Ferrari FXX Crash at Laguna Seca

We didn't see this crash while we were at the track this month. It is supposed to be the first recorded crash of a Ferrari FXX (the $1.8 million street version of the Ferrari Enzo racing car.) According to our friends at WreckedExotics.com, it happened during a special "Ferrari Racing Days" event at Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca on May 22, 2011. The Ferrari went off the track at Turn 8 "The Corkscrew" and crashed into the tire wall.

2011 Audi TR8

 Project Kahn unveiled their new styling pack up for the Audi TT 2.0 FSI. On the outside, it looks immaculate. The body kit makes the TR8’s flawless lines continue: the new front and back vented bumpers in R8 look with mesh inserts, front grille, R8 style side blades, rear spoiler, stainless steel quad exhaust system, sports lowered deferral springs, front lower bumper lip in billet steel finish and door mirrors in a billet steel finish. Evolved through expert artistic innovation and state-of-the art manufacturing and materials technology – a 20 -inch RSV alloy wheels exemplify what A Design is all about: sophistication and skillful artistic innovation.

 view this : movers, usa movers, local movers, san jose movers, motorsports

Tips for Saving Fuel

If you're not ready to buy a more efficient car can save money in a number of ways in any car you drive. Cars.com provides the tips and dispels the myths.

Revitalize Classics

The biggest fuel savings comes not from hybrid technology but from the old standards: carpooling and public transportation. If you and a trade fair friend or neighbor to travel to and from work, you can reduce your fuel consumption by about 50 percent. No other step will save you much money. So if you have two cars in the car park of the family, leaving a thirst in the garage as often as possible.

Transit saves fuel, and perhaps. It also reduces congestion, saves all fuels. Help yourself and everyone else to be part of the solution.

Get him out

Weight is fuel economy's natural enemy, so removing unnecessary items - or people - from your car can translate into actual fuel savings.

Get the Leadfoot Out

You can save fuel immediately what is going to easily run the pedal. Jack rabbit starts and full-throttle acceleration to significantly increase fuel consumption. It 's all a matter of degree: Light acceleration saves more than moderate acceleration.

Top speed also plays a part. Most vehicles are most efficient when cruising in top gear for their relatively low speeds. For example, a machine for the five-speed transmission would be more effective than the fifth gear is 40-55 mph. air resistance increases exponentially with speed, so you increase the pace at this stage, fuel economy drops dramatically. On the train trip computer that shows the instantaneous and average fuel economy are extremely accurate. Watch this and learned to ride a penny-pinching ways.
An ounce of prevention

Keep your tires properly inflated and your engine right is essential for the effective conduct. Under-inflated tires can reduce your fuel consumption by full miles per gallon. (Get the tire pressure from the sticker on your car's doorjamb or the owner's manual, not the sidewall.) Even if your car seems to work well, confusion Check Engine light could represent a dead oxygen sensor or other emissions control problem that causes the vehicle to waste several miles per gallon.

Open windows or air conditioning?

It is an ancient mystery. (Unlike a car heater, which uses free engine heat to warm the cabin, air conditioner robs engine power and reduces fuel consumption.) So, which approach is better? Sorry, but it is not as simple as one of them.

If your car has been sitting in the sun and is warmer than the air outside, lasting a few minutes with the windows open to cool it. So if you click on the highway, close 'em up and turn the A / C. Aerodynamics are more important at high speeds, so if you are not over 35 or 40 mph, open windows will not make much difference. It also depends on the vehicle. Detriment to drive with the windows down is greater, said in a Chevy Corvette, which has excellent aerodynamics, than in a Hummer who ... no. The same applies to convertibles, you will burn less fuel with the top up.
Keep It Smart

Speaking of aerodynamics, roof carriers and bike racks and ski racks do not do any favors - even if they are empty. If you keep all your cargo inside the car, you can slip through the wind better. It also eliminates its after-market add-ons such as drivers and bug window and sunroof cuffs. By design, these work items, empty the aerodynamics. Sure, bug entrails is a windshield are gross, but are not known to pay for fuel.

Premium or regular?

Reduced costs less octane, but you must use it? Most modern cars that require premium fuel can run on regular gasoline without knocking or a long sentence. Technically, it makes the car less efficient, but not to the point, cancel the cost savings from the cheaper fuel quality. NOTE: This is true of cars for which premium is recommended, not required. If in doubt, search for terms such as "Best Performance" and "recommended" versus "only" or "necessary." If your car has a turbocharger or a compressor, you should probably stick with premium fuel. Of course, if your car calls for regular gasoline, there is no reason to run it on something more octane.

2012 Honda Civic

To prepare the ground, the 2011 Honda Civic is a great car, even if it is replaced by 2012. We do not think the same as the other best long-seller, the Toyota Corolla. However, high quality, compact, efficient, and the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra 2012 and 2011: The Civic is greater obstacles than ever in the U.S. market, and buyers have more choices than ever.

The completely redesigned 2012 Honda Civic to gradually improve, like its predecessor in many ways, ensuring it remains the best-selling compact car, but do not ignore its huge competitors.

As before, the Civic is available in coupe and sedan styles, DX, LX and EX trim, and a version based on performance if, in both body styles. There are also hybrid and high-performance HF variants, two sedans. A natural gas powered Civic GX sedan will be back later in the model year under the name Natural Gas Civic, with plans to expand its available nationally for the first time.

Exterior & Style

A glance at the Civic 2012-tells the whole story: It looks a little different, anticipating aspects of mileage, interior and technology have all been improved. That the style itself is an improvement to you. To me, the design of the previous generation has remained cool and did not need to be messed with, and to describe the Sedan 2012 and the overall profile. Taillights, however, seems to have been more generic. Cup is always a look to the Civic.

Both body styles are exactly the same length and height and width of the coupe has grown only one-tenth of an inch. Wheelbase is reduced by about an inch on both, the overall size follow the trend - more tuned than reformed.

On the road

Along the way, the new attractions as a redemption Honda Civic, the worst road imperfections, but ensuring that you always know the road conditions. Is more refined - again, little by little - as well as a 2011 model satisfaction with the support of a quieter cabin. Would need to download again against its main competitors to quantify the differences, the 2012 is not exceptionally quiet and noise. Although you hear the motor, at least one soft. The car did a good job of blocking noise hiss of tires on wet pavement, which usually comes from the rear wheels.

Regard to the processing, electronic power steering is well weighted and well implemented in its entirety. Unfortunately, the roads were wet 100 percent of the time you drove a different civic education in order to keep the border will remain a mystery until Honda makes us feel the car Cars.com HQ. I had a feeling for the dynamics, however, and are good for weight bias front-wheel drive understeer, and there are, but the balance is decent, though. Slippery surfaces revealed a stability system that can resolve the outstanding talent so thin that attaches to any dramatic incident - without appearing too intrusive process. Well done. Honda says the electronic stability control system works together, nothing seemed visibly to me. It 'just worked.

The Civic has more body roll than I expected, however, and is nothing more surprising than the sport if a coupe version of the one that threw around an autocross. The weight transfer does not help to better hold the car changes direction quickly. I saw cars passing in the field, and body roll was equally clear from the outside. Is out of character for a performance version, and what is more disappointing is that it is useless. Many cars, some competing models have shown that the ride comfort, body control and handling of sports can come in an affordable package.

suspension is tuned to a different standard settings, but perhaps not enough. Although abortions may vary slightly between regular sedan and coupe, as several steps, the two feel the same unit.

Holder of the power line

The standard transmission changes for 2012 are minimal, at least on paper. The engine is a 1.8-liter manual four-cylinder and two five-speed automatic transmissions are offered. The Si gets a major blow, with a passage from a 2.0 liter four-cylinder 2.4 liter (2.35 liters technically) that is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

But the specifications seems to regularly change the motor - 200 RPM to climb the peak horsepower at 6,500 rpm - but Honda engineers say they played in the distribution of torque at low revs to get grim. All the same, spec Maximum torque remains unchanged at 128 pound-feet of 4300 rpm. If there is a difference in acceleration, it is not obvious. Relationships are the same for both items as well. At least the model did not get much heavier than most do when renewed. Sedan is slightly lighter than the 2011.

Although I prefer a six-speed manual, I can not blame Honda to stay with five. The demand for textbooks is decreasing, especially in automatic to be as effective if not more. Civic 2012 is an example. Now receives an estimated 28/39 mpg city / EPA / road in front of the manual of 28/36 miles per gallon. HF trim level - similar to the Cruze Eco and discussion with SFE - rate of 29/41 miles per gallon. Although the price is not available in this review is currently in production, the frequent use of Honda "value" suggests it will be more affordable than the aforementioned competitors.

It is more difficult to understand why he has not won an automatic gearbox. Honda says that the achievement of performance goals five-speed. Although I am not assume more is better - especially since some six speeds are reluctant and hesitant - it's hard to imagine that Honda could not overcome its objectives and demonstrate its competitors another step forward. What would it be better? This one-time leader in fuel economy is now catching up on their product line.

Citizenship if: a welcome improvement

Similarly, the Civic Si, one of the first "hot hatches", fought for his life, like other automakers have improved the acceleration of its compact sport "low speed by using direct injection and / or eating excess since the first time incorporated variable valve -. another great innovation from Honda -. The SI requires high engine speeds to take advantage of its power range of a larger displacement engine is a new welcome improvement as it boosts the torque output of 170 lb.-ft. at 4300 rpm 2.0-liter "139 lb-ft at 6.100 rpm. The peak power adds 4 hp to 201 hp at 7,000 rpm but dropped to 7800 rpm.

If launched in 2012 with more authority, even spinning its wheels, if I may. Short reports are much more satisfactory than the five-speed stick, which has six forward gears with ratios of near-optimized for the new engine. Although the production of Si is larger, some sport compact competitors - Volkswagen GTI, Mini Cooper S, Mazdaspeed3 and Subaru Impreza WRX - to produce a torque that is larger and / or plan much lower. Because most of these competitors are heavier, with no less than 400 pounds, is not a perfect comparison, and profits for Si is a better mileage: 22/31 mpg His beats the GTI with 1 mpg city Mazdaspeed3 and the WRX and as much as 6 mpg on the highway.

High Mileage HF and hybrid

I have not had the opportunity to drive the RF Civic, Honda, but says it is virtually the same as the regular sedan. The increased efficiency comes mainly from the different tires and aerodynamic modifications, including wheels, treatment of the bottom, a small trunklid spoiler and smooth the front bumper to match the Civic Hybrid.

The Civic Hybrid 2012 benefits from a gas engine over a 1.5-liter four-cylinder 1.3-liter replace. It combines with an electric motor more powerful for quicker acceleration better mileage 40/43 mpg to 44/44 mpg in 2011. You can feel the difference of the line, and although there is still some delay that purring continuously variable automatic transmission on, it is more sensitive than before, and more linear than the Toyota Prius.

Since the electric motor is essentially linked to the crankshaft until the gasoline engine turns off when the car stops. Regardless, Honda says the Civic Hybrid is able to maintain a cruising speed on electric power alone. Acceleration and high cruising speed takes a gas can be burned.

This is the first Honda, and one of the first hybrid with lithium-ion battery instead of a type of nickel-metal hydride, who led the hybrid revolution. It helps to keep the weight and size down and increase the cargo volume is 10.7 cubic feet, compared to 2011 of 10.4 cubic meters, although the rear seat does not fold to the Civic Hybrid - typical of hybrid sedans. A frame sedan measures 12.5 cubic Coupe is 11.7.

Interior

By car the same size, Honda does not work magic, but the volume of passengers rose by about 1 to 3.5 cubic meters a saloon, whose additional contribution of 94.6, to remain competitive in the classroom. Coupe loses 0.8 cubic feet 83.2 cubic meters. Tilt-telescoping steering wheel is standard, as is a driver's seat manual height adjustment. Blissful reach adjustment levers are the same as the previous generation, but the seat cushions and contours have changed and are comfortable.

Numbers, size of the hall seats are moved slightly, a few hairs, less space, front and rear, but there was some increase in shoulder room. legroom in the front seat is slightly decreased, but I was happy with what seemed to travel back seat. Backseat legroom has received 36.2 inches over an inch, which is near the top of the class. In practice, it does not seem particularly large, but it is more than functional and the adult.

Coupe is a different story: rear legroom has increased slightly, and the head space is reduced by almost an inch. At 6 feet tall, I could not do the job. This coupe is expected, however, that now is a few in this category. If you want a more spacious back seat of a coupe, check out the Scion tC. The model is based on the Hyundai Elantra is called Veloster, soon, it could also be competing, or perhaps the Civic.

Quality Cottage

If the quality of the interior is a new battlefield is a compact class car, 2012 Civic will bring some fresh fighting forces and a new stable of reliable troops, but also battle-weary veterans who probably should retire.

The fabric cloth seats "contemporary improves previous generation, the optional high-quality leather, but the bunchy" together "look is a concept of polarization. In comparison to some competitors, some looking rather sober interior surfaces. The Honda Civic is in the approach of combining a variety of textures and styles. In my opinion, do not always go well together. If nothing else, when there are many different textures and materials, there is a good chance that you get at least one . My favorites are the least bright gray plastic on the dash and color aluminum door. feltlike I also noticed conventional fabric roof, a step back as the previous generation title appears as a fabric, which is increasingly popular in the market.

Highlights include the wheel and colorful displays that subtly changes color depending on how efficiently you run a function and Insight hybrid CR-Z. If you do not climb on top of the dashboard, you will not be happier with this than the previous generation Civic. He banished the tachometer probably superfluous the conventional approach and put other things above, above the wheel. I am a fan.

All trim levels except the entry DX Honda introduced the phenomenon multifunctional controller with a feature called i-MID: intelligent multi information display. I like some aspects of this approach, not the least of them is missing the word "touch", "you" or "me" in the name. Includes 5-inch color LCD screen next to the speedometer and some buttons on the left spoke steering wheel that allow you to select menus, etc.

Not the most versatile air traffic controllers, but at first glance, it seems that it does not need. The menus and functions are relatively simple. The display shows the album art attached to an iPod, a relatively recent strengthening of the vehicle. display copies of the top navigation requests, but the option is based essentially faithful to the touch screen, easy access to the center of the dashboard. I take this division for any multi-controller on the market. Nav is based on the data bandwidth of FM that does not require subscription.

Security

Like any new model, the 2012 Civic has not been tested by the federal government or private organizations.

Like all models in 2012, the Civic involved in ABS and Dynamic Stability Traction Control. Although the Si and EX are the output levels on the four-wheel disc brakes, the details and the lowest effective versions have rear drums.

Civic has six airbags, including a couple in front, standard front seat side impact bags and side curtain airbags. Redesigning the design of the front seats to provide active protection whiplash, Honda was able to remove the constraints of the previous generation active head restraints that provide the same during the placement of a few tenths of an inch farther back for improved comfort.

Market Municipal Court

What the 2012 Civic has not come to their arch rivals to overcome in any way, and complete redesigns are better chances that the automaker to do so. Unlike the new Volkswagen Jetta, which we believe has slipped in terms of interior quality and the experience of driving the Civic is a very good car. The question is whether to remain competitive in the coming years that other models are being developed. Recent impressive redesigns and Intro - including two national brands, so you do not - do not miss flying more than ever the business of the Civic. With a reputation for reliability and historical epic, however, is likely to maintain its privileged position at or near the top of the sale of cards. If a terribly outdated Corolla can do, the Civic should be good for at least several more years.

Presentation of the vehicle

Although it is not clear at first glance, the 2012 Honda Civic has been restyled for the first time since 2006, and now get almost 40 mpg highway mileage. long-term bestseller, Civic counts among its competitors in a number of high-quality, compact, high mileage, such as the Chevrolet Cruze 2011, 2012 and 2011 Ford Focus Hyundai Elantra and solid as a Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta.

Civic will be multiple versions of any of these models, coupe and sedan body with regular gas, and hybrid versions of compressed natural gas, and performance-oriented variant. In a compact, a few cups - Scion tC and Kia Forte Koup Civic are two of the competitors.

Civic trim levels, DX, LX, EX and if the performance in both body styles. There are also hybrid and high-performance HF variants, both in sedan form. The natural gas-powered Civic Sedan natural gas comes later in the model year, with plans to expand its available nationally for the first time.

Outside

The style is more evolutionary than revolutionary, and some observers are likely to confuse the new design of the previous generation. On both body styles, changes in cut several pieces. The coupe and sedan are the same length and height than the 2011 model - cut width has increased by only a tenth of an inch. The wheelbase decreased by about an inch.

Standard wheels from steel wheel covers for 15-inch alloy wheels of 16 inches for conventional models. High efficiency HF, hybrid and CNG models feature alloy wheels of 15 inches, and models are supplied with Si alloy wheels of 17 inches.

It also increases the treatment shiny bumpers and fog lights and integrated rear spoiler, which is hardly noticeable. HF and hybrid also has a streamlined treatment subtly change their appearance, including a softer bumper. The hybrid is the blue light clusters and grille to distinguish it from others.

Within

Sedan interior volume - increases between 1 and 3.5 cubic meters (depending on equipment level) and about an inch more rear leg room - remain competitive in the compact. Coupe loses 0.8 cubic feet of cabin volume. Height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt / telescoping steering wheel.

fabric upholstery is standard and leather is the only EX-L trim level. All levels of output, except for multi-function controller DX Honda, called MID-I (Intelligent Multi-display). Increases the 5-inch color LCD screen next to the speedometer and a few buttons on the steering wheel on the left said that you can choose from the menus. The optional navigation system is the usual place, the center line, and uses a touch screen.

Under the hood

Civic regular transmissions in 2012 remain largely unchanged, consisting of a 1.8-liter engine with four cylinders and a manual five-speed automatic or five-speed. Although the engine has been refined its production is essentially the same. The biggest change is in the performance model Si with a 2.4-liter (technically a 2.35-liter engine) replacing the previous generation 2.0-liter. Power increases of 3, and torque has increased by more than 30 pounds-feet more performance off-the-line robust. As before, if comes with a six-speed manual.

Efficient versions contain only HF gas, which can be EPA-rated 29/41 mpg city / highway. Available only in automatic sedan is better than a normal automatic 28/39 mpg with the aerodynamic design of treatments and tires with low rolling resistance.

Civic Hybrid is now 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, with upwards of 1.3 liters of the previous generation, and its electric motor is more efficient, the team has a lithium ion battery. Mileage estimates 40/43 mpg increase in 2011, 44/44 mpg in 2012. The hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Security

Like all models in 2012, the Civic involved in ABS and Dynamic Stability Traction Control. Although the Si and EX are the output levels on the four-wheel disc brakes, the details and the lowest effective versions have rear drums. Civic has six airbags, including a couple in front, standard front seat side impact bags and side curtain airbags.

Review by Joe Wiesenfelder

Hybrid and Electric Powered Cars, Now and in the Future

Now, in 2011, the Chevrolet Volt and 2011 Nissan Leaf arrives at dealerships and homes set of owners, the Renaissance electric vehicle officially begun.

recently bought a volt for a long term test at any time of year to address the questions many consumers have to live with this kind of long-term vehicle. You can follow our coverage here.

There is currently a high demand for leaves and Volt, leaving many potential buyers sitting on the sidelines wondering how they can participate in the race for electric cars. If you have $ 100,000 for an all-electric Tesla Roadster, you can buy one today. Do not worry - options more convenient and less expensive would join these cars this year, including an electric version of the new Ford Focus. But it will still take some time before electric cars are so easy and common to buy a hybrid is typical today.

Increasingly in cars, either complete or hybrid electric plug-ins, coming on the market.

EVS is not a new concept: they were among the first cars on the roads. versions gasoline has slightly due to a century of cheap oil, battery technology and low long-distance road travel. Despite a slight recovery in California in the 1990s, the electric car was more a myth than a reality over the last 20 years. The recent volatility in gasoline prices helped revive interest in EVs.

Tomorrow RSV is not limited to small sports cars like the Tesla Roadster. "Different people need different types of vehicles," said Sherry Boschert Vice President of Plug-in America, non-profit advocacy group EVS. The reason is that companies will auto build a plug-in cars, commercial vans, SUVs and sedans.

A major obstacle to electric vehicles is the fear - the fear that the electric car can not be everywhere you need, or at least there. Some automakers, including GM, were added to board or ethanol gas generators in their electric vehicles. "The internal combustion engine is like a security policy that makes [drivers] feel safe," said Bosch. The gasoline engine kicks in when the batteries are running out of juice.

new battery technology that will ensure a longer range, can make electric vehicles more attractive to consumers. lithium-ion batteries are relatively new, but their chemical composition will be used in all future plug-in. Why? "You get the same amount of energy with only half the weight of nickel-metal hydride batteries. They are smaller and have higher power density," says Nick Cappa, spokesman for Chrysler in advanced technology. nickel-metal hydride batteries used in many hybrid cars today.

To help offset the cost of electric vehicles, the federal government offers tax credits for the purchase of $ 2.500 $ 7.500 EV. Nissan Sheet "red" price with the tax credit instead of $ 7500 MSRP. Most electric vehicles should be eligible for the maximum credit.

Here is a list of models supported by the EV car manufacturers, investors and companies. Four models of the road at this time, many more to come soon. In today's economy, some machines are designed to fail from the capital and consumption continues to slow.

"A lot can happen between now and then," Boschert said. "I know from experience that seeing is believing. Until you can go out and buy a [EV], it is not safe."

Developed electric vehicles already on the way

Tesla Roadster: This two-seater sports roadster is the poster child revolution RSV and sporting a stylish-looking machine is a range of 244 km. When the Fed $ 7,500 tax credit Tesla Roadster MSRP is $ 101,500.

Chevrolet Volt: This compact, four-passenger vehicle uses an electric motor to power the wheels with onboard gas generator to recharge the battery. V, can drive up to 40 km of electricity-only travel 400 miles between the gas station filling up.

Nissan leaf blade is an all-electric sedan to five seats that are available in selected markets and will be widely available in 2011, according to Nissan. Unlike the Volt, the sheet does not use a motor-end extension to charge the battery. With a full charge, the range of the sheet is estimated at 100 miles, top speed is said to be over 90 miles per hour.

Electric Ford Transit Connect: Designed for professional use, utility van Transit Connect, Ford's first electric car battery with a range of about 80 miles. Ford he drove last year only a few commercial fleets, but it should be offered to regular users of this year.

Electric vehicles on the horizon

Production for the following vehicles may change based electrical product development and other conditions. The year is the date of the planned sale of detail.

Ford Focus Electric, 2011: The biggest competitor for the Volt and Leaf will be the electric version of strong-looking new Ford Focus compact car. It has a scope similar to that of leaves, but promises to reduce charging time by half. Expect to wait until the end of this year to go on sale.

CODA Sedan, 2011: This is one of a number of small companies on our list have problems getting production started. Several executives have left the company, put anything SR $ 44.900 in doubt, despite the fact that the vehicle has an approval for the tax credit the government $ 7,500.

Fisker Karma 2011: The four-passenger plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan will have a range of 50 miles, the power, the company said. Is expected to be available in March 2011. Like the Volt, the Karma uses a motor range expansion to increase the range of 300 miles. The hybrid combined to propel the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Fiat 500 EV, 2012, petrol Fiat 500 hits the U.S. this year, and fully electric version in 2012. 500 Chrysler EV uses the technology and its electronic programming, although many important details, including vehicle range, and the price will remain confidential.

Toyota Prius plug-in, 2012: A plug-in version of its popular Prius sedan will go on sale in the first half of 2012, Toyota said. He will be able to Run 13 miles on the battery to a speed of 60 km / h. Because of this limited range before the gas hybrid system takes over, charging the car takes only 1.7 hours on a 220 volt. It will be offered in 14 states with the most current Prius units sold in 2012, with the rest of the country had to wait until 2013.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV, 2011-12: A small four-seater electric car is 80-100 km. I-MiEV is expected to go on sale in the United States in March 2012, the Northeast and across the country by the end of 2012. Waiting for prices on this car at about $ 30,000 before tax incentives, says Mitsubishi.

Highway Speed ​​EV Miles, TBD: Miles EV says its five-seat sedan is electrical safety test. It should be 100 kilometers. However, no mention of the date of sale has been deprived of its website.

Think City, to determine: This European company is waiting for the loans the U.S. Department of Energy before starting production. The city will be built in Elkhart, Indiana, designed for urban environments, the electric city small first to see the use in New York. Its range is about 100 miles, and says its Think City can reach highway speeds.

Tesla Model S, 2012: Tesla wants to keep track of its roadster with a five-passenger sedan EV. Sedan had a 240-mile range with an expected price around $ 60,000, according to Tesla. The company has delayed the original target date to at least the 2012th

Top 10 Fuel-Efficient Luxury Cars

Luxury cars are often not the fuel. Even if some do not - Hey, Range Rover - There are many who will receive gas mileage, which is as good as or better than your mainstream family sedan. From an initial list of luxury cars that get better than 25 mpg on the highway, through our 10 favorites. Please note that data on fuel economy in the best estimates of the model of engine, transmission and transmission choices can lead to lower estimates of EPA.

10. 2010 Volvo C30

With the C30, Volvo hoped to follow the success of the Mini Cooper with its own near-luxury compact car that delivers a sporty driving feel. The C30's interior is a study in Swedish simplicity, with materials that are better than you'd expect in a $24,100 car. Its hatchback design offers more style than the norm, too, so you'll look good while getting good mileage.

9. 2010 Audi A3 TDI

The A3 feels a bit down-market for Audi, but the TDI's turbo-diesel four-cylinder makes up for that with the sort of power that could pass for any luxury car. This thing moves out swiftly, and it gets an astonishing 30/42 mpg city/highway. Judging by our observed mileage in other TDI cars, there's a good chance you'll exceed those figures. Diesel exhaust is hardly the smelly affair it was years ago — nor is diesel fuel as pricey as it was months ago. On both counts, the A3 TDI stands to benefit.

8. 2010 Lexus ES 350

The Lexus ES has been a popular entry-level luxury sedan for years. In addition to thrifty fuel use for its size, the ES' cabin refinement is impressive, which helps explain why this car still sells well despite tough competition. Copious rear legroom, a sizable trunk and a comfortable ride all add up to a car that's viewed as a benchmark in its class.

7. 2010 Acura TSX

Acura has always offered luxury cars for a comparatively affordable price, and the TSX delivers a lot for less than $30,000. While it isn't a sport-sedan star or a cushy cruiser, it offers a respectable combination of both genres. The standard four-cylinder engine sips fuel and doesn't feel underpowered, either. Acura's new design language isn't universally liked, but on the TSX it's relatively subdued, making it more appealing to the masses.

6. 2010 Lexus RX 450h

We know that not every luxury shopper searching for fuel efficiency wants a sedan, which leads us to the Lexus RX 450h luxury hybrid crossover. Redesigned for 2010, the RX 450h notched significant fuel economy gains over its predecessor, the RX 400h, which was rated at 27/24 mpg for the front-wheel-drive model. What's more, the RX 450h doesn't give up anything in terms of luxury or comfort compared to its gas-only sibling, the RX 350.

5. 2010 Cadillac CTS

Passengers will be impressed by the CTS' hand-stitched dashboard and rising-screen navigation system, and they'd probably be surprised to know you can get highway mileage in the high 20s. The car has all the other credentials of a bona fide sport sedan: true rear-wheel-drive handling — so you get the sensation of being pushed forward, not pulled — plus precise steering, responsive V-6 drivetrains and strong brakes. It's easily GM's worthiest luxury sedan in years.

4. 2010 Lexus HS 250h

To date, mileage advantages among luxury hybrids have ranged from insignificant to ... respectable. The Lexus HS 250h is the first luxury hybrid to come close to the high bar set by nonluxury hybrids like the Toyota Prius. Like other Lexus models, the HS isn't as quick or sporty as some luxury sedans, but it has the qualities Lexus buyers have come to expect.

3. 2010 Hyundai Genesis

The Hyundai Genesis sedan won our Cars.com New Car of the Year Award for 2009, so you can imagine how highly we think of it overall. One of the many reasons is its excellent gas mileage with no acceleration penalty. If 18/27 mpg doesn't sound impressive, check out comparable full-size luxury sedans. Even the V-8 model's 17/25 mpg puts most to shame. Hyundai's not a fancy brand, but the Genesis is a fancy car that shows you can have it all.

2. 2010 Audi A4

The A4 combines an elegant cabin with surprisingly ample power from its turbocharged four-cylinder — plus an EPA rating of 23/30 mpg with front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission or 22/30 mpg with Quattro all-wheel drive and a manual. One caveat: Get a Quattro automatic, as many buyers do, and mileage drops to a less enthralling 21/27 mpg. That's more in the neighborhood of two-wheel-drive competitors, though, and given the A4 Quattro's all-weather capabilities, it's still pretty impressive.

1. 2009 BMW 335d

To those who say they'd never buy a diesel-powered luxury car, I say drive the BMW 335d and then get back to us. It's a diesel car unlike any you've probably experienced, what with its abundant low-end torque, quiet operation and cleaned-up emissions. Plus, the 335d retains all of the winning ride and handling characteristics of the gas-powered 3 Series. There are other luxury cars with higher fuel economy estimates, but the 335d represents the best combination of efficiency and driving enjoyment.

Top 10 Fun-to-Drive Cars

Do not be fooled: the sports cars are fun to drive, but not only cars that can provide the excitement behind the wheel. No need to sacrifice rear seat or a monthly fee so steep that you eat only ramen noodles to enjoy driving your car. We have a detailed model of 1910, that are fun beyond all expectations. Some are sports cars, while others are families or first home. What have the excellent performance that sets them apart from competitors.

Won't Break the Bank

2011 Ford Mustang

The Mustang has always been fun to drive, in a raw, muscle-car way. The 2011 is so much more refined that it now competes with what most people consider to be sports cars. It gets the nod because it beat the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger in our comparison test and because the V-6 model's 305 horsepower and 31 mpg highway are staggeringly good for the price.

2011 Mazda3

Affordable cars are becoming better performers, and the Mazda3 stands among the best. Spot-on steering, strong brakes and responsive drivetrains will make the daily commute a bit of fun. Want more? The turbocharged MazdaSpeed3 hits 60 mph in a blistering 5.2 seconds — muscle-car numbers from a hatchback that's less than $24,000.

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata

From its specs alone, you might be wondering how the Miata made this list. It has a four-cylinder engine, and at 158 hp it doesn't sound like it would be a driver's car. Numbers don't always tell the whole story, and with the Miata, driving is believing. Great balance, precise steering and an available short-throw manual shifter all contribute to an exceptional driving experience at an affordable price.
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Fuel-Efficient Enjoyment

2011 Honda CR-Z

Add a hybrid powertrain to a small, lightweight sport coupe and you get what could be called the first sport hybrid for the masses. The all-new CR-Z has three selectable drive modes. One is for maximum mileage, but Sport mode completely changes the driving dynamics for a sportier ride. For the driving enthusiast, that's the mode that will be on all the time.

2011 Mini Cooper

The 37-mpg Cooper is among the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars around. Don't let its modest 121 hp fool you: On sweeping curves, you can put the hatchback into four-wheel drifts. Excellent handling need not require extra power, but if you want it, the turbocharged Mini Cooper S moves out.

Family-Friendly

2011 Mazda CX-9

Having a family vehicle doesn't mean you can't enjoy road trips and carpools. The CX-9 is one of many three-row crossovers on the market, but it's the only one that exudes sportiness from all angles, including the driver's seat. The steering is precise, and the engine is no slouch, even when the crossover is loaded down with kids and cargo.

2010 Suzuki Kizashi

The Kizashi is as fun to drive as it is to say. Smaller and nimbler than the reigning family cars, it packs road manners and ride quality that are both a cut above. The Kizashi is a refreshing break from the suburban troupe of Toyota, Honda and Ford sedans. If your neighbors ask why you got a Suzuki, a quick ride should turn them into believers.

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan

The little-known Tiguan is an exceptionally fun-to-drive compact crossover. The base front-wheel-drive trim level comes with a manual transmission, which Honda's and Toyota's models lack. Also, it has the excellent turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection that has breathed new life into many Volkswagen models. Its relatively short wheelbase makes it nimble, feeling more like a car than SUV.

Fun, Bar None

2011 BMW 3 Series/M3

The BMW 3 Series is legendary in enthusiast circles for good reason. It's an entertaining driver's car, and the one we'd take in a heartbeat to attack our favorite back roads. The high-powered M3 is a track-ready variant that doesn't give up any of the base model's commendable ride comfort. Many automakers have tried to copy the 3 Series formula; some have come close, but none have equaled it.

2010 Porsche Cayman S

Frankly, we could fill half this list with Porsche models. Porsche is about performance, which equals fun. Why the Cayman? Because it's one of the most affordable Porsches, second only to its roadster sister, the Boxster. The 911 is so unflappable that it's almost boring to drive unless you're on a racetrack. The Cayman is fun to drive in normal circumstances, especially in its S form.

Top 10 Worst Car Names

We spend a lot of time discussing how a car behaves, how it looks and how it performs in crash tests, among others. Sometimes, however, our first impression of a car comes from his name - and this impression is not always a good idea. Here are 10 cars in 30 years with names so terrible and difficult as we are sometimes surprised consumers gave them a shot. Remember this list is based solely on the name of the car, and has absolutely nothing to do with the actual substance of the car.

10. The Entire Lincoln Lineup

2010 Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln is a brand with a considerable history, and we know they know how to give cars strong iconic names such as Continental or Navigator. Somewhere around 2007, many of those easy-to-remember names went out the window, leaving consumers with a hodgepodge of names starting with "MK." That's a shame because Lincoln has a strong lineup right now. What's the difference between the MKZ, MKX and MKS? Gimme a second to look it up because I honestly can't remember which is which.

9. Hyundai Equus

2011 Hyundai Equus

The inclusion of the Equus might be premature considering it's not even on sale yet, but this could be the push Hyundai needs to give the car a proper name before it's released. Companies occasionally give Latin names to products to make them sound sophisticated or fancy, but Equus just makes us think of the Broadway play of the same name — most recently starring Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame — where a young man loves horses a little too much.

8. Toyota Yaris

2010 Toyota Yaris

There was a girl in my dorm freshman year who organized her shoes alphabetically by mood. She majored in dead languages and responded to every single question with "no worries." She once set the dorm microwave on fire by overcooking a ham-and-cheese Hot Pocket. Yes, that story is ridiculous and nonsensical ... sort of like naming a car Yaris.

7. Kia Forte Koup

2010 Kia Forte Koup

As writers, we're particularly offended when companies take liberties with the English language in an effort to be cutesy — and this is no exception. We actually like this car! But Kia is asking us to overlook years of schooling and experience to accept their quirky spelling of coupe. It might require a few sessions with a therapist before we can get to that happy place.

6. Subaru B9 Tribeca

2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca

Here we've got a family crossover named after a fashionable neighborhood in lower Manhattan and ... a World War II bomber? Consumers didn't understand the B9 moniker either; that part of the name got the ax when Subaru redesigned the SUV for the 2008 model year.

5. Volkswagen Touareg

2007 Volkswagen Touareg

A few Volkswagens could've made this list, but the Touareg was easily the name that tripped up our American mouths the most. Early Touareg commercials in the U.S. even depicted people struggling to say the name. When an automaker has to spend precious time and ad dollars helping consumers learn to pronounce the car's name — something is wrong.

4. Ford Probe

1993 Ford Probe

There are many borderline inappropriate jokes you could make about a 1990s sport compact named Probe, but we're far too classy for that. Even if you don't take into account the tasteless jokes, this is just a bad car name. There is nothing cool about a probe (the word, not the car). What thesaurus was Ford using where probe was synonymous with sleek and sporty?

3. Subaru Brat

1982 Subaru Brat

Although Brat is technically an acronym — it stands for Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter — it's a particularly unfortunate one. "Brat" is almost never used to describe something positively. A brat is not a calm, confident driver who knows what he wants and how to get it. A brat is busy throwing a hissy fit in the corner because his mom won't let him borrow the car to go buy the new Styx album.

2. Isuzu VehiCROSS

2000 Isuzu VehiCROSS

Isuzu deserves a little credit for creating an attention-grabbing crossover before it was even a recognized vehicle segment, but the name practically beats consumers over the head with the idea (think SUV plus a cross-training sneaker). Add to that the unnecessary capitalization and the fact that VehiCROSS is a mouthful, and you have one bad name.

1. Ford Aspire

1997 Ford Aspire

It's pretty safe to say that many drivers' dream cars fall under the category of sports car or luxury auto; few children hope to one day spend their commuting hours behind the wheel of a 63-horsepower subcompact hatchback. When Ford slapped the Aspire name on the back of this car, they were basically saying: "Yeah, even our car knows you wish you were driving something cooler."

Top 10 Most Memorable Movie Cars

When we decided to list the Top 10 Movie Cars last summer, we had no idea our readers would be so passionate about their favorite movies, and the automotive industry they are characters. When the "Transformers" arrives, we will re-list, listening to reader feedback last year, because - once again - that he deserved to make the top 10 cars Some cars were able to keep their seats, while others are mixed around to make room for more deserving contenders. When "Speed ​​Racer" next year, expect another round of contention.

No. 10: 2003 Mini Cooper S, "The Italian Job"

Drivetrain: 163-hp, supercharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive
Notable Features: 200 pounds lighter than stock Cooper S; painted red, white or blue

Larger cars would have rubbed fenders with light poles and tunnel walls, but thanks to a nimble fleet of Mini Coopers, a band of conspirators manages to escape captors down congested streets, parks and subway tunnels. (Parks? Mass transit? In Los Angeles?) Computer-rigged signals aid the getaway, stopping cross traffic at red lights. Sounds like California dreaming for drivers.

No. 9: 1959 Cadillac Ambulance, "Ghostbusters"

Drivetrain: 325-hp, 6.4-liter V-8; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Tailfins, flashing lights, sirens, attached ladder

Though it plays a relatively small part in its film, the Ectomobile is the finest medical movie car to date. What it lacks in brute force it makes up in style, with red tailfins, strobe lights and more roof gear than a fire truck. Should there ever be a remake, our pick for the new Ectomobile would be the Dodge Magnum. Right, Egon?

No. 8: 1974 Dodge Monaco, "The Blues Brothers"

Drivetrain: 275-hp, 7.1-liter V-8 with three-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Cop motor, cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks

You usually don't come out ahead when swapping a Caddy for a Dodge — unless the Dodge has a 440-cubic-inch V-8. The Bluesmobile would be our pick if we had to outrun the better half of Illinois police, not to mention a neo-Nazi outfit and a country-and-western band. The car totally falls apart in the end, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a vehicle that could do better on "a mission from God."

No. 7: 1932 Ford coupe, "American Graffiti"

Drivetrain: 60-hp, 3.6-liter V-8 with three-speed manual transmission
Notable Features: Bright yellow paint job bound to be noticed by bored teens in Modesto, Calif.

Nicknamed the "Deuce," this five-window '32 Ford coupe is the quintessential American hot rod. As built, it came with the engine mentioned above, but in the movie, it's clear the coupe has been souped up. It was the car's awesome growl and the cool drag race at the end of the movie that lodged this hot rod into the hearts of American teens for a decade.

No. 6: 1976 AMC Pacer, "Wayne's World"

Drivetrain: 100-hp inline-six with three-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Flame decal, licorice dispenser, "Bohemian Rhapsody" on continuous playback

Although this movie may not have driven thousands of people to track down a baby blue Mirth Mobile of their own, it did inspire a number of in-car, head-banging singalongs by fans of the film.

No. 5: 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390, "Bullitt"

Drivetrain: 325-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 with four-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Fastback roof, higher engine note than the Charger

Never mind the continuity mishaps; just tell yourself there were a lot of green Volkswagen Beetles in San Francisco that day. The seven-minute chase scene between Frank Bullitt's Mustang GT 390 and a hit man's 1968 Dodge Charger is among the best of its kind. Voters gave Bullitt's car the edge because, in the end, you have to root for the good guy.

No. 4: 1964 Aston Martin DB5, "Goldfinger"

Drivetrain: 282-hp, 4.0-liter six-cylinder with four-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Bulletproof glass, machine guns, incessantly beeping radar screen

Save for the anemic BMW Z3 1.9 in "GoldenEye," Bond cars are top-notch — the list includes Aston Martins, Bentleys and Lotuses — but voters agreed the champ is the Aston Martin DB5 in "Goldfinger." Not only is it gorgeous, it outruns and out-gadgets all of its competitors. Plus it gets plenty of screen time with the best Bond, Sean Connery. Any dissenters, of course, are welcome to ride in the "power" passenger seat.

No. 3: 1961 Ferrari 250 GT, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"

Drivetrain: 280-hp, 3.0-liter V-12 with four-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Cherry-red exterior, wire grille, Cameron-sized tonneau compartment

This movie is probably responsible for thousands of teens cutting class to joyride in their father's car. Of course, none hold a candle to Mr. Frye's convertible Ferrari. It won votes for all the obvious reasons: It's red, Italian and bloody fast. If our fathers owned something like this, we'd ditch Econ 101 in a heartbeat to take a spin — especially if Dad didn't lock the garage. (And yes, we know this was a kit car.)

No. 2: 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, "Smokey and the Bandit"

Drivetrain: 200-hp, 6.6-liter V-8 with three-speed automatic
Notable Features: T-top, CB radio, runaway bride in the passenger seat

The mission seemed simple enough: Get a truckload of bootleg beer from Texarkana, Texas, to Atlanta while Bo "Bandit" Darville runs interference in his Trans Am. The combination of the comical car chases and Burt Reynolds' mustache sold more than a few black and gold versions of Bandit's car.

No. 1: 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, "Back to the Future"

Drivetrain: 1.21-gigawatt nuclear/electric hybrid with five-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive
Notable Features: Gull-wing doors, 16-port twin exhaust boxes, flux capacitor

This was an overwhelming choice for voters, and why not? Doc Brown's smoke-spewing DeLorean achieves time travel at 88 mph thanks to a plutonium-powered nuclear reactor and onboard flux capacitor. By the end of the first movie, it runs solely on trash — and it can fly. That's still futuristic two decades after the movie debuted. Sure, the ignition seems to have some reliability issues, but this car easily won our hearts.

Honorable Mentions:

• 1958 Plymouth Fury, "Christine"
• 1973 Ford Falcon, "The Road Warrior"
• 1975 Lotus Esprit, "The Spy Who Loved Me"