Citizen Journalist Justin Acri



The all new Nissan Leaf has been dubbed as the --an affordable, no-emission car. It is a real beauty by nissan. Unlike any other hybrid vehicles, which use both, motor and gas engine to provide power, This machine by nissan Leaf is entirely electric.

Undoubtedly, it is hard to beat petroleum- based power energy but the Nissan Leaf still manages an excellent 100 miles range, and a ,max speed of 90 mph with an amazing 0 to 60 time of just about eight seconds, which is quite impressive for a small car like nissan leaf.

This car is powered by 107 horsepower electric motor which draws power from a heavy 24kW lithium-ion battery {the Nissan Leaf battery} which is built into the car chassis down and at the center of gravity to improve handing while driving.



Battery can be charged by three different ways.



Firstly,with the standard, three-pronged 110-120v household current. This is not really preferred for every day use, if you drive for less than 40 miles, but more for topping off. Charging usually takes about twenty hours if using household current.



Secondly, DC Fast Chargers, which require min. 480v and take only 30 min. to add about 80 miles range to your charge. These  require industrial rated power supplies, so it is difficult find them in the…

Feature Writer Jim Gorde



With the deluge of competitive motorcycles coming in from the Far East as well as Europe, there is no shortage of powerful, litre-class sports motorcycles, or big cube cruisers. But when it comes to the basics, how do you prepare yourself for machines that have all that horsepower? You certainly can't jump onto a 600 or a 750cc motorcycle and expect to get it right almost immediately. So, if what you want is to work your way up the order, there are few capable motorcycles, and among those few, there is an all-new, rather exciting contender - Honda's new quarter-litre CBR! Here's a quick road test report.

Design

The moment you look at it, it evokes thoughts of the Interceptor, the massive VFR1200, with it's molten metal headlamp design and sweeping lines across it's fairing. The CBR 250R is almost a perfect scaled-down version. It uses a dual beam frame as the base, and with that nicely designed fairing housing the headlamp and twin pilot lamps, the snug fit radiator, well-rounded tank and a slender tail holding the split seats, it certainly looks sharp.



Engine & Transmission

At the center of this motorcycle beats a single cylinder heart. Displacing 249.4cc, this motor uses Honda's ultra-reliable PGM-Fi fuel injection system, running 4 valves, double overhead cams, a counterbalancer shaft and liquid cooling. The peak power output is a modest 26 horsepower at 8500 rpm,…

Feature Writer Jim Gorde



Volvo, who have been famous for making safe and reliable, yet boxy looking automobiles now are dealing from an all new deck. They introduced their DNA, or Dynamic New Approach, to car design. It started with the XC60 crossover, once that was well received the world over, and they followed that up, with the all-new S60 - a car that proved they have what it takes to create modern and beautiful yet practical automobiles. For 2012, the Volvo S60 takes the game even further.





Exterior

On the outside, you have a smiling front grille that gives the car a peaceful look, yet head-on, in some colors like the Flamenco Red or Black Sapphire, it can also look quite menacing as well. You can also specify the car with dual xenon active bending headlights that make a lot of difference if you travel after dark. From the LED DNA lights headlamps, starts the car's shoulder line, which features a double wave design which make it look lower than it actually is, and accentuates the wheel arches; flowing into the rear, where it ends with a nicely designed LED tail lamp cluster, with some truly unique twin lines. The roof line is sloping, much like a four-door coupe, and ends with a stretched C-pillar into a compact boot lid.…

In case you're one of the few who missed this clever spot from the quirky geniuses at Volkswagen:

Above: Scotia Bank's forecasts for International Car Sales

Forecasts for 2012 and Looking Back at 2011

Citizen Journalist Paul Hui



2012 marks the 125th anniversary of the automobile as envisioned by Carl Benz and Gottfried Daimler. After strong growth in 2011, analysts are predicting some holdbacks and declines in 2012, notably in Europe.



LMC Automitve, a UK analyst, downward revised their European car forecast, estimated a 5% decline oner 2011. Prior to the economic crises, in 2007, output was nearly 20% higher than projected in 2012.



Global sales continue to do well, however, with volumes as of February 2012 6% higher than the same month in 2011 according to Scotia Bank's Global Auto Report.

According to the Global Auto Report, purchases in the United States "jumped above an annualized 14 million units last month." The rebound is apparently driven by the sudden need to replace, after many owners held on to cars through the downturn. Japanese automakers also returned a 13% year over year sales increase in the last month.



According to Scotia Bank's report, sales outlooks for 2012 are

• 61.39 million worldwide, up from 5.89 in 2011

• 16.1 million in North America, up from 15.22 million

• 13.5 million in the U.S., up from 1.59 million

• 12.16 million in…

Feature Writer Jim Gorde



Few small cars can excite a car enthusiast, especially if they look like ordinary compact hatchbacks. But then there comes an iconic design that creates a love-it-or-hate-it reputation for itself. Way back in the 30s, a certain Mr. Porsche began work on what would become the one of the most notable design philosophies of decades to comes. Now, almost a century on, the design soldiers on, with just a few changes over the past few years. This is the world of the Volkswagen Beetle. In this auto review we shall take a look at the 2012 car and mark out the changes in this automotive icon.



Exterior

The new Beetle has gone through a design revamp only a second time, after the original was redesigned in 1998. 14 years down, this one is starting to look the the Porsche it is in heart. The car is larger, roomier and looks like it has been stretched ever so slightly while keeping the curves intact. The flared wheel arches, longer wheelbase and smiling front face more than retain it's charm, but at the same time, lovers of the design will call it blasphemy. The changes are even more evident from the side, with longer doors and larger, straighter windows, it begs the question if it is indeed a Beetle after all. That being said, VW have put a lot of effort into making it the car it really is - the new Beetle.…

By Feature Writer Jim Gorde



The automotive sector is witnessing the introduction of several new vehicles, including many cross-platform models that break the mould convention. While every manufacturer has one eye on being green, the other, rightfully, is on being unique. Of course, every manufacturer is unique in their own way, while some car makers like BMW, always look to push the envelope just a little bit further.



BMW showcased their new 4-door 6 series model quite some time ago, but only now, have unveiled a production ready version which has been christened the Gran Coupé. Firstly, it is a beautiful car, and second, it comes with a choice of fantastic powertrains that will ensure sheer driving pleasure not just for the driver!



Design:

The F14 coded BMW Gran Coupé is basically a stretched F12 6-series Coupé, with a longer wheelbase, two more doors and more room at the back. It embodies the essence of the 6 series, while ensuring that upto 5 passengers can share the experience at the same time. The lines are bold and flowing, and you wouldn't be able to point out that this wasn't an all-new car. Because, in part, it is! The roof line doesn't really look like it's been stretched out until you notice the other door and the space inside. It's a gorgeous car this; and it exudes attention to detail like few others.

Interior:

Inside, the layout is typically BMW with quality levels of fit and…

Above: Jim Gorde reviews the evocative 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Si4.

By Feature Writer Jim Gorde



The new year is upon us and so are a fleet of new automobiles from all corners of the globe. almost every manufacturer has something new or improved up for offer, but there are just a few of these offering that truly stand out of the crowd. One of the most prominent of these is the brand new baby Range Rover - the Evoque.

Above: Daring design statement in a luxury-ute, the Evoque Si4 is a head-turner.

Exterior

For those who remember, Land Rover had displayed the concept vehicle a few years ago and the design was almost too futuristic back then. Fast forward to the present, and that very design has made it through the years, from concept to reality with barely any changes from the original. What that means, is that it is just as stunning even today! Although the proportions might not be massive, it's stance is certainly very unique. From the aggressive and muscular face with the adaptive xenon headlamps, the flared front wheel arches and those high shoulder lines truly evoke the senses as they flow higher and end in a tight rear. The rear skid plate and dual exhausts contribute further to the brute appearance. The sloping roof line means that rear head room is limited, but by no means compromised. And of course, there is that massive glass roof that gives the cabin a…

Above: April Spencer values her family time on road trips in their Dodge Durango, even if rising gas prices means giving up little things like—insulin.

By April Spencer



Even though the gas prices are way out of range for my budget, I cannot stifle my passion for the road. There is nothing more exciting to me than hearing the engine of our automobile roar as I take twists and turns around the mountainside.

For a while the gas prices had been fairly decent. So My husband and I began driving a lot. We would ride back and forth to Richmond Kentucky to see my mother and other times we would drive just for the road appeal. I needed to feel that burst of wind in my hair. I wanted to feel like I was flying and the only way to get that feeling was to hit the open road.

The Need for the Open Road

Whether it be winter, summer, spring or autumn, I still needed to feel the road beneath me. There is nothing like that independence of driving. There is nothing like feeling the freedom of having passion for the road.

Gas prices shot up once more. Our road trips stopped and I fell into a great depression. we could not afford to even have an enjoyable trip to see my mother. The driver's car in our family is the Dodge Durango and I cannot begin to explain to you the passion we have for driving this vehicle.

Above: April's favorite place to be,…

Feature Writer Jim Gorde



The new year has begun and while some people believe it will be the last year we see, automobile companies are choosing to think greener and and out of the box. While there are several new models being launched by almost every automobile manufacturer, most are downsizing either engine capacity, or dropping cylinders altogether in lieu of turbochargers. SO, what does the future have in store for us? Let's take a look ahead at some of the key 2012 models from leading automotive manufacturers.

Above: Shown is the 2012 prototype tester for journalists. The actual 2013 Prius Hybrid may look different.

Toyota

Toyota have a keen eye on the future with more than a few green plans. Apart from introducing the 3rd generation Prius, Toyota have brought in the plug-in hybrid, which allows you to recharge your Prius at your convenience. It allows you to run up to 15 miles on a single charge at 62 mph and has a quick charge time of 3 hours, if you use a standard 120V AC socket. Of course, if you run out of electricity, it will seamlessly switch to hybrid mode. Besides the Prius, Toyota have the new 2012 Camry as well, which gets sharper styling details and some sleek new lines on the outside, while at the same time, incorporating a host of new features for in-cabin communication and entertainment.…