Friday, March 21, 2014

F12 berlinetta

F12 berlinetta

F12 berlinetta

Hard to imagine, but it's quicker than an Enzo (!) around Fiorano, Ferrari’s test track. This ultimate 730-bhp V-12 Ferrari with a rear-mounted 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox is Ferrari's fastest, most powerful road car ever, with a claimed 0–62 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of over 210 mph. 
Within the coral-colored brick walls of Ferrari’s Maranello operations, a new supercar is starting to roll off the line. The replacement for the 599GTB Fiorano and its numerous offshoots, the new F12berlinetta will be Ferrari’s most expensive, quickest, and most powerful model when it goes on sale in the U.S. early next year at an estimated price of $330,000. Its reign as Ferrari’s flagship will be a brief one, as the Enzo replacement is expected to break cover at the Paris auto show this fall and go on sale in mid-to-late 2013.

F12 berlinetta

But back to the F12. It’s a traditional Ferrari in that it seats two and has a V-12 mounted ahead of the driver. And yet tradition isn’t among the reasons Ferrari gives when asked why the F12 isn’t mid-engined or why it’s made of aluminum instead of carbon-fiber composite. As to the latter, Ferrari claims that carbon fiber is much harder to produce and get right, carbon-fiber structures usually make for difficult ingress and egress, and aluminum is easier to repair. This might sound like Ferrari trying to convince us that the world is flat, that drum brakes are better than disc brakes, that bianco is nero, but we expect the F12 to weigh in at about 3800 pounds, less than the 4085-pound Lamborghini Aventador we tested earlier this year.

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Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand sport vitesse

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand sport vitesse

If you had your heart set on an "ordinary" Veyron 16.4, you've waited too long—they're sold out. However, the Grand Sport and Grand Sport Vitesse roadsters are still ready to entertain—and astound—with their quad-turbo W-16s propelling these exotics like no others on earth. 
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand sport vitesse

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand sport vitesse
Think of the Vitesse as a Grand Sport enhanced with Super Sport mods, enhanced bits of engineering, styling and propulsion (1200 hp versus the Grand Sport's 1001). 
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand sport vitesse

The Grand Sport costs 1.4 million euros (assuming the euro is still good, around $1.76 million); the Grand Sport Vitesse, runs between $2.2 million and $2.4 million, depending on the body finish. 

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Car- McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren Automotive, rather than resting on its laurels, has instead announced a package of enhancements that will make the McLaren MP4-12C high performance sports car even more invigorating to drive yet even easier to live with.
McLaren MP4-12C

Headlining the changes is a 25PS (25hp) power increase. It takes the maximum output of the mid mounted, twin turbocharged V8 engine to 625PS (616hp) to give yet more vivid acceleration at track speeds with no loss in efficiency. Modifications have been made by McLaren's engineers to the 12C's engine and SSG transmission increasing responsiveness. Ease of use, a phrase not often associated with cars of this type, is further improved through a host of detail changes while a wider variety of paint, leather and wheel options give customers yet more scope for personalisation. The McLaren MP4-12C's unique Intake Sound Generator (ISG) system, which controls the amount of engine intake sound heard in the cabin, is now programmable across three levels in all three Powertrain modes allowing the driver to select the amount of aural drama he or she wants to enjoy, whatever the road. But one aspect that hasn't changed is the McLaren MP4-12C's purposeful styling… apart from a subtle revision to the McLaren Speed Marque badge, that is.
McLaren MP4-12C

This latest iteration of the McLaren MP4-12C, which at launch set a new benchmark among its competitors for power, efficiency and pioneering technology, is available to order now. Customers who have already taken delivery of a 12C are not being neglected, though. Every 12C owner is being offered a package of upgrades, including the extra 25PS (25hp), at no cost, underlining McLaren's commitment to its customers ensuring they enjoy owning their 12C as much as they do driving it.

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Mercedes SLS

Mercedes SLS

Mercedes SLS

Mercedes-Benz SLS information: everything you need to know if you own a Mercedes SLS, are thinking of buying one or just want to find out more about the SLS supercar. Click on the links below for all of CAR Magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos of the SLS car range. We list the top 10 stories for each model – and where appropriate you can click on ‘More’ to browse even more of our archive content.

Mercedes SLS

The Mercedes-Benz SLS is the aluminium supercar from Stuttgart to replace the SLR. It’s lightweight, famous for those retro gullwing doors and a different take on the Italian supercar recipe.

Click here for all of CAR Magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos of the SLS car range

VW Beetle

VW Beetle


VW Beetle


everything you need to know if you own a Volkswagen Beetle, are thinking of buying one or just want to find out more about the Beetle. Click on the links below for all of CAR Magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos of the Beetle car range. We list the top 10 stories for each model, you can click on ‘More’ to browse even more of our archive.

VW Beetle

The VW Beetle is an icon reborn – but the lustre has faded since its late 1990s birth.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Mercedes-Benz R-class

Mercedes-Benz R-class

With Mercedes A-class,Mercedes-g class ,Mercedes-cclassagain Mercedes R-Class also most popular vehicle and most comfertable and valueble vehicle in the world.
With Mercedes A-class,Mercedes-g class ,Mercedes-cclassagain Mercedes R-Class also most popular vehicle and most comfertable and valueble vehicle

Mercedes-Benz R-class information: everything you need to know if you own a Mercedes R-class, are thinking of buying one or just want to find out more about the R-class. Click on the links below for all of CAR Magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos of the Mercedes R-class car range. We list the top 10 stories for each model – and where appropriate you can click on ‘More’ to browse even more of our archive content.
With Mercedes A-class,Mercedes-g class ,Mercedes-cclassagain Mercedes R-Class also most popular vehicle and most comfertable and valueble vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz R-class is the oddball MPV, estate, 4x4 mash-up from Stuttgart. It’s like a posh Ford S-Max, with the usual Merc strengths but also a dose of the weirditis

Click on the links below for all of CAR Magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos

Mercedes Mclaren SLR

Mercedes Mclaren SLR

After Mercedes Mclaren SLR 2013,Mercedes Mclaren SLR 2014 also another world famous and valuable, comfertable vehicle which every one love to drive.Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR  everything you need to know if you own a Mercedes-McLaren SLR, are thinking of buying one or just want to find out more about the SLR. Click on the links below for all of CAR Magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos of the McMerc SLR range. We list the top 10 stories for each model – and where appropriate you can click on ‘More’ to browse even more of our archive content.
After Mercedes Mclaren SLR 2013,Mercedes Mclaren SLR 2014 also another world famous and valuable, comfertable vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR is a joint project between Woking and Stuttgart and produced coupé and roadster supercars, including various special editions such as the 722 and Stirling Moss.
After Mercedes Mclaren SLR 2013,Mercedes Mclaren SLR 2014 also another world famous and valuable, comfertable vehicle

Click on the links below for all of CAR Magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Mercedes A-class

Mercedes A-class

With Mercedes-Benz S-class,Mercedes-Benz E-class also Mercedes-Benz A-class  car is a most valuble and most famous car in the world.everything you need to know if you own a Mercedes A-class, are thinking of buying one or just want to find out more about the A-class. Click on the links below for all of CAR Magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos of the A-class car range. We list the top 10 stories for each model – and where appropriate you can click on ‘More’ to browse even more of our archive content.
With Mercedes-Benz S-class,Mercedes-Benz E-class also Mercedes-Benz A-class  car is a most valuble and most famous

The new Mercedes A-class ditches the mini-MPV look of the old car – and its innovative construction – for a more conventional sporty hatch shape. The drive is far more dynamic than before too – but watch out for the stiff ride and jerky dual-clutch gearbox. If you’re after sense of occasion from your family hatch, the A-class’s high-quality supercar-like cabin is hard to beat.



With Mercedes-Benz S-class,Mercedes-Benz E-class also Mercedes-Benz A-class  car is a most valuble and most famous


BMW X6

BMW X6 is one of the fasest and world famous vehicle and also a smart vehicle.everything you need to know if you own a BMW X6, are thinking of buying one or just want to find out more about the 2012 or 2013 X6. 
one of the most popular and valuable vehicle-BMW X6

Click on the links below for all of CAR Magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos of the X6 car range. We list the top 10 stories for each model, you can click on ‘More’ to browse even more of our archive. 




one of the most popular and valuable vehicle-BMW X6

CAR Magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos of the X6 car range.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

BMW M5

After 11 months and 16,000 miles – 11,000 of them in CAR’s hands – our M5 has finally departed. It arrived with the spoils of victory from a Jag XFR/Merc CLS 63/Panamera V8 group test and bowed out after a five-week sojourn at the dealer. That, however, was one large blot in an otherwise near-perfect copybook.

My long-termer was one of BMW’s press cars, with a spec that added £10k to the £73k asking price. I've outlined my dream M5 spec below: it comes to £81,810. I’d ditch the £5k Merino leather, stick with our standard, sweeter-riding, cheaper-to-wrap-in-rubber 19in wheels and put aside £665 for the Comfort Access pack – I always felt it strange that while I didn’t need the key to start the car, I had to blip it to open the doors.

The F10 M5 had a tough act to follow, what with the old E60 packing a naturally aspirated, F1-inspired V10 engine. The new, downsized 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo is seriously good, with masses more torque than the outgoing engine, while the excellent throttle response and high-rev capability are at odds with what we expect from lazier turbo lumps. The turbos were necessary to improve mpg and CO2 and we managed 21.5mpg, into which we need to factor regular 90mph cruises, a couple of 170mph runs on the autobahn and an absence of city driving. It also used oil at a rate of nearly a litre every 3000-4000 miles. Meanwhile, the dual-clutch ’box – also new – is far smoother and faster than the old clutchless manual.

The first problem arose a month after the M5 landed, when a powertrain warning light bonged up and restricted power. BMW said the car needed to go in for a ‘campaign’. Seems the maximum boost pressure can be temporarily exceeded if the car was driven in anger. I’d stumbled on this problem while driving around Cambridgeshire, yet BMW presumably hadn’t while driving around the Nürburgring.

BMW Z4

BMW Z4 

Developing 154bhp and 177lb ft, the Z4 18i’s four-cylinder engine gives away 27bhp and 22lb ft to the superior Z4 20i with which it shares an engine. Consequently, the cheaper model lags behind by one second in the 0-62mph run (6.9sec plays 7.9sec for the manual versions, though a slower off-the-line auto is available). The top speed also suffers to the tune of a largely irrelevant 9mph

Not a drop, according to BMW’s official figures. The Z4 18i scores 41.5mpg and 159g/km of CO2 – numbers identical not just to the Z4 20i, but the considerably punchier Z4 28i, which boasts 245bhp and will hit 62mph in a Porsche Boxster-baiting 5.7sec.

everything you need to know if you own a BMW Z4, are thinking of buying one or just want to find out more about the 2012 or 2013 Z4. Click on the links below for all of CAR Magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos of the Z4 car range. We list the top 10 stories for each model, you can click on ‘More’ to browse even more of our archive. 

This is where BMW goes wild – the Z4 is the selfish, two-seater roadster, now with a folding hard-top where its predecessor made do with a fabric roof. Plenty of four- and six-cylinder engines to choose from. For more information on the BMW Z4, click on our further stories on the links below.

Bugatti new Veyron GSV

Bugatti is paying tribute to six of the most important individuals in the marque’s 104-year history, and will be unveiling a new special edition Veyron every two months for the next year. The first is the car pictured right: the Jean-Pierre Wimille version.

Translated as ‘Bugatti Legends', the brief is simple: six special editions commemorating six people that have played a crucial role in the history and ‘mystique' of Bugatti. The first name on the roster? Jean-Pierre Wimille.

This gentleman was one of the longest-serving test drivers at Bugatti, bringing home a number of race wins that included the company's very last number one: the 1947 Bois de Boulogne, where he drove a 4.7-litre Monoposto (single seater) Type 59/50 B.

He died later in 1949 in a car crash in Buenos Aires, but his greatest achievement for Bugatti remains the two victories he scored at Le Mans; the first in 1937 driving the 57G Tank, the second in 1939 supported by Pierre Veyron (get the connection?) in a 57C Tank.

And thus, as it's the 90th anniversary of Le Mans this year, Bugatti has decided Jean-Pierre's race-winning 57G Tank from 1937 was ripe for commemoration. As we mentioned, each special edition is based on the bonkers-fast Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, and this first car gets blue clear-coated carbon fibre and a light Wimille Bleu paintwork finish, in honour of Wimille's blue 57G.

The blue theme continues inside, although Bugatti has neglected to fiddle with the meat underneath. A wise move, considering the GSV boasts an 8.0-litre W16 capable of around 1200bhp, 1106lb ft of torque, a 0-62mph time of 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 254.04mph. Suffice to say, industrial strength adhesive may be required for any hairpieces/commemorative headwear when the roof is off.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Mazda CX-5

Mazda’s CX-5 is the athlete of its class, nimble rather than fast, without sacrificing any room or cargo flexibility to its more-mundane-driving competitors. The balanced, well-controlled chassis, excellent steering, and responsive brakes make it the Miata of small crossovers, although it’s not a sports car by any means. The eco-oriented 2.0-liter four offers a six-speed manual or quick-shifting auto; for everything else, the 2.5-liter four (auto only) is worth the mild drop in fuel economy.

Acura TL

A new TL is on its way, but the current model offers good value and decent performance, especially with optional all-wheel drive. The 3.5-liter V-6 in front-drive models makes 280 hp; TL SH-AWD models get a 305-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 and a torque-vectoring rear end. Choosing the SH-AWD along with its optional Tech package replaces the six-speed automatic with a six-speed manual. Both front- and all-wheel-drive versions deliver commendable handling, although some torque steer plagues the front-driver

Acura TL

A new TL is on its way, but the current model offers good value and decent performance, especially with optional all-wheel drive. The 3.5-liter V-6 in front-drive models makes 280 hp; TL SH-AWD models get a 305-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 and a torque-vectoring rear end. Choosing the SH-AWD along with its optional Tech package replaces the six-speed automatic with a six-speed manual. Both front- and all-wheel-drive versions deliver commendable handling, although some torque steer plagues the front-driver

Acura NSX

The continued existence of the NSX is a tribute to the overall success of Acura/Honda's U.S. sales. But for that, it's unlikely this civilized exotic could carry its own weight since its sales amount to a mere trickle. Thus, it survives, a near-supercar that's a pleasure to drive on an everyday basis.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

2014 Audi Allroad

As the carbon monoxide alarm lights flash, Jürgen Koenigstedt watches the tortuous display with a grin. The chief of Audi V-8 and V-10 development, he's responsible for the incredible 8700-rpm 5.2-liter mill employed in the R8. This V-8 is also his handiwork, and it eclipses that 10-cylinder in both power (560 hp) and torque (516 lb-ft).

 It’s an unassuming square hunk of aluminum, this V-8, with the turbos and air-to-water intercoolers tucked neatly in the vee and hidden beneath a heat-shielded cover. Two black intake pipes snake out from there, each hugging the front of the engine and making tight, 90-degree turns to the cylinder heads. The compactness of this setup minimizes lag and improves throttle response. 

It’s also slightly undersquare and direct-injected, boasting 17.4 psi max boost and a 10.1:1 compression ratio. Oh, and the engine can run in 2.0-liter V-4 mode, using active engine and transmission mounts to eliminate unwanted vibrations. Resulting fuel economy is 19/26 mpg city/highway, meaning it doesn’t incur a gas guzzler tax.


Audi essentially skipped the first wave of the SUV craze, more than a decade ago, but it did concede a bit to their popularity with the original 2001-2006 Allroad—essentially an A6 Avant wagon with slightly higher ride height and a touch of rugged trim.


The automaker has kept to the same formula with the current Allroad, introduced last year, but this time the Allroad is a bit tidier—and based on the Audi A4. In form, and in function, it's still a station wagon (or sport wagon as the marketing folks might want you to hear). And while it does offer some of the talents of a comparably sized utility vehicle, it carries forward with more carlike performance and a lower, sportier look than Audi's own excellent Q5 crossover.

Audi S3

The new S3 drives like a smaller S4, and whether from your own experience or from our reviews, you'll know it's good. Obviously, there are some differences. The new S3 is based on front-drive architecture but of course comes with standard Quattro all-wheel drive. It employs a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that Audi says produces between 290 and 300 horsepower, rather than the S4's supercharged V-6. It's also offered with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox only, though the Audi people hint that there's a glimmer of hope for a six-speed manual if the market demands one. 


The new S3 drives like a smaller S4, and whether from your own experience or from our reviews, you'll know it's good. Obviously, there are some differences. The new S3 is based on front-drive architecture but of course comes with standard Quattro all-wheel drive. 

It employs a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that Audi says produces between 290 and 300 horsepower, rather than the S4's supercharged V-6. It's also offered with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox only, though the Audi people hint that there's a glimmer of hope for a six-speed manual if the market demands one. 


2015 Lamborghini Huracan

The December announcement of Lamborghini's replacement for the Gallardo was a nice early Christmas present for this fan of bullish supercars. Today, at the 2014 Geneva auto show, we finally meet the 2015 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 in the flesh.

Supercar, super specs
Lamborghini gave us the full scoop on the Huracán's specs when it was announced earlier, but here's a quick refresher. It'll hit 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds, goes on to 124 mph (200 kph) in 9.9 seconds, and go on to a 201 mph top speed.

Just aft of the cabin is a mid-mounted 5.2-liter engine that produces 610-horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. Air enters the 10 cylinders via natural aspiration and fuel is added with Lamborghini's new Iniezione Diretta Stratificata (IDS) system, a combination of direct and port injection systems.

That power makes its way to all four 20-inch wheels via a fully electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system, but not before being multiplied by a 7-speed, dual-clutch Lamborghini Doppia Frizione (LDF) gearbox. Paddle shifters flanking the flat-bottomed steering wheel allow the driver to quickly smack upshifts and downshifts. The driver will also be able to select from three three driving dynamics modes (Strada, Sport, and Corsa) which will progressively sharpen the behavior of the gearbox, engine, exhaust, all-wheel drive system, and electronic stability control.

Bringing the Lambo to a stop are standard carbon-ceramic brakes with monobloc aluminum calipers: 6-piston units up front and 4-pots out back.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Volkswagen Golf

German engineering at an entry-level price, the Golf is offered for 2014 only in five-door hatchback versions. A 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas engine is standard; a 2.0-liter diesel is offered.
Frequently named to our 10Best list (including this year), the Golf is as solid as a bank vault, with an upscale interior, great seats, and smooth engines. It’s a bit stingy on features, however, and the standard suspension feels more slow lane than autobahn.

Mazda Mazda 3

If car shopping were computer software, the Corolla could be the default setting. It has the space, power, and features to meet most people’s needs. It has the Toyota reputation for reliability, so it can bring a premium, despite not engaging the driver as do some of its competitors.
Still, it remains a bestseller. If you’re more interested in the destination than the journey, the Corolla is for you

Volkswagen Passat

Longer and wider yet way down in price, the VW Passat is designed for and produced in the good old U.S. of A. VW’s once-upscale Audi fighter is retooled and ready to do battle with Honda and Hyundai.
With the old 2.5-liter five, a new 1.8-liter turbo four, a 3.6-liter VR6, and a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel, the Passat offers a handsome, roomy interior and decent road manners but lackluster exterior styling.

Ford Fusion

The Fusion brings a distinctive American presence to a market that often plays it too safe. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder is standard; optional engines are turbocharged 1.5-, 1.6-, and 2.0-liter fours.
A regular gas-hybrid version is available, as is a plug-in hybrid. Regardless of model, the ride is composed, and steering is responsive. However, the rear seat is cramped, and the optional MyFord Touch is confusing.

Honda Accord

A regular on our 10Best list (including 2014), the Accord is also one of America’s bestselling cars, capable of being tailored exactly to buyers’ needs. Sedan and coupe models offer a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V-6. A hybrid sedan is offered; a plug-in hybrid has limited availability. Regardless of engine, handling is responsive; conservative styling and the lack of a manual gearbox for V-6 sedans are on the short list of grip

Mazda Mazda 6

The all-new Mazda 6’s look breaks through the clutter of a crowded segment. Its design is expressive, and the 6 is now lighter, shorter, and lower. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter direct-injected four—no more V-6—and a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel is on the way. A six-speed manual or a new six-speed automatic perform shifting duties. There’s an upscale interior, but powertrain choices are limited: there’s no all-wheel drive or a hybrid. Still, we love its finesse and named it to our 2014 10Best list.

Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is America’s bestselling (and perhaps least compelling) family sedan. Its sterling reputation for reliability makes it the car people buy when they don’t want to think about buying a car. It is quiet but otherwise pretty dull to drive, except in the slightly sportier SE trim. Four-cylinder and V-6 engines are offered, as is a hybrid model, each with spacious, if sterile interiors

Dodge Charger

The Charger gives muscle-car mavens with families a place to go when coupes no longer fit their lifestyles. This sporty four-door sedan with an attitude offers a choice of V-6 and V-8 engines plus rear- and all-wheel drive. The SRT8 is an enthusiast’s delight, with its 470-hp Hemi V-8, launch control, and three-mode adaptive suspension. Some bemoan the Charger’s excess weight and thirsty V-8s—let ’em.

Chrysler 300

While this full-size sedan wears an American nameplate, it’s a product of multicultural engineering dating to the DaimlerChrysler days. With a rear-drive chassis co-developed with Mercedes-Benz, the 300 delivers well-controlled road manners. There’s a choice of a 292-hp V-6 or a 363-hp Hemi V-8; all-wheel drive is optional. The V-6 gets an eight-speed automatic; the V-8 has a five-speed auto. The sporty 300s gets blacked-out trim and 20-inch wheels, sport seats, and “Beats by Dr. Dre” audio

Chevrolet Impala

Reborn for 2014 from the chassis up, Chevy’s flagship sedan, the Impala, now combines no-excuses, full-size dimensions with the latest electronics and competent handling. Three powertrains—a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V-6, and a mild hybrid (late availability)—give workable if not sporting power. Inside are limo-like space, a full suite of features, and a modern design

Toyota Avalon

The Avalon received a makeover last year with a buff new look and better handling. Steering is sharper and body roll is reduced; braking is improved, too. While a 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic carry over, a hybrid joins the lineup. It features the Camry hybrid’s gas four-cylinder, electric motors, and a continuously variable transmission. The Avalon hybrid has an EPA combined fuel-economy rating of 40 mpg; we averaged 33 mpg in our testing. Overall, the Avalon is tops in our ranking.

Audi A7

The A7 is handsome, curvaceous, and capable in inclement weather. The standard powertrain is a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6, mated to all-wheel drive through an eight-speed automatic. A 240-hp, turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 is an option for those seeking impressive fuel economy. For more power, there is an S7, reviewed separately. Regardless of your choice, each model is great; witness its inclusion on our 10Best list. With its handsome design, it may have a hefty price, but we think it’s worth

Audi A6

With an abundance of technology, engaging driving dynamics, and an exquisitely crafted interior, the crisply styled A6 is one of our favorite cars; in fact, it’s made our 10Best list for the last few years, including 2014. Its base engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder with front-wheel drive; a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 and a diesel V-6 are available with all-wheel drive. Although it can be nose heavy in turns, the A6 does virtually everything well.

Audi R8

Crafted from the rib of the Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi’s luscious R8 supercar is beautiful to behold, easy to live with, and simply marvelous to drive. A midcycle update keeps styling fresh, while a lightweight, 550-hp “V-10 Plus” coupe model joins the lineup for 2014. Both coupe and roadster models remain available with carry-over 430-hp V-8 or 525-hp V-10 engines paired to either a gated six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Regardless of how it comes, the R8 is pure lust.

Audi S8

Brute power and a traditionally unassuming design make the S8 a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Power comes from a 520-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, mated to an eight-speed automatic. To ensure that power is applied to the pavement in a controlled and civilized manner, all four wheels are driven via Quattro all-wheel drive. The interior is sumptuous and loaded with tech. Despite its conservative styling and perceived sedate luxury car status, the S8 can keep up with nearly anything on the road.

Audi RS7

With a sleek, fastback body, aggressive styling modifications, and gorgeous 20-inch wheels, the A7-based RS7 could get by on looks alone. But as an RS model, that is completely unnecessary, packing as it does a spectacular turbocharged 560-hp V-8, a performance-tuned eight-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, a lowered suspension, and a 174-mph top speed. Its six-figure price tag is none too cheap, but the RS7 is as close as it gets to an R8 supercar with four—make that five—doors

Aston Martin Vantage

Bulging in the best ways possible, this is Aston’s smallest sports car. The 420-hp V8 makes a spectacular sound and has a sophisticated look with a supple suspension. The 436-hp Vantage S is quicker and has a tighter suspension tune. The 573-hp V12 Vantage S shreds all notions of English civility. The V12 Vantage S also comes as a roadster so that you can get a tan while violating the laws of physics. While it’s the least expensive way to own an Aston, you won’t care a bit driving up Highway 1.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

BMW G650GS Sertão

BMW’s G650GS machines are among only a handful of bigger bikes available as an option to holders of the new A2 licence, a product of licensing regulations due to begin on January 19 next year.
The new system is explained more fully in the panel below, but the rules allow A2 licence holders to ride bikes producing up to 35kW (47bhp) – therefore many will be learning on a GS because there’s also a minimum power requirement for training bikes of 20kW (27bhp), and few motorcycles meet this definition.
Certain riders might have little choice, then, although the G650GS is a fine option even for holders of a full motorcycle licence.

 The Sertão version has a stronger off-road bias than the stock GS, translating as longer travel suspension at 210mm front and rear, wire-spoked wheels including a large, 21in diameter front. It also comes with handguards, a screen and larger front mudguard.

A consequence of the changes is an increase in seat height of 2.4 inches to 33.9 inches, so this is not for shorter riders, but the lofty saddle and upright riding position are very good for seeing ahead over cars, and it’s a comfortable place to be. Although this is a trail bike the seat is large and soft and the screen helps fend off some wind pressure, making the Sertão very good at covering long distances.

Although it has a big, single-cylinder engine, the vibration reaching the rider is evident but unobtrusive, and it’s very impressive at low revs. Usually engines of this configuration are almost unusable below 3,000rpm, but the GS motor dips well below that without showing signs of distress, expanding the bike’s performance around town in particular. It also revs past its 6,500rpm power maximum willingly enough.

BMW F800GS Adventure

It might be a slightly unfair comparison, but if adventure bikes are motorcycling’s equivalent of the 4x4 the new BMW F800GS is a traditional Land Rover: down-to-earth, slightly crude in places, but built like a tank and well designed for its job.

In the BMW’s case, that job is long-distance travel, both on- and off-road. Like the Adventure version of the R1200GS boxer, this new Adventure is a kitted-out touring version of an existing model: the F800GS. It keeps that bike’s 798cc parallel twin engine and tubular steel frame, with the addition of a larger screen, wider seat, hand guards, bigger fuel tank, engine protection bars, serrated “enduro” footrests and brackets from which to hang panniers.

That’s a useful list, and the upmarket Adventure Travel Edition model tested (which costs £10,535 to the standard Adventure’s £9,650) also has heated grips, LED running lights, on-board computer and centre-stand. It has Automatic Stability Control (ASC), BMW’s version of traction control. And it adds an Enduro mode that tunes the ASC and the standard fitment ABS brake system for off-road riding.

The Adventure was created, BMW claims, for “true globetrotters who want to conquer the world off the beaten track”. But my heart sank within a mile of setting off, when I realised that its non-adjustable screen meant I couldn’t reduce the loud wind roar. To be fair, I’m very tall and riders of normal height didn’t complain. But the fixed screen is a strange flaw given the easy adjustability of other BMW screens.
Being tall at least meant that I didn’t have too much trouble clambering on to the seat which, at 890mm, is very high. Short riders will struggle, although there is a 30mm lower option.

BMW S1000R

Four years ago the BMW S1000RR took motorcycling's super-sports class by storm thanks to its unrivalled combination of power, handling ability, sophistication and competitive price. We've waited longer than expected for a naked follow-up based on the 999cc, four-cylinder engine and lightweight chassis. But finally the S1000R is here – and it's good enough to make almost as big an impact.

The delay is due largely to the fact that developing such a bike involves far more than simply removing the fairing and bolting on a new handlebar. BMW was also reluctant to tread on the toes of its existing "super-naked", the powerful but heavier and ageing K1300R four. Despite its shared format the S1000R is much sharper and sportier; hardly the same kind of bike at all.

Its raised, one-piece handlebar qualifies the S1000R as a naked roadster, but in fact it's modestly clothed in a small headlamp fairing plus some colour-matched bodywork around its engine. It's close to the RR in other respects, too, with a similar squint from asymmetrical headlights – and an equally belligerent attitude.

Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston Martin calls its DB9-based Vanquish a “super grand touring” machine, not a super sports car. Indeed, while its sonorous, 565-hp V-12 makes it fast, many sports cars can readily out-accelerate it. It is certainly sumptuous inside, if ergonomically challenged. Prefer the wind in your hair? Opt for the Vanquish Volante for a truly rare ride. As with all Astons, its little flaws (and that near-$300K price) are all but forgivable, since it is one of the most beautiful things on four wheels.

Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin reintroduced its flagship grand touring car in the form of the DB9. Much like Aston Martin GTs of the past, the DB9 is powered by a 5.9-liter V-12—updated to crank out an exhilarating 510 hp—and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. Its exterior lines are expectedly elegant and the interior options are virtually endless. Both coupe and convertible “Volante” models are available, giving you the option to go top-down if the mood strikes