Styles
June 26th, 2011 at 10:33am
Under Hatchback+ Menufacturer+ Styles+ Subaru
To most people, the Subaru Impreza is a practical compact sedan with enhanced all-weather capability. But enthusiasts have long known its darker side. The WRX alludes to the WRC rally car, and for several years now, Subaru has offered Americans the STI with even more power. Sophistication, however, isn’t the STI’s thing. It is brash and loud, with a wing that makes it look as if it were ready to launch into outer space.
Now, Subaru is trumping its STI with the tS, which stands for “tuned by STI” and strikes us as redundant. The model will only be sold on Subaru’s Japanese home turf, but we were invited to sample one on the back roads and autobahns near the company’s European Test and Development Center in Ingelheim, Germany. With the “tuned by STI” addendum in mind, we fully expected an Impreza with even more outrageous wings and flares. What we were shown instead by the center’s general manager, Hideki Arai, was a rather subtle evolution of the STI. We wouldn’t exactly call it refined, but even at first glance, it is visibly more mature and sophisticated.
Nine-Pound Fixation
For one thing, the STI tS loses the STI’s massive rear wing, instead sporting a discreet lip spoiler. The carbon-fiber roof cuts nine pounds, as does an aluminum hood, and ultra-lightweight wheels with a unique design save another nine apiece. Arai-san points out a strut brace upfront and says the suspension has been reworked extensively. The Impreza STI tS is available only as a four-door sedan.
The powertrain is unchanged from that in the Japanese-market STI: a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four making 304 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Those who want an automatic can have one, but they get downgraded to a 296-hp 2.5-liter that makes only 258 lb-ft. Called “A-Line,” the automatic car is significantly cheaper than the manual tS.
original
We went for the six-speed, of course, and it provides a superb driving experience. There is very little turbo lag, and the 2.0 pulls eagerly throughout the power band. Country roads are this car’s domain. The tS is compact and agile, and the nicely weighted steering is a joy to bend into corners. The suspension has been retuned and feels slightly softer than in the regular STI, which helps the tS remain composed even on bumpy and uneven surfaces. It also makes the tS a more agreeable companion on the autobahn, where it remains stable and comfortable as it pulls with alacrity up to its 155-mph top speed. Like the regular STI’s, the tS’s exhaust note is remarkably unobtrusive, and for our taste, it could be a bit more aggressive.
BMW in Subaru’s Sights?
But the tS is not about having an aggressive demeanor—it is about sophistication. “We would like to use high tech to compete with the premium segment,” Arai-san explains. And although he acknowledges that Subaru isn’t there yet, he would like nothing more than eventually to see the STI tS compared with the likes of a BMW M3. That sounds like a stretch, but we will say that the idea of adding a higher-performing, more tastefully executed level to the WRX family is highly appealing.
Although the tS’s first run of 500 units will be confined to the Japanese market, Subaru is seriously considering launching the line abroad. The tS concept could be stretched to other model lines, perhaps including the imminently arriving two-door sports car. We would like to see the tS further separated from the WRX and STI models, but the STI tS is a great first step. “We will watch the market and would like to get a reaction,” says Arai-san. Ours is emphatically positive.
By admin
April 18th, 2011 at 08:45am
Under Ferrari+ Menufacturer+ Supercar
As I’m driving through hairpin corners in the Dolomite Mountains of the South Tyrol region of Italy, the Ferrari FF’s two-door wagon body style is the last thing on my mind, which is interesting because it’s probably the first thing anyone else would notice about the latest four-seater from Maranello. Instead, my most pressing thought, besides not dropping a $300,000 GT car off a cliff, is the FF’s four-wheel-drive system, which has so tamed the 651-hp V-12 engine that a tail-out hero photo of a drifting FF requires serious commitment with the stability control fully switched off. When the back end finally does come around, though, it does so in a predictable, gentle manner. In sport mode, the sportiest of the five chassis settings accessible via the steering-wheel-mounted manettino knob, the back of the car hardly wiggles on dry pavement.
But the first roadgoing Ferrari to put power to all four wheels doesn’t understeer like so many other four-wheel-drive sports cars. It’s actually mostly neutral through corners. Ferrari engineers repeatedly explained to us that the front wheels are used mostly for traction in bad weather and that power is otherwise shunted to the rear wheels as much as possible. Based on a cockpit display of power to the front wheels (we were told the display won’t be on customer cars), however, that’s not entirely true, as the system activates on almost every uphill corner if you request full power. Without the display, the only clue the FF isn’t rear-wheel drive is the aforementioned lack of oversteer. There’s no torque steer, no power-on push. And so it seems that the biggest compliment we can pay to the FF’s groundbreaking four-wheel drive is, paradoxically, that it’s not really a big deal.
What is a big deal, of course, is the FF’s body, a shape known to most of the world as a three-door hatchback, or a shooting brake. The latter term dates to the days of horses and carriages. In more modern times, it represents a sporty car in which a gentleman has enough room to carry his guns and hunting dogs. But Ferrari doesn’t necessarily prescribe a tweed jacket and a couple of hounds for customers (of which there will be about 1000 per year worldwide); it sees the FF simply as an evolution of the GT car with more cargo space and more mobility than its predecessor, the 612 Scaglietti, had. Heck, this Ferrari even has cruise control and cup holders. How’s that for progress?
Evolutionary Styling…and Chrysler Nav?
The V-12 sits entirely behind the front axle, and it resides within a snout that brings to mind cars like the original BMW M coupe or even the Jaguar E-type. Aside from the rear and its familiar round taillights, the Pininfarina-styled FF is an evolutionary step in styling away from Ferrari’s California and 458 Italia, with headlights that stretch back along the front fenders and functional vents and ducts scattered about. Inside, the nozzle-shaped vents recall those of the 612 Scaglietti as well as the 599GTO. But living among the vents on the dash, we find the FF’s biggest disappointment: a stereo-and-navigation unit common to the entire Chrysler family. It’s not only disgracefully downmarket but also not very good. Primary map functions, such as zooming in and out, must be done with fussy touchscreen buttons. The steering wheel, like the one in the 458 Italia, houses the turn-signal and wiper controls, leaving the giant paddle shifters as the only protrusions from the steering column. The instrument cluster features a giant center-mounted tachometer flanked by two high-resolution LCDs. The right display shows speed as a digital readout or a conventional dial, and it displays the rear camera’s feed when reverse is engaged. The left display shows accessory dials, navigation and trip information, and any warning lights. Front-seat passengers can be entertained by an optional screen that shows engine and vehicle speed or trip information.
The rear seats are accessed by pulling up big aluminum handles on the side of each front seat to move them forward electronically. Ingress to the rear involves basically falling into the snug seat, although once you’re planted, there’s plenty of head- and legroom. Rear passengers sit slightly higher than those up front, stadium-style, and well-behaved sub-six-footers should last a few hours without complaint, or perhaps longer with the optional rear-seat entertainment system. Taller folk will fit, albeit less comfortably. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split and feature a center-section pass-through. Seats up, the FF’s 16 cubic feet of storage beat the Porsche Panamera’s 15.7, but the FF loses to the Porsche with the seats folded, 28 cubes to 45.
More Space and More Power than an Enzo
The FF’s engine shares its bore spacing and 65-degree -V angle with that of the Enzo and 599, but the FF gets a new block and heads plus direct injection. That and a 12.3:1 (!) compression ratio and an engine stop/start system result in a claimed 25-percent reduction in fuel consumption. We expect the FF to travel a few more mpg than the 612’s 9 mpg city/16 mpg highway EPA ratings. The FF’s V-12 is the most powerful Ferrari road-car engine ever built, with 651 hp at 8000 rpm and 504 lb-ft of torque at 6000 rpm. The latter seems lofty, but 369 lb-ft are available at 1000 rpm. The FF’s engine doesn’t lurch if you lift off the throttle near the 8000-rpm redline. Such behavior is particularly appreciated when you’re jumping on and off the go pedal just to hear the exhaust run through the six-into-one headers as you blast through a tunnel, which we did endlessly—or, for that matter, during a launch-control-enabled acceleration run, which we estimate will propel the FF to 60 in 3.5 seconds. We still have chills 24 hours after returning the keys.
The FF’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox sits at the rear of the car and is partly responsible for the 47/53-percent front-to-rear weight distribution. The electronic rear differential has been integrated into the gearbox housing, and all the chassis and powertrain control systems—for the magnetic adaptive shocks, stability control, four-wheel drive, and electronic differential—are integrated into a single module.
At the front of the engine lies a second transmission, and it’s this unit that makes the FF’s four-wheel-drive system so revolutionary. This so-called power transfer unit (PTU) consists of two forward gears (plus reverse) that route power through computer-controlled clutch packs, one for each front wheel. The lower of the two front gears is about six percent higher than second gear in the rear transaxle, and the higher gear is similarly taller than the rear’s fourth. For the first four forward gears, the PTU slips the clutches in low or high gear to match the rear-wheel speed and provide extra traction. At most, 20 percent of available torque can be sent forward.
Exorbitantly Priced Cars, Elaborate Demonstrations
As we mentioned, Ferrari stresses that the four-wheel-drive system is primarily intended to offer all-weather capability, even going so far as to helicopter two cars to the top of a ski slope and build a small winter-weather test track. On factory-approved Pirelli winter tires, the FF moves around without much trouble. In the manettino’s ice-and-snow setting, the FF stays well within the limits of grip, and the stability control acts so smoothly that little of the tussle for traction makes its way to the driver. (In the other settings—wet, comfort, sport, and ESC off—the FF demonstrates a more rotation-happy nature.) In low-grip situations, most cars generally understeer as the front tires lose traction, resulting in frequent car-on-snowbank action. In dry, high-grip situations, however, understeer is generally considered good for less-skilled drivers, in that it can be corrected by a person’s natural instinct to hit the brakes. Keeping this in mind, we find the snow driving reveals a neat trick in the 4WD system’s programming: The FF uses its four-wheel drive to reduce understeer in the snow and keep the handling predictable in the dry.
Absent wetness, the FF moves through corners effortlessly. Actually, the FF does pretty much everything with a smooth effortlessness. Whereas the 599 and 612 exhibit body roll and some reluctance to change direction, the FF’s front end responds sharply, and its cornering attitude is more composed. Some of this is due to the quick (2.3 turns lock-to-lock), perfectly precise steering, although it does lack some feel. Through corners, the steering wheel loads up only slightly, and bumps are completely isolated from the driver. It’s refined and suitable to the long-haul gran turismo driving mission of the FF, but we’d like a little more information for our fingertips. The brakes also want a bit for tactility, with a long pedal travel that requires increasing force to achieve ABS-level stopping. We’d prefer a shorter, stiffer brake pedal. But there’s no shortage of stopping power, and the third-generation Brembo carbon-ceramic discs are as easy to modulate as any carbon binders we’ve tried. Luckily, things like the brakes and transmission (it refused to downshift below fourth gear at highway speeds in full automatic mode) can still be tweaked before North American deliveries start in November.
Not Already in Line? Bummer
Of course, if you’ve been waiting to read our review before putting in your order for an FF, you’re going to wait a lot longer than November, as the first year of production is already sold out. But if you have the money, the FF is worth the wait. It’s not an all-out sports car like the 458 Italia (nor is it even as sporty as the Porsche Panamera), it doesn’t have the all-conquering comfort of cars in the Mercedes-Benz CL-class, and it’s not a wholly emotional car that transcends all subjective measures. But if you consider any of these things a priority, you can look elsewhere and find a number of more affordable and possibly quicker options. Those who remain in the Ferrari camp, however, will be rewarded with a highly exclusive car that has world-class performance, all-day comfort, and newfound all-weather capability. In evolving its GT car, Ferrari has hit the mark.
from : http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2012_ferrari_ff-first_drive_review
By admin
April 17th, 2011 at 08:41am
Under Audi+ Menufacturer+ Sedan+ Styles
In our first drive of the 2012 Audi A6, we did something a bit unusual. We said the A6 is “approaching perfection.” We don’t drop the P-bomb too often, because there is no such thing as the perfect car. A perfected car, on the other hand, is conceivable, and after driving the 2012 A6 again, this time in diesel-powered 3.0 TDI form, we’re more convinced of Audi’s proximity to this goal. Even better, the company recently announced that the A6 3.0 TDI will come to the U.S. within the next 24 to 30 months.
Redesigned Diesel Engine
The A6 3.0 TDI’s turbo-diesel has been redesigned from the ground up. Weight drops by 11.5 percent (55 pounds) compared with the engine it replaces . Some 13 pounds were trimmed from the crankcase alone, which now is made from a high-strength cast iron. Sundry rotating parts have been lightened as well. Other changes include a redesigned drive system for the camshafts and improvements to the common-rail injection system, intake and exhaust systems, turbocharger, and intercooler.
There will be two versions of the 2967-cc TDI engine, with programming being the only difference. The conservative tune makes 204 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with the more-powerful engine churning out 245 horses, its 369 lb-ft peaking at 1400 rpm. (The outgoing 3.0 as installed in our long-term Q7 TDI makes 225 hp and 406 lb-ft.) Although both will be available in the A6, we sampled only the more powerful one, which is the one more likely to show up in the U.S. In Germany, this version of the engine will come standard with Quattro all-wheel drive and Audi’s new eight-speed automatic transmission, but the exact equipment plan for the U.S. has not been finalized. Thus equipped, the A6 proved plenty quick as we charged up and down the narrow, hilly roads on Sicily. Regardless of grade or elevation, the car gains speed forcefully, making almost no sound unless you absolutely hammer it. The turbo rush seems omnipresent, with virtually no lag.
Regardless of tune, the A6 3.0 TDI will not be slow. The more potent variant should hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, with the less-powerful version taking a still reasonable 7.2 seconds to achieve the same velocity. Top speeds are claimed to be 155 mph for the hi-po version, 149 for the lesser.
The supercharged, gas-powered A6 3.0 TFSI remains the more scintillating driver’s car, from a character standpoint and by the numbers (we predict a 0-to-60-mph time of 5.3 seconds). A different set of numbers, though, slightly enhances the diesel’s attractiveness: its fuel-economy advantage. Although he EPA has yet to rate the 2012 A6 with any powertrain, the diesel six should better its gas counterpart by a few mpg in all conditions. We expect highway fuel economy to reach as high as 30 mpg, with the city figure coming in around 21.
Other A6 Attributes Just as Strong
Going diesel does not mean living with less. The car we drove had Audi’s “drive select” chassis-control system, which offers dynamic, auto, comfort, and driver-customizable Individual modes. It will be standard on all gas-powered A6s in the U.S., but its inclusion on diesel cars here is TBD. Regardless of mode, drive select makes the A6 nearly impossible to upset. We do wish for more natural steering, but that is hardly a new complaint when it comes to Audis with this system.
Everything else that had us fawning over the A6 the first time we drove it remains, from its nifty optional LED headlights and gorgeous 20-inch wheels to its incredibly well-designed interior. Even the unusual pinstripe-look layered-oak trim is growing on us. We won’t know how Audi will configure our A6 TDIs until closer to the car’s U.S. launch, but in Europe, the TDIs’ options list is as long as that of the gas-powered cars. We can’t imagine Audi would hold anything back here.
Audi is mum on pricing for 2012 A6 models, but company representatives tell us the base four-cylinder turbocharged A6 2.0 TFSI will come in “well below” our $52,000 estimate for the gasoline V-6–powered car. Both gas models will be introduced to the U.S. market later this year. When the oil-burning A6 finally arrives in 2012 or 2013, it should carry a premium of about $3000 over the gas-fired V-6 model, leaving spendier buyers with a daunting decision: the quiet, instant-on performance of the supercharged gas V-6 or the smooth, rushing torque and fuel efficiency of the diesel. A difficult choice like that is a good problem to have.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $55,000
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve diesel V-6, iron block and aluminum heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 181 cu in (2967 cc)
Power (SAE net): 245 hp
Torque (SAE net): 369 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 114.7 in Length: 193.5 in
Width: 73.8 in Height: 57.3 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 4000 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 6.1 sec
Standing ?-mile: 14.2 sec
Top speed: 155 mph
FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 21/30 mpg
By admin
February 12th, 2011 at 06:42am
Under Chevrolet+ Eco Car+ Menufacturer+ Styles
Car buyers looking for people who have their car is very interesting that, and to use as little as possible fuel finished book. These two goals often conflict with each other, but there can be peace and coexistence. Accident: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and ecology Bikeluzi expensive and difficult to hybrid technology, and optimization of the transmission system to reduce weight, improve aerodynamics, fuel efficiency. Fortunately, three steps down, up and improve your driving pleasure.
Air bubbles, it appears that
First, Chevrolet, aerodynamic optimization of ecological wisdom with the rest of the network, and hold it in accordance with the Cruze in the air, the shutter speed to get to the top of the maneuver. Chevy Cruz is also the possibility of sports suspension springs at the bottom of a rental car with a gentle stream of air is reduced, ecology and 0.4 inches. Finally, a thin spoiler on the trunk and engineers is fully assembled air intake below the front bumper. As a result, says the 10% reduction in air resistance and a low position, but mention the sporty appearance, the body roll when cornering less means.
Car-chi: nearly all the scar does not
Plastic surgeons in local star dry liposuction performed as an engineer, Chevrolet rear distance, including more than 40 different measures to reduce weight, surprisingly, a manual sheet metal for the rear head restraints Center components, or even shorten the duration of the welding flange. Forging a good run Ultra V – Low – cost 17-inch tires and wheels on the strength of exchange within the Chevrolet, the unsprung weight per corner and look down 1LT cruises reduction of 5.3 pounds. Chevy Fuel tank capacity, but it sounds a bit like cheating at 15.6 to 12.6 liters of artificial crossing the road to reduce the ecological conservation in a range of 500 km. Cruises Cruises 1LT environmental destruction and more than 200 pounds: they must be approved specifications. Less obvious, as a rule, and often require less fuel for acceleration and deceleration to move the positive impact of treatment.
But Cruz, Ecology and turbine gearbox
1.4 – turbocharged 4 – cylinder, six-speed (option $ 1450) to cross only two automatic six-speed turbo be done to maximize, is essentially another geitneun Crosses, green to save fuel. respond to environmental protection equipment and other ecological vehicles, left, less expensive, but also hand gas Crosses, high eco-guide for the first time, get a gallon of four wheels. The manual or automatic and 24/36 EPA highway cruising, the best matrix 26/37 28 City 42 miles ecotourism can be estimated.
The projection equipment Shoudong San Diego (probably optimistic), but the trip to Los Angeles on board computer, fantastic, 43.8 km, Cruise with us and develop displays the average level of 80 miles, air conditioning, and pushing the engine to 2,500 rpm min (automatic equipment, environmentally friendly engine speed of 3,000 rpm the engine more common small). The two models are not the public to reduce the parasitic losses / C compressor clutch is based on characteristics of the environment variable.
Ultra – High-speed operation of the ecological model guide is actually a car that slowed currently estimated at 9.8 seconds 0-60 acceleration. Pick up the pressure on the cruise last 8.9 seconds without hesitation, in an attempt to auto-equipped cars not to be expected. In low rolling resistance of the driver, steering and braking, so it does not seem to have an impact on the ecological and feels more agile than the reaction of the Crosses others. Check out the full test soon.
First we hear the weight of the Cross system, wild animals lose their fear. Not so. In fact, the speed of high speed mixed echo underinsulated smooth and quiet, it’s maximum speed is 80 miles or cross, it would be great to jump on the people welcomed the change. By law my mother in the management of ecological economics. On the dashboard, “Eco” light. burned (behind the trick, Hybrid, Ford Fusion, while the recognition is very interesting.) in the halo around the instrument, digital certificates, green or red or blue, cinnamon, the transition from the vine
Ecology Cruze initiate a sale price of $ 18,895 began. They are less automatic, cruise control, it increases the strength of the connection, but if you want the package, add U.S. $ 1450, leather – the gearshift, Bluetooth connectivity and USB package wrapped with audio controls. Manual car, $ 525, the value of the package name. Auto loans from other private vehicles, power driver’s seat, parking sensors, remote start, is another great opportunity. But is this basic form, as little sympathy Cruze sedan, found in previous reviews. This is just a little easier because it is more economical. In other words, a rare eco-cruise – customers are looking for fun and is a victory for people who want to make sense.
From : http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2011_chevrolet_cruze_eco-first_drive_review
By admin
February 10th, 2011 at 06:28am
Under Menufacturer+ Nissan+ Styles+ Supercar
Nissan, the dry bones of techno-speak, 2012 Nissan GT-R called the GT-R R35 (12MY M / C). Infectious is not it? R35-to two-door model is now known as Skyline (Japan only in the spirit of the previous R32-R34s). “12MY” model year 2012 refers, of course, and “M / C” “minor change” means to the resident and the chief engineer in accordance with the GT-R god Kazutoshi Mizuno.
That the “substantial change in a small” A little modesty of the Japanese touch can be, but is capable of. The biggest news for the power ‘12 GT-R is a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-485 is completely ridiculous a jump on all absurd than 6, the USDA-guaranteed-or-what-530 arrests since the torque swells to ? 434, and 448-ft.
Follow-up on the road a large rocket to the steering and suspension tweaks to improve to build around the point is to the body reduced to a number of structural flex to prepare a number of changes to the aerodynamic design is clean, the suspension and electronic stability control systems, a number of changes – 274 pages on, I need you, so read the manual, Z-section ne more money for a number of new packages and.
Speaking of money, it is insignificant price: $ 2012 model year is the key to 2011 is based on more than 5890, which was invited by the Premier starts and $ 90,950. The new version is that the black starts to $ 96,100 is a red and black leather Recaro seats and a lounge, which has six wheels are lighter and, of course, black. body color, in order, black edition buyers choose any color can be a GT-R.
Feel the Rush
Sure feels like R35 GT-R (12MY M / C), the extra power is a six iron from behind and you feel cleansed. Nissan has signed to drive for about three seconds, a-0 – the media crowd gathered in front of the body passes in practice within the show and tried se-60-milia/ora run. The result? Horizontal three seconds. Mizuno is departed, who said that 2.9 was not as cold.
Uh, maybe. Otherwise, in February are aware, we have tried on their own when the time or the other hits ‘12 high model-3.0-old car in the second term.
In addition to the engine, a very minor changes to others. It’s a good thing for Nissan discs and drive to our day and even during a new car, so compare the 2011 model brought a few examples.
Preview the market in a production car, budget development and years of exhausting days after engineers decided to call the last paragraph. Improvements can always be eked budget and more time outside. This is the 2012 GT-R: the old GT-R, and a bit of time, plus three additional years, pretty much sucking wind the last of a sports car market and development because the extra money.
improvements and structural changes do not apply to those few bought him time and money. engine behind the double wall protection wall on the distal part of the bow reduces the cell a new carbon-fiber braces are die-cast aluminum front shock towers along Bondage. The Board cross-car mount and vibration brace can collect additional half a page of the transfusion, he gets the government and the buff-and leather-stitching appliqu coal? Clutch plate, which was a black plastic peasantlike ago.
Minor-Minor external changes, Too
third is the most obvious differences are the GT-R eyebrows are the two bright LED lights front bumper corners. Extra car next to the air longer chin spoiler and bumper corners of the same channel in the same wells at the bottom area of low pressure by increasing the aerodynamic lift and help to reduce the nose. had a wider grille openings above and below is the main and style, air flow and improve that part, but the underhood, brake cooling, to support that. Behind, drop the drag coefficient for the new diffuser extends from 0.27 to 0.26 by pressing the waning more unrest. It’s the fuel economy of 15 mpg city/21 highway to 16/23 to add one.
What is the real power Bump;
45 is actually a feat considering this is a bump VR38DETT hp V-6, an increasing pressure is mainly due to the turbo engine to cool better than it was possible. Peak impulse to 10.9 and 13.1 psi, and the diagram of the fuel mixture and timing grow. Mizuno 1 mm or more indicates the coolant flow path is the thermostat on the cylinder temperature compensation, which will help. airflow over a larger throttle body, depression, and refused.
Mizuno HR asked him how the machine has already hit on some machines, long ago and thought about the blogosphere means that, taking into account the GT-R 500, which is already above the CV. Usually chatty about where the problem was a rare Mizuno silent. However, the absolute bottom is a potential gas if you buy depends on the performance of one quarter mile. 94 octane pump, to be sold is not the problem. California, in 1991, is just picky about where you can dock, Mizuno, says other than some characters are better because. However, 530 is the company behind the HP all 50 states require.
beginning of the transmission are present, engineers have finessed and start performing normal driving promises smoother six-speed link has a dual effect of software Jackrabbit. Start-Control used car warranty covers, the language of the explosion and send stories of warranty caused the barriers and the GT-R debut since. Now, however, the software needed to open the 1.5 four miles for the car on the road easily. Nekbeschermingssysteem Mizuno driver, that’s what it says, and if this change will also move the temperatures of the growing desire to stop the suspect.
Suspension of the response to the edges of the center even more a sense of forward progress of the car in front of the bike business degrees from each other. Suspension flex rather the problem is, the GT-R, moved in front of the terminals of the shock effects on the absorption and stiffness increases the target for change outside the control group, aluminum shocks and is now instead of plastic bags, was extra rigidity. As I said, small details.
What Godzilla public smoking?
Now the front brake rotor diameter is 15.4 15.0 cm, and the GT-R is the spec tire of the world. Before the U.S. market for Bridgestone tires made the world and the Dunlops. But now the GT600 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx DSST run-flat all hams come from the GT-R.
resistance and improve the comfort of the alleged construction of structural change and the tires are checked. In this sense, “nice” GT-R is more relaxed and the suspension has been revised to clarify and Mizuno can say that the cigarette in comfort without shooting mode to follow the circle obviously an important criterion for testing.
We are not trying to test cigarettes a few pounds, but squiggliest models 2012 and 2011 in central California in the streets. As I said, change is a significant difference between the power of h. The Yankees rotation is the GT-R, more urgency is clear, still upset-Yee-ha!-Grip rubber against the Axis.
detection is difficult to send the changes. Street, sidewalk puddles and throw in a vulnerable and a little less nervous about life in 2012. until we checked it was not, but the young and old people back and they go where the GT-R, in the end all is revealed to the suspension of the amendments.
slightly organic feel to turn corners step up action in the area just for a little less robotic, and ’sense of control and stability throughout the more immediate improvements to real parts of the vehicle 12 is less fresh flex brake pedal when the brakes of the most direct, and, of course, but the lapping, a 3800-plus-picture pads quickly enough to start eating away the pounds back.
Big Hit Power, a gradual improvement
R35 GT-R (12MY M / C), semicolon corresponding improvement. The previous owners of the GT-R Message: you’re not ashamed of anything. Wow you have another vehicle alongside the Corvette Killer ballistic and even a new machine. Nissan and updates to help you determine the offer, I would say that the GT-R GT-R from 1.0 to 2.0. Kit is a announced a timetable for bids or not, is available in the U.S. and still undecided.
greatest hope for change, as the market category. GT-R has fallen dramatically in 2009 and 877 cars from 1534 to 1908 cars in 1730 fell to sell in the U.S.. Officially, the company did not criticize or blame, but Nissan is merciless a cash register ring 877 on the struggle for the piggy bank. we are grateful for the age of only Godzilla, more and more to do and live.
By admin
February 8th, 2011 at 06:06am
Under Chevrolet+ Convertible+ Menufacturer+ Styles
Extreme Makeover a full range of Chrysler, the company has produced dramatic results in 2011, literally took some of the Sebring sedan and convertible for four years. Cars, really fresh. “200″ is the foundation base Sebring, door skin, preserving the structure and the results of the roofline is also the name, stupid does not think the style of body 200, a new all Mashita. Almost all other buyers, so check the 200, but many people may be fooled by the ugly Cebu, however, cheaper to replace something, or both.
We Chrysler recently at a high level overview of official information and the image moves downwards. Press releases are one thing, you can not tell us: What is behind the wheel of the car much better than this? We were impressed with the 200 sedan after spending the first album a lot. droptop or take a leap in the same sense? How to find us, San Diego, Calif., streets and roads around the quality.
Change style: more efficient than the sedan
Access to the metal for the first time we have a front and rear, the new 200 sedan and the changes that we can continue to improve the latter relates to the original rod, and the warming of Cebu unlucky not to form a first reaction. From top to bottom, backbone, in particular the shift length of 3.1 inches sedan – to convey the elegance of the first generation Seburingukonbachiburu From 2000 to 1996. 200 felt more natural than to praise the design team to create a scalloped door panels a bit Sebring quarter. 17 news – 18-inch wheels and a stylish accent to make the Audi LED, which is designed to support a picture of a car on the track. And this was before the 0.5 to 0.2 inches behind, so if you can see below.
Cabin comfort
Conversion of interior, surrounded by people who have a shortage of revolution, or black, and black decorations Sutetchikurimukarasukimu all chrome and beautiful. Most touching the door panels, consoles, and itis hard plastic effective in chronic cases, Sebring, built-in. Two finishes, fabric upholstery, leather steering wheel speedometer with LED lighting is a stylish, ranging from 27 195 Dorutsuringumoderu six driver’s seat and passenger’s power to provide a first. More luxurious Limited (USD 31 990), leather upholstery, heated front seats, remote start, Connectivity, Bluetooth, a powerful sound system Bosutonakosutikkusu an additional hard drive, and best of all, 3.6-liter 6-cylinder V Pentastar (details later).
200 Limited continues to offer a choice of fabrics and metal roof. The last ? 61 provides weight penalty, and commands a fee $ 1,995. And the softtop, but relaxed speed 27 seconds, a little more trunk space and the same material and folding mechanisms 30, the 6.6 cubic meters were used both increase and decrease. (For his part Kuraisuraabazu, be sure to fit two golf bags.)
And still waiting in the wings, so small Pentastar V-6, 18-inch wheels Kuromukuraddo unique, over an average of 200 standard sporty watch a handful of black Kuromumekkiguriru S-bit conversion abroad. The interior is available with all the bells, whistles, two-tone premium leather treatment is filled with a unique sense of sport as well. Unfortunately, the Model S, will take a little better performance. 200 S Price not yet announced.
But once again relaxed, Pentastar has brightened
From 200 potential opportunities to drive our basic sources of power supply could easily be a good sample of 2,4 – l ? 166-feet of torque and 173 horsepower four-cylinder. As expected, four-cylinder engine, standard six-speed automatic transmission has been difficult to attract 200 tons, and two of each kind of emergency, always a worrying change in the search. $ 1,795 to improve the standards of Touring and Limited is a Pentastar 3.6-liter, V – 6283 hp and 260 lb-ft torque whip. Six rough, smooth power roller is 4 mpg EPA bonus miles in the city and other key functions of more than 200-series so far. (Chrysler, V – 6.4 from 29/18 mpg 19 city/29 highway rating stock assessment.)
Although gas is still cautious, the experience of V 6 cars, floors and simple, relaxed moment we have lived in many 200 sedan, I can straight bars and found the wheel. considerable pressure on the conversation between the driver and the front wheel does not Tei 200 additional eccentric enough to accurately and quickly, unfortunately, overboosted guidance and support on matters of calibration. New design Furontosasupenshonkuredoru, adjust the shock mount, and helps keep body movements in check cornering and braking, the confirmation of simple errors, such as the Sebring, 200 Free Give clear the car to go to a fine calibration.
But this is a much better car. Audio material, from the top, even as quiet as a sedan on highway 200 is a similar change. From the top down, wind blocker folding rear seat is mounted on the lighting (standard on Limited models) can be achieved. Moments when you enter one command, the graphics, unfortunately, $ 15,000, and car navigation systems cost Gaminbesu seem immature, and only 200 navigation system, you lose points.
Compared with pigs or lipstick
Although only 200 Sukinseburingu our two tons of pig lipstick should not ignore the nearly commensurate with the new moniker. But Chrysler is not perfect, the new 200 car is more fun than a funny car is a disaster that will attract his predecessor, much more could be done. Now four people can take solace from a perfect day and the ability, the desire to manage the work exactly where you need four-seater convertible.
From : http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2011_chrysler_200_convertible-first_drive_review
By admin
February 6th, 2011 at 05:55am
Under Chrysler+ Menufacturer+ Sedan+ Styles
We love the beauty of a car enthusiast can tell because some of these techniques can be useful. Whistler four years of his work can not be updated after the mother. He also has seven years to do it again for the rest of him really. 300 in 2004, but may be regarded as a work of Chrysler, the company could not sit, this can be done. 2011.300, not because it is designed to update to get updates that are compatible with the most important thing.
Many went to 300 the interior of money to work on. As the redesign of the interior design reflects the latest Chrysler touches to increase the size or the interior can be seen almost everything: dashboard, center console, steering wheel, door panels, listed in the agenda sheet. The material light years better. Dash, new steering wheel to click to activate the air control is enough to stop sliding as oil or grease film soft.
Situated in the dashboard update, new speedometer and tachometer is not easy to read, beautiful decor very much. New Tatchisukurinnabigeshon / Infoteimentodisupurei passes through the center under the watch style has become a cornerstone of national signing a stack of Chrysler. Options Nav Gaminbesu easy to use bold colors and large pictures to give the system a small child looks like. You can choose to primary health care drugs and stylish.
The importance of consistent attendance
The only complaint we get the interior 300 is that it is a strong indication of the importance of quality materials according to it. The space between the works in the highest category, examples of some 300 and climate control panel and window switch to call boring place too much attention to himself NAV around the black plastic air left. Rear seat bottom cushion sufficient to support maintenance crew located the use of maximum, so that could very well be met with little support.
Chrysler also has a sophisticated style appearance. More sophisticated than cheeky designs and original mature square from 2011 car looks like a little consistency. But this is only about 300 muscles to hide software that takes a sharp eye to identify the silhouette of a buffalo wearing a tuxedo. Of course, in accordance with the rules of this style LED lamp cluster, Chrysler’s not added.
Add 114 HP, No, indeed!
Hood, Hemi 5.7-liter class, only a little, (it took over and upgrade small-horsepower five pounds ft of torque, and 3) changes, the new base 3.6 ? ? effective Emasutsu Ki-liter six-cylinder V – is 6S (anemia, 2, 7, or 3.5) could be better 3.5 liter 250 hp 42. (This is 2.7 more than 114 horsepower.) And 292 horses, 260 pounds feet of torque V-6 offers the Pentastar. Late in peak horsepower and torque, while both the rolling (rotate 6350 and 4800, respectively), so you need to download to speed up the media. Pentastar sounds a bit rough idle can be found in the voice of revolution, such as production increases. V-8 is not up, six people are more capable than what we most parents would say around 2.7 to 3.5.
However, the tasks of the same eight-speed manual 5-speed rear Otomachikkupuru two engines will begin later this year to expand the lineup. Chrysler design of ZF (Pentastar better than the old 5-speed and managed is 27 mpg) for new transmission and 30 mpg highway trying to evaluate. It is possible to manually move the five-speed automatic transmission only Manyuarushifutogeto. Like the previous generation, 300 driver taps the lever left and right to development, not the toilet, how to get the center console high 300 is switched to the new features that you are not too happy every different.
Similar inhibition
Most of the investment budget to redesign and harmonize the revised rate springs and shock absorbers mostly limited to changes in the chassis. Base (or “craft”) and tour: Once again, the songs are available to suspend the two. Basic braces, body functions, so a little more than create a tool that can be used to return, and travel is very smooth for both of them. 20-inch wheels, or all-wheel drive, we also decided to upgrade and tools. Note large pavement is also recommended that the pocks bad as the pair walk in crash hard and the results of more than 20-inches.
New power steering ants – but only a little more sense to burn a young sociopath has a strong sense of weight precision and satisfactory Susumu Nao. Three-digit speed, 300, an overall enhancement in sound insulation due to a large car, surprisingly quiet and stable.
Prices advanced
The basic model, significantly improving the interior and V – $ 6.27995, $ 15, the basic model starts less than a year ago. It contains a high level of standard equipment, and Chrysler’s UConnect Touch, iPod and SD card input – 12 – way power driver’s seat is set, dual-zone climate control automatic, keyless entry and ignition. This is just amazing 300 stickers since April 1931 $ 995, adding leather upholstery and heated front seats, Bluetooth, backup camera, sound system, 276-watt amplifier and 18-inch wheels, chrome trim mirror caps, door handles.
$ 7000 each, 300C 363-horsepower Hemi V 8 types, touring suspension, navigation and bigger brakes, better, Nappa leather, genuine wood panels, luxurious package includes automatic damping mirror, heated rear seats add to the heating and cooled cup holders. 300 is included in this package to $ 3,250. Four-wheel drive, and many former V-6 V – 8300 model, the best line 41 is $ 145 300C AWD is no longer just. Chrysler’s optional all-wheel drive on the road could be called back to the V-6 model Anyway, Tippy-wheel drive vehicle – mounted tire is reduced to 0.2 feet slightly reduce the height to run on more stringent than 0.5 empty cars last year between the wings of an inch, but all-wheel drivers, higher than the vehicle rear wheels.
Some fans, but it can be expected that a detailed update of Chrysler is in the right place, with the money. Under the new rules can not be exaggerated enough to raise the old is almost impossible, this is the new V-6 engine is the same lineup. Updated 300, but can not be art, much less nervous than Whistler’s mother.
From : http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2011_chrysler_300_300c-first_drive_review
By admin
January 31st, 2011 at 04:31am
Under BMW+ Convertible+ Menufacturer+ Styles
If you are buying a 6-Series Convertible, we accept our heartiest congratulations. BMW has always research the market, not the third or fourth car, at this stage, the mind.
Bavarian style, first, engage the customer. Nader Faghihzadeh adorned with the most revolutionary era of BMW design, the new 6 coming to sixth-generation sleek and slightly back, 1976 was introduced in six of the previous generation. From every angle, the new car is subtle and looks low and wide, offers a clear attack. Front, LED fog almost the sidewalk out of the BMW new style of light lost a shark’s nose. Fortunately, the 650i instead of folding hard top heavy, I use top of the car in front of the fabric of evolution.
The decor is much better than the new 6 This BMW car as a particularly athletic aspirations, it is more oriented towards the driver. This is the front, at least to find a comfortable seating position is easy. Backseat without having to sacrifice the friendship is firmly than before, you can take two friends along a short distance.
Cost Tsuintaboenjinrumu
Europe is now integrated into the turbo-diesel six, and appear 640i gets the same. Model of the U.S. supply of 650i, BMW only Twin – 400 hp, 4.4-liter turbo V-8. The last 650i – gen intake was 4.8 to 450 lb-ft torque to go to 8 liters of dust and more. In 2012, the car has the optional Sport package standard model and 150 km is always on and they / h power reserve extra low 130 miles per hour, the governor seems to always be funny.
Some credit the answer to this car, the baud rate 8 ZF 8HP70 automatic thank you. Quickly and effectively to help keep fuel consumption at an acceptable level, a very high mobility in the highest gear. But if this research, 650i gas also slurps. Approximately 14 to 12 mpg fuel economy, but the real world is, if you’re going to play hard.
V. Other interesting soundtracks to talk about the effectiveness of eight types. We have now had a second machine, the BMW is playing with ignition timing of the noise sensitivity of an automatic transmission for each disposition. Then choose a variety of tools to provide more choice.
Wait. Who Wanted What?
Beautiful work 8-Speed connection, we are only six, because the available content in the United States. European customers will show the concept of modern sport, which employs more than textbooks. This tank is where to be seen whether the relative has sold. “America is crying that I did not buy it, BMW’s engineers have complained.
Technology to reduce weight, this car porkier, not to replace the BMW spoke for a long time. Scale whopping 4500 pounds compared to his predecessor in 4300, now tips, BMW says. The new structure of complex 6 but lose in front of an old car, take advantage of the free aluminum and aluminum or plastic panels.
Frame, an impressive job to hide the extra weight and Maruchirinkuria front suspension, and more. Options for stabilization and active role in shaking up a steep road car equipment is difficult, we offer excellent driving characteristics. Stability of the system, sports, even the ability to express, and does not allow a lot of oversteer, the law of the report is selected. You hit the brakes when the first race of the slide can still remove the traction control almost all the way, are dead after the restoration. As with other BMW, the chassis settings, other sports, there are standard amenities.
Help Wanted is a helmet
Unfortunately, because of electric steering gear out of sport mode. Since the new 5-series, especially the steering a little numb, but artificially heavy, convenience and relevance of the composition is usually pronounced. You can individually define the system to play cuisine can not be combined.
Steering feel and drinking, V – 8 The only downside to the BMW, because otherwise there is a need was a beautiful car. Too strong, and M6, one returns to a modified version of the same engine that can reach 600 hp, 6-series regular, there are many competitors. Compact 650i coupe with the conversion of six months. Select all the 6-series cars are the fourth, just a good gearbox design.
From : http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2012_bmw_650i_convertible-first_drive_review
By admin
January 29th, 2011 at 05:36am
Under Eco Car+ Fiat+ Menufacturer+ Styles
The Fiat is opposite the bowling alley, the attacker has a rapid growth in re-entering the U.S. market is perfect in this category. small car segment is growing rapidly, some of the bodies in the most daring venture is between a minimum: the jukebox and the Nissan Cube, Smart ForTwo, Sonic and the Chevrolet Spark in a sense, Ford Fiesta and the future do some older cars, such as peach oozing personality. And, of course, the Fiat 500 is cute, small, low-cost approach will be copied to the Mini is very near to the strategy work. 500 40 000 if you can match with an average Mini-year sales in the United States, Fiat is a big satisfaction.
If you think you understand Italian, Roberto Giolito, please consider Fiattosutairingu head. He has compared the original and the 500, Cinquecento Italy, in the words of “the fat guy a few tires” of this. Spokesthing Bibandamumishuran, with the aim of good design of the car is made from human fat, regardless of the tire a bit and say this is not without some irony. Maybe something is just not authentic. He thought the same thing 500 modern. We really, seeing heavy weapons, but admitted that the car was funny.
More colors Daburureinbou
It is also the beautiful white retro WHERE Bekuraitorukkupurasuchikku air, Autoopushonsuwappu black box to control the stereo. Also check the box, steering column and windshield wipers and turn signal stalk – white trimmed and the entire complex, and measure. This, in fact, the gauge cluster is not really a big one that does not consist of concentric circles. During the engine temperature, fuel level, date, time, digital display and report the outside temperature. Wrap round speedometer and octopus ride. Regarding the celebration of Thanksgiving Jonmadden Playground – consisting of a turkey is inserted in the doll duck, C / staff D, the monster called the measure, «turducken” is called “speedtachen”, if it sounds confusing, do not. And what information and where necessary, regardless of where you know you can see at any moment. As an added bonus, 500, red line in each tooth may need more time to reach maximum speed, speedometer, tachometer needle points to 120 miles . So we should go for it.
While we love the optional white accents, walked around the rest of the crew did not highlight the fact that it is suitable for cars 16 000 dollars in it. The dash, black hard plastic hollow, central console to configure the top panel of the door. And we see that uniformly illuminated digital clock in all sections. Can, and climate control, which can feel like we fell into the hands may sound nitpicky, if we have the same complaint about other cars a year that does not exist.
Basic interior equipped with mini-pages directly from the script. (In fact, Fiat has stolen a page, the entire book is displayed here, the FIA do research?) Apart from the color finishes are available for 14, 50 interior accessories interior roof rack and light kit, available at launch a variety of graphical display. Fourteen red color of yellow, two orange, brown two different looks, including two green 500 available.
High Standards
The Fiat also wants to distinguish between the device 500. Seven airbags, air conditioning, basic level of trim, cruise control called pop, power windows, locks, mirrors included. This is a ton of stuff, but it is 15 995 dollar. The company sells most of the trim level of the instrument is expected to come from 500 Sports. 17 995 dollars to sport 16-inch wheels, unique front and rear lane, sound system Bose (where Pop 15 seconds), add the red brake calipers. 19 $ 995 to the starting line, located in the lounge. This will add a six-speed automatic roof, fixed glass, alarm clock, satellite radio, leather wrapped steering wheel. Sport models pop, auto optional in 1000 dollars. For reference, the Honda Fit is the basic price of U.S. dollars and U.S. dollars 070 21 15 970 19 990 from $ $ 15,850, the scope of the Nissan Cube.
If you choose a glass roof, the 500 is spacious and surprisingly upright thanks to global warming. In a metal cap, but the author of 7 feet six inches, which for him as the other side to sit comfortably classified as the best, and experience about 500 yuan, in contrast to “partial one place outside the room “. inches from the glass roof of the car collided head may be feeling a little shortness of breath. Seat touched the case, the latter by applying a narrow foot comfortably, thanks to the wheel and penetration. You do not have a place to go can teach even the children to sit still disappointed, despite the lack of space in the coup, but the 500 is comfortable. But people who want to shop somewhere, I do not think the back seat. This area is tight grocery bags requiring seatbelts.
Please refer to a person
As proud as a personality type that Chinkuechentodoraibu news. steering is a little light, fast and easy. Dash (standard on all trim levels) is not sport the “perfect” must show that it is open to more feedback Daundaiyaruashisuto This creates a wheel. This is perfect or flawless Porsche Lotus customers interested in the style of the car will not be completely relaxed about the possibility of such notice was purchased from a perfect wheel, 101 horsepower, the car re-style interactive features – the kind of movie in car .
All cars have 101 horsepower relaxation. The brakes are so many companies. Clutch pedal, the closure but we move slowly and very smooth, no problems have started a car without a good Idol empty, but the machine, but I felt connected to anything. Shifutain assess the size and exceeded the control, eight ball to stop and just the right amount of effort required to drive a relaxed and carefree. However, the level of demand will throw a perfect piece tight cast of characters.
Tall and narrow like a car, hanging loose, can cause falls. However, short wheelbase, the increase will bring the company closer to something of harassment. Fiat solution is the result of harsh treatment and no control climbed controlled, and comfortable balance. But even touched (do not worry they can find it) may be actively seeking buyers pink list of options. The short wheelbase, the Rifutosurottoruobasutea find a simple way the car will be the next snap oddly never felt it. It is extremely, and could use more throttle to adjust your attitude, so it is difficult to imagine all this is a good thing.
The drawback of the entire business casual is 101 hp, 101 in large numbers and sometimes it is accelerating, so the number of low power is that. The linearity is a measure of the weight of vehicles in real power. Corvette, ZR1, the Bugatti Veyron £ 4.5 per horsepower 5.3 brings. Fiat 500; 23,4 is about. Thus, it has a missile. The small engine will get a good workout the 1.4-liter four, wanted to slap the red line is not like Honda Motor, but not unheard of effort. But most of the region and the United States found on the slopes only 40 stages in a row, we are able to maintain 65 miles per hour in third gear. We were, after 5000 rpm enough to suspect that the buyer is shifted to the comfortable. They expect more horsepower, please wait. Abarth 500 will arrive in the United States during the first quarter of 2012.
Only in our beach
Fully automated (this is the Aisin six-speed Europe, the United States have exclusive membership, the only solution instead of hand quickly shot down by the US Ambassador Fiat clutch single other This is an automated manual transmission) fuel has fallen dramatically in Fiat Auto – 27 bar of 38/30 mpg city/34 highway estimated file .. Auto, rather than smooth, especially sports. Having Manyuarushifutogeto, that the 1985 Ford Econoline more enthusiastic than a shift in their own red line down and upshifts just so little to delay upshifts, the driver shifts other than their own desire to have more gas to burn you recommend . However, Fiat, 90% of customers expected to choose a car in Italy AutoBox, buyers are still in America.
Fiat transmission and rear suspension design, and roll stiffness of a car us in a few major changes were made to carry 500 in the United States, revised front suspension geometry, the vehicle was said to be stable. It should also be added to strengthen the sub-frame around, we revised shock car must be placed in a quiet important. Fiat is to improve the seal of the door added to the sound material-off the entire body, engine cover installed better insulation.
Not the personality of this car changed much, it will attract more customers in 500 people who probably. Fiat, in support of this volume hopes to sell 50,000 a year in North America, Japan Fiat 130 “studio” open string. Some housed in a former car dealership another brand that is placed in approximately one third of the store in the city, ironically, the original Fiat Hummer dealers say the figures. If ever the success of Jumbo, the Hummer look. Hopefully, Fiat, you can avoid the end of the swinging pendulum. 500 is a good start.
From : http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2012_fiat_500_u.s.-spec-first_drive_review
By admin
January 17th, 2011 at 05:02pm
Under Menufacturer+ Nissan+ Styles+ Van
Minivan sales collapsed from more than 1.1 million in 2004 to a little over 400,000 in 2009. The number of players in the game has dropped as well, with Ford and GM backing out years ago and Hyundai following suit for 2010—yeah, we didn’t notice, either. But the near-dormant segment is receiving a solid shake-up for 2011, with five of America’s remaining breadboxes being massively upgraded or completely redesigned. Of all of them, none went through a more thorough metamorphosis than the Nissan Quest.
Although Honda and Toyota took some risks in the styling of the new Odyssey and Sienna, respectively, Quest designers chucked the outgoing model’s geomechanical forms for something totally unexpected. Among the notable design bits is a swooping trapezoidal grille and headlamp treatment, which leads into a severely raked hood and windshield. Blacked-out B-, C-, and D-pillars give the van a floating-roof look like that embraced by Range Rover fans, and the arrow-straight waistline, the deep, slablike skirts, and the bolt-upright liftgate visually heighten it. Although the Quest looks nothing like the previous model in any respect, it is just as polarizing. We’ll go on record as stating that we like it—for the most part—when cars cause controversy with their styling, especially when they are minivans.
The Infiniti of Minivans
Less controversial is the 2011 Quest’s interior. The dashboard and the deep gauge pod appear far more upscale than those of the Odyssey or Sienna and wouldn’t look out of place in an Infiniti. As with the refreshed 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, cheap plastic touch points have largely been banished. The most notable replacements are on the dash and door uppers, the former rendered in glare-mitigating matte black and the latter in stitched-and-padded leather.
The first- and second-row captain’s chairs (there is no second-row-bench option) are superbly comfortable, and even the third row isn’t a penalty box, thanks to theater-style seating and the absence of a second-row center seatback. The Quest’s narrower width makes row three a tight squeeze for a trio of adults, but the same space in the Sienna or Odyssey hardly feels like business class, either. We’d issue a demerit for the headliner, too, which looks and feels rather low-rent compared with the rest of the interior.
The greatest demerit is reserved for cargo capacity, though, which is way down versus the cavernous competition. Because none of the Quest’s seats folds into the floor, as they variously do in its competitors, the Nissan has nearly 40 percent less available cargo space than the Odyssey. Although the seats don’t hide in the floor, they can be folded flat quickly and easily and doing so doesn’t require the relocation of any cargo stowed in the deep covered storage well behind the rear bench.
Unlike its most ambitious competitors, Nissan chose not to offer multiple entertainment screens in the rear cabin, offering instead a single 11-inch screen that drops down from the ceiling in front of row two. If one of the kiddies doesn’t feel like watching what’s on the big screen, he or she can stare through the optional dual sunroofs on Quests so equipped, both of which slide open for a unique two-row alfresco ceiling treatment.
Van and Driver
On the road, the Quest’s driver might actually enjoy the drive. Well, at least he or she probably won’t hate it or feel as if he or she were piloting something as ponderous or clumsy as a typical minivan. The Quest’s rock-solid new structure yields a wonderfully boom-free cabin as well as reasonably tidy handling, and the electrohydraulic speed-sensitive steering has positive on-center feel with a natural buildup in effort as one turns the wheel. Smooth transitions are easy in the Quest, and that’s not something we can say about every family box out there.
Rated at 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, the Quest’s 3.5-liter V-6 is largely carry-over. Although it doesn’t give the 4400-plus-pound van a cheetah-like pounce, it does have sufficient grunt to generate mild torque steer. The bigger letdown is bolted to the engine, where the only transmission choice is a CVT. We never enjoy the characteristic engine moan that accompanies these transmissions, but we don’t suppose many Quest buyers will notice.
Features and Options
When it arrives early next year, the Quest will start at $28,550. The base S model will be equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, a six-CD stereo, keyless entry, pushbutton start, a removable center console between the second-row seats, and “wood tone” trim, but few other frills. At $31,800, the SV adds 16-inch aluminum wheels, power-sliding doors, fog lights, a 4.3-inch color display in the center of the dash, three-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, among other things. At $35,150, the SL brings leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, roof rails, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a quick-release function for the fold-flat third-row seats. Finally, the range-topping LE adds Nissan’s wonderfully intuitive navigation system with an eight-inch display, a 9.3-gig infotainment system with 13 Bose speakers, rear-seat DVD entertainment, blinds for the rear side windows, Nissan’s new air-scrubbing advanced climate-control system, blind-spot warning, xenon headlamps, and more, for $42,150.
The only major option LE buyers can add is the dual sunroofs. SL buyers can choose the sunroofs, the DVD system, and the Bose package. Sadly missing from the options list are the second-row captain seats from the Quest’s Japanese-market twin, the Elgrand, which feature articulating seatbacks and chaise-style calf rests—so much for snatching sales from Maybach.
As for snatching sales from the equally shiny and new leaders in the minivan class, the Quest has never stood a better chance. Of all the 2011 minivan offerings, it is arguably the coolest—or at least the most bold—and coolness is a quality not often found in this segment.
From : http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_nissan_quest-first_drive_review
By admin
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