Nik J Miles

“BMW intros their first inline six-cylinder motorcycle application”

BMW has long powered many of their 4-wheeled vehicles with an inline six-cylinder engine, particularly roadsters, so it seemed only prudent that the smoothness provided by such an engine configuration would be a natural application for a luxury touring motorcycle, since both share open air motoring experiences.

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“Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG: Most powerful production SUV”

Exclusivity with a bi-turbo V8

The true luxury SUV market segment was actually created by Mercedes-Benz, when the German automaker debuted the first generation M-Class in the fall of 1997, breaking new ground. Now, 14 years later, the new 2012  M-Class rolls into dealer showrooms adding new standard features and options loaded with state-of-the-art safety technology. Starring at the top of the model lineup is the ML63 AMG which is scheduled to go on sale in early March.

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“Honda’s 2012 Accord serves up style, performance and value”

Every 2012 Honda Accord benefits from updates and improvements with increased fuel economy, enhanced exterior and interior styling, as well as the addition of a new Special Edition (SE) trim level implemented for last year’s model lineup. There are a variety of models available either the form of a two-door coupe or four-door sedan, with either an inline 4-cylinder, or a V-6 engine as a power source. Each of the Accord models provide a pleasing blend of style, performance, efficiency and value.

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The 2013 Focus Electric is the first Ford vehicle to have an interior made from 100 percent clean technology.  Its seats are made from REPREVE®-based fabrics, which are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET).  It takes about 22 recycled bottles to make the fabric for the Focus seats.

“Ford is committed to delivering vehicles with leading fuel efficiency while targeting at least 25 percent clean technology in interior materials across our lineup,” says Carol Kordich, lead designer of Sustainable Materials for Ford. “The Focus Electric highlights this commitment as Ford’s first gas-free vehicle, and the first in the automotive industry to use branded REPREVE.” Read the rest of this entry »

Scion’s fifth model promises to add a new dimension to Toyota’s youth-oriented brand, when the 2013 Scion FR-S goes on sale in the spring of 2012.  The rear-wheel drive sports car offers a new level of excitement, especially for enthusiasts, who want more performance and road handling capabilities.

The FR-S, which stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport; is Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car with exceptionally balanced performance and handling, compelling style, flexible utility and surprising MPG. Read the rest of this entry »

A survey of vehicle owners indicated that four out of 10 car owners didn’t like corrosion on their brake discs.  So, a group of General Motors’ brake experts set out to fix that problem by changing the chemical makeup of the components using a process that could double the life of rotors and save consumers hundreds of dollars.

More than 80 percent of U.S. vehicles are exposed to one or more environmental corrosion creators, such as acid rain, intense sunlight, snow and ice, and road salt. GM brake rotor technical expert Jim Webster and his team were confident that slowing the oxidation brought on by the environment was a problem material science could solve. Read the rest of this entry »

Hyundai chose the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to unveil the latest version of the Genesis Coupe.  The 2013 model uses large air inlets, prominent heat extractors, bold headlights, LED daytime running lights and fog lights to give the wedge-shaped coupe a seriously intimidating look.

The forceful sports car styling is backed up with two enhanced powerplants, a turbocharged four-cylinder and sophisticated direct-injection V-6.  Both engines are stirred to maximum benefit by a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional Hyundai designed and built eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC^® manual-shifting capability.  In addition to the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the selected gear at all times. Read the rest of this entry »

Inevitably, when we are asked what our occupation is, we can count on the next question being something like, ‘what’s the best car?’ or some similar question.  Of course, there is no right answer, because it depends on the individual that’s using the car.

When someone puts themselves in the equation and tells us what they want to spend, and how they use the vehicle, our answer becomes a little more subjective and we find most people are interested in a typical entry- to mid-level car. Read the rest of this entry »

“Hyundai Elantra even better for 2012”

Last year Hyundai redesigned and reengineered the popular Hyundai Elantra sedan. following just over a four-year lifecycle. The dramatic makeover took place well before the prior generation became stale or outlived its popularity and appeal – a highly unusual occurrence in the world of automobile production, as many vehicle lifespans are often 5 – 6 years or more.

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“2012 Panamera Turbo S: The ultimate Porsche Gran Turismo”

When I first learned of Porsche’s intent to build a four-door sedan, I wondered aloud “Who would want a stretched Porsche 911? My disdain was bolstered even further at the concept of such a vehicle, since Initial photos were not particularly flattering. Admittedly, I entertained the same degree of skepticism when the Cayenne SUV was first introduced to the stable of the legendary German automaker, one who, had previously only specialized exclusively in the production of highly revered sports cars.

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