2013 BMW M5 F10 Models

The fifth generation 2013 BMW M5 F10 model by $ 90 695. It is the same with the upcoming M6 Convertible, which will be the first of three new M cars arrive in U.S. BMW Center showroom. The new M6 Convertible will hit the U.S. market in June $ 113 995 - $ 895, including destination and handling.

The family sports sedan is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo with 560PS (412 kW) and 680Nm (502 lb-ft). It is mated to a 7-speed M Double Clutch. 0 to 100 km / h in 4.4 seconds, 0 to 200 km / h in 13 seconds and a top speed of 250 km / h (155 mph) electronically limited 305 km / h (190 mph) with M driver's package.

However, this is a car to take your family for the holidays, so fuel consumption is pretty good - 9.9 liters per 100 km on the combined cycle (28.5 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 232 g / km.

Active M Differential which optimizes power transfer between the rear wheels ensure the performance of the engine is transferred to the ground. The M6 Convertible has an engine gearbox, same as usual, and other equipment.

2013 BMW M5 Unique Front Crossmember

Almost every car has a R or a GT or V or S or a Spec-Something-or-Other sexing up its catalog. But no one has committed to work with the spirit of BMW M GmbH division. Indeed, the gap between the track and the road that opened years ago means that BMW's speed shop no longer puts motorsport specials on the road with detuned racing engine. But that does not mean the new M is nothing more than Big Macs with barbecue sauce.

In the F10 2013 BMW M5, you get a unique machine [see sidebar], a unique, reinforced and re-ratio'd, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a unique, electronic limited-slip differential with a unique aluminum mount for horse-collar stiffness is added. There is a unique suspension with forged aluminum components and nary a BMW part number divided by another, variable-ratio steering gear with unique hydraulic power boost is not like other 5s, unique, iron-and-aluminum brake rotors clamped by a unique radial-mount , piston monoblock front calipers measuring six residential asymmetric per wheel, and unique front crossmember, rigid and attached by two additional bolts because someone thought that counts. A unique cradle stiff rear suspension mounted to the unibody to lose weight and flex of the rubber bushing, unique rigid rods and plates under shear serves as extra bracing, and the car is running special software enough to land on the asteroid.

You may scoff upon learning 2013 BMW M5's price, is expected to fall close to U.S. $ 92,000. For that amount of outstanding we say: How can BMW sold a few thousand copies per year so cheap? What is the cost of special tooling, anyway? How much is it to change 10 things about the machine, including the induction system and the compression ratio, and then recertify it? It's a lot of Big Macs. Maybe not as much as a Big Mac creates bespoke V-10, as in the previous E60, but many.

New M5 will definitely benefit. But whether it's spectacular or just great-a lot of people will put a 4300-pound luxury sedan that hits 60 mph in 3.7 seconds-firmly in the former category there must be some badge work part-bin.

Now, with the M5, we must remember that it is still unapologetically heavyweight. This is an executive express, velvet-wrapped hammer, a whale shark clothing. This is not a four-door Lotus Elise. BMW M5 figures wealthy owner of M3 owners and that they want to level commensurate luxury and gizmology. Granted, you can not select the gears, push the pedal, or turning the wheel in the new M5 without the help of a computer alert much watch every twitch of your body. Even the roar of the M TwinPower Turbo (we like to say the name of it), muffled by turbos and soundproof cabins, some ersatz, enhanced with voice playback engine through a stereo system to provide the passenger experience "high acoustic."

M5 spurns electric-assist steering in less than 5-series model for hydraulic impulse more natural-feeling. And thanks to the snappy camber and caster settings, commitment to the car to the driver's desired path is stronger than in 5s and 7s wandering we've driven lately.

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Fuel Economy

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe and the Santa Fe Crossover Sport car is completing an ambitious plan 7/11, for the release of seven models are all-new or significantly updated in just 11 months. We know the generation Santa Fe will be unveiled at the New York auto show, but do not expect the addition of a short-wheelbase, two-line Santa Fe Sport models offer a four-cylinder turbocharged available.

The two Santa Fes does not share a single powerplant. The Santa Fe Short Sport applies to all four-cylinder lineup, starting with the 190 hp 2.4-liter I-4 makes 181 pounds-ft of torque estimated. The optional powerplant Hyundai now familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, which produces 264 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque under the hood of Santa Fe Sport 2.0T. 8.5-inch longer Santa Fe gets a bit more powerful engines - 3.3-liter 290-hp V-6 ripped directly from the new Azera. All three machines are connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive with torque vectoring available.

Fuel economy is a major focus of the 2013 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport. Although bigger than ever, thanks to the increased use of lightweight high-tensile steel, reducing weight, but fuel economy, for the most part, has been fixed.

Hyundai expects the front-drive Santa Fe Sport is equipped with a 2.4-liter I-4 to achieve 23/33 mpg city / highway, and the front-drive turbo models to get mpg 23/31. Hyundai expects V-6-powered Santa Fe scored mpg 19/26 in EPA testing. For comparison, the Santa Fe exit print mpg 20/28 to I-4, and 20/26 mpg with the V-6. All 2013 Santa Fes comes standard with Hyundai's Active ECO system.

Hyundai has added several new driver-oriented technology to Santa Fe Santa Fe and Sport, including a new system all-wheel-drive with Cornering torque vectoring control, or TVCC for short. Hyundai TVCC can distribute torque required for each single wheel at all times, allowing the system to reduce understeer or oversteer unwanted.

Hyundai aims to increase the sense of fashion steering wheel with new drivers Selected (DSSM) in Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport. DSSM including three operating modes - Comfort, Normal, Sport, and - which can decrease or increase the steering effort depending on the mode. DSSM adjust not only the level of aid, but also in the center and on-curve build-up feel, which Hyundai says will offer a "progressive feel very natural." We have to wait and see on that one.

As for styling, the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport wear "Storm Edge" new design language. In the future, both Santa Fe model features a large trapezoidal grille with three chrome bars Hyundai Santa Fe Sport and four bars in Santa Fe. Lights visually connects Santa Fe to the new Genesis Coupe and Veloster. The front fascia Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport low features the faux aluminum skid plate flanked by foglights, which have LED daytime running lights.

The Santa Fe Santa Fe Sport and more different styles in the profile and rear. Arch window for aggressive line, giving Santa Fe Sport tiny window behind the rear passengers. The Santa Fe has a less aggressive beltline and large window behind the second row.

Exit back Santa Fe has a larger dual exhausts and rear lights are great. The Santa Fe Sport taillight design will be more aggressive, and the twin-tipped exhaust exit on the right side of the car. The base Santa Fe Sport rides on 17-inch wheels, while the Santa Fe Sport 2.0Ts gets 19-inch wheels. The Santa Fe ride on either 18 - or 19-inch.

Part two Santa Fes has a flowing center stack of the typical Hyundai. Both models offer a third-generation Hyundai navigation system to display an eight-inch multifunctional touch screen. Hyundai Blue Link service (think OnStar) are standard on all Santa Fe models, while the long-wheelbase Santa Fe got a blind spot detection. Other features available include, sunroof panorama push-button start with keyless entry, and heated front and rear seats.

Some facilities are more functional interior including the second row folds flat and split 40:20:40, and is available with the ability to slide forward and back. Three rows Santa Fe 1.9 inch increase in the second row legroom over Santa Fe Sport. The Santa Fe third row split 50:50, can be folded flat to the floor, and offers 31.5 inches of legroom.

Short wheelbase 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport will go on sale in July. They are looking for seven-passenger utility had to wait until January 2013 to get their hands on the Santa Fe is bigger, which is often overlooked in a lineup replaces the Hyundai Veracruz. Prices have not been announced, but expect the 2013 Santa Fe Sport start around $ 25,000, and 2013 Santa Fe to bring the base price closer to $ 30,000.

Honda civic 2013 Redesign

2013 Honda Civic - Honda Automobile reportedly will soon redesign the All-New Honda Civic that seems to be very disappointing. As has been confirmed by Honda to the dealership, the new Honda Civic is expected to be present at the end of 2012.the All-new Civic is obtained with a very alternative gasoline engine, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), and hybrid.The All-New Honda Civic expected to come up with some designs and refreshing, unlike previous models that seem so disappointing.

Engines of 2013 All New Honda Civic is the ability one.8 liter 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC engine with a hundred and forty hp power and 173 Nm of torque. It's out there in the automotive manual transmission or 5-speed automatic. For the hybrid version of one.5 liter equipped kitchen runway.

Honda Automobile says "2013 All New Honda Civic larger cabin". New sedan is lighter weight. 55 of 2013 All New Honda Civic body using steel reinforced previous five hundred. Vehicle Stability Assist with traction and brake assist management to be unusual. And in fact existed with-Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Mazda 6 2012 New Model

The 2012 Mazda 6 is perfect. Even the base car with a 170-hp four-banger with a six-speed manual transmission is fun to drive. Mazda engineers know how to tune the suspension and dial in the type of response that driving enthusiasts enjoy. Quick turn-in response and steering feel kind that lets you know where the front wheel at all times is all part of the package.

This is a heck of a lot of car for the money. I have always been a fan of Mazda 6, and this is no exception. It has the engine-gearbox combination is good, handsome exterior and light-on-its-feet-up and handling.

The chassis is tight, and there is no creaking or vibrate. For a little less than $ 22,000, you do not get a lot of extras such as navigation, and seat fabric. Materials in could use a little upgrade.

I will give credit to 6 has excellent interior space, ironically, we rented one in Florida a few months ago and was able to stuff all the luggage in the trunk for a week at Disney with two children, plus the said children and booster seats Mazda fits in with room to spare.

This example does not suffer the same humiliation, but rear legroom was appreciated, and the car never felt crowded despite the cheap trim. But it was not fun to drive, dynamics, electrical, braking, steering - all normal, but nothing extraordinary. The Mazda 6 just feels like a cheap basic sedan.

If you need space, Mazda 6 Sport up against the perennial best-sellers such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the buyer would also do well to look at the Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion. But the real competition for something like this coming from the car step down in size. A well-equipped Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus or Chevrolet Cruze will be a much more attractive option in this price range.

Also, it was a joy to get a midsize car with a manual transmission. The 6 four-banger pumps out 170 hp and winds up revs eagerly. Six-speed shifter is fine, there is some play in there so you do not get the urge to try and film it through the gears quickly. But the smooth clutch takeup and predictable, which makes it easy to launch the car smoothly.

Travel shade leans toward the corporate side, just enough for you to get now discarded "zoom-zoom" Mazda stance without worrying about being hit by rough roads.

My one gripe: the sticker price is a touch too high for my liking as it rises to the base. I would bet that some negotiation and some incentives can you below the $ 20,000, where the package is starting to look pretty solid.

Mazda face some stiff competition in the base-sedan segment. My short list would also include the Nissan Altima (which is also on the verge of a redesign) and a basic version of the Ford Fusion.

2012 Mazda 6

Base Price: $21,035
As-Tested Price: $21,665
Drivetrain: 2.5-liter I4; FWD, six-speed manual
Output: 170 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 167 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,272 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 24/24.2 mpg
Options: Sirius satellite radio ($430); pearl paint ($200)

Mazda BT 50 2012 Redesign

The all-new Mazda BT-50 ute will continue to be offered as the only diesel model will be launched in Australia later this year.

The two diesel units will be shared with the BT-50's sister car, the all-new Ford Ranger, although the 2.5-liter Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine destined for Ford will not show under the hood of the Mazda.

Performance data of both vehicles will be the same. MZ-CD 3.2 (as Mazda calls it) is a 3.2-liter five-cylinder diesel unit with 147kW of power and 470Nm of torque. As with Ranger, towing capacity will be 3350kg.

The 3.0-liter diesel while in out BT-50 produces 115kW and 380Nm of torque - 32kW and 90nm less than a new model. Towing capacity is 350kg less than the upcoming model.

The engine will be available with either the six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission, and Mazda says both promise significant improvements in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels.

The second engine is the MZ-CD 2.2 - a four-cylinder 2.2-liter diesel that produces 110kW of power and 375Nm of torque (up to 5 kW and above 45nm 2.5-liter diesel engine out). Maximum towing capacity of up to 250kg to 2500kg.

Fuel consumption and emissions data are still to be released, although Mazda says both engines will offer enhanced efficiency. Currently, the 2.5-liter engine uses 8.5 litres/100km on the combined cycle, while the average diesel 3.0 liter 9.5 litres/100km.

Competition in the light commercial segment has never been so powerful. Brand new Volkswagen Amarok start the repair from the market in February, the Ford Ranger is due at the beginning of the second half of this year, BT-50 will hit local showrooms before the end of this year, and the all-new Holden Colorado will go on sale early in 2012.

2013 Toyota Avalon

The Toyota Avalon is always big on size and comfort, but not much else. Sedan flagship brand, however, take a small step toward assessing the style and sporty 2013 Toyota Avalon, which debuted at the 2012 New York auto show.

At the opening of the car, Toyota Group Vice President Bob Carter CEO Akio Toyoda described the reaction after seeing the new Avalon for the first time: "Cool! Do not change anything" 2013 Avalon The main demographic would not be possible to call a full-size sedan "cool." It is sheetmetal newly defined major departure from the outgoing model.

At the front, the lower air dam dominates with its huge gaping grille, trapezoidal and chrome-like trim. In sharp contrast is the quieter upper grille and lights, which mimic the Camry's overall design. Profiles revealed several lines of characters, but the kink in the rear quarter windows and rear light cover treatment have a greater visual impact. The rear features LED taillights horizontally connected by a chrome bar, while the lower bumper contrast helps break the weight vertically Avalon. Wheel wells can be filled with 17 - and 18-inch wheels.

Buyers can find the interior of Avalon to be the strongest asset. Dashboard design is highlighted by a unique floating center stack is trimmed in a metallic finish. Capacitive buttons and the touch screen adds a touch of modern standards, while the amounts of faux-wood materials and soft-touch dashboard and door panel cover. Toyota said the dash panel and contrast stitching on the sewing machine handmade. Optional features include navigation, JBL sound system, ambient lighting, heated front seats and a refrigerated, heated rear seats, three-zone climate control, and adaptive cruise control system.

Toyota says the cabin is quiet thanks for adding sound-absorbing material, while the redesigned side mirrors, wiper repositioning, and acoustic glass to reduce wind noise. Toyota did not mention the change in the passenger compartment even though a reduction from 197.6 to 195.3 inches long overall and decreased 1.7-inch overhang behind. Better still, the luggage capacity has actually increased by 1.6 cubic feet to 16 cubic feet.

Powertrain details have not been released, but we expect Toyota's ubiquitous 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque to bring more, as well as six-speed automatic. Toyota says the body is stronger, while the new suspension including stiffer springs and sway bar to reduce body roll. The Avalon even features a Sport mode that Toyota claims will improve throttle response and adjusts the electric power steering system to be more weighted (Other modes include Normal and Eco). Additionally paddle shift, steering wheel mounted now offered.

2013 Toyota Avalon price has not been announced, but the 2012 model starts at $ 33,955 (including $ 760 destination). Toyota says the new Avalon is the first car the car was designed, engineered, built, sold and serviced in the United States. The model should reach dealerships later this year.

2012 BMW Zagato classic BMW look

Viewed from the front, the new 2012 BMW Zagato Coupe is definitely a stunning interpretation of the classic BMW look. It has twin circular lamps, grille kidney-shaped radiator, and BMW logo, and a pair of air intakes used to cool the machine down. BMW radiator grille is traditional, however, have received treatment Zagato. Frame kidney matte Buckmister inspired by Fuller's geodesic structure and being that it is created by Zagato, it gets a "Z" letter to the kidney grille.

Side air vents mimic the shape of the intake hood and extend dynamic agenda for the sides of the car, while developing strong over the rear wheels raised and endorsed by spoiler, inject the entire area with an additional dynamic impetus.

Interior  2012 BMW Zagato is structured by BMW, while Zagato designed a concept exclusive to the color and material concepts. The horizontal line on the instrument panel and doors are all fitted with hand and fits perfectly with the exclusive leather trim with light and dark gray. The instrument panel, doors and seats received a red decorative stitching to match the exterior paint cars, and the letter "Z" has been embroidered into the seats.

The most impressive part of this concept  2012 BMW Zagato is not power or looks amazing. What drew us in was impressive sound. This beast does not sound like your typical, BMW convenient. This really sounds like a race car race just looking for a little asphalt to lay some rubber vulcanized on. We are now able to share this with your voice, thanks to the Concorso d'Eleganza video of Villa d'Este this fantastic Bimmer judge rolled into the red mat.

2012 Toyota 86 GTS with Sporty Design

Interior GT-86 is as sporty on the outside with a flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching itself. It measures only 365 mm, the smallest ever fitted to a Toyota and has been finished in leather finishing deer. In addition, the GT-86 also has aluminum pedals, a navigation system, with the neon red light meter, digital readouts, and the instrument panel, gray mold seamlessly into the dashboard darker. Cockpit of the car was further reinforced by carbon trim effect, a, sporting a black roof lining, seat red stitching, and switchgear rocker-style flight. It comes with a large tachometer that offers in-a-glance visibility and readability for sport driving. Front seats have also been designed to offer great comfort, as well as to prevent the elbow from interfering with operation of the gearshift.

The new Toyota 86 GT measures just 4240 mm and 1285 mm height only, with a wheelbase of 2570 mm. It offers a nearly perfect 53:47 weight distribution and center of gravity of only 475 mm.

Toyota GT-86 powered by a 2.0 liter naturally-aspirated flat-four, the result of joint development between Subaru and Toyota, combined with D-4S technology (direct injection combined with the injection port). With separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, high compression ratio of 12.5:1 and power, D-4S increased and torque over a wide engine speed without sacrificing fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

In models of Toyota, this machine will only give you 200 HP at 7000 rpm and maximum torque of 151 lb-ft at 6600 rpm, but Subaru promises a total of 300 HP for their version. That being said, the basic BRZ will come with a 200 HP at the new GT-86 is a sport, with two models closer than anticipated. Subaru promises will be present in the 300 HP version of the IMS, leading us to believe that the variant G-Sport for the GT-86 will bear the same amount of power.

This engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual will offer a rapid and precise changes with close range, while the automatic transmission will feature sporty shifts controlled by steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Power will be distributed effectively to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.

The first competitor for the new GT-86 which will be the alter-ego with a badge of Subaru, Subaru FT-86. Subaru has promised that the car will look completely different from the models of Toyota, as well as the advantage of offering almost 300 HP. Of course, it's for the version of IMS, which Toyota can cope alone with their G-Sport variant for the GT-86. Toyota also promised that his car would be cheaper. Who will win the battle? We'll soon find out.

Audi Locus Concept Curved Design

Looking around the web, we found the Audi Locus concept, the Audi Locus designed by Ugur Sahin. Look like the TT and R8 children of the future, this concept car impresses with its curved design, creating a continuous flow from front to rear of the car. The Audi Locus looks really nice, too bad we will probably never be seen on the streets. Click more for more PICs.

2014 GMC Yukon XL Styling

2014 GMC Yukon XL

2014 GMC Yukon XL - GMC Vehicles Motor Company is rapidly working together with two other companies and Became the most famous truck, crossover and SUV manufacturers today. To the level of total vehicle sales in 2011 in the United States, the GMC stands as the tenth largest automaker.

In Addition to a healthy industry brands, GMC also offers better fuel economy Such as trucks and small SUV crossover Terrain and Acadia crossover. Yukon, Yukon Denali SUV and Sierra pickups are the first models built by the GMC the which is the only automobile manufacturer to develop the three full-size hybrid trucks.

It is exactly a century ago, the name GMC was first installed in truct are shown in New York Auto Show. And now to commemorate the 100th aniversary of the GMC brand, in terms of right, the car manufacturer will present the GMC Yukon, Yukon XL 2014 GMC Sierra and Heritage Editions. This particular model of the GMC styling featuring the original logo in the past launched in the range 1921 model. The models includes gas and electric powered trucks fulliling developed for all the needs of beginning drivers. The script is beautifully decorated with the words "Heritage Edition."

2013 Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h First Drive

Oregon's Willamette Valley is where the mythical Lexus ES 350 owner goes on vacation. Although we think of the Lexus ES 350 as a uniquely North American car, our man could just as easily live in China. The ES is the No. 2 selling Lexus there (behind the RX), just as it is in the U.S. Lexus officials paid a lot of attention to both markets while working on the 2013 Lexus ES 350, and the result is a redesigned entry-level luxury sedan with more interior room, better fuel economy and an available four-cylinder hybrid version — the 2013 Lexus ES 300h.

Together the 2013 Lexus ES 350 and 2013 Lexus ES 300h represent a "truly global ES," says Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi. Skeptical? As we slide into the backseat of the 2013 Lexus ES 350, it's clear we're on the same page regarding legroom. For the first time in its 25-year history, the ES does not share its wheelbase with the Toyota Camry (109.3 inches). Rear legroom increases from just under 36 inches in the 2012 ES 350 to 40 inches even.

This still isn't an Avalon-size car, though, as the ES retains its overall width of 71.7 inches and it's just barely taller at 57.1 inches. It's 192.7 inches long — an inch longer than last year's sedan, but still 5 inches down on the big Toyota. The cabin feels airy, though, as passenger volume has swelled to 100 cubic feet, up from 95.4 in last year's ES 350.

All these gains might have you thinking the 2013 ES 350 is overweight. The 2013 ES 350 is 50 pounds lighter than last year's ES, and even with a battery pack, the ES 300h is only 110 pounds heavier than the V6 car.

Style has never been a reason to buy a Lexus ES. On the contrary, the car's quiet rejection of fleeting trends gives it a timeless appeal. V6 Remains the Big Seller. A V6 engine has always been an essential ingredient to the ES formula, and Lexus still expects it to account for 75 percent of the car's sales volume in the United States.

The ES 350's drivetrain is basically a carryover. The six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels is geared the same, too, but a taller final drive (3.46 versus 3.68), combined with an expanded range of torque converter lockup and various friction-reduction measures, reduces fuel consumption. Lexus officials are predicting EPA ratings of 21 city/31 highway/24 combined mpg compared to the 2012 car's 19/28/22 ratings.

We've always liked this engine's sweet sound, and there's ample torque to take advantage of passing zones on Oregon's Highway 47. Keep in mind that Lexus has focused on fuel economy in this redesign, so this 2013 ES 350 probably won't be any quicker than the 2009 Lexus ES we tested. The arrival of the four-cylinder Lexus ES 300h reflects the influence of the Chinese market. Fuel economy is a big deal there, and buyers simply won't pay for a V6 that gets poor mileage — their outgoing ES only comes with a 2.4-liter inline-4.

But there's no doubt that Americans are increasingly willing to accept four-cylinder engines in entry-luxury cars. Plus, the 2013 Lexus ES 300h takes the place of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, which quietly ended production in January.

Compared to the HS, the ES 300h is roomier, quicker and more fuel-efficient. Its drivetrain is identical to the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid, with an Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter inline-4 rated at 156 hp at 5,700 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. There are two electric motors, and a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack (with 204 cells of 1.2 volts each). The battery pack can feed a maximum of 44 hp to the motors, and a planetary gearset-regulated CVT (continuously variable transmission) blends everything together, resulting in a net 200-hp rating.

Lexus expects the 2013 Lexus ES 300h to earn 40 city/39 highway/39 combined mpg ratings from the EPA. In contrast, the 187-hp HS 250h had a rating of 35 city/34 highway/35 combined. Our 37-mile drive in Eco mode (the hybrid also has EV, Normal and Sport modes) produced 40.5 mpg with an average speed of 33 mph, according to the trip computer. Put the ES 300h in EV mode and you'll get all of half a mile before the gas engine starts.

Of course the ES 300h feels less energetic than the ES 350, but it's hardly slow. Lexus expects the hybrid ES will trail the ES 350 by only a second in the 0-60-mph race, though the gap will widen by the quarter-mile mark. The automaker's internal estimates have the hybrid at 16.8 seconds versus 15.1 for the ES 350.

The ES stakes its reputation on its compliant ride quality, and the 2013 Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h uphold it. Its basic suspension design is the same as the 2012 Camry, and the Lexus engineers have made changes to make the ES feel more stable as we're blasting down country roads. Both the ES 300h and the ES 350 come with all-season, low-rolling-resistance P215/55R17 93V Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires, with P225/45R18 91V Primacys optional on the ES 350. The power steering uses electric assist, and it's plenty precise on back roads. Notably, the steering is quicker than it was on the 2012 ES 350 (14.8:1 vs. 16.0:1). The other thing we notice during our drive is the brake pedal feel — there's not a great difference in pedal feel between the regular ES 350 and ES 300h and that's a good thing.

You're not going to mistake the 2013 Lexus ES interior for an LS 460, but considering the likely price point — a typically equipped model landing in the mid-$40Ks — materials quality is just fine. Lexus had only leather-lined models at this event, so we can't tell you if the standard NuLuxe simulated leather passes muster. Although Remote Touch is optional, most 2013 ES models will have it, since it's included with the available Display Audio system (which upgrades you to a larger display and adds Bluetooth audio streaming) and the Navigation package.

Standard equipment on the 2012 ES 350 and ES 300h includes keyless ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth (for phone calls only) and USB and auxiliary inputs. New options for 2013 include blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems, a power trunk closer and manual rear-door sunshades.

We're not sure how popular pinot noir is in China, but we're pretty sure buyers there will share our impression of the 2013 Lexus ES. Of course, you could enjoy many of the same attributes in a nicely optioned Camry XLE or Camry Hybrid. Alternatively, if you're less worried about interior room and the bottom line, you'll find more prestige and entertainment value in entry-level versions of the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. And so, as in the past, the 2013 Lexus ES 350 isn't for everyone, but if comfort is your No. 1 priority, Lexus has delivered another class leader.

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Toyota strives to build vehicles to match customer interest and thus they typically are built with popular options and option packages. Not all options/packages are available separately and some may not be available in all regions of the country. If you would prefer a vehicle with no or different options, contact your dealer to check for current availability or the possibility of placing a special order.

Toyota FJ Cruisers are designed to meet most off-road driving requirements. Abusive use may result in bodily harm or damage. Toyota encourages responsible operation to protect you, your vehicle and the environment.

Some vehicles are shown with available equipment. Seatbelts should be worn at all times. Please do not allow passengers to ride in the cargo area. Towing hitch receivers/ball mount kits are not intended to provide crash protection.

For details on vehicle specifications, standard features and available equipment in your area, contact your Toyota dealer. A vehicle with particular equipment may not be available at the dealership. Ask your Toyota dealer to help locate a specifically equipped vehicle.

All information presented herein is based on data available at the time of posting, is subject to change without notice and pertains specifically to mainland U.S.A. vehicles only.

The 2012 FJ Cruiser is built from the sturdy underpinnings of the last-generation Toyota 4Runner, with off-road ability the priority. Especially when considering its shortened wheelbase and additional ground clearance, it shines off-road. Skid plates protect the underbody, and components are tucked into frame rails. On the trail, you'll find good wheel articulation, without making too much of a sacrifice on-road, and the FJ's approach and departure angles and water-fording depth (27.5 inches) are better than other stock vehicles.

2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Serious off-road equipment includes an A-TRAC active-traction system, a special multi-information display (inclinometer, compass, temperature), big BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tires, Bilstein shock absorbers, a Cyclone air precleaner, and 115V/400V power outlets. Last year Toyota increased the FJ Cruiser's standard tech features, adding iPod connectivity and XM satellite radio, in addition to a USB port, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a Bluetooth hands-free system with steering-wheel controls.