Driving Trainigs

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is already listed for sale at �2M

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is already listed for sale at �2M

The Sesto Elemento concept was conceived as a design study, technology and previewing the styling we might expect to see on the next generat...

Nico Rosberg shows off 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

<img id="iimg" src="http://www.sportscarsfans.com/images/script/image.php?id=FAD4_4D110062" style="width: 460px; height: 292px;" /> The benefits of having an F1 team is that, in the off season at least, you've got some of the world's best professional drivers on call for test driving duties. And promotional detail, too. Specifically, In this case, we're talking about star driver Nico Rosberg and upcoming Mercedes-Benz 2012 SLK. Michael Scheer-Vehicle engineer riding in the new roadster around Monte Carlo shot some footage as Rosberg brief us of what to expect from the new SLK. Check it out in the video <object height="390" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xClBEyNPl9M&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xClBEyNPl9M&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>

Nico Rosberg shows off 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

The benefits of having an F1 team is that, in the off season at least, you've got some of the world's best professional drivers on...

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

<img align="centre" height="247" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead1-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" width="400" /> Brush your long, grungy mop from your eyes, turn down the Nirvana and take a look around. It's the early '90s and an army of sport utility vehicles are flooding the streets. The newest four-wheeled object of America's affection has quickly become the default mode of transportation for everyone from inner city professionals to suburban soccer moms. Fast forward a couple of decades and although sport utes are still around, they've largely been displaced by the crossover � the SUV's easier-to-maneuver, more fuel efficient and more comfortable unibody progeny. But even after years of refinement, the CUV is still a basketcase of compromises. Which begs the question: Did we have it right back in the day? Is a wagon still the best compromise of size, functionality and driving dynamics? We snagged the keys to a 2011 Acura TSX Sports Wagon to find out. Needless to say, the TSX Sport Wagon is based on its sedan counterpart, but in addition to its two-box shape, Acura has set it off with a redesigned grille. The new piece looks far less hawk-nosed than the one worn by the four-door, as its been broken up by a thinner frame that creates a slimming effect. The lower bumper also improves front-end styling with a much wider and more aggressive appearance. Seeing the TSX Sport Wagon for the first time is a bit like running into that formerly plain-looking girl from high school who got some work done and now dates a pro baseball player; she looks nearly the same, but somehow better. And she knows it. All of which suggests that Acura's stylists may have been listening to at least some of the criticism they've received over the company's controversial front fascia. The Sport Wagon's updated nose gives way to that long wagon body, which also benefits from a handful of well-placed styling elements. Noticeable fender bulges wrap around the 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels and serve to bookend a razor sharp shoulder crease. A strong character line takes over and works its way around the perimeter of the car. It's a neat visual trick that keeps your eyes moving along the bodywork, and it also helps to hide the extra length the wagon wears � a grand total of about 3.6 inches. The overall appearance, however, is somewhat sportier than the sedan because of how the rotund rear end sets off the car's stance. <img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon side view" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687796" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead2-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 459px; height: 207px;" vspace="4" /><img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon front view" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687797" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead3-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 153px;" vspace="4" /><img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon rear view" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687798" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead4-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 153px;" vspace="4" /> The driver's perch gives you the chance to enjoy the TSX's dark trim and subtle contrast stitching on its seats. The heated leather front chairs wrap around your body like a mold and while the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 328i Sport Wagon and Volvo V50 might have nice seats, none of them offer standard heating and few are as comfortable. Rear seat passengers are well taken care of, too, as the wagon loses just 0.1-inch of headroom compared to the sedan, while leg, hip and shoulder room all remain the same. Better still, the rear seats fold down nearly flat with the touch of a switch. The side pockets and lower panels can be removed to reveal even more storage options and the 28-inch height of the rear opening allows for some sizable objects to catch a lift. The 60.5 cubic-feet of rear cargo space is downright cavernous compared to the 50.5, 48.9 and 44.2 found in the Audi, BMW and Volvo, respectively. The closest you'll get to equaling the TSX's cargo hold is the Cadillac CTS Wagon which comes in at 58 cubes with the seats folded flat. <img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon interior" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687800" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead5-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 459px; height: 285px;" vspace="4" /><img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon front seats" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687801" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead6-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 100px;" vspace="4" /><img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon rear seats" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687804" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead9-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 100px;" vspace="4" /><img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon rear cargo area" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687803" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead8-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 100px;" vspace="4" /> It's not just comfort and utility that makes the TSX Sport Wagon a near ideal place to log trips over the hills and through the woods. All of the knobs and switches are easy to reach, and the available infotainment system hits the moving target of today's technological standards. With the exception of the bulbous multi-directional controller blighting the center stack, the controls are logically laid out, providing an easy learning curve. Dual-zone climate controls keep more than just the driver happy and even the base seven-speaker sound system provides an enjoyable audio experience. The navigation system and rearview camera, however, only show up on the dashboard if you opt for the Technology Package, but Bluetooth and USB audio come standard. The base model starts at $30,960 plus $860 for destination and handling, while the TSX Sport Wagon with Tech Package costs $34,610 plus D&H. When upgrading to the latter, buyers also receive a power-actuated tailgate, boosted ELS 460-watt 10-speaker audio system with voice recognition, navigation with real-time weather, traffic updates and dynamic re-routing, and the rearview camera. A loaded Acura TSX Sport Wagon with Tech Package still comes in under the base price of the A4 ($35,940), 328i ($36,200) and comparably-equipped V50 ($35,650). The Caddy? Just over $38,000 in base spec. <img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon gauges" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687808" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead12-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 153px;" vspace="4" /><img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon navigation system" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687809" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead13-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 153px;" vspace="4" /><img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon climate controls" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687807" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead11-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 153px;" vspace="4" /><img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon shifter" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687806" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead10-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 153px;" vspace="4" /> Comparing pricing and amenities never paints a complete picture, though, and that's where driving dynamics come into play. "Sport" is the TSX Sport Wagon's middle name, and after hauling around Southern California for a couple of days, the moniker is well-deserved. If just. The suspension is firm � almost surprisingly so � making this five-door a joy to push hard, at least on SoCal's smooth roads. The rack-and-pinion steering is also tight and responsive, combining neatly with the TSX's stiff suspenders to make for an engaging driving experience. When the road turns even slightly rough, however, the TSX Sport Wagon transforms into something of a child's moonbounce. While never unsettled, on certain course surfaces we found the Acura to be not unlike navigating a Boston whaler across a choppy harbor. Suspension for this front-wheel drive wagon is composed of double wishbones up front and multi-link setup in the rear, and we suspect the issue lies with the constant-rate coil springs. Perhaps a set of progressive units would help smooth things out, but prospective buyers who live in areas blessed with four distinctly separate seasons should keep the TSX Sport Wagon's stiff nature in mind. <img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon headlights" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687815" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead18-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 153px;" vspace="4" /><img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon grille" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687816" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead19-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 153px;" vspace="4" /><img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon grille" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687814" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead17-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 153px;" vspace="4" /><img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon taillight" border="1" hspace="4" id="vimage_3687813" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead16-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 230px; height: 153px;" vspace="4" /> Under the hood of the TSX Sport Wagon lies a 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm. That doesn't sound like much, but the powertrain actually provides a surprising amount of motivation for this 3,599-pound premium utility sled and sounds pretty good while doing it. Power is routed to the front wheels courtesy of a five-speed automatic transmission, while a pair of paddles mounted to the steering wheel allow for manual gear selection. When left alone, the automatic shifts smoothly, though sometimes it plays a game of hide-and-seek when pressing on with authority. If you're not in the mood for the cogbox's automated games, you can always switch the transmission into Sport and use the paddleshifters. Fortunately, whatever speed you build is just as easy to shed thanks to the TSX's well-sorted 11.8-inch ventilated front and 11.1-inch solid rear discs. <img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon engine" border="1" hspace="0" id="vimage_3687810" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead14-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 460px; height: 307px;" vspace="4" /> A six-speed manual transmission would offer even more engagement, but sadly Acura can't build a business case for one. When pressed why we can't get a row-our-own version, Acura officials indicated that the company expects to sell around 4,000 units per year, or 10 percent of all TSX models sold. The take rate for manual transmissions amongst current TSX buyers is only around two to three percent, and with the wagon already making up a minority of TSX sales, it doesn't make financial sense to offer a three-pedal model. So where is the V6 that's offered in the sedan? The four-cylinder does a surprisingly credible job, but the 280-hp, 3.5-liter unit available in the four-door would be a welcome addition. Just as Acura was listening to its customers with regards to the front-end design, it's also evidently deferred to market research regarding what engine to plunk in the TSX Wagon's beaky nose. As the theory goes, the average wagon buyer doesn't need 280 hp when 201 hp works just fine, and prospective buyers Acura spoke with placed a higher priority on fuel economy than power. The 2.4-liter is rated at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway, while the V6-powered sedan achieves 18/27 � numbers that would no doubt fall in the heavier wagon. <img alt="2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon rear 3/4 view" border="1" hspace="0" id="vimage_3687811" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead15-2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon.jpg" style="width: 459px; height: 305px;" vspace="4" /> That all said, why is the TSX Sport Wagon finally available in the U.S.? Because Acura says it wants to provide an SUV alternative for its entry-level customers. The wagon is aimed squarely at those successful members of Generation-Y for whom owning an SUV has become a stigma. Priced below the competition and boasting better fuel economy, the 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon is not yet the near-luxury estate of our dreams, but it's a welcome step in the continued resurrection of the premium wagon.

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Brush your long, grungy mop from your eyes, turn down the Nirvana and take a look around. It's the early '90s and an army of sport u...

Cadillac CTS-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee named 2011 Internet Car and Truck of the Year

<img alt="http://www.sportscarsfans.com/images/script/image.php?id=2FCA_4CF8884D" height="300" src="http://www.sportscarsfans.com/images/script/image.php?id=2FCA_4CF8884D" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in;" width="468" /> The Internet Car and Truck of the Year voting jury has just announced its pair of winners for 2011, and top honors go to both the Cadillac CTS-V and Jeep Grand Cherokee. For 2011, the CTS-V is offered in a trio of body styles, all of which boast a 556-horsepower supercharged V8 and seriously good driving dynamics. Likewise, the 2011 Grand Cherokee remains one of the best off-road vehicles in its class, and points the way forward for the "new Chrysler." In addition to the vehicles picked by the Internet Car and Truck of the Year jurors, the motoring public was able to cast its vote for the "Average Joe" awards. Unlike the professional jury, the public voters named the 2011 Ford Mustang GT as Car of the Year, its new 5.0-liter V8 and reworked suspension geometry making it more of a true sports car than a stereotypical muscle car. However, both the "Internet Pros" and "Average Joes" saw eye to eye on the Truck of the Year award, with the Grand Cherokee taking the cake from both segments of voters. <img alt="http://www.sportscarsfans.com/images/script/image.php?id=C9CA_4CF8884D" height="300" src="http://www.sportscarsfans.com/images/script/image.php?id=C9CA_4CF8884D" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in;" width="468" /> Vehicles aside, the ICTOY jury also honored recently deceased and legendary automotive journalist Jerry Flint with the 2010 Journalist of the Year award. Flint, who died on August 7th of this year, covered the automotive beat for over 50 years, and was once named one of the 100 most prominent business reporters of the 20th century. [Source: Internet Car and Truck of the Year] INTERNET PROS AND AVERAGE JOES PICK THEIR FAVORITE NEW CARS AND TRUCKS Jerry Flint Posthumously Honored as Internet Automotive Journalist of the Year Boston (Dec. 1, 2010) - The Internet Car and Truck of the Year website has announced the winners from the Internet Pros and Average Joes votes for their favorite new cars and trucks. Domestic brands swept all four categories. The winners, announced from the New England International Auto Show today, are: Internet Pros: Car of the Year: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Truck of the Year: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Average Joes: Car of the Year: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Truck of the Year: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee The Internet Pros are comprised of a select team of 15 online writers from some of the leading automotive Internet sites, while the Average Joes consisted of thousands of votes from the motoring public. Complete biographies of the jury members are available at www.internetcarandtruckoftheyear.com. So while the Internet Pros and Average Joes agree on the Truck of the Year (for the second year in a row) they have slightly differing opinions when it comes to their favorite car. The Pros like their speed in the form of a luxury sports car with the Cadillac CTS-V while the Average Joes voted for classic American muscle with the Ford Mustang GT (with only a 1 percent margin of victory over the Cadillac CTS-V). However, both groups demonstrated their respect for the vastly improved Jeep Grand Cherokee by wide margins. Internet Automotive Journalist of the Year The Internet Automotive Journalist of the Year award was given to Jerry Flint for his long body of work in automotive journalism, most recently as a columnist for Forbes � both in print and online. It will be presented to his widow, automotive journalist Kate McLeod, at the Dec. 9 International Motor Press Association meeting in New York City. A prolific award winner, including the Gerald Loeb Award for Distinguished Business and Financial Journalism in 2003, for his Forbes "Backseat Driver column," Flint was not afraid to point out when the Emperor was wearing no clothing. That insight, and his grasp of the automotive industry, earned accolades that included his naming by Business News Reporter as one of the 100 most prominent business reporters of the 20th Century. The 2010 Automotive Journalist of the Year was John Neff, editor of Autoblog. The Internet Car and Truck of the Year awards were created by Keith Griffin, the Guide to Used Cars for About.com, a writer for TorqueNews.com, and the National Hyundai Examiner for Examiner.com, as well as a print automotive journalist and vice president of the New England Motor Press Association.

Cadillac CTS-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee named 2011 Internet Car and Truck of the Year

The Internet Car and Truck of the Year voting jury has just announced its pair of winners for 2011, and top honors go to both the Cadillac ...

2012 Buick Verano details and pricing leaked in dealer letter?

<img alt="http://www.sportscarsfans.com/images/script/image.php?id=96E1_4CF8884D" src="http://www.sportscarsfans.com/images/script/image.php?id=96E1_4CF8884D" style="width: 469px; height: 317px;" /> Following the launch of the Regal, Buick will be introducing its next all-new model sometime in 2011. Set to launch as a 2012 model, the Verano compact will slot in beneath the Regal sedan, though we've been told on several occasions that it will not share a platform with General Motors' other new small car, the Chevrolet Cruze. According to the infomongers at GM Inside News, the automaker recent sent a letter to its Buick dealers inviting them to participate in an order study in an attempt to gain knowledge about what pricing and trim levels would be most attractive to potential buyers. The details, available after the jump, reveal that the Verano will be powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four (same as the Regal) that produces 180 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and will be initially offered in four trim levels. If the letter is to be believed, the base Verano 1SB (the alphanumeric likely being an internal designation) is estimated to start at $20,900. From there, the 1SD model adds Bluetooth, automatic climate control and remote start, and will be priced from around $22,100. 1SG models add a power driver's seat, heated mirrors and rear park assist and should command roughly $23,300. Top-trim 1SL Veranos will have heated leather seats, premium audio, a heated steering wheel and 18-inch wheels. Expect the top-rung 1SL to retail for around $25,600, with pricing reaching as high as $26,200. We don't expect GM to reveal official Verano specifications and pricing until closer to its launch date, with the car being officially debuting sometime in the early 2011 auto show season. Top tip, Ed! [Source: GM Inside News]

2012 Buick Verano details and pricing leaked in dealer letter?

Following the launch of the Regal, Buick will be introducing its next all-new model sometime in 2011. Set to launch as a 2012 model, the Ver...