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2012 Porsche Boxster

| Blog | March 5, 2012

MSRP:

Review Summary:
Arguably the best mass-produced roadster on the market.

Review:

All 2012 Porsche Boxster models come in a convertible bodystyle with rear-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission. The standard engine is a 2.9-liter six-cylinder that creates 255 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty to go out and have fun with. Optional equipment includes a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission. The upgraded Boxster S model offers a 3.4-liter, six-cylinder engine that makes 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, perfect for blasting back roads or strapping on a helmet for a track day.

The top-of-the-line Boxster Spyder has a different body and top setup. It is powered by a tuned 3.4-liter, six-cylinder engine that produces 320 hp. It is clearly the fastest Boxster available with a 0-to-60-mph time around 4.6 seconds with the dual-clutch transmission. The overall fuel economy is 22 mpg in mixed driving, same as the other trim levels.

Simply put, the Boxster is the best two-seat, drop-top out there. If you’re looking for driving fun with the wind blowing in your hair, then this is your car.

Key Features:

  • Pure open-top driving at its finest
  • The most wallet-friendly Porsche on the market
  • Power, handling and fun that will keep you smiling all day long

2012 Porsche 911

| Blog | March 4, 2012

MSRP: $79,000 – 172,100

Review Summary:
The Porsche 911, latest generation of Porsche’s great sports car, stays true to its heritage while being new for 2012.

Review:

The new Porsche 911 is longer, wider and lower than the last model. It also goes farther on every gallon of gasoline thanks to stop/start technology and a function that decouples the six-cylinder engine when coasting.

There are two models available, the Carrera and the Carrera S. The base Carrera has a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine making 350 hp and 287 lb-ft of torque. The S model has a 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine creating 400 hp at and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both models are rear-wheel-drive. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, while an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is available. 

Expect a cabriolet, all-wheel-drive, targa, turbo and all the usual 911 models to roll out in the near future. However, a hybrid model isn’t likely.

All in all, the new 911 is still one of the world’s great sports cars with a long list of accomplishments.

Key Features:

  • The 2012 Porsche 911 is newest generation of the iconic sports car 
  • Longer, wider, lower and more fuel efficient than the last generation
  • More refined ride compared to previous generations

2012 Porsche Panamera

| Blog | March 3, 2012

MSRP: $75,200 – 173,200

Review Summary:
The Porsche Panamera is a great GT car. It’s faster than fast and can easily cruise around town if you’d please, but the exterior isn’t the prettiest thing on the market.

Review:

Porsche’s Panamera comes in variety of trims ranging from the base model to the rocket-ship-like Turbo S model. A 300-hp, six-cylinder engine comes standard on the base and Panamera 4 trims. The hybrid also has a six-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor, giving the overall package 333 hp. The remaining trim levels, which include the S, 4S, GTS, Turbo and Turbo S, are powered by the larger 4.8-liter V8. Power ranges from 400 hp to 550 hp depending on the trim level. It’s available in rear- and all-wheel drive.

On the inside, the Panamera is comfortable and luxurious with ample room for passengers and cargo. It’s loaded with standard features including an automatic tailgate, eight-way power-adjustable front seats and Bose surround-sound system.

The Panamera is an excellent car and is definitely worth a look if a luxury four-door, coupe-like sedan is what you want. And it’s a Porsche!

Key Features:

  • Various modes change the Panamera from docile cruiser to gonzo sports car
  • Awesome car to drive, but not easy on the eyes
  • Lots of room for passengers and cargo

2012 Scion xD

| Blog | March 1, 2012

MSRP: $15,345 – 17,050

Review Summary:
The xA replacement, xD combines economy with safety to create a great package.

Review:

When the xD debuted in 2008, it was a replacement for the xA. Essentially built along the Toyota Yaris line, xD offered up good value for the money.

Fitted with a 1.8-liter engine, the xD delivers acceptable fuel economy and performance. No, it won’t win many races, but that’s not why it is in the Scion lineup. It has received five-star crash-test ratings. It’s also identified as having few problems.

Along with others in the lineup, the xD gets a limited-edition Series Release vehicles, which make up fewer than 2,000 total; they have one-off colors and are snapped up fairly quickly by consumers.

Key Features:

  • Small, efficient car your child would not mind being seen in
  • Five-star crash-test rating
  • Another in the family of highly customizable cars to "personalize"
  • Toyota quality. Can’t beat it

2012 Lexus IS 250

| Blog | February 22, 2012

MSRP: $33,595 – 37,225

Review Summary:
The smaller-engined of the IS variants, the IS 250 is nonetheless a decent compromise between sportiness and economy.

Review:

With its rear-drive layout and sporting intentions, the entry-level Lexus IS sedan was notable at launch for daring to take on the king of the sport-sedan mountain–the BMW 3-series. And while it has hardly put a dent in 3-series sales, the IS has carved a nice little niche for itself. It gave the green light for other Japanese contenders, like the Infiniti G, to follow.

After keeping with one body style since its 1998 release, a hardtop convertible variant of the IS went on sale in 2009 (IS 250C).

Key Features:

  • Smaller V6 gets marginally better fuel economy than 3.5-liter version
  • Loss of 100 hp is definitely felt
  • Nicely trimmed and well appointed

2011 Porsche 911

| Blog | February 22, 2012

MSRP: $77,800 – 245,000

Review Summary:
An icon that delivers a pure driving experience that’s tough to beat.

Review:

The 2011 Porsche 911 starts with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel antilock brakes and a sport exhaust system. Inside are adjustable seats with driver’s seat memory, communication management with a 6.5-inch color display and full touch-screen controls.

Multiple Porsche 911 models are available, including some boasting more than 500 hp and top speeds near 200 mph. Both automatic and manual transmission options now are offered, as are rear- and all-wheel drive.

Key Features:

  • Iconic design
  • Sports car heritage, in spades
  • Rear-engine and rear-wheel drive makes it touchy on the limit
  • The sheetmetal has only been massaged over its history

2011 Lexus GX 460

| Blog | February 19, 2012

MSRP: $53,045 – 57,840

Review Summary:
The Lexus GX 460 SUV gets a 4.6-liter V8 engine for legitimate towing ability.

Review:

The 2011 Lexus GX460 SUV is equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 producing 301 hp while returning 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. The full-time four-wheel-drive SUV has a six-speed automatic transmission. Cargo volume measures 92 cubic feet with all the seats folded down and almost 50 cubic feet with just the third row folded. Standard features include heated leather seats, keyless entry and ignition, driver’s-seat memory and dual-zone automatic climate control. Traction and stability control are standard, as are antilock brakes and tire-pressure monitors.

Key Features:

  • Not going to win any hypermiling contests
  • Heavy-duty construction ideal for towing needs
  • Luxurious interior appointments

2011 Lexus CT 200h

| Blog | February 19, 2012

MSRP: $29,120 – 30,900

Review Summary:
Lexus continues its hybrid expansion with the front-wheel-drive, five-door 2011 Lexus CT 200h hatchback.

Review:

In CT guise, a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine works with an electric motor to provide power. Four driving modes are offered: normal, eco, sport and EV, each with adjusting power, throttle response, steering and traction aids.

As the only dedicated hybrid vehicle in the premium-compact segment, Lexus expects the CT 200h to post best-in-class fuel-economy numbers.

Key Features:

  • Lexus (aka Toyota) knows hybrids as well as anyone
  • Good features
  • Driving experience is less than impressive