tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72579419479703035872024-03-12T23:56:03.554-04:00GWT Motoring - Wheels, Tires & More!!!GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-1481060981233399802013-10-18T09:31:00.004-04:002013-10-18T09:33:06.223-04:002014 BMW Series with Xo Tokyo Wheels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">2014 BMW 3 Series on 20x8.5 Front and 20x10 Rear XO Tokyo Machine Silver wheels with OEM BMW center caps wrapped with 245/35/20 Front and 275/30/20 Rear tires. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">The XO Tokyo wheel is all about looking better and going faster. Like the cars it was designed for, this wheel is super clean and aggressive. The 10-spoke concave design with brushed aluminum face and matte silver finish will give your car the intimidating look you want.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Additional information about this vehicle:</span></div>
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<span itemprop="itemreviewed">2014 BMW 3-Series</span> Summary</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span itemprop="summary" style="font-weight: bolder;"> Still king, but many are gunning for the crown.</span> </span><br />
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(<span itemprop="rating">5</span> Stars) </span> Reviewed by <span itemprop="reviewer">Motor Trend</span> <time datetime="9/16/2013" itemprop="dtreviewed">9/16/2013</time> </span><br />
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<span itemprop="description" style="color: #cccccc;">Vehicle Overview</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">The 3 Series range has always offered a little something for everyone. But with the 2014 3 Series, that might be truer than ever. Though the lineup loses coupe and convertible models to the 4 Series nameplate, the 2014 BMW 3 Series still offers three body styles and multiple drivetrain combinations. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">A new entry-level model, the 320i, features a detuned version of the </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/wagons/1207_2013_bmw_328i_sports_wagon_first_drive/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">328i's</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 producing 180 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. Content is reduced for the 320i, but as we found, the driving experience is similar to the more powerful 328i. That car sports a 240-hp, 255-lb-ft turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4. Both the 320i and 328i are available with either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, though xDrive all-wheel-drive models only come with an automatic. The 320i is EPA-rated at 24/36 mpg city/highway with the automatic, 23/36 mpg with the manual, and 23/35 mpg in all-wheel-drive trim. The 328i achieves 23/35 mpg with the automatic, 22/34 mpg with the manual, and 22/33 mpg when all-wheel drive is selected. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">The </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1202_2012_bmw_335i_first_test/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">335i sedan</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft from BMW's venerable turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6. That engine, which carried over from the previous generation, performs even better in the new model, as we said in a review of the 2012 BMW 335i, "Forget the last 335i. This new one actually accelerates at the same pace as the 320-horse, 332 lb-ft 335is -- the one with two turbos and a fast-shifting twin-clutch transmission. Our mere automatic 2012 335i, down a turbo and supposedly 20 horsepower and 32 lb-ft, reached 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.3 sec at 103.9 mph. That's right on pace with a Camaro SS, assuming it's driven well." The turbo I-6 isn't bad on </span><a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2014/bmw/3_series/#" id="itxthook0" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px transparent; display: inline; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap" id="itxthook0p"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook0w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">fuel economy</span><img class="itxtrst itxtrstimg itxthookicon" id="itxthook0icon" src="http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png" style="margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 0px 4px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important;" /></span></span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> either, with the eight-speed auto-equipped model rated at 22/32 mpg, and rear-drive models with the six-speed manual and xDrive all-wheel-drive models with either transmission rated at 20/30 mpg.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">The above models may make up the bulk of 3 Series sales, but the variants are what keep BMW's niche customers happy. The 2014 3 Series is also offered as a diesel, hybrid, wagon, and funky </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1302_2014_bmw_3_series_gran_turismo_first_look/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Gran Turismo hatchback</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">. Both 3 Series wagon and </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1303_2014_bmw_335i_gran_turismo_first_drive/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">3 Series Gran Turismo</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> models only come in all-wheel drive, and each offers its own unique cargo solution. The wagon boasts the more traditional layout, and offers 27 cubic-feet behind the rear seats, and 66 cubic-feet with the seats folded down. The Sports Wagon is offered with the turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4, rated at 22/33 mpg, or a new 2.0-liter turbodiesel I-4 producing 180 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque rated at 31/43 mpg. That diesel mill is also available in the </span><a class="itxtnewhook itxthook" href="http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2014/bmw/3_series/#" id="itxthook1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border: 0px transparent; display: inline; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap" id="itxthook1p"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxtnowrap itxtnewhookspan" id="itxthook1w" style="background-color: transparent; border-color: transparent transparent rgb(0, 204, 0); border-style: none none solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; text-decoration: underline !important;">sedan</span><img class="itxtrst itxtrstimg itxthookicon" id="itxthook1icon" src="http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png" style="margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px 0px 0px 4px !important; vertical-align: baseline !important;" /></span></span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">, rated at 32/45 mpg for rear-drive 328d models and 31/43 mpg for xDrive models. All 3 Series diesel models are paired exclusively to the eight-speed auto. If the wagon body style isn't your cup of tea, the larger Gran Turismo might be a better fit for you. That model features a power liftgate that opens two ways to access the cargo area, which can be expanded by folding down the standard 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. Those seats offer more legroom compared to the standard 3 Series, along with more headroom thanks to a taller roof. The 3 Series GT is available with either the turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 or turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, which come rated at 22/33 mpg and 20/30 mpg, respectively. The eight-speed automatic is the only transmission offered. For those who want all the performance of the 335i, but better fuel economy, BMW offers the ActiveHybrid3. That car boasts the same turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 as the 335i, but also gets an electric motor to boost total system output to 335 hp while also raising efficiency to 25/33 mpg. Like all 3 Series models equipped with the eight-speed automatic, the ActiveHybrid3 features a start-stop function and regenerative braking.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Most models come standard with faux-leather upholstery, with genuine leather offered as an option. Interior trim options vary depending on which of the three trim lines are selected. Those include Sport Line, Luxury Line, and M Sport. Bluetooth connectivity is standard on all models, as is a USB slot and BMW's updated iDrive system and 6.5-inch display. A navigation system is available, along with a head-up display, heated front and rear seats, rearview camera, and parking sensors.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">The 2014 BMW 3 Series sedan earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, and is considered at Top Safety Pick by IIHS with scores of Good for all tests except the new small overlap front crash test. Sports Wagon and Gran Turismo models have not yet been tested.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Read more:</span> <a href="http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2014/bmw/3_series/#ixzz2i51nzkEM" style="color: #003399;">http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2014/bmw/3_series/#ixzz2i51nzkEM</a><br />
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<br />GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-44447977289806899292013-09-17T17:13:00.001-04:002013-09-17T17:13:24.645-04:0022" Lorenzo Wheel and Nitto Tire Packages <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">22" Packages for $2889.00<br />Chrysler 300<br />Dodge Charger<br />Dodge Magnum<br />Chevrolet Camaro</span></center>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Packages include: Wheels, Nitto NT420 Tires, TPMS Sensors, Mounting, Balancing, and Taxes</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">22" Packages for $3210.00<br />BMW 7 Series<br />Lexus LS460</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Mercedes S550</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Packages include: Wheels, Nitto Invo Tires, TPMS Sensors, Mounting, Balancing, and Taxes</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Inventory is going fast! Call Today to place your order! 305-418-8862</span> </div>
GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-43146891935693496422013-09-10T15:32:00.000-04:002013-09-10T15:32:46.861-04:00<br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">2009 Bentley Continental GTC on 22x9
Front and 22x10.5 Rear Vossen CV1 Machine Silver Wheels with Custom
Bentley Center Caps. Wheels are wrapped with Continental Extreme DWS
265/30/22 Front and 295/25/22 Rear.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"> Additional information about the 2009 Bentley Continental GTC</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br />The 2009 Bentley Continental GTC adds the Continental GTC Speed powered
by Bentley’s 600-horsepower twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine and
capable of a top speed of 200 mph. The Continental GTC receives
freshened front end styling with a more upright grille with a pronounced
square edge, a larger lower air intake and chrome headlight bezels. For
the standard GTC, new low-friction shocks improve ride comfort. New
options for both GTC and GTC Speed are lightweight, fade-resistant,
carbon-ceramic brakes and a sophisticated follow-to-stop Adaptive Cruise
Control system with long-range radar sensor that monitors traffic ahead
and manages throttle and brakes to maintain a driver-selected time gap.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td class="theadtext" colspan="2"><h3 class="section-head">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Pricing</span></h3>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <span class="tmore"><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/pricing.aspx?year=2009&make=Bentley&model=Continental%20GTC&trimid=109082">more</a></span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 150px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/images/spacers/spacer.gif" width="150" /></span> </td>
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 490px;" valign="bottom"><h3 class="pivot">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Convertible</span></h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Blue Book® Suggested Retail Value</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">N/A</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Retail</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">$197,500</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Invoice</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">N/A</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="theadtext" colspan="2"><h3 class="section-head">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Engines & Power</span></h3>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <span class="tmore"><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/spec_engines.aspx?year=2009&make=Bentley&model=Continental%20GTC&trimid=109082">more</a></span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 150px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/images/spacers/spacer.gif" width="150" /></span> </td>
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 490px;" valign="bottom"><h3 class="pivot">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Convertible</span></h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Standard Engine</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">6.0L 552 hp W12</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Horsepower</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">552 @ 6100 RPM</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Torque (lb-ft)</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">479 @ 1600 RPM</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="theadtext" colspan="2"><h3 class="section-head">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Transmissions</span></h3>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <span class="tmore"><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/spec_engines.aspx?year=2009&make=Bentley&model=Continental%20GTC&trimid=109082#eng_tran">more</a></span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 150px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/images/spacers/spacer.gif" width="150" /></span> </td>
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 490px;" valign="bottom"><h3 class="pivot">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Convertible</span></h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">6-Speed Automatic Overdrive</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Std.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="theadtext" colspan="2"><h3 class="section-head">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Fuel Economy</span></h3>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <span class="tmore"><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/spec_engines.aspx?year=2009&make=Bentley&model=Continental%20GTC&trimid=109082#mpg">more</a></span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 150px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/images/spacers/spacer.gif" width="150" /></span> </td>
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 490px;" valign="bottom"><h3 class="pivot">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Convertible</span></h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">City (mpg)</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">10</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Highway (mpg)</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">17</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="theadtext" colspan="2"><h3 class="section-head">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Comfort & Convenience</span></h3>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <span class="tmore"><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/spec_Interior.aspx?year=2009&make=Bentley&model=Continental%20GTC&trimid=109082">more</a></span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 150px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/images/spacers/spacer.gif" width="150" /></span> </td>
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 490px;" valign="bottom"><h3 class="pivot">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Convertible</span></h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Sunroof</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">N/A</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Air Conditioning</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Std.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Power Windows</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Std.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Power Door Locks</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Std.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Leather Seats</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Std.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Power Seats</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Std.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Max. Seating</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">4</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Number of Doors</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="theadtext" colspan="2"><h3 class="section-head">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Entertainment</span></h3>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <span class="tmore"><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/spec_Interior.aspx?year=2009&make=Bentley&model=Continental%20GTC&trimid=109082#entertain">more</a></span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 150px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/images/spacers/spacer.gif" width="150" /></span> </td>
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 490px;" valign="bottom"><h3 class="pivot">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Convertible</span></h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Cassette Player</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">N/A</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">CD Player</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Std.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Nav. System</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Std.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="theadtext" colspan="2"><h3 class="section-head">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Safety</span></h3>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <span class="tmore"><a href="http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/spec_safety.aspx?year=2009&make=Bentley&model=Continental%20GTC&trimid=109082#safety">more</a></span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 150px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/images/spacers/spacer.gif" width="150" /></span> </td>
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 490px;" valign="bottom"><h3 class="pivot">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Convertible</span></h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Airbags</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Driver<br />Passenger<br />Side</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">ABS Brakes</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Std.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Traction Control</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Std.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Stability Control</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Std.</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="theadtext" colspan="2"><h3 class="section-head">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Final Assembly</span></h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="tblue">
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 150px;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" border="0" height="0" src="http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/images/spacers/spacer.gif" width="150" /></span> </td>
<td class="tbtext" style="width: 490px;" valign="bottom"><h3 class="pivot">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Convertible</span></h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="twhite">
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Location</span></td>
<td class="ttext"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Brazil</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-23180549449263532762012-07-21T11:06:00.000-04:002012-07-21T11:06:16.803-04:00Scion FR-S with Iss Forged Blonix 19" Wheels and Hankook Tires<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Brand New Scion FR-S rocking a set of 19" Staggered ISS Forged Blonix M/8 wheels and wraped with Hankook Evo tires. </div>
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2013 Scion FR-S </h1>
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The rear-wheel-drive sports coupe delivers on its promise. </h2>
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<li id="publish_date">December 2011</li>
<li class="last"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/search/all/author/TONY+QUIROGA"> BY TONY QUIROGA</a></li>
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The U.S.-market sister ship to the <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-subaru-brz-sports-car-first-drive-review" target="_self">Subaru BRZ</a>, the Scion FR-S, will go on sale this spring. It is an unusual car for parent company Toyota, or at least the Toyota of late. Before the creation of the FR-S, Akio Toyoda (president of Toyota and grandson of the company’s founder) asked himself, “Where is the passion in our lineup? I want to build a sports car.”<br />
The Scion FR-S is that sports car. (It also will be sold across the globe as the <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2013-scion-fr-s-official-photos-and-info-news" target="_self">Toyota GT 86 or simply 86</a>.) Much has been made about the collaboration with Subaru. Toyota claims credit for the car’s existence and the idea itself, which is in direct opposition to <a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/subaru-to-show-full-brz-concept-at-l-a-auto-show-many-more-details-emerge-on-brz-and-scion-twin/" target="_self">what Subaru told us</a>. Fight! Fight! Toyota says chief engineer Tetsuya Tada’s original concept called for a front-engined sports car with rear-wheel drive. Inspired by the rear-drive Corolla of the ’80s that became the darling of drifters, the new sports car would be light, agile, and affordable. After some internal resistance within Toyota and Subaru, a prototype was built in late 2007 using a Subaru flat-four and rear-wheel drive. The prototype changed minds; by early 2008, a sports-car program was born. <br />
Toyota readily admits the lion’s share of the development was done by Subaru. However, according to Toyota, plans and objectives came from its engineers and were merely executed by Subaru’s team. (There’s that contradiction again.) For example, the all-new platform and chassis are from Subaru. Toyota made contributions along the way, such as adding its eight-injector direct and port fuel injection to Subaru’s 2.0-liter flat-four. Making the car attractive fell to Toyota. The greenhouse is a homage to the Toyota 2000GT of the 1960s; the nose hints at the Lexus LFA supercar. Squint a little while eyeing the FR-S, and cars like the Supra and Celica come to mind, too. Assembly of the FR-S and BRZ is Subaru’s responsibility. A peek under the Scion’s hood reveals the “Subaru” name atop the intake manifold alongside Toyota’s. <br />
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<b>Comparing Apples and Softer Apples</b><br />
When asked how the two cars differ, the Scion folks tell us the BRZ is about stability and the FR-S is about agility. The word “understeer” has surfaced in initial reports on the Subaru BRZ. The Scion doesn’t understeer. Its cornering balance is neutral—bravely neutral for a car that will be sold to young buyers. Scion claims the only changes to its chassis are slightly softer springs and stiffer dampers. <br />
Scion has certainly succeeded in making the FR-S agile. From the quick steering to the alert chassis, the FR-S responds to driver input in a way that reminds us of the Honda S2000. Holding the stability control button for three seconds removes the safety net. Although the chassis is neutral, it will slide should you turn the wheel abruptly or stomp on the gas mid-turn. Lift in the middle of a corner, and the rear end will step right out on you. It doesn’t do so in an “I’m going to ruin your life” sort of way; it seems more to say, “Hey, you sure you know what you’re doing?” In low-speed corners, power oversteer is easy to achieve. The tail swings predictably and delicately. The low weight—we estimate about 2800 pounds—means the FR-S regains its composure without any drama. Akio Toyoda says of the FR-S, “[It] responds to good driving skills.” If you don’t have them, you might want to get some training—or leave the stability control on. Young drivers whom Scion courts should know the FR-S is nothing like the front-drive, nearly error-proof tC. If you don’t know what you’re doing behind the wheel, the FR-S will make you look dumb.<br />
Compared with modern sports cars, the FR-S’s 215/45-17 tires are skinny. There isn’t a huge amount of grip, but what’s there breaks away gradually. We asked Tada about the tires, and he told us, “They are Prius tires.” You might think he’s joking, but he’s not. The Michelin Primacy HP tires are identical to those in the Prius’s <a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/toyota-prius-plus-performance-package-brings-body-kit-and-lower-springs/" target="_self">optional Plus Performance package</a>, right down to the compound and construction. Although they don’t provide the stickiness we’ve come to expect from modern sport machinery, the relative slipperiness gives the FR-S a lively, playful feel. So, although it might not have incredibly high limits, its lower threshold is accessible and exploitable. If you want more grip, though, it’s easy to attain by swapping for more aggressive footwear.<br />
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<b>Flat Engine, Low Center of Gravity</b><br />
Scion makes it a point to brag about the FR-S’s low center of gravity, and a lot of the car’s liveliness is indeed likely due to the location of much of its mass. The flat-four sits low in the engine compartment, and even though Subaru stresses how far back the engine is compared with those in other Subies, it’s still surprisingly far forward. The transmission, a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, is right behind the engine, preventing it from being mounted farther back. A transaxle would allow for the engine to be placed more to the rear and would better balance weight distribution, but transaxles cost a lot of money, especially ones made specifically for one car. The transmissions in the FR-S are Aisin gearboxes that are similar to the six-speed units found in the Lexus IS. The manual shifts with a solid, no-nonsense feel. This is a great gearbox, one that should rally the <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/features/save-the-manuals-official-headquarters" target="_self">“Save the Manuals”</a> faithful. Although the manual suits the character of the FR-S better, the optional automatic with paddle shifters is a responsive and quick-shifting ally. On the track, the automatic proved clever enough to perform downshifts before entering a corner. <br />
Subaru’s flat-four engine still gives off a bit of the characteristic boxer thrum at lower rpm. Above 6000 rpm and to the 7400-rpm redline, though, the four begins its chain-saw impersonation. It’s a bit uncouth, but it feels and sounds like a machine with purpose. On paper, and in the face of the ever-escalating pony-car horsepower war, the FR-S’s 200 hp might seem inadequate. It’s not. We’re guessing at a 0-to-60 time just a shade over six seconds. Clearly, this isn’t a car that should pull up to stoplights with much ambition. This is a car for playing on back roads, for track work; engaged in those pursuits, the engine feels perfectly strong and nicely matched to the chassis.<br />
Every part in the FR-S works harmoniously. Sure, we might switch to a grippier tire, but the lower-grip rubber allows for accessible explorations of the FR-S’s behavior at the limit. That is the sort of exploration that makes driving fun. Just remember to bring some skill.<a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/2013-scion-fr-s-first-drive-review" id="article-continued"></a><br />
Original article: <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-scion-fr-s-first-drive-review">http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-scion-fr-s-first-drive-review</a><br />
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2013 Scion FR-S</h1>
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Fresh Rethinking of Sport</div>
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2013 Scion FR-S Buyer's Guide</h3>
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<span class="b">MSRP:</span> $24,200 - $25,300</div>
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<span class="b">MPG Range:</span> 30 - 34 mpg</div>
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<span class="b">Body Style:</span> Coupe</div>
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<span class="dtreviewed">December 09, 2011</span></div>
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By <span class="reviewer">Nate Martinez</span></div>
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It doesn't take long to realize the 2013 Scion FR-S is special -- just an aggressive 4-second wide-open throttle jab, a short three-two downshift, and a clockwise rotation of the FR-S' small 14.4-inch diameter helm.</div>
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It's at this point in my drive, as I'm heading into Sodegaura Forest Raceway's sharp, right-hand Turn 1, that the bright orange Traction Control icon begins to flash incessantly, as if sending S.O.S. signals. Gradually, the FR-S' tail swings into my leftmost periphery and its 215/45-17 Michelins chirp as they scramble for grip. I can hear and feel the VSC's frantic efforts to correct a car it thinks is flailing toward destruction. A quick shot of opposite lock on the front alloys keeps the silver <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1112_2013_scion_fr_s_first_drive/#" id="itxthook0" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: darkgreen; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0.07em; color: darkgreen; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook0w0" style="color: darkgreen; font-weight: inherit;">coupe</span></a> sliding gracefully around the predetermined apex.</div>
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Out of Turn 1 and on the gas down the first brief straight of the Japanese circuit, I recall the pre-drive pep talk. Thirteen more corners of varying radii and degrees of difficulty await me. A glance at the fuel gauge confirms there's a full tank of fun onboard. And I've got a ticket to ride all day long.</div>
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Unless you've been avoiding <a href="http://www.motortrend.com/">MotorTrend.com</a> for the past few months, you've likely heard of the all-new sports coupe from Toyota and Subaru whose name varies depending on which country's roads its tires roll on. For North America, it's called the Scion FR-S, which is Toyota talk for Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport. It's Scion's first model with performance atop its agenda and, as such, is meant to give Toyota's entry-level brand a handful of much needed legitimate athleticism and marketing spark.</div>
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There's a lot riding on the FR-S' sculpted steel shoulders. As chief engineer Tetsuya Tada pointed out 40 minutes prior to my spirited pit lane departure, the compact coupe continues a legacy that has included a long line of successful and iconic <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1112_2013_scion_fr_s_first_drive/#" id="itxthook1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: darkgreen; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0.07em; color: darkgreen; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook1w0" style="color: darkgreen; font-weight: inherit;">sports</span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook1w1" style="color: darkgreen; font-weight: inherit;"> </span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook1w2" style="color: darkgreen; font-weight: inherit;">cars</span></a> -- most notably, the Sports 800 "Yotahachi" (the world's first rear-drive car powered by a front-mounted boxer engine), 2000GT, Celica, Supra, LFA, MR2, and the legendary Corolla AE86, or as aficionados affectionately call it, "Hachi-Roku." The latter icon was specifically used by Toyota as inspiration for the FR-S' high-performance/high-value package, while the 2000GT volunteered its long nose and slim side-glass profile, and the small S800 its lightweight build philosophy.</div>
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With that in mind, beginning in early 2008 and after a few heated engineering clashes over certain necessities, Toyota and Subaru crafted a sleek four-passenger, two-door coupe that melds history with the demands of modern driving enthusiasts. Their middle ground boasts a 101.2-inch wheelbase, a driver's seat position that places the driver's hips just 15.7 inches above the ground, a 166.7-inch length with short overhangs, and an estimated weight around 2700 pounds. With the rear seat folded, there's enough room in its trunk for a full set of mounted wheels and tires, a gas can, tools, and a helmet. Take all that out, Tada-san noted, and you'll have space for two golf bags.</div>
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As balance and litheness were essential to the FR-S' philosophy, engineers included weight-saving components like an aluminum hood and trunk (a hatchback design was axed for rigidity's sake). They made sure to pack the Subaru-derived 200-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder 4U-GSE boxer (in Toyota code) and Aisin six-speed manual/automatic transaxle as far back and close to the pavement as possible for "pure balance." Toyota/Scion claims the FR-S' 18.1-inch center of gravity is lower than that of the Porsche Cayman (19.0 inches) and Nissan GT-R (19.5 inches) -- two of the best driver's cars around. Its 53-percent front, 47-percent rear weight distribution ensures a slight tendency for predictable plowing in corners, Tada-san pointed out.</div>
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<a href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1112_2013_scion_fr_s_first_drive/photo_15.html" title="2013 Scion FR S Badge "><img alt="2013 Scion FR S Badge " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/coupes/1112_2013_scion_fr_s_first_drive/35941099+pinline_medium/2013-Scion-FR-S-badge.jpg" /></a></div>
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So how well does all that exhaustive collaborative engineering translate to a near-production, U.S.-spec 2013 Scion FR-S? Let me put it this way: a whole lot of budget-minded sports cars hitting the streets and autocross courses today should be worried- that means you, Honda CR-Z, Mazda RX-8, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Mazda MX-5, Honda Civic Si, and even the Nissan 370Z.</div>
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Arriving at the wide-open double-apex right hand Turn 2, I notice the small car's enthusiasm for being tossed around. Yet throughout this violent corner-charging, the small car stays as planted as a giant sequoia and as stable as an A380. Turn-in is extraordinarily precise, which, along with superb forward visibility, allows me to execute my every entry and exit strategy corner after corner with pinpoint accuracy.</div>
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Understeer push isn't totally absent, but it can easily be mitigated in the FR-S with appropriate throttle input and driver discretion; the same goes for oversteer, as my recent Turn 1 experience showed. Get on the skinny pedal too much too early and you'll be Ken Block-ing every bend. Its small steering wheel plays an important part in the driving equation. It's not as boosted as the BMW M3's thick wheel, yet it's a few ticks below the weighty, confident feel of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Porsche Cayman.</div>
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Surprisingly, many of the responsive 2.0-liter's 151 lb-ft can be tapped throughout the 7400 rpm rev range, which allows my focus to stay on corner blasting, not downshifting in search of pull. Every throttle dab above <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1112_2013_scion_fr_s_first_drive/#" id="itxthook2" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: darkgreen; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0.07em; color: darkgreen; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook2w0" style="color: darkgreen; font-weight: inherit;">3500</span></a> rpm returns one of the most aggressive-sounding exhaust notes ever created by a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. It's not as burbly as a Subaru WRX STI's 2.5-liter flat mill (nor as drone-happy), but it's also not as tinny as the Honda Civic Si's K24 inline-four.</div>
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The smooth six-speed manual transmission's weighty feel invites accurate rev-matched shifts. The paddle-actuated automatic gearbox does it all for you with impressive hastiness, particularly in Sport mode (engineers wouldn't divulge actual shift times), and should easily appease the growing number of driving enthusiasts who toil through gridlock on a daily basis.</div>
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Cars equipped with a manual gearbox have a VSC Sport button set below and right of the shifter that reduces -- but doesn't eliminate -- stability control intervention by measuring yaw rate, steering angle, and lateral G. (Turning off all nannies requires a three-second push of the Traction Control Off button.)</div>
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Six-speed automatic cars have the same VSC Sport option plus an additional Sport/Snow mode (Sport holds gears at higher revs, quickens the throttle and shift algorithms; Snow starts the car off in second gear to reduce slip). Of course, you'll want to turn everything off if sliding is your thing, but for aggressive stints on a doused raceway like Sodegaura, VSC Sport doesn't disappoint in the least and allows for some silliness along the way.</div>
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<a href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1112_2013_scion_fr_s_first_drive/photo_21.html" title="2013 Scion FR S Steering Wheel "><img alt="2013 Scion FR S Steering Wheel " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/coupes/1112_2013_scion_fr_s_first_drive/35941117+pinline_medium/2013-Scion-FR-S-steering-wheel.jpg" /></a></div>
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With the checkered flag waving after my fourth lap on my first stint, I roll off the throttle for a final cool-down lap and investigate my immediate surroundings. The FR-S' cabin is a highly commendable driver's domain that's all about athletic ergonomics. It's plain and simple, with black plastic trim and leather and a few red inserts on nearly all surfaces. Steering wheel placement, pedal spacing, and bucket seat location are ideally attuned to the driving enthusiast.</div>
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Per Scion's mono-spec mantra, only one trim will be available when the FR-S arrives at dealers next spring. Buyers just need to choose their color and transmission. Although pricing has yet to be announced, we're guessing that for less than $25,000, drivers will get a Pioneer sound system with USB and AUX inputs, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and red door/seat trim.</div>
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Back in the pits, I gather my thoughts. Scion doesn't just have a special car on its hands -- it's got a potential smash hit that can be enjoyed by many. It is a car that will likely redefine the Scion brand and the entry-level enthusiast car segment as a whole, too. Take note, kids: Having the fastest, most enjoyable car doesn't mean having the most powerful or the priciest. The FR-S is what budget-themed performance is all about. Don't believe me? All it takes is four laps.</div>
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<tr class="hdr"><td align="center" colspan="2"> 2013 Scion FR-S </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> BASE PRICE </strong></td><td> $25,000 (est) </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> VEHICLE LAYOUT </strong></td><td> Front-engine, RWD, 4-pass, 2-door, coupe </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> ENGINE ENGINES </strong></td><td> 2.0L/200-hp/151-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve flat-4 </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> TRANSMISSIONS </strong></td><td> 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> CURB WEIGHT </strong></td><td> 2700 lb (est) </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> WHEELBASE </strong></td><td> 101.2 in </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT </strong></td><td> 166.7 x 69.9 x 50.6 in </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> 0-60 MPH </strong></td><td> 6.2 sec (MT est) </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON </strong></td><td> Not yet rated </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> ON SALE IN U.S. </strong></td><td> Spring 2012 </td></tr>
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<br /><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1112_2013_scion_fr_s_first_drive/#ixzz21GmlcQDw" style="color: #003399;">http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1112_2013_scion_fr_s_first_drive/#ixzz21GmlcQDw</a>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-73149199841506344012012-06-14T10:10:00.002-04:002012-06-14T10:18:15.380-04:002009 Inifiniti G37 on Vossen CV4 Wheels and General Tires<span style="color: #cccccc;">Here we have a 2009 Infiniti G37S on the brand new Vossen CV4 style in Machine Graphite wheel size 20x10.5 all around these wheels are wraped with 4 265/30/20 General Exclaim tires.</span><br />
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<span class="dtreviewed"><span style="color: #cccccc;">From the October, 2008 issue of Motor Trend</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">By <span class="reviewer">Ron Kiino</span></span></div>
<div class="flt_l verdana sz12 pad5_t inln" id="ctl00_ctl08_ctl00_lblPhotographer">
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Photos Brian Vance</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">You knew it was only a matter of time until the </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2012/infiniti/g37/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">G37</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> coupe's 3.7L V-6 trickled its way down to the G sedan. After all, since it made its debut for 2007, the four-door G, i.e. the G35, has had to battle the likes of </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/01/acura/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Acura</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">, </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/01/audi/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Audi</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">, </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/01/bmw/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">BMW</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">, </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/01/cadillac/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Cadillac</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">, and </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/01/lexus/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Lexus</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> with a 3.5L 306-hp V-6 -- a powerful engine, for sure, but not one that blows away the competition. Luckily for G sedan enthusiasts, the time for the 3.7 is now.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">As its name suggests, </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2009/infiniti/g37/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">2009 G37</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> sedan gets the coupe's larger six, tuned to 328 hp at 7000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 5200, an ever-so-slight drop from the coupe's 330 hp and 270 lb-ft. Arguably as notable as the bigger engine is the sedan's new seven-speed automatic, which made its debut in the 2009 FX </span><a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0810_2008_infiniti_g37_sedan_test/viewall.html#" id="itxthook0" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: darkgreen; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0.07em; color: darkgreen; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook0w0" style="color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">crossover</span></span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> and also finds its way into the 2009 G coupe.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Not surprising, the acceleration times for the brawnier G37 S are markedly improved over the less-powerful, five-speed G35 S. Zero to 60 now takes only 5.0 sec, with the quarter-mile obliterated in just 13.5 at 105.3 mph. Compared with numbers from our long-term G35 S -- 5.3 and 13.9 at 99.9, respectively -- it's evident the additional 22 hp and two cogs make an appreciable difference. Further, the new powertrain pays dividends at the pump as well, thanks to EPA numbers (18 city/26 hwy) that are up one mpg for city and two for highway.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Utilizing the same Bridgestone tires and suspension setup as its G35 S predecessor, which put up 0.91 g lateral acceleration and 25.9 sec at 0.69 g in the figure-eight test, the G37 S delivers comparable, albeit negligibly inferior, handling performance, recording 0.90 g and 26.4 sec at 0.68 g -- likely a byproduct of the G37 S's extra 98 pounds of curb weight over the G35 S.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Whereas in the G35 S, the "S" represented a sport-tuned suspension, 18-in. wheels, and paddle shifters, for the </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2012/infiniti/g37/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">G37</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> S, it now signifies a quicker 14.7:1 steering ratio (versus the G35 S's 16.4:1) and an Akebono brake system that boasts bigger discs (14.0-in. front/13.8-in. rear versus 13.0-in. front/rear) and four-piston front/two-piston rear fixed calipers. There are also new 18-in. alloys to accommodate the beefier binders. In 60-to-0 braking, the G37 S nearly matches the performance of the lighter G35 S -- 110 ft versus 109 -- but on a long, twisty road or a racetrack, where fade resistance is the remedy for myriad hard stops, it would likely outperform its forebear.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">On public roads, the overall dynamics and feel of the G37 S are quite similar to that of the G35 S -- well-balanced, easy to induce oversteer, taut ride -- except, of course, that the G37 S feels a step quicker. Turn-in, thanks to the quicker ratio, feels sharper, and the aforementioned Akebonos deliver more progressive modulation, although during the figure-eight exercise, road-test editor Scott Mortara noticed more noise than he was expecting.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">As this writing went to the digital presses, we had yet to receive official pricing, but </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/01/infiniti/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Infiniti</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> PR folk did indicate that the '09 G37 would receive a modest hike in light of the '08 G35. So figure a base price of around $34,000, with a well-equipped Sport version like our tester, which also had the Premium and Navigation Packages, topping out at roughly $41,000. In the realm of near-luxury sport sedans, that price tag represents strong value -- a similarly outfitted </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2013/audi/a4/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Audi A4</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> 3.2 Quattro or </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/new_cars/01/bmw/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">BMW</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> 335i can easily fetch $50,000. Considering the state of our economy, those savings can mean having your cake and eating it, too.</span></div>
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<tr class="hdr"><td align="center" colspan="2">2009 INFINITI G37 S SEDAN </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> Base price </strong></td><td>$34,000 (est) </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> Price as tested </strong></td><td>$41,000 (est) </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> Drivetrain </strong></td><td>Front engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> Engine </strong></td><td>3.7L/328-hp/269-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6</td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> Transmission </strong></td><td>7-speed automatic </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> Curb weight </strong></td><td>3702 lb </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> Wheelbase </strong></td><td>112.2 in </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> Length x width x height </strong></td><td>187.0 x 69.8 x 57.2 in </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> 0-60 mph </strong></td><td>5.0 sec </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> Quarter mile </strong></td><td>13.5 sec @ 105.3 mph </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> Braking, 60-0 mph </strong></td><td>110 ft </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> Lateral acceleration </strong></td><td>0.90 g </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> EPA city/hwy fuel econ </strong></td><td>18/26 mpg </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr3"><td><strong> CO2 emissions </strong></td><td>0.93 lb/mile </td></tr>
<tr class="hdr2"><td><strong> On sale in U.S. </strong></td><td>November 2008 </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Read more: </span><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0810_2008_infiniti_g37_sedan_test/viewall.html#ixzz1xmCuRUVi" style="color: #003399;">http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0810_2008_infiniti_g37_sedan_test/viewall.html#ixzz1xmCuRUVi</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwN7YEhmuoZbkbxOn4zmKwiNBLrfxbZAQOq7k_om0eMwyiD89Z2GE8sY2YqMFHICt4_WkAMBGo5EMkHHfvB5v-T2pBWUJgWXu0A49b65wieiOiGyLHnMU1MnPGFsnOzHrt4c2252pxWgK/s1600/new-card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwN7YEhmuoZbkbxOn4zmKwiNBLrfxbZAQOq7k_om0eMwyiD89Z2GE8sY2YqMFHICt4_WkAMBGo5EMkHHfvB5v-T2pBWUJgWXu0A49b65wieiOiGyLHnMU1MnPGFsnOzHrt4c2252pxWgK/s320/new-card.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-30665200119654175992012-05-08T10:15:00.002-04:002012-05-08T10:15:32.335-04:002013 Ferrari California HS - First Drive<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">2013 Ferrari California HS - First Drive</span></h1>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">The Handling Speciale package works wonders for the California.</span></h2>
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<strong><span style="color: #cccccc;">By Thos L. Bryant</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtqADbMDzr4RYUpNR1UOrFZxJWq2jRziJyR6VkYCZTX8z2sJsqMp00WjZMQqCZjY0_qTCUwtxx3Z3IvmvO4a8P3gHuCd0Gbb81yZVxFjG9uoH9LaJBC6U_9SnRygY4p9Y_tlmZzqcVtJ2/s1600/2013-ferrari-california-hs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtqADbMDzr4RYUpNR1UOrFZxJWq2jRziJyR6VkYCZTX8z2sJsqMp00WjZMQqCZjY0_qTCUwtxx3Z3IvmvO4a8P3gHuCd0Gbb81yZVxFjG9uoH9LaJBC6U_9SnRygY4p9Y_tlmZzqcVtJ2/s400/2013-ferrari-california-hs.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><em>Maranello, Italy</em>—Well, it’s no secret that traveling to Italy to drive a new version of the </span><a href="http://buyersguide.roadandtrack.com/ferrari/california" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Ferrari California</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> is an enthusiast’s dream come true. So there I was at the factory in Maranello listening to the presentation of the Handling Speciale package for 2013.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><img alt="2013 Ferrari California HS" height="219" src="http://www.roadandtrack.com/var/ezflow_site/storage_RT_NEW/storage/images/tests/draft/2013-ferrari-california-hs/gallery/2013_ferrari_california_hs_photo_6/2859908-1-eng-US/2013-ferrari-california-hs-06_large.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="2013 Ferrari California HS" width="360" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"> 2013 Ferrari California HS </span></div>
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<a href="http://buyersguide.roadandtrack.com/ferrari" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Ferrari </span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">says that 70 percent of California-model buyers are first-time owners of a Ferrari, and the car is often used as a daily driver. So the theme of the HS package was to push technical know-how to make an even better performance car and maintain its sophisticated luxury at the same time. With the 4.3-liter V-8 engine moving up from 453 to 490 bhp along with a torque increase from 357 to 372 lb.-ft., there is abundant performance. And the HS package provides reduced body roll via stiffer springs, quicker steering response and a definite feel of more nimble handling. The electronic control unit is faster- reacting and improves shock absorber response by a significant percentage. And to make sure cornering is lots of fun, the California utilizes the latest F1-Trac traction control for stability.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><img alt="2013 Ferrari California HS" height="219" src="http://www.roadandtrack.com/var/ezflow_site/storage_RT_NEW/storage/images/tests/draft/2013-ferrari-california-hs/gallery/2013_ferrari_california_hs_photo_35/2860343-1-eng-US/2013-ferrari-california-hs-35_large.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="2013 Ferrari California HS" width="360" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"> 2013 Ferrari California HS </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Another improvement for the California is the use of eight newer alloys to reduce weight and redistribute impact loads. We toured the Scaglietti factory near Modena where the bodies are built and saw the CORDIS casting process that provides added chassis stiffness.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><img alt="2013 Ferrari California HS" height="219" src="http://www.roadandtrack.com/var/ezflow_site/storage_RT_NEW/storage/images/tests/draft/2013-ferrari-california-hs/gallery/2013_ferrari_california_hs_photo_31/2860283-1-eng-US/2013-ferrari-california-hs-31_large.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="2013 Ferrari California HS" width="360" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"> 2013 Ferrari California HS </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">The HS package is available on all California models and the price is an additional 14,500 euros (about $19,150). Ferrari’s spokesmen see the HS package as something for a minority of California buyers—those who drive in a more sporty mode and are willing to trade a bit of comfort for higher speed cornering, reduced body roll and quicker steering response. And the HS package also adds a newer version of the SCM (suspension control logic) specifically set for the HS models. For the eagle-eyed fans, the HS version of the California gets a special grille kit.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><img alt="2013 Ferrari California HS" height="219" src="http://www.roadandtrack.com/var/ezflow_site/storage_RT_NEW/storage/images/tests/draft/2013-ferrari-california-hs/gallery/2013_ferrari_california_hs_photo_38/2860388-1-eng-US/2013-ferrari-california-hs-38_large.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="2013 Ferrari California HS" width="360" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"> 2013 Ferrari California HS </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Ferrari has also created a 7-year maintenance program across its entire range of cars. The 7-year program provides regular maintenance every 20,000 kilometers (about 12,500 miles) or once a year without mileage limits. The program includes a complete inspection and provides original spare parts, filters and lubricants.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><img alt="2013 Ferrari California HS" height="219" src="http://www.roadandtrack.com/var/ezflow_site/storage_RT_NEW/storage/images/tests/draft/2013-ferrari-california-hs/gallery/2013_ferrari_california_hs_photo_49/2860553-1-eng-US/2013-ferrari-california-hs-49_large.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="2013 Ferrari California HS" width="360" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"> 2013 Ferrari California HS </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">As you can imagine, the opportunity to spend hours driving the California HS in the rolling hills and curvy roads outside Maranello was pure delight. The factory also provided a non-HS California to drive for comparison, and it was clear that the Handling Speciale does provide notable improvements. But with or without HS, this is one fabulous sports car.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">Original article:http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/drives/2013-ferrari-california-hs</span></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-83221452481213450732012-03-28T10:12:00.000-04:002012-03-28T10:12:40.645-04:002013 Ford Fiesta ST Ford's Sporty Subcompact to Hit European Streets Next Year<div style="text-align: center;"></div><h1 class="arial sz30 b" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: small;">2013 Ford Fiesta ST</span></h1><div class="arial sz18 clr47" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ford's Sporty Subcompact to Hit European Streets Next Year</span></div><div class="inlnblk w100p" style="text-align: center;"><div id="articleHeaderPhotos"><div class="brdr1 brdr_clps inlnblk w800 mgn_b"><div class="pad w569 flt_l ctr" id="ctl00_ctl06_ctl00_divHeaderImage"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_02.html"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Front Three Quarter " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/40653807+w569+h356+ar1/2012-Ford-Fiesta-ST-Production-model-front-three-quarter.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="future_article_img_sep flt_l" id="ctl00_ctl06_ctl00_divImgSeparator"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> </span></div><div class="flt_l pad w178" id="ctl00_ctl06_ctl00_divRightRailImagesContainer"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_01.html"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Front End " border="0" class="mgn_b brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/40653804+w178+h111+ar1/2012-Ford-Fiesta-ST-Production-model-front-end.jpg" /></span></a><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_02.html"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Front Three Quarter " border="0" class="mgn_b brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/40653807+w178+h111+ar1/2012-Ford-Fiesta-ST-Production-model-front-three-quarter.jpg" /></span></a><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_03.html"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Rear Three Quarters " border="0" class="pad0 brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/40653813+w178+h111+ar1/2012-Ford-Fiesta-ST-Production-model-rear-three-quarters.jpg" /></span></a></div></div></div><div id="articleBGPromo"><div class="flt_l w594"><div class="future_article_ctrl_hdr flt_l w594 brdr1" id="nointelliTXT"><h3 class="flt_l arial b sz14 pad_l pad7_t" id="nointelliTXT"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: small;">2012 Ford Fiesta Buyer's Guide</span></h3></div><div class="flt_l brdr1 w594 h80"><div class="flt_l pad5 w100"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2012/ford/fiesta/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2012 Ford Fiesta" border="0" class="brdr1 w100" src="http://images.automotive.com/stock/100/FORD/FIESTA/2012/4SA.JPG" /></span></a></div><div class="flt_l pad5 w299"><div class="mgn5"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span class="b">MSRP:</span> $13,200 - $17,500</span></div><div class="mgn5"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span class="b">MPG Range:</span> 37 - 37 mpg</span></div><div class="mgn5"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span class="b">Body Style:</span> Hatchback, Sedan</span></div></div></div></div></div><span id="nointelliTXT"></span></div><div class="w460 mgn_b mgn16_t link" id="articlePageDisplay" style="text-align: center;"><span id="nointelliTXT"><div class="flt_l verdana sz12 w460" id="ctl00_ctl09_ctl00_lblArticleDate"><span class="dtreviewed"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">March 05, 2012</span></span></div><div class="flt_l verdana sz12 pad5_t inln" id="ctl00_ctl09_ctl00_lblEditor"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">By <span class="reviewer">Jake Holmes</span></span></div><div class="hreview"><div style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div class="w445 h25 pad15_t"><div class="flt_l w260" id="fb-root"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div></div></div></span><div class="w445 h25 pad15_t"><div class="flt_l w260" id="fb-root"><div id="ctl00_ctl09_ctl00_tblContent" style="clear: both; display: inline;"><span class="linkarticlefuture article_body_future mgn5_b" id="ctl00_ctl09_ctl00_lblArticle"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></span></div></div></div><div class="hreview"><div class=" w140" style="float: right; padding: 0px 5px 10px 15px; text-align: left;"><div><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_01.html" title="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Front End "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Front End " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/40653804+pinline_medium/2012-Ford-Fiesta-ST-Production-model-front-end.jpg" /></span></a><div><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_01.html" title="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Front End "><div class="clr10 bgrnd53 w100p b sz10 no_u cursor pad5_t pad5_b pad1_l pad1_r ctr mgn_auto"><div class="inline"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img class="no_brdr pos2p_t" src="http://static.motortrend.com/_SiteConfigs/motortrend_com/images/skins/icon_clickforgallery.gif" /></span></div><span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> Click to view Gallery</span></span></div></a></div></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">When we first saw the Ford Fiesta ST as a concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and later in five-door form at the L.A. show, it seemed like a no-brainer that the small, go-fast hatch would be built. Not surprisingly, Ford has made it official with the reveal of the production-spec version of the 2013 Ford Fiesta ST debuting at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in advance of its in European showroom launch early next year.</span></div><div class="hreview"><div class="linkarticlefuture article_body_future mgn5_b"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div class=" w140" style="float: right; padding: 0px 5px 10px 15px; text-align: left;"><div><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_02.html" title="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Front Three Quarter "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Front Three Quarter " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/40653807+pinline_medium/2012-Ford-Fiesta-ST-Production-model-front-three-quarter.jpg" /></span></a><div><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_02.html" title="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Front Three Quarter "><div class="clr10 bgrnd53 w100p b sz10 no_u cursor pad5_t pad5_b pad1_l pad1_r ctr mgn_auto"><div class="inline"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img class="no_brdr pos2p_t" src="http://static.motortrend.com/_SiteConfigs/motortrend_com/images/skins/icon_clickforgallery.gif" /></span></div><span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> Click to view Gallery</span></span></div></a></div></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">As was the case in the Fiesta ST concept, the motivating force comes from an EcoBoost turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine, with 178 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque directed to the front wheels by way of a six-speed manual transmission. Ford says the Fiesta ST will hit 62 mph in less than seven seconds, with a top speed north of 136 mph. To help keep up with the power increase, the Fiesta ST also scores unique suspension tuning that is 0.6-in. lower than a regular Fiesta, Torque Vectoring Control, and a three-mode stability control system.</span></div><div class="hreview"><div class="linkarticlefuture article_body_future mgn5_b"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div class=" w140" style="float: right; padding: 0px 5px 10px 15px; text-align: left;"><div><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_03.html" title="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Rear Three Quarters "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Rear Three Quarters " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/40653813+pinline_medium/2012-Ford-Fiesta-ST-Production-model-rear-three-quarters.jpg" /></span></a><div><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_03.html" title="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Rear Three Quarters "><div class="clr10 bgrnd53 w100p b sz10 no_u cursor pad5_t pad5_b pad1_l pad1_r ctr mgn_auto"><div class="inline"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img class="no_brdr pos2p_t" src="http://static.motortrend.com/_SiteConfigs/motortrend_com/images/skins/icon_clickforgallery.gif" /></span></div><span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> Click to view Gallery</span></span></div></a></div></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Fiesta ST's mechanical upgrades are matched by a new body kit with a trapezoidal mesh grille, roof spoiler, new side skirts, lower front and rear fascias, and twin exhaust tips. Recaro seats with contrasting inserts that match the bodywork, metal sport pedals, and Sync voice recognition are all standard. The car looks like a scaled-down version of the Focus ST -- a move we're sure was deliberate.</span></div><div class="hreview"><div class="linkarticlefuture article_body_future mgn5_b"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Based on what Ford has told us so far, we have high hopes for the Fiesta ST's performance character. Ford director of Global Performance Vehicles Jost Capito claims drivers "will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST." An engineer with Ford's Special Vehicle Team previously told us that the new car is "designed to reward excellent drivers, and flatter novices." The car was tested and developed at the Nurburgring in Germany.</span></div></div><div class="hreview"><div class="linkarticlefuture article_body_future mgn5_b"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div class=" w140" style="float: right; padding: 0px 5px 10px 15px; text-align: left;"><div><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_04.html" title="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Wheels "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Wheels " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35771276+pinline_medium/2012-Ford-Fiesta-ST-Production-model-wheels.jpg" /></span></a><div><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_04.html" title="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Wheels "><div class="clr10 bgrnd53 w100p b sz10 no_u cursor pad5_t pad5_b pad1_l pad1_r ctr mgn_auto"><div class="inline"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img class="no_brdr pos2p_t" src="http://static.motortrend.com/_SiteConfigs/motortrend_com/images/skins/icon_clickforgallery.gif" /></span></div><span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> Click to view Gallery</span></span></div></a></div></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">One big question remains: Will the Ford Fiesta ST be sold in the U.S.? The version shown here is a two-door model that likely won't arrive on our shores because the American market only gets four-door Fiestas at present. But Ford received strong response to the four-door Fiesta ST concept at the L.A. show last fall and "remains open to the idea" of selling the Fiesta ST in America. That sounds like tacit confirmation to us that the hot hatch is destined for American market in four-door form sometime after the two-door launches in Europe next year.</span></div><div class="hreview"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="width: 100%;"><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_05.html" title="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Headlight "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2012 Ford Fiesta ST Production Model Headlight " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/40653810+pinline_medium/2012-Ford-Fiesta-ST-Production-model-headlight.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_06.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Front Three Quarter Motion "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Front Three Quarter Motion " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35740874+pinline_medium/2013-ford-fiesta-ST-european-spec-front-three-quarter-motion.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_07.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Rear Three Quarter Motion "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Rear Three Quarter Motion " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35740877+pinline_medium/2013-ford-fiesta-ST-european-spec-rear-three-quarter-motion.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_08.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Interior Side View "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Interior Side View " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/36999490+pinline_medium/2013-ford-fiesta-ST-european-spec-interior-side-view.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_09.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST Euopean Spec Interior "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST Euopean Spec Interior " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35740871+pinline_medium/2013-ford-fiesta-ST-euopean-spec-interior.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_10.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Rear Three Quarters "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Rear Three Quarters " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35741549+pinline_medium/2013-Ford-Fiesta-ST-european-spec-rear-three-quarters.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_11.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Front Three Quarters "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Front Three Quarters " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35741585+pinline_medium/2013-Ford-Fiesta-ST-european-spec-front-three-quarters.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_12.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Front Motion "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Front Motion " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/36999487+pinline_medium/2013-ford-fiesta-ST-european-spec-front-motion.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_13.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Rear Three Quarter "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Rear Three Quarter " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35741588+pinline_medium/2013-Ford-Fiesta-ST-european-spec-rear-three-quarter.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div></div></div></div><div class="hreview"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="width: 100%;"><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_14.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Door Sill "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Door Sill " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35741582+pinline_medium/2013-Ford-Fiesta-ST-european-spec-door-sill.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_15.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Steering Wheel "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Steering Wheel " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35741552+pinline_medium/2013-Ford-Fiesta-ST-european-spec-steering-wheel.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_16.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Rear Seating "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Rear Seating " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/37001893+pinline_medium/2013-Ford-Fiesta-ST-european-spec-rear-seating.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_17.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Center Console "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Center Console " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35741543+pinline_medium/2013-Ford-Fiesta-ST-european-spec-center-console.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_18.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Recaro Seat "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST European Spec Recaro Seat " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35740880+pinline_medium/2013-ford-fiesta-ST-european-spec-recaro-seat.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="float: left; padding: 1px 0px; text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/photo_19.html" title="2013 Ford Fiesta ST Euopean Spec Driver Side Motion "><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="2013 Ford Fiesta ST Euopean Spec Driver Side Motion " border="0" class="brdr1" src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/35740856+pinline_medium/2013-ford-fiesta-ST-euopean-spec-driver-side-motion.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div></div></div></div><span id="nointelliTXT"></span><div class="hreview" id="ctl00_ctl09_ctl00_divNoPhotos"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div class="future_article_ctrl_hdr flt_l mgn_t w460 brdr1 brdr_clps" id="nointelliTXT"><div class="flt_l arial b sz14 pad_l pad5_t" id="nointelliTXT"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Compare Competitors</span></div><div class="flt_l arial b sz14 pad_l pad5_t"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> </span></div></div><div class="flt_l w102 pad_t brdr5_r"><div class="pad5_t brdr5_b h20 pad5_l bgrnd34 b" id="0A-0"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">MSRP</span></div><div class="pad5_t brdr5_b h20 pad5_l bgrnd34 b" id="0B-0"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Base Engine</span></div><div class="pad5_t h20 pad5_l bgrnd34 b" id="0C-0"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Torque</span></div></div><div class="flt_l gradiant_vertical"><table class="mgn0 pad0 brdr_clps" id="compareInfo"><tbody>
<tr><td><div class="w115 brdr5_r"><div class="brdr5_b bgrnd43 shadow_vertical_blue h137_min"><div class="w100 mgn_ctr pad_t"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="Ford Fiesta S Sedan" src="http://images.automotive.com/stock/100/FORD/FIESTA/2012/4SA.JPG" /></span></div><div class="b w105 mgn_ctr mgn_t pad_l"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span>2012</span> Ford</span></div><div class="b w105 mgn_ctr pad_l"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span>Fiesta</span> S Sedan</span></div></div><div class="pad5_t brdr5_b h20 pad_l bgrnd34 gradiant_vertical_light_grey" id="0A-1"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">$13,200</span></div><div class="pad5_t brdr5_b h20 pad_l bgrnd34 gradiant_vertical_light_grey" id="0B-1"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">1.6L 120hp I4</span></div><div class="pad5_t h20 pad_l bgrnd34 gradiant_vertical_light_grey" id="0C-1"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">109 @ 4250 RPM</span></div></div></td><td><div class="w115 brdr5_r"><div class="brdr5_b bgrnd43 h137_min"><div class="w100 mgn_ctr pad_t"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="Hyundai Accent GLS Sedan" src="http://images.automotive.com/stock/100/HYUNDAI/ACCENT/2012/4SA.JPG" /></span></div><div class="b w105 mgn_ctr mgn_t pad5_l"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2012 Hyundai</span></div><div class="b w105 mgn_ctr pad5_l"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Accent GLS Sedan</span></div></div><div class="pad5_t brdr5_b h20 pad_l bgrnd34" id="0A-2"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">$12,545</span></div><div class="pad5_t brdr5_b h20 pad_l bgrnd34" id="0B-2"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">1.6L 138hp I4</span></div><div class="pad5_t h20 pad_l bgrnd34" id="0C-2"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">123 @ 4850 RPM</span></div></div></td><td><div class="brdr5_b bgrnd43 h137_min"><div class="w100 mgn_ctr pad_t"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="Chevrolet Sonic LS Sedan" src="http://images.automotive.com/stock/100/CHEVROLET/SONIC/2012/4SA.JPG" /></span></div><div class="b w105 mgn_ctr mgn_t pad5_l"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2012 Chevrolet</span></div><div class="b w105 mgn_ctr pad5_l"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Sonic LS Sedan</span></div></div><div class="pad5_t brdr5_b h20 pad_l bgrnd34" id="0A-3"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">$13,865</span></div><div class="pad5_t brdr5_b h20 pad_l bgrnd34" id="0B-3"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">1.8L 138hp I4</span></div><div class="pad5_t h20 pad_l bgrnd34" id="0C-3"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">125 @ 3800 RPM</span></div><div class="pad5_t h20 pad_l bgrnd34"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span> </div><div class="pad5_t h20 pad_l bgrnd34"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span> </div><div class="pad5_t h20 pad_l bgrnd34"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span> </div><div class="pad5_t h20 pad_l bgrnd34"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">What do you guys think?</span></div><div align="left" class="pad5_t h20 pad_l bgrnd34"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">original article: <a href="http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/">http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2012/1203_2013_ford_fiesta_st_production_model_comes_to_geneva/</a></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-13316166179608194792012-02-02T21:07:00.000-05:002012-02-02T21:07:05.017-05:002012 Ford Explore on 20" XD 803 wheels with Nitto Terra Grappler tires<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">2012 Ford Explore with XD 803 Machine Black 20x9 wheels wrapped with 265/50/20 Nitto Terra Grappler</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6bx9VJ0d6k0h-CygI3DAcT6pH-jj1gXZjzdYrL7Q3-90R5syImg_M_s0_mZKbYXt884lP992BmDlV486ZEJud7ErHvpxIDRTdDMOt3_xNwnXC0rQ9uV4fCpC5a7BB31EYRFjZTj8A-4n/s1600/1+084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6bx9VJ0d6k0h-CygI3DAcT6pH-jj1gXZjzdYrL7Q3-90R5syImg_M_s0_mZKbYXt884lP992BmDlV486ZEJud7ErHvpxIDRTdDMOt3_xNwnXC0rQ9uV4fCpC5a7BB31EYRFjZTj8A-4n/s400/1+084.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwdnJlzEUGhEgtNvIr_vxHMOQX7KtvTRHAfxlqd5P1_Iox3-DoGhdcBd0yr3uSCliX-Khkp-EvoeQ78MGDWYvRvRdQeiaoUZYM1e0OYBG1kmfo7SQ9KnEFNdsvIoj3BD-4nxi6_H7Sd2-/s1600/1+086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwdnJlzEUGhEgtNvIr_vxHMOQX7KtvTRHAfxlqd5P1_Iox3-DoGhdcBd0yr3uSCliX-Khkp-EvoeQ78MGDWYvRvRdQeiaoUZYM1e0OYBG1kmfo7SQ9KnEFNdsvIoj3BD-4nxi6_H7Sd2-/s400/1+086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0BvoI1SyJy3zaXPuZRUVQ46dYoMkhCHtjBX3IpZZNAjZeXO4JmLCw0xLvcqAJOryC3N98AmOneSja9yw-rRE9ADnxW2zTCgfNE2qxgIQBkivwVOj9Y0JqsUH6vSLOR7P_KV7p94tfPxc/s1600/1+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0BvoI1SyJy3zaXPuZRUVQ46dYoMkhCHtjBX3IpZZNAjZeXO4JmLCw0xLvcqAJOryC3N98AmOneSja9yw-rRE9ADnxW2zTCgfNE2qxgIQBkivwVOj9Y0JqsUH6vSLOR7P_KV7p94tfPxc/s400/1+087.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div id="content"><div> </div><div><span style="color: #cccccc;">First Drive Review</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span class="ir">arrow</span> </span></div><hgroup><h1 id="title"><span style="color: #cccccc;">2012 Ford Explorer 2.0L EcoBoost </span></h1><h2 id="dek"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Ford's EcoBoost cocktail proves not quite as tasty in the Explorer. </span></h2></hgroup></header><div class="byline-container"><ul class="byline"><li id="publish_date"><span style="color: #cccccc;">August 2011</span></li>
<li class="last"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/search/all/author/STEVE+SILER" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #cccccc;">BY STEVE SILER</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span></li>
</ul></div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Ford has pledged to make its downsized, turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost motors available as options in 90 percent of its American product line by 2013. So far, the technology cocktail has been served up in the Taurus SHO and Flex, as well as the Lincoln MKT and MKS. EcoBoost pulled off perhaps its greatest upset in the F-150, with the </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2011-ford-f-150-fx4-supercrew-4x4-ecoboost-v6-road-test-review-car-and-driver" s_oc="null" style="font-size: 12px;" target="_self"><span style="color: #cccccc;">mighty twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> being spec’d in 41 percent of all F-150s sold here at Ford’s last count. Now, the Edge and Explorer have bellied up to the EcoBoost bar. The two crossovers tie for the honor of being the first Blue Oval products in the U.S. to offer the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder—but only on models with front-wheel drive.</span></div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="color: #cccccc;">Four of One, Third-of-a-Dozen of the Other</span></b></div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">As in the F-150, the EcoBoost engine in the Edge and Explorer is offered as a seemingly equal alternative to engines with two more gas-swilling cylinders. In this case, the EcoBoost option (which costs $995 in both models) is Ford’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder, producing a stout 240 hp at 5500 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 3000 revs. Compare that to the base 3.5-liter V-6 in the Explorer, which offers 290 hp but just 255 lb-ft of torque. Citing a fuel-economy advantage of about 3 mpg compared with the V-6 alternatives, Ford claims the new four-pot is “the ideal powertrain” for the Edge and Explorer. </span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="default" style="width: 157px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div class="object-center"><div class="content-view-embed"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/2012-ford-explorer-ecoboost-first-drive-review-car-and-driver" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><img alt="" height="166" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/2012-ford-explorer-limited-4wd-embed-1-photo-416693-s-original.jpg" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" title="" width="270" /> </span></a></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">We sort of agree with Ford regarding the Edge (click </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-ford-edge-20-liter-ecoboost-first-drive-review-car-and-driver" s_oc="null" style="font-size: 12px;" target="_self"><span style="color: #cccccc;">here</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> to read our drive of the EcoBoost Edge), but not so much when it comes to the Explorer. That certainly isn’t because the engine is any worse; part for part and pony for pony, it is identical. Ditto the shared transmission, which features six gears but no manually selectable ratios beyond “D” and “L.”</span></div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="color: #cccccc;">So Close, But So Far Away</span></b></div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The culprit here is weight: With its seven seats and additional 12.9 inches of overall length, the 4550-pound 2012 Explorer with EcoBoost is saddled with a gluttonous 450 pounds or so more than the EcoBoost-powered Edge. The engine itself is as sweet as honey: turbo lag is pretty much nonexistent, and the four whirs along in utter silence unless the driver is really deep into the throttle. Off-the-line response is quite good, but all that weight makes the initial acceleration unsustainable. By the time the engine is midway up the rev range, sluggishness prevails.</span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="default" style="width: 112px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div class="object-center"><div class="content-view-embed"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/2012-ford-explorer-ecoboost-first-drive-review-car-and-driver" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><img alt="" height="166" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/2012-ford-explorer-limited-4wd-embed-2-photo-416696-s-original.jpg" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" title="" width="270" /> </span></a></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">We drove it solo as well as with four adults on board, on roads both flat and hilly. With just four aboard, performance suffered dramatically, so we shudder at the thought of filling all seven seats and/or pulling 2000 pounds of trailer (the max recommended for the EcoBoost Explorer). Ford has a policy of not providing performance estimates for most of its cars, but in a </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2011-dodge-durango-crew-awd-vs-2011-ford-explorer-xlt-4wd-2011-honda-pilot-touring-4wd-comparison-test-car-and-driver" s_oc="null" style="font-size: 12px;" target="_self"><span style="color: #cccccc;">recent comparison test of three-row crossovers</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">, we clocked a 0-to-60-mph time of 7.7 seconds in a 4747-pound, all-wheel-drive Explorer V-6. We expect a time of around 8.0 seconds for the Explorer with the four.</span></div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">In other respects, the EcoBoosted example behaved much like other Explorers we have driven since the formerly body-on-frame model crossed into crossover-dom. The electrically assisted steering is too light but precise, and the brakes are strong. But, with its formidable width and outboard armrests that only an NBA player could reach, the Explorer imparts an inescapable feeling that one is driving more of a room than a car.</span></div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="color: #cccccc;">Yes, Even EcoBoost Has Its Limits</span></b></div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Ford readily admits that the four-cylinder Explorer is not ideal for crossover buyers who intend to tow. Rather, Ford says it is a better match for workaday tasks like shuttling the kids to school and grocery-getting—so, the stuff crossover buyers do. In most regards, the lighter, more enjoyable-to-drive Edge with EcoBoost could work equally well (and yield an additional mile or two per gallon while it’s at it) unless that third-row seat is absolutely necessary. The portly Explorer is just a bit too much Ford for four cylinders to handle—even with a turbo</span></div></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-23497398725753827242012-02-02T20:41:00.000-05:002012-02-02T20:41:01.621-05:002012 Infiniti G37S on 20" Staggered Stance SC5 Wheels and Tires<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">2012 Infiniti G37S on 20x8.5 Front and 20x10 Rear Stance SC5 Machine Black wheels wrapped with Falken tires. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JyFXDqpLffloGZtC654Kwuu339j8Nr1L88-w0YezHpcyUnJDp_oqA5DPvdFTeYA0zNckzTTIvhxpM1yGT34MXPEgVgafhb68EzQfkvws3CBaweyriZrAsGsw94rUf6q9KcgKhvDo6Xex/s1600/1+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><img border="0" height="300" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JyFXDqpLffloGZtC654Kwuu339j8Nr1L88-w0YezHpcyUnJDp_oqA5DPvdFTeYA0zNckzTTIvhxpM1yGT34MXPEgVgafhb68EzQfkvws3CBaweyriZrAsGsw94rUf6q9KcgKhvDo6Xex/s400/1+002.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><br />
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<div class="author" id="vpAuthorBox"><h4><span style="color: #cccccc;">By Cars.com Staff</span></h4><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span>Cars.com National</span> <span>July 13, 2011</span> </span><div class="clearfix"></div></div><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
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</script><div class="echeader"><br />
</div><div class="echeader"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Vehicle Overview</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The G37 comes as a sedan, a coupe and a folding hardtop convertible. The sedan and coupe come with rear- or all-wheel drive; the convertible is rear-drive only. The sedan has room for five while the other body styles can hold up to four people. Competitors include the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as well as the Lexus IS, Cadillac CTS and Audi A4. For 2011, Infiniti introduced a new entry-level G25 sedan to slot under the G37 sedan, but the coupe and convertible come only in G37 form.</span></div><a href="" name="top"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="echeader"><span style="color: #cccccc;">New for 2012</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The G37 sedan Limited Edition adds a Graphite interior color and 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark finish, while the G37 Sport Appearance Edition sedan gains a black grille. The convertible gets a spare tire instead of a tire-repair kit, and there are no significant changes for the coupe. </span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="echeader"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Exterior</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The G37 sedan features headlights that sweep back along the car, as well as a curved hood and large grille. Exterior features include:</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<ul><li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Standard xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights</span></li>
<li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Optional adaptive headlights swivel in the direction of a turn</span></li>
<li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Standard 17-inch alloy wheels</span></li>
<li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Optional 18-inch alloy wheels</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br class="echeader" /></span><br />
<div class="echeader"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Interior</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The G37 sedan seats five, though the rear center position is uncomfortable. Infiniti does not offer a folding backseat, but that's something competitors like the 3 Series and C-Class do. Interior features include:</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<ul><li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Standard leather seats</span></li>
<li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Standard six-speaker, USB/iPod-compatible stereo</span></li>
<li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Optional Bose premium stereo</span></li>
<li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Optional navigation system with Bluetooth streaming audio</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="echeader"><br class="echeader" /><span style="color: #cccccc;">Under the Hood</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The G37 sedan's 3.7-liter V-6 makes 328 horsepower and 269 pounds-feet of torque. Mechanical features include:</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<ul><li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Standard seven-speed automatic transmission</span></li>
<li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Optional six-speed manual</span></li>
<li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Rear- or all-wheel drive (G37x)</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="echeader"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Safety</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The G37's optional adaptive cruise control can alert the driver, preload the brakes and tighten the seat belts if it senses rapidly decelerating traffic ahead. Standard safety features include:</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<ul><li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Six airbags</span></li>
<li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Active front head restraints</span></li>
<li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Four-wheel antilock brakes</span></li>
<li class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Electronic stability system</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="echeader"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></div><div class="echeader"><a href="" name="coupe"></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">G37 Coupe</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The coupe can come with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic. The G37 coupe has the strongest V-6 in the G lineup. It makes 330 hp and 270 pounds-feet of torque. For performance enthusiasts, Infiniti offers an IPL coupe with a 348-hp V-6 that includes a rear spoiler and 19-inch rims. </span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br class="echeader" /></span><br />
<div class="echeader"><a href="" name="convertible"></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">G37 Convertible</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Infiniti brought the G37 convertible to market for the 2009 model year. It uses a folding metal hardtop that deploys or stows in about 30 seconds. Trim levels include the base, Sport and Limited Edition. The convertible's 3.7-liter V-6 makes 325 hp and 267 pounds-feet of torque and teams with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. High-end features include heated and ventilated seats and a Bose Open Air stereo, which places speakers on each side of the front head restraints. </span></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7257941947970303587#top" s_oc="null"></a><div class="echeader"><br />
<a href="" name="sedan"></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">G25 Sedan</span></div><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span><br />
<div class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Available with rear- or all-wheel drive, the G25 sedan employs a 2.5-liter V-6 with 218 hp and 187 pounds-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard. Base and Journey trim levels are available. The G25 base comes standard with leather upholstery, power front seats, single-zone automatic climate control and a CD stereo with an auxiliary jack. The Journey has similar equipment to the G37 Journey. Upgrades include dual-zone climate control, additional power seat controls, USB/iPod stereo integration and heated front seats. A moonroof is optional. The all-wheel-drive G25x carries Journey-level features. </span></div><div class="ecbody"><br />
</div><div class="ecbody"><span style="color: #cccccc;">original article: http://www.cars.com/infiniti/g37/2012/expert-reviews/?revid=57417 </span></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-11989068874201076912012-01-09T10:44:00.000-05:002012-01-09T10:44:21.820-05:002013 Bentley Continental GT / GTC V8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcH4Vj9VUc-PKyl8DPnzXufIiS4InW3YTvVZd1qv3VlAN-a7B7P6oDmCV8AAz5M1TwbWU_NmClTAQOLb1WxlFl3rcTo70IW9wF8-9FJqpMmzBpVIp-gtVt723U-jCyL0gZIqF2iF-YldE/s1600/2013-bentley-continental-gt-gtc-v8-photos-and-info-news-car-and-driver-photo-433658-s-429x262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcH4Vj9VUc-PKyl8DPnzXufIiS4InW3YTvVZd1qv3VlAN-a7B7P6oDmCV8AAz5M1TwbWU_NmClTAQOLb1WxlFl3rcTo70IW9wF8-9FJqpMmzBpVIp-gtVt723U-jCyL0gZIqF2iF-YldE/s400/2013-bentley-continental-gt-gtc-v8-photos-and-info-news-car-and-driver-photo-433658-s-429x262.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<h2 id="dek"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">A smaller engine and a slightly smaller price tag will bring the Conti marginally downmarket. </span></h2></hgroup></header><div class="byline-container"><ul class="byline"><li id="publish_date"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">December 2011</span></li>
<li class="last"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/search/all/author/JON+YANCA+" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">BY JON YANCA </span></a></li>
</ul></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Old luxury brands tend to evolve at a snail’s pace, maybe because their (often old) buyers aren’t the most accepting of change. Nevertheless, survival of any carmaker depends on its appeal to varying generations, ultimately making change inevitable. Bentley took a gigantic step off the beaten path when it introduced its 12-cylinder “starter” Bentley, the </span><a href="http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/bentley/continental-gt" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Continental GT</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, in 2003. The swoopy coupe, which later spawned the </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-bentley-continental-gtc-convertible-review" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">GTC convertible</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> and </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2010-bentley-continental-flying-spur-speed-vs-2011-rolls-royce-ghost-comparison-tests" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Flying Spur sedan</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, was hugely successful and is currently in its second generation (although it’s hard to tell by looking at it). Now, with world economies even closer to the brink of turmoil, Bentley is taking the next step in its evolution and introducing the entry-entry-level Bentley, the 2013 Continental GT and GTC V-8 models.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">We reported a year ago during our first sampling of the </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/bentley-continental-review-2012-bentley-continental-gt-drive" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">second-generation 2012 Conti GT</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> that a V-8–powered model with a lower price was in the works. While Bentley has yet to share what exactly that price will be (we figure on at least $10K less than the W-12 GT’s $195,495 base), the company has released most other details prior to the V-8’s debut at the </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/2012-detroit-auto-show" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2012 Detroit auto show</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">. Displacing 4.0 liters, the direct-injection, twin-turbo V-8 is a version of the mills found in Audi’s upcoming </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2013-audi-s6-debuts-at-frankfurt-auto-show-news" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">S6</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2013-audi-s7-news" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">S7</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, and </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-audi-s8-first-drive-review" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">S8</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">. Here, the engine is tuned to produce 500 hp at 6000 rpm and 487 lb-ft of torque from 1700 to 5000 rpm. It will send power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The power numbers aren’t all that far from the 567 hp and 516 lb-ft produced by the twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 currently in the Continental, and neither is Bentley’s prediction of a sub-five-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed over 180 mph. Credit what we figure will be a slightly lower curb weight, which also will help improve fuel economy, but perhaps not as much as the new cylinder-deactivation system that transitions from eight- to four-cylinder mode under light loads.</span><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="default" style="width: 429px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div class="object-center"><div class="content-view-embed"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/2013-bentley-continental-gt-gtc-v8-photos-and-info-news" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" height="262px" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/2013-bentley-continental-gt-v8-inline-photo-433805-s-original.jpg" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" title="" width="429px" /> </span></a></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">A few subtle cues distinguish the V-8 car. In front, the most notable change is a mesh grille now rendered in black rather than chrome, plus a slightly revised lower fascia in which the three air inlets are now more evenly sized. In the rear, the chrome exhaust finishers resemble a figure eight and are connected by a black finishing panel. All of the Bentley “B” logos on the car front and back are surrounded by red paint rather than the traditional black. </span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">A full list of options and standard equipment has yet to cross our desk, but we don’t expect a whole lot less on offer than what can be had in the existing Conti. We do know it’ll have an Eliade cloth headliner and a new Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood veneer, along with the option of two-tone leather seats. Twenty-inch wheels will be standard, with 21s an option.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">With the V-8 Bentleys being so close in output to their 12-cylinder siblings, it’s entirely possible that the “lesser” (and lighter) model could become the sportier or even preferred one. We know it </span><a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/bentley-previews-upcoming-v8-powered-continental-gt-will-position-it-as-more-athletic-model/" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">sounds pretty good</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> and look forward to some time behind the wheel.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Original Article:http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2013-bentley-continental-gt-gtc-v8-photos-and-info-news</span>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-42181838948878608262011-12-07T11:23:00.000-05:002011-12-07T11:23:25.065-05:00Royce Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe on Asanti 26" Wheels and Pirelli Tires<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6mdfDC3zvc0n-b8XD8dZ0FhOMrBoaW1-RpOKB2SurcubhZj3E1E2V6xpoUW62b17jPF39iVCPmj3kNpecRB8U5fVi7LuWu4ix1zGj4r4zfzqfgLEZB9bFg0dOIRagq_uhmslDdUo1fA8/s1600/Phantom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><img border="0" height="300px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6mdfDC3zvc0n-b8XD8dZ0FhOMrBoaW1-RpOKB2SurcubhZj3E1E2V6xpoUW62b17jPF39iVCPmj3kNpecRB8U5fVi7LuWu4ix1zGj4r4zfzqfgLEZB9bFg0dOIRagq_uhmslDdUo1fA8/s400/Phantom.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Royce Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe on 26" Asanti 3pc Wheels and Wrapped with Pirelli Tires.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> Wheels have an amazing 7" Chrome Lip all around. </span></div><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Information below provided by </span><a href="http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/"><span style="color: #cccccc;">http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">The Phantom Drophead Coupé is a less formal interpretation of classic Rolls-Royce design that captures the essence of adventure of the 1930s. Its unique raked grille combined with the flowing lines of the car, gives a sense of spirit and momentum even at rest.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Developed from the </span><a class="ajax" href="http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/drophead_coupe/photography/design" jquery1323274449437="296" title="design"><span style="color: #cccccc;">100EX experimental model</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> it offers both driver and passengers a dual experience - intimate and cocooning or embracing the elements depending on whether the roof is raised or lowered. Inspired by the J-class racing yachts of 30s (known for their performance and use of natural materials) the result is a car that epitomises romantic, performance motoring.</span><br />
<div class="clear"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></div><div class="cb3 contentBlock"><div class="blockTitles" cufid="49"><h1 class="gsm_u" cufid="50"><cufon alt="Outside " class="cufon cufon-vml" style="height: 19px; width: 70px;"><cufoncanvas style="height: 22px; left: -1px; top: -1px;"><shape coordorigin="-22,-316" coordsize="1585,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m16,-122 c16,-196,74,-249,148,-249,221,-249,280,-194,280,-123,280,-51,221,3,146,3,75,3,16,-51,16,-122 x m244,-123 c244,-175,201,-216,149,-216,95,-216,53,-175,53,-122,53,-71,95,-30,148,-30,202,-30,244,-70,244,-123 x e m-22,-316 l1563,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 87px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><shape coordorigin="-318,-316" coordsize="1585,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m54,-162 c61,-112,32,-24,87,-24,102,-24,115,-31,126,-46 l126,-162,158,-162,158,0,126,0,126,-21 c92,20,22,5,22,-69 l22,-162,54,-162 x e m-318,-316 l1267,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 87px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><shape coordorigin="-498,-316" coordsize="1585,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m120,-8 c78,15,28,3,28,-61 l28,-133,0,-133 c16,-158,41,-173,60,-195 l60,-162,111,-162,111,-133,60,-133 c65,-96,44,-28,83,-26,94,-26,107,-29,120,-37 l120,-8 x e m-498,-316 l1087,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 87px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><shape coordorigin="-617,-316" coordsize="1585,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m124,-43 c124,8,49,14,15,-12 l15,-46 c33,-32,78,-11,91,-41,79,-78,13,-77,16,-123,19,-168,79,-175,116,-152 l116,-120 c97,-131,82,-137,70,-137,39,-137,48,-110,72,-100,98,-89,124,-65,124,-43 x e m-617,-316 l968,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 87px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><shape coordorigin="-755,-316" coordsize="1585,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m21,-211 c20,-221,30,-230,39,-230,48,-230,59,-221,58,-211,59,-201,48,-192,39,-192,30,-192,20,-201,21,-211 x m23,-162 l55,-162,55,0,23,0,23,-162 x e m-755,-316 l830,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 87px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><shape coordorigin="-833,-316" coordsize="1585,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m16,-83 c16,-143,72,-182,131,-158 l131,-246,163,-246,163,0,94,0 c46,0,16,-34,16,-83 x m48,-80 c48,-32,79,-23,131,-27 l131,-130 c90,-150,48,-127,48,-80 x e m-833,-316 l752,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 87px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><shape coordorigin="-1016,-316" coordsize="1585,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m90,-165 c135,-165,162,-128,160,-78 l47,-78 c47,-21,121,-15,158,-47 l158,-16 c139,-4,123,2,94,2,42,1,17,-32,15,-82,13,-129,45,-165,90,-165 x m129,-97 c131,-133,87,-149,62,-127,55,-120,49,-110,47,-97 l129,-97 x e m-1016,-316 l569,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 87px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><span style="color: #cccccc;">Outside </cufoncanvas><cufontext>in</span></h1></div><div class="contentArea"><span style="color: #cccccc;">"We wanted to create a car that is a shared experience," explains Charles Coldham, Chief Stylist Interior Design. "The occupants are surrounded by the finest natural materials, evoking the experience of being on board a yacht." The coach doors allow elegant entry and exit to and from the rear lounge seat that turns the passengers gently towards each other, creating a more intimate atmosphere. The signature hood is made from five layers of material including cashmere, making it both quiet and luxurious when the top is raised.</span></div></div><div class="clear"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></div><div class="cb4 contentBlock"><div class="blockTitles" cufid="51"><h1 class="gsm_u" cufid="52"><cufon alt="Engineering " class="cufon cufon-vml" style="height: 19px; width: 98px;"><cufoncanvas style="height: 22px; left: -1px; top: -1px;"><shape coordorigin="-382,-316" coordsize="2087,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m41,-11 c12,-24,26,-50,50,-55,26,-66,14,-82,14,-106,13,-167,87,-164,152,-162 l152,-137,119,-137 c155,-102,124,-47,73,-47,55,-47,49,-34,61,-25,96,-13,151,-15,151,32,151,67,116,82,76,82,36,82,1,67,0,32,0,10,14,-5,41,-11 x m107,-104 c107,-120,93,-134,75,-134,58,-134,43,-120,43,-104,43,-87,57,-75,75,-75,92,-75,106,-89,107,-104 x m120,33 c120,2,31,-4,30,32,30,49,45,57,75,57,98,57,120,52,120,33 x e m-382,-316 l1705,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 115px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><shape coordorigin="-535,-316" coordsize="2087,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m21,-211 c20,-221,30,-230,39,-230,48,-230,59,-221,58,-211,59,-201,48,-192,39,-192,30,-192,20,-201,21,-211 x m23,-162 l55,-162,55,0,23,0,23,-162 x e m-535,-316 l1552,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 115px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><shape coordorigin="-613,-316" coordsize="2087,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m126,0 c120,-50,147,-137,93,-138,78,-138,66,-130,55,-115 l55,0,22,0,22,-162,55,-162,55,-141 c93,-186,158,-164,158,-92 l158,0,126,0 x e m-613,-316 l1474,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 115px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><shape coordorigin="-793,-316" coordsize="2087,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m90,-165 c135,-165,162,-128,160,-78 l47,-78 c47,-21,121,-15,158,-47 l158,-16 c139,-4,123,2,94,2,42,1,17,-32,15,-82,13,-129,45,-165,90,-165 x m129,-97 c131,-133,87,-149,62,-127,55,-120,49,-110,47,-97 l129,-97 x e m-793,-316 l1294,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 115px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><shape coordorigin="-965,-316" coordsize="2087,399" fillcolor="#999" path=" m90,-165 c135,-165,162,-128,160,-78 l47,-78 c47,-21,121,-15,158,-47 l158,-16 c139,-4,123,2,94,2,42,1,17,-32,15,-82,13,-129,45,-165,90,-165 x m129,-97 c131,-133,87,-149,62,-127,55,-120,49,-110,47,-97 l129,-97 x e m-965,-316 l1122,83 ns e" stroked="f" style="height: 22px; width: 115px;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></shape><span style="color: #cccccc;">Engineering Perfection</span></h1></div><div class="contentArea"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Like the Phantom saloon, the Phantom Drophead Coupé is built on a hand-welded aluminium spaceframe that has been adapted to the needs of open-top motoring. The A-pillar and windscreen surround have been designed for optimum strength and roll-over protection. From the elevated driving position you can enjoy the power of the muscular aluminium </span><a class="ajax" href="http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/goodwood/technology" jquery1323274449437="298" title="technology"><span style="color: #cccccc;">V12 engine</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> that offers effortless power and 75% of torque available from 1,000 rpm. With a low centre of gravity and weight distribution slightly to the rear of the car, the Drophead Coupé's drive is as spirited as its looks suggest.</span></div></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-51750750921001043332011-12-07T10:51:00.000-05:002011-12-07T10:51:16.723-05:002012 BMW 328i Sedan-The ultimate sports sedan reaches out to the More Generation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJM2uLVHlqBLF_HJ3Ciktn0PR3C7DhelnMPQPStESAvbMMzmTbZDnOVAaqZcUuc6sUyJroJCILO0nc1C02jyOoNzwTL3uhpAQsBAlekPU0woWT9wJczbXHqCGq5DARAws7Ogbx-zBC5_h/s1600/2012-bmw-320d-modern-sedan-and-328i-sport-line-sedan-photo-430041-s-520x318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJM2uLVHlqBLF_HJ3Ciktn0PR3C7DhelnMPQPStESAvbMMzmTbZDnOVAaqZcUuc6sUyJroJCILO0nc1C02jyOoNzwTL3uhpAQsBAlekPU0woWT9wJczbXHqCGq5DARAws7Ogbx-zBC5_h/s400/2012-bmw-320d-modern-sedan-and-328i-sport-line-sedan-photo-430041-s-520x318.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<h1 id="title"><span style="color: white;">2012 BMW 328i Sedan </span></h1><h2 id="dek"><span style="color: white;">The ultimate sports sedan reaches out to the More Generation. </span></h2></hgroup></header><div class="byline-container"><ul class="byline"><li id="publish_date"><span style="color: white;">November 2011</span></li>
<li class="last"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/search/all/author/DON+SHERMAN" s_oc="null"><span style="color: white;">BY DON SHERMAN</span></a><span style="color: white;"> </span></li>
</ul></div><span style="color: white;">Wider wheel tracks—up 1.5 inches in front and 2.0 in back—give the new 3-series firmly planted feet from visual and dynamic perspectives. Pile on sufficient speed and steering lock to find the adhesion limit, and it’s the front tires that slide first with a gradually increasing chatter as grip is lost. Our test car’s 19-inch Bridgestone Potenza run-flat radials—included with the Sport Line trim level’s optional adaptive M suspension package—demonstrated impressive wet and dry adhesion.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">As usual, dipping into the throttle will nudge the tail around so all four tires slide like well-orchestrated figure skaters. Unfortunately, control of the normally open rear differential is handled by the ABS via single-wheel brake applications. To activate limited-slip operation, the master driving dynamics control located on the center console must be toggled to the most aggressive sport-plus selection, and the adjoining DSC button must be held down to disable stability control. It’s not difficult to control the amount of sliding with timely countersteering, but the added chassis rubber does inflict a slight snap-back effect when adhesion is regained. That means it’s best to investigate these handling nuances on a track day before indulging any drift fantasies on the street.</span><br />
<b><span style="color: white;">Oh, My Goodness—Look at All the Goodies</span></b><br />
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<tr><td valign="top"><div class="object-center"><div class="content-view-embed"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/2012-bmw-328i-3-series-sedan-first-drive-review" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: white;"><img alt="" height="262px" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/2013-bmw-3-series-inline-3-photo-430128-s-original.jpg" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" title="" width="429px" /> </span></a></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
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<span style="color: white;">Beyond the classic driving-dynamic attributes, the 2012 3-series offers a whole Christmas catalog of comfort, convenience, safety, entertainment, and connectivity functions. The rear-door openings are slightly longer to ease entry, and there are modest gains in front and rear passenger space. BMW’s iDrive console-mounted mouse and a dash-top display screen are standard equipment. A USB port, an aux-in connector, and smartphone docking are provided under a sliding center-armrest lid. Front-door pockets can accept one-liter beverage containers. The rear-seat backrest now splits in 40/20/40 sections for utmost freight-versus-passenger flexibility. The 13-cubic-foot trunk not only provides one more cubic foot of volume than before, but there’s also a handy bin under a hinged floor panel for stashing items out of sight. An option the More Generation will surely love is a hands-free, noncontact means of unlatching and opening the trunk with a simple fore-and-aft kick under the rear bumper.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Although the optional head-up display focuses on navigation and speed-related information, the center-dash monitor will track power and torque on dual dials when asked to do so by the iDrive controller. A host of cameras and sensors provides blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, collision warnings, rear-obstacle detection, and 360-degree views outside the car. (Don’t be surprised when Sky-Is-Falling!-Tronic is added next year.) A parking assistant will not only alert the driver to a suitable parallel-parking slot, but it can also assume control of the steering as the car is backed into place.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">An unprecedented four trim levels are available. The Sport Line adds shift paddles with the automatic and a mix of gloss black and red accents inside and out to a base 328i or 335i. Contrasting stitching, anodized trim pieces, and red gauge markings do an excellent job of burying BMW’s past reputation for black-and-white austerity. The Luxury Line and the Modern Line use bright chrome or satin finishes, smooth or textured wood, colorful leathers, and color-keyed cabin trim to make their statements. Late next year, a fifth trim—the M Sport package—containing a sport suspension; shift paddles; firmer sport seats; a smaller-diameter, fatter-rimmed steering wheel; 18- or 19-inch wheels; and an assortment of aerodynamic add-ons will be available. </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">The F30 3-series game plan includes xDrive all-wheel drive and an </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2012-bmw-3-series-sedan-photos-and-info-news" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: white;">ActiveHybrid 3</span></a><span style="color: white;"> that combines the turbo six with an electric motor and the eight-speed automatic to deliver improved fuel efficiency with 335i performance. </span><a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/spied-2013-bmw-3-series4-series-coupe/" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: white;">Coupe and convertible models</span></a><span style="color: white;">—they might be </span><a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/bmw-revives-plan-to-badge-3-series-coupe-and-convertible-as-4-series/" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: white;">badged 4-series</span></a><span style="color: white;">—will come later; the E90-based models will continue through the 2012 model year. There will be a </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/news/bmw-3-series-gran-turismo-spy-photos-news" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: white;">3-series Gran Turismo</span></a><span style="color: white;">. And you can of course expect an M3, but it </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2014-bmw-m3-spy-photos-news" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: white;">remains a couple of years out</span></a><span style="color: white;">.</span><br />
<b><span style="color: white;">BMW 3-series, the Greening</span></b><br />
<span style="color: white;">Two standard features declare the hybrid 3-series redundant. The first is an automatic stop/start function that shuts down the engine to eliminate consumption while idling in traffic. (Those who can’t stomach this feature can disable it after every startup by pressing a switch located above the starter button.) The second reason not to buy a hybrid is the eco pro mode offered by the driving dynamics control switch. Toggling down past the sport and comfort modes, you enter the low-consumption domain with powertrain settings adjusted to maximize gas mileage. Throttle response is softened, and the automatic transmission upshifts sooner and downshifts later. Electrical consumption by the climate-control system and heated seats and mirrors is reduced. Various displays in the instrument cluster flash to help the driver become adept at hypermiling—the technique of squeezing extra distance out of every drop of gas. Eco pro’s reward for exemplary behavior is displaying how many bonus miles of driving range were achieved on any given trip.</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Clearly, the new 3-series is the compact sports sedan for a changed world. This is where 24/7 connectivity and socially responsible consumption join hands with skidpad grip and slalom-course agility. Without totally abandoning its driving-enthusiast constituents, the 2012 3-series tenders a rich menu of gimmicks and gadgets that probably will appeal to those who always want more. If BMW doesn’t appeal to them, Audi, Cadillac, Lexus, and Mercedes surely will.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Original Article:</span> <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-bmw-328i-3-series-sedan-first-drive-review">http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-bmw-328i-3-series-sedan-first-drive-review</a>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-11730936253320962322011-12-01T16:11:00.003-05:002011-12-07T11:55:54.937-05:00First Test: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG<hgroup><br />
<h1 id="title"> </h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL94thEGEUHzaMXkup7O4866aLaV_GJUZ2LViW2ShBm71q2ce2mONVllvvp5QbSNoErepsCp48GUICh045Hg-iozp3XcTjhaL8_9seZLFzwcuSDKNW5QbkvJR_DpdldspwE9rg86ioiFt1/s1600/2012-Mercedes-Benz-SLS-AMG-front-three-quarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><img border="0" height="250px" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL94thEGEUHzaMXkup7O4866aLaV_GJUZ2LViW2ShBm71q2ce2mONVllvvp5QbSNoErepsCp48GUICh045Hg-iozp3XcTjhaL8_9seZLFzwcuSDKNW5QbkvJR_DpdldspwE9rg86ioiFt1/s400/2012-Mercedes-Benz-SLS-AMG-front-three-quarter.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></div><h1><span style="color: #cccccc;">2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG </span></h1><h2 id="dek"><span style="color: #cccccc;">All hail the tiny thunder. </span></h2></hgroup></header><div class="byline-container"><ul class="byline"><li id="publish_date"><span style="color: #cccccc;">November 2011</span></li>
<li class="last"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/search/all/author/SAM+SMITH" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #cccccc;">BY SAM SMITH</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span></li>
</ul></div><span style="color: #cccccc;">Bless Mercedes-Benz. Bless that company a thousand times. The house that Gottlieb, Karl, and Wilhelm built might not be good at everything, but at the end of the day, it gets one important thing right: If you are going to build a high-performance car for public sale, then said car must sound bitchin’. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Meet the 2012 SLK55 AMG. It sounds excessively bitchin’. Actually, that descriptor might be too modest—this machine is loud and raucous enough to wake the undersea dead. The naturally aspirated 415-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 under the SLK’s hood is the kind of powerplant that gives Detroit nightmares: torquey, smooth, and blessed with an exhaust note that makes the average V-8–powered American sled sound like a soprano eunuch. AMG calls this engine the M152, a fact worth mentioning only because it helps distinguish this V-8 from another Mercedes V-8. The M152 is a variant of the M157, the twin-turbo, 5.5-liter eight recently rolled out as a replacement for AMG’s aging naturally aspirated 6.2-liter M156 V-8.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cccccc;">So Many Numbers, So Little Sense</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Let’s get this down for posterity: The M156 used to live in AMG 63 cars such as the E63 and CL63. Most of those cars still wear “63” badging, a nod to the 1968–72 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3, despite the fact that they now are powered by the 5.5-liter M157. The M156 is still found in the C63 sedan, coupe, and </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-coupe-black-series" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #cccccc;">new Black Series coupe</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">; it also lives, albeit in slightly modified M159 form, in the SLS AMG. For the moment, the naturally aspirated 5.5-liter M152 is found only in the SLK55.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Confused yet? All you really need to know is that Mercedes-Benz badging can’t be trusted to accurately portray engine displacement—except in the case of the SLK55, one of the few cars whose number makes sense. Let’s move on.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">Like all AMG engines, the SLK55’s powerplant specializes in torque. In addition to the aforementioned 415 hp, the 7200-rpm M152 cranks out a whopping 398 lb-ft of grunt, enough, we figure, to hurl the diminutive roadster to 60 mph in barely more than four seconds. The V-8 is oriented toward efficiency, at least as much as a 5.5-liter eight-pot can be; cylinder deactivation is standard, as are direct injection, variable valve timing, and a stop/start system. The cylinder-deactivation system, a first for AMG, can disable cylinders two, three, five, and eight by cutting spark and fuel and parking those cylinders’ valves. The transition is noticeable only in the form of a slight change in exhaust note—it shifts from a rumbling burble to a boomier, less-complex tune—and an indicator light on the dash. The cylinders go to sleep under light load and only from 800 to 3600 rpm. Mercedes says they need as little as 30 milliseconds to relight, and the active cylinders still produce up to 170 lb-ft of torque. The system only functions when the transmission is set to efficiency mode or when the folding hardtop is up, leaving the top-down experience unsullied by practical concerns.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cccccc;">Mighty (Hefty) Mite</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">The SLK should weigh a whopping 3550 pounds—hundreds more than a Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4, both of which offer slightly nimbler handling and, in the case of the Boxster, gobs more steering feedback. This is as it should be. Mercedes isn’t known for building pared-down, die-hard sports cars, and the brand’s droptops have always seemed more suited to grand touring than corner carving. The 55 gets the usual pantheon of handling goodies—stiffer springs and dampers, a variable-assist hydraulic steering gear, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a pseudo torque-vectoring function for the brakes that uses rear-caliper pressure to help the car turn in—and it’s happy sucking up winding pavement, but it’s happier still carrying big speed over long distances. The standard seven-speed automatic shifts smoothly and quickly, blipping the throttle on downshifts, but the engine is so flexible that you tend to forget the gearbox is there. Gripes are limited to a noticeable amount of nose weight—for better or worse, V-8–engined SLKs have always felt bigger than they are when pushed—and a rear-suspension tune that produces a lot of head toss and the occasional sideways hop over rough pavement.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">The SLK55’s sports-car clothing and soundtrack can be misleading, but ultimately, this is a remarkably balanced, fast touring car. Pricing hasn’t been released, but figure on a sticker close to $69,000 when the model goes on sale in 2012. That’s anything but cheap, but the noise—that beautiful, lavish noise—is worth every penny.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Original Aritcle:</span> <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-mercedes-benz-slk55-amg-first-drive-review">http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-mercedes-benz-slk55-amg-first-drive-review</a></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-51511842844129471972011-11-21T10:25:00.000-05:002011-11-21T10:25:59.761-05:00New F30 BMW 3-series to Offer Diesel Engine in U.S.—Eventually<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0G4QWGZunUMivelxKq_65yFp8L12acYT6XSnnYICvoUrpuQtogrSHhvP3R9XxhV8qgAMjliHHSjEVTJNVnpfBpqOZQnw8v1Idq65cbM5pChKROkv53BcgTgOAferG0Lb89npWJYKRh2e3/s1600/2012-BMW-3-series-Sedan-626x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="243px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0G4QWGZunUMivelxKq_65yFp8L12acYT6XSnnYICvoUrpuQtogrSHhvP3R9XxhV8qgAMjliHHSjEVTJNVnpfBpqOZQnw8v1Idq65cbM5pChKROkv53BcgTgOAferG0Lb89npWJYKRh2e3/s400/2012-BMW-3-series-Sedan-626x382.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>BMW is in the midst of launching the volume versions of its all-new F30 3-series sedan—you can read our <a href="http:///" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #006db3;">hot-off-the-press first drive here</span></a>—but a company insider has confirmed that a diesel version will join the U.S. lineup once the dust has settled.<br />
The outgoing 3-series was available with a torque-tastic 425-lb-ft, 3.0-liter diesel inline-six; that model, badged 335d, was available only with an automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive—and <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2009-bmw-335d-road-test" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #006db3;">hit 60 mph in 5.7 seconds in our testing</span></a>. Its burly nature and exorbitant sticker price ($45,025) were a recipe for slow sales, but it was nevertheless a more cost-effective way for the company to offer a diesel 3, with the same engine having been brought up to U.S. regulations for use in the <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2009-bmw-x5-xdrive35d-short-take-road-test" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #006db3;">X5 xDrive35d</span></a>.<br />
This time around, we believe things will be different. It’s more likely that we’ll see a diesel four-cylinder in the 3-series. Our bet is on BMW offering a 2.0-liter dizzler, which makes 181 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque in the newly introduced European-spec 320d. If this engine does come here, BMW probably will deploy it in more models, too—the 5-series and X3 are both prime candidates.<br />
The exact timing, however, remains unclear. We were slightly surprised that a U.S.-bound diesel wasn’t announced with the rest of the American 3-series lineup, but its arrival may have been pushed off to avoid stealing the alternative-powertrain spotlight from the new <a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2012-bmw-3-series-sedan-photos-and-info-news-car-and-driver" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #006db3;">ActiveHybrid 3</span></a>. Figure on a wait of at least a year—or possibly until the mid-cycle refresh rolls around in three years or so—for the new-gen diesel 3 to hit the States.<br />
Original Article: <a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/new-f30-bmw-3-series-to-offer-diesel-engine-in-u-s-—eventually/">http://blog.caranddriver.com/new-f30-bmw-3-series-to-offer-diesel-engine-in-u-s-—eventually/</a><br />
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What Do You Think?GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-64265793645327199882011-11-15T11:54:00.000-05:002011-11-15T11:54:59.069-05:00Ford boosts Mustang Shelby GT500 to 650 hp for 2013 model<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi382C8VvE84oy57hyuL_1QDWr1bAX4D7vESn2Pm-bOwzV3KrTEhdGcnYywDy_BjdVKE-eLPyaDQto440pqvLS_wk563Kn5NEOZscJjHiDa9aDKjo1AQl5s4UB48tlDkyc-wedRPyQURBG/s1600/mustang+gt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi382C8VvE84oy57hyuL_1QDWr1bAX4D7vESn2Pm-bOwzV3KrTEhdGcnYywDy_BjdVKE-eLPyaDQto440pqvLS_wk563Kn5NEOZscJjHiDa9aDKjo1AQl5s4UB48tlDkyc-wedRPyQURBG/s400/mustang+gt.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><a href="mailto:autonews@crain.com"><span class="byline"><strong>J. P. Vettraino</strong></span></a> <br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal;"><b><a class="gray" href="http://www.autoweek.com/" target="_new"><b>AutoWeek</b></a></b> -- </span><span class="date">November 15, 2011 - 12:01 am ET</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span class="date"><br />
</span>The all-new Escape SUV might be more important to <a href="javascript:var n=1" onclick="javascript:window.open('http://www.autonews.com/section/stocklink&link=www.automotivenews.idmanagedsolutions.com%2fwww%2fquote.html%3FSYMBOL%3DF','larger', 'width=975,height=650,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes,status=yes,toolbar=no,menubar=yes,location=no');" title="Body link"><u><b>Ford Motor Co.</b></u></a>'s bottom line, but the 2013 Mustang line being unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show is more exciting -- starting with the 650-hp GT500.<br />
Yes -- 650 hp for the 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500. It's the most powerful Mustang ever, and it will almost certainly be the least expensive 650-hp new car money can buy.<br />
You can credit Ford for not allowing the Mustang to get stale or soft -- especially as it squares off with the new Camaro from Chevrolet and Dodge Challenger.<br />
The Camaro has pulled ahead in the muscle car sweepstakes, with U.S. sales of 76,368 through October this year. The Mustang is second with sales of 61,516 and the Challenger is a distant third with sales of 33,254.<br />
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<tr><td><div class="box_article"><img border="0" src="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CA/20111115/OEM04/111119954/V2/V2-111119954.jpg&q=80&MaxW=505" /> <div class="article_photo_cap">The 2013 Ford Mustang GT<br />
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<em>Photo credit: FORD</em></div></div><br />
A year after the debut of the Boss 302, the Mustang lineup remains the same, with a V6, GT 5.0, Boss and GT500.<br />
Yet all get a mild facelift for 2013, with improvements across the board. There's a more aggressive shark snout in front, standard HID projector-beam headlights trimmed with LED strips, and three-bar LED taillight/turn signals that flash sequentially.<br />
Puddle lights in the outside mirrors cast light in the pattern of the Mustang pony logo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><div class="box_article"><img border="0" src="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/CA/20111115/OEM04/111119954/V3/V3-111119954.jpg&q=80&MaxW=500" /> <div class="article_photo_cap">The 2013 Mustang Boss<br />
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<em>Photo credit: FORD</em></div></div><br />
The 2013 Mustang GT gets LED fog lights and a bump from 412 hp to 420 hp, thanks to internal friction reductions in the engine. The six-speed Select Shift automatic will allow full manual control, with no default upshift at the redline. Recaro seats will be available all the way down to the V6, in cloth or leather.<br />
There will be new performance packages, upgraded audio systems and a new option called Track Apps, with an on-board accelerometer. Track Apps can save and display lap times, quarter-mile times and g-loads on the new 4.2-inch LCD in the center stack, not to mention a range of engine telemetry options, right down to cylinder-head temperatures.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><div class="box_article"> <div class="article_photo_cap">The Shelby GT500 receives new downforce-generating front grilles, aggressive splitter, new quad exhaust system and two new forged-aluminum wheels.<br />
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<em>Photo credit: FORD</em></div></div><br />
Then there's the 2013 GT500. Ford promises that 650 hp, up 100 from the current GT500, and top speed <em>above</em> 200 mph. That kind of speed required a thorough overhaul of the suspension, cooling system and aero package, according to engineers, though Ford was keeping details close to the vest before the L.A. show.<br />
Nonetheless, we've confirmed the source of that 650 hp, and it's not a blown version of the new 5.0 Coyote block used in the GT and Boss 302.<br />
Rather, it's the supercharged Ford GT engine used in the current GT500, with all its high-tech metallurgy, bumped from 5.4 liters to 5.8 liters displacement. Redline is 7,000 rpm, which will mean incredible piston speeds for a long-stroke engine. We'd also predict some sort of self-adjusting, variable-rate suspension.<br />
And a substantial price increase. Yet even with a bump of 25 percent from the 2012 GT500 base price of $49,605, we still haven't hit $65,000. You can't touch 650 hp or 200 mph from any other automaker for that kind of cash.</td></tr>
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Read more: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111115/OEM04/111119954/1254#ixzz1dnGZ2DhS" style="color: #003399;">http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111115/OEM04/111119954/1254#ixzz1dnGZ2DhS</a></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s1600/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89px" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s320/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-12404515362243721732011-11-08T10:52:00.000-05:002011-11-08T10:52:35.624-05:00Lamborghini to debut Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder for one last hurrah?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHRjcx8OjB_tKHkj1D2Cid_qJKo4xtwvsNaDa8qGcsDfoYzvX9miMWHsWA8frImKpKOSOnAUKauwg8xn4eFA3bG2RcYeoLT-cYVNJ2Q-gElmwutKcgWO14Oz4NQPh1dBOJ8q1gKvSo6ck/s1600/lambo-lp560-4-spyder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHRjcx8OjB_tKHkj1D2Cid_qJKo4xtwvsNaDa8qGcsDfoYzvX9miMWHsWA8frImKpKOSOnAUKauwg8xn4eFA3bG2RcYeoLT-cYVNJ2Q-gElmwutKcgWO14Oz4NQPh1dBOJ8q1gKvSo6ck/s400/lambo-lp560-4-spyder.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<span class="author vcard" sizcache="8" sizset="1"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">By </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bloggers/noah-joseph/" title="Browse posts by Noah Joseph"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Noah Joseph</span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Posted Nov 8th 2011 9:59AM</span><br />
<div class="share" sizcache="8" sizset="3"><div class="aol-share" jquery16205373988520326068="11" sizcache="8" sizset="3"><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Italian automakers have a knack for stretching a two-model line into a full range. Just take a look at what </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/abarth"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Abarth</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> has done with just the </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/punto+abarth"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Punto</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> and the </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/500+abarth"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">500</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">. Or what </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/maserati"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Maserati</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> has with the </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/maserati/granturismo"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">GranTurismo</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> and </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/maserati/quattroporte"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Quattroporte</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">. And </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lamborghini/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Lamborghini</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> certainly fits the same with the </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lamborghini/gallardo"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Gallardo</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> and the </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lamborghini/aventador"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Aventador</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> (or the </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/lamborghini/murcielago"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Murciélago</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> before it).<br />
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The Gallardo itself has spawned a good dozen variants, distinguished by their roofs, drivetrain configurations, states of tune and other parameters. Soon enough they'll all be replaced by an all-new model, but before they are, word on the street (or chat boards) has it that Lamborghini has one last variant in the works.<br />
<br />
That variant is tipped to be the LP550-2 Spyder, a derivative </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/20/lamborghini-looking-at-a-whole-mess-of-new-convertibles/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">previously mooted</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> but now claimed as confirmed, apparently. So what will make it special? The combination of simplicity and open-air motoring. The powertrain is borrowed from the </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/first-drive-kinda-2010-lamborghini-gallardo-lp550-2-valentino/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Balboni edition</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> – meaning slightly less power than the standard model, but lighter in weight and driving just the rear wheels – but with the Spyder's convertible roof.<br />
<br />
More intriguing still would be if Lamborghini were to nix the roof altogether and carry the Gallardo out as a fair-weather purist's dream, but at this point, we're just grasping at straws. </span></div></div><div id="continued"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div class="meta" sizcache="8" sizset="30"><div class="meta_src" sizcache="8" sizset="30"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><strong>News Source:</strong> </span><a href="http://www.teamspeed.com/forums/aventador-murcielago-gallardo/66298-2012-lamborghini-gallardo-550-2-spyder-confirmed.html"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Teamspeed</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> via </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.nl/lamborghini-gallardo-lp-550-2-spyder-is-bevestigd#post-46805"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">autoblog.nl</span></a></div><div class="meta_src" sizcache="8" sizset="30"><br />
</div><div class="meta_src" sizcache="8" sizset="30"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">original article </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/lamborghini-to-debut-gallardo-lp550-2-spyder-for-one-last-hurrah/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/lamborghini-to-debut-gallardo-lp550-2-spyder-for-one-last-hurrah/</span></a></div><div class="meta_src" sizcache="8" sizset="30"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" sizcache="8" sizset="30" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s1600/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s320/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="meta_src" sizcache="8" sizset="30" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gwtmotoring.com/">http://www.gwtmotoring.com/</a></div></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-88935641503613100492011-11-02T16:28:00.000-04:002011-11-02T16:28:52.765-04:00Honda reveals Civics, supercharged Accord coupe at SEMA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j1CgsdE5jfhrBkSZ-8VQ-gFDqsnzX5XsIf1iSNOxrAFt3ZRAsTwJFudcNc6IG9ceal29m2CaXnaBm2hZi7Lol7fWpZnJ_S5rI84uLVnn7JJDIY2DjsDqH1sfJCzrF-K_1XQhh87_i3ps/s1600/AR-111109958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" height="240px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9j1CgsdE5jfhrBkSZ-8VQ-gFDqsnzX5XsIf1iSNOxrAFt3ZRAsTwJFudcNc6IG9ceal29m2CaXnaBm2hZi7Lol7fWpZnJ_S5rI84uLVnn7JJDIY2DjsDqH1sfJCzrF-K_1XQhh87_i3ps/s400/AR-111109958.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div id="article"><div><a href="mailto:jwong@crain.com" lid="" lpos=""><span class="byline"><strong><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Jonathan Wong</span></strong></span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal;"><b><a class="gray" href="http://www.autoweek.com/" target="_new"><b>AutoWeek</b></a></b> -- </span></span><span class="date"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">November 2, 2011 - 10:50 am ET</span></span></div><!--COMMENTS-TOOLS--><div id="comment_bar"><div class="fleft" id="ArticleComments"><div class="fright"><div class="Recommend" id="Recommend1320265562390"><div style="display: inline;"><div class="Recommend_Container"><a class="SiteLife_Recommend" href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111102/OEM04/111109958/1428#none" onclick="return gSiteLife.PostRecommendation('ExternalResource','Article20111102111109958','Recommend1320265562390', document.title ,'http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111102/OEM04/111109958/1428' );"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></a></div></div></div></div><div class="clear"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><div id="ArticleEd"><!--SHARE-THIS COMMENTS-TOOLS--><div style="margin-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 260px;"><span class="st_twitter_large" st_processed="yes"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(http://w.sharethis.com/images/twitter_32.png);"></span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img height="19px" src="http://w.sharethis.com/images/check-big.png" style="display: none; height: 19px; max-height: 19px; max-width: 19px; position: absolute; right: -7px; top: -7px; width: 19px;" width="19px" /></span></span></span><span class="st_facebook_large" st_processed="yes"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(http://w.sharethis.com/images/facebook_32.png);"></span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img height="19px" src="http://w.sharethis.com/images/check-big.png" style="display: none; height: 19px; max-height: 19px; 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height: 19px; max-height: 19px; max-width: 19px; position: absolute; right: -7px; top: -7px; width: 19px;" width="19px" /></span></span></span></div><!--END SHARE-THIS COMMENTS-TOOLS--><!-- PLEX FUTURE PRODUCT, DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY, GREEN CAR --></div></div></div><div class="article_float"><div class="box_article2_heading"><div class="box_article2"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">LAS VEGAS -- Following the launch of the new 2012 Civic, </span><a href="javascript:var n=1" onclick="javascript:window.open('http://www.autonews.com/section/stocklink&link=www.automotivenews.idmanagedsolutions.com%2fwww%2fquote.html%3FSYMBOL%3DHMC','larger', 'width=975,height=650,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes,status=yes,toolbar=no,menubar=yes,location=no');" title="Body link"><u><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Honda Motor Co.</span></b></u></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> used the SEMA show to announce news surrounding the ninth-generation model and to debut a prototype Accord sporting a supercharger.</span></div></div></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">For the regular road-going enthusiast is the Civic Si Coupe HFP (for Honda Factory Performance). The dealer-installed kit includes a HFP sport suspension which lowers ride height by 15 millimeters and adds stiffer springs, shocks and 18-inch HFP wheels with Yokohama AVID W4S tires.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Civic Si Coupe HFP is also the first product on which HFP has collaborated with Honda's in-house racing arm, Honda Performance Development (HPD) to test and verify the package's performance improvements on the track compared with those of the stock Si. According to Honda, the relationship between the two will further strengthen on future products.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">To dress up the outside, the HFP kit includes a front lip spoiler, side sills and a rear bumper underbody spoiler, while the interior gains LED ambient lighting. The entire package retails for $4,244 and carries a three-year/36,000-mile warranty when installed at the time of the new-car purchase.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">For the track warriors, Honda had a race-prepped 2012 Civic Si coupe prepared by Compass360 Racing, which had its first shakedown run at the World Challenge season finale at Road Atlanta in September. In hopes of expanding its racing presence, HPD will offer the Civic coupe body-in-white for $3,500, which will save potential Civic Si racers from having to purchase a fully equipped stock vehicle and tear it apart.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">To date, Honda has sold close to 10 bodies, which can be fully built up through HPD's parts catalog that includes engines built by longtime Honda/Acura racers RealTime Racing out of Wisconsin.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Finally, Honda showed off an Accord coupe V6 concept outfitted with the HFP package with upgraded suspension, body kit and rims. The concept part of the equation comes from a HPD-tuned supercharger, intake and exhaust system. Estimated output figures according to Honda come in at 333 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque, which is up from the stock V6's output of 271 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque.</span><br />
<i><span style="color: #eeeeee;">You can reach <strong>Jonathan Wong</strong> at </span><a href="mailto:jwong@crain.com"><strong><span style="color: #eeeeee;">jwong@crain.com</span></strong></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Read more: </span><a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111102/OEM04/111109958/1428#ixzz1ca8Sjm6u" style="color: #003399;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111102/OEM04/111109958/1428#ixzz1ca8Sjm6u</span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s1600/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s320/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gwtmotoring.com/">http://www.gwtmotoring.com/</a></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-10495299317590246422011-11-01T12:19:00.000-04:002011-11-01T12:19:02.735-04:00Chevrolet aims to turn heads with Sonic All Activity concept<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghid2aze4yfPVZFmDm-7sR2DWTH-f_dYxJNuoc-BIghnRS3mCE6DAyF84UpWeAUY82jK12hidfJpVc3c0s82fa6rM6B5XmcF1j8qAPR6ywUapcN0Zzktn8BRFIoK8EcAcaPMRmiZykQxPh/s1600/AR-111109991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" height="258px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghid2aze4yfPVZFmDm-7sR2DWTH-f_dYxJNuoc-BIghnRS3mCE6DAyF84UpWeAUY82jK12hidfJpVc3c0s82fa6rM6B5XmcF1j8qAPR6ywUapcN0Zzktn8BRFIoK8EcAcaPMRmiZykQxPh/s400/AR-111109991.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span> </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="box_article"><div class="article_photo_cap"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The All Activity Sonic has a matte black finish, satin chrome pieces, a Z-Spec 2 high-wing spoiler and a built-on roof rack for mountain bikes, wakeboards and other equipment.</span></div></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span> </div><div><a href="mailto:autonews@crain.com"><span class="byline"><strong><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Danielle Emerson</span></strong></span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal;"><b>Automotive News</b> -- </span></span><span class="date"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">November 1, 2011 - 11:56 am ET</span></span></div><!--COMMENTS-TOOLS--><div id="comment_bar"><div class="article_float"><div class="box_article2"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></div></div></div><div><div class="fleft"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">DETROIT -- Chevrolet hopes its tricked-out Ricky Carmichael All Activity Sonic concept makes waves at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show beginning today at the Las Vegas Convention Center.</span></div></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Carmichael, a motocross racer who began four-wheel racing in 2007 and competes in the No. 4 Monster Energy Chevrolet Silverado pickup, gave Chevrolet some ideas for creating a vehicle he could use in his active lifestyle.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">“He came to us with the design himself and looked at where we were headed with the car and made suggestions,” said Cristi Vazquez, Chevrolet communications manager for the Sonic and Equinox nameplates.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The result: the Ricky Carmichael All Activity Sonic concept.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">“The car looks so cool, colorful and fun to drive,” </span><a href="http://media.chevrolet.com/content/media/us/en/chevrolet/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2011/Oct/1031_carmichael" target="_blank"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Carmichael said in a statement.</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> “I live my life on the go and this Sonic really represents that active lifestyle and my desire to have fun when I’m off the racetrack.”</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The All Activity Sonic has a matte black finish, satin chrome pieces, a Z-Spec 2 high-wing spoiler and a built-on roof rack for mountain bikes, wakeboards and other equipment.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">“This vehicle really has captivated a lot of people,” said Cristi Landy, director of small cars for Chevrolet. “It’s really sporty and has a cool blend of elements. The interior is really cool.”</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The interior seats of the Ricky Carmichael All Activity Sonic were designed by Fox Racing, one of Carmichael’s sponsors, and are made of a material intended to replicate board shorts.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">“The elements and components used to create it are largely based on accessories available for the Sonic, as well as other aftermarket parts,” Dave Ross, GM design director, said in a statement. “While this is a car created with and for Ricky Carmichael, new Sonic customers could easily create their own special all-activities vehicle.”</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Though the vehicle is a concept, Chevrolet officials are aiming for the Z-Spec package, which includes upgrades to the vehicle’s grille, paneling, ground effects, spoiler and wheels, to be available on 2013 models.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Chevrolet Cruze compact also will be on display at SEMA, but Chevrolet plans to stress the possibilities for accessorizing the Sonic subcompact more than the Cruze.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">“We’re playing up one of its strengths. When you look at the Sonic and the Cruze, they’re both well-styled vehicles and attractive,” Vazquez said. “The Sonic is more performance-oriented and the Cruze more luxury-based.”</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">SEMA will take place all week in Las Vegas.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Read more: </span><a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111101/OEM04/111109991/1261#ixzz1cTGIx4Xt" style="color: #003399;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111101/OEM04/111109991/1261#ixzz1cTGIx4Xt</span></a></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s1600/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s320/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"></div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.gwtmotoring.com/">http://www.gwtmotoring.com/</a></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-72763478762275465512011-10-31T11:33:00.001-04:002011-10-31T11:35:43.393-04:002012 Fiat 500 Abarth Official Photos: The 500’s Angry Sibling Announced for L.A. Show<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTljtLBHJdTFNwuDZYeJRyPQ2IhCvoB9hqhPk7vDgfMY9ace6t4Xi4TOsrMyw1Veveez80nNa-Uv7Tp9cDcrEiehyphenhyphenO2vgL4SY5YpJnSLJOUuSXRr_gUPh2A21sfbxEPP-PVjS5Cq9euDm/s1600/fiat-500-arbarth-placement-626x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTljtLBHJdTFNwuDZYeJRyPQ2IhCvoB9hqhPk7vDgfMY9ace6t4Xi4TOsrMyw1Veveez80nNa-Uv7Tp9cDcrEiehyphenhyphenO2vgL4SY5YpJnSLJOUuSXRr_gUPh2A21sfbxEPP-PVjS5Cq9euDm/s400/fiat-500-arbarth-placement-626x382.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>2012 Fiat 500 Abarth</strong></span> </span></div><h2 id="dek" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The amped-up 500 we've been waiting for. </span></h2></hgroup></header><br />
<div class="byline-container" style="text-align: center;"><ul class="byline"><li id="publish_date"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">October 2011</span></li>
<li class="last"><a href="http://cd-load-balancer-1028376850.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com/search/all/author/JON+YANCA+" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">BY JON YANCA </span></a></li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Just one year ago at the Los Angeles auto show, Fiat announced its official reentry into our country with the debut of the U.S.-spec </span><a href="http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/fiat/500/2012/fiat-500" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">500</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">. Since then, the brand has added the pseudo convertible </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-fiat-500c-test-review-car-and-driver" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">500C</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, but sales of all <i>Cinquecentos</i> have failed to impress. You might say they could use a little boost, so what better time to introduce a hotter turbocharged variant to our shores? The </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2009-fiat-500-abarth-first-drive-review" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2012 500 Abarth</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> has been officially confirmed to arrive at the Los Angeles auto show.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">For those not familiar with the current-gen 500 Abarth, you must know that it’s not new. First introduced to Europe in 2008, the 500 Abarth is an </span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2009-fiat-500-abarth-second-drive" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">absolute hoot to drive</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">. The regular 500’s wheezy 101-hp, 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder gets boosted with a turbocharger, and tuned to make 133 hp in basic tune or 170 in the Esseesse version—say “SS,”and it stands for “supersport.” Which tune will we get? Well, Fiat isn’t talking yet, but we think it’s pretty safe to figure on 170 hp. This is America, after all: Go big or go back to Italy. (Abarth also makes the 180-plus-hp </span><a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/180-plus-hp-fiat-500-abarth-695-competizione-is-track-ready-roll-cage-included/" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">695 Competizione</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, but it’s a limited-edition special.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">But the 500 Abarth is not just about motor. Born from a philosophy of “small but wicked” coined by company founder Karl Abarth, its mechanical modifications also bring a lot to the table, at least in Europe. We don’t yet know exactly how our car’s chassis will be spec’d—Fiat only says that the car is aimed at driving purists and track-day enthusiasts with an Abarth-tuned suspension and brakes, and “technology features not traditionally included on a small car.” The Fiat folks do add, however, that our version will “stay true” to the Euro model. That should mean our Abarth will include stiffer springs and shocks and a brake-based torque-control system to help mitigate understeer.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Aesthetically, the cutie-pie face of the base 500 is dialed up with more aggression. The Abarth’s front fascia has a larger intake opening, accented by a subtle chin spoiler. There are new rocker extensions and the rear bumper hosts a diffuser with dual exhaust pipes. Other unique exterior items include a roof-mounted spoiler, red brake calipers and mirror caps, Abarth’s signature scorpion logos and decals, and a set of larger, more-sinister wheels. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">We haven’t received a peek at the U.S. car’s interior yet, but it’ll likely carry over the sporty seats, aluminum pedals, fat steering wheel, and boost gauge found in Continental Abarths. Our answer will come soon enough, and the car will go on sale in the first half of 2012.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="default" style="width: 429px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div class="object-center"><div class="content-view-embed"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/2012-fiat-500-abarth-news-car-and-driver" s_oc="null" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" height="262px" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/2012-fiat-500-abarth-embed-1-429-photo-426649-s-original.jpg" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" title="" width="429px" /> </span></a></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s1600/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s320/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gwtmotoring.com/">gwtmotoring.com</a></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-74001743793229859782011-10-30T12:07:00.000-04:002011-10-30T12:07:17.610-04:00Cadre of Ford Focuses Invade 2011 SEMA Show<h2 id="dek" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Blue Oval's excellent new small car gets the SEMA treatment, times seven. </span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HvqnysaZRF27KGQnGYPvW5ymfcLpDfTbz_0uhX4r6EzEgLgqoxQLpPQ1THJ46m4a1aD-y26fBuFAOdwDke74Qyag_prF02WWvH_9PJ8gDdvKDqO4_Gg0HzmXL3nu00rLY5NSH4fA4uER/s1600/2012-Ford-Focus-by-3dCarbon-placement-626x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HvqnysaZRF27KGQnGYPvW5ymfcLpDfTbz_0uhX4r6EzEgLgqoxQLpPQ1THJ46m4a1aD-y26fBuFAOdwDke74Qyag_prF02WWvH_9PJ8gDdvKDqO4_Gg0HzmXL3nu00rLY5NSH4fA4uER/s400/2012-Ford-Focus-by-3dCarbon-placement-626x382.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="byline-container" style="text-align: center;"><ul class="byline"><li id="publish_date"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">October 2011</span></li>
<li class="last"><a href="http://cd-load-balancer-445812255.us-west-1.elb.amazonaws.com/search/all/author/JON+YANCA+"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> BY JON YANCA </span></a></li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The 2012 Focus is the Blue Oval’s most recently launched product, so it makes sense that Ford is bringing more of them to SEMA than any other model. There are in fact seven: six hatchbacks and one sedan, worked over by familiar names that include 3dCarbon, Roush, and Steeda. Details on each follow below; other SEMA show cars from Ford include </span><a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/sema-2011-ford-announces-a-trio-of-custom-fiesta-hatchbacks/" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">three Fiestas</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, four </span><a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/2011-sema-show-ford-trucks-in-four-f-series-concepts/" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">F-series trucks</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, and three </span><a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/three-sema-bound-ford-explorers-set-up-for-style-not-soccer-practice/" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Explorers</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ford Focus by Roush Performance</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="default" style="text-align: center; width: 429px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div class="content-view-embed" style="text-align: center;"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/ford-sends-seven-focus-customs-to-2011-sema-show-news-car-and-driver" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" height="262" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/ford-focus-by-roush-performance-inline-photo-426613-s-original.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="" width="429" /></span></a></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Talk about our kind of Focus. Roush mostly left playing dress-up to other shops and went straight to amping up the powertrain. This Roush Stage 3 Focus ought to be a riot, with its TVS supercharger, modified induction system, and dual-exit exhaust. As to the aesthetic changes, they’re limited to Roush grille inserts, a chin splitter, door graphics, and matte paint. Here’s hoping Roush offers this package to consumers—we have a feeling it will, given its past offerings for Focuses—and sends one our way. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ford Focus by 3dCarbon</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="default" style="text-align: center; width: 429px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div class="object-center"><div class="content-view-embed"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/ford-sends-seven-focus-customs-to-2011-sema-show-news-car-and-driver" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" height="262" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/ford-focus-by-3dcarbon-inline-photo-426614-s-original.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="" width="429" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Speaking of dress-up, that’s what this 3dCarbon Focus hatch is all about, with its body kit and satin-finish exterior wrap. The windows have been tinted, an upper roof spoiler added, and red accents—including a set of BBS wheels—sprinkled around the exterior. The functional elements include Pirelli rubber and a set of Eibach springs.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ford Focus by The ID Agency</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="default" style="text-align: center; width: 429px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div class="object-center"><div class="content-view-embed"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/ford-sends-seven-focus-customs-to-2011-sema-show-news-car-and-driver" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" height="262" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/ford-focus-by-the-id-agency-inline-photo-426615-s-original.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="" width="429" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">We’re still trying to figure out exactly what The ID Agency means when it says its Focus was “inspired by European and Japanese tuning styles.” Whatever. It has a Wraptivo roof sticker, a Top Stitch interior with Recaro Sportster seats, a Brembo brake package, and a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust. The slammed stance with big wheels and a body kit definitely brings to mind some Japanese influence, but then there’s a Thule bike rack with a Custom Leader bike. Must be for European traffic jams?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ford Focus by Capaldi Racing</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="default" style="text-align: center; width: 429px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div class="object-center"><div class="content-view-embed"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/ford-sends-seven-focus-customs-to-2011-sema-show-news-car-and-driver" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" height="262" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/ford-focus-by-capaldi-racing-inline-photo-426618-s-original.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="" width="429" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The lone four-door in this group, Capaldi Racing’s Focus concentrates on rousing the powertrain with a Borla cat-back exhaust and a custom intake. The chassis gets a Ford Racing Torsen differential, an AST Sport-Line suspension, and Ford Racing anti-roll bars. The sedan’s exterior gets upgraded HID headlights, custom paint, a Capaldi Racing front splitter, and some SEMA-appropriate orange rollers.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ford Focus by Steeda</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="default" style="text-align: center; width: 429px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div class="object-center"><div class="content-view-embed"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/ford-sends-seven-focus-customs-to-2011-sema-show-news-car-and-driver" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" height="262" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/ford-focus-by-steeda-inline-photo-426619-s-original.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="" width="429" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Known primarily for its work on the Focus’s sportiest and horsiest sibling, the Mustang, Steeda has enhanced this compact hatch with a self-supplied rear anti-roll bar, front-end brace, and cold-air intake, plus a quartet of lowering springs. The body kit is from 3dCarbon and the 19-inch wheels come from HRE. The four-banger in the engine room is officially SEMA-fied with fancy aluminum bits.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ford Focus by Bojix Design</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="default" style="text-align: center; width: 429px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div class="object-center"><div class="content-view-embed"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/ford-sends-seven-focus-customs-to-2011-sema-show-news-car-and-driver" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" height="262" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/ford-focus-by-bojix-design-inline-photo-426620-s-original.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="" width="429" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Twenties on a Focus? It wouldn’t be SEMA with anything less. This Focus Stage 2 by Bojix Design goes big with a body kit, a roof spoiler, an H&R lowering kit, and the huge 20-inch wheels. The chassis is said to offer “civil street manners,” but with those wagon wheels and lowered suspension, there’s no way even the leather-and-Alcantara-swathed interior could make this a comfortable ride. But, hey, at least the brakes were upgraded with a kit from AP Racing to deal with all that unsprung weight. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ford Focus by Cobb Tuning</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="default" style="text-align: center; width: 429px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="top"><div class="object-center"><div class="content-view-embed"><div class="class-image"><div class="attribute-image"><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/ford-sends-seven-focus-customs-to-2011-sema-show-news-car-and-driver" target="_self"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="" height="262" src="http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/ford-focus-by-cobb-tuning-inline-photo-426621-s-original.jpg" style="border: 0px currentColor;" title="" width="429" /></span></a></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Dubbing this Focus a “Motorsports Challenger,” Cobb seriously overhauled its four-cylinder with its own components, including forged pistons, custom intake and exhaust manifolds, and a turbo kit with a front-mounted intercooler. The chassis was prepped for track duty with Eibach coil-overs, Cobb suspension bushings, and a StopTech Trophy big-brake kit. With aero addenda like the front winglets, chin splitter, and enormous rear wing, this Focus looks the part, too.</span><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-gallery/ford-sends-seven-focus-customs-to-2011-sema-show-news-car-and-driver" id="article-continued"><span class="continue"></span></a></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-17014884464542918052011-10-28T13:47:00.000-04:002011-10-28T13:47:29.548-04:00Range Rover sheds pounds, aims to gain share<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgI5Ctkik0Z5AAfdulypbu9VmdIFt8lNPwjR9sQi0_x1s9sRNLThBPX8CVNt5O5pvn8vbKGT7tR292s6kQTb51aZlKwCLUwUgUCT6-stJ2whYYwgvczFWV8imeq_y7bm9Gddwg2MGVxbk4/s1600/range+rover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" height="205px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgI5Ctkik0Z5AAfdulypbu9VmdIFt8lNPwjR9sQi0_x1s9sRNLThBPX8CVNt5O5pvn8vbKGT7tR292s6kQTb51aZlKwCLUwUgUCT6-stJ2whYYwgvczFWV8imeq_y7bm9Gddwg2MGVxbk4/s400/range+rover.jpg" width="400px" /></span></a></div><div class="byline"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">By Paul A. Eisenstein</span></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Few vehicles can match the off-road capabilities of the typical Land Rover sport-utility vehicle. But when it came time to introduce the new Range Rover Evoque the British maker dug even deeper to reinforce its claims – more than 100 feet beneath the streets of Liverpool.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The media preview – staged in a long-abandoned network of railroad tunnels – was intended to show that the distinctive new Evoque could handle anything the typical buyer would likely run into. But the reality is that few will ever experience anything rougher than a gravel road or un-shoveled driveway. So why design a vehicle carrying all the extra hardware – and weight – of the typical Land Rover? </span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">While the iconic British brand isn’t likely to abandon the classic SUV that has been its foundation for the last 60 years, Land Rover is planning some major changes, and the Evoque is the first sign of what’s in store.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Apparently, the new crossover-ute has struck the right chord. It has been named Motor Trend magazine's SUV of the Year and is a semi-finalist for North American Truck of the Year, an award that will be presented at the Detroit Auto Show in January.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Range Rover Evoque is the first car-based crossover produced by the luxury brand, now owned by India’s Tata Motors, rather than the classic body-on-frame SUV. With its funky, coupe-like styling, the new model is both the smallest and, at just north of 3,500 pounds in base configuration, the lightest model ever to wear a Rover badge. </span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">That reflects the reality of today’s automotive market. Motorists are generally downsizing as they struggle to deal with crowded city streets and rising fuel prices. That doesn’t mean they want to give up style, performance, space or functionality, however. </span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">So while Evoque abandons the low-range gearbox found on the classic Range Rover and other, less expensive Land Rover models, it carries over the Terrain Response Control system that, with the touch of a button, takes the guesswork out of driving on different surfaces, such as mud-and-ruts, gravel, snow-and-ice or standard pavement. </span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">It does that by revising the settings of all manner of vehicle operations. In one of the off-road modes, Evoque’s ride height increases by several inches. Throttle response changes appropriately. In snow, you’ll start out in second gear. Transmission and brake-intervention systems like ABS and electronic stability control also are reprogrammed for optimum traction and handling.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">That dependence on electronic, rather than mechanical, technology will become increasingly apparent in future products, as will the wedge shape of the Evoque, explained Gerry McGovern, the brand’s design director, acknowledging, “Land Rover needs redefining.”</span><br />
<div class="vine-p vine_data_M2_LayoutPrinter vine_data_M2_FlexiblePrinter base_printer_widgets_AdBreak"><div class="vine-p vine_data_M2_LayoutPrinter vine_data_M2_FlexiblePrinter base_printer_widgets_InsertAd"><div class="insertAd_Rectangle"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span> </div></div></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The process began with the unveiling of the LRX concept vehicle in January 2008 at the North American International Auto Show. Company officials admit they weren’t sure what to expect, but the strong response to the show car convinced them to move forward with the project that became Evoque, which was launched while the brand was still owned by Ford Motor Co., then brought to market by Tata, which acquired both Land Rover and sibling British brand Jaguar in March 2008.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">“We knew we had something very special on our hands, something that could change the perception of the brand," said Land Rover managing director Phil Popham</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The buzz kept building as the maker carefully doled out details of the project and by the time of the recent media preview there were already 20,000 orders in hand. Significantly, 80 percent of those buyers have never before owned a Land Rover product.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Considering initial reviews, the new Range Rover Evoque very well could become one of – if not the – best-selling model in the brand’s history. Long little more than a niche player, Land Rover is aiming to take itself at least a bit more mainstream. That doesn’t mean it will walk away from classic truck-based SUVs. Quite the contrary. </span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">It revealed an all-new concept version of the big Defender model at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, McGovern describing it as a “vision of the 21<sup>st</sup> Century” SUV. A production version should roll into showrooms in a couple of years.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">But even such traditional offerings will undergo some dramatic changes, according to Popham, who revealed a corporate goal of trimming anywhere from 800 to 1,100 pounds of weight off the typical Land Rover product. That will be critical if the marque hopes to meet tough new emissions and mileage requirements going into effect in most of its key markets.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Expect also to see a shift to more high-tech powertrains, he hinted. There’ll be more diesels – and very likely a diesel for the U.S. market. The Range Rover Evoque, meanwhile, will be the first Land Rover offering to get a hybrid-electric drivetrain. Even conventional gasoline powertrains will be downsized and turbocharged – like the turbo 2.0-liter direct injection 4-cylinder engine offered in the new crossover.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">While rising fuel prices have clearly had an impact on the utility vehicle market, sales have remained surprisingly strong. But Land Rover officials recognize they can’t keep practicing business as usual. The new Evoque gives a hint of the alternative future they’re mapping out.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">original article: </span><a href="http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/25/8483616-range-rover-sheds-pounds-aims-to-gain-share"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/25/8483616-range-rover-sheds-pounds-aims-to-gain-share</span></a>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-35818054214188634832011-10-27T11:20:00.000-04:002011-10-27T11:20:07.914-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotoCaptionText"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2011 Toyota Tundra with NEW Fuel Mojave 20x9 5x150 Matte Black Wheels and 305/55R20 Nitto Terra Grappler All Terrain Tires</span> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccOrtC8UsxLkcyD2N7neBQNc2Raq1YheEVD6E4CbBAdGHt8o3pWah554Q33lQWku8vHx1FzNLrka4_UsNU6S3HuxQ4eyQ-8jYhC63hs-ZT8ZKwLtaAMsa7eKvm2eG1ujoL4F0OEGrz5xp/s1600/2011+tundra+fuel+mojave+wheels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccOrtC8UsxLkcyD2N7neBQNc2Raq1YheEVD6E4CbBAdGHt8o3pWah554Q33lQWku8vHx1FzNLrka4_UsNU6S3HuxQ4eyQ-8jYhC63hs-ZT8ZKwLtaAMsa7eKvm2eG1ujoL4F0OEGrz5xp/s400/2011+tundra+fuel+mojave+wheels.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqxjYuAeV8Z3Jp0Il-g3WbmVb6_xioiwd-yQLowzUpwzcZiAGahHprAHYlgcgfk_jcfFu7uJqlx7mzJZI04C_ENdT28mO2KAfnMKoltfXd1KJq0xNktTOBAPQXBHBrsKrLhn91s52DuT9/s1600/2011+tundra+fuel+mojave+wheels+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqxjYuAeV8Z3Jp0Il-g3WbmVb6_xioiwd-yQLowzUpwzcZiAGahHprAHYlgcgfk_jcfFu7uJqlx7mzJZI04C_ENdT28mO2KAfnMKoltfXd1KJq0xNktTOBAPQXBHBrsKrLhn91s52DuT9/s400/2011+tundra+fuel+mojave+wheels+%25285%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLCy84zM5VJ5m5hATxfAEKC_OReyz-rXmxoQajmrGWPo81Mkq61RtotTZhKbEOsWF3t7wdM4zxHKN5NP4AJocTMsA_xCishZL9d1tEMOUxlGsTBXirCX21ZjL_G7zc-PEG9Uw2QE-IDw-/s1600/2011+tundra+fuel+mojave+wheels+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLCy84zM5VJ5m5hATxfAEKC_OReyz-rXmxoQajmrGWPo81Mkq61RtotTZhKbEOsWF3t7wdM4zxHKN5NP4AJocTMsA_xCishZL9d1tEMOUxlGsTBXirCX21ZjL_G7zc-PEG9Uw2QE-IDw-/s400/2011+tundra+fuel+mojave+wheels+%25286%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><h2><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Toyota Tundra Review - What the Auto Press Says</span></h2>The 2011 Toyota Tundra ranks 5 out of 8 <a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Full-Size-Pickup-Trucks/"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Full Size Pickup Trucks</span></a>. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Tundra, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.<br />
The 2011 Toyota Tundra is a great all-around truck, but it’s easily trumped when it comes to looks, performance, fuel economy and standard features.<br />
Most reviewers say the 2011 Toyota Tundra is practical and meets expectations. It has a large bed, multiple cab options that increase seating capacity and powerful engines.<br />
The Tundra is a sensible truck, but it definitely isn’t perfect. One of the biggest complaints is that the Tundra tends to understeer and isn't as sturdy as the <a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Dodge_Ram-1500/"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Dodge Ram</span></a> and <a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Ford_F-150/"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Ford F-150</span></a>. The Tundra’s list of standard interior features is also sparse in comparison to its top competitors.<br />
The consensus? Reviewers say that while the Tundra is outdone when it comes to handling, style and fuel economy, it is still an excellent all-around choice. <a href="http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tundra/2009/review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Edmunds</span></a> says that, despite the Tundra’s faults, it “remains a well-built and thoroughly competent truck.”<br />
<h3><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Other Trucks to Consider</span></h3>Many full size pickup trucks start between $2,000 and $3,000 less than the 2011 Toyota Tundra. Along with those savings, you get higher fuel economy ratings, better performance and more aggressive exterior styling.<br />
If you’re after better fuel economy ratings, go for the <a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Chevrolet_Silverado-1500/"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Chevrolet Silverado 1500</span></a> and the <a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/GMC_Sierra-1500/"><span style="color: #005a9f;">GMC Sierra 1500</span></a>, both of which get 15/20 mpg city/highway on the two-wheel drive models. <br />
The <a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Dodge_Ram-1500/"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Dodge Ram</span></a> offers more aggressive exterior styling and better performance, all for $20,610, almost $3,000 less than the Toyota Tundra. Fuel economy, however, isn’t best in class. The two-wheel drive Ram only gets 14/20 mpg city/highway.<br />
To save money, go for a <a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/2010/"><span style="color: #005a9f;">2010 Tundra</span></a>. It looks identical to the 2011 model, but it lacks a few standard safety features. Check our <a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/best-car-deals/Toyota-Deals/"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Toyota Deals</span></a> page for the best offers on 2010 models. <br />
<h3><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Details: Toyota Tundra</span></h3>Toyota has given the Tundra a few updates for the 2011 model year. The 4.0 liter V6 engine gets dual variable timing, which increases fuel economy and power. Toyota also added more standard safety features: brake override technology and trailer-sway control. The Tundra is available in Regular, Double and CrewMax models.<br />
<ul><li class="quote quote-neg">"Contradicting a trend that's gained momentum in the past decade, Toyota has reduced the maximum trailer-towing rating of the Tundra half-ton for 2011, in one case up to 1,100 pounds." -- <a href="http://www.cars.com/toyota/tundra/2011/reviews/?revid=56645&revlogtype=21" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Cars.com</span></a></li>
<li class="quote">"Those who enjoyed the more nimble, economical Toyota pickups of the past may find the 2011 Toyota Tundra far too large. The Tundra's size means it can be challenging to maneuver in tight situations and, understandably, it is not particularly fuel-efficient, and there is no diesel engine option." -- <a href="http://www.kbb.com/new-cars/toyota/tundra-crewmax/2011/review" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Kelley Blue Book</span></a></li>
<li class="quote">"Tundra trails GM and Ford for handling, interior materials, and overall refinement. It bests them for power and passenger accommodations, however. Give it a look." -- <a href="http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2010-toyota-tundra.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Consumer Guide</span></a></li>
</ul><h3 class="component"><a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/Performance/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Tundra Performance</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> - 8.2 (Very Good)</span> </h3>While the 2011 Toyota Tundra doesn’t have the most precise steering among <a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Full-Size-Pickup-Trucks/"><span style="color: #005a9f;">full size trucks</span></a>, <a href="http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tundra/2009/review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Edmunds</span></a> says, "It proved to be a capable workhorse that tackled all our towing, hauling and commuting needs without breaking a sweat." <a class="read-more" href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/Performance/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #005a9f; font-size: x-small;">Read More</span></a> <br />
<h3 class="component"><a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/Exterior/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Tundra Exterior</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> - 7.4 (Good) </span></h3>Many reviewers say the 2011 Toyota Tundra doesn’t stand out in a class of more aggressive pickup trucks. "Toyota made sure this Tundra wouldn't have sand kicked in its face by designing a big, brawny pickup that looks like it could bully any truck on the market, at least from the front,” says <a href="http://www.cars.com/toyota/tundra/2011/reviews/?revid=56645&revlogtype=21" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Cars.com</span></a>. “From the side, the Tundra is rather conventional. A deck-rail adjustable tie-down system is available for all cargo beds." <a class="read-more" href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/Exterior/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #005a9f; font-size: x-small;">Read More</span></a> <br />
<h3 class="component"><a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/Interior/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Tundra Interior</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> - 8.1 (Very Good)</span> </h3>The 2011 Toyota Tundra’s interior isn’t luxurious, and while some reviewers wish it were better, others say that it doesn’t need to be. As <a href="http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tundra/2009/review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #005a9f;">Edmunds</span></a> says, "Although the cabin evinced a few ergonomic missteps, it was generally durable, spacious and comfy." <a class="read-more" href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/Interior/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #005a9f; font-size: x-small;">Read More</span></a> <br />
<h3 class="component"><a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/Safety/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Tundra Safety</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> - 10.0 (Excellent)</span> </h3>The 2011 Toyota Tundra earns good crash test scores from the federal government and the <a href="http://www.iihs.org/default.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #005a9f;">insurance industry for highway safety</span></a>. This year, the Tundra gets two new standard safety features: Trailer-sway Control and brake override technology. <a class="read-more" href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/Safety/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #005a9f; font-size: x-small;">Read More</span></a> <br />
<h3 class="component"><a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/Reliability/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Tundra Reliability</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> - 8.0 (Very Good)</span> </h3>The 2011 Toyota Tundra reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by <a href="http://www.jdpower.com/"><span style="color: #005a9f;">J.D. Power and Associates</span></a>. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2011 Toyota Tundra has a basic <a href="http://www.toyota.com/tundra/warranty.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #005a9f;">warranty</span></a> that lasts for 36-months or 36,000-miles, whichever comes first. <a class="read-more" href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/Reliability/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: #005a9f; font-size: x-small;">Read More</span></a> <br />
<div class="last-update"> </div><div class="last-update">Review Last Updated: 12/6/10 </div><div class="last-update">original article:</div><div class="last-update"><a href="http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/">http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Toyota_Tundra/</a></div><div class="last-update" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s1600/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx67JvI_IC8Z0J3X1pMHePDaE9Y3_EeNb9cZ3RbFS-PMHEZJjcY9sV-1v4fKIOFHG4TdqLu47aglQ6_9NOQiR2ZmtCGa-ZniEjSH2U0OI9HA_w9agSxHWXc_y6TtJZuwgO9MEQHFUGvXE1/s320/GWT-LOGO-2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gwtmotoring.com/">http://www.gwtmotoring.com/</a></div><div class="last-update"> </div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-75964775998878344722011-10-25T14:10:00.000-04:002011-10-25T14:10:13.070-04:00Mazda’s Takeri concept foreshadows next Mazda6<a href="mailto:hgreimel@crain.com"><span class="byline"><strong>Hans Greimel</strong></span></a> <br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal;"><b>Automotive News</b> -- </span><span class="date">October 25, 2011 - 7:13 am ET</span><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><!--COMMENTS-TOOLS--><div id="comment_bar"><div class="fleft" id="ArticleComments"><div class="fright"><div class="Recommend" id="Recommend1319564156484"><div style="display: inline;"><div class="Recommend_Container"><a class="SiteLife_Recommend" href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111025/OEM04/111029940/1171#none" onclick="return gSiteLife.PostRecommendation('ExternalResource','Article20111025111029940','Recommend1319564156484', document.title ,'http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111025/OEM04/111029940/1171' );"></a></div></div></div></div><div class="clear"></div><div id="ArticleEd"><!--SHARE-THIS COMMENTS-TOOLS--><div style="margin-bottom: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; width: 260px;"><span class="st_twitter_large" st_processed="yes"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(http://w.sharethis.com/images/twitter_32.png);"></span><img height="19px" src="http://w.sharethis.com/images/check-big.png" style="display: none; height: 19px; max-height: 19px; max-width: 19px; position: absolute; right: -7px; top: -7px; width: 19px;" width="19px" /></span></span><span class="st_facebook_large" st_processed="yes"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(http://w.sharethis.com/images/facebook_32.png);"></span><img height="19px" src="http://w.sharethis.com/images/check-big.png" style="display: none; height: 19px; max-height: 19px; max-width: 19px; position: absolute; right: -7px; top: -7px; width: 19px;" width="19px" /></span></span><span class="st_linkedin_large" st_processed="yes"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(http://w.sharethis.com/images/linkedin_32.png);"></span><img height="19px" src="http://w.sharethis.com/images/check-big.png" style="display: none; height: 19px; max-height: 19px; max-width: 19px; position: absolute; right: -7px; top: -7px; width: 19px;" width="19px" /></span></span><span class="st_gbuzz_large" st_processed="yes"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(http://w.sharethis.com/images/gbuzz_32.png);"></span><img height="19px" src="http://w.sharethis.com/images/check-big.png" style="display: none; height: 19px; max-height: 19px; max-width: 19px; position: absolute; right: -7px; top: -7px; width: 19px;" width="19px" /></span></span><span class="st_email_large" st_processed="yes"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(http://w.sharethis.com/images/email_32.png);"></span></span></span><span class="st_sharethis_large" st_processed="yes"><span class="stButton" style="color: black; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;"><span class="stLarge" style="background-image: url(http://w.sharethis.com/images/sharethis_32.png);"></span></span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9L14UpKbvIQ6BBksy2dDNZgua__X3MOXkOcbncrDrkedxojEkX7n5PONFPebEoKzxLQ0KZRKguhmfcrpDOV1W2u06J6kS4K_0PP9YMYvpGyh719G-EHLzeZc9tnrWO1AWLP7TSncmdex6/s1600/AR-111029940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9L14UpKbvIQ6BBksy2dDNZgua__X3MOXkOcbncrDrkedxojEkX7n5PONFPebEoKzxLQ0KZRKguhmfcrpDOV1W2u06J6kS4K_0PP9YMYvpGyh719G-EHLzeZc9tnrWO1AWLP7TSncmdex6/s400/AR-111029940.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="box_article2_heading"> </div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">YOKOHAMA, Japan -- Mazda Motor Corp. has unveiled a sculpted, mid-sized sedan concept that strongly foreshadows the next generation Mazda6 and comes equipped with a regenerative braking system that helps save fuel by powering the car’s electrical system.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Takeri concept, to be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in late November, employs the brand’s new kodo design language that debuts in the CX-5 small crossover.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The car strongly hints at the upcoming redesign of the Mazda6, said Hidetoshi Kudo, general manager for product strategy. The concept brims with Mazda’s new SkyActiv fuel-saving technologies, including the SkyActiv-D clean diesel engine, the new six-speed automatic transmission, a new body and chassis framework and an engine idle-stop system.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">But Takeri takes SkyActiv a step further as the first Mazda equipped with regenerative braking. The system converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in capacitors for use later in powering air conditioning, audio systems, lighting and other equipment.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">The technology saves fuel because it relieves the engine of having to generate electricity -- enabling it to more efficiently apply power to moving the car. Mazda says capacitors are more efficient than using batteries because they can charge more quickly and have a longer lifespan.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Mazda aims to score big with styling and mileage in the next-generation Mazda6, which is competing in an increasingly cut-throat segment. The sedan, expected to appear at the end of next year, will no longer be made at Mazda’s plant in Flat Rock, Mich.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Mazda expects to offer gasoline and diesel versions of the revamped Mazda6 when it goes on sale in the United States, Kudo said. The model currently doesn’t come in a diesel variant. The company has already announced plans to have gasoline and diesel options on the CX-5.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">By 2015, all Mazda vehicles will get Skyactiv technologies and will reflect the more aggressive and sporty design philosophy that Mazda calls kodo, Japanese for “soul of motion.”</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">In the Takeri, it manifests itself most clearly in the so-called Signature Wing grille, which plays off the brand’s logo with wingtips bisecting the headlamps.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Read more:</span> <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111025/OEM04/111029940/1171#ixzz1bohuh1p0" style="color: #003399;">http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111025/OEM04/111029940/1171#ixzz1bohuh1p0</a></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-70762502205822261192011-10-22T11:36:00.000-04:002011-10-22T11:36:42.942-04:002007 Dodge Nitro with 20" Helo Wheels and Goodyear Tires<span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbjCdcGHrf6mwONUA_eYaeCX8wvXdnwyvZNRw6wGs7jm4Jw-aPDzYHWVtY1eP4f6qK4hQYX4-aFzNxs0lrSNFdRPKiMLhM1QLS-K5yOv0nc64gXq9gUGvKMEivN3Ga-mpTo7F64ye-7N_/s1600/2007+Dodge+Nitro+on+helo851+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbjCdcGHrf6mwONUA_eYaeCX8wvXdnwyvZNRw6wGs7jm4Jw-aPDzYHWVtY1eP4f6qK4hQYX4-aFzNxs0lrSNFdRPKiMLhM1QLS-K5yOv0nc64gXq9gUGvKMEivN3Ga-mpTo7F64ye-7N_/s320/2007+Dodge+Nitro+on+helo851+%25284%2529.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTTnOv7XmSF8Kjh44GPzDX3lAKRx5c-jYqGcQOu02aTcEi1LbnBp-LnU-zh7zrGl7FKSwqkCV5EtUTonviD_zDljtLPnfB6layylDPlnhF_YnZyGJv3R66Ubp8-bo0lB1EdsLE6CWDfic/s1600/2007+Dodge+Nitro+on+helo851+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTTnOv7XmSF8Kjh44GPzDX3lAKRx5c-jYqGcQOu02aTcEi1LbnBp-LnU-zh7zrGl7FKSwqkCV5EtUTonviD_zDljtLPnfB6layylDPlnhF_YnZyGJv3R66Ubp8-bo0lB1EdsLE6CWDfic/s320/2007+Dodge+Nitro+on+helo851+%25287%2529.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2007 Dodge Nitro came in to upgrade its wheels and tires. 20x8.5 5x114.3 Helo 851 Machine Face Black Windows and a Black lip wrapped with 245/50/20 Goodyear Wrangler HP Tires.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Expert Reviews</span></h2><div class="author" id="vpAuthorBox" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" height="73px" hspace="5" src="http://www.cars.com/crp/images/Mike_Hanley.jpg" width="61px" /> </span><h4><span style="color: #eeeeee;">By Mike Hanley</span></h4><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span>Cars.com National</span> <span>November 16, 2006</span> </span></div><div class="header" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Related Images </span></div><div class="body" style="text-align: center;"><a class="imagepopup" href="http://www.cars.com/dodge/nitro/2007/expert-reviews/?revid=50611#popup1" jquery15205758097723592352="39" rel="mediagallery" s_oc=""><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><img alt="R/T front" border="0" src="http://www.cars.com/crp/vp/images/07dodge_nitro/t_front_mh.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span class="caption"><a class="imagepopup" href="about:blank" jquery15205758097723592352="25"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: x-small;">R/T front</span></a></span><br />
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<span class="caption"><a class="imagepopup" href="about:blank" jquery15205758097723592352="37"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: x-small;">4.0-liter V-6</span></a></span><br />
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</script><div class="ecbody" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">For a brand that's constantly touting the toughness of its products, it's a bit ironic that Dodge has been a small player in the SUV market — the segment that has come to represent all things tough in the car world. However, with the launch of the all-new 2007 Nitro, Dodge looks ready to make up for lost time with an über-tough SUV if there ever was one. </span></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The five-seat Nitro is a blast to drive in a straight line thanks to a gem of an engine in the available 4.0-liter V-6, but it suffers from trucklike ride and handling that has no place in an SUV designed for onroad performance.</span></div><h4 class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Exterior & Styling</span></h4><div class="ecbody" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Despite my normal aversion to overly aggressive-looking SUVs, I'm fond of the Nitro's Tonka-tough appearance. Still, it's hard not to feel a little like a goof when driving it alongside everyday Accords and Corollas. Though it may not get as many looks (or smirks) as a Hummer H3 or Toyota FJ Cruiser, it's a head-turner. </span></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Nitro's boxy shape is accentuated by gigantic front and rear fender flares and a short greenhouse. The nearly vertical grille is silver on SXT and SLT trims, but the crosshair portion of the grille is body-colored on R/T models.</span></div><h4 class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ride & Handling</span></h4><div class="ecbody" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Nitro's </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('independent')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">independent front</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> and solid rear axle suspension system is available in sport or performance tune, the latter featuring changes to the </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('stabilizer bars')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">stabilizer bars</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('coil springs')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">coil springs</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('gas shocks')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">shocks</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> and bushings. The performance suspension — which includes 20-inch chrome wheels — is standard on the R/T, the trim level I tested. </span></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Dodge says the performance suspension is designed to have a firm ride, and I have to agree. The Nitro uses a lengthened and widened version of the Jeep Liberty's Uniframe </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('unibody')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">unibody</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">/frame-rail </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('platform')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">platform</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, and driving on rough roads is a jarring experience; hitting a bump or dip in the road results in an exaggerated response from the suspension that can toss occupants around in their seats. Even relatively smooth concrete highways can make the body start bouncing. </span></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The driver gets a commanding view of the road, but the high seating position doesn't inspire much confidence when driving through corners, which I often took gingerly. I like the feel of the R/T's thick-rim leather-wrapped steering wheel, but the </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('rack-and-pinion')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">rack-and-pinion</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> power steering system provides too much assist for my taste when traveling at highway speeds. The light effort is appreciated around town, though.</span></div><h4 class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Going & Stopping</span></h4><div class="ecbody" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Two V-6 engines are offered, and the larger and more powerful 4.0-liter V-6 that's standard in the R/T goes a long way toward backing up the Nitro's burly exterior with its eager responses and ever-present exhaust burble. This engine gets the two-ton Nitro up to highway speeds easily, and is quite smooth considering its </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('displacement')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">displacement</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">.</span></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="vpChart" style="width: 360px;"><tbody>
<tr><th colspan="12"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Dodge Nitro Engines</span></th></tr>
<tr class="headerrow"><td><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></td><td><span style="color: #eeeeee;">3.7-liter V-6</span></td><td><span style="color: #eeeeee;">4.0-liter V-6</span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="rowlabel"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Horsepower (@ rpm)</span></td><td><span style="color: #eeeeee;">210 @ 5,200</span></td><td><span style="color: #eeeeee;">260 @ 6,000</span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="rowlabel"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Torque (lbs.-ft. @ rpm)</span></td><td><span style="color: #eeeeee;">235 @ 4,000</span></td><td><span style="color: #eeeeee;">265 @ 4,200</span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="rowlabel"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Required fuel</span></td><td><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Regular</span></td><td><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Regular</span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="rowlabel"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">EPA-estimated <br />
gas mileage <br />
(city/highway, mpg)</span></td><td><span style="color: #eeeeee;">18/24 <br />
(RWD, 4WD manual)<br />
17/23 <br />
(4WD automatic)</span></td><td><span style="color: #eeeeee;">17/21</span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="chartfooter" colspan="12"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Source: Manufacturer</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br />
</span></div><div class="ecbody" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The base 3.7-liter V-6 teams with a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic, while the 4.0-liter V-6 drives a five-speed automatic that features Dodge's AutoStick </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('clutchless-manual')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">clutchless-manual</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> mode. Whether you're driving in the city or on the highway, the five-speed automatic readily </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('kicks down')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">kicks down</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> when more of the 4.0-liter's ample power is needed. </span></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are available, and two 4WD systems are offered. The part-time system should only be engaged when driving on slippery surfaces (RWD is used under normal driving conditions), but the full-time system includes a </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('center differential')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">center differential</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> and operates without driver intervention. Neither system has a low range, which disqualifies the Nitro from extreme offroad driving. </span></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">All-disc </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('ABS')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">antilock brakes</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> are standard. The brakes stop the Nitro without incident and are fairly </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('linear')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">linear</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, but the pedal itself has an uninspiring, spongy feel. </span></div><h4 class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Inside</span></h4><div class="ecbody" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Like the exterior, the Nitro's cabin is a bit austere. The three-pod gauge cluster sits atop a skinny dashboard that falls away rapidly from the driver and front passenger. The base SXT's interior is accented in black, but SLT and R/T models feature silver trim pieces on the center dash, door pulls, door armrests and center console. Manual air conditioning, a 115V power outlet and a CD stereo are standard. </span></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">There's room for five in the Nitro, which has two front bucket seats and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat. Its backrests can recline for enhanced passenger comfort, but the rear seats don't slide fore and aft like they do in the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander. Cloth seating surfaces are standard; stain-resistant fabric and leather-trimmed seats are available. </span></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The leather-trimmed bucket seats are surprisingly soft; you sink into them rather than sit on top. The upper section of the backrests hit my shoulder blades uncomfortably, but otherwise the Nitro's front seats are easy to live with. More annoying are the impossibly small front footwells and the lack of a footrest for the driver's left foot. The outboard rear seats are roomy and there's headroom to spare, though backseat passengers don't get a center armrest and the door pockets are tiny.</span></div><h4 class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Safety</span></h4><div class="ecbody" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">As of publication, only the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had crash tested the Nitro, which received five stars for its performance in the agency's frontal test. Side curtain airbags and an </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('electronic stability system')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">electronic stability system</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> are standard. </span></div><h4 class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Cargo & Towing</span></h4><div class="ecbody" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Nitro has 32.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats, which is the same as the Ford Edge but smaller than both the RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Folding the rear seats brings 65.2 cubic feet of space and is a straightforward process that doesn't require the two rear </span><a class="vpedia" href="javascript:vpedia('head restraints')" s_oc="null"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">head restraints</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> to be removed. </span></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">SXT models have a reversible cargo floor with a molded-in tray on one side that's designed to keep messes confined to the cargo area. SLT and R/T trim lines have the Load 'N Go cargo floor. Capable of sliding out of the cargo area up to 18 inches, Load 'N Go brings the cargo floor to you when loading objects, and Dodge says it can hold up to 400 pounds. There's a concealed storage bin underneath both floors. </span></div><div class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The Nitro's standard towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. Selecting the optional Trailer Tow Group — which includes heavy-duty engine and power steering cooling systems, a Class III hitch and a full-size spare tire — raises trailer towing capacity to 3,500 pounds; fitting a so-equipped Nitro with a weight-distributing hitch bumps maximum towing capacity to 5,000 pounds, which is at the high end for small SUVs.</span></div><h4 class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Features</span></h4><div class="ecbody" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Available entertainment options include the MyGIG navigation system, which features Sirius Satellite Radio and the Bluetooth-based UConnect cell phone system. MyGIG features a 20GB hard drive that can hold music and images uploaded to it from a disc or USB flash drive (image files can be set as the background on the system's 6.5-inch screen). In conjunction with Sirius' real-time traffic data, MyGIG can reroute the Nitro around traffic accidents. A rear-seat video system that features a 7-inch overhead screen is also optional.</span></div><h4 class="module-body" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Nitro in the Market</span></h4><div class="ecbody" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Though more consumers are migrating from truck-based SUVs to more fuel-efficient and better-riding car-based models, there will always be a market for statement vehicles like the Nitro, where practical considerations hold less sway. Even if the Nitro's reception by consumers is only lukewarm, which seems a remote possibility, it brings Dodge into a segment where until now its market share has been zero, and how can anything be worse than that? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">original article:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cars.com/dodge/nitro/2007/expert-reviews/?revid=50611"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">http://www.cars.com/dodge/nitro/2007/expert-reviews/?revid=50611</span></a></div></span>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7257941947970303587.post-64030264147940626832011-10-21T09:59:00.000-04:002011-10-21T09:59:03.648-04:00Ford Explorer hits 100,000 sales mark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkd2-2DAJcL2bK8EWVnIFCg-8uysVBJUcK9pPtCmpiB-FtcewSsnGavoHftwqd0iWJlx6MYvYo02eeBuq4frv9yW2BHNqlzJ1oK9tfPBXe7Guc4g6EWnuq06BII9ViCAiqyOpaC0kTp2L/s1600/2011-ford-explorer-review---03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkd2-2DAJcL2bK8EWVnIFCg-8uysVBJUcK9pPtCmpiB-FtcewSsnGavoHftwqd0iWJlx6MYvYo02eeBuq4frv9yW2BHNqlzJ1oK9tfPBXe7Guc4g6EWnuq06BII9ViCAiqyOpaC0kTp2L/s400/2011-ford-explorer-review---03.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="byline" sizcache="8" sizset="1"><span class="author vcard" sizcache="8" sizset="1"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">By </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bloggers/chris-shunk/" title="Browse posts by Chris Shunk"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Chris Shunk</span></a></span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> <span class="author-feed" sizcache="8" sizset="2"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/bloggers/chris-shunk/rss.xml">RSS feed</a></span> </span></div><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Posted Oct 21st 2011 9:14AM</span><br />
<div id="container" sizcache="9" sizset="0"><div id="content" sizcache="9" sizset="0"><div id="main" sizcache="9" sizset="0"><article class="post" id="post_wrap" sizcache="9" sizset="0"></article><div class="body" sizcache="9" sizset="0"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">The </span><a href="http://autoblog.com/model/explorer"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2011 Ford Explorer</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> is a massive improvement over the last-generation model, and the Blue Oval's sales tally supports this claim. Ford tells us that the the Explorer is flying off store shelves, with 100,000 units sold so far in 2011. Those numbers are up 290 percent compared to 2010 totals, making the Explorer the fastest-growing mid-size utility vehicle in the country. This is the first time the Explorer has hit the 100,000 mark since 2007, and there are still over two months left in the year.<br />
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The Explorer appears to be selling quite well in spite of mixed reviews. While the vehicle came in for 2011 North American Truck Of The Year laurels, it hasn't fared as well in a number of comparison tests. <em>Cars.com</em> </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/cars-com-37-000-suv-shootout-yields-unexpected-results-w-poll/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">recently ranked</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> the Explorer sixth in its $37,000 SUV Shootout, and earlier in the year, <em>Consumer Reports</em> ranked the Explorer as the </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/10/optima-beats-camry-accord-in-cr-test-altima-still-favorite-ex/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">17th best</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> utility vehicle out of 19 models, with complaints centering on the CUV's MyFordTouch infotainment system.<br />
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Ford would likely counter that the company is more concerned with what CUV buyers think, and those customers appear to be giving their vote of approval with their pocketbooks, and they might also note that the Explorer's </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/2012-ford-explorer-ecoboost-first-drive-review/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> model is only hitting the market as a 2012 model now (though it's already claiming about 15 percent of the model mix). Hit the jump to read Ford's official press release. </span><div id="continued"><div id="pr_box"><div class="pr_shown" id="pr_box_button" jquery16209174519069461564="117"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Show full PR text</span></div><div id="pr_text" jquery16209174519069461564="119" style="display: block;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><strong>The Ford Explorer crossed the 100,000 vehicle sales mark for 2011, making it the fastest growing mid-size utility in the nation</strong><br />
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U.S. retail sales of the Explorer are up 290 percent, compared to the same period in 2010<br />
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Since its introduction in the 2012 model year, sales of 2.0L EcoBoost equipped Explorers and Edge are running at 15 percent<br />
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DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. DD, 2011 – America's love affair with the Ford Explorer is stronger than ever with more than 100,000 Explorers sold this year, making it the fastest growing mid-size utility in the nation.<br />
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"The Explorer continues to be one of the strongest vehicles in the Ford portfolio, and we are excited to see it surpass the 100,000 sales plateau for the first time since 2007," said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager. "The success of this vehicle is further evidence that we are delivering products that people want."<br />
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This year the all-new Explorer has had stronger retail sales growth than any mid-size utility, either having tripled or quadrupled sales in all regions of the country. In total U.S. retail sales of the Explorer are up 290 percent compared to that same time in 2010.<br />
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"With best-in-class fuel economy and technology like MyFord Touch, terrain management and the world's first second-row inflatable rear belts Ford has shown that our dedication to customers' needs is paying off," said Marentic.<br />
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Explorer's retail share performance has also increased dramatically. Through August of this year, Explorer accounts for 6.3% retail share of the mid-size utility segment, a 4.5 point share increase over last year, making Explorer one of the best-selling mid-size utilities in America.<br />
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Explorer sales in the U.S. have exceeded 100,000 for the first time since 2007.<br />
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2011 100,000 note: January through early October<br />
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2010 60,687<br />
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2009 52,190<br />
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Customers are choosing Utilities<br />
The utility segment has changed over the last decade. In 2000, utility sales accounted for approximately 20% of the market. Today, utilities account for just over 30% of all vehicles sold in the U.S, an approximate 50% share increase in the last 10 years.</span></div></div></div><div class="meta" sizcache="8" sizset="22"><div class="meta_src"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><strong>News Source:</strong> Ford</span></div><div class="meta_img"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><strong>Image Credit:</strong> Copyright 2011 John Neff / AOL</span></div><div class="meta_cat" sizcache="8" sizset="22"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><strong>Category:</strong> </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/category/carbuying/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Car Buying</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Crossover</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/ford/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Ford</span></a></div><div class="meta_tag" sizcache="8" sizset="25"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><strong>Tags:</strong> </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/100000/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">100000</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/2011+ford+explorer/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2011 ford explorer</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/consumer+reports/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">consumer reports</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/explorer/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">explorer</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ford/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">ford</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/review/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">review</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/sales/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">sales</span></a><span style="color: #eeeeee;">, </span><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/suv/"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">suv</span></a> </div><div class="meta_tag" sizcache="8" sizset="25"> </div><div class="meta_tag" sizcache="8" sizset="25"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Original Article</span> </div><div class="meta_tag" sizcache="8" sizset="25"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/ford-explorer-hits-100-000-sales-mark/#continued">http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/21/ford-explorer-hits-100-000-sales-mark/#continued</a></div></div></div></div></div></div>GWT Motoringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14124410966032708446noreply@blogger.com0