Read our other Top 10 things you need to know lists.

Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera:

1. Porsche says that the 2012 911 Carrera has been ‘completely redesigned’ for the 7th-generation model but you probably won’t be able to tell until you took a closer look at the rear-end of the car. As always, Porsche holds true to the 911 Carrera design philosophy of ‘evolution, not revolution.’ I mean why fix something that’s not broken.
2. Nonetheless, weight of the new 2012 Porsche 911 was reduced thanks to a new lightweight body featuring aluminum-steel composite construction that reduces weight by 100 pounds.
3. Time to pay attention: The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera is powered by a 3.4 liter boxer 6-cylinder making 350-hp with a maximum torque of 287 lb-ft. Mated to Porsche’s PDK 7-speed dual-clutch transmission the 911 Carrera runs from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and 4.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package’s Launch Control function. The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S is powered by a 3.8 liter 6-cylinder boxer producing 400-hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. With a PDK, the 911 Carrera S goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and 3.9 seconds with the Launch Control function of the optional Sport Chrono Package.
4. This year, Porsche is also offering a 7-speed manual. If you like circling through gets, the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the 911 Carrera S does it in 4.3 seconds. PDK may be the way to go this year.
5. Reports say that the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S lapped the famous Nurburgring track in Germany a whole 13 seconds quicker (7:40 seconds) than the outgoing model – and that’s pretty impressive.
6. The 2012 911 Carrera weighs in at 3,042 pounds while the 911 Carrera S comes in at 3,075 pounds.
7. Fuel-economy: The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera returns an EPA-rated fuel-economy of 19/27/22 mpg (city/highway/combined). The 2012 911 Carrera S returns 19/26/22 mpg. Both have an estimated annual fuel-cost comes in at $2,427 (based on45% highway, 55% city driving, 15,000 annual miles and current fuel prices). Both also feature a 16.9 gallon tank.
8. The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera models come with an impressive list of standard features including Porsche Communication Management (PCM) featuring a high-resolution 7-inch color display (touch screen), dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, AUX and iPod connectivity. Keep in mind that navigation is optional along with heated seats and much more.
9. Prices for the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera start at $82,100 while the 911 Carrera S starts at $96,400.
10. The 2012 911 Carrera Cabriolet and 911 Carrera S Cabriolet start at $93,700 and $108,000 respectively.

Click here for more news on the Porsche 911.

- By: Omar Rana

Welcome to our 12th edition of “top 10 most important things you need to know about” segment. Today we’re taking a look into the most important things you need to know about the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid sedan. Let’s get started.

Read our other Top 10 things you need to know lists.

Top 10 things you need to know about the Fisker Karma:

1. The Fisker Karma was recently awarded the ‘Luxury Car of the Year’ by Top Gear Magazine and Top Gear UK host James May gave it his ‘Car of the Year’ award.
2. The Fisker Karma turns its rear wheels using two rear-mounted 201.5 horsepower (150 kW) electric motors that are ‘fueled’ by a the lithium-ion battery pack for up to 50 miles. The gasoline engine (260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec direct injection unit) drives a 175 kW electric generator to power the motors. There is no direct mechanical link between this engine and the electric motors – so that makes the Karma a true electric vehicle with extended range – still known to us as a plug-in hybrid.
3. There are three drive modes including Auto, Stealth and Sport. The Stealth Mode maximizes fuel-efficiency, giving the car its greatest range on battery power before activating the gasoline engine-driven generator to sustain battery charge. 0 to 60 mph in Stealth mode comes in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 95 mph. In Sport mode, the Karma cares less about fuel-economy and more about sportiness. The model allows the engine to drive the generator to provide enough electricity for 403-hp, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.
4. What does the EPA say? The EPA says that when running in electric mode, the Fisker Karma achieves the energy equivalent of 52 miles per gallon city/highway combined. That figure also includes 32 miles of all-electric range, and 20 mpg when its gasoline engine kicks in. Fisker says they still believe that most Karma drivers will hit 50 miles on electric power alone. Total range is estimated around 300 miles.
5. Fisker says that a Karma owner with a 40-mile commute who kicks off his day with a full battery charge will need to visit the gas station about every 1,000 miles and would use just 9 gallons of gasoline per month.
6. Charging the Karma can take than 6 hours using a 240v household current. A standard 110v power from will take a very long time (like 14 hours long).
7. The Karma also features a solar panel on the roof that can extend the driving range for up to an additional 200 miles annually.
8. Interior luxury? The Fisker Karma is very luxurious with refined interior wood trim which is 100% sustainably sourced from Fallen, Sunken and Rescued Wood to make sure that no live growth is ever used. It features three interior trims including EcoStandard, EcoSport and EcoChic. The EcoChic trim features 100% post-industry virgin textile Premium EcoSuede. It also has a touchscreen interface to manage audio, navigation, iPod, Bluetooth and climate control systems. A chrome bezel surrounds the flat screen glass surface.
9. The Fisker Karma exterior features Diamond Dust paint – the first water-based paint to feature a recycled glass flake mixture that utilizes 35-55% recycled glass. That means it releases no organic compounds into the environment. The paint also features a reflective infrared layer to help cool the interior during hot weather. Pretty cool huh?
10. The basic Fisker Karma starts at $95,900 with the top of the line model going for $109,850.

Click here for more news on the Fisker Karma.

- By: Omar Rana

The 2012 BMW 3 Series will be hitting dealerships early next year (Feb. 2012 to be exact) and if you’re excited and can’t wait to get into one – you might want to check out our new ‘Top 10 things you should know about the 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan.’

Check out our other Top 10 things you need to know lists.

Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan:

1. This is the 6th generation 3 Series sedan and it’s one of the best looking 3s we’ve ever seen. While the 3 Series Sedan will go on sale in Feb. 2012, the 3 Series Coupe will stick around for at least 3 more years. Sales of the 2012 BMW 3 Series will start with the rear-wheel-drive 328i and the 335i – that will be followed by the xDrive models.
2. Welcome the 4-banger turbo. The 2012 BMW 328i is now powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (the outgoing 328i does it in 6.9 seconds). The 2012 335i gets a N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.
3. 6-speed manual transmission is standard with an 8-speed automatic offered as well.
4. BMW EfficientDynamics technologies have been added to the line-up with Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration. Both will increase fuel-economy of the new 3.
5. In late 2012, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will go on sale with the N55 300-hp 6-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology (same engine from the 335i). The engine is mated an 8-speed automatic transmission and an electric-motor that makes 55-hp. Together, the engine and the hybrid system produce 335-hp with a maximum torque of 330 lb-ft. It should average above 36 mpg.
6. The 2012 BMW 3 Sedan will be available in three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. Click here to read more about each trim level, but we will tell you that the Sport Line increases top speed to 155 mph and adds a very sporty look you won’t get with the other trim levels.
7. The BMW 3 Series Sedan with the M Sport Package won’t be available until July 2012.
8. Prices for the 2012 328i Sedan start at $35,795 while the 2012 335i Sedan starts at $43,295.
9. While those numbers are higher than the outgoing model by more than $300, the new cars add a significantly higher level of standard equipment. What’s standard you ask? A 6.5-inch central display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode and Brake Energy Regeneration. Both models also get larger wheels and tires as standard equipment.
10. Not only does the 2012 3 Series come with an optional rear view camera this time around but it also has a surround View deliver a bird-eye overview.

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

- By: Omar Rana

Welcome to our 10th edition of our “Top 10 most important things you need to know about” segment. Today we take a look at some brute American sedan performance with the new 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8.

Check out our other Top 10 things you need to know lists.

Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8:

1. It really is capable of being the bargain version of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.
2. Power for the Chrysler 300 SRT8 comes from a  6.4 liter HEMI V8 making 470-hp with a maximum torque of 470 lb-ft – an increase of 45 horsepower and 50 lb-ft over the 6.1 liter HEMI V8 it replaces.
3. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and a rear-wheel-drive or AWD system.
4. 0 to 60 mph in the high 4-second range; the quarter mile comes high 12-second range; 0-100-0 mph in less than 16 seconds – and a top speed of 175 mph.
5. Stopping power comes from 14.2 inch (front) and 13.8 inch (rear) vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo calipers painted in silver finish.
6. A full-color graphic EVIC (Electronic Vehicle Information Center), allows you to keep track of how the car is performing while you drive. Shown on the 8.4-inch instrument touchscreen panel you can store your 0-60, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times, your 60-0 braking distance, and your g-force distribution.
7. It features a new adaptive damping suspension (ADS) system that allows you to pick from Auto and Sport mode. In Sport mode, the Chrysler 300 SRT8, the damping system rebound and compression is locked to the higher damping rate
8. Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle will get a one day of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Driving Experience as part of the SRT Track Experience.
9. Fuel-economy for the 300 SRT8 comes in at 14/23 mpg (city/highway) or 17 mpg combined. Annual fuel-cost is estimated at $3,203 if you drive 15,000 miles a year (based on 45% highway, 55% city driving)
10. Prices start at $47,995. Comparatively, a BMW 528i with a 240-hp 4-cylinder turbo starts at $46,700, a Mercedes-Benz E350 starts at $50,490 and the Audi A6 3.0 TFSI starts at $49,900.

Click here for more news on the Chrysler 300.

- By: Omar Rana

Last night, we received the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic in our press fleet for a week and so far I’m pretty impressed with the car – so much so, I decided to feature the car today in our  ”top 10 most important things you need to know about” segment. Look out for the full review coming next week.

Check out our other Top 10 things you need to know lists.

Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic:

1. The 2012 Sonic can apparently go skydiving and bungee jumping.
2. It competes with the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent. GM says that the Sonic offers class-leading rear-seat roominess and we definitely have to agree with that.
3. It comes with two 4-cylinder engines including a 1.4 liter turbo Ecotec and a 1.8 liter naturally aspirated Ecotec. Both produce a strong 138-hp but the 1.4 turbo gets better fuel-economy and is a little more fun to drive.
4. The transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with the 1.8 liter. The 1.4 liter turbo gets a 6-speed manual.
5. The 1.4 liter turbo model to go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds.
6. For those that go for the manual gear boxes, the Sonic has automatic hill-hold technology preventing roll back, or rolling forward when going downhill.
7. Corvette Engineers tuned the Sonic’s ride and handling (and you can definitely tell), while balancing the vehicle for the broad range of driving conditions in North America (it definitely takes potholes like a champ). GM says that the Sonic’s body structure is designed to be one of the stiffest in the segment, which helps in tuning the ride and handling more precisely.
8. The Sonic is the first and only car in its class with 10 standard air bags and comes with OnStar (with turn-by-turn navigation), standard for six months. It has been awarded the 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
9. Fuel-economy (city/highway/combined): 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8: 26/29/35 mpg with 5-speed manual with annual cost of $1,743; 25/28/35 mpg with automatic bringing annual fuel cost to $1,805. 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 1.4 Turbo: 29/33/40 mpg with a 6-speed manual bringing annual fuel cost to $1,532. All Sonic models have a 12.2 gallon tank and a driving range of 317/427 (city/highway).
10. Pricing starts at $14,635 for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic 1LS and goes up to $18,495 for the Sonic 2LZ but you can get most of the options in the Sonic 1LZ for $17,235.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Sonic.

- By: Omar Rana

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is one of the most anticipated sports cars of 2012, so we figured what better car to feature in today’s episode of our ”top 10 most important things you need to know about” segment.

Check out our other Top 10 things you need to know lists.

Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1:

1. It is the fastest, most powerful Camaro in history. It’s so powerful that the ZL1′s chief engineer, Al Oppenheiser, wants Ford Mustang fans to thank the ZL1. “For Mustang fans, you’re welcome. Clearly the Camaro has encouraged Ford to throw everything they can at us,” Oppenheiser recently said.
2. Power comes from a supercharged 6.2L LSA engine making an SAE-rated at 580 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 556 lb-ft. of torque at 3,800 rpm.
3. Power goes to the rear wheels through either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
4. Performance? Apparently the automatic is faster in every way:
   

   	Manual	Automatic
   0 – 60 mph (from rolling start)	4.0 seconds	3.9 seconds
   1/4-mile (from a rolling start)	12.1 sec at 119 mph	12.0 sec at 119 mph
   Top speed	180 mph	184 mph
   Max lateral grip	1.0 g	1.0 g

5. It lapped the Nurburgring in 7:41.27.
6.  It will come with an standard Performance Traction Management (from the Corvette ZR1) and the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control. There are three settings for Magnetic Ride Control in the ZL1: Tour, Sport, and Track. Those that opt for the 6-speed automatic will also three drive modes including Drive, Sport and Manual (learn more here).
7. Prices start at $54,995. Some supercars that have less power than the ZL1 but cost more:
   

   	Base price	Horsepower	Torque	Magnetic Ride
   Camaro ZL1	$54,995	580	556	Standard
   Audi R8 GT	$196,800	560	398	Standard
   Maserati GranTurismo	$122,800	405	339	Not available
   Mercedes SLS AMG	$185,750	565	479	Not available

8. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 comes standard with a 9-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system; USB and Bluetooth connectivity; and rear-park assist with a rear-view camera in the center rear-view mirror. Only 6 options are available including: $1,185 for the automatic transmission, $470 for 20-inch wheels, $900 for a sunroof, $470 for stripes, $600 for carbon fiber hood insert and $500 for some suede on the inside.
9. It requires premium fuel and has a tank capacity of 19 gallons. Fuel-economy figures will be announced later but expect the numbers to empty out your wallet.
10. Sales will start in spring 2012. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible will arrive in summer of 2012.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

- By: Omar Rana

In today’s episode of  top 10 most important things you need to know (our 7th), we take a look at a new vehicle that hasn’t even hit dealerships yet.

Let’s meet the all new 2013 Infiniti JX crossover that will go on sale early next spring.

Click here for our other Top 10 things you need to know lists.

Top 10 things you need to know about the 2013 Infiniti JX:

1. The Infiniti JX is the brand’s answer to the Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes GL-Class and the Audi Q7.
2. It has 5 doors (counting the access to the trunk) and can seat 7-passengers. The passengers get a total of 8 cupholders and 6 bottle holders.
3. Power comes from a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 unit making 265 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.
4. The 2013 Infiniti JX is available with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive.
5. Fuel-economy is estimated at 17/23 mpg (city/highway) or 19 mpg combined – EPA rating still pending.
6. It has segment-leading overall passenger volume, segment-leading rear cargo volume and more 2nd and 3rd row legroom than a Cadillac Escalade.
7. The JX also has one of the easiest ways to access the third row as the second row seat slides completely forward while the buttocks area moves in an upward fashion. You basically have to see it in action to know what we’re talking about. You can even access the 3rd row without removing a 2nd row child seat.
8. Forget that dual-zone climate control – the Infiniti JX has Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control with a microfilter. It also has an optional Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto-recirculation, Grape Polyphenol Filter and Plasmacluster air purifier. A car with pure air? That’s pretty sweet.
9. It will be the first Infiniti to feature the brand’s new ‘Infiniti Connection’ and ‘Infiniti Connection Plus’ services. The service includes 24-hour Automatic Crash Notification, Emergency Call, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, stolen vehicle reporting, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Alarm Notification, Maintenance Alert, Scheduled Maintenance Notification and My Schedule (via Google Calendar).
10. Prices start at $40,450 for the JX35 FWD model and $41,550 for the JX35 AWD model. Even though it doens’t go on sale until spring 2012 – you can build and reserve one right now. (Check out complete pricing details here).

Click here for more news on the Infiniti JX.

- By: Omar Rana

Click here for our other Top 10 things you need to know lists.

Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 Mini Coupe:

1. In the 1970s, there was actually a single engine aircraft called the ‘Mini Coupe’ that was powered by a Volkswagen engine – and that has nothing to do with the British company’s new model (just thought it’s something you would like to know).
2. If you’re taller than 6 foot-2 inches stop reading here and wait for the Mini Roadster.
3. It has 2-doors, 2-seats and 9.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
4. The 2012 Mini Coupe is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder making 122-hp and 118 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph comes in 9 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. The 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder with a twin-scrool turbocharger making 184-hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 143 mph. The 2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe is powered by a 1.6 liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 211-hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph.
5. It’s available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.
6. If you buy the base Mini Coupe with a 6-speed manual you will average a fuel-economy of 29/37 mpg (city/highway). If you drive 15,000 miles a year, you’re annual fuel cost will be $1,728. Each tank (13.2 gallons) will get you about 488 miles according to Mini (380 miles according to the EPA).
7. Recaro sports seats will become an option in March 2012.
8. It has an automatic spoiler that goes up and down at certain speeds.
9. Each exterior color is available with a black or silver roof and side-view mirrors.
10. Prices for the Mini Cooper Coupe start at $22,600; Mini Cooper S Coupe starts at $25,300; Mini John Cooper Works Coupe starts at $31,900.It’s possible to price the Mini Coupe over $40,000 (we got up to $41,029), if you pick a fully loaded Mini John Cooper Works Coupe.

Click here for more news on the Mini Coupe.

- By: Omar Rana

Today we continue with our new “top 10 most important things you need to know“ about a certain car. The past three posts in this segment have featured high-end supercars like the Ferrari 458 Spider, Lamborghini Aventador and the McLaren MP4-12C.

Today we’re going to turn it down a couple notches and visit a more affordable car for the masses – the 2012 Hyundai Veloster.

Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 Hyundai Veloster:

1. What kind of name is Veloster? Simply put, the name is a combination of words “velocity” and “roadster.” Pretty interesting I guess.
2. It only has 3-doors.  The result offers the look of a coupe when viewed from the driver side, with the benefit of easy access for rear-seat passengers on the passenger side.
3. Power comes from a 1.6 liter GDI direct-injected gasoline engine making 138-hp at 6,300 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque at 4,850 rpm.
4. It comes standard with a 6-speed manual and is available with an optional 6-speed EcoShift Dual-clutch transmission.
5. EPA rated fuel-economy comes in at 28/40 mpg (city/highway) for the 6-speed manual – that’s better highway fuel-econmy then the Honda CR-Z Hybrid. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, the Veloster will run you $1,606 in annual fuel cost.
6. 0 to 60 mph takes about 8.1 seconds
7. It comes standard 7-inch multimedia touchscreen that can be personalized with one of three visual themes and lets you watch video and play video games when parked – and that’s standard. In fact, the only options are a sunroof, keyless push button start, upgraded sound system, navigation, rearview camera, upgraded seats and a leather steering. Hyundai’s BlueLink, Bluetooth, power windows and a bunch of other things are standard.
8. A 200-hp+ Veloster Turbo will debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January.
9. It’s built on the same platform as the Hyundai Elantra and Accent.
10. Prices start $17,300 and top out at $23,310 with all the cool options.

Click here for more news on the Hyundai Veloster.

- By: Omar Rana

Top 10 things you need to know about the McLaren MP4-12C:

1. It is the first production car wholly designed and built by the company since the McLaren F1.
2. The car’s main benchmark was the Ferrari 458 Italia and when strictly talking numbers, it’s just a tad bit faster than the Italian stallion.
3. Power comes from a 3.8 liter twin-turbo V8 making 592-hp at 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 443 lb-ft between 3,000 and 7,000 rpm.
4. The engine is mated to a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch gearbox.
5. It runs from 0 to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds with a top speed of 205 mph (Corsa tire option shaves 0.2 seconds off the 0-62 mph time).
6. It weighs just 2,868 pounds.
7. The MP4-12C unofficially lapped the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and 28 seconds – it is also the second fastest car to lap the Top Gear UK track, returning a lap time of 1:16.2.
8. The MP4 stands for McLaren Project 4, the chassis designation for all McLaren Formula 1 cars since 1981. The 12 refers to McLaren’s internal Vehicle Performance Index through which the company rates key performance criteria both for competitors and for its own cars. The C simply stands for Carbon.
9. A convertible MP4-12C is under development.
10. Prices start at $231,400.

Click here for more news on the McLaren MP4-12C.

- By: Omar Rana

We started our Top 10 things you need to know about a certain car segment earlier this week with the Ferrari 458 Spider. Today, we continue the segment with the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. Let’s get started…

Top 10 things you need to know about the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4:

1. The Lamborghini Aventador replaces the Murcielago in the company’s lineup.
2. Power comes from a 6.5L V12 engine making 690-hp and 509 lb-ft of torque.
3. The engine is mated to a ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) 7-speed transmission (an automated manual gearbox that minimizes shift times by almost 50 percent than with a dual-clutch transmission).
4. 0 to 60 mph comes in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph.
5. It has Lamborghini’s new Haldex 4-wheel drive system.
6. Lamborghini says that the Aventador is two generations ahead of anything else on sale, using Formula One-style suspension and a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque.
7. EPA rated fuel-economy comes in at 11/17/13 mpg (city/highway/combined) – you will be paying a gas guzzler’s tax and annual fuel cost is estimated at $4,291. It will cost you $80 on average to fill up the tank.
8. The engine needs 3.4 gallons of oil to keep it running smoothly and 6.6 gallons of coolant to keep it… well, cool – and that’s about 5 times more than a normal car you see on the road.
9. There will be a Aventador Roadster coming next year.
10. Prices start at $387,000.

Click here for more news on the Lamborghini Aventador.

- By: Omar Rana

Today we’re launching another new segment on egmCarTech called Top 10 things you need to know about… a certain car. The list will give you a breakdown of the ten most important things you need to know about a respective vehicle. We’re launching the segment today with the new 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider. Here we go…

Top 10 things you need to know about the 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider:

1. Ferrari originally started the 458 Italia program by developing the Spider first. The 458 Spider’s aluminum retractable hardtop was the actual starting point when the brand thought of replacing the F430.
2. Power comes from a 4.5L V8 producing 570-hp at 9,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm.
3. 0 to 62 mph comes in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph – that’s 2 mph less than the coupe.
4. It weighs just 3,153 pounds.
5. It features a dual-clutch, 7-speed F1 transmission.
6. Fuel-economy comes in at an estimated 19.9 mpg.
7. The 458 Spider is a hard-top convertible with a top made of aluminum, offering a weight reduction of 25 kg (55 pounds).
8. The top comes down in just 14 seconds.
9. The top was engineered to fit ahead of the engine bay without compromising aerodynamics or the performance of the car.
10. Prices start at $257,000.

Click here for more news on the Ferrari 458 Italia.

- By: Omar Rana

The very first cars were steered with a tiller, but in 1894, a man named Alfred Vacheron took part in the Paris-Rouen race with a Panhard 4-hp model, which had been fitted with a steering wheel. Ever since, that has been believed to be one of the earliest adoptions of the steering wheel principle.

Many years later, the steering wheels as evolved in many ways – adding cruise control buttons and other multifunctional buttons that allow you to control a lot of features in a vehicle. We don’t know about you but the first and foremost thing we look for in an interior of a car is the steering – it has to fit perfectly in our hands and be very comfortable (fat and juicy steerings preferred). Hey, let’s be honest here, your hands spend most of their life on a steering wheel – well, that’s if you have a license.

Either way, we decided to put together a list of Top 10 Hot Steering Wheels We’ll See in 2012 and most of them turn out to be steering wheels found on high-performance sports cars and supercars. The only two steering wheels on our list that don’t appear on a high-performance car are the 2012 Hyundai Veloster Steering and the 2012 BMW 3 Series M Sport Package steering wheel.

Circle through our image gallery to see our Top 10 List.

- By: Omar Rana

Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of 37 brand new vehicles that will be hitting U.S. roads next year (some might start showing up a little earlier). Our list consists of brand-new models that have never before seen the light of day on planet Earth (or the United States); vehicles that have been on a hiatus for quite some time and are finally making their comeback to the United States; or vehicles that are a brand new variant addition to an existing model (ex: BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid).

So kick back and check out the list by viewing the gallery above or simply hitting the jump for the full list.

Note: Only vehicles that have been officially confirmed by the automaker made the list. The list does not contain any vehicles that have been rumored to show up in 2012.

37 Brand New Vehicles You’ll See in 2012 (Alphabetical Order):

• Audi RS5
• Buick Verano
• BMW ActiveHybrid 5
• Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
• Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible
• Chevrolet Malibu Eco
• Chevrolet Sonic
• Chevrolet Spark
• Dodge Caliber (Compact Car)
• Dodge Viper
• Ferrari 458 Spider
• Fiat 500 Convertible
• Fisker Karma
• Ford Focus EV
• Ford Focus ST
• Ford C-MAX Hybrid
• Ford C-MAX Energi
• Hyundai Veloster
• Infiniti JX
• Infiniti M35h Hybrid
• Mazda CX-5
• Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series
• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
• Mini Coupe
• Mitsubishi i
• Pagani Huayra
• Range Rover Evoque
• Saab 9-4X
• Scion FR-S
• Scion iQ
• Subaru BRZ
• Subaru XV
• Tesla Model S
• Toyota Prius C
• Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
• Toyota Prius V
• Volkswagen Golf R

- By: Omar Rana

You may have seen 2 or 3 of these vehicles on the road already (BMW 6-Series, Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Beetle) but most of them won’t hit your local dealership until early 2012.

Some of the vehicles that the egmCarTech team is looking forward to test-drive are the Audi A6, BMW M5, Chevrolet Malibu, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Azera, Lexus GS, Porsche 911 and the Toyota Yaris.

Check out the complete list after the jump or circle through the photo gallery to see what you should (or shouldn’t) be waiting for.

Check out the list after the jump.

Top 16 Redesigned Vehicles You’ll See in 2012 (Alphabetical Order):

• 2012 Audi A6
• 2012 BMW 6-Series
• 2012 BMW M5
• 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
• 2013 Ford Taurus
• 2013 Honda CR-V
• 2013 Hyundai Azera
• 2013 Lexus GS
• 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML
• 2012 Nissan Versa
• 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera / Porsche 911 Carrera S
• 2012 Subaru Impreza
• 2012 Toyota Camry
• 2012 Toyota Yaris
• 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
• 2012 Volkswagen Passat

- By: Omar Rana

We’ve put together a little list for you for the 13 cars that have been discontinued for the 2012 model year.

Thankfully, none of them really have us even a tad bit upset.

Hit the jump for the complete list or just circle through the gallery above.

Cars Discontinued for the 2012 Model Year (in Alphabetical Order):

• Buick Lucerne
• Cadillac DTS
• Cadillac STS
• Chevrolet HHR
• Dodge Dakota
• Ford Ranger
• Honda Element
• Lotus Elise
• Mazda Tribute
• Mitsubishi Endeavor
• Nissan Altima Hybrid
• Volvo S40
• Volvo V50

- By: Omar Rana

Getting pulled over is never fun. And if you are one to get pulled over often, consider the car your driving. It’s no news that what you’re driving can make the coppers see you as a huge red flag that says: “HEY PICK ME!” But some of the cars that were found to be the most ticketed may come to a surprise for some, because it did for us.

Quality Planning conducted a study by collecting data from law enforcement firms around the country and ranked the cars that are pulled over the most. The study is based on the number of moving violations that a car is issued per 100,000 miles.

Some patterns found that seven of the top 10 cars were most likely driven by women. And sure, you might think that the majority of the cars are also driven by the youth. But, you’ll be surprised as once again, seven of the ten total entries were most driven by individuals with an average age of 40 or higher.

These sort of studies always end up being interesting. So without further ado, the list:

Quality Planning’s Top Ten Most Ticketed Cars:

1. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Convertible
2. Toyota Camry-Solara Coupe
3. Scion tC Coupe
4. Hummer H2/H3 SUV
5. Scion XB Hatchback
6. Mercedes-Benz CLS-63 AMG Sedan
7. Acura Integra Coupe
8. Pontiac Grand Prix Sedan
9. Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Sedan
10. Volkswagen GTI Hatchback

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CNBC

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer

TrueCar, a new car price search site, recently completed a study that shows the brands that have the highest concentration of younger buyers. The study showed that Mitsubishi, Mazda and Volkswagen have the youngest customers, while brands like Buick, Lincoln, Cadillac and Mercury produce eight of the 10 models with the lowest percentage of buyers under 34.

The study also identified the beast deals on models for buyers that are between the 18-34 range.

Mitsubishi topped the list (18.3 percent) with the Lancer and the Eclipse. Mazda came in second (18 percent) with the Mazda3 and the Mazda6 being the most popular amongst buyers in the 18-34 range. Volkswagen came in third (17.6 percent) with buyers flocking towards the Jetta and the GTI.

Hit the jump for the list and check out TrueCar’s full study here.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: TrueCar