BMW i3 Concept Photos and Info

BMW has been hyping up its “Megacity Vehicle” for a couple of years now, and despite teasers about innovative tech features and full carbon-fiber body structures, we’ve withheld judgment, even when we spied one in the wild over the winter.

But as of now, the shroud of mystery has been lifted about all the details except how the thing actually drives. Like a BMW? Like nothing before it? Maybe both?

The i3’s story begins with its LifeDrive architecture. According to BMW, experience with the Mini E and BMW ActiveE (the electric 1-series coupe) has proven that creating an electric car out of a structure designed to house an internal-combustion engine results in wasteful excess weight and imperfect packaging. As a result, the i3 (as well as the i8 sports car also being announced now) is made up of two separate modules. The “Drive” portion houses a large array of lithium-ion batteries, plus the suspension, transmission, and electric motor. For a low center of gravity, all of these heavy components are low to the ground, with the batteries spread within the wheelbase for optimal handling. The main structure is all aluminum, with an additional aluminum barrier around the batteries for crashworthiness.

Mod Squad

The “Life” module sits atop the drive components and houses passengers and luggage. As BMW has already announced, this structure consists of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, or CFRP, a first for any vehicle this side of a few exotic supercars. While the aluminum Drive module weighs 30 percent less than a similar steel structure, the weight reduction in the CFRP Life module is closer to 50 percent. As a whole, the i3 weighs in at 2756 pounds, according to BMW. When speaking about the safety of CFRP, the company points to Formula 1 cockpits as proof of security. While metals require large crumple zones, carbon can be designed with special deformation elements that result in large amounts of energy being consumed in a very small space. A further benefit of the LifeDrive architecture is the deletion of a driveshaft tunnel, allowing more space to be dedicated to the cabin. BMW says each set of seats (front and rear) is connected so that every passenger can leave from one side in a tight parking space, but we think someone at the company just really digs bench seats. There’s approximately seven cubic feet of space left over in the rear for luggage, as well as a small compartment up front where the gas engine would usually be for stowing a charging cord or other small items.

Back inside the Drive structure, the i3 uses an electric motor that’s 40 percent more compact than that of a Mini E, allowing it to fit right above the rear axle that it powers through a one-speed transmission. Yes, one speed. That means the car will never shift on its way up to a computer-limited top speed of 93 mph, which BMW has determined to be the point at which the batteries drain too quickly. The company says the i3 will run 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds. In terms of passing power, accelerating from 50 to 75 mph should take just six seconds.

Peak power is 125 kW, or 168 hp, and 184 lb-ft of torque. Range is estimated at 80–100 miles, and a standard charge will take about six hours. With a special high-speed charger, the i3 is said to be capable of reaching an 80-percent charge in just an hour, meaning medium-range drives can be done with just a long coffee break in the middle. But wait, there’s more, as the infomercial folks might say.

Keep Going and Going and Going

Feedback from Mini E showed that 90 percent of drivers are content with a driving range of under 100 miles, but for the outlying minority, BMW has (somewhat surprisingly) decided to offer the i3 with an optional range extender BMW calls REx. The company is mum on details for the time being, simply saying it’s a “small, very smooth-running and quiet gas engine” that drives a generator, both located alongside the electric motor on the rear axle. Sounds like perhaps BMW is borrowing the idea of using a Wankel rotary from Audi’s A1 E-Tron concept car. The engine meets strict SULEV standards and features auto stop-start capabilities.

Among the i3’s other energy-saving details are familiar concepts like the “air curtain” first seen on the updated 2011 1-series, which smoothes airflow around the front wheels, as well as narrow drag-reducing tires. Like the accelerator in a Tesla Roadster, the i3’s long pedal is tuned so that the car will still coast if the driver lifts just slightly, while lifting entirely off the pedal will engage regenerative braking based on pedal position. BMW predicts that, in around-town driving, this will allow the brake pedal to go untouched 75 percent of the time. Learn More...

Source : http://www.caranddriver.com

BMW X5M and BMW X6M Wallpapers

BMW X5M and BMW X6M Wallpapers

The 2010 BMW X5 M and X6 M are powered by a twin turbocharged 4.4L V8 that puts out 555 hp and 500 lb-ft. of torque that is mated to a 6-speed M Sports Automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The M versions of the X5 and X6 are the first all-wheel-drive BMW M models. All that power returns a 4.5 second 0-60 mph time.

As expected there are some changes to the exterior of the two models to differentiate them from their lesser powered brothers. The hood, front air dam and headlights are nearly identical on the two models. Both models feature special gills in the front fenders and 20-inch alloy wheels are also standard. Out back there are quad tailpipes.

For those of you that want the the 555 horsepower, but in a sedan or coupe package, you'll have to wait for the next M5 and M6, which will feature the same turbocharged 4.4L V8.

Kawasaki 903 Z1 Engine Wallpapers

Kawasaki 903 Z1 Engine Wallpapers

Kawasaki’s legendary Z1 was a fast and hugely popular bike made for the U.S. market. Everyone knows it displaced 903cc. What many of you may not know is the original design work on the Z1 was for a 750cc version to be released in 1970, which, due to the Honda 750′s introduction, was then changed to the larger 903cc displacement and brought out in 1972.

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept

Twelve altered 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupes are featured noticeably inside the Honda booth at the 2010 SEMA Show, LAS VEGAS, which starts today. The 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept is the sporty progression of the Honda CR-Z, geared up by the Japanese Mugen Motorsports, officially connected with Honda. Honda has partnered with Mugen again to get a new hotrod special - but this one's a hybrid. The new 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept is a a little more environmentally sound proposition compared to banzai 2009 Civic Type R Mugen, and delivers the race car treatment to Honda's hybrid coupe.

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept

As the very first available sport hybrid, the 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept shows new opportunities for vehicle customization amongst the import tuner community. Numerous substantial vehicles are being introduced at the show, such as a 2011 CR-Z set up with MUGEN* components, the Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD) CR-Z Hybrid R Concept, the HPD CR-Z Racer and many vehicles set up with Honda Genuine Accessories.

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept

The 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept is purely a concept car at this point, developed to show the possibilities and flexibility of the Honda IMA system, without any confirmed plans for additional manufacturing. Mugen and Honda (UK) will consider media and customer opinions before deciding upon any next steps.

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept

pink accessories car | pink accessories for cars | car accessories for girls

pink accessories

We all know that young men and women was similar in many respects, even if it comes in the design and the car handled. The only thing that can make the difference is that the girls want their cars to look more fashionable and feminine, which is why most of them buy pink car accessories, because we all know that when the color pink in your car, it means more about the women's side. If you want to know what things the color pink, so it is better if you have time to give this a read.

pink wheel

We can not deny the fact that large numbers of pink car accessories on the market today can be found that will fit your needs and your taste and can make you more hesitant sometimes. From your car number plate, a decorative frame, with furnishings that are a beautiful design, can be found in the world of car accessories.

MONTEREY PINK

Despite the brand of your car, you can choose many designs on it, depending on your taste. One of the best things that can help in choosing the accessories your car is your favorite cartoon character to know, for example.

pink furry car accessories styling set

There are a variety of pink car accessories that cartoon characters like Betty Boop character concept. We all know that this is a cartoon character so feminine sometimes naughty, but we can not deny the fact that one of the top-selling accessories pink car for the day, as Betty Boop character known for its pink color.

mazda accessories | mazda car accessories | mazda auto accessories

autoa accessories mazda

Car accessories is an important part mounted on vehicles for added convenience purposes,
To improve comfort and performance. For a variety of brands that produce high-quality car accessories
Model Mazda car accessories. According to sales records, Mazda car accessories are high in demand
In world markets. Those car owners who are in their cars and amplitude system, which can support
Mazda Mazda car parts, auto parts well chosen.

accessories mazda pieces

There are lots of choices made by Mazda when it comes to buying car parts and car parts is concerned.
Most buyers opt for accessories for Mazda cars, high-skill and ability
Standard. Those car owners and drivers who prefer to give their car a distinctive look often accessorize
Mazda auto parts with them. To add a variety of accessories and spare parts, allowing individuals
Customizable look and appeal to your car.

mazda chrome

with which they can reflect their lifestyle around the world.
Produced by the widely used Mazda cars including some of: gear shift knob, guard dogs, luggage nets Shoes
Liner, curtains, anti-slip mats and many others. This section not only improve the look of the car but also,
Help car branding at the same time.

Mazda 3 4Dr Winjet

Moisture to the flap, and prevent the body from road dust and debris from the damaged car.
In addition, it also prevents the same splashing pedestrians. This is part of the car produced by Mazda
Retail shops that are registered with the company you purchased from a variety of. If anyone can buy
Mazda auto parts dealers together, from their offices in different cities of the world.

Auto Body Bazda Repair Furai | Body Shop | Auto Repair Shop

furai body spark up

Mazda brand of automobile manufacturing industry is known for clean design and technology. Mazda 626 model compact car manufactured by the company that marketed as family cars of medium and target vehicles. The car is an integrated solution to meet the needs of various family trips.

auto body furai

Model Mazda 626, Capella, which is based on cars sold in Japan. In many parts of the world, this car Mazda 626 Ten years after certified as a U.S. government domestic cars have been sold under various names such as Ford Mondeo and Ford Telstar. Mazda 626 models later, the visible, while it is being revised to improve the performance and interior layout. Mazda 626 alternator, fuel tanks, bumpers, tail lights and automotive parts and other accessories, there are many demands, to improve the efficiency of which is used by other car owners to install them in their cars.

Mazda Furai Concept  Speed

However, in order to replace the wear of the leading car parts for this model Mazda 626 car finally real, there is a way out of the inevitable process. When it comes to buying a Mazda 626 parts and accessories for various vehicles, used to find car parts Mazda 626 in good working condition, half the market price. There are various channels that can.

mazda furai concept for light

Most of the people, but we recommend buying from the original Mazda dealer, they have various other people find to be very expensive. These people can be done with products and accessories retailer to buy part of Mazda vehicles they are looking for dealers or real use of the website. Benefits of buying from the World Wide Web, this online retail shoppers while they are in the store. It provides information that can save a lot of promotion of mazda.

mazda furai concept cars | mazda concept car | mazda concept cars

mazda furai concept

Mazda's eurai concept market and competitive in their mini-furai, Sportage Kia, Toyota RAV4, set to take people like Nissan's Juke. Mazda concept car sketch Minagi official has been released ahead of a debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Mazda Furai

Japanese manufacturers are still uncertain, but no, CX-Mini's new crossover furai that is expected to be called 5. Sketch, Mazda CX has released more than a month after the possibility of a prototype-5, was seen by the winter testing in Northern Europe.

US mazda furai concept

Minagi is a completely new design language of the brand, the Kodo is the second concept car was inspired by Japan, called a "movement of the soul." Mazda has been designed to indicate the following description "is a nimble car , pent-up energy in vigor as navigating the vast landscape of the city

2011 mazda furai concept

The concept of Shinari, designed by Ikuo Maeda, the new Mazda design chief, announced at the Paris Motor Show 2010 is the first automotive brand to showcase next-generation design language is changed ..
The compact crossover Mazda furai - 7 Mazda CX - 9 is a crossover compact, fits on one line while being expected to be based on the platform and Mazda.

2011 Acura TSX Specs, Prices, Pics and Reviews

Sedans don't have to be boring, and the 2011 Acura TSX proves it with its sleek looks and powerful engine.

I enjoyed the youthful feeling the TSX gave me when behind the wheel, but admittedly, that was only when it was just my daughter and I tooling around Los Angeles. When we added my husband into the mix, it became obvious that the TSX can be a tight fit for some families.

It was an unpleasant surprise that the TSX couldn't comfortably fit my family. It is a sedan after all, but with the TSX's sportiness comes tightness in both the front and back seats; it's kind of like a sweater that shrunk a little in the dryer. To accommodate those rear-facing safety seats for the little ones, things in the front get pretty, ahem squishy. Any space in the backseat suddenly vanishes and the glove box starts to appear as if it's protruding much farther into the cabin. Then you find your shorter-than-average adult passenger has their knees jammed into the dash. Needless to say, with more on board than me and my daughter in her infant seat in the back, things started getting claustrophobic. This car would work well once my daughter is in a forward-facing car seat, but that's a long way away for my family.

This is a great car to drive on errands, but if you've got a weekend of family fun planned, the TSX probably won't be the most comfortable for everyone or the most practical.

This sporty number felt nimble on the road, and it was fuel efficient enough to keep me away from the gas station. I drove the four-cylinder model (a more powerful V-6 engine is also available) and it always felt peppy and responsive. It could turn on a dime and hug corners with ease, but the car always felt controlled and comfortable. The driving experience proves that the TSX is definitely not your mom's sedan. Open the sunroof, turn on the satellite radio and you'll feel like taking the scenic route to Gymboree.

The TSX starts at $29,610. My test car had the optional Technology Package, which increased the as-tested price to $33,570.

EXTERIOR

The TSX is definitely stylish, and it looks good without trying too hard. It has a sculpted look, but it's not too bulky or bloated. This five-seater seems to walk a balanced line between feminine and masculine style; it's a car that either Mom or Dad would look good in when behind the wheel.

Being a sedan, it's easy to get in and out of because the doors aren't heavy and it has a low step-in height. The only trouble I had with the TSX was when I loaded my daughter's rear-facing infant seat into the backseat. The car sits low, which is noticeable while driving, and I almost knocked myself out once or twice when I didn't bend down enough to get the car seat inside. I suppose for those who don't mind a little suffering in the name of style, it won't matter a bit.

The TSX's sizable trunk is impressive. The number of things I need to bring with me on a daily basis since having a baby is staggering and knowing I would be test-driving a sedan had me a little concerned. But the TSX just kept taking everything I was putting into it, and I dare say I had more room back there than I do in my own crossover. Who knew this sporty little sedan could also act as pack mule, too?

The TSX has a 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but my car had the optional five-speed automatic. The sedan runs on premium gas and gets an EPA-estimated 21/29 mpg city/highway. This was right on par as I averaged about 24 mpg during the week of my test drive. The gas tank seemed bottomless with its 18.5-gallon capacity. I drove this car everywhere and never had to fill up.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times

INTERIOR

The TSX's interior is sophisticated without being stuffy. There's nothing too trendy or offensive about it; it's just a clean, classic look akin to a fabulous (and flattering) little black dress.

The black-colored perforated leather seats with contrast stitching add to the TSX's youthful feel, and front seats come standard with heaters. The metallic-looking trim is always a welcome alternative to faux wood trim. A prominent knob is located in the middle of the stack and controls many of the audio, phone and navigation functions. This helps to streamline the controls and keep things from appearing cluttered. Learn More...

Source : http://www.cars.com

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Specs, Prices, Pics and Reviews

It can take time to explain to shoppers what a car's best attributes are and why it's better or worse than its competition.

Starting MSRP $22,805–$39,775

Take one look at the Camaro convertible, though, and it is apparent that it's a straightforward American pony car with looks that will turn heads.

It could have a tin can under its hood and the roof could rattle like a barn during a tornado, and people would still buy it. Luckily, the droptop Camaro loses little of the coupe's performance fun. In some ways, it's even more alluring.

Performance

The convertible Camaro comes with either a V-6 or V-8 engine, identical to the two we detailed in full in earlier reviews of the coupe.

My test car had the 312-horsepower V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission. That's a lot of power for a V-6. It has strong pull as you hammer the gas pedal, and the exhaust note's subtle rumble makes it feel like you're driving a proper muscle car, even if it is down two cylinders from the Camaro SS.

Starting at $29,275, the V-6 will be the way to go for most convertible shoppers. It gets 18/29 mpg city/highway when equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission, 17/28 mpg with the standard six-speed manual.

In addition to my weeklong test drive in a Camaro 2LT convertible, I also took a short drive in a manual SS.

The SS pulls from a dead stop with an enormous amount of brute force — and an exhaust note to match. It's an exhilarating ride that enthusiasts will covet, while the V-6 offers above-average fun for the common man.

Both versions were impressive in terms of stiffness in the body driving through twisty roads.

Many will opt for my test car's optional RS Package and its 21-inch wheels, which look terrific. However, the ride suffers. Standard 18-inch wheels might offer a smoother cruising atmosphere.

Convertible-ness

I was lucky enough to go from driving the Camaro convertible to the Corvette convertible. The changes in convertible design from the aging Vette to the brand new Camaro are obvious in one noteworthy attribute: Highway speeds in the Vette could impair your hearing that's how bad wind buffeting is in there.

The Camaro, on the other hand, certainly allows in enough wind to move your hair, but you can still have a conversation with your passenger, and when you stop the car your ears won't be throbbing.

At cruising speeds of 45 mph, there was very mild wind intrusion, and cruising is what this car is all about.

The top itself also offers decent visibility, especially compared with the Camaro coupe, which is one of the most notoriously hard-to-see-out-of cars ever sold. There's no B-pillar in the convertible, which means that when you look over your right shoulder, you can see a bit more than you can in the coupe. Still, backing out of parking spots is a peril-filled task, especially considering a backup camera won't be available until the 2012 model year.

With the top up on the highway, I had no problem seeing traffic in the blind spot over my right shoulder.

The powered top closes or opens in 16 to 20 seconds, depending on how quickly you lock or release the top manually. The top can be closed while the car's in Drive, but it wouldn't begin operation unless I was stopped, with the brake depressed. I managed two emergency closures before rain, one at a toll stop and another at a rather long red light. In these instances, the mechanism seems to take forever.

The car can drive with the top down and no tonneau cover. Putting on the cover requires getting out of the car, but I managed to get my installation time down to a little over a minute after a few attempts. Removing it took much less time probably 15 seconds, most of it walking from one side of the car to the other.

The tonneau stores in an already cramped trunk, which measures 10.2 cubic feet. A divider that reserves space for the lowered roof takes away a substantial chunk of that volume, bringing the figure down to 7.8 cubic feet. The Ford Mustang convertible has 9.6 cubic feet of luggage room without a divider. Most large items will have to ride in the Camaro's relatively cramped backseat. Learn More...

Source : http://www.cars.com

2011 Ford Mustang Specs, Prices, Pics and Reviews

For 2011, Ford issued a mechanical overhaul of its popular Mustang: new engines, quieter interiors, better gas mileage. The lineup's granddaddy, the Shelby GT500, sees smaller improvements by comparison.

Starting MSRP $22,145–$37,845

The Shelby GT500 is still a straight-line juggernaut, but the V-8 Mustang GT is catching up as a performance car and away from the drag strip, the Shelby's handling dynamics leave something to be desired.

Officially called the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the car caps a Mustang lineup that includes new V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8 drivetrains. Though the GT500's supercharged V-8 has the same displacementas the 2010 GT500 did, a new aluminum block makes it 100 pounds lighter. Combined with better aerodynamics and new electric power steering, the GT500 is slightly more fuel efficient.

Our full take on the 2011 Mustang is available here. Click here to compare the Mustang lineup, or here to compare the 2011 and 2010 versions of the GT500. This review focuses on what sets the GT500 apart.

Available as a coupe or convertible, the GT500 trades the Mustang GT's galloping emblems and driving lamps for a taller grille, shapelier bumpers and lower fog lights. It ends up looking more similar, particularly up front, to the V-6 Mustang. Having never cared much for the V-8 Mustang GT's gratuitous lower air dam, I welcome the look.

The signage, not so much. Our press car came festooned with nearly a dozen cobra, Shelby, SVT and GT500 icons. (In fairness, you can remove a few, along with the racing stripes, if you want.) The decals signal the car's myriad influences: racing legend Carol Shelby, Ford's Special Vehicle Team, the resurrected GT500 moniker, the original 289 Shelby AC Cobra. I half expected to find an outline of Michigan stamped somewhere.

Ford lowered the car's ride height by nearly half an inch this year. The GT500's standard 19-inch wheels wear high-performanceP255/40ZR19 front and P285/35ZR19 rear tires; our test car had an optional SVT Performance Package that includes thicker, 19-inch front wheels, 20-inch rears and Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar tires all around. A set of four of those is just over $1,200 on TireRack.com steep, but not as bad as comparable Pirelli or Michelin sets.

Convertible GT500s employ a power cloth top. In lieu of a traditionalmoonroof, coupe shoppers can opt for an optional fixed glass roof. Previously available only on lesser Mustangs, the roof includes a retractable sun shade.

A new aluminum-block version of Ford's 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 replaces last year's iron-block engine. Up 10 horsepower thanks to revised exhaust tuning, the 550-hp drivetrain idles with a rich interlude of growling, hissing and other certifiably bitchin' noises. It moves out, too: Acceleration lacks the immediacy you get with a larger-displacement V-8, but stay on the gas past 3,000 rpm and the supercharger's high-pitched whine signals serious thrust. Deactivate the traction control and slip the clutch just shy of that mark, and you'll handily spin the rear tires for seconds on end. Peak torque of 510 pounds-feet comes at 4,250 rpm; thundering past that mark toward the engine's 6,250-rpm redline elicits cries of enthusiasm or terror from your passengers.

The SVT Performance Package adds a quicker, 3.73 rear axle ratio. Other GT500s have a 3.55 axle. Our friends at MotorWeek hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and did a quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds in a 2010 GT500 convertible with a 3.55 axle. With the 3.73, the lighter 2011 GT500 coupe can probably hit both marks a few tenths of a second quicker. Learn More...

Source : http://www.cars.com

2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Specs, Prices and Reviews

Hyundai's Genesis coupe R-Spec is a stripper and not the kind you'll find in a gentleman's club.

Starting MSRP $22,250–$30,750

The R-Spec's goal is performance for the dollar, which means features that don't make the car faster are stripped to keep costs low, while high-performance parts from the coupe's Track model are added.

The 2011 Genesis coupe 2.0T R-Spec is on the right track with its low price ($24,500), but it falls short in the "bang" department with a poky turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and unrefined handling.

The V-6-powered Genesis coupe 3.8 also comes in R-Spec garb, but we have yet to test that version. See our 2010 Genesis coupe review here for a more thorough look at the coupe as a whole.

The R-Spec's suspension the same one that can be found on the coupe's Track models has stiffer springs than the base suspension, plus unique shock absorbers, thicker stabilizer bars and a strut-tower brace. I've driven this setup both on the street and on a racetrack, where the R-Spec's handling often feels unpredictable and squirrely. The rear end is eager to slide around when the electronic stability system is switched off, which isn't the most welcome feeling. Rear-wheel-drive coupes like the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro V-6 and 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 (with the Performance Package) handle more predictably.

I know what you're probably thinking: "So turn the stability control on, dummy!" I wish it were that easy. The Genesis' stability system reacts way too aggressively during spirited driving. It ruins any possible fun by cutting engine power abruptly, stopping the coupe dead in its tracks. The Camaro's and Mustang's systems are less intrusive and can smoothly reel in tail-happy drivers.

On the upside, the Track suspension is perfectly manageable as a daily driver, without being overly harsh or bouncy. Sometimes a "sport" suspension doesn't provide sporty performance, it just beats up drivers with a rough ride instead. The R-Spec's agreeable ride is an admirable feat for its 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance, stiff-sidewalled summer tires. However, I would gladly sacrifice some of the R-Spec's ride quality for a more refined handling experience.

Rounding out the R-Spec package is a Brembo braking system andlimited-slip differential. The brakes may be overkill for use on the street: Like many upgraded braking systems, they don't offer much of a different feel until taken to the track, but they do look great combined with the R-Spec's wheels. A limited-slip differential isn't out of the ordinary for cheap-speed cars; one can also be had in the 2011 Mazdaspeed3, the 2012 Honda Civic Si and the Mustang V-6. The Camaro V-6 includes one only on models with manual transmissions.

I wouldn't normally focus on features a car doesn't have, but R-Spec models offer no optional equipment not even features that come standard on the less-expensive base model, including cruise control, automatic headlights and upgraded interior trim pieces. These deletions do keep its price low, however, and the only feature I really missed was cruise control.

Those wanting a sunroof, navigation, automatic transmission or a choice between more than three exterior colors can cross the R-Spec off their list. The pricier Genesis coupe 2.0T Premium is a feature-laden model with all the aforementioned options, sans the R-Spec's performance upgrades.

Even with those features deleted, the R-Spec isn't a total stripper: It retains carpet, air conditioning, power windows and locks, a USB audio input and steering-wheel audio controls.

Under the Hood

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder feels more powerful than its 210-horsepower rating suggests. Even so, it doesn't move the coupe quickly enough to make it stand out from the competition. The Mazdaspeed3, Subaru Impreza WRX and six-cylinder versions of the Mustang and Camaro have more to brag about under the hood.

Editor Mike Hanley mentioned in his review of the 2010 Genesis coupe that the 306-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 engine is the way to go in this car, and I agree. At $26,750, the 3.8 R-Spec is a worthier choice because the base car itself is already a more potent performer, even before the R-Spec additions. Plus, the 3.8 R-Spec represents a $4,000 discount versus the Track trim level with the same performance upgrades. That's a bargain if you're comfortable with deleting certain convenience features. The 3.8 addresses half of my beef with the coupe, though it still has the same handling issues as the 2.0T R-Spec. Learn More...

Source : http://www.cars.com