As we all know, Ford has a colorful involvement in motorsports. Aiming to continue with this winning tradition, Ford is set to release the next step towards their goal to expand their worldwide racing portfolio. This is the 2012 Ford Focus ST-R, a car that appeared at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Equipped to be race ready, the ST-R is a Ford Focus designed to target people that love motorsports, ranging from professionals to track day enthusiasts. It may look similar to the Focus ST road car, but it has a lot of modifications that make it more at home with the race track.

With a track tuned suspension and a roll cage approved by the FIA, this car is purpose built to dominate. In fact, it is so track ready that all that it takes to get it ready for racing is a communication device and racing decals.

Features

It has a bevy of features that promises to make this car competitive from the get go. With braking and handling that promise to be the best in its class, and a modified 2.0 liter EcoBoost engine that is expected to harness a lot of power, Ford promises to make this car the next big thing when it comes to factory built track weapons.

Eligible to compete in the prestigious touring car competitions worldwide, and perhaps soon in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, the 2012 Ford Focus ST-R has all the tools to get Ford back on the motorsports map once more.

America loves its large pickups, but they also love small, stylish automobiles for city driving, thus the people from Smart have come up with the 2012 Smart For-Us Concept.

This is a small vehicle which turns into a nifty and practical pickup, and the biggest bonus is it does not require expensive gas to power it as it runs on electricity.

Power Pack

The Smart runs on electricity and takes 8 hours from completely empty to fully charged from a simple household socket or a charging station and uses lithium batteries to hold the power. These batteries provide the power for the revolutionary electric engine.

The 55kw magneto electric engine provides quick acceleration from its 130 Newton meters of torque and will travel along at a top speed of 72 mph. This is no slow coach, with a four wheel drive option becoming available this year it will also become an off-roader.

Cargo Space

The cargo space in the rear has enough space for two smart eBikes and a docking station which allows the bikes to be charged while you are transporting them. There are also lots of stowage compartments for spares and tools. The eBikes have a maximum range of over 100 kilometers which should be ample for your ride out to the countryside.

Added Features

The 2012 Smart for Us concept provides a great urban run around and due to its size you should have no trouble in finding a space to park it. Its futuristic design does not just come on the outside but has a great range of cockpit features as well. All the dials and instruments are angled towards the driver and even has a smart phone replacing the traditional rear view mirror so you can see what is happening behind you via its video camera.

This concept vehicle is packed with ultra modern features in a very small body, but as well all know size it not everything and this car proves that combining maximum space in a small sized vehicle.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Pick Up

Base Price: NA

Dimensions

Length: 139.6 in. (354.7 cm)	Wheel Base: 97.6 in. (248 cm)
Height: 66.9 in. (170.1 cm)	Width: 59 in. (150.6 cm)

Performance

0-60 mph: 12.8 seconds

Maximum Speed: 90 mph (120 km/h)

The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor was first released in the market in 2004. Back then, it was at the top of its game- leaving competitors like the Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander miserably at its tail pipe.

Indeed, the Endeavor’s outstanding assets of superior performance and excellent comfort and handling have since gathered dust and are now completely overtaken by the fresher and more dynamic SUVs that are now available.

What’s New?

The sunroof and the navigation system were options in the past, these now come standard on the 2011 SE model.

Performance

The engine that gives the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor juice is a 3.8L V6 engine that kicks in 225hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is the standard configuration while an All-Wheel Drive is thrown in as an upgrade option.

Fuel economy is an issue with the 2011 Endeavor as it only averages 18 mpg for combined city and highway driving. This consumption is way below the average consumption for midsized crossover SUVs. Towing power for a correctly fitted Endeavor can be as high as 3,500 lbs.

However, this performance is not enough to trump the more impressive numbers coming from some of its competitors. The Endeavor fails in acceleration, responsiveness, and fuel economy when placed side by side with its rivals.

Daily commutes to and from work should not be a problem for the Endeavor as it has a comfortable enough ride for most driving conditions and the steering and handling capabilities of this SUV are also sufficient for this purpose.

Interior & exterior

The new interior trims are an example of a love-it-or-hate-it experience. Plastic which may look low-cost are used all throughout the car’s cabin. Space inside the SUV however, is not an issue as its cabin can comfortably seat 5 grown-ups while the seats give passengers a nice ride even for longer trips.

Moreover, the instrument and center stack’s bluish white illumination is a nice touch, especially at night. The 2011 Endeavor’s second-row seats can be neatly tucked away to increase storage capacity from 40.7 cu ft to 76 cu ft.

Trims

The available trim options for the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor are the entry level LS and the upgraded SE. The entry level variant sports a front-wheel-drive and the upgraded SE is available in both front and all-wheel models.

The LS model has 17-inch shoes, all power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control and cloth upholstery. Fog lamps, keyless entry, telescoping steering wheel, 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth are likewise standard.

All these features are available for the SE including upgrades like 18-inch alloys, sunroof, climate control, navigation, premium Rockford Fosgate audio system, back up camera, and leather upholstery.

Remote engine start, side steps, iPod interface, and a complete set up for towing are all offered as options for both models.

Safety & reliability

Standard safety features for this vehicle are ABS, front side and curtain airbags, as well as traction and stability controls. It has an impressive 5/5 star safety rating. Mitsubishi provides a 5-year/60,000 miles warranty.

Competition

The 2011 Endeavor’s price range brings it in a head to head competition with Nissan Murano (MSRP $29,290; 18 city / 23 hwy), Mazda CX-9 (MSRP $29,135; 17 city / 24 hwy), Chevrolet Traverse (MSRP $29,370; 17 city / 24 hwy), and Ford Edge (MSRP $27,640; 19 city / 26 hwy). Also, the new Ford Explorer (MSRP $28,360; 17 city / 25 hwy) is within the same arena.

Within Mitsubishi’s own backyard, the Outlander is also a worthy rival to the Endeavor.
Check these cars out before making a purchase of the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor as some of these cars offer better handling, performance, storage, and comfort.

Pros & Cons

Generous space is provided in front and back. Warranty is also good.

It is showing its age in terms of its V6 engine that is not as powerful as it should be, design and cheap items used in its interior and poor fuel economy. Its four-speed transmission is already passé as well.

Overall Rating
72 out of 100

What others say:

“The engine’s tied to a positively antique four-speed automatic transmission, which cuts into its fuel economy potential. Handling is benign, and the V-6 is a quiet performer if not a brisk one. The seating areas are quite comfortable for adults, and the tailgate is wide enough to accept loads as wide as four feet.”Car Connection

“Step-in height is moderate, so entry and exit are easy. Generous headroom, but tall folks might wish for more legroom. Cloth seats are generously padded; leather almost coddles. Visibility to the sides and rear is hurt by wide roof pillars, but large outside mirrors partly compensate.”Consumer Guide

“The Endeavor rides reasonably well, but cornering isn’t particularly agile.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“On its own merit, the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a well-rounded and solid crossover, but its appeal is waning against its more modern competitors.”Edmunds

“If you’re looking for a car-like ride in a rugged-looking crossover that offers plenty of ground clearance and a plethora of standard features, the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor is not to be overlooked.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Crossover SUV	Base Price: $28,299.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.4 gallons (81 liters)	MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 190.8 in. (484 cm)	Width: 73.6 in. (186 cm)
Height: 69.6 in. (176 cm)	Wheel Base: 108.3 in. (275 cm)
Curb Weight: 3969 lbs (1800 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.3 in. (21 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 76.4 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 3.8L SOHC 24-valve V6	Compression Ratio: 10: 1
Horsepower: 225 HP	Max RPM: 5000 RPM
Torque: 255 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm	Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic Sportronic®

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Endeavor SE	MSRP: $32,099; MPG: 15 city / 21 hwy
Option:Endeavor SE AWD	MSRP: $33,599; MPG: 15 city / 19 hwy

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz F125 is an automobile created by Mercedes-Benz in order to mark their 125 years of being one of the top automobile manufacturers in the entire world. Most say that this new model, the F125, is a car of the future and will surely set the bar for up and coming vehicles of the future. It gives a better meaning to the words large and luxurious when it comes to automobiles.

Innovation & Style

With the Mercedes-Benz F125, the manufactures have envisioned creating it with an emission free engine and is hydrogen powered; with emphasis to the use of hydrogen (H2) as the power source of course. The general plan with this model is that it will be the standard for future cars and will be the one to beat in the coming years.

As with most luxury cars in the present, the Mercedes-Benz F 125 boasts astounding features as well as spacious interiors. It is designed with comfort and aesthetics in mind. According to the manufacturers, automobiles of the future have a lot of potential particularly ones with no emission issues.

Emission Free

Aside from the emission free engine, the F 125 also features futuristic concepts that are unfortunately not available in the market today. Although, the research board from Mercedes-Benz states that they continue to push the boundaries with this model so a lot of promise and potential comes with the F 125. Even though the F 125 is still in its developmental stages, it is definitely one of the cars to wait for with all the features that provide better driving dynamics as well as improvements with its power source.

Hybrid cars have become popular. A lot of car owners are switching to hybrid cars because of their efficiency. They provide owners a chance to save on fuel and help the environment stay clean and green. A great example of the latest in hybrid vehicles is the 2013 Toyota Yaris Hybrid.

The popularity of this car is spreading because of its ingenious style, performance and efficiency. If you are planning to get a hybrid car for yourself then you might want to look at the key features that the Toyota Yaris Hybrid can give you.

Hybrid Performance

The Toyota Yaris is equipped with full hybrid technology which gives you something to look forward to. Full hybrid technology simply means that a car is able to utilize every single advantage of hybrid technology. Full hybrids are able to run on electric power, which means that you can drive it without the engine running. Regenerative braking is also an added feature to this great car which will help owners to store that much needed energy in the hybrid’s battery pack.

This Toyota Hybrid car also features a new 1.5 liter gasoline engine that is combined with a lightweight and more compact transaxle, electric motor, battery pack and inverter. This brings future owners to a newer and lighter system than the Auris hybrid.

Interior

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid is equipped with the standard air conditioning system and automatic transmission. Owners will be able to stay comfortable driving and still achieve a high class emission process. This car also has a great combination of design, functionality and agility that will be a great innovation in the car industry. Toyota will also be able to contribute to our environment by creating a full hybrid car for the future.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Liftback

Base Price: NA

Dimensions

Length: 167.1 in. (424.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 102.3 in. (260 cm)
Height: 59.6 in. (151 cm)	Width: 69.2 in. (176 cm)
Curb Weight: 2888 lbs (1310 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.3 in. (13.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: Hybrid Synergy Drive	Gas Engine: 1.5 Liter
Horsepower: 100 HP	Power: Nickel-Metal Hybrid Battery