2012 Loutus Concept

2011 Ferrari 599 GTO

Three years ago, I would’ve told you it would be near impossible to improve upon the 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. After all, the V-12 berlinetta proved quicker to 60 mph than even the vaunted Enzo, taking just 3.2 seconds. But that was before Ferrari invited us to test out the new 2011 599 GTO at Autodromo del Mugello, a 3.3-mile ribbon of undulating asphalt located in a lush green valley not far from Florence, Italy.

In producing the 599 GTO—the fastest-ever Ferrari road car, at least in terms of lap times around Ferrari’s home track (Fiorano)—the engineers in Maranello, Italy, focused on four key areas: increasing power, decreasing weight, reducing understeer and improving downforce. Tall orders, yes, but Ferrari learned great lessons with its track-only 599XX, and the 599 GTO you see here is the result of a marriage between the 599XX and the 599 GTB Fiorano.

Ferrari says the GTO’s 6.0-liter V-12 is “about 90 percent of the 599XX’s engine.” Internal friction was reduced by 12 percent compared to the GTB. Besides adopting the 599XX’s crankshaft and intake system, the GTO V-12 has new connecting rods and pistons, raised 11.9:1 compression (up from the GTB’s 11.2: 1 ratio) and the 599XX’s lighter (and 8-decibel louder) exhaust—with catalytic converters, of course. The result is 661 bhp at 8250 rpm and 458 lb.-ft. of torque at 6500 rpm, which make the 599 GTO the most powerful road-going Ferrari ever.

Compare those figures to the GTB (611 bhp at 7600 rpm and 448 lb.-ft. at 5600) and you’ll note the power has moved up the tachometer. In other words, you need to rev the GTO, but this certainly isn’t a problem; as with all Ferraris, the 599 GTO is designed to be wound out high and hard, allowing you to bask in a glorious, hair-raising cacophony that’s accompanied by the most wondrous snap, crackle and pop from its exhaust with each shift. Ferrari says upshifts from the 6-speed single-clutch F1 gearbox have been reduced to just 60 milliseconds and downshifts take just 120 milliseconds. The 599 GTO can also perform multiple downshifts by simply holding in the left carbon-fiber paddle shifter (just as on the 599XX). The downshifts are always perfectly timed, accompanied by soul-stirring throttle blips.

Besides being more powerful, the 599 GTO is 220 lb. lighter than the GTB (which weighed 3865 lb. on our scales). But the GTO is no stripper—the interior remains as fantastic and exotic as ever (a notable change being the exposed aluminum floor) and still retains creature comforts such as air conditioning and power windows—it probably has a stereo, too, but why would you listen to that when you have a wondrous V-12 soundtrack?

Nearly every area of the car was put on the chopping block in an effort to shave pounds. The transmission is 18 lb. lighter, and the exhaust has been trimmed of 29 lb. thanks to hydroforming technology that allows thinner tubing and fewer welds. Brembo also managed to take almost 7 lb. out of its carbon-ceramic brake system, adding ceramic pads for the first time on a road car. Ferrari says these brakes were absolutely required to cope with the 599 GTO’s increased performance level.

Items such as thinner windows, an aluminum trunklid and a lighter aero underbody contributed to a further 68 lb. savings, while the interior is some 73 lb. lighter due to highly bolstered, carbon-fiber-backed seats with grippy (but very un-Ferrari-like) fabric inserts, lots of matte-finish carbon-fiber trim and a lightweight suede material in place of what would usually be leather.

2012 Ford Focus

Engineered primarily by Ford of Europe in Germany, the 2012 Ford Focus is available here in both four-door sedan (as tested) and five-door hatchback configurations. Sharing nothing with its immediate predecessor in North America, it is essentially an updated and reconfigured version of the outgoing Euro-spec second-generation Ford Focus. Buyers in North America missed a generation, instead receiving a badly warmed-over version of the first-generation model. It was bad. Really bad.

But things are off to a good start with this car, which bears little in common other than a name and a general place in the market with its predecessor. We like to be surrounded by nice things, so we anted up for a well-equipped Focus Titanium sedan, the range-topping model in the U.S. Although buyers here want four doors, Ford realized that the two-door coupe Focus it briefly offered here was a flop – so a hatchback is also available once again.

At $25,805 as tested, the Focus Titanium is at the opposite end of cheap. But Ford is banking on buyers moving en masse to compact cars as gasoline prices continue to climb, so it felt the need to offer more luxe than is normally associated with the compact class. It’s a theme we encountered first, arguably, with the Focus’ Mazda3 platformmate, and it’s something we’re also seeing from the Chevrolet Cruze and the Hyundai Elantra.

2012 Cadillac Escalade

The Escalade lineup features integrated powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems that deliver some of the most powerful, efficient luxury SUVs in the segment, led by a 6.2L all-aluminum V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque (565 Nm). The 6.2L engine is also a flexfuel engine and can run on renewable E85 ethanol.

The Escalade and Escalade ESV are available in AWD and RWD configurations. The Escalade EXT sport-utility truck features standard, full-time AWD. A strong frame and chassis support the Escalade's robust powertrain and enable exceptional responsiveness and smoothness.

Four-wheel disc brakes and an ABS system help ensure braking performance. ABS works with the StabiliTrak stability control system's rollover mitigation technology. This software algorithm technology uses sensors to proactively predict vehicle "tip-up" and apply appropriate brake force to help prevent such events.

A roster of advanced features reinforces Escalade's position as technology leader, designed to bolster comfort, convenience and safety. They include:

* Side blind zone alert
* Power retractable assist steps
* Automatic headlamps with IntelliBeam automatic high/low beams
* Ultrasonic rear parking assist
* Rear vision camera system
* Bose AudioPilot active noise cancellation technology, which continuously adjusts the music in response to background noise
* Fully functioning LED headlamps (exclusive to Escalade Platinum)
* Heated and cooled cupholders (exclusive to Escalade Platinum)
* Magnetic Ride Control
* Power-titling and heated steering wheel
* Eight-inch navigation radio with new CompactFlash memory and auxiliary jack
* Rear-seat, DVD entertainment system
* Heated and cooled front seats
* Adaptive remote start
* Power liftgate

Also available is an advanced navigation system with real-time traffic, expanded voice prompts and 3D imaging of major landmarks.

Escalade also has a full array of safety features: Front row-dual stage airbags, head curtain side airbags for all passenger rows, front row thorax airbags, and front row seat pretensioners.

2012 BMW M5

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

For 2011, the Chevrolet Equinox's optional V6 now has E85 capability. Enhancements include heated cloth seats on 2LT models and a compass on LS models. A USB port, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity are now standard on 1LT models, and OnStar service has been upgraded to standard Directions and Connections (providing access to OnStar's navigation and information services) for a six-month trial period.
Introduction

Roomy and graced with an available snappy V6, the previous-generation Equinox had its charms, but it didn't shine brightly enough to surpass its rivals. As a result, Chevy's capable but undistinguished hauler was left to linger on the lots as shoppers flocked to more popular choices from the likes of Honda and Toyota. But thanks to a full redesign last year, the latest Equinox has vaulted up to be a top pick in the small crossover SUV segment.

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox boasts character and refinement two traits that were missing in previous-generation models, and indeed many small crossovers in general. With a rear seat that slides back to create an expanse worthy of a prom-night limousine, the Equinox easily counts rear legroom among its strengths. Ride quality is another plus, with the Equinox delivering a stable, well-planted ride. In terms of equipment, the Chevy is fully competitive, with plenty of standard features and some nice upgrades like a hard-drive-based navigation system.

Under the hood you'll find a choice of either a 182-horsepower inline-4 or a 264-hp V6. Both of these engines deliver respectable acceleration, and the four-cylinder is notable for its above-average fuel economy (even though we've found it doesn't quite meet its lofty EPA estimates). Another Equinox selling point is its upscale good looks; the cabin is attractive and expensive-looking and features interior materials quality that's finally competitive with other choices in this segment.

2011 BMW 3 Series

The 2011 BMW 3-Series lineup includes coupes, hardtop convertibles, sedans and wagons with rear-wheel drive or BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Designated based on their engines, trims include the 328i, 335i, 335d, the new 335is and the M3. All body styles, except the convertible, are offered with xDrive in versions designated 328xi and 335xi. The 335d is a sedan, the 335is is offered only as a coupe or convertible, and the M3 comes only as a sedan or coupe. The convertible has a power-retractable hardtop.

All 3-Series are well equipped. Notable standard equipment on the base 328i includes leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, HD radio and run-flat tires with 16-inch wheels on sedans and wagons and 17s on coupes and convertibles. Coupes also come standard with a sport suspension. Moving up to the 335i adds driver's seat memory, adaptive headlights, a sunroof for coupes and sedans, and leather upholstery for the convertible.

The new 335is, which is offered as a coupe and convertible, adds equipment otherwise offered only in the M Sport package, including the M Sport steering wheel, M Sport seats, an anthracite headliner, 18-inch wheels and stiffer engine mounts. The 335is also has a slightly modified look front and rear.

The M3 comes with a limited-slip differential, larger brakes, performance suspension and staggered 18-inch tires. The M3 coupe also has a carbon-fiber roof.

All 3-Series iterations come with a full slate of safety features, including dual front airbags, front side airbags, anti-lock brakes, a tire-pressure monitor, traction control and electronic stability control. All but the convertible also have side curtain airbags, while the convertible has automatic pop-up roll bars. Manual-transmission versions also get a hill-holder clutch.