April 2012 ~ Cars

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

2012-2013 Porsche 911/991

4:55 AM 2012-2013 Porsche 911/991 1 comment

The 911 is the most successful model in Porsche’s history. It started its long history back in 1963 and since then Porsche has offered five distinct generations: 911 classic, 964 Series, 993 Series, 996 Series, and 997 Series. After a long wait and a hi-jacking of the official images, Porsche has revealed its sixth generation ahead of its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

It may be a little unorthodox for Porsche to be bringing out a new generation 911 despite the fact they just revealed a facelift version, but the requests keep changing and Porsche must answer the call of duty. Their latest target is improving both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The sixth generation 911, or the 991, will be a completely new vehicle, even though everyone will recognize it as a 911 model. Shortly after the launch of the 998 911, Porsche will also be releasing the Turbo, GT2, and GT3 in 2012.

The new generation 911 is now officially on sale on the US market, with prices starting from $82,100 for the Carrera and $96,400 for the Carrera S (excluding destination fees). "Whether this will be a customer’s first or just their latest Porsche 911, it’s going to be the most invigorating ownership experience yet," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. "The 911 Carrera and Carrera S are the ultimate choices for drivers who want the fun and excitement of a true benchmark-setting sports car week in and week out, not just for show or play during the weekends."

An American customer took his new Carrera S to a drag strip in the US to see how fast the car could run the quarter mile. While the result is unofficial, it still stands at an impressive 12.04 seconds. That’s comparable to the current Nissan GT-R which has an official quarter mile time of 12.05 seconds. Hit the jump to check out the video of the 911/991 on the drag strip!

2012-2013 Porsche 911/991 Specs

year: 2012-2013
price: $88,038 euro (or $126
Top Speed: 180 mph
Displacement: 3400 Cc
MPG(Cty): 28
Transmission: seven speed manual
Engine: direct-injected flat-six engine
Horse Power @ RPM: 350
0-60 time: 4.6 sec.

2012-2013 Porsche 911/991 Pictures

2012-2013 Porsche 911/991

Volkswagen CC 2012

4:35 PM No comments

The Volkswagen CC is a "four-door coupe" that seeks to combine the dramatic styling of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan. Like the Mercedes-Benz CLS that sparked this emerging segment, the CC seats four, providing easier access to the rear seats than a normal coupe.
For the latest model year, Volkswagen updated the CC with more standard equipment as well as revised exterior styling.

The CC is based on the outgoing version of the bread-and-butter Passat sedan. That doesn’t mean the CC is outdated, however: whereas the latest Passat has been enlarged, de-contented and cheapened to appeal to the middle of the American market, the older Passat was a more luxurious, refined and highly-tuned driver’s machine.

The CC’s connection to the old Passat is most visible in its sophisticated cabin. Soft-touch materials abound, fit and finish is excellent and the overall design is intuitive, flowing and polished.

It is the CC’s exterior that will win over most buyers, though. The overall look is one of simple elegance, with details like a relatively low, sloping roofline and sleek lights contributing to the attractive, expensive-seeming mien.

Styling changes for the latest model year include a simpler, more conservative grille and headlamp design that brings the look more in line with Volkswagen's mainstream Passat and Jetta offerings. The front and rear fascias were also worked over, while Bi-Xenon headlights with VW’s Adaptive Front Lighting System and LED taillamps are now standard equipment.

BASIC SPECS

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3329
City (MPG) 21
Hwy (MPG) 31
Horsepower 200@5100
Torque (lb-ft) 207@1700
Wheelbase 106.7
Length (in.) 188.9
Width (in.) 73.0
Height (in.) 55.8

Pictures of Volkswagen CC 2012

Volkswagen CC

Hummer H3

4:01 AM No comments

The H3 boasts great off-road capability in a distinctive, rugged package. However, it costs a lot more than similar SUVs, offers only mediocre highway performance, and has the worst fuel economy in its class.

With a base price that's over $33,000, the H3 is one of the most expensive SUVs in its class -- even when compared to other off-road SUVs. Even worse, its poor 14/18 mpg fuel economy rating is the lowest in its class. While these factors may make the H3 seem like a lousy value, its excellent all-terrain capabilities and high ground clearance might make it worth it for real off-road enthusiasts. In addition, the 2009 base model received an "Excellent" value rating from IntelliChoice, meaning its five-year cost of ownership is better than average.

Still, if you can live without the Hummer's military-inspired styling, there are more affordable choices available. "For shoppers without true wanderlust, most other midsize SUVs make more sense," confirms Consumer Guide.

Other SUVs to Consider
If you just want an SUV that still looks cool, consider the Toyota FJ Cruiser. It offers off-road abilities but also boasts better fuel economy (16/20 mpg) and costs nearly $10,000 less than the Hummer. Another great off-road SUV is the Jeep Wrangler, which performs just as well as the Hummer, saves you another $2,000 off its price, comes with the same rugged styling and has a marginally better fuel economy.

Hummer H3 Specs

Engine:
Aluminum I-5
220hp @ 5600 225lbft @ 2800
3.66X4.00 Bore and stroke
Dohc 4 valve/cyl
Gear Ratios:
Gear 5 speed MANUAL Optional 4L60E
1st 3.75:1 3.06:1
2nd 2.20:1 1.63:1
3rd 1.37:1 1.00:1
4th 1.00:1 .70:1
5th .73:1 N/A
Reverse 3.67:1 2.29:1
Manual crawl ratio: Almost 69:1
Automatic crawl ratio: 56:1
Axle ratio: 4.10 or 4.56
Final drive: 3.33
Wheelbase 112
Length 186.7
Width 85.5
Height 74.5
Track f/r 65/65.5
Ground clearence 9.1
Approach/Departure 40/36.5
Curb weight est. 4700
Payload 1150
GVW 6000
GCVW 10000
Tow 4500
Fuel capacity 22.8
Fuel economy 15/19
Front suspension IFS double a arm torsion bar swaybar
Rear suspension Live axle leaf spring anti roll bar
Steering power rack pinion
Steering Ratio 17:1
Turn, lock to lock 3.25
Turn circle 37
Front Brake 12.4 vented disc
Rear Brake 12.3 disc 4WAL
Wheel 16x7.5 Aluminum
Tire 285/75RR16 Bridestone

Hummer H3 Pictures

Hummer H3

Volkswagen Golf TDI

The Volkswagen Golf TDI offered a couple of surprises and pleasures. The biggest pleasure was the economy - 41.7 mpg in our test and even more on the highway. This translated to some embarrassment, but more importantly it translated to fewer visits to the local station and, despite the higher cost of diesel fuel, a lower bill at the end.

I'll be the first to admit I'm not the brightest light on the Christmas tree, but I really proved it during the test of the Volkswagen Golf TDI. Know I knew, somewhere, that TDI meant a diesel engine. But because of oldzheimer’s and the rush to get over the hills and through the woods to daughter's house for Thanksgiving, the bell didn't go off.

Throughout the entire trip I was continually impressed by the fuel economy, which exceeded 43 mpg on the onboard economy gauge. Still, I felt it would be a wise move to fill up when we were about 90 miles from home, even though there was still more than a quarter tank left. So I pulled up to the gas pump, opened the fuel door, and saw this big sticker, "Diesel Fuel Only." Thank God they didn't add "dumkopf."

The Golf and GTI are favorites among staffers because they combine a practical and attractive shape with performance, quality appointments, and value. The GTI has a turbo engine and a firm chassis that provides stellar handling. New Golf R adds more power and all-wheel drive to the mix.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI

Model: 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI

Engine: 2.0-liter Clean diesel turbocharged 4

Horsepower/Torque: 140 hp @ 4,000 rpm/236 lb.-ft. @ 1,75 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Wheelbase: 101.5 in.

Length/Width/Height: 165.4 x 70.3 x 58.2 in.

Tires: P225/45R17 H

Cargo volume: 15.2/46 cu. ft. (rear seats up/down)

Fuel economy: 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway/41.7 mpg test

Fuel capacity: 14.5 gal.

Curb weight: 2,994 lbs.