The 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is the most powerful Aston Martin ever built.
But is it the best Aston Martin ever built?
In another accurate, fun and informative TFLcar Auto Show reveal, Roman gets to know the entire family of Aston Martin cars at the Miami International Auto Show.
If you are a fan of this classic British brand and the cools cars that they build, you’ll enjoy this video as we check out not just the V12 Vantage S but also the Aston Martin Rapid and Vanquish.
Kelley Blue Book released their annual list of brands with the best resale value and Toyota and Lexus came out on top.
This is the third year in a row that Toyota has topped the list as Best Brand for the resale value of its overall portfolio of vehicles. Kelley Blue Book evaluates each brand based on how it performs over the course of five years accounting for every vehicle in the company’s lineup from sedan to electric to SUV.
In addition to a Best Brand, Kelley Blue Book also chooses a Best Luxury Brand which is where Lexus took the top honor. They’re also claiming this title for the third year in a row.
Along with the top brands in resale value, winners are chosen for each vehicle in 22 different categories. Not surprisingly, Toyota and Lexus took quite a few of the top category spots.
Toyota claimed six spots with the Sequoia, Avalon, Tacoma, Tundra, Sienna and FJ Cruiser winning their respective categories. Lexus also claimed six spots with its ES 350, GX 460, LX 570, LS 460, RX 450h and ES 300h. That gives those two manufacturers the top spot in over half the categories rated.
The final ranking comes in the form of an overall top ten vehicles list. All the vehicles on the list this year are projected to retain at least half of their original value after five years of ownership.
Although Lexus didn’t have any vehicles that made this list, Toyota has three of its vehicles listed. The number one spot went to the FJ Cruiser which is estimated to retain an incredible 70% of its value after five years.
The Tacoma came in at number two with 61.9% value retention after five years and their final car on the list, the 4Runner, came in at number four with a 56.2% retention in value. Toyota just missed grabbing all three top spots, with the Jeep Wrangler grabbing the number three spot with 59.1% retention.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
With its exciting styling, excellent power trains, and above average handling, the 2014 Cadillac CTS is picking up awards and accolades. This is a quick take of this fully redesigned luxury sports sedan. A short drive across the rough city streets, as well as a bit of time on a strangely deserted George Washington Parkway and it’s clear that the Caddy deserves the honors.
There are a few powertrain options, but I sampled the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6, good for 321 horsepower and 275 lb/ft of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels via an 8 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. All-wheel-drive and a 6-speed automatic are also available. EPA fuel ratings are 19 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
Engines
| 2.0L Turbo DI VVT | 3.6L V-6 DI VVT | 3.6L V-6 Twin-Turbo DI VVT | |
| Displacement (cu in / cc): | 122 / 1998 | 217 / 3564 | 217 / 3564 |
| Bore & stroke (in / mm): | 3.39 x 3.39 / 86 x 86 | 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 | 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 |
| Block material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum | cast aluminum |
| Cylinder head material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum | cast aluminum |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, four-valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing | DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing | DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing |
| Fuel delivery: | direct high-pressure fuel injection | direct high-pressure fuel injection | direct high-pressure fuel injection |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): | 272 / 203 @ 5500 | 321 / 239 @ 6800*(gas) | 420 / 313 @ 5750 (SAE-certified) |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): | 295 / 400 @ 1700-5500 | 275 / 373 @ 4800* (gas) | 430 / 583 @ 3500-4500 (SAE-certified) |
| Recommended fuel: | premium recommended but not required | regular unleaded or E85 | premium required |
| Maximum engine speed (rpm): | 7000 | 7200 | 6500 |
| Fuel economy (GM-estimated city / hwy): | 20 / 30 RWD 19 / 28 AWD | 19 / 29 RWD 18 / 26 AWD | 17 / 25 |
My test model was the Performance trim line, starting at $60,100. Optioned up with the advance security, driver assistance, and performance seat and cluster packages, along with 19” polished aluminum wheels, and the majestic plum metallic paint – the final price was $67,130.
The interior is beautifully crafted, with clean lines and unfussy details. Its largest problem is in the reliability of its infotainment system, CUE. It’s operated by swiping your finger across various controls and offers haptic feedback when you get it right. I always had to swipe multiple times before the system would respond, although my drive partner never had a problem.
The Cadillac has an optional sport mode which noticeably tightens up the already precise and excellently weighted steering. Power is delivered smoothly through the 8-speed transmission, although the paddle shifters are located awkwardly directly in front of the two accessory stalks. Wind the CTS up and you’ll be rewarded with a growly exhaust that would scare your grandpa. At 245 pounds lighter than the 2013 model, the CTS is nimble around corners. With any luck I’ll get this “Radillac” soon for a full review.
Watch this fun and informative TFL video muddy mashup involving a 2012 Cadillac CTS AWD:
The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion sedan, with its sharp European styling and turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engines, likely surprised foreign sedan rivals such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata.
The solid-feeling Fusion is essentially a four-door family sedan, but radiates European flair because it steers, handles and brakes much like a foreign (or American) sports sedan. And the ride is supple. If you want a family sedan with pizzazz, the turbocharged EcoBoost Fusion might be for you.
The Fusion has been such a hit that it’s unchanged for 2014, except for several new color combinations and the addition of a 1.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine with (a projected) 178 horsepower — the same rating as the current 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder — but with slightly less torque and a little better fuel economy.
Ford is in love with its fuel-saving, horsepower-enhancing EcoBoost turbocharging system, and so apparently are many of its customers. EcoBoost engines have been ordered by 51% of Fusion buyers.
Many folks buy a car mainly because they like the way it looks. With an Aston Martin-style grille and slick body, the Fusion looks more expensive than it is and has an upscale interior to match.
The Fusion comes with front- or all-wheel drive (AWD). You can get a few gas-electric hybrids that start at $27,200, but regular Fusion 2013 list prices begin at $21,900.
The most desirable model is the upscale $32,200 AWD Titanium version with a 231-240 (figures vary) horsepower EcoBoost 2-liter four-cylinder. This is the model I tested. With front-drive, it lists at $30,200.
The turbocharged 2-liter EcoBoost has dual overhead camshats, four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection and twin-independent variable camshaft timing.
My test car engine had no turbocharger lag and provided lively in-town performance and fast 65-80 mph passing times on highways. No wonder this smooth, generally quiet engine is such a “little giant.” It’s dual horizontal exhaust outlets contributed to the Euro look.
The 191.7-inch-long Fusion comes in S, SE and Titanium trim levels. It also can be had with a non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 175 horsepower or a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 178 horsepower and more torque than the 2.5 engine. The four-cylinder gas/electric hybrid has a combined 188 horsepower.
Transmissions are a 6-speed manual or a responsive six-speed automatic.The 2-liter EcoBoost six-speed automatic comes with a manual-shift feature that’s easy to work.
The Titanium AWD EcoBoost has estimated fuel economy of 22 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. Other Fusion models have estimated economy numbers in the low- to mid-20s in the city and low to high 30s on highways, except for the hybrid model; it has an EPA-rated, likely optimistic 47 MPG combined city/highway rating.
The Fusion has all the standard safety features one would expect, including lots of air bags and side curtains, and the Titanium model has a standard backup camera. Its uptown features including a premium sound system, heated front power leather seats and dual-zone climate control.
Also available for the Fusion are a lane-keeping system, active park assist, blind-spot information system, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and navigation system.
The quiet interior has a rather large space-eating console, but the interior is generally roomy. It’s easy to enter because there are large outside handles and wide door openings, both front and rear. Small touches include dual lights for the sun visors and rear windows that lower all the way.
Driver vision is good and outside rear view mirrors fold to prevent parking lot damage. The cabin has good materials with comfortable soft-touch areas, and both front and rear seats are supportive. However, shorter rear adult occupants may feel they sit too low. Front cupholders are easy to reach, and rear ones are in a large fold-down center armrest.
There are a good number of cabin storage areas, including a deep covered front console bin, dual-level glove compartment and pockets/bottle holders in all doors.
Gauges can be quickly read, even in bright sunlight, and I found controls easy to work. The large driver’s footrest next to the brake pedal will be comfortable on lengthy drives.
The lined trunk lid raises on twin struts, but doesn’t go up high enough. I banged my head on the lid several times. Perhaps it’s got an adjustable height feature I overlooked. Curiously, there’s an interior pull-down feature on the left side of the lid. That’s fine for left-handers, but it really should be on the more conveniently situated right side.
The large trunk has a wide but moderately tall opening, and rear seatbacks flip forward to increase cargo room. The pass-through area between the trunk and rear-seat area is large.
The heavy hood is held open with a prop rod, instead of more convenient hydraulic struts, and you could make bets that most people unfamiliar with the car will grope a lot before finding the outside hood release. Fluid filler areas can be easily reached.
Those who need a sedan’s convenience, but want driving enjoyment and aren’t hung up on foreign nameplates should give the 2013 Ford Fusion EcoBoost a try.
Editor’s Note: Ford Fusion sold nearly 250,000 units through October 2013, and firmly holds fourth sales spot in the mid-size sedan segment.
On the TFLcar scale of:
I give the 2013 Ford Fusion AWD Titanium a Buy It!
Check out this fun and informative TFL video review of the 2013 Ford Fusion AWD Titanium
The 2014 Nissan Rogue is all new and ready to take on the competition.
But how does the all-new 2014 Rogue drive and how does it work as a man hauling machine.
In a another fun and informative TFLcar review, Nathan and Roman take the newest Rogue for a spin around Tennessee with MotoMan.
The boys get a bit of seat time and discuss the merits of the newest Nissan family hauling crossover.
BTW: You can watch a complete First Drive Review of the new 2014 Nissan Rogue HERE.
The 2014 Infiniti QX70 is a beautiful combination of sports sedan styling with performance in a luxury crossover. Largely unchanged from 2013 aside from new badging that turns it from an FX into an QX to fit Infiniti’s new naming system, the QX70 focuses on comfort and performance rather than off-road capability.
It’s a difficult thing to make a crossover look sporty and sleek, but the 2014 Infiniti QX70 manages to pull off the trick. The roof is low and the overall stance of the vehicle is wide and swooping with bold curves. It all combines to create a look that is far from the bulky, square style of most crossovers and more striking than similar vehicles like the BMW X6 which also come with a higher starting price.
Inside it is every bit the plush, luxury sedan. The heated leather seats are as comfortable as your favorite easy chair while still offering the support you need for longer drives. Soft touch surfaces abound and the black lacquer trim makes for a warm, upscale contrast to the surrounding wood and metal accents.
Although it is a crossover, rear passenger and cargo space are both lacking. Taller occupants are going to feel their knees against the front seats and seating three, unless they’re kids, is going to be a tight squeeze. You’re also getting only 24.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up so it’s not going to be hauling lots of luggage on a family getaway.
The Infiniti QX70 doesn’t sacrifice performance for the sake of its good looks with a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It takes off impressively from a dead stop and sounds damn good in the process. This crossover sounds every bit the aggressive sports sedan and it’s wonderful.
You can opt for a larger engine with the QX70 5.0 and get a 5.0-liter V8 with 390 horsepower, but you’re going to pay for that extra oomph at the pump with 14 city/20 highway. That’s actually one of the downsides to the vehicle in general. Even the lighter QX70 3.7-liter AWD I tested only gets 16 city/22 highway for a combined 18 MPG. The Audi Q5 offers comparable performance but with a much better 18 city/31 highway for those looking at longer drives.
Handling is, overall, just plain fun. The 2014 Infiniti QX70 is a crossover, but it tries and succeeds in convincing you that what it really is underneath it all is a sports sedan. Steering is tight and crisp and there’s almost no body roll even on tight corners at speed.
It’s feels surprisingly light, even with the added bulk of AWD, with communicative steering that keeps you constantly connected to the road. The 7-speed automatic shifts smoothly and helps create a crossover that is a good balance of performance and comfort.
Pricing on the 2014 Infiniti QX70 3.7 AWD starts at $46,400 but adding the Technology, Deluxe and Premium Packages in the one I tested took that number up to $57,945. You can surely spend less on other cars in its class, but you’ll lose some of that luxury feel that’s half the reason you’re looking at an Infiniti in the first place.
On the TFLcar scale of:
I give the 2014 Infiniti QX70 3.7 AWD a Buy It!
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
It was an unseasonably hot November day at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin TX. The winds calmed down from Saturday and the mostly clear skies took ambient temperature to 88F. The hills, bleachers, and grand stand were packed with eager fans, and the 2013 United States Grand Prix kicked off.
Sebastian Vettel cleared turn 1 in first position after starting from pole. Romain Grosjean (of team Lotus) had a good start and passed Mark Webber through turn 1 to take second. Lewis Hamilton (of Mercedes) overtook Nico Hulkenberg (of team Sauber). Sergio Perez passed Fernando Alonso for sixth place. What ensued was another Vettel runaway. The number one RB9 chassis quickly separated itself from competition and remained there throughout the race.
Kudos go out to Romain Grosjean for challenging the RedBull team and holding Mark Webber to third place. The Lotus was keeping very good pace. Although Webber got one or two looks to pass Grosjean, he was never able to do so. Kimi Raikkonen is out for the rest of the season due to back surgery. Heikki Kovalainen took over for Kimi in the Lotus race car. Considering the strength of the Lotus cars this weekend, what could have been if Raikkonen was in the race? Could he have challenged Vettel? This is not a Kovalainen put down, as he was coming to grips with the Lotus.
Hulkenberg had a very strong showing and it took Fernando Alonso until the second half of the race to finally pass him. Alonso’s goal was to control the race and to not let Lewis Hamilton get too far. Alonso is second in the 2013 driver’s championship and wants to keep this place. He has it now, but the final race of the 2013 season in Brazil is not for nothing. Ferrari is still trailing Mercedes for second spot in the Constructor championship. Brazilian GP can change this.
2013 USGP may not have been the most entertaining race of the year, but it was still fun to watch Vettel’s dominance as he took down Schumacher’s record with eight straight wins.
Watch this insider TFL video of another prolific winning racer – Sebastien Loeb:
The new Honda UNI-CUB β is the shorter one on the left. Honda’s UNI-CUB β is the evolution of the 2012 UNI-CUB mixed with research and refinement. The UNI-CUB β is a personal mobility machine that works by the user/rider shifting his/her weight to the desired direction they wish to go. Honda will test the market waters in Japan by offering a lease program for the UNI-CUB β.
“Honda first introduced the UNI-CUB, a new personal mobility device featuring balance control technology and an omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System) in May 2012. This originated from Honda’s research into humanoid robots, represented by the research and development of ASIMO. These technologies allow the rider to move UNI-CUB forward, backward, side-to-side and diagonally simply by shifting their body weight and leaning towards the intended direction.
Since June 2012, Honda has been testing and verifying the potential utility of the UNI-CUB through a demonstration testing program in Japan conducted jointly with the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).
The new UNI-CUB β is an evolution of the UNI-CUB, developed after analysis of the data and user feedback from this testing program. With this model, Honda will make another step forward and verify the business feasibility of the device by offering the UNI-CUB β to other businesses and organisations in Japan through a fee-based leasing program.” – – Honda Media
Speaking of Honda products, check out this fairly awesome Honda Accord Sport video!
Here’s additional information on the Honda UNI-CUB β:
Key features of UNI-CUB β
– Smaller and lighter
– Lower seating position
– Enhanced design and materials
– Improved usability
Key specifications of UNI-CUB β
Size (L x W x H): 510 x 315 x 620 mm
Seat height: 620 mm
Weight: 25 kg
Battery type: Lithium-ion battery
Maximum speed: 3 mph
Traveling range: 3 miles
(approximately 1.5 hours at the speed of 2 mph)
Application environment: Barrier-free indoor environments
