The Porsche 911 is one of the most successful and prominent models in the history of sports cars. Often described as a luxury sports coupe, the original Nine Eleven model has undergone various changes since its inception in the early 1960’s. Nonetheless, the rear-engine, independent rear suspension and the Carrera’s unique looks have largely remained the same.

After five incarnations of the distinct 911 design, Porsche has revealed the new flagship model of the company – the 991.

Performance

As the succeeding model for the outgoing 997, the 991 Carrera will have a 3.4-liter engine that is very much capable of producing up to 345 hp. The current direct injection from the Carrera S will also be available. The 3.8-liter 6 flat engine of this model is estimated to generate a staggering 394 hp.

The Porsche 991 features the latest in stop/start technology and electro-mechanical power steering. In contrast to the 997, the latest Carrera wheelbase has increased by 3.9 inches or 100 mm; thus, increasing the overall length of the sports coupe by 2.8 inches or 70 mm.

The transmission of the Porsche 991 slightly differs from its predecessor. Porsche is releasing Carrera models with 7-speed manual transmission and 7-speend PDK – Porsche’s dual clutch transmission.

Exterior

Keeping with tradition, the body elements of the Porsche 911 will be made out of carbon clothing and Kevlar. Moreover, the use of specially designed steels and various composites have reduced the weight by almost 100 lbs.

Though most sports car enthusiasts will recognize the traditional 911 look, the 991 will be an exciting new face in the sports car industry.

Specifications

The 2012 Volkswagen E-Bugster concept is the electric powered avatar of the world famous VW beetle. The concept was unveiled at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

Volkswagen has built upon the design DNA of the Beetle and made this concept sportier. The concept derives its name from the 2005 Ragster concept, which inspired the current generation of production Beetle.

Engine & Technology

The E-Bugster runs purely on electricity. The electric motor churns out 85kWh of power which is sufficient to propel this car from 0 to 60 mph in less than 11sec, which is respectable for a pure electric car. The car can run for 110 miles on a single charge, which is adequate for most commuters. Also, if needed, a fast charging function recharges the 28.3 kWh lithium-ion batteries in just 35 minutes.

Volkswagen developed the new combined charging system in collaboration with BMW, Audi, Daimler, Ford, Porsche and General Motors. The idea is to develop a uniform industry standard for charging sockets and plugs so that charging stations can cater to cars of different makes.

The E-Bugster is very efficient in terms of the energy consumption and it converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy as soon as driver’s foot leaves the accelerator pedal. Application of brakes increases the intensity of conversion of kinetic energy into electric energy.

This converted electricity is stored in the battery. The instrumental cluster displays wide range of information regarding energy consumption and the estimated range of the car.

Design Features

Design of E-Bugster is sportier than the existing production Beetle. E-Bugster is wider by 30mm and slightly low set in design. The bumpers have been significantly modified and the car sports large wheel arches to fit in 20-inch allows that gives the car a muscular look.

The E-Bugster is a sporty two seater with a hi-tech interior. A continuous central console is placed between the two seats.

It is merely a concept at this stage. However, the car does impress in terms of the technology and takes us a step closer to practical electric vehicles.

Specifications

Ford has launched the revamped 2013 Fusion Energi in the Detroit Auto show with three different engine variants – standard gasoline, a hybrid and a pure electric motor. The Ford Fusion pure-electric vehicle is interestingly named energi and it packs a potential to be a game-changer for the company.

Ford is focusing on giving consumers the option of picking the powertrain of their choice by offering the whole spectrum of engine types.

Exterior Design

The Fusion has finally got a much needed facelift. The all new Fusion is sleek and has a much more sophisticated aesthetics compared to the previous generation. Fusion’s character lines sweep into the rear and the thin roof pillars reflect that the car is swift and nimble. The design is minimalistic and tasteful. Stretched and thin headlamps with LED tail lights add to the character of the car.

Performance

Ford Fusion Energi is powered by an all-electric motor which gives the vehicle enough potential to be one of the most fuel efficient mid-size sedans. Fusion Energi is likely to churn out more than 100 MPGe (a mile per gallon equivalency metric), which is higher than the Toyota Prius and Chevy Volt.

Hi-tech Features

The Fusion Energi is not only a winner in fuel efficiency; it also offers a whole gamut of features which makes this car stand out. The car comes with a host of hi-tech driver assistance features that include cameras, radars and sensors that virtually allow the car to see and react.

Driver assistance features also include Lane keeping system, Park assist, Adaptive cruise control system and Blind spot alert system.

The car also comes with Ford’s award-winning SYNC communication and entertainment system. The SYNC system allows driver to communicate with car’s systems through voice commands.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Energi is sure to create a lot of buzz with its class leading fuel economy and is likely to set the benchmark for other electric vehicles. However, one may have to wait for another 8-12 months at least before the vehicle hit the streets.

Specifications

Chevrolet has been known to create some of the most iconic cars in automotive history. And recently, they have unabashedly tapped on this rich heritage to inspire some of its present day vehicles. There is the SSR (inspired by the El Camino) pickup, and there is the new Camaro (inspired by the first generation Camaro). And then there is the Chevrolet HHR. Produced since 2005, it is inspired by the 4th generation Chevrolet Suburban of the late 1940s. So is the 2011 Chevrolet HHR worth more than just a trip in memory lane? We shall see.

Interior & Exterior

For something that is so named because it stands for “Heritage High Roof”, it sure lives up to the heritage part. Inspired by the 1949 Chevrolet Suburban, it has looks that are very desirable to say the least. This shape creates a double edged effect though. Entry and exit is simple, but visibility both on front and rear is compromised. There are 2 body trims available for the HHR, a panel wagon, and a 4 door wagon. The 4 door wagon is a 5 seater.

However, to create more luggage space, both the rear seat and the front passenger seat can be folded. As for the panel wagon, seating is limited to 2. And while the interior isn’t exactly luxurious, it is very much functional. The dashboard layout is simple, comes with a radio that has AM/FM, CD player, and MP3 playback, satellite radio, and auxiliary jack.

Optional equipment includes a premium sound system, a USB plug, rear parking assist, and a leather steering wheel with controls. And cargo capability is one of its biggest strengths. For the 4 door wagon, it is capable of up to 57.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded, and 63.1 cubic feet is the capacity of the panel wagon. As for safety equipment, it has traction control, the stability control, and anti lock brakes. However, crash testing deemed it to be a less than ideal place to be.

Performance

There are 2 types of engines available for this car: a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder engine that is capable of producing 155 horsepower, and a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine that has a maximum output rated at 172 horsepower. The standard transmission is a 5 speed manual gearbox, but a 4 speed automatic option is also available. The fuel mileage of both engines is almost similar: it is rated at 22 to 32 miles per gallon on the average. In addition, it can be driven using E85 fuel.

As for handling, it is uncertain if the Chevrolet people have even thought of making it sporty. Sure, it’s compliant to bumps and it’s comfortable, but it is not exactly the best handling wagon around. Sure, it can outmaneuver crossovers and small SUVs, but for a station wagon, it is not the most nimble car around.

The Competition

The Scion xB (MSRP $16,800; 22 city / 28 hwy) and the Kia Sportage (MSRP $19,995; 20 city / 25 hwy) have taken aim at competing closely against the HHR. In terms of horsepower and fuel economy, the HHR outdistance the two imports. The Sportage does offer a better bumper to bumper warranty compared to the HHR and the xB. All three are worth a look if you’re in the market for an all purpose wagon.

Pros & Cons

Reviews for those that were able to drive the Chevrolet HHR have mixed feelings about it. Sure, people do like its retro exterior, but some say that it’s a bit dated. There might be great seats and impeccable luggage space in both the panel van and the wagon, but rearward visibility is a huge concern. Sure, it is an economical choice when it comes to mileage, but both engines seemed lethargic by comparison. And while its suspension performs optimally as a cruiser, it doesn’t quite do well as a speedster.

All in all, the 2011 Chevrolet HHR has its highs and lows. It’s gaining in age (in fact, it is in its final year), but still it is a great car. It has great traits that make you ignore some of its deficiencies, and this is still a car that has a unique character.

Overall Rating
66 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Chevrolet HHR is not at all a good choice for carrying passengers comfortably, but it excels with cargo.”Car Connection

“Capable and fairly sporty with good around-town maneuverability. HHR tends to noseplow in faster corners, though body lean is well controlled. The brakes provide good stopping control, but pedal feel is spongy. Again, the 2LT’s sport suspension makes little difference.”Consumer Guide

“The HHR has easy access and a flexible cargo space. Handling is secure but not agile.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Lackluster handling and braking; some interior materials look and feel cheap; lacks a telescoping steering wheel.”Edmunds

“If you like your retro style backed with substance, the functional, comfortable and eager 2011 Chevrolet HHR will satisfy you beyond its intriguing looks.”KBB

Specifications

Full sized vans are one of the most versatile car segments around. Depending on your needs, they can transport people or cargo. Recognizing this, Chevrolet has its own take of the van. Known as the Chevrolet Express, this is Chevy’s representative in this tight race. So does it have what it takes to be a contender in this segment?

Interior & Exterior
From the looks of it, the Express is all business. Possessing a straightforward look, it may not be able to win some car beauty contest, but its purpose is well stated in its looks: it’s ready to go rough and tumble against just about anything. There are 2 doors on the front, and a split opening door on the passenger side. However, a sliding door on the passenger side and/or a split door on the driver’s side are optional equipment for those that want more access points. As for the interior, it is just about as utilitarian as the exterior.

Depending on the style that you want, you can haul up to 15 people or a maximum of 284.4 cubic feet of luggage space. If you intend that the Express to be a cargo van, the seats are limited to just 2 at the front. However, if seating is your priority, as a transporter type of van, the Express can seat 8 people in standard wheelbase and 15 in the extended wheelbase model. The seats are basic, but still comfortable enough. As for trim, this car is relatively sparse, with power steering and an AM/FM radio among the standard equipment in this car.

Other optional equipment such as cruise control, navigation, and satellite radio can increase the price tag even further. But the cargo space is just amazing. With all the seats folded (or unavailable) the total cargo space is pegged at 239.7 cubic feet for the standard wheelbase model and 284.4 cubic feet for the extended wheelbase.

Performance

There are 5 engine options available for the Express. There is the 4.3 liter V6 engine producing 195 horsepower, a 4.8 liter V8 engine producing 290 horsepower, a 5.3 liter V8 engine producing 310 horsepower, a 6.0 liter V8 engine producing 323 horsepower, and a 6.6 liter V8 diesel engine producing 260 horsepower and 525 lb/ft of torque.

The transmissions available are either a 4 or 6 speed automatic. Rear wheel drive comes standard, though a 4 wheel drive system (the only car in its class to have it) is optional equipment. This brings out performance numbers such as towing capacity ranging from 6200 to 10000 pounds, and a hauling capacity ranging from 1722 to 4187 pounds. Driving characteristics are acceptable. It may not be like a cruiser or a speedster, but it is stable to drive.

The Ford Econoline Wagon (MSRP $28,305; 13 city / 13 hwy) is perhaps the closest to be compared to the Express. Both use V8 engines, but the Express has more horsepower. They are in a tie when it comes to fuel efficiency.

Pros & Cons

Its utilitarian approach in both the exterior and interior can either be considered a positive or a negative, depending on the owner. What they would like though is that it offers a ton of space for hauling either people or luggage, which is the point of having these types of cars anyway. Power is ranging from adequate to abundant depending on the engine, a necessity for heavy duty work. On the downside, adding extra equipment or options can be pricey, and fuel economy is generally deemed horrible.

On final glance, the Chevrolet Express seems to be a marginal vehicle because of some of its faults. But given its strong utility, this is still a car to be reckoned with.

Overall Rating
55 out of 100

What others say:

“Like all big vans, these are clumsy to drive, with a wide turning radius, copious cornering lean, and modest grip. ”Consumer Guide

“They offer a tall cargo bay with rear hinged doors that can be opened 180 degrees. Stability control and curtain air bags are standard. AWD is available.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The full-size 2011 Chevrolet Express van is one of the most versatile and functional passenger vehicles on the road.”Edmunds

Specifications