2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

 

Mercedes-Benz is using the long holiday weekend in America to tantalize enthusiasts with fresh photographs of the 2012 SLS AMG roadster.

We've seen this car with the top up, or in a less revealing manner, but these new shots show the true potential of this instant open-air icon. Weekend food for thought while driving your lesser convertible, no?

The roadster arrives this fall in the United States and will pack 563 hp from AMG's 6.2-liter V8, which also produces 479 lb-ft of twist. All of this juice enables this Benz to hit 60 mph in 3.7 en route to a top speed of 197 mph.

Also vital, the soft top can be electrohydraulically closed at speeds of up to 31 mph, a task accomplished in 11 seconds.

The roadster is the companion to already-launched gullwing version of the SLS, which harkens back to Mercedes' dream sports cars of the 1950s.

PRESS RELEASE

The 2012MY Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Open sensuality: roadster performance

in its perfect form

MONTVALE, NJ – AMG is presenting a new dream-car: the 2012MY SLS AMG Roadster. This super sports car thrills with a perfect combination of open-top driving pleasure, outstanding driving dynamics and sophisticated lightweight construction. The 2012 SLS AMG Roadster will make its U.S. debut in Fall 2011.

The technological highlights of the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster include an aluminum spaceframe body, an AMG 6.3-liter V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication developing a peak output of 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transaxle transmission and a sports suspension with aluminum double wishbones – all of which will raise the pulse of sports car enthusiasts while providing outstanding driving dynamics and driving pleasure.

The compact fabric soft top of the SLS AMG Roadster opens and closes in just eleven seconds, and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 31 mph.

The new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with electronically controlled damping is available as an attractive optional extra. It enables the damping characteristics to be modified at the touch of a button. Using the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver of the SLS AMG Roadster is therefore able to choose his own suspension setup. Three modes are available: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus".

"AMG Performance Media" is a unique new feature: this innovative, motorsport- inspired multimedia system offers an unrivalled combination of numerous telemetric displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, various engine data and lap times on a racetrack.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The SLS Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and highly desirable dream-car all in one. In its distinctive way, it continues the succession of iconic and exciting sports cars from Mercedes-Benz."

Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "Systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure – the new SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship.

The gullwing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the convertible version is bound to cause a sensation."

Pure roadster design with perfect proportions

The new Roadster adds a second exciting dream-car to the SLS AMG family. Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener: "As in the gullwing model, the pure, athletic design immediately catches the eye. Whether with the roof open or closed, the SLS AMG Roadster is an impressive visual delight!" The perfect proportions are particularly memorable: a long hood, the greenhouse positioned well to the rear and a short rear end. Plus the automatically extending rear wing, long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs – in short, the convertible SLS AMG exudes effortless performance and an authentic charisma. The pronounced shoulder sections are reminiscent of

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Toyota offers the 411 on the Prius V

The new Toyota Prius V is a hybrid crossover utility vehicle based on the current Prius hatchback. It will go on sale this fall

Toyota this past week revealed more details of its new 2012 Prius V hybrid wagon — and reaffirmed plans to begin selling the car in the United States this fall, even though it has been delayed in Japan and other markets because of the March earthquake and tsunami.

The first new model in a planned expansion of the brand to create a family of vehicles bearing the Prius name, the V essentially is a crossover version of the midsize hatchback that arrived for 2010 as the third generation of Toyota's groundbreaking gasoline-electric gas saver.

Toyota says the Prius V is designed for “young, active families,” giving them a roomier, more versatile alternative to the smaller hatchback. In fact, the “V” stands for “versatility,” the automaker says.

It has the same Hybrid Synergy Drive system as the standard Prius, but not quite the same fuel economy — 44 mpg city/40 highway (42 average) versus 51/48 (50 average) for the 2011 Prius. Essentially, the extra bulk is responsible for the lower mileage ratings.

“The Prius V brings leading-edge hybrid technology to customers who need more room and provides more cargo space than 80 percent of all small SUVs,” Toyota Division Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter said.

“And because it's a Prius, it produces 66 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle and will have the best mileage ratings of any SUV, crossover or wagon sold in America,” he said.

Toyota already has a larger hybrid crossover, the midsize Highlander, which can be configured for up to seven passengers. The five-passenger Prius V will compete in the compact crossover class, where the only hybrid models offered now are the Ford Escape and its clone, the Mazda Tribute.

Behind the rear seat, the Prius V has 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space, and that can be expanded substantially by folding the rear seatback. Even the front seatback can be leaned forward to accommodate longer items, such as snow skis.

Under the hood is the same 1.8-liter, four-cylinder, 98-horsepower Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine used in the 2011 Prius. There also are two high-output electric motors — including an 80-horsepower unit that helps drive the car and a separate, smaller one that starts the engine and also serves as a generator to recharge the nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.

With the gasoline engine and larger motor working together, the Prius V has a total of 134 horsepower (not all of the engine and motor horsepower is available at the same time).

As with the current Prius, the V model will be able to run on either the engine or the electric motor alone, or a mix of the two. A computer controller manages the drive system, and it uses both automatic engine start/stop and regenerative braking to conserve fuel. Regenerative braking converts the car's rolling inertia into electric power to recharge the battery when the vehicle is decelerating.

There are four driving modes — standard, Eco, EV and Power. In the EV mode, the V can go up to a mile on battery power alone, at speeds up to about 25 mph. This is good for stop-and-go, low-speed driving in downtown city traffic.

When in the Power mode, the V uses more gasoline, but can more easily handle hills and can make faster starts. In the Eco mode, fuel economy is maximized, allowing the car's onboard computer to take care of “hypermiling” chores automatically (as long as the driver lets it). This mode also limits air-conditioner output so it might not be the best choice on the hottest Texas summer days.

The Prius V has a compact exterior, but there is 50 percent more cargo space than in the hatchback. Its EPA classification is “midsize station wagon.” The overall look is quite similar to that of the current Prius, but the rear end is squared off like a wagon or SUV.

There is a rear roof spoiler designed to improve airflow, thus reducing drag and helping to save fuel. The car has a 0.29 coefficient of drag, which is on par with many sports cars.

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Rusty cars that could be worth millions

 1937 Bugatti Type 57S: $4.4 million

1937 Bugatti Type 57S

 It seems too good to be true. A car that was abandoned and forgotten in a garage for decades is discovered -- and it's worth a mint!

Case in point: This supercharged Bugatti was parked in a garage by its then-owner in the early 1960s and, for some reason, simply left there for half a century.

In February, 2009, this unrestored car was sold at auction for $4.4 million.

But how is it possible that a car worth $4 million can go unnoticed for so many years?

In some cases a car that may not seem particularly exciting to its owner at the time is parked in a barn or garage and forgotten about, said Tom Cotter, author of "The Cobra in the Barn" and several other books about this phenomenon. Only later, when a knowledgeable person finally cracks open the barn door, is its true worth revealed.

Then it's known as a "barn find," and it's rare. For car buffs, it's an almost mythical concept. But, unlike Big Foot and Mermaids, barn finds really do exist.

1964 Shelby Cobra: Up to $625,000

1964 Shelby Cobra: Up to $625,000

This Shelby Cobra was parked in a shed in the early 1970s and, for the most part, just left there until 2004 when it was finally purchased by a new owner and restored. It's value was really listed by the auctioneers at Gooding & Co. at between $525,000 and $625,000.

1948 Tucker: $800,000

1948 Tucker Sedan: $800,000

Tuckers are rare cars. Only 51 were made before the company ceased operations in 1949. This one spent 50 years out of sight in a garage. It's not clear why the car was locked up and left in 1956, especially since its owner was a noted Tucker enthusiast. Only after his death was the garage unlocked and the car brought out with only 10,000 miles on the odometer

It was sold at a Gooding & Co. auction last January for $800,000.


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Comparo: Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer

"A little revolution now and again is a good thing."

While some say that founding father Thomas Jefferson didn't utter those exact words, the idea still holds true: Change can be good. With gasoline hovering around $4 a gallon, an increasing global demand for oil, concerns over global warming and the instability that comes with all of those realities, the auto industry finds itself in the midst of a revolution of its own, one that is putting greater importance on smaller cars and better fuel economy.

One of the casualties of this turmoil has been the midsize truck-based SUV, a vehicle that served as the family truckster for a generation. Originally released in 1991, the Ford Explorer was the torchbearer for this class. Sales regularly topped 400,000 units in the early 2000s, making it one of the Blue Oval's most successful vehicles.

Bing: Midsize SUV Ratings

Dodge had its entry, too: the Durango. Even bigger and "truckier" than the Explorer, the Durango really wasn't as good as the Ford, and it never approached the Explorer's sales numbers.

Interest in both vehicles dwindled in the past decade, and in 2008 a surge in gas prices all but wiped out the domestic truck-based SUV.

For the 2011 model year, Ford and Dodge are taking a shot at winning back American consumers who miss their beefy sport utes, this time with carlike unibody crossovers instead of body-on-frame trucks.

The Explorer gets the more radical changes. It loses its V8 engine, offering instead V6 and, eventually, 4-cylinder power. It also trades standard rear-wheel drive for front-wheel drive and adopts an all-wheel-drive system that includes a sophisticated Terrain Management system.

The Durango, meanwhile, keeps its rear-drive layout and available V8 power while getting an all-new base V6 engine and an architecture designed by Mercedes-Benz.

Which of these two modern crossovers is best for you? Let's compare them.

Compare: Dodge Durango vs. Ford Explorer vs. Toyota Highlander

Compared to the models they replace, both the Explorer and Durango are much more comfortable and carlike — they even tend toward sporty. That's impressive because both are still really big. The Explorer is almost 4 inches longer and 6 inches wider than the outgoing model, while its weight is about the same. The Durango is roughly the same size as the previous model, but it sits lower and weighs, on average, 150 to 200 pounds more than the Explorer.

While both have excellent road manners, there are some noticeable differences. The Durango feels more stable in a straight line and when entering a turn than does the Explorer, which tends to wobble a bit and feels like it's going to lean. Thankfully, that body roll really isn't there. The Explorer rolls to a point, then firms up nicely and tracks sharply through turns. Because of a pleasingly quick steering response, the Durango might dive into that same turn a tad quicker, but the Explorer rotates better. Given its lighter weight and quicker-acting suspension, the Explorer would be a better choice for a slalom run.

On paper, this duo's V6 engines are evenly matched. The Explorer's 3.5-liter makes 285 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, while the Durango's new Pentastar 3.6-liter produces 290 horses and 260 lb-ft of torque. There is a real-world difference, though, and it can be traced to power-to-weight ratio and transmission performance.

While both transmissions are smooth, the Explorer's 6-speed automatic is quicker to downshift when power is needed. The Durango's 5-speed automatic, on the other hand, always seems like it's a gear or two too high, and it takes a deep stab of the throttle to coax a meaningful downshift. As a result, the Explorer is quicker in a zero-to-60-mph run, coming in at less than eight seconds, while the Durango is in the mid-eight-second range. Clearly, Dodge needs a state-of-the-art transmission with more gears and better responsiveness.

In terms of traditional SUV capability, the Dodge can tow more — 6,200 pounds versus 5,000 pounds, respectively — but the Ford should be better off-road. The Explorer's AWD system features a Land Rover-inspired Terrain Management system that helps the vehicle adapt to various surfaces. We drove the Explorer under some challenging off-road conditions and it performed admirably. The Durango offers a more common AWD system with low-range gearing that will help dig you out of ruts, but it lacks the sophistication of the Ford system. Unfortunately, we never got a chance to take the Durango off-road.

Winner: Draw

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Inevitably, the arrival of spring has convertible owners -- especially those stuck in snowbelt states -- itching to enjoy their vehicles al fresco. This same itch apparently afflicts those employed at Mercedes-Benz, as the company's AMG performance division just rolled out its new 2012 SLS AMG Roadster months ahead of its scheduled debut in Frankfurt.

The cache of official photos released by the PR team in Stuttgart show the drop-top take on the SLS wearing light camouflage, but there's really very little to hide. Below the beltline, the Roadster is almost identical to its coupe sibling (563-hp, 6.2-liter V-8, rear-wheel-drive, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and so on). Above that point, the revisions are quite predictable: in lieu of the fixed metal roof and distinctive upward-opening doors, the Roadster uses a retractable folding soft top and conventional, front-hinged doors.

Despite clipping the wing-shaped portals, AMG engineers insist they had to change precious little in order to orchestrate a convertible SLS. Unlike the original 300 SL, the SLS was designed from square one to accommodate both coupe and convertible body styles; subsequently, both cars incorporate a number of tricks (i.e. thick side sills, etc.) to increase stiffness. Additional reinforcements are added to the Roadster's spaceframe, but are limited to supports beneath the windshield and around the transmission tunnel, a strut mounting stay installed between the soft top assembly and the fuel tank, and a cross member placed behind the front seats -- the latter providing a mounting point for both pop-up rollover protection and a subwoofer sourced from Bang & Olufsen.

Daimler notes the convertible's bodyshell itself weighs only six pounds more than the SLS coupe, but the company doesn't provide a curb weight for the completed vehicle. Although the cloth top is inevitably lighter than a folding hardtop design, expect the Roadster's heft to still eclipse the coupe's 3573 pounds, if ever so slightly. Mercedes-Benz says top speed is still electronically limited to 197 mph, but the Roadster's sprint from 0-60 mph may take a little longer than the coupe, which completes the run in3.8 seconds.

Apart from singing the praises of the soft top (i.e. it's well insulated, devoid of flapping even at high-speeds, and both folds and deploys in a short 11 seconds), Mercedes-Benz isn't saying much else about the SLS AMG Roadster. Expect more details to emerge come September, when the car is formally introduced at the Frankfurt motor show. Finalized pricing will likely be announced closer to the Roadster's market launch, which is tentatively scheduled for the close of 2011 for U.S. customers.

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Nissan, Chrysler and GM models face safety probe by U.S. regulators

DETROIT (Reuters) - U.S. safety regulators have opened preliminary investigations into consumer complaints about vehicles made by Nissan Motor Co., Chrysler LLC and General Motors that could affect more than 700,000 cars.

A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine that a safety issue needs to be addressed by a manufacturer.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said its probe into an estimated 440,000 Nissan Altima cars from the 2007 and 2008 model years concerned a possible leak in the brake master cylinder that could reduce the effectiveness of the brakes.

NHTSA said it had received 20 complaints from Altima drivers. Of these, two alleged a reduction in brake effectiveness while 18 reported only illumination of the brake warning light.

The agency said it was also investigating Chrysler's Jeep Wrangler from the 2007 and 2008 model years, potentially affecting 222,500 vehicles, over airbag light illumination indicating an airbag clockspring failure.

A clockspring is a coil under the steering wheel that maintains an electrical connection to the airbag on the driver's side. A broken circuit can mean the airbag will not inflate.

NHTSA said it had received 29 consumer complaints from Jeep drivers. Of these, 23 identified the clockspring wiring assembly as the source of the issue, while the other six only said the airbag light had been illuminated.

Of 14 owners contacted, six said they owned right-hand-drive versions typically used by postal carriers.

A third probe involves GM's 2007 Saturn Aura, potentially affecting 65,105 cars, over a transmission shift cable that could fail, causing the park gear not to fully engage.

The agency said it had received eight complaints alleging that the transmission shift cable had failed, causing the vehicle to roll away, move or accelerate with the shifter in park, or to accelerate in the opposite direction than the driver intended.

NHTSA did not disclose any crashes or injuries in connection with any of the reported problems.

Spokesmen for the three companies said the carmakers were cooperating fully with the investigations.

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Test complete: 2012 Mazda5 Grand Touring

The Mazda5 is sort of an automotive Swiss Army knife; it packs a lot of function into a rather compact package. Mazda updated the 5 for the 2012 model year but it still feels an awful lot like the previous-generation car. That isn’t a bad thing as our previously tested 2010 Mazda5 scored very well in our testing.

We bought a 2012 Grand Touring with an automatic for testing. It stickered at $24,670 giving a lot of space and equipment for the money. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine replaced the previous 2.3-liter; fuel economy in our tests dropped slightly without much improvement in acceleration.

As our test video shows, the 5 is cleverly designed, but it requires a few compromises to get the most out of the compact dimensions. The fun-to-drive 5 also shows that being able to handle daily chores doesn’t mean that handling also has to be a chore.

See our full road test and ratings of the 2012 Mazda5.

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Electric car charging points set up as Source London launched

According to the mayor's office, there are currently more than 2,000 electric vehicles on London's roads, with a city-wide charge-point network of 150 outlets set up to serve their owners.

Users just need to park their vehicles in designated bays on streets and in car parks, swiping their membership cards to activate the power, then leave them to charge at the branded points.

A further 1,150 charge points will be rolled out under the Source scheme by 2013, giving London more of the outlets than petrol stations.

Electric vehicles in the UK are already exempt from the central London Congestion Charge and pay no road tax, as well as being eligible for subsidies as part of a government-led effort to boost the public's interest in green motoring.

Anyone who buys a Nissan Leaf - the brand's all-electric hatchback - by the end of this year will get free membership to the Source scheme for 12 months.

Heathrow and Gatwick airports, retailers Asda, IKEA and Sainsbury’s, Capital Shopping Centre and the Underground are also working with Source London.

'I want to rapidly accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles and make London the epicentre of electric driving in Europe,' said Boris Johnson.

'Increasing numbers of motorists are opting for cleaner, greener electric transport, delivering a host of benefits to the driver including a 100 per cent Congestion Charge discount.

'This is set to deliver considerable environmental benefits to our city.'



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Honda expects near-normal American production by August

DETROIT -- Honda's North American factories will return to near-normal production in August, the automaker said Thursday, much faster than had been expected.

The announcement is another sign of improved parts supplies flowing from Japanese suppliers, whose factories were either damaged by the earthquake and tsunami there, or hit hard by ensuing electric power outages.

Shortages have affected nearly every automaker, but have struck hardest at Honda Motor and rival Toyota Motor.

Last month, Honda cut production to about half the normal level due to parts shortages caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. It warned dealers of model shortages and said full production might not resume until the end of the year.

But Honda said Thursday that the situation in Japan continues to improve, so factories will ramp up to 100 percent production on a plant-by-plant basis -- except for those that make the new Civic compact.

"The light at the end of the tunnel is glowing brighter for us, represented by this significant improvement in our production situation," said John Mendel, executive vice president of Honda's American operations.

Toyota earlier this month also said that it would be able to crank up North American production faster than expected, returning to 70 percent of normal levels in June as it rebounds from parts shortages.

The company cut production to about 30 percent of normal in May by idling factories for

several days or reducing hours of operation. It also warned dealers to expect shortages of some models well into the summer and said full production may not come until late this year.

Neither Honda nor Toyota laid off workers during the factory down time.

Honda said Thursday that the severity of model shortages this month will not be as bad as expected.

"This will go a long way toward alleviating the shortages at dealerships," said spokesman Ed Miller. "It's very good news for dealers."

But Rebecca Lindland, senior analyst for the IHS Automotive consulting firm, cautioned that it will take a while for supplies to be abundant again, especially for small cars and those made only in Japan. That also means automakers will be reluctant to offer deals with tight supplies, at least for a month or two.

"Things aren't totally back to normal yet," she said. "You are still going to see some limited selection. We're in a situation where you can't necessarily be too choosy, and you certainly are not going to see vehicles slathered with incentives like we have in the past."

Sales in May, she said, likely will be low due to the model shortages and lack of incentives such as rebates and low-interest financing.

The Civic, which is the sixth most popular vehicle in the U.S., is likely to remain in short supply, however.

Honda said the 2012 Civic still lacks critical parts, and production will remain at about half the normal rate until sometime in the fall.

Honda still is short of electrical, rubber and other parts for the car that come from Japanese factories, Miller said.

Demand for the Civic and other small, fuel-efficient cars has been rising throughout the year with gas prices threatening to top $4 per gallon in the U.S.

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Watch out for Suzuki: 2011 Kizashi Test Drive

It’s not often we speak of Suzuki. And when I usually do, it’s about their motorcycles. It comes as no surprise really, Suzuki established its motorcycle division in North America back in 1963, and to date they’ve got a very competitive line-up of two wheeled offerings. In comparison Suzuki established its US head offices in 1985. When it made its way up to Canada it was 1989 with an assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario and it was a bit late to the game. By this point in history the other Japanese automakers were well on their way to taking the N.A. auto industry by storm. Suzuki was not able to pick up the kind of momentum the other automakers did, and has been languishing since.

But with 2011, there seems to be change in the air. Suzuki warns of storms of their own, their new mid-size sedan shows no sign of wavering. Since the release of the Kizashi in N.A. the automotive press have applauded it endlessly. A lot of it has to do with the simple fact that no one expected this car, from this manufacturer.

Reviewing the 2011 Kizashi

Well, here it is. So let’s get down to it, ready to find out if the Kizashi really is the next great thing?

Let’s start on the inside, where the driver sits, where the driver who buys this car will want to spend most of their time. This is a clean interior, very well laid out, and easy to understand. Everything feels good to the touch; all the materials and elements feel great, and look good too. It seems the Suzuki accountants looked at this section of the car and when they tried making changes, were chased away by rabid designers (something I wish happened more often).

What about comfort? Well, I managed a continuous three hour drive with little discomfort; good lumbar support equipped soft leather seats aiding things here. The suspension is geared for a more sporty drive, so I was feeling some of those bumps, but found it no way a damper on my mood; but more on that later. What didn’t really work for me -or rather my poor friends- were the rear seats. I had three average sized men sit at the back, and they were all but ready to strangle me. Even with two regular sized adults leg room is a bit cramped, and so is head space. Actually when it comes to the mid-size segment, the Kizashi scores fairly poorly on interior dimensions.

But if you bought a Kizashi, you wouldn’t be a passenger, and if you’re driving a mid-size car in this price range, well, there really isn’t another car you’d rather be in. This really is Kizashi’s trump card; the car handles like nothing else in this segment, for proper comparison find a BMW 3-series. And that’s high praise for any mid-size. I mentioned earlier that I was feeling some of those bumps I drove over, but with a suspension that allows a car to handle this well, I think it’s astonishing that I wasn’t feeling more of those bumps.

Then of course there’s this very crisp 2.4L 4-cylinder engine giving us 180hp and 170 lb. ft. of torque. This gets mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddle shifters in my test car; the only thing I didn’t like was the lumbering sort of transmission which wasn’t doing much in making me feel sporty. But helping with that is this beautifully body integrated dual rear exhausts that have a throaty sort of growl that is pleasing to hear, and encourages you to hold a lower gear and rev -which the previously mentioned “lumbering” transmission allows- right up to red line.

For those overly safety conscious or living on streets that never get ploughed in the winter, the All Wheel Drive system will put your mind at ease, and so will the very effective traction and stability control systems --yes, I did put it to the test in a very remote and empty private parking facility covered in ice--.

At the time of my test, Suzuki offered the Kizashi in just one trim level. It included everything but the kitchen sink for about $30k. Not bad for a car that wants to compare itself to the likes of the Acura TSX and Audi A4. For those who want the Kizashi look and drive, but want to spend less, there’s now an offering of a FWD only option with a few less luxury touches --like leather interiors-- for about $26k.

Now once you’ve taken the Kizashi of your choice out for a long drive, had lots of fun, and make it back home, you get out of the car, look back and realize that it looks amazing. Lines that flow from one to another smoothly, an elegant and sporty silhouette, along with those 18-inch wheels that come standard, all work in harmony to make this one really good looking car.

There’s only one other mid-size sedan that I like more than I do the exterior of the Kizashi, and that’s of the Buick Regal (you can read my review of it here); Which is quite a statement if you think about the fact that there are over 15 different mid-size cars to choose from in Canada. What’s even more astonishing is the fact that I can’t think of any other ground-shakingly beautiful cars from Suzuki before this one. Which is good news for Suzuki if they want us to stay focused on what’s to come.

It seems just when Hyundai had pushed the limits on what a car in this class can be with it’s all new Sonata, and managed to put the perennial top sellers --the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord-- to shame, another Japanese car manufacturer has stepped up to the plate. With class leading features, unmatched driving dynamics, and superb value, this is one very sweet car. Suzuki has somehow done the unimaginable and struck it out of the park with the Kizashi.

Photography credit: Wilson Lo

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General Motors Looks Set to Ride High in 2011

Automakers across the globe had a tough start to the year, having to deal with parts shortages following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. But the rise in oil prices following the Libyan uprising has indirectly helped some of these automakers by pushing up the demand for their more fuel-efficient hybrid cars.

General Motors (NYSE: GM ) was in the green for a fifth consecutive quarter at the start of this year. It also saw its profits triple compared with the prior-year quarter. Yet investors weren't fully convinced and GM saw its share prices drop after it announced its earnings. Why?

A brief look at the numbers
The demand for more fuel-efficient cars benefited GM by pushing up both its top and bottom lines. Cars such as the Chevrolet Cruze compact and the Equinox crossover were in great demand, following bullish strides in energy prices.

GM recorded profits of $3.2 billion, but importantly this included a $1.6 billion profit from sale of assets. GM sold a part of its former parts wing, Delphi Automotive LLC, which boosted these figures greatly. Discounting these gains, from its operations GM made profits of around $1.7 billion, which is not bad in itself, but somewhat pales in comparison to rival Ford's (NYSE: F ) first-quarter profits of nearly $2.5 billion.

Price wars
On the negative side, GM's automobile prices dropped in North America, whereas they remained the same in international markets; Ford's auto prices have been on the ascendancy. Even though GM had high sales compared to that of Ford, it lost out because of lower prices, leading to Ford recording higher profits.

This probably explains why GM saw its share prices fall in response to its earnings, even though it beat analysts' estimates. Regardless, GM, which had a relatively strong start to the year, is well-placed to carry this momentum forward. Let's take a look at its plans for the rest of 2011.

The industry grows
In spite of the recent economic slump, the global automobile industry has still shown positive signs of growth. Some analysts have even said that they expect this market to grow by nearly 33% by 2015, from 72 million units in 2010. GM has a strong and ever-increasing international presence and is well-positioned to take advantage of this expected boom.

The BRIC nations are expected to see an increase of nearly 12 million vehicles sold by 2015, as purchasing powers of consumers increase, pushing up demand. By the end of 2010, GM held a leading 12.2% market share in the BRIC countries. It has held on to the top spot for a sixth straight year.

International operations
China is now the favorite among those eyeing emerging markets, and automobile producers are no exception. China has become the world's largest automotive market. GM has penetrated this market and commands a 12.8% market share there. It intends to launch 60 new and improved variants of its automobiles in China by 2015.

Japan's two top automakers have already made inroads into China. Honda (NYSE: HMC ) plans to produce electric vehicles there by next year whereas Toyota (NYSE: TM ) , the leading car manufacturer in the world, is looking to double its auto sales there by 2015.

In India, GM saw its volume increase by almost 60% last year and also saw an increase in its market share in the country. In Brazil, GM rules the roost with a market share of 19%. In North America, GM ended 2010 as market leader.

Overall, across the globe, GM has a strong presence and is looking to expand even further, especially in the BRIC countries where strong sales growth is expected.

The Foolish bottom line
I think GM is well-positioned to grow further in 2011, especially with Toyota and Honda scrapping for parts following the March 11 quake, and the rise in demand for fuel-efficient cars following the surge in gas prices. GM will, in all probability, grow as the year continues and will possibly continue to post numbers in the green.

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Zagato V12 triumphs at Villa D'Este

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato was victorious at this year's Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este, winning the Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes.

The modern interpretation of the iconic DB4GT Zagato fought off competition from ten other entries including BMW’s 328 Homage, Audi’s Quattro concept and the James Glickenhaus P4/5 Competizione Ferrari.

Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, said: “We are thrilled to see that this car conquered people’s hearts. With the V12 Zagato we managed to add just another successful chapter both to the history of Aston Martin and the future of our brand. This is an exciting car, powerful and incredibly beautiful.”

Just as the P4/5 spawned a racing counterpart, the V12 Zagato is also set to make its racing debut. Next weekend will see the car take on the 53rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race at the Nürburgring, with a further two cars entering the Nürburgring 24hr race next month.

“Nürburgring is where we sign-off every new model in terms of dynamics," said Dr. Bez, "and there can be no better place for the new V12 Zagato to be finally tested. The 24 hour race is the ultimate road test and a fitting introduction for the V12 Zagato”.

He concluded by stating the overwhelming positive reaction to the car will transpire to Aston Martin potentially "offering a road-homologated V12 Zagato in a small, limited number as soon as possible."

Watch this space for a full review of the 2011 Concorso d'Eleganza later this week.

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2011 Dodge Durango Citadel, an AW Drivers Log Car Review

What an upgrade this 2011 Dodge Durango is. From its overly curvy, awkward predecessor to this bold, in-your face henchman of an SUV, the new Durango delivers. It's luxurious, powerful and imposing. The only drawback is that the gas mileage is not great. But remember, you're driving a Hemi-powered fortress.

The updated Durango now feels like a utility-vehicle version of the Ram. That's a good thing. The pickup is one of the best-driving in its class, and this Durango now shares that dynamic. The V8 power is exactly what one wants in a vehicle this large. The 360 horses come on smooth, and this five-speed automatic is effective and efficient. Dial up more than 5,000 rpm, and this ute blasts off. Power from launches is impressive yet civilized, and the Hemi growls and purrs depending on what it's being called upon to do.

The steering is light, similar to that of the Ram, but adds satisfying feedback into maneuvers. The chassis is all-conquering, and I annihilated a pothole on the expressway without even blanching. This trench was the kind of obstacle that would have ripped the bottom off a smaller car. The Durango was unflinching.

The styling is beefy and taut. I like the way the sheetmetal fits yet still has some attitude. Whereas the old version was almost cartoonish, this one is well-tailored and sharp. The headlights are perfect, and the wheels are simply huge.

Inside is a smart black and caramel layout, and the white-and-red-accented gauges present well. You sink into these seats, and there's a commanding road view. The Citadel package marks the summit for the Dodge Durango. I'd take one for our long-term fleet in seconds. I like this muscle ute even more than I like our long-term Infiniti QX56, which is a tank in its own right. But the Dodge is pretty much just as blinged-out, looks better to my eye and costs $24,030 less than our long-term Infiniti. That's high-protein food for thought.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: I would agree with Greg on liking this better than our long-term Infiniti QX56. Actually, I was stunned at just how good this new Durango really is. Think of this as a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a third row. I actually had two different people come up and ask me about the vehicle, what it was, etc. Both commented that it looked so good that they were surprised it was a Durango. That's a good thing, because the old Durango was, well, let's just say it didn't have anywhere near the refinement this one has.

I loaded this up with seven passengers for a trip to Michigan State University for my daughter's graduation, and a trip after to dinner. Even those in the way-back seats had nothing to complain about. I like the black and caramel two-tone treatment, and the seats are very comfortable. The Hemi underhood is strong and made no complaints as we loaded the thing up.

The Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe is probably still the leader in the clubhouse when it comes to full-size sport-utes. But there is nothing wrong with this new Durango. It is so much better than the vehicle it replaces it probably should have had a new name. It is that good.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR--AUTOWEEK.COM BOB GRITZINGER: Add me to the chorus singing the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango's praises. I think Dodge should have just dropped the link to past vehicles and used that Citadel moniker as the vehicle's new brand name. It's that different, and good, compared with the old Durango. The old truck was barely competitive, while this one offers a ton of Hemi grunt, sharp styling, a superb interior, and top-notch ride and handling for a 5,400-pound, four-wheel-drive beast. As much as the Grand Cherokee, with which this shares its platform, is a great vehicle, the Durango's three rows and Hemi power might put it a step above the Jeep. And looking at Roger's observed fuel-economy numbers, posting nearly 20 mpg is certainly livable.

I like this truck--a lot.

2011 Dodge Durango Citadel

Base Price: $44,645

As-Tested Price: $48,530

Drivetrain: 5.7-liter V8; AWD, five-speed automatic

Output: 360 hp @ 5,150 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm

Curb Weight: 5,397 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 15/18.7 mpg

Options: 5.7-liter Hemi V8, dual rear exhaust with bright tips, two-speed on-demand transfer case, heavy-duty engine cooling and 220-amp alternator ($1,895); customer preferred package 25j including rear DVD entertainment, video entertainment system, satellite radio and TV ($1,695); inferno red crystal pearl coat exterior paint ($295) 

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Ford improves worker safety and car quality, Hollywood-style

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. is applying Hollywood-inspired animation technology to its new manufacturing facilities in Asia, Africa and other regions.

The goal is to create a less physically stressful workplace and improve the quality of vehicles. The technology also helps Ford trim costs by not having to replace unworkable parts.

Ford has been using the animation technology, known as motion capture, since 2005 in North America.

"We're very pleased with our results," said Allison Stephens, Ford's ergonomics specialist with vehicle operations manufacturing engineering.

The motion-capture technology digitally captures movement, making nonhuman characters appear more lifelike. It's similar to the technology used in movies such as Mars Needs Moms and in games such as Mortal Kombat.

Researchers combine motion-capture technology with human modeling software in Ford's Detroit labs to design physically safe jobs at its global facilities. Researchers can simulate nearly the entire assembly of a vehicle.

"If you're creating a situation at a work station, you simulate how you would move as a worker by using the digital manikin," Stephens said.

Ford researchers are creating a multinational avatar based on Ford's North American virtual workers Jack and Jill. The new avatar will reflect the sizes and shapes of workers at assembly plants across the globe, Stephens said.

Using this technology in North America has led to an 80 percent decrease in job-related injuries since 2005, she said.

Ford also can address quality issues in the virtual workplace before they occur in the real world, Stephens said. This yields higher-quality vehicles and earns Ford greater economies of scale in buying parts from suppliers because Ford knows which parts work best.

Ford will use the global digital manikin for new products planned in China, the 2012 Focus being assembled in Germany and the United States, and the global Ranger small pickup being built in Thailand and South Africa.

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First official images of supercharged Honda CR-Z MUGEN concept

UK-based MUGEN Euro have taken up the challenge to give the Honda CR-Z some extra grunt to produce the CR-Z MUGEN concept. The vehicle adds a supercharger to the CR-Z hybrid’s 1.5-liter gasoline engine and IMA electric motor to increase the vehicle’s output from 122 to 198 horsepower and ups the torque from 128 to 181 lb-ft. Honda UK and MUGEN have just released the first official pics of the vehicle ahead of its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed to be held in West Sussex, England, in July
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Recognize the Hints That Car Needs a Tune Up

Tune up is one of the ways to maintain your car life expectations. Cars have a way of telling us when a tune up is needed. Usually, there are signs or hints to make you aware that there is a change in your car’s performance.

The key to avoid costly car tune up is to identify these signs or hints and repair it as soon as possible. It is important that you know how your vehicle works, so that you can quickly recognize the signs or hints for a tune up.
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2012 MINI Coupe Spy Shots Leaked

2012 MINI Coupe spy shot photos leaked and we think it does not look different than the Cooper from the front, but you would still buy one because this adorably MINI has got two seats and a MINI badge at the front.

Here we are, revealing the latest spy shots on 2012 MINI Coupe which definitely showing very little in the way of camouflage which also means that the production is anytime soon.

2012 MINI Coupe spy shots showed the camouflage is concentrated mainly on the rear upper body area, so we predict that the MINI is trying to hide the dimension of the greenhouse and steeper windshield compared to the concept.
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2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid Test Drive

Porsche drops the 380-hp hybrid V6 powertrain from its Cayenne crossover into the Panamera luxury sedan. Does the leather-lined super cruiser live up to the Porsche image?

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The Top 10 Cars for Audiophiles

Car stereo robberies are on the decline. So are sales of aftermarket audio solutions. Why? Factory systems simply have become too good, essentially making both theft and the aftermarket unnecessary. Thanks to ever-increasing commute times, modern cars feature practically all the entertainment and amenities you'd expect from your living room—in fact, many offer audio quality that puts home theater systems to shame. So if you're a car-shopping audiophile, checking the stereo system that comes with the car is more important than ever. Here are our ten top picks, including obvious luxury players and some surprisingly affordable examples.

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2011 Ferrari FF: First Drive

Out with the old and in with the new. Ferrari is saying bye-bye to its 612 Scaglietti and hello to an eagerly awaited all-new grand tourer, the FF. The luxe 4-seater, Ferrari's new flagship, features V12 power, bold "shooting brake" styling (Euro-speak for an upmarket station wagon), seating for four and a radically innovative part-time all-wheel-drive system for all-weather usability, a Ferrari first.

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2001 Lincoln Town Car

The 2001 Town Car is a 4-door, 6-passenger luxury sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the Executive

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Jaguar Will Build 200 mph C-X75 Battery Supercar

Bowing to strong public pressure, Jaguar has announced plans to put the well-received C-X75 supercar into production.

The striking two-seater will use an extended-range electric drive system capable of running entirely on batteries – yet also able to launch from zero to 60 in less than 3 seconds and reach speeds in excess of 200 mph. But the maker has opted to go for a relatively conventional gasoline “extender” engine, rather than the futuristic twin turbine system that drove the original C-X75 concept vehicle.

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GM to boost Volt output; tight supply expected this summer

DETROIT -- General Motors said today that it will boost production of the Chevrolet Volt, although a month-long retooling of the assembly plant will make the plug-in hybrid even tougher to get this summer.

Early next month, GM will close its Detroit-Hamtramck plan for four weeks to complete scheduled upgrades. That means retail deliveries “will be further restricted over the next three months,” GM said in a statement.

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2011 Dodge Durango AWD CrewLux

Wow, Dodge really did a great job with the Durango. I was never blown away by the body-on-frame Durango that died a few years ago, but the new unibody version feels very solid and well executed. Having driven the Ford Explorer only a few nights before the Durango, it's difficult to find fault with the Dodge.

Comparing spec sheets you'd think the Durango and Explorer were almost exactly the same vehicle, but the execution is quite different. While the Explorer's thick A-pillars, high beltline, and smallish window openings make it feel claustrophobic (or at least like you're trapped in a cave), the Durango lets in more light and offers better visibility through its large windshield and windows and seemingly thinner A-pillars. Both of these SUVs-turned-crossovers offer touch-screen infotainment systems, but only Dodge offers honest-to-goodness physical buttons and dials to adjust the temperature or volume. I much prefer the idea of using muscle memory to adjust the volume to taking my eyes off the road and fiddling with a fussy touch screen.

This is the heaviest vehicle I've sampled with Chrysler's new Pentastar V-6, and the engine performed admirably with nearly 5000 pounds of Durango to motivate. I presume the Durango would be a lot of fun with the Hemi V-8, but there's no need for more power unless you're planning to tow trailers frequently.

Driving dynamics are at the top of the class thanks to the rear-wheel-drive architecture. Of course handling is a relative term when you're talking three-row crossovers, but I seriously want to drive the R/T model after experiencing how buttoned-down and solid the base Durango feels on off-ramps and country roads.

The new Dodge Durango's exterior styling is one of its strongest points. It is cohesive, interesting, different, and very American, and it helps the Durango stand out from the crowded pack of crossovers. The interior is also nicely designed and pretty well executed, but I don't care for the huge, tall dash and the large A-pillars, which are to me just as big and bothersome as the ones in the Ford Explorer. Outward visibility is only OK due to the high front cowl.

Dynamically, the Durango is surprisingly good for such a big, heavy vehicle. I drove 60 mph on a twisty two-lane road that I often use as a test loop, and the Dodge had good body control, nice brake-pedal feel, and accurate steering. I agree with Phil that the Pentastar V-6 provides good performance, and since it manages to achieve only 22 mpg in the highway EPA cycle, I certainly wouldn't want the V-8 (rated at 20 mpg on the highway) if I could get along without it. Although I suppose that if you are truly concerned about fuel economy but still want to haul around your family of seven, you ought to be looking at a Dodge Grand Caravan minivan rather than the Durango; the Grand Caravan is rated at 25 mpg. That said, if you get a rear-wheel-drive Durango, it's rated at 23 mpg. Our test vehicle was an all-wheel-drive model.

The nice thing about the Durango is that it was part of the joint-development program between Chrysler and its former owner, Daimler, wherein the Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee got a big engineering assist from the team at Mercedes-Benz, which was also developing the new Mercedes M-class. We recently met Jack Dolan, the Chrysler engineer who is responsible for the development of the 2011 Dodge Durango, and he explained that, with the Durango, "we were freed from having to make it a serious off-roader, like Jeep did with the Grand Cherokee. We were able to concentrate on optimizing its on-road performance." Dolan went on to explain that, although the Durango is based on the same platform as the Jeep, it is ten inches longer overall. Of that ten inches, five inches went into a longer wheelbase, to make room for the third-row seating. Some of the additional length also allowed the engineers to package a full-size spare tire.

2011 Dodge Durango AWD CrewLux

Base price (with destination): $36,045

Price as tested: $41,340

Standard Equipment:

3.6-liter V-6 engine

5-speed automatic transmission

Electronic stability control

Parkview rear backup camera

Parksense rear park assist

Keyless entry with remote engine start

Hill start assist

Trailer sway damping

Cruise control

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Power windows/locks/mirrors

60/40 split fold 2nd row

50/50 folding 3rd row

Sirius satellite radio

Media center 430 CD/DVD/MP3/HDD touch screen

Bluetooth connectivity

9 speakers with 506-watt amp and subwoofer

Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls

18-inch wheels

Power liftgate

Fog lamps

Options on this vehicle:

Customer preferred package 26G -- $5000

20-inch polished wheels

Leather-trimmed bucket seats

Heated front and 2nd row seats

Power tilt/telescoping steering column

Media center 430N CD/DVD/MP3/HDD/NAV touch screen

USB port

Garmin navigation system

Rain sensing wipers

Smartbeam headlamps

Inferno red exterior paint -- $295

Key options not on vehicle:

5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine -- $1895

Rear DVD entertainment system -- $1695

Power sunroof -- $850

Trailer tow group -- $695

Fuel economy:

(city/hwy/combined)

16 / 22 / 18 mpg

Engine:

3.6L V-6

Horsepower: 290 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Drive:

Four-wheel

Transmission:

5-speed automatic

Curb weight: 4987 lb

Wheels/tires: 20 x 8.0-inch polished-aluminum wheels

265/50R20 all-season tires

Competitors: Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot

www.automobilemag.com

2011 BMW 335is Coupe

As BMW continues to cut the 3-series pie into thinner and thinner slices, it's becoming difficult to discern the subtle differences among the models. This 335is slots in below the M3, and although its straight six has about 100 fewer horses than the M's V-8, it's more than quick enough to satisfy nearly any speed junkie. Some may argue that, at just under $52,000, the 335is is well worth the money, but to me, the extra power and M3-level hardware upgrades over the base 3-series model -- the superb 328i starts at a far more attainable $37,000 -- can only be appreciated on a closed course. If you don't plan to run your 3-series on the track, the less-expensive 3s will provide just as many smiles while having a more forgiving ride with only minor concessions to handling.

All that power is fun to play with, though. In fact, a stab of the throttle in any gear results in neck-snappingly strong thrust. The twin-turbos are extremely linear, and there's very little turbo whine to compete with the glorious racket that -- even in fairly restrained driving -- exits the dual exhaust pipes. It may not wear an M3 badge but it imitates, and ultimately competes with, its big brother quite convincingly.

Jennifer Misaros, Managing Editor, Digital Platforms

I really like the optional ($1000) thin-spoked wheels on the 335is, as well as the cabin's brilliant red leather upholstery and cool snakeskin-like aluminum trim. The 335is is no appearance package, though. It's got twenty extra horsepower, seventy more pound-feet of torque, and an available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (a first for a U.S.-market 3-series). I prefer shifting gears on my own with a traditional manual, but I cannot argue that BMW's so-called DCT is an awesome, ultraquick gearbox.

I found the steering feel to be less lively than that of an Audi S4 I drove the previous day, but that's more to the Audi's credit than to the BMW's detriment. The 335is coupe has lots of room in the back seats, too: a quartet of five-foot-six people could drive a long distance with no trouble or complaints. Still, $61K (as tested) for a 3-series does give one pause.

Infiniti and Audi are breathing down BMW's neck with their latest 3-series fighters, but while the G37 and A4 are fun, competent sport sedans, BMW still dominates the discussion when it comes to sportier variants. Audi's S4 comes dang close to performance-commuter Nirvana, but the 335is offers a better balance between powertrain, chassis, steering, and braking. The 335is packs the same all-around proficiency that has been the M brand's signature for decades.

The twin-turbo inline-six is responsive, the suspension is beautifully tuned, and the brakes bite nicely, but I can't stop thinking about the transmission in our BMW 335is. BMW's seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is the best execution of the technology in the industry. It pulls away from stops with torque-converter-like fluidity, rather than the soft hesitation or slight chatter found in other two-clutch transmissions. At speed it executes flawless shifts up and down all day long. In any mode, at any speed, the shifts are phenomenally quick and exceptionally smooth. I love a six-speed manual, but I think I might love this transmission more for how incredibly impressive it is. And at $450, it's curiously cheap.

Of course, the same cannot be said for the BMW 335is as a whole. At $61,025 as tested, our coupe is uncomfortably close to the M3 in price. In fact, it's more than an M3 coupe if you can live with a car with less equipment. I could. Because as good as this 335is is, it's not as great as an M3.

Eric Tingwall, Associate Editor

The 335is is downright addicting! The 320-hp, 3.0-liter, turbocharged in-line six sounds so sweet, I drove around with the windows down to hear every note. I am deeply envious of my friend who just bought a 335is -- although I suspect she is now in danger of losing her license. This is one of those cars where speed comes so effortlessly, it's common to glance at the speedometer and realize you're vastly exceeding the limit. Part of the blame for that goes to the lightning-fast, seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission that seamlessly swaps cogs to keep the car in the sweet spot at all times. But I'm not complaining.

Donny Nordlicht, Associate Web Editor

I have two overwhelming impressions of the 2011 BMW 335is coupe: 1) Wow, is it ever great to drive! 2) Wow, is it ever expensive!

Other thoughts: I love our test car's red leather seats over black carpet and a black instrument panel, with dark gray exterior paint. What a cool color combination.

Joe DeMatio, Deputy Editor

2011 BMW 335is Coupe

Base price (with destination): $51,975

Price as tested: $61,025

Standard Equipment:

3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine

6-speed manual transmission

Dynamic stability control

Dynamic traction control

4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS

Tire pressure monitoring system

Xenon adaptive headlights

Heated dual power mirrors and heated windshield washer jets

8-way power adjustable front sport seats

Cruise control

2-way power glass moonroof

Rain-sensing windshield wipers

AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player audio system with HD radio

Auxiliary audio input

Adaptive brake lights

Options on this vehicle:

Navigation system -- $2100

Voice command

Convenience package -- $1500

Anti-theft alarm

Comfort access keyless entry

Power rear sunshade

Park distance control

Coral red/black Dakota leather -- $1450

19-inch alloy double-spoke wheels -- $1000

BMW assist with Bluetooth -- $750

Space gray metallic -- $550

Heated front seats -- $500

7-speed double clutch transmission -- $450

iPod and USB adapter -- $400

Satellite radio -- $350

Key options not on vehicle:

Premium package -- $2650

Active steering -- $1550

Harman Kardon surround sound system -- $875

Cold weather package -- $750

Automatic high beams -- $250

Fuel economy:

(city/hwy/combined)

17 / 24 / 19 mpg

Engine:

3.0L turbocharged I-6

Horsepower: 320 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque: 332 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

Drive:

Rear-wheel

Transmission:

7-speed double-clutch automatic

Unladen weight: 3571 lb

Wheels/tires: 19-inch alloy wheels

225/35R19 front; 255/30R19 rear Bridgestone Potenza performance run-flat tires

Competitors: Audi S4, S5, Infiniti G37 IPL, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

www.automotive.com

Ten Cheapest Cars to Maintain

 

Smaller is better when picking a car based purely on upkeep, according to Vincentric, a research firm in Bingham Farms, Mich., that calculates ownership costs for every vehicle on the market. Just look at the top 10 vehicles from the 2011 model year with the lowest maintenance and repair costs on our list: Six of them are small by U.S. standards. Why are smaller cars so much cheaper to own? Labor costs and the cost of replacement parts for small cars are usually cheaper. Even so, there are a few big boys on the list, primarily because their free scheduled-maintenance programs are top-notch. Regardless, based mainly on Vincentric data and some insight from our friends at Consumer Reports, here are the 10 cheapest cars to maintain on the road today.

10. Ford Focus

Average maintenance: $1,667

Average repairs: $1,422

Total 5-year service cost: $3,089

Consumer Reports predicted reliability: Better than average

The 2011 Ford Focus is the final evolution of a model that has been on the market since 2000. Its track record was marred early on by hundreds of recalls and terrible reliability. At heart, though, it has always been a fun and practical car, if never the most fuel-efficient or impressive in terms of quality, fit and finish, even once all the gremlins were gone. At least for now, it has finally proved to be reliable. Hopefully, that will carry over to the all-new 2012 model, which launches this year.

9. Toyota Camry Hybrid

Average maintenance: $1,661

Average repairs: $1,406

Total 5-year service cost: $3,067

Consumer Reports predicted reliability: Better than average

It seems odd that the Camry Hybrid, with more technology than a regular Camry, is $64 cheaper to maintain over five years. The reason comes down to tires and the way Vincentric parses data. First of all, maintenance and repair costs for the Camry Hybrid are calculated separately from the other three Camry models. Meanwhile, the SE trim of the regular Camry has larger wheels, which require tires that cost almost $200 more to replace. That added cost gets averaged in with the other nonhybrid trims to create a higher overall maintenance and repair figure for the regular Camry.

8. Cadillac STS

Average maintenance: $1,173

Average repairs: $1,885

Total 5-year service cost: $3,058

Consumer Reports predicted reliability: Worse than average

The Cadillac STS and the Chevrolet Aveo — both General Motors cars — are the only two vehicles on the list with poor reliability as calculated by Consumer Reports. Reliability does affect repair costs, but generally not maintenance, says David Wurster, president of Vincentric. Cadillac's free maintenance program helps give this sedan the lowest 5-year costs for routine scheduled service of any vehicle on the list. And that, in turn, helps offset its repair costs, which are the highest of the group, partly because of pricier parts and labor.

7. Volvo S40 / V50

Average maintenance: $1,329

Average repairs: $1,727

Total 5-year service cost: $3,056

Consumer Reports predicted reliability: N/A

The Volvo S40 and V50 are twins; one is a sedan, the other a wagon. They have identical service costs, brought down by Volvo's generous free-maintenance schedule, which lowers the 5-year service total by nearly $2,000. That's huge. The S40 and V50 were launched in 2005 and have changed little since then. Consumer Reports doesn't have reliability data on the current model, but past models have had trouble spots. Volvo sold 74,894 S40 and V50 cars from 2006 through 2010; split the two up and they are by far the slowest sellers of this lot.

6. Cadillac DTS

Average maintenance: $1,269

Average repairs: $1,774

Total 5-year service cost: $3,043

Consumer Reports predicted reliability: Average

The Cadillac DTS is a rolling anachronism, the last bastion of old-school, fat-cat Detroit decadence. Cadillac's free-maintenance program helped get this plush, full-size luxury sedan in the ranking by slashing $1,090 from its 5-year service cost. Another factor that could be working in its favor is the profile of a typical DTS driver, who tends to be older and not as likely to rack up a lot of miles or wear and tear. This might help curtail the extended-warranty claims that help drive Vincentric's 5-year service-cost projections.

5. Chevrolet Aveo

Average maintenance: $1,614

Average repairs: $1,422

Total 5-year service cost: $3,036

Consumer Reports predicted reliability: Much worse than average

The Aveo sedan and Aveo5 hatchback have identical service-cost projections. These Korean-made cars stand out for how cheap they are, not only to buy, but to maintain. Consumer Reports gives them low marks on reliability, but we weren't able to reconcile that with Vincentric's data, which show the Aveo has the second-lowest repair costs over five years — beat only by the Camry Hybrid. With regard to routine maintenance, though, it has the second-highest total of the group. The Aveo will soon be replaced by an all-new car, the Sonic, which looks to be as dramatic an improvement as the Chevrolet Cruze was over the Cobalt.

4. Toyota Tacoma

Average maintenance: $1,584

Average repairs: $1,451

Total 5-year service cost: $3,035

Consumer Reports predicted reliability: Average

The only pickup truck on the list is among the smallest available in the United States, underscoring once again that size matters and, where maintenance and repair costs are concerned, it's the smaller the better. Besides a solid reputation for reliability, Toyota's new free scheduled-maintenance program helps drive down the truck's upkeep by $258. That's just a fraction of the cost that Cadillac and Volvo kick in with their free programs, which can only burnish Toyota's temporarily tarnished reputation.

3. Toyota Yaris

Average maintenance: $1,623

Average repairs: $1,406

Total 5-year service cost: $3,029

Consumer Reports predicted reliability: Much better than average

From the driver's seat, the Toyota Yaris, like the Chevrolet Aveo, has to be one of the cheapest-feeling cars on the market. Yet it's still a good, capable car, with excellent fuel economy and top marks in reliability from Consumer Reports. Twenty years ago, who would have thought that competition among automakers would someday create an environment where even a budget car like the Yaris would offer its owners free scheduled maintenance?

2. Toyota Corolla

Average maintenance: $1,585

Average repairs: $1,406

Total 5-year service cost: $2,991

Consumer Reports predicted reliability: Better than average

The Corolla is one of the best-selling cars of all time. Over the past five years alone, Toyota has sold more than 1.7 million Corollas in the United States. The only other car on this list to have sold in higher numbers during that time frame is the Camry, at more than 2 million units. In some parts of the world, the Corolla is considered a commodious family car. Here in the U.S, it's seen as just another small one. Regardless of size, it gets almost everything right. If it had a little more pizzazz it would be perfect.

1. Honda Fit

Average maintenance: $1,494

Average repairs: $1,444

Total 5-year service cost: $2,937

Consumer Reports predicted reliability: Much better than average

Drivers of compact SUVs should give cars such as the Honda Fit a try. Because even though it looks small on the outside, the Fit is so cleverly packaged that it feels nearly as versatile and spacious as some small crossovers — no joke. Yet it gets much better mileage and costs less, not only to buy, but to maintain and repair. The Fit will face increasing competition in years to come, not just from the Ford Fiesta, but also from the Chevrolet Sonic, Fiat 500, Hyundai Accent and a host of other cars that pack tons of value into tiny packages.

MSN Autos