2013 Porsche Panamera

2013 Porsche Panamera S photo

Porsche Panamera S

The 2013 Porsche Panamera is a four-door four-passenger luxury sedan with a hatchback-style trunk. One of the world’s best large sports sedan, the Porsche Panamera has luxury, space and performance, and competes with BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Maserati Quattroporte and Aston Martin Rapide.

The 2013 Porsche Panamera lineup includes rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive model, and comes with naturally aspirated and turbocharged engine. The 2013 Panamera comes in base, base 4 (AWD), S, S E-Hybrid, 4S (AWD), 4S Executive, GTS, Turbo and Turbo Executive trim levels.

The 2013 Porsche Panamera comes with rear-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, automatic xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, an auto-dimming mirrors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver memory functions, eight-way power front seats, a navigation system, a cooled glove compartment, heated front seats and 11-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and USB/iPod interface. The Panamera 4 is similarly equipped and adds Porsche’s variable all-wheel-drive system. The Panamera S E-Hybrid is also similarly equipped, but manually controlled air conditioning replaces the climate control and halogen headlights replace the xenon headlights.

The 2013 Porsche Panamera S and all-wheel-drive 4S add an adaptive suspension, adaptive headlights, shift paddles and more interior lighting. The V8-powered GTS model comes with 19-inch wheels, 18-way active front seats and a sport-design steering wheel. The Panamera Turbo and Turbo Executive add 19-inch wheels (20-inch on Turbo Executive), front parking sensors, an adaptive air suspension, keyless ignition, keyless entry, a power-adjustable steering column, heated rear seats, a full leather interior and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. A very long options list is available for all models.

Read the rest of this entry

Aston Martin DB9

2013 Aston Martin DB9

Aston Martin DB9

The new 2013 Aston Martin DB9 is a four-seat grand tourer that comes in coupe and convertible (Volante) body forms. The most significant upgrade of DB9 is a new V12 engine. This engine will also be used on the new Vanquish. The 2013 Aston Martin DB9 competes with the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari California, Maserati GT and Bentley Continental GT. First launched in 2004, the new DB9 received now, in addition to the new V12 engine, a freshened styling and a slightly revised interior.

The new 2013 DB9 is built on the Aston Martin’s Generation 4 VH all-aluminum monocoque chassis, that has aluminum body panels with magnesium alloy and carbon-fiber components. The new DB9 looks now more aerodynamic, with an integrated spoiler located in the back. The suspension was optimized for improved handling and includes an active damping system with Sport and Comfort modes. Standard exterior features include 20-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, front and rear parking sensors.

The interior of 2013 Aston Martin DB9 is luxury, with soft leather and high-quality materials that cover nearly every surface. The climate and entertainment system controls were redesigned for greater ease of use. The DB9 offers 2+2 seating and a variety of available trims like mahogany, piano black, Tamo ash and bamboo. The interior features also include a navigation system, heated front seats, power-adjustable seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a premium audio system with 6-CD charger and USB port. A Bang & Olufsen sound system is available.

Read the rest of this entry

2014 Lexus IS

2014 Lexus IS photo

2014 Lexus IS

Lexus has set that the new 2014 Lexus IS to become a serious competitor to its luxury German rivals, like Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW. The completely redesigned Lexus IS sedan aims to be not only a luxury car, but also one of the most dynamic sedan in its class.

The wheelbase of 2014 Lexus IS has increased with 2.7 inches and the length has increased with 3.6 inches. The increases add some welcome leg room in the back. The larger unibody of the new IS is lighter than its predecessor but it is also more rigid, thanks to application of high-tensile steel and aluminum. The suspension of the new 2014 Lexus IS is reworked with new control arms and anti-roll bar mounts in front and offset springs and shocks in the rear.

With a new “spindle grille” in the front, with angular and expressive lines around the front end, lean and graceful curves down the sides and rear, the new 2014 Lexus IS looks different from any previous model. The improvements to the interior also are noticeable, with a more coherent and modern design that the last model. A 7-inch display with revised navigation functionality and Lexus-first electrostatic climate control switches adds contemporary flair. For improved control and comfort, driver and passenger hip points have been lowered, as has the steering wheel’s tilt angle.

Read the rest of this entry

2014 BMW Z4

2014 BMW Z4

2014 BMW Z4

The redesigned 2014 BMW Z4 is a rear-drive, two-seat convertible sportscar that provides a blend of luxury, style and the expected BMW handling dynamics. The 2014 BMW Z4 has an retractable hardtop, and thanks to it, the Z4 offers the freedom of a convertible and the convenience of a coupe.

The 2014 BMW Z4 comes in three models: sDrive 28i, sDrive 35i and sDdrive 35is. The Z4 sDrive 28i comes standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, heated mirrors, cruise control, keyless ignition, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver memory functions, eight-way power seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors, premium vinyl upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity and a sound system with CD player and an iPod/USB interface.

The 2014 Z4 sDrive 28i comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, that produces 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission are standard. An 8-speaker automatic transmission is available.

The BMW Z4 sDrive 35i adds 18-inch wheels, sport seats and sun-reflective leather upholstery. This model comes with a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, while a 7-speed automated manual transmission (DCT) is available as an option.

Read the rest of this entry

2013 Toyota Avalon

The all-new 2013 Avalon from Toyota

2013 Toyota Avalon

The full-size, four-door 2013 Avalon is the flagship sedan of Toyota and it is fully redesigned. Toyota says the new Avalon is one of the best looking passenger cars they have ever designed. The all-new 2013 Toyota Avalon has a dynamic look, roomy seating front and rear, large trunk, generous interior storage and offers responsive handling and excellent ride quality. The 2013 Toyota Avalon competes with Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Azera and Chrysler 300.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon comes in XLE, XLE Premium, XLE Touring and Limited trim levels. The 2013 Avalon XLE comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, full power accesories, heated front seats, leather upholstery, an eight-way power drive seat, four-way power front passenger seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, keyless ignition, keyless entry, a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth connectivity and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and an USB/iPod interface.

The 2013 Toyota Avalon XLE Premium adds an upgraded keyless ignition and entry (with functionality for trunk), a rearview camera, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass. The Avalon XLE Touring adds fog lamps, upgraded leather upholstery, heated rear seats, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, a navigation system, Toyota’s Entune system, a 9-speaker audio system and 18-inch wheels.

Read the rest of this entry