Made in Germany, the 2012 BMW M5 is one of the fastest production street road cars in the 4 door sedan category. The M5 is a mid-size executive luxury class with a layout of Front engine Rear wheel drive or FR for short. Powering the M5 is the new 4.4 liter V8 engine with a twin scroll turbo charging and push out a 560Hp @ 6000-7000rpm and 502 lb-ft @ 1500 – 5750 rpm.

The M5 has a top speed of 155 mph, but if you mange to remove the limiter off, the M5 will reward you with a blistering 190mph top speed. Accelerating at 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds or 124 mph in only 13 seconds, the M5 is not just for the high power executive office person but are for speed addicts as well.

The robust automatic transmission with seven speed dual clutch with DriveLogic, manages each power transfer from the engine. Touching the ground is its huge 19inch alloy wheels with an available option for 20 inch rims.

The M5 is equipped with Anti lock Braking System (ABS) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) with Cornering Brake Control (CBC), this enables the car to stop without losing control.

Specifications

At one point in time, people may find themselves dreaming about the absolute best car they could ever imagine. Nowadays, there would not be any better candidate in the world than a nice luxury coupé. And in our world today there would not also be any other equivalent for the words “luxury coupé” other than Audi. This German Company has been making quality luxury cars for years and years, and finally one new car in the market is the 2012 Audi A7.

Performance

The Audi A7 is a five-door coupé fitted with a 3.0-Liter V6 engine. The engine is capable of eight-speed automatic transmission and has the Quattro all-wheel drive system. The design highlights the addition of three prominent lines that define the whole coupé. The Tornado line is the shoulder detail that creates a rigid feel. The dynamic line is the detail that runs along the Singleframe grille, and along the side sills and air inlet towards the tail, which gives a lunging impression.

The last line is called the roofline, which gives the accent and assertion of the whole statement. Other than the designs, the car has a recognizable LED light system that is also suitable during daytime. Users have the chance to choose between a set of 18-inch seven-spoke wheels, a set of 19-inch ten-spoke wheels, the sports package of 19-inch five-double-spoke wheels, or the 20-inch ten-parallel-spoke wheels specially-made for summer. Finally, it has an S-line exterior on the front and rear bumpers.

The A7 is relatively new in the market; hence, it has not yet been subjected to all the necessary tests by the government. In terms of the car’s performance, the handling is very impressive and fluid. This is even improved by the Quattro all-wheel drive, which significantly improves handling. The only thing that would seem about its performance is the spongy feel of the brakes.

Exterior & Interior

Upon first look on the exterior, this new car looks absolutely stunning, to the point that it may even be considered as the new face of the Audi brand. The prominent lines are clean, smooth, and sophisticated.

The same could not be said about the interior, unfortunately. The interior is constructed with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. However, the interior design fails considerably because the back seat seems to lack space for comfort. The safety tests have not yet been conducted on the A7, but the car has been apparently fitted with the standard safety measures such as anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and front, front-side, front-knee, and side airbags.

Safety

There are also optional safety measures such as the blind spot monitors, rear-side airbags, rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning system. In terms of reliability, the results from the tests are soon to be confirmed, but currently the car is backed by a four-year or 50000-mile warranty.

The Competition

In case users may want to find something else, there are other similar alternatives. Likely candidates may be the Jaguar XF (MSRP $52,500; 16 city / 23 hwy) and the Mercedes Benz CLS550 (MSRP $71,300; 16 city / 24 hwy). It has a V8 engine that could provide up to 385 horsepower, which is significantly better than the A7, and a beautiful exterior like it. However, it does not have the huge trunk space of the A7 and its Quattro all-wheel drive system. It also has the backseat problem of the A7, but it has a navigation system. For comfortable seating and the optional all-wheel drive, the BMW 535i (MSRP $58,300; 19 city / 28 hwy) may be a good choice.

Pros & Cons

The 2012 Audi A7 may have tight rear seats and spongy brakes, but it has the Quattro all-wheel drive for better handling, the large-capacity trunk, and the beautiful interior and exterior that highlights this product thoroughly.

Overall Rating
75 out of 100

What others say:

“A7 is a superb premium-midsize sedan that does most everything well. It’s supermodel gorgeous, with svelte exterior styling and luxury finishes inside.”Consumer Guide

“Based on the next generation A6, the A7 is designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 5-Series GT.”Consumer Report

“The new 2012 Audi A7 hatchback is based on the redesigned A6 sedan, and offers welcome versatility and lots of style. It’s pricier than the A6, though, and seats only four passengers.”Edmunds

Specifications

The 2011 Volkswagen GTI is a top performer and a lot of people say that it is one of the best handling front wheel drive cars in the market today. This car ranked second out of ten chic and fashionable small cars in the industry. The said ranking was arrived at after careful consideration of various reviews, driving tests, and study of the safety and reliability features of each car. The GTI is an advanced and improved version of the Volkswagen Golf but the cool interior and the sleek performance has been retained.

Performance

The GTI gives you a better feel of the road and the car drives well no matter how you handle the wheel. Its steering power is awesome with its fast and quick grip on the road. The brakes respond immediately and you do not have to worry about sudden stops. Another thing you can appreciate about the GTI is the fact that even if it is not the fastest car, you will be impressed with its all new turbo-charge four cylinder engine which comes with flawless transmission features.

If its on-road refinement and smoothness you want, the GTI is just that and a lot more. This car’s 2.0 liter turbo power train which can produce 200 HP and 207 pound feet of engine rotating force makes it one of the most sought after cars in the market. Furthermore, the 6 speed manual transmission set-up is just another complement. You can even use the DSG dual clutch to change from automatic mode to manual. You know very well that the DSG or otherwise known as Direct Shift Gearbox models consumes a lesser amount of fuel.

Exterior & Interior

The VW GTI has a fresh interior and exterior and a lot of people say that the design of the car brings out the strongest characteristic of a GTI. The interior boasts of its quality materials and relaxed seating. The nicely outlined fabrics and smooth textured plastics are equally breath-taking. You will be impressed on how well the manufacturer came up with this improved design. Some reviewers say that the exterior of the VW GTI is a little bit aggressive but it still carries that welcoming mark which its predecessor Golf had.

Safety

The 2011 VW GTI combines both sophistication and quality rolled into one. When it comes to safety and reliability, the insurance gave a top safety rating for the 2011 GTI. This rating is based on car impacts or car crash tests on the side, front and roof portions of the car. However, the federal government has not performed any tests on the 2011 model, but it already gave four stars for the 2010 GTI model. VW gives the assurance that all their cars have passed rigid quality control and standards tests.

Comparisons

When compared with the BMW 1, the VW GTI lost when it comes to speed but it lead in fuel efficiency and economy. Because of the DSG feature, the 2011 GTI got 24 mpg when it comes to city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the BMW 1 (MSRP $29,450; 18 city / 28 hwy) only received less fuel savings.

Pros & Cons

Some reviewers say that the 2011 GTI is not fast enough so it is not really the best buy if you are after speed. However, it is worthwhile to take note of so many upscale conveniences which you can enjoy. This car is a practical hatchback with a top quality body and you will not regret it if you purchase it.

Overall Rating
79 out of 100

What others say:

“A punchy turbo engine, crisp handling, and a dual-clutch gearbox give the 2011 Volkswagen GTI a performance profile that’s anything but stodgy.”Car Connection

“Engine noise is only moderate under full-throttle acceleration. Wind and road ruckus are about what you would expect from a sporty car; they’re present but not overly intrusive. Coarse pavement generates marked tire hum.”Consumer Guide

“It is agile and quick, with a gutsy, turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that sounds good, all of which make it fun to drive but not at the expense of comfort.”Consumer Report

“Many competitively priced sport compacts are quicker and handle better.”Edmunds

Specifications

The Mercedes-Benz Aria Concept Design by Slavche Tanevski is a concept car for the future, in 2030 to be exact. A luxury car with a strong personality beautifully sculpted with sleek and sexy design and with timeless beauty in mind.

The exterior front design is inspired by Alexander’s helmet, which is a symbol of power and authority, and still enables to incorporate the traditional front grill of the Mercedes-Benz. From the side; the body is elongated and it looks as if the wind has carve off the excess lining, making the car flow better against the wind.

The interior is a four-seater capacity, with a gull-wing like door that opens upward. The wheels have five spoke that is nicely done. Slavche Tanevski gave the Aria a nice elegant and finesse stance from the bottom up. The car has the illusion of light weightiness and feels like its floating on air.

The suspension system seems sturdy and comfortable. The wheel itself looks massive that will easily grip the ground. When driving, you can feel the sensation of flying, instead of driving on the road. 5 distinctive materials are incorporated in the design, aluminum and copper for robustness, fine leather for side panels and seats, and wood flooring for a luxurious look.

When people talk about the quintessential upscale midsized car, then the first word that would come to their mind may undoubtedly be Audi. This German company has established itself as one of the finest and most popular manufacturers of luxury cars, with the vision of fuel efficiency, comfortable handling, and attractive interior and exterior designs. One of the usual choices of the people is the 2011 Audi A5.

The A5 is available in several trims. The most basic trim is the 2.0T Premium. This trim features power front seats that have lumbar support for ergonomic comfort, 18-inch wheels fitted with tires suitable for all seasons, automatic climate control, tilting glass panorama sunroof, three-spoke, multi-function steering wheel wrapped in leather, and seats covered with leather.

The next tier in line is the 2.0T Premium Plus, which has all the features of the 2.0T Premium along with other features like Bluetooth connectivity for cellular phones, LED taillights, three-zone automatic climate control, xenon plus headlights that have LED daytime lights, and heated front seats. The last trim available is the Prestige, which takes in all the features of the 2.0T Premium Plus and other new features like the Bang and Olufsen Sound System, the MMI Navigation Plus, a parking system, an advanced key, and a set of auto-dimming exterior mirrors.

Performance

Performance-wise, the Audi A5 performs well in line with current car standards, but it still lacks some features to make it perfect. As the 3.2-L V6 engine production has been halted, the 2.0T engine of the A5 does not give a surprising output thanks to the weight of the whole car. It would not seem like it, but the car is actually heavier compared to other similar cars. This may be a problem, but the best attribute of the car is its excellent design.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior detail and design is absolutely stunning and gorgeous, and is often regarded as one of the most recognizable faces of Audi. The Prestige and Premium Plus trims even get a greater fashion advantage with the addition of the optional Titanium Sport Package. The interior, although it could not match the stunning design of the exterior, looks neat nonetheless with its high-quality materials.

Safety

In terms of safety, the A5 has not been subjected to official crash tests yet, but it features all the standard car safety measures like side, side curtain and front airbags and the Quattro all-wheel drive system that increases stability. It also has a new crash sensor, which operates by unlocking the doors, powering the interior lights and hazards, and shuts the engine and pump in case an accident occurs.

Based on three-year tests of dependability and initial quality, the A5 is a reliable purchase with its 50000-mile or four-year warranty, free 24-hour roadside assistance for four years, and the 12-year limited corrosion perforation warranty.

Competition

People may still search for other alternatives. If that is the case, then a good choice might be the Lexus IS convertible (MSRP $41,190; 19 city/ 27 hwy), which starts with a 2.5-L V6 with 204 horsepower followed by a 3.5-L V6 with 306 horsepower trim. They both have a folding, metal head-top; unfortunately, when the top is down, it would reduce the trunk space. It also only comes in rear-wheel drive. Another good choice is the BMW-328i series (MSRP $37,650; 18 city/28 hwy) with its better sports functions. It has outstanding handling and suspensions, but it could prove too much during casual rides.

Pros & Cons

The 2011 Audi A5 has some notable setbacks like its lackluster performance and tight back seating, but its stable handling with the Quattro system, top-class exterior, quickly-retractable soft top, and comfortable interior make it a worthwhile purchase.

Overall Rating
80 out of 100

What others say:

“The Audi A5 Coupe and Cabriolet bear one of the most elegant bodies in autodom, and drive with a light, easy touch.”Car Connection

“More sporty than luxurious, but materials are of high quality throughout the cabin.”Consumer Guide

“Space around the driver is rather limited, with a narrow foot well and tight knee space. At least the tilt-and-telescope steering wheel has generous adjustments and the center armrest moves fore and aft, which helps make the confined space more livable.”Consumer Report

“Quirky steering feel; unintuitive control layout; acceleration not as quick as many rivals.”Edmunds

Specifications