For the avid sports car and race enthusiast, the new 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup released by the prominent German car manufacturer starts to roll into the market with some added improvements in features, design and performance. This 2-door sport coupe has its unique body style design as a trademark of all Porsche car models compared to other European car manufacturers. GT3 had been successful in a series of international racing competitions, which won numerous awards in the American Le Mans and Daytona.

Performance

The new GT3 is powered by a 3.8 liter displacement engine that could deliver a maximum of 450 horsepower (bhp) at 8500 rpm while the exhaust system is installed with a catalytic converter. For the design modification, which incorporates a new 100-liter FT3 fuel reservoir with the fuel cap cover located at the front hood.

Both front and rear wheel are fitted with light aluminum alloy rims at sizes 9.5Jx18 with 25/64-18 tyres and 12Jx18 with 30/68-18 tyres respectively. On the interior of GT3, the front console is tailor-fit with safety features and these includes switches, indicators and info displays are all visible and controls are in position of the driver.

With the series of German-based model racing automobile, the 911 GT3 is the source model and origin that has been adapted for design and production for the racing vehicle by Porsche. The savvy sport coupe is priced at 161,750 Euro subject to taxes, which will depend on the prevailing rate of different countries.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe

Est. Market Price: €161,750 ($224,370.00)

Dimensions

Length: 176.8 in. (449 cm)	Width: 72.9 in. (185 cm)
Height: 50.4 in. (128 cm)	Wheel Base: 92.7 in. (235 cm)
Curb Weight: 2998 lbs (1359 kg)	Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons (100 liters)

Performance

Engine: 3.8L Boxer-6	Compression Ratio: 12.6: 1
Horsepower: 450 HP	Max RPM: 8500 RPM
Torque: 339 lb-ft @ 5750 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
*0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds	*Top Speed: 193 mph

*based on Porsche 911 GT3 RS

With the continuing escalation of gas prices the reduction of available parking space, the demand for smaller cars are becoming much larger. Subcompact cars are becoming the latest trend in the automotive market. Though they are long popular in Japan because of the “K-car” segment, they are now getting worldwide attention recently because of vehicles such as the Smart Fortwo. Recognizing this, Toyota is now entering the worldwide subcompact market with the Scion iQ. The iQ, according to Toyota, is the world’s smallest four seater and is targeted for a younger audience.

Exterior & Interior

Looking at the iQ, the first thing that one is going to observe is its smallness. Its measurements are just startling: it measures in at just 120 inches in length, which is almost 2 feet shorter than compact cars such as the Mini Cooper and just 1 foot longer than the Smart Fortwo, which is actually a 2 seater. But still, given its small proportion, it still has seats for 4 full sized people, or so it claims.

As for the design, it is cute and compact, with a contemporary look that makes it suit well in these modern times. Given its size, it would be interesting how Toyota is going to make the Scion iQ the world’s smallest 4 seat car. And those that were able to ride one have mixed feelings about it. First, they say that the front seats are good enough for even tall people.

But as for the rear seats, it is a completely different story. They think that the rear seats are best left for children, unless front seat occupants want to compromise their own space. As for features, it comes with a full sound system with inputs for both music players and USBs. As for cargo space, unless the rear seats are folded, forget about it, because the rear seat is extremely close to the trunk.

One thing that people should be surprised about the iQ is that despite its miniscule size, it is packed with a long list of safety equipment: 10 airbags, anti lock brakes, traction control, and stability control.

Performance

The standard 1.0 liter engine that produces 67 horsepower has been upgraded into a 1.3 liter engine that produces somewhere in between 90 and 100 horsepower. This almost equates to a 30% power upgrade that should translate dividends in the speed category. Together with its compact size, it is expected to perform well in those tight spaces.

Pros & Cons

Those that were able to drive the Scion iQ have mixed opinions in how this car has performed. Of course, they have appreciated the level of innovation and creativity that it took in order to construct this car in the first place. The styling is something that fits in well with Toyota’s target market for this car, and the fact that they have managed to fit in so much gizmos inside its small body is an achievement in itself.

The Competition

There are a handful of cars comparable to the iQ worth looking at, these include the smart fortwo (MSRP $14,690; 33 city / 41 hwy), the 2012 Fiat 500 (MSRP $15,500; 30 city / 38 hwy), and the Mini Cooper (MSRP $19,500; 29 city / 37 hwy). You will find the Mini Cooper at a much higher price range but you also get more room.

In Closing

Despite its small size, people (at least on the front) are bound to feel at home being a driver or a passenger on this car. And when you add its comprehensive list of safety equipment, it sounds like a safe place to be. However, a lot has bemoaned the fact that its rear seats are mostly ineffective and that luggage space is nearly nonexistent. Also, the fuel economy numbers for the upgraded engine, while impressive in most cases, is considered underwhelming considering its size.

The 2012 Scion iQ has a lot inside its little package. It may not exactly be the ideal car, but it is an innovative car nonetheless. Expect it to spearhead the subcompact revolution within the coming years.

Overall Rating
62 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Scion iQ is just a roller skate on wheels, but it bucks econocar drab in favor of an assertive, sporty, and nicely detailed look and feel.”Car Connection

“For the most part, the steering is light and easy to handle. It gives some road feedback when turning, but on-center feel is mostly numb. iQ leans somewhat in fast turns, but not enough to be unnerving. An extremely tight turning radius enables easy U-turns on crowded, two-lane city streets.”Consumer Guide

“The 2012 Scion iQ is a minimalist metropolitan runabout that gets great fuel economy. Style and utility are the messages here, not driving excitement.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hatchback	Base Price: $15,265.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 8.5 gallons (32 liters)	MPG: 36 city / 37 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 120.1 in. (305 cm)	Width: 66.1 in. (167.8 cm)
Height: 59.1 in. (150 cm)	Wheel Base: 78.7 in. (200 cm)
Curb Weight: 2127 lbs (964.8 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.3 in. (13 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 3.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: 1.3L DOHC 16-Valve Inline-4	Compression Ratio: 11.5: 1
Horsepower: 94 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 89 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	Transmission: CVT-i*
0-60 mph: 11.7 seconds	1/4 Mile: 18.3 seconds

Mini Coopers had once been voted “European Car of the Century”. While largely debatable, this recognition is testament to the Mini Cooper’s great performance on the road, coupled with its inherent fun-factor as a car with styling that is distinctly its own.

This year, Mini Cooper has something new to offer die-hard fans as well as those who may be paying more serious attention to the Cooper line for the first time.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact Hatchback	Base Price: $20,100.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons (50 liters)	MPG: 29 city / 37 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 146.6 in. (372 cm)	Width: 66.3 in. (168 cm)
Height: 55.4 in. (140.7 cm)	Wheel Base: 97.1 in. (246 cm)
Curb Weight: 2535 lbs (1150 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 5.7 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 16-valve DOHC inline-4	Displacement: 1.6 liters
Horsepower: 121 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 114 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 8.4 seconds	Maximum Speed: 126 mph (203 km/h)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Cooper Convertible	MSRP: $25,550; MPG: 28 city / 35 hwy
Option:Cooper S Hardtop	MSRP: $23,700; MPG: 27 city / 35 hwy
Option:Cooper S Convertible	MSRP: $28,550; MPG: 27 city / 35 hwy

The new 2011 MINI Cooper now boasts of a more powerful engine, better steering capabilities, new and improved cosmetics, better radio controls, state of the art HD and satellite radio, and more options for customization such as adaptive headlights and sound insulation.

Performance

All the action happens under the hood. And you will be pleasantly surprised to see a thriving yet sensible 1.6L six-speed manual (six-speed automatic is an option) engine that has been turbocharged in the Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants. Certainly the Mini Cooper does not disappoint in terms of power output as the base model alone charges in at 121hp with 114 lb-ft of torque already. Mate this power to the Cooper’s relatively low weight and you are presented with a lively and fuel-saving around-town car that is also appropriate for the casual week end get away.

The Mini Cooper accelerates form 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds (9.7 seconds for the automatic) with a fuel consumption of 29mpg city/37 mpg highway.

The Cooper S features 181hp with 177 lb-ft of torque (192 lb-ft with overboost) and 0-60mph acceleration of 6.6 seconds for the manual and 6.8 seconds for the automatic. Fuel economy is at 27/36/30 (manual) and 26/34/29 (automatic).

The John Cooper Works cranks up the turbo boost to produce 208 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only available transmission. Mini estimates a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds for the hatchback and 6.6 for the convertible.

Interior & Exterior

The MINI Cooper comes in three trim levels: Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works (JCW). A two-door hatchback and a convertible body style are available for three variants.

The base Cooper sports 15-inch alloy wheels and features keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning, vinyl trimmings and upholstery, height-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, six-speaker stereo with CD player, HD and satellite radio, and auxiliary jack.

A 16-inch wheel upgrade is available for the convertible model as well as a power convertible top with sunroof.

The Cooper’s Sport option has 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, traction control, sport seats and hood stripes as added features.

Meanwhile, the Cooper S has 16-inch wheels, a turbocharged engine, alloy pedals, fog lamps, sport seats, and a firmer suspension. On the other hand, the Sport package for the Cooper S adds an upgraded Brembo brakes, a more powerful turbo engine and cloth upholstery.

Both the S and JCW trims can be fitted with a limited-slip differential plus a firmer suspension.
Those wanting to customize the 2011 MINI Cooper will have their hands full as several option packages are available. These include a dual pane sunroof, heated front seats, automatic climate control, 10-speaker Harmon Kardon surround system, keyless entry/ignition, Bluetooth and iPod interface among others.

Safety

Standard equipment for all trims is stability control, ABS, and front seat airbags. The hatchback offers side curtain airbags as standard while the convertible has pop-up rollover bars and larger front airbags extending up to a person’s head height. Traction control however is still non-standard. Stopping distance from 60mph on tested Mini Cooper S models reveal an impressive 112 to 115 feet outcome.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Cooper hatchback a moderate “good” rating in frontal-offset test, while it only scored “average” in the side-impact and roof-crash tests.

Warranty

Standard limited 4 years or 50,000 miles warranty. On top of this, Mini gives a complementary vehicle maintenance package.

Competition

If you think the Mini Cooper is expensive for what it offers, then you may look at similar cars in the market. If money is a real concern, consider the Mazda 2 (MSRP $14,180; 29 city / 35 hwy) or Mazda 3 (MSRP $20,045; 20 city / 28 hwy). Both cars cost less while giving more trunk space and good fuel economy.

Also, the Volkswagen Golf (MSRP $17,995; 23 city / 33 hwy) deserves consideration if you are not sold on the Cooper. It is equally renowned as a top performer and its engine is just as powerful. While the Cooper may be the better-performing of the two, its bigger trunk space (over twice as big) is a definite advantage.

Pros

The MINI Cooper scores big on handling, fuel economy, all-around performance, styling, innovative convertible roof, and customization options.

Cons

Minus points are the car’s noisy and stiff ride, cramped rear space, poor back visibility in the convertible model, and a weak base stereo.

The 2011 MINI Cooper may be tiny for some people’s taste, but its performance, fuel economy, and iconic styling more than compensate for this rather small limitation.

Overall Rating
76 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 MINI Cooper/Convertible runs the gamut from smart econobox to thrusty sports convertible–all with unmatched driving feel and expertly interpreted styling heritage.”Car Connection

“Minis are among the smallest cars in the U.S. but are stable even in crosswinds. They offer excellent maneuverability, thanks in part to their electrically assisted steering that offers light feel at low speeds and firms up as speed increases. ”Consumer Guide

“The rear seat is very tight and some controls are confusing.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Thanks to British character and German engineering, the 2011 Mini Cooper is a great pick for a small coupe or convertible.”Edmunds

“If you value fun-to-drive character and unique looks in a small package, the 2011 Mini Cooper is an excellent choice. Strengths include razor-sharp handling, frugal fuel economy and unique retro looks.”KBB

The 2011 Quimera All-Electric GT coupe is part of the green based technology program that mainly focuses on research & development (R&D), feasibility of products and the sustainability of available green resources also known as the Quimera project headed by a group of multinational companies.

This project has successfully demonstrated and been tested for the first prototype for the new All-Electric GT (AEGT) powered batteries sport car that significantly surpass the capability and performance of an ordinary gasoline or petrol engine. The AEGT concept is at its innovative stages of development that will be subject to a series of trial in order to enhance its performance with different environment application and operational testing that will suits the need of future model electric vehicles as needed.

Technical data shows that after the completion of its first trial run under Altran technical supervision, the 2011 AEGT engine specifications has a three (3) 231-bhp UQM electric motors that is being supplied by numerous stored EIG battery packs made from lithium polymers that could generate a pressure force between 450-700 bhp or a torque of 740lb/ft.

A top speed of around 187 mph was recorded and can also accelerate from 0-100 kph at a time of 3.0 seconds. The light weight frame body and structure of the AEGT is made up of carbon fiber monocoque that increases its power to weight ratio performance test. Thus, the new AEGT has evolved into a new generation of motorsport vehicles adopting a renewable sources of energy and as well as a healthy and friendly environment of the future.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe

Est. Market Price: NA

Dimensions

Length: 189 in. (480 cm)	Width: 78.7 in. (200 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA	Maximum Seating: 2

Performance

Engine: Three 231-bhp UQM Electric Motor	Power Source: High Powered lithium polymer EIG batteries
Horsepower: 450-700 HP	Torque: 740 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 3 seconds	Top Speed: 187 mph / 300 km/h

The rise of hybrid cars is one of the biggest trends going on in the automotive industry. Boasting the combination of a petrol engine with an electric motor, it provides the reliability that purely electric powered cars don’t have (at least not yet) and an expanded mileage range and decreased emissions that all owners of petrol powered cars would surely appreciate. And with a lot of cars switching to hybrid power, Infiniti decided they didn’t want to be left behind. The result is the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid.

Exterior & Interior

Most of the trim on the Infiniti M Hybrid remains similar to the gas powered M series. The exterior still retains the critically acclaimed aggressive and curvy stance of the original. And one good thing about this car is that it doesn’t shout out loud that it’s a hybrid (which is one of the negatives about most hybrid cars, they tend to shout out that they are hybrids). Just a few badges on the front fenders and the trunk are what distinguish it as a hybrid. Furthermore, the interior still remains the same for the hybrid version. Meaning, the much appreciated combination of good seating arrangements, simple electronics, and sophisticated build quality are all there.

All the good things about the M’s interior are all retained, with the only caveat is the reduction of cabin space. As observed in just about all hybrids, the batteries are placed on the trunk. This is the reason why cabin space is reduced. Standard and optional safety features are inherited from the ordinary M Series, which actually performed well on safety tests.

Performance

On the performance standpoint, people are raving that the M Hybrid is a well sorted out combination of quickness and fuel economy. Combining to form the hybrid power system is a 3.5 liter V6 engine and an electric motor. The functioning of the 2 motors alternate with each other, and the transitions during switching of roles by the 2 engines are smooth. Interestingly, its performance is strong enough to rival that of the M37, which is a considerable feat given that this car is a hybrid.

Also, the same suspension and brakes remain in this car, meaning that the sharp handling that M Series fans have grown to love is still there. Infiniti claims that the fuel economy ratings of this car are rated at 27 to 32 miles per gallon, which is a good value considering the size of this car and the output of the engine. It features regenerative braking that allows the charging of the batteries every time the driver uses the brakes.

The Competition

There are three other hybrid vehicles that may be considered as an option, two are from Toyota, the Camry Hybrid (MSRP $27,050; 31 city / 35 hwy), the Prius HB II (MSRP $23,520; 51 city / 48 hwy) and the Honda Civic Hybrid (MSRP $23,950; 40 city / 43 hwy). Both do not have the same power as the Infiniti and are priced way below the M Hybrid.

However, if you are looking for something closer in class to the M Hybrid, you may want to look at the Lexus GS 450h (MSRP $58,950; 22 city / 25 hwy).

Pros & Cons

There are a lot of reviews regarding the Infiniti M Hybrid, and most of these reviews are generally positive. Most of the people like that almost every single thing that people have grown to love about this car were retained. The suave exterior, the high quality interior, and the top notch performance are all still there, and now it has the benefit of having lower harmful emissions and better fuel mileage.

And even though this is something minor, a lot of reviewers have actually appreciated that Infiniti has decided to keep discreet its identity as a hybrid, a far cry from others that practically shout out that they are hybrids. On the downside, the biggest impact that the hybrid system gave is on the trunk compartment. But that is something that is expected from hybrids. In addition, the regenerative brakes, though an upgrade when compared to others that feature the same system, is still feels unnatural.

The 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid has tried to combine the best of both the worlds of electric and petrol vehicles, and has managed to succeed on the most part. It is an efficient, quick, and stylish vehicle that is decisively world class in quality.

What others say:

“Strong performance; engaging handling; many high-tech features; classy interior; hybrid model’s high fuel economy.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan	Base Price: $53,700.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.8 gallons (67 liters)	MPG: 27 city / 32 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 194.7 in. (494.5 cm)	Width: 72.6 in. (184 cm)
Height: 59.1 in. (150 cm)	Wheel Base: 114.2 in. (290 cm)
Curb Weight: 4129 lbs (1872 kg)	Ground Clearance: 6.0 in. (15 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 11.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 3.5L V6 w/ Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid	Valvetrain: 24-Valve DOHC
Horsepower: 360 HP	Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 258 lb-ft peak engine/199 lb-ft peak electric motor	Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic w/ ASC
0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds	1/4 Mile: 13.4 seconds