Auto Car Wallpapers: February 2012

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

2012 Yellow Scion IQ

Yellow Scion IQ Concept

Yellow Scion IQ Hatchback

Scion IQ Interior

Scion IQ Baggage

Yellow Scion IQ Opening

Yellow Scion IQ on The Road

Yellow Scion IQ Front Side View

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Toyota Prius V - Bigger, but Thirstier

The Prius V has arrived! It provides more cargo space and practicality than the standard Prius, and is the third member of what is becoming the Prius family of cars. Besides the Plug-in Prius, a fourth model will arrive this year, the Prius C (compact, or, perhaps "cheaper"). The C will not offer significantly greater fuel economy numbers, but will be 19 inches shorter than the standard Prius and will, most importantly, have a lower entry price, bringing hybrid ownership to first-time compact car buyers.

The Prius has never been a particularly small car, but in the interests of maximum efficiency, it tapers down at the back.This gives it a coefficient of drag (cd) of just.25--excellent. The new V is more of a crossover/wagon configuration, with a more straight-back roofline and full vertical tailgate, so it rates at .29 for its cd. That, along with a weight gain of 232 pounds using the same 134 horsepower gasoline/electric powertrain, drops the fuel economy numbers. While the familiar Prius hatchback averages 50 mpg, the Prius V gets just 42. I averaged 38.8 mpg over my test week, which included a lot of freeway driving. Incidentally, the 0-60 time drops from 9.8 seconds to 10.4 with the V.

Those fuel economy numbers bring up an interesting point. One big difference between hybrids and normal cars is that the City rating for hybrids is usually higher than the Highway figure (it's 44/40 for the Prius V). So, oddly, if I had spent more time in town my average might have been a bit closer to the EPA's 42 mpg.

Toyota has made the Prius V feel a little more like a crossover SUV inside by giving it a more symmetrical and solid-looking dash panel. My Prius-owning neighbor noticed that the center console is not attached to the dash, so it feels more spacious up front. Of course the wagon-like practicality behind adds cargo space. Cargo space jumps from 21.6 cubic feet to 34.3 with the V, and with the seats folded, it can be up to 67.3 cubic feet--that's generous for a car that can get 40 mpg.

The price is a bit scary. My tester, a top-of-the-line level 5 model, was $36,692--approaching entry luxury territory. The list for the level 5 starts at $30,750, including shipping, but mine had the Advanced Technology Package, which added many things, including $5,580 to the bottom line. Prices for the Prius V level 2 start at a more affordable $27,160.

Prii for everyone! Stay tuned.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

1947 Plymouth Sighted - a Happy Moment

Commuting back and forth to work 22 miles each way can become a grind. To ease the boredom, I listen to music, and that's fine. Sometimes I can use the Bluetooth connection and chat on the phone. But the real treat is to enjoy a car sighting--something special.

I've seen a late 1950's Chrysler, with its huge fins. Now and then a 40-year-old Volvo 1800s pops up, or even something like an original early 1970's Honda Civic. But when I see a car that's older than I am--it's pretty impressive.

Yesterday, on the way home, I saw that traffic was moving more slowly in the right lane. As I approached, in my futuristic silver 2012 Toyota Prius V, I saw why it was dragging. A 1947 Plymouth, serene in it's shiny tan paint and chrome bumpers, was rolling along at about 55 mph. Sweet!

The '47 was much like the '42, which was cut short for wartime production of military vehicles, so it looks especially tall and bulbous, even by the standards of the early 1950's. My scoutmaster, in the late 1960's drove a 1948 Chrysler that looked the same. What a fine beast that was--I rode in it at least once. A 20-year-old car really looked OLD back then, whereas a 1992 car on the road today wouldn't even attract attention.

I wonder what I'll see today? It'll be hard to top that Plymouth.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

2013 Porsche Macan - First Look

Plans are released for Porsche’s new small SUV.

Porsche has confirmed it intends to produce the Macan, a small sport-utility based on the Audi Q5 platform that will be positioned beneath the larger Cayenne SUV. The Stuttgart-based automaker has provided a few details, including a production date of late-2013, and has released a concept drawing.

2013 Porsche Macan

The image shows a sleek and compact 4-door sport-ute, with a low greenhouse, a front fascia similar to the one found on the current Cayenne, and modestly pronounced rear fenders. Exaggerated wheels are common to these drawings, and that holds true with the Macan. Don’t count on the production model wearing anything like the mega wheels sketched into this drawing.

Porsche Macan mules undergoing winter testing and disguised by a crafty Audi body-shell.

Eye of the Macan

While early speculation about the vehicle referred to it as the Cajun, the name was only a temporary tag, an eye-roll-inducing amalgamation of Cayenne and Junior. Porsche tells us the Macan name is derived from the Indonesian word for tiger. After similar odd-named German sport-utes like the VW Tiguan and Touareg, we can’t wait to hear how the Macan name is pronounced in various parts of the U.S. and during upcoming auto shows.

An early illustration of the Porsche Cajun.

Caught Testing

Our spy photographers have caught the Porsche Macan undergoing winter testing. Wearing a crafty Audi body-shell, and parked between a pair of Cayennes, these prototypes offer a few tantalizing details. The two test cars appear to sit lower than the Q5, and seem to have a slightly wider stance than the Audi.

A close-up photo of the front grille shows two pipes running to either side of the engine bay. That hints at a possible twin-turbo arrangement – a powertrain definitely not offered in the Q5.

Porsche Macan mules undergoing winter testing and disguised by a crafty Audi body-shell.

While it’s been expected for some time that the smaller Porsche will be based on the architecture of its corporate sibling, there have been few indications about specific drivetrains.

Like the Cayenne, which shares a platform and certain engines with the VW Touareg, some mechanical overlap appears likely (at least with base models).

Four and Six-Cylinders

Expect the Macan to be offered with a version of the Q5’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and the direct-injection 3.2-liter V-6, both upgraded from their current horsepower of 211 and 270 respectively. Judging from the plumbing fitted to these test mules, we wouldn’t be surprised by a range-topping turbocharged V-6 with somewhere in the region of 350-400 bhp.

Porsche Macan mules undergoing winter testing and disguised by a crafty Audi body-shell.

A hybrid version seems likely, as does a diesel variant – though the latter might only be offered in European markets. Audi’s highly regarded Quattro system with typical Porsche tweaks – such as a bias towards sending more power to the rear wheels – is likely to be standard across the range. An 8-speed automatic transmission equipped with paddle-shifters mounted on the steering wheel is also probable. In a promotional video released by Porsche, the driver can be seen changing gears via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

Porsche Macan mules undergoing winter testing and disguised by a crafty Audi body-shell.

Investment and Competition

The Macan promises to be a hugely important addition to the Porsche lineup. Introduced approximately 10 years ago, the Cayenne SUV has become the brand’s best-selling vehicle. Porsche will be investing $655 million to upgrade the Leipzig factory that now builds Cayennes and Panameras to include the Macan. This is the same factory in which the Carrera GT supercar was assembled.

Porsche Macan mules undergoing winter testing and disguised by a crafty Audi body-shell.

Production will begin in 2013, though U.S. sales of the Macan might not start until early 2014. Speculation suggests Porsche might offer a 2-door version, similar to the 2 and 4-door format offered in the Range Rover Evoque. Pricing has not been revealed, though the Macan will likely be a considerable step up from the $36,000 to $44,000 price range of the current Audi Q5.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Hyundai Veloster - Just for Fun

The Banana Car. Photo: Boundless Captures

I just spent a fun week with the new Hyundai Veloster, a compact and quirky vehicle. Showing up in "26.2 Yellow" didn't hurt--and it led to me calling the stylishly tapered ride the "banana car."

Hyundai has been producing nicer and nicer vehicles as they learn the lessons that Toyota and Honda did years ago. The materials and fit-and-finish need to be good and the value has to be there too. My little yellow car came well equipped, especially with its Style Package and Tech Package, which delivered such things as 18-inch wheels with matching yellow inserts, a panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system and various styling extras.

The best part of the car though, was its odd three-door configuration (not counting the convenient hatchback). On the right, the car has typical sedan doors--and a side pillar between them. The rear door's handle is hidden in its extreme upper right corner trim, so it's not immediately obvious. The driver's side, however, is like that on a coupe--one long door. I had fun demonstrating this to incredulous fellow parkers. And the funniest part is the window button panel on the door -- with two on the right and one on the left (see photo).

The hatch, with its quick-remove cargo cover, meant I could carry my bass and other stuff easily. Rear seating had enough legroom but headroom was quite tight thanks to the fastback design.

The Veloster, at this point, comes with one engine--Hyundai's 1.6-liter, 138-horsepower 4. Through a welcome six-speed manual transmission, it averaged an even 30.0 miles per gallon and was fun to point and shoot down the interstate. If you're looking for more dramatic performance, wait for a turbo model, but 30 mpg is nice to have, too. EPA numbers are 28 City, 40 Highway, 32 Average.

The stylists went to town on this car. Outside, its a festival of curves and lines, with interestingly scooped out areas next to the taillamps that make them larger elements. The front wears the fierce look favored by Hyundais these days. Inside, the silvery trim is applied jewelry, keeping your eye moving around the cabin. It feels substantial. The best odd element is the pair of door pull rings built into the armrests that project upward several inches.

My car's base price was just $17,300, but came to $21,300, plus shipping.

I could live long term with this car--it definitely fits my personality--especially in yellow.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Classic Cars to Help Returning Vets Reintegrate

I just heard about this great idea in the newsletter of American Collectors Insurance, the company that insures my 1956 Nash Metropolitan. The Road Home is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by a group of compassionate and generous automotive enthusiasts to connect returning veterans with social, training and employment opportunities. Think of all those old cars that need help, including my own (!) and it's a fantastic idea.

The network connects returning sailors, soldiers and airmen with any shops that are ready to put them to work. Here's what they say on their website:

We believe the automotive restoration industry is uniquely qualified to help provide social, training, and employment opportunities to returning American veterans of war. These individuals have skills and a strong work ethic, and many are struggling to get back to normal after life in the service.

What a great way to help those who take care of us to integrate back into civilian life.

Spread the word.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Kia Rio - Small Car, Big Step Up

When you're selling in the lower end of the car market, it's easy to be dismissed as a cheap "econobox." The Kia Rio could be treated that way--but it would be a mistake. For 2012, it's not only better looking, but has the feel, inside and out, of a real car that's worth buying for its own sake--not just for the price.

Much of the goodness is its looks comes from the happy fact that Kia's design chief, Peter Schreyer, used to design Audis for a living. Everything Kia sells is getting a profound upgrade, and now, Kia's smallest vehicle in America has been hit with with the beauty brush (the opposite of an ugly stick). From the large headlight pods to the subtle scoops on the sides to the tightly integrated high taillamps,this car looks the part of a scrappy little hatchback now--or a tidy sedan, depending on which you choose.

I just spent a week driving back and forth to work and all over the place in a Signal Red Rio 5-door hatch. I got 29.6 miles per gallon in the process. It would probably have been a little higher if I had the manual transmission, but that's still quite good for a regular, non-hybrid vehicle.

Regarding the manual, it's available--but only on the LX base model, so ordering one would preclude some items I'd want, including Bluetooth, telescoping steering column and the standard audio system. The automatic worked fine with the 1.6-liter, 138-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and it wasn't too noisy in the cabin.

And what an interior you get now with this little car. While sister division Hyundai revels in swoops and curves, the little Kia is chunky and Teutonic--more like a VW Golf--and the flat, matte-finish dash is just one area where you can see the influence. The door armrests felt a little "sticky" with their soft plastic coating, but the overall sense of high quality, good design and attention to detail makes this car a whole lot nicer than the Kia Sephia I tested back in 1994.

Yes, the bass fits in there fine when you flip down the rear seats and remove the cargo cover. I had the scroll as an armrest, and it was the one time when I was glad I had an automatic.

My car, with SX model, with shipping, came to $18,545. Prices start at $14,350.

Things are going very well for the Korean manufacturers in the U.S. now, and that's because they're delivering what customers want--looks, features and price-and it's all backed up with a 10-year warranty.