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Ford Focus ST Tuned for the Maximum Audio Experience
A big part of driving a fun fast car is the audio experience – it’s not enough to simply be fast, the car needs to sound good too. With that goal, Ford engineers tuned the sounds of the new Focus ST so that it’s like music to the ears of a sport compact driver, and perhaps the envy of even some V-8 owners. Ford engineers gave some existing technologies a new twist and the result is … Read entire article »
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Test Drive: 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye
Dodge Fever returns with all-new 2013 Dodge Dart It seems strange that most manufacturers develop a vehicle, invest in promoting it and building a strong brand equity, only to let it slip away into extinction, and then decide to bring it back in a renewed fashion and format. Cases in point: the Chevy Camaro, Ford Taurus, Dodge Charger and now, the 2013 Dodge Dart, which represents Dodge’s re-entry into the compact market segment. … Read entire article »
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Test Drive: 2013 Scion FR-S 2+2 Sport Coupe
“Scion and Subaru join forces in developing FR-S and BRZ” Affordable Sports Coupes to be reckoned with Las Vegas, Nevada – What happens when two Japanese auto manufacturers join forces to develop a formidable, yet affordable sports coupe? You come up with a most capable yet affordable sports coupe that is extremely fun to drive under the guise of two distinctive marques. The vehicle or vehicles in question are the Scion FR-S and the Subaru BRZ, which … Read entire article »
Filed under: Automotive Reviews, Hyundai
Test Drive: 2012 Kia Rio 5-Door Hatch
“All-New 2012 Kia Rio provides new fuel saving technology” Kia has certainly come a long way since their vehicles were first marketed here on our shores. The Korean automaker is now definitely a force to be reckoned with on all levels of their existing stable. We’ll deal here with their latest Kia Rio lineup. … Read entire article »
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Test Drive: 2012 Kia Optima Premium Hybrid
“Kia introduces their first ever U.S. Hybrid vehicle – The 2012 Optima” The Sonata Hybrid from Hyundai bowed first, claiming the best mid-size sedan highway fuel economy. Now Hyundai’s Korean sibling Kia has introduced their first ever Hybrid for the U.S. market – the Optima for 2012, boasting the same EPA mileage ratings from the same basic powertrain. In fact the Optima, which is not an exact clone of the Sonata, is pretty darned close, even … Read entire article »
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Test Drive: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 550
“Mercedes-Benz SL 550 for 2013: A Grand Sport Tourer” A legend celebrates 60 years The iconic SL retractable hardtop from Mercedes-Benz for the 2013 model year is lighter, quicker and more agile than its predecessor as it enters its sixth generation. Badged as an SL550 here on our soil and as the SL500 in other markets, the alpha-numeric designation in either case bears no relativity to the actual displacement, which is really 4.6-liters. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Automotive Reviews, convertible, Mercedes-Benz
First Drive: Ford Escape
By Barbara Schaffer Richmond, Calif. – Typically a year or two after a new vehicle is introduced, the sales peak and then decline until the next new model is introduced four to six years later. Evidently the Ford Escape didn’t get the message. When Escape debuted in 2000 as a 2001 model sales were good and reached more than 164,000 during the first full year of production and then went on to average more than 185,000 units … Read entire article »
Filed under: Automotive Reviews, Ford, SUV
Lamborghini Shows SUV Concept
Lamborghini chose the Beijing Auto Show to pull the cover off its latest SUV concept – the Urus. Referring to Urus as the ultimate super athlete in the SUV segment, Lamborghini is looking to change the dynamics of the category with a unique design, innovative interior and spectacular performance in a vehicle that can be used as an everyday driver – for the very rich. With an engine output of around 600 horsepower, the Urus offers unmatched … Read entire article »
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Test Drive: Volvo R-Design (Part 4)
Volvo C30 R-Design By Barbara & Bill Schaffer Of the three Polestar modified cars, the C30 feels the most dramatic on the road and much of that is due to its smaller size. Already one of our favorites for its sporty handling and the styling, which resembles a contemporary version of the P1800ES from the early 1970s. Powered by a 227-hp, 236-lb.ft. of torque turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the 3,200-pound vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60 in 6.8-seconds … Read entire article »
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Test Drive: Volvo R-Design (Part 3)
Volvo XC60 R-Design By Barbara & Bill Schaffer Now in its third year the Volvo XC60 is one of our favorite premium compact crossovers. From the dramatic styling to the world-class safety systems to the strong performance, the XC60 stands out in the crowded category. For 2012, major changes include a new R-Design engine, new trim level and more features. Adding more bite to the latest model, the 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine gets the Polestar software treatment, and … Read entire article »
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Test Drive: R-Design (Part 2)
Volvo S60 R-Design AWD By Barbara and Bill Schaffer One year after the introduction of the S60 T6, which could best be called the brand’s performance leader, the sport sedan gets a boost from the Polestar treatment. Boasting 25 more horsepower and 29-lb.ft. of torque, the new R-Design version drops the 0 to 60 mph acceleration time to 5.3 seconds while the top speed is electronically limited to 130. As the best performing Volvo ever, the S60 R-Design … Read entire article »
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Test Drive: Volvo R-Design
By Barbara & Bill Schaffer After more than 20 years of reviewing new cars, we know we can always count on a new Volvo to have several distinctive characteristics. It will be one of the safest cars on the road The seats will be the most comfortable The styling will be unique Along with these givens, various models have other characteristics that may set them apart from the maddening crowd. Nevertheless, with a few exceptions, Volvos have not been cars … Read entire article »
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Test Drive: 2013 Ford Escape Titanium AWD
“All-New 2013 Ford Escape: A Smarter SUV” Saves Fuel, Money while providing new technologies The Blue Oval team has come up with a better way to Escape – in the 2013 Escape. There will no longer be an Escape Hybrid, but the Escape stable will continue to offer three other fuel conscious models: an updated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, as well as a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and finally, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-banger. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Automotive Reviews, Ford, SUV
Test Drive: 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD
“Infiniti’s JX adds classy player to its utility team for 2013” Infiniti just introduced the 2013 JX to their vehicle lineup. The JX is an all-new luxury crossover that was created to deliver inspired style, performance, roominess and innovative features, challenging the status quo in the segment. JX is a 7 passenger crossover with third row seating, an abundance of luxury, versatility and state-of-the-art advancements in technology. … Read entire article »
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Test Drive: 2013 Acura ILX 2.0 Tech Sedan
“Acura’s ILX Entry Sedan comes three ways” Acura dealers felt the need for an entry level vehicle to be offered as part of their premium inventory. Honda’s luxury division Acura team has answered the call with the all-new 2013 ILX sedan lineup – or have they? Some members of the automotive press and consumers may not agree. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Acura, Automotive Reviews, Hybrid