Auto

2009 New York: Mitsubishis i MiEV May Come to America

This left-hand drive concept isn’t new (it debuted at the 2009 Geneva motor show), but the language surrounding its North American debut is quite interesting. Mitsubishi claims this iteration of i MiEV “hints at future possibilities,” and represents a step towards an eventual US-spec model.

Changes to the basic i package make such dreams plausible. The i MiEV is still microscopic, but designers widened the front and rear track by 3.7 and 5.3 inches, respectively. The car’s width – a scant 59.8 inches – is greater than the Japanese-market model, and both front and rear overhangs have been increased by two inches to provide better crash protection.
In spite of these changes, the LHD concept shares its driveline with “normal” i MiEV prototypes. A 63-hp electric motor drives the rear wheels up to 81 mph, and is powered by a 330-volt lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. It takes approximately 7 hours to recharge the battery from 220-volt outlets (14 hours, if using a 110-volt source), although a three-phase ‘quick charger’ provides an 80-percent charge in approximately 30 minutes.
In addition to the environmental benefits of an electric car, Mitsubishi says owners could also experience a cost benefit. Compared to the gasoline-powered i microcar, the electric version is nearly 66 percent less expensive to operate. If owners charge the i MiEV during off-peak hours, the car’s operating costs are 1/9th that of the gas i

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Gets IIHS Top Safety Pick

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety today named the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a Top Safety Pick. The Japanese automaker's small crossover joined the Lancer as the second Mitsubishi to receive the designation after the IIHS revised its safety tests to include more

Ode to the Audi A8:

For those of you who have been reading this blog for awhile, you know that my dream car is the Audi A8. It’s one of the reasons why I was inspired to start this blog. I figured the more I wrote about the A8, that dream of owning one would become a reality. Although it hasn’t happened yet, I’m determined and confident that I will have one.

Audi Q7 Limo: The Best Wedding Car

June is here and that means many weddings taking place all over the world. Planning your big arrival is just as important as the big day itself. For a memorable day you need a memorable car. Any car enthusiast should take careful consideration in what car they roll up in, it sets the tone. Of course, we’re a little biased, but we think the Audi Q7 limo would be the best wedding car for the happy couple...

So after the excitement of the big day, what is there to look forward to? After weekends filled with DIY and trips to the in-laws, did you know that most couples will be eligible for a reduction in car insurance rates following the nuptials?
Marriage is meant to be all about committing your love to another person who you promise to spend the rest of your life with in sickness and in health. However, if you are a newly wed or thinking of popping the question, did you know that marriage can have a

2010 Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Quattro MT6 Coupe

Ever since the Audi A5 coupe model was unveiled back in 2007, it has drawn quite a bit of attention for its style, design, and 258 lbs of torque. It has 211 horsepower, but don't let that number fool you. This car has powerThe A5 coupe we tested was a 2.0 TFSI quattro with 6-speed manual transmission. As much as we were tempted to take it to the 180 mph limit, we had to restrain ourselves and cruise at 80 mph. The ride was cool and smooth like vanilla ice cream going down your throat on a summer day.
The Interior
Even in a coupe model, Audi ensured that no detail was overlooked. Being in a car like this makes you feel stylish and sleek even if you're just wearing sweats and heading to the grocery store. But you may not want to wear sweats because heads will turn and people will stop you in parking lots to ask you about the car. Don't say we didn't warn you.
The leather 8-way power seats with driver lumbar and aluminum "hologram" interior trim throughout definitely made an impression. The dark walnut wood inlays are an extra, but added even more style to an already stylish interior. Can you say luxurious?

Being a coupe model, it was to be expected that tall people were not allowed in the back seat, and if a tall person was driving the car, only one person could sit in the back. However, the interior comfort that is likened to a luxury sedan more than made up for the lack of leg room.
Surprisingly, though, the trunk has plenty of space if two people want to take a weekend road trip to say, Las Vegas, like we did. We were able to fit a big keyboard, two medium-sized bags, and a few laptop bags in the trunk.

2011 Audi A3 TDI FWD S-Tronic

In my idea of a perfect world, everyone would be driving cars that get excellent fuel mileage. Until that time comes, thank goodness for the Audi A3 TDI.
Before I had the opportunity to test drive the A3, I kept wondering if the U.S. was ready and willing to pay for a compact luxury car. The model I tested has a base price of $30,250.00, which features four-wheel drive and a S-Tronic transmission. When I asked a friend if she was would pay that much for a compact car, she told me that if she was single without kids she could picture herself in an A3. However, for $30K, she’d much rather buy a van.

WantAnR8 Campaign

It's time to summon up the creative energy, Audi R8 fans. The twitter campaign that made dreams come true for a few R8 enthusiasts has made its way back to Twitter land. According to Audi, the Twitter hashtag #WantAnR8 has been used over 75,000 times. We probably think it's much more.