Product Placement 101: New 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Gets Flashed by Britney

How to get your product seen by impressionable young girls? Have it in a Britney Spears video.

How to get your product seen by impressionable young boys? Have it in a Britney Spears video.

How to get boys into a Beetle? Give them the idea it's fast enough to get pulled over and cool enough to be flashed by Brit.

Volkswagen gets this, hence the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle's presense in Britney Spears' new video, I Wanna Go, which is after the jump. Car begins at around 1:15 and continues for quite a while.

Dyno-Tested: 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec

The 400-horsepower club sports members from various corners of the globe, but the 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec is the first entry from a Korean automaker to cross that threshold.

Naturally, one of the first things we did when we clapped our butts into the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec was to head over to the dyno at MD Automotive in Westminster, California. As we're certain you are, too, we were curious to see how well Hyundai's most powerful engine ever stacks up to modern V8s elsewhere in automobiledom. The results are across the jump.

Hyundai didn't bother dawdling a few hp near the 400 hp barrier with the 5.0-liter Tau, either, as its rated output is 429 horsepower at 6400 rpm. As for torque, it is said to churn out 376 lb-ft at 5000 rpm. This courtesy of all the hardware you'd expect to find in a modern luxury car engine -- direct injection, continuously variable overhead cams, roller rocker arms and 32 valves.

We've got a lot to cover here, so let's just jump right into it.

Here's what we measured at the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec's wheels on the Dynojet chassis dyno:

First off, this engine was dead-consistent on the dyno. I performed twelve runs and all of them were neatly stacked atop one another, each one tracing every bump and valley you see above.

The Tau 5.0 breathes well, generating more than 300 lb-ft to the wheels from 2300 to 6300 rpm, and it draws a second breath at 4600 rpm to give it a broad powerband. Those dips at 3700 and 4600 are a bit odd but nothing to get worked up over. Maximum torque of 342 lb-ft is reached at 5150 rpm, while the peak 364 horsepower was found at 6250 rpm.

Compared to its Tau 4.6 stablemate, these figures represent increases of 44 horsepower and 43 lb-ft at the flywheel. It just so happens that we've dyno-tested an Equus with the Tau 4.6. See here.

In our testing the 5.0 spun up 43 hp and 51 lb-ft more than the 4.6. This is very close to the difference that is claimed at the flywheel. So there's that. Character-wise, the two engines are nearly identical; the 5.0 simply ratchets the curves upward.

The Equus' dyno result above is truncated due to its downshift-happy transmission. Hyundai changed things up with the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec, as its go-pedal incorporates a transmission kickdown detent at the bottom of its travel, similar to some of the German makes. As such, the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec behaved on the dyno in allowing me to extract data across the entire rev range.

There's more. Hyundai reckons that the Tau 5.0 generates more power than the Infiniti M56's 5.6-liter V8. That's quite a tall order when you consider that the Tau 5.0 gives up more than a half-liter to the Infiniti and doesn't rev significantly higher. Both are equipped with direct injection.

It turns out that we've tested an M56 on this dyno, too. Here we see that the M56 doesn't relinquish anything to the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec at any point in their respective rev ranges.

Either Infiniti is being coy with its 420 hp / 417 lb-ft rating for the M56, or the Tau V8's rating is on the optimistic side. But they can't both be right.

More food for thought. This thing's a 5.0. Ford's got a 5.0. Also, Hyundai's 429 horsepower rating is so close to the 426-hp rating of the Chevrolet Camaro SS that I just can't help myself.

Yes, this chart pits Hyundai's luxury car V8 against those of two American pony cars, and that is a very silly thing. But power is power, and the numbers ought to pencil out. Granted, this was not a same-day comparison of all three cars, although the same dyno, operator and procedure was used for all three cars.

To recap, the Ford 5.0 is rated at 412 hp and 390 lb-ft, and GM pegs the Camaro SS at 426 hp and 420 lb-ft.

Ford's got a whopper of an engine in the Coyote 5.0, but you already knew that. The Ford spikes sharply upward in the midrange right where the Genesis falters, although the Hyundai out-torques the Ford below 3500 rpm. The Ford marches steadily away from the Hyundai after 6000 rpm. This is what direct injection and luxury-car tuning can do, for better and for worse.

Torque below 3500 rpm is similar between the of the Tau 5.0 and the 6.2-liter LS3 in the Camaro, but the Tau 5.0 doesn't quite out-power the LS3, contrary to what its flywheel rating suggests.

The conclusion? All in all, the Tau 5.0 V8 is in the mix. It's ultra-smooth, quiet and consistent and isn't afraid to rev. It is delivering perhaps just a hair less power to the wheels than expected when you consider the dyno results and ratings of other manufacturers' stuff. Nothing major, and it could simply be that other manufacturers build more of a hedge into their ratings than does Hyundai. Still, Hyundai would do well to under-promise and over-deliver if/when they slot the Tau 5.0 into the Genesis Coupe.

Sort of like what Ford did with the barnstorming Coyote 5.0.

--Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor

2012 BMW M5: 560 Horsepower vs 553 Horsepower

So there's been some confusion with the 2012 BMW M5 and its horsepower rating. Some people are reporting 553 horsepower, others 560. 560 is bigger and puts the M5 above the CTS-V in the horsepower war. The genesis of the confusion stems from two things: 1) The first information released was leaked and incomplete. 2) The information released was, primarily, in European units of measure. This means kW and DIN horsepower instead of the way we like it. The two numbers in question were 553 (or 552 -- more on this later) or 560.

560 was the number released by the press kit alongside the 412 kW rating. 412 kW maths itself out to be 552.5 horsepower -- round how you will. Fine, we blame DIN. But then the US press kit came out touting-- wait for it -- 560 horsepower and 412 kW. Sigh.

So what gives? Our engineering guru Jay Kav splains it after the jump.

Horsepower is a devilish thing since not all horsepower is measured using the same yardstick. Ferrari uses Cavallero (CV); the Germans like DIN; the Japanese have in the past used a JIS standard. Yeesh.

We at InsideLine ignore such foreign horsepower ratings. To come up with a horsepower number that is equivalent to SAE horsepower, we have to dig a little deeper.

Instead of using whatever is supplied, we look for the power as reported in metric units known as kilowatts (kW). Kilowatts are the standard in the world of power measurement, but nobody in Americaland thinks in kilowatts. So we convert kW to SAE-sized horsepower.

Do this to the 2012 BMW M5’s rated power – 412 kW – and you get 553 hp. BMW claims 560 hp, even in US guise. So we called BMW to clarify. It turns out that the new M5 will, indeed, produce 560 hp (SAE) and not 553. It’s a similar situation with the company’s X5 M engine, which is rated at 555 hp worldwide, kilowatt rating --408-- be damned.

Mini Roadster Following Mini Coupe in Spring of 2012

Our man Takahashi has gone ahead and had his way with the press photos of the Mini Roadster by adding the details we've recently seen on the just released Mini Coupe. This gives us the closest view we're likely to have until official photos of the Mini Roadster are released. And this is something I can actually get behind. The Coupe, while offering what we hear is spectacular handling, is just goofy to me-- the Roadster could be a quirky, fun toy.

The Mini Roadster is expected in March or April of 2012 while the Coupe is set for a fall release with the same engines as the Coupe, highlighted by a 208-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo in the John Cooper Works edition.

Spy Photos:New 2013 Jaguar XE

Back in August of last year, we had the first renderings of the 2013 Jaguar XE, the small, all-aluminum sports car aimed square at the Porsche 911. The project was initially shelved because of all the hubbub with staying viable as a carmaker, but now, under Tata ownership, we seem to be back in the game of building cool cars.

The XE was initially reported to feature a retractable hard top eliminating the need for coupe and convertible models, but clearly here we've got a soft top. A modified version of the XF platform was discussed, but the XK elements seen here suggest we're looking at the same platform that already houses a coupe and convertible.

A range of V6 engines are rumored (possibly diesel for everywhere but here) for the base cars while gasoline V8s will highlight the top of the range. Currently, the 2011 Jaguar XK's 5.0-liter V8 makes 385 horsepower, but don't be surprised if there's an XER shortly after the car's launch later this year.

Spy Photos: 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

These new spy photos of the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe prove that, despite the 5 Series GT being a disappointment, BMW isn't done blurring lines. What we've got here is a latest-generation BMW 6 Series, but with some important differences, notably, four-doors. Odd for a coupe. Or, at least, it used to be odd for a coupe to have four doors until Mercedes-Benz went ahead and called the swoopy CLS a four-door coupe and it sold like hotcakes to dentists and lawyers and housewives from Miami to Beverly Hills. Clearly there was a market for a slightly less functional sedan with stylish body work. Audi noticed, too, and dropped the A7. And then there's the Panamera.

Finally, though, it appears BMW has caught up with the trend, finally showing a prototype of the 6 Series Gran Coupe which was greenlit last July.

We expect the four door 6 Series to offer the same engine as the 6 series in the U.S. which is a 4.4-liter V8 making 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options are a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. Starting price for the 2012 BMW 6 Series is $83,875.

And don't count out an M version with, based on the 2012 BMW M5, 553 horsepower and a manual or dual-clutch transmission.

And here's the concept from Beijing last year.

IL Track Tested: 2012 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test-drivers. Enjoy.

Audi completely redesigned the A6 for the 2012 model year with an emphasis on technology. And not simply the infotainment type, though with an 8-inch screen, advanced MMI and cellular Wi-Fi connecting you to things like Google maps, the new A6 certainly ticks that box. No, for the 2012 A6, Audi focused on building a lighter, more efficient sedan. That started by (thankfully) not increasing the size of the A6 -- which was already one of the largest vehicles in the class. So Audi increased the wheelbase and lowered the car and at the same time, employed greater use of aluminum to lighten the whole package by 176 pounds. That's a trend we can get behind.

And while Audi still isn't keen on offering a V8 for this A6, it has tweaked the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 to 310 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque from 2,900-4,500 rpm. If these stats sound familiar. it's because this is the same engine that's sitting in the 2012 Audi A7 which you should be familiar with as the sporty hatchback sibling of the Audi A6.

We already know how the A7 does on the track. Can the best-selling A6 keep up with the impressive numbers already set?

Vehicle: 2012 Audi A6 3.0T Quattro
Price as tested: $71,330 (Base 3.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic ($49,900); Aviator Blue Metallic ($475); Prestiga Package ($6,880); Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System ($5,900); Innovation Package ($5,800); 19" Sport Package ($1,500); Destination fee ($857)
Date Tested: 6-21-2011
Driver: Mike Monticello

Specifications:
Drive Type: Longitudinal, front-engine, all-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Eight-speed automatic
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 2,995/183
Redline (rpm): 6,450
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 310 @ 5,500-6,500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 325 @ 2,900-4,500
Steering System: Electronic Assist, speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion
Suspension Type (front): Independent multilink, coil springs, antiroll bar
Suspension Type (rear): Independent multilink, coil springs
Tire Size (front): 255/40R19
Tire Size (rear): 255/40R19
Tire Brand: Pirelli
Tire Model: P Zero
Tire Type: Summer performance
Brakes front: 14-inch ventilated discs with 2-piston sliding calipers
Brakes 13 in ventilated discs with single-piston sliding calipers
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 4,175

Test Results:

Acceleration
0-30 (sec): 2.0 (2.1 with T/C on)
0-45 (sec): 3.4 (3.6 with T/C on)
0-60 (sec): 5.2 (5.7 with T/C on)
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 4.9 (5.4 with T/C on)
0-75 (sec): 7.6 (8.1 with T/C on)
1/4-Mile (sec @ mph): 13.6 @ 102.0 (13.8 @ 100.8 with T/C on)

Braking
30-0 (ft): 28
60-0 (ft): 111

Handling
Slalom (mph): 67.2 (64.5 with T/C on)
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.90 (0.88 with T/C on)

Sound
Db @ Idle: 41.6
Db @ Full Throttle: 70.9
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 63.4

RPM @ 70: 1,700

Comments

Acceleration: Strong supercharged power right off the line and continues its strong flood of power through the quarter-mile. Transmission shifts quickly in Sport mode. Quickest run was a bit of an anomaly -- power braking in sport transmission mode with ESC off, but the upshifts were much more abrupt and lightning-quick and could not duplicate (a trick we've seen in other new Audis.) Manual shifting is via paddles or console lever. Blips throttle on downshifts but will not hold gears to rev limiter.

Braking: Not the firmest pedal ever, and with moderate travel, but incredibly consistent and stable stops. Very little nosedive at all and zero brake fade exhibited in six stops. Short stopping distances, too.

Handling: Skid pad: Steering feels very light and unfeeling around the skid pad, and there's significant understeer, but the chassis is very receptive to drop-throttle to keep the A6 on the arc. And those summer tires clearly have a lot of grip. Slalom: There's more substance to the steering during the higher speeds and transitions of the slalom. Grippy tires give a lot of confidence to throw the car around and AWD is a real boon for exiting at full throttle. The suspension feels oddly springy, though, as you transition back and forth. Overall, though, a confidence-inspiring car.

New 2012 Suzuki Swift – The Model of The Future

New 2012 Suzuki Swift – The Model of The Future
Good news for all fans of the Suzuki: the company will begin production of a modernized version of the previous generation Swift Sport quickly, clearly showing that the replacement for the latest model is expected to be marketed in the early 2012.

2012 Suzuki Swift
There are also some rumors that the three-door version of the fourth generation of the Swift hatchback, available for sale in Australia since early 2011 will certainly be produced in right hand drive guise this time. But this question the remainder of the requirement for the three-door Suzuki Swift Suzuki as the Australian branch may not be able to a successful business case for this model to create. And three-door body derivatives are unlikely to be available, if toppings Swift Sport guise, as evidenced by the Swift-S Concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

New 2012 Suzuki Swif

New 2012 Suzuki Swif

Anyway, the new AZ-Swift Sport series published with a larger 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine capable of delivering 100 kW - 8 kW 92 kW more than the previous 1.6-liter Swift Sport, and up to 30 kW in comparison with a standard 1.4-liter 70 kW Swift. This model will be equipped with manual and automatic transmission. Plus, just take full advantage of the low volume of sales, the new Suzuki models available in two or three versions of the pedal. The first three-door version of AZ Swift was equipped with a large black grille, Bi-Xenon headlights, four-sided air intakes, sport side sills, boot spoiler and a large amount of the lower scale, the twin chrome exhaust pipes have. As for the interior, combined with yellow-box concept of black leather Recaro sport seats with yellow side reinforcements, three leather and chrome steering wheel and the number of multi-chrome interior items on the pedals and instrumentation.
According to Toshihiro Suzuki, global marketing director for Suzuki Motor Corporation, Swift S concept finds the perfect balance between practical and physical education and hopes to release new models give fans a feel of the new Suzuki Swift with great features.

New Aston Martin V12 Zagato in Production

Who does not dream of his own car from the infamous "Bond" brand? Patterned after a popular set of wheels 007 is excited about the car enthusiasts for decades, the newest of the British car manufacturer hit from the production line is no exception. V12 Zagato concept car that debuted at the Como Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este in May and took fourth place overall at the Nürburgring 24 hours endurance race in June was born from a collaboration between Aston Martin and Zagato Design House Milan ( long-term supporters all the labels can not remember the last team 1960 Aston Martin Zagato DB4GT). But what will be their newly restored relationship gives fans a long and winding road? A lot.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato:

Body is familiar to anyone who anxiously watched an Aston Martin in recent years. Foxy curvature, low-lying, aggressive face, tapering tail, and overall elegance talks about how the car reacts to the ground. You can tell by just looking at that sharp turn and embrace almost kiss the asphalt at high speeds. Double Bubble roof is consistent with the signature of Zagato design style (as shown, rounded tail looks more like Ferrari). The buyer did not want to breathe the outside of the car was absolutely fantastic.

Of course there is more than this beautiful piece of machinery than it seems. Lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber body (hand built by Zagato) reduces the poundage, but the 6.0-liter V12 under the hood and more than compensate. And drivers can expect to pull something over 500 hp and around 420 pounds feet of torque from the sample engine (based on the Vantage V12). Aston Martin announced that the 6-speed manual gearbox will be available in both left and right, asking the international market.
There are a few details, but on the inside, but also a concept race car trunk a minimalist single race, with not much more than racing and a full cage instead of testing the driver inside. But anyone who has sat on the edge of one of the other Aston Martin models have almost certainly beat all the bells and whistles you would expect from this luxury sports car line.


And now for something completely different. V12 Zagato goes into production in Warwickshire, Aston Martin's Gaydon headquarters in UK. Because of "overwhelming interest in encouraging customers", the car is expected to hit the market next year. Consumers can expect a price around $ 540,000 face amount, but the privilege of owning one of only 150 of these vehicles must be currently scheduled for production.

Aston Martin predicts that despite a long history of vintage cars (98 years), then ends up creating one of the most popular models. And with glasses to watch, and prestigious shows directly from the door, which eventually would be right.

Sarah Danielson writes for the purchase of Toyota, where you can find great deals on the Toyota Prius and the Toyota range of discounts in your area.

New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS pictures and reviews

In July 2011, in the car lots in Germany a new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS will appear with a price tag on it; a Cabriolet version will also be available. This is an impressive combination of 408hp (300kW) engine from the Carrera GTS models with the PTM (Porsche Traction management) all-wheel drive. What makes it more impressive is its Economical capabilities. The all-wheel 911 uses 11.0 L on 100 km (25.7 mpg imp) and 11.2 L on 100km (25.2 mpg imp) on the Cabriolet.

To reach the 408 hp, the Porsche uses an addition 23 hp from the intake duck. All this is backed up with 3.8 liter, six cylinder Carrera S engine. In the middle and lower engine, the torque curve is very giving indeed; The total output of power is achieved with a special aspiration system. 1.500 rpm kick off 320 Newton meters; 420 Nm are delivered from the six cylinder engine from 4.200 rpm to 5.600 rpm. Adding a cherry on top of all this is the roaring unique sound that comes out of the exhaust system.

New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

New Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS

The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS reaches 0 -100 km/h (62mph) in just 4.6 seconds; The Cabrilates is capable of reaching that in 4.8 seconds. The manual transmition comes in six gears. Seven speeds are available as an option by the Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) which takes of 0.2 seconds of the 0-100km/h equation.

The key to the all-wheel drive in The Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS is in the multiple plate clutches, which delivers an optimal torque to the front wheels.

There aren’t much visual differences between the previous rear-wheel drive Porsches and the new all-wheel drive. One of the things that distinguish the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS is the reflective stripe between the taillights. The front apron is Sport-Designed with special side skirts and spoiler lip in black. A sporty black Alcantra is used to cover the steering wheel, handbrake, gearshift door storage box, door handles and the centre panels.

New 2012 Audi A6 Avant Review, Engine, Price, Performance

The Audi family is launching a new breed of station wagon on the roads of Europe with lightweight large proportions entirely made of aluminum. The Audi6 Avant retains the reputation of a sporty outlook and smooth ride on the asphalt. What is more interesting about this car is its multimedia systems and the easy assistance selection.
With a light weight body of sporty proportion, the Audi A6 Avant measures in length are 4.93 meters (that is 16.17 ft) and 30 kg (66.14 lb) of body weight. Compared to the previous model it is lighter with 70 kg.

2012 Audi A6 Avant:

New 2012 Audi A6 Avant

New 2012 Audi A6 Avant

The luggage capacity is 565 liter. The rears seats are can be easily folded down with a rail luggage fixing system, increasing the capacity up to 1,680 liters. Adding to these luggage settings is the Audi A6 Avant’s capability of transporting heavy cargo up to 2.100 kilograms (that’s 4,629,71 lb). This is great for those planning on loading a bicycle in the back.

Under the hood, the Audi A6 Avant offers a choice of six engines with direct fuel injection; five V6 and one four cylinder unit. The 2.0 RDI producing 130 kW (177hp) consumes around 5.0 liters on 100 km (47.04 in US mpg) and 132 g per km CO2 emission (212.43 g/mile). Three variants are available of the 3.0 TDI – the 150 kW (204 hp), 180 kW (245 hp) and 230 kW (313 hp). It takes 5.4 seconds to reach naught to 100 km (62.14 mph); the speed is limited electronically to 250 km (155.34 mph).

New 2012 Opel Zafira Tourer Review, Engine, Price, Performance and pictures

New 2012 Opel Zafira Tourer Review, Engine, Price, Performance and pictures
Opel Zafira Tourer has decided to take a big step forward in terms of internal flexibility, comfort and experience. Not only is this decision that have to do for his "ability to breathe 15 to 25 September 2011 64 Main Frankfurd International Car launch.

2012 Opel Zafira Tourer:
Seven food is a Vauxhall for 12 years. This is a new direction for the comfort and maneuverability of the vehicle is no reason to back the additional tax prostor.Tourer Zafira Felx7 concept to remove not sitting at a desk, but in some places and ready to assemble at any time, please.

Headlines in the second row, which is able to offer convertible comfort, you can center seat on the second row seats folded down provides flexibility beyond 210 mm in length and 50 mm for the cost center kabine.Kapacitet space is 710 liters, while a five-digit sets, it is more 65 l of the Zafira. When all seats are short, a total of 1860 liters, 40 liters more than today Zafira.
Three versions Tourer Opel Zafira is available with a choice under the hood 81kW/110hp, 96kW/130hp one of the 12 kW/165hp. Transition Manual six-speed automatic is also available.

New 2012 Opel Zafira Tourer

New 2012 Opel Zafira Tourer

New 2012 Opel Zafira Tourer

New 2012 Opel Zafira Tourer

New 2012 Opel Zafira Tourer

View of the car has an impressive wing taste with a simple silhouette gives a better view of the river and large windows.

After all these positive Tourer Opel Zafira, two words to describe properties - Flexible udobnost.Tourer Opel Zafira, you can only put a speck of space - it is provided to all guests with a selection of the best comfort for their size.