2012 Nissan Murano Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The Murano is Nissan’s midsize crossover that received its first redesign as an early 2009 model after skipping the 2008 model year. First introduced as a 2003 model, Murano is named after the elegant sculpted glass art that comes from the islands near Venice, as a tribute to the dramatic exterior and interior styling of Murano. Nissan’s first crossover SUV, Murano combines the desirable attributes of a truck-based SUV, such as cargo capacity, ride height and available all-wheel drive, with the refinement, handling, and ride comfort of a sedan.

The 2012 Nissan Murano sees only minor changes, including a new Platinum Edition option package for top-of-the-line LE models and a new 7-inch monochrome screen on the entry-level S trim level.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Nissan Murano is a midsize five-passenger crossover SUV available in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and LE.

The entry-level S comes well-equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers, deep-tinted rear privacy glass, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, a reclining 60/40-split rear seat, a 7-inch monochrome screen, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer and an auxiliary audio input jack.

The SV adds automatic headlights, foglights, a panoramic sunroof, roof rack side rails, power front seats (eight-way driver and four-way passenger), a 7-inch color display, a rearview camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth and an upgraded audio system with satellite radio and iPod integration.

Stepping up to the SL trim gets you rain-sensing wipers, heated outside mirrors, a power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, driver seat memory, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a nine-speaker Bose audio system with digital music storage. The LE trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, heated rear seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and wood interior trim.

Optional on SL and LE models is a navigation system that includes voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather, Bluetooth streaming audio and increased digital music storage. Those two trim levels can also be had with a twin-screen headrest-mounted rear DVD entertainment system. New for 2012 is a Platinum Edition option for LE models that bundles exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, a special Sapphire Black paint color and the navigation system.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Nissan Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine is mated to a CVT and a choice of standard front-wheel drive or an available all-wheel-drive system. EPA estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 18/23/20 with all-wheel drive.

Safety

All 2012 Nissan Murano models feature standard antilock brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, an all-wheel-drive Murano with 18-inch wheels came to a stop from 60 mph in 126 feet — a good performance for this class.

In government crash testing, the Murano received an overall rating of four stars (out of a possible five), with four stars for overall front impact protection and five stars for side impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Murano its highest rating of “Good” in both the frontal-offset and side crash tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

Inside the 2012 Nissan Murano’s cabin you’ll find an attractively styled space that rivals that of its upscale Infiniti FX cousin for quality of materials and assembly. The Murano also gets high marks for the intuitive operation of technology features including the navigation system, rear seat video entertainment setup and iPod interface.

There’s also seating for five passengers, including a backseat with abundant head- and legroom and seatbacks that recline for greater comfort. Behind those rear seats is 31.6 cubic feet of cargo room, a number that’s on par with the Murano’s competitors. Folding those rear seatbacks down creates a nice flat load floor with 64 cubic feet of room, which falls a tad short of the space available in other midsize five-passenger SUVs.

Driving Impressions

While the 2012 Nissan Murano has its share of imitators, none can quite measure up to it in terms of the driving experience. For example, the nicely tuned suspension gives it nimble handling while still managing to deliver a comfy ride (at least on models without the available 20-inch wheels). Precise steering feel adds to the enjoyment.

The marriage of the eager V6 engine and CVT also works well. While other CVTs tend to respond sluggishly or keep the engine revving at a nearly constant drone, this unit performs as well as any traditional automatic.

2012 Nissan Murano Price :

MSRP range: $29,540 – $40,310
Invoice price range: $27,215 – $37,119

2012 Nissan Murano Specs :

Drivetrain : Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 3980
City (MPG) : 18
Hwy (MPG) : 23
Horsepower : 260@6000
Torque (lb-ft) : 240@4400
Wheelbase : 111.2
Length (in.) : 189.9
Width (in.) : 74.1
Height (in.) : 67.0

Replacing a Fuse, what car reviews, Most, if not all, things that use electricity to run use fuses. Some prime examples of this would be your home and your car. Chances are pretty good that you have had to replace at least one fuse in your home at some point in time. Well, when you are replacing a fuse in car it is similar, not exactly the same, but similar to doing that.

Materials:

* Box of automotive fuses
* Small screwdriver
* Rubber or latex gloves (optional)
* Car manual for appropriate vehicle

Steps:

1. Prepare. Your first step should always be to prepare. This might sound a little trite, but it is true. In this case, you need to make sure that you have all your materials and tools, as well as that you have your car turned off. The rubber gloves in the list provided are more along the lines of a precautionary safety device than anything else, and you are going to need the appropriate car manual for your vehicle, since they are going to have the appropriate wiring schematics, and be able to tell you which fuses are which.

2. Locate. You now need to locate where you fuse box is. Most often, an automotive fuse box is located under the dashboard. If you are not able to spot it right away, then reference your car manual. Once you have located the fuse box, remove the cover and look inside. There should be a schematic telling you which fuse is which (but if not no worries, that is what your car manual is for), as well as a small plastic “fuse remover.” If you don’t have the fuse remover, then just use a small screwdriver. You should be able to locate the burned out fuse pretty easily, since it is going to be reminiscent of a burned out light bulb.

3. Remove. Go ahead and remove the fuse. Gently remove it using you hands. Be careful since these items do break rather easy. If it doesn’t want to come out, then use the screwdriver or the fuse remover.

4. Replace. After you have removed the fuse, find its match in your box of replacement fuses. Once you have the replacement fuse located, go ahead and replace it, and then test your work. To test your work, simply start up the car. If everything is in the way that it should be, then whatever wasn’t working before should now be working.

2012 Lexus LS 460 Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The LS 460 is Lexus’ flagship luxury sedan, first introduced as the LS 400 when the Lexus line was launched by Toyota in 1990. The third-generation LS 430 debuted as a 2001 model with new safety technology, improved performance, and one of the first gas-powered V8 engines to receive Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle certification. The LS 460 was all new for 2007 replacing the LS 430. The fourth-generation LS is built on a sophisticated platform that maintains a delicate balance between ride comfort and responsive handling. A first-ever long-wheelbase model called the LS 460 L is available featuring 4.8 inches of additional space and a host of standard features.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Lexus LS 460 is a large luxury sedan offered in standard- and long-wheelbase (LS 460 L) models. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on both models. The LS 600h L hybrid is reviewed separately.

The LS 460 comes standard with 18-inch wheels, power-folding and heated exterior mirrors, foglamps, adaptive and automatic xenon headlamps, automatic wipers, a sunroof, cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping multifunction steering wheel, a 16-way power driver seat and 12-way power passenger seat (includes lumbar adjustments, multilevel heating and memory functions), leather upholstery, wood trim, auto-dimming mirrors, a rearview camera, Safety Connect emergency telematics, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity and a 10-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio and an iPod interface. Opting for AWD brings with it a heated steering wheel.

The LS 460 L adds headlamp washers, automatic high beams, a power trunk lid, power door closers, front and rear parking sensors, rear seat vanity mirrors, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats as standard equipment.

Lexus options usually get bundled into expensive packages, but this varies depending on region. The Comfort package for the LS 460 includes the added LS 460 L items (minus the rear vanity mirrors) and adds a power rear sunshade. The Comfort Plus package goes even further by adding upgraded leather trim, rear-seat side airbags and power rear seats with ventilation, lumbar massage and power-adjustable headrests.

The Sport package (RWD only) includes 19-inch wheels (stand-alone option also) with exclusive summer performance tires, an exterior styling kit, Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned air suspension, sport front seats, special two-tone interior trim with ash burl accents, shift paddles with rev-matched downshifts and a heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel.

The Luxury package (available for the LS 460 L only) adds upgraded leather upholstery, a faux suede headliner and power rear-door sunshades. The Rear Seat Upgrade includes the Luxury package and adds dual-zone rear climate controls, rear audio controls, a refrigerator, rear airbags and power rear seats with lumbar massage and power butterfly headrests. The Executive-Class Seating package includes the Rear Seat Upgrade plus a fixed center console (deletes center seat), a wood-trimmed retractable table, a rear-seat DVD system and a 45-degree power-reclining right rear seat with leg rest and multifunction massage.

Options available on both the LS 460 and LS 460 L include the Appearance package, which adds the same body kit as the Sport package and, on rear-drive models, 19-inch wheels with all-season tires. The optional navigation system adds Bluetooth phonebook download capability, Lexus Enform telematics services, voice controls and real-time traffic, weather, sports and stocks.

Also available is a 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system with a DVD/CD changer. A self-parking system can be specified, but only in a bundle with other options packages. Adaptive cruise control and the Advanced Pre-Collision Safety system are packaged together. The air suspension is a stand-alone option available only on AWD models and the LS 460 L.

Powertrains and Performance

Powering the 2012 Lexus LS 460 is a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, with all-wheel drive available.

Safety

Standard safety features on the 2012 Lexus LS 460 include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, front-seat knee airbags, active front head restraints and emergency telematics. Optional items include rear side airbags and the Advanced Pre-Collision Safety system that pairs with the adaptive cruise-control radar emitters to sense an impending impact (with either another car or a pedestrian), then optimizes brake response and crash preparedness.

Interior Design and Special Features

As is fitting for a Lexus flagship, the interior of the 2012 LS 460 represents the best the company has to offer, with craftsmanship and materials beyond reproach. But the overall design is a bit staid when compared to more dramatic treatments found in some European luxury sedans. To its credit, the Lexus controls are simple and intuitive, featuring both a touchscreen and clearly labeled physical buttons. The iPod interface comes up a little short in functionality, though.

Cabin space is exceptional for all occupants in the regular-wheelbase version, while the extended-wheelbase LS 460 L could easily serve limousine duty. The Executive-Class Seating package takes rear comfort to absurd levels with a 45-degree seat recline, lumbar massage and a footrest. Outside of the LS, you’d need a Maybach or Rolls-Royce to get rear-seat coddling like this. Trunk space is generous at 18 cubic feet, but it drops to 15.5 cubes if rear-seat climate control is specified.

Driving Impressions

Under almost any driving condition, the 2012 Lexus LS 460 insulates its occupants from the outside world with a serene ride and an ultra-quiet interior. Acceleration isn’t all that remarkable for a premium flagship, but the V8 and eight-speed transmission nonetheless provide smooth power and shifts. Under more aggressive maneuvers, the base LS suspension exhibits significant dive during heavy braking and pronounced body roll while cornering. The optional Sport package does make a notable improvement in the LS’s handling capabilities.

2012 Lexus LS 460 Price :

MSRP range : $67,630 – $75,480
Invoice price range : $60,191 – $67,177

2012 Lexus LS 460 Specs :

Drivetrain : Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 4244
City (MPG) : 16
Hwy (MPG) : 24
Horsepower : 380@6400
Torque (lb-ft) : 367@4100
Wheelbase : 116.9
Length (in.) : 199.2
Width (in.) : 73.8
Height (in.) : 58.1

2012 Nissan Xterra Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, Nissan first unveiled the Xterra at the 1999 North American International Auto Show. Based on the Frontier pickup truck, the Xterra is a “return to the soul of the sport-utility vehicle,” according to Jerry Hirshberg, former president of Nissan Design International, Inc. The SUV targets younger people who lead active lifestyles and find Nissan’s midsize Pathfinder SUV out of reach. The Xterra is built at Nissan’s Smyrna, TN, plant.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Nissan Xterra is a four-door, five-passenger SUV that’s offered in three trim levels. Entry-level X and midrange S models are both available with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive, while the off-road-oriented Pro-4X is four-wheel drive only.

The X comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels; rear privacy glass; roof rack side rails; keyless entry; air-conditioning; cloth upholstery; a 60/40 split-folding rear seat; power windows, locks and mirrors; cruise control; tilt-only steering wheel and a six-speaker CD stereo.

Stepping up to the S gets you 16-inch alloy wheels, off-road tires, a driver seat with adjustable height and lumbar, a first aid kit and a cargo organization system. Four-wheel-drive S models also get a roof rack with crossbars and a gear basket.

The Pro-4X adds a number of off-road-ready features including an electronic locking rear differential, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, skid plates and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with upgraded off-road tires, plus foglights and roof-mounted off-road driving lights. Inside upgrades include distinctive cloth upholstery, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, white-face gauges, an auto-dimming rearview mirror (with built-in compass), Bluetooth and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with a six-CD changer, auxiliary audio input jack, steering-wheel audio controls and satellite radio (automatic transmission models only). The Pro-4X Leather package adds leather upholstery and a passenger seatback map pocket, but deletes the flat-folding front passenger seat.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2012 Nissan Xterra is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. Two-wheel-drive X and S models can only be had with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the four-wheel-drive S and Pro-4X have a choice between the automatic and a six-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is standard (except on the Pro-4X), and a four-wheel-drive system with a multimode low-range transfer case is available as an option.

Safety

The 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Pro-4X models also come with hill-descent control and hill-start assist.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Xterra its highest rating of “Good” in the frontal-offset and side impact tests and a second-best rating of “Acceptable” in the roof strength test.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2012 Nissan Xterra is as no-nonsense on the inside as it is on the outside. The styling is relatively plain and there are lots of low-budget hard plastics to be found, but gauges and controls are easy to see and use. While the same can be said for other off-road-oriented SUVs, it bears mentioning that car-based compact crossovers offer noticeably nicer and more well-equipped cabins.

Of course, the Xterra has always been more about function than form, as seen in details like an easy-to-clean cargo floor with multiple tie-down points and available accessories that make it possible to secure bikes and other gear inside and out. If it turns out that the 35 cubic feet behind the rear seats or 66 cubic feet with them folded down isn’t enough cargo room for you, the standard roof rack and gear basket up top stand ready to handle the overflow. Designated storage spaces for a first aid kit and water jug are nice details.

Driving Impressions

The powerful V6 under the hood of the 2012 Nissan Xterra produces more than enough oomph for daily driving. The engine’s good low-end power also makes it well-suited to off-road excursions.

The Xterra’s truck-based construction, abundant ground clearance, long-travel suspension and low-range transfer case give it impressive performance in the dirt, though the Jeep Wrangler still has a bit of an edge here. On the pavement, ride and handling are certainly truckish, though most buyers will likely consider that to be a fair trade-off for the Xterra’s ability to keep on going even after the asphalt ends.

2012 Nissan Xterra Price :

MSRP range:$24,560 – $29,970

2012 Nissan Xterra Specs :

Drivetrain : Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : TBD
City (MPG) : TBD
Hwy (MPG) : TBD
Horsepower : 261@5600
Torque (lb-ft) : 281@4000
Wheelbase : 106.3
Length (in.) : 178.7
Width (in.) : 72.8
Height (in.) : 74.9

Driving on Gravel Roads, what car reviews, Many people have an almost idyllic vision of driving along on some fantasy country road somewhere. However, anyone that has been driving for a while can tell you that driving on gravel roads is nowhere close to being the same thing as driving on a paved road. There are some steps that people can take which will help make that aspiration a reality.

* Speeding. Vehicle speed is probably the most prominent of all the reasons behind accidents that occur on gravel roads. When transferring your car or truck from a paved road to a gravel one you need to slow down just a bit so that you can safely get an idea of how your vehicle is going to handle. The road might be a hard packed dirt and gravel mixture, or it might be one that is made of a more loose layer of gravel. Each of the road types is going to require different driving techniques, so the safest bet is to simply slow down to a speed that allows you to react to whatever might come in a safer manner.

* Handling. When you are driving, you need to pay attention to the way that your vehicle handles on the gravel road. Such things as speed, driving habits and manners, not to mention the materials that make up the roads you are driving on all affect your handling. Since you cannot really change what the road is made of, you can change your personal driving habits. When you are driving on gravel roads avoid any sudden changes in direction since this could lead to sliding and rollovers. Also, if you are the only one on the road at the time, make sure that you stay in the tracks on the road to help avoid the same problem of sliding and rollovers. If another vehicle comes along, then slow your speed and shift over to one side, while at the same time, if you are following another person make sure that you leave plenty of distance between you and that car. The reason for that is simple—you do not want to get into an accident if the car ahead of you has a problem.

* Maintenance. Believe it or not, simple tire pressure is going to affect how you are able to drive on gravel and dirt roads. Prior to beginning any gravel travel, the check to make sure that your tire pressure is within the specified parameters as given by the manufacturer. Pressure that is either too low or too high is going to seriously affect your ability to drive. Be safe, and make sure that your tires are good before driving.

2012 Hyundai Equus Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, Hyundai’s flagship 2012 Hyundai Equus successfully competes with the best sedans in the world, while adding a new level of customer experience to luxury car ownership. Since its introduction, Equus has outpaced its sales and market share expectations.

Enhancements to the 2012 model build upon this momentum. Most notably, the 2012 Hyundai Equus will now feature Hyundai’s most powerful engine ever, the new direct injection 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine. The new engine produces 429 horsepower and is mated to a new in-house eight-speed transmission providing 2012 Hyundai Equus drivers more power and refinement.

2012 Hyundai Equus specs

The 5.0-liter cylinder bore was increased from 92 mm to 96 mm for a total displacement of 5.0 liters (5,038cc). In addition to the large displacement, direct injection technology has been added. This high-pressure direct injection system (over 2,200 psi) dramatically increases power and torque while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Compression ratio has been increased from 10.4 to 11.5:1 for greater thermal efficiency and output. The Tau also receives a revised bed plate for improved block rigidity and lower NVH as well as camshaft carriers and a roller timing chain to improve valvetrain stability.

This new V8 engine still offers all of the premium engine technology from the 4.6-liter V8, including Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), a tuned variable induction system, and low-friction diamond-like coatings (DLC) on piston skirts, rings and tappets. Even with these impressive power increases, fuel economy is estimated at 15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.

The Tau 5.0-liter V8 engine is coupled with a new Hyundai-developed eight-speed transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual shift capability. The new transmission adds two additional ratios to enhance acceleration, shifting smoothness, and transmission efficiency by more than six percent compared to last year’s six-speed.

PREMIUM REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE
2012 Hyundai Equus is the third rear-wheel-drive product in Hyundai’s lineup and boasts an excellent 52/48 front-to-rear weight distribution for exceptional handling and more refined steering characteristics. 2012 Hyundai Equus reduces interior noise levels and improves ride and handling with a stiff, light-weight body structure. The use of high-tensile steel in critical areas throughout the unibody provides 2012 Hyundai Equus with significantly higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body structure weight, despite having a spacious interior cabin.

LUXURY SEDAN STYLE WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
The design of the 2012 Hyundai Equus is handsome and pleasing to the eye. The rear-end treatment is progressive with bold taillights, strong shoulders and an overall look of precision. This look is accomplished through fully-integrated asymmetrical exhaust tips and rear LED turn signal indicators. The side silhouette is refined, with character lines that accent the rear fenders and a new satin chrome side window daylight opening finish.

Upfront is a subtle horizontal radiator grille and well-proportioned headlamps with jeweled detailing. LED turn signals are inside the HID headlamps along with an adaptive front lighting system with white LED position lamps. The lower air intakes are bold and add to the positive reaction of the overall design. To assist in parking and navigating blind corners and alleys in urban driving, there is an optional forward-view cornering camera integrated into the grille.

2012 Hyundai Equus price

The hyundai price is still unknows, becuse the hyundai still working the car.

2012 Toyota and Subaru FT86 Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, Toyota and Subaru are collaborating on a shared four-cylinder sports car that will be sold in two versions, beginning near the end of 2011. Largely engineered by Subaru, the cars will get a rear-drive platform consisting of a steel structure with aluminum body panels. A small, 2.0-liter flat-four engine made by Subaru will sit low behind the front-axle line. Toyota previewed its FT86 concept at last year’s Tokyo auto show; Subaru has yet to show its cards.

Neither automaker has released official names, but it is rumored that Toyota may revive “Celica,” which has been on hiatus since 2003. “FT” means “future Toyota,” and the “86” serves as a reminder of the rear-drive AE86 Corolla of the 1980s that has achieved cult status among drifters. Designed at Toyota’s European studio in the south of France, the FT86 concept’s shape is expected to enter production unchanged.

2012 Toyota and Subaru FT86 specs

Toyota’s boss, part-time racer Akio Toyoda, recognizes that the brand lacks emotional appeal and doesn’t offer gobs of driving pleasure, so the company hopes the new car will inject some fun into the lineup. For Subaru, the new vehicle brings a dedicated rear-drive sports car to the company’s stable of all-wheel-drive hatchbacks, wagons, and sedans. But Subaru has built its reputation and much of its sales success on extolling the virtues of all-wheel drive, so how the sports car will change Subaru’s heading remains to be seen.

Toyota thinks it will be plenty for sporty acceleration, thanks to the 86′s emphasis on low weight and low center of gravity. Toyota hasn’t officially unveiled the curb weight, but rumblings around the Internet indicate that the coupe will tip the scales at about 2,600 pounds. This means that the each of the 86′s ponies has to pull about 13.2 pounds of car, that’s a weight-to-power ratio that, on paper, translates to acceleration that is slightly better than a 2012 Mazda Miata or a 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T.

Toyota also makes it a point to note that the horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine is mounted low and aft in the engine bay to promote a lower center of gravity and a 53:47 weight balance between the front and rear axles.

In the cabin, the compact GT 86 is revealed to be a 2+2 with an actual rear seat, although exactly how useful the back seat will be in a vehicle that’s actually about an inch shorter than the Nissan 370Z, but if Toyota figured out how to fit 3-plus adults in an iQ, it should be able to work similar magic here as well.

2012 Toyota and Subaru FT86 price

Toyota is aiming for a recommended price just over $30,000 for its rear-drive FT-86 coupe when it goes on-sale here mid-2012.

2012 Audi TT RS Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, This high-performance Audi rewards an aggressive handler. We discovered this at our usual test track, when a somewhat sloppy lap resulted in an improved time. Pushed harder, the lap times continued to drop.That’s not to say it wouldn’t be even quicker when driven with the utmost finesse, but the car’s combination of power and all-wheel drive make a fast driver out of an angry one.In fact, this is more than just one aspect of the car, it’s a theme. The TT-RS has quite the personality. One might even say a personality problem.

2012 Audi TT RS specs

The most significant difference between the TT RS and humbler TT models is a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five that recalls the engine used by the legendary Audi Quattro rally car of the 1980s. With 360 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque on tap, Audi says that the TT RS can sprint from zero-to-60 in just 4.1 seconds and attain a top speed of 171 mph. Aiding the car’s accelerative efforts is Audi’s trademark Quattro all-wheel drive system, which does an effective job applying all of the power to pavement.

A traditional six-speed manual is the only transmission available. Despite its high levels of performance, the TT RS is far from being fuel guzzler, with respectable 18/25 mpg ratings in city and highway testing, respectively.

When the road gets curvy, high-tech Magnetorheological shocks ensure that the car stays almost perfectly flat, while huge front brakes with 14.6-inch cross drilled discs (and rear 12.2-inch ventilated units) can bring the car down from triple-digit speeds quickly and without drama.

Outside, the TT RS features a tasteful body kit with large air intakes on the lower front fascia, a medium-size rear spoiler and purposeful-looking 19-inch alloy wheels. The cabin is distinguished solely by comfortable and supportive sports seats, while the rest of the interior shares a high-quality, ergonomically friendly (if a bit understated) design with other TT models.

The TT RS comes well equipped with standard 10-way power adjustable leather seats, automatic climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, a lap timer and a nine-speaker sound system with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input.

2012 Audi TT RS price

If you have your heart set on the top-shelf Audi TT RS, prepare to pony up $56,850 plus destination and what we’d assume are plenty of options to put one in the garage.

2012 Volvo S80 Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The S80 is Volvo’s flagship sedan which debuted for the 1999 model year as a replacement for the S90 Sedan. Built on Volvo’s reputation for safety, the S80 debuted a number of new safety features, including a whiplash protection system and an Inflatable Curtain that provides added protection during side-impact collisions. For 2007 an all-new second-generation S80 debuted with a longer wheelbase and track, wider and taller body for a more dynamic stance and a number of upgrades to the interior. And for the first time, a new inline 6-cylinder and V8 power a Volvo with both being mated to a new 6-speed transmission. For 2008 the T6 AWD was added to the lineup featuring a 3.0-liter 281-horsepower engine.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Volvo S80 is available in two trim levels: 3.2 and T6 AWD.

The 3.2 base model comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear foglights, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power front seats with driver memory settings, a split-folding rear seat with trunk pass-through, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, HD radio, an iPod/USB interface and an auxiliary audio jack. To this the T6 AWD adds all-wheel drive, 18-inch alloy wheels and a sunroof. The latter two features are optional for the 3.2.

The optional Premier Plus package includes front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry/ignition and Volvo’s Personal Car Communicator. The Climate package adds heated front and rear seats, headlight washers, rain-sensing wipers and heated windshield washer nozzles. The Technology package gets you adaptive cruise control, a collision-warning and pedestrian-detection system with automatic braking, lane-departure warning and Driver Alert. T6 models can also be had with a Dynamic package that contains unique 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned chassis, adaptive xenon headlights and unique aluminum interior trim.

From a luxury standpoint, the available Inscription package ups the ante with premium leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a leather-covered dashboard and center armrest and genuine wood trim on the steering wheel and shift knob. The Platinum package adds the contents of the Premier Plus package with premium surround-sound audio, a voice-controlled navigation system and a rear back-up camera. A blind-spot monitoring system is a stand-alone option.

Powertrains and Performance

The front-wheel-drive 2012 Volvo S80 3.2 is powered by a 3.2-liter inline-6 engine that produces 240 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine returns EPA fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

The all-wheel drive S80 T6 gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 producing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard here as well. EPA estimates for this powertrain are 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

Safety

The 2012 Volvo S80 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags (featuring separate chambers for chest and hip protection), side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

There are a host of other safety-related features available, including a blind-spot monitor and lane-departure warning. More novel safety technology here includes a collision and pedestrian warning system with “Auto Brake” and a driver-fatigue monitor that tracks a variety of factors including the driver’s face to determine whether he or she is dozing off behind the wheel.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the S80 earned the top rating of “Good” for both frontal-offset and side collision protection.

Interior Design and Special Features

The interior of the 2012 Volvo S80 might not be as flashy as some of its rivals, but it’s a fine place to spend time just the same. Front seats are especially comfortable and the backseat, while not exactly spacious, can handle a couple of average-size adults with few complaints.

Gauges and buttons are logically placed and simple to use, especially Volvo’s signature climate controls. One notable improvement is that last year’s irritating navigation system interface has been replaced by a large, high-mounted 7-inch color display that also allows easy access to audio controls and settings.

The S80′s trunk offers 14.9 cubic feet of cargo room. While this capacity is not huge, the fold-down rear seatbacks and trunk pass-through give it some additional flexibility when the need to carry longer items arises.

Driving Impressions

The 2012 Volvo S80′s 3.2-liter base engine is perfectly serviceable, but its relative lack of refinement makes it hard to recommend. The turbocharged engine of the T6 is another matter entirely, as it delivers the kind of lively acceleration you’d expect from an upscale sedan.

When equipped with the standard suspension, the S80 has a plush ride quality, though its handling abilities leave something to be desired. Buyers looking for a sharper driving experience will find the firmer suspension that comes with the Dynamic package to be a worthwhile investment.

2012 Volvo S80 Price :

MSRP range:$37,950 - $45,650
Invoice price range:$35,673 - $42,911

2012 Volvo S80 Specs :

Drivetrain : Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 3761
City (MPG) : 20
Hwy (MPG) : 29
Horsepower : 240@6200
Torque (lb-ft) : 236@3200
Wheelbase : 111.6
Length (in.) : 191.0
Width (in.) : 73.3
Height (in.) : 58.8

Removing Decals and Bumper Stickers from Fiberglass, what car reviews, Anyone who has ever had a vehicle (whether it is a car, truck, or boat) with a bumper sticker has mostly likely thought about removing it. How does one remove these pesky things while avoiding the more costly repair (and time consuming) that can occur if you damage the fiberglass? This process is surprisingly easy. Follow these five simple steps and that undesirable sticker will be gone.

1. Soften the adhesive or glue on the decal by using a regular hair dryer. This will generate enough heat to soften the glue on the sticker without actually damaging the fiberglass on the vehicle. No more than three or four minutes should do it.

2. Spray or soak the sticker with some kind of lubricant or cleanser. The best kind to use is a non-abrasive liquid such as Windex or WD-40. Spray the sticker (whether it is paper or vinyl) and let it soak for several minutes. Repeat this step a few times to make sure the decal is thoroughly saturated (if paper) or that the liquid seeps around the edges (if vinyl). This will help make removal easier. Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to wipe off the decal.

3. Use a plastic spatula to remove, utilizing a scraping motion, any glue or adhesive residue. The best spatulas to use are the “soft” plastic ones that you would typically use in your kitchen for baking a cake. It will reduce the chances of damaging the fiberglass that the decal was on. Avoid pushing or scraping too hard.

4. Using a soft non-abrasive cloth soaked in Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, gently wipe the area where the decal or sticker was located. This removes and dissolves any remaining adhesive residue.

5. Bring back the shine by waxing and buffing the area where the sticker was with your preferred brand of vehicle wax.

It might be necessary to repeat some of these steps a few times. However, this is the easiest way to remove stickers and decals from a fiberglass body without damaging the fragile material, which could lead to more costly difficulties. This method will work, regardless of how long the stickers have been on the vehicle.