Monthly Archives: June 2012
The Best Fuel Efficient SUVs 2012 and 2013
We have just completed a massive study of 518 new models for the 2012 and 2013 model year in which fuel efficiency data was available from the manufacturers. The study includes cars from 43 different car manufacturers over 9 different classes (that is, sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, coupes etc.). The results tell some interesting details about the different car manufacturers and which types of cars actually save you money at the pumps. The big trend across our survey is that luxury cars costing in excess of $70,000 into the millions do not go out of their way to save you money at the pumps – miles per gallons for these cars are generally low. The theory for this category of vehicle seems to be that if you can afford the steep price tag for the car, you can afford it at the pumps! Heavier cars have worse fuel efficiency that lighter cars which is why the hatchback is the most fuel efficient car.
The SUV study showed some interesting results. The study included 130 SUV models of 29 car manufacturers for models years 2012 and 2013. The average overall fuel efficiency was 20.7 mpg, with the city average being 17.5 mpg and the highway average being 23.8 mpg.
10 MOST FUEL EFFICIENT SUVS
Nissan Juke SUV 2012 - The Most Fuel Efficient for 2012 and 2013
The best SUV for fuel efficiency overall was the Nissan Juke SUV 2012 model with an overall fuel efficiency of 29.5 mpg. This is great fuel efficiency for a very reasonable MSRP of $19,990. This makes this vehicle really attractive for people who want a great looking vehicle but are also conscious of costs, both at the dealership and ongoing.
According to the study conducted by www.reviewitonline.net, the top 10 Most Fuel Efficient SUVs for 2012 and 2013
10 LEAVE FUEL EFFICIENT SUV MODELS
Chevrolet Suburban Three Quarter Ton SUV 2012 - Least Fuel Efficient for 2012 and 2013
The worst SUV for fuel efficiency overall was the Chevrolet Suburban Three Quarter Ton SUV with an overall fuel efficiency of 12.5 mpg. However, the Suburban Three Quarter Ton SUV is one of the heaviest, safest, sturdiest and most rugged SUV vehicles available on the market today. This is a true beast that can dare to drive places that the Nissan Juke, for instance, would not dare to travel. The price tag is higher starting at $43,830, but well worth the cost if off road driving and raw power is what you are looking for.
According to the study conducted by www.reviewitonline.net, the least 10 Fuel Efficient SUVs for 2012 and 2013
Interesting enough, the average MSRP for the top 10 most fuel efficient SUVs is $20,106, whilst the MSRP for the 10 worst fuel efficient SUVs is $74,482.
Bentley’s Supersized Super SUV: The EXP 9F Concept
Bentley walks into the newly inaugurated ‘Super SUV’ market armed with its EXP 9F Concept. With the ‘F’ representing its Falcon like power, agility and masculinity, the new Bentley mean machine makes a strong yet staggering first impression.
What meets the eye is the classic Bentley style matrix grille adorned with round headlights, but before you can admire its chiselled structure, its massive 23 inch alloy wheels distract you from everything else! When you do manage to take your eyes off its somewhat humungous exterior, step in to view the interior embellished with overwhelming paraphernalia composed of wood, leather and highly polished metals. With a seating capacity of 4+1, the EXP 9F is fully furnished to keep you entertained with its sleek infotainment screens connected with its iPad console, its panoramic flowing glass panel, comfortable silk lined armrests, powered footrests and cooled champagne compartment to keep the senses tingling. And if this wasn’t enough to satiate your luxurious crib, the rear is incorporated with a sliding picnic table as well as two picnic baskets.
And what, you may ask, powers Bentley’s shrine to opulence? A 6.0 litre twin turbocharged W-12 engine assisted by an 8 speed transmission system and for the ecologically concerned, Bentley has proposed a hybrid engine with a 4.0 litre V8 powertrain. And if you ever feel the need to drive through challenging terrain or race on off-road tracks, then according to Bentley, the EXP 9F, endowed with three driving modes and a power packed engine, are the wheels you need!
Never be left unprepared or under-classed with the storage capabilities of the Bentley EXP 9F Concept.
The EXP 9F unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show was not met with a response as monumental as its proportions. The moolah makers worried about its chunky frame. However, rest assured, with the Bentley spokesperson claiming that the design is “a little heavy handed”, we know that the EXP 9F is back on the designer board. And for those who cannot handle the bling, if ostentatiousness is not your style, then Bentley was never your brand!
Tesla Goes Big with Wings! But Will Model X Take Off?
The age old tussle between a practical utility vehicle and a flashy sports car has finally been resolved! The answer to this flabbergasting question was unveiled by Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk on February 9, 2012, amidst much hype and hoopla, in the form of the glamorous Model X Electric Crossover.
The Glamorous Model X Electric Crossover Concept From Tesla Electric Cars
A fairly conventional design modelled around the previously released Model S, Tesla’s new Model X is armed with some über-cool features with funky monikers! Behold its smoothly retracting doors christened ‘falcon wings’ that spread easily in constricted spaces and allow easy access to the third row seats. With the batteries placed under the floorboards, there is a trunk both in the front and back, so you will never crave for more trunk space with the new age ‘frunk’ to the rescue.
As far as the interiors are concerned, it is hard to say what is more astounding, the luxurious room for seven or the 17inch touchscreen interface. And if you thought that this EV is all about style and not the miles, its acceleration from 0 to 60mph in less than 5 seconds and range of 200 miles to 285 miles will literally blow your mind! Model X comes with the option of either 60kW or 85kW batteries and the promise of top up charge in merely four hours. And if the price bracket of $50k to $90k staggers you, think about the long term fuel savings – the realisation will soon dawn that it is probably time to give up the age old gas nozzle in exchange for battery power.
Tesla’s Model X, wrapped neatly in an irresistible package and topped up with genuine eco-cred, was presented to the world by Elon Musk who stated, “This is kind of the killer app for families. [The Model X] has more utility than a minivan, and better performance, much better performance than an SUV.” And come 2013, Model X will hit the markets; ready to give those internally combusted machines a run or better yet, a high speed race for their money!
Luxury meets Sensibility, Cadillac Style!
Does the teeming traffic in populous cities get to you? Has manoeuvring through crowded streets become a constant headache? Do the highly congested parking spaces infuriate you? The Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept has been designed as an antidote to all these modern day curses.
At first sight, Cadillac’s Urban Luxury Concept makes you do a double-take. Yes, the trademark Cadillac grill boldly adorns the front but where is the typical Cadillac-ish ludicrous spaciousness and flamboyant style? Well, all of Cadillac’s signature magnanimity has been condensed into its hybrid Urban Luxury Concept, the first step towards Cadillac’s foray into its downsized future.
What meets the eye is a cutting edge style replete with sweeping body lines, two sleek scissor doors, a hatchback and an upright stance. Its scissor doors open up to an edgy interior done up in striking colours and accessorized with capacitive touchscreens and projected readouts. So with the orthodox knobs and buttons out of the way, the Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept is spacious, which also is due to the twin skylight! The Cadillac bosses have powered up their Urban Luxury Concept with a small turbocharged engine with electric assist that boasts a fairly decent mileage of 56mpg in the city and 65mpg on highways.
The small car concept is red hot in today’s market and Cadillac’s involvement definitely ups the ante in a fascinating way. The Press Release of its Urban Luxury Concept stated that its latest design offered “luxury experience in a diminutive size”. So Cadillac, a name synonymous with luxury, is not only shifting its focus to the small car concept but also jazzing it up with its luxurious credentials. And if this combination works, then Cadillac may have redefined the parameters of luxury as we know it.
Chrysler 300 Cruises the Streets of Gotham City
If you’re a fan of the Batman franchise, you’re probably anxiously awaiting the arrival of the upcoming Batman film, The Dark Night Rises, but you may also be wondering what connection a Chrysler300 with the has movie. As it turns out, fictional characters in the film drive the stylish 2012 Chrysler 300.
In anticipation of the film’s premiere next month, Chrysler is asking fans to participate in a very special contest, which is spearheaded by its “Imported From Gotham City” television ads. A spin on the traditional “Imported from Detroit” ad tagline, the new slogan highlights the partnership between the luxury auto brand and the film, as well as a specially-modified 300.
As part of the contest, Chrysler has asked fans to use music from the movie’s trailer and Chrysler 300S footage to design their own T.V. ad spots. Chrysler will take submissions until June 29th for the unique contest. Once the submission process is over, Chrysler will instate a four-day voting period for the general public to pick three finalists. Then, Christopher Nolan, director of the film, will choose a winner based on the following qualities: creativity, memorability, originality, and effectiveness. The winner will then Work with a professional editor, then visit NYC for the red carpet premiere of the film. The winning ad will also be aired on national television the week of the film’s release: July 20, 2012.
The Chrysler 300S, as pictured in the film and ad spot, is blacked-out from the inside out and features several chrome elements. It packs missiles behind its grille and also sports a jet turbine at its rear and super sporty alloy wheels. And, though it’s been revealed that the vehicle plays an important role in the film, its official role/driver have yet to be disclosed.
Do you have plans to see the new film? If so, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the modified 300! In the meantime, feel free to read our reviews about this impressive vehicle and to watch the spot at your leisure!
Weekly Automotive Wrap Up – June 23, 2012 – BMW, New Bentley Speedster, Dodge Dart 2013, Nissan LEAF and More.
BMW Launch of i-Series in Rome. Luxury automaker BMW began its worldwide road show of the BMW i Born Electric Series in Rome this week. The road show will visit 6 cities in the next year including New York in November 2012. The i-Series are low impact environmentally friendly vehicles boasting zero emissions, an all electric engine and long traveling ranges between charges. The need for sustainability and clean energies is being embraced by luxury product manufacturers and BMW seems to be leading the charge. The two i-series models are the BMW i3 Concept and the BMW i8 Concept.
The BMW i3 Concept and the BMW i8 Concept launched in Rome on the BMW i Born Electric Tour
BMW Official Sponsor of UN Sustainability Conference. BMW again hit the headlines this week becoming the official sponsor of the UN Rio+20 sustainability conference in Rio de Janeiro. BMW will present its management milestones in sustainability in the “BMW Group Sustainability Lounge” at the conference. The lounge is a 400-square-meter pavilion made of lightweight white nylon, is supported by air pressure and contains fabric that allows for optimal utilization of daylight. Who said that sustainability couldn’t be luxurious! Delegates and visitors will be able to test drive Mini and BMW electric vehicles on the “BMW Group Electric Vehicle Test Drive Circuit”.
Bentley Introduces Continental GT Speed Coupe. The Continental GT Speed coupe is the fastest production model released by Bentley hitting speeds of 205 mph or 329 km/h. Orders for the new coupe can be placed now for delivery in October 2012. The Bentley W12 engine develops 625 PS (616 bhp/460 kW) at 6000 rev/min and 800 Nm of torque with acceleration of 4.2 seconds from -100 km/h. A new gearbox improves fuel economy by 12%. The look is sporty and muscular with the style and class that only Bentley can offer.
The New Speedster of the Bentley Line Up - the Bentley Continental GT Speed Coupe.
Dodge Dart 2013 Hits Dealerships in Michigan. The Palace of Auburn Hills, Michigan was packed with nearly 300 dealers for Dodge’s event to mark the release of the 2013 Dodge Dart into dealerships across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. This was a good opportunity for dealers and Chrysler reps to get together to celebrate the launch. Chrysler hopes that the Dodge Dart will be racing out of the Palace straight into the hands of new car buyers.
Dealers Across Michigan drove 300 new Dodge Dart 2012 cars from the Palace of Auburn Hills straight into the Dealerships.
Fisker Hits Wall Street. Leading manufacturer of luxury electric vehicles, Fisker, launched a huge multi-page advertisement on Friday’s (June 22, 2012) edition of the Wall Street Journal. For those of you that missed it, the text of the ad contains some inspirational quotes that epitomizes Fisker as a new car company, developing a new concept, the luxury electric car. I really loved the piece and wanted to share some lines that got to me:
“…they don’t care that not everyone is behind them.
Because they know the doubters aren’t the builders.
The critics are never the creators.
And the skeptics, rarely the inventors.”
Nissan – A Turn On for a Million People. Nissan’s online campaign to get one million people in 100 days ‘turned on’ to electric vehicles reached its goal with 15 days to spare. On behalf of Nissan Europe, Paul Willcox, Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Nissan in Europe said “It shows that more and more people are realising that cars like Nissan LEAF are a real alternative …the Big Turn On will continue to spread the word about the 100% electric LEAF.” The city with the most drivers turned on to electric vehicles will be given 30 Nissan Quick Chargers. Also, the person who promotes the most people to turn on to the Nissan LEAF will win a Nissan LEAF. This aggressive marketing campaign by Nissan seems to have hit the mark and captivated the hearts and minds of drivers all over Europe.
The Nissan LEAF Turns On 1,000,000 people in record 85 days.
To participate in The Big Turn On, go to http://www.thebigturnon.com/ or take a test drive of the Nissan LEAF.
Jeep SUVs for 2012
We have just produced a new video showcasing the lineup of Jeep SUVs with some fun facts mixed in there about Jeep company. As with all the videos that we do here at ReviewItOnline.net, a lot of research went into the Jeep SUV video but we couldn’t include all of our research in the video. So below are some highlights of the Jeep Brand which you may or may not have known. Don’t forget to check out the Jeep SUV video as well on our Jeep SUV page.
If any company should be recognized as an icon of the American automobile industry, then it should be Jeep. Jeep has been part of American culture since its use in the second world war by the US. It has transported soldiers, families, equipment, materials, golf clubs, soccer balls and beach equipment all over the states over its more than 70 year history.
Jeep is the oldest SUV auto brand in the world. The first Jeep was produced in 1941 and it was used extensively by the US throughout the second world war. Thanks to its use in WWII, the Jeep has probably seen more parts of the world than any other man or object.
Nobody can verify the exact origin of the name Jeep. The most popular theory is that the vehicle was first called GP, short for Governmental Purposes or General Purpose. All things are shortened and slurred in the Army so legend has it that GIs just slurred the GP into a word sounding like Jeep.
Another theory behind its name is that soldiers loved this versatile vehicle and coined it Eugene the Jeep from the Popeye cartoon.
In the war, 640,000 Jeeps or 18% of all the vehicles with wheels used by the US military were Jeeps.
The Jeep is exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art as part of its collection from time to time. Along with the GI Pocket Stove produced by Coleman, the Jeep was touted as the most important piece of non-combat equipment ever developed.
Jeep is a popular brand, however, it seems to be the kiss of death for its owners. Ever since the Jeep brand was purchased by Kaiser Motors in 1953, every owner of the brand seems to have hit financial trouble.
Chrysler took over in 1987, which then merged with Daimler-Benz in 1998, which was then sold to a private equity group in 2007. Chrylser is now comes in a global strategic alliance with Fiat.
Jeep has been headquartered in Toledo, Ohio since its beginnings. Two streets near the original manufacturing plant are named Willys Parkway (Willys was the first owner and manufacturer of Jeep during the second world war) and Jeep Parkway.
Hummer and Jeep are fighting in court over the number of slots used in the radiator grills…. Seriously?
For you soccer fans out there (or football if you are in Europe), Jeep is a shirt sponsor of Juventus Footbal Club in Italy. The deal is worth $45 million.
Ford Motor Company Reports Significant Cuts to Energy Use
On June 15, 2012, the Ford Motor Company released its 13th annual Sustainability Report. The report, titled “Blueprint for Sustainability: Accelerating Ahead”, highlighted Ford’s achievements over the past 12 months in various social, economic and environmental issues.
The report outlines significant efforts by Ford in a number of areas including reducing carbon emissions by 8% since 2012, global facility energy efficiency by 10 % and water use per vehicle by 8 %. One the most notable achievements is the reduction in energy used to produce each vehicle in its manufacturing facilities by 22% over the last 6 years.
A car manufacturing plant uses huge amounts of energy and materials in producing its cars – heavy industrial machinery consumes thousands upon thousands of kilowatts on a daily basis, thousands of gallons of water is used in the manufacturing process (much of which is wasted), paint products, metal off cuts, just to name a few. To put electricity use into perspective, the average household in California and New York use between 562 kwh and 799 kwh of electricity per month. To manufacture a Ford car, Ford uses on average 2,778 kwh.
This is astonishing for a car and many people may be shocked at this figure but credit must be given to Ford. They are one of the few car companies that have been publicly reporting and documenting environmental initiatives in their annual Sustainability Report since 1999. Chrysler only released its first Sustainability Report last year (which also highlighted some significant achievements in sustainability) following on from Ford’s successful initiative.
The emphasis placed on sustainability by the big car companies is encouraging, and the public at large needs to be given due credit for this. Through political action, lobbying and buying more green products, we have created a political and consumer climate whereby polluters of the environment lose money and consumer confidence. Their products are shunned, they are heavily criticized in the media and we hunt them through class action suits whenever and wherever possible. The financial consequence of pollution is apparent and severe.
Big industry has never been a friend of the environment. A natural consequence of large manufacturing plants, be it in the automotive industry or any other big industry (arms, raw materials, pharmaceuticals), is high consumption of energy and production of manufacturing bi-products which in a lot of cases are damaging to the environment. Entire forests the size of small African countries have been destroyed and rivers polluted to sustain big industry. So, when an iconic American company places an emphasis on sustainability and publicly discloses its initiatives and results, due credit must be given.
We should applaud the automotive industry for their efforts in sustainability and ensure that this continues. Ultimately, it is up to us, the consumers, through our buying behavior that we can set the agenda for the big industry and shape the world that we live in for us and for our children.
Three 2012 Toyota Models Your Family Will Love
What do you and your family look for in a vehicle? Is it versatility, a large amount of safety and technology features, or a ton of cabin and cargo space? Maybe you even search for the most fashionable vehicles available so your family can travel in style. The truth is, there are many aspects you should consider when purchasing a new vehicle to fit your family’s busy lifestyle.
Every year, Parents magazine joins with another prominent auto review site to choose the best family cars available. This year, three Toyota models made the list. These models are: the Toyota Prius v in the high-mileage category, the Toyota Sienna minivan in the large vehicle category, and the Toyota Camry in the sedan category.
Toyota Camry 2012 - Best Family Cars of 2012
– Completely redesigned for the 2012 model year
– Excellent technology features, including Entune
– Tons of cabin and trunk space for busy families
– Holds the honor of being Ameica’s best-selling car
Toyota Prius V 2012 - Best Family Cars 2012
– Achieves 44 mpg city/ 40 mpg highway
– Full of technology features, like iPod input, Bluetooth, and satellite radio
– Excellent safety features: stability and traction control, several airbags, Toyota Safety Connect telematics system, and a pre-collision safety system
Toyota Sienna Minivan 2012 - Best Family Cars 2012
– Flexible cabin that can configure to fit several different cargo and family combinations
– Futuristic technology features to keep families entertained
– Was completely redesigned in 2010
– Nine amazing trims from which to choose
General Manager and Group Vice President for Toyota Division, Bob Carter, acknowledges the awards and notes that the company is proud to produce such reliable and versatile vehicles and that families know that they can always rely on Toyota vehicles for the utmost quality, safety, and durability. It’s also apparent, however, that the technology and convenience features available in these vehicles help to make busy families’ lives much easier.
If you’re looking for a great fit for your family, it’s worth considering these new Toyota vehicles. And, as always, be sure to check out our reliable, comprehensive reviews!
Ford SUVs Video
Check out our latest video on Ford SUVs and Crossovers for 2012 and 2013. We have included images and information about all available models in this segment including the Ford Expedition, Ford Escape and Ford Escape Hybrid, Ford Edge, Ford Expedition, the Ford Explorer and Ford Flex. The video also contains some fun facts about the Ford Motor Company and Henry Ford himself. Enjoy and let us know if you have any feedback. Click to the Ford SUV page to watch the video.