Jaguar C-X16

Jaguar is a distinct luxury marque all its own: Not something the Japs have taken and “fancy-fied”—e.g. the Lexus ES is basically a glorified Toyota Camry.

The Jaguar C-X16 is denoted a ‘production concept’ and according Jag officials is symbolic of future cars from the automaker—representing a sort of mini-revolution in terms of benchmarking in driving dynamics and in auto design. And if the X-X16 is any indicator, the engineers are doing a helluva awesome job. Style-wise, it features very current-generation XK aesthetics, only a bit more aggressive. But that’s good, right?

Inside, unbridled luxury and Euro-esque sophistication abounds, with a neat-o joystick-style gear shifter, aircraft-style a/c vents, and a plethora of available, swanky color combos and trim packages.

A hybrid, 3.0L V6, in concert with an attached 1.6kWh battery, creates a combined force of 380hp/320ft-lb torque. Add the KERS-ish architecture (a Formula-One-based system that stands for Kinetic Energy Recovery System) that uses reserve battery power for even more get-go, and the near-supercar blasts its way from 0 to 60 in about 4.4 seconds.

Furthermore, the C-X16 will compete directly with the new Porsche 911. Talk about setting the bar high!

Coupes

By Michael Bock on November 1st, 2011

... Continued

$TBA BUY

2012 Scion iQ

Have you seen one of those Smart Four-Two’s lately? Compare that to the new Scion iQ, which basically looks like a Four-Two on steroids: Which would you take?

Built on the Japanese version, the Toyota iQ, the Scion is targeted directly at consumers living in close-quarter, bustling cities like L.A. or San Diego. It seats three occupants comfortably (four depending on, um…his/her body size), and employs a modest (yet pretty adequate) 1.3L, I4 engine—worthy of some 94 stallions and 90 lb-ft. of torque. And consider that the car’s wheelbase is even shorter than a two-seater Lotus Elise and that it weighs a very lean 2,150lbs (the average midsize is about twice that), then Scion’s claim of an estimated 36/37 fuel economy and 315-mile range is easily believable.

The west coast gets first dibs on the iQ, then the East coast, and by March of 2012—the landlocked states. Can’t wait? You may just have to settle for a Four-Two for now.

$10,000-$25,000, Coupes

By Michael Bock on October 10th, 2011

... Continued

$15,265 BUY

2012 Hyundai Veloster

Honda and Toyota, prepare yourselves. Hyundai has been at the forefront of innovation over the last couple of years and they show no signs of slowing down.

Their newest creation, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster is rolling onto dealer lots this week. Just don’t expect to get your hands on one anytime soon. There’s a long waiting list of orders that need to be filled first (trust me, I checked). With a double-scooped aggressive front end, dual centered chrome-tipped exhaust outlet, sport-tuned suspension, hidden 3rd side passenger door, and 40 MPG on the highway, it’s hard to argue with a price tag starting at just above $17k.

Safety is taken care of too, including Vehicle Stability Management system (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control system (TCS) and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Want options? How about a panoramic sunroof, proximity key entry, push button start, 18-inch alloy wheels with painted inserts, 7-inch multifunction touchscreen with navigation system, and even backup warning sensors.

Gentlemen, this isn’t the Hyundai we once knew and you better believe that’s a good thing.

$10,000-$25,000, Coupes

By Jason Bacchetta on September 20th, 2011

... Continued

$17,300+ BUY

2012 Hennessey Twin Turbo V1000 CTS-V Coupe

You could tie a thousand horses to a really stylish wagon, or you could be one of the lucky twelve who nab the new Hennessey Twin Turbo V1000 coupe, which has a thousand horses hidden strategically under the hood.

That’s right, 1000 horsepower. That’ll take you from 0 to 60 in just about three and a half seconds, generating enough G-force to flatten the bone structure of your face. Those horses are jammed inside the 427 cid LS V8 Engine with twin ball bearing turbochargers, upgraded fuel system, and high flow cylinder heads. You can almost hear the thunder of the hooves when you take her up to her max of 230 mph.

Outside, she’s got a CarbonAero CTS-V Widebody Upgrade and carbon fiber everything, down to the rear fender flares. Hennessey monoblock wheels are loaded with Michelin pilot super sport tires on a lowered 1” suspension with factory magnetic ride control. And inside, as if there was any doubt, everything is upgraded leather. Even the floor mats are premium.

And remember, there’s only twelve being made. There’s just not enough horses in the world to make any more.

Coupes

By Doug Sinclair on August 10th, 2011

... Continued

$TBA BUY

2012 Mini Cooper Coupe

When growing up in a family of giants, the idea of ever riding around in one of these 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe cars seems like a bit of a pipe dream, if the pipe that you are smoking makes you wish that you were around 3-feet-5 inches tall and had a girlfriend of same. Nevertheless, there are people the right size for these things, and those people are willing to pay big money to ride around in a car that looks like the love child of the Dodge Viper and the Kia Rio. And yes, we sort of consider that a compliment.

If that’s not compliment enough, try this on for size: it boasts a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine to go with its manual transmission (six speeds), and an admittedly awesome color scheme. But just what kind of big money are we talking about here? Well, that’s to be announced, and, boys and girls, that always makes yours truly a little nervous. Nevertheless, the three box design and the three different models will give you plenty of choices when the time comes to purchase. While we’re not saying it’s one of the Top 15 Supercars we recently featured, it’s still worth a look.

Coupes

By Aric Mitchell on July 6th, 2011

... Continued

$TBA BUY

25th Anniversary BMW M3: Frozen Black Edition

BMW is touting its new-found fascination with the “Frozen” body color—last year’s ‘Frozen Gray’ M3 (of which only 30 were made and sold almost immediately) serving a prime example.

BMW’s feeling frisky again this year with this very limited quantity M3 Frozen Black—officially known as the 2011 25th-anniversary BMW M3 Frozen Black Edition Coupe. In addition to the gorgeous, deep-matte paint and every luxury a stock M3 boasts, the M3 Frozen Black coupe sports extra amenities like BMW’s own Extended Novillo Leather (i.e. additional acreage of plush, red-stitched, black leather) package, black GTS rims, and chromed-out exhaust tips.

Powering the soon-to-be iconic M3 Frozen Black 25th is a stock 4.0L V8 that grinds out a brawny 414 horsepower/295 lb-ft torque and, staying true to M3 legacy, boasts a 7-speed automatic (with manumatic functionality, naturally) tranny that’s mated to rear-drive. Oh, and it rip-roars from 0 to 60 in a scant 4.5 seconds.

Nonetheless, it’ll probably come as a real downer to know that, as of June 16, all 30 of these babies are gone, too. However, fret not, BMW will soon begin mass producing ‘Frozen’ edition coupes in several other colors.

$50,000-$100,000, Coupes

By Michael Bock on June 22nd, 2011

... Continued

$80,000 BUY

2012 Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle has been around practically since the first ambitious fish crawled out of the water, evolved into a human, and said “can somebody give me a ride?” Now here we are in 2011, and the latest in this very long line is about to be unveiled. And, much like that first walking fish, it shares many of its predecessors’ characteristics while also being a whole lot better at getting around.

On the outside, it looks a lot like the Beetle you’re familiar with. The roof is extended somewhat, the windshield is a little further back, and the fenders and bumpers are a little sleeker, but otherwise it’s the good ol’ Beetle you know so well.

Under the hood, you’ve got the choice of a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder with 170 horses, the 2-liter TDI diesel at 140hp, or the 2-liter four-banger at 200hp. It’s also got a re-designed dash that’s supposed to make you feel less uncomfortably “upright” than in the previous model, and room for all the options like GPS and an ear-splitting sound system (designed by Fender no less).

Coupes

By Doug Sinclair on April 24th, 2011

... Continued

$TBA BUY

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

As practical an SUV/crossover/minivan (or whatever-it’s-termed) as the current Mercedes A-Class was, no one will miss the rather conservative, minivan-like looks of it. Mercedes-Benz is looking to change that, though. And judging from the photos, the new A-Class could very well be Mercedes-Benz’s version of the ‘extreme makeover’ in hatchback form with sheet-metal that’s dressed to the nines and then some.

While it’s still in concept phase (perhaps sadly), let’s pray that the Germans keep most of the body styling as well as futuristic (in a way that’s strikingly similar to the initial SLR concept from years past) interior. The front-end is particularly eye-catching with its inverted-mesh grille and swanky, angular LED headlamps.

Nothing’s ever certain between concept and production phase; however, the rumor mill that eternally transverses the automotive blogosphere is suggesting that it could boast a 2.0L I4—worthy of about 214 horses—and a whole slew of new gadgets and safety features.

Note to Stuttgart: just make it happen already.

Concepts, Coupes

By Michael Bock on April 19th, 2011

... Continued

$TBA BUY

2012 Imperia GP

Who said quality gas mileage had to come at the cost of driving something that looked like crap? Certainly not the makers of the 2012 Imperia GP! For retro car enthusiasts, the Imperia GP is a familiar body that was popular during the first part of the 20th Century. However, what wasn’t possible during that time was a hybrid mix of gasoline and electric motor. The 1.6-liter turbo four boasts 207 horsepower and combines with 134 horsies from the motor to produce a 0-62 acceleration rate in just 4 to 6 seconds. Not bad for an environmentally conscious ride!

The Imperia GP debuted in its native homeland at the Belgian Auto Show. While it is not exactly “hot rod” material, it is definitely the answer for those of you who’ve been complaining about the looks of hybrid cars with its sleek black paint job and classic but modern build. While it’s a tad pricey at $124k, you’ll be doing your environment a favor.

$100,000-$250,000, Coupes, Hybrids, Popular

By Aric Mitchell on February 28th, 2011

... Continued

$124,000 BUY

Mazda Shinari

Take a good look at this sexy four door sports coupe. Like what you see? Enjoy the photo for a bit and then move on with your life. This is the closest you’ll likely ever get to the Mazda Shinari.

Unfortunately this is one of those concept cars that the automakers love to tease us with… knowing damn well they’ll never give us what we want. But there’s good news to be had here. This concept illustrates the design direction Mazda will be taking in the production of their future cars. So while we may not get the Mazda Shinari as it’s being shown today, chances are we’ll see similar elements in the near future.

Don’t worry about it Mazda. There’s still hope for the Bugatti Type 12-2, and that’s really all that matters.

Concepts, Coupes

By Jason Bacchetta on November 18th, 2010

... Continued