2012 Lexus LS 600h Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, Lexus takes technology and luxury far beyond current standards with its clean and powerful LS 600 hybrid sedan.

Erasing any doubts about the power potential of hybrid drive systems, the LS 600h produces a combined 430-hp from its 5.0-liter V8 engine and an electric motor hybrid powertrain. This power is sent to all four wheels via an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Despite this power, the car is rated as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle 2. Additionally, the hybrid powertrain results in a drive even quieter and softer than the already quiet Lexus cabin. Sensors and cameras mounted in the front of the car detect obstacles both large and small, warning the driver if a collision is imminent. A steering column mounted camera monitors the driver and sounds a warning chime if the driver is looking away for too long. The LS600h can even be equipped to park itself.

All variations of the LS sedan feature very recent exterior styling featuring a revised front fascia, headlamps, and taillamps. In the case of the LS 600h L model, the front fascia will get a unique treatment in the LS line to help distinguish its greener attributes in the form of a chrome grill similar to the Lexus HS 250h hybrid.

The recently updated LS 600h L features upgrades over the previous model that include a larger usable trunk space due to a reconfigured battery pack as well as new telematics, USB connectivity and updated navigation.

Traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and 10 airbags are of course standard. The power steering is electrical and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with dynamic auto leveling are included.

In addition to the active safety features, the LS 600h L is standard-equipped with eight airbags, with a maximum of 11 airbags available through option packages. The world\’s first low-beam LED headlamps provide road illumination, and the standard Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) helps to illuminate around turns as the steering wheel is engaged.

Options range from heated rear seats and all-weather floor mats to an advanced Parking Guidance System that will parallel park or back the car into a spot, with the driver only required to press the brake pedal.

The optional Mark Levinson sound system is a little more involved in the LS, as expected, with a Reference badge and includes a Hard Disk Drive with the ability to store up to 2,000 songs, 7.1-channel surround sound support and an in-dash six-disc DVD / CD changer capable of DVD video playback. Total system power is 450 Watts split among 19 speakers.

2012 Lexus LS 600h Specs :

Drivetrain : All Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 5203
City (MPG) : 19
Hwy (MPG) : 23
Horsepower : 389@6400
Torque (lb-ft) : 385@4000
Wheelbase : 121.7
Length (in.) : 203.9
Width (in.) : 73.8
Height (in.) : 58.3
All-wheel drive
Navigation System
Bluetooth
iPod input
Satellite radio
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
DVD player (Optional)

2012 Lexus LS 600h Price :

MSRP:$112,750
Invoice price:$100,349

How to Change a Flat Tire Safely, what car reviews, Having a car means that you are now open to a lot of places due to the freedom of transportation. You can go from one place to another, wherever you want, whenever you want it. But the possibility that you might get stuck on a spot because of a flat tire is also high. It is unexpected and might happen at deserted and secluded places. So what’s the best thing to do? The answer to that question is to learn how to change a tire all by yourself. Knowing this knowledge will help you when the scenario finally arrives. Here’s a step by step guide on how to properly change you flat or blown up tire with or without help.

Step 1: Move to Safe Grounds
When you finally realize that there’s a problem with your tire, maneuver to a stable, flat and traffic-free spot. First, you would need to switch on your emergency flashers so that the other drivers would know that there’s something wrong with your car. Once that you’ve settled in a flat ground area, apply the emergency brake so your car won’t roll and would stay in place while you’re working on it. If you’re going to fix a tire from the front, it’s best to put something strong and heavy, like a stone or brick, at the rear tires; vise versa.

Step 2: The Jack
It is now time to get your tools, and the first one is the jack. You need to place it at the frame beside the tire that you will be replacing. Placing it at the right spot, which is the metal portion of the frame, is very crucial. If you’ve put it wrongly, the molded plastic along the bottom of the car might crack once you’ve lifted it with the jack. Secure the jack in place; make sure that it is entire supporting the car.

Step 3: Loosening Up
We now need to remove the nuts, which should be done counterclockwise, then the hub cap. You can use the wrench, either an average cross wrench or the wrench that comes with your car, to loosen up the nuts. Make sure that the right wrench slips into a nut and would not jangle. Nuts are very securely put on, so it might need some force to loosen them up. If it is a bit harder than expected, you can apply more force into the wrench, but make sure it is the right way, so you would not be tightening it more.

Step 4: Lifting It Up and Screwing Out
You will now lift the car with the jack, pump it up until it is high enough that you can easily take off the tire. As you lift, make sure that the car is in a stable state. If there are any complications, lower the jack at once and fix it again, until you are assured that it is in place and the car will be safe as you lift again. Now, you will have to take off the loosened nuts and the entire tire itself. Just a piece of advice, place your flat tire under the car, so if ever the jack would create some problem, your car will land on the wheel, preventing severe damages.

Step 5: Spare Tire
Now, you will have to put the spare (new) tire at the hub. Align its rim on the wheel bolts, and then you can now put on the lug nuts. At first, it might turn easily, but make sure that they are all secure, snug and tight. Tighten them with the wrench (by hand) and take time turning each of the nuts. There’s no need to rush, besides, “slowly but surely” is a very handy way to fix a tire. If you think that you have tightened enough the nuts, don’t overdo it. You have more chance to tighten it again once you’ve taken off the jack and the car’s tire is back on ground again.

Step 6: Lowering It
Lower your car slowly, once it’s on the ground again, tighten the nuts more until you are satisfied and assured that they are now completely intact on the tire. Put the jack aside and put back the hub cap. You can now put your old tire at the compartment at the back and you can now drive away again, safely. Hopefully, your drive will be safe, but if you’ve really secured and turned those lug nuts tightly, there will be no problem at all, until you arrive at a mechanic that can fix your old tire so that you can use it again at your expense.

Yes, changing and fixing a flat or blown up tire can be a lot hassle, but we need time and patience to really replace it properly and ensure the safety of the passengers of your car. It might look intimidating at first, but fixing tires is actually easy, once you get the hang of it. More tips, always have a spare tire with you, wherever you’ll go, so that you will have it in case of emergencies that you can never expect. Ensure that you also have the tools with you, so you have things to work with the tires. Be responsible and don’t be afraid to replace a flat tire, if there is no one to help, then you have to do the work. Familiarize the procedure, or you can actually practice at home, so you will get the hang of it. It’s also best to always check your tires, or your entire car, before going out. Safety is a huge factor with cars, not just the sleek style or performance. Now with these steps, you can be sure that you’ll never be stranded again, even if you’re all by yourself.

2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The MAZDASPEED3 is Mazda’s high-performance compact hatch, which is based on the redesigned Mazda3 5-door. While the previous MAZDASPEED3 was stealth about its capability, the new MAZDASPEED3 is more obvious about its high-performance intentions, with a large air intake in the center of the hood, black grille, flared fenders, 18-inch wheels, body kit and larger roof-mounted rear wing and larger dual exhaust. Powered by the same turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine as the CX-7, the MAZDASPEED3 delivers the power to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 is a four-door hatchback available in a lone trim level known as the Touring.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, an adjustable front center armrest, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and steering wheel controls.

The Mazdaspeed 3 Technology package adds automatic and adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a blind-spot monitoring system, automatic wipers, keyless ignition/entry, satellite radio (available separately) and a navigation system with a compact display screen and steering wheel controls. An iPod interface and a six-CD changer are available as dealer-installed accessories.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 263 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission directs the power to the front wheels.

Safety

The 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 comes with traction and stability control, antilock brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A blind-spot warning system is included with the optional Mazdaspeed Tech package.

Though the 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 itself hasn\’t been crash tested, the regular Mazda 3 hatchback upon which it\’s based has been tested. In government testing, the Mazda 3 earned an overall rating of four (out of a possible five) stars, with five stars for overall frontal-crash protection but just three stars for side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Mazda 3 its highest possible rating of \”Good\” in its frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Mazdaspeed variant differs from the regular Mazda 3 with its upgraded gauges and sport front seats that have standard black leather upholstery with cloth inserts. Though the red-dot pattern of the upholstery is reminiscent of a Nike athletic shirt from the 1990s, the interior otherwise meets the same high standard of design and quality seen in the regular Mazda 3. The Speed 3 also has the same optional navigation system, which is functional but somewhat limited by its small display screen. Some features aren\’t shared, however, so there\’s no sunroof or heated power seats for the Mazdaspeed 3.

The front seats are comfortable, but could offer a bit more adjustment for taller drivers. The backseat offers acceptable space, but it pales in comparison to that of the VW GTI. Some may lament that no sedan body style is available, but the standard hatch allows for a greater level of practicality. The cargo area provides 17 cubic feet of space with the rear seats raised and expands to 42.8 with them lowered.

Driving Impressions

Routing 280 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels is usually a recipe for torque steer. This phenomenon is minimal compared to cars of the distant past, but the 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 can still seem as if it has a mind of its own when you\’re too aggressive with the throttle while carving a very acute corner. Some might view this as part of the fun, but others may be willing to trade in a little power for the less wild power delivery of a GTI or WRX.

In any case, there\’s no doubt that the Speed 3 is one of the best-handling and most entertaining hot hatches on a winding road. Impressively precise like few other front-wheel-drive cars, the steering provides plenty of communication and faithfully transmits information from the tires. Considering the car\’s performance potential, the suspension also provides a fairly compliant ride, though the Mazdaspeed 3 ultimately isn\’t as comfortable as some other competitors. In testing, we\’ve also found that its clutch take-up can be a little tricky compared to other cars.

2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Price :

MSRP: $24,000
Invoice price: $22,472

2012 Mazda MAZDASPEED3 Specs :

Drivetrain : Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 3281
City (MPG) : 18
Hwy (MPG) : 25
Horsepower : 263@5500
Torque (lb-ft) : 280@3000
Wheelbase : 103.9
Length (in.) : 177.6
Width (in.) : 69.7
Height (in.) : 57.5
Bluetooth
MP3 Player
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control
Navigation System (Optional)
Satellite radio (Optional)

Tips on Repairing Your Cloth Car Upholstery, what car reviews, It is good to keep you car at optimum performance by taking good care of its engine, exterior and of course, interior. Your car deserves proper care and treatment as it is a considerable investment on your part. It can sometimes be tiresome to keep your car spic and span but it is well worth the time and effort. You can always go with the more expensive option on having your cloth car upholstery repaired, or you can go and do it yourself.

Repairing your cloth car upholstery can really be easy if you know what to do, and depending on the specific situation. The most common problem your cloth car upholstery gets is stains. Yup, just like your clothes, your cloth car upholstery can get those too so you better be careful.

If you have kids, then you’ve got to be extra careful as kids can sometimes be rough on your upholstery. There are a lot of affordable and efficient cleaners out in the market, why not try out a few and see what works best for you? Just be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions to avoid further complications.

Timing is everything. Clean a stain immediately as it happens to avoid further damage on your cloth car upholstery. The longer you wait, the farther the stain is going to seep into your cloth car upholstery and eventually it will be permanent.

We find that the foaming cleaners work the best to get out stains in car upholstery. When you spray the cleaner onto your cloth upholstery it will foam and expand. You then leave it on for a few minutes and it will draw out the stain.

Another tip on repairing your cloth car upholstery deals with holes or rips. Just like stains, you need to take care of a hole or rip in your car upholstery to prevent further damage. The concept is really simple; all you have to do is securely sew the rip with a thick thread to do the trick. If sewing won’t do the trick especially when the damage is big, patch it up with cloth of a matching color.

There are kits available nowadays that you can buy at the store which has everything from cohesives, to threads, to pieces of patch up cloth with different colors. You should be able to find them at a good car parts store, or an online retailer like Autozone.

There are cases when the entire car seal upholstery is damaged beyond repair. If that is the case, unfortunately you’ll have to dish out some cash to get new cloth put on your car seats.Ever had to repair a cloth interior? Let us know in the comments below.

Hybrid Cars: The Pros and Cons, what car reviews, When looking at any invention, method plan, or anything for that matter—it’s imperative to weigh the pros and the cons. When it comes to hybrid cars, it is of course no different. If you ask the companies who manufacture these products, they certainly emphasize the pros, making their product seem like a divine invention you cannot be without. In this article you can separate the fact from fiction, benefit from drawback—and show you the whole scale picture of what it means to own a hybrid.

For starters, what exactly is a hybrid car?

Essentially, it is nothing but a fuel efficient automobile with dual motors, an electric motor and a gasoline powered alternative. It also sports a specially engineered system that captures brake energy and transfers it towards the battery to keep it charged at all times.

So why go hybrid?

It’s a combination of two vehicular concepts, so why not go to one of the two? Why not drive a purely gasoline or electric powered car? If you think about it through principle, having two motors makes your system more vulnerable to a breakdown. The same concept exists in any other sort of transportation vehicle—the more motors or engines, the less reliable they can collectively be.

Two Motors

In reality, having two motors presents both pros and cons. For one, electric motors don’t take up any energy when they idle; in fact they simply turn off and therefore use less gas when the speed is low. Gas motors are more effective at high speeds and therefore deliver a more powerful drive—but during stop and go or low speed travel, the electric motor will suffice without costing you money and the environment smog. When you reach higher speeds, usually past 40 mpg, the gas motor will begin to kick in and allow car owners to travel quickly on the freeway.

Additionally, when using the gas motor, your electric motor will have time to charge. One problem with strictly electric power is that many owners find themselves stranded with a dead battery and no outlet. With a hybrid, the dual motors allow this problem to be virtually nonexistent. The gas motor will automatically kick in whenever the battery gets low and charge the battery simultaneously. This means a hybrid never needs to be plugged into a restrictive outlet, but be aware—just because you can’t run out of electric power doesn’t mean you can’t run out of gas. Keep on top of your gas meter just as you would any other vehicle, but if you do get stuck—it’s a lot easier to haul a gas can over than to get your electric car back to your outlet, so the hybrid does offer that distinct advantage over a straight electric solution.

But all this cutting edge and newly innovated technology can be quite expensive to the consumer. It has two motors and the necessary battery is rather hefty and complex, as is the convenient but pricey regeneration system that charges the battery during bra ke periods.

Seeing as all these systems must coexist in a rather complicated technical homeostasis, they are controlled by rather intricate computers. These computers are remarkably dependable, but like any other computer, it does suffer from a few fallbacks. This means to own a hybrid, you will have to spend quite a bit of time in the shop, and quite a lot of money paying for repairs.

Fuel-Efficiency

Compared to any other practical everyday car type, hybrids are indisputably the most gasoline efficient. On average, the can reach an alleged 48 to 60 miles per gallon, which is around 20%-35% better than some gasoline powered cars. This means that there are vehicles, like the Honda Civic, that are gasoline powered by get 36 mpg. The strange this is that these gasoline efficient standards cost from $14-$17 thousand where hybrids can set you back up to $25,000. With this in play, buying a hybrid becomes less of a “necessity” or even ideal to many people.

The difference is considered to be in fuel costs, where your standard gasoline powered car will cause quite heavy annual bills. But after a decade with a hybrid, it is predicted that only $2,300 will really be saved in the long run—this number is smaller than the price difference between hybrids and fuel-efficient gasoline powered vehicles.

The fuel efficiency is often attributed to improved aero dynamics such as weigh reduction and smaller gas powered engines. By principle, any vehicle would improve mileage greatly just by sporting a smaller sized engine. This is not done with most consumer cars due to the widespread desire for power and speed in most of today’s vehicles.

Most drivers find these mileage claims are actually a tad skewed—sometimes up to 10%. If you take a look at the manufacturer’s miles per gallon claims, they are measured under specifications that would yield similar results from any type of car, with slow speeds and no quick stops.

A Lean, Green Driving Machine

On the other hand, it’s not just fuel economy that hybrids promote; their ecological benefits are also considerably encouraging. Despite the marginal nature of the fuel economy improvements, the smaller number of emissions is undeniable. For instance, big cities with high traffic jams and plenty of low speed travel would benefit greatly from a widespread application of hybrid devices that cut down on pollution and emissions when a vehicle travels under 40 mph.

Global Application

Globally, the United States is not ahead of the hybrid game, but instead the Japanese seem to be setting the standard. Honda and Toyota have already taken the market by storm with the Insight and Prius. It is easy to see that US automakers like Ford have fallen behind, having to license over 20 different technologies from the Japanese just to throw together the Mercury Mariner. In the United States, SUVs and trucks are still commonplace, and Ford has tried to make the best of both worlds with a hybrid version of the Escape.

Many analysts claim that these GM hybrids are nothing but weak efforts and not serious attempts to join the hybrid market. They are often tied in with the Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations, showing that American hybrids are nothing but corporate devices. Because regulations demand automakers possess a fleet with an average of 27.5 mpg, automakers are using hybrids as a way of offsetting their minimally efficient SUV’s and trucks, many of which only get up to 20 miles per gallon.

In Summary

So at the end of the day, the decision is up to you. Maybe you find hybrid vehicles to cost prohibitive, or maybe the new, innovative, and ecologically friendly technology strikes a chord with you. Either way, personal preference is still in play. The technology is not yet developed to the point where prices can compete with gasoline powered models, but it is undeniably fuel efficient and emission reducing. The concept is fascinating, but right now there is an inherent price gap between gasoline and hybrid powered vehicles. So you know the pros and cons make your decision wisely!

Is Car insurance really cheaper for women?, what car reviews, Car insurance is a necessity for any driver; this is including the women drivers. In most cases, car insurance for women drivers tends to be cheaper than that given to men. However, most women think their insurance is equally as expensive as that for men. This is because insurance companies have a more positive attitude towards women drivers; hence, offering them cheaper insurance options. Some of the reasons why this is the case, are discussed below.

1) Women tend to go cheap on automobiles

Women’s priorities tend to differ largely with those of men. As a result, women tend to buy cheaper and more manageable cars, because having a fancy car to them is not as important as having the latest designer hair do, dress or that shoe that every sophisticated woman has. Therefore, in case an accident, the cost incurred for insurance claims for such cars is much less. This is the main reason for insurance companies to have cheaper insurance rates for women.

2) Women tend to be better drivers than men

It is a proven fact that women are better and safer drivers than men. Most women will always make it during their very first test drive, as compared to the men, in as much as they are slow learners. This is a clear sign of their attentiveness, which is later transferred practically when driving their own cars. This can be proved by the fact that most women drive at the expected speed limit, as required of them by law. This will of course reduce their rate of accidents and if they take place, the accidents are not as serious as those caused by male drivers.

3) The type of road accidents

The road accidents that women drivers tend to get involved in are in most cases less damaging than the ones that involve men. This is because most women tend to follow traffic laws and are more careful drivers on the roads. These laws include driving within the required speed limits, avoiding careless overtaking, and not using cell phones while driving, among others. They also tend to avoid driving in bad weather conditions as compared to the male drivers.

4) Insurance companies favor women drivers

Most insurance companies have policies stipulated for women drivers being cheaper than that of men, which lead to lower insurance premiums. This is done to attract women drivers who happen to be more of assets to insurance companies as compared to their male counterparts.

5) Traffic Offenses

Looking at the statistics of the persons charged with traffic offenses, it is true that men are more compared to their women counterparts. Traffic rules and regulations were put in place to ensure safety on the roads while driving. Women will rarely be found committing traffic offenses, hence leaving them on the safe side. This will of course minimize the accidents that they would have been involved in, hence fewer or no claims. Some of these statistics are what has caused the car insurance companies to come up with stiffer insurance policies for men in terms of premiums than that of women.

6) Long Distance Driving

Another factor that contributes to cheaper insurance premiums for women is that most women tend to shy from long distance drives. This is very important since most accidents occur in the course of long journeys. As a result, this will reduce the rate of expected accidents involving women drivers. The number of accidents caused will mostly involve men who might be driving very expensive cars. The rate of premiums paid for expensive cars is more compared to that paid in for cheaper automobile.

5) Masculinity vs. Femininity

Science has proved that men are led to drive at very high speeds and are in most cases found to be on the wrong due to their high levels of testosterone. It is a true and proven fact that over-speeding and having traffic faults will lead to accidents, in most cases. Since men are very good at competition, you would realize that male drivers they will in most cases want to challenge each other. This is opposite with the female drivers.

Yes it is true that car insurance for women is way cheaper because of the above reasons. But not all car insurance companies have the cheaper insurance policy for women in place. It is therefore, advisable to carry out a thorough research on the different insurance companies, to see what they have to offer.

How To Remove Mold From Car Seats, what car reviews, Sometimes if you have a car that sits around outside, you’ll end up with a lot of moisture inside the car. This moisture, if left, will turn into mold and can damage a car’s interior quite badly, damage your health, and also turn off anyone else from taking a ride in your… ride.

There are a few solutions to the problem of mold inside your car however that are pretty easy, and can clean up the mold pretty quickly.

The first thing to remember, is that bleach is a bad idea. Bleach doesn’t work well on porous surfaces, and thus will not work on your car upholstery. Also, you run the risk of damaging the colour in your car’s interior.

One of favorite home remedies for mold on the inside of your car is white vinegar. Specifically distilled white vinegar because it’s stronger and you will need less of it.

How to remove mold in your car seats with white vinegar:

1. Take your distilled white vinegar and put it in a clean spray bottle… make sure your spray bottle is VERY clean.

2. Open up your car to let it ventilate for at least 5 minutes. You don’t want to work inside a car that is filled with mold spores.

3. You’re probably going to want to find a paper mask (like a 3M mask) to protect your lungs during the removal of the mold. This of course depends on how much mold is in the car, but it’s always better to be safe.

4. Spray the white distilled vinegar on the mold, and about 1 foot around the mold (the spores can be growing before they’re visible).

5. Make sure the area is completely saturated. This will obviously make your car smell of vinegar, but it will go away once we remove the mold and let the car air out.

6. Let the vinegar sit on the mold – DON’T WIPE IT OFF – for at least 10 minutes. This will kill the mold.

7. After the vinegar has sat on the mold for some time, you can wipe off the residue left by the mold.

8. Use a mold testing kit to make sure there are no more airborne spores in your car. If there are, it may be damaging to your health to continue to use the car.

If the mold test kit still shows there is significant mold in the car, consider getting the car professionally cleaned or your upholstery replaced.

The white vinegar will clean up vinyl or leather car interiors much better than cloth, but it will still work on cloth.

Removing mold from automotive carpet is a bit more difficult, but you can still use vinegar to kill it. Also, Borax is a natural mold killer that you can use to clean carpets and hard surfaces of your vehicles interior.

I would suggest using a wet vac both before and after the vinegar to ensure that you pick up any mold spores from inside the carpet. Once you’ve used the wet vac to pick up any left over vinegar and mold, be sure to properly clean the vacuum to ensure you do not spread the mold that you’ve picked up. If your vacuum has a bag, dispose of the bag right away.

There are a number of carpet cleaning services available in every town as well that would be able to help you clean the mold from your carpets. They can cost a bit more, but it’s worth it if you need to save your mouldy carpets.

2012 Chrysler Town & Country Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The Town & Country is Chrysler’s premier minivan that was updated for 2011 with revised exterior styling, interior updates and new technology features. Chrysler introduced the first minivans in 1983 with the Dodge Caravan and the Plymouth Voyager. The luxury Town & Country was added in 1992, all-wheel drive became an option for 1992 and a second sliding door was added for 1996. For 2008 the Chrysler Town & Country received a total makeover with all-new designs for the exterior and interior, more than 35 new or improved features and more powertrain options. The wheelbase is two inches longer than the previous model and the ride and handling have been improved.

The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country adds standard leather seating and rear-seat DVD for all trim levels. Town & Country Limited receives new Sapphire Blue interior lighting and a combination leather and wood steering wheel. New exterior colors are True Blue, Cashmere Pearl and Crystal Blue.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan is offered in three trim levels: Touring, Touring-L and Limited.

The entry-level Touring model comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, a roof rack, power sliding doors, a power tailgate and rear parking sensors. Inside you\’ll find air-conditioning, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, Stow \’n Go second-row seats, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, full power accessories (including second-row power windows and third-row power vents), a conversation mirror, a back-up camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 115-volt AC power outlet. Electronic features include a rear-seat entertainment center (second-row screen), Bluetooth, a USB port and a six-speaker CD sound system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and digital music storage.

Moving up to the Touring-L model gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, auto-dimming outside mirrors, remote ignition, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats and second- and third-row window shades. The top-of-the-line Limited model adds xenon headlights, keyless ignition/entry, upgraded leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, Bluetooth, a navigation system, an additional third-row screen for the entertainment system and a nine-speaker premium audio system.

Some of the standard features found on the upper Town & Country trim levels can be added to the lower trims via optional packages. Other major options include a sunroof, a power-folding third-row seat and an upgraded center console.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts out 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.

Safety

The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country comes with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, full-length side curtain airbags, front seat side-impact airbags and a driver knee airbag. A blind-spot monitor and a rear cross-path detection system are also standard. In Edmunds brake testing, the Town & Country came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet, an average distance for a minivan.

Interior Design and Special Features

Last year\’s complete makeover brought with it a nicely trimmed cabin stocked with quality materials and a pleasing design. Positioning the Town & Country as a luxury vehicle means an interior that is downright posh on the top-of-the-line Limited trim level.

Unlike other minivans that require the awkward removal of the middle-row seats to achieve maximum cargo capacity, the Chrysler\’s Stow \’n Go seats fold flat into the floor. Operating these surprisingly comfortable seats is fairly simple, as only a quick tug of a strap and a few gentle yanks are required to make them disappear into the floor.

The third-row seats are also comfortable, but headroom might be tight for taller folks, while shorter folks may find the aggressive tilt of the seat cushion akin to sitting in a dentist\’s chair. The 60/40-split third-row seat can be had with a slick power-folding option and can also be flipped backwards to create comfortable seating for tailgate parties and the kids\’ soccer games. Several Edmunds editors of different heights noticed that the driver seat and pedals are mounted too close together, even when moved to the widest setting offered by the power adjustments.

Driving Impressions

The muscular engine and confident handling on winding roads make the 2012 Chrysler Town & Country a contender. But segment leaders like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna still offer more refinement. The Chrysler\’s engine, while powerful, sounds and feels rougher, and there\’s an odd whistling noise under deceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission does an admirable job of keeping power on tap, but gearchanges can sometimes be jarring. The steering effort is slightly heavier and the suspension is a bit less compliant as well. On the highway, we\’ve also noticed some creaks and squeaks, although nothing compared to older models.

2012 Chrysler Town & Country Specs :

Engine Specifications
Size, liters/cu. in. : 3.6/220
Horsepower @ rpm. : 283 @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. : 260 @ 4800
Availability : Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
6-speed automatic : 17/25

Fuel Data
EPA Fuel Economy Est – City : N/A MPG
EPA Fuel Economy Est – Hwy : N/A MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx : 20.0 gal

Drivetrain Specifications
Drivetrain : Front-Wheel Drive

Interior Specifications
Front Headroom : 39.8 in
Front Hiproom : 57.6 in
Front Legroom: 40.6 in
Front Shoulderroom: 63.0 in
Passenger Capacity: 7
Second Headroom : 39.7 in
Second Hiproom : 64.8 in
Second Legroom : 36.3 in
Second Shoulderroom: 64.7 in
Third Headroom : 37.9 in
Third Hiproom : 48.7 in
Third Legroom : 31.8 in
Third Shoulderroom : 62.0 in

Exterior Specifications
Curb Weight : 4507 lbs
Height, Overall : 68.9 in
Length, Overall : 202.5 in
Min Ground Clearance: 6.1 in
Tread Width, Front : 65.5 in
Tread Width, Rear : 64.8 in
Turning Diameter – Curb to Curb : 39.1 ft
Turning Diameter – Wall to Wall : N/A ft
Wheelbase : 121.2 in
Width, Max w/o mirrors : 76.9 in

Wheels
Front Wheel Material: Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material : Aluminum

Tires
Front Tire Size : P235/60R16
Rear Tire Size : P235/60R16

2012 Chrysler Town & Country Price :

MSRP range: $29,995 – $38,995
Invoice price range: $28,790 – $37,070

2012 Buick Verano Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The Verano is Buick’s new compact sedan that carries Buick design cues including a black chrome waterfall grille, blue translucent projector beam headlights, portholes and chrome accents. Like other Buick models, quiet-tuning systems are incorporates into the structure and materials of the Verano with the goal of creating an exceptionally quiet compact sedan that is even quieter than other larger cars. Inside the Verano aims to be comfortable and refined for a compact with upscale soft-touch materials, leading infotainment and ambient lighting. Verano is initially powered by a 2.4-liter Ecotec 4-cylinder combined with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine will be offered later. Verano features standard OnStar safety and security technology that includes enhanced emergency, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics and navigation capabilities.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Buick Verano is offered in three trim levels that sound more like option packages, starting with the base model and going up to Convenience Group 2 and Leather Group.

The base Verano standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, cruise control, keyless entry, remote ignition, full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, split-folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth (phone and audio streaming), OnStar telematics and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, a USB/iPod interface, an auxiliary audio jack and Buick\’s IntelliLink smartphone-connectivity system.

The Convenience Group 2 adds heated sideview mirrors, rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a power-adjustable driver seat. The Leather Group adds keyless ignition/entry, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, leather upholstery and a nine-speaker Bose audio upgrade.

Optional are a sunroof and a navigation system; neither one is offered on the base trim level. The Bose audio system is available on supporting trims, as is an Appearance package (chrome grille and rear spoiler).

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Buick Verano is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual shift control is the only transmission offered.

Safety

Standard safety features for the 2012 Buick Verano include front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, rear-seat side airbags, front-seat knee airbags, antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control and OnStar. In Edmunds brake testing, the Verano came to a stop from 60 mph in a class-average 122 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features

While the 2012 Buick Verano is classified as a compact vehicle, it feels much more like a midsize. Head- and legroom are plentiful for four adults, though the rear center seat is decidedly less comfortable and is best used in a pinch. Throughout the cabin, materials quality is on par with other entry-level luxury sedans, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and tightly fitted panels.

Among the available options, the Verano brings a whisper of technology with its IntelliLink system. Pairing with select smartphones, IntelliLink provides for streaming Internet radio like Pandora and Stitcher. Operation of this and other systems is thankfully easy, with well-labeled buttons and controls and a sharp touchscreen that is standard on all Veranos.

The trunk holds a maximum of 15.2 cubic feet of cargo, but that figure can drop to 14 cubes if you opt for the premium audio or tire/inflator kit. It\’s certainly spacious for a compact sedan, and is further helped by a lack of wheelwell intrusions or drop-down hinges.

Driving Impressions

Knowing that the 2012 Buick Verano is based on the economical Chevrolet Cruze might deter some from considering it a luxury car, but the Verano has managed to exorcize some of the demons that plagued the Cruze. Unlike the Cruze, the Verano\’s transmission provides smooth and quick gearchanges to suit the driver\’s inputs. The steering is also more responsive and precise, with a decent amount of feedback. The main dynamic drawback to the Verano is its underwhelming acceleration; most competing models (particularly those with V6s) are quicker by a fair margin.

2012 Buick Verano Secs :

Engine: 2.4L I4
Power: 180 HP / 171 LB-FT
Transmission: 6-Speed Auto
0-60 Time: 8.6 Seconds
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight: 3,300 LBS
Towing: 1,000 LBS
Seating: 2 + 3
Cargo: 15.2 CU-FT
MPG: 21 City / 31 HWY
Bluetooth
iPod input
Satellite radio
Side/Curtain Airbags
Stability Control
Traction Control

2012 Buick Verano Price :

MSRP range : $22,585 – $25,965
Invoice price range : $21,682 – $24,926

2012 Audi A3 Price. Review, Specs, what car reviews, The Audi describes the A3 as the first four-door car with the sportiness of the TT Coupe. Delivering sporty driving dynamics in a premium compact package, the Audi A3 is designed to accommodate an active lifestyle while delivering the quality of a luxury sedan. Audi emphasizes that the A3 is not a wagon, but is designed more like a coupe that sits low to the road with a gentle sloping roofline and a short rear overhang. The Audi A3 incorporates the now trademark Audi single frame grille.

As the old adage goes, \”You can\’t please all the people all the time.\” But that doesn\’t mean you can\’t try. In this vein, the 2012 Audi A3 has the potential to appeal to a fairly wide and diverse set of car buyers. As Audi\’s entry-level model, it offers hatchback sensibilities, a dash of athleticism and even a promise of eco-friendliness.

The A3 maintains a reasonable amount of luxury and style that Audi is known for, thanks to an upscale and classy-looking interior. It\’s also versatile thanks to its hatchback/wagon design that provides more cargo space than the typical sedan. The A3 isn\’t nearly as roomy as a small luxury crossover SUV (like Audi\’s Q5, for instance), but it counters with much more lively handling.

The Audi A3 comes with one of two engines: Audi\’s (and parent company Volkswagen\’s) familiar and sprightly 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 or a 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel. The TDI isn\’t nearly as quick, but it compensates with an EPA-estimated 42 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg in combined driving. One downside, however, is that Audi\’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system is not available with the TDI — something to consider if you live in an area prone to inclement weather or if road-holding prowess is a priority.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Audi A3 is a four-door hatchback offered in two trims: Premium and Premium Plus.

Standard equipment on the Premium includes 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery and a 10-speaker sound system with CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The Bluetooth Value package adds an eight-way power driver seat (includes four-way lumbar adjustment), a multifunction steering wheel and Bluetooth.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Audi A3 is available with either a gasoline (2.0T) or a diesel (TDI) engine. The A3 2.0T is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, as is a six-speed manual transmission, but a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission (known as S tronic) is available. With all-wheel drive, S tronic is standard.

Safety

The 2012 Audi A3 comes standard with front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, whiplash-reducing front headrests, antilock brakes and stability control. Rear-seat side airbags are optional.

Interior Design

Just as with other Audi interiors, the A3\’s cabin adopts an understated and classy design language. For the most part, materials are high quality, with metallic vent surrounds and knobs lending a decidedly upscale feel. There are a few more hard plastic elements than you\’ll find in other Audi models, however, but they are well textured to blend in seamlessly.

Driving Impressions

The 2012 Audi A3\’s 2.0-liter gasoline engine provides ample power and is well-matched to either transmission choice. The A3 TDI feels quite energetic around town thanks to its ample torque, but it runs out of steam when charging up a highway on-ramp because of its lack of horsepower. The trade-off is exceptional fuel economy, however, which seems worth it for us.

As with many Audis, the A3\’s suspension tuning is on the firm side to enhance performance, yet there\’s still enough compliance to soak up most road imperfections. Whether commuting in heavy traffic or cruising down the highway, the A3\’s cabin remains pleasantly refined and quiet.

2012 Audi A3 Specs :

Drivetrain : Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 3219
City (MPG) : 21
Hwy (MPG) : 30
Horsepower : 200@5100-6000
Torque (lb-ft) : 207@1800-5000
Wheelbase : 101.5
Length (in.) : 168.9
Width (in.) : 78.5
Height (in.) : 56.0

2012 Audi A3 Price :

MSRP range : $27,270 – $30,850
Invoice price range : $25,361 – $28,691