The 2014 Porsche Macan, which is also getting known as “baby Cayenne,” is known by its code name Cajun among its developers.

The newly fangled 2014 Porsche Cayenne will be arranged alongside the Cayenne at the Leipzig plant of Porsche, which at this point has been given a huge $650-million expansion and upgrade.

The 2014 Porsche Macan shares its platform with Audi Q5 or it would be better if we say that the platform of Macan has been derived from Audi Q5. Porsche engineers have said that they’ve fitted a couple of 3.0-ltr V6 engines along with the naturally aspirated variant which generates 290 bhp and at the same time there also is twin-turbo engine which generated 350 bhp.

The 2014 Porsche Macan will be rivaling with the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLK and the impending BMW X4.

In their statement, Porsche told that the key features of Macan comprises “power, suppleness, dynamics and fascination.”

“The 2014 Porsche Macan blends the characteristics of an all sports-car along with the advantages of a SUV and is an utter honest Porsche,” told the sales and marketing boss of Porsche, Bernhard Maier. “The name of any new model from Porsche has to go nicely with the marque and at the same time should sound decent in a lot of dialects and languages and suggest positive associations.”

Similarly, we can see that Audi is concentrating more on its 2013 Audi RS4 Avant. No wonder, this car has received mind-blowing and sleek design, but few things that make this sexy car more aggressive is its powertrain that sits under its hood. As per the official documentation released recently, we have got to know that Audi will place a highly powerful 4.2 liter V8 engine in RS4 Avant for the 2013 model year. Besides, what is more interesting in this car is the engine that will deliver a whopping 450 horsepower which makes this car among the most power-packed cars in the world.

To complement this highly powerful engine, the automaker will add a 7-speed S tronic transmission that will be fitted to the car with launch control program to supports the capacity of this car. We must say that this powertrain is the same that is housed under the hood of Audi RS5, which at present is only available in Europe and is coming to the United States.

This 4.2 liters FSI engine produces 450 HP at 8,250 rpm and 4,000-6,000 rpm at a maximum torque rate of 3171 pound feet. This 2013 model will be based on a facelifted version that Audi has already presented in the global market and received amazing response from the buyers. It is none other than Audi A4. So, those who like Audi A4 may also like this facelifted version.

The official document also says that all the models of Audi will be released at the Swiss car show right from the month of March. So, our dedicated readers have to wait for more days to get the actual update about this car and the overall specs of it including interior and exterior features and performance. As of now, the RS4 Avant and the TT-RS Plus that delivers 360 horsepower are the only vehicles on which we are showing more interest. As far as the concept cars are concerned, the official documentation does not say anything about them which will bear Audi’s logo.

The 2013 Buick Encore will be having seating capacity of 5-passengers and is known extensively on web as the “baby Enclave.” The 2013 Encore will be having “modern styling, a wide assortment of amenities and features that the buyers expect from the modern Buick models and signature QuietTuning technology.

Buick launched the only teaser image of the left front corner of 2013 Encore, which shows the segments of headlamps, hood, grille and fender.

Buick will keep releasing teaser shots of 2013 Encore every coming week on their Facebook page until the official launch of the car at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show at the Detroit Cobo Center in January.

The all new 2013 Buick Encore has been called “baby Enclave” casually in the web world, because of its alleged resembling with Buick Enclave full-size crossover and its smaller size. This will give a significant face-lift for the model year 2013.

We even have got some media reports suggesting that the new compact crossover from Buick will get some of its styling clews from Buick Envision concept, which was launched at the 2011 Shanghai Auto show this year.

To be a standout model in a thriving compact crossover SUV segment of the automotive market is no easy mark to accomplish. In this section of the market, utility, style, approving fuel economy, the most recent convenience features and a sensible price are all the things that the customers want. Sadly, the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara falls short on matching all those parameters in meeting a lot of those criterions like plethora of its other rivals.

But that’s not to say that the Grand Vitara doesn’t have something in it. If truth be told, the Grand Vitara comes loaded with some decently appealing standard features including a navigation system and automatic climate control; in general these features are optional for a small crossover. Some other features that separate Suzuki from its rivals include respectable amount of off-road potentiality and a respectable 7-year or 100,000-m powertrain warranty.

That said, even all these features fails to conceal the key drawback of Grand Vitara, and that is a significantly poor 4-cylinder engine, which fails in delivering decent acceleration as well as respectable figures for fuel economy. In comparison to last year, there is no option of V6 engine. The unrefined ride quality of the Grand Vitara also cuts down the appeal for Grand Vitara.

Keeping this in mind, we think that the buyers will be a lot happy with any of the top-rated compact crossover SUVs in the market. Well within its price range you could get Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, both of which according to is top choice and outclasses the Grand Vitara in a lot of departments. The strong Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, are also worth considering choices, especially considering the fact that they both have been restyled completely this year, but you will have to pay a couple of grand extra to get them in comparison to the Suzuki.

What’s New?

The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is being offered with an extra trim — the Ultimate Adventure Edition — and along with that there also is a brand new tailgate design which eliminates the full-size extra wheel from most of the models.

Body Styling and Features

The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara comes in a single body style of a compact crossover SUV, which is being offered in 4 different trims: Premium, base, Limited and Ultimate Adventure Edition.

The base model comes loaded with standard features including automatic headlamp, 16-in steel wheels, complete power accessories, keyless entry, a tilt-only steering wheel, automatic climate control, a trip computer, a height-modifiable driver seat, a 4-speaker audio system having an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player and an incorporated Garmin navigation system (including real-time traffic, voice commands and a Google search function).

The middle of the range Premium trim of the Grand Vitara gets all the features of the base model, and in addition brings a back privacy glass, cruise control and heated mirrors (only on  4WD models). The four-wheel-drive models also get optional 16-in alloy wheels. The all new Ultimate Adventure Edition brings fog lights, 18-in alloy wheels, heated front seats, included turn signal mirrors, a leather-covered steering wheel and water-resistant seat upholstery.

The top of the range Limited trim brings roof rack side rails, sunroof, keyless entry/ignition, a tailgate positioned spare tire (other models gets a tire inflator), a 7-speaker premium audio system and leather upholstery. Bluetooth is also available as optional equipment on all the models except for base.

Powertrain:

The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara comes with a single engine choice of a 2.4-ltr inline 4-cylinder engine, which powers the Vitara with 166-bhp of max power and 162 lbs-ft of max torque. The standard transmission here is a 5-speed manual transmission for the base models, while all the other models get 4-speed automatic transmission. The standard drive for all the range is a rear-wheel drive, but you can get all-wheel-drive as optional equipment on all the trims except the base. The all-wheel-drive in the Limited trim also brings a low-range gearing.

Safety

The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara’s standard safety features includes traction control, stability control, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes and front-seat side airbags.

Verdict:

Apart from its potentiality as a light-duty off-roading vehicle, the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara gets overshadowed by plenty of its rivals in compact SUV market.

Acura market their 25th Yr as Honda’s luxury brand last year, and are looking at the 2013 Acura ILX as a milestone in their new approach for capturing entry-level luxury customers and to retain them for long.

In the same direction, Acura is also testing a brand fresh design lexicon on their Acura ILX, which they are calling “aero-blend dynamics.” The sales aim for the entire year for the ILX is around 40,000 models.

The Acura ILX will be a face-wheel-drive and will be offered with 3 engine choices counting a 2.4-ltr 4 engine mated with a 6-speed automatic and a 2.0-ltr 4-cylinder gas engine having a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The 2012 Acura ILX will also be marketed with a gasoline-electric hybrid engine, which is said to be deduced from the Civic Hybrid, which is said to be based over a 1.5-ltr 4-cylinder engine generating 93-bhp and will be paired with a CVT (continuously variable Transmission) automatic transmission.

The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid boasts estimated fuel efficiency of 44 mpg when driven in city, while for highways it delivers 44 mpg. Acura also told that its edition of the hybrid system will be modified for delivering maximum performance and not that much for fuel efficiency.

The 2013 Acura ILX will be given a wide range of modern features including the likes of HDD, wireless accession to Pandora (Web radio), a rear camera and text messaging (SMS).

Acura will be showcasing a concept variant of the car at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, which will be held in January. The concept model will boast belligerent 19-in 5-spoke rims, enormous cross-drilled brake rotors and 235/35ZR19 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, but sadly none of these features will be available on the production Acura ILX.

The evocative shape of the ZDX conceals an Acura MDX, which we think is a pretty decent thing to start of, especially taking into account that MDX has proven itself as a potent luxury SUV with incredible sporty handling, a delicately crafted inside and more-than-ample power. And what’s nice to see here is that the ZDX has maintained all those admirable traits. But the actual problem here is the sloping back roof line of the car, which reduces the back seat comfort and cargo capacity significantly.

The ZDX is a coupe-style vehicle, and is intended to be personal and stylish, but the sad thing here is that there isn’t much utility and its pretty much all coupe. To make it even clearer to you, the Acura ZDX doesn’t offer all that incredible performance advantage over the Acura MDX. In actual fact, the Acura ZDX is reprimanded as far as the towing capacity is concerned, which means it only delivers 1,500 lbs of towing capacity as oppose to the 5,000-lbs limit of MDX.

Having said that, we don’t think the style of 2012 Acura ZDX could overcome all those shortcomings and lure the customers. To make it even worse for the ZDX there is the BMW X6, which is similarly styled, but it will cost you $10,000 more. If looks are on your high priority, you might even want to consider the staged Range Rover Evoque. But then you could always make a sensible decision and go for the BMW X5 or even Acura MDX, which are probably sufficiently fashionable.

What’s New?

The 2012 Acura ZDX enters this model without any major change.

Body Styling and Features:

The 2012 Acura ZDX is available in a single 5-seater trim level for its midsize crossover SUV body style.

The standard features for the ZDX comprises automatic xenon headlights, 19-in wheels, heated exterior mirrors, fog lights, ambient cabin illumination, a panoramic sunroof, a leather-covered multifunction steering wheel, a back-up camera having a car mirror display, a tilt-and-telescoping power steering column, double-zone automatic climate control, leather covering and interior trim, heated power front seats (10-way-modifiable driver seat having memory, 8-way-modifiable front passenger seat), an automatic-dim car mirror, a trip computer, a power liftgate and Bluetooth. The standard entertainment equipment includes an 8-speaker stereo having a 6-CD changer in-dash, an auxiliary/USB audio jack and satellite radio.

There are 2 important optional packages available for 2012 Acura ZDX. The technology package will get you keyless entry/ignition, a navigation system having period of time updates for weather and traffic, pierced premium leather seats, additional Bluetooth phone functions having audio streaming, a multi-view back-up camera and an advanced 10-speaker Acura/ELS audio surround-sound system having digital music storage. The advanced package includes all these features and in addition there are a blind-spot alert system, electronically modifiable suspension dampers, collision mitigation and warning system, adaptative cruise control, ventilated and heated front seats and a sport-tuned steering wheel.

Powertrain:

Pumping under the hood of 2012 Acura ZDX is a 3.7-ltr V6 engine generating 300 bhp of max power and 270 lbs-ft of utmost torque. The standard transmission here is a 6-speed automatic transmission having manual shift control, and this is the only transmission available here. The estimated fuel economy for the ZDX is of 16 Miles per gallon in city, while on highways it can deliver 23 miles-per-gallon, which comes to a combined fuel efficiency of 19 mpg. The maximum towing capacity for the ZDX is rather uninspiring and is of 1,500 lbs.

Safety:

The safety equipments in the 2012 Acura ZDX includes traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints and front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The elective advanced package here brings a collision lessening braking system coupled with an adaptative cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The collision lessening system of the ZDX detects the probability of front-end collision and immediately warns the driver by giving audible and visual warnings. In case the driver is not taking any action, the system will automatically engage the brakes and will tighten the seatbelts for the driver. The system also increases the braking force and tightens both the front seatbelts.

Verdict:

The 2012 Acura ZDX is more about styling, than functionality. It’s neither a practical SUV nor is it an active hatchback. All that results in an incredibly compromised vehicle which we think will turn off a lot of potential buyers.

Except for a couple of optional changes, the 2012 Nissan Quest runs the same modus operandi. The Quest now is a comfy carriage for daily commute with its smooth CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission), influential V6 engine; roomy seating and calm cabin having plenty of idiot-proof technology. In addition to all this there also is above average power and handling, which makes it a suitable even on bending roads.

The Nissan Quest has so many highlights to offer that at times you actually forget its huge drawback: It’s only seven-seater. Despite the small 2nd-row center segment which accommodates a 3rd passenger, the Nissan Quest offers up 2 big, comfy captain’s chairs and a detachable center console. And though it could accommodate the 3 adults in its third row reclining seat without any major problems, the inability of the car to drop the third row into the back well – which generally minivan does – limits the storage space and raises one more limitation for the buyers. On the bright side, though, the 2nd and 3rd row of Quest folds flat and forward and hence creates an extensive load floor without requiring you to remove the center-row seats. Put other way, the all new Nissan Quest prioritizes adaptability over utmost utility.

If truth be told, liking or disliking the Nissan Quest pretty much depends on your priorities. The conventional titans Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey offer both, bigger cargo space and 8-passenger seating. The present-generation Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country also comes loaded with significant enhancements and are definitely worth considering, particularly considering the fact that their all new and more advanced Stow ‘n Go seats permits adaptability and utmost utility. Though, if you want overall modification and commuter comfort is what you are looking for in your minivan then the 2012 Nissan Quest is ideal choice for you.

What’s New?

The SV and SL trims of 2012 Nissan Quest gets satellite radio as their standard features.

Body Styling and Features

The 2012 Nissan Quest comes in a single body style of a 7-passenger minivan which could be had in 4 trims: S, SL, SV and LE.

The base S trim of the Quest gets cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 16-in steel wheels, keyless entry, complete power accessories, ambient interior lighting, a trip computer and a 4-speaker audio system having an auxiliary audio jack and 6-CD changer as standard equipment.

The Quest SV brings fog lights, alloy wheels, a leather-covered steering wheel having audio controls, power-sliding doors, a rearview camera, tri-zone automatic climate control, a conversation mirror, a front-seat center console, Bluetooth, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 6-speaker audio system having satellite radio, an USB/iPod sound interface, a 4-in color display and an automatic-dimming rearview mirror.

The SL trim makes it even better with routine headlights, 18-in wheels, a power liftgate, heated mirrors, heated front seats, roof rails, an 8-way power driver seat, leather upholstery and 1-touch fold-flat 3rd row seats.

The LE trim is top-of-the range and brings a blind-spot alert system, xenon headlights, a 4-way power front passenger seat, driver memory functions, 2nd- and 3rd row sunshades, power-return 3rd row seats, a navigation system, superior air filtration, a back entertainment system having an eleven-inch widescreen, and a thirteen-speaker Bose audio surround-sound system having a satellite radio and an 8-inch display. There also is an option of a double-panel sunroof, but you could get that only with SL and LE trims. Unluckily, most of the features that we saw in upper trims can not be had on lower trims.

Powertrain:

The 2012 Nissan Quest gets power from a 3.5-ltr V6 engine, which cranks 260 bhp of max power and 240 lbs-ft of max torque. The powered generated here is transferred to the rear wheels through an automatic CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Safety

The 2012 Nissan Quest’s standard safety features includes the likes of stability control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, traction control, front-seat active head restraints and complete-length side curtain airbags. Except for the base S, all the other models get a rearview camera as standard equipment.

Verdict:

The 2012 Nissan Quest revitalizes Nissan in the minivan race, and brings them back in the contention with all the top vans in the market.

The external body of the Fun-Vii shuns the traditional paint and dons an electronic display to display videos and photos. At the unveiling we saw the car recognizing its driver, and then we saw the driver using the door panel of car like a smartphone-like touchscreen. The same is the case with the interiors of the car, which according to Toyota will be blending the conventional navigation features with amplified reality. The most interesting thing about the Fun-Vii is that it will connect with other vehicles and environment for warning the driver about the driving conditions or impending dangers or even only for fun, because the modern drives likes Tweeting and updating their status on Facebook during driving.

Whether or not the Toyota Fun-Vii will materialize and we’ll see the passengers taking the joyous ride in it remains a mystery for now; as a matter of fact we don’t think Toyota will develop anything like this. But for now, the Fun-Vii did brought the timidity of major auto manufactures, which regularly see the young drivers constantly touching their smartphones en route to their destination in their cars, into limelight.

One solution to that could be manufacturing more convincing automobiles, something which Toyota seriously will be trying with their impending GT 86, which they will be selling in US as the Scion FR-S. Toyota showcased the Scion FR-S for the first time this weekend in its production form. The Scion FR-S will be a coupe with rear-wheel-drive and will be built in association with Subaru, and will attempt to revive the reputation of Toyota for low-priced sports cars. The FR-S will be powered by a 4-cylinder engine generating 197-bhp of max power and will weigh only 2,662 lbs. As for now this is one of the most eagerly awaited models from Toyota in years.

1) Porsche 911

Although shedding weight from any sports car benefits the handling of the car significantly, but at the same time it enhances the mpg as well. The all-newly Porsche 911 is a tad bigger than its previous version, but the good thing here is that the weight of the car has been cut down by around 100 lbs. The team that developed the car has used aluminum for 911’s floor pan, doors and roof, and even the parts that aren’t aluminum have also been trimmed a bit. The front axle McPherson strut assembly of the car now weighs 4.4 lbs less than the previous one. Combining all its weight reduction together with fresh technology and Driveterain efficiencies enhanced the fuel efficiency for the car by 16.3 percent.

2) Audi S8

Alongside the full-size luxury sedans and SUVs there are some of the heaviest vehicles on the streets. These cars need to be humongous to offer the experience like a limo, which the driver wants. And considering the fact that these cars are being loaded with a surplus amount of technology and 5-star comfort, the weight of the car creeps up with every single generation.

But thankfully that’s not the case here at Audi. The all new 520 bhp Audi S8 also gets the aluminum space frame for trimming some weight – as a result of this the body only of the car weighs only 507 lbs. The curb weight of Audi S8 is 4355 lbs, and although that doesn’t seem like a weight of lightweight vehicle, but when you compare it with Mercedes-Benz S63 which weighs somewhere close to 5000 pounds, its becomes understandable.

3) Jaguar C-X16

Though, still in the concept stage but the word in the air has it that this smaller Jaguar Sports car is all set to enter the production. This smaller Jaguar will enter the market as a straight rival for the Porsche 911, and hence the priority for the designers and engineers at Jag will be nimble handling in addition to lightweight bodywork.

The Jaguar C-X16 makes use of an aluminum construction and body panes for keeping the weight down and at the same time it intensifies the rigidity of the car, as said by Jaguar. The C-X16 concept uses compound seats and carbon fiber for an invigorating bar, which flows back from the middle console and at the same time secures to the rear suspension positions for extra chassis stiffening.

4) Subaru BRZ

Sensibly speaking, the smaller sports cars are supposed to be lighter than the bigger ones. But if these allegedly sports cars makes use of the platform which has been designed for a sedan and a crossover SUV, which was the case with the currently omitted, almost 3500 lbs Mitsubishi Eclipse, the weight of the car goes up radically.

But thankfully, we don’t have any such problems with the Subaru BRZ. This small Rear Wheel Drive 4-seat car was developed from the ground up as out-and-out sports car. We haven’t got the final specifications for the car, but we’ve heard that when the BRZ will enter the production it will weigh less than 2800 lbs. So, although the engine of the car is only a small 2.0-ltr Boxer 4-cylinder, the BRZ surely will be incredibly fun to drive.

5) Mazda CX-5

IN general the Crossover SUVs are a lot lighter than their conventional body-on-frame precursors, but still even the small ones are especially energetic. The CX-5 from Mazda is based on a brand new architecture which has been designed to cut down the fat. The new architecture is around 8 % lighter than the retiring chassis which was seen in the present Mazda3.

Weighing at 3200 lbs, the front wheel drive Mazda CX-5 is a lot lighter than the brand new Ford Escape by around 400 lbs. This according to us will give the Mazda some stern handling chops.

6) Mazda Miata Speedster

Trimming down the Mazda Miata, which already was featherweight with 2500-lbs, surely was a tricky job, so how did they did that? It’s simple, take off the roof.

Following the footsteps of Porsche Boxster Spyder, the Mazda Miata Speedster concept also dumps its bulky folding metal top, and instead gets a lighter bikini top. The Lithium-ion battery of the car cuts down some additional pounds. You could call it an incredibly light variant of Mazda’s traditional roadster, but we surely will want to have a look at it.

7) Chevy Spark

One of the easiest ways of trimming some weight off the vehicle is to make it small. The diminutive Chevrolet Spark will be competing with the likes of Smart ForTwo and Scion iQ. The Spark is the lightest car General Motors has manufactured in decades. The models having Manual transmission weighs somewhere around 2269 lbs and hence the 85 bhp, 1.2-ltr 4-cylinder engine of the car doesn’t have a lot to move. One electric model is also allegedly on deck.

8 ) BMW i3

The all BMW i3 Concept EV prefigures the Electric production vehicle that BMW will be launching very soon. The BMW i3 is based on architecture, which BMW describes LifeDrive, basically a slim skateboard-style lower casing, which houses the battery packs and having body on the top. The complete passenger cell for the car is carbon-fiber toughened plastic, as a result of which the BMW i3 Concept weighs only at 2756 lbs, which is around 600 lbs lighter than the Nissan Leaf. According to BMW, the i3 will be having a range of 93 miles.

9) Doking XD

The Doking XD might be an unfamiliar name to some of you, but it’s a Croatian-ready city car. The Doking XD makes use of a 264-lbs aluminum spaceframe structure and the car weighs only at 2640 lbs. The XD clearly is not as light as some of the small gasoline cars, but the 704 lbs of the heft of the car is because of the batteries. Interestingly, the Doking XD4 is powered by 4 electric motors, and is supposed to shoot at 60 mph in an incredibly fast 3.5 seconds.

10) Mastretta

Mastretta is also one name that you wouldn’t have heard frequently, but this Mexican firm has been designs on developing this sports car from 2006. Weighing merely 2100 lbs, the Mastretta very well can be the lightest car at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Shows.

The chassis of the Mastretta is a blend of steel and aluminum, while the entire framework of the car is of carbon fiber. Mastretta already has started manufacturing this car in Mexico and Europe, and are even planning to sell it in U.S. as a special car for about $65,000.

So, these are some of the lightest cars from the 2011 LA Auto Show.

According to the latest survey reports, despite the continued recall miseries, cars from Toyota comes right on top of the list of the cars that costs minimum to repair. Toyota’s cars have both the minimum cost to repair and also the minimum repairs. The second in the list was Hyundai, which saw a surge in their sales in US this year. The data for all the car companies was collected from more than 3000 mechanics around the US.

Honda, Ford and GM were on the 3rd, 4th and 5th positions respectively, and these  are the top five automakers whose cars costs minimum to repair. Some other automakers like Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Chrysler and Kia also featured in the list.