Car Reviews – Page 6 – The Unmuffled Auto News

January 9, 2013 zoomvroom Car Reviews, New car info

Is BMW Crazy?

BMW is usually conservative when coming out with limited-edition cars. They don’t do it frequently, but when they do, they are usually collector’s items. The BMW K2 Concept Powder Ride is the result of BMW and K2 (which is known as “America’s Ski Company”). It is based off of the new BMW X1 SUV, and the upcoming Powder Ride Edition X1. BMW says that the K2 Concept Powder Ride is the blend of sumptuous interior materials, and an exclusive roof structure. BMW’s Valencia Orange paint is complemented by a large graphic that is a close-up of limited-edition K2 skis.

Also, the exterior gets an extra eight millimeters of suspension travel over the standard X1, and 19-inch five-spoke wheels covered in Ferric Grey and then polished half to death. A Harman Kardon sound system takes shelter in the two luggage spots on the driver’s side. These nice speakers are two-way, and BMW says they create a “powerful sound stage for apres ski fun with a difference at the end of the valley run.” Plus, the gigantic roof box can be illuminated in orange or blue. Oh, and three VERY powerful LED spotlights are integrated into the roof structure.

BMW is going unusual and offering a CONCEPT vehicle for sale to the public for the span of the winter. A toned-down version of the K2 Concept Powder Ride called the BMW X1 Powder Ride Edition is on sale for $44,390, including destination and handling.

I’ve attached a picture for you to possibly drool at. You can find out technical specs at http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/x/x1/2012/showroom/highlights/concept_k2.html

This car makes me want to drive a BMW, and go skiing. Who wants to drive up to the slopes together?

BMW X1 Edition Powder Ride

December 12, 2012 zoomvroom Car Reviews

The 2013 Motor Trend Truck of the Year!

As many of you might know, Dodge products have been kind of yucky and disappointing (i.e. Dodge Caliber). To use better vocabulary, they are lacking a certain sophistication, and not up to expectations.

The trucks made by Dodge weren’t very good, and people bought them because they were cheap. From the late 1960s to the late 1990s, Dodge’s trucks were kept afloat by government fleet sales. In 1994, Dodge came out with a game-changer. The new Ram 1500/2500/3500 were revolutionary – they had enough power to send a big rig running, and they were at the top of their class in terms of towing. Further, their design was top-notch. And, they sent Chevy/GMC and Ford back to the drawing board.

The generation that debuted for the 2001 model year was something of a joke. It wasn’t comfortable, the only “real” power for the 1500 came in the form of an outdated 5.7 liter Hemi V8, and the 2500 got its power from a 5.9 liter Cummins diesel that had been in service since 1990. It was slow, and outdated. Dodge was a joke. Again. This was during the time of the race to see which half-ton could tow the most with the most power. Then, the economy tanked.

Dodge came out with the current generation of the Ram 1500/2500/3500 in the darkest days of the recession. That was back in 2008, and the Ram was expensive ( yet very nice). As all truck owners know, there is no truck that is the magic truck that changes everything. Sometimes, we have to suck it up and buy the truck that works for us, not the masses.

Well, Ford has been going the way of smaller, more fuel-efficient engines, Chevy/GMC is coming out with a new line of trucks next year, and Ram is leaning towards more efficient engines and eight-speed transmissions. The old 3.7-liter V6 that used to serve duty in everything from most Jeeps to all the Ram products except the 2500/3500. So that engine was a disaster – it was slow, it had very little power, and it sounded like a diesel. Now, the new Pentastar V6 displaces 3.6 liters, and has 42% more power than the old engine. Plus, it offers 13% more torque. Oh, and it’s mated to the excellent new 8-speed ZF automatic that has been beefed up a bit for towing duty. Yahoo.

The historic 5.7-liter Hemi V8 has been around since 2001. However, it has been updated every single time the Ram 1500 gets an update. This time, it has the same amount of power (390 horsepower, 410 lb-ft of torque), but it is more efficient, thanks to Variable Valve Timing. Plus, there are revised cooling systems, electric power steering, and a cool new electrical system with pulse modulation that uses power more efficiently to lessen the strain on the alternator.

Most people focus on the powertrain of a pickup truck, yet that may be one of the less important topics on the refreshed Ram 1500. Ram has added air suspension, which may raise concerns about reliability. But, the Ram 1500’s air suspension looks like the ones found in modern full-size luxury cars, which typically weigh about as much as a half-ton pickup. This air suspension is cool. It can raise the truck 1.2 or 2.0 inches, depending on which off-road mode the 4WD system is set to. There is also an aero mode that will lower the truck 0.6 inches (this is intended for long drives on the interstate). Active shutters behind the grill will close at highway speeds, directing air AROUND the truck, not UNDER. This, plus the slightly redesigned body cut the truck’s coeffecient of drag from 0.39 to 0.36, to net a 6 percent increase in aerodynamic efficiency.

If you are thinking that Ram left the interior of the Ram 1500 as disgusting as it was four years ago, then you would be greatly mistaken. The Ram 1500’s interior has gotten as much attention as the exterior and mechanicals. The interior layout is the same, so if you have driven a Ram 1500 of this generation before, you will know that the Uconnect infotainment system was slow and horrible. The screen is brighter than before, and it has higher resolution than most navigation screens. The screen is now a massive 8.4 inches (think of putting an iPad Mini in the dash), and you can further upgrade the system with various apps like: Pandora internet radio, etc. Plus, it can provide you with an in-vehicle WiFi hotspot. While Motor Trend likes the layout of the system, problems from before still plague the Ram 1500. Sometimes, it’s slow to respond. Also, the navigation system can sometimes lose track of the truck when it is in motion. It sometimes thinks that the truck will be a few hundred yards off the highway!

The new 8-speed automatic is essentially the same ZF transmission found in the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger and Rolls-Royce Ghost. The transmission control is a radical departure from the column shifters or console shifters we are used to. It is a dial. It may seem like truck blasphemy, and to some it is. It is nice to have it placed on the dashboard, however. The Motor Trend testers weren’t the only ones who turned up the radio when attempting to do a three-point turn.

Another gripe about the Ram 1500’s transmission controls – the tiny pushbuttons on the steering wheel are right above the cruise control buttons, and aren’t clearly differentiated from the cruise control buttons. IF Ram is concerned about customers shifting the truck while wearing work gloves, then they would have installed shift paddles, NOT tiny buttons.

One of the things that many truck buyers want is on/off-road prowess. If you are looking for off-road prowess, get a Ford F150 SVT Raptor. If, however, you need some off-roading chops, then the Ram 1500 might be your ticket.

For those of you who have driven the current generation of the Chrysler 300, you will be shocked to find out that the Ram 1500 SLT with the Pentastar V6 drives almost exactly like a Chrysler 300 with a bed. The 2013 Motor Trend Truck of the Year judges were amazed at how well the Ram 1500 SLT drove. The torque comes in at relatively low RPMs, with a peak of 269 lb-ft. Plus, you can still be rewarded by swinging the tachometer up to 4500 RPM to get the full 305 horsepower. Plus, the Pentastar sounds good for a V6. The Pentastar and the 8-speed automatic make for a potent entry-level truck. Plus, the air suspension works as well off-road as it does on asphalt. Body motions are relatively few in cornering, while bumps are soaked up quickly and quietly without any complaint.

The Ram 1500 V-8 Sport is a totally different animal. Of course, 390 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque will make it quicker. A lot quicker. The interior will remind you of an SRT product, with the same seats as the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8, and the same feel as an SRT product. The interior is also a bit louder in the V-8 Sport, with engine note and road noise being a bit louder than the SLT. The anti-roll bars and coil springs allow for less body roll in cornering, but they don’t give the driver the same feeling of control the driver would get in an SLT. The steering is the same, but bigger tires give more grip and tire slap.

The V-8 Sport has so much power that it is hard to hook up the rear tires to the pavement. With a good launch, look for 60 in a scant 6.9 seconds. Ford’s Ecoboost engine might give quicker results, but if you want a classic American V8, then the Hemi V8 is a good choice. When the V-8 Sport is hooked up to a trailer, that’s when the engine comes alive. The quarter mile will disappear in 20.0 seconds at 69.4 mph. Yikes. The Ram SLT with the Pentastar may have a bit less power, but it still has enough power to tow at 75% towing capacity.

The 2013 Motor Trend Truck of the Year judges were extremely impressed with the Ram 1500. The V6 covers the area once patrolled by the Dakota, and the V8 turns the truck into a truck that inspires confidence like no other half ton.

They say brand loyalty is one of the strongest criteria in buying a truck. It would be a shame to be a Ford guy and never think of the Ram 1500. As good a truck as the F150 is, the Ram is better. For now. I may have a Chevy pickup, but I should say that the Ram 1500 is a good choice for those who need a truck that is bigger than a Toyota Tacoma, yet smaller than a Ford F250. The 2013 Ram 1500 is a job that comes close to perfect. It may not be a game-changer for trucks like the Porsche 959 was for supercars, but it is a very good truck. Congrats, Ram.

December 3, 2012 zoomvroom Car Reviews, New car info, World News

Audi’s Allroad is Back and Hungry!

Just six years ago, any potential buyer for a family-friendly Audi station wagon could choose between the: A4 Avant (wagon in German), A6 Avant, or the A6-based Allroad. The Allroad was slightly higher than the A4 and A6 Avant’s, and was more fun to drive (but notoriously unreliable).

Determined NOT to let Volvo get out of sight, Audi has re-introduced the Allroad. This time, it is based on the very reliable A4 platform. Even though the A4 is a smaller car than the A6, the Allroad is actually a bit bigger than the older model. It’s engine is much less powerful than the mighty 250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque twin-turbo, 2.7-liter V6. The 300 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque V8 is still much more powerful than the much more fuel-efficient 2.0 liter turbo four cylinder that pumps out 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Also, the ride-height-adjustable air suspension isn’t available on the new model. But, Audi has raised the A4-based Allroad 1.5 inches, compared with the normal A4 Avant. Plus, it borrows the A5 coupe/convertible’s one-inch wider track, front and rear. To keep the new Allroad competitive, Audi changed the tire size from a 245/40/18 to a 245/45/18. You can still get the 245/40/18’s on optional 19-inch wheels. Audi predicts most buyers will stick with the 245/45/18’s. Audi has also changed the final driv ratio to compensate for the tall tires.

Even though those various mechanical bits are very exciting, Audi has to protect them. So, stainless-steel skidplates come standard on the Allroad. There’s also enough plastic cladding around both the bumpers to make a Tupperware jealous. For those who don’t want to look like their car belongs to yet another Bear Grylls fan, Audi will paint all that plastic cladding body color for just $1,000 (it’s worth it to look rugged on the Allroad…)!

Inside the Allroad, the interior is pretty much the same as the outgoing A4. But, some materials have been upgraded. The electronics are state-of-the-art. The MMI navigation and infotainment system can be had with a T-Mobile SIM card that wirelessly connects to Google Maps. This will add $15 to $30 to your monthly payment, but the graphics and navigation are on par with the high-end private jets. This little SIM card also allows for weather information, points of interest, and a few other features. It’s well worth that extra money.

The Audi Allroad really doesn’t have much competition. It’s only real competition is the Volvo XC70, which Motor Trend last tested way back in 2008. The 235-horsepower, inline-six cylinder powered Volvo may look WAY cheaper on paper, but it doesn’t come with: all-wheel-drive, navigation, leather interior, sunroof, and power seats (all of which are standard on the $40,900 Audi), you’ve added almost SEVEN THOUSAND dollars to the Volvo’s $33,825 base price. Now, the Audi seems like a pretty good deal…

Even though the Allroad is bigger than the old model, it doesn’t feel like it inside. Audi has always been in the top five for safety, and the Allroad is no exception. All of its safety equipment seems to take away a lot of interior space. While there isn’t much room in the back seat, you can go for a few hundred miles sitting on very comfortable seats, knowing that all the airbags in the back will protect you from death. In comparison, the Volvo is bigger, being about five inches longer and wider. But, the Volvo has about 350 pounds on the Audi (which isn’t a lightweight either).

At Motor Trend‘s test track, the whole test crew was impressed at how fast the chunky (ish) Audi is. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system puts down all of those 258 lb-ft of torque with a lot of ease. Since the Allroad is more focused towards touring, it doesn’t have the rear-wheel biased feel as the A4 Avant. Instead, the center differential of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system has a 50/50% torque distribution. Surprisingly, there is very little brake dive and body role in the Allroad. The electro-mechanical steering may be a bit light feeling, but responds to a command almost instantly. Michael Febbo of Motor Trend would like to see Audi Drive Select become an option on the Allroad someday. Also, an Allroad S with the supercharged 3.0 liter V6 from the S4 would be nice.

But, the Allroad is still a pretty quick station wagon. 0-60 in 6.5 seconds may not seem like a lot, but it is for a station wagon. The Volvo XC70 hits 60 in a leisurely 8.9 seconds. In the quarter mile, the chunky Swede falls far behind, with a run of 16.7 seconds at 87.9 miles per hour. The Audi will do the quarter mile in 15 seconds flat at 92.4 miles per hour. That’s pretty fast for a station wagon.

The Allroad will go just about 90% of the places a CUV (compact utility vehicle) will go. That’s pretty good for a station wagon. It also handles like a station wagon (still pretty fu n to drive), looks like a CUV, and is a good car. Overall, the Allroad is a good car for a family of four who is outdoorsy and needs some four-wheel-drive capability, without having to sacrifice the fuel economy and sport touring gains of a station wagon. I’d recommend it to almost anybody in the market for a $40,000 station wagon. Also, it’s a good compromise for automotive journalists who will miss the two station wagons and one hatchback option. As I said before, it’s a great car. How about this as a replacement to the old family car?

November 28, 2012 zoomvroom Car Reviews

The Shocking 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year!

Every year, Motor Trend holds a Car of the Year competition around the beginning of November. I had seen what the 2013 Car of the Year was, but I didn’t think it would make an interesting post. Well, my cousin Adin thought otherwise. He texted me with the idea of it. I thought that it was a good idea, so I told him that I would publish a post dedicated to his brilliant idea.” Well, this one’s for you, Adin…

I think that Motor Trend is on some sort of trend with electric cars. Last year, Chevy’s ridiculously overpriced Volt won, this year it’s the fabulous Tesla Model S. It’s proving to be popular for a $58,000 electric car (that’s just the base model!), with close to 3,000 units sold within the first month and 20,000 orders for ones that have not yet been produced at the former NUMMI factory in Fremont, CA. Elon Musk certainly has some good ideas…

The Tesla Model S is a car that will carry almost as much camping gear as a Chevy Equinox, look better, get you there faster in much more comfort, and have just a tad less range. Not bad, considering that the Model S is an electric car. It’s faster than a BMW M6 to 60 mph, almost as effortless as a new Rolls-Royce, and makes the Toyota Prius Plug-In look like a gas-guzzler. Plus, it’s center of gravity rivals that of a Ford GT supercar! Elon Musk’s idea for the Tesla Model is that the Tesla Model S is the best car in the world that just so happens to be electric. He might be right. I agree. The Tesla Model is the first-ever Motor Trend Car of the Year that doesn’t have an internal combustion engine (the Volt does). According to Tesla Motors, they have almost 250 patents on the Model S, and more pending.

The powerful, effortless electric motor is in between the rear wheels, and it is a definite contributor to the 47/53% weight distribution for the Model. The electric motor is an AC motor that was first demonstrated back in the 1880’s by Nicola Tesla himself, and this powerful motor doesn’t require us to mine for any more rare metals. Tesla offers three battery packs that come with the three different models of the Model S: The first battery pack will take you up to 140 miles, the second battery pack will take you 200 miles, and the third will take you 265 miles. These are EPA ratings, and the high-end battery pack will actually take you 285 miles on a single charge (the equivalent of driving from Los Angeles to Vegas). The base model’s electric motor offers a powerful 362 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than enough for most. The performance trim (the high-end model) has 416 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. That’s comparable to a Chevy Corvette! Tesla assembles the battery packs in the Fremont, CA factory. The battery packs are made out of Panasonic battery cells with nickel-cobalt-aluminum cathodes. The battery packs weigh about 800 pounds and they lie directly underneath the floor (don’t worry, it’s MUCH safer than a Ford Pinto!). This helps lower the center of gravity to that of a Ford GT supercar, at 17.5 inches.

The brilliant designer of the Model S, Franz von Holzhausen restrained himself, and made the car look “somewhat safe and conservative”, according to former GM design honcho Wayne Cherry. The graceful lines of the Model S enhance the tidy dimensions of the Model S, and the perfect stance for a day of pounding at the track. Since electric powertrains are typically smaller than others, Tesla took advantage of this and made the interior spacious and very quiet. There is no engine up front, so the “hood” can hold up to 18 cubic feet of luggage. Plus, the rear hatchback can hold a massive 63.4 cubic feet, which rivals the 63.7 of the Chevy Equinox. Plus, the Model S is the world’s first hatchback to offer three rows! All of the Motor Trend judges were very impressed with the comfortable interior of the Model S. The gigantic 17-inch display has a retina display that has been compared to that of an Alienware laptop monitor.

The Tesla Model S is very efficient in it’s consumption of battery juice. The best Motor Trend got was the equivalent of 118 MPG on a 212-mile run to Las Vegas! Quite impressive, considering the fact that the car tips the scales at a HUGE 4766 pounds! Plus, the top-end Model S Signature Performance model will hit 60 in 4.0 seconds! Plus, it will take you all the way to 133 mph (governed).

If you are thinking that a car this fast isn’t very safe, stop reading RIGHT NOW! The Model S is one of the safest cars that you can buy! All of the car’s mass is down close to the ground, so the car is stable. Plus, the instant torque from the electric motor is there for passing some rubberneck in traffic or on a country road. The stability control and ABS are tuned towards the car’s regenerative braking system. If and when you get into a crash, truly fear not: You’ll be able to buy a new Model S with all the insurance money, and you won’t look like you just came out of The Walking Dead. The Tesla Model S has almost as many safety devices as a Volvo S60, plus it has 10 airbags. Yep, 10. Also, the strong roof structure can hold almost 3,500 pounds for over an hour. The double octagon extrusions that are on the front and rear of the car will help in the event of a head-on crash or a rear-ender. Tesla also claims that the Model S was tested at 50 mph for impact testing by NHTSA. The car outperforms federal crash standards by a factor of two or three. Plus, it exceeds the roof crush requirements by a factor of two! This car will make those old Volvo station wagons from the ’80’s look like a tin can!

Before you get a federal tax credit of $7,500, a base Model S will run you a whopping $58,570! That puts it on par with a base-model Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6. A loaded Signature Performance series Model S will take you up to an astronomical $106,900 before the federal tax credit of $7,500. Of course, buyers of the Model S don’t need to take out a loan to buy one – they already have the money! But, under normal driving conditions, a Tesla Model S will get the equivalent of 74.5 mpg! That’s about 6 cents per mile! See, the savings abound!

The Tesla Model S puts the last nail in the coffin of the formula that was first established by the BMW 5 Series in the late 1980s. It’s fast, VERY fun to drive, it won’t look out of place at the country club, and it’s a great alternative for somebody who lives in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York City, or Chicago (or just about anywhere). Motor Trend has covered almost 1,400 miles in the Signature Performance series, and they can confirm that a Model S will take you over 200 miles a day in the crowded streets of Los Angeles. Also, the fact that the Model S is here is due to the thoughts of Elon Musk, and great minds. The fact that the 11 Car of the Year judges unanimously voted the Model S the 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year without hesitation shows just how far a tiny Silicon Valley startup can go. America can make great things. Amazing things.

Even though the Model S has an EPA-certified range of 265 miles, that’s still about 100 miles short of getting to San Francisco. Elon Musk has a solution. Tesla recently unveiled five “Supercharger stations” along major routes from: Los Angeles to San Francisco, L.A. to Vegas, and San Francisco to Reno. These stations are permanently free of charge to Model S owners, and Tesla plans to have over 100 stations worldwide by 2015.

Wanna know something interesting and funny? Of course you do! The Model S broke the machine that is used to crush roofs by the feds. So that’s where our tax dollars are going…

Good job Tesla, this is a prize very well deserved. Enjoy it well. Next up on the Tesla course? A luxury EV SUV that will be more luxurious than a Cadillac Escalade, yet get as much or more range than a Chevy Volt. Phew.

November 20, 2012 zoomvroom Car Reviews, New car info, Road Trips

Making A Grand Entrance, or Getting to Thanksgiving in Style

As you know, Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season with a full belly. At least 80% of all Americans travel for the holiday. I know that those who are traveling by road will be traveling the crowded interstates. For those taking the back roads, I’ve put together a list of ten cars that have at least 400 horsepower and seat four people comfortably. Tell me which one you’d like to take.

Audi S8: The 2013 Audi S8 has 520 horsepower, yet it isn’t a car that is 6000 pounds and fast in a straight line like a Rolls. Instead, it weighs 4400 pounds. With Audi’s signature Quattro AWD system, the S8 will go where a Rolls would never think of going. Do you know of any full-size sedans other than the S8 than can get to 60 in 3.5 seconds? Plus, the interior will enclose you in Alacantara and leather sourced from the finest tanneries in the world. Not a bad way to travel…
Bentley Mulsanne: Would you like to make an even grander entrance than the S8? If you do, take the 2013 Bentley Mulsanne. A 505 horsepower 6.75 liter, twin turbo V8 powers the massive Bentley to a heart-stopping 4.8 seconds to 60. It might not be as fast as the S8, but it will look better at speed. All four of you and your lucky friends will be enshrouded in pillowy, massaging seats that have leather.
Cadillac CTS-V Wagon: The Caddy is one of the more powerful cars here, yet one of the first choices for a back-road blast. The CTS-V Wagon is fast, with a top speed of 190 mph (governed!), and it will carry turkeys, luggage, and plenty of eggnog and brew for Thanksgiving without breaking a sweat. Plus, it will look like you are having a blast. Which you WILL be, right?
Dodge Charger SRT-8: The Charger has long held a soft spot in my big car heart. It’s fast, it makes a statement, and it’s loud. What’s not to love? Plus, the SRT-8 can be purchased for under $50,000! 60 mph comes up in a show-stopping 4.3 seconds. This makes it the large family-oriented performance car of the century!
Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec: The Hyundai is the first Korean performance sedan. It competes with the Mercedes-Benz E550, yet offers almost as much room as a MBZ S-Class. It may be smaller than the gigantic Equus, but it’s MUCH more fun to drive. Plus, it will get people asking what it is. Some will think it’s a Lexus, others will think is a Mercedes. Tell them it’s a Hyundai, and take some photos for me!
Jaguar XJL Supercharged: The 470 horsepower, 5.0 liter engine is powerful enough to move this big boy. Fast. The interior is even nicer than the engine. There is a suede-like material that Jag used for the headliner that is very soft and nice. The engine is so powerful that you can load up the trunk and have your friends in the back stretched out. What’s not to love?
Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged: The Range Rover Supercharged has a 510 horsepower engine that is basically the same one you’ll find in the XJL Supercharged. This powerful engine will take the nearly 5000-pound SUV to 60 in a mere 5.2 seconds. Plus, it will haul all your gear wherever you want it. You can quite literally load up the shotguns and go hunting wild turkeys in the Rockies. Plus, it’s got a very similar interior to the XJL Supercharged. Not bad for an SUV that costs almost $120,000.
Mercedes-Benz GL550: The GL wowed the 2013 Motor Trend SUV of the Year judges so much that they named it SUV of the year. It’s the first MBZ to win that title since 2001. The GL550 doles out globs of torque and 429 horsepower. It’s powerful, fast, quiet, AND it will follow the Range Rover Supercharged. For a while. The Designo interior rivals that of the luxurious S-Class, with comfortable leather seats that seat seven. Plus, you can take all your gear in the back and still have room. It’s bigger than an Escalade, yet smaller than a Navigator EL.
Porsche Panamera GTS: The powerful Panamera GTS will haul four people in relative comfort, thanks to it’s leather-covered Recaro seats. It has AWD and 430 horsepower. It’s like the Nissan GT-R Black Edition, with two more doors! And a rumbling V8! Plus, it will get 24.5 mpg on the highway! VROOOOOOOOM!
Tesla Model S Signature Performance Edition: The 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year deserves to be on this list. Why? It’s extremely powerful electric motor produces 416 horsepower at the wheels. This means that it’s there as soon as you start it. It might not have the range of the Mulsanne or the Panamera, but it will make the most amazing entrance ever. It carries almost as much as a Chevy Equinox, plus it has 285 miles of range! Plus, you can get to 60 in jolting 4.0 seconds! This is one silent VROOOOOOOOOOOM!

Have fun daydreaming about what could be, when you’re stuck on the interstate wishing you’d taken the backroads. These cars may not be ‘The Family’s New Car’, but they definitely have serious style! P.S. Do you have any cars that have at least 400 horsepower and seat four comfortably? I’m sure you do…

November 17, 2012 zoomvroom Car Reviews, New car info

The Family’s New Car – Minivan Style

Due to the popularity of last week’s post, The Family’s New Car, I decided to go ahead and evaluate minivans. I researched four top picks: The Mazda5, the Chrysler Town & Country, the Nissan Quest, and the Toyota Sienna. Good luck shoppers!

2012 Mazda5: There wasn’t enough information available for me to evaluate te 2013, so here is the 2012 information. With a starting price of $22,975 for a top-of-the line Mazda5, the Mazda5 undercuts the other minivans by almost $4,000. It is fun to drive, seats six, and looks good while doing it. The Mazda5 has a small 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine that has Mazda’s Skyactive engine technology. This engine pumps out a somewhat-measly 157 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. When loaded down with five people and luggage, the engine struggles to keep the car at 70. However, the Mazda5 is the only minivan that gets relatively good mileage. It gets 21/28 city/highway. Power is fed to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic that is relatively quick, yet outdated for today’s standards. The Mazda5 has the lowest monthly fuel cost of the four minivans mentioned at $203. But, the Mazda5 has the smallest fuel tank of the bunch at 15.9 gallons. Bluetooth, A/C and climate control, heated/cooled seats, Satellite Radio, and leather are standard and/or in the Mazda5. All-season tires, a power glass sunroof, and Alloy wheels are also standard. ABS, an anti-theft system, child-seat anchors, side/curtain airbags, stability control, and traction control are all standard, as well. The Mazda5 is also relatively spacious. It is relatively quiet for a minivan, with noise levels mainly staying with minimal amounts of wind noise.

The 2013 Nissan Quest is the car that Motor Trend dubbed the unspoken hero of the minivan world. With an invoice of $24,222, the Quest undercuts the Chrysler Town & Country by almost $4,000. It is remarkably fun to drive, with responsive steering, good power delivery, comfortable seating for seven, amazing visibility. It’s 3.5 liter V6 is shared across the Nissan board, and it is smooth and powerful. It’s fuel tank can hold up to 20 gallons. Plus, the Quest gets 19/25 city/highway, with a monthly fuel bill running you $232. With 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque coming from the engine, the Quest seems like it is a bit underpowered on paper. When you drive it, there are substantial amounts of torque on demand. The CVT transmission is smooth, but it buzzes when the engine revs above 4500 rpm. Considering the fact many CVT’s are noisy transmissions, the Quest’s CVT is smooth. Bluetooth is standard on the SV trim and above. Keyless ignition is standard on the S model. The interior is cloth, but don’t let that throw you off from buying an S. The seats are supportive and comfortable for long road trips. All-season tires are standard on the S. However, the Quest is the only minivan available with steel wheels. ABS, an anti-theft system, child seat anchors, side/curtain airbags, traction control and stability control are all standard. The Quest is also one of the most spacious minivans on the market, with almost 60 cubic inches of rear legroom.

The Chrysler Town & Country is the most powerful minivan available for purchase currently. Chrysler’s new Pentastar V6 is the only engine option, yet it produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It is also the most expensive minivan that one can buy for a base model. It costs $28,735. However, the Town & Country has a lot going for it. It’s six-speed automatic has been retuned for maximum fuel-efficiency. The Town & Country gets okay mileage at 17/25 city/highway. It also has the largest monthly fuel bill of $243. A/C with climate control, bluetooth, a built-in hard-drive, navigation, power seats, rear-seat DVD, Satellite Radio, and leather are all standard and/or optional on the base model. All-season tires are mounted on alloy wheels. ABS, an anti-theft system, child seat anchors, side/curtain airbags, stability control, traction control are all standard and/or optional. The EPA says that the Town & Country has up to 196.5 cubic inches of interior room just itching to be used. Plus, the Town & Country is fun to drive, due to the fact that it has perfect amounts of torque at almost any rpm over 1,000 rpm. The Town & Country also has responsive steering, but tire howl can be easily achieved by going around a corner too fast. The Town & Country also has comfortable leather that is standard across the board.

The 2013 Toyota Sienna has long been a bestseller in the minivan segment. However, the 2011 redesign brought substantial updates but funky looks. To many (including me), the Sienna looks like a cross between a pug and a bullfrog. It has a V6 engine that is standard (a four-cylinder was available until the 2012 model year, then cut) that produces 266 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. It is responsive and quick, but it gets very loud under acceleration. Drivers will not appreciate the large rearview mirror when driving forward. With fuel economy ratings of 18/25 city/highway, the Sienna has a monthly fuel bill of $232. Bluetooth, rear-seat DVD, Satellite Radio, cloth, an iPod dock are all standard/optional. All-season tires are mounted on alloy wheels. ABS, an anti-theft system, child seat anchors, side/curtain airbags, and stability control and traction control are all standard/optional.

My first choice to Mom would be the Mazda5. However, we may need that extra seat, so the Quest would be next on the list. After that, I would recommend the Town & Country, as it is a good blend of looks, power, and comfort. The Sienna is last, due to the fact that it is slower than all of the others except for the Mazda5, and it is not very much fun to drive. If I had to buy any one of these minivans, I would have to go with the Mazda5. Why? It looks good, it’s adequately powered, and it is barrels of fun to drive.

November 7, 2012 zoomvroom Car Reviews, Uncategorized

If This Car Goes Into Production, I’ve Got Dibs!

Chevy is feeling a mite bit jealous of Subaru and Scion’s joint success of the Subaru BRZ and the Scion FR-S, so at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, Chevy came out with two concept cars: The Code 130R and the Tru 140S. Chevy threw the Code 130R and the Tru 140S into mock battle on Facebook and Twitter to see which car would win. I am going to focus on the Code 130R, as it has a stronger chance of going into production.

The Code 130R is based on a shortened Cadillac ATS platform. For some people, the car may remind you of an everyday man’s (or woman’s) BMW 1 Series coupe. To me, it looks like a cross between a 1967 Chevy Camaro/BMW 1 Series. It is just a bit bigger than the FR-S/BRZ, and has less horsepower. But, it has a similar mission: To introduce those new to the automobile to the joys of driving. The concept has a 1.4 liter turbo four putting out a somewhat measly 150 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. However, the concept does have GM’s eAssist, which would give the tiny 1.4 about 15 more horsepower. The gigantic 20-inch tires are going to need a bit more than 163 horsepower to break into a drift. Car & Driver has heard that if the car makes it to production (very likely), it will likely have these three engines: a direct-injected 2.0 liter four cylinder as the base engine, the 1.4 liter in the Eco model, and for those who enjoy high-powered drifts, the potent 2.0 liter turbo from the Cadillac ATS (270 horsepower). That power will get to the wheels via a standard six-speed automatic or an optional six-speed manual.

Here’s a picture for you to drool over.

November 3, 2012 zoomvroom Car Reviews, New car info

The Family’s New Car – What Will it Be?

So many people have been driving their old cars. The economy, ya know. Well, the old cars need CPR (or most likely, a quick and painless retirement). I decided to research options. So here you are, a comparison, and contrast, of the: Toyota Prius Plug-In, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Volt. I thought that this topic would interest you, so this post is going to be a bit longer than usual.

Toyota Prius Plug In: The Toyota Prius plug-in is virtually indistinguishable from a normal Prius. The only way one can tell the Prius Plug-In apart from a regular Prius are the silver paint on the mirrors, door handles, and tailgate, the car looks the same. Of course, the blue-and-white PLUG-IN HYBRID stickers help. There is also a cutout in the left fender that houses the outlet for the charging cord. In terms of the inside, there are only a few PLUG-IN HYBRID stickers and logos. The cargo floor is also a couple of inches higher, due to the larger battery pack. From the driver’s seat, the car is virtually the same as a regular Prius. The only differences are the fact that the battery pack is much heavier (it is made out of lithium-ion). The car will take a tortoise-like 11.3 seconds to reach 60. In three hours (from a 110-volt current), the car will be completely charged. However, if you have a 220-volt current, you will be on your way in an hour and a half. If you drive like a senior, you can get 13 miles of range before the car starts the normal hybrid cycle of a Toyota Prius. If you drive faster, the range will subsequently go down. Quickly. You can go up to 62 in full electric mode, but that will drain the battery within minutes. Accelerating to freeway speed or going up a hill will bring a moan that sounds like Leo when he’s tired from the engine. Car & Driver gingerly drove the car in the city and were sustained by pure electric power 39% of the time, and got an average of 56 mpg neatly displayed on the navigation screen. However, there are limited dealers that are authorized to sell the Prius Plug-In, so be sure to contact dealers near you. The Toyota Prius Plug-In that I configured on the Toyota website came into a grand total of $33,208 (including an $850 destination charge/shipping tax).

Toyota Camry Hybrid: The Toyota Camry Hybrid has crisper handling than the basic Camry. The Camry Hybrid has a larger trunk than the previous generation (a gain of 2.5 cubic inches to 13.1 cubic inches) and the right side of the rear seat is now the only side that can accommodate long objects. Passenger space has increased to 102.7 inches from 101.4 inches. Toyota has trimmed about 220 pounds from the previous Camry Hybrid, thanks to the use of high-strength steel. The low-rolling-resistance tires and a slicker drag coefficient of 0.27 makes the Camry Hybrid more fuel-efficient and faster. The three “optitron” dials in the car’s multi-information display show: mileage, range, and very important energy flow. In uplevel XLE models, a leather interior and an infotainment system will run you $1160. The eco setting accessed through the multi-information display will significantly inhibit throttle openings and will lower the air-conditioning power consumption to a dull roar. When in pure electric mode, one can travel 1.6 miles below 25 mph. While the Camry Hybrid won’t win a drag race against a Mustang, it will win a drag race against the basic Camry. The Camry Hybrid rockets to 60 mph in a monumental 7.3 seconds! The Camry Hybrid will brake shorter and sooner than the previous generation Camry Hybrid. Stops have been measured at 178 feet, compared to the older Camry Hybrid’s 200. Also, the new electric braking system is so smooth that you won’t feel queasy, even if you stomp on the brake pedal. There is not enough lateral support in the front seats during hard cornering. There is more rear-seat room, thanks to the car’s redesign and the center console and front seatbacks being redesigned. This is especially better for the passenger in the center seat. The Camry Hybrid LE that I configured on the Toyota website came into a grand total of $27,033. That includes the $850 destination charge/shipping tax, which puts the car on par with the Chevrolet Volt (in terms of pricing).

Chevrolet Volt: Changes in the battery pack in the Chevrolet Volt have made the car’s range go up to 38 miles in pure electric mode. The EPA fuel economy for the car has gone up to 98 mpg. The larger battery pack means that the charging time from a 120-volt current will snap up 10.5 hours of charging time. With a 240-volt current, that time is dramatically reduced to 4.25 hours. Any Chevrolet Volt sold in California will automatically come with a low-emissions package that will make it legal to drive in the carpool lane with only one person. For many owners, work is just within reach of the electric range, so they can charge the car at work and come home without ever turning on the gas generator engine. When owners DO use the gas generator engine, the cost is usually less than $100 a month. This is mainly because of the massive amounts of technology stored in the Volt. The regenerative braking system can eke about 8 more miles of range into the car. The car will give owners neck-snapping performance in sport mode, and very little acceleration in eco mode. The Volt that I configured on the Chevrolet website was $42,720, but of you add in the $10,000 discount on the Volt, the Volt will run you a mere $22,720. Add in the $7,500 tax rebate and the Volt will run you $25,220.

The Kia Optima Hybrid is a hybrid family sedan that competes (ish) with the Camry Hybrid. It has a lot of bang for the buck, but it has surprisingly bad fuel economy for something with a hybrid logo. The Optima Hybrid is stylish, fun to drive, relatively fast, and did I mention that it will cause traffic jams because of its looks? It only costs a mere $26,000 base price!

Here’s where the fun begins! Comparing and contrasting the three cars won’t be easy. I never thought it would be. The Prius won’t win a beauty contest. That goes to the Volt. In terms of range, the Volt wins again. In terms of being family-friendly, hats off to the Camry Hybrid. In terms of technology, the Prius Plug-In and the Volt are tied. The Volt wins the performance criteria. In terms of utility, the Prius Plug-In wins again. In terms of pricing, the Volt is REALLY trying to end up in your driveway. The Camry Hybrid is REALLY good at making it into your driveway. The Prius Plug-In has the potential to sell as well as the conventional Prius. Which car would I recommend to my parents, or their friends? I would recommend the Volt to them, as it is the most efficient, fun to drive, and has a good deal of storage space. Plus, it wins the beauty contest (in my eyes). It also comes with leather at no added cost, an HOV sticker, and a REALLY cool sound system. Oh, and did I mention that it was the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year!. My second choice? The Camry Hybrid. In years to come, the Camry Hybrid will be easy to find parts for, and it should last us a very long time. Plus, it’s still family-friendly and it’s a winning formula that’s been proven many times over. It’s also got crisp handling (a much-needed improvement for Toyota), and it has over 600 miles of range. Why wouldn’t I recommend the Prius Plug-In to them? Well, it’s not as fun to drive (important), it looks like it came out of Star Trek, and only certain dealers can service it. That’s a BIG, BIG problem. The Optima Hybrid lags behind the others in everything but looks.

October 24, 2012 zoomvroom Car Reviews

Free Gas if You Buy a 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas!

We all hate paying over $100 when we fill up. Gas guzzlers listen up!! That’s why Toyota has a Prius! Honda is attempting to get potential owners to buy a Civic Natural Gas by throwing a $3,000 gas card into the mix by January 2, 2013. This debit card can only be used at Clean Energy branded pumps. This could mean that owners could save a pretty good amount of cash when they fill up. Although the Civic Natural Gas needs natural gas, the car is quite similar to its sibling Civic. Plus, the DMV has granted the Natural Gas Civic High-Occupancy-Vehicle (HOV). It’s powered by a 110 horsepower, 1.8 liter four-cylinder that’s mated to a five-speed automatic. But, the car is the most expensive Civic in the lineup, starting at $27,095. If you are considering buying a Civic Natural Gas, remember that only 199 dealers in 36 states are authorized by Honda to sell the car.

September 12, 2012 zoomvroom Car Culture, Car Reviews, Humor

Ten Vehicles That You Should Find When the Apocalypse Happens

1: 2007 VW Touareg V10 TDI. It may not be in production, but it IS still strong enough to pull a 747 out of the way! That means it shouldn’t be TOO hard to tow that huge tank of diesel fuel back to your compound.

2: 1959 Daimler “Ferret” Armored Car. It’s list of “amenities” is kind of short: A Brown “dummy” machine gun, smoke grenade launchers, periscopes, tents, canteens, and a 4.3 liter six-cylinder engine shared with various Rolls-Royce and Bentleys. That should make your search for parts about as easy as finding a diamond in a pig trough! Daimler Ferret Mk1 Liaison

3: 2007 Cool Amphibious Manufacturers Terra Wind RV. Noah would be jealous of this monster. At 43 feet long, parking this behemoth in the compound should be a bit more than exciting. It also weighs almost 16 tons. A massive 330 horsepower Caterpillar engine drives the rear two axles or the twin 19-inch bronze propellors. You can catch fish from the roof, and eat in front of the 42 inch plasma TV while watching “Die Hard.”

4: 2007 Hummer H2. Though it may weigh 6500 pounds and be clad in plastic, GM got the off-road formula pretty much perfect (for once). If your compound happens to have a Chevron station and/or an oil well, you’ll be covered.

5: 2012 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG. The Gendelwagen is basically a gussied-up German Army scout vehicle. Though it may have a leather interior, that doesn’t stop it from scaling hills up to 40 degrees. That means you can scale the Great Pyramid…

6: 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser. This is the last model year for the FJ, and the best year to get one. Why? A sturdy 258 horsepower 4.0 liter V6 will get better fuel economy than that G55 of yours, but will climb angles of up to 45 degrees. Perfect for climbing over that Corolla in your way… Toyota FJ CRUISER Review-4

7: E.V.A Track 800 CDi. This is one AWESOME motorcycle. It has a diesel engine borrowed from a Smart car. While other post-apocalyptic survivors are killing each other over the Earth’s oil reserves, you can fill up from any McDonald’s. With 20,000 (and counting) McDonald’s locations in North America, filling up shouldn’t be too hard. Plus, you can achieve up to 100 mpg.

8: DAF 95 Turbotwin X1. This truck is just about the scariest truck to ever race the Paris-Dakar rally. With two turbocharged 11.6 liter engines EACh producing 1200 horsepower and 3466 lb-ft of torque. Add that together and you’ll have 2400 horsepower and nearly 7000 lb-ft of torque. Plus, the body is a simple aluminum/carbon fiber spaceframe. That will take you all the way to 150 mph. I recommend going that fast when you are being chased by another survivor…This truck is about as diabolical a truck as you’ll ever see.

9: 1990 Bentley Turbo R (Armored, of course). I know that when you start out, you’ll be speeding along over the decaying bodies of the former owner of your compound. But, when you have your own Barterville, you will probably be known as “Machete the Terrible.” You will need a car to take care of your opponents. The Bentley Turbo R (armored version) will take care of most mines, light firearms, shotguns, grenades, and the like. This means that you can be comforted in white Connolly leather, while mowing down your opponents.

a photo of this vehicle

10: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (four door). Nobody can crawl over rocks like a Jeep. Nobody. The Jeep Rubicon has Chrysler’s new Pentastar V6 that cranks out 290 horsepower. Since there are four doors in this monster, the Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited is perfect for a little “shopping run.” Plus, it hasn’t changed very much since 1944. That should be very helpful when scavenging for parts.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2011-6

I know that I promised to only blab on about ten vehicles, but the Oshkosh MRAP is the perfect post-apocalyptic survival vehicle. Grenade launchers and machine guns can be attached.

MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV). Photo: Oshkosh Corporation

Also, the Critter Gitter is pretty nice for puttering around the compound. With it’s massive 8.1 liter Vortec engine pumping out 300 horsepower, it’s more like FLYING around the compound…