During one of the world’s best and biggest car shows, the 2009 SEMA Auto Show, Classic Recreations created quite a storm. Jason Engel, the founder of Classic Recreations, announced the collaboration with Shelby to create an officially licensed 1967 Shelby Mustang continuation cars. At the Car Show, they came up with 2 Shelby GT500 CRs on display for the entire world to see. Not only that, it came out on track and was branded as an Ultimate Street Car during the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational. Because of those twin victories, the 2010 SEMA is seen as the launching pad for the introduction of the GT500 CR to the world.

Performance

On the surface, it looks like a classic Shelby Mustang. But it is more than that. Combining modern technology with classic style, the GT500 CR is both fast and reliable and can give any supercar a run for its money. The heart of this car is a 7000 cc (427 ci) big block V8 with fuel injection that is capable of producing 545 horsepower.

Interior

Coupled with modern equipment such as a Tremec transmission, a modified coil-over suspension and disc brakes in all 4 wheels, it is a classic that keeps up with the modern times. The interior is simply defined. Handcrafted and adorned with custom gauges, Shelby seats and five-point harnesses, the cockpit is elegant, comfortable, sporty and race-ready all at the same time.

The 2011 Classic Recreations Shelby GT500 CR is one handsome car. Combining a legendary car and integrating modern touches, it is a retro-classic supercar that can take on anyone. It is well deserving of Carroll Shelby’s blessing.

Specifications

As a car brand, Hyundai is still growing as a world power. But their presence is starting to be felt by releasing high quality cars in different segments of the automotive world. And somehow, they understand that they need to have a competitor in the midsize car bracket, in which a lot of car companies make a living out of. In this segment, their weapon of choice is the 2011 Hyundai Genesis (not to be confused with the sports car Genesis Coupe). At first glance, fans would think like: hey, a Hyundai competing in the very deep midsize car market? Well, it brings a lot of the table, and is sure to bring some more extra.

Specifications

Performance

Hyundai Genesis owners can choose between 2 engines: a 3.8 liter V6 engine with an output of 290 horsepower and a 4.6 liter V8 with an output of 385 horsepower. Both engines are quite competitive. In fact, both the power rating and fuel efficiency of these 2 motors are exceptional in its class, and can even compete with higher level midsize cars if given the chance. There is only one transmission option available: a 6 speed automatic gearbox that works very well with both engines. However, this car cannot be considered sporty, the suspension does not allow for serious maneuverability.

Interior & Exterior

The first thing that you will look at in this car is its exterior. Somehow, the reviews for it are mixed. Sure it looks luxurious, aggressive, and downright cool, with an aura of intrigue exemplified by a lack of identifying badges on the body. However, it does suffer from an “identity crisis”. Some people observed that it ripped off a lot of elements from its competition and used it in its design. Hence, it lacks a distinct character. Go inside, and you are going to receive the amenities of a classic luxury car.

With a lot of leather and wood trim, it is sure to evoke memories of upscale brands such as Mercedes Benz. In addition, it was fitted in a way that is befitting with a car that costs thousands of dollars more. As for the seats, there is ample space in both front and rear. Headroom and legroom are both significant, and will surely be appreciated by everyone. Climate control, entertainment systems, and navigation are also standard equipment. Trunk space is adequate, but not as great as some of its competitors. As for safety, this car has done so well that it had the prestigious “IIHS Top Pick” distinction. Standard equipment includes airbags, ABS, traction control, and active headrests.

Pros & Cons

Reviews are generally favorable for this car. It is considered passenger friendly. All the seats have enough space, and cushioning is adequate. As a result, passengers are surely going to feel at home in this car, whether the travel is short or long. In addition, the safety of this car is top notch. Passengers are sure to be protected just in case of an accident. Also, the suspension of this car is tuned to absorb impact, ensuring a smooth ride all throughout.

The engine of this car can match up with the best of them, and are capable both great performance and economy. On the downside though, while elegant looking; people are confused with regards with its exterior looks. Also, it is not deemed to handle well, so for those that are looking for a sporty luxury car, they would be disappointed as it performs better as a cruiser.

The final verdict for the 2011 Hyundai Genesis is that this is a car that brings in luxury amenities at the fraction of the price. For those that want an affordable cruiser, this is one option that is going to be hard to pass up.

Overall Rating
78 out of 100

What others say:

“If you can do without a luxury logo, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis provides performance, features, and comfort—including impressive detailing—to match premium-brand sedans costing much more.”Car Connection

“The steering is generally well weighted and precise, though some testers find it too heavy in around-town driving. Genesis feels stable at speed and is well balanced in turns, but as with its ride quality, this car trails other premium sedans.”Consumer Guide

“Comfortable ride; smooth, powerful engines; luxurious cabin; amazing Lexicon sound systems; luxurious cabin; top crash scores; generous warranty.”Edmunds

“We think you’ll like the Genesis if you are less concerned about brand prestige and more concerned about the driving experience and the vehicle’s feature set.”KBB

Hot rods have always been a special breed of car. With modifications ranging from mild to wild, most of them are destined to be models, completely reflecting the tastes and character of the people who own them. Terry Cook, a car designer tracing his roots from Long Island, New Jersey, created the 2011 Delahaye USA Lockhart Boattail as the fifth car in his series of speedsters. Inspired by a streamliner created by Mike Ball of Velocity Engineering, this car is made as a tribute to one of the icons of the automotive world, Frank Lockhart.

Inspired

Lockhart, during the 1920s had been considered the best racing driver in the world and is arguably one of the greatest racers ever. As an accomplished race car driver, he won the Indy 500 and set speed records that were only broken decades after he set them. Unfortunately, he died in 1928 while attempting to break the 200 miles per hour barrier at Daytona Beach. The car he used to set land speed records, the Stutz Black Hawk, is the inspiration for Terry Cook’s creation.

Performance

It was constructed in Indiana, the same place where the Stutz Black Hawk was born. A boattail style car, it is characterized by 4 pontoons covering all four wheels. This gives the impression that the car is floating above the ground. The fiberglass body is mated with a 130 inch frame. Along the way, it is constructed to include some cues of Lockhart’s car. A coat of Tangello Orange paint allows for a striking look. The engine is a 4.6 Ford Mustang V8 engine with Ferrari valve covers.

The 2011 Delahaye USA Lockhart Boattail is an attraction wherever it goes. And for those who are interested, it is actually currently up for sale as of this very moment.

Specifications

Hyundai is an emerging leader in the car industry. This is because they produce automobiles that offer value for money. The goal of this article is to provide a review on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The cost of the 2012 Sonata starts at $19,600. Prices vary depending on the trim you choose, it comes in the GLS (base), SE and Limited trims.

Specifications

Performance

The base engine is 2.4-liter four-cylinder that delivers around 198 horsepower but there is an optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that can deliver a whopping 274 horsepower. The GLS comes standard with a six speed manual transmission and an optional six speed automatic. The automatic comes standard in the Limited.

Reviewers all agree that the Sonata is easy to handle, the steering wheel provides ample response, braking is good enough and most reviewers feel the standard engine is powerful enough for city driving as well as the highway. However the same reviewers rave about the fuel economy of the 2012 Sonata which is possibly the most fuel efficient gasoline engine in its class.

Exterior & Interior

The 2012 Sonata can be described as a series of fluid swoops that is more reminiscent of a coupe than a luxury sedan. Hyundai has dubbed this design as “fluidic sculpture” which have most reviewers raving. Most reviewers state that the 2012 Sonata looks more expensive than it actually because of the swooping highlights, outstanding color and beautiful finishes that accompany the sedan.

The roomiest in its class and features a modern even futuristic design. Leg room is not a problem, especially in the backseat however the Sonata comes standard in cloth seats which are a definite no no in luxury sedans but a definite possibility in affordable midsized sedan

Safety & Reliability

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has yet to evaluate the 2012 Sonata however the federal government rates the Sonata with a perfect five out of five stars. However a downside to the Sonata is the fact that the standard safety features are just that, standard. This is where it definitely lags behind against the competition. However it can also be said that this is to be expected given the difference in pricing.

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata has a standard warranty of, five year/60,000-mile and a power train warranty of 10-year/100,000-mile.

Overall

Overall the 2012 Sonata delivers a lot of value for less than $20,000 and this has a lot of reviewers raving. Not mention the roomy interior the classy exterior and standard features that come optional to its competition. The engine is either 2.0 or 2.4 cylinders but reviewers say it can compete with most v6 engines out there in the market.

Pros

• Offers outstanding fuel economy
• A 10 year power train warranty which is one of the longest operating warranties of its class
• Comes standard with USB and Bluetooth connectivity
• Proponents say its radical design is fluid and futuristic

Cons

• The 2.4 liter engine can be insufficient or sluggish in the highway in terms of overtaking
• Cloth seats are standard
• Deponents say its radical design is a turnoff

The Competition

The Ford Fusion (MSRP $19,850; 22 city / 32 hwy)is probably the competitor of choice since its strength lies in the weaknesses of the Sonata. The Ford Fusion has almost the same price, offers a roomy interior but comes with a powerful v6 engine and leather seats that have most reviewers raving. Other competitors are the Mazda6 (MSRP $20,420; 21 city / 30 hwy) and the Nissan Altima (MSRP $20,410; 23 city / 32 hwy). All three competitors are available in six cylinder engines however take note that the Sonata performs like a V6 at the fraction of the mileage.

Overall Rating
82 out of 100

What others say:

“Testers are divided on Sonata’s handling prowess, particularly regarding the sport-themed SE. Most say this is a competent and confident midsize sedan in everyday driving.”Consumer Guide

“Lots of standard and optional features for the money; stylish and comfortable cabin; top fuel economy; strong safety scores; lengthy warranty.”Edmunds

The 2011 Lincoln Navigator is a flashy sport utility vehicle that is unquestionably noticeable in the road action. Like other luxury vehicles, the Navigator provides a smooth ride quality inside its lavish cabin that isolates you from the outside world in a heart warming way. It offers three-row seats and convenient cargo room that is perfect for any getaway. It also boasts several high tech features.

Specifications

Performance

The Navigator comes standard with a 5.4-liter, eight cylinder engine and the three-valve v8 engine is capable of generating up to 300 horsepower and 365 pound feet torque at 3750 revolutions per minute. The horsepower may sound satisfactory considering the bulky vehicle, but it still fall short compared to other comparable SUVs in its class. With regard to fuel efficiency, it is above average among other SUVs but is still not good if compared to smaller cars with similar engine power.

Apparently, the Navigator has nothing much to offer in the matter of engine advantage, however, a review says that it’s sheer size and weight tame most surface imperfections, and is stable on wavy pavements too. Amusingly, it is also capable of towing up to 9000 pounds.

Exterior & Interior

Now when we speak of its exterior, the Navigator’s façade undeniably demonstrates dominance in the road considering its size and its flamboyant form. Its best asset is Lincoln’s large signature grille, although the rest of the Navigator’s style might be ubiquitous in its category, it exudes a retro quality to its overall appearance.

The Navigator’s interior is where luxury abounds. It has a spacious cabin, accented with leather and wood, very comfortable, and with a long list of spectacular high technology features such as the Ford SYNC entertainment system with voice command, conveniently allowing you to use your cell phone and/or iPod without taking off your hands from the steering wheel, High Definition radio, CD player, USB jack and satellite radio, Bluetooth, heated seats excellent for cold weathers, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, perimeter anti-theft alarm, surround speaker and other exciting features. Cargo space on the rear provides 18.1 cu. ft. extendable up to 103.3 cu. ft. when the second and third rows are folded.

Safety & Reliability

As to safety, the government crash tests awarded the Navigator a perfect five stars for both frontal and side impact occupant protection. The Navigator is equipped with Advance high technology Trac complete with Stability Control, the stability control sensors the Trailer Sway Control uses to detect and minimize a trailer’s likability to brush through certain circumstances, rear view camera as well as side-curtain air bags for all seat rows which not every car on its class offers.

It also has the Lincoln’s MyKey system which lets the owner customize the Navigator’s performance like in terms of limiting speed and stereo volume which can be saved. It is a handy system that may also serve as parental controls for parent owners who will share their Navigator with their teenage child driver. Taken as a whole, the Lincoln Navigator is considered as one of the safest bulky sport utility vehicle currently available on the market. It also has a high reliability rating.

The Competition

Other sport utility vehicles to consider are the Ford Expedition (MSRP $36,205; 14 city / 20 hwy), or the Cadillac Escalade (MSRP $63,455; 14 city / 18 hwy) which can be considered as its closes rival with better reviews.

There are also Infiniti QX56 (MSRP $58,700; 14 city / 20 hwy), Mercedes M Class (MSRP $46,490; 16 city / 20 hwy), and Lexus GX (MSRP $53,045; 15 city / 20 hwy), which are worth comparing to the Lincoln Navigator. But if you are really a fan of Lincoln, you may also want to check the Lincoln MKT for you to save yourself from paying some of the Navigator’s dinosaur abilities that you may not actually need. The 2011 Lincoln Navigator may be a little behind in its tough competition with the other competent rivals in the market of luxury SUVs, but it is definitely not a bad choice for the love of luxury.

Overall Rating
67 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Lincoln Navigator is large and lavish, in a uniquely American way, though its powertrains are a step behind those of rival truck-based SUVs.”Car Connection

“Accurate, slop-free steering feel and a relatively taut suspension combine for confident cornering for a large truck. ”Consumer Guide

“The Navigator comes in standard and long versions, the latter 15 inches longer for increased cargo space. The V8 is sluggish and thirsty. The third-row seat is power operated, folds flat into the floor, and is as comfortable as the second-row seats. Three-row curtain air bags and ESC are standard.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Feels underpowered when loaded down; chrome-heavy styling too flashy for some.”Edmunds

“If you’re looking for a big, roomy, highly capable hauler that’s as quiet, comfortable and civilized as most luxury sedans, you have two logical choices. The 2011 Lincoln Navigator competes well with its Cadillac counterpart in most ways and beats it in some.”KBB