Nik J Miles

Archive for the ‘Automotive Reviews’ Category

“2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe: A serious performer”

Freshened with more aggressive look and performance capability

Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe first appeared on the scene as a concept vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2007, and the transformation from concept to production vehicle kept the signature design virtually intact. The Genesis sedan bowed in 2008. The Genesis Coupe displays an aggressive overall stance with powerful curves and a unique “Z”-shaped undulating beltline. The roofline arches gracefully, with a tapered greenhouse that tends to highlight the car’s broad shoulders and wide track. Rocker panels draw the car closer to the ground, and the wheels reach well up into the pronounced fenders.

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“Jaguar’s 2012 XKR-S Duo: The pinnacle of British exclusivity”

I would be willing to bet the Queen’s castle that Sir William Lyons never imagined that his automotive creation would reach the level of exclusivity and performance capability that is represented by the extremely limited production 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Coupe and Convertible. Only 25 XKR-S Convertibles were scheduled to come to market on our shores, but all sold out within one week of the debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, and the Coupe version, which was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, and had an allocation of only 100 vehicles slated for the U.S. has already sold out as well. Fortunately, even though all of the 2012 examples have been sold, this special iconic sports car is a halo vehicle for Jaguar, and is scheduled for a three year production run at this point, so if you missed out this year, 2013 models will total 200 vehicles, with an even split between coupes and convertibles, and the 2014 production run is currently calling for 75 convertibles and 100 coupes to be built.

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“Toyota Prius c brings Hybrid Synergy Drive to subcompact market”

Since the first generation Prius made its appearance just over fourteen years ago, more than two million Prius vehicles have been sold globally,986 percent of which are still on the road, and Toyota has continued to evolve the iconic hybrid by introducing significant new model variants, while ever improving and enhancing existing models.

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“BMW’s Sixth Gen 3-Series: All new – but pleasingly so”

Familiarity Breeds content

                                                            328i

Monterey, CA.- As usual, BMW has gone and improved an existing series to the point where it seems to surpass, or at the very least, to equal, the Series lineup above it. If that’s confusing, simply stated, the 6^th generation 3-Series is all-new, yet is on a par with, if not better than earlier 5-Series models. Technically, the 2012 stable of 3-Series vehicles might well be termed the 61/2 or seventh generation, if one were to include the iconic 1600 and 2002 models.

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Looking for a car that will get you noticed?  The Jaguar XJ is a first class head-turner, and by our estimation, it’s one of the best-looking cars on the road.  Historically, the Jaguar brand has a reputation for building fast, stylish cars, and the latest XJ even takes it up another couple of notches.

The XJ sedan styling is a product of extensive wind tunnel and track research, which when combined with the optional Sport Pack develops a very low 0.29 coefficient of drag.  The aerodynamic design not only looks good, but also helps with high-speed stability and improves fuel economy.  The resulting car is the fastest and most fuel-efficient large sedan Jaguar has ever built. The Sport Pack also includes cosmetic enhancements inside and outside to set it apart from other XJ versions. Read the rest of this entry »

“Toyota’s Camry lineup undergoes reinvention”

Toyota’s Camry is all new for the 2012 model year. The Camry has been America’s best-selling car for nine years running, and for 13 of the past 14 years. This latest iteration Camry represents the seventh generation of the iconic Toyota model, which was first introduced in 1983 and has since sold over 15 million Camry models globally.

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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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“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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