The 2013 Ferrari F12berlinetta is the fastest Ferrari road car in the world, and will be available for sale in late 2012.

This sports car was created as the successor to the classic 599 GTB Ferrari Fiorano, and leads the way for new innovations in V-12 engine cars.

The Ferrari F12berlinetta was designed by a joint venture with Pininfarina, with the goals of efficiency and speed in mind. It’s available in colors such as a silver shade of “aluminum” or a reddish hue called “Rosso Berlinetta.”

Performance

The most stunning feature of the car is its speed, achieved by innovations in aerodynamic design and a high-performance engine.

The F12berlinetta packs 730 Horsepower with 509 lb-ft of torque under the hood, in a 6.3 liter V-12 engine that can accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour in 3.1 seconds. It’s a new speed record in its class, delivering maximum revs of up to 8,700 rpm.

In this Ferrari, you can cruise up to a top speed of 211 miles per hour in style. Like other Ferraris, this car delivers the best precision handling you would expect from the creators of top formula one vehicle, and this car definitely offers more of a racing feel.

The seven speed dual clutch transmission is similar to those used in formula one cars.

It is made with 12 different new aluminum alloys that reduce the overall weight of the car to approximately 1.68 tons, making it 360 pounds lighter than the 599 GTB Fiorano.

Top Specifications

Other highlights of the F12Berlinetta include: fuel consumption is 30% less than previous Ferrari models and 16% less carbon emissions than its predecessors. Braking is helped by specialty high performance carbon ceramic brakes (CCM3) along with a top performance Anti-lock Braking system.

With extra touches like rear fog lights that are modeled after the Ferrari Formula One car designs and specialty Frau leather interior, the 2013 Ferrari F12berlinetta looks as well as drives like a top class racing automobile.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe

Base Price: NA

Dimensions

Length: 181.8 in. (461.8 cm)	Wheel Base: NA
Height: 50.1 in. (127.3 cm)	Width: 76.5 in. (194.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 3362 lbs (1525 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 11.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: 6.3 L V12 DOHC	Compression Ratio: 13.5: 1
Horsepower: 730 HP	Max RPM: 8500 RPM
Torque: 509 lb-ft @ 2500-8500 rpm	Transmission: F1 Dual Clutch
0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds	Maximum Speed: 211 mph (339 km/h)

Caution: the 2012 PG Elektrus is not for the faint of heart. It’s also not for those who like to blend in.

Instead, this electric car is for the person who wants to stand up and out and be noticed by one and all, because that’s exactly what happens to people who buy this car. Not only do you look good, but you get to help the environment.

Familiar Look

The 2012 PG Elektrus is based on a Lotus frame, so if the car looks familiar to you, that is why. The Elektrus combines the sexy smoothness of the Lotus with a gnarling open grill that makes one think Mad Max might be just over the horizon.

It’s an electric car with both an attitude and a new look on life. It also likes to go fast. How fast? How does zero to 60 mph in three seconds sound? We agree: it’s pretty impressive.

Performance

Under the hood of the PG Elektrus sits a 268 HP engine that manages 258 lbs-ft of peak torque. Just so you know, this isn’t a Prius. With a top speed of 155mph, the PG Elektrus is made for the person who has just about everything; everything, that is, except the coolest electric car on planet Earth.

Electric

Made in Germany, the PG Elektrus has a range of over 200 miles. That in and of itself is quite impressive when it comes to an electric car. The Elektrus can be charged from a standard outlet, which means you can plug this awesome car in while you are baking a casserole.

Of course, it takes about eight hours to charge, but it’s worth it. There is simply no other electric car on the road today that is as cool as the PG Elektrus. It also comes with its own solar panel, which is mounted on the back and continually collects power from the sun.

Handling

The Elektrus has excellent handling, and when it takes corners it shows its true racecar lineage. This is a driver’s car meant for someone who truly enjoys everything about a sports car, from the look to the feel to the sound to the smell. If you are interested in saving the planet while you find its coolest roads, the Elektrus is the car for you.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Electric Super Car

Base Price: €240,000.00

Performance

Horsepower: 272 HP	Max RPM: NA
0-60 mph: less than 3 seconds	Maximum Speed: 186 mph (300 km/h)

Lexus is the watchword in luxury vehicles that are still within reach for a good number of ordinary folks. The 2012 Lexus GX is a large, traditional SUV which gets fairly high marks from its reviewers and test drivers. Its interior is state of the art and sumptuous.

But given that this behemoth is a Lexus, the scores aren’t as high as they should be.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Luxury SUV	Base Price: $54,120.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 23 gallons (87 liters)	MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 189.2 in. (480.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 109.8 in. (279 cm)
Height: 74.2 in. (188.5 cm)	Width: 74.2 in. (188.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 5128 lbs (2326 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. (20.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 91.9 cu ft (3rd row)	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 4.6L V8 DOHC 4WD	Compression Ratio: 10.2: 1
Horsepower: 301 HP	Max RPM: 5500 RPM
Torque: 329 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Seq.Auto ECT-i
0-60 mph: 7.8 seconds	Maximum Speed: 110 mph (177 km/h)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:GX 460 Premium

MSRP: $58,040; MPG: 15 city / 20 hwy

Though this SUV received kudos for its off-road performance, it was considered lackluster when driving in the city. Most of the test drivers wanted it to be brawny off-road but a great family SUV as well, and it’s simply not a great family SUV.

Other luxury crossover SUV’s like the Mercedes-Benz M class (MSRP $49,865; 17 city / 22 hwy) and the Acura MDX (MSRP $43,925; 16 city / 21 hwy) are better at this. On the other hand, the Land Rover LR4 (MSRP $49,750; 12 city / 17 hwy) has top of the line of off-road capability as well as a luxurious interior.

Engine

The GX comes in premium and base trims. Both have standard four wheel drive. Both have a gas, V8 4.6 L/281 engine. The engine delivers 301 horsepower along with 329 pound feet of torque and a six speed automatic transmission.

Both base and premium trim get 16 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Though not stunning numbers, they’re competitive with other vehicles of the GX’s type.

Performance

Reviewers were ambivalent about the GX’s performance. Many test drivers said that the ride was smooth and the vehicle was responsive. Others complained that the way the vehicle is built gave it a tendency to wobble a little on roads that were less than glass-smooth.

Others have praised the powertrain’s road manners and the strong but smooth way the vehicle accelerated. However, as it’s based on a truck’s design, the GX doesn’t handle like a car.

Exterior

The exterior of the 2012 Lexus GX got mixed reviews. Some reviewers appreciated its ruggedness, but others thought it was a bit stodgy.

Interior

The GX excels when it comes to its interior, but still, not as much as it should. The materials are of the best quality. Reviewers find the front seats comfortable, though the seats in the second and third rows were a bit less accommodating; with some complaining that they wanted leg room.

The interior is upholstered in leather, and the front seats can be adjusted ten ways. They’re also ventilated and heated. The third row has power folding. With the Premium, the middle row can be heated and the leather is even more refined.

Besides climate control, the vehicle has a navigation system, a DVD in the rear seat, a nine speaker audio system, satellite radio, a rearview camera, Bluetooth and lots of other bells and whistles. Some people still weren’t satisfied however; they complained there were too many buttons to push.

The GX has 91.9 cubic feet for cargo with the second and thirds rows folded. With just the third row down, it has 46.7 cubic feet. The cargo door also opens from the driver’s side, which makes stowing things a little challenging.

Safety

Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety nor the Federal Government have conducted crash tests on the GX, but it does have a wealth of safety features, including 10 air bags, brake assist, antilock brakes and hill start assist. It also has smart stop.

Reliability

The GX received a 4.5 out of 5 rating from J.D. Power. It has a warranty of 50,000 miles for the first four years and a six year or 70,000 mile powertrain warranty. The first four years will also bring roadside assistance.

Pros & Cons

The pros definitely include the GX’s opulent interior and its many safety features, and to a lesser extent, the way it drives off-road. The downside includes the on-road performance and its poor low fuel economy.

Overall Rating
71 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Lexus GX 460 has traditional SUV chops—meaning that it’s good for the trail, and rock-crawling—and while it performs well enough on the road, it’s hardly agile”Car Connection

“The traditional truck-type construction results in handling with marked cornering lean. GX doesn’t feel tippy, though. The steering is nicely weighted but lacks road feel.”Consumer Guide

“The GX 460 SUV is very quiet and quick. Like the Toyota 4Runner, the GX is a body-on-frame that is capable off-road and has a high tow rating.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“As one of the few luxury SUVs utilizing a traditional boxed ladder frame, the 2012 Lexus GX 460 strikes an excellent balance between serious off-road capability and civilized daily driving manners.”KBB

“Capable off-road performer; top-notch interior with plenty of luxury features. Uncomfortable second-row seats; inconvenient side-swinging cargo door.”Edmunds

Style, luxury, and performance sum up the 2012 Nissan Maxima. This is a car that has the outward appearance of a four door sedan and the heart of a sports car. In fact it has been touted as the sports car with a back seat.

The 2012 Maxima gives excellent acceleration but also delivers a very smooth and quite ride. This is a car that more then gives you your money’s worth with a starting price of over $30,000.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan	Base Price: $32,420.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (75L)	MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 190.6 in. (484.1 cm)	Wheel Base: 109.3 in. (277.6 cm)
Height: 57.8 in. (146.8 cm)	Width: 73.2 in. (185.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 3556 lbs (1613 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 14.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 24 Valve V6 DOHC	Displacement: 3.5 Liter
Horsepower: 290 HP	Max RPM: 6400 RPM
Torque: 261 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	Transmission: X-tronic CVT

Available Trims & Engine

Option:3.5 SV	MSRP: $35,120; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Option:3.5 SV Sport Package	MSRP: $37,220; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Option:3.5 SV Premium	MSRP: $38,420; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy

Engine

The 3.5 liter V6 and 290 Horsepower with 261 ft per lb torque is standard. With variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder, you get plenty of power for passing and for merging into traffic. The chassis is very well engineered and provides for a great road hugging experience when you hit the corners.

Performance

This entry level luxury vehicle gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highways. Now top it off with four wheel disc brakes, electronic brake distribution and traction control along with a continuously variable transmission and speed sensitive power steering and we have one great car for the price.

Exterior

From the dark finished sports grille to the rear spoiler this car is a beauty. With its luxurious sculpted Body and fender appearance, The 2012 Maxima comes in a choice of 9 exterior colors.

The power sliding moon roof and duel mufflers with chrome tipped finishing as well as the heated outside mirrors are just the beginning of the luxurious exterior features. Add the 18 inch aluminum alloy dark silver colored wheels and rear combination lights as well as the metallic trim and all that is left to say is WOW! This is one great looking vehicle.

Interior

The interior of this gorgeous car is superb. Comfort and convenience are paramount in this roomy interior. The ample leg room is provided for an extra comfortable ride. The wrap around dash design keeps all controls close to the driver and the quality materials and electronics are comparable to those found in the Infiniti G.

The thick leather wrapped steering wheel is similar to the steering wheel featured in the BMW 328i (MSRP $34,900; 23 city / 33 hwy).

The well bolstered front seats are comfortable for long distance driving. The drivers seat features eight way power and lumbar support. The stylishly comfortable rear bucket seats are like those in the Mercedes Benz CLS (MSRP $73,800; 16 city / 25 hwy).

The wide glove box and deep center console along with an acceptable trunk space are great. If you need more ample trunk space then you may want to check out the Lincoln MKZ (MSRP $36,645; 17 city / 25 hwy).

Some of the standard features you will find in the Nissan Maxima are Bluetooth, dual zone automatic climate control, steering wheel automated controls for audio and cruise control and push button ignition.

Safety & Reliability

The safety features standard with the Maxima are anti lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, front-side and side curtain airbags and active head restraints.

Nissan backs the 2012 Maxima with a 3 year/ 36,000 mile warranty and a 5 year/60,000 power train warranties. You also will receive 5 years corrosion perforation coverage with no mileage limitations.

Pros

• Great exterior styling
• Luxurious interior
• Power and performance
• Nice handling
• Mid-range price
• Great features and options

Cons

• Needs premium gas
• Back seats are not as comfortable as they could be.
• Head room in the back seat is not as ample as in most comparable vehicles.
• Optional equipment is too expensive.

This car is for the enthusiast that loves comfort and convenience of a luxury sedan but has a bit of a wild side that craves the power and handling of a sports car.

I would buy this car because you get a lot of bang for your buck. The warrantees are great and the performance and safety features are certainly attractive. The price is great for what you are getting. Over all, this car provides luxury at a value price.

Competition

Other makes worth looking at include the Acura TL (MSRP $35,705; 20 city / 29 hwy) and the Toyota Avalon (MSRP $33,195; 19 city / 28 hwy).

Overall Rating
71 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Nissan Maxima is a great pick if you want a stylish, sporty, comfortable, and lavishly trimmed sedan; serious sport-sedan enthusiasts should look elsewhere, however”Car Connection

“Generally nimble, though non-Sport Package models feel a bit ponderous in fast corners. The brakes are strong and responsive, but the pedal can be touchy. Some slight torque steer is noticeable during brisk acceleration.”Consumer Guide

“The highlight of the Maxima is its smooth, powerful 3.5-liter V6 that gives it very quick acceleration and 22 mpg overall, but on premium fuel.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“If you’re seeking a car that offers the style of a luxury sedan with the heart of a sporty coupe, the 2012 Nissan Maxima Sedan will tickle you pink.”KBB

“Precise steering; strong acceleration; high-quality interior with high-tech features; excellent iPod integration; more features than similarly priced luxury sedans.”Edmunds

The 2012 Pininfarina Cambiano Concept boasts of high end engineering and a cutting edge design.

This new addition to the luxury cars of the world gives future owners an elegant, sleek and sporty car that will definitely fit every single moment in their lives.

Electric Performance

The Cambiano is an electric car that weighs 3737 pounds. Its aerodynamic contours give this new car power and speed that will surely be appreciated by people in the country.

The Cambiano can reach 0-62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 171 mph.

There is no doubt that people will stare in awe when they see the smooth body and sleek movement of the Cambiano Concept.

Exterior Details

The creation of this car has been made to work harmoniously with every single aspect of the car. The grilles for example have an opening that allows air into the system for the turbo mechanism. The car’s tail lights almost moulds into the body, making it virtually intangible.

The lights would appear like magic once it has been turned on. People with an appetite for beauty and diversity will definitely be enamored by this revolutionary car.

Zero Emissions

Pininfarina works with their mission of sustainable mobility for every single product that they create. This new car of course boasts of sustainable mobility but it has more than that.

The company has also developed this car to be eco-sustainable to help the environment when it comes to CO2 emission.

The Cambiano is an electric car that can guarantee every single user of zero harmful gas emission. This is achieved by switching to the car’s preferred driving mode.

Future owners can simply do this with a selector lever that will allow them to use the car in Ecocity mode. This mode allows drivers to drive using the full electric capability with zero emissions.

The 2012 Pininfarina Cambiano Concept is a true work of art that will give owners a grand time driving in comfort and style.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Electric

Base Price: NA

Dimensions

Length: 198 in. (504 cm)	Wheel Base: NA
Height: 53.5 in. (136 cm)	Width: 78.7 in. (200 cm)
Curb Weight: 3737 lbs (1695 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 15.8 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Electric Motor: 4 Independent Magnetos	Horsepower: 671 HP
Torque: 472 lb-ft	Transmission: NA
0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds	Maximum Speed: 171 mph (275 km/h)