Inspired by the 1952 C52 Disco Volante, Alfa Romeo presents a very worthy successor, a production version, the 2013 Disco Volante Touring car.

The vehicle’s retro design has a contemporary feel combined with old stylings and an innovative approach.

Specifications

Engine

The 2013 Alfa Romeo Disco Volante has an exceptional power package featuring a front and centrally located 4.7 liter V8 engine. It generates 450 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds. It tops out at 182 MPH. The engine is matched up with a 6 speed electronically controlled gearbox. The Disco Volante has a light, yet rigid structure based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione chassis.

Exterior

The overall proportion of the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante touring vehicle are nearly identical to its 1952 counterpart. It is a Gran Turismo that seats two. Engineering concerns were addressed such as the case of the elevated bonnet to accommodate engine ventilation. The body work itself is made of aluminum and carbon fibers.

A wrap around chrome strip runs from the door handles on each side and meets equal distance on the vehicles front end. This forms the perfect separation of top from bottom. Streamlined running boards complement the sides. As it roars past you on an alpine pass you will be enthralled by its roofline merging with the wide and sporty rear. It is both sleek and succinct just as any fine Italian coach builder would demand.

Interior

You may want to take your 2013 Disco Volante out for an evening ride if only to experience the red LED interior lights that glow in a futuristic manner. The leather hide seats were manufactured to match the cars exterior color. The cockpit is just that, inspired by the aeronautics. As always, customization is encouraged as part of the Touring personal commissioning attitude.

This exquisite car demands 4,000 man hours of labor and will take up to 6 months to assemble. It is well worth the wait!

Subaru unveiled their first Hybrid vehicle at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. The 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid claims to be one of the most fuel efficient cars available on the American market.

The model is based on the 2013 XV Crosstrek with a few modifications to the chassis to fit the batteries and the hybrid motor.

Specifications

*gas XV Crosstek specifications
**Estimate with battery

Engine & Motor

The 2014 Crosstrek Hybrid comes equipped with a 2.0 liter engine and a 13.4 HP electric motor with a 100 volt, 13.5 kW battery stored under the rear floor. Weighting only 209 lbs, the electric motor gets powered during the initial acceleration.

The motor system is also used in low speed situations, working in tandem with the gas engine. Additionally, the Crosstrek makes use of technologies such as break regeneration to convert some of the kinetic energy to recharge the battery.

Performance

Despite the fact that its appearance is similar to the gas version, the Crosstrek Hybrid improved on the steering and handling. The improvements were necessary because of the added weight of the electric motor.

It has the same versatility as the 2013 Crosstrek but due to the hybrid technology, it has a sharper response and aids to produce low noise while driving.

Exterior

The Hybrid Crosstrek’s design is similar to its gas counterpart but with key elements that distinguish the two from each other. The front doors and tailgate have “Hybrid” markers while the wheels have been changed completely.

In addition to these changes, the Hybrid Crosstrek will be available in a plasma green color which is currently unavailable for the gas version.

Interior

Looking at the interior, the car will feature a blue themed design with silver trims. The gauges and instruments use also blue in various gradations.

The 2014 Crosstrek Hybrid will be available during the last quarter of 2013. According to the Subaru, their first hybrid will also be one of the most fuel efficient available on the American market. It offers the same if not improved versatility and driving feel as the gas version but with the added benefit of having a fuel efficient car.

The 2013 Subaru WRX Concept lives up to the history Subaru is known for.

This is a brilliant looking sports car that is truly revolutionary both in performance, handling, appearance, and style.

For those who want the perfect luxury sports car, the WRX Concept might be worth a closer look.

Engine & Performance

What would a sports car be without a high powered, turbo charged engine? The WRX Concept certainly has powerful engine. This is evidenced by quad tailpipes designed for a super powered engine.

Subaru intends to put in a 2.0 liter boxer, 4 cylinder engine with at least 300 HP. This new model will surely top those dimensions. Drivers will definitely get a lot of torque when riding this car.

Exterior

The power behind the engine ensures the Subaru WRX will make its presence on the road known. It also handles incredibly well and is built with safety in mind. The front grille has been uniquely designed. It boosts aerodynamics and downforce while serving its main purpose of keeping the engine cool.

An original carbon-fiber roof is integrated into the design of the car reducing the weight, which further improves road handling and contributing to fuel efficiency. The rear bumper is expanded in size and this gives the WRX a street racer look.

Riding in Comfort

Going fast and looking good has its value. However, you will also want a car that allows you to drive in comfort. The 2013 Subaru WRX Concept certainly offers a comfortable ride. Comfort is not sacrificed by the athletic design of the exterior.

This is not your Grandfather’s Ford Escort. The 2013 Ford Escort Concept displays radical styling changes compared to the popular models of the 1980’s and early 90’s. To begin with, this is a longer version in a 4-door sedan unlike its 2-door predecessors.

It is fitting that the latest idea for Escorts was exhibited at the Shanghai Auto show. The Chinese have an infatuation with older vehicles and are drawn to brand names from the past.

Specifications

Engine & Performance

The 2013 Ford Escort Concept engine choices will be economical and reliable. Perhaps the most popular option will be the 2.0 liter, 4 cylinders, providing 160 horsepower.

EcoBoost is an option that increases your output to 270HP. The most likely transmission the engines will be mated with is the paddle shifted 6 speed SelectShift automatic.

Exterior & Interior

Simple, but in a stunningly futuristic way the front of the 2013 Ford Escort is imposing. The front grille design appears to have been inspired by another manufacturer.

On either side, the headlamp assemblies are wing-like and what appears to be an actual wing tip can be seen in each swept back corner. The headlights themselves are compartmentalized shining like gemstones, with the amber front turn indicator lamp neatly placed at the inside corner.

A bottom air intake mirroring the grille above and side running lamps complete the cars face. Contoured lines extend from the front to the back giving the Escort the feel of a continuous flow. The silver spoke wheels are a nice complement to the other chrome appointments.

Even the taillights taper off that flows seamlessly extending from the side to a nicely fashioned rear.

The interior is roomy and follows in the tradition of other recent Ford compacts such as the Fusion and Focus.

The 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is not your typical minivan. This upgraded version of the Odyssey introduces even more improvements on the 2014 model including technological advancements, a modified interior, and new exterior features.

Already a sales leader in its market segment, Honda looks forward to bigger and better things and increase the gap between them and the competition when it goes on sale this summer.

Specifications

*equipped w/ towing package

Engine & Performance

The Touring Elite shares the 3.5 liter i-VTECH, V6 with the rest of the Odyssey family, but you will only find it mated with a 6 speed automatic transmission in the Elite (vs. 5 speed on other models).

The engine’s output is 247 horsepower and 250 lb.-foot of torque overall. For a large vehicle, the Odyssey Touring Elite responds well during overtaking situations. This vehicle isn’t built for overall speed, taking 8.8 seconds to move from 0-60 MPH. It handles more like a car than a van thanks in large part to its isolated front and rear sub-frames. The steering uses a variable displacement system that aids to providing a smooth and quiet ride.

Exterior

Speaking of bigger, the 2014 Odyssey Touring Elite is longer and wider this year. While the wheelbase remains the same, the vehicle’s length has increased by an inch and its width by 2. You might expect even this relatively minor change to add to its bulkiness. However, the new Odyssey Touring Elite has a sleeker appearance thanks to the engineers dropping the roofline by about a half an inch.

The hood and front fenders are made of aluminum and the grille is more prominent with the twin bars. The chrome trimmed fog lights are a nice touch residing beneath the darkly finished headlamp assemblies. The side mirrors come in two tones, the rear view mirror has LED taillight bars, and Honda adds even fresh badging.

Interior

The inside of the Touring Elite is roomy, even for a family vehicle such as this. The legroom can accommodate anyone shorter than maybe your average professional basketball player and the third seat is still present with the capability of folding down with one hand, a nice plus.

The instrument panel is both stylish and convenient with the center section easily reachable to control all functions. The Touring Elite comes standard with an onboard entertainment system including an 16 inch screen. The “piece de resistance” for this family van is the first ever “in-vehicle” vacuum cleaning system.