2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart Specs, Prices and Reviews

America’s love for sedans is, like a lot of American quirks, not universally embraced beyond our borders.

More practical five-door hatchbacks are the rage in Europe and Asia, and as such, Mitsubishi had to build one to be competitive overseas with its Lancer compact sedan. The only question is whether that hatch should come to the U.S.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,MITSUBISHI,SPORTS CAR

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

Our favorite little roadster is growing up so fast—sniff, sniff—it’s now old enough to legally enjoy an adult beverage.

But the Mazda Miata managed to remain cool and popular even through its adolescent years, and the nameplate recently surpassed 900,000 units sold worldwide. To celebrate the achievement, Mazda is introducing the 2011 MX-5 Miata Special Edition at this year’sChicago auto show.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,MAZDA,SPORTS CAR

2011 Lotus Elise Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

We here in the U.S. have only had access to theLotus Elise since 2004, but elsewhere in the world, the car has existed in its current form since 2000.

Although its relative rarity mitigates the perception that it is aging, the little rocket is still due for a face lift. Lotus isn’t fully revamping the car for 2011, but a mild update is in the cards for the world’s smallest provider of huge thrills.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LOTUS,SPORTS CAR

2012 Lexus LFA Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

There’s something slightly weird about this scene. We are about to drive the daunting 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife track in Germany. In a Lexus.

Okay, it’s the exotic LFA, a Ferrari-fighting supercar that will cost about $350,000. But the company built its reputation on smooth, refined, and perfectly nerve-calming cars, so why does the LFA exist? In what parallel universe is this thing remotely Lexus-like?

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LEXUS,SPORTS CAR

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

Jim Farley, Ford’s group VP of global marketing, didn’t have to fly to California for the debut of theMustang Boss 302. No one told him to. He came anyway.

“I’ve been driving my own Mustang right through the past two Michigan winters thinking about this project,” he says. “From a business standpoint, the Boss 302 shouldn’t have happened.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,FORD,SPORTS CAR

2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

At Ferrari’s annual dealer meeting in Maranello, the company provided a little surprise when it took the wraps off of its newest track star, the 458 Challenge.

The 458 Challenge, like the 430 Challenge before it, is the prancing stallion’s factory offering for its one-make Challenge race series.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,FERRARI,SPORTS CAR

2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

Visibility issues in the turret-like Chevy Camaro, well-documented in this journal, are now cured by simply ordering  the car without a lid.

The view from Lookout Mountain isn’t as commanding as the one from the long-awaited Camaro convertible—once its top is dropped. A rocker switch stationed near the rearview mirror puts the Camaro’s canvas in motion after you’ve released the single mechanical twist-handle anchoring the top to the windshield header.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,CHEVROLET,SPORTS CAR

2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

Sun-sopped Andalusia, home to Picasso and the flamenco, is a solitary landscape of rolling cordovan-hued hills stitched by vineyards and olive orchards and best explored on the back of a donkey. At 204 mph, Andalusia sprays at you in a brown and green smear.

At 204 mph, even freshly rolled pavement, paid for with lavish European Union loans, feels perilously lumpy as the subtle mounds and sags that are invisible at sane speeds become terrifying whoop-de-dos.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,BUGATTI,CAR,LUXURY,SPORTS CAR

2012 Audi TT RS Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

We invite you to consider the following postulate: the Audi TT RS is a backwards Porsche 911 Turbo.

We submit the following evidence: Each one comes with all-wheel drive and turbocharging, both offer two-plus-two seating, and in the case of our Euro-spec TT RS, both can be had with seven-speed dual-clutch gearboxes with launch control.

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Posted in: AUDI,AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,SPORTS CAR

2011 Audi TTS Coupe Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

Audi’s climb up the luxury ladder to a full-bore, take-’em-seriously competitor to BMW and Mercedes has been powered by volume models like the A4 and A6 sedans and Q5 crossover, but the first-generation Audi TT certainly helped the brand skip a few rungs.

The sexy coupe and roadster had many noticing the four-ringed brand for the first time, and it’s already regarded as an icon of automotive design.

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Posted in: AUDI,AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,SPORTS CAR

2012 Volkswagen GTI Edition 35 Specs, Prices, Pics and Reviews

The Volkswagen GTI is one of our favorite cars, and not just among compacts.

It terms of driving enjoyment and overall refinement, it’s a difficult car for anything on the market to top, especially when you take price into consideration.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LUXURY,SPORTS CAR,VOLKSWAGEN

2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Specs, Prices, Pics and Reviews

Land Rover's venerable Range Rover can tackle tough off-road terrain that would foil less-capable SUVs, yet it still has the cachet to warrant a front-and-center parking space at an upscale hotel.

Much of the Range Rover's style and off-road-ready hardware has carried over to the automaker's less expensive Range Rover Sport.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LAND ROVER

2011 Toyota RAV4 Specs, Prices, Pics and Reviews

The Toyota RAV4 is a solid performer that you almost don't notice until you stop to think about it.

Like that quiet person at your office who doesn't wear loud shirts, engage in office gossip or drink on the job it's easy to dismiss the RAV4 as boring — but to do so is to overlook its strengths.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,TOYOTA

2012 Hyundai Elantra Specs, Prices and Reviews

One of the likely consequences of the federal government's push for more stringent fuel economy standards is that more people will be driving smaller cars in the future.

Not too long ago, with the exception of a few distinguished compact cars, that didn't look like a very appealing reality.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,HYUNDAI

2011 Volkswagen Routan Specs, Prices, Pics and Reviews

In full disclosure, I didn't expect much from the 2011 Volkswagen Routan. My mindset going into this test drive was VW excels at making affordable sporty cars like the GTI and that cute Eos, not family cars.

Furthermore, the Routan is a Volkswagen-ized version of the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, two minivans that are often overshadowed in features and performance by their Japanese competitors like the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,VOLKSWAGEN

2011 Mazda Mazda3 Specs, Prices, Pics and Reviews

In a field that's exposing also-rans at a torrid pace, the 2011 Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback still shine.

The popular Mazda3 remains unabashedly fun to drive, which should appeal to driving enthusiasts who want a practical car. And although it falls short on ride quality and fuel efficiency, the latter is set to improve with next year's four-cylinder drivetrain, which should get 40 mpg highway.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,MAZDA

2011 Harley Sportster XL1200C Review

I admit it. I used to say that Harley-Davidson was perhaps diluting its bloodline by releasing a plethora of dolled-up versions of its various motorcycles over the last 20 years or so.

I was concerned that maybe the Motor Company was taking the joy of customization away from the enthusiast by prepackaging its bikes in various stylistic formats. Yes, I may have even been overheard complaining that the massive corporation was bilking the aftermarket with its extensive line of accessories.

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Posted in: HARLEY DAVIDSON,MOTORCYCLE

Blackline Softail, Harley’s Reviews Dark Custom

Over the past few years, Harley-Davidson has chosen to make new bike announcements gradually. Usually we’ll hear about most of next year’s models around July, but then a couple more releases will come in the dead of winter.

I’m not sure why H-D does this. Perhaps certain models aren’t ready for production, or maybe H-D wants more press over a longer period of time. Fortunately for us, the unveiling of the 2011 FXS Blackline Softail took place in New York City, about 50 miles from American Iron Magazine’s offices, this past January. I was on hand for the evening’s festivities and was excited with the newest Dark Custom.

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Posted in: HARLEY DAVIDSON,MOTORCYCLE

2011 Harley Davidson Dyna Fat Bob Reviews

A brand-new Harley-Davidson and all you had to do was pay to register and insure the bike. Do you know what bike you would choose?

If I were given that offer, without a doubt I would choose a Dyna Fat Bob. Sure, I might go with the 2010 CVO version, but I would be just as grateful for a stocker like the 2011 Sedona Orange model seen here.

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Posted in: HARLEY DAVIDSON,MOTORCYCLE

Harley CVO Ultra Dark Side Specs, Prices and Reviews

Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) Ultra Classic Electra Glide trades the shine of chrome for a fade to black in its debut as the new, darker version of this truly exceptional Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle. Each motorcycle is serialized from one to 999, and displays a formidable array of blacked out components, led by the serialized CB pod insert and the Gloss Black Rumble Collection and low-smoked windshield, the new CVO Ultra adds leading-edge technology with a handlebar-mounted Road Tech zūmo 660 GPS Navigator and an integrated automatic lock system that now includes the ignition knob.

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Posted in: HARLEY DAVIDSON,MOTORCYCLE

2011 Limited Edition Harley Davidson CVO Reviews

Every Harley-Davidson new model launch I’ve attended over the years has been a rewarding experience in some way or another, but none more so than the ones hosted by the Motor Company’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) division. It seems that when the CVO team launches their new models, they do it in a special and exclusive way, giving you the sense of what it might be like to actually own a CVO. This year’s press launch (CVO’s 11th year in existence) kept with tradition and made us all feel grand for many reasons, not the least of which was because we were bunking at the Ritz- Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California.

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Posted in: HARLEY DAVIDSON,MOTORCYCLE

2011 Porsche Cayenne S Turbo Hybrid Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

Longtime Porsche fans were largely appalled when the company introduced the Cayenne in 2003.

How could a company that used to manufacture 911 lug nuts out of aluminum to save a few grams introduce an SUV whose weight in some versions approached 6000 pounds even though it could barely hold five adults?

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LUXURY,PORSCHE

2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Specs, Pics, and Reviews

It seems as though Porsche itself were caught off guard by the announcement of this special-edition 911. The company had shut down the line that would normally build the engine for a car like this, so when the brass decided they needed one final 997, Porsche had to restart production.

The GT3 is, of course, the purest 911, which makes a GT3 derivative the appropriate final send-off for the 997 before the arrival of the 991.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LUXURY,PORSCHE

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class Spied News

The Mercedes-Benz SL-class is a perpetual favorite among the wealthy and glamorous, and with the current model, the Germans got the formula right again.

In production since 2001, the R230 SL has already gone through two face lifts. The soft, outdated look of the original design has been sharpened, albeit at the expense of the overall stylistic balance of the car. It's time for Mercedes to get busy putting the next generation into production.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,MERCEDES-BENZ

2011 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

You know you’re getting old when the Mercedes-Benz SL550 seems like the perfect car. That might sound like a backhanded compliment to the car, but with age comes wisdom and with wisdom, the realization that one needn’t drive at 11/10th all the time in the public domain.

For more-relaxed motoring, a comfortable car that is really fast, handles nicely, and rides well is an alluring everyday proposition. The last time we tested an SL550 was in acomparison in August 2006, when it finished first ahead of a Cadillac XLR-V, a BMW 650i, a Jaguar XK, and a Porsche 911.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LUXURY,MERCEDES-BENZ

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

We’d like to be able to tell you that the new Maser­ati GranTurismo convertible is great with the top up or down, but we can only confirm the former.

Our test drive, originating in Rome, coincided with the heaviest snowstorm that city has seen since 1986. We sat in our hotel, looking out at the flakes accumulating on the Fiat Cinquecentos and Smart Fortwos that crammed themselves onto both sides of the black-pavered streets like impacted molars.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LUXURY,MASERATI

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo Bicolore and 2012 Spyder Performante Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

In the seven years since our first Lamborghini Gallardo test, the factory has produced some 10,000 copies. Compared with, say, a Honda Accord about 6000 sold last week that number is paltry enough to qualify each Gallardo as special.

But in the world of handmade Italian baubles, 10,000 is a large number. So, to keep away ennui, the factory periodically releases even special-er editions. We’ve already tested aGallardo Spyder, a Gallardo Superleggera, and a rear-drive Gallardo Balboni. Surely a Hurst Edition and an Indy pace-car replica are on the boards.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LAMBORGHINI,LUXURY

2011 Audi R8 GT Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

We’re not quite sure the world needs an even faster, lighter, and more powerful Audi R8, but Stephan Reil, head of development at Quattro GmbH, the company’s performance division, thinks it does.

“More and more customers are demanding high-performance sports cars suitable for track days and club competition events,” he explains. “Also, we want to bring some of the Audi R8 LMS race car’s technical features to the road”.

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Posted in: AUDI,AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LUXURY

Acura MDX Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

With Acura’s upcoming 2010 ZDX crossover-coupe-whatever setting the tone for the brand in terms of refinement and technology, its once techno-trendsetting MDX sibling is looking a bit long in the tooth.

 Base Price: $43,815 - $55,340

Indeed, the second-gen MDX—which placed first of eight in our last shootout of $50,000 SUVs—has sat relatively unchanged since its 2007 debut, and this fact, combined with a number of newly engineered goodies also used in the ZDX, makes this year the perfect time for an update.

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Posted in: ACURA,AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LUXURY

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

The S trailing the name of this Vantage stands for “sport” hardly astonishing news but the differences between sport and standard (one simply cannot employ so mundane a descriptor as “base” in connection with an Aston Martin) are a bit elusive.

S means a little more motor, a little more brake, a little more rubber, a little less weight, some small trim distinctions, and, of course, a little more money.

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Posted in: ASTON MARTIN,AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LUXURY

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Specs, Pics, Prices and Reviews

Within seconds of launching the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider out of pit lane at the company’s Balocco test track near Milan, in northern Italy, I’m grinning like an idiot. And I’m not even driving.

The first reason is the noise: a manic blare and bark from the 4.7-liter V-8. The sheer volume and ferocity of the sound beats even a Ferrari Scuderia’s or a Lamborghini LP560-4’s and makes one wonder how the 8C gets through tough European pass-by noise regulations.

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Posted in: ALFA,AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LUXURY

Aston Martin DBS Volante Specs, Prices and Reviews

Aston Martin has been rather busy lately, finessing a big V-12 into the Vantage coupe, preparing for the launch of the highly anticipatedRapide four-door, and going all-out to create the $1.7 million, 700-hp One-77 supercar.

Not to mention engineering a Toyota iQ–based microcar called the Cygnet. (Yes, it’s real.) Add the new 2010 DBS Volante (Aston-speak for convertible) to the pile.

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Posted in: ASTON MARTIN,AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LUXURY

2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Specs, Prices and Reviews

It’s not that any Porsche Panamera lacks power. The 300-hp V-6 is quick, the 380-hp hybrid and the 400-hp V-8 are quicker still, and the 500-hp Turbo well, let’s just say we’ve squeezed a 3.3 second 0 to 60 run out of that 4400 pound rocket. But this is Porsche, and where a Turbo exists, a Turbo S isn’t far behind.

So here is the Panamera Turbo S, more powerful by 50 hp, thanks to a modified ECU, and more responsive, thanks to modified turbochargers with titanium-aluminum turbine blades. The basic design of the Turbo model’s twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V-8 remains unchanged.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,PORSCHE

2011 Lingenfelter Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Specs, Price and Review

Like Red Bull–quaffing preteens laying waste to digital innocents by the dozens in Grand Theft Auto, we’re being desensitized. It isn’t graphic violence we’re being hardened against, though; it’s gratuitous horsepower. 

$80,915 (base price: $76,005)

Outputs that once stopped us in our tracks and slackened our jaws now merit an entitled shrug. Well, good.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CADILLAC,CAR

Chevrolet Shows Second, “Rally” Colorado Pickup Concept in Argentina

At the Buenos Aires auto show this week, Chevrolet is showing another concept of its next generation Colorado pickup, this time in jacked up, left hand drive, double cab “Rally” form. When we last saw the truck three months ago halfway around the world in Thailand it was as the sleek, right hand drive, extended-cab Colorado concept.

This latest take is a real feast for the eyes, with fat fenders, front and rear winches, and more ancillary lights than an ambulance. The production version certainly will be toned down, but from what we can tell from looking at both trucks, the next Colorado is going to look pretty cool.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,CHEVROLET

2012 Toyota Yaris Future Cars Review

There’s a styling revolution happening in the subcompact-car segment, led by the swoopy Ford Fiesta and championed by the freshly redesignedHyundai Accent, the snappy Kia Rio, and the funkyChevrolet Sonic. Toyota’s price-leading Yaris undergoes a ground-up redesign for 2012, but, judging by the looks of this prototype—not to mention the Japanese-market Vitz from which it is cloned—Toyota’s entry-level hatch won’t be advancing the state of tiny-car design. To be fair, the prototype’s bright-white hue washes out certain aspects of the shape. But, as the renderings of the Vitz (that’s the Yaris’s home-market name) shared by Toyota of Japan prove, the car’s design seems somewhat awkward regardless of color.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,TOYOTA

The Mid vs Rear-Engine Debate Porsche Cayman R vs. 911 GT3

This is where we venture beyond customary performance tests to decipher two of car enthusiasm’s enduring mysteries: Does spotting the engine in the optimum location—in the middle of the car—yield demonstrably better handling? And can engineering theory trounce painstaking practice?

Porsche’s 2012 Cayman R, the hottest mid-engined model in Porsche’s current lineup, represents the theory side of the equation. This is the thinking man’s sports car—light, stripped, and hunkered down for utmost agility. Aluminum door skins, a bare-bones interior, carbon-fiber seat structures, and new 19-inch wheels hold the curb weight to 3076 pounds. Air conditioning and audio-entertainment equipment are optional. Porsche’s 3.4-liter, direct-injection flat-six has been goaded to 330 horsepower at 7400 rpm, a 10-hp gain over the standard Cayman S. While price doesn’t count in this analysis, the Cayman R starts at $67,250, a pocket-warming $12,700 less than a base 911.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,PORSCHE

2013 Jaguar XE Roadster Future Cars Reviews

As we left this year’s Geneva auto show, at which Jaguar kicked off the iconic E-type’s 50th birthday party, we were disappointed. After the music had stopped, the champagne flutes sat dry, and the confetti lay lifeless on the floor, we still had no E-type successor or tribute. Today, though, our spirits are lifted, as our crafty spy shooters have caught Jaguar testing a mule of what will become the modern version of the E-type, likely called XE. Whether or not the future two-seater will be able to pick up the torch of the famed E-type, it’ll fill that car’s role within the Jag showroom. 

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,JAGUAR

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Future Cars

Hyundai’s unique Veloster is due to arrive in the U.S. this summer with a 138-hp, 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, and now our spy shooters have captured a prototype that just might be the promised turbocharged version.

We have prior confirmation that the car will get a turbo’d, 210-hp version of the Veloster’s little four on the Continent, and we have an inkling that we’ll see it here, too.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,HYUNDAI

2012 Honda Civic Specs, Prices and Reviews

The Honda Civic was once a default purchase in the compact segment. There were other cars, but the Civic just felt more complete, more mature than any of the other choices.

Starting MSRP $15,605 – $21,955

The compact car world has evolved much too fast for the Civic to hold that particular premium. The Ford Focus and Hyundai Sonata are more stylish, the Chevy Cruze is more practical, and there are a host of other small hot wheels breathing down Honda's tailpipe. But the 2012 Civic, redesigned to provide more room and a better interior, remains one of the most civil of choices.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,HONDA CIVIC

2012 Hyundai Genesis Specs, Prices and Reviews

When it made its 2009 debut, Hyundai's flagship sedan, the Genesis, was a marvel. It offered rear-wheel drive, a potent V-8 option and an interior nearly on par with those of Lexus and Acura.

Starting MSRP $34,200 – $46,500

It was so good, Cars.com bestowed upon it our highest annual award, "Best of 2009." For 2012, the Genesis gets some mild tweaks to its looks, undercarriage and, most importantly, to the engines, including an all-new 429-horsepower, 5.0 liter V-8.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,HYUNDAI

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Specs and Reviews

The all-new Range Rover Evoque marks a shift of sorts for Land Rover. The automaker is known primarily in the U.S. for building boxy, capable SUVs,

but the Evoque is a decidedly sportier and sleeker luxury crossover aimed at models like the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60. Offered in two- and four-door body styles, the Evoque hits dealerships in fall 2011.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,LAND ROVER

2012 Hyundai Accent Specs, Prices and Reviews

Redesigned for 2012, the entry-level Hyundai Accent gains styling similar to Hyundai's larger Elantra and Sonata sedans. With its direct-injection four-cylinder, the car is EPA-rated at 30/40 mpg city/highway -- numbers that few of its peers can match.

Starting MSRP $12,445 – $15,795

Available in sedan and four-door hatchback variants, the Accent competes with the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Chevrolet Sonic. The Kia Rio, also redesigned for 2012, is related. The Accent sedan comes in a single GLS trim. The hatchback comes in GS and uplevel SE trims.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,HYUNDAI

2012 FIAT 500C Specs, Prices and Reviews

Ever since June 2009, when Fiat took a controlling stake in Chrysler, it's been all but certain the Italian automaker would bring a version of its 500 to the U.S.

Starting MSRP $19,500 – $23,500

It's finally here for 2012, and Chrysler plans to sell it at Fiat displays inside 130 participating Chrysler dealerships. Closer in length to the Mini Cooper than the Scion iQ or Smart ForTwo, the four-seat 500 competes with all three minicars.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,FIAT

2012 Audi A7 Specs, Prices and Reviews

It is a five-door, all-wheel-drive hatchback with the sporting looks of a luxury coupe.

Starting MSRP $59,250

It is as close as you can get to the motorized equivalent of having your cake and eating it, too — performance in passionate conjugation with utility, high style in elopement with practicality. And it even has the nerve to flirt with fuel economy!

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Posted in: AUDI,AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR

2011 BMW 535 Gran Turismo Specs, Prices and Reviews

Redesigned for 2011, the sixth-generation 5 Series offers a longer wheelbase, better fuel efficiency and more conventional styling than its predecessor.

Starting MSRP $56,500 – $58,800

Available in 528i, 535i and 550i trims, the 5 Series sports a new twin-turbo V-8 (550i) and single-turbo six-cylinder (535i), with eight-speed automatics available across the board. Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Infiniti M.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,BMW,CAR

2012 BMW 128 Specs, Prices and Reviews

The rear-wheel-drive BMW 1 Series enters its fifth year on the market with a few visual changes, as well as a new higher-performance version from BMW's M division, dubbed the 1 Series M.

Starting MSRP $30,950 – $36,600

At the other end of the lineup is the 128i, which is the least-expensive entry point to BMW's entire lineup. Available as a coupe or convertible, the compact 1 Series occupies a space with few competitors. The Nissan 370Z, Infiniti G37 coupe and top-end versions of Detroit's muscle cars come closest to filling out the competitive slate.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,BMW,CAR

2011 Dodge Caliber Specs, Prices and Reviews

The Caliber is a five-seat, four-door hatchback. The Caliber comes in Express, Mainstreet, Uptown, Heat and Rush trim levels.

Starting MSRP $17,380 – $20,585 

New for 2011

The 2011 Dodge Caliber has six new available exterior paint colors, a new navigation/audio system with Sirius Travel Link, retuned steering, available 18-inch wheels on the Uptown model, red and blue stitching on seats in the Rush model, a standard six-way power driver's seat on the Mainstreet model and standard electronic stability control on the Heat, Mainstreet, Rush and Uptown models.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,DODGE

2012 Chrysler 300 Specs and Reviews

Editor's note: Full details on the 2012 Chrysler 300 are not available. What follows is details on the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8. Check back later for a full report.

In fall 2011, the SRT8 version of the 300 will return as a 2012 model. Previously based on the first-generation car, the new SRT8 shares the new platform and overall appearance. It sits a half-inch lower than the regular 300, and it has bumper and side sill extensions.

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,CAR,CHRYSLER

2012 Bentley Continental GT Specs, Prices and Reviews

Introduced in 2004, the Continental GT quickly became Bentley's best-seller. Arguably, it launched a new segment of luxury cars priced lower than the usual fare from ultra-luxury brands but higher than top models from the likes of BMW and Jaguar.

It was a risky move. It paid off. I've always respected that, but I've never liked the Continental as much as I wanted to. 

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Posted in: AUTOMOTIVE INFO,BENTLEY,CAR