Chevrolet Tahoe 2015 : More Photos

General Motors says that "nearly one of two full-size SUVs sold in Texas is a Texas-built Chevy." It's no wonder then that the automaker chose the 2013 State Fair of Texas to showcase its new Arlington-built Tahoe.

The Tahoe enters its fifth generation with sportier styling and a more upscale interior. Check out the gallery of the redesigned SUV below. Click to enlarge; Cars.com photos by Evan Sears.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

Vital Stats

Engine:

Twin-Turbo 6.0L V12

Power:

621 HP / 738 LB-FT

Transmission:

5-Speed Auto

0-60 Time:

4.3 Seconds

Top Speed:

186 MPH

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight:

5,027 LBS

Seating:

2+2

MPG:

12 City / 18 HWY

Base Price:

$214,105

Rather than fuss with the seemingly pedestrian, entry-levelMercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic, starting at just $116,205, we recently straightened our tie and climbed right into the burly flagship at the other end of the CL-Class range – the most exclusive entry behind the velvet ropes that goes by the name CL65 AMG.

With a price of $214,105, the bad-boy of big Benzes soars in rarified air – the same stratosphere occupied by Aston Martin and Bentley. Like the S65 AMG, its sedan sibling, the coupe is fitted with a handcrafted 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 that delivers 621 horsepower and a mind-boggling 738 pound-feet of torque. Mirroring the sedan, the CL65 is also equipped with the automaker's robust five-speed "AMG Speedshift" automatic transmission sending power to just the rear wheels. Loaded with nearly every option in the automaker's arsenal, but all fitted as standard equipment, the four-place cabin is a cocoon that keeps its occupants isolated from the outside world while coddling them with the world's finest upholstery and trim. The CL65 AMG is elegant, spectacular and very exclusive.

Driving Notes

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The V12 engine provides thrust levels that are more common to small jets. Despite the large displacement, there is slight turbo lag as the turbochargers build up their 22 psi of boost. Once pressure hits, a fraction of a second later, the driver plays spectator to a ferocious battle between the engine and electronic traction control system as the 4,940-pound coupe launches to 60 miles per hour in about 4.2 seconds. Triple digits on the electronic display arrive effortlessly and its passing power leaves everyone giggling. The engineers have restricted its terminal velocity to only 186 mph, apparently to prevent it from going into orbit.
Mercedes calls the CL65's Active Body Control (ABC) underpinnings "arguably the most advanced suspension in production" as its hydraulic systems actively control squat, roll, vibration, pitch and dive during maneuvers - it even mitigates the effects of crosswinds. Despite its AMG-calibration, and a near lack of body roll, the suspension never felt harsh or rough. Truth be told, it was actually much softer and more comfortable than we had expected it to be.
Twin-sliding front calipers, over 15.4-inch perforated rotors (the holes are cast in place), provide confident levels of stopping power and look great inside the forged 20-inch wheels. The high-performance tires are 255/35R20 front and 275/35R20 rear, with wide contact patches that contribute to stability. Those meaty rubbers are needed to keep the heavy coupe planted on the pavement, but noise from the tires annoyingly permeates the cabin on certain road surfaces.
Four adults will fit comfortably inside the CL65 AMG. Front passengers have an enormous amount of room to stretch out, but backseat passengers will need those up front to move forward a bit for the most comfortable accommodations. We marveled at the fit and finish, but would pass on the slick steering wheel and gloss black trim in favor of carbon fiber or wood.

The CL65 AMG feels more athletic and slightly more nimble than the strapping Bentley Continental GT, but not as agile and spry as the smaller and lighter Aston Martin DB9. The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a better four-passenger vehicle than both of its competitors, but its discreet badging may not warrant the same attention from an ignorant valet - lest it be confused with a visually similar CL550 – possibly damaging a fragile ego.

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VW 2.0T engine raised to 210 hp, offered in Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI

Volkswagen has pushed up the power for the new half-model year. For 2013.5 (yep, this isn't a 2013 and it's not quite a 2014), the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine offered in the Beetle Turbo, Beetle Turbo Convertible and Jetta GLI now makes 210 horsepower, an increase of 10 ponies over the previous version of the long-running engine. Torque remains unchanged at 207 pound-feet.

According to VW, the Beetle Turbo can accelerate from 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, which is a .2-second improvement over the previous car. The Jetta GLI does the run to 60 in 6.7 seconds, according to the automaker. Those worried about economy will be pleased to know that the increase in performance extends to the pump – VW claims increases of four to eight percent in city and combined fuel economy.

The Beetle Turbo is fitted with new R Line bumpers for 2013.5; a separate R Line package that includes the new bumpers, a diffuser at the rear, 19-inch Tornado wheels and badging inside and out will start at $30,135. Meanwhile, the Jetta GLI gets LED taillamps, and the automaker isn't mentioning any increase in price. Want to know more? Click on the lone image above to enlarge, then scroll down below for the press release.

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VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE TURBO AND JETTA GLI RECEIVE POWER BOOST
The 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI® engine in the 2013 Beetle Turbo, Beetle Turbo Convertible, and Jetta GLI is now rated at 210 horsepower

- New EA888 Gen 3 engine, produced in Silao, Mexico, makes its U.S. debut
- Engine offers 10 hp increase over previous Gen 2 powerplant
- Beetle models have a manufacturer estimated fuel economy improvement of up to eight percent on the combined cycle
- Beetle R-Line® coupe will be priced from $30,135 with the six-speed manual transmission

Herndon, VA – The Volkswagen Beetle Turbo, Beetle Turbo Convertible, and the Jetta GLI
receive a number of running changes to 2013 model year cars that go on sale this month. The
most notable of these is fitment of a new version of the award-winning EA888 2.0-liter
turbocharged and direct-injected TSI® engine. This is being produced in a new factory in
Silao, Mexico, that is part of Volkswagen's ongoing $5 billion investment in the North
American market.

The new engine makes 210 horsepower, an increase of 10 hp over the previous Gen 2 TSI
engine. Peak power is generated 200 revs higher in the engine range, at 5300 rpm, and
torque remains unchanged at 207 pound-feet. Thus equipped, the Beetle Turbo coupe takes
6.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, 0.2 seconds less than the previous version: At
6.7 seconds, the Jetta GLI is a tenth faster with the manual transmission and two tenths
quicker with the DSG® dual-clutch automatic than the cars equipped with the Gen 2 engine.

As well as providing more performance, the new engine also gives a manufacturer-estimated
improvement in fuel efficiency for the Beetle models of between four and eight percent on the
combined cycle and by up to nine percent on the city cycle.

The EA888 Gen 3 engine is designed to be lighter and more fuel efficient than the unit it
replaces. Engine weight has been reduced by eight pounds, to 290 pounds overall. Among the
improvements on this engine are: a thinwall crankcase casting; exhaust headers that are
integrated into the cylinder head; smaller diameter main bearings; roller bearings for the twin
balancer shafts; and a crankshaft that has four counterweights instead of eight.

As well as getting the new engine, the Beetle Turbo and Beetle Turbo Convertible both receive
new R-Line bumpers; these feature grained black surfaces and chrome-framed turn signals at
the front and a diffuser at the rear. The Jetta GLI is also upgraded with LED taillights on all
three trims.

The Beetle Turbo R-Line model, which is also fitted with the new 210-hp engine, appears in
dealerships at the same time, replacing the Beetle Turbo with Sunroof, Sound, and
Navigation. Externally, the R-Line model is differentiated by the more aggressive front and rear
bumpers, 19-inch "Tornado" aluminum-alloy wheels, R-Line badging, and Bi-Xenon headlights
with LED DRLs.

Inside, the R-Line model features custom stainless-steel kickplates, a steering wheel badge,
and a unique "chrome vanadium" dashboard panel. The base price for the Beetle Turbo R-
Line will be $30,135 when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of
America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen
AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include
research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales,
marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing
facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest
producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle
Convertible, Eos, Golf, Golf R, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg,
and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers.

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2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 Bluetec gets 33 mpg, priced from $38,950

It's been more than a year since we first saw the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK250 Bluetec unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show, but it looks like the compact diesel crossover is finally starting to roll into dealerships. Those wanting to buy a diesel GLK will only have to pony up an extra $1,500 over a base, gas-powered GLK350, as the GLK250's starting price is listed at $38,590 (*not including $905 destination charge).

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The turbocharged 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel produces 200 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, andMercedes-Benz has also provided some fuel economy numbers for this model, with claimed EPA estimates of 24 miles per gallon city and 33 mpg highway. There is no listing for the GLK250 on the EPA's website yet, but the figures represent significant increase over the GLK350's lackluster 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway figures, which are for the rear-wheel drive model. The GLK250 comes standard with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system – a $2,000 option on GLK350 – meaning that if you want an all-wheel-drive version of the 2013 GLK, it's actually cheaper to opt for the diesel model. Head over to the Mercedes-Benz site for the full 2013 GLK-Class configurator
.

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2013 Honda Fit Sport

Engine:

1.5L I4

Power:

117 HP / 106 LB-FT

Transmission:

5-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain:

Front-Wheel Drive

Curb Weight:

2,577 LBS

Seating:

2+3

Cargo:

20.6 / 57.3 CU FT

MPG:

28 City / 33 HWY

Base Price:

$17,160

As-Tested Price:

$20,570

The current Honda Fit has been around the block a few times. The subcompact hatch has soldiered on without significant revision since its first update for US customers in 2009, and while Honda is on the verge of launching a third generation, we thought we'd take the time to see how the runabout stacks up against the new wave of small, efficient and plucky five-doors now on the American market. Those include old standbys like the Nissan Versa andToyota Yaris, as well as relative newcomers like the Chevrolet Sonic and Ford Fiesta.

Those machines may have all covered ground on the Fit, but Honda's wee machine holds a pleasant surprise for those buyers still willing to give the car the time of day. While the rest of the Japanese automaker's lineup has succumbed to dreaded model bloat, the Fit has remained true to the spirit of Honda that we remember from our vagabond youths. This may very well still be the closest genetic ancestor to the Civic models of old.

Outside, the Fit Sport continues to wear its "I'm the meanest June Bug" looks with pride. The oversized, wedge-shaped headlamps and aggressive lower fascia help lend the design plenty of attitude up front, and our tester's 16-inch alloy wheels keep this Honda from looking like it was the cheapest thing on the lot. Still, with a massive windscreen, tall greenhouse and short wheelbase, the Fit Sport can't help but look over-inflated, but that's a criticism we could levy at nearly every other product in this segment as well.

--> The Sport body kit plays nicely with the Fit's attractive lines, which keep the aesthetics from turning too slab sided. Step around to the rear, and the subcompact serves up a surprising helping of angles, both in its number plate inset and with the hatch lines themselves. Sport guise also contributes a small rear diffuser and spoiler, and while the bits aren't fooling anyone into believing they actually deliver any major aerodynamic benefit, we appreciate the styling choice all the same.

Once you're indoors, the bulbous exterior starts to make more sense. The Fit Sport still delivers an impressive amount of headroom for passengers both front and rear. With 40.4 inches up front, the Fit bests the Sonic, Fiesta and Yaris. Only the Versa hatchback offers more space for your cranium, and only a smidge more at that with 40.6 inches (Nissan isn't offering a 2013 model year Versa hatchback; it's being replaced later this year by the 2014 Versa Note). Rear passengers, though, will find more headroom in the Honda than any of its competitors.

It's not just maximum cargo space where the Fit still wins, but also how those cubes are reconfigurable.

Some six years later, the plucky little five-door continues to be a packaging wonder. Its flat load floor helps deliver a surprising amount of cargo area with the rear bench folded – up to 57.3 cubic feet. That number is more than twice what the Fiesta delivers, bests the Sonic by 10 cubes and the Versa hatchback by nearly seven. In fact, it's more space than class-above competitors like the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra GT and Mazda3 hatchbacks. And it's not just maximum cargo space where the Fit still wins, but also how those cubes are reconfigurable to accept objects of various shape and size. The trick second-row seat bottoms flip up to provide more vertical cubes of stowage space than a car this size should allow, and the front passenger seat tilts all the way back to help accommodate objects up to seven-foot, nine-inches in length. For people who want maximum utility in the smallest, least expensive package possible, the Fit is king.

The Fit also delivers a refreshingly unfussy dash bereft of the smattering of screens or jigsaw assembly Honda seems enamored with as of late. Instead, the driver gets treated to a logical instrument cluster with simple, easy-to-read gauges. Our Sport tester came with an attractive steering wheel with a stitched and perforated cover. Redundant controls and paddle shifters are part of the package as well, but don't expect those paddles to do anything beyond look good. Click the hardware and the delay between shifts is long enough to write, publish and distribute your own novella.

If the rest of the segment has made up ground on the Fit anywhere, it's underhood.

That's not to say we're in love with everything indoors. The infotainment system is showing its age in a big way, with pixelated graphics and slow response times between input and execution. We've seen gas station fuel pumps with more sophisticated interfaces. And while the seats are both supportive and comfy, the cloth material is nearly impossible to keep clean with thousands of little pockets to trap lint and other detritus of modern life. Still, those are small complaints for a car with this many years on its bones.

Under the hood, you'll find the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque, and our tester marries the mill with a five-speed automatic transmission. If the rest of the segment has made up ground on the Fit anywhere, it's here. Chevrolet will gladly sell you a Sonic with a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder good for 128 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, and when paired with a six-speed automatic, the combination is good for 27 miles per gallon city and 37 mpg highway. Throw a manual six-speed in there and those figures climb to 29 and 40.



For comparison, the Fit can only manage 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway regardless of the transmission choice, and while the Sonic weighs in a full 200 pounds more than the Fit, the Chevrolet feels markedly more confident on the road. Likewise, the Fiesta delivers an Environmental Protection Agency-rated 29 mpg city and 33 mpg combined with a few extra ponies over the Fit.

You can a have a plethora of fun before you get anywhere near the limits of the vehicle or the law.

That said, the Fit is a shockingly enjoyable car to drive. Getting anywhere with any speed requires a certain familiarity with the engine's upper octaves, but like most Honda four-cylinders, the 1.5 loves to be wound out. Let the variable valve timing system do its magic and the engine does its best to come alive. But the real pleasure is in the vehicle's light weight and nimble feel, excellent suspension tuning and capable brakes. You can a have a plethora of fun in this machine before you get anywhere near the limits of the vehicle or the law. What's more, it doesn't take any work to hit those EPA figures, something we can't necessarily say for its competitors. We saw over 31 mpg even with a fair slice of hammering.

In this way, the Fit can't help but feel like a carbon copy of the Civics of old. This car is perhaps the last in the Honda stable that can follow its footsteps right back to the EF and EG generations, and it feels great for it. It also pulls at those heartstrings that are still tender for the Honda we've lost.



On the highway, the Fit is as quiet as any of its competitors and feels stable at speed. Though it may take some time to reach traveling speed, the driveline doesn't seem harried or out of breath at 70 miles per hour. As such, we could easily see covering four hours or so of roadway without wanting to feed our faces to a wood chipper. That's more than we can say for the Nissan Versa.

We have to tip our hat to the Fit for staying as sharp as it has for so long.

Make no mistake, the Chevrolet Sonic with the optional turbo engine is by far more entertaining to toss around, and it isn't as if opting for the more powerful engine will break the bank. Chevrolet asks just $700 to step up to the turbo in LT trim. Our Fit tester clicked up to just $20,580 with a $790 destination fee, complete with navigation, a six-speaker stereo and Bluetooth capability, which puts it neck and neck with its competitive set.

We have to tip our hat to the Fit for staying as sharp as it has for so long. While you can have more fun and get better EPA numbers out of some other players in this neck of the woods, the smallest of the Honda family still offers unbeatable interior space and an excellent drive. At the end of the day, this car is still far from the back of the pack and can hold its head high among much fresher metal.

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