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Behold, the Audi A8

There’s something hot about a sexy car — especially when it’s in the executive car category. These are cars that just make us feel financially stable just looking at them. We imagine that if we owned one of these, we’d feel on top of the world, unstoppable, and ready to take on anything and everything that life brings us.

Yet in the real world, it isn’t really like that, is it? We learn that a car…is really a car…but it’s what you bring to the table that makes it come to life.

If you’re in the market for a car like the Audi A8, you might feel that it’s time to reward yourself. You’ve worked hard, you’ve made all of the right moves…so why not drive a car that boasts this point proudly? Why not own a vehicle that says to the world that you are truly someone that is moving, shaking, and breaking all the old school rules?

Okay, okay, that’s enough chatter. Let’s give you what you — and just about any other car fan — is really looking for when it comes to info on the Audi A8.

The Audi A8 brings a lot to the table. For 2013, you’re getting some new engines to choose from, as well as new trims.

When it comes to engines, you’re going to have a nice 500 horsepower, 6.3-L W12, but you can upgrade from there. You can get a twin-turbo 4.0-L V-8, or a supercharged 3.0-L V-6. There’s an S8 model that has a bigger engine (520-hp twin-turbo 4.0-L V-8!)

No matter what you pick, you’re going to have an eight-speed automatic transmission coupled with the classic Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

There’s rumors of a hybrid version of the A8, where you would be able to run on both gas and electric power, but that’s not going to be coming out for a while. Audi headquarters has been staying silent on the matter, which could really mean anything at this point.

Now, the Audi A8 ranges from $78500 to $133,500 — it just depends on the options that you select.

When you see it, it’s gorgeous. It’s a super luxury car, but it’s not as expensive compared to some other models. The engine power might not be as much, but it’s fun to drive. Early adopters of the A8 raved endlessly about how smooth the ride is.

This is a car that has plenty of cabin and cargo space — most people looking for luxury cars already have family, believe it or not, so it makes sense that Audi would design a car to meet their needs. This car is about 208 inches in length (the L version), which means you won’t have space concerns. Everything should pretty much fit, and you won’t feel squished as you drive around town or anywhere else you want to be.

The interior of the A8 is designed for comfort. There’s a six-CD changer in the glove box, and the seats have a massage function. Talk about luxury! The interior details are on point as well — a lot of brushed metal, leather, and even some wood if that’s what you want.

Another interesting point — the A8 turns itself basically into a Wi-Fi hotspot. So if you always wanted to check your email on the go from a Wi-Fi device or just to occupy the kids on long road trips, you can get that done with ease.

Safety is top priority in all Audi models, so it’s no surprise the A8 is no different. You have a Driver Assistance Package that can include adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system and even a blind spot warning system. While early reviews panned the safety, we had to wonder…just how much safety are you looking for? Driving any car can be dangerous, so the driver has to be aware of that. For what it’s worth, the A8 has gone through its own crash testing cycle and is deemed to be top of the class in terms of safety.

Think carefully on this car. It can come in a wide variety of exterior paints, which means that your favorite color has probably been done with this vehicle. That’s all the more reason to get down to an Audi showroom and take this baby out for a spin — what are you waiting for?

2013 Volvo S60 Review

The 2013 Volvo S60 is a new competitor in the market, as it’s something new that Volvo is trying to develop. It sure has that sporty yet family sedan look to it, which makes it perfect for anyone who is looking for sporty family vehicle. The overall look of the S60 is bold and unique which makes a statement as you see this car driving by. Volvo has become a legend in terms of overall safety and luxury and these are two qualities that we can easily see in the 2013 Volvo S60. The way the Volvo S60 has been put together is simply astonishing, as Volvo has never done it like so. For the price, the Volvo S60 is going to sweep some of you off the floor!

Interior/Exterior Styling

Without the front signature Volvo grill, you would never be able to tell that the S60 is actually made by Volvo. Design-wise, the 2013 Volvo S60 looks like a cross between the Acura TSX and the Audi A4, as two consecutive designs have come together. The total aggressive look of the S60 has people wondering how the S60 came to be such a magnificent ride. Volvo has scrapped its legendary headlight and has added a more contour based lighting system that goes well with the overall front end. Allow wheels with a large enough wheel space gives the car a very bold and modern look to it. If you think the S60 is an aggressive look, you should really consider looking at the R model as that is a fierce machine.

The interior of the 2013 Volvo S60 is nothing you can brag about, as it is quite standard for the most part. There is a two tone accent on the interior finishing, which gives the upholstery and dashboard a nice finished look. You can upgrade to higher trim levels to take advantage of interior changes that gives you a more unique steering wheel and accent.

Performance

Performance-wise, the 2013 Volvo S60 delivers something you would never have thought possible. The T6 model is the one that gives you ultimate performance, while the ever so raved R concept does not give performance a chance. The S60 T6 model is a five cylinder sedan that runs a 300HP, 325lb-ft 3.0L turbocharged engine. When you take a look at the performance numbers, you can see just how much power this family sedan really has. Our zero to sixty mile per hour run gave us about five and a half seconds. The funny thing we’ve noticed is that the sportier R Design doesn’t really all that power when compared to the regular T6 model. If you want performance and an aggressive look, you would be better off with the 2013 Volvo S60 T6.

Optional Features/Fuel Efficiency

The 2013 Volvo S60 comes at with awesome features which tend to be quite high for the most part. The base model T5 comes with entry level features such as power windows, doors, locks, cruise control, hands-free Bluetooth recognition, driver control functions and AUX ports. The one thing we liked about the features in 2013 base line model was the addition of the rain-sensor wipers and extended tailpipe, which are two things you wouldn’t usually see in the base model of the S60. As you climb up the scale, you will be able to take advantage of new features such as dual xenon headlamps, sunroof, heated seats and more. The 2013 Volvo S60 is a pure perfection vehicle that comes with a lot to talk about!

In terms of overall fuel efficiency for the 2013 Volvo S60, you will get about 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which is not something you could be so happy about. The Nissan Rogue is luxury SUV and it has similar fuel efficient numbers, which makes the 2013 Volvo S60 a little heavy on the pedal. Overall, the luxury sedan is a nice companion for the family, which would stay reliable in getting you from point A to point B.

2013 Nissan Rogue Review

The 2013 Nissan Rogue is what most people would want as a family vehicle, as it offers just enough luxury and style. Not only is the Nissan Rogue a luxury SUV but it comes standard with tons of great features that you would otherwise have to add on as options. If you are considering the 2013 Nissan Rogue, you’d have to know that the overall height isn’t much more than a sedan and its overall size allows for easy parking as well. In terms of the overall design and physique of the 2013 Nissan Rogue, you are still getting the 2012 version. Nissan has confirmed that the 2014 model will be getting a new design lift. 2013 is most likely going to be the last year for the same design, as the new 2014 Nissan Rogue is getting a full redesign.

Exterior/Interior Styling

If you look at the exterior styling of the 2013 Nissan Rogue, you can tell that nothing has changed from the older version. Despite the low level of exterior changes, the overall body of the Nissan Rogue is somewhat intriguing. Alike some of the higher-end vehicles, such as the Murano, the Rogue seems to do just as well in terms of affordability and fuel efficiency. Much of the lack of design on the Rogue was due to the new design that came with the 2013 Altima. Even though we haven’t seen a huge design lift for the 2013 Nissan Rogue; it still has a bold and unique structure.

The interior of the 2013 Nissan Rogue actually got some minimal changes, such as new chrome bars and accents. The interior of the Rogue isn’t all that plain either, as the dash has a great signature Nissan look to it. Overall, the 2013 Nissan Rogue provides a spacious and comfortable interior that isn’t so limiting.

Performance

Despite the performance look of the Rogue, you don’t have all that power under the hood with this 2013 model. For someone who likes freeway driving, you’d be good enough with the 2013 Nissan Rogue engine, which is a 170HP, 2.5L 4-cylinder buster with an automatic transmission system. Our speed test with the Rogue gave us about eight to nine seconds, for a reading from zero to sixty miles per hour. If you’re looking to pull through easing traffic at great acceleration, you would be deeply disappointed, as there is a very short time lag when it comes to stepping from zero to sixty. The 2013 Nissan Rogue comes standard with front wheel drive, although 4 wheel drives could be purchased as well. For a fuel efficient SUV, the Rogue is something you could consider.

Optional Features/Fuel Efficiency

The one thing we loved about the 2013 Nissan Rogue was that the standard features that come with the S trim are quite amazing as well. You have a fully loaded SUV with power windows, cruise control, full media options, power steering, AC and more. The higher level trims surely bring in more advanced features and options such as better sound, rear view camera, Bluetooth, satellite radio and fog lights. With the premium edition, you pretty much get everything you could ever ask for, and the value for money is quite high as well!

The 2013 Nissan Rogue’s MPG rating is great but it’s certainly not the best in the market. If you have a large SUV, you know exactly how much gas it must be drinking. The more compact Rogue is a better alternative to any fuel drinking SUV, as the Nissan Rogue gets about 23 in the city and 28 on the highway on all front wheel drive. If you have the all wheel drive model, you get a little frisky at 22 city and 26 highway, but still pretty standard for a SUV of this class and comfort.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Review

For the first time from the Hyundai Elantra series, there is a coupe that comes as a distinct separate model. The Hyundai Elantra GT is a hatchback model that comes standard with a variety of great features. For this review, we will be looking at the 2013 Hyundai Elantra which is by far one of the best American made vehicles which could be classified as a compact car and a fuel efficient car. If you’re ever looking for a fuel efficient compact car that has all the features you need, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra is the gem you need. Even though it doesn’t have the best design in the world, it still looks great for a 2013 model.

Exterior/Interior Styling

Compared to older versions of the Elantra, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra looks and feels more like a Civic or Corolla. The exterior design has been changed for the better, with far more bevels and curves for the front end of the car. Aerodynamics has been a huge issue for Hyundai and they have managed to get around all the bad design jobs to create this 2013 Elantra. The headlights extend a bit too both side and the back lights tend to have that affect as well. The level of detailing on the Hyundai Elantra is far superior to the recent Toyota Corolla, which is a good thing for the American automaker. The Elantra GT is just an aggressive version of the modern Elantra, which comes available in several trim levels.

The interior of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra is actually more spacious than it looks from the inside. You can easily seat three people on the back seat without having either person touch each other. Leg room for the driver is a little limited, especially when there is a full house sitting in the back. The controls are all in the middle, which makes it easy to access and control. With power features throughout the vehicle, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra is going to be worth every dime!

Performance

With a compact family sedan such as the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, you can’t really brag about the performance you get from it. If there is one thing that Hyundai has been doing with its vehicles, it is better fuel economy. The Elantra has gone through some performance level changes which has brought its fuel efficiency to a good start in 2013. The base model will include a 1.8L engine with little horsepower and torque to speak of. When you’re looking for a fuel efficient Hyundai or any compact car for that matter; you should very much consider the 4-door Elantra. It has just enough performance power to glide across the freeway. The overall driving experience of the Elantra could be relative to what you’d get with the new Civic.

Optional Features/Fuel Efficiency

Even with the base model of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra, you are getting a variety of great features, including leather trim lines on the seating. With the base trim model, you will be getting power locks, doors, windows, cruise control, USB port, full media options, keyless entry and air conditioning. As the new 2013 model comes into the market, you will also get Bluetooth as a standard option. Jumping up to the next trim model would give you added Hyundai features, a sunroof, fog lights, alloy wheels and mirror mounted turn signals. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra comes in three trim models with an additional Coupe.

Regardless of which trim model you purchase, Hyundai promises to deliver at least 40 mpg on the highway. Competition is impeccably fierce in the market and with numbers as high as 40, most companies are finding are finding it tough to compete with the fuel efficiency of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra. If you are considering a fuel efficient sedan; the 2013 Hyundai Elantra should be at the top of your list!

2013 Chevrolet Cruze Review

When the Chevrolet Cruze was brought into production, people were awed at what Chevrolet had done with its sporty sedan. Despite the vehicle being a GM model, the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is actually a standard vehicle that has shown no problems since its production in 2011. The first year of the Cruze was 2011 and Chevrolet did do something great for its compact sedan. From the stylish exterior to the well form-fitted upholstery on the inside; everything looks rich and elegant on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. It is indeed a midsize sedan with above average qualities, such as top insurance pick of 2011 as it rates among the highest for the best safety rating. A number of Chevrolet Cruze features make the vehicle a great family car, which starts at only $17,130.

Exterior/Interior Styling

The Chevrolet Cruze is a bold vehicle with a lot to talk about. When the vehicle was first introduced to the market in 2011, the car was simply nothing compared to the past vehicles that Chevrolet had made. You can’t say that the Cruze is a perfectly luxury vehicle but it is something that fits the compact family sedan category. The exterior design sure has some minor upgrades for the 2013 model. When you look at the Chevrolet Cruze, you can see a few features from other Chevrolet vehicles, most notably the Malibu.

The sporty version of the Cruze, which is being referred to as the Premium Edition is somewhat a higher end compact car that comes with preselected leather seating and factory built features. With the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, you could be caught driving it around for several years as the design concept is very modern and does not look like it will go out of style. The interior of the Cruze got some minor touch-ups as well, primarily the dashboard and center console contours.

Performance

With the amount of teasing Chevrolet did with the 2013 Cruze, we expected to get a little more in terms of performance. For a compact vehicle that has the gas mileage and acceleration we prefer, it still seems to lack in the performance department. The base model 2013 Chevrolet Cruze comes standard with a four cylinder 1.8L engine. The other trim models such as LTZ and LT received the 1.4L engine, which is turbocharged. On our test drive of the 2013 Cruze, the one thing we didn’t like so much was the amount of noise the 1.8L engine pushed out.

For a brand new car, it revved up pretty hard. One thing you can make sure with the 2013 Cruze is that you do not need to accelerate a lot to get the car going, as it jumps as soon as you tap the pedal. For sporty drivers, there is also a six speed manual transmission engine available with the 2013 Cruze.

Optional Features/Fuel Efficiency

If there is one thing that makes new GM vehicles much more fun to drive and enjoy; it’s the infotainment options. The MyLink infotainment feature on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is provided by a fully touch screen menu that allows navigation through voice recognition. You can also pair your smart phone device with the in-car feature, which becomes extremely convenient for the youngsters. Several music/radio apps are also available on the system, making it a very interactive in-car feature that you wouldn’t see in other competitor vehicles. This MyLink infotainment feature is available for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze on the LTZ, ECO and 2LT models. You can get this feature as an added option on the 1LT model as well.

With many GM vehicles, fuel efficiency isn’t something that they or consumers could brag about. For a compact sedan of this size, the 2013 Cruze doesn’t have a compelling fuel economy rating. Even with the downsized 1.4L engine, you’re only getting about 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Highway mileage is quite impressive, as its nearing the Hyundai Elantra rating, but the city mileage surely does not do it justice. The 1.8L engine gives you about 25 mpg in city and 35 mpg on the highway. Chevrolet knows that their fuel efficiency isn’t all that great so the automatic transmission has a neutral idle feature for when you are stopped at a traffic light or stop sign.