The 2012 Lotus Exige S Roadster remains true to the Lotus tradition with slight changes that make it a collectible. The addition of the soft roof on this model sets it apart from previous versions and lowers the total weight for better performance.

Performance

The vehicle goes 0 to 62 mph in just under 4 seconds with its supercharged 3.5 liter V6 engine. The appearance is familiar with the line and no significant changes were made to the exterior with the exception of the soft top.

The keys to this vehicle are pure Lotus when looking at the suspension which is hardly generic and designed for optimum performance. The transmission is a six speed manual while you have the option of the automated six speed manual gearbox if that is something that interests you.

The automated six-speed is ideal for local diving and ensures you are in control since you never have to let go of the steering wheel to shift. Mechanically, this vehicle delivers everything a roadster should have when it comes to performance.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior is identifiable with the well known Lotus lines and curves. The interior comes standard with the basic necessities and little more. There is an option to upgrade the inside to a more comfortable and stylish interior for those that are concerned more with how the ride feels than just the basics that represent true speed.

Economical

Fuel economy is acceptable considering the power and thrust this vehicle has, in city driving you get nearly 19 mpg while highway driving gets you 37 mpg. Overall the 2012 Lotus Exige S Roadster is a phenomenal vehicle that outperforms comparable vehicles in acceleration and speed to satisfy fans of the Lotus brand.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Roadster	Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.5 gallons (40 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 19 city / 37 hwy

Performance

Engine: 24-valve 2GR FE V6 DOHC	Displacement: 3.5 Liter
Horsepower: 345 HP	Max RPM: 7000 RPM
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds	Maximum Speed: 145 mph (233 km/h)

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder may appear beefy at first glance but there are many areas where it is lacking. Perhaps because it was designed and built to serve two purposes and those are being a family SUV and a truck.

In its class, it is the only truck-based SUV that you can find. For sure, it can go off road and tow but there is certainly another truck that can outperform it.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $29,290.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 gallons (79L)	MPG: 15 city / 22 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 192.3 in. (488.4 cm)	Wheel Base: 112.2 in. (285 cm)
Height: 72 in. (182.8 cm)	Width: 72.8 in. (184.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 4427 lbs (2008 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.7 in. (22 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 16.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 24 Valve V6 DOHC	Displacement: 4.0 Liter
Horsepower: 266 HP	Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 288 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 6000 lbs (2721 kgs)	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:SV	MSRP: $32,460; MPG: 15 city / 22 hwy
Option:Silver Edition	MSRP: $36,630; MPG: 15 city / 22 hwy
Option:LE V6	MSRP: $40,240; MPG: 15 city / 22 hwy
Option:LE V8	MSRP: $43,970; MPG: 13 city / 18 hwy

Engine

The Nissan Pathfinder, particularly its LE model, is equipped with a V8 5.6 liter engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 388 lbs/ft of torque. With this, the Pathfinder can tow up to 7,000 pounds.

All models come with a 5-speed automatic transmission but prospective buyers can go for the optional manual shift mode that assists in towing. It is obvious that the Pathfinder has adequate muscle.

According to the EPA, the 4-wheel drive V8 has a fuel efficiency rating of 18 mpg for highway and 13 mpg for city driving, statistics that send the Pathfinder to the bottom half of the list for midsize SUVs. The Chevrolet Tahoe 4-wheel drive model outperforms the Pathfinder in this area with its fuel economy rating of 21 mpg for highway and 15 mpg for city driving.

Performance

Most midsize SUVs drive like cars; a trait that is missing in the Pathfinder. Today’s midsize SUVs handle better. And because the new Pathfinder drives like a truck, expect the body to lean in turns and the nose to dive during stops.

Basically, the Pathfinder performs like a truck. Nevertheless, the brakes of the Pathfinder are strong. The transmission of the new Pathfinder works just fine though you have to shift often to hit the sweet spot of the engine and draw most of its power.

Exterior

The looks of the Pathfinder are not stellar either. What you can make from it by your first glance is that it is serious in everything that it is designed to do. The design looks a bit dated.

Interior

The interior of the new Pathfinder does not seem to be able to keep up with the competition. Some materials that were used in the interior feel cheap. The third row is not accessible as in other makes and are not as big as what its competitors offer. The controls in the center console are not user friendly.

The LE trim has leather trimmed seats that are equipped with heaters. The seats are comfortable enough but the third row seems to be designed for children. The space is not enough for full grown adults.

Safety

The safety scores of the new Pathfinder are average. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it a “good” score in front and side crash tests. However, it received “marginal” in rear impact and roof strength tests.

The Pathfinder has anti lock brakes, airbags, head restraints in the front seats and traction control. Other safety features are supplemental side-impact airbags and all-rows rollover protection.

Reliability

The 2012 Pathfinder comes with the standard 3-year warranty from Nissan and a 5-year warranty for the powertrain. These types of warranties are just average in its class.

Pros & Cons

The new Pathfinder can provide power for towing duties, thanks to the beefy V8 engine.

The Pathfinder is an SUV that drives like a truck. The second and third rows are not as spacious as those of its competitors and there is less cargo space.

Although it brings all the basic things that you need in a vehicle, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder cannot bring anything more.

Competition

Other SUVs that may pique your interest to compare the Pathfinder with are the Ford Explorer (MSRP $28,280; 18 city / 25 hwy), Honda Pilot (MSRP $28,620; 18 city / 25 hwy), and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (MSRP $27,195; 17 city / 23 hwy).

Overall Rating
64 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder appeals to those who need tow or off-road, yet occasionally carry passengers; if it’s the other way around, you can do better.”Car Connection

“Low-effort cornering induces noseplow and body lean typical of truck-type SUVs. A wide turning radius hurts close-quarters maneuvering. Braking action is smooth and progressive.”Consumer Guide

“The Pathfinder’s smooth, strong V6 returned only 15 mpg overall in our testing.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“If you’re looking for a dual-purpose SUV, one that can safely get you and family to and fro, but also serve as a rugged off-road and hauling machine, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV is one of a few dwindling body-on-frame SUVs from which to choose.”KBB

“The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder’s size and weight make it better suited to serious utility than daily passenger transport. This is a real sport-utility, so those seeking a passenger vehicle will be better served by any number of large crossover SUVs.”Edmunds

There are only a few minivans available in the market and the 2012 Kia Sedona is one of your better choices. It has one of the most affordable base models with plenty of standard features.

It has a V6 engine, quiet cabin, excellent handling and comfortable seats. When it comes to family vehicles, it is very clear that the new Sedona is not less than ideal.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Minivan	Base Price: $24,900.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.8 gallons (50L)	MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 202 in. (513 cm)	Wheel Base: 118.9 in. (302 cm)
Height: 69.3 in. (176 cm)	Width: 78.1 in. (198.3 cm)
Curb Weight: 4374 lbs (1984 kg)	Ground Clearance: 6.5 in. (254 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 32.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 3.5L V6 DOHC	Compression Ratio: 10.6: 1
Horsepower: 271 HP	Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 248 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

Available Trims & Engine

Option:EX

MSRP: $29,190; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy

Engine

There is only one engine for the 2012 Kia Sedona and that is the 3.5 liter V6 engine. It delivers 271 horsepower and 248 lbs/ft of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that features a manual shift mode.

For driving around town and on the highways, the Sedona definitely provides adequate power. It is not sporty, because it is a van in the first place, but car owners will surely love its excellent drivability.

Performance

The power that drives the Sedona is complemented by its excellent handling, even on curvy roads. Whether you are driving around the city or going out of town, the Sedona will definitely be appropriate to drive.

And because it is easy to maneuver, you will never have problems about small alleys and parking lots. And on top of that, the cabin stays quiet and calm.

Exterior

The exterior of the new Sedona is not elaborate. It has straightforward lines, minimal curves and subtle details that are common from minivans. It shares the same austere elegance that you often see in minivans.

From the outside, it looks spacious and comfortable which is what you will most likely get when you drive. The Sedona looks as serious as it performs.

Interior

The Sedona does not have fancy interiors. You will not call it upscale or stylish but you will nevertheless feel that its materials are just right for its price. With the comfort that it offers, you definitely would not ask for more. The vehicle is designed to seat 6 people comfortably.

If you are with children, you can even fit in seven persons without getting cramped. The interior also has plenty of standard features such as the audio system, power locks, control mounted steering wheel and connectivity to modern devices.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has only tested the Sedona for rollover. It scored 4 out of 5 stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Sedona a “poor” score in roof strength tests but gave it a “good” score in front, side impact and rear crash tests.

The Sedona also has standard safety features such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, stability control and airbags.

Reliability

The Sedona comes with a 5-year standard warranty, a powertrain warranty that lasts for 10 years, a 5-year perforation warranty, and 24 hour road assistance that lasts for 5 years. Indeed, Kia provides one of the lengthiest warranties for cars in the market.

Pros

The 2012 Sedona offers best value with all the amazing features that it has. It has a capable engine, a comfortable and quiet cabin, and excellent handling. It also has adequate space for children and adults alike.

With it you can have a smooth ride whether you are on straight or curvy roads. It also has excellent warranty which gives great value for your money.

Con

The only complaint that an owner may have is the lack of upgrade options and the subpar materials for the interior.

After looking closely at what the 2012 Kia Sedona has to offer, we conclude that it is a better choice for families that are looking for an affordable minivan.

The Honda Odyssey (MSRP $28,375; 18 city / 27 hwy), Dodge Grand Caravan (MSRP $20,995; 17 city / 25 hwy), and the Sienna from Toyota (MSRP $31,930; 17 city / 23 hwy) are other minivans available in the market.

Overall Rating
72 out of 100

What others say:

“The only Korean-brand minivan on the market, the Kia Sedona carries a family-friendly vibe into what’s likely its last year on sale in its current form.”Car Connection

“The aging Sedona has many features for the money but falls short overall. Controls are simple to use, fit and finish is good, and the cabin is flexible for storage.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“There is nothing “van-like” about the 2012 Kia Sedona minivan’s ride and handling. Overall, driving the Sedona is a pretty uneventful chore, with strong acceleration made possible by the potent 271-horsepower V6.”KBB

“Excellent warranty; comfortable ride; quiet cabin; great value. Some subpar interior materials and controls; restrictive and tiered options packages.”Edmunds

The 2012 Infiniti Emerg-E Concept is this company’s attempt to reach an entirely new level. The vehicle itself is one of the highest technologically advanced prototypes ever conceived by a manufacturer.

Performance

Right off the bat you notice the Emerg-E is powered with twin electric motors that produce 402 HP and a fast 0-60 in only 4 seconds and 0 to 130 MPH in less than 30 seconds.

The idea behind this conceptual speedster is Infiniti’s desire to produce low carbon high speed cars that will gain them access to a new market.

The vehicle is equipped with a 3 Cylinder combustion engine, Lithium Ion battery and four invertors in an extremely compact area. The vehicle itself is a mere 175 inches with two racing style buckets for the driver and passenger.

Interior & Exterior

The interior is almost space age with compact individual areas and a wrap around dash surrounding the driver with the impression they are in a cockpit. The body itself appears to be futuristic in design with extremely mean contours and lines that are only seen in science fiction.

The grill is large and reminiscent of a monstrous mouth capable of devouring anything in its path. The beauty of the Emerg-E is that you would never guess it is an electric vehicle. It looks exactly like a race car that would not be friendly to the environment yet the opposite is true.

Green Friendly

The CO2 output is just over 50 g/km when in dual use of the electric and combustion engines, making this a huge leap forward for Infiniti and others wishing to design electric sports cars that deliver power and phenomenal performance.

This extremely light vehicle will become a favorite when it reaches the production stage for those who can afford it. The 2012 Infiniti Emerg-E Concept car could possibly be the foundation for a new direction in automotive technology.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Electric Sports Car

Base Price: NA

Performance

Engine: Twin Electric Motors	Horsepower: 402 HP
0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds	0-130 mph: 30 seconds

The famous Italian Maserati 4200 GT Cambiocorsa has been tastefully modified by the German company G&S Exclusive; resulting in a new car they call the 2012 G&S Exclusive Maserati 4200 Evo.

Collaboration

The creators of the G&S Exclusive Maserati 4200 Evo car are a German company that was previously known as G&S Fahrzeugtechnik. Under their new label of G&S Exclusive, they used innovative new ideas to transform this Maserati into something exceptionally unique.

Exterior

In the front, only the lights on the front fender have been kept the same as the original model, while the entire front nose of the sports coupe has been redone. A radiator grill from the GranTurismo has also been incorporated into the new design.

Other exterior improvements to the G&S Exclusive Maserati 4200 Evo include new rear lights. The popular rear lights that were featured originally on the Maserati 3200 GT have added to the all new rear design of this vehicle, as well as a new rear fender with a powerful diffuser and specialty side skirts that connect both the front and the rear spoilers together.

Performance

The exceptional racing sound of the G&S Exclusive Maserati 4200 Evo’s is a powerful 4.2 liter V8 engine is further enhanced by two new 85 millimeter double-ended exhaust pipes.

This is a Capristo specialty exhaust system is visible as one polished pipe on each side of the car’s rear spoiler.

More Refinement

If the incorporation of a sports KW Variant 3 specialty suspension system wasn’t enough of an upgrade, the new set of twenty inch wheels made with an extra light alloy lends even more grip to the driving axle for enhanced driving performance.

The mudguards of the 2012 G&S Exclusive Maserati 4200 Evo have been extended to accommodate the size of the new wheels.

Finished off in a bright colored coat of Lamborghini Gallardo Orange that contrasts well with the black interior and tinted rear screen, this car is an exceptionally eye-catching high performance vehicle.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 23.2 gallons (88 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: NA

Dimensions

Length: 169.4 in. (430.3 cm)	Wheel Base: 96.1 in. (244 cm)
Height: 51.4 in. (130.5 cm)	Width: 71.7 in. (182.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 3814 lbs (1730 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA

Performance

Engine: V8	Displacement: 4.2 Liter
Horsepower: 385 HP	Max RPM: NA
Torque: 330 lb-ft	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual