The Super Bowl might be long gone, but our impressions of the all-new 2013 Lexus GS will continue to be known. The new GS incorporates bold, dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology and a spacious interior. After spending time behind the wheel of the new GS in Las Vegas we can tell you with certainty that this is a new beginning for Lexus combined with a rich heritage of building superb luxury vehicles. We even had the chance to learn more about driving the auto cross and took a ride with pro driver Scott Pruett to see how it’s done by the experts.

Believe it when Lexus told us that, “The new GS conveys an enhanced sense of confidence to the driver with a redesigned chassis and a wide, strong stance that inspires and rewards driver participation with crisp and precise handling. Engineers developed a more spacious interior environment while leaving exterior dimensions virtually unchanged to ensure excellent maneuverability. Richly endowed with world-class features and premium details, the new GS is supported by advanced, performance technology that makes it more than just a luxury car.”

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The Nissan Pathfinder has been one of the mainstays in the SUV category for many years, so we were looking forward to testing the 2012 Pathfinder LE 4X4. The Brilliant Silver exterior paint looked nice and clean when we first took the test model, but that changed quickly during January while driving in the Midwest.

Exterior
There is no mistaking a Pathfinder on the road with its iconic exterior design and the combination of the unique combination of sophistication and rugged go-anywhere looks. The angled strut-style grille with her large headlamps lets you know the Pathfinder is coming well in advance. Our test model included fog lights, dual-power heated side-view mirrors, chrome-surround mesh grille, roof rails with crossbars, side-running boards and splash guards. We agree with Nissan that “a sweeping hood hints at the power underneath, while Pathfinder’s broad shoulder line, large integrated fender flares covering purposeful wheel and tire combinations and distinctive C-pillar with high-mounted rear door handles reinforce the distinctive Pathfinder appearance.”

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We were at the Las Vegas Speedway with writers and journalists for our opportunity to drive the all-new 2013 Lexus GS and experience the Supercar Lexus LFA. The weather was incredible in the mid 60’s and not a cloud in the sky. There has been quite a buzz around the new Lexus GS and we wanted to see what Lexus was able to accomplish after delivering some of the best luxury sports sedans for decades. Once we arrived at the Speedway, there was some time to check out the new 2013 GS before we hit the auto cross and race track. The new front grille is simply gorgeous and tough in the same breath and will surely make a statement when on the road.

This is a very aggressive design by Lexus and we agree with their claim that, “distinguished by the elegant beauty of its aerodynamic body, the precisely sculpted exterior of the all-new Lexus GS luxury sport sedan glows with aggressive performance and precision handling. Powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, putting 306 horsepower to the pavement, the four-cam, four valve per cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) propels the 2013 GS 350 from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, equipped with paddle shifters, offers four driving modes: Normal, ECO, SPORT S, and SPORT S+. An optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is designed to enhance traction in a variety of driving conditions.” The cockpit of the new GS is buit for the inspired driver, while a horizontal-themed instrument panel emphasizes spaciousness through its wide layout. Equal attention has been paid to maximizing space for rear passengers, with generous headroom, legroom, knee room and foot space.

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A two-seater Mini Cooper has arrived and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Bullz-Eye had the opportunity to test a 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe for a week and we had a blast.

Exterior
When you first take a look at the 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe, it’s clear that you are looking at a Mini, but the appearance of the S Coupe is both striking and eye opening. Our Chili Red paint looked incredible and the unique body design makes quite a statement. Per the company, “The Mini Coupe is the brand’s first model to adopt a three-box body structure with a strikingly stepped rear end. Its distinctive lines are expressed in the customary Mini design language and combine with unmistakable styling features. All of which accurately showcases both the new model’s distinctive characteristics and its brand identity. Its flat silhouette and innovative steel “helmet roof” lend the Mini Coupe a sporty and individual allure. In addition to the integral roof spoiler, an active rear spoiler optimizes airflow at higher speeds.”

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We were present at the second day of the North American Auto Show for the Buick Press Conference where the event started with Buick VP Mary Barra speaking about the Buick comeback that started with the Enclave launch five years ago. The Buick Achievers Scholarship program has the Buick brand more involved than ever at college campuses throughout the U.S. The crowd was then introduced to the stylish 2013 Buick Encore, which is a graceful five-passenger compact luxury crossover that features the first use of QuietTuning active noise cancellation technology in any Buick automobile.

Buick is really targeting folks with an active lifestyle that also want a contemporary package with a smooth and quite ride. The Encore interior rivals much more expensive competitors and a flat load floor for various storage options. With OnStar, all-wheel drive and intellink, the 2013 Buick Encore is going to be safe and forward-looking in regards to driver safety. It’s clear that Buick is attracting younger and progressive buyers with the Regal and Verano, so when you add the Encore into the Buick family, we anticipate sales to continue upwards in the coming years.

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Cadillac Vice President U.S. Marketing Don Butler (back) shows Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson the interior of the 2013 Cadillac ATS compact luxury sports sedan Monday, January 9, 2012 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Jeffrey Sauger for Cadillac)

Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow gets behind the wheel of a 2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS performance vehicle after it was unveiled Monday, January 9, 2012 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The Sonic RS features a 138-horsepower (103 kW) Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine — the only vehicle in its segment to offer a turbocharged powertrain. The Sonic RS goes on sale in late 2012. (Photo by John F. Martin for Chevrolet)

GM unveiled the 2013 Sonic RS with a lower and stiffer suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes and chrome tips. Also included are 17 inch wheels and a new front facia for a tough-looking interior. Additionally, the Sonic RS features a 138-horsepower (103 kW) Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine — the only vehicle in its segment to offer a turbocharged powertrain.

The Sonic RS has a great look and should add more sales to the Chevy brand. We’re very impressed in the way Chevy is targeting a younger audience with cutting edge designs at competitive prices. It will be released to the public in summer-fall 2012.

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Buick will reveal the 2012 Buick Verano at this years NAIAS and Bullz-Eye will be here to see it live. Check out the teaser ad on Buick’s YouTube Channel!

Bullz-Eye.com was invited to the 2013 Cadillac ATS presentation last night at the College for Creative Studies and we have to say that we walked away very impressed. The ATS is Cadillac’s answer to foreign automakers’ compact luxury sedans that have dominated this segment for many years. The ATS will launch this summer and Cadillac obviously has high hopes for the ATS as it will be competing in the largest segment of the luxury market, so the potential here is enormous. Along with a sleek and modern look, the ATS promises the desired performance from buyers in the compact luxury universe and that is partially because Cadillac looked at every material that went into the ATS and came away with a curb weight under 3400 lbs.

Depending on each individual buyer’s preference of the top fuel economy or all out power, you have a choice of three powertrains starting with a 200-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder that should produce over 30 mpg on the highway, a confident 270-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, or for those who want the power, there is a 318-hp 3.5-liter V6. Cadillac also went one step further by offering a manual transmission and optional all-wheel drive to the rear wheel drive platform. Pricing hasn’t been announced and believe me when I tell you we tried to find out, but we do know this segment’s current leaders start in the low 30k range and we expect something close for the 2013 Cadillac ATS.

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Not all luxury cars and SUV’s are built alike, and after spending some quality time in a 2012 Infiniti FX50 AWD S, you know you are driving something special.

Exterior
The revised front grille and fascia design for 2012 is the topper for an already very impressive looking vehicle. Our test model looked sleek and elegant in moonlight white paint and sports car-like 21 inch 6 spoke alloy aluminum wheels. The FX50 S was already loaded before you add in the sport package. Some of the notable exterior features included a new grille design, double wave hood, strong front-to-rear shoulder line, integrated rear spoiler, power sliding moonroof, standard automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights and integrated front fog lights, aerodynamically designed rear LED taillights, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights, distinctive functional side air vents which reduce front end lift by five percent, lightweight aluminum-alloy hood and doors, standard power rear lift gate, chrome window moldings and door handles, available aluminum roof rails, power folding, heated outside mirrors with courtesy lights and available reverse tilt-down feature, and dual outlet exhaust with chrome tailpipe finishers. The overall look of the 2012 Infiniti FX50 AWD S is basically a blend of high performance design and luxury that can put a smile on many discerning persons.

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