The 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid marks the entry of the Japanese luxury automotive manufacturer into the hybrid market. Their upcoming series will compete with most of their flagship models in the performance and luxury segment.

Acura has been all about comfort and innovation. In the RLX, they will be using a three-motor hybrid system, focused on building a car that is fuel efficient while providing enough horsepower.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan	Base Price: $48,450
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gals (70 L)	Miles Per Gallon: 20 city / 31 hwy

Dimensions*

Length: 196.1 in. (498.1 cm)	Wheel Base: 112.2 in. (285 cm)
Height: 57.7 in. (146.6 cm)	Width: 74.4 in. (189 cm)
Curb Weight: 3933 lbs (1784 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 14.9 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: V6 SOHC Hybrid	Displacement: 3.5 Liter
Horsepower: 310 HP	Max RPM: NA
Torque: 273 lb-ft @4700 rpm	Transmission: 7-Speed Dual Clutch

* 2014 RLX specs

Engine

Acura uses a 3.5 liter V8 engine that provides a maximum of 310 horsepower. To reduce fuel consumption the engineers have added a “Twin Motor Unit,” two electric motors that deliver more than enough torque directly to the rear wheels.

The gearbox houses a 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch) transmission.

Performance

Using their proprietary all-wheel drive system, the handling of the sedan has significantly improved, especially when the two electric motors are running.

Its curved exterior design helps the car gain more downforce making it stable and gain superior road grip.

Exterior

The exterior of the sedan shows the same design signatures people have come to expect from Acura. These include: a discrete chromed frontal grille, narrow and wide headlights, and curved edges.

The rear features extended lights that reach to the side and extend to one third of the rear. The lower end of the bumper has been pushed out, giving it a more executive look.

Interior

The RLX Sport Hybrid features a full-size interior. The seats are covered in grey leather to complement the whole motif of the inside. The dashboard uses a darker shade of grey.

The steering wheel hosts an array of controls to make driver access simple; while extra-large air vents have been placed on either side of the dash & steering wheel.

Speaking of the dashboard, Acura has added a generous LCD display and additional controls. Wood textured elements have been used to accentuate the RLX’s styling along the doors and console area.

The 2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid will be one of the most expensive hybrids on the market. Making the entry into the eco-friendly automotive niche, the model comes packed with all the features of a luxury sedan.

The new 2015 Mini Cooper S carries forward its predecessor’s legacy as a leader in the premium small car segment.

The MINI has undergone major enhancements to improve quality and flair that make your driving experience fun.

Space, safety, material, fittings, ride comfort and sportiness have been improved.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hatch	Base Price: €28,800
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.5 gals (40 L)	Miles Per Gallon: 41 combined

Dimensions

Length: 151..5 in. (385 cm)	Wheel Base: 98.2 in. (249.5 cm)
Height: 55 in. (139.7 cm)	Width: 67 in. (170.2 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 7.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: Inline 4 TwinTurbo	Displacement: 2.0 Liter
Horsepower: 189 HP	Max RPM: NA
Torque: 207 lb-ft @1250 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds	Maximum Speed: 146 mph (235 km/h)

Engine & Performance

The new 2015 Cooper S has a 2.0 liter inline 4 twin turbo petrol engine. The engine provides 189 horsepower and 207 lb ft of torque for the iconic small car.

You have the option between the standard 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The engine is more efficient with optimized weight, extensive MINI-MALISM technology, enhanced aerodynamic properties and a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 27% compared to its previous models. It meets EUR exhaust emission standards.

Exterior

At a glance you may not notice anything different from the previous series. However, if you look closer you will find that the new Mini-Cooper S is sportier. The have incorporated LED headlamps to provide sufficient luminosity on the road.

The exhaust tips for instance have been fashioned in a sporty accent. The high performance tires add an aggressive look to the car.

You will find that the front of the car is wider. The S clearly projects a sporty look which is a a new way to consider this Mini a fresh classic.

Interior

The roof has also been raised to maximize on interior space. The seats have been adjusted to create room for foot movement as well as optimize entry comfort for the rear passengers.

Improvements by MINI’s experts include emergency call, XL Journey Mate, featuring Real time traffic updates and the Head-Up Display by MINI. This enables you a wider selection of innovative driver assistance systems as well as Mini connected infotainment facilities.

The 2014 Peugeot 208 GTi follows the release of the 208 in 2012.

The new offering from Peugeot is a rejuvenated model that is elegant, sporty and delivers high performance that goes with a pleasant driving experience.

All the features of the new GTi are attractive and efficient looking. This vehicle will no doubt cause a dent in the minds of those who drive it.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hatchback	Base Price: £18,895
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gals (50 L)	Miles Per Gallon: 34 city / 60 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 156 in. (396.2 cm)	Wheel Base: 99.9 in. (253.8 cm)
Height: 57.5 in. (146 cm)	Width: 68.5 in. (173.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 2557 lbs (1160 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 10.0 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: 4 Cylinder THP	Displacement: 1.6 Liter
Horsepower: 200 HP	Max RPM: 5800 RPM
Torque: 204 lb-ft @1700 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds	Maximum Speed: 143 mph (230 km/h)

* UK Specs 3 door

Engine & Performance

The 2014 208 GTi is a contemporary sports car that offers precise, controlled steering and rigid suspension for a safe and enhanced driving experience. It comes with 204/45 tires and 17-inch diamond Carbon wheels that enable controlled braking.

The 1.6 liter THP petrol engine gives you 200 horsepower with a maximum torque of 204 lb ft. The car is lightweight and capable of the highest level acceleration and in-gear re-acceleration.

Exterior

This three-door model has a striking appearance with its widened front and rear track, arch-hugging wheels, body sills, and wing extensions. The front light signature displays new halogen headlamps and the gloss black grille features bright chrome inserts showing off a 3D checkered motif.

Bright chrome touches are added around the fog lamps, upper trim of the grille and door mirrors. The rear comes with a chromed trim strip with a signature accent on the lower edge of the window, bright chrome GTi logo on the quarter panel trim, and a unique trapezoid chrome double tailpipe.

All 208 GTi models carry the red color theme on the lower portion of the grille bead and tailgate, the Peugeot accent lettering prominently displayed. Overall, the new GTi simultaneously exudes a sporty and sophisticated look.

Interior

The passenger compartment is pleasant and refined. The color scheme incorporates black and satin chrome with red highlights throughout, mainly in the form of red GTi overstitching.

The instrument panel on the dashboard features a characteristic light signature, the dials are surrounded with LED-backlit satin chrome studs and the needles operate on a brushed aluminum background.

All of the interior features have been designed compliment every aspect of the inside, from the dashboard to the steering wheel insert to the seat belts and even the floor mat. The interior has a refined, technological aspect to it which is evident even on the aluminum pedal bracket and footrest.

The 2013 Ford Ka Concept car is a 5 passenger hatchback and the smallest vehicle manufactured by the Detroit automaker. The intended market are countries that include Brazil, where it made its debut, and South Asia.

Ford has labeled the Ka Concept the ” all new global compact car”. The vehicle is expected to go into production by 2014, with an estimated MSRP of around $10,000.

The earlier Ka models are available in Europe, a 3 door hatchback. Ford is looking to build on the success of the EcoSport subcompact crossover, also manufactured in Brazil.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact	Base Price: £8,795**
Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.2 gals (35 L)	Miles Per Gallon: 49 city / 64 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 142.5 in. (362 cm)	Wheel Base: NA
Height: 59.3 in. (150.5 cm)	Width: 65.3 in.** (165.8 cm)
Curb Weight: 2976 lbs (1350 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 7.9 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 4 Cylinder Duratec	Displacement: 1.2 Liter
Horsepower: 68 HP	Max RPM: 3000 RPM
Torque: 75 lb-ft	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 13.4 seconds	Maximum Speed: 99 mph (159 km/h)

** 2014 Ford Ka – Studio range UK specs

Engine & Performance

Little has been said about the Ka Concept’s drivetrain, but industry experts expect the same engine will be used as those used in Europe.

That would include the four cylinder 1.2 liter Ford Duratec engine that uses gas and brings you a conservative 67 horsepower that delivers unsurpassed fuel efficiency.

The 1.3 liter Duratorq with 74 horsepower diesel is expected to be available, which should be more popular in South America and Asia.

Exterior

The front façade has a trapezoidal grille with the fairly ornate headlights. The cars curved profile and sweeping lines are exemplary for a small vehicle.

The roofline provides an illusory effect that makes it seem to rise towards the trunk lid, where a spot on and sporty spoiler along with oversized taillights accentuate the rear.

The back end is nicely contoured incorporating the hatch door with the rear bumper.

Interior

Inside, you will discover quality craftsmanship not normally available in such a car. The interior is roomy, all things considered and will comfortably seat 5 people. The air conditioning is above par for this class of car.

Innovative features include a side stowage area for shoes and a device docking station for mobile devices and “Ford Sync”.

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the S65 AMG in 2006, it was hailed as the most expensive and powerful S-Class ever.

While the exterior remained consistent with other S-Class models, the engine was upgraded from 604 horsepower to 621 horsepower in 2011. There were rumors that the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG may not have the same powerful engine found in its predecessors. The rumors proved to be untrue.

What is different with the new S65 AMG is that it has a highly stylized, sportier designed body.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan	Base Price: € 232,050
Fuel Tank Capacity: NA	Miles Per Gallon: 20 combined

Performance

Engine: V12 Biturbo	Displacement: 6.0 Liter
Horsepower: 630 HP	Max RPM: 4800-5400 rpm
Torque: 740 lb-ft @ 2300-4300 rpm	Transmission: 7G-Tronic AMG Speedshift Plus
0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds	Maximum Speed: 155 mph (250 km/h)

Engine & Performance

Under the hood is a 6.0 bi-turbo V12 engine, capable of 630 horsepower to go with a whopping and 738 pound-feet of torque.

The engine is mated to a 7 speed “AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-Tronic” transmission. The AMG S65 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in an amazingly quick 4.2 seconds and is electronically regulated to a top speed of 155 mph.

Exterior

The meaner appearance to the 2014 S65 AMG begins up front with larger air intakes on either side of a redesigned six-twin louver grille. Extra down force is provided by a new chrome front splitter. The headlights are LED, same as the S63.

The side sill panels are also done in chrome, as is the rear diffuser. If you think that’s too much shine, Mercedes will tone down those items with a high gloss black covering.

The rear view finds new taillights and a modified trunk line as well as four exhaust outlets.

Interior

Inside it is more lavish than the S63 AMG. The seats are done in Nappa leather highlighted by diamond stitching which is also evident on the door panels and headliner.

The S65 has stayed with the 2 spoke steering wheel as the S63 and features round gauges with an impressive video screen and touchpad infotainment center.