2012 Audi R8

Unique in Audi's range as a mid-engine supercar, the R8 has built its reputation from scratch in just a few short years. Despite not having the track record of Lamborghini or Ferrari in supercar construction, Audi has put the Italians and everyone else on notice.

For 2012, the R8 is available in three core guises: theSpyder (convertible), Coupe, and R8 GT. The Spyder and Coupe are two takes on the standard R8, while the GT sharpens both looks and performance to the next level. All three share the same basic low-slung, cabin-forward, athletic-haunched stance, however, as well as the same key styling elements, like the aggressive front end, the side "blades," and the brow-like LED daytime running lights.

The Coupe and Spyder are both available with a choice of either a 4.2-liter V-8 rated at 430 horsepower or a 5.2-liter V-10 good for 525 horsepower. Either will provide exhilarating performance, but the big V-10 is the way to go if you're hankering for real speed. Of course, the most focused of the group, the R8 GT, is an even better choice in that regard, generating 560 horsepower from a tuned version of the same V-10, with less weight, a more focused setup, and better overall handling.

All R8s handle very well, however, owing to their rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive, mid-engine weight distribution, and finely tuned magnetic-ride suspension settings. 

Inside, the R8 is surprisingly roomy, with tall drivers finding no fault in space available. Materials are high-quality, the design is modern and appealing, and all of the Audi technology and convenience options you'd expect are available, including MMI navigation with real-time traffic, Bluetooth, and a high-end audio system.

As for safety, the 2012 Audi R8 hasn't been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offers a wide range of standard and optional safety equipment, including driver and passenger dual-stage airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, head and thorax airbags, stability control, parking system with rearview camera, hill hold assist, and a body shell designed to distribute and absorb crash energy.

2012 Lincoln Navigator

Standing as one of the few stalwarts of the old guard of full-size SUVs, the stately Lincoln Navigator carries a full load of passengers readily, yet just as easily takes on the truck-like duties of towing. 

As a truck-based SUV, the Lincoln Navigator hasn't seen a need to change its appearance much over the years. It retains its tall, boxy, body-on-frame makeup and its heavy dose of chromed trim. Instantly recognizable and even iconic among some subcultures, the Navigator's styling cues remain true to the brand's heritage, with some elements traceable all the way back to the 1960s station wagon era. Not everyone will love the Navigator's bold look, but others will find it to be exactly what they're after. The same holds true inside, with retro-themed gauges and styling that still gets the job of conveying information done smartly.

Whether you choose the standard Navigator or the longer-wheelbase Navigator L, you'll get a 5.4-liter V-8 engine rated for 310 horsepower and your choice of two- or four-wheel drive. Both Navigators are able towers, rated for 9,100 pounds. Once you add in the Navigator's own 6,200-pound curb weight, however, a full load on the trail can put a strain on the engine, especially in comparison to modern heavy-duty trucks with similar towing capacities. Nevertheless, the transmission is up to snuff, shifting easily and keeping engine revs low. 

Handling is about what you'd expect of a large SUV: it's stable and solid, but there's plenty of body motion and nosedive in quick maneuvers and stops. Four-wheel independent suspension smooths out the ride and makes the most of the Navigator's abilities, however.

Inside, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator is more upscale than its close corporate cousin, the Ford Expedition. Noise insulation, higher-grade materials and more touchable finishes make the Navigator a true luxury-grade vehicle. A few small exceptions to the quality feel are the hard plastic trim elements, chrome-painted plastics, and sometimes cheap-feeling switchgear. Despite the small downside, there's not shortage of handy small storage spaces or cupholders.

Seating is comfortable and roomy throughout the Navigator, though the Navigator L offers better access to the third-row seats thanks to its 14.7-inch longer wheelbase. Some of the Navigator L's extra length also expands its cargo capacity, though both models offer plenty of room for the average family. 

When it comes to features and available equipment, the Navigator lives up to its exterior promise: plenty of space for plenty of stuff. The 2012 Navigator even offers a dash of high tech courtesy of the SYNC infotainment system, which includes Sirius Travel Link, voice-activated control of climate and navigation, and real-time traffic and weather searches. New for 2012, the SYNC system in the Navigator also features AppLink, which enables voice control of select smartphone apps.

Along with the SYNC system, HD Radio and power-deployable running boards are also standard. Other interesting features include a rearview camera system, rain-sensing wipers, capless fuel filling, Front Park Assist, heated second-row seats.

When it comes to safety, you might think the size of the Navigator alone would lend itself to near-invulnerability, but the two-wheel drive versions of the Navigator only score three out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover rating. Four-wheel-drive models rate four out of five stars, however. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has published crash test ratings for the 2012 Lincoln Navigator. For 2012 the Navigator adds standard integrated spotter mirrors to improve safety when maneuvering the vehicle in tighter confines.

The Pagani Huayra Supercar

The Pagani Huayra will be the very first Pagani car to be sold in America and it will cost $1.4 million to buy one. Let's find out more about this Supercar that will soon be driving on our American roads.

Supercars are a fickle business: It seems anyone with a pile of cash can throw together some carbon fiber and exotic engine parts to sell to other people with piles of cash ...at least for a short while. The automotive landscape is littered with interesting car companies that manage to build a handful of cars and then disappear after they fail to meet their performance goals and customer expectations.

Pagani looked to be one of these companies. After working with Lamborghini on composite materials, Horacio Pagani started his own design company, first as a supplier to the supercar manufacturer, and then as a competitor.

By combining his firm's knowledge of exotic materials with AMG's powertrain technology and Formula 1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio's design skill, Pagani was able to create the Zonda. Most North Americans know the Zonda from its appearances on Top Gear: They drove the car in one of its early shows and claimed it was great, but the company would probably be a footnote in automotive history.

It turns out they were wrong. The Zonda continued development, gaining fans and briefly holding the production car record at the Nürburgring racetrack. The car is now ending its twelve year production run, to be replaced by the new Huayra. Expectations are, to say the least, very high.

While the exterior is very similar to its predecessor, the new car makes some major advances. The AMG V12 is now turbocharged. Power from the engine is directed through a seven speed sequential transmission: While not as fast shifting as dual-clutch systems, it weighs 150 lbs. less. Power will be routed to the rear wheels, again saving weight over competitors who are increasingly turning to all wheel drive. The body is made from a carbon titanium composite first applied to a handful of special edition Zondas, decreasing weight over more traditional carbon fiber construction. The end result is a vehicle that weighs less than 3,000 lbs. with a motor that produces 750 horsepower and 810 ft-lbs. of torque.

0-60 will take less than three seconds, with a top speed of 220 mph. Stopping is also spectacular, in part because it uses nose mounted air brakes to accompany the car's friction brakes: New drivers will probably spend the first few days with their car pressing the middle pedal to see the pair of flaps tilt up from the hood.

As cool as all this sounds, the most important feature isn't a "what," it's a "where:" The Huayra will be the first Pagani sold in America. Price for this superlative supercar is expected to be around $1.4 million.

View the original article here

Porsche moving forward with sub-918 supercar

Friday, Mar 25th, 2011 @ 9:39 a.m.

Looking to fill all the holes in its lineup, Porsche is said to be moving forward with a new mid-engine model to slot between the 911 and the upcoming 918. The new model will compete with the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Italia.

“We’re looking to extend the range,” Porsche head Mathias Muller revealed told Autocar. “We’ve got an idea to do another mid-engined model. We’re thinking above the 911 but below the 918 Spyder.”

Although Audi’s next-generation R8 platform would seem like a perfect match for the 458 rival, Porsche said is to be favoring a mix of its own architectures. The new model will likely use a 911 front-end with a Boxster/Cayman rear section, albeit with lighter materials.

“It is entirely possible that we could use a front end that’s similar but not necessarily the same as the 911’s, including components such as the axle and suspension,” said one insider. “The rear end wouldn’t be unlike that of the Boxster/Cayman in architectural terms, just bigger to accommodate a larger mid-mounted engine and gearbox installation, while providing greater overall length and width than the 911.”

Details surrounding the supercar’s powertrain remain a mystery, but Porsche could opt to use the 620 horsepower flat-six used in the GT2 RS. Another option could be the 3.4L V8 showcased in the 918.

Given Porsche’s intended rivals, expect the new supercar to carry a price tag near the $200,000 mark. Porsche expects to sell 3,000 units of the car annually.

References
1.’Porsche plans Ferrari…’ view

View the original article here