Monday, 16 July 2012
2013 Acura RDX
2013 Acura RDX
Starting MSRP $34,320–$35,720
2013 Acura RDX - That’s what has happened to Acura’s RDX for the crossover SUV’s new model year. The redesigned 2013 Acura RDX is better armed to win over shoppers — it's larger, lighter and more efficient — while offering an attractive value proposition.
Acura didn't have much success with the RDX in its previous incarnation. It was reasonably priced with a slew of standard features shoppers would want in a luxury SUV, but its quirky turbocharged engine and cramped confines were deal breakers.
The 2013 has been redesigned in a number of significant ways. Not only is it larger inside and out, it's lighter, features a different optional all-wheel-drive system and, most important, there's a standard V-6 engine under the hood that's more efficient.
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Starting MSRP $24,250–$33,000
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - The Hyundai Genesis Coupe has only been with us for a few short years and already it is getting a major facelift and power updates. The new Genesis Coupe features a squashed, pointy nose with a blunt front bumper, two faux air intakes and staggered wheels for a more powerful look. The redesigned 2013 Genesis 2.0T is better in a big way, with more power and a retuned suspension, though an unflattering-sounding engine hurts the otherwise-improved driving experience.
In its first three model years (2010-2012), the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T was not a car I could get excited about (read my review of the 2011 2.0T R-Spec here). Its poky engine and sloppy handling made it under-deliver on its billing as an affordable, rear-wheel-drive performance coupe. Fortunately, the new 2013 version brings relief. (Please note that the Genesis Coupe shouldn't be confused with Hyundai's Genesis sedan, a very different luxury model covered separately.)
Sunday, 15 July 2012
2013 Chevy Sonic RS
2013 Chevy Sonic RS - The RS is a sportier Sonic with an affordable sticker. Yeah, we wish Chevy would cram its 2.0-liter Ecotec under the hood of the Sonic, but barring that, we'll get the Sonic RS with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four borrowed from the Chevy Cruze and good for 138 hp. No higher than $22,000 (any higher and the Sonic RS would bump up against more serious sports cars like the Subaru BRZ and probably the Ford Fiesta ST, which is still to come but should cost around $22,000).
We got our first look at the Chevrolet Sonic RS in the flesh today, unveiled alongside two Chevy concepts – the Tru 140S Concept and Code 130R Concept – at the 2012 Detroit auto show. As much as we've liked the Sonic, this version looks to hit the enthusiast bull's-eye. The Sonic RS also wears a slightly different front fascia with a new grille and fog lamps, but the change in appearance isn't all that drastic, as the base Sonic is already pretty aggressive. Other exterior kit that's exclusive to the RS includes a new spoiler and rocker moldings, a chrome exhaust tip, and a new five-spoke wheel design (though the wheels are still 17-inchers).
2013 Ram 1500
2013 Ram 1500 - The Ram 1500 will receive a significant refresh for the 2013 model year, and the majority of the changes are indeed more than skin-deep. That's because the 2013 Ram will hit the showroom floor with a host of powertrain upgrades, including features that have never been offered on American pickup trucks until now.
The Ram was due for a facelift, but rather than giving it a superficial makeover, Chrysler went for so many smart updates that Ford and GM will be chasing for their own answers. Start with aerodynamics, where Chrysler has altered the front wheel openings and given the truck's grille active shutters said to reduce drag by 3 to 5 percent. It added an eight-speed automatic transmission too, tied in electric power steering, and brought in start/stop technology to save gas in traffic.
Many of the Ram's new technologies speak to its fuel-saving nature, including an eight-speed automatic transmission for both six- and eight-cylinder models, stop-start, improved aerodynamics, electric power steering, grille shutters and an auto-adjusting air suspension. The air suspension is essentially a version of the setup used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and features an Aero Mode, lowering the ride height by 1.2 inches to help cut through the wind more efficiently. Ram will also offer the Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as the base powerplant, delivering 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. For reference, Ford rates the 2012 F-150 pickup's naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 at 302 hp and 278 lb-ft.
2013 SRT Viper
2013 SRT Viper - The 2013 SRT Viper is all-new, from front-to-back and top-to-bottom, from the lightweight carbon-fiber roof right down to its road-scorching wheels. It features less weight, stiffer chassis, a more powerful engine, beefed-up close-ratio transmission, more powerful brakes and new electronic technology. It's all wrapped in aggressive exterior styling with gorgeous interior design, materials and appointments to make Viper more comfortable and capable, better riding, more agile and faster accelerating to a higher top speed. Advancements in materials and engineering lead to a new output of 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque.
Meet the SRT Viper - The core Viper is a race car with license plates that remains true to its legend. With its classic, tough-and-ready feel, it's focused on the core performance needs of its driver.
Greet the SRT Viper GTS - With two-mode suspension, the SRT Viper GTS has great race car handling when you want it, but can also be set for touring on the street. Extreme performance with premium appointments and state-of-the-art electronic controls are all hallmarks of the SRT Viper GTS. The updated, more powerful 8.4-liter V-10 engine and revised close-ratio six-speed manual transmission promises improved acceleration.
2013 Dodge Dart R/T
2013 Dodge Dart R/T - With the compact segment becoming ever more crowded, Dodge is getting aggressive with its new Dart. As promised, pricing on the Italian-bred sedan will start at $15,995 (*before a $795 delivery charge). That undercuts key rivals like the $16,800 Chevrolet Cruze, $16,500 Ford Focus, and $16,130 Toyota Corolla. You can still buy a Honda Civic sedan cheaper, but by only $40.Most of the new front-wheel-drive Dart models go on sale this summer, and we like what we've driven so far. But the fastest of the breed, the R/T, holds off for a fall launch.
Like its less muscular brethren, the R/T rides on a Fiat chassis borrowed from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, with a fully independent suspension. We expect that suspension to be a little lower and stiffer in the R/T. The car will get the most horsepower of the lot, with a 184-hp 2.4-liter four under the hood.
At this point it's unclear if the R/T will come with only a six-speed manual or with a dual-clutch automatic as well. We do know that the R/T, like the Sonic RS, is going to face stiff competition from slightly pricier models, including the Ford Focus ST, the expected Fiesta ST, and the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. Even if these sporty cars are bunched around $25,000, slightly above the Dart R/T, their performance chops could put a pinch on sales of the Dodge.
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo - The standard Hyundai Veloster has always reminded us of that talented freshman in high school who has everything going for him but simply lacks the strength his first year out to make the coveted varsity team. The new Veloster Turbo will start at $21,950 (plus $775 destination). That represents a $2,500 premium over a similar naturally aspirated Veloster. The manual gearbox is standard fit, with the automatic adding $1,000 to the price. Opt for the Ultimate Package (bundling a navigation system with rearview camera, panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights, backup sensors and a 115-volt power outlet) and it will cost you an additional $2,500. Completely loaded, with automatic and destination included, the Veloster Turbo will set you back $26,225.
The standard Veloster, introduced at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, debuted with a direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder rated at 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. It's a respectable output for a naturally aspirated engine (86.25 hp per liter), but its 0-60 sprint in just over eight seconds certainly didn't match its sporty appearance. Enthusiasts held their collective breath for the expected turbocharged model. the Veloster lacks the performance cred to back up its killer looks. But that will change once this 201-hp version hits the streets. The 45 percent boost in horsepower has most folks taking a second look at the Veloster, and hoping this Turbo is a signal that Hyundai is getting as serious about performance as it has been about quality and design over the last few years.
