German tuning company XXX Performance launched its version of the Audi R8 V10, the XXX Performance Audi R8 V10. More than a combination of names, the XXX Performance Audi brings updates both in the interior and the engine.

Here tuning enthusiasts will certainly have an eye-catching auto with a different kind of performance.

Engine

The XXX Performance had the stock 5.2 liter V10 engine software-optimized, paired with a top-of-the-line sports exhaust system, and equipped with a BMC carbon airbox. The engine also has a Bluetooth flap control system provided by Capistro.

All these updates work together to make the engine powerful enough to deliver 650 horsepower. It is a great improvement from the 525 horsepower that you get from the stock R8 V10.

Performance

The XXX Performance Audi is definitely stronger and faster than the base Audi R8. The sport-tuned suspension, the Oxigin rims and Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires give it better grip, letting the car efficiently put the power to the ground. Carbon fiber is used in most part of the exterior making the car lighter and nimbler.

Exterior

Its appearance is what makes the XXX Performance Audi truly exciting. XXX Performance drenched the Audi R8 in bilious snake green paintwork and used G-Ride Air-ride system on the coil over kit to give the car a lower stance. Even the rims are accented with the green paint, making the car truly eye catching.

The front grille is painted black and the headlamps are darkened, accentuating the front. The carbon exterior rear view mirror, as well as the side blades were also colored black giving strong contrast to the bright green theme.

Interior

High quality Alcantara and genuine leather are used to cover the seats and the white stitching provides a contrasting color to the dark wrapping. Carbon materials can also be found in the cabin which is highly sport-inspired.

Pros

The XXX Performance Audi has good looks and stronger performance. This one-of-a-kind modified Audi R8 has got lots of personality that will surely fit the lifestyle of an urban dweller.

Cons

The ground clearance of the XXX Performance Audi is so low that it can be difficult to drive on imperfect roads. Not to mention the big wheels and super low profile tires, the places where you can travel with it are limited.

If you are live in the city, deeply immersed with the urban culture, the 2012 XXX Performance Audi R8 V10 is a fitting performance car for you.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe	Est. Market Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 23.8 gallons (90L)	MPG: NA

Dimensions

Length: 174.5 in. (443.1 cm)	Wheelbase: 104.3 in. (265 cm)
Height: 49.3 in. (125.2 cm)	Width: 75 in. (190.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 3.53 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2

Performance

Engine: V10	Displacement: 5.2 liters
Horsepower: 650 HP	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf is one of the best affordable compact hatchbacks in the market. It is popular mainly because of the engine options it provides which include an available diesel engine, all that to go along with a high quality interior.

This car offers a level of refinement that beats most of its comparatively equipped rivals, and is closely related to the performance-oriented GTI.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hatchback 2-Dr	Base Price: $17,995.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons (55L)	MPG: 23 city / 33 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 165.4 in. (420.1 cm)	Wheel Base: 101.5 in. (257.8 cm)
Height: 58.2 in. (147.8 cm)	Width: 70.3 in. (178.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 2968 lbs (1346 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.4 in. (13.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 15.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.5L Inline-5 DOHC	Compression Ratio: 9.5: 1
Horsepower: 170 HP	Max RPM: 5700 RPM
Torque: 177 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 7.8 seconds	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:2.5L 2-Door w/ Conv Pkg	MSRP: $19,030; MPG: 23 city / 33 hwy
Option:2.5L 4 Door	MSRP: $19,795; MPG: 24 city / 31 hwy
Option:2.5L 4 Door w/ Conv Pkg	MSRP: $20,830; MPG: 24 city / 31 hwy
Option:TDI® 2.0L Diesel 2-Door	MSRP: $24,235; MPG: 30 city / 42 hwy
Option:TDI® 2.0L Diesel 4-Door	MSRP: $24,935; MPG: 30 city / 42 hwy
Option:TDI® 2.0L Diesel 2-Door w/ Sunroof & Nav	MSRP: $25,955; MPG: 30 city / 42 hwy
Option:TDI® 2.0L Diesel 2-Door Tech Pkg	MSRP: $27,640; MPG: 30 city / 42 hwy

Engine & Performance

The VW Golf is among the most powerful subcompacts currently available on the market. Its base engine is a 2.5L 5-cylinder that makes 170 hp and 177 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is connected to a standard 5-speed manual gearbox or the optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

You get 24/31 mpg city/highway with the automatic transmission, 23/31 mpg city/highway with the manual transmission.

The TDI trims come with a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder powertrain that generates 140 hp and 236 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission, although a customer can opt for the optional 6-speed automated manual (DSG).

These mechanisms enable the Golf to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, and achieve a fuel economy 30/41 mpg with the manual and 30/42 with the DSG. The TDI also gets a sport-tuned suspension for better performance.

Exterior

This 5-passenger hatchback is offered in 2-door and 4-door body styles, which are broken into 2.5L and TDI trims. At the front end, you will find a bumper that runs between the grille and air dam. At the rear end, you will notice the taillights which have darkened the lenses, as well as white reflectors at their bottom.

The base 2.5L Golf comes with 15-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, and keyless entry and fog lights as standard exterior features. TDI models come with all standard features found on the 2.5L plus low ride height, heated windshield washer nozzles, and 17-inch alloy wheels. If you would like your car to come with a sunroof, then you will have to opt for the available sunroof and navigation package.

Interior

2012 Golf comes with one of the highest quality cabins among affordable-small-cars. The seats are very comfortable and offer enough room, particularly for the driver. One of the key standard interior features is the adjustable lumbar-support for the front seats, which makes rides more comfortable to their occupant. All seats also come with standard height adjusters.

Other standard features include: CD stereo with auxiliary input jack, one-touch power windows, power locks and air conditioning. TDI trims come with a leather-wrapped steering column with audio controls and a touch-screen stereo. Optional features include: moon-roof, heated seats and Dynaudio stereo. The Golf offers a cargo space of 15 cubic ft, but after tucking the 60/40 split-folding rear-seats, the space increases to 46 cubic feet.

Safety & Reliability

The list of standard safety features is long and impressive. These features include: emergency trunk release, traction control, brake assist, electronic stability control, integrated turn signal mirrors, 4-wheel disc brakes, 4-wheel ABS, front-seat side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, driver and front passenger airbags and rear head airbags.

Volkswagen covers all new 2012 Golf’s with a limited warranty that lasts for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles, in addition to the 5-year or 60,000-mile engine warranty. Rust damages are covered by a 12-year warranty, regardless of mileage.

Pros

• High quality interior materials
• Comfortable rear seat
• Available diesel engine with good fuel economy
• Powerful engines
• Refined driving dynamics

Cons

• Expensive for the class
• Poor fuel economy for the base model

In conclusion, the 2012 Volkswagen Golf is a great option for people shopping for small cars for their midsize families. The Golf combines fun-to-drive experience with luxury-car levels of cabin quality.

The 5-seater will compete against rivals like Toyota Matrix (MSRP $19,275; 26 city / 32 hwy), Subaru Impreza (MSRP $18,395; 25 city / 33 hwy), and the Mazda3 (MSRP $20,000; 27 city / 38 hwy) hatchback.

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“Outstanding cabin materials and construction; fuel-efficient diesel engine; spacious hatchback body style; refined driving dynamics… Unrefined and inefficient gasoline engine; higher price than many rivals.” Edmunds

“It feels solid and well-built, but the Golf’s rear seat isn’t particularly spacious–especially on three-door models.” Car Connection

“All are sporty and agile with little body lean; TDI’s sport suspension means even more nimble cornering ability. Braking is smooth and strong in general, though one test car suffered from touchy pedal action in wet conditions. R benefits from its stiffer suspension and all-wheel drive, but feels a bit too heavy to be called sports-car agile.” Consumer Guide

“The ride is supple and controlled. Interior quality is impressive and feels solid. The front seats are supportive, but the rear is cramped. Curtain air bags are standard.” MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“No significant changes to the base car, but option packages have been simplified. Those Golfs equipped with the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder gasoline powertrain are available in Golf, Golf with Convenience, and Golf with Convenience and Sunroof guises.” KBB

The 2012 Volvo C70 is classified as a luxury midsize convertible that offers comfortable and high quality interior. This year, Volvo has revised the retractable hardtop for the C70, giving the car an upper hand when facing competition from rivals.

In addition, Volvo has added 2 trim levels: Premier Plus and Platinum, giving customers a wider range of models to choose from.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Convertible	Base Price: $40,990.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gallons (60l)	MPG: 19 city / 28 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 180.4 in. (458.2 cm)	Wheel Base: 103.9 in. (263.9 cm)
Height: 55.1 in. (139.9 cm)	Width: 72.3 in. (183.6 cm)
Curb Weight: 3837 lbs (1740 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.5 in. (13.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 12.8 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: Inline-5 Turbo DOHC	Displacement: 2.5 Liter
Horsepower: 227 HP	Max RPM: 5000 RPM
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1500-5000 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

Available Trims & Engine

Option:T5 Inscription

MSRP: $44,350; MPG: 19 city / 28 hwy

Engine & Performance

The 2012 C70, offered in standard 2-wheel drive, uses a 2.5L turbocharged 5-cylinder powertrain that makes 227 hp and 236 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is connected to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

These tweaks enable the C70 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. This drive train gets a fuel economy estimate of 18 mpg in cities and 28 mpg on highways.

Exterior

The C70 has three trim levels, the T5, T5 Premier Plus and the T5 Platinum. Styling is impeccable, giving the C70 a front bearing a family resemblance to the XC60 crossover and S60 sedan. It receives a wedge-shaped nose with a larger air intake than the 2011 edition.

The rear has LED taillights that give it a chic look. The T5 base trim is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear fog lamps, heated mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power retractable hardtop. Stepping up to the Premier Plus trim, you will get extra features like keyless entry and rear parking sensors. Optional features on all trims consist of: adaptive bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, headlamp washers, LED running lights, rear spoiler and automatic wipers.

Interior

The C70 has stylish interior with a fashionable design. The cabin offers supportive and comfortable front seats and soft-touch surfaces. You will definitely be pleased with the front seats that are adjustable to offer comfortable legroom for the occupants.

The rear seats are also comfortable and offer ample legroom than Infiniti G37 and BMW 3-Series convertibles. The instrument panel is also well designed imparting more of a watch-dial design. All seats are made of leather, with cranberry-colored leather being optional.

Some of the standard features available in all trims include: trip computer, CD stereo with auxiliary jack input, and dual-zone climate control. The Volvo C70 comes with a cargo space of 6 cubic ft with the hardtop down, and 12.8 cubic ft when the top is up. The cargo capacity, when the top is in place, beats that of Lexus IS and Infiniti G37 convertibles.

Safety & Reliability

This car is equipped with several standard safety features including side curtain airbags, which are designed to stay deployed during a rollover. Other safety features include: traction control, emergency trunk release, roll over protection system, electronic stability control, brake assist, 4-wheel disc brakes, driver and front passenger airbags, side head airbags for the front seats and side impact airbags.

Volvo covers all new 2012 C70s with a comprehensive warranty for the first 5 years or 50,000 miles, as well as free scheduled maintenance during the first 50,000 miles or 5 years whichever comes first. Moreover, Volvo offers a free road assistance that is transferrable with the car within the first 5 years,

Pros

• Comfortable front seats
• Cosseting cabin
• Quiet and comfortable ride
• Unique safety features
• Sleek exterior with a retractable hardtop

Cons

• Confusing audio and navigation controls
• Unremarkable performance

Without a doubt, the 2012 Volvo C70 is not classified as a sports car, it looks sporty though. People shopping for midsize cars should take a look at this car, especially due to its ability to offer smooth rides, stylish exterior, and comfortable and luxurious interior.

Competition

The C70 keeps good company with other convertibles that include the BMW 1 Series (MSRP $36,900), the Lexus IS 250C (MSRP $41,190; 19 city / 28 hwy), and the Mercedes Benz SLK (MSRP $42,900; 22 city / 32 hwy).

Overall Rating
70 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Volvo C70 boasts a retractable hardtop, a luxurious interior and a smooth ride, though its middling performance means some competitors will leave it behind.”Edmunds

“With a healthy dash of Scandinavian style and Volvo’s excellent reputation for safety, the 2012 C70 makes a solid all-around choice for a hardtop convertible.”Car Connection

“Not sports-car nimble, but C70 corners with front-drive assurance, modest body lean, and tolerable noseplow. The optional 18-inch wheels don’t offer much of an improvement, at least not enough to justify the ride penalty. Some testers find the steering nicely weighted, while others judge it a bit light and not that quick. The brakes are strong and easy to modulate.”Consumer Guide

“The C70 convertible has a hard top that’s power operated and works well. It comes with a turbocharged 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“From the exceptional comfort of its form-fitting bucket seats to its pleasant and predictable road manners, the 2012 Volvo C70 is every inch the car Volvo promises it to be.”KBB

The 2012 Subaru Legacy is an affordable midsize car, sister of the Outback wagon, but the Legacy is only offered in sedan body style. This edition has been upgraded from the outgoing generation, by including more space to the rear seats and improved fuel efficiency.

The 2012 Legacy becomes the only affordable midsize car that comes available in standard AWD.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan	Base Price: $19,295.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70l)	MPG: 24 city / 32 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 187.2 in. (475.4 cm)	Wheel Base: 108.3 in. (275 cm)
Height: 59.3 in. (150.6 cm)	Width: 71.7 in. (182.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 3315 lbs (1504 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.9 in. (14.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 14.7 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER®	Displacement: 2.5 Liter
Horsepower: 173 HP	Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 174 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed M/T

Available Trims & Engine

Option:2.5i PZEV CVT	MSRP: $21,295; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy
Option:2.5i Premium CVT	MSRP: $21,295; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy
Option:2.5i Premium PZEV	MSRP: $22,595; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy
Option:3.6R V6 A/T	MSRP: $25,095; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:2.5i Limited CVT	MSRP: $25,595; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy
Option:2.5i Limited PZEV	MSRP: $25,895; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy

Engine & Performance

The Legacy is available with a choice of three engines and three types of transmission. The base engine is a 2.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 170 hp and 170 lbs-ft of torque. This engine comes with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, although you can go for the optional CVT.

The second engine is a 2.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 265 hp and 258 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, netting a fuel economy of 18/25 mpg city highway.

The third option is a 3.6 L 6-cylinder that produces 256 hp and 247 lbs-ft of torque. This engine is combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission, to enable the car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. Its fuel economy is estimated at 18/25 mpg city/highway. The Legacy receives kudos because of its composed ride, precise handling, and responsive natural steering.

Exterior

The Legacy is available in 7 trim levels including: 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 3.6R, 3.6R Limited, 3.6R Premium and 2.5GT Limited. The 2.5i trim is fitted with 16-inch steel wheels and automatic headlights, while 2.5i Premiums are offered in 16-inch alloy wheel and fog lights.

The 2.5GT comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, summer tires and a sunroof which is an optional exterior feature on all other trims. The style is complimented with a grille that has the constellation symbol and wing-shaped crossbar.

Interior

The interior is also thought of, with most of the surface having a metallic-looking trim. Standard features in all trims include: 60/40 split folding rear seats, audio system with a CD changer, auxiliary audio jack, keyless entry and tilt and telescoping steering column mounting cruise and audio control buttons.

All seats are very comfortable, and offer ample leg and head room even for tall adults. Higher trim levels come with extra features including dual-zone climate control, Satellite radio, Bluetooth, and USB jack. This sedan provides a 14.7 cubic ft of cargo hold which is an average capacity for its class.

Safety & Reliability

Standard safety features in the 2012 Legacy include: daytime running lights, emergency trunk release, child safety locks, driver and front passenger airbags, side head airbags, side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, 4-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, and 4-wheel ABS.

Subaru covers this sedan with a 3-year or 36,000 miles limited warranty, as well as 5-year or 36,000 miles engine warranty. Rust perforation is covered for the first 5 years, in addition to road assistance during the first 36,000 miles or 3-years whichever comes first.

Pros

• Roomy cabin
• Standard AWD
• Powerful 6-cylinder and turbo 4 engines
• Excellent outward visibility
• Top safety scores

Cons

• Below par fuel economy
• Few standard tech features
• Fussy navigation system
• underpowered base engine

The 2012 Subaru Legacy is a good choice for people shopping for midsize sedans, especially those looking for composed rides, a spacious cabin and lively performance. This five passenger vehicle is a good choice for small families.

Competition

It will face competition from rivals like Honda Accord (MSRP $21,680; 24 city / 34 hwy), Toyota Camry (MSRP $22,055; 25 city / 35 hwy) and Ford Fusion (MSRP $21,700; mpg NA).

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Subaru Legacy remains the only mainstream, mid-size sedan to offer all-wheel drive; it’s also among the better-handling models in this class, and a strong value in 2.5i form.”Car Connection

“Non-GT Legacy models are mild-mannered, slightly heavy-feeling sedans, with responsive, well-weighted steering, and reassuring stability. Body lean is noticeable in tight low-speed corners and fast turns. The 2.5GT also has excellent steering and eliminates most of the body lean.”Consumer Guide

“This roomy, all-wheel-drive family sedan has a nice interior, very comfortable ride, and good fuel economy.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Whether you appreciate the handling virtues of all-wheel drive or need to navigate winter’s worst, you’ll find the 2012 Subaru Legacy to be a roomy, comfortable sedan with an edge in confidence over its front-wheel-drive competition. ”KBB

“With standard all-wheel drive, big-car comfort and lively performance, the 2012 Subaru Legacy is a solid choice among midsize sedans.”Edmunds

The 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed is powered by a 6.0 liter W-12 engine. It is the fastest model to date, producing 590 lb-ft of torque. The engine power is delivered to all four wheels, by a new ZF, close-ratio, 8-speed automatic transmission, and Torsion differential.

It delivers quick and smooth gear changes through its control software, ensuring a perfect combination of speed and control. The ZF gearbox improves CO2 emissions, and increases fuel economy by 12 %. With 625 hp, the Continental GT Speed can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4 seconds, with a top speed of 205 mph.

Performance

In order to use the W12 engine’s increased power most effectively; the GT Speed has a number of chassis changes. The updates include lowering the suspension, revised steering, and 21″ alloy wheels, fitted with Pirelli high-performance tires.

The changes result in a sportier look, and greater levels of stability and grip on any road conditions presented. The all-wheel drive system, using a Torsion differential, ensures that the driver is in control of the power delivered.

Sporty Features

The interior of the Continental GT Speed features Bentley’s Mulliner Driving Specifications styling package. The cabin is hand-crafted to personalize a more sporting, and contemporary car character.

The styling options are limitless in color of exterior paint to upholstery colors, leather types, and veneers. The handmade, two-piece, alloy steering wheel, and drilled alloy pedals give the car a sportier feel, along with the use of high-gloss, black, carbon-fiber bumper splitter, lower air intake grill stakes, and curved wing vents.

Equipped with an 1100-watt Naim sound and navigation system, control and great sound are at your fingertips.

Theme Continues

The new Bentley Continental GT Speed was named after the Bentley “Speed”, from 1923. The past is revisited with the new Continental GT, offering Bentley’s commitment to power, efficiency, and the personalized, sporty look that you can help to design. A Continental GT Speed can be ordered now, with deliveries beginning in October, 2012.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe	Est. Price: $211,744.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (90 liters)	MPG: 12 city / 19 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 189.2 in. (480.6 cm)	Wheelbase: 108.1 in. (274.5 cm)
Height: 55.3 in. (140.4 cm)	Width: 76.5 in. (194.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 5115 lbs (2320 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 12.6 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4

Performance

Engine: W12 Twin Turbo	Displacement: 6.0 liters
Horsepower: 625 HP	Max RPM: 6000 rpm
Torque: 590 lb-ft	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds	Top Speed: 205 mph (329 km/h)