This past weekend we stumbled across a 2013 Ford Focus ST wagon prototype, and so naturally our love of wagons—especially of the hot, turbocharged variety—kicked in and we snapped us some photos. The ST wagon debuted last year alongside the five-door hatchback that we’ll be getting here in the U.S. Unfortunately, the ST wagon’s inherent coolness doesn’t change the fact that we won’t be getting it—only Europeans will be able to taste this forbidden fruit. This tired wagon test mule sports a menagerie of assorted Focus parts, including non-ST “Titanium” badging and 18-inch wheels. However, the ST-specific front fascia, body kit, six-speed manual shifter, and center-exit rear exhaust betray its true identity. If you’re holding out hope that this ST wagon potentially has a future in our market because it was spotted in Michigan, allow us to drop the proverbial wet blanket on that idea. Automakers routinely test models destined for other markets in the States, so spotting this long-roofed ST on Midwestern pavement isn’t earth-shattering stuff. That’s a shame, because as much as we look forward to driving the ST hatch that goes on sale this fall, we’d love to have a crack at the wagon version. We were recently taken for a ride in a pre-production ST prototype in Europe and determined that it should match up nicely with Volkswagen’s GTI, the hot-hatch segment benchmark. The production ST wagon will be nearly identical to the turbocharged ST five-door, save for being slightly longer and able to carry more stuff. It will be powered by the same 247-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four as the hatch, and will be available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission at launch. Comparison Test: 2012 Ford Focus SE vs. 2012 Honda Civic EX Instrumented Test: 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback Manual First Ride: 2013 Ford Focus ST We only wish Ford wouldn’t tease us with stuff like this—although we may weep gently if the company decides to give the ST wagon the full-race ST-R treatment. See original here: 2013 Ford Focus ST Wagon Spied; Still Not Coming Here See the original post: 2013 Ford Focus ST Wagon Spied; Still Not Coming Here

At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Honda/Acura unveiled the new NSX, which has a target launch of spring 2014. Like the original NSX this new iteration will feature a two seat design with a mid-mounted V6, but the similarities stop there. The new design incorporates a V6 hybrid powertrain, the latest version of SH-AWD (super handling all-wheel drive) system, and a newly designed dual clutch transmission. The original NSX was born back in 1991 as a lightweight rear wheel drive sports car. It was sold around the world as a Honda and as an Acura in the states. The NSX was never known for its power, rather its handling, silky smooth transmission, lightweight, and easy-to-drive nature were its strong suits. It was a remarkable, ground breaking vehicle in its day. According to Ben Cochran, Director of Dealer Services at GoAuto , the NSX was the first car with an all-aluminum monocoque body, first equipped with variable valve timing (VTEC), and the first variable volume intake manifold. What is even more remarkable is that in a short five years after selling cars outside Japan, the NSX was born. This passion for pioneering technology, innovative design, quality, making driver’s cars led Honda to many successful vehicles, such as: Civic Si Integra & Integra Type R RSX Type S CRX Si Del Sol Prelude S2000 NSX Type R Only one of those cars is still produced today, the Civic Si, and in its class of compact fun-to-drive cars it trails far behind the competition of the Subaru WRX, Mazda Speed 3, and Volkswagen GTI. In fact the Civic Si came in fifth in a seven car test for Car and Driver. The Civic model line was redesigned for 2012 and tested so poorly that Honda is going back to the drawing board and promises an update for 2013. In the 90’s Honda was an innovator and lead the charge. VTEC was such a ground breaking innovation that separated the brand from the competition, but now everyone has variable valve timing. And while everyone else is exploring turbo charged engines, Honda discontinued it’s only turbo motor (RDX). Most manufacturers have six and seven speed automatic transmissions, while most Honda’s have five speeds. So what happened to the manufacturer that had the passion and drive to build the first NSX? Where did they stray from their values?...

At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Honda/Acura unveiled the new NSX, which has a target launch of spring 2014. Like the original NSX this new iteration will feature a two seat design with a mid-mounted V6, but the similarities stop there. The new design incorporates a V6 hybrid powertrain, the latest version of SH-AWD (super handling all-wheel drive) system, and a newly designed dual clutch transmission. The original NSX was born back in 1991 as a lightweight rear wheel drive sports car. It was sold around the world as a Honda and as an Acura in the states. The NSX was never known for its power, rather its handling, silky smooth transmission, lightweight, and easy-to-drive nature were its strong suits. It was a remarkable, ground breaking vehicle in its day. According to Ben Cochran, Director of Dealer Services at GoAuto , the NSX was the first car with an all-aluminum monocoque body, first equipped with variable valve timing (VTEC), and the first variable volume intake manifold. What is even more remarkable is that in a short five years after selling cars outside Japan, the NSX was born. This passion for pioneering technology, innovative design, quality, making driver’s cars led Honda to many successful vehicles, such as: Civic Si Integra & Integra Type R RSX Type S CRX Si Del Sol Prelude S2000 NSX Type R Only one of those cars is still produced today, the Civic Si, and in its class of compact fun-to-drive cars it trails far behind the competition of the Subaru WRX, Mazda Speed 3, and Volkswagen GTI. In fact the Civic Si came in fifth in a seven car test for Car and Driver. The Civic model line was redesigned for 2012 and tested so poorly that Honda is going back to the drawing board and promises an update for 2013. In the 90’s Honda was an innovator and lead the charge. VTEC was such a ground breaking innovation that separated the brand from the competition, but now everyone has variable valve timing. And while everyone else is exploring turbo charged engines, Honda discontinued it’s only turbo motor (RDX). Most manufacturers have six and seven speed automatic transmissions, while most Honda’s have five speeds. So what happened to the manufacturer that had the passion and drive to build the first NSX? Where did they stray from their values? Did they...

Sometimes certain types of cars become popular not because they’re practical, efficient, perform well, or even make sense. Sometimes it’s pure demographics. That’s the conclusion of Erich Merkle, head U.S. sales analyst at Ford Motor Company. We caught up with Merkle on a recent visit to New York City to get his take on what’s ahead for the auto industry. What are the biggest factors driving purchasing trends in the car industry these days? The boomers and the millennials… [are] kind of like the double humps on a camel [on a demographic graph]. These two segments… will continue to change the automotive landscape. There are about 80 million baby boomers; it’s such a massive number of people that they have the ability to expand and collapse entire [vehicle] segments as they move through their various life stages. Boomers have the ability to buy new vehicles, [so] they pay the bills in this industry. You’ve got a massive number of them now that are moving into retirement—about 10,000 a day. That will continue for the next 18 to 19 years. Those that aren’t retired are starting to think about it. The millenials, that’s the investment piece of it. Because even though they only represent about 13 or 14 percent of new-car purchases today, the millenials have not yet fully exerted themselves into the marketplace. Some of it’s just because of their station in life right now and the poor economy. But they will. They have a lot of time in front of them to purchase vehicles. And toward the end of this decade, the boomers and the millenials… 80 million and 80 million, that’s 160 million people. People don’t realize how big that age demographic of our population just is. What is your evidence for the impact of boomers on the car market? If you track [boomers] when they were in their late 20s and early 30s, back in the 1970s, they wanted small, with great value: the Datsun B210, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Bug. Cost of ownership was very important to them. They didn’t have a lot of money to spend. Fuel economy was important. They were young and single… space wasn’t a real issue… because of their station in life at that time. Now when they moved forward, things like minivans...

The redesigned Honda CR-V and new Mazda CX-5 appear to have a lot in common. These small SUVs seat five passengers, are of similar size, and cost about the same. So far so good. But when we dig deeper, two distinct personalities emerge. The CR-V is more of a family-oriented model than the Mazda. Our $26,455 EX trim has a large, easy-to-access back seat, plenty of cargo room, and a standard backup camera. Hondas have a well-deserved reputation for smooth, fuel-efficient powertrains, and the new CR-V delivers. We measured 23 mpg overall, making it competitive among small SUVs. Plus, with 185 horsepower, it’s no slouch off the line. And if a comfortable ride is high on your priority list, the CR-V is among the best small SUV choices . On the other hand, if you’re looking for a fun-to-drive small SUV, the CX-5 has it all over the CR-V. We found the Mazda athletic and engaging, with responsive steering and well-contained body lean that remains unfazed in bumpy corners. And even with a high fun factor, the CX-5 also delivers the best fuel economy in its class – 25 mpg overall -thanks to Mazda’s new Skyactiv technology. And despite the sporty demeanor, the rear seat is surprisingly roomy. One surprise: our midlevel Touring trim line also included a blind-spot monitoring system, a feature not usually found in a $27,000 vehicle. But as good as the CR-V and CX-5 are, the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester still outscore them. How, you may ask? The Mazda is hurt by a noisy cabin, a taut ride on the highway, and an underpowered feeling engine during routine driving. The CR-V’s downsides include excessive road noise, large rear corner blind zones caused by the styling, and less than tidy at-the-limit handling. For more, check out our video as well as the CR-V ‘s and CX-5 ‘s model pages for a full detailed road test and complete Ratings. Go here to read the rest: Family friendly Honda CR-V vs. fun-to-drive Mazda CX-5

Ford has announced that the 2012 Focus Electric will silently pace this weekend’s Capital City 400 Sprint Cup race in Richmond, Virginia. The company says this is historic, because never before has an EV paced a NASCAR race. Ford’s previous pace car “first” came in 2008, when it fielded NASCAR’s first hybrid pace-setter in the form of a Fusion hybrid. There isn’t anything particularly wrong with the Focus Electric, but we’d say the battery-powered pace car is massively underwhelming compared to, say, a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series . Despite having a light bar—which typically adds an instant dose of cool to any car—the Focus is let down by what appears to be a leaf-filled cloud motif decaled over a sea-foam, bluish-green Frosted Glass paint job. After all, we can’t think of anything that says “Start your engines!” better than a pastel-colored hatchback whirring its way around a track. At least it will be followed by a bunch of stock cars. Comparison Test: 2012 Ford Focus SE vs. 2012 Honda Civic EX Instrumented Test: 2012 Ford Focus SE Hatchback Manual First Ride: 2013 Ford Focus ST We also can’t help but wonder how the Focus would fare if there were to be a particularly long caution—we’re confident there are plenty of slow-moving objects Juan Pablo Montoya could seek out and crash into. Regardless of Montoya’s potential antics, the Focus Electric should have sufficient driving range to survive the race; it recently snagged a 105-MPGe rating from the EPA, which also certified the car as having a 76-mile range. Richmond’s D-shaped oval is just three-quarters of a mile, so as long as a 101-lap caution doesn’t happen, the Focus should make it. See the original post here: 2012 Ford Focus Electric to Serve as NASCAR’s First Electric Pace Car Originally posted here: 2012 Ford Focus Electric to Serve as NASCAR’s First Electric Pace Car

Two of the best-selling crossovers are ushering in new editions this year, but which one’s the better buy for families on a growth spurt–the Honda CR-V or the Ford Escape? We’ve held off on this head-to-head comparison until logging some miles in the new 2013 Escape, and to date, we’ve driven just the most sporty, 240-horsepower version of the… Read the original here:  Ford Escape Vs. Honda CR-V: Compare Cars

April is coming to a close and some of us are looking forward to a tax refund dropping in our mailbox soon. If you combine returned tax funds with various dealer incentives and rebates available this month, you could get a new set of wheels for a great price. Whether you need a new car to replace a clunker or want to dump your old gas guzzler for one that gets better fuel economy, now can be a good time to buy. Dealers are in the final push to make their end-of-the month quota, putting car buyers in a position to negotiate and come out with a great deal on a good car. For our April deals, we have 2012 model year vehicles that offer the best discounts—between 15 percent and 20 percent below MSRP. Keep in mind, though, that some dealers may be interested in negotiating further to reach their sales targets and to move vehicles off the lots. Also, you may find local deals and incentives, so check our pricing for full details. The models listed below are just a few of our Best New Car Deals , meaning they are notable discounts on models that meet Consumer Reports’ criteria to be recommended. These vehicles scored well in our testing, had average or better reliability in our subscriber survey, and performed well in government or insurance-industry safety tests, if evaluated. See our full list of deals on 2012 models. Make & model Expires MSRP Invoice price Customer rebate Dealer incentive Bottom line price The rest is here: Best end-of-the-month new car deals for April

Self-driving cars have arrived: Google has a fleet of autonomous Toyota Priuses roaming Silicon Valley, Audi raced a driverless TTS up Pikes Peak, and Ford has proven that a modern Walkman can parallel-park better than you. Here’s a handful of  hacks, tips, and cheats that’ll help humans get back some of their dignity once the digital drivers take over. INCOMPREHENSIBLE-CABBIE MODE: INPUT: Right turn signal + radio on + open glove box + left turn signal RESULT: Switches to barf-inducing full-throttle/no-throttle driving style; plots route from Harlem to the East Village via Teaneck, New Jersey; sets entertainment system to Halal in the Family . GRAD-STUDENT MODE: INPUT: Engine start + left turn signal + trunk release + hazard flashers RESULT: Vehicle possessed by sense of ironic detachment; is unable to start before noon; ashtray self-fills with Nat Shermans. AVIS MODE: INPUT: Trunk release + engine start + adjust seats + adjust mirrors + select reverse + set parking brake + wide-open throttle RESULT: Releases parking brake after onboard text-to-speech function spends 45 minutes upselling insurance. FOREST-GREEN TOYOTA CAMRY WITH GOLD TRIM PACKAGE MODE: INPUT: Accessory mode + radio on + engine start + climate-control knob RESULT: V/max capped at 53 mph; lane selection reset to <<leftmost; wipers and turn signal permanently activated. SIDESHOW DONUT MODE: INPUT: Hazard flashers + engine start + window lock + hazard flashers RESULT: Lidar-guided steering reset to <<left/right tippin’; traction control reset to <<gas/brake dippin’; active restraints reset to <<Casper drivin’; wheel diameters reset to <<honkie confusin’. LEARNER’S-PERMIT MODE: INPUT: Open glove box + engine start + trunk release + right turn signal RESULT: Prevents incompetent 15-year-olds from running down senior citizens; also lets incompetent 16-year-olds pass DMV test. TVR MODE: INPUT: Engine start + engine start + open door + open hood + jiggle battery ground + engine start + pound on dash + drive away in another car RESULT: Ignition cuts out at random intervals; transmission-incontinence value is reset to <<max; shift lever and steering wheel become reachable only by cephalopods. FIDEL MODE: INPUT: Engine start + left turn signal + left turn...

Completely Redesigned for 2012 If you haven’t noticed, the South Koreans have the Japanese and everyone else in the automotive world looking over their proverbial shoulders. Kia, who is owned by Hyundai Motor Group is bringing new and innovative cars and designs to the market faster than any other carmaker. And it’s not just quantity, but the South Korean auto company is producing quality cars. The 2012 Kia Rio is is yet another example of what Hyundai and Kia are bringing to the automotive world. The Kia Rio is completely redesigned for the 2012 model year and will compete with anyone in the subcompact segment. It comes with all the right numbers, in terms of power, fuel-efficiency, and price. It even comes with the style and refinement found in more expensive cars. Ready to Compete With Anyone The Kia Rio comes in two body styles, a four-door sedan and Rio five-door hatchback versions. We’ll be testing the five-door hatchback SX model ($17,700) that competes in the subcompact segment against the Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris. The Kia Rio has styling that will surely appeal to the millennial generation that Kia is going after. And the little subcompact has both function and appeal with an interior that features a soft-touch dash and door panels, matte-silver trim, height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The Rio SX comes with amenities that include an exterior temperature indication, map lights, and covered visor vanity mirrors on both sides. Cargo space is the five-door is reasonably good and can be expanded by folding the split rear seats flat. Has a Youthful Energy  The 2012 Kia Rio is fun to drive and has a youthful spirit and energy about it. The Rio is offered with only one engine, but it’s a good one. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine uses direct fuel injection, which yields good power and fuel economy. The Rio’s 138 horsepower and 123 lb. ft. of torque is better than anything in the non-turbo class. Fuel economy is a strong selling point for the Rio. EPA numbers are 30/40 mpg city/highway, which are unmatched by anything in the subcompact segment. The Kia Rio uses a six-speed automatic where competitors only offer a four or five-speed transmission....

It’s no secret that we aren’t big fans of Honda’s styling direction over the past say…..five years (at least). And really, most people you ask aren’t either. Just look at Honda’s sales figures right now. They aren’t great, and a change is needed. Acura has gotten with the program, evidenced by ILX, RDX and the RLX Concept. Now it is Honda’s turn. The current Civic has underwhelmed while the rest of the segment impressed, and a MCE is being readied to help rectify that. Slated to debut within the next year is a redesign of the pivotal Accord sedan. In Bejing Honda has just taken the wraps off the Concept C and Concept S. Both are supposed to preview future production models, although they aren’t carbon copies of their production counterparts. Concept C gives us a hint at what is in store for the Accord. We’ll get one thing out of the way first (the bad). What were they thinking with that front end? The huge center chrome bar and gigantic Honda logo just aren’t working for us. Sans these elements and the concept detailing though, we can definitely see the basis for a stylish front end design though. Don’t mess this up Honda, because the rest of the car is good. Concept C brings modern proportions to the Accord, along with some nice side sculpting. The taut lines look upscale, and the taillights are the most unique element. While they are different, it is in a good way. We hope Honda goes with something similar for the production sedan. Concept S is next, and i In fact, we love the front end – Honda needs to look no further for what do with the Accord. Taut, clean and still Honda. Concept S is a breath of fresh air compared to what has been coming out from the brand. The way the grille flows and everything works so well. Are you listening Honda? You have a good thing here with the Concept S. We hope it influences future models significantly. Honda president and Chief Executive Officer Takanobu Ito took the occasion to announce an increased focus on the Chinese market. He says Honda is making an effort to “further localize our development, production and parts sourcing in China.” While the Concept C and S are being introduced in China, their influence will be seen globally. Concept...

The 2013 Cadillac XTS first debuted at the Los Angeles International Auto Show last November. It is slated to go on sale later this spring, with production to begin soon at General Motors’ Oshawa, Ontario Assembly Plant in Ontario. GM has just announced that, beginning this fall, the XTS will add a new production location in China. With its full-line already sold in China, Cadillac is betting on its full-size XTS to boost sales significantly in the country. Buick has set a torrid sales pace with models like the Excelle, Regal and full-size Park Avenue sourced from Holden. Until now though, cars geared for the North American market such as the Enclave have been imported over. The Chinese market has a strong affinity for American brands, and maybe Cadillac is figuring there is room to push that further with Chinese production. While Cadillac is very well known globally, it has never had much of a global sales presence. That is why, while companies like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz play strongly around the world, Cadillac is starting virtually from scratch. Evidence? China is Cadillac’s second-largest market, with 30,000 vehicles sold last year. That figure is up from 17,000 in 2010. Cadillac first entered the Chinese market in 2005. Sales are strongly on the rise, but Cadillac has some work to do as a huge majority of its sales are concentrated in North America. Great news for the ATS in China is that Cadillac reports the average buyer age is 35. In the upper end of the market, the XTS should help Cadillac sales grow strongly in China as well as the U.S. We’ve seen it, and while we wanted a rear-wheel drive flagship (which is on its way), XTS should do well where it is positioned. Design inside and out is top notch, as well as the technology package. If sales don’t disappoint, we wouldn’t be surprised at all to see a Cadillac XTS-L debut in Beijing next year. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Read the original: GM Announces 2013 Cadillac XTS Will Be Produced in China

Most people forget that the Nissan Altima is the second-best selling passenger vehicle in the United States, behind the Toyota Camry. For 2013, the Altima is being redesigned significantly in hopes of taking the top spot. While the Altima is a key player in the mid-size segment, the automaker’s entry below it are regarded as lackluster. Particularly the Versa, but also the Sentra. It has been far surpassed by competitors like the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra. It’s time for Nissan to do something about this. In Beijing, Nissan is showing off the Sylphy, which is a dead ringer for the redesigned Sentra we’ll be getting. They just put out a teaser, but we know what it will look like thanks to the Chinese launch. The good news is it’s way better. Very competitive, even. Nissan’s new sedan styling language, which was first shown off on the Maxima, is on clear display here. There are some awkward angles, but it definitely is an improvement over the current Sentra. The current car looks too small for the segment, while the Sylphy seems a size up. LED daytime running lights help give off a premium appearance – we’ll have to see if that carries over to the Sentra in the U.S. We think strong sales increases are definitely in the future for this sedan, especially with Nissan’s expertise on squeezing out impressive fuel economy numbers. The Altima checks in at an impressive 38 mpg, using existing engines to save on development dollars. The next-generation Sentra is going to stick with this strategy, pairing a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with a next-generation continuously variable transmission. Nissan’s next-generation CVT’s are apparently very efficient. Inside, the Sylphy has a mature design, with an upright and uncluttered center stack. It is aimed at a broad section of the market. The result is far better than segment stalwarts like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. The 2013 Nissan Sentra will launch later this year, with a likely debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts See the original post here: 2012 Nissan Sylphy Previews 2013 Sentra

Honda brought two obliquely named concepts to the 2012 Beijing auto show ; the first is the Concept C sedan and the second is this Concept S tall hatchback. Like the Concept C, the S previews a new production model—in this case, a hybrid people mover. However, while the Concept C’s production offshoot will stay in China, the S’s descendant will go on sale globally. Keep Reading: Honda Concept S – Auto Shows Original post: Look Out, Toyota Prius V! Honda Concept S Previews Future Hybrid People Mover [Beijing Auto Show] More here: Look Out, Toyota Prius V! Honda Concept S Previews Future Hybrid People Mover [Beijing Auto Show]

The Audi A6L e-tron concept is the latest addition to the company’s growing family of e-tron concept cars and production models. Although we may never get the A6L here in the U.S., we may get an A6 e-tron. Keep Reading: Audi A6L E-tron Concept – Auto Shows View original post here: Audi A6L e-tron Concept Debuts, Features Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain [Beijing Auto Show] Here is the original post: Audi A6L e-tron Concept Debuts, Features Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain [Beijing Auto Show]