Monday, February 22, 2010

Sports Cars With Articals

Review: 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT

2010 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MTWhen the redesigned Acura TL debuted in late 2008, it represented a substantial transformation over previous iterations. The third-generation model retained the transverse V6 of its two predecessors, but for the first time included an all-wheel-drive option. But while the torque-vectoring Super Handling-All Wheel Drive is an appreciated addition when you're putting out over 300 horsepower, performance oriented drivers were appropriately miffed that both the TL Type-S and a manual transmission were no longer available. More information & pictures

Honda UK releases Civic Type-R Mugen 200 to celebrate return to BTCC

Civic Type-R Mugen 200When Mugen's UK-based tuning arm turned up the wick on the Euro Civic Type-R late last year, the result was a 220-hp, stripped out hatch that was only available to 20 lucky consumers. Riding on the critical success of that limited-edition model, Honda UK will begin offering another Mugen-fettled Civic Type-R this March, but it's decidedly less impressive than its track-worthy predecessor. Included in the package is a set of front and rear Mugen bumper skirts, lightweight 19-inch wheels, limited slip differential and a Championship White exterior, the last Type-R to receive the storied hue. More information & pictures

Infiniti launches FX Limited Edition in Europe

Infiniti launches FX Limited EditionMiffed at having missed out on the Infiniti FX Millionaire Edition? The special run was unveiled in Amsterdam a couple of months back at a price roughly twice that of a stock FX. Only 100 were made, and they weren't even available on this side of the pond. Now Infiniti's European division is following up with a second run called, straight-forward enough, the Limited Edition. Like the Millionaire, the Limited can be ordered in either FX37 or FX50 guise More information & pictures

Bugatti Veyron with matching transporter

Bugatti Veyron with matching transporterThis, however, looks far more enticing than a porcelain fixture. The owner of this Veyron – monochromatically decked out in French Racing Blue – apparently had this Mercedes-Benz Atego transporter painted to match. As you can see from the photo, the truck's precious-cargo box tilts back and a ramp slides out to get the supercar in with a minimum of fuss. Oh, and the Bugatti itself? It's a 2007 model with 7,728 kilometers (4,800 miles) on the odometer, a matching dark blue interior and, together with the matching truck, is up for grabs on JamesList from the Netherlands with a €895,000 ($1,264,815) price tag. More information

First Drive: 2011 BMW 335is

2011  BMW 335isBased on the freshly facelifted sixth-generation 3 Series, the 2011 335is will be available in both coupe and folding hardtop convertible forms beginning this spring – but we just couldn't wait that long to get behind the wheel. Thankfully, BMW was kind enough to slip us the keys to a pre-production example on Portugal's Estoril raceway as a dessert course of sorts at the launch of their new 5 Series sedan. Follow the jump to read our full slate of impressions. Interestingly, having just sat through a press conference detailing the many virtues of the 5 Series' new 3.0-liter N55 single-turbo inline six More information & pictures

Review: 2010 Lincoln MKT EcoBoost AWD

2010  Lincoln MKT EcoBoost AWDIt's a superlative mill using twin turbos and direct injection to create a power band as deep as Warren Buffet's pockets. With the EcoBoost V6, you wouldn't know the MKT with all-wheel drive weighs a smidge over 5,000 pounds because effortless power is its calling card, just like a larger V8. The upside is better fuel mileage: We experienced a range of between 19–22 mpg, which is at the hind of the EPA's 16 city/22 highway mpg estimate. The downside: no V8 vibrations or acoustics. More information & pictures

Review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350

2010 Mercedes-Benz E350In the new E's most recent TV spots, Mercedes touts the decades of experience and innovation it brought to bear on the all-new E-Class. Strangely, this is one of those rare instances when marketing speaks truth. While the excellence does cost (the E350 starts at $49,000 and our tester rang in at around $60k), you won't feel ripped off, even if you opt for the V6. If past E-Class Benzes have lost the marque's storied status, the E350 is finally the vehicle to win it back, come hell, highwater or Nor'Easter. More information & pictures

Ferrari prices the 458 Italia for the UK from Ł169,545

458 Italia  FerrariFor the British market, the new Ferrari 458 Italia will sell for a whopping Ł169,545, or the equivalent of about $277,000 by today's conversion rates. A quick look at the outgoing prices reveals a whopping increase over the $199,000 MSRP for a 2009 F430, but a touch less than the $282k commanded by the 430 Scuderia (whose performance the new 458 eclipses and, it could be argued, effectively replaces). It's also worth noting that the figures are a fair bit higher than those suggested in the alleged leaked price sheet from back in October. More informat


Top 20 Best-Selling Vehicles of 2009

Ford F-SeriesNumber 10 – Dodge Ram: 177,268
Number 9 – Ford Fusion: 180,671
Number 8 – Honda CR-V: 191,214
Number 7 – Nissan Altima: 203,568
Number 6 – Honda Civic: 259,722
Number 5 – Honda Accord: 290,056
Number 4 – Toyota Corolla: 296,874
Number 3 – Chevrolet Silverado: 316,544

Number 2 – Toyota Camry: 356,824
Number 1 – Ford F-Series: 413,625