Automotive Addicts |
- 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 vs. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: Video
- 2012 Nissan NV2500 HD SV Review – Modernizing the Commercial Transportation Segment
- Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish (DBS Successor) Official Information Uncovered
- 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Graces Europe with Exclusive Styling
- Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Drift & Fly-by Action Video
- 2012 Jaguar XK Convertible Review – Pouncing on the Competition
| 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 vs. Chevrolet Camaro ZL1: Video Posted: 20 Jun 2012 05:50 AM PDT
The ultimate modern-day pony car war starts and ends with the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. These two cars are the epitome of modern American muscle cars utilizing the best that automotive technology has to offer. What everyone wants to know, despite the Shelby GT500 having an obvious 98-rear-wheel horsepower advantage over the Camaro ZL1, which one is apt to take home the checkered flag.
What it all comes down to in finding a true victor, is the type of tests that you put these two American muscle monsters through. The Shelby GT500, sporting the most powerful production-car V8 engine, is the obvious victor when it comes to straight-line 60 mph or even quarter mile runs. After-all, it is over 200 pounds lighter than the Camaro ZL1. Of course you better be a good driver to be able to claim a win over the ZL1 in a straight-line, it isn't much of a pushover. Straight-line performance is not the tell-all as you will have Camaro ZL1 fans tell you. When it comes to the handling department, it seems the Camaro ZL1 is more of the conqueror. So, you have the Shelby GT500 with and slight edge in power and the Camaro ZL1 with an edge in handling attributes. Which one would you take to the track confident to walk away in 1st place? Hit up the comparison video below and check out some of the hard numbers Inside Line gets from these two vehicles.   |
| 2012 Nissan NV2500 HD SV Review – Modernizing the Commercial Transportation Segment Posted: 20 Jun 2012 04:27 AM PDT
In an effort to modernize commercial transportation, Nissan has introduced an all-new cargo van sporting a vast 323 cubic feet of space. The new NV-line of vans offers the versatility of hauling cargo in one of the largest cargo areas for a commercial van with two different trim levels (S and SV) to boot.
Somewhat built off of the Nissan Titan platform, the Nissan NV2500 HD is among a three-tier line of cargo vans. They are sold as the NV1500, NV2500 and a NV3500 sporting larger tires. There is not much difference in the three trims aside from the powertrains. The NV1500, only available with a standard roof, is powered by a 4.0-liter, 261-horsepower V6. My NV2500 test vehicle and NV3500 share the Nissan Titan's 317-hosepower 5.6-liter V8 engine. Both NV2500 and NV3500 are available with a high-roof option for additional cargo room. Our NV2500 HD SV trimmed test vehicle is expected to be the volume seller. When directly compared to other cargo van offerings, the Nissan NV line surpasses them in cargo capacity and driver amenities. Although the NV2500 is far from being remotely considered luxurious, you can equip it with the same navigation/audio color LCD touch-screen head-unit found in the Nissan Rogue. Additionally, our NV2500 cargo van featured cruise control and Bluetooth all accessible by the distinguishing Nissan-passenger-car steering wheel buttons. The new 2012 NV van line does not share much with the Titan other than its engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. With a unique body-on-frame design, the van rides somewhat firm but forgiving at times. The payload limit is maxed out at 3925 pounds while the Titan-power-sourced NV2500 can tow up to 7000 pounds. During my drive in the NV2500 a concern for roof height at certain drive-through areas was in the back of my mind but put to rest in knowing the Nissan van is not much higher than a Ford E-Series van. However, opting for the high-roof NV van, with a total high of 105 inches, would bring about a concern at your local fast-food drive through. Drivability and driver's comfort was nothing to jump up and down about but proved to be comfortable and quite manageable for long hauls. Due to the massive cargo area, the a/c needs to work over-time to keep the two front passengers cool during the summer Florida heat that we have. Acceleration for the NV2500 is decent and proved to have enough extra power to haul or tow just about anything that you could fit in the back. Although, with such a massive cargo bay, it looks as if you could fit a Smart For Two in the back with room to spare. With the side areas lacking any windows, visibility is a cut down when searching your blind spot. A full passenger van version of the NV-line is available for those who wish to cart around upwards of 12 people in a 4-row configuration. Opting for the passenger version will add side windows to the equation. Fuel consumption from the V8 engine equipped NV2500 is averaged around 19 mpg for the highway with an empty cargo area. The EPA does not require ratings on vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) above 8500 pounds. I logged 14.1 mpg during a combination of 60% highway and 40% city driving. When it comes to a new generation of cargo vans large enough and powerful enough to handle just about any job, Nissan has conjured up the right formula with the NV-series. My 2012 Nissan NV2500 HD SV test vehicle starts at an MSRP of $27,650. A V6 NV1500 can be had for just $25,050 plus destination.           Copyright: 2012 AutomotiveAddicts.com SPECIFICATIONS
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| Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish (DBS Successor) Official Information Uncovered Posted: 19 Jun 2012 11:29 AM PDT
The Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish, successor to the outgoing DBS, has been uncovered revealing new information on the “Ultimate Super Grand Tourer”. Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez says "This is the latest incarnation of everything we know, informed and developed from One-77. It is the ultimate Super Grand Tourer – confident and assured – and is the newest representation of Power, Beauty and Soul."
The guys at GTspirit were able to get their hands on official information and images before the release later today of the latest British sport car to come out of Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. Of course we already had an idea of what to expect from the previous debut of Aston Martin's Project AM 310 at this year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Premier. What details have been uncovered about the new Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish is that it will be powered by an upgraded 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 565 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. Power will be directed to the rear wheels via a Touchtronic 2 6-speed automatic grearbox. 0-62 mph times are expected to come in at 4.1 seconds and have a top speed of 183 mph. The Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish, available as a 2+0 or 2+2 Coupe, will be priced from £189,995 ($298,000-usd est.) and initially made available in the UK and Continental Europe late 2012. No word on the new Vanquish making its way to our side of the pond in the USA as of yet.  |
| 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Graces Europe with Exclusive Styling Posted: 19 Jun 2012 09:45 AM PDT
The European version of the Chevrolet Camaro, finally reaching Europe as a 2012 model after a decade-long hiatus, receives exclusive styling tweaks that American Camaro fans may grow envious of. The new 2012 Camaro, finally making its return to Europe, gets slightly different styling from the American version. The most noticeable changes are found on the rear of the vehicle with new LED taillights and rear fascia design. Additionally, European Camaros, both convertible and coupe versions, will all be powered by the 6.2-liter V8 engines found in SS trims here in America.
Other design characteristics unique to the European Camaro are reflectors positioned just above the exhaust pipes and larger side review mirrors. With the new 2013 Ford Mustang getting a well-perceived design refreshing, we are sure to see American Camaro owners adopt the new European styling from aftermarket suppliers very soon.        |
| Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Drift & Fly-by Action Video Posted: 19 Jun 2012 08:05 AM PDT
The new Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, the most powerful Ferrari to grace the automotive world directly from the Italian factory, is steadily growing on enthusiasts. Now that we all saw the new F12 Berlinetta in its full production skin, it is time to see it in action while getting an earful of that intoxicating sound only a V12 Ferrari can produce. Today you are in luck because the latest footage of the F12 Berlinetta features some drift and fly-by action featured on our good friend Marchettino's YouTube channel. Enjoy!
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| 2012 Jaguar XK Convertible Review – Pouncing on the Competition Posted: 19 Jun 2012 05:29 AM PDT
It wasn't long ago that Jaguar along with several other European high-performance luxury vehicles spent more time in the repair shop than on the road thrilling its owners. That all changed in 2007 for Jaguar when they put down the hammer with their suppliers for more reliable parts or else, and exchanged their old steel bodied models for lighter, more rigid aerospace-styled aluminum ones. The XK convertible changed from a good looking 2-seat sports car into a stunning 2+2 sports car with all of the road going attributes of its GT competition-the M-B SL, Aston-Martin Vantage, BMW 6-Series and Porsche 911 convertibles. The new XK generated real excitement with its low, sleek and sexy looks and excellent road handling abilities.
New for 2012 are dramatic design enhancements and new option packages, like the Advanced Technology Package that I tested. These new options are sure to add to the lure of the new 2012 Jaguar XK convertible. On the outside are new front LED adaptive headlights with LED turn-signal functions, a larger chrome mesh front grille with chrome surround, new LED running lamps with a distinctive 'J-Blade' signature, and new front and rear bumper designs. The flared front fenders have been moved from vertical to horizontal while the rear deck has been revised with a slimmer chrome strip. The rear spoiler does it job providing downforce at high speeds and the five inch, oval chromed dual exhaust pipes emit a sweet, powerful bubbling note. New wheels and new colors are offered to make the XK even more seductive. On the inside is the same console-mounted, chrome rotary dial that emerges from the console when you push the start button and first featured in the XF and XJ sedans. Also inside are new trim materials-ebony soft-feel paint for the switches, gloss black finish for the center console, burl wood veneer on the dashboard and instrument cluster surround, phosphor like halo illumination and ambient lighting. The latest state-of-the-art electronic technologies have also been transferred to the XK from the sedans that enhance both convenience and safety. From any angle the new XK design is unique and stunning as all eyes are on you when guiding the car on the road, stopped at traffic signals and when parking. Moving you out quickly is the awesome, all-aluminum, DOHC, VVT, Direct Injected, 5.0 liter AJ V8 engine that generates at robust 385hp/380lb.ft. of torque propelling the XK convertible to 60mph from a standstill in just 5.1 seconds. The AJ V8 engine is hooked up to a six-speed automatic with sequential shifting ability from the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. It is a real pleasure and thrill to quickly shift gears up or down with just a gentle touch of the paddles conveniently placed on the steering wheel so your hands never have to leave the wheel when turning and changing a gear up or down. Putting the new XK convertible through its paces is so much fun as you feel a part of the car. The feel is of the steering wheel is perfect at speed, when turning, and lighter at slower speed when maneuvering in parking lots. The fully independent double-wishbone adaptive suspension underpinning this world class sports car makes mincemeat of sharply curving roads that you stalk in the Jaguar XK convertible. The car pounces into the sharpest curves thanks to the adaptive shocks, coil springs, front/rear stabilizer bars and dual strut tower braces. It feels as if you are riding on rails, the feel is so neutral with front and rear weight distribution of 51/49%. Also adding to the Jag's tenacious grip are the giant Dunlop Pro Sport Maxx low-profile high-performance tires-255/35ZR20 up front, and 285/30ZR20 inch tires in the rear. These incredible tires are wrapped with new, stunning, light alloy SELENA 20X8 front and 20X9 inch rear, 5-3-prong spoke wheels with the center prong clad in chrome. Helping you maintain control during spirited driving is the standard traction and dynamic stability controls. You can of course turn off the dynamic stability control by simply pushing a console mounted button. Quickly and safely slowing the new Jaguar XK down from speed are massive power-assisted vented steel disc brakes. Up front are 14.2 inch rotors clamped with four-piston calipers, and 13.8 inch rotors clamped with single-piston calipers in the rear. Keeping you in control during severe braking or when braking on slick pavement are standard ABS, EBD and BA. The doors open to reveal one of the most comfortable, luxurious, unique, techno-savvy and safe of all high-end convertibles. It is completely covered in fine leather and the 16-way powered/heated/cooled perforated bucket seats are comfortable and very supportive with power side-bolster control to hug you in place during spirited driving times. The hand-stitched leather wrapped, heated/power tilt/telescoping/3-spoke sporty steering wheel feels perfect in your hands. The memory function lets 3-people drive without having to re-tune the power/heated side mirrors, steering wheel angle, seats and radio inputs. The 525-watt, 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system is one of the world's best. Truly unique is the red-beating, like your heart, Start button. Other standard features include a DVD touch screen navigation system, USB/iPod connection, Bluetooth technology with SIRIUS satellite radio, center console storage box, dual cupholders, dual map lights, storage in each door, deep glovebox, SmartKey Keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers/washers/headlamp washers and lighted dual vanity mirrors. The one-touch canvas top raises and lowers in just 25-seconds. One touch express power windows/door locks and self-dimming rearview mirror, thick cut-pile carpeting and floor mats round out an extra-ordinary, world-class interior. Standard safety features include front and side airbags, rollover protection system, front seatbelt pretensioners, pre-braking with the optional adaptive cruise-control, tire pressure monitor, trip computer, and anti-theft engine immobilizer. The new 2012 Jaguar XK convertible is one of the world's best all-around luxury performance model and starting at just $90,500.00, one of the lowest priced.                   COPYRIGHT: 2012: HARVEY SCHWARTZ SPECIFICATIONS
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