If you are in the market for a car like no other that will grab the attention of everyone along the strip, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow is the perfect vehicle for you.

This car debuted during the 2011 Los Angeles Design Challenge that attempted to find the best film car to use in movies. This sleek vehicle includes a unique body, fast speed and futuristic features.

Future from the Past

Innovative designers from Germany and the United States collaborated to create this model. This vehicle is more of a work of art than a common mode of transportation. The body is a combination of the 1930s Silberpfeil racecar and the 1950s Uhlenhaut SLR.

Mercedes-Benz also relied on its Formula 1 racing history to influence the design of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow Concept. The car is long and loaded with plenty of curves. It also adds pieces of current designs that help to identify the Mercedes-Benz line, such as the noticeable front grille.

The diagonal hubless roller track provides for steering in every direction, called omni-directional driving. The vehicle also features a Mag-Tech roof system that consists of a lightweight magnetic surface. The roof can be dropped to form a convertible or raised for a solid surface.“>

Sci-Fi?

This vehicle blends utility and adventure. The car is easy to handle, while featuring an appearance straight out of sci-fi movies. The vehicle was made to commemorate Mercedes-Benz’s 125th anniversary and is a testament to the innovation that the company provides.

The bright light strips help to draw attention to this one of a kind vehicle. The hubless wheels give the illusion that the car is floating over the road.

With its sleek design, unique maneuvering abilities, futuristic features and a style that is certain to attract the attention of anyone nearby, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow Concept would be an ideal vehicle to own.

The 2012 Ford Explorer is a top selection in the category of large SUVs. It comes with a classy cabin, improved fuel efficiency and road stability.

It inherits the standard excellence that Ford continues to strive for.

Without a doubt, the new Explorer is among the best SUVs in its class.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $28,280.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.6 gallons (70 liters)	MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 197.1 in. (500.6 cm)	Wheel Base: 112.6 in. (286 cm)
Height: 70.4 in. (178.8 cm)	Width: 78.9 in. (200.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 4557 lbs (2067 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.6 in. (19.3 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 21 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 3.5L V6 DOHC	Compression Ratio: 10.8: 1
Horsepower: 290 HP	Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 255 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs (2268 kgs)*	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:XLT	MSRP: $32,345; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:Limited	MSRP: $37,855; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy

* With Towing Package

Engine

The new Ford Explorer has a V6 3.5 liter engine that delivers 290 horsepower and 255 lbs/ft of torque. It comes with the standard front wheel drive and an automatic 6-speed transmission system. Optionally, car owners can go for Ford’s Terrain Management System.

This four-wheel drive technology offers a four mode system selection that electronically optimizes traction for specific road conditions. The Terrain Management System also includes the hill start assist and the hill descent control.

Performance

It takes just 8.3 seconds for the four wheel drive model to run from 0 – 60 mph. That is not something stellar because it is common in its class, but is shows that the new Explorer is up for the competition.

The front wheel drive variant has a fuel efficiency rating of 18 city and 25 highway mpg is average for its class. With the proper equipment, the V6 Explorer can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

The handling of the Ford Explorer feels more like you are driving a car and not a truck. This aspect impressed the market. But because of its size, it may not do well for very tight and precise cornering. Overall, the new Explorer behaves well in different conditions. It also has strong brakes that make the SUV even safer.

Exterior

This Explorer has a fresh new look that complements its power. We can say that the SUV combines muscle and sport together. The looks are not very far from the appearance of its forerunner, but the changes are profound enough to let you know that it is indeed a new model.

Interior

One noticeable lapse from Ford is the poorly functioning MyFord Touch Interface. Perhaps this advanced technology is something that we still need to get used to. If you do not pay particular attention to top of the line devices and technology, you can choose not to have the MyFord Touch Interface.

Nevertheless, the MyFord Touch Interface will remain smart because through it, you can control seat heaters, audio, and everything that you need to tweak inside the cabin.

The front seats of the new Explorer provide enough room for the driver and the passenger. The second row sports LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) connectors to seat children. Two adults or three small children can sit comfortably in the third row. A third adult can be seated for short distances.

Safety

The new Explorer scored well in crash tests performed by the federal government. It is also a Top Safety Pick for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for scoring “good” in all the tests that were conducted.

There are other safety features such as MyKey, a smart system that lets you limit the vehicle speed and the audio volume. It has traction control, inflatable seatbelts, curve control, blind spot warning system and an optional rear view camera.

Reliability

The new Explorer comes with a 3-year limited warranty (bumper to bumper) and a 5-year powertrain warranty.

Pros

The new Explorer is more fuel efficient, has lots of safety features and has enough room for growing families.

Cons

The MyFord Touch Interface responds slowly and can be cumbersome.

Competition

The Ford Explorer has set the marketing standard when it comes to SUVs, it is no wonder that the likes of the Toyota Highlander (MSRP $33,850; 18 city / 24 hwy), Honda Pilot (MSRP $34,720; 18 city / 25 hwy), and the GMC Acadia (MSRP $38,910; 17 city / 24 hwy) continue to improve in order to stay ahead of Ford.

The 2012 Ford Explorer is among the best in its class and there is no reason not to consider it if you are looking for an SUV for the family.

Overall Rating
76 out of 100

What others say:

“Whether you call it a crossover or a sport-utility vehicle, or even a truck, one thing’s for sure: the 2012 Ford Explorer isn’t as off-road ready as the last-generation ute was, and it’s better for it in nearly every way.”Car Connection

“Explorer offers near-luxury levels of noise isolation. When you hear it (which is only during full-throttle acceleration) the V6 engine is not as refined as in rival SUVs. It’s virtually silent at cruise. The 4-cylinder gives up almost nothing to the V6 in terms of quietness; it emits a reasonably refined whir in fast acceleration and recedes to near-silence in steady-state cruising. With either engine, there’s impressively little coarse-surface tire thrum, and wind noise is also very well suppressed.”Consumer Guide

“The 2012 Explorer is exceptionally well mannered, has a beautifully designed interior and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.”KBB

“Upscale cabin; abundant high-tech features; excellent ride and handling balance; available fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder.”Edmunds

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is reputed to be good in fuel economy and good transmission among many other pleasant standard features.

The Sonata Hybrid is ideal for those looking for an affordable hybrid car since it has less base price compared to its other competitors.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan	Base Price: $25,850.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gallons(65L)	MPG: 35 city / 40 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 189.8 in. (482 cm)	Wheel Base: 110.0 in. (279.4 cm)
Height: 57.7 in. (146.5 cm)	Width: 72.2 in. (183.3 cm)
Curb Weight: 3457 lbs (4536 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 10.7 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.4L MPI DOHC Inline 4	Compression Ratio: 13.0: 1
Horsepower: 206 HP*	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 195 lb-ft*	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

*Combined with Hybrid System

Performance

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has a 2.4L DOHC II engine which produces improved fuel economy dues to decreased pumping and reduced friction. At the same time, the power steering system is motor driven and is speed sensitive which makes it perform quite well at lower speeds while at the same time giving a less touchy handling at top speeds.

The shock absorbers which have Amplitude Selective Damping (ASD) technology make the Sonata smooth to ride

Exterior

The Sonata comes in an exquisite style with a raked roofline and 17 inch alloy rim-wheels. It also has LED headlights and at the same time it has daylight running lights. The tail lights are also LED and the side mirror signal lights give the Sonata added visibility.

This model also uses a proximity key. The panoramic sunroof allows sunshine and fresh air to get in through its power tilt-and-slide functionality. The car has heated side mirrors to keep off frost. It also has solar controlled windows that ably block UV rays in order to protect the inside of the car.

Interior

The interior of this car is largely unrivalled by other Hybrids. The driver’s seat is power adjusted with lumbar support while the rear and front seats are heated. The car has more room for its passengers and plenty of cargo space.

The controls are made with the user in mind. They are easy to use with audio and phone controls mounted on the steering. And with a rear-view camera, reversing is made easy.

Safety

The car has attractive safety features like anti-lock breaking system, traction control system, six air-bags and many other attractive safety features.

Pros

• Extensive warranty coverage
• Spacious interior
• Advanced polymer Lithium battery technology
• Standard USB jack and Bluetooth

Cons

• Poor fuel economy ratings
• A distracting fuel efficiency display
• Irritating Blue Echo mode

Overall, this car is ideal for someone looking for an affordable cozy hybrid car. It is a must have for those who are tech savvy.

Competition

When it comes to fuel economy for hybrid cars of Sonata’s class, the Toyota Camry Hybrid (MSRP $25,990; 43 city / 39 hwy) has a better rating. At the same time, while it has no cozy looking design as compared to the Sonata, the interior has been viewed as satisfactorily spacious.

Another good hybrid worth considering is the Ford Fusion Hybrid (MSRP $28,775; 41 city / 36 hwy) which according to drive test reviews has very well rated handling. But despite having better fuel economy in the city, the Sonata Hybrid will beat it on the highway in terms of fuel economy.

Overall Rating
86 out of 100

What others say:

“The Sonata Hybrid is not only Hyundai’s first U.S.-sold hybrid; it also includes all-new lithium-polymer battery technology, which has been co-developed with LG Chem.”Car Connection

“The Sonata Hybrid is Hyundai’s first hybrid vehicle for the U.S. market, based on the midsize Sonata sedan and powered by Hyundai’s Direct Hybrid Blue Drive system.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid seemingly has all the right stuff, but quirky driving dynamics keep it from being a top contender among fuel-efficient hybrid-powered family sedans.”Edmunds

Following up on its commitment to lowering CO2 emissions and boosting fuel economy, Bentley is introducing the 2013 Continental GT V8.

Combining a new 4-liter V8 engine and a power train that Bentley says requires 40% less fuel with no power sacrifice, the Continental GT promises to attain excellent benchmarks for power-to-emissions within the high luxury performance car marketplace.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 24 gallons (90 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 15 city / 24 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 189.2 in. (480.6 cm)	Wheel Base: 108 in. (274.6 cm)
Height: 55 in. (140.4 cm)	Width: 75 in. (194.3 cm)
Curb Weight: 5660 lbs (2565 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 12.8 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: V8 Twin Turbo	Displacement: 4.0 Liter
Horsepower: 500 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 487 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds	Maximum Speed: 188 mph (303 km/h)

This is going to translate into a high end luxury sports-car that will be able to travel in excess of 500 miles on a single tank of gas.
Performance

The lower fuel consumption of the Continental GT is achieved by means of a sophisticated cylinder deactivation system, providing a smooth transition from V8 to V4 modes while undergoing low throttle work-loads.

The Continental GT V8 engine features cutting edge technology, such as high pressure direct injection, ultra-low friction bearings, a superior thermal management system, energy retrieval by way of the charging system, and a revolutionary turbo charger housing for increased overall performance.

The Bentley GT will be capable of delivering 500 hp and 487 ft-lbs torque, and combined with a brand new close-ratio 8-speed automatic transmission it will reach 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph.

Exterior & Interior

The new Bentley V8 will be available in two models, the Continental GT or the Continental GTC. Both are easy to recognized by their black glossy matrix grill, chrome frame and center bar, a red Bentley “B” logo, plus a black matrix three-segment front bumper which is divided into unique body-colored strakes.

At the back of the car there are special chrome “figure-eight” tailpipe exhausts, a dark low valence, and a red “B” logo on the trunk. Both of the Bentley models are equipped with 20 inch alloy wheels as basic options.

Also available are 21 inch 6-spoke style wheels in Diamond Black or Diamond Silver surface finishes.

The interior features an Eliade fabric headliner, fashionable Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, and an elective two-tone leather color split and short center console, to round out the classy theme of the car.

The new 2013 Bentley Continental GT does not sacrifice luxury, looks, or power, when it delivers its promise to provide a robust 4-liter V8 engine with better fuel economy, for the ultimate luxury sports-car driving experience.

The 2012 Ford Focus was able to impress the market with the changes that came along with its release.

The improvements cover the exterior, interior and even the engine.

The new Focus is more fuel efficient and that is why it has been favored by many car owners who go after better fuel mileage.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan/Hatchback	Base Price: $16,500.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.4 gallons (46.9 liters)	MPG: 26 city / 36 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 178.5 in. (453.3 cm)	Wheel Base: 104.3 in. (264.9 cm)
Height: 57.7 in. (146.5 cm)	Width: 71.8 in. (182.3 cm)
Curb Weight: 2907 lbs (1318 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 13.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.0L I-4 DOHC	Compression Ratio: 12.0: 1
Horsepower: 160 HP	Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 146 lb-ft @ 4450 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

Available Trims & Engine

Option:SE Sedan	MSRP: $17,500; MPG: 26 city / 36 hwy
Option:SE 5-Door	MSRP: $18,300; MPG: 26 city / 36 hwy
Option:SEL Sedan	MSRP: $20,105; MPG: 27 city / 37 hwy
Option:SEL 5-Door	MSRP: $20,905; MPG: 27 city / 37 hwy
Option:Titanium Sedan	MSRP: $21,805; MPG: 27 city / 37 hwy
Option:Titanium 5-Door	MSRP: $22,305; MPG: 27 city / 37 hwy
Option:Electric	MSRP: $39,200; MPG: 110 city / 99 hwy

Engine

The Focus comes with two engine variants which are the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and the 2.0L 4-cylinder zero emission inline engine. The former delivers 160 horsepower and the eco-friendlier engine brings 159 horsepower. One good news is that car owners can pair the engine with three different transmission choices.

The Focus comes with three options for transmission. The S and the SE trims come with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Optionally, car owners may choose the 6-speed Power Shift, Ford’s moniker for their dual-clutch automatic transmission. The third option is the Select Shift, a manual variant that comes with the Titanium and the SEL. Car owners can choose to have this on the SE.

Performance

Typical Focus models with 6-speed transmissions have a fuel efficiency rating of 38/28 mpg highway/city; that is quite good for its class. The Focus comes with a feature that is called torque vectoring control.

This technology adds brake force to the wheels on one side during turns. As a result the stability of the vehicle is increased. Ultimately, the steering is crisp, sharp and sporty. The torque vectoring control system can indeed make you excited to get behind the wheel of the 2012 Ford Focus.

Exterior

Overall, the new Focus looks more aggressive than it forerunners. At first glance, the new look exudes a sporty appeal. The outlines complement the power of the engine. Car owners have been comparing the exteriors of the focus to other sporty looking cars such as the Honda Fit and even the Ford Fiesta.

Interior

In its class, the competition in the interior arena is tight. That is what makes it difficult for the new focus to stand out. Although the interiors are top quality, it is not surprising because we can see that it is common for cars of the same size.

The seats are comfortable and there is enough cargo space. Basically the interior of the new Focus meets our expectations. However, putting extra fine leather upholstery in the Focus can cost you additional dollars.

Safety

The 2012 Focus features MyKey, a safety feature that lets the driver know when a passenger forgets to wear the seatbelt. This smart feature can also restrain the car speed to 80 mph as well as the audio volume to 45%.

The system produces a chiming sound to remind the driver that he or she is past the 65 mph mark. The Focus is a Top Safety Pick for the Insurance Industry for Highway Safety and scores well with the tests conducted by the federal government.

Reliability

The new Focus comes with a 3-year limited bumper to bumper warranty and a 5-year powertrain warranty.

Pros

The Ford Focus does well when it comes to fuel efficiency. With adequate power combined with excellent handling, the new Focus is ideal for city driving. There are lots of safety features too.

Cons

The interior is great but it is not the largest in its class.

The 2012 Ford Focus is ideal for people who want to have a great car without compromising safety and fuel efficiency.

Competition

The Honda Civic (MSRP $22,105; 28 city / 39 hwy), Volkswagen Jetta (MSRP $23,445; 23 city / 33 hwy), and the Toyota Corolla (MSRP $17,990; 27 city / 34 hwy) are alternatives worth looking at.

Overall Rating
76 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Ford Focus is merely average in straight-line performance, but it feels surprisingly athletic, with exceptional poise.”Car Connection

“Focus is fun to drive. Accurate, nicely weighted steering, crisp turn-in, and minimal body lean help inspire confidence on challenging canyon roads. On the highway, Focus feels well planted with fine tracking.”Consumer Guide

“The Focus has sporty handling and is fun to drive. Its supple and controlled ride, relatively low noise levels, and solid interior make it feel substantial. Although it isn’t blazingly fast, the Focus does get good fuel economy:”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Ford Focus gets a clean-sheet recasting that brings a new look, enhanced quality, more features, and upgraded options in a slightly larger but far more dynamic package.”KBB

“Nimble handling; refined and quiet ride; stylish and well-made interior; lively engine; abundant list of upscale and high-tech options.”Edmunds