Audi Allroad

New Cars 2013
In the auto industry, change is the only constant. For evidence, see the barrage of new products for 2013 -- more than seventy new offerings, which we've gathered here. Rather than simply reporting on the facts and specs, we attempt to give these new cars a bit of context. It's a dynamic, fast-moving industry, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Audi Allroad
The original 1999-2005 Allroad made good on its name with a turbocharged V-6 for storming the interstate and an adjustable-height air suspension for tackling the trail. Unfortunately, the Allroad's second act in the United States isn't nearly as versatile. Based on the no-longer-sold-in-America A4 Avant wagon, the new Allroad is essentially a styling exercise that adds matte-finished lower cladding, a bright chrome grille, and brushed metal trim. Mechanically, the only difference between the Avant and the Allroad is a 1.5-inch suspension lift, but Audi is banking on the image of a tougher wagon appealing to a larger set of Americans.

On sale Now
Price $40,495
Engine 2.0L turbo I-4, 211 hp, 258 lb-ft
Marketing magic Some rugged-looking trim multiplies wagon sales.

Source : automobilemag.com

Aston Martin AM310 Vanquish

New Cars 2013
In the auto industry, change is the only constant. For evidence, see the barrage of new products for 2013 -- more than seventy new offerings, which we've gathered here. Rather than simply reporting on the facts and specs, we attempt to give these new cars a bit of context. It's a dynamic, fast-moving industry, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Aston Martin AM310 Vanquish
Stepping in for the DBS, Aston's new range-topping AM310 Vanquish looks to improve both performance and usability. The updated 5.9-liter V-12 adds variable valve timing; output rises to 565 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to a six-speed automatic transaxle (no manual this time). A new launch-control system helps drivers race from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds. The engine sits lower in a new iteration of Aston's bonded-aluminum chassis, which again features adaptive dampers and standard carbon-ceramic brakes. The Vanquish's body takes design cues from the limited-edition One-77 supercar and makes more extensive use of carbon fiber than ever before, including in the hood, front fenders, trunk lid, trunk enclosure, door surrounds, and roof (the last of which may be left exposed if a buyer so chooses). Weight is held to just 3613 pounds and is distributed 50/50 front/rear. Despite casting nearly the same shadow as a DBS, the new Vanquish has a roomier two-place cabin (two-plus-two seating is optional), along with more stowage and a greatly enlarged trunk. Capacitive-touch switches and a new rotary controller lend modern flair to the characteristic Aston Martin jewel-box interior.

On sale Early 2013
Price $280,000 (est.)
Engine 5.9L V-12, 565 hp, 457 lb-ft
Terminal velocity 183 mph

Source : automobilemag.com

Acura RLX

New Cars 2013
In the auto industry, change is the only constant. For evidence, see the barrage of new products for 2013 -- more than seventy new offerings, which we've gathered here. Rather than simply reporting on the facts and specs, we attempt to give these new cars a bit of context. It's a dynamic, fast-moving industry, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Acura RLX

Sales of the Acura RL have all but dried up in recent years, so the division (and its dealers) must be eagerly awaiting the new flagship sedan, the RLX. Besides adding a letter to better align its name with most of the rest of Acura's lineup, the new sedan breaks with the past in other ways but not all. It remains smaller than some competitors -- Acura describes it as a mid-size sedan with the interior space of a large sedan. The overall length is the same, but the wheelbase has grown two inches. Again Acura uses a V-6, but it's a new direct-injected engine that displaces 3.5 liters. It makes 310 hp in its base, front-wheel-drive application. The uplevel model is a hybrid, in which the V-6 combines with three electric motors to deliver "more than 370 hp." The hybrid drives all four wheels, in a preview of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system expected in the new NSX. Acura is predicting EPA ratings of 30 mpg city and highway for the RLX hybrid. High-tech niceties include four-wheel steering (for the FWD model), two LCD screens, and connectivity that permits Internet radio, Bing search functionality, and audio feeds from Facebook and Twitter.

On sale Early 2013
Price $50,000-$56,000 (est.)
Engines 3.5L V-6, 310 hp; 3.5L V-6/electric hybrid, 370+ hp
Boomer appeal Will Acura's do-more-with-less philosophy resonate this time?

Source : http://www.automobilemag.com

Acura RDX

New Cars 2013
In the auto industry, change is the only constant. For evidence, see the barrage of new products for 2013 -- more than seventy new offerings, which we've gathered here. Rather than simply reporting on the facts and specs, we attempt to give these new cars a bit of context. It's a dynamic, fast-moving industry, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Acura RDX

Acura targeted aggressive-driving single males with its last RDX, but the new version takes a much different tack as it tries to win the affections of couples and small families. Gone is the high-strung turbocharged four-cylinder engine -- instead, we find a 3.5-liter V-6 that calmly spins out 273 hp (33 hp more than before) and 251 lb-ft of torque; it's mated to a six-speed automatic and actually gets better mileage than the old four. The optional all-wheel-drive system is no longer Acura's SH-AWD (which uses torque vectoring to help carve corners), but it's lighter and more efficient. The old car's punishing ride quality is much better. The suspension tuning has mellowed considerably, which together with the more refined powertrain and the addition of active noise cancellation make for a more relaxed driving experience. Finally, a 1.4-inch-longer wheelbase helped Acura engineers create a roomier interior despite exterior dimensions that remain compact.
On sale Now
Price $35,215-$40,315
Engine 3.5L V-6, 273 hp, 251 lb-ft
Room for Family of five.

Source : http://www.automobilemag.com

Acura ILX

New Cars 2013

In the auto industry, change is the only constant. For evidence, see the barrage of new products for 2013 -- more than seventy new offerings, which we've gathered here. Rather than simply reporting on the facts and specs, we attempt to give these new cars a bit of context. It's a dynamic, fast-moving industry, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Acura ILX

Ever since the demise of the RSX, nee Integra, Acura has been without a true entry-level model. (The TSX has become too close to the TL in size, design, and price to perform that function.) Enter the smaller, cheaper ILX. Is it the second coming of the Integra, the frisky subcompact that once attracted young people to the brand? Not really.

The ILX has a bit of an identity crisis, as it comes in three distinct iterations. The car is based on the Honda Civic sedan, and although Acura designers did a good job of disguising that fact, we wouldn't exactly call it handsome. The interior, at least, is a wholesale improvement over the Civic's more downmarket cabin.

The chassis also has been comprehensively upgraded, with more sophisticated dampers for better ride quality and retuned, quicker steering that's more lively and precise. There's also additional sound deadening and NVH control. The volume-model ILX has a 150-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (up from 1.8 liters and 140 hp in the Civic) that is hitched to an automatic transmission with only five speeds.