Hyundai Equus Review and Prices

Equus being one the chief models categorized as a luxury sedan invented by the Korea based Hyundai automakers is soon coming up with its remake version to be termed as 2012 Hyundai Equus. The all new 2012 Hyundai Equus is expected to be seen in the US and European markets in near future, probably around the beginning of 2012. Hyundai is expected to move further by overcoming the demands of a luxury sedan to compete with its established rivals like Lexus, Audi, Mercedes Benz etc.

2012 Hyundai Equus will soon arrive with a stylish executive looks and improved performance. The luxury sedan will certainly come equipped with leather upholstery. The comfortable 4 passenger vehicle will have heated seats or cool seats as per the desire so that complete luxury can be experienced while driving. Additionally, the rear seats will be equipped with a massage system. The rear seats come with the luxury of a small entertainment monitor and a small chiller. Isn’t that amazing? The driver will surely enjoy the added luxuries like computer controlled guidance for parking with touch screen technology.

2011 Hyundai Equus

When the Equus goes on sale this fall, about the time turkey carving becomes a national pastime, it will be available as the base "Signature," starting at around $55,000, and the more exclusive "Ultimate," adding about $5000 to the sticker thanks to such extras as a power trunk lid, forward-view and backup cameras, and rear seats that pamper with a refrigerator and entertainment system. That second row, by the way, offers heated/cooled buckets that recline and massage. Back-row prisoners? More like front-row celebs. And before we ignore the Signature as if it weren't worthy, let's just say that its sub-$60,000 sticker includes 385 horsepower, adjustable air suspension, 19-inch wheels, adaptive HID headlamps, leather/Alcantara/wood-trimmed interior, lane-departure warning, nine airbags, 608-watt Lexicon audio, and navigation.

Pontiac Trans Am at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas

Pontiac Trans Am at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas – Click above for high-res image gallery

One thing you'll find plenty of at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction is Pontiac Firebird Trans Ams from the late '70s. The same black-and-gold, "Smoky and the Bandit," screamin' eagle Trans Ams that beguiled so many adolescent gearheads in their day.

These flamboyant muscle cars have enjoyed a resurgence of late, moving away from disco-era kitsch and into the realm of bona fide collector cars. Not too many cars of that stylistic- and performance-challenged time have made the leap.

"The styling has endured for a long, long time," said admitted Pontiac addict Tom Knight of Albuquerque, N.M, as he eyed a 1976 Trans Am 50th Anniversary coupe. "I think there's been a resurrection now that Pontiac's dead."

CCI Wheel Cover - 15 in., ABS plastic, 7 spoke

CCI Wheel Cover - 15 in., ABS plastic, 7 spoke
Part Number: C2CIWCB94415S
Manufacturer Number: IWCB944/15S
CCI Wheel Cover CCI Wheel Cover
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CCI AFTERMARKET WHEEL COVERS, SILVER, SET OF 4 -- 15 in. diameter; Does not include OE-style center cap; 7-spoke design; Made of ABS plastic; This set of aftermarket wheel covers inexpensively enhances the look of your wheels; Features wire ring with factory type retention for easy and reliable installation.

Mercury spokesmodel Jill Wagner

Mercury spokesmodel Jill Wagner – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Bloomberg, which is citing two unnamed sources who are supposedly "familiar with the plan," Ford is planning to close the doors on its Mercury division after 70 years of existence. If true, Mercury will join recently departed brands ranging from Plymouth, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn and Hummer.

We can't say that this news comes as a shocker, as analysts far and wide have been predicting such an event for the last few years, but Ford has repeatedly denied any plans to cancel its interplanetary division when questioned.

For what it's worth, the Mercury brand has seen its sales fall by nearly three-quarters since the year 2000, now representing less than two percent of Ford's annual sales. What's more, Mercury is scheduled to lose two of its four models next year. At this point, the only thing we'll miss if Mercury leaves us is spokesmodel Jill Wagner.

2010 BMW and SGL Team Up for Washington-Based Carbon Fiber Plant

BMW (holding a 49% stake) and SGL (holding 51%) have joined forces to create SGL Automotive Carbon Fiber LLC, which will be located in Moses Lake, Washington. The joint venture will build a $100 million "state-of-the-art carbon fiber manufacturing plant" and help create 80 local jobs.

According to SGL ACF LLC, the end result will be carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) "used for BMW Group's upcoming Megacity Vehicle." They're referring to what will be the end result of BMW's Project i, a mode of transport "designed for fully electric, zero-emission driving."

Why build in Moses Lake? Mainly, energy costs in Washington state are highly competitive and there's access to renewable hydropower [re: it's green as grass]. Other factors included "favorable infrastructure conditions, existing utilities, a skilled labor force and ease of working with the local government."

Robert Koehler, SGL Group's CEO, talked about the project: "It will be the world's most cost efficient carbon fiber plant using state-of-the-art technologies. This significant investment further underlines our commitment to the U.S., where we already operate carbon fiber and composite materials plants...We will ensure that carbon fibers play a revolutionary role in lightweight automotive construction."

Friedrich Eichiner of BMW added, "With using CFRP components in our Megacity Vehicle, we take sustainable mobility a step further. By combining the know-how of SGL Group and our expertise in manufacturing CFRP components, we will be able to produce carbon fiber enhanced components in large volumes at competitive costs for the first time. This is particularly relevant for electric-powered vehicles such as the Megacity Vehicle."

With recent BMW trademarks including everything from an i1 and i2 to E8s and E9s, there's no time like the present to start speculating on what the first majority-CFRP BMW product will be. Being old-school, here's hoping the Isetta makes a comeback.

Vehicle Class Buying Guides

Consumer Guide Automotive's singular focus is to make car shopping easier. We do that by offering comprehensive reviews of over 1,000 new and used vehicles, detailed pricing, safety information, and expert buying advice. Still, scanning through hundreds of reviews, sorting out option packages, and haggling for the best price is a daunting task for even the most diligent buyer.

That's why our vehicle class buying guides will give you a concentrated dose of car shopping advice specific to whatever vehicle class you're shopping for.

Each guide tackles a different vehicle class, explains the pros and cons of owning a vehicle in this particular class, points out features to look for, and suggests things to avoid. The "Consumer Guide to" guides make it easy for the shopper who knows what type of car they want and needs help selecting two or three they want to test drive.

In addition, the "Consumer Guide to" series helps a buyer focus on the type of vehicle that's right for their needs. Many consumers cross-shop between classes, and our class buying guides help consumers remain focused on the right vehicles.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 Alternative-Fuel Vehicles

Electric Vehicles We take a look at the traffic-ready electric vehicles you can buy right now or in the near future. The vehicles covered here aren't exotically priced and go faster than 25 mph.

Hybrid Vehicles In the market for better fuel economy? The Consumer Guide to 2010 Hybrid Vehicles breaks down all of your gas-electric hybrid vehicle choices on sale this year.

E85 Flex-Fuel Vehicles New-car buyers can select from among 36 2010 models that can run on E85, a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Choices include cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

Diesel Vehicles Dirty diesel is a thing of the past. Check out which automakers offer clean diesel models for 2010.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 Cars

Subcompact Cars Subcompact cars have enjoyed a popularity surge over the past two years, thanks in part to steep fuel prices and heightening environmental concerns. These vehicles are some of the most fuel-efficient and affordable cars on the market.

Compact Cars Compact cars make sense for many people because they offer so much for so little. Our buying guide will help you navigate through this crowded class.

Premium-Compact Cars The premium-compact-car segment is one of the hottest, most competitive classes. Use our buying guide to research your options.

Midsize Cars For a blend of passenger and cargo space, affordability, fuel economy, and variety, no other single vehicle comes close to matching the midsize car.

Premium-Midsize Cars These upscale machines come replete with posh, leather-appointed interiors, heated seats, superb stereo systems, and lots of technological gadgetry.

Large Cars As a class, this seemingly traditional gathering of sedans appears misleadingly dull. With available all-wheel drive and V8 engines with over 400 horsepower, this segment is as compelling as ever.

Premium-Large Cars If you're lucky enough to afford one of these cars, you'll be treated to a powerful, luxurious, and comfortable vehicle. Here's an overview of the 2010 premium-large-car lineup.

Sporty/Performance Cars Consumer Guide's sporty/performance-car class probably contains the most diverse variety of vehicles: Performance hatchbacks, drop tops, and muscular coupes.

Premium-Sporty/Performance Cars The cars that Consumer Guide classifies as premium-sporty/performance are at the top of the mountain when it comes to acceleration, handling response, and of course, price.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 SUVs

Compact SUVs Looking for a vehicle that's small on fuel consumption but large on utility? Check out a compact SUV. Our buying guide breaks down what's offered in this class.

Premium-Compact SUVs This class may be small in numbers now, but it is poised to explode during the next few years. Interested in luxury and utility in a tidy package? Check out this buying guide.

Midsize SUVs Consumer Guide classifies 29 vehicles as midsize SUVs. Our buying guide will help you find the right one.

Premium-Midsize SUVs Consumer Guide classifies 18 different models as premium-midsize SUVs. Use our buying guide to compare them all.

­Large SUVs Consumer Guide's large-SUV class is made up of six vehicles. Whichever model you choose, all large SUVs are designed for maximum cargo and passenger versatility.

­­Premium-Large SUVs Consumer Guide puts eight vehicles in this class. All players in this category appeal to well-heeled shoppers who want and need more than what any coupe, sedan, or smaller SUV has to offer.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 Pickups

Compact Pickups In the market for a small pickup? Consumer Guide classifies 9 vehicles as compact-pickup trucks. Use our buying guide to check them all out.

Large Pickups The two top-selling vehicles in the nation are both full-size pickups. Are you in the market? Check out all your options with our buying guide.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 Minivans

Minivans Though the minivan might seem like an endangered species, there are still a handful of model-year 2010 vans that haven't yet succumbed to extinction.