Welcome, visitor! [ Register | Loginrss  |  tw

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 Cayman

| Blog | March 5, 2012

MSRP: $51,900 – 67,500

Review Summary:
The Porsche 911′s little brother provides plenty of fun, power and style.

Review:

The 2012 Porsche Cayman, Cayman S and Cayman R coupes fill the gap between the Boxster and the mighty 911.

The standard Cayman comes with a 2.9-liter, six-cylinder engine producing 265 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard in all Cayman trims. The Cayman S has a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine creating 320 hp and 273 lb-fit of torque. The Cayman R is the top of the line with a tuned 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine making 330 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. All Caymans are rear-wheel-drive and have a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission as an option.

The list of options available on the Cayman is long. For example, buyers have as many as 11 different wheel options on the base Cayman. There is a wide selection of seats available, as well as a number of packages that provide all sorts of technology features, like navigation or auto-dimming mirrors.

The Cayman is excellent in any trim. However, the base Cayman is more of an everyday driver, while the R is solid track-day car, and the S model is the happy medium between the two.

Key Features:

  • The right amount of power combined with Porsche craftsmanship equals driving pleasure
  • A rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with ride comfort and sportiness
  • The base, S and R trims provide the perfect range between an everyday driver and a track-day car

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 Lexus LS 460

| Blog | February 22, 2012

MSRP: $67,130 – 74,980

Review Summary:
Serving as Lexus’s flagship model, the full-size, premium luxury LS sedan has secured a reputation as top of the line for its segment.

Review:

Four generations of the Lexus LS 460 have been produced with V8 engines and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive, hybrid and long-wheelbase variants became available in 2006.

Then, a third-generation transformation for 2001 introduced an even smoother, more lavishly-appointed iteration with the LS 430. A $68,005 starting price shouldn’t raise any eyebrows, keeping the LS on level with premium European luxury competition like the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series.

Key Features:

  • Full-size flagship sedan on par with anything BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer
  • Powerful and smooth highway cruiser
  • Roomy, opulent interior

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

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

| Blog | February 22, 2012

MSRP: $114,100 – 211,000

Review Summary:
The Mercedes CL is one of the biggest touring coupes on the market, and in AMG guise, one of the fastest

Review:

The 2012  Mercedes-Benz CL-class coupe gets a choice of  two V8s or a V12 engine. Power ranges from 429 hp in the CL550 all the way up to 621 hp in the CL65 model. Five- or seven-speed transmissions are offered. Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for the CL550. The Mercedes-Benz CL550 is available only in all-wheel drive, while the rest are rear-wheel drive. The CL-class continues to have some of the most advanced safety features on the market including Distronic Plus cruise control, blind spot indicators, “Active Lane Keeping Assist” and automatic brake intervention.

Key Features:

  • A sledgehammer for an engine in the AMG models
  • Luxury trim includes things like massaging seats
  • Hot rod exhaust note out of a luxury sedan

2011 Lexus LS 460

| Blog | February 19, 2012

MSRP: $67,130 – 74,980

Review Summary:
For 2011, the full-size, premium luxury LS sedan has secured a reputation at the top of its segment.

Review:

The 2011 Lexus LS luxury sedan has seating for five with the option of regular and long-wheelbase models. A hybrid option is also available. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Power in the standard LS comes from a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 380 hp while returning 19 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 18 mpg with all-wheel drive. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard; 19-inch wheels are optional.

Standard features are keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and power windows, locks and seats.

Key Features:

  • Stiff competition at this price point
  • As luxurious as anything from Audi or BMW
  • Not quite as engaging a drive as a 7-series

2011 Lexus IS 250

| Blog | February 19, 2012

MSRP: $33,295 – 36,925

Review Summary:
For 2011, the Lexus IS 250 continues to put up a valiant fight for BMW 3-series customers.

Review:

The 2011 Lexus IS sedan comes in four trim levels, one of which is a convertible. Engine choices include a 204-hp V6, a 306-hp V6 or the 416-hp V8 in the IS-F.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on the Lexus IS; all-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy in the smaller V6 is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Both manual and automatic transmissions with paddle shifters are offered. Standard interior features include black metallic-finish trim, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, power driver’s seat and power windows.

Key Features:

  • Nice-looking sports sedan
  • Slightly softer than German counterparts
  • Decent fuel economy with smaller V6