How does the 2011 Volvo S40 shape up?

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Erin

There are a number of differences between the two versions but we can all agree on some things; both the 2010 and the 2011 Volvo S40 versions fall short of the standard sedans when it comes to European luxury sports cars. While they both have comfortable features such as the front seats and excellent safety features the 2010 version is available in an optional turbocharged engine while the 2011 has a more lively turbocharged engine and a little more emphasis on the style and design.

2010 & 2011 Volvo S40 Engines

When it comes to new additions, the 2010 is back with the 2.4i engine with a five speed manual gearbox while the T5 all wheel drive has a six speed manual transmission and the T5 R-design is the standard sedan driven by front wheels. The sedan’s head restraints have two positions and it has revised options. The general fuel consumption is improved in this version. For the 2011 version, there is no base 2.4i version and also the all wheel drive has been discontinued. The manufacturers have come up with a different look and performance by simply adding some extra features in the existing trim levels.

Different from the previous versions like the 2010 sedan, the 2011 Volvo S40 has bridged the gap between standards and premium versions. The gap has been filled by the introduction of an attractive 4-door luxury themed machine. The 2011 sedan is better than its predecessors but can not match up with other sophisticated European luxury cars. As for the 2010, it can be classified as the vehicle that can fulfill the dreams of an individual who cannot afford an expensive sedan and at the same time doesn’t want a very cheap car.

On a positive note, though the Volvo S40 has been in production for a while now; it still is impressive when it comes to the fresh look. This is more defined in the interior where there is a waterfall center stack that is available in two-tone upholstery, which separates this vehicle from all other types that are more conservative. Beneath the hood of this machine, there is a five-cylinder engine that provides 227 horsepower and a livelier acceleration compared to the four-cylinder sedan. Beyond these specs there are not a lot of things that can distinguish the S40 sedan. This car is not all that, but then again, there is no such thing as the perfect car as long as manufacturers are concerned. The 2011 Volvo S40 has its own benefits and some disadvantages, but the fact that people are still buying them means that the latter is in its minimum. It may not be as good as other popular sedans but it sure fills in the gap when it comes to wallet issues.

The 2011 S40 is available in 2 trims, the T5 R-Design and the T5. The T5 has a CD player with 8 speakers, HD USB/auxiliary and radio input jacks, an automatically imming rear view mirror, telescoping and tilting steering column, Bluetooth, cruise control. With additional packages, there can be more great features such as sunroof, powered passenger seat and leather upholstery, of course at an extra cost. The T5 R-Design possesses all these features but looks sportier with spoilers, side skirts, classic dial gauges, aluminum pedals and a sport steering wheel.

In both trims, there is an option for a car that is fit for any weather. Some of the features in this type are automatic windscreen wipers, auto controlled climate, head light washers and heated front seats. There is a multimedia package with 10 speakers not forgetting the navigation system that displays traffic real-time. A stand a lone option has 18-inch wheels, satellite radio, keyless entry and ignition, blind spot detection system, rear parking sensors and adaptive xenon headlamps. The 2010 version has most of all these features only that they are not as improved as the ones in the 2011 Volvo S40.

The base engine used in the 2010 version was cancelled and the 2011 S40 now is available only with turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. The engine provides a 227 horsepower and a 236-pound per feet torque. The all wheel drive was cancelled and the 5-speed auto transmission drives the front wheels at an acceleration of 0 to 60 mile per hour under 6.7 seconds. The fuel consumption is estimated to be 30 miles per gallon on highway, 21 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon for the combination of both. This is an improvement from the 2010 S40, which does 60 mph in less than 8.4 seconds with 28 miles per gallon on the highway, 20 miles per gallon in the city and 23 miles per galloon in both.

The Volvo S40′s Safety Standards & Interior

For safety, the 2011 S40 has a standard anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control. The front seats have side airbags and front head restraints for the purpose of reducing whiplash. There is an option of a blind spot warning system. The S40 is among the safest cars in crashes. This has been proved by strenuous crash testing procedures; the 2011 is safer compared to the 2010 version. The ratings are as follows, 5 stars for the safety of the driver in frontal crashes, 5 stars for frontal crash passenger protection and 5 stars for side and rear impact protection. In fact, the S40 was rated best in frontal crash protection and came second in side impact tests.

The interior of the S40 is created and deigned using good materials with well-shaped seats that provide comfort for long distances. The R-Design has a leather interior that is a good option of a youthful spirit. The climate control is easy to operate but the navigation system is a bit of disappointment with its outdated graphics and menus, and it’s burdened with a lot of not easy to use controls.

The 2011 Volvo S40, with its supercharged 5-cylinder engine, is a great machine for drivers who love power. This car is stable on curvy roads thought the competition from other models in high.

Cadillac CTS Coupe: The 2011 Wonder

Posted on January 11, 2011 by Erin

The CTS coupe was introduced by Cadillac in 2003, and ever since, quite a bit of work has been put into the standard sedan. The improvements have seen the introduction of the new 2011 CTS coupe. There is also another model, the CTS Sports Wagon, which is a great dose of utility. The sports wagon aside, the CTS Coupe is the true expression of art combined with modern science. The Cadillac CTS coupe is a wonder in the vehicle industry. This is a luxury vehicle with strong styling statements and it is a stable piece of science that gives the driver the power of control.

How does it look?

A test drive of the CTS coupe can bring out its superiority on tarmac. This is because it is a high performance vehicle; fulfilling the desires of speed lovers. The design appears to be aggressive and gives any driver the need for speed before sitting behind the wheel. The standard coupe is not the same as the other supercharged versions but still delivers. The angles in this version is not all that but the exterior still boasts of a great design with hard edges. The car has a wedge shape that is enhanced by perpendicular and parallel lines combined with open plains and tight angles. The shape starts at the bottom grille of the front fascia and extends to the back. The headlamps are designed in an irregular shape which sets the width of the vehicle. Moving from the headlamps backwards it’s difficult to avoid noticing the 19-inch allow wheels having seven well crafted spokes.

The main reason why everyone tends to move their eyes toward the back is because the shape demands it. There is no interruption at any point because the coupe version has C6 corvette-style doors in place of the more traditional handle doors. At the back there is a centered dual exhaust outlet with a vertical line that runs from the top and divides the two outlets. The car leans towards its anticipation owing to the raise rear end.

The Cadillac CTS Coupe Interior

The cabin looks like a combination of sporty and luxurious touches but the materials used tend to say otherwise. Contrary to other dash boards in other cars, the dash in the 2011 CTS does not have padding beneath the leather and consequently feels hard as a rock. There is a metallic colored plastic surrounding the center stack which is a bit complex thanks to the buttons that are not easy to read especially if you pass a quick glance.

The base price of the coupe is set at $38,165 with a premium version that can be acquired for $51,030 because of the additional special features such as headlamps with high intensity discharge, heated and cooled front seats that can be power adjusted in ten different ways, an improved Bose sound system, ambient lighting in the interior, Bluetooth, heated steering wheel and a navigation system with a touch screen with a camera for the rear view displays.

The down side is that the base price rises from the $38,165 mark to a staggering $47,010. This can hit the $50,000 mark as a result of purchasing the extras such as the steering wheel with shift controls, the summer tire performance with the 19 inch alloys, a brake upgrade and other additional charges.

The fact that the CTS coupe comes in two doors tells a lot about what type of a car it is. This is probably the type of car that is meant for two people and the rear seats should be use to carry small items and not people. The front is comfortable and luxurious but complaining about lack of ample space in the back is not reasonable for a two door coupe. It would be like complaining of too much space in a minivan.

The most important part of driving is the windscreen, which allows you to see where you are going. Well, this is taken care of in the 2011 Cadillac CTS coupe thanks to the massive slab of glass used. Trying to see what is at the sides can be tricky but the coupe has got all this covered with the use of a rear view camera display that makes reversing the car child’s play, though you need to pay more attention when switching lanes. There is a touch screen display on top of the center stack that is used for interfacing with the infotainment system and also used for navigation. The display at its normal position in the dash shows basic information about the audio system but can rise and display more functions. For safety reasons, it is advisable to keep the screen hidden but it automatically deploys every time the car is being reversed to display the rear view.

Does it stop?

The braking system can seem to be a bit tricky and if you are not yet used to it you will find the connection between the braking action and the pedal application not communicating effectively. With time it is easy to get used to the process and you won’t have to be forced towards the safety belt every time you brake. The aerodynamic styling used in making the CTS puts it at a better performance position compared to coupes from other manufacturers. German manufacturers have the say when it comes to cabin quality and though the Cadillac’s interior is comfortable it can not compete with the qualities that the BMW, Audi or Benz possess. However, Cadillac is superior when it comes to the engine performance and fuel consumption. Every aspect of Cadillac’s 2011 CTS coupe contributes to the performance and beauty of this machine.

Looking at the coupe, you can classify it in a sports and luxury category, but after driving it for a while you will notice that though the exterior is outstanding and the interior super
cool, the luxury part is over shadowed by the sporty appearance and feel. The 2011 CTS coupe has earned Cadillac a Masters degree in science and art used in the motor industry. The 2011 CTS coupe is the ultimate sports machine with an element of luxury.

So what are the specs?

The CTS coupe comes with Cadillac’s direct injected V6 putting up 304 horsepower.

Upgrading the Cadillac’s CTS-V Coupe will bring you up to 556 hp as a result of a supercharged V8. Plus, you’ll be upgrading to 19 inch wheels and some amazing sport seats.

The 2011 Audi RS3: A Closer Look

Posted on January 9, 2011 by Erin

Each of the Audi RS models is special in its own kind of way in every aspect and specifications. The 2011 RS3 has a dynamic philosophy in this compact category. This new version is improved in its performance and power.

The car can rocket from 0 to 62.14 mph or 100 km/h in about four and a half seconds with a top speed of 155.34 mph or 250 km/h. The car is compact and weighs about 3,472.28 or 1,575 kilograms and the fuel consumption is an amazing 26 mpg and the emission of carbon dioxide is at 341.18 g/mile or 212 g CO2/km. All this is possible by the technology used in the regenerative system, which is meant to recover some energy during the car’s decelerations.

The RS3′s Engine

The 2011 Audi RS3 has a 2.5-liter engine that will surely thrill the passengers because it has a strong pulling power and the 6,800-rpm. The Audi engine’s growling and roaring soundtrack combined with the signature 5-cylinder firing order creates a strength feeling in the car and gives the driver gobs of power on the road. There is a flap in the exhaust system that is controlled by the sport button, also used in varying engine response, and is used to further intensify the sound.

The 5-cylinder engines have a history in Audi. It was used to edge out the existing competition in race cars in the 80s. The first RS model, 94, had one of these engine types. The engine now is redefined and has earned the top position in engines ranked by a panel of automotive journalists. This means that the engine is created to have high performance and the general parameters used in it will yield great elasticity and excellent acceleration values.

At just about 403 pounds and 19.29 inches the Audi RS3′s 5-cylinder unit is super compact. The vermicular-graphite cast iron use in making the crankcase is a light weight but strong material that contributes a lot in the overall light weight of the unit. In fact, this material has been used in gasoline engines for the first time by Audi. The block loadability is further enhanced by the reinforcement’s which are perfectly placed. The light weight design is meant to keep the weight of the Audi RS3 in check so that it can pay off when it comes to axle load distribution which translates to an excellent and ultimate car handling.
Continue reading →

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Erin

The all-new 2011 dodge SRT8 392 is a combination of great balance of function and excellent shape. This machine has an impressive acceleration in a straight line with a handling that is world class. All these combined with the technology used in braking and in manufacturing the engine results in a super strong car with admirable fuel efficiency. This is one coupe in the dodge lineup that has modern performance features and amenities that are all rolled up in one machine and it sure will capture the interest of high performance car lovers. It is viewed as the answer to the call for more power with the type of torque that keeps the driver back on the seat with the thrust it creates.

The dodge challenger SRT8 392 is a step towards showcasing the improvement in performance. This 2011 version is the grand return, to the streets, of the famous 392-cubic inch power train. The engine beneath the hood has the kind of power that most muscle car enthusiasts dream of. It pumps out 470 horsepower, which creates 470 pound per foot of torque. The HEMI engine installed in the new SRT cars creates a further 90 pounds per foot of torque with 2,900 rotations per minute (rpm), which is stronger than the previous version. The additional torque makes it possible to have an inspired standing start as well as an improved performance. Plus, the new motor mounts are tuned to improve ride control and idle stability.

There are two options when it comes to the gear box, it’s either the automatic transmission which is a standard five speed or the 6-speed manual transmission which first made a debut in the 2008 Viper SRT10. Dodge made sure that the shifting in the 2011 version is made easier via the installation of a heavy-duty clutch. Just like its predecessors, the 2011 Dodge SRT8 has am impressive performance in the street and will make heads turn, it can move from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Compared to other cars in its class, this speed puts it at its own position of excellence.

There is a new technology used in this version that allows it to use four cylinders therefore saving a lot on fuel. This does not mean that the vehicle cannot be all-powerful; the engine can use all the eight cylinders when required. This can only be found in the automatic transmission model. The valve covers together with the logo and the silver painted ribs give the engine a clean but aggressive appearance. The exhaust system has been redesigned; this has resulted into a note with a lot of strength that commands a lot of
respect from onlookers both on the racetrack and the street.

The 2011 Dodge SRT8 will have an exclusive exterior as well and interior. The body works will be improved and there will be two colors or the striped combination. You can either choose the bright white coat with Viper Blue stripes or the deep-water blue combined with store white stripes. The front grille, in this model only, comes in the body color. This makes the car look so natural from the front, and makes the grille look like it
is attached to the body completely.

This car lives up to its name, challenger, in terms of torque and horsepower ratings. The quad tip exhaust adds a note of performance and completes the rear, which gives the car a look of a modern muscle machine. The car rolls on 20-inch wheels, which feature satin black pockets and a polished face. The interior is race themed. The white leather seats bring this out with a special blue stitching that matches with the unique blue stripes. The center stack and the instruments have a high performance look that is created by the clean silver metal finish. The interior of this car creates a feeling of racing and when the car starts moving, the racing feeling becomes a reality.

The body shape still maintains the Dodge look that is aerodynamic and when looked at closely reveals the impression of a vehicle that has stability superiority on the road at any speed. The front fender spats and the front splitter, which results in an overall balance and high speed, create the aerodynamic shape. The top speed now lies at 173mph for the automatic transmission and 180 mph for the manual transmission. The fascia has been modified and also contributes to the aerodynamics and is also painted to give the vehicle an improved aggressive look. The rear spoiler is also painted to match with the body color.

There is a new interior styling for the Dodge Challenger SRT. The steering wheel comes in a right size that has three metallic painted spokes and a wheel that is leather covered. This is a sporty look especially because the spokes are positioned at 9, 6 and 3 o’clock. The instrument panel has a new unique graphics and chromed accent rings; this gives the gauge cluster a more mechanical look that suggests that the vehicle is a high-speed machine. Powered front seats are standard for the Dodge challenger SRT8 models. The front seats have a seatback tilt that has memory and thus the seats are easy to use.

On the road the 2011 Dodge challenger SRT8 is easy to handle and maintains the ability to challenge different situations. The suspension geometry was recalibrated to improve the steering responsiveness, cornering ability and the balance. The challenger now has quicker steering ratios that improve its appetite for speed. The steering is powered, fully hydraulic, with a heavy-duty pump, which gives the drive a direct feel of the wheels. All these features have worked together to create a Dodge SRT8 that will challenge its rivals in every aspect of performance. This is not the best of Dodge but before they make anything better than this, then this is the muscle car to purchase.

Quick Challenger SRT8 Specs

The 6.4L Hemi V8 of the SRT8 will pump out 475hp & 460 lb/ft of torque.

The 5.7L Hemi of the R/T will be pounding out 379hp & 410 lb/ft of torque.

The price range is supposed to be in the range of $25000 – $43000.

MotorTrend’s Video Review of the SRT8 2011 Challenger

Final Thoughts

I wouldn’t mind finding one of these beauties in my garage this spring. What do you think about the new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8? Let us know in the comments below.

Jeep Liberty: The 2011 Experience

Posted on October 11, 2010 by Erin

SUV enthusiasts can now be treated to the brand new and improved Jeep Liberty; the 2011 model. This is a comfortable 4-door 5-seat machine with high performance features. Built in the US, the jeep liberty comes in three trims, the sport, Renegade and limited, with each trim portraying its own special features.

The jeep brand was established in 2002 and has ever since dominated the mid-sized SUV world. There have been improvements along the way, which has brought us to the new 2011 Jeep Liberty.

Scope
The 2011 Jeep Liberty is a 176.9 inch long and 72.4 inches wide vehicle with a 106.1 inch wheel base. It has a curb weight of 3985 lbs with the gross weight reaching 5600 lbs. The luggage capacity is 31.5 cu. Ft. and a maximum cargo capacity of 64 cu. ft. The maximum seating comfortable seating capacity is five.

Performance
Beneath the hood of the 2011 Jeep Liberty is a V6, 3.7 liter engine with 6 cylinders and a 210 Horsepower. The engine has a maximum rpm of 5200 and a 235 ft-lbs torque. The maximum payload that the jeep can handle without strain is 1150 lbs and a towing max capacity of 3500 lbs. Continue reading →

The 2011 Ford Mustang: The 5.0 is back

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Erin

General information
Time, money and a lot of manpower has resulted to create a perfect machine with qualities and features to die for. The 2011 Ford Mustang puts the Ford Company on top of its game once again because of the upgraded packages that have been introduced to make it the great car it is.

Ford offers three types of Mustang to choose from; you can go with the standard or base V-6, the GT V-8 or the spectacular Shelby GT supercharged V-8. You should not waste your money trying to acquire the older 2010 version as the 2011 renders it inferior and you should definitely not have much expectation in the 2012 version as they will not have major differences. The engineers working on this new version have really brought out the muscle car aspect of the Mustang and incorporated advanced technology to make one awesome super car.

The Ford engineers have souped-up the engine and increased the horsepower to a staggering 305 in just the V6 model. The engine block is now made of aluminum thus lighter than the normal cast blocks. The smooth touches on its exterior are more defined than ever but it still retains the signature grille, emblem and the side stripe. The 2011 Mustang is user-friendly because even though there is an increase in horsepower, speed in general and the installation of a 6 speed gearbox, fuel consumption is an outstanding 30 miles per gallon. Continue reading →

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class

Posted on August 26, 2010 by Erin

Mercedes-Benz announced recently the launch of the 2011 GLK Class, a replacement to the 2008 model of the same build. Due to the complexities surrounding model years and actual dates of release, buyers are warned to avoid purchasing the 2010 GLK without understanding it was sold in 2008. The new 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK Class, however, is brand new and has a whole plate of new features to offer.

Features, Updates, and Upgrades:

Now, both the GLK350 (the rear wheel drive model) AND the GLK350 4MATIC (which is an all wheel drive machine) host a 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft Torque. Some of the updates to the new vehicle class include a more usable Headlight Control mechanism and Premium Leather Steering Wheel. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK class also offers some fantastic safety improvements, such as the new Knee Airbag, Driver/Passenger Pelvic Airbags, and a brand new

Rear View Camera. These safety amenities were added to the 2011 class to keep it at the same level as the rest of Mercedes’ mainstream models. They even added a new paint to the GLK, an option to coat the vehicle “Pearl Beige Metallic.” The additional color will be limited in production and is likely to carry a little extra in price, but if really speaks to you, we recommend you go for it.

The New GLK Sports Package:

In regards to the aesthetic enhancements of the GLK, improvements to appearance and performance, the GLK even offers a new AMG Sports Package that includes AMG bumpers, LED

Daytime Running Lights, Aluminum Roof Rails and 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke wheels. The AMG package that Mercedes provides certainly does make a dramatic difference in how the vehicle looks and feels, and it even provides the user with a much-improved driver handling. However, this package may not be everybody, as some may find the driving experience to be stiff and uncomfortable, it depends on personal preference for the most part. It is highly recommended that you test drive the vehicle with and without the AMG package to determine if you’ll find it worth spending the extra dollars on. Continue reading →

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