2012 Nissan 2012 Nissan Juke SL FWD M/T
By Motoring Style | Published February 7th, 2012
2012 Lexus CT200h Slide
By Motoring Style | Published December 15th, 2011
2012 Mercedes SLK 350 Slide
By Motoring Style | Published October 1st, 2011
2011 Audi A7 Post
By Motoring Style | Published August 13th, 2011
2011 Audi A7
By Motoring Style | Published August 13th, 2011The perfect blend of sportiness, luxury, comfort and design.
Juan G. Robbin
Audi A7 3.0 TFSI Quattro Auto Tiptronic Sedan (2012)
The all new A7 is Audi’s answer to the Four-Door Coupé, joining the brilliantly executed designs from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Aston-Martin. Hello BMW, were are you?
A closer look reveals a provocative four-door sporty sedan that incorporates the proven DNA of Audi together with the modern and agile design cues that have made the German powerhouse one of the top luxury brands in the world. The A7’s design is bold and simply breathtaking in execution, thus giving the uninitiated, cause for a double take. With its sumptuously sculptured, optional 20” wheels, as well as the sleek, sloping roof, this is an Audi like no other. The front fascia, has the now standard corporate look of a dramatic, sweeping grille, which works well with the A7’s proportions. Continuing on, we notice the tail-end of the A7 to be equally as dramatic, featuring elegantly placed exhaust tips and LED illuminated tail lamps, this is a four-door coupé that is both chic and hip.
Once inside, you are greeted by a look that is very much Audi, that is to say, simple, elegant and well designed. Fit and finish are the envy of most car manufacturers, and “gee-wiz” gizmos are kept to a minimum, yet the right ones are there when needed. There is an imposing infotainment screen that is cleverly hidden mid-dash, which automatically comes out when the vehicle is started. Pre-set music stations are called upon by a key pad to the left of the gear selector, and the MMI system is as easy and intuitive as ever. One nice feature in the navigation setting is the Google Earth feature, making all other navigation graphics, so…un-cool. Seats, as expected, are brilliantly designed, with excellent adjustments as well ample foot room for both front occupants. Rear seats are surprisingly comfortable, yet cozy enough to be called a coupé. The elegantly appointed trunk, which is accessed by-way of a rear hatch, is quite large for a four-door coupé, more so when the rear seats are folded down.
Why stand around talking about the car when we could be driving it? And that we did, during our week long evaluation, we managed to put over 500 miles on the Dakota Grey Metallic sleek machine. Quattro is Audi’s version of all-wheel-drive; legendary in Rallies as well a reassuring partner during foul weather. For us in the sunshine state, Quattro translates into a more capable experience in all kinds of conditions and driving styles. With the silky smooth 3.0 liter, 310 HP V6 engine, the A7 simply eats up the pavement with no excuses. The throttle pedal pressure is perfect, offering easy and smooth management of the power. Brakes offer anchor-like effectiveness, with the pedal giving feedback in the right doses.
Regrettably, Florida is as flat as a sheet of paper, so being able to find a challenging road is; well, challenging. However, there are some wonderful overpasses and on-ramps that the A7 can be properly tested on and all I can say is….. Hot-diggity!
One week and 500 miles went by too fast; I did not want to give back the A7. I even caught myself coming up with excuses how to extend my use of it for a few more days. Regrettably, I had to wave it goodbye.
The 2012 Audi A7 3.0 is a superb automobile, offering the right amount of sportiness, luxury, comfort and design.
The Essentials:
MSRP: $59,250.00 MSRP (As tested): $68,630.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 20.9 MPG
Engine: V6, 3.0 liter, 310 HP
Popular Options: Prestige S-Line exterior package (Navigation, parking sensors, advanced key, front seat ventilation, BOSE surround sound system, HD Radio, ambient lighting)
visit: www.audi.com
Lexus LF-GH Concept
By Motoring Style | Published July 22nd, 2011Lexus LF-Gh Concept Vehicle
Juan G. Robbin
Unveiled at the prestigious 2011 New York Auto Show, the LF-Gh luxury sedan shows off various technologies that Lexus is currently working on that will 
migrate onto the company product line in the coming years. Lexus is looking to make giant leaps in innovation, not just small strides. Some of these innovations are understanding the direction of what the fuels of tomorrow will be. Electric, solar, biofuel, diesel, hydrogen, hybrid and even the gasoline that we know today. This is a game with huge stakes. Get it wrong and you risk becoming the 8 Track tape of fuels. Working with a clean sheet of paper, Lexus Design Division designers aimed to perfectly blend style, performance, efficiency, and environmental compatibility in a premium, grand touring sedan while trying to leverage advanced, new technologies. 
The front of the LF-Gh has a strong, spindle-shaped grille. “Customers have been waiting for a bold concept like this from Lexus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “We look forward to their feedback and integrating some of these exciting design features into future Lexus vehicles.”
migrate onto the company product line in the coming years. Lexus is looking to make giant leaps in innovation, not just small strides. Some of these innovations are understanding the direction of what the fuels of tomorrow will be. Electric, solar, biofuel, diesel, hydrogen, hybrid and even the gasoline that we know today. This is a game with huge stakes. Get it wrong and you risk becoming the 8 Track tape of fuels. Working with a clean sheet of paper, Lexus Design Division designers aimed to perfectly blend style, performance, efficiency, and environmental compatibility in a premium, grand touring sedan while trying to leverage advanced, new technologies. The front of the LF-Gh has a strong, spindle-shaped grille. “Customers have been waiting for a bold concept like this from Lexus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “We look forward to their feedback and integrating some of these exciting design features into future Lexus vehicles.”Lexus wants to show off what they can do to a luxury grand touring sedan, designed to transport its occupants far and fast, ensconced in a luxurious cocoon. LED lighting hints at the range and scope of new materials, electronics and dynamic systems that endow this concept vehicle with state-of-the-art performance, driving control, and safety features.
The driver’s zone includes a meter panel with excellent visibility and a console with intuitive operability. An all-new analog clock with a three-dimensional face, a contemporary and exclusive timepiece suitable to a premium 
luxury brand, is a focal point of the interior and represents a shift in Lexus’ design philosophy. The interior features examples of the use of genuine, high-quality materials and rich, finely honed details, which help create a driver and passenger space consistent with the idea of a full-fledged grand touring sedan. It is an interior designed to respond to the needs of customers who know true
luxury brand, is a focal point of the interior and represents a shift in Lexus’ design philosophy. The interior features examples of the use of genuine, high-quality materials and rich, finely honed details, which help create a driver and passenger space consistent with the idea of a full-fledged grand touring sedan. It is an interior designed to respond to the needs of customers who know truequality, and are particular about details.
Blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges located on the front grille and trunk lid signal an intention to provide equal measures of fuel efficiency and performance. The rear valance blends sculpted exhaust tips for a clean, finished look, minimizing the presence of the exhaust system, suggesting that the flow of exhaust gas will be substantially reduced. The treatment emphasizes that this hybrid concept is designed to comply with the exceptionally low emissions requirements of the future.
“Although a concept, we hope the LF-Gh will resonate with customers worldwide, and communicate our intention to advance ideas about the face of Lexus luxury in the years to come,” Said Kengo Matsumoto, general manager, Lexus Design Division, Toyota Motor Corporation.
Lexus LF-GH Concept slide
By Motoring Style | Published July 22nd, 2011
2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Convertible Slide
By Motoring Style | Published July 8th, 2011
2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS Convertible
By Motoring Style | Published July 8th, 2011The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS, its deja vu all over again!
By: Juan G. Robbin
Not every car looks equally good when the roof is chopped off and turned into a convertible. For example, the Jaguar XJ loses its elegant, swooping roof line, and more recently, a similar fate has happened to Nissan, with its Murano Cross-Cabriolet. It can be a tricky affair, yet when done right, it’s right on. I am happy to report, that the Chevy guys pulled it off flawlessly with the Camaro SS Convertible.
The brawny, powerful signature silhouette, that is typical Camaro, is still evident, regardless of the position of the semi-electrically operated soft top. Front fascia is dominated by the dual headlights that offer halo rings as an option together with HID’s.
The rear of the Camaro is characterized by the distinctive tail lamps as well as the large, dual exhaust tips. Wheels on the SS model are modern-looking 20” aluminum finished that are fresh and current, yet retaining the retro-look of the late 60’s icon.
Swing open the massive doors and you are greeted with a sporty interior. The seats in the Camaro SS are two-tone, with large side bolsters and easy, multiple seat adjustments. Material on the seats is color-coded, featuring double stitching on supple leather seating surfaces, giving off an elegant, custom look in the cabin. Rear seats are cozy yet usable, even more so when you drop the top and let the sun shine in!
Once seated in the driver’s seat, you immediately notice the center console gauge cluster with four indicators. These look great, but unfortunately, the location is less than ideal for monitoring using only the driver’s peripheral vision. That’s ok though, as the dash instruments will throw off an alert in the unlikely event of something being amiss. The leather wrapped and stitched, deep-dish steering wheel is a delight to handle, with well-placed fingertip controls. The Instrument binnacle is retro in look, again, harking back to the iconic 60’s design, with similar font and gauge patterns.
Our test car came with a six-speed manual transmission that was surprisingly smooth and easy to operate. Throttle and brake feel are excellent, clutch is a smidge heavy, but very communicative and easy to get used to. Of course, a Camaro is not a true muscle car without the throaty exhaust note, and the one on the SS did not disappoint. Start the 426 HP engine and you are greeted with a soothing cacophony of deep sounds, becoming, sweet melodies to any driver. The big question is, does it live up to the performance of a muscle car? This is an easy answer….Absolutely yes, it does! From the burbling exhaust sound when letting off the throttle to the intoxicating power that the 6.2 liter V8 delivers, this is a true 2011 muscle car.
Fast driving is effortless in the Camaro SS, braking as well as cornering is direct and compliant, regardless of the type of driving you choose to do. We tried several hard-charging starts and stops as well as some sweeping cornering on our favorite test road and we were pleasantly surprised how much fun the Camaro SS is to drive.
Regrettably, our one week with the topless Camaro SS came to an end far too quickly and the gentleman tasked with retrieving the car had a hard time prying the keys from my hand. If you are looking for a four seat convertible and want to buy American, then the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible should be on your short shopping list.
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS, its déjà vu all over again!
The Essentials:
MSRP: $39,650.00 MSRP (As tested): $42,995.00
Engine: V8, 6.2 liter, 426 HP
Fuel Economy (Observed): 16.8 MPG
Popular options: RS Package (20” wheels, HID head lights with halo rings, RS unique tail lamps)
Visit: www.chevrolet.com