The Road Test of Lexus RX 350 F Sport

The most admired Lexus vehicle, the RX midsize luxury crossover, got some improvement for 2013, but the main news is the adding of the first performance-oriented model: the F Sport. That's the one Lexus brought us to analysis on a current week. Although it's no speedster it has the same engine as the base RX 350 it has additional that make it stand out, counting an eight-speed automatic transmission, special 19-inch wheels and a tradition leather inside.

Base price of the F Sport is just above $47,000, and it's obtainable only with all-wheel drive. It's intended at people who want sportier performance; something reviewers have said was missing in previous RX models. The F Sport also comes with a sport-tuned suspension with front and back performance dampers; and the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Included Management setup, an automated controller for the electronic constancy, traction control and anti-lock braking systems.

Under the cover of all RX 350 models is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 270 horsepower and 248 foot pummel of torque. No higher-power engine is available for the F Sport model, but there is abundance of power with the 3.5-liter, and the eight-speed transmission change effortlessly and offers lively acceleration in lower gears. Lexus says the vehicle's top velocity is automatically limited to 112 mph.

The electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system mechanically shifts power from front to rear, as much as 50 percent, to give sure starts and keep the vehicle going on greasy surfaces. Otherwise, all torque go away to the facade wheels.

 

The front seats of my Lexus F Sport were quite contented, and there was a spot in the middle comfort between the front seats for my Smartphone, and a USB port within the console to attach it to the great 15-speaker, 330-watt Mark Levinson audio system.

New Acura RLX FWD -2014

Why was the old Acura RL so decisively nailed to dealership floors, with just 379 vend last year? That’s simple: It was too little. Its back seat was so tight that rear condition could practically adjust the stereo, could perhaps even drink from the front cup owner with a long-enough straw. Too in thrall to Honda’s minor-key qualities of economy and modesty, the RL couldn’t struggle with the chest-thumping, lane-filling champions of the mid-size luxury-car section.

It was because it was approximately Civic-sized in reverse, and not because it had a six-cylinder engine or was bottom on a front-drive chassis. In fact, you could quarrel that the rest of the luxury-car fleet has lastly caught up with the Acura flagship. Amid increasing fuel-economy standards, six-cylinder luxury sedans no longer appear like a tin Rolex. Furthermore, all-wheel drive is at present the de rigueur luxury-car format, and Audi has still sold front-drive A6s and A8s with a straight face.

The RLX over recompense for the old car’s biggest failing. It’s full-figured, with a 2.0-inch-longer wheelbase and 1.7-inch-wide body than the friendly RL’s. The cabin is far airier and roomier than before, with lots of permission for occupants’ fringe. It’s also wonderfully finished in muted tones, but its two-screen radio and nav interface is puzzling; you never rather remember which of the screens and knobs will deliver the purpose you want. Also, the seat bottoms are too short for even the reasonably lanky.

Engine-downsizing feel the RLX, but only by 0.2 liter. The obviously aspirated, direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 feeds the front wheels 310 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque, up 10 and 1, correspondingly, from the old 3.7 liter. Fuel competence should be very aggressive in the class, at 20 city/31 highway, figures we’re likely to trust as they’re derivative from a obviously aspirated engine.

Interestingly, Acura’s fuel-sipping policy doesn’t rely on a tiny engine or listless gear ratios to attain its result. Its final drive is really 14 percent shorter than the RL’s preserve the high-revving, coltish nature of the power train chiefly via careful management of its variable-valve-timing and cylinder-deactivation systems. The car preserves the high-rpm urgency and natural linearity—abetted by a psychic transmission—that’s missing from the turbocharged set.

Skoda Octavia RS Revealed - 2013

Skoda Octavia RS 2013 have been revealed online, showing the performance edition of the sharp new Octavia. The regular version, unveiled in December last year, previously looks the goods. The RS adds a touch of flare and violence 2013.

The new RS will take on a much more grown up, sharp, and more exact look. The lower front bumper bar is rangier and features a lower spoiler molded in, there’s also LEDs, and at the back there’s a deck spoiler increase on the boot.

You’ll also noticed diverse black highlights spread during the exterior design, such as the side mirrors, the front grille and lower mesh grilles, the 18-inch alloy wheels, and some black decoration along the bottom of the doors. These give it a distinct stealth-theme and suggestion at its performance.

Under the bonnet, details are however to be official. Speculations suggest the new model will get a 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder just like the outgoing model, however, power could be smack up to 164kW and 350Nm (up from the current 147kW and 280Nm).

In the regular 2013 Octavia, power will be give by a range of petrol and diesel options, together with 89kW 1.4 litre petrol, a 131kW 1.8 litre petrol, and an 81kW 1.6 diesel.

Mercedes Benz E350 Class Coupe - 2013

When we seem at a car like the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC, which gets 12 mpg better than the gasoline model, we wonder what occur here. We definitely won’t grumble about any fuel savings, but 32 mpg on the highway is just 2 mpg additional than the V-6 gasoline edition.

We have a love-hate connection with rear-wheel drive. We love it on a racetrack and for the 8 months of the year we classically don’t get snow in Chicago. But as soon as that efficient white stuff hits, RWD becomes more difficult than practical. On the upside, we love the external styling. Plus, the interior alteration, safety features and ride are all excellent. We do, however, wish parking sensors were average in a $50K car.

The Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC comes prepared with a 3.0-liter, V-6 turbodiesel, related to what you see in the diesel SUVs, and it distribute 210 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. While this is a proficient engine, putting it in a midsize car makes the E350 BlueTEC additional sporty than green. We like the extraordinary acceleration and sporty managing.

While the back seat is comfortable, we do have to ask if you really want drop milk and Cheerios on the floor back here. If the answer is yes, then believe that the trunk has only 15.9 cubic feet of cargo volume and rear seats do not crease flat.

 

The Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC is contented and fast, with a nice Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system. This on a long convert from Chicago to Schaumburg is our idea of wretched fun. When you can break out into an unyielding straightaway, make sure to take your stomach with you.

Another hint that this isn’t quite a family vehicle: Rear side-impact airbags are possible. The Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTEC has 9 average airbags that focus on the driver and front passenger, Neck-Pro front head restraints, firmness control and tire pressure monitoring. Our preferred standard safety feature: Attention support, which monitors driving performance and can detect driver sleepiness.

Audi Launches Q3 Turbo Petrol Engine in India

The battle of the Teutons, that’s what the whole begin blitzkrieg by the German luxury car makers is rotating out to be, thousands of miles away from Germany, right here in India. Even as BMW India is all set to commence the face lifted version of its best promotion comfort crossover, the 2013 X1, Audi India has completed its bit to steal some of BMW’s magnificence.

Audi has just launched the turbo petrol engined alternative of the 2013 Q3 crossover, just a day before BMW introduction the X1 facelift. The Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI is the third variation of this intersects to be sold in India and is priced at INR 27.37 lakhs ex-showroom Maharashtra.

The 2013 Audi Q3 crossover in petrol engine appearance is powered by the 2 Liter TFSI motor, an engine that’s extensively used across Volkswagen and Audi cars. The 2 Liter TFSI turbo petrol motor features direct inoculation and produces 211 Bhp-350 Nm. These figures give the petrol engine Audi Q3 some very energetic performance.

The crossover sprints from languish to 100 Kph in a very quick 6.9 seconds. Keep your left foot fasten and you’ll hit the 230 Kph mark, which is the top speed that the Q3 Petrol is proficient of. This concert makes the Audi Q3 the best performing entry level comfort crossover in India.

The Audi Q3 comes with a 7 speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and the famous Quattro all wheel drive system as typical. The crossover is also accessible in two other variants, both powered by the 2 Liter TDI turbo diesel engine good for 170 Bhp-250 Nm. The turbo diesel engine Q3 models approach in entry level and top end spec.

Audi India has begun accumulate the Q3 crossover in India, at its Aurangabad gathering unit in Maharashtra during the completely knocked kit (CKD) route. In India, the Audi Q3 competes with the similar of the BMW X1, the Mercedes Benz B-Class and the soon-to-be-launched Volvo V40 Cross Country, in conditions of price and location.

In India, Audi and BMW are neck and neck in conditions of car sales in the luxury segment. BMW supervise to fend off Audi last year by selling about 300 more cars than its German arch competitor. The competition has just moved into 2013 and Audi’s previously made the first big move by initiation the petrol powered Q3 alternative. BMW India will respond in less than 24 hours with the BMW facelifted X1 crossover, a car that has a grouping riding on it. Tomorrow, Team ICB will convey you all the particulars, right from the launch venue.

New Volvo S60 - High for Safety

The Volvo S60 T6 AWD is a five-seater luxury car with an all-new external and interior design. It also features a new 3.0-L turbo-charged 6-cylinder engine with all wheel drive, creating 300 hp and 325 lb-ft torque at 5,600 rpm. Competitors contain the Cadillac CTS, Infinite G37 and Acura TL.

With ratings as well as good, acceptable, marginal, or poor, the IIHS gave the S60 a good rating for inhabitant defense in at least four of five evaluations, with no less than satisfactory in the fifth test. Categories like rollover, rear impact, and frontal collide were enclosed in the tests. The S60 was one of only two mid-sized luxury vehicles that receive the top rating. Items like unibody high-strength steel passenger confine, inflatable drape in side-impact head defense system, and driver and front passenger dual stage supplemental control systems (airbags) helped donate to winning the safety award.

The normal S60 T6 is existing in three trims: Premier, Premier Plus, and Platinum. The Platinum I drove varies from the other trims due to its stylish navigation system with Real Time Traffic, the Volvo Premium Sound System and rear park assist camera. The Platinum orderly also features a climate control package with heated seats, interior air excellence system and heated windshield washer needle. Besides the normal T6 line, there is also a T6 R-Design line which presents more sport-oriented features.

Interior of the Car:

The S60 has Volvo Sensus infotainment system with included 7-inch color LCD monitor, power glass moon roof, and dual Xenon headlamps with active meandering lights. The driver and passenger front seats are envelop in quality leather. They are contented with 8-way power adjustment, 3-position memory (driver), adaptable lumbar sustain, and seat-back pockets.

The S60 is prepared with an intellectual key fob called Keyless Drive with Personal Car Communication (PCC). This fob allows the owner to check the safety status of the vehicle from a distance, and mechanically unlocks doors with a clutch of the handle. And of course, it has standard purpose such as trunk release and fright alarm.

The seats sit tall enough to permit the driver an easy command of all controls, whether it’s the dual-zone electronic climate control, the auto-dimming within rear view reflect with compass, or the Bluetooth hands-free phone line with auto streaming. The body of the S60 I drove was covered with Rebel Blue Metallic paint, sitting atop 18” alloy wheels with all period tires. Standard headlight washers, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and dual polished fatigue pipes additional add to the finished look.

The optional price for the base S60 T6 $40,650, and the Platinum orderly level adds one more $3,850. The S60 standards 21 mpg, with 25 mpg on the highway. Volvo has a 48-month/50,000 mile inadequate warranty coverage and 144 month decay protection.

Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept Electrified Diesel

Volkswagen announced their incursion into the passionately contested midsize SUV market this month with the expose of the Cross Blue concept. Should it reach production the seven passenger plug-in diesel hybrid would bring VW one step closer to their eventual goal of complete world domination.

It’s no accident the Cross Blue bears more than a passing similarity to the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and is arrogant to achieve a projected 89 miles per gallon electric. Regardless of whether or not the thought really makes it to showrooms VW is using it to make their intentions clear.

Futuristic as a diesel-electric hybrid might sound the combination makes a entire lot of sense coming from Volkswagen. Their clean diesel engines are usually about 30-35% more competent than gasoline-powered counterparts. That could be one of the only motive we haven’t seen a diesel-hybrid from Volkswagen earlier; their TDI diesels can already contend with the fuel-economy of many gas-powered fusion.

The Cross Blue concept doubles down on competence using VW’s 190hp 2-liter EA288 TDI diesel engine to power the front wheels beside with a 54hp electric motor that’s occupied as needed. A second 114hp electric motor drives the rear wheels for an entire output of 305 horsepower. Volkswagen anticipates the Blue will make it from 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds.

Besides fuel-economy the real luxury of the diesel-electric combo is a torque-gasmic festivity of low-end power that both electric motors and diesel engines are best at create. Working in accord the TDI engine and electric motor pair unite to make a whopping 516 lb-ft of torque.

From looks of the Cross Blue concept we can be sure the dub brand has each meaning of getting up in our SUV business. Knowing what we do of their world-wide game plan anything vehicle they choose to produce for the market will be predictable to create quite a stir.

The New BMW 3-Series 2014 Gran Turismo

BMW's schedule once laser-focused and now far-ranging has us feeling rather vague. To pick two extremes: We are big fans of the BMW 3-series sports sedan, which we view as the standard of its class; on the other hand, we have never temperate to the 5-series Gran Turismo, a invention of customer research and maybe one of the strangest-looking cars on the road today.

Unlike its 5-series-based big brother, the 3-series GT—internally called F34— split a lot of its sheet metal and neat with the F30 3-series car and F31 Sports Wagon. But my, has it grown: Taller by 3.2 inches, longer by 7.9 inches, and with a wheelbase extended by 4.3 inches, the Gran Turismo surpass both the sedan and the Sports Wagon.

The rear end is conquered by an oblique fastback that houses a large hatch. BMW's styling section has done its best to mask the blown-up size with attributes such as larger headlights, a larger lattice, a more softly contoured front hood, and an electrically lift rear spoiler. And thanks to all of that, it is distant easier on the eye than is the 5-series GT.

There is clear remuneration to the new shape. The trunk carries 18.4 cubic feet; the position of the split rear seat can be familiar through a range of 15 separate inclines, and when fully crease down, it carries up to 56.5 cubic feet of cargo. That's 3.5 cubic feet additional than the 3-series Sports Wagon, despite the Gran Turismo's fastback intend. The passengers travel in ease: They sit 2.3 inches taller than in the sedan and Sports Wagon, the back seat ahead 2.8 inches of legroom. And the windows are frameless, which is a lovable touch.

 

The higher center of significance and the longer wheelbase are harmful to the handling uniqueness, and the Gran Turismo is somewhat porky: It is more than 150 pounds heavier than the Sports Wagon and offset the sedan by more than 300 pounds. Not astonishingly, BMW highlight the new car is partial "slightly towards directional firmness and long-distance comfort." But we believe it will still be one of the most agile cars in its class, thanks to its big wheels and a suspension mainly carried over from the favorite sedan and Sports Wagon.

The Battle of Audi S7 2013

Back in October, I eagerly reported that the new Audi S8 spanks all short of a Corvette ZR1 in a straight line, and beat most cars in handling. I closed by noting that Audi, after years of throw shots at BMW and Mercedes-Benz, had lastly landed a direct hit. Now, like a board game adversary who is ready to drop your Battleship, Audi's leaving for the kill, and the next shot out of the mortar is the all-new 2013 Audi S7.

The new S7 hits 60 mph from zero in a blistering 3.9 seconds and charges during the quarter-mile mark in 12.3 seconds at 112.1 mph. Let that descend in a minute. This is the S7, not the imminent and even more powerful RS7. It's a high-style luxury vehicle that will grime the likes of the Camaro SS and Mustang GT all day long.

It's only four-tenths of a second off the Corvette ZR1, a GT-R, or the ridiculously fast S8. It's even faintly quicker in a directly line than the 400-pound-lighter RS5. All from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 producing a assert 420 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque (though like its big brother, the S8, it may be underrated). That's the attractiveness of AWD launches, folks.

The major target is the segment originator, the Mercedes-Benz CLS550. The last one we tested was rear-wheel drive, but worry not, we'll be difficult an all-wheel-drive model soon. Going with what we have, I can tell you the S7 is the easy winner on presentation stats. The S7 is four-tenths of a second faster to 60 mph and half-a-second and 2 mph earlier in the quarter. It pulls higher continued gs on the skid pad, is faster around the figure eight, and even gets superior fuel economy.

In fact, the S7 will even run with Mercedes' big attach, the CLS63 AMG. The two are deceased even to 60 mph and the AMG increase only two-tenths of a second on the Audi in the quarter-mile, though it's traveling almost 10 mph faster when all that extra horsepower hits its pace. The Audi, though, drag high gs, was faster around the figure eight, and out-stopped the AMG from 60 mph by 10 feet; require only 103 feet to come to an idle.

New Audi RS7 Features - 2014

Four-door coupes like the Audi A7, Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW Gran Coupe offer stylish, sleek styling a step above conventional sedans. Audi’s RS 7 is a beefed-up version of the A7/S7 with an additional 140 horsepower over the S7. With the RS 7, there’s currently a trio of super-sedan coupes — Mercedes CLS63 AMG and BMW M6 Gran Coupe — with added than 550 horsepower. Audi’s control as the all-wheel-drive leader might also be dispute in the super-sedan segment by the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLS 63AMG with standard all-wheel drive to battle wheel spin. Let the sport start.

With 560-hp, Audi says the RS 7 increase speed from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The standard Quattro all-wheel drive divides power 60% to the rear wheels and 40% to the front. Continue past 60 mph and you’ll find the RS 7’s electronically imperfect top speed of 155 mph — only on some models, however. A Dynamic Package raises the top speed to 174 mph and a Dynamic Package Plus smack it to 190 mph. Stopping the RS7 are 15.4-inch brakes up obverse with six-piston calipers; higher-performance carbon fiber ceramic brakes are obtainable and bump rotor size up to 16.5 inches.

When it’s time to turn corners, the RS 7 has two deferral choices. The standard air suspension lowers ride height by 20 millimeters and features adaptive dampening to alter the suspension’s answer to the road. As an alternative, a Sports Suspension plus Package uses harden springs in place of the air suspension and three-stage regulating dampeners.

The RS 7 balances performance and fuel economy among a cylinder deactivation system that shuts down four of the RS 7’s eight cylinders during medium-to-light load circumstances to save fuel. When all eight cylinders are firing throughout acceleration, the RS 7’s exhaust features switchable flaps in the fatigue for a fuller sound, Audi says. An elective sports exhaust system is also offered.

Other options include a Carbon Styling Package with a more bravely shaped front splitter and diffuser, side mirrors with uncovered carbon housings, all-LED headlights, a head-up display and console Package. Standard equipment includes RS sport seats with obvious side bolsters covered in Alcatraz replicated suede and leather (all leather is optional), xenon headlights, 20-inch wheels and navigation.

The New Nissan Resonance Concept Car

Nissan's Murano has long been one of the more insistently styled crossovers on the market, but it's time for a energize. Beside comes the Nissan Resonance concept at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Dimensionally, the Resonance concept is alike to the current Murano in every dimension. Its proportions also emulate the production mid-size crossover’s, with a jellybean-like summary and a stumpy hood. This being a essential concept car, however, these are pretty much where the Resonance/Murano resemblance ends. The Resonance features a panoramic glass roof, giant 22-inch wheels, a colored transparent acrylic grille, and a blazing Flare Orange paint job. Nissan’s now-signature boomerang-shaped lights also make an facade here, although they’re more pleasingly stretched.

Featuring what the company calls "V-Motion" styling, Nissan says its designers were enthused "by the future allure of hypersonic travel." The Resonance employs important airflow organization to boost its fuel economy, an important issue for this concept CUV because it's also a hybrid. But don't anticipate the stars to streak by your windshield.

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine escort up to a hybrid-electric drive system, according to Nissan. It employs a single motor and dual clutches to allow for all-wheel drive, and the transmission is Nissan's next-generation Xtronic constantly changeable automatic transmission. The Resonance is faintly larger than the Murano, featuring a wheelbase that's 2 inches longer, which must allocate for more legroom for passengers.

The interior is pure concept car - a multilayered "holographic" center comfort displays controls and readouts in innovative fashion. While it's absolutely cool to behold, it stands little chance of making it to manufacture.

Nissan is focusing a lot of thought on the Resonance concept's style, inside and out, highlight its intent as a fashion accessory as much as its five-passenger space. The Murano has been one of Nissan's more admired CUVs but not actually one of its more practical. With the new seven-passenger guide now filling the role of the practical people carrier, it could very well be that the Resonance suggestion at Nissan planning to take the Murano in an even more style-over-substance way. That's not a terrible thing given how good the quality looks, and it would give buyers more choice in showrooms as well.