Throughout its long history, Lotus has been known for its lightweight sports cars that have made it stand out both on the road and on the track. With legends such as the Elan, the Europa, and the Esprit under its belt, it continues to impress and capture the imagination of automotive fans everywhere. Nowadays, the cars carrying the fight for Lotus include the Elise, the Evora and the Exige.

These 3 cars are very dynamic performers in their own right. However, with the release of 5 new concepts during the 2010 Paris Auto Show (including some concepts that could be their successors), it is obvious that Lotus is going to take a new direction soon.

The Lotus Exige, known as the hardtop version of the Elise, is best known for its track ready nature. This car is lauded for being a dynamic performer because of its light weight, proper balance and superior aerodynamics. However, as critically acclaimed as this car is, there will always come a time that this generation of the Exige is coming to an end. So to mark the end of production of the Exige, a limited edition model was released in North America. It is called the 2012 Lotus Exige Matte Black Edition.

Performance

This is no ordinary Lotus. Just about everything that can be poured out into this car has been done. A modified engine with an output of 257 horsepower, black Alcantara sports seats, a lot of standard equipment, and of course, an exclusive matte black paint job are just some of the modifications. It is an Exige that stands out among other Exiges. It is bound to be a very exclusive car (and potential collector’s item) too. Only 25 of these Matte Black Edition models would be built and each with its own exclusive numbered plate.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe	Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.6 gallons (37854 liters)	MPG: 23 city / 39 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 149 in. (378 cm)	Width: 67.7 in. (172 cm)
Height: 46.1 in. (117 cm)	Wheel Base: 90.6 in. (230 cm)
Curb Weight: 2077 lbs (942 kg)	Ground Clearance: 5.1 in. (12.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA	Maximum Seating: 2

Performance

Engine: 1.8L, 16-valve inline-4 DOHC Supercharged	Horsepower: 257 HP
Torque: 170 lb-ft	0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds

Lincoln, an established automobile brand is making a comeback. Let us take for example the 2011 Lincoln MKX a luxury midsize sports utility vehicle (SUV) that placed 10 out of 17 in recent reviews based on more than 70 published articles, test-drives specification testing and analysis.

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $39,415.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons (68 liters)	MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 186.7 in. (474 cm)	Width: 76 in. (193 cm)
Height: 67.3 in. (170.9 cm)	Wheel Base: 111.2 in. (282 cm)
Curb Weight: 4251 lbs (1928 kg)	Ground Clearance: 7.9 in. (20 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 32.3 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 3.7L V6 Twin independent Variable Cam (Ti-CVT)	Compression Ratio: 10.5: 1
Horsepower: 305 HP	Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed SelectShift Auto
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds	1/4 Mile: 14.9 seconds

Available Trims & Engine

Option:MKX AWD

MSRP: $41,265; MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy

Performance

Affordability is what the 2011 Lincoln MKX is all about. The MKX will only be available in one trim but will have 3 options: Premium, Elite and Limited. Like most Lincoln’s it will come standard in front wheel drive but will be available in all wheel drive.

The 2011 version of the Lincoln MKX has been outfitted with more luxurious materials, better brakes and a more powerful engine in order to better compete with Lexus, Acura and Ford. However most reviewers believe that this is still not enough, especially since better appointed midsized SUVs’ are out there with similar prices and similarly appointed SUVs’ are also available at lower prices. In general most reviewers like the overall level up of the 2011 version of the MKX but believe that Ford should have taken things a bit further in terms of affordability and features.

Exterior & Interior

The Lincoln MKX has a more mainstream appearance than its bigger brother the MKT but it still sports the huge two-winged grill, narrow headlights and muscular lines that is distinctly Lincoln but undoubtedly reinvented.

Ford got everything right inside the 2011 MKX with a more spacious cabin, more opulent interior finish, better material and high tech central console dubbed the “MyLincoln” which features three touch screens and a five-way controller.

Safety

The federal government gave five out of five stars for driver safety, four out of five stars for frontal crash test passenger safety and five out of five for side crash tests. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety gave a “Good” score in front, side impact, and an “Acceptable” score on roof strength test. Standard safety features are:

• Two stage front airbags
• Side curtain airbags,
• Front seat mounted side impact airbags,
• AdvanceTrac® paired with Roll Stability Control
• MyKey which restricts features like speed and based on the driver

Warranty

A standard 4-year bumper-to-bumper warranty covers the 2011 Lincoln MKX

Pros

• Huge cabin that offers sufficient leg and head room for all passenger
• Powerful engine that is also fuel efficient
• MyLincoln console
• A distinctly Lincoln exterior that is both handsome and masculine

Cons

• Outdated automatic transmission that hampers overall performance
• More expensive than similarly appointed models but does not compare to similarly priced competitors

The Competition

Overall the 2011 Lincoln MKX is a solid package, the problem is the competition. Take for example the Lexus RX350 (MSRP $39,075; 18 city / 25 hwy), which similarly seats five, has a comparable engine and cabin but is priced less and the Cadillac SRX (MSRP $34,615; 18 city / 25 hwy), which has the same fuel economy but is priced around $5,000 less. The cheapest contender is the Ford Edge (MSRP $27,640; 19 city / 26 hwy), which is in the same category, may not be as posh as the MKX but costs less.

Overall Rating
70 out of 100

What others say:

“You won’t need any excuses to say you’ve chosen the 2011 Lincoln MKX; it delivers on the promise of the brand: top-notch American luxury, with some of the best luxury and tech features wrapped in.”Car Connection

“MKX is not particularly sporty or engaging to drive, but that’s not its primary mission. For a vehicle that emphasizes luxury touring, this Lincoln is more than competent. Steering feel is good on the highway, but it’s a bit too heavy in low-speed driving. Body lean in fast turns is moderate, and the brakes have decent overall stopping control despite slightly spongy pedal action.”Consumer Guide

“The ride is reasonably comfortable but handling lacks agility. Interior materials are disappointing and many buttons are difficult to read at night.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2011 Lincoln MKX is a well-equipped luxury crossover that’s now fully competitive thanks chiefly to this year’s substantial improvements in performance and interior quality.”Edmunds

“You may not like the MKX if you expect to fly completely under the radar. The MKX’s styling is nothing if not in your face, with a battering ram front fascia and a whole lot of chrome. Depending on your view, all of that could be good or bad.”KBB

The midsize SUV market is one of the most lucrative divisions of the automotive industry. Year by year, a lot of these cars are being sold to a wide variety of clients. Hyundai has now joined the SUV wars.

Their bet is the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. Now in its final year before being redesigned in 2012, let us see if this outgoing SUV is going to be a good ride for you.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Midsize SUV	Base Price: $23,225.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons (68 liters)	MPG: 20 city / 28 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 184.1 in. (467 cm)	Width: 74.4 in. (189 cm)
Height: 67.9 in. (172 cm)	Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Curb Weight: 3725 lbs (1689 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. (20.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 34.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 16-valve DOHC inline-4	Displacement: 2.4 liter
Horsepower: 175 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 169 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic w/ SHIFTRONIC®
0-60 mph: 10.5 seconds*	1/4 Mile: 17.5 seconds*

*based on GLS AWD

Available Trims & Engine

Option:GLS V6	MSRP: $25,125; MPG: 20 city / 26 hwy
Option:Santa Fe SE V6	MSRP: $26,225; MPG: 20 city / 26 hwy
Option:Santa Fe Limited V6 AWD	MSRP: $27,275; MPG: 20 city / 26 hwy

Performance

There are 2 engine options available on the Santa Fe. The first one is a 2.4 liter inline 4 cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and a 3.5 liter V6 engine producing 276 horsepower. Both engines produce good fuel economy numbers, in fact, it gets one of the best mileages among all non-hybrid midsize SUVs. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, though a 6 speed manual is an option for the 2.4 liter engine variant. It is also available as both a front wheel drive and as a 4 wheel drive.

Interior & Exterior

As always, this Hyundai is priced much more affordably compared with the competition it has. You can now have your own midsized SUV at the price of a compact SUV. However, it is not just the price that is going to get attention. When you look closely, it has a bevy of standard equipment that you otherwise won’t expect for a vehicle of its price tag. Features such as Bluetooth, a USB port, and even controls located at the steering wheel give it an upscale feel at the fraction of the price.

The exterior of this car is a bit of mixed bag for most that saw it. While some may like its relatively unique looks, others frown that this edition of the Santa Fe as it now looks more generic. However, it is a clean shape overall, stylish yet purposeful in approach. As for the interior department, there are some minor changes made.

The components of the interior are not cheap-looking as it was the complaint on some Hyundai products. It boasts of a lot of standard equipment (such as Bluetooth and a comprehensive sound system) that you’ll surely appreciate. Optional equipment includes a DVD entertainment system and a navigation system. Luggage space is also exceptional for its class.

However, one crucial element that disappeared for this model year is the optional third row seat. As for safety equipment, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a host of airbags help increase car safety. In addition, as it is not exactly a deviation from the 2010 Santa Fe that got high scores in crash test, it is expected that in case of a crash, passengers will do just fine.

Pros & Cons

The 2011 Santa Fe got generally positive reviews from the driving public. Among its outstanding traits is its fuel economy, which is one of the best in its class. Pair that with a load of great features and an inexpensive best price, and you got a steal of a vehicle with this one. The performance of this vehicle was generally acceptable but not great. It responds to turns well and have just enough power to get into speed, but it’s not exactly the most performance oriented SUV out there. Also, it doesn’t seem to have enough in its arsenal to make it stand out.

All in all, the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is a borderline bargain. With features that belie its low price of acquisition, it is something that can give other midsize SUVs fits on the market.

Overall Rating
73 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe has is a great choice for small families, thanks to its strong safety, spacious interior, and great feature set.”Car Connection

“Stable overall, though our testers are divided on the steering and brakes. Some find them linear and predictable. Others think the steering is lazy at low speeds, and the brake pedal feels spongy.”Consumer Guide

“Lots of features at an agreeable price; spacious cabin; generous cargo capacity; strong and efficient V6 engine; great warranty; simple controls.”Edmunds

“If getting the most for your money matters, the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe might be the SUV for you. The Korean manufacturers have improved quality over the years but still have to entice buyers with good value and an excellent warranty – the Santa Fe has both.”KBB

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster is about to give you the best ride of your life. Hyundai motors launched the debut of this vehicle at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This new generation car will surely catch the attention of future buyers especially those who live for speed.

Performance

The Veloster has a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine and produces 201 horsepower at 6000 rpm. This car also has a twin-scroll turbocharger that gives instant power delivery when combined with the GDI system.

Twin-scroll turbochargers were used on expensive high performance engines but since Hyundai wants to break tradition it is now part of their cars since the Sonata 2.0T.

Manual or 6 Speed Automatic

Fuel efficiency is one of the main goals of Hyundai and this can be experienced with the Veloster. They developed this car to be handled with either a 6 speed manual or automatic transmission. Owners will be able to have a powerful car and still manage to cruise the city conveniently.

People won’t have to spend a long time deciding between an automatic or manual transmission. With the Veloster, both transmissions will be able to give you a whole new experience when it comes to car efficiency.

Stylish Interior

The interior has full leather seats. It has a unique look as the company stitched the word “Turbo” into the seat backs. The interior of the car also provides passengers and the driver optimum comfort and support. It also includes the Supervision Cluster that offers 2 TFT screens which provides the driver the information they need in a clearer and larger format.

Hyundai really made a new breakthrough with the 2013 Hyundai Veloster. Future owners will be able to experience speed, fuel efficiency and style with this amazing car from Hyundai.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: $17,300.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons (50 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 27 city / 38 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 166.1 in. (421 cm)	Wheel Base: 104.3 in. (264 cm)
Height: 55.1 in. (140 cm)	Width: 70.5 in. (179 cm)
Curb Weight: 2584 lbs (1172 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 15.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: 4 Cylinder Turbocharged GDI	Displacement: 1.6 Liter
Horsepower: 201 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 195 lb-ft @ 1750-4500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed manual

The 2013 Lexus LX 570 shares a platform with the Toyota Land Cruiser, comes with an electronically controlled 6 speed automatic transmission. This technology can estimate the driver’s intention and road condition, so as to choose the suitable gear allocation for the driving condition and speed.

The LX 570’s chassis is equipped with a superior suspension system, with the high mount, independent double-wishbone front suspension allowing for 9 inch of front wheel travel for excellent articulation over obstacles.

Interior & Safety

One of the LX 570’s standard security features is the 10 airbag system, which include: Knee airbags for driver and front passenger, roll-sensing side airbags covering all 3 rows, and front and second row seat mounted airbags. All the 8 seats feature a three-point seatbelt, with second-row seatbelts integrating pre-tensioners for the outboard seats.

Another key security feature of the LX 570 are the Active Front Headrests, which move forward and upward in the event of low speed rear-end collisions when the force of the seat’s occupant body is applied to the seat behind. The LX 570 also offers a pre-collision system with dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Moreover, this will be the first Lexus to offer the optional Wide-view Front and Side camera feature to use during tight settings.

Performance

The 2013 LX 570 uses a 5.7 liter V8 engine which produces 383 horsepower at 5,600 rpm. Its transfer case offers full-time 4-wheel drive that is proficient in dealing with slippery weather or deep mud. In addition, the four-wheel Active Traction Control feature utilizes brake and throttle intervention to aid in controlling wheel spinning. The Vehicle Stability Control utility helps in maintaining directional control during cornering.

Added Features

The 2013 Lexus LX 570 will also include noticeable luxurious features such as a four-zone independent climate control, rear back-up camera, nine speaker Lexus Premium Sound system, HD radio with iTune tagging, and front seat power-seat cushion extenders.

This Lexus LX 570 also offers Lexus Navigation System which includes Lexus Enform with Safety connect, Bluetooth phonebook download, and Voice command casual-language voice recognition. Moreover, this car features a rear dual screen rear-seat entertainment system with three-prong electrical outlet and wireless headphones.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 24.6 gallons (93 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 12 city / 18 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 196.5 in. (499 cm)	Wheel Base: 112.2 in. (285 cm)
Height: 75.6 in. (192 cm)	Width: 77.6 in. (197 cm)
Curb Weight: 5995 lbs (2719 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.9 in. (22.6 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 15.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 8 people

Performance

Engine: V8	Displacement: 5.7 Liter
Horsepower: 383 HP	Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 403 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: NA	Maximum Towing: 7000 lbs