After being absent for nearly five years, Identity resurfaces at the Geneva Motor Show with its latest supercar prototype- the 2011 Identity Y2.

Identity first entered the Geneva Motor Show in 2007 with its first supercar concept- the I2. It has taken the company from Spain five long years to produce another supercar in the form of the Y2. The latest in Identity’s line up draws inspiration from one of the most feared and ferocious predators known to man, the great white shark. Will the Y2 live up to the image of the streamlined and powerful ocean monster it was designed after?

Performance

In paper, the Identity Y2 is a sports coupe equipped with a V12 engine capable of 520 horsepower that produces 700Nm of torque (369 lb/ft). All that power under the hood translates to an impressive 0-100km/h (0-60mph) acceleration of less than 5 seconds and a none-too shabby top speed of 300km/h (187mph).

Although the Y2 concept car wasn’t completely finished when shown and it remains unclear as to when Identity will come up with a finished supercar, its engineering and design using premium materials that include Kevlar, aluminium and carbon fiber plus its exciting V12 power train all point to a promising supercar when finished.

Interior & Exterior

The most prominent feature of the 2011 Identity is its a pair of bi-xenon headlights that mimic the great white shark’s own menacing and piercing eyes. Still using the great white predator as design inspiration, the Y2 is fitted with an imposing front grille and side air intakes.

The Y2 is 4.9 meters long, 1.3 meters high, 1.95 meters wide and with a 2.96-meter wheelbase.
All these elements add up to a sleek and roomy yet aggressive and powerful stance- just like the great white shark.

Since it might take a while still before Identity can actually come up with a production model of the Y2, coming up with an accurate price, even a price range for the Y2 is difficult and tricky. For anyone of you who may be aching to snatch one of these predators up, it might be best to wait a little longer until such time when Identity comes closer to releasing the Y2.

The Competition

If and when Identity markets a production model of the Y2, its initial specifications bring it closer to the class to the Aston Martin DB9 (MSRP $189,915; 13 city/ 20 hwy), Lamborghini Gallardo (MSRP $237,600; 13 city/ 20 hwy), and Ferrari California (MSRP $192,000; 13 city/ 19 hwy).

It’s a tough playing field to be in, especially since the Aston Martin DB9 has won a lot of followings with its precise steering, impressive and exceptional interior and exterior that shout exclusivity, and not to mention that the DB9 has one of the smoothest rides in its class.

Finally…

Identity’s Y2 supercar specifications all look good on paper. Its powerful engine brings it to the realm of supercar favorites Aston Martin DB9, Lamborghini Gallardo, and Ferrari California. Moreover, its shark-inspired design and long wheelbase may appeal to some people who are looking for an aggressive look to their supercars without sacrificing roominess of the interior.

However, Identity’s own limitations as a niche supercar maker may be the Y2’s biggest impediment yet to truly becoming like a great white shark predator that triumph over its prey.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe

Est. Market Price:NA

Dimensions

Length: 192.9 in. (490 cm)	Width: 51 in. (130 cm)
Height: 76.7 in. (195 cm)	Wheel Base: 116.5 in. (296 cm)

Performance

Engine: V12	Displacement: NA
Horsepower: 520 HP	Torque: 369 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds	Top Speed: 187 mph / 300 km/h

Minivans are considered the ideal form of family transportation. Capable of hauling up to 7 people and/or hauling down tons of luggage, this vehicle is the choice for most families. As this is a very competitive segment, most companies unleash a lot on the table in order to be called the best. Does Chrysler have what it takes to compete in the minivan market in this current age? Their answer lies in its latest offering: the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country.

Exterior & Interior

In 2011 (just like most cars in the Chrysler lineup) the Town and Country received a thorough makeover. Many portions of this vehicle have been either revised or upgraded, in hopes of remaining competitive. While minivans aren’t exactly the type of car that you’ll expect to attract attention at auto shows, this van has styling that turns heads. Most of the trim, as the wheels have been redesigned, giving it a fresher, more elegant look. The changes are not limited to the exterior, though.

The interior has also been redesigned to be versatile and more family-friendly. This minivan is capable of providing seating for up to 7 people using its 3 rows of seats. The second and third row seats can be folded to provide maximum cargo space if needed. In addition, it has a comprehensive entertainment system. In addition, optional screens for the second and third rows, satellite radio, sockets, and a uConnect system (which allows for WiFi access inside the car) are additional features that are sure to make a great experience for all passengers.

As for cargo, it has ample luggage space. With all the seats in use, the storage space is tabbed at 33 cubic feet. However, with middle and rear rows folded, space is increased at 143 cubic feet. And if that’s not enough, there is a deep center console on the front, and some bins and cubbies located on the floor.

Performance

A few changes for the Town and Country have also been made to its engine. Both engine and transmission have been revised for 2011. Giving the push for this car is a 3.6 liter V6 engine that is capable of producing up to 283 horsepower. This allows this van to gain the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. This motor is matched with an all new 6 speed automatic gearbox that gives better performance than its previous iteration. The suspension has also been adjusted. And while this cannot turn quicker than other vans in its class, it is now sharper while maintaining that requisite comfort and composure when just cruising.

The Competition

Other minivans available that may be compared to the Town & Country include the Nissan Quest (MSRP $27,750; 19 city / 24 hwy), Toyota Sienna (MSRP $25,060; 19 city / 24 hwy), Volkswagen Routan (MSRP $27,020; 17 city / 25 hwy), and the Honda Odyssey (MSRP $28,225; 18 city / 27 hwy).

Pros & Cons

Feedback for the new Town and Country are mixed, but most like the fact that it is an upgrade from the previous model. The changes made are surely appreciated in just about every department.

One, the exterior styling is cooler. Two, the interior is built with better quality and versatility, with a family friendly entertainment system to boot. And three, the driving experience, from the engine’s strength to the suspension’s responsiveness, are now going to evoke better memories. On the downside, some people still observe that the mechanics still has the tendency to operate rather creakily, and that the optional second row captain seats has no foldaway function, which robs a lot from its versatility.

Finally

All in all, the 2011 Chrysler Town and Country is a great car. It may not be the best in some aspects, but it is a well rounded performer that is sure to give a full sized family a good ride.

Overall Rating
79 out of 100

What others say:

“Chrysler is betting that a more refined look inside and out will help the T&C’s luxury message reverberate with minivan shoppers faced with new vans from Honda, Toyota and Nissan.”Car Connection

“The steering is light on center but has a pleasantly substantial feel as it is turned farther to either direction.”Consumer Guide

“The ride is very comfortable and settled, and passengers will find a quiet, well-equipped cabin that offers considerable versatility. Fuel economy is unimpressive.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The Chrysler Town & Country gets a host of mechanical, styling and interior improvements for 2011, but it still trails the competition in terms of refinement.”Edmunds

“If you’re not willing to give up style and pampering for the sake of utility and necessity, the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country’s impressive list of standard and available luxury features will likely put your mind at ease.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Minvan	Base Price: $30,260.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (75.7 liters)	MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 202.8 in. (515 cm)	Width: 78.7 in. (199.9 cm)
Height: 67.9 in. (172 cm)	Wheel Base: 121.2 in. (307.8 cm)
Curb Weight: 4510 lbs (2045 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.6 in. (14.2 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 33.0 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 24-valve DOHC V6	Displacement: 3.6 liter
Horsepower: 283 HP	Max RPM: 6350 RPM
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: NA	Max Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs (1587 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:T & C Touring L	MSRP: $32,660; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy
Option:T & C Limited	MSRP: $39,825; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy

Opel has just announced its entry into the sub-compact SUV automobile market with the all-new 2013 Opel Mokka, making it the first German company to compete in this area.

The car will be launched officially at the Geneva motor show in March and will be available at dealerships towards the end of this year.

Java Inspired

The 2013 Mokka (and yes, its name is inspired by the coffee) is not much longer than a standard saloon at just over 14 feet, but the compartment is elevated so that all five seats are raised, making it unmistakably a sports utility vehicle.

The Engine

The car will be sold with a choice of engines, one of them diesel and two gasoline. The engines to choose from are a 115 horsepower, naturally aspirated, 1.6 liter engine or a 140 horsepower, 1.4 liter turbo version. The diesel engine is a 130 horsepower, 1.7 liter turbo. Both the 1.4 gasoline and the 1.7 diesel versions offer a choice between six-speed manual transmission or six-speed fully automatic.

Performance

The Mokka will be available in the standard front wheel drive, but all wheel drive is also available. The car is built with state-of-the-art safety systems. The AWD, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control systems all work together to continually monitor driver performance, traction and terrain conditions and seamlessly adjust torque, brakes and power to provide the very best safety, stability and control on both pavement and in more challenging environments.

Features

Other standard features include a hill start assist and hill descent control as well as the latest version of Opel’s innovative forward camera. This camera provides the driver with several safety-improving functions such as Lane Departure Warning and Traffic Sign Recognition. There is also a rearview camera that eliminates the problem of blind spots when reversing.

On the inside, the 2013 Opel Mokka every effort is made to offer comfort and convenience. It has ergonomic seating that has been certified by a leading German healthy spine organization. The car has a generous cargo space and is also supplied with Opel’s exclusive Flex-Fix bicycle carrier.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the best selling cars in history, and it is easy to see why. It looks great, it performs like a true sports car, it is practical and reliable for everyday use, and it is affordable. Those are some of the secrets of the Miata’s success, and that’s why it always has a healthy legion of fans. Now, Mazda is trying to carry over this magic into the third generation of the Miata.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact Roadster	Base Price: $23,190.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.7 gallons (48 liters)	MPG: 22 city / 28 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 157.3 in. (399.5 cm)	Width: 67.7 in. (172 cm)
Height: 49 in. (124 cm)	Wheel Base: 91.7 in. (232.9 cm)
Curb Weight: 2447 lbs (1110 kg)	Ground Clearance: 4.6 in. (11.6 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 5.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: 2.0L 16 Valve DOHC MZR 4 cylinder w/ VVT	Displacement: 1999 cc
Horsepower: 167 HP	Max RPM: 7000 RPM
Torque: 140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Miata MX5 Touring	MSRP: $25,550; MPG: 21 city / 28 hwy
Option:Miata MX5 Grand Touring	MSRP: $26,820; MPG: 21 city / 28 hwy

Performance

Now, we go to the performance department, where perhaps most of the attention has been heaped on because, after all, this is still a sports car. Standard equipment for this car is a 2 liter 4 cylinder engine that has a peak output of 167 horsepower and 140lb/ft torque. While this doesn’t seem to be enough power, it is more than enough to give it a respectable push, and it operates smoothly too.

It is powered with several transmission options: a 5 speed manual, a 6 speed manual, and a 6 speed automatic. However, the Miata is still all about its handling, and potential owners would be secure to know that it’s still one of the best, if not the best, in this category. The suspension is well-set, managing to give excellent cornering characteristics while still providing a comfortable ride. In addition, the brakes are superb. 4 wheel discs with an anti-lock system are welcome additions. Combine these elements with a 50/50 weight distribution and a low overall weight, and you’ll get a vehicle that can attack demanding roads (and tracks) with impunity.

Exterior & Interior

Looking at its exterior, it has kept the original formula of the MX-5s of years’ past. It is still a convertible for 2, it is compact, and it is sporty. It still shares a lot of styling cues with the previous models, while incorporating some modern touches into it. Such melding of proven styling cues and modern design is a proven formula for success; just ask cars like the Ford Mustang. Also, owners have the option of equipping it with a soft top or hard top, with both variants of the roof going on and off without any hassles.

As for the interior, it has remained the same. With that said, people over 6 feet may find themselves stuffy inside this car, as the cockpit offers little wiggle room. Passenger room may be on the small side (it is a compact car after all), but you can’t’ say anything about the build quality of its interior.

The seats are both secure and comfortable, with just enough firmness. Also, keeping up with classic Miata traits, elements such as the gauges are all simple and driver-centered. They are all easy to read and use high quality materials. As for safety, it is still the same car that aced a lot of crash tests. Standard equipment includes front and side airbags, and traction control is optional.

The Competition

Comparable to the MX-5 Miata are the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder (MSRP $27,999; 20 city / 27 hwy), Ford Mustang (MSRP $27,310; 19 city / 30 hwy), and the high priced BMW Z4 (MSRP $47,450; 18 city / 28 hwy).

Pros & Cons

Overall, it retains all the core values of past Miatas. It is a gorgeous, practical 2 sweater, with superb handling characteristics, and everyday usability. As for styling cues, it still has the classic lines of the original, and it’s meant in a good way. While some say it can use more power, it doesn’t really matter, because this car is not all about that. And while space (both seating and luggage) can be simply described as small, it’s not like this car is all that big in the first place.

The 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has successfully lived up to the legend. It stays true to its roots despite evolving, and was better off because of that.

Overall Rating
76 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Mazda MX-5 is a back-to-basics sports car that you don’t have to drive fast to enjoy—and it has way more practicality than you’d probably expect.”Car Connection

“MX-5’s steering is quick and precise, though some testers find it unduly heavy at low-to-moderate speeds.”Consumer Guide

“The redesigned MX-5 is fun and agile, yet fairly civilized and affordable.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2011 Mazda Miata maintains its position as one of the all-time great roadsters, mixing refinement and excitement in an affordable, compact package.”Edmunds

“If you enjoy an immediate connection between steering wheel and roadway, you’ll revel in the performance of the MX-5 Miata.”KBB

Compact cars are one of the most popular cars on the market because just about anyone can relate to it. It is inexpensive, fuel efficient, easy to maintain, and most of them are fully customizable. It’s from the compacts that most of the people’s first car or daily driver comes from.

Recognizing the immense potential of the compact car market, Chevrolet created the Cruze in 2011. And it was successful almost from day one, becoming one of the best selling compact cars on the market today. 2012 is the 2nd year for the Cruze, and some adjustments have been made to make it better. So is the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze worth a look?

Exterior & Interior

The exterior is one of the biggest selling points of the Cruze. While some of the bits look edgy, it is still a conservative design, aiming to get the mature buyers that are looking for a smaller version of, say, a Honda Accord or a Ford Fusion. However, some owners have noted that from the moment you close the doors, you know that this is a car that is created with quality in mind. But the door is just the beginning. Step inside and you’ll get build quality that belies its price. One of its best points is the space; in fact it is one of the roomiest cars in its class.

The seats are comfortable and supportive enough, and even big people can fit in with ease. However, while the front seats are perfect, the rear seats may not be the best thing for very tall people. It has an armada of standard equipment, with remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio with MP3 playback, satellite radio, power windows, and a car information system that relays data such as fuel and tire pressure.

Meanwhile, optional equipment includes Bluetooth, keyless entry and start, and cruise control, just to name a few. And as for cabin space, it has 15.4 cubic feet at the trunk, but the trunk lid hinges compromises a bit of that space. A top scoring car during crash tests, the Cruze has standard safety equipment which includes 10 airbags, traction and stability control, and anti lock brakes.

Performance

As for performance, those that have driven this car said that the performance is adequate, but not quite racy like the Mazda3. There are 2 engine options for the Cruze, a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engine and a much more premium 1.4 liter engine equipped with a turbo. Both engine types are almost equal in the horsepower department (around the 135-140 hp range) and mileage numbers (24-40 average miles per gallon), so it really depends on the owner which engine would he/she be most comfortable driving. As for the handling characteristics, drivers say they are impressed with its cornering and braking. Both the steering and brakes are solid, and under steer and lean are more or less minimal. The handling more than compensates for the rather unexciting acceleration.

The Competition

The Cruze is Chevrolet’s response to other vehicles such as the Honda Civic (MSRP $16,605; 28 city / 39 hwy), Toyota Corolla (MSRP $16,700; 26 city / 34 hwy), and the Ford Focus (MSRP $16,500; 26 city / 36 hwy). It would be a good idea to compare these four vehicles with one another. Notice how close their pricing is, more importantly their fuel efficiency.

Pros & Cons

To sum it up, there is a lot to like about this car. It has a high quality interior that both driver and passenger can feel at home at. Steering and brakes are of good quality and well sorted out, and the suspension successfully bridges the line between comfortable and maneuverable. However, there are some things people don’t like about this car. People feel like it’s underpowered, and partly due to its lack of power, the otherwise excellent fuel economy can tend to be erratic because there are times that you’ll need to push it. Also, the exterior styling isn’t for everyone, with some even call its styling boring.

There are a lot of reasons why the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a best seller, and why it deserves a slot in your garage. It is a well balanced car, gives a lot of bang for the buck, and it can prove to be a very useful daily driver. Chevrolet has made a legitimate contender, that’s for sure.

Overall Rating
65 out of 100

What others say:

“The accurate steering has good feel and little need for correction. Cruze’s overall handling inspires confidence with minimal body lean in turns. ”Consumer Guide

“Put the preconceived notions to bed, because Chevrolet finally has a quality small car in the form of the 2012 Cruze.”Edmunds

“If you’re shopping for a compact car with a more refined look, ride and interior quality than the average economy sedan, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze sedan is sure to win you over. The Eco model’s 40-mpg highway fuel rating also can’t hurt.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact Sedan	Base Price: $16,720.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.6 gallons (59 liters)	MPG: 25 city / 36 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 181 in. (459 cm)	Width: 70.7 in. (179.5 cm)
Height: 58.1 in. (147.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 105.7 in. (268 cm)
Gross Weight: 4321 lbs (1960 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 15.4 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 1.8L 16-valve DOHC inline 4	Displacement: 110 cu in
Horsepower: 138 HP	Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 9.7 seconds	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Cruze LT Turbocharged	MSRP: $18,475; MPG: 26 city / 38 hwy
Option:Cruze Eco	MSRP: $19,245; MPG: 28 city / 42 hwy
Option:Cruze LTZ	MSRP: $23,110; MPG: 26 city / 38 hwy