BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
“Gran Coupe” variants are newly added to the 6 Series line
for 2013 as part of the current “four door coupe” craze. Unlike the two-door
versions, the Gran Coupe can seat four passengers in some degree of comfort. As
with the rest of the line, the 640i comes powered by a sufficiently lively
3.0-liter 315-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine, while the 650i packs
a 4.4-liter V8 that generates a quicker 445 horses. A quick-shifting six-speed
manual transmission is standard on the 650i, with an eight-speed automatic
optional there and standard with the 640i. Handling is sufficiently sporty,
with an array of advanced chassis control systems on hand to help the car
maintain its poise in even the most demanding situations. Options include both
active steering and rear-wheel steering to further improve the car’s stability
and cornering abilities.
Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ
Developed in a partnership between Toyota and Subaru, the
FR-S (pictured) and BRZ are mechanically and stylistically similar “back to
basics” rear-drive sporty coupes with sleekly cast exteriors. Each pack a
Subaru-derived 200-horsepower 2.0-liter “boxer” four-cylinder engine that that
configures the cylinder banks in horizontal opposition, as opposed to
conventional inline or V-shaped arrangements. Subaru uses this design in all
its models -- Porsche is the only other mainstream automaker to feature horizontally
opposed engines, mainly because it helps a car maintain a lower center of
gravity which, in turn, contributes to superior handling characteristics. A
six-speed manual transmission is standard with a six-speed automatic optional.
The interior is nicely and simply designed with large gauges and
straightforward controls; back seat room and cargo space are scarce, however.
BMW X1
Both sleek and muscular looking, BMW’s new subcompact
crossover SUV is likewise quick and agile. It’s a slightly smaller and less
expensive alternative to the automaker’s popular X3. The X1 shares its
powertrains with the current-generation 3 Series sedan, which means a choice of
a turbocharged four-cylinder with 240 horsepower or a faster 300-horsepower
turbo inline-six; the base engine includes a start-stop function to help boost
fuel economy by automatically depowering while at idle. An automatic
transmission is standard across the line. Included with the six-cylinder 35i
and optional with the four-cylinder 28i is BMW’s advanced xDrive all-wheel-drive
system that enhances the vehicle’s handling abilities on either wet or dry
roads.
Dodge Dart
The first serious small car contender from Dodge since the Neon
is the all-new Dart. With mechanical and design lineage coming from Italy’s
Alfa Romeo, it’s a stylish and economical package with a particularly
noteworthy interior design that looks and feels like it should be in a more
expensive car. There’s a choice of three four-cylinder engines that range from
160- to a lusty 184-horsepower; buyers can opt for a six-speed manual,
six-speed automatic or six-speed automated manual transmission. A
European-tuned suspension delivers a smooth ride with tenacious handling
abilities. The Dart can be customized by an assortment of dealer-installed
accessories that include a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot and a wireless charging
station for mobile phones. It’s one of the least-expensive models to offer a
blind-spot monitoring system for added safety.
Infiniti JX
This all-new seven-passenger luxury crossover SUV features
dramatic exterior styling, with a spacious and elegantly cast interior,
flexible seating and assorted advanced safety features. It comes powered by a
265-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine that’s mated to a gearless CVT automatic
transmission. A Drive Mode Select feature lets drivers tailor the vehicle’s
throttle response and shift points for a smoother or sportier driving
experience, or for driving in snowy conditions. The JX’s handling is more
responsive than with most large SUVs, with all wheel-drive optional to provide
added traction on wet roads. A new Backup Collision Intervention system will
automatically engage the brakes to help prevent a collision with vehicles and
objects crossing its path while in reverse gear the driver either can’t see or
isn’t reacting quickly enough to avoid.
Mazda CX-5
Taking over from where the now-discontinued CX-7
left off, this all-new compact crossover SUV features a rounded profile and
Mazda’s trademark smiley front-end treatment. A 2.0-liter “SkyActiv”
four-cylinder engine generates a lively 155 horsepower and gets an estimated
26/33-city/highway mpg. Powertrain choices include a six-speed manual or
automatic transmission, with all-wheel-drive optional. The CX-5’s handling is a
notch sportier than the typical people-moving wagon, and affords a more
engaging driving experience.
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