 With 2012 just days away from ending, we can only hope that 2013 will have as many exciting new cars as this year did. Here is a gallery of 22 cars that made a good first impression. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  The 2012 Paris Motor Show is currently the place to be if you want you to see how exciting the future of motoring is going to be. You have the usual mix of concept cars, new car debuts, etc. But after looking at what the show has to offer, SOC has come up with a list of cars that stand out more than others. Opel Ampera/Chevy Volt  Apart from winning the 2012 Car of the Year award, it’s a plug-in hybrid car that looks good too. The specs? It has a 150hp electric motor along with 370Nm of torque, with a claimed range of up to 80km (50miles) on a fully charged battery pack. Its 1.4-litre engine is there only to power a generator when the battery range is low (the engine doesn’t send power to the wheels at any time) – which then extends the range to 500km. It is expensive though – prices start at CHF 52,900 (around $57,000) in Switzerland. Ferrari F12 Berlinetta  The F12 Berlinetta drew a huge crowd on press day. It was easily one of the most anticipated cars of the show – and with 740hp, it’s easy to see why. Its 6.3-litre V12 engine is the most powerful of any Ferrari road car, which definitely makes it a standout car. However powerful the engine might be, the design might divide opinion – looking a bit similar to the FF at the front. However, all is certainly forgotten as you approach its 212mph top speed.
   The new Astra OPC/VXR comes into battle with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine outputting 280hp, and 400Nm (295lb ft) of torque – allowing a top speed of 155mph. The horsepower figure means that it’s more powerful than its closest rivals; the VW Golf GTI (211hp), Renault Megane RS (250hp), and upcoming Ford Focus ST (250hp).
Along with a more powerful engine, the Astra OPC/VXR gets a mechanical limited-slip differential, as well as HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), Brembo brakes, and a FlexRide damper system. Pricing and on-sale dates to follow.       The nex Vauxhall Insignia VXR is here complete with a brand new all drive system. The hot Insignia models come with an ECOTEC 2.8l twin-scroll turbo V6 engine, producing 325 hp, with acceleration from 0-60 mph taking 5.8 sec and on to an elctronically limited top speed of 155 mph. |
