Monthly Archives: October 2012
SUVs and the World of Super Athletes
There a number of sportsmen who take pride in not owning and driving SUVs. This big strong car reflects the attitude of super athletes – big, competitive and always striving to be number 1. Be it for a glamorous award ceremony or random cruising, they are quite frequently spotted arriving in their SUVs! Some of the most desired and most driven SUVs among the sports people are listed below.
- Cadillac Escalade:With its name appears at the top of most SUV comparison lists, and also on this one as well! You will find a large number of sportsmen driving the vehicle. Popular sports personalities like David Beckham, Anna Kournikova, Kobe Bryant, etc. are often seen riding high in the Cadillac. Other famous Cadillac-owning super athletes are Dwayne Wade, Brett Favre, Tiki Barber,etc. In fact, the American football player Carnell Williams has earned the name Carnell “Cadillac” Williams due to his love of the Escalade!
- Audi Q7:The amazing Audi Q7 seems to have been one of the most of SUVs among footballers! You would find many of these men driving the Q7 with pride. The captain of the international German football team, Michael Ballack is just one. Other famous players include Theo Walcott, Kevin Kilbane, Micah Richards, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, etc. The Quattro technology and the powerful 4800cc engine surely attracts athletes to this SUV!
- BMW X5:The 4800cc beast is undoubtedly the most popular choice among super athletes! With over 25 players driving the SUV, it has assumed an unbeatable position on the list! Many of the most famous players have been spotted with their X5 models. Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and John Terry are just a few to count from the list. Other players include names like Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith, etc.
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport:Not far behind is the most famous of SUVs is the mighty Land Rover Range Rover’s sports model. With over 23 football players taking much pride in driving the SUV, it has certainly managed to pull some attention towards itself. Some of the famous sports personalities driving a Range Rover Sport are Xabi Alonso, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Jermain Defoe, etc. With the 4400cc engine and the V8 technology it is powered by, the SUV has proven to be a great choice among athletes!
- Land Rover Range Rover:Though the Sports Model of the same car has been quite popular among sportsmen, the sister Range Rover isn’t far behind! The most famous American basketball player Michael Jordan is one of the most famous personalities that go around riding in the Land Rover Range Rover. Kobe Bryant is also a proud owner of the vehicle.
There are many more SUVs that have been the favourites of super athletes all over the world. Besides being amazing sports persons, these players certainly have a great taste when it comes to SUVs!
How to Choose the Perfect SUV For Yourself?
Whilst the end of the 1980s saw our obsession with making things smaller such as computers, mobile phones and walkmans, it also reflected our desire to be big on the roads. Hence, the dramatic rise in popularity of SUVs. Since the late 80s and early 90s, our obsession for all things smaller has slowly creeped into the SUV world with SUVs nowadays providing a number of highly desired features that are common to sedans and hatchbacks. The result is that there are SUVs for all drivers and for all purposes, from the big traditional SUV to the new crossover SUV model which is tearing its way through the automobile market. These SUVs offer different features and vary greatly in size, performance, and cost. Hence, choosing one SUV from this large selection is not an easy job!
The majority of new buyers now have little or no idea about choosing and buying the perfect SUV for them. This article will try and breakdown for you this increasingly complicated automobile market segment!
Some of the aspects that would play a vital role in your decision are-
- Size:SUVs can be broadly characterised into three different categories – sedan based SUVs or Crossovers, mid-size SUVs and truck based SUVs. Crossovers combine the features and sturdiness of an SUV with the compactness of a normal sedan. Truck based SUVs are, on the contrary, quite large and heavy. Mid-sized SUVs lie somewhere between the two. Your choice would largely depend on the number of passengers the SUV will have to carry. A car based SUV carries 5 passengers; a mid-sized SUV carries 7 while a truck based SUV can carry up to 9 passengers comfortably. Here are some examples of the different categories :
Crossover SUVs: Chevrolet Equinox SUV Crossover , Acura ZDX SUV Crossover , Mazda CX-9 SUV Crossover
Mid-Sized SUVs: Toyota Highlander SUV , Nissan Xterra SUV , Kia Sorento SUV
Large SUVs: Chevrolet Suburban Three QTR-Ton SUV , Cadillac Escalade SUV , Lincoln Navigator SUV
- Budget:The compact Crossover SUV price isn’t too steep and generally offer a more efficient fuel economy. Truck based SUVs, on the other hand, are associated with high initial prices as well as low fuel economy. Here are some examples: Nissan Juke SUV Crossover , Mazda CX-5 SUV Crossover , Dodge Caliber SUV Crossover.
Also, see our infographic on the most fuel efficient SUVs of 2012: http://suv.reviewitonline.net/fuel-efficient-suvs/
- Usage:Some might need the SUV for travelling through the crowded roads of a city, while others might need it for towing trailers, boats, etc. This will also affect your choice largely. Though the fuel economy offered by truck based SUVs is relatively low, they offer enormous power and strength. As a result, they can be used for towing and off road driving purposes conveniently. On the other hand, crossover SUVs are less powerful, but compact, and prove to be much more practical on city roads.
Best Towing SUVs: Ford Expedition SUV , Toyota Sequoia SUV , Audi Q5 SUV
- Service centres:Now that you have chosen the right kind of SUV for yourself, the next thing you would need to do would be to choose the manufacturing company and model. The wise thing to do is to go for the brand which has made efficient service centres available in your region.
There are all kinds of companies launching various models in all categories. The luxury offered by these models depends from company to company. Keep your budget in mind as you choose the set of features that you want with your new car. Your choice would also depend on your personal taste and comfort. Go for a test drive and see which model grabs you!
The New 2013 Audi S3 – A Little Beast!
There is not a single person on earth who would call himself an automobile fanatic and not that the automobile manufacturing giant Audi is owned and run by the Volkswagen Group. Over the years since its establishment, the company has expanded exponentially and now produces automobiles under the names of Ducati and Lamborghini as well. Audi has been putting out to the market examples of true German engineering and is now known for the highly efficient and strong vehicles it manufactures. To its fleet of numerous popular vehicles, Audi recently added the S3, which falls under the category of compact sports cars.
A compact sports car is one that blends the desirable size of a small car with the high power efficiency and performance of a sports car. The Audi S3 combines all the power that the most insane speed freak would want with the compactness that makes driving this little beast in the city quite convenient. The S3 was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2012 just one day after Audi revealed their A3 Sportback model. Audi made sure that the S-series looks sportier than the A-series and the S3 reflects this. Apparently, Audi wanted the S3 to be stronger than the A3 with a 2000cc TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine that jumps the car from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds – models with manual transmission require 5.4 seconds to reach this speed. Its tops speed is an intimidating 155 mph (250 kilometres per hour) powered by 300 HP and 280 lb-ft of torque.
The S3 also sets the bar high bar for its competitors when it comes to looks. The basic structure of the S3 is quite similar to that of the A3, but the designers have made many minute changes, making it look much more stylish and sporty. The front grill is made sufficiently large so that the powerful engine receives sufficient air for cooling down. The interiors are elegant and royal. Abundance of the color black accompanied by the contrasting details make the driving experience very trendy and luxurious. Audi’s designers have done a good job with the looks of the S3!
Audi have made their Quattro feature optional for the S3, and buyers can choose between two and four wheel drives as per their interests and needs. The costs of all the six models will be around the $52,000 mark, making the Audi a bit more expensive than its competitors, but the powerful engine and the handsome looks of this beast make it totally worth it! Audi has planned of launching 6 different models of the S3 which will be occur in the European market somewhere in the early 2013.
The 2012 Paris Motor Show
The Paris Motor Show is one of the most important and influential automobile shows of the world. Organised once every two years, it attracts the attention of the media and car-lovers world over due to the fact that the giants of the automobile manufacturing world wait for the Paris Motor Show to launch their new models and ideas. The show was started in 1898 and is known locally by the name of Mondial de l’Automobile. It is organised in Porte de Versailles around the month of October.
The 2012 Paris Motor Show was organised from 24 September to 14 October. The show was marked by the release of more than 35 new models from the world’s largest automobile companies like Maserati, Mercedes, Porsche, BMW and Audi. Besides the normal exhibitions, a number of events were also organised, and some famous celebrities gave captivating performances as well.
We have compiled a list of some of the most innovative and interesting models that were unveiled at the 2012 show!
Mercedes SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive:Mercedes launched its fully electrical driven sports car in the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The CLS AMG boasts staggering acceleration that launches the vehicle from 0 to 60 miles per hour in barely 3.9 seconds! The top speed attainable is 155 miles per hour. Mercedes claimed that its CLS AMG is the world’s most powerful electrically driven car. The looks of the car are, in one word, fabulous!
McLar en P1:The McLaren P1 looks like a vehicle from the next century. The supercar features very stylish looks and is made up of a very light carbon fibre body. The 3800cc engine blasts the vehicle to a top speed of 240 miles per hour!
Maserati GranCabrio MC:Maserati came up with its beautiful convertible that won many hearts at the show. The GranCabrio MC features a powerful V8 engine.
Lamborghini Gallardo Edizione Tecnica:Lamborghini Gallardo has been one of the most popular supercars of all time. This is a new model of the previous Gallardo and features mind-blowing looks accompanied by an insane 5200cc V10 engine.
Audi Q2:Audi came up with the unique idea of blending the features of a coupé-car and a convertible in a crossover SUV. The Q2 would be launched in 2015, and its revolutionary features are expected to act as a turning point in the automobile industry.
Bentley Continental GT3 Motorsport:Bentley has made a comeback with its Continental GT3. The specifications of the car clearly state that Bentley had no intentions of making a car that anyone can call ‘not fast enough’! What else would a top speed of 205 miles per hour and a 6000cc engine mean?
Land Rover Range Rover:The 2013 Range Rover features a 5000cc V8 engine, and is known for being the sturdiest and most efficient SUV in the market. The new model is 300kg lighter than the previous one.
There are a number of other models as well which were presented at the show. Examples include cars like the Jaguar F-Type, Peugeot Onyx Concept, Porsche Sport Turismo, etc. The next Paris Motor Show will be held in 2014. Here at www.reviewitonline.net , we can’t wait for the shock and awe of the next generation of cars!
Audi’s Latest Innovation – The Audi Q2 SUV!
You have to admit that the term ‘Audi Q2’ brings to mind a picture of an SUV slightly smaller and less costly than the Audi Q3. Well…surprisingly, the Q2 turns these assumptions on their head. Audi has introduced a completely new concept that has not yet been introduced by the car manufacturing world with the Audi Q2. It is not a simple SUV, but a coupé style convertible crossover instead. This implies that it has the mixed features of a crossover, convertible and a coupé altogether!
Audi surprised the automobile world with this innovative and unique idea at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Production of the vehicle has not yet started. It is expected to be launched to market in 2015. Audi has planned to produce 2-seater models of the Q2 first. Following this initial launch, Audi has reported that it will then consider designing a 4-seater version.
Some features of the Q2 include the central area of the roof of the car which can be opened. Also, you will find yourself at quite a height from the road due to its crossover like construction. To add to all this, the Q2 features the dual-mode hybrid driving concept! The looks of the Q2 as illustrated in the CAD prints can be described in one word – smart! The build of the car seems to be quite sturdy and the looks are very stylish. Moreover, the car looks much cooler when the roof top is removed. Being a 2-seater car, it is smaller as compared to the Audi Q3 and other SUVs. The interiors is also expected to be magnificent and luxurious. Audi has always been delivering great looks and royal interiors, the Q2 is expected to bring just the same, and even more!
The Audi Q2 will feature a unique frame made out of a special new alloy which is obtained by mixing aluminum, carbon fiber and glass fiber in definite proportions. This unique feature will allow the car to weigh as low as 1300kg. As a result, Audi will be able to plant a small engine in the car, which will provide the same thrust as a big engine in a heavier car. The engine is supposed to be a 1500cc engine with 3 cylinders. The most interesting part about this engine is that Audi has never used such a small engine in any of its cars before.
Another impressive feature is the dual-mode hybrid driving concept. The car accelerates to a speed of 34 miles per hour only on the thrust provided by an electric motor. After this, both the electric motor and petrol powered engine work together to accelerate the car to a speed of 80 miles per hour. After the 80 mph mark, the Q2 will run mostly on the engine, using a little extra boost from the electric motor.
Audi is certainly all set to make its mark in the automobile industry. A company’s top officials also revealed that more models with names like Q4, Q6, etc. will be designed on the concept of a coupé style convertible crossover!
Californian Government Donates $10 Million to Build New Tesla Model X SUV
Auto brand Tesla Motors, traditionally known for its Roadster model, has seen some rough patches during recent years, but that isn’t stopping drivers from clamoring for its vehicles. And, with the help from government funds, Tesla Motors is expanding more than ever before. The brand’s most recent grant comes from the state of California, which granted Elon Musk’s electric car company $10 million to develop and sell the new Tesla Model X SUV
there.
The Tesla Model X was first revealed in concept form this past February with its unique “falcon-wing” doors and electric drivetrain much like the one seen in the Tesla Model S
, with which it shares several components, as well as having similar performance and range stats. The new SUVgarnered an incredible 500 reservations in the first four days it was showcased. Of course, now it has thousands of reservations, and it isn’t even going on sale until 2014!
The $10 million California grant will help the company upgrade and improve its former NUMMI auto plant, where it currently employs about 1,500 individuals. Along with the $10 million, Tesla will contribute an additional $50 million of its own capital for the project. 
So, how much will the new SUV cost drivers? It will be around the same price as the S model, with a range in price between $60,000 and $90,000. A slightly more expensive performance model (boasting a 4.0 second zero-to-sixty mph sprint is also being developed. This means that the new Tesla Model Xisn’t the electric supercar we’ve been hearing Tesla may develop or the promised low-priced BMW 3-Series rival that Elon Musk has promised Tesla fans.
Despite the fact that it’s neither of these things, however, the new Tesla X SUV is and will be attractive to a very important group of drivers in the United States: well-to-do California mothers who won’t think about purchasing an upscale SUV because they find it an important tool in picking up their children from soccer practice, carting around toys and strollers, etc. The Model X offers seating for seven adults, excellent headroom, and easy access Falcon Doors for loading and unloading items.
$10 million may not sound like much to develop and manufacture a vehicle, but it should definitely help the automaker expand its reach in the North American market. Of course, the big question for enthusiasts everywhere is if its unique falcon-wing doors will remain in the production model.
We’ll also have to see if Tesla manages to use direct sales in the States instead of selling its products through dealership franchises. At the moment, 48 U.S. states have laws against this practice, but the brand seems like it would like to sell its vehicles this way, so we’ll have to see if the U.S. government will cooperate with the company in the near future.
For more interesting updates about new SUV models, be sure to stay tuned here with reviewitonline.net. We’re always dishing the latest news!
Jaguar F-TYPE Unveiled in Paris
All eyes were on the veiled magnificent beast which was soon to be uncovered for the world to see! It was an anxious moment for Jaguar Cars as its much awaited model was unveiled to the world at Musée Rodin, Paris, during the Paris Motor Show 26 th September, 2012. The unveiling ceremony was truly elegant reflecting the elegant nature of the car. Jaguar managed to pull off a great event on with popular singer Lana Del Rey performing at the unveiling! Indeed, the company knows how to promote their vehicles efficiently!
A brief description about the amazing car
The first thing anyone notices about a vehicle is its looks. The designers, who have done an excellent job, have maintained the traditional Jaguar look and they did not compromise with the car’s looks this time either. One will easily notice the typical Jaguar type front look of the car whilst the interiors are largely influenced by airplanes. The shifter looks just like a joystick, and controls are grouped as per the functions they serve. Going for a drive on a highway in the convertible Jaguar would be an experience that you haven’t had before ever!
Specifications that make it such a beast
The Jaguar F-Type is a two-seater car and comes in three different versions namely F-Type, F-Type S and F-Type V8 S. The base-line and the intermediate versions boast of V6 engines, while the high-end version is equipped with a V8. All of these engines are supercharged and give enormous energy outputs. If a 3000cc engine is okay for you, then both of the V6 models would work fine, but in case your appetite for speed and power isn’t fulfilled by that, the 5000cc engine of the V8 S model certainly would. Jaguar claims that the three models are capable of touching speeds of up to 260, 275 and 300 miles per hour respectively. The acceleration test shows that the base-line model needed 5.1 seconds to reach 60mph, the V6 S needed 4.8 seconds and the V8 S used just 4.2 seconds. No matter how much of a speed-freak you are, the F-Type will satiate your desire to drive faster!
The company has certainly taken a huge leap forward and has given fired a shot across the bows of its competition with the launch of the F-Type in the market. The amazingly powerful engine accompanied by the bold yet elegant looks make it one of the best convertible sports cars on the market. The metallic pouncing jaguar logo shining mightily on the car’s body says it all!
Green SUV 2012 – The Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 managed to turn a number of heads as it was declared as the most fuel efficient and eco-friendly SUV of 2012. It was awarded the Green SUV 2012 award by ‘ What Car ?’, which is a highly reliable and authentic car buying guide. A series of tests were conducted, and the Mazda CX-5 was clearly the winner by an unbeatable margin!
‘What Car?’ performs a series of different tests on a number of cars, and they award the most deserving candidate only after careful analysis and supervision. The Mazda CX-5 was followed by Nissan Qashqai and BMW X3. Although the runner ups of the award were quite deserving of victory, Mazda CX-5 stood invincible. Not only does it provide its passengers with unparalleled fuel efficiency and negligible pollution emission, it also features a strong 2000cc engine! Let us compare the results given by our winner at the tests performed on it!
Four major tests were performed by ‘What Car?’ on the SUVs that were short-listed for being tested. These tests were carbon dioxide emission test, nitrogen oxide emission test, average economy test and the suspended particulate matter (SPM) emission test. The BMW X3 was ruled out of the competition as the nitrogen oxide it produced was more than two times of that which was produced by the CX-5. Nissan Qashqai stood very close to Mazda CX-5 as both gave equal emission values of carbon dioxide and the average economy of the Nissan was more than that of the Mazda, making it more fuel efficient, but the remaining two tests showed that the Mazda was the better one of the two. The nitrogen oxide emission of the Nissan was slightly less than double the value of that of the Mazda!
The values of the results obtained by the tests conducted on Mazda CX-5 are as follows-
- Carbon dioxide Emission Test – 119 grams per kilometre
- Nitrogen oxide Emission Test – 68 milligram per kilometre
- SPM Emission Test – 0.2 milligram per kilometre
- Average Economy – 61.4 Miles per Gallon
Features of Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5 is a perfect family SUV and has all of the features that a family cars needs to have. It combines high fuel efficiency and the eco-friendly aspects with a sturdy built and spectacular looks. It is a crossover SUV and has adequate space for carrying 5 passengers comfortably. It is available in three different models – Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The 2000cc engine provides just the right amount of power that is required to make it a beast which doesn’t harm the environment. Mazda did not incorporate the four wheel drive and rear wheel drive technologies in the CX-5 as it wanted to keep the fuel efficiency of the vehicle high for obvious reasons. Hence, all the models of the CX-5 are available with front wheel drive technologies. All of these features, combined by the prestigious award make the CX-5 a very desirable and sought after SUV among all of its competitors!
New Toyota RAV4 EV Has True Potential for Success
The 2013 Toyota RAV4 EV is one of the most impressive electric vehicles currently on the market, and despite the lack of attraction consumers seem to have towards electric vehicles as compared to hybrids and standard petrol-powered autos, we can’t help but believe that drivers will find this new Toyotahighly attractive after taking a test drive!
So, what’s so impressive about this new SUV? Well, first of all, drivers who get their hands on the vehicle will be driving a rather unique auto, as Toyotaplans to only build 2,600 units of the special RAV4. These will be sold in the same state over the next three years, though the standard RAV4 is set to be given a complete redesign next year.
2013 Toyota RAV4 EV Specifications:
Powerful Insides: The new Toyota RAV4 EVis powered by a large 41.8-kWh lithium-ion battery mated with a 154 horsepower motor (both from carmaker Tesla) and is equipped with front-wheel drive. This Toyota has been rated at a 103-mile range by the EPA, but Toyota claims that drivers can really expect a typical range of about 115 miles- much farther than many other electric cars on the market.
Battery Charging Time: Battery can charge in as short as five hours using a 240V power outlet, but as much as 52 hours from a standard 120V outlet. The EV includes a 10-kWh on-board charger
Aerodynamic Features: Include a large rear spoiler, small exterior mirrors, underbody panels to aid airflow, and a smoother front fascia. The spare tire mounted on the rear of the standard RAV4 is missing. In its place is a can of aerosol sealant.
Tantalizing Technology Features: Only one trim and no options are available, but the standard technology features are quite impressive. These include a 8.1-inch touchscreen dashboard with an 8,1-inch touchscreen and features EV charge and usage info, as well as a navigation system that can search for charging stations, audio controls, the Toyota Entune telematics system, and a rearview camera. The Eco coach rates the driver’s braking usage and acceleration system on a scale of 100 to embolden more energy-efficient driving. Instead of traditional climate control knobs, this EV features touch-sensitive controls. Toyota has called these new controls an “experiment” and will monitor how EV drivers (who are traditionally early adopters) will react.
New EV Pricing: Pricing comes in at about $49,800, but it is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit in the States, with the state of California contributing an additional $2,500 credit.
Warranty Information: All warranty services and claims will be handled by Tesla. The vehicle’s battery includes a 100-thousand mile, eight-year warranty, which the remainder of the new SUV receives the standard Toyota RAV4 3-year/36-thousand mile basic warranty and a 60-month/60-thousand mile powertrain warranty.
Still craving more information about this new EV? Be sure to check out our extended review of the vehicle, and don’t forget to stay tuned right here for more new SUVupdates!
Time To Race, BMW Style!
In Woodcliff Lake, things are looking good for Team BMW as both its cars qualified in the fourth and seventh starting positions for the Le Mans Series Road America Road Race Showcase. The BMW M3 GT racing cars are defending champions of the Le Mans Series Road America Road Race Showcase, having attained the top spot twice in the last three seasons.
Bill Auberlen clocked a time of 2:04.913 minutes and attained the fourth spot. He and his co-driver , Jörg Müller are ranked sixth in the GT class driver points having finished third at the ALMS race in Mid-Ohio. Dirk M ü ller talked commented on their performance and said, “We have been running behind all week. I cannot believe how much we came back from the second practice, but we are not quite there yet.”
The Advent Of BMW in America
1975 was the year in which BMW LLC entered the market in North America. Since then, the BMW group has entered new avenues an expanded its horizons in the field of sales, marketing and financial services. The work of BMW in North America includes overseeing various brands of motor vehicles of the company like motorcycles, Design Works USA, Rolls-Royce and MINI. In the course of these years, many companies and business ventures have come up all over the country as well. There is a technology office in Silicon Valley as well as a California based design consultancy firm. Apart from all this, there are several other offices located in various parts of the country that deal with different aspects of the brand and its development.
BMW mean machines like the X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles are produced in the manufacturing unit of South Carolina. This unit is a part of the global manufacturing network of the BMW Manufacturing Corporation. In fact, the South Carolina factory is also the sole manufacturer of the X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The numbers involved in the BMW representation in the US market are somewhat like this- there are 338 BMW car and Sports vehicle outlets, 139 motorcycle dealers, 114 MINI passenger car retailers and 32 Rolls-Royce Motor Car marketers. The headquarters of BMW’s sales, the BMW Holding Corporation, USA is situated in New Jersey at a place called Woodcliff Lake.
Partners In Excellence, BMW and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing
Bobby Rahal, a three time IndyCar Championship and 1986 Indianapolis winner along with Mike Lanigan and the affable CBS talk show host, David Letterman together started the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in Hilliard, Ohio. This endeavour has lasted almost two decades and won several accolades including 22 victories, 31 poles and two series championships, one in 1992 and another in 2010, and an Indianapolis 500 victory in 2004. In the year 2009, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing collaborated with BMW, North America for the campaign of the BMW M3 during the American Le Mans Series. The awards continued to stream in as the team won in both the GT categories of Manufacturers and Team Championships in 2010. But in 2011 was the year when they won all three titles- GT Team, Manufacturer and Driver.
