The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a vehicle that SUV lovers can appreciate. It really helps save on gas when compared to fuel-only vehicles.

This is a vehicle that is normally used by families, but a lot of owners just enjoy having the convenience of extra space.

There are several options available, which allows customization with the Chevrolet Tahoe.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hybrid SUV	Base Price: $51,970.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 25 gallons (94l)	MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 202 in. (513 cm)	Wheel Base: 116 in. (294.6 cm)
Height: 74.6 in. (189.4 cm)	Width: 79 in. (200.6 cm)
Curb Weight: 5598 lbs (2539 kg)	Ground Clearance: 10.2 in. (25.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 49.4 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 8 people

Performance

Engine: V8 Vortec SFI 2WD Hybrid	Displacement: 6.0 Liter
Horsepower: 332 HP	Max RPM: 5100 RPM
Torque: 367 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm	Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
Battery Cold Cranking: 730 amps	Max Towing Capacity: 6200 lbs (2812 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Hybrid 4WD

MSRP: $54,775; MPG: 20 city / 23 hwy

Engine

This hybrid vehicle comes with a 6.0 L V8, 332 horsepower at 5100 RPM engine with variable valve timing. It has 16 valves and a turning circle of 39 feet. In addition, the torque produced is at 367 ft/lbs at 4100 RPM.

The drivetrain is a rear locking differential and there is a stabilizer bar for the front and rear. Since the engine is hybrid it saves a lot on gas throughout the year.

Performance

Rear wheel drive comes standard with the four-speed automatic transmission. It takes regular unleaded gas and can carry 25 gallons. The range in miles is 500 in the city and 575 on the highway. You will get 20 mpg in the city, 23 out on the highway.

Exterior

The 18″ alloy wheels with all-season P265/65R18 tires come standard. A tire repair kit and null spare wheel also come with the Tahoe. Privacy glass throughout the car is something most drivers appreciate and there is a rear defogger for added visibility.

Step running boards make it easier to get in and out of the car and there is a hitch for trailers on the back. There are a variety of colors available for those who want to customize the appearance of their Tahoe, inside and out.

Interior

Both the passengers and driver seats are powered 6-way. The driver’s seat has the added feature of different heating levels. All seats are leather and the front two are bucket style. It comes with power door locks, mirrors, windows and heated mirrors. The pedals can be adjusted for drivers of different heights and there are rear parking sensors for added safety while driving.

Cruise controls and audio controls are all on the steering wheel. For added comfort, there are lighted vanity mirrors as well as floor mats and turn signals in the mirror. In car entertainment includes: navigation, 9 speakers, XM radio, CD player and more.

Safety & Reliability

Child safety is important, which is why it includes child-locks for the rear doors. It also has seat anchors for child seats. There are also anti-lock brakes along with traction and stability control. Tire pressure monitoring comes standard with air bags throughout the SUV. There are also several different warranties offered with different limitations.

Pros

• A lot of cabin space, can fit eight passengers.
• Great gas mileage.
• Nice looking interior.

Cons

• Third row seats do not fold down.
• Several similar hybrid SUVs are cheaper.

This is normally a vehicle for families. This is due to the adequate passenger space and large cargo area. Although it does have a higher price than other vehicles, it comes with a lot of features standard. The hybrid model is also more expensive than the regular Tahoe.

Competition

Other SUVs that have been compared to the Tahoe Hybrid include the Ford Expedition LTD (MSRP $45,270; 14 city / 20 hwy), the Nissan Armada (MSRP $52,220; 13 city / 19 hwy), and the Toyota Sequoia (MSRP $51,040; 13 city / 18 hwy).

What others say:

“The 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid offers compelling efficiency and decent tow capacity, but a lighter-duty crossover will likely be a better choice for most consumers.”Edmunds

The 2012 Buick Verano is small, comfortable, refined, and has a very quiet interior. With the high-quality standards of Buick, at a lower price, it is Buick’s least expensive, luxury, small car.

The Verano performs well, is safe, reliable, and what it lacks in horsepower, it makes up in great fuel efficiency. For those who are looking for a smaller luxury vehicle for driving a great deal, rather than just for speed, the Verano has much to offer at a lower price.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan	Base Price: $22,585.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.6 gallons (59L)	MPG: 21 city / 32 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 183.9 in. (467.1 cm)	Wheel Base: 105.7 in. (268.4 cm)
Height: 58.4 in. (148.3 cm)	Width: 71.4 in. (181.3 cm)
Curb Weight: 3300 lbs (1497 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 14 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: ECOTEC DOHC 4 Cylinder	Displacement: 2.4 Liter
Horsepower: 180 HP	Max RPM: 6700 RPM
Torque: 171 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Convenience Group 2	MSRP: $23,785; MPG: 21 city / 32 hwy
Option:Leather Group	MSRP: $25,965; MPG: 21 city / 32 hwy

Engine & Performance

Buick Verano’s ECOTEC 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine provides 180 horsepower at 6700 RPM. It has variable valve timing, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. It offers front-wheel drive, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and StabiliTrak, enabling the car to grip the road with traction control and agility. The Verano can accelerate from 0-60 in 8.2 seconds, which may weed out potential customers looking for speed, but what it lacks in speed is made up in gas mileage.

The 2012 Verano estimates 21 miles per gallon city driving, and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. It also has a 15-gallon gas tank, so there will be fewer trips to the gas station. It is not a turbocharged engine, but vehicles boasting more speed such as the Audi A3 has a more cramped interior, and the BMW 1-Series may be more fun to drive, but is also more expensive. The Verano has adequate power, has solid engineering, is comfortable, quiet, and has an upscale interior as well.

Exterior

The Verano’s sculpted exterior is flowing, elegant, and accented with Buick’s signature black chrome grill. The blue-translucent, projector-beam headlights add a look of mystique. The sleek, sculpted body is trimmed with chrome accents, and 18-inch forged-alloy wheels. Although it looks smaller from the exterior, the design leaves room to be comfortable inside, and provides ample space in the trunk compartment.

Interior

The Buick Verano is a comfortable, yet purposeful, small car. The interior is crafted with premium materials. QUIET TUNING technology absorbs sounds and vibrations, so that the interior is very quiet. With laminated, acoustic glass, triple-sealed doors, and refined chassis dynamics, the comfortably-spacious interior cabin is free from background noise.

Standard interior features for the Verano are air conditioning, USB port, Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite, OnStar, color-touch radio with Buick IntelliLink, Remote Vehicle Starter System, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls. Available interior options include a sunroof, navigation system, Bose Sound System, keyless start, heated front seats, mirrors, and steering wheel, and leather trim.

Safety & Reliability

The Verano comes with a five-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It offers very responsive driving with StabiliTrak helping to hug the road. Air bags for safety are a standard feature, and the sturdy build of the Buick exterior provides additional driving safety. It is not as fast as some models, but if you are looking for a less-expensive small car with interior luxuries, and that will save gas, you may be able to overlook the speed issue.

The 2012 Buick Verano is a responsive car which is safe, reliable, and quiet for those who are not particularly just looking for speed.

Overall Rating
72 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Buick Verano is roomier inside than its exterior suggests–and a standout for those who want peace and quiet.”Car Connection

“Verano has no sporty pretension, and it shows in the handling. Steering feel is fairly dull overall, and the car exhibits moderate body lean around fast corners. The brakes are strong with good pedal feel.”Consumer Guide

“Early impressions indicate the car is quiet for its size, with virtually no road noise. It rides relatively comfortably and handling is responsive but less sporty than the Regal’s.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“You might like the 2012 Buick Verano if you’re a young professional looking for a new car to reward your success without substantially increasing your debt.”KBB

“The all-new 2012 Buick Verano is a well-rounded entry-level luxury sedan that is worth considering, especially if you’re on a budget.”Edmunds

Great performance, comfort and convenience are what you get with the 2012 Audi Q5. This car is hot! It really has it all. It is like having a sports sedan in a SUV body.

You will notice the elegant appearance and attention to detail first. Then you will fall in love with the smooth easy handling. It will be hard to ignore this superior vehicle.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $35,600.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.8 gallons (75L)	MPG: 20 city / 27 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 182.2 in. (462.9 cm)	Wheel Base: 110.5 in. (280.7 cm)
Height: 65.1 in. (165.3 cm)	Width: 82.2 in. (208.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 4090 lbs (1855 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.9 in. (20 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 29.1 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC Inline 4	Compression Ratio: 9.6: 1
Horsepower: 211 HP	Max RPM: 4300 RPM
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	Transmission: X-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds	Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)
1/4 Mile: NA	Max Towing Capacity: 4400 lbs (1995 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Premium Plus

MSRP: $39,900; MPG: 18 city / 23 hwy

Engine & Performance

With its 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbo charged engine with 211 hp and 258 pound feet of torque, the 2012 Audi Q5 provides overall power. The eight speed automatic transmission and the all wheel drive contribute to the smooth drivability of this awesome vehicle.

In fact it is the same transmission gear box that it is found in the BMW 7 series and the Rolls Royce Ghost. This car goes from 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds. Steering is firm and you will notice the smooth body control and you get 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.

Exterior

Subtle and elegant are the words that come to mind when looking at this gorgeous car. The sculpted exterior with a prominent rounded nose and front grille are saying quiet luxury to the discerning eye.

Add the 18” alloy wheels along with a choice of 8 exterior colors to choose from and you have a great looking automobile. You will appreciate the heated side mirrors, power tailgate and the remote keyless access featured in this compact SUV.

Interior

Impressive high quality and comfort is what you experience when you enter into the Q5. Roomy leather seating for five with plenty of head and leg room and 3 zone automatic climate control provide for a comfortable ride. This car gives you 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space and there is an extra storage bin below the cargo floor.

The wood grain accents and quality leather covered steering wheel are what you would expect in a luxury vehicle. Then there is the power seats, Bluetooth, satellite radio and auto dimming review mirror that remind you that this is a car you can love.

Safety

The Audi Q5 is a top safety pick with it’s anti lock brakes, electronic stability control and side curtain airbags as well as front and rear head air bags and the electronic brake distribution. Top that off with the traction and hill descent control and you are in a safe and secure vehicle. The safety ratings for this car are top notch.

Reliability

The 2012 Q5 comes with a four year / 50,000 mile basic new car warranty and a 12 month /12 year limited corrosion perforation warranty as well as 24 hour roadside assistance for four years.

Pros

• Excellent exterior and interior craftsmanship
• Above average fuel economy for its class.
• Excellent safety ratings
• Smooth comfortable ride.

Cons

Small cargo space and options are pricy.

Competition

The competition the Q5 finds itself against include the likes of the V6 Infiniti EX (MSRP $35,800; 17 city / 24 hwy), Land Rover LR2 (MSRP $35,700; 15 city / 22 hwy), and the BMW X3 (MSRP $38,500; 21 city / 28 hwy) All of which are priced under $40,000.

This is a great car for someone looking for luxury and practicality all in one package. I would consider purchasing this car because of the great safety features and the elegant look as well as the comfortable interior and above average performance.

Overall Rating
80 out of 100

What others say:

“Fairly nimble with minimal body lean. Steering feel is firm and direct; braking is strong and linear. A tight turning radius eases close-quarters maneuvering.”Consumer Guide

“Stylish and sporty, the Q5 is one of the better choices among compact luxury SUVs. The cabin is plush and quiet, with very comfortable seats, but rear-seat and cargo space are fairly modest. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“For 2012, the V6 models add a sleek S line package with titanium-finished 20-inch 5-spoke wheels, matte black roof rails, and window frames. The top-of-the-line Q5 Prestige model offers new rear-window sunshades, perfect for keeping your rear-seat passengers comfortable in the summertime.”KBB

The 2013 Dodge SRT Viper GTS-R, is designed exclusively to race in the American Le Mans Series.

The design of the GTS-R is from a collaboration of Riley Technologies and SRT Motorsports. This car has been built for three reasons: reliability, speed and durability.

Exterior

This car comes covered in an aggressive design. The new style is evident on the entire car from the lightweight roof which is made of carbon fiber to its road scorching wheels. Three inches has been added to the wheelbase, and 2 inches to the track.

This makes the already sizeable car into a big beast. The doors have also been stretched out. The front and back suspension systems are designed to work with Michelin racing tires.

The sizes of the wheels are 18 x 10.5 inches in the front, and 19 x 13 inches in the rear. Other notable features included in this racing car are: dual function, LED turn signals, and bi-xenon projector lamps.

Interior

The beautiful exterior design has been complemented with a gorgeous interior design, to make the car more comfortable and desirable. Notable interior features include climate-controlled cockpit, electronic stability control and traction control systems.

The electronic stability control is a 4 mode setup which can sense speed at all wheels alongside with steering wheel angle sensor, yaw sensor, and lateral G.

Innovative Technology

The Dodge SRT Viper GTS-R comes with launch control as standard equipment, to aid in optimizing in a straight line performance in track conditions. To add to that, for the very first time, the Viper has incorporated cruise control into the GTS.

Performance

The SRT Viper GTS-R utilizes an updated V-10 engine which produces 640 horsepower at 6,150 rpm. This is an increase of 40 horsepower than the 2010 Viper. The engine features lighter forged pistons, revised camshaft profile, latest combined intake manifold and sodium-cooled exhaust valves.

It is further enhanced by the Tremec TR6060 close-ratio 6 speed manual transmission. The final drive ratio has also been reduced to 3.55 from 3.07, giving the GTS-R a more insatiable and easy acceleration.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe	Est. Market Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16 gallons (70 liters)	MPG: NA

Dimensions

Length: 175.7 in. (446.3 cm)	Wheelbase: 98.8 in. (251 cm)
Height: 49.1 in. (124.6 cm)	Width: 76.4 in. (194.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 3297 lbs (1495 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.0 in. (12.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 14.6 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2

Performance

Engine: V10 OHV Turbo	Displacement: 8.4 liters
Horsepower: 640 HP	Max RPM: 6150 RPM
Torque: 600 lb-ft @ 4950 rpm	Transmission: Tremec 6-Speed Manual

The 2012 Audi A4 offers a variety of features for drivers to enjoy. The rain sensing windshield wipers are just one of the unique features it has to offer. There is also a ventilated glove box that keeps drinks cool and enjoyable.

The five-link front suspension system reduces the feel of bumps on the road without bogging down the ride. Other features of this vehicle include:

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan	Base Price: $32,500.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.1 gallons (61L)	MPG: 24 city / 31 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 185.1 in. (470.1 cm)	Wheel Base: 110.6 in. (280.8 cm)
Height: 56.2 in. (142.7 cm)	Width: 80.3 in. (204 cm)
Curb Weight: 3509 lbs (1595 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 12.4 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.0L Turbo DOHC Inline 4	Compression Ratio: 9.6: 1
Horsepower: 211 HP	Max RPM: 4300 RPM
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	Transmission: 8-Speed Tiptronic®
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds	Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Premium Quattro 2.0T

MSRP: $33,300; MPG: 21 city / 31 hwy

Engine

The 2.0 TFSI engine comes standard and is an award winner for Audi. It has 211 horsepower at 4300 RPM and 258 lbs/ft of torque. It takes premium unleaded and can reach 130 MPH at top speed.

Performance

This vehicle can get 24 mpg in the city while in multi-tronic mode, 20 mpg while in tip-tronic mode and 22 mpg while in manual mode. It can reach 0-60 in 6.3 seconds to 6.7 seconds depending on what mode it’s in.

Exterior

The exterior of the 2012 Audi A4 comes with a single frame grille and halogen headlights. The headlights are also automatic, so drivers don’t have to worry about forgetting to adjust their lighting. Front fog lights also come standard with this car. The side mirrors can be adjusted from the inside of the car to make it easy to get the best view possible.

There are also heated windshield washer nozzles to ensure the windshield can be cleaned in any weather condition. Black trim is provided around the outside windows for a clean and sleek look. There is also a dual exhaust outlet located on the driver’s side.

Interior

The inside of this vehicle is a work of art. There are decorative inlays, an adjustable steering column and comfortable leather. There are also front sun visors that are equipped with lighted vanity mirrors. Seats can be powered four different ways, including the option of lumbar support.

Automatic climate control comes standard for a comfortable ride. Ten speakers with a CD/MP3 player come standard for a great audio experience. There is also cruise control on the steering wheel to keep for a comfortable ride.

Safety & Reliability

There are dual-stage airbags, thorax side airbags and head curtain airbags. In addition to this, there are front passenger sensors to detect whether or not airbags should deploy. LATCH in rear seats is provided for the safety of children and there is child lock features provided as well.

ABS and EBD come standard for the breaks and there is a tire-pressure monitoring system that comes included. The anti-theft alarm system comes with a panic button for added safety as well.

Pros

• Cabin is high quality and looks really nice.
• The handling on the car is sport so it’s able to handle all different types of roads.
• There are also a number of different features available to choose from.
• Fun to drive.
• Good value when compared to other luxury brands.
• Appeals to younger and older drivers.

Cons

• Standard layout on the inside of the cabin where the controls are located.
• Cargo space is too limited for some drivers.
• Audi can be more expensive than other cars.

There are other vehicles similar to the Audi A4, but this one stands out because of what it offers. It has a sleek design with a number of unique features. It’s worth considering for anyone who is in the market for a new vehicle.

Competition

This segment gets pretty crowded with the likes of the Volvo S60 (MSRP $31,750; 21 city / 30 hwy), Infiniti G (MSRP $33,100; 20 city / 29 hwy) and the Mercedes Benz C Class (MSRP $34,800; 21 city / 31 hwy) joining the A4.

Overall Rating
76 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Audi A4 has a comfortable, well-made interior, although its tight back seat and overly firm ride can limit its appeal.”Car Connection

“A4 and S4 are true drivers’ cars. Steering is nicely weighted and direct. A4 adeptly balances around-town maneuverability with sporty road manners. S4 has sharper moves all-around.”Consumer Guide

“The A4 compact sports sedan has a solid, high-quality feel and top-grade interior appointments.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Fuel efficiency, excellent styling and a well-crafted interior are hallmarks of the 2012 Audi A4 line.”KBB

“The 2012 Audi A4 delivers refinement in both appearance and road manners. So, too, does the A4 Avant wagon, along with a healthy dose of utility.”Edmunds