Get ready for the latest series of vehicles from Ford. The 2013 Ford Fusion is going to take you on a wonderful ride of comfort, convenience and style.

Since Ford is faithful to their vision to deliver the very best of what One Ford stands for, they are now giving future buyers a great new option when it comes to fuel efficient cars.

Performance

The 2013 Fusion is packed with a fuel efficient powertrain. They also offer hybrids and plug in hybrid cars. These alternatives will surely give buyers and clients a wider perspective when it comes to buying cars. It has a pair of EcoBoost which is paired with a four cylinder engine. It also features an automatic start and stop system.

This system helps assist the drivers to turn off the engine when the car is stationary or in idle. Additional features to choose from are the all wheel drive and front wheel drive application. People will also be able to choose between a manual or automatic six speed transmission.

Safety Features

Aside from these amazing features in the Ford Fusion, the company also wants to revolutionize the car’s assistance to passengers and drivers. They have a brand new lane keeping system which helps the driver maintain his or her proper lane position. This new technology makes use of a small, forward facing camera that is located behind the rear view mirror. It monitors the lane lines to help determine if the car is on course.

The system will also be able to alert the driver if there are any irregularities in driving. This new technology will also be able to apply pressure on the steering to help the car go back to the right lane.

There are several more features like: Adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot Information System and Active Park Assist. The combination of these features makes the 2013 Ford Fusion one of the best cars in the business.

2013 Ford Fusion Introduced

The reintroduction of the Dodge Dart is as compact car engineered to exceed expectations for reliability, quality and satisfaction.

The 2013 Dodge Dart is designed with 60 security and safety features to ensure maximum safety when traveling. The body is made of 68% high-strength steel content, making the vehicle’s foundation to be a strong one.

Other key security features include: 10 standard airbags, head restrain system, brake assist, hill-start assist, rear backup camera, trailer-sway control, electronic stability control among others. This will be the first Dodge vehicle to use an active grille shutter system, which automatically stops airflow through lower intake at highway speeds when less engine cooling is needed.

Performance

The 2013 Dart will be powered by 3 fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines. It offers the driver options to select either the new 160 horsepower Tigershark 16-valve 2.0 liter engine, 184 horsepower Tigershark 16-valve 2.4 liter MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine or the 160 horsepower 16-valve 1.4 liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine.

Moreover there are also 3 transmissions options which are: 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual dry clutch transmission. The MultiAir technology used in the engine, offers maximum combustion at any speed under any driving condition, by allowing dynamic and direct control of air intake and combustion.

Exterior

The vehicle will feature 12 exterior colors and will be available in five trim levels: SXT,SE, Rallye, Limited and R/T. The front of this car is designed for smooth airflow above, below, and around the car without compromising the engine’s cooling requirements.

Other well crafted exterior features of the Dodge Dart are: standard laser-braised roof welds, standard projector headlights and high quality metal daylight opening moldings. This car has a trunk storage capacity of 13.1 cubic feet.

Interior

The interior of the all-new Dart will feature 14 interior color and trim combinations with 7 interior color environments in leather or cloth fabric, and seven wheel options. Moreover, this car features customizable displays and comfort tuned seats in the spacious and pleasing interior.

The Dodge Dart also features a lightweight MacPherson strut front suspension, tuned to minimize chamber loss. This in turn results in more responsive steering and handling characteristics, and reduction in road noise.

Specifications

With its premiere in Detroit at the 2012 North American International Auto show, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid introduces the electric propulsion to the already impressive line of Volkswagens.

Green Performance

Featuring a 1.4 liter gasoline engine and a 20 KW electric motor working in tandem to provide 45 MPG fuel economy and peppy performance, the Jetta Hybrid can go from sitting still to 60 MPH in under 9 seconds, and do it without guzzling the gas. The new Jetta will be available in the states in the fall of 2012.

Different Hybrid?

As with other hybrids in the Volkswagen line, the Jetta drive train works in a parallel fashion with a clutch that decouples the gasoline engine from the drive train when coasting or braking, allowing the electric motor to take over. When the charge on the battery is low or acceleration or higher speed is called for, the decoupling mechanism disengages the electric motor for pure combustion engine power.

The vehicle is also smart enough to know when to use the 2 motors together for optimum performance. Speeds of 44 MPH over a mile and a half can be achieved if need be on electric power only. When both means of propulsion are pushing the vehicle, power rating is estimated to be near 170 HP.

Power

The power supply for the electric motor is a lithium-ion battery stored under the rear seat so it takes up no seating area space. Comprised of 60 individual cells, the battery is cooled by a fan integrated into the system, which also monitors the battery, provides safety features, and does constant diagnostics, all to make sure the battery is performing optimally and safely in unforeseen conditions.

Exterior & Interior

On the outside, the Jetta Hybrid benefits from distinctive features such as a redesigned spoiler in the front, and a diffuser and spoiler in the rear. New headlights contribute to a modest facelift, with LED running and rear lights.

Wheels and tires help characterize the hybrid as well, which sports specially designed 15 inch alloy wheels inside of low resistance tires. Several nameplates identify the car as “Hybrid” along with a newly designed blue setting for the traditional Volkswagen logo.

On the inside, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid resembles other Jettas with the exception of additional instrumentation related to the hybrid drive train. The addition of thicker windows on the sides and a redesigned acoustically treated windshield make it a quieter vehicle than other Jettas.

Specifications

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is one of the most prestigious, if not the most prestigious, classic car shows in the world. Combining extremely old cars, rare cars, cars with serious history and cars that combine all of these 3 elements, this is one of the most highly anticipated dates on the car show calendar worldwide. During the 2011 edition of this annual event at Pebble Beach, California, a 77 year old legend resurfaced. This is the 1934 Ford Model 40 Special Speedster.

History

At first glance, this car looks like just another Ford hot rod. But once you hear its fascinating story, it will make you realize that this car is how legends are made. This is the personal car of the late Edsel Ford, former president of Ford Motors.

Its legend all started in 1932, when Edsel Ford, fresh from his trip in Europe, tasked E. T. “Bob” Gregorie to design for him a speedster that would remind him of European sports cars. Using a modified Ford Model 40 body and chassis, it became a one-off that is unlike anything on the road both then and now. After more than half a dozen decades and owners switching hands, it now resides at the Ford House.

It was a long and arduous road that the 1934 Ford Model 40 Special Speedster took. However, it made its re-appearance more glorious than it ever was. Improbably resurfacing at the Pebble Beach after decades of being missing, Edsel’s weapon of choice is now back to its former glory, capturing a big part of Ford’s history.

Specifications

Hyundai cars are becoming the new favorite in the US, with America topping its global sales this year. And what’s not to like? They are affordable, functional and they look good.

The Hyundai Azera is one of these cars. It comes with a very affordable price tag of twenty-five thousand but the quality and features of it can compete with higher-pricing wheels. It has two variants, the 3.3 and 3.8 liter engine variants have been tuned to become more powerful and more eco-friendly.

Specifications

Performance

The horsepower increases to 26 and 20 (for the 3.3L and 3.8L variants, respectively) from the previous model. The 3.3 L engine has 260 horsepower and the 3.8 boasts of 283 horsepower. It is also the fastest car to go from 0-60 in the large car category at only 6.1 seconds.

Fuel efficiency is increased by as much as 11% for the 3.3 L variant and 7% for the 3.8L variant. This is due to the Azera’s new six-speed transmission setting, which is better compared to the outgoing model’s five-speed transmission. There is also a new feature called “Eco Indicator” which tells the driver if he is driving in an eco-friendly, fuel efficient way. Azera remains a good choice for those who want value and competence. It has a 233 pounds of torque with a fuel economy of 20/23 mpg city/highway.

The Azera is not for sporty, driving enthusiasts. It is a car suited for those who want a comfortable ride. Most critics say it offers a soft, smooth and secure ride. The brakes are so strong though, which can cause it to be grabby sometimes. The steering is precise as well as the braking system which can go from 60-0 in 118 feet.

Interior & Exterior

The Azera exterior includes 17” alloy wheels, fog lights, heated side mirrors and climate control. It has adopted the Hyundai Genesis’ lower bumper air dam.

It also features tilt-and-telescoping steering column, 60/40 split rear seat and eight-way driver and four-way passenger power front seats. It also has wood grain interiors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and full power accessories. The stereo system should be a delight to music lovers as it features a six-speaker stereo system with a six-CD changing system, satellite radio, and auxiliary jack and USB connectivity. There are optional fittings like the sunroof, leather upholstery and the heated front seats. The Azera Limited features all of the above options plus more, like driver-seat memory functions and a navigation system. Bluetooth connectivity is a standalone option.

The car’s tall seating position may hinder some tall drivers from sitting comfortably, but other than that, the interiors are okay. The cabin is quite large. The trunk can hold up to 16.6 cubic feet of cargo but the seats can be folded to increase cargo space. Visibility is also good all around because of the narrow roof pillars and a low cowl design.

Safety

The safety features of the Azera are standard, which includes traction control, stability control and active front head restraints along with front-side, rear outboard-side and side curtain airbags. It also earned very good points in the government-mandated crash tests.

The Hyundai Azera is protected by Hyundai’s five year/60,000 mile warranty, whichever comes first, as well as the 10 year/100 000 power train warranty. Five years of 24 hour roadside service is also included for this car.

The Competition

There are also lots of cars that are undergoing very good redesigns such as the Toyota Avalon (MSRP $33,195; 20 city / 29 hwy) and the Buick LaCrosse (MSRP $27,130; 19 city / 30 hwy). However, both cost a little more than the Azera. The Ford Taurus (MSRP $25,555; 18 city / 28 hwy) could also be worth a look.

Overall Rating
76 out of 100

What others say:

“Spacious, handsome, and unremittingly conservative, the 2011 Hyundai Azera is a great alternative for folks who think the company’s Sonata is a bit risque.”Car Connection

“The ride is comfortable and steady, and handling is fairly responsive.”MSN-Auto/ConsumerReports

“Bargain price; ample feature content; pleasant interior design with high-quality materials; strong performance from 3.8-liter V6; excellent warranty.”Edmunds

“If you believe status symbols are worth the extra cash, the Azera’s Hyundai logo won’t impress like one from BMW, Mercedes or Cadillac.”KBB