Cozy Modern Farmhouse Set In a Blooming Orchard

Set in the picturesque rural landscape of Langenargen, Germany, this modern farmhouseshelters family life surrounded by a blooming orchard. Designed by k_m architektur, the contemporary construction was built along with the surrounding farmstead. Generous overhangs shelter the expansive glazing of this elongated floor plan, covering the east, west and south facade. Interior living spaces are permanently exposed to natural sunlight coming from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Shaded by light curtains, the living room, dining and kitchen share the same space, interacting to create a social area exposed to outdoor panoramas. A photovoltaic system mounted on the flat roof helps reduce the energy costs, while the heating pipeline in the farm building takes on the rest of the energy demands. Slightly raised from the ground, the house appears to be floating, while the extensive use of wood defines both the interiors and the exterior, composing a warm and inviting display. There was no need for a second story, as the main spaces were cleverly compacted to shape the necessary living conditions adorned with modern details.

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic Review

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is the best subcompact car for you if you want evidence that America can produce a world-class small car.

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is the all-new and immeasurably better replacement for the Chevy Aveo. A rival for the likes of the Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent, Sonic is built in Michigan, comes as a four-door sedan and a four-door hatchback, and starts at $15,730 with automatic transmission. This solid, comfortable, and surprisingly stylish subcompact is available with base and turbocharged four-cylinder engines. It slots into Chevy’s lineup between the smaller 2013 Chevrolet Spark minicar and the larger Chevy Cruze compact sedan.

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic breathes some life into the small-car styling formula with an aggressive-looking front end featuring a double-tier grille and motorcycle-inspired quad headlamps. The Sonic sedan has a gracefully arched roof, the hatchback a squared-off tail and rear door handles hidden in the rear roof pillars. Both body styles share a well-made and smartly laid-out interior. It’s highlighted by a main-instrument binnacle incorporating digital and analog gauges – another motorcycle-inspired touch.

Size-wise, the 2012 Chevy Sonic straddles the middle of the subcompact-car spectrum; it has almost exactly the same exterior dimensions as the Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback, for example. Sonics are also competitive for interior space, with above-average headroom front and back. Front seating is adult-friendly. But rear-seat knee space is prohibitive unless front occupants agree to slide their seats at least halfway forward. And narrow rear doorways frustrate exits.

Stem to stern, the Sonic sedan is 14 inches longer than the Sonic hatchback. The hatchback, however, has 19 cubic feet of cargo volume behind its rear seat and 30.7 with the rear seatback folded; the sedan has a 14-cubic-foot trunk. All those cargo volumes are slightly above the class average. Standard on both body styles are 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold virtually flat and have the sturdy backing and heavy-duty latches associated with more expensive European cars.

Both the 2012 Sonic sedan and hatchback have a three-model lineup consisting of base LS, midline LT, and top-tier LTZ trim. Chevy subdivides each into “1” and “2” trim levels, such as 1LS, 2LT, and for the LTZ, 1LZ and 2LZ. Sonic LS models have less exterior chrome trim, but visual distinctions between the various versions are relatively minor.

Alloy wheels are standard on all, with LS and LT models getting 15-inch-diameter rims and LTZs getting 17s; 16s are optional on LTs. Fog lamps are standard on LTZs and optional on LTs. Inside, LS and LT models have cloth upholstery. LTZs have perforated imitation leather and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic turns to the larger Chevy Cruze for both its engines, a move that saves development costs and imbues the smaller car with a bit of brio welcome in this budget class. Otherwise, the 2012 Sonic is conventional for the category, with front wheel drive, a torsion-beam rear axle, front-disc and rear-drum brakes with antilock and antiskid control, and electric power steering.

Standard on all 2012 Sonics is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. Optional on LT and LTZ models is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque (think of torque as the propellant behind acceleration, horsepower as the energy behind momentum). Either engine puts Sonic among the most powerful cars in its competitive set. Neither creates a hot rod, but acceleration is more than adequate for the car’s role. 

2012 Toyota Prius Review

The 2012 Toyota Prius lineup adds the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid model, which taps a wall socket to extend the car’s electric-only range to 11 miles from the standard Prius’s 1 mile. All 2012 Prius models also get some cosmetic tweaks and expanded connectivity features. The Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid share a four-door hatchback body, and both combine gas and electric power. But exploiting an initial battery charge from the power grid, the plug-in model can go much further on electricity alone before the gas engine kicks in, earning it a 95 mpg-equivalent rating over that distance. It is, however, priced several thousand dollars higher than the standard Prius. The standard Prius is already world’s best selling hybrid and the 2012 additions mark the first notable changes since this third-generation design bowed in model-year 2010. 

The 2012 Prius standard model returns in four levels of trim, labeled with little pretense, Prius Two, Three, Four, and Five. (There’s also a Prius One model intended exclusively for rental and commercial fleets.) Styling differences among the standard models are slight and run mostly to wheel types, with 17-inch wheels on the Prius Five and 15s on the others. The dealer-installed Plus Performance accessory package includes 17-inch wheels with wider tires, a handling-tuned suspension lowered more than an inch, and aerodynamic ground-effects body addenda. 

The 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid models comes in two trim levels, base and Advanced. They differ visually from the standard Prius in the ways mentioned above and also have slightly different 15-inch wheels. The Plug-in Hybrid is a nominal 123 pounds heavier than the standard Prius due to its onboard charging system and larger battery pack. 
All versions of the 2012 Toyota Prius employ a combination of gasoline and electric power. Toyota calls the system Hybrid Synergy Drive. It propels the car by drawing on gas or electric power individually or in combination, automatically mixing and matching to balance the demand for acceleration with the goal of conserving fuel. 

The gas engine in both the standard and Plug-in Prius is a1.8-liter four-cylinder. It teams with two small electric motors for a combined output of 134 horsepower. The transmission is a continuously variable automatic, and with either car, drivers who use the Prius for frequent short trips and local driving will realize the biggest reduction in gasoline usage. 

Here’s how they work: Battery charge permitting, both Prius types are capable of moving at around-town speeds on electric power alone. They can further save gas by automatically shutting off the engine while the car is stopped and restarting it when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system uses the engine and regenerative braking to recharge the onboard battery pack. Their different battery type is the primary distinction between the standard Prius and the Plug-in Hybrid. 

In the standard 2012 Prius, the energy-storage system employs nickel-metal hydride batteries. There is no plug-in capability, and ultimate range is determined principally by how much gas is in the 11.9-gallon tank. The standard Prius can travel about 1 mile and reach 40 mph or so on electricity alone. It has a combined gas-electric range of 536 miles. 

By contrast, the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in expands Hybrid Synergy Drive technology via a lithium-ion battery that can store an initial charge that enables all-electric operation of 13 miles and up to 60 mph. For longer distances, the Prius Plug-in reverts to “standard” hybrid mode and operates like a regular Prius. It has a 10.6-gallon fuel tank and a combined gas-electric range of 540 miles. 

The 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes with a 24-foot cable that plugs into a port on the car’s right rear fender. Connected to a household-type 120-volt connector, it takes approximately three hours to fully charge the Prius Plug-in Hybrid battery. Toyota encourages owners to install a special 240-volt charging station that uses the same cable and port but can cut charging time in half. The fender port is illuminated for nighttime charging. A timer can be set for start and end times and allows charging during off-peak-rate hours. 

(Lithium-ion batteries, by the way, are the next advance in gas-electric automobile systems principally because they’re more compact relative to nickel-metal batteries and can better satisfy the large swings in charging and discharging demanded by plug-in and pure-electric vehicles. Lithium ion batteries are actually less expensive than nickel-metal batteries in terms of materials but more expensive in terms of production costs.) 

Our test drives of both the standard Prius and the Plug-in Hybrid model reveals performance that’s sufficient for any driving need, though acceleration from a stop can be lazy, steering feel is artificial, and handling is by no means sporty. 
The 2012 Toyota Prius gets a nice range of updated features, highlighted by expanded connectivity via the newly available Toyota Entune system. Entune is a collection of popular mobile applications and data services. It comes with three years complimentary access. 

Once a smartphone is connected using Bluetooth wireless technology or a USB cable, Entune operates through the vehicle’s controls or, for some services, through voice recognition. Entune offers mobile apps for Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, and Pandora Internet radio. Data services include a fuel price guide, sports scores, stocks, traffic and weather. Entune is standard on every 2012 Prius except the Two model. 

Among new features in the standard Prius line, the Three model now comes with remote entry and pushbutton start. The Prius Four gets standard auto on/off headlamps, a power driver’s seat, and replaces the 2011 version’s standard leather upholstery with Toyota’s lighter-weight SofTex upholstery. 

The 2012 Prius Two, Three, and Four models also have new standard audio/infotainment systems. The Prius Two gets a 6.1-inch audio-touchscreen system with a USB interface for iPod connectivity, plus Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming. The display also provides the aforementioned vehicle information. 

The 2012 Prius Three adds as standard a GPS navigation system that uses the 6.1-inch screen and incorporates Entune. It also includes a rearview camera, SiriusXM satellite radio capability, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, and text-to-speech that reads aloud incoming text messages and answers with programmed and customizable text responses. The 2012 Prius Four model includes that system plus an upgraded eight-speaker audio array with energy-conserving JBL GreenEdge technology.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat redesign finally gives VW passenger car with the space and the mid-$ 20,000 sticker to compete with segment-leading Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Such as cars, Passat 2012 is assembled in the United States and target American tastes. This may disappoint fans of the previous Passats, a sporty, luxurious, and aspirations. But that should appeal to middle-car buyers looking for maximum roominess, advanced road behavior, and there is no risk-styling.
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is in the service of the mission: to be accepted by the buyer as much as possible. In form and proportion, the body is a generic four-door sedan. For personality, Passat 2012 depending on the sharp-bladed grillework, holding the sheet metal contour, and a large VW badge.
2011 VW Passat does not sell in the U.S. In designing the 2012 model, it was concluded that the European-sized Passat 2008-2010 generation is too small to midsize car to compete as a true American. So enlarge the all-new 2012 model by more than three inches in wheelbase and overall length, creating the most prominent class-dimensional measurements in each. Cabin comfort is very good. Especially noteworthy is the car's rear seat accommodation a shame that larger and more expensive lots.Previous Passats offered sedan and wagon body styles, but the 2012 model comes only as a sedan.
The Passat mid-2012 following the convention segment with front-wheel drive and all-independent suspension. Go, however, is a reflex sporty premium-class and serenity which proves that his predecessor was German to the bone. America is rooted in giving greater confidence handling Passatss 2012 but did not pull and trip, according to control.
Under the hood, the Passat 2012 bucks the trend toward the ranks of middle-class all-four-cylinder engine with V-6 offers a robust, high-mileage diesel, and five-cylinder, two last are the only engine they type in the class.
Five-cylinder is expected to power 75 percent of the lineup and used in the Passat 2.5L 2012 model. It has 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque (torque thinking as the force behind the acceleration, horsepower of energy that sustains the momentum).This is the same engine used in the compact class VW Jetta and Passat 2.5L sedan model is equivalent to performing the basic four-cylinder midsize car versions of most rivals.
The 2012 Passat TDI models have a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine rated 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. Turbodiesels renowned for torque and fuel economy and no other midsize car sold in the United States offered one. In a 2012 Passat, this machine runs a bit more rugged than the 2.5 five-cylinder, but responded with a little more muscle, especially at highway speeds passing or merging situations.
In 2012 Passat 3.6L models use 3.6-liter six-cylinder from a narrow angle VR6 VW design. With 280 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, they are among the cars most powerful storm in front of the middle class and the smooth rush of power.Torque steer - pulling to the side during low-speed throttle application - is endemic to the front-wheel-drive car with that much power but keep it to a 2012 Passat 3.6L minimum striking.
For transmission, the Passat 2012 allows a choice of five-speed manual or six-speed automatic for the 2.5L model. TDI is standard on the six-speed manual. TDIs and optional on the 3.6L version is standard on the six-speed DSG direct-shift gearbox VW. It performs automated tasks, but using a lighter weight of internal self-shifting manual transmission. Both the conventional and the DSG automatic transmission a user-pay type of control gear via the shift lever their floor, although 3.6L model adds steering-wheel paddle shifters.
Volkswagen Passat 2012 features a list attached to the basics, offering a list of facilities that are expected, while giving little attention to some of which have become a staple in a car like this. For example, the 2012 Passat offers a selection of bargain priced and higher-spec navigation system (both voice-activated) and make Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity is standard on every model. However, the backup USB interface for iPod models cost upwards of $ 27,500 and does not offer a rear backup camera at all.
Feature up from entry-level S trim exclusive to the 2.5L model through the center line of the SE and top-line SEL levels are available on all models. All 2012 Passats come with dual-zone automatic climate control and steering wheel audio, Bluetooth, and cruise-control buttons.
2.5LS models have cloth seats and 16-inch wheels. SE versions of all models include upgrades such as 17-inch alloy wheels, faux-leather VW V-Tex upholstery, heated front seats, power driver's seat with manual rather than adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel, touch screen and audio. SE styling upgrades include brushed-aluminum-look exterior cabin trim and chrome accents around the windows.
SEL versions of the navigation system has a high spec with 6.5-inch screen versus the 5-inch screen. They replaced the aluminum-look trim cabin with out-of-fashion faux wood grain, and add additional chrome accents inside and out. SEL model also sports a premium sound system adapted to 2012 Passat by sound engineers in the company of Fender guitars.
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat fuel economy ratings are spot-on with its direct competitors and the TDI diesel model is the game is good mileage for a gas / electric hybrid in the class.
2012 model year Passat 2.5L rated 21/32 mpg city / highway with five-speed manual transmission and 22/31 with a six-speed automatic. In 2012 VW Passat 3.6L model level 20/28 mpg and comes only with a six-speed DSG automatic.
2012 model year Passat TDI level of 31/43 mpg with either a manual six-speed automatic and DSG. For comparison, the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid has 191 horsepower and mpg level 41/36 while the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid has 187 horsepower and mpg level 31/35.
Passat TDIs burn diesel fuel, of course, but also requires the addition of exhaust-cleaning liquid urea, commercially known as AdBlue, every 10,000 miles or more. VW said the service should be considered along with regular oil changes. Like the VW Jetta TDI version of the Touareg SUV and, Passat TDI dashboard warning flashing as recommended AdBlue changes the approach. Ignore them, and the sensor prevents the car from scratch.

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