The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD comes in a variety of cab models. These include: work truck, LT, extended cab work truck, extended cab LTZ and crew cab models. This is one of the most popular Chevy trucks because it’s affordable and can carry a lot of weight.

It’s commonly used for drivers who need to haul large loads. The design for the 2012 model has stayed the same, although there are a few upgrades.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Truck	Base Price: $29,100.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 36 gallons (136l)	MPG: NA

Dimensions

Length: 225 in. (571.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 133.7 in. (339.6 cm)
Height: 77.5 in. (196.8 cm)	Width: 80 in. (203.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 6153 lbs (2791 kg)	Ground Clearance: 9.8 in.-front (24.8 cm)
Cargo Capacity: 75.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 3 people

Performance

Engine: Vortec V8 OHV 2WD	Displacement: 6.0 Liter
Horsepower: 360 HP	Max RPM: 5400 RPM
Torque: 380 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 13000 lbs (5897 kgs)	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:WT 4WD	MSRP: $32,055; MPG: NA
Option:LT FWD	MSRP: $32,205; MPG: NA
Option:LT AWD	MSRP: $35,355; MPG: NA
Option:Ext. Cab WT FWD	MSRP: $31,030; MPG: NA
Option:Crew Cab WT FWD	MSRP: $33,035; MPG: NA

Engine

The Silverado HD comes with a 6.0L, V8 engine that produces 360 horsepower @ 5400 rpm and a torque of 380 ft-lbs @ 4200 rpm. It is helped by a 6 speed automatic transmission on rear-wheel drive with independent from suspension and stabilizer bar.

Performance

The Silverado HD gets 15 mpg in the city, 17 on the highway, combined it gets 21 mpg and is able to use flex-fuel. The Silverado HD is quick and efficient on the road, even with heavy loads. Some of the mechanical options include: heavy duty batter, turbo-diesel engine and high performance payload package.

Exterior

This truck comes in many colors. These include: blue metallic, victory red, black, white and many others. Steel 17×7.5 inch wheels come standard with LT245/75R E tires. The tires are all-season, so they can be used all throughout the year.

The bumpers outside the truck are finished in chrome for a richer look. The options for the exterior include: glass with a deeper tint, 5th wheel attachment equipment, brackets for a front license plate and more.

Interior

The front seats are vinyl and can be manually adjusted. Convenience features are: cruise control, power steering, cup holders in the front and back and more. There are reading lights throughout the truck as well as mirrors and an a/c for added comfort. There are four speakers inside the truck and it’s wired for am/fm stereo. Satellite radio is an option that can be added on.

Safety & Reliability

A 4-wheel anti-lock brake system is included with emergency assistance for the brakes. The headlamps can sense dust and auto delay as well. Anchors for child seats and seatbelt pre-tensioners also add safety to this truck. Traction and stability controls help drivers stay in control.

There are also air bags located throughout the truck. There are a few warranties that come with this Silverado when purchased. These include: basic 3 year/36,000 mile, drivetrain 5 year/100,000 mile, roadside 5 year/100,000 mile and rust 6 year/100,000 mile.

Pros

• Can haul a lot of weight without affecting performance.
• Solid body construction.
• Easy to use steering.
• Rides without a lot of outside noise.

Cons

• Odd seating positions.
• Not much different from 2011 re-designed model.
• Steering wheel is tilt-only.

The 2012 Chevy Silverado is generally used as a work truck, but can be used for casual drivers as well. It doesn’t have a lot of high-tech features. Drivers that enjoy the luxury features may be better off with a different model of vehicle or with added options on this one.

Competition

This American dominated segment of pick up trucks include the likes of the Ford Super Duty F250 (MSRP $29,065) and the Ram 2500 (MSRP $28,990). It really all is a matter of preference, its your choice.

What others say:

“Silverado HDs are surprisingly pleasant and manageable for such large, hefty vehicles. Straight-line stability is excellent, though Silverado’s significant size and weight limit cornering speed, as does the expected big-truck body lean. Steering is well-weighted, direct, and responsive. The brakes furnish stable, relatively short stops with fine pedal feel. Plus-size exterior dimensions make close-quarters maneuvering a challenge.”Consumer Guide

“ The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD remains an excellent choice in the competitive heavy-duty truck segment.”Edmunds

There are only a few luxury wagons in the market and the 2012 Audi A4 Avant is one of them. The new Audi A4, also called Avant, boasts its balanced performance and, what Audi is known for, its classy interior.

It may not excel in some areas but if you look closely to what the A4 brings, you will see an excellent package that brings great value for your money.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Wagon	Base Price: $36,400.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 gallons (64L)	MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 185.2 in. (470.3 cm)	Wheel Base: 110.6 in. (280.8 cm)
Height: 56.5 in. (143.6 cm)	Width: 80.3 in. (204 cm)
Curb Weight: 3814 lbs (1730 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 17.3 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: 6.5 seconds	Maximum Speed: 130 mph (1609 km/h)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Premium Plus 2.0T	MSRP: $41,000; MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy
Option:Prestige 2.0T	MSRP: $46,300; MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy

Engine

There is only one engine for the Avant, the turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 211 horsepower and 258 lbs/ft of torque. As a standard, this engine is paired to a Tiptronic 8-speed automatic transmission.

With a fuel economy rating of 29 mpg for highway and 21 mpg for city driving, the A4 Avant can be considered as a frugal wagon.

Performance

It is clear that the Avant provides adequate power for city and highway driving. What interests most shoppers is its excellent handling. The wagon is indeed long, but the center of gravity is low. These factors contribute to the wagon’s nimbleness. In fact, many test drivers describe the handling for the wagon as sporty. Another reason why the wagon handles this well is the all-wheel drive system that comes standard in all models.

Exterior

The A4 Avant bears all the traits that Audi cars have. The large front grille, the angular headlights, and the slight aggressiveness of the lines on the hood are all present. The sides have minimal lines and are slightly curved, giving the A4 a sharp and polished look. It seems that the A4 wants to reveal its sportiness only to its drivers.

Interior

The cabin of the 2012 A4 is spacious and comfortable. It can accommodate adults well in the front and second rows. However, if you are very tall and you want more space, do not sit on the back seat. Children will find plenty of space in the backseat though. Of course, the interiors are made of high quality materials, meaning Audi continues to live up to our expectations. There are, however, complaints about the cumbersome multimedia interface of the Avant.

Safety

The 2012 A4 Wagon is yet to be tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Nevertheless, we can use details for the A4 Sedan which is a Top Safety Pick for IIHS for scoring “good” in all the crash tests that they performed. The federal government gave the A4 Wagon a score of 4 out of 5 stars.

Reliability

The 2012 A4 Avant comes with a standard 4-year warranty and a 24 hour roadside assistance that last for four years. The reliability for the 2012 A4 wagon is just average in its class.

Pros

The A4 Avant has a capable engine that can deliver what your family needs. It has sporty handling that makes it easy to drive both in the city and on the highways. It has good looks in and out. The interior are made of quality materials. The cabin is comfortable, spacious and luxurious. The 2012 A4 Avant has good fuel economy rating. The A4 simply gives one of the best packages in the market today.

Cons

Very tall passengers should not take the back seat. The interface seems too advanced for consumers.

If you are looking for a luxury wagon that brings great value for your money, the 2012 Audi A4 Wagon is definitely for you.

Other vehicles you can look at that are comparable to the Audi A4 Wagon include the BMW 3 Series Wagon (MSRP $37,500; 17 city / 26 hwy) and the Cadillac CTS Wagon (MSRP $39,015; 18 city / 27 hwy).

Overall Rating
80 out of 100

What others say:

“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

The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is filled with a variety of new technologies and features. The Corvette is a model that many people have always coveted, but only few people can afford it. From design to the engine, this car has a lot to offer.

The 2012 model is different from previous years because it has a lot of upgrades. The base and GS are the two coupe models. The convertible models include: base, GS, Z06 and the ZR1.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: $49,600.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons (68l)	MPG: 16 city / 26 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 174.6 in. (443.4 cm)	Wheel Base: 105.7 in. (268.4 cm)
Height: 49.1 in. (124.7 cm)	Width: 72.6 in. (184.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 3208 lbs (1455 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 22.4 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: V8 OHV	Displacement: 6.2 Liter
Horsepower: 430 HP	Max RPM: 5900 RPM
Torque: 424 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:GS	MSRP: $56,000; MPG: 16 city / 26 hwy
Option:Z06 7.0L	MSRP: $75,600; MPG: 15 city / 24 hwy
Option:ZR1 6.2L	MSRP: $111,600; MPG: 14 city / 21 hwy
Option:Convertible	MSRP: $54,600; MPG: 16 city / 26 hwy

Engine

The engine is a 6.2L V8 16 valve, 430 horsepower @5900 rpm, with a torque at 424 ft/lbs @ 4600 rpm. A wishbone suspension helps support the car in the front and rear, in addition to a stabilizer bar. This vehicle uses premium unleaded gas and the tank holds 18 gallons.

Performance

This car gets 16 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway. Its range in miles is 288 in the city and 468 on the highway. It has a paddle shit 6 speed automatic transmission and magnetic ride suspension for a smooth ride. There is also a dual-mode performance exhaust with large rotors that are cross drilled.

Exterior

Painted alloy 19×10 inch wheels come standard with P285/35R Z run flat tires. There is a Targa roof along with rear defogger and removable hard top as well. Supersonic blue metallic, velocity yellow tint coat and inferno orange metallic are three of the many color options for the outside.

Interior

The driver’s seat is power adjustable and both seats are buckets. They are premium leather and can be adjusted for different heights. There are heated mirrors to help with visibility during certain weather conditions. The interior colors available include: cashmere premium leather, red premium leather, red and black premium leather and more.

In addition, there is cruise control, remote trunk release and audio controls on the steering wheel. Entertainment inside the car includes: satellite radio from Sirius XM, MP3 audio input, AM/FM and seven speakers.

Safety & Reliability

Four wheel ABS are standard to offer more control when driving. Air bags are located throughout the car with sensors to determine when they go off. An anti-theft alarm system comes included as does tire pressure monitoring.

Front fog and driving lights offer more visibility when there isn’t much clarity outside. There are also dusk sensing headlamps that automatically go out during low lighting situations. There is a basic 3 year/36000 mile warranty included. There is also a 5 year/1000000 drivetrain warranty with this vehicle.

Pros

• This car is quick and has excellent acceleration.
• A well-known luxury brand that is coveted by many.
• Sporty and luxurious with a lot of standard features.
• Large cargo space while still being compact.
• Good brakes and handling.

Cons

• Interior needs improvement.
• Tires are too big for the small frame of the car.
• Base price

The Corvette isn’t a car that is fit for all drivers. It is a sporty car that is best suited for people who love flashy vehicles and driving. It also doesn’t have many seats inside, so passenger options are limited.

Competition

Along with its reputation, the Corvette has been chased after by the likes of the BMW Z4 -4 cylinder Turbo – (MSRP $48,650; 23 city / 34 hwy), and two of Porsche’s fan favorites, the 911 Carrera – a flat 6 (MSRP $91,900; 18 city / 25 hwy) and the Cayman – flat 6 (MSRP $62,100; 18 city / 26 hwy).

Overall Rating
79 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette’s weak point is its interior, which may show how Chevy packs so much car into so few dollars; the leather interior upgrade package goes a long way toward mitigating the problem…”Car Connection

“Quick steering, tenacious smooth-road grip, and little cornering lean make Corvette, and particularly the ZR1, among the world’s best-handling cars. In fast turns, the Z06, more than the ZR1, requires careful use of the throttle, or the rear end will fishtail. Big, powerful brakes provide short, stable stops.”Consumer Guide

“The Corvette delivers impressive performance. The ride is comfortable, and handling is capable but less agile than other sports cars.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette offers even more driving enthusiasts to love. With horsepower and handling to rival some of Europe’s greatest super cars, the made-in-America 2012 Chevrolet Corvette continues to offer superior performance at a fraction of the price of those super cars.”KBB

“When it comes to performance, the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is one of the world’s best bargains. A lack of refinement proves you get what you pay for, but since you get a whole lot of old-school American muscle, that should be more than enough for many.”Edmunds

The 2012 Acura ZDX is a stylish, fun, luxury, midsized, sport utility vehicle. This coupe-style SUV emphasizes luxury and looks, with sporty driving dynamics.

The Acura ZDX ranks high in performance and reliability tests. Other features like cargo room, unique styling, and safety options, make the car great for those who travel frequently.

Specific categories of the car are reviewed below, and compared to similar SUVs on the market.Its distinctive looks, and high-quality material interior and features aid in its favorable ranking.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hatchback AWD	Base Price: $46,120.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 gallons (79L)	MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 192.4 in. (488.7 cm)	Wheel Base: 108.3 in. (275 cm)
Height: 62.8 in. (159.6 cm)	Width: 78.5 in. (199.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 4410 lbs (2001 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.9 in. (20 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 27.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 3.7L V6 SOHC, VTEC®	Compression Ratio: 11.2: 1
Horsepower: 300 HP	Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:ZDX w/ Tech Package	MSRP: $50,620; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy
Option:ZDX w/ Advance Package	MSRP: $56,670; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy

Engine

Overall, the Acura ZDX is extremely safe to drive, with its 3.7 liter, V-6 engine, and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SHAWD). The 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque is powerful. The Acura ZDX does maneuver well in tight spots, and due to its 6-speed automatic and responsive transmission, it is very safe to drive on the curvier roadways.

Performance

The Acura ZDX does 16 mpg in the city, and up to 23 on highway driving. If you are seeking the thrill of a truly sporty ride, the Audi A7 or Land Rover Evoque may be what you’d want to look at. Acura’s reliability and engineering may be worth the trade however. This SUV is fast, but just not as fast as other sports cars.

Exterior

The Acura ZDX has a unique and distinctive style. Its sloped back and aggressive front end is similar to a coupe, yet its 4 doors and rear lift-gate look more utilitarian in nature. This offsets the total coupe look, giving the car its own look which is intriguing.

The roof design limits rear-seat room, so it will not comfortably seat three adults. The Cadillac SRX is in the same category, but offers more room in the back seat, and costs less.

Interior

Test-drivers loved the controls, and high-quality materials used in the Acura ZDX. Favorite features include the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), converting from sports to comfort modes. Another highly rated feature is the audio system with 10-speaker surround sound. The DVD-audio, XM satellite radio, USB and iPod integration, and Bluetooth are also features found in the ZDX.

The front seats are roomy and comfortable for both driver and passenger. The downfall is much less room for passengers in the rear seats. This crossover car may be for those who travel without many passengers. The Infiniti FX is comparable, with a larger cargo space, but with a more sporty performance, and costing less.

Safety & Reliability

The safety and reliability ratings for the Acura ZDX are very high. The precise handling is excellent. The steering is tight, it accurately rounds corners, and is easily maneuvered. It handles well in ice and snow, as well as twisting roads in general. The SHAWD system allows you to drive with confidence, even if some of the sportiness of acceleration is sacrificed.

The BMW X6 is slightly more agile, but with a higher price. If you are driving long distances often, the Acura ZDX’s safety and reliability standards are well-earned. The Acura ZDX comes with a four-year (50,000-mile) limited warranty, and a six-year (70,000-mile) powertrain warranty. If you prefer safety over pure sportiness, the 2012 Acura ZDX is worth a look.

Competition

More form than function is what this category is all about, other cars that may be placed side by side with the ZDX include the BMW X6 (MSRP $59,800; 16 city / 23 hwy), the lower priced Cadillac SRX (MSRP $43,010; 16 city / 23 hwy), and the Infiniti FX35 (MSRP $45,150; 16 city / 21 hwy).

Overall Rating
73 out of 100

What others say:

“The MDX-based ZDX is a coupe-like, four-door luxury SUV. Cabin fit and finish is impressive.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“From a handling standpoint, there is much to like about the way Acura’s 2012 ZDX rounds corners. The steering is tight and communicative and the suspension cautiously straddles the line between a compliant ride and athletic performance. ”KBB

“More form than function, the 2012 Acura ZDX is neither a sporty hatchback nor a functional SUV. As a result, it’s full of compromises that should give shoppers reason to pause.”Edmunds

The 2012 McLaren MP4-12C GT3, comes in time for its debut competitive race in 2012.

The new edition has followed a thorough improvement program in 2011.

This McLaren also debuts in the FIA GT1 world championship race in France, on April 2012 and has been specifically designed for high performance and ease of maintenance.

Exterior

The MP4-12C GT3’s exterior design, has been styled for favoring high speed. Some of the key exterior features include: rear wings, a front splitter, aerodynamic designs, door blades and diffuser. To emphasize on the gorgeous exterior look, this car has been rounded with a set of 20 inches forged alloy front wheels and 21 inches set at the rear.

These wheels are designed to give the supercar a muscular look, and also increase its mechanical grip. Other notable exterior features include: carbon fiber composite chassis, aluminum sub-frames and dihedral doors.

Interior

The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 (2012) interior design has been based on practicability. It is equipped with adjustable steering and seats.

It has a 7 inch touch screen computer, in addition to the information centre which provides telematic functions which include: navigation, audio and telephone. Other key interior design features include: Active Dynamics panel and climate controls on every door console.

Performance

The MP4-12C GT3 uses a 3.8 liter, dry-sump, twin-turbocharged V8 engine and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.1 seconds. This is further enhanced by the inclusion of 7 speed SSG dual clutch transmission which is operated by a bespoke paddle-shift, which is very helpful in racing.

Moreover, the suspension and braking components are also featured in the 12C GT3. The specifications of power are: 592 hp at 7,000 rpm and 443 lb ft at 3,000 rpm. The top speed of this car is 205 mph while its carbon emission is 279 grams per kilometer.

Some of the innovative technologies used in this car include spring rates, differential settings, engine calibration, aero package which is based on McLaren’s formula 1 simulator, weight distribution, power steering and spring rates.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe	Est. Market Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (72 liters)	MPG: NA

Dimensions

Length: 177.5 in. (450.9 cm)	Wheelbase: 69.8 in. (177 cm)
Height: 47.2 in. (119.9 cm)	Width: 75.1 in. (190.8 cm)
Curb Weight: 2868 lbs (1301 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: NA	Maximum Seating: 2

Performance

Engine: Twin Turbo V8	Displacement: 3.8 liters
Horsepower: 592 HP	Max RPM: 7000 RPM
Torque: 443 lb-ft @ 3000-7000 rpm	Transmission: 7-Speed McLaren dual Clutch
0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds	Top Speed: 205 mph (330 km/h)