Audi RS7 Sports Car 2014

BMW i8 2015

The last time BMW built a dedicated sports car positioned above the Z4 (and before that, theZ3), it built the Z8. With power from the E39 M5’s V8 and styling heavily inspired by the classic 507 of the 1950s, the limited production Z8 was – and is, if the way they’ve held their value is any indication – highly coveted. Of course, that’s the whole idea behind a “halo car.”

However, the world has changed since production of the Z8 (and the automatic-transmission-equipped Alpina V8 Roadster that was based on it) ended about a decade ago. Retro styling and throaty naturally-aspirated engines are out; forward-looking design and smaller forced-induction engines and/or hybrid drive are in. So BMW, never one to like appearing to be behind the times, has incorporated all of those en vogue features in its new technological (if not performance and price) flagship, the 2015 i8.

Yes, we’ve been seeing the i8 making the rounds on the auto show circuit for a few years now, but that was just in concept form. Surely there was no way the production version would look as radical…was there? Well it turns out that’s pretty much exactly the case. The snout, with the brand’s iconic twin-nostril grille, is unmistakably BMW, but with some twists, like bright blue accents and a black band atop the hood that extends over the roof and onto the rear fascia. The black and blue extends onto the rocker panels, which each lie below a crypto-gullwing door. The flanks feature “floating” C-pillars, U-shaped taillights and, again, black and light blue trim. The basic shape doesn’t break much new ground, but the details are a significant departure from the norm.

2012 Volkswagen

MSRP: $19,795 - $24,950

MPG Range: 28 - 30 mpg

Body Style: Hatchback

2012 Volkswagen 


Recovery in new car sales that began in 2010 continued in 2011, although the economy is still fragile and the threat of the high price of gas. So, as usual? Not at all. Streets of America is changing rapidly, with small cars and fuel efficient cars, taking part of the increase in the market. New car buyers now have more choices than ever - more vehicles and propulsion systems. The choice of vehicle is right for you is harder than ever.



Support We do this Buyer's Guide 2012-2013 new cars. We divide the 162 models currently for sale or soon to appear in dealerships in the U.S., and concise, step reviews that allow you to make informed decisions, regardless of vehicle that you are looking to buy. Electricity or eclectic, Fiesta or Ferrari, the use of gasoline or gas sipping, we are covered.

STAR RATINGS:

Beats Walking	*
For Your Neighbors	**
Right On The Money	***
Fuel For Your Soul	****
Drive Before You Die	*****

KEY:

5M: 5-speed manual; 6A: 6-speed automatic
7-sp auto-cl man: 7-speed auto-clutch manual
8-sp twin-cl auto: 8-speed twin-clutch auto
BMS: Blindspot monitoring system; Rear cam: Rear view camera
FWD: Front-wheel drive; AWD: All-wheel drive; RWD: Rear-wheel drive
S: Standard; O: Optional; N/A: Not available

KEY:

5M: 5-speed manual; 6A: 6-speed automatic
7-sp auto-cl man: 7-speed auto-clutch manual
8-sp twin-cl auto: 8-speed twin-clutch auto
BMS: Blindspot monitoring system; Rear cam: Rear view camera
FWD: Front-wheel drive; AWD: All-wheel drive; RWD: Rear-wheel drive
S: Standard; O: Optional; N/A: Not available

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