Every year, many people’s favorite part of the Super Bowl are the commercials. Year after year, it seems like more and more automotive-related commercials are being aired. For 2012, the Super Bowl XLVI didn’t disappoint, with a range of funny car commercials. Check them all out below:

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Chevy Sonic “Stunt Anthem”

Hyundai Veloster Turbo – “Cheetah”

2012 Acura NSX – “Transactions” (Jerry Seinfeld)

Chevy Silverado – “2012″ (The one Ford asked Chevy not to air)

Cars.com – “Confident You”

2012 Honda CR-V – “Matthew’s Day Off” (aka “Honda’s Ferris Bueller Commericial”)

2012 Audi S7 – “Vampire Party”

2012 Toyota Camry – “It’s Reinvented”

Hyundai Genesis Coupe – “Think Fast”

2012 Kia Optima Big Game – “A Dream Car. For Real Life.”

Cadillac ATS – “Green Hell”

Suzuki Kizashi – “Sled” (with 50 Cent)

2013 Lexus GS – “Beast”

Fiat 500 Abarth – “Seduction”

Chrysler – “It’s Halftime in America”

2012 Volkswagen Beetle – “The Dog Strikes Back”

Bridgestone – “Performance Football”

2012 Toyota Camry – “Connections”

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The most expensive Audi ever has landed. Say hello to the Audi R8 GT Spyder. The GT Spyder is the latest iteration of Audi’s hit R8. Since its introduction in 2006, Audi has steadily cranked up the heat – and the price tag – on the R8.

First there was the 5.2 FSI V-10 model, then the V-10 Spyder, R8 GT Coupe and now the Spyder. The Coupe model was the most expensive Audi ever, coming in at just under the $200,000 mark. The R8 GT eclipses that, sailing over that barrier with a $210,000 price tag – a figure before taxes and a $1,700 destination fee. That puts the R8 GT Spyder in Lamborghini territory.

The Volkswagen Group clearly isn’t afraid of internal competition. Besides, Audi seems to be the golden child anyway. Entering into this territory means the R8 is no longer exclusively a “budget exotic.” That has an positive effect on the Audi brand. A key difference is that the R8 GT Spyder is a limited run model though – only 50 are destined for the United States, and 333 (curious number) overall.

The R8 GT Spyder carries over the same changes as the R8 GT Coupe. That means a V-10 engine putting out 560 horsepower and 393 pound feet of torque. That is up 35 hp over the standard V10. Coupled with a weight loss of 187 pounds (down from 220 pounds dropped by the coupe), performance is increased dramatically. A variety of measures was used to get to that level; carbon fiber components, lighter seats, windshield, carpeting – you name it. 0-62 mph arrives in 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 197 mph.

The Spyder is slower than the coupe, due to extra weight and reduced aerodynamic efficiency. The coupe hits 62 mph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed at 199 mph. The R8 GT Spyder will begin arriving at dealers anytime. No word on how many of the 50 examples are already spoken for.

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Enduring the ride that was the 2011 year for better or worse, we have now arrived in the new year of 2012. For the auto industry, 2011 has taken some auto companies on differing paths. For companies like Ford Motor Company, Hyundai and General Motors, their year ends with a series of successes leading to certain profitability at the end of 2011. Other automakers have gone into 2011 expecting a new beginning only to face what could be an ending. Swedish’s car company Saab could have a short-lived life beyond General Motors unless a solid financial rescuer comes to its aid. As automakers think shortly back to the 2011 year, seeking for top spot in the 2012 automobile market, some vehicles reflect clear winners for attracting the interests of rightfully demanding consumers.

While not necessarily dominating sales charts, the following new vehicles captured the mood of 2011 in automotive design and innovations:

Hyundai Veloster

Infusing their line-up with character, Hyundai first sought to attract an upscale clientele. Sculpting a reinvented brand perception with the Veracruz, Genesis and Equus, Hyundai’s focus on product development has worked from the top down. As the Hyundai Accent received a much-overdue redesign for the 2012 model year, observers noted the absence of the three-door hatchback version. Planning something sportier and unique, the Veloster came to life at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show projecting some deep personality from Hyundai.

Powered by a spunky 138-horsepower from a 1.6 liter Gamma powerplant, the Hyundai Veloster delivers pep along with excellent fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. Drivers could choose from an innovative 6-speed dual-clutch transmission or the more pleasuring 6-speed manual gearbox. Standard equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch LG touch screen stereo system with Pandora and Bluetooth connectivity meant the 2012 Hyundai Veloster had the ingredients to be an instant hot item at a $17,300 starting price. Officially launched in October, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster accumulated 7,096 in sales by the end of November.

For sale during only the final quarter of 2011, the Veloster has already received the attention of a young crowd looking for what hidden talent rests in the radical three-door vehicle. At the 2011 SEMA Show, several examples for modded out PM Lifestyle/UTI Veloster elevated Hyundai to a flashier world stage. A turbocharged production version of the three-door Hyundai Veloster in the near future should only allow the car to continue its quest to become a recognized pocket rocket from 2012 and beyond.

Lamborghini Aventador

Replacing the Murcielago, Italian sports car builder Lamborghini is pressured to improve upon 48 years of delivering dream rides. A supercar moved by 700-horsepower, the Aventador is the bull’s newest progression in Lamborghini’s heritage.

Built around a full carbon fiber monocoque, aluminum combines with the exterior construction of the Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4 ’s structure for an ultra-lightweight supercar. A driver and passenger step into the Aventador though the upward opening scissor doors that have become a Lamborghini staple. Rated to weigh just over 3,472 pounds, the all-new Lamborghini Aventador is in excess of 400 pounds lighter than the outgoing Murcielago. Mid-mounted in the Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4 is a 6.5 liter V-12 engine. Handling the 700 horsepower in a strategic manner is accomplished through an all-wheel drive system supplied by Haldex. Seven gears are arranged through a unique ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) transmission insuring quick, responsive movements through shifts. With 0 to 62-mile per hour acceleration runs occurring in a prompt 2.9 seconds, the Aventador LP-700-4 inspired launches into the roads of 2012.

Chevrolet Cruze

Accustomed to selling their compact sedans as bargain haulers, Chevrolet had devoted questionable dedication to the Cavalier and even the Cobalt. When the Chevrolet Cruze was launched in North America in late 2010, the sophisticated world sedan demonstrated we could expect greater things from the top General Motors brand in the smaller vehicle class.

Stylish without being overwhelming, the compact Cruze was welcomed by as many as 215,057 customers for the current year as of November 2011 (making it Chevrolet’s best-selling car and second only to the Silverado pickup in overall bowtie products sold in the year). A good reason for the positive reception of the Chevrolet Cruze rests in the fact the car does not represent the usually expected ‘corner-cutting’ in the development process. Ten airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with anti-lock braking and detail to noise reduction standard on all Cruze models recognizes the motorist deserves better from 2011 model year vehicles. Powered by the Ecotec family of engines, a 1.8 liter and turbocharged 1.4 liter provides an amply power range for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Propelled by one of two high efficiency power plants, the Cruze features robust power at a low cost of operations. For optimal fuel economy, the Cruze Eco version can go up to 42 miles per gallon when linked to the six-speed manual transmission.

As the Chevrolet Volt attracted all the press and Chevrolet’s Centennial was passionately celebrated with commemorative editions of the Camaro and Corvette, the Chevrolet Cruze sales success played an immediate role insuring their will be many more parties in honour of the brand.

Volkswagen Jetta

While the Chevrolet Cruze was accomplishing the act of bringing refinement to entry-level vehicles through minor overall price increases, the Volkswagen Jetta entered 2011 attempting to re-establish itself as an affordable small sedan. Extremely popular in North America from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s, the German car brand scared off some buyers when the Jetta steered into premium car pricing. Wanting increased sale volumes, Volkswagen redesign of the 6th generation Jetta sedan heavily involved making the a better value to North American car buyers.

Larger than the more expensive predecessor model, the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta took a more back-to-basics approach in engineering. Gone is the high-end materials and suspension system in favour of lower-cost, easier to produce components as the 2011 model year Jetta arrived for a retail price starting under $16,000. Designed to win over young families, the 2011 Jetta incorporated standard comfort and safety features including a 60/40 split rear seat as well as up to six airbags. The new Jetta is recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2012. Powered by the 2-liter and 2.5 liter gasoline engines, the 140-horsepower turbocharged clean diesel powerplant of the 2011 Jetta TDI delivers up to 42 miles per gallon fuel economy.

A vehicle created to boost Volkswagen‘s United States sales, the all-new Jetta sedan was a mission accomplished in the first 11 months of 2011 netting sales almost 59 percent higher than the 2010 pattern.

Audi A7 Sportback

Audi has tempted more luxury car buyers than ever with a flourishing line-up of technologically advanced upscale vehicles in 2011. The Audi A7 Sportback was introduced to the marketplace this year as the perfect conveyance of the brand’s drive for modern luxury and performance. Though the five-door represents a late arrival to an automotive category of unconventional sport coupes wearing more than two doors (i.e. Mercedes CLS-Class and Porsche Panamera), the Audi A7 Sportback blend of the new A6 sedan architecture into a radiant-looking creation. Composing of a combination of steel and aluminum, the 2012 model year A7 Sportback was launched in April to brisk sales that totalled to over 5,000 vehicles by the end of November. North American customers receive the supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 powerplant routed to the quattro drivetrain through an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. Seating for four passengers provides an individualized performance luxury feel. The Audi A7 Sportback’s MMI system with an available 15-speaker supplied by Bang & Olufsen and Audi connect solutions are some highlights in store for all occupants.

With the best yet to come from the unique coupe, the high-performance Audi S7 Sportback is due for the 2013 model year.

Information source: Audi AG, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., General Motors, Hyundai Motor America, VW Group

Photo source: Audi AG, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Chris Nagy

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Manuals are steadily disappearing from option lists, and it isn’t just on mainstream vehicles. Exotics and performance cars are increasingly ditching them too, mainly for dual-clutch gearboxes that offer improved efficiency and performance. Some among us just like to row gears for themselves though.

Some companies still offer them, such as Porsche, which just developed a new seven-speed manual for the 911. Porsche says it will continue to offer manuals for as long as they see a demand. CAR is reporting that the next-generation R8 will no longer offer a manual, as well as V-10 power later in its model cycle. A host of changes underneath the skin is in store for the car, which is expected to sport an evolutionary style update.

The manual transmission will be replaced by a new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox instead of the current six-speed sequential unit. To save weight em>CAR reports that the 2014 R8 will get a space frame made from a mixture of carbon fiber and aluminum elements. The current car has an all-aluminum space frame (ASF). That and other changes should be good for a weight savings of 220 pounds.

As for engine power, the naturally-aspirated V-8 of the current base car looks to carry over, as well as the V-10 for a few years into the model-cycle. It would get a power bump to 550 horsepower, and then get a mid-cycle enhancement would swap the V-10 out for the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 in the Audi S8 and Bentley Continental GT. As far as styling, don’t expect radical change, but the new R8 is said to ditch its “side blades.”

We hope the next-generation R8 exhibits a bit more elegance than the brash current car. We know it is something Audi is capable of designing, especially in their concepts. For most enthusiasts, the reported loss of a third-pedal on the R8 will be the most unwelcome change. There is a while between now and the next-generation car though, so anything can happen.

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Does the world need another crossover SUV? Audi thinks so, and they look to be adding a few new ones in their quest to unseat BMW. Like it or not, BMW seems to continually be in the driver’s seat of the luxury segment. Which is fitting because you know, they’re the Ultimate Driving Machine right?

BMW has steadily increased its lineup with X crossover vehicles, as well as the “out there” 5-Series Gran Turismo. Most of these (save for the Gran Turismo) have met sales success. Audi wants a piece of that pie. They intend to be the world’s largest premium manufacturer by 2015, another piece of the Volkswagen Group’s goal to be number one by 2018.

To be the world’s largest, Audi will need a diverse lineup. So, what’s next for the company that recently introduced new models like the like the A7 Sportback, A5 Sportback, Q3 and A1? A Q6 apparently, which will go head-to-head with BMW’s segment-blending X6. Q6 and X6 seems a little to close for comfort as far as monikers go, but we’ll let Audi’s planners determine that.

Most of the aforementioned models are for international markets only (at least for now), but the Q6 would be a global product. At the Bologna Auto Show, VW Group design head Walter de’Silva confirmed the new addition to the lineup.

“We will definitely launch a sportier crossover in between the Q7 and Q5,” said de’ Silva. Sources say the Q6 will be based on the hot-sellng Q5, but will feature a rakish roofline, aggressive design and performance slant. The Q6 isn’t the only crossover in the works though. Audi is also said to have an Q4 slated compete against – you guessed it – the BMW X4 that is confirmed to go on sale in 2014. Crossovers are where it’s at. In the United States, Audi only offers two at the moment: Q5 and Q7. You can count on that figure to increase in the near future.

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In the car industry, we hear a lot of talk about brand design languages. While in the past vehicles from a certain manufacturer might have varied wildly from car to car, lately manufacturers aim to present cohesive lineups that exhibit a core set of traits.

Volkswagen Group brands have taken this to heart in a big way. For instance, look at the commonality between VW and Audi designs lately. They look pretty similar, while other luxury brands that have volume counterparts it isn’t the case. For instance, Cadillac and General Motors vehicles share very little. While volume to luxury brand lookalikes are the most egregious, many want more differentiation within the luxury brand as well.

Audi in particular has gotten criticism for this, as the A4, A6 and A8 cars look strikingly similar. Thankfully, they are all very good looking. However, Audi appears to have taken this criticism to heart with a new plan that aims to increase styling differentiation between model lines.

Could this be a company wide effort? For instance, the Volkswagen Cross Coupe Concept at Tokyo shows off a different SUV-specific front end design for VW. It could be the start of things to come. Differentiation in styling at Audi begins with segmenting the lineup into three core groups; Audi cars, Q for Quattro SUVs and R sports cars. The result is AQR.

Via Autocar, Audi design director Stefan Sielaff says Audi has been listening: “We know that some people think our saloons look too alike and are well into a project to change that,” he says, “we will mainly do that with the proportions of those cars”. Audi sedans will have a more rakish, sloped front end while the Q SUVs will feature more upright grilles. In cars, the proportions and details will be different, getting different headlight shapes, body surfacing and details.

This should help make buyers of higher end sedans, like the A8, feel even more special than before. Audi’s strategy is one that has worked fantastically so far though, so its interesting to see them changing the formula. Certain things will still be the same though, and Audi says one thing that will never change is a cohesive brand look that is so important in the luxury market. We love Audi’s design, but we agree a little more differentiation would be nice. The changes sound pretty spot on to us; we’ll have to see how it turns out. No word on when she of the changes will start showing up, but Audi is said to be “deeply into” the project of defining its cars better.

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Audi’s first true high-performance supercar, the R8 birth for the 2008 model year became the German luxury car brand’s staple for quattro drive adrenaline. Generating 420 horsepower from a 4.2 liter V-8 engine, Audi added the 5.2 FSI V-10 in 2010 sending the R8 supercar’s performance to an even more depth-defying 525 horsepower. The 2012 model year release of the Audi R8 GT to the United States promptly announces the factory’s recognition for the supercar’s top performance potential.

As Audi recognizes the potential in their supercar, aftermarket tuners equally spot the distinguishing shape of the R8. Companies such as STaSIS, PPI Automotive Design and ABT have exercised their creative touches to the very hip Audi R8. A recent addition to a fruitful assortment of modified Audi R8 supercars is the Berlin company TC Concepts. Intent to stand out from the existing tuner riders, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique is an optimization of super supercar style and function. TC Concepts work on bringing an original l masterpiece to life consisted of producing a better-than stock Audi R8 for a reasonable price (reasonable of course being relative to a premium car marketplace).

Embellishing on the mid-engined supercar, TC Concepts developed a unique body kit to instantly define the R8 Toxique as something beyond a stock performance vehicle. Radically altering the front end appear by wrapping bodywork around the headlamps, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique further tweak includes eliminating the slotted intakes with opening covered using a mesh material. The body kit also enhances the Audi R8 supercar’s width appearance, one notable side detail on the TC Concepts car is the cancelling out of the Audi R8 coupe’s accent panels behind the passenger doors. Appearing more like the R8 Spyder, deeper side air intakes are a major design feature detailing the TC Concepts R8 Toxique. Completing several body modifications at the rear side, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique borrows inspiration from the Audi’s GT racing machines adding an aggressive rear diffuser and carbon fiber rear wing.

For the wheels, TC Concepts applies their own styling initiative to create a profoundly attractive performance car appearance. The TC Concepts Parle wheels feature a 7-spoke design with 20-inch diameter rims on the front and 21-inch wheels on the rear of the R8 Toxique. Aftermarket chassis product maker H&R outfitted the TC Concepts R8 Toxique with high-performing brakes on an overall lowered suspension.

TC Concepts styling enthusiasm continues from the outside to the Audi R8 interior. Stretching the bounds of genuine carbon fiber components, dashboard and numerous other surfaces in the TC Concepts R8 Toxique are unmistakeably motorsports inspired. As fine velour carpets line the cabin floor, Alcantara material is generously used on the roof as well as the R8 Toxique’s interior A and B pillars. Driver and passenger inside the TC Concepts R8 Toxique rest inside Bentley Beluga-Nero leather seats accented by the tuner company logos.

Based around the Audi R8’s smaller 4.2 liter V-8 engine, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique merely enhances the performance production arriving from the German automaker. Despite, receiving substantial exterior and interior design modifications, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique settles with a only some subtle improvements within the engine compartment. The biggest enhancement provided to the 4.2 liter engine was the BMC sports air filter kit/ Adding engine software reprogramming, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique’s mid-mounted V-8 powerplant pumps out 440 horsepower. Producing 20 horsepower more than a standard Audi R8 V-8 coupe, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique utilizes a special stainless steel exhaust configuration to conduct a distinct “Earthquake thunder” sound.

Vowing to produce products with a sizeable “performance/price ratio”, the TC Concepts R8 Toxique is the latest effort from the Berlin tuning house has been previously imprinted on Porsches, Chevrolet Corvettes and even Bentley cars.

Information and photo source: TC Concepts

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The Audi TT made waves due to its unique styling when it debuted, but it was never known for shocking performance. With the second-generation car, the Audi TT has grown up a lot from the original, benign Volkswagen Golf/New Beetle based car.

Yes it has remained front-wheel drive and on an updated version of the same platform, but the TT has seen added investment that moved it upmarket quite a bit. The TT has pushed the performance envelope much more than ever before. Witness the $56,850 TT-RS that fans were clamoring to be brought over to the United States. Indeed, the entire Audi brand has increasingly put more of an emphasis on performance, and we’re glad to see it.

Auto Express reports that the next chapter of the TT story could be beginning soon, with a third-generation model shown at the Tokyo Auto Show. We’ve already seen Audi’s wares at the show in the form of the A1 Sportback, but this is the first we’ve heard of a new TT.

Rather than a production car, we think its more likely that Audi will show a preview concept of the next TT. Auto Express didn’t specify which it was, but they did shed some light on the next-generation car.

They say the TT will continue its move upmarket, to make room for the oft-rumored small mid-engined roadster (R4). That means ditching the car’s Golf underpinnings for a new a new platform that “is expected to feature an advanced mixed of steel and aluminum.” The reorganized pecking order would go something like this: R8, TT and R4 (or whatever it will be called).

AE has commissioned a rendering of the rear of the car, and we like what we see – a lot. It be a big surprise if Audi revealed the production version out of the blue – we’ll find out soon enough what’s up (if anything) when the Tokyo Motor Show begins November 30th.

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The Audi A1 has been a key element of Audi’s international expansion plans. Sales of the car have been brisk around the world, especially in Audi’s home market of Germany. While rival BMW has an entry-level brand in the form of MINI, it is set to take the A1 on itself with the production i3.

So far, Audi has decided not to make the car available in the United States, sticking with the slow-selling A3 hatchback as its smallest offering. MINI has pretty much been the only successful mini car in the U.S, leading them to conclude it isn’t worth it.

A new five-door Sportback model has been released hat should help significantly expand the A1′s appeal around the world – and here in the U.S if it was offered. In fact, Audi expects the A1 five-door to eventually account for 70 percent of A1 sales. Most people want the added practicality of a four-doors.

A few years ago, we wouldn’t have thought the A1 wouldn’t have sold well here in the U.S. Today, the equation could be different. People want to be unique, and a small, fuel-efficient car with luxury features has more appeal than ever before. Interestingly, the A1 Sportback is exactly the same size as the three-door. It is however, wider and taller, by 6 millimeters.

How comfortable it would be in the back seat is debatable, but Audi is said to have increased rear legroom. Don’t expect to squeeze five people in to the car though: its a four seater, thank goodness. The A1 Sportback’s design and specifications list is unchanged versus the three-door A1, and the car goes on sale next spring. Take a look at the A1 Sportback in our gallery below and let us know if you think it should make the trip over to the U.S or not.

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Supplying 21st century with once-unobtainable access to a vehicle, a dizzying assortment of smartphone and tablet apps provides the driver with an out-of-car experience. Over the course of the past two years, virtually every automaker is now engaged with a brand-specific mobile application making their automotive products more accessible than ever before. Managing fuel consumption, connecting car breakdown cover companies or customizing a virtual car to the liking of a potential buyer, today’s merger of automotive and computer technology has spawned multiple apps worth highlighting.

OnStar RemoteLink

Developed as one of the early widespread adopters of vehicle telemetric technology, General Motors launched OnStar on 1997 model year Cadillacs. Becoming a technology that would be credited for saving lives in crashes and recovering vehicles through Stolen Vehicle Tracking, OnStar handed smartphone users their own free app designed to work in conjunction with existing plans.

Working on most Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles equipped with OnStar, their RemoteLink mobile app feeds real-time information including fuel tank contents, oil life and tire pressures. Also available on the OnStar RemoteLink app is the ability to remotely lock or unlock a vehicle from anywhere within phone signal. For Chevrolet Volts, the OnStar RemoteLink app allows the user to monitor battery capacity and dictate electric charging times. A new feature available through the OnStar RemoteLink app relates to navigation. A mobile app use of OnStar RemoteLink can refer a destination to the OnStar center and will receive directions immediately on an in-dash navigation system or through the OnStar Turn-by-Turn service.

Rolls-Royce Ghost App

While even this so-called entry level Rolls-Royce Ghost’s six-figure price tag is beyond the means of many motorists, an Apple app allows practically anyone to bask in the glow of excess glamour. Designed for use on the Apple iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad, the Rolls-Royce Ghost app operates as a sales tool for the lucky of us who can even consider the super-luxury sedan. Providing a photorealistic virtual model of exterior as well as interior surfaces that can be tailored to an assortment of available colours and materials, the magnificence of Royce-Royce’s Ghost sedan is obtainable for all in the app world.

BMW i DriveNow and MyCityWay

A bold undertaking for the Munich, Germany automaker BMW, their radical sub-brand will become an epicenter of innovation. Presenting distinctive electrified vehicles to the marketplace by 2013, BMW i is also involved in spearheading several indirect ventures. The mobile apps DriveNow and MyCityWay fit into the planning for rethinking the way people commute.

Operating only in Munich and Berlin at this time, DriveNow is a vehicle by-demand service that allows users to quickly rent a car. Similar to several drive-sharing services set up in major cities, the BMW i supported business of DriveNow uses the mobile app to direct customers to available BMW and MINI products. Drivers will be billed by the minute for vehicle usage through the service.

MyCityWay is a comprehensive mobile application providing a complete collection of information relating to specific city areas. Merging as many as 50 Apps or more, MyCityWay provides mobile users everything from locating the nearest public restroom to the hippest events in town. Transit, weather and traffic alerts are also part of this extensive mobile app intended to minimize time traveling between destinations. Available for 40 cities at the end of 2011 on continents in Asia, Europe and in the Americas, MyCityWay is preparing for greater expansion in the near future along with the DriveNow service.

Ford Mustang Customizer App

Introduced in mid-September, Ford conceived a fun and interactive way for the tech world’s young citizen to relate to a vehicle that caused such uproars in the mid-1960s. Appearing first as a web-based program for desktop and laptop computers, the Mustang Customizer experience has migrated to the an app available through iPhone and Android supported devices. Providing an assortment of exterior dress-up equipment, 2012 Ford Mustang products (including the Boss 302 edition) can be customized to countless colour and factory available accessories.

Audi Roadside Assistance App

Designed to work with Audi Roadside Assistance coverage packages, the new service app available on Apple iPhones, Android and select Blackberry phones is free for use by covered motorists. Providing expedited breakdown coverage, owners in need of jump-start, fuel delivery or tire repair will have help arrive even in hard to distinguished locations thanks to a phone’s GPS capability. A great companion with Audi’s breakdown insurance plans, the Audi Roadside Assistance App can also allow owners of the luxury brand vehicles find the closest service center.

MyFord Mobile App

Prepared for the upcoming Ford Focus Electric vehicle, the MyFord Mobile App was devised to help future owners navigate with their zero emissions lifestyle. Relaying information pivotal for allowing users to optimize the capacity of the lithium-ion battery pack, MyFord Mobile App provides a driver the ability to calculate routes in relations to the available battery power storage. Recording your recent driving, the MyFord Mobile App allows you to download your vehicle’s data. Users can also share ownership milestones over social media networks Twitter and Facebook. Other basic features presented through MyFord Mobile App also includes door lock/unlock capability as well as GPS location of the Ford Focus Electric vehicle.

Information and photo source: Audi AG, BMW, Ford Motor Company, General Motors

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Thanks to the evolutions in cell phones and the boom of mobile tablets, the current consumer marketplace expects a lot from a small package. Translating to automobiles, a new push by all car manufacturers sees the development of compact vehicles receiving the attention and focus once belonging to a crossover or exotic sports car. Upcoming government regulations and even the motivation of auto companies themselves have seen some impressive numbers coming from under 2-liter engines in recent model years.

For the 2012 model year, the following four engines are desirable four cylinders that no longer represents a compromise to motorists.

Hyundai Kappa Engine

Besides building up their influence on the North American marketplace, Hyundai is quickly gaining steam as a global automotive player beyond South Korean borders. Striding with the creation of the Tau V-8 utilized on the Genesis and Equus (a powerplant awarded in Ward’s list of the 10 Best engines of 2010), Hyundai’s gained mastery of engine technology was carried down to their entry-level four-cylinder power. Introducing the subcompact Hyundai i20 in 2008 for Asia and Europe, the four-cylinder Kappa engine would be the product of the equivalent of $421 million American investment into creating their most refined, small power unit.

Either 1.2 or 1.25 liter in engine displacement, Hyundai’s Kappa in-line four-cylinder engine incorporates many high quality touches including the use of aluminum and stainless steel. The Kappa’s aluminum engine block weighs less than other manufacturers in the compact car class. A double overhead cam powerplant, the valves in the upper area of Hyundai’s Kappa engine actuate with beehive-shaped springs providing lower friction. Also reducing resistance, Kappa powerplant piston rings and skirt are coated with a thin layer of anti-friction material.

Acting on reducing common consumer complaints that smaller, compact car engines are generally noisy and run with less finesse than larger powerplants, the Hyundai Kappa powerplant’s work for improving fuel economy also involves improvements for vibration as well as noise reduction. A new belt design and a silent-type timing chain insure driving the Hyundai i10 as well as i20 compacts is refreshingly subtle.

Audi 1.8 TFSI

Introduced as the new powerplant for the Audi A5 Coupe, a smaller 170-horsepower TFSI gasoline engine has been devised to meet stricter emission and fuel economy standard.

Turbocharged, Audi’s new for 2012 1.8-liter powerplant takes advantage of several measures to maximize efficiency. Weighing 289.91 pounds, the Audi 1.8 TFSI engine consists of high-strength alloy piston and a lightweight polymer oil pan. Uniquely, direct and indirect fuel injection is rushed into the four combustion chambers of the Audi A5’s 1.8-liter engine. The strategically placed fuel injectors guarantee a well-balanced air-fuel mixture that greatly reduces fuel economy. Said to produce 41.27 miles per gallon fuel consumption, Audi advertises the savings as a 21 percent improvement over the previous model Audi engine. A clean-operating powerplant, the new Audi 1.8 TFSI engine already applies with 2015 emission requirement for the Europe marketplace.

Assisting the Audi 1.8 TFSI engine’s smooth, optimum running condition, a fully electronic coolant regulation system is created for the four-cylinder unit. Bringing the Audi A5 Coupe’s new engine to ideal operating temperature as quickly as possible, the Audi 1.8 TFSI also incorporates oil-jet piston head cooling and key turbocharger parts capable of withstanding up to 980 degrees Celsius heat.

Mazda SkyActiv-G Engine

Rather than basing their company’s future on a hybrid and all-electric vehicle, Mazda is promoting their SkyActiv technology philosophy. Designing vehicles around lighter, more mechanically efficient components, the SkyActiv-G powerplant debuting to American in the 2012 Mazda3 is a pivotal item to the Japanese auto company’s upcoming fleet.

The 2-liter Mazda SkyActiv-G inline four-cylinder engine utilizes higher than average compression (12 to 1) for optimal thermal efficiency. Overcoming the common problem of engine knocking (a premature combustion of the engine’s cycle air-fuel mixture), Mazda engineers employed several features to combat the issue. Cavity pistons, multi hole fuel injectors and a special “4-2-1 exhaust system allows equipped models of the 2012 Mazda3 to greater, further performance. Compared to the standard Mazda 2-liter engine, the SkyActiv-G achieves fuel economy roughly 4 miles per gallon better on average. At the same time, the Mazda3 with SkyActiv contributes a modest 7 horsepower gain (155 horsepower total) over the base 2-liter powerplant.

Unlike many high compression engines, the SkyActiv-G engine can run at peak power on only regular unleaded gasoline.

Ford 2.0-liter Ecoboost

Establishing a technological edge in powertrain technology American automakers rarely accomplished with six-cylinder engines, the stir Ford has created with their Ecoboost technology compared to that of a Mustang GT 5-liter V-8 or their Escape Hybrid. Carrying over the lessons learned with the V-6 engine, Ford has downsized the Ecoboost technology with newly arriving four-cylinder vehicles.

Said to be the first global use of Ford Motor Company’s advanced engine technology, the 2.0-liter Ecoboost arrives to the United States in the 2012 model year on the Edge and Explorer crossover vehicles as well as the sport compact Ford Focus ST. Featuring the assistance of a single turbocharger, the 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine performance is maximized from the small displacement through gasoline direct injection and Ford’s TI-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) system. Bracing to provide North American road car buyers with near unthinkable performance from a four-cylinder engine, horsepower from the 2.0-liter Ecoboost will range between 240 to 247 horsepower. A stout performer, the 2.0-liter Ecoboost-equipped 2012 Ford Edge fuel economy is impressive with 21 miles per gallon city and 30 miles per gallon highway. While other competing crossover vehicles produce four-cylinder models capable of matching fuel consumption figure, the 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine achieves its goal while delivering between 50-70 horsepower more to the Ford Edge.

Information source: Audi AG, Hyundai Motors Ford Motor Company, Mazda Motor of America

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Audi introduced the R8 sports car at the Paris Auto Show in September 2006. Since then it has found a place in the hearts of enthusiasts, helping to start a performance revolution at Audi. Truly a more affordable (although not affordable enough for most of us, unfortunately) exotic, the R8 is mid-engined and shares a platform with the Lamborghini Gallardo.

Over the years we’ve seen the R8 creep farther upmarket with new models, such as the Spyder and addition of a V-10 engine model. The lightweight and high performance R8 GT also comes up right against the $200,000 barrier. The next-generation version of the car is scheduled to arrive in 2014, and Audi’s chief engineer Michael Dick has revealed some of Audi’s plans to German magazine Automobilwoche.

Between now and 2014, a facelift will arrive to keep the car fresh. We like the way the R8 looks but it has never been known for its beauty. Hopefully the facelift will smoothen things out and make it more svelte. The facelift isn’t here yet, but Audi is already looking forward to the next-generation car, and carbon fiber looks to play an important role.

Over at Lamborghini, carbon fiber serves as a core part of its new brand ethos. Use of the material was highlighted in the Sesto Elemento Concept, which is Italian for sixth element. Given that Audi shares a platform with the Gallardo, Lamborghini’s efforts will trickle down to Audi. Michael Dick says the R8 will be the “lightest in its segment” (we aren’t really sure what segment he is referring to…..) due to a heavy use of aluminum and carbon fiber in the car’s platform.

The changes will result in a next-generation R8 that sheds 220 pounds over its predecessor. That is a significant figure. All the while, torsional rigidity will increase by 30%. Such are the benefits of carbon fiber. The use of these materials is expensive however. Hopefully the R8′s price tag won’t go up to match. We doubt it will though, as it would infringe on Lamborghini’s territory. Audi has an important place at the Volkswagen Group though so you never know.

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Ford Start Concept

Designed by Ford’s California-based design offices this Ka-sized city car is powered by a 1.0-litre 1.0 litre turbocharged and direct-injected engine. The ‘EcoBoost’ engine offers the same performance as 1.6 litre engine, but produces less than 100g/km of CO2 emissions.

Arcimoto Green Concept Car

The Arcimoto Green Concept car takes its inspiration from the bicycle. Designed with two wheels at the front and just one at the back, the car is extremely light and as such uses much less battery power than other battery cars giving it a longer range of up to 160 miles per charge.

Phoenix Roadster

Made from bamboo and rattan roadster the Phoenix Roadster is the world’s first biodegradable car. Created by product designers Kenneth Cobonpue and Albrecht Birkner the Phoenix’s biodegradable skin is designed to last at least 5 years, the average length of time most people keep a car.

VW Bulli

The Bulli is an all-electric concept inspired by the Classic VW Camper. This zero-emissions vehicle has a driving range of around 184 miles and a 0 to 60 time of 11 seconds. With rear seats that fold flat to make a bed, all you need is then is your sleeping bag and a surfboard.

Peugeot SXC

The SXC (Shanghai Cross Concept) is a hybrid crossover powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine at the front and an 95bhp electric motor at the rear giving a combined 48.7mpg and emitting 143g/km of CO2. Whilst not the most impressive figures, do bare in mind this thing is bigger than a BMW X5.

Neora

The Neora Concept, from Taiwanese electric car maker Luxgen, is powered a 241 hp motor and is capable of travelling 400 km when fully charged. The Neora has a top speed of 250 km/h and features unique LED lights and an infotainment system from smartphone manufacturer HTC.

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is the electric car maker’s second car. Tesla refer to the concept car as a ‘beta car’ meaning is almost ready car for production. The Model S supports DC fast charging, giving the car an extra 300 miles of range with just a 1 hour charge.

KTM E3W

The KTM E3W is an electric two-seater three-wheeled concept car powered by a 15kW electric motor with a range of up to 60 miles. To keep weight to a minimum the car has a plastic body and to make getting in and out easier the E3W has super cool scissor doors.

VELV

The VELV concept from PSA Peugeot Citroen is a 100% electric car with a 27-horsepower electric motor and a top speed of 68 mph. Capable of 62 miles when fully charged the VELV has aerodynamic styling, gull-wing windows and a peculiarly narrow backend.

Hyundai Blue2

The hydrogen-powered Blue2 hybrid from Hyundai produces an impressive 90 kW of power and is capable of 82 mpg. The car also feature automatic opening doors opening system, cameras instead of mirrors and even LED screens instead of number plates.

Opel One Euro

The One Euro concept from Opel is so called because of its ability to travel 100 kilometres for just one euro. This clever little car is a tandem two-seater, meaning that the passenger sits behind the driver, and has a range of just over 60 miles and a top speed of 75 mph.

MUTE

The MUTE is a prototype lightweight electric vehicle from Munich’s University of Technology. The car features a 15kW engine powered by a 10kW Lithium Ion battery and a 4kW Zinc-Air range extender; where zinc reacts with air producing a chemical reaction that results in electricity.

Jaguar C-X16

The Jaguar C-X16, is a super sexy concept from Jaguar. The hybrid coupe features a kinetic energy recovery system like that found in Formula 1 cars, where energy expended during breaking is stored for later use. One press of the C-X16′s push-to-pass button and the car will get a boost of power without using any extra fuel or emitting any harmful gases.

Audi Urban Concept

The Audi Urban Concept is another tandem car, with space for a single passenger behind the driver. Powered by two electric motors, with a combined 20bhp, the Urban Concept weighs less than half an average car and can be charged from a domestic socket in just one hour.

VW NILS EV

The Volkswagen NILS EV is a single seater featuring in-wheel motors powered by a lithium ion battery. This tiny, lightweight concept is made from aluminium and polycarbonate, weighs just 1014 pounds and has a top speed of 81 miles per hour.

This green car concepts post was brought to you by the team at carrentals.co.uk, a car hire comparison site from within the UK.

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Since Thomas Edison perfected the electronic light bulb over 130 years ago, our ability of creating artificial illumination has brightened up the coldness of night. An evolution especially important as the automobile progressed, vehicle lighting has taken strides in becoming brighter and more efficient. At first existing as clumsy lanterns, electric lighting quickly emerged in the time of the motor vehicle reach global acceptance. From tungsten to halogen headlight bulbs, the recent phase apparent is HID (High Intensity Discharge) which uses xenon gas to bring a near perfect white light to the road at about one-third of the power needed for a halogen setup. However, as HID headlamps are coming of age, a new challenge coming from full LED lighting systems (equipped on the Audi A8). Appearing that a competition between HID and LED headlamps is now foreseen on the horizon, a future automotive lighting solution could be found in lasers.

Sounding like something from a space fiction movie, two auto companies ahead of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show flooded the idea of super-powered vehicle lighting. BMW as well as Audi debuted concept cars expressing, among many potential design and technology themes, laser-based lighting.

Creating a more stir with their BMW i division, the Stuttgart-based automotive powerhouse BMW brought the upcoming brand’s concept vehicles to Frankfurt exhibition. Displaying the i3 and i8 concept cars, the latter BMW design incorporates the shining innovation of laser diode headlamps. Embodied in a styling reminiscent of BMW design DNA and the new electrified vehicle image the German auto manufacturer seeks to advertise, the laser lights projected a blue aura of 1700 lumens. While producing a light as much as a thousand times brighter than a LED, the BMW i8 Concept’s laser headlamp layout claims to operate with under one-half the energy of a comparable LED setup.

While the BMW i concept car lured much of the attention by projecting a future where laser diodes will be trusted upon for primary lighting, Audi’s A2 Concept also presented the advantages of laser illumination. Part of the electrified concept car’s comprehensive range of lighting, the Audi A2 show vehicle features a rear fog light consisting of laser diodes. Perhaps lost in the flowing arrangement of LEDs on the Audi concept car, the red triangle lit by laser-produced was promoted as a powerful warning light for following vehicles.

In concept form on the BMW i8 and Audi A2 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the first major automotive display of laser lighting could pose a road to production that far exceeds the projection of brightness. A major task guaranteeing the widespread application of laser diode lighting rests in calming public perception behind this particular kind of artificially generated light. The reckless uses of certain lasers have made fears the radical headlight beams can cause harm to those exposed. On the system exhibited on the BMW i8 Concept, the auto company quickly pacifies safety concerns by insuring that the pure laser light is not emitted from the headlight system. When the laser light is created, a fluorescent phosphor material processes the brightness into a safe, usable light for the road.

Another challenge in the United States has been the relatively slow adaptation of new technology compared to other world markets. As Asian and European countries allowed the aerodynamic glass and plastic covering over headlights since the 1960s, United States automotive safety bodies rejected the intentions to bring the more stylistic illumination solution. It was not until 1983 when the US Department of Transportation finally permitted automakers to depart from the traditional sealed beam light bulbs. Later in 1997, the first American car to feature HID headlights was Lincoln Mark VIII came 7 years after BMW’s debut of the lighting solution on European 7 Series.

Converting dark into light, the importance of recognizing the best in automotive illumination will ultimately favour the everyday motorist once the conceptual stage is traveled. It will be seen if laser diode lighting will throw light on the roadways of the future.

Information and photo source: Audi AG, BMW

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Here in America, most of us agree on the state of our highways and infrastructure; they are in need of investment and repair. Audi is using statistics on this issue in an advertisement promoting its new A6 sedan. The state of American roads, and drivers, is painted in a negative light to reinforce an image that the A6 is the intelligent, safe choice. It is all part of Audi’s positioning as “new luxury.” We can’t say we don’t agree with its conclusions, however the source its coming from; German manufacturer Audi, may make the ad more controversial.

Based on sales figures, Americans love German cars; particularly luxury vehicles. Sometimes being German made is worn as a badge of honor to represent solid, well-handling vehicles. There is a flip-side though, as some view that tag with negative connotations, like expensive to fix and poor reliability.

What can’t be disputed though is that in a country such as Germany, the roads are maintained much better, and driving standards are more strict. They have to be – potholes at 150 mph on the Autobahn could be catastrophic. And who wants people who don’t know what they are doing blasting down the road at those speeds? To maintain those kind of roads though, taxes are higher at every level – including at the pump. Its a question of trade-offs. One thing is sure though, we love America – with all its faults. Check the ad out below and let us know what you think of it in the comments section.

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