2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Continued

This year also heralds the return of the road-burning Grand Cherokee SRT8 and its monster 470-hp V8.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee still upholds its reputation for off-road prowess despite its manners and polish. An optional adjustable air suspension (“Quadra-Lift”) can vary the JGC’s ride height from 6.6 inches for easy passenger and roof rack loading to 10.7 inches for serious off-road work. In addition, a drive-mode selector (“Selec-Terrain”) can tailor the powertrain and suspension for specific types of terrain.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-passenger midsize SUV with 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains. The standard equipment includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, automatic headlights, foglamps, cruise control, dual-zone air-conditioning, tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel and 6 speaker sound system with a CD player and auxillary audio jack. There is also an optional package which adds keyless entry/ignition, a power driver seat(including lumbar adjustment), satellite radio and a USB/iPod interface.  The Security and Convenience package includes remote engine start, Bluetooth, cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a USB/iPod interface.  In addition, it has a back-up camera, a power passenger seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery and 9-speaker premium sound system(satellite radio, HD radio, digital music storatge and a touch screen interface).

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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

According to Edmunds Review, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a competitive midsize SUV because of its on-road refinement, well trimmed cabin and traditional off-road ability. In addition, it has a V8 power; high tow rating, upscale interior etc. However, it has a limited cargo space and fussy optional navigation system. Still, it has slightly improves its fuel economy and add couple of trim levels, including posh Overland Summit and SRT8 variant.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rugged off-road ability but a substandard cabin, standard passenger space and V6 engine which is a lot better compared to previous years’ model. Just like what Edmund reviews stated, it has a more refined performance and ride which make it in fighting shape and top contender among midsize SUVs. It shares some components with Mercedes Benz ML Class, Daimler Chrysler on it early development that is why it has a premium look. Drive a pre-’11 Grand Cherokee and new one back to back, and the upgrades in cabin quality, performance and overall refinement are dramatic. This years’ model has slightly better fuel economy (up to 1 highway mpg per engine) through improved power steering in V6 and revised six-speed transmission for V8.

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Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid is a highly economical hybrid electric car with a powerful high-performance. It has a touch button that is the main control to switch between gasoline and electric motor.

Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation, said that the technology of XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is as ingenious as it is unique. It is also possible to make a green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car’s renowned properties. In addition, he also stated that no other manufacturer was able to deliver fuel economy and electrical range at the level of XC60 Plug-in Hybrid. It is a spacious performance car with 350 hp on tap.

Here is a list of three driving modes of XC60 for various driving situations;

Pure – solely electric

Hybrid – the standard setting of the car

Power – The 280hp gas engine combined with 70hp electric motor which helps deliver maximum power.

The forthcoming four-cylinder of this model offers the same high performance of today’s 6 engines which will make the fuel consumption lower.

The XC60 Plug-in Hybrid concept has special alternator and starter which is called an Integrated Starter motor and Generator (ISG) connected to crankshaft which is located between the engine and the transmission.

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2012 Volkswagen Beetle Black Turbo Edition

Volkswagen barrowed some of the concept and design of its sister company Porsche and made its color black 2012 VW Beetle Black Turbo Edition. This new model followed the lineage of Porsche 911s and just added some features to create the Black Edition. It will be available for roughly $25,720.

The power of this model comes from a 2L four-cylinder at 200hp and 207lb-ft of torque which is just identical to other Beetle models to ensure that all Beetle models will perform the same. However, The Black Turbo Edition includes the following features: larger brakes, glovebox, 18-inch wheels and rear spoiler.

The reason why behind the creation of Black Edition is the VW Pre-Order Program which needs a catalyst.  By the way, the price of this model went down drastically from the original price. It will start from $19,765 for the base 2.5L, five-cylinder aspirated mill making 170hp. The diesel joins the lineup in 2012.

The new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Black Turbo Edition is one of those most anticipated cars of the year and VW expected that they can attract more male buyers of this model because of the new features like tougher design, premium audio and redone interior.

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2012 Honda Civic

The new 2012 Honda Civic is the 9^th generation of Civic. This model was able to reach sales of 8.8 million units in the United States in 2010 since its launch as a 1973 model. With this, Honda was able to deliver the expected quality and performance from a classic, compact sedan.

In the automotive history, the Honda Civic is known for being a fun-to-drive compact that is fuel efficient, sporty, and durable. The Japanese manufacturer wants to add a stylish look in this model but so far, aesthetics is not what makes it different from other models.  According to reports, what made this very high volume of sales possible is the comfort and lack of pretense this model serves to the new owners.

The 2012 Honda Civic also has an amazing chassis which is designed to provide driving enjoyment to owner and passenger. In addition, it provides better security and comfort. Most compact sedans are not fun to drive but Honda Civic is and this separates this model from the rest.  The reason behind this driving convenience is Honda’s unique strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems together with Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering for excellent steering performance.

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2012 Honda Civic Si

The 2012 Honda Civic was included in the list of recommended cars by Consumer Report because of the good powertrain . Another thing that made it belong to the recommended list is its elegance which makes it a decent car to drive.

The 2012 Honda Civic has undergone n intensive automotive process and press release pointed out its flaws and drawbacks like vague steering, cheap plastics, a jittery ride and lot of noise.  According to Consumer Reports press release, the Honda Civic Si has better performance than other Civics. The new features include a 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine, matched with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.  In addition, Consumer Report as able to notice that although this model has great powertrain, it still lacks a better car wrapped around it.

The vague steering is very important since the 2012 Honda Civic has motion-adaptive electric power steering which is used to lower the car weight that makes it fuel efficient. However, if not done right, it can cause problems every time the owner drives the car.

The good news about this model is the 201-hp, 2.4L four-cylinder engine which delivers an amazing acceleration at high revs.  Compared to its predecessor, the new larger engine in this model has more torque which makes daily driving a lot easier. This is one of those features that placed this model in magazine’s recommended list.

2012 Honda Civic - honda civic gas cap.