s frame was designed to take more stiffness by using bigger cabin mounts and tunable torsion bars that are biased for a smoother ride — something GM had been criticized for on earlier small pickups.
The clutch was fairly light, so when we reached the tight and twisty section of the drive up to the Thai-Burmese border, there was little effort to keep the momentum going as we rowed the gears from 2nd to 3rd and back to 2nd. The 2.5-liter diesel had ample power, so we never needed to downshift more than one gear.

Torque felt strong and seemed to be delivered early the power band, and with the new suspension setup, we did not need to slow down much at sharp corners. The rear brakes are still drums, but we found the pickup’s capability plenty strong enough to stop us confidently as we drove down steep hills without any fuss.

 Contrasting trim used with the light-colored leather seating, dark wood trim accented with chrome and low-gloss and soft-touch materials are used throughout for a premium feel. A number of storage compartments are located throughout the interior, including a covered center bin for concealment of valuable items, and a large, dual glovebox.

Additional features include a dual-zone, digital climate control system and the latest in “infotainment” technology. The show truck highlights an ergonomically positioned 7-inch LCD display in the center stack, for easy viewing and intuitive control of Web access, navigation, music and hands-free phone features.source:news.pickuptrucks.com,carsession.com,autonet.ca

2012 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster

Specification Modification Image Review 2012 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster
The Pagani roadcar model range would not be complete without Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster, a Roadster version of the Pagani Zonda Cinque. As the name implies it is created in the Modenese Atelier in a limited production run of merely five exclusive pieces like its coupé sister.

All weight reduction measures adopted by Pagani to improve driving pleasure, performance and emission of the Zonda Cinque have found use in the Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster as well. The Carbon-Titanium chassis has been redesigned for the compensation of a missing roof.

The Cinque experience is enhanced with the roof stored in the front bonnet, when the storm of air being fed to the 678hp Mercedes AMG V12 engine through the massive intake just inches over the passengers' ears, accompanies the exhaust note of the bespoke Pagani Zonda Cinque Inconel and Titanium exhaust system.

Whether you opt for a relaxed country drive in Tuscany's hills, visiting Florence and other centres of the Italian Renaissance, or a record hunt at the Nürburgring, this 1.3 milion Euro + taxes jewel will reward with every day driveability and ultimate performance thanks to the different drive modes of the sequential robostised gearbox and an adjustable suspension setup that feels at home as well at the racetrack as on bumpy roads.

 Whether you opt for a relaxed country drive in Tuscany’s hills, visiting Florence and other centres of the Italian Renaissance, or a record hunt at the Nürburgring, this 1.3 milion Euro + taxes jewel will reward with every day driveability and ultimate performance thanks to the different drive modes of the sequential robostised gearbox and an adjustable suspension setup that feels at home as well at the racetrack as on bumpy roads.

The constant efforts of Horacio Pagani and his team shows once again how art and engineering can be combined in the Zonda Cinque Roadster.

 The Pagani roadcar model range would not be complete without Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster, a Roadster version of the Pagani Zonda Cinque. As the name implies it is created in the Modenese Atelier in a limited production run of merely five exclusive pieces like its coupé sister.All weight reduction measures adopted by Pagani to improve driving pleasure, performance and emission of the Zonda Cinque have found use in the Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster as well. The Carbon-Titanium chassis has been redesigned for the compensation of a missing roof.

The Cinque experience is enhanced with the roof stored in the front bonnet, when the storm of air being fed to the 678hp Mercedes AMG V12 engine through the massive intake just inches over the passengers’ ears, accompanies the exhaust note of the bespoke Pagani Zonda Cinque Inconel and Titanium exhaust system.

Whether you opt for a relaxed country drive in Tuscany’s hills, visiting Florence and other centres of the Italian Renaissance, or a record hunt at the Nürburgring, this 1.3 milion Euro + taxes jewel will reward with every day driveability and ultimate performance thanks to the different drive modes of the sequential robostised gearbox and an adjustable suspension setup that feels at home as well at the racetrack as on bumpy roads.saource:netcarshow.com,topspeed.com,thecoolist.com

2012Audi A1 Quattro

Information Specification Modification Image Review 2012Audi A1 Quattro
The 2012 A1 Quattro is a new limited edition subcompact hatch from Audi. Highlights of this model include a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine, something normally seen in Audi’s S3 model. Key highlights include a 252 horsepower engine offering a 70 hp improvement on the original A1 model. While every technical spec is not yet available, the German car maker promises the car will match the S3′s 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds, which needless to say will make many take notice. The exterior of it is in line with many of Audi’s sophisticated and sporty looking bodies, while the interior has an upgraded instrument panel, aluminum pedals and red contrast stitching on the leather seats. This model is set to release sometime late next year and unfortunately will only be made in a quantity of 333. Unfortunately it will not be available stateside.

Not only does the A1 Quattro look stunning - special props to the red handlebar ’wing’ lights - but it’s also got some serious ponies under its hood. It’s not in the level of what the 500-horsepower A1 Clubsport was capable of, but it certainly packs a meaner punch than a lot of factory-built A1 models out on the market these days.

Creative and evocative design matched to an impressive 2.0-liter TFSI powertrain and the use of Audi’s very own quattro all-wheel drive has turned the Audi A1 Quattro into a serious must-have. The only downside is that Audi will be limiting the release of the car to just 333 units with prices still to be announced. But we like it so much that even if we don’t know how much it’s going to cost, we’ll be saving up for a chance to get a piece of this super duper hot hatch.

It’s got a double-clutch S-tronic gearbox, hasn’t it?

Actually it hasn’t. The prototype four-wheel drive A1 we tested earlier this year had a six-speed manual, and so does this production A1 Quattro. And enthusiasts should also like the sound of the chassis tweaks: Audi promises this limited-run A1 ‘is much more tautly tuned than the production model’.
Those are changes below the skin though; much more obvious is Glacier White paint (the only colour available) the deep front bumper (that mainly comprises intakes rather than any actual metalwork), red-tinted headlights, sill extensions, twin exhaust pipes, the big rear wing and white alloy wheels. There are 225/35 R18 tyres all round, 312mm front brakes clamped by black callipers, and a three-stage ESP system with a Sport mode and a you’re-on-your-own setting. Inside there’s a red rev counter, and red stitching to contrast with the black Nappa leather.
source:topspeed.com,hypebeast.com,carmagazine.co.uk