CArs

2013 Lexus GS 350

The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is a much-needed step in a new direction for Lexus. Lexus claims a 0-60 mph time of around 5.7 seconds, which is just as fast as the current-generation GS. Two other GS models will be unveiled by the time the 2013 Lexus GS 350 hits dealer showrooms in early 2012 -- a Hybrid, and an F-Sport. The F-Sport will feature the same engine as the regular 2013 Lexus GS 350 but with 19-inch wheels, sticky tires, bigger brakes, variable-rate steering, and an adaptive suspension.

Chief engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori says the 2013 GS 450h hybrid will outperform the current gen V-8-powered GS 460.
Since Lexus didnt spend its whole development budget on engines for the GS, it had plenty of money to invest in making the new car more fun to drive. In addition to Standard mode, the GS has an ECO mode that, Lexus says, revises throttle mapping, seat heating, and climate control systems for better fuel economy. SPORT S+ builds upon SPORT S by firming up the suspension, tightening up the steering, and remapping the stability control system to allow more aggressive driving. Both SPORT S and SPORTS S+ feature meter lighting in a fierce-looking red.

The 2013 GS looks much more aggressive than the previous model.
The rear bumper and underbody were designed to help the GS slice through the air while remaining firmly planted to the road. Like in the rest of the car, Lexus says aerodynamics play a key role here, as the grille is designed to improve the flow of air around the car. The GS incorporates tech favorites like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Face book, Yelp, and Open Table, among others.

Lexus also loaded up the GS with safety technology, including a system that uses the cars radar cruise control to warn the driver about objects on the road, and an infrared camera to detect if the driver has noticed an object or not. If no further action is taken, the GS will start braking 2 seconds before impact, Lexus says, to help to lessen the severity of the collision. Lexus also will offer night vision, a head-up display, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and Lane Keep Assist.

Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda will be taking over the helm at Lexus, and played a big part in the GS project, proudly telling us, "This car is amazing to drive." The Lexus GS was a comfortable, reliable and finely crafted midsize sedan. But sporty? Lexus hopes to remedy that situation with the 2013 Lexus GS 350, unveiled this weekend at Pebble Beach.

Lexus engineers are said to have taken the LFA super car as their inspiration for a sportier GS sedan.
When consumers think about the pinnacle of luxury, we want them to think Lexus, Toyoda said. We hand picked a team from all over the world to head up a new Global Lexus Division at TMC and have combined engineering, design, and marketing all under one unit, separate from any other group.”

Since I am so passionate about the future of Lexus, I wanted to be personally involved, Toyoda added. “We are reasonably certain they have accomplished this goal in the 2013 Lexus GS 350. “Today, buyers in the mid-size luxury segment want a more engaging driving experience, styling that makes a statement, and a roomier interior package, said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. In the new 2013 Lexus GS 350, Lexus wanted both strength and agility so they drew upon the Lexus LFA super car for inspiration, carrying over key elements for a more engaging driving experience. Like the IS-F, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 emits a distinctive engine sound and exhaust tonalities – an engine that literally sings to you.

The roughly two-inch wider track works a revised suspension design to create a more solid stance and excellent cornering ability.
The 2013 Lexus GS 350 features a 3.5-liter V6, four cams/four valves per cylinder, with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-I). The transmission incorporates many features of the aforementioned Lexus IS-F. These include startlingly quick shifts, earlier torque converter lockup and downshift throttle blips — to support four driving modes operated by the new Lexus Drive Mode selector. An electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system that enhances traction in a variety of driving conditions is optional

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 comes with an American flag. It will wear like a cloak, it’s one of the most aggressive American cars that look throughout history, from the snout to the blacked-out retro-rocket tail light, and have been able to show a tail light for almost any sedan money can buy

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 ultimately fruitless.
Powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi making 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque and some with five-speed automatic transmission, Dodge Charger SRT8 is sort of like American - loud, rude, and large. Dodge has raised the game with a new SRT8 Charger, but the price has risen too

For the 2012 model, Dodge still have most of the problems presented by a dial on something we love. This does not mean 2012 Dodge Charger sleep. Relax on the road as possible, but it sticks out. Thank surround high-gloss black grill and grill for it, along with the Hemi / SRT badge fenders, the Dodge crosshair grille, and hood scoop with heat extractor. A new spoiler and four-inch exhaust tips signify the rear exterior upgrades, along with SRT badging.

Change that does not produce dramatic improvements in test results, but the 2012 Dodge Charger did not feel a bit sharper. These registers 25.8 seconds with a lap number eight and we are on average 0.89 g of skidpan lateral to them. Both are quite respectable performances from a 4360-pound sedan; put it in line sports coupe like the Genesis Coupe Track 3.8 and SS Camaro.

SRT8 adds go-fast stuff and then ups the ante even further with a specific set of SRT-electronics and packaging seat upscale, not to mention almost the entire long list of options on this Charger.

Acceleration is running in the 2012 Dodge Charger requires very little effort. Running as possible, at 4.3 seconds to 60 mph and 12.8 seconds at 111.5 mph through the quarter mile, bests rivals SS Camaro and the DCT-equipped M3 sedan. Gaining there requires pre-loading machines up to 1000 rpm - This makes the adjustment cam away from the economic arrangements - and change it manually with the power steering wheel-mounted pedals. Doing so make the shift five-speed old but reliable hardest and fastest. You still have to anticipate changes in the teeth; teeth seized nearly two thousand rpm away from the red indicated to compensate for the delay. Not charged with trivial things like the road ended, Chargers will reach the drag-limited 175 mph - no artificial speed limiter, the same as the SRT team likes

Braking is derived from the 14.2-inch vented rotors in front and 13.8-inch vented rotors in the rear. All four wheels have a Brembo four-piston calipers, and the new belly pan with brake ducting helps resist fading. Warning braking system that is ready to prepare the brakes to stop the panic when the driver releases the accelerator pedal quickly.

Together with 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, combined with an active intake and lack of inertia of the rotating decided, this is one of the V-8 engines of the most memorable in history. It just outclasses the GM LS3 power plant and transmission offers more dynamic than the overhead-cammer a 5.0 Coyote Ford.

For the first time, supplied with cylinder deactivation Dodge Charger SRT8 sedan. The ECO mode can be induced to appear quite frequently, although do not expect to change the game. 75-mile we walk an average of 8.6 mpg canyon.

2012 SRT8 Charger is a sedan that runs satisfy reasonable as hell and looked like the devil but do not need sales people to buy a complete soul. 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 base price, $ 46,660.




The 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv.

Regular TireKicker readers know weve always loved us some Mazda 3. Its a fun, tossable little sedan (or hatch, you choose) for a reasonable price with better than average performance and fuel economy.

So what would juice the excitement factor? Well, more fuel economy would be a good place to start.
Mazdas been behind the 8-ball on that one,  with a lot of people remembering that rotary engines arent the best in that regard (never mind that the only Mazda still using a rotary is the RX-8, now in its last year of production) and Mazda being the lone ranger among the big 4 Japanese carmakers (Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura and Nissan/Infiniti being the others) not to have hybrids in their lineup.




Rear view of the 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv.

Not that the 3s a gas guzzler by any means. The EPA says 22 city/29 highway for the standard Mazda 3 5-door with the 167 horsepower 2.5 liter four-cylinder and a 5-speed automatic.

But Skyactiv makes it better without making it a hybrid. According to Mazda, Skyactivs engine produces 10-15% more low-range torque, and 15% lower fuel consumption than their previous 2-liter engine (which was EPA rated 24 city/33 highway).



Engineering and material changes resulted in a 220 pound weight savings along with 30% better body rigidity (which translates to better handling). Then theres a vastly improved six-speed automatic transmission. Bottom line: The EPA estimate for the Mazda 3 5-door jumps to 27 city/38 highway.

We borrowed one for a week from Chapman Mazda in Phoenix. We put fewer than 100 miles on it and most of that was city streets...very little freeway driving...and we saw 29.5 miles per gallon. So the estimates are well within the realm of possibility.



The 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv interior.

And best of all, the Skyactiv is gimmick-free. It drives exactly like a regular 3...except a bit smoother and handling a bit more athletically. All good things. And sos the price. $19,300. Ours came absolutely stock. Zero options. We didnt feel deprived. With delivery charges, the tab came to $20,150.

Again, these are impressions gleaned from fewer than 100 miles at the wheel, but the Mazda 3 Skyactive made a strong first impression. Were expecting one from the manufacturer for a more in-depth analysis very soon.