Autocars

The second-generation RDX is thus totally different from Acura's 1st raid the small-crossover phase, it may virtually justify a replacement name. however Acura does not wish to more confuse potential patrons, thus instead Honda's high-end complete is holding the RDX badge however rolling out a considerably totally different vehicle.


What's thus different? wherever the first RDX in 2007 was deliberately targeted at what the corporate referred to as "urban achievers"--typically competitive and extremely active 30-year-old single males knocking down $100,000 annually--the 2013 model purposely changes gears to travel when the those who truly bought the car: pre- and postfamily couples.


So, rather than chasing some ace enthusiast with a tautly suspended turbo four-cylinder ute, Acura has softened the 2013 RDX whereas upgrading the powertrain to a V6 and up the inside. aspect by aspect, the 2 models show some exterior variance, however it's minor compared with the changes beneath.


What is it prefer to drive?

Refinement is much up compared with the previous model: The ride is electric sander and softened thanks partially to a extended distance, with a suspension that feels much more sure and controlled, whereas the steering is weightier and additional precise. The V6 is light-years quieter and additional refined. Gone is that the turbo whine, replaced by hearty torsion across the rev vary. The V6 may not be any longer responsive overall, however the shortage of turbo lag offers the RDX a far additional luxury-performance feel. All of that, with no loss of fuel economy, due to the incognizable action of Honda's multicylinder operation that uses 3, four or six cylinders betting on power demand.


Inside, the middle stack is far additional intuitive, with climate controls, audio and navigation buttons sorted along. The wheel is thicker and plusher, that adds to the additional firm feel of the steering. Paddle shifters square measure absolutely situated on the wheel however emit Associate in Nursing annoying and redundant aluminiferous click with every shift.



The seats square measure plusher whereas remaining corroboratory, however Acura has continually been top-notch in seat trim. The twin-cockpit layout with a connexion crossbar of trim makes for a pleasant look. Oddly, there looks to be barely less legroom within the front seats, thus if height runs in your family, make certain out before shopping for. however overall, the inside is well appointed and premium in look and feel, with the insufficient things like artefact accessorial to the lowest of cubbies to stop things from rattling against onerous plastic.


Do i need it?

For the 2013 RDX, it's all regarding mature rival versus boy racer. If you wish your premium crossover to replicate your unfruitful however in station in life be that double financial gain, no children early in your career or empty-nester headed for retirement the RDX is currently a far nearer match to your life-style, whereas still being a trifle distinctive.

It's solely a five-seater, thus if you think that you will be truckage a passel of nephews and nieces or grandkids, you may have to be compelled to improve to the three-row MDX. however fortunately, you not got to hand over huge chunks of luxury and refinement if you are doing opt for Acura's entry crossover.

The 3LT is equipped with a standard 5.3-liter, V8, 300-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. The 2012 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab 2WD is a carryover from 2011 With MSRP Price start $24,285 for 1LT , $27,490 for 2LT, and $28,340 for 3LT trim.

The combination makes 110 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque in the Civic, and achieves 44 mpg in both the EPA city and highway cycles. Acura says the ILX Hybrid will sacrifice some fuel economy for better performance, though, returning 35 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.


The Acura ILX isn't exclusively a hybrid, though. The front-wheel-drive sedan will also be offered with a 150-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. The upgrade option is a 2.4-liter four capable of 201 hp, available only with a six-speed manual. The EPA estimates the base ILX will return 24/32 mpg.


With the ILX, Acura hopes to lure not only hybrid-minded drivers, but also younger buyers seeking luxury, performance and value. To that end, non-hybrid ILX models should weigh about 3,000 pounds, ensuring fairly quick and responsive manners. Standard features include keyless entry/ignition, smartphone connectivity, Pandora radio streaming and text-messaging functionality. Acura's available Technology package will include the ELS surround-sound audio system, navigation, real-time traffic and a hard disk music server.


In terms of styling, the 2013 Acura ILX looks pretty sharp, and its interior will no doubt be a step above anything you'll find in a Civic. Its closest competition will likely come from the new Buick Verano, a similarly upscale small car.


The ILX goes on sale this spring, priced from "well below $30,000," according to Acura. Check back for a full review of the 2013 Acura ILX, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.

This heritage creates an interesting challenge for Subaru with the release of the BRZ coupe, which is, in contrast to every other car in the manufacturer's lineup, sporty, attractive, impractical, and not available with a roof rack, a dog cage, or all-wheel drive. Yes, the WRX STI has muddy cred with a small sub-segment of rallyistas. And the graying among us may recall FHI's past efforts at "performance" vehicles: the isoscelean XT of the 1980s, the Gallic SVX of the 1990s. But the BRZ jointly developed with Toyota is intended to be a true, affordable, RWD sports car, akin to the original Datsun Zs: a segment in which the brand has no real experience.


Yet, with modest first year sales goals (6,000 U.S. vehicles), a slim field of real competitors, a commitment to low weight (2762 lbs) and decent power (200 hp, 150 lb-ft), and a swoopily embellished design that's just this side of overwrought, after seeing the car in person, I thought it stood a decent chance. A full day behind the wheel negotiating narrow roads that plaited around French mountain villages, blasting along sweepers that bisected alpine fields, and attempting to avoid transcending flimsy guard rails and becoming a 1,250-kg outcropping in the Gorge du Verdon, made me certain of three things: This car is very, very, very good.


Much of the credit goes to the new, 4-cylinder boxer engine, not because it makes 100 horsepower-per-liter, has a flat torque curve, delivers up to 34 mpg with the intuitive 6-speed automatic, or speaks with a maundering susurration, amplified particularly on the passenger side by the brand's patented Sound Creator noise tube. Rather, glory and gratitude goes to motor for the advantages rendered by its intentional design and placement, which, like that randy aunt doing the limbo at your bar mitzvah, followed Subaru's engineers' challenge to go as low as it could go.


The result is a vehicle that has Spitfire-like ground clearance without ever proffering Triumph-ant levels of punishment, pivots around its driver with a delightfully ass-y center of gravity, and maintains a Porsche Boxster-mimicking 47/53 front/rear weight distribution. Moreover, there's innate joy in a contemporary rear-wheel-drive sports car that's been designed from scratch to be nimble, and doesn't need to compensate for an outdated chassis or augment its abilities with obscene horsepower. The entire BRZ package feels as dependably lithe, stiff, and tossable as your teenage self.


Subaru won't confirm a price, except to say it will be in the mid-$20,000. For this, come late April, you can get a Premium model, which includes an integrated navigation system, a notchy six-speed manual, and defeatable traction control. For two grand more you can garner a Limited, which features heated leather and alcantara seats, dual automated climate controls, keyless entry, and a finny rear spoiler that looks like a squashed version of the plane from Monopoly. You can also pony up for the aforementioned automatic. One thing you won't be able to buy is a rear seat suitable for anyone born before 2004. (With this useless seat folded, a set of track tires will fit in the non-hatchback trunk.). But at this price, and with this amount of fun baked in, the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Genesis, and even the V6 Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro become nearly irrelevant.

Unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque convertible concept is the 3-door version with the roof lopped off. No plans yet as to releasing a production version, with the company gauging interest in such an off-road oddity.

Last week's sneak peek at Ferrari's replacement for the 599 GTO didn't spoil all the surprises. Here are the first official pics of what Ferrari will call the F12 Berlinetta, a V-12 powered coupe that can hit 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and ranks as the fastest road-going Ferrari built to date.

Using tricks learned from its Formula 1 cars, Ferrari claims the F12 burns less fuel and goes faster than its predecessors thanks to combination of high-tech machinery, wickedly complex weight loss schemes and a bit of black magic aerodynamics. The 6.3-liter V-12 shared with the Ferrari FF has been boosted to 730 hp and 509 ft-lbs of torque, yet can get nearly 19 mpg under Euro testing with an optional stop-start system. That power goes through a seven-speed gearbox and electric differential, both resized to shrink the car's footprint. That gap you see at the top of the hood is what Ferrari calls an "aero bridge" a tunnel that shunts air out the vents behind the front wheel arches, helping reduce the car's drag.


With just 3,362 lbs. to haul around thanks to a chassis with 20 different alloys of aluminum Ferrari says the F12's top speed lies north of 211 mph, and that its lapped Ferrari's Fiorano test track in 1 minute, 23 seconds, a record for any car Ferrari puts on public roads. The company will start taking orders in Geneva, and at first glance, Ferrari won't lack for shoppers.

source : Auto Yahoo