Top Luxury Cars | First Test: 2010 Audi R8 V-10

What's the difference in the V-10 engines that power the top Audi and Lamborghini's crown prince? As it turns out, not much. Both share the same basic components and architecture: a 90-degree V-angle, DOHC 4-valves per cylinder top end, mostly aluminum construction. The forged-steel crankshaft and connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons providing a 12.5:1 compression ratio are also shared by both sports cars.

According to Volkswagen AG's powertrain head Wolfgang Hatz and Audi's V-8 and V-10 chief Jurgen Jablonski, the differences are subtle and restricted to intake and exhaust details. Engine mapping-combinations of ignition timing, fuel delivery, valve timing, and operation of the muffler bypass valves-differs to give the Lamborghini engine a more urgent and aggressive personality versus the Audi's slightly steadier, more sedate characteristics. Minor differences in the shape of the intake ports and the configuration of the twin intake plenums topping each engine are also present. While exhaust headers are basically the same, the layout of the mufflers differs significantly according to the space available under each car and the auditory flavor desired by each brand.

Lamborghini chose an untamed in-your-face howl that starts early and lasts until the revs run out at 8700 rpm. Audi R8 engineers selected a deeper, less frenetic voice. Stand on the gas in the Gallardo and the V-10 overwhelms the cockpit with an Italian serenade. In the Audi, triggering the throttle hurtles you expeditiously away from a wake roiling with dust and commotion.

The stats tell the rest of the story. The Lamborghini engine tops at with 552 versus the R8's 525 horsepower at 8000 rpm. The more expensive Gallardo also tops Audi's torque with 398 lb-ft versus the R8's 391 lb-ft at 6500 rpm. While both cars are quick, R8 drivers will enjoy a clear view of a rapidly shrinking Gallardo's rear bumper when the green flag drops.

2011 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Specifications and Test Data

Power: 525 hp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 391 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm

Weight: 3583 lbs
Weight distribution (percent, front/rear): 45/55

0-60 mph: 3.8 sec
0-100 mph: 8.5 sec
0-110 mph: 10.3 sec
0-120 mph: 12.1 sec
0-130 mph: 14.9 sec
0-140 mph: 17.0 sec
0-150 mph: 20.0 sec

1/4 mile pass: 12.1 sec @ 120 mph

Peak acceleration g: 0.87

30-70 mph "passing:" 4.0 sec

70-0 mph braking: 151 ft
Peak deceleration g: 1.19

Power: 525 hp @ 8000 rpm
391 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm

Speed in Gears:

-1st: 48 mph
-2nd: 78 mph
-3rd: 109 mph
-4th: 140 mph
-5th: 169 mph
-6th: 196 mph

Top Luxury Cars | 2011 Chevy Volt - From Show Car to Showroom

The 2007 Chevrolet Volt concept dazzled, even more than General Motors expected. For 2010 production, however, it has to use existing component sets, which naturally make the Volt more mainstream and cheaper to build. The changes also give the car lower drag, more cabin space, and a tighter turning circle. The designer of both vehicles, Bob Boniface, says that concept cars are "not a contract with the general public" and that the commercial product is a much better car. We tend to agree with him. Polarizing design can impress but lose sales. GM needs this car to succeed. So do we all.

From Concept to Production

1 The deeply inset grille and the sharp crease from the lower lamps were terrible for aerodynamics, and the recessed lamps were neither adequate for illumination nor legal.

2 Multiple hard surface-change lines on the front of the concept tended to confuse and retard oncoming air molecules. Smoothing the front end helps aerodynamically and simplifies production.

3 Saab 99-like, the tank-slit wraparound windshield was deemed likely to compete with plans for future Saab products. But GM may sell Saab anyway.

4 The sharp break from windshield to roof was likewise considered too Saab-like, and it was also aerodynamically undesirable, thus the change to uninterrupted flowing glass.

5 Big bulges for oversize - 21-inch - wheels were another drag-increasing styling element that had to go for the production car.

6 The grille shape was retained, but air flows into the engine compartment only through peripheral slots around the grille shield, which retains its diamond texture. Most air enters below the bumper.

7 Headlamps had to be bigger for adequate lighting, and wrapping them around the front end let side markers be incorporated.

8 The impossible-to-clean transparent fairings from the show car have been replaced by painted sheetmetal, which visually extends the height of the side glass.

9 These 17-inch wheels look much like the show car's 21-inch units, but in fact, they have been refined to reduce aerodynamic drag. Small details count when there's not much power available.

10 The continuous sweep of glass from windshield to roof is excellent for aerodynamic drag reduction, but it also gives the car a softer, safer appearance, desirable for a family car.

Top Luxury Cars | New and Future Lexus Cars

 

2011 Lexus LF-A

Recession or not, here I come!

Just like you, we always want to know what's coming next from Detroit, Tokyo, Stuttgart, Munich, Los Angeles, and all the other places where automotive engineers and designers dream and scheme on our behalf. Car companies, of course, are loath to share information on new products lest their competitors try to copy them--or you decide not to buy the cars they already have on dealer lots. Car companies, though, are simply groups of people, and some of them have a hard time keeping secrets. So, we poke, we prod, we cajole, and we uncover information that becomes the basis for our annual Sneak Preview issue. As always, some of our information is educated guesswork based on hints, insinuations, hunches. Make no mistake, though, these cars are on their way, even though details may change. Ladies and gentlemen: our list of 136 cars coming over the next few years Did you think that the worldwide economic meltdown meant that Toyota was canceling its long-planned LF-A supercar project? Think again. The LF-A is a pet project of new chief Akio Toyoda and therefore remains very much on track. In fact, we'll finally see the production-spec car at the Tokyo Motor Show this October, and the V-10-engined coupe will go on sale late in 2010. With the car's development costs ballooning way beyond initial estimates due to increased use of carbon fiber and other exotic materials, a very limited production run is planned. After the LF-A is introduced, the company will take orders for about a year, deliver a predetermined number of cars (fewer than 1000 units is a good guess), and then cease production, going out on a high note. How much money are we talking? Well over $300,000, which puts the LF-A firmly in Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano and Lamborghini Murciélago territory.

Actual performance statistics remain murky at this point, but we know that the LF-A will look essentially like the front-engine concept from the 2007 Detroit auto show, and it will be powered by a V-10 making in excess of 500 hp.

Top Luxury Cars | 2009 Sneak Preview: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The first alimony check rolls in.

Ironically, it's only years after the big divorce that the Jeep brand finally benefits from the DaimlerChrysler marriage. An all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee debuts for 2011, and it now shares its underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz M-class SUV. Better late than never, we suppose.

A new 3.6-liter replaces the previous 3.7-liter as the base V-6. It produces 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque (up significantly from the old lump's 210 and 235) and returns 11 percent better fuel economy, thanks in part to variable valve timing. The optional 360-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 returns to the playground, and both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive.

An optional Quadra-Lift air suspension (inherited from Mercedes) can raise the Grand Cherokee's ride height, increasing approach, departure, and breakover angles for even more off-road credibility. No longer constrained by the Commander, Jeep's mainstay family hauler has room to grow - and so the new Grand Cherokee is 1.8 inches longer, 3 inches wider, and, most important, rides on a wheelbase that's 5.3 inches longer. That last measurement contributes to a significant increase in rear-seat room, a welcome improvement over today's cramped bench. Jeep promises more soft-touch plastics and a higher quality interior, as well as an available Alpine sound system.

STAYIN' ALIVE, AT LEAST IN SOME FORM: The Grand Cherokee's styling is purely evolutionary, but Chrysler knows not to mess with a good thing - as the company faces extinction, it's Jeep that's most likely to survive.

Top Luxury Cars | Land Rover Discovery 4 (2010) : Land Rover Range Rover is awash in new power and tech

Land Rover Discovery 4 (2010): first official photos

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

Land Rover is today unveiling a family of gently chiselled full-size 4x4s – think of it as Solihull’s answer to the changing zeitgeist and the next step in Land Rover’s greening of its range. The new Discovery gains a clean new diesel and can now claim a 30mpg average; there’s also a new interior and an exterior facelift – enough to warrant a new Discovery 4 badge.

The big news under the bonnet of Discovery 4 is the arrival of the new Jaguar Land Rover 3.0-litre V6 diesel. It’s an evolution of the current 2.7 TDV6 (which continues for base-end versions) and is equipped with the very latest in common-rail technology and a particulate filter to trim emissions to 244g/km, meet EU5 exhuast limits not due in until 2011, and hit an average of 30.4mpg.
So the new Land Rover Discovery 4 is a tad cleaner… hardly an eco saint though!

True, but the Discovery 4 gobbles around 10% less fuel than before; remember these 4x4 behemoths weigh in at a sturdy 2.7 tonnes or so. That kerbweight hasn’t really been addressed in this facelift – lighter weight Land Rovers won’t arrive until the next generation of all-new models arrive in the next decade, utilising lighter weight construction methods.

Only the two turbodiesels will be sold in the UK, although overseas markets will be offered the new naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8. The 3.0 TDV6 offers an impressive range of talents, with 29% more power (242bhp) and 36% more torque (443lb ft) than the breathless 2.7. That’ll be why it chops a quarter off its 0-60mph time, now achieved in 9.0sec.

It’s a new Land Rover. Guess it’ll go off road?

You bet. The Terrain Response system is updated with a new soft-sand setting. Perfect if you happen to live near a desert or are a part-time lifeguard. A new rock crawl setting is added (handy for any lizards out there), while the stability systems are retuned to hold the car on hills. But there wasn’t much wrong with the Disco’s off-road mud-slinging antics – and we’re sure the new one will keep the standard high.

Land Rover is claiming better on-road dynamics for Disco 4; new suspension knuckles, bushes and dampers are fitted to reduce the roll centre and a recalibrated steering rack is used. We’re driving the new models in summer 2009, so we’ll soon know for sure.
How will I notice the new Land Rover Discovery 4 on the road?

Quite an easy facelift to spot, this one. The front end adopts a more Range Rover style with a hexagonal-patterned twin-bar grille and LED-trimmed lights front and rear, there are body-coloured door mirrors (at last!), and  the interior gains a serious makeover with an all-new cabin sporting a noticeably improved material quality. It’s seriously comfy in here: the Disco still seats three rows of seven adults in genuine comfort – not bad considering it has a smaller footprint than a Jaguar XF or Mercedes E-class.

Being a mid-life facelift, Land Rover has added a smattering of new tech too: there’s a 360deg camera system to avoid kerbs and rocks off-road, a hill holder, a system to guide you to your towing trailer, auto-dipping headlamps and keyless entry. All of this enabled by a new electrical architecture shared on all three new large Land Rovers (improved e-reliability is one claimed advantage).

The new Discovery 4 arrives in showrooms in September 2009. Don’t expect prices to change much from today’s levels. There’s little to criticise in the tech update, but are we alone in missing the architectural purity of the outgoing Disco? Design director Gerry McGovern admits Discovery 3 is too brutal for some markets and he’s had to tone it down. So there has been plenty of work to minimise the visual mass of this car, although the actual dimensions tell another story.

Top Luxury Cars | 2010 Lotus Evora - Road Test

Rome or Bust: We flog the new Lotus Evora from England to Rome and back.

For as long as most folks at Lotus Cars in Hethel, England, can remember, most everyone has eaten lunch in the office, worked eight-and-a-half hours Monday through Thursday, and then taken off the rest of the day at noon on Friday.

So a weekend at Lotus works out to two-and-a-half days. In the late ’80s, the company’s CEO, Michael Kimberley, suggested to his engineers a new approach for putting miles on Elan prototypes: Leave Hethel at noon and drive to Rome and back, a 2500-mile jaunt. Just be back in your cubicle on Monday morning with a picture of the car at the Colosseum.

Even Lotus’s devoted, monk-like engineers weren’t thrilled with the idea of living in an Elan for two days. The trips were not without setbacks: Once an Elan prototype’s exhaust snapped in half near Lyon, in France. The Lotus suffered the indignity of limping into a Renault repair garage, exhaust dragging and engine blaring. Then the Heth­el crew, which spoke no French, had to mime the problem to the perplexed French repairman. Hours later, after an exchange of francs and Lotus-branded pens and key chains, they were back on the road, the exhaust system welded back together.

A new Lotus model is rare—about as rare as using the words “practical, refined, reliable, and comfortable” to describe the car without the prefixes “im” and “un” in place. For more than 50 years, Lotus’s cars have pushed intoxicating levels of performance and handling, but a general lack of practicality, refinement, reliability, and comfort often left owners feeling exhausted and hung over.

The new Evora held the promise of being different, modern. The idea was to maintain the rabid Lotus-grade handling and perform­ance but throw in a livable interior, a back seat, more room, and the sort of civility that might appeal to Porsche drivers. So how, we wondered, would this new Lotus fare at continually high speeds all the way to Rome and back? Could a Lotus actually be comfortable over 2500 miles? Or would it revert to its old tricks—shedding parts, splitting exhausts, or worse, quitting entirely and forcing us to hitchhike home? We figured we should bring along some Lotus pens just in case.

After a red-eye from Detroit to London and a two-and-a-half-hour, 136-mile trip by car northeast to rural Hethel in Norfolk, I arrive at the gates of the former U.S. Air Force base that frugal Lotus founder Colin Chapman, now long departed, turned into company headquarters in 1966.

And there’s my Evora, sitting silently in a steady rain. This new model is a stylistic departure from the Elise and the Exige—it’s more maturely penned, looking very unlike a wheeled water bug. Like the Elise and the Exige, the Evora sits low, the front of the car barely at shin height, the tops of the front fenders about knee-high.

Getting in doesn’t require the Cirque du Soleil training that the Elise and the Exige do, but slipping between the wide side sills and the steering wheel remains more challenging than getting into any Porsche. There are still some dollar-store touches inside: cheap-looking window switches, the Ford-sourced turn-signal and wiper stalks. But overall, the interior has a style and quality that wouldn’t look out of place in an Audi.

Firm and snug Recaro seats and a tilting and telescoping wheel adjust easily for a comfortable driving position. Looking out, the huge windshield seems to end at your feet; the view ahead is panoramic, interrupted only by the tops of the front fenders, which serve as reference points. When seated on the wrong side of a car and driving on the wrong side of the road—all the while circling London’s Heathrow Airport waiting for a photographer—it’s always useful to know where the front of the car is.

Lensman Tom Salt arrives, and I’m stunned by the amount of gear he has brought along. Kim Kardashian probably packs lighter. The Evora’s six-cubic-foot trunk verges on useless, so we just cram our gear into the 23-cubic-foot back seat. Lotus claims the rear seat is usable by a fifth-percentile female, which basically means that if you’re over five feet tall, riding back there is only slightly better than being waterboarded.

We head into London, just in time for the stress of rush hour. We’re looking for backdrops to prove we’ve been here, so we aim toward Big Ben. That taken care of, we drive southeast out of London, then crawl in traffic for a few hours, and—finally—we sweep onto the M20, which looks like freeways do everywhere else. Fifty uneventful miles later, we tool into Folkestone and the entrance to the great tunnel built under the English Channel. Beyond it is France.

Top Luxury Cars | 2010 Lexus GS Hybrid

Lexus GS Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Lexus GS Hybrid ranks 3 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 57 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus GS Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Lexus calls the GS 450h a “no compromises hybrid,” and it’s easy to understand why.  It offers the power of a V8 with the fuel-efficiency of a V6, and the kind of opulent cabin that Lexus is known for.  It is a tight fit for taller drivers, however, and still trails the best sport sedans in handling.

When most car shoppers think of hybrids, they picture oddly-shaped, smaller hatchbacks with lackluster performance but great fuel economy.  That’s Toyota’s fault – the Prius set the mold.  The luxury division of Toyota, however, has broken that same mold with several quick, luxurious hybrids that don’t trade away much of anything in pursuit of fuel-efficiency.  The Lexus GS 450h, like the larger LS600h, is among the most fuel-efficient cars in its class, but it doesn’t offer the kind of sky-high fuel economy numbers you’ll see on the window sticker of a Prius or a Lexus HS250h.

Instead, the GS Hybrid offers performance that competes with luxury sport sedans, a sumptuous passenger cabin, stylish bodywork and excellent safety ratings.

It can’t hang with the most performance-focused large luxury cars on a winding road.  Reviewers say the steering of the GS Hybrid is too light, leaving the driver detached from road feel.  It also won’t suit taller owners.

Other Cars to Consider

Several reviewers have noted that the GS line of cars, including this hybrid version, aren't comfortable for drivers much over six feet tall.  Those drivers might want to test drive an Infiniti M or Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan instead.  Headroom is tight at all four seating positions in the GS hybrid.  And while neither of those cars is available in a gas-electric version this year, both automakers have hybrid editions in the pipeline, which may reach showrooms as early as the 2011 model year.

Lexus GS Hybrid: The Details

The GS 450 Hybrid comes in only one trim level. Its equipment list is close to comprehensive, but a handful of upgrades are offered.  For 2010, the GS hybrid gets a slightly modified grille, standard 18-inch wheels and a new power rear sunshade.

Top Luxury Cars | 2010 Acura RL

Acura RL - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Acura RL ranks 3 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 8 published reviews and test drives of the Acura RL, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Acura RL doesn't carry the same cachet as some more well-known luxury cars, but it's an excellent choice for many buyers. With outstanding cabin electronics, bulletproof Honda reliability and resale value, and a price that doesn't climb high when you start adding options, it's a great value.  But some reviewers say it is underpowered for its price, and short on space for its size.

While most large luxury cars offer just slightly different takes on the same high-power formula, the Acura RL is a little different. There is no supercharged V8 offered here. That's not to say the RL isn't sporty - its unique SH-AWD system (that's "Super Handling - All Wheel Drive") means it holds a precise line in a hard corner - but the RL is more about agility than speed, and more about high-tech digital luxury than old world leather-and-wood elegance.

The RL's 3.7-liter V6 is nothing you'd find in a more affordable car. It makes a V8-like 300 horsepower.  But it can be a beat slower than many V8-powered cars, and reviewers are disappointed with the car's 16/22 mpg EPA rating -- the RL actually ranks in the bottom half of its class for fuel economy even though uses two fewer cylinders than most of its rivals.  That SH-AWD system, however, makes it fun to drive. The system actually helps to steer the car, varying the speed of each wheel independently to point the car into turns while maintaining excellent grip.  It gives the car an entertaining personality on a winding road.
Other Cars to Consider

But those truly looking for an athletic large sedan will want to try out the superbly balanced BMW 5-Series, or perhaps the muscular Jaguar XF.

Those cars, however, might not be the RL's most direct rivals. If the RL interests you, there's another car you should consider before laying money down. The RL's smaller sibling, the Acura TL, is worth a look.  It isn't much smaller, and the two cars share so many mechanical components that buyers might find the TL essentially offers the RL experience at a discounted price.
Acura RL: The Details

The RL is offered in just one trim level for 2010, an available Technology Package adds a voice-controlled navigation system with traffic and weather updates that, some reviewers say, is the best one found anywhere. A Technology Package with Collision Mitigating Braking System increases the safety quotient.

 

Top Luxury Cars | 2010 Infiniti M

Infiniti M - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Infiniti M ranks 2 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 55 published reviews and test drives of the Infiniti M, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Sold as the V6-powered M35 and the V8-powered M45, Infiniti’s top-of-the-line sedan is a high-performance machine.   It doesn’t sell as well as some better-known rivals, but some in the automotive press aren’t sure why.  It’s a well-rounded sport sedan, though it may ride too firm for some.

Car and Driver sums up the typical opinion of the automotive press perfectly when it says, “Infiniti's M sedans offer excellent value, space, luxury, and performance--it's too bad more folks don't notice."

The M35 and M45 sedan are not often mentioned in the same breath as some of the better-known large luxury sport sedans.  But many reviewers think they should be.  Infiniti’s flagship sedan offers a stylish cabin with an appealing modern design theme and exceptionally comfortable seats, and the ability to corner with some of the best sport sedans on the market.   It can’t match the raw engine power of a Jaguar XF, but reviewers say its handling balance rivals anything else in the class – which may be more important than horsepower to those looking to have some fun on a routine drive.
Other Cars to Consider

The 2010 Infiniti M's sporty character might be too much for some.  Those looking for a comfortable commuter might be better suited by a Lexus GS or Acura RL.  The M doesn’t insulate its driver from the road like those cars – it engages the driver in the drive, much like the BMW.  M sedans equipped with the Sport package are particularly stiff – stiff enough to turn off some reviewers who like the sporty nature of the standard car.

Those considering the M precisely because of its sporty nature might want to test drive the BMW 5-Series, the large-sedan cornering champion, or the powerful XF before buying.
Infiniti M: The Details

The M comes as either the M35, with a six-cylinder engine or the M45, with an eight-cylinder engine. Both models are available in a base rear-wheel drive, a Sport edition with a firmer, sport-tuned suspension and a revised front fascia, and an X edition with all-wheel drive.

The M was first offered in the 2005 model year, and has changed little since then.  It is due for a complete redesign for the 2011 model year, so those who can afford to wait might find a better deal on the 2010 M once the 2011 has begun rolling into dealerships.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class - What the Auto Press Says

 The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class ranks 1 out of 13 Luxury Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 52 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class held the top spot in our Luxury Large Car rankings for most of 2008 and 2009, but Mercedes has improved it anyway. Entirely redesigned for 2010, the new E-Class has a new sense of style inside and out. It features more athletic road manners than the car it replaces and, incredibly, a lower price. The new E-Class is a must-see for every luxury large car shopper.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class doesn’t make any sense. 

It’s a better car than the 2009 E-Class. It has an eye-catching look that’s best seen in person, an opulent interior with an old-world panache that other luxury cars can’t match, a newfound sporty character and a list of safety equipment that boggles the mind. Yet it’s cheaper than the car it replaces. Mercedes improved the E-Class drastically for 2010, then cut its price. A seasoned auto critic with the New York Times writes, “I can’t recall a price cut of this magnitude -- nearly 9 percent -- on any recent car, let alone one that’s been fully redesigned.”

The new car is less-expensive than the old one, but it isn’t cheaply made. The Times continues, “Not only is there no evidence of cost-cutting, but in terms of interior luxury, the E-Class actually moves closer to the flagship S-Class sedan.”
Other Cars to Consider

Still, the Benz won’t be the perfect car for every luxury large car shopper. The BMW 5-Series and Audi A6 are better handlers -- but the E-Class has narrowed the gap, and is now nearly as poised as those cars. 

But there may not be a large sedan with a better balance of luxury, style and performance than this one.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan: The Details

Safety-conscious shoppers, in particular, should explore the E-Class. It offers all of the typical safety equipment luxury buyers are accustomed to, but also has a new bag of tricks that no competitor can match, including an Attention Assist system designed to help drowsy drivers stay alert, and a system that automatically dims the highbeam headlights to avoid blinding oncoming cars. It’s enough to make the Volvo S80 duck in shame.

The E-Class is also offered in a coupe body style, but shoppers shouldn’t consider the two interchangeable. The E coupe has the same engine and transmission choices as this car, but it’s built on the C-Class chassis, which gives it very different handling dynamics and interior proportions.

The E-Class sedan is available as a V6-powered E350, which reviewers say is an adequate performer but lacks the punch of similar models from BMW and Audi, or a V8-powered E550, which should easily satisfy speedsters. A 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is optional on both. A hybrid model and a diesel-powered edition are expected to join the E-class stable for the 2011 model year, but neither has yet been made available to the press. The high-performance E63 AMG is covered in a separate review.

2011 Toyota Sienna Car Picture

2011 Toyota Sienna Front Angle View

2011 Toyota Sienna Interior

2011 Toyota Sienna Engine

2011 Toyota Sienna Wheel

2011 Toyota Sienna Rear Angle View

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Gallery

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Front Angle View

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 2.5-liter flat-4 Boxer engine

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Interior

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Side View

2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Rear View

Top Luxury Cars - The Mitsubishi Lancer GS3

Mitsubishi Lancer GS3 1.8 not only brings out a gear in sporty driving dynamics but also many additional convenience and comfort features.

All the following features come as standard over the GS2. And there's still e 6-speed CVT automatic on petrol models available which will cost additional money.
Key features at a glance (compared to GS2):


*18" Alloy Wheels
*140 PS turbo-diesel engine
*Sports Suspension
*Climate Controlled Air Conditioning
*Cruise Control
*Front Strut Tower Bar
*Privacy Glass
*6-speed gearbox
*Stability & Traction Control
*Front Fog Lamps


To mention more, the sculpted dashboard and clear instruments look very good and there's also lots of space in the car for both passenger and stuff. It drives well enough,accurate and planted.

The 1.8 litre engine comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, despite that the motor's 141BHP gives very decent performance - 9.8sec to reach 62mph will be more than rapid for the Lancer's likely conservative clientele.

Because Mitsubishi Lancer GS3 1.8 takes less than 10 seconds to break 62mph. Apart from the newly added bigger alloy wheel, climate control, a bodykit, privacy glass as well as sportier, beefed-up suspension, GS3 includes all the kit from GS2.

It has no unruly behavior if you try the same with the ESP turned off-the cornering line tightens up nicely in response to a lifted throttle. Grip levels are very nice.

Other than it's image as a well-behaved, grown-up chassis, but it's not as lively to drive as the Ford Focus, and refinement over poor road surfaces is also noticeably bad.

The extra kit is certainly very attractive, but what it all does it to push prices up to a probably unattractive level. Just avoid the CVT transmission: it dents performance, fuel economy in addition to refinement.

All in all, Mitsubishi Lancer GS3 1.8 is the cheapest Lancer Sportback with standard climate control and curtain airbags. Both are hugely very welcome in something that could well be in a family car, and that makes this one of favorite versions of Mitsubishi Lancer Evo .

About the Author

For more information about Mitsubishi Lancer 1.8 GS3 as well as Lancer Evo, please go to lancerevo.us.

Top Luxury Cars - Lotus Exige S

When you're buying a Lotus, you don't want to be driving it in the city. Sitting in traffic jams, praying for temporary lights to stay green ("please don't change!"), and avoiding potholes and speed bumps is hardly fun. No, a Lotus is meant for the open road - the wide, open, twisty roads of the British countryside where the only hold up is when you pull over to admire the view.

I don't pretend to know much about cars, but I know what I like and I like Lotus cars. They're sexy, fast, fun to drive and you're guaranteed to turn heads when you're driving one, and isn't that what driving is all about? The model I like in particular is the Lotus Exige S. Ok, so it's not the easiest of cars to get into, but once you mastered the art of that it's actually a very comfortable ride. There's not buckets of space inside the cabin, but this isn't a car you'd take on a camping trip - this car was made for driving. The Lotus Exige S is an absolute joy to drive along twisty roads; it has excellent cornering abilities and exceptional grip. With the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, the Lotus Exige S isn't for the faint-hearted. However, it isn't as 'cash guzzling' as you might think, you can get around 200 miles out of one tank of petrol, which isn't too bad, and you can rest assured that the rev-hungry Toyota engine is reliable.

One of my favourite places to drive is in the south-west of England, particularly Devon and Dorset where the roads are clear of traffic and the views are simply stunning. Maybe one day I'll drive my new Lotus Exige S in Dorset, but for now I'll have to stick with my trusty Ford Fiesta.

Lucy Penn is an online marketer and researcher who is currently researching the New Lotus Exige S in Dorset.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Penn

Top Luxury Cars - The 2010 Toyota Corolla

The 2010 Toyota Corolla is available in eight different trims. It is a standard car with 4 doors and room for 5 people. Its different models vary from Base 5-Spd MT model to the XRS 5-Spd AT model. While Base 5-Spd MT can be purchased at a total cost of $15350, MT XRS 5-Spd costs around $20,050. Base 5-Spd MT is believed to be the most fuel efficient out of all with fuel efficiency of 26/35 mpg. Most models differ in fuel efficiency, engine design, transmission type and engine power etc. The power of all the trims varies from 132 to 158@6000 rpm. All the trims are equipped with disc brakes and offer a total warranty of 36 months/ 36,000 km.

Looking at the features of all the trims, all trims consist of child safety door locks by default while added features like power door locks, anti-theft, and wheel lock can be purchased at an additional price. Braking mechanism in all the trims is nice. All the trims offer electronic brake assistance, traction control, stability control system, and brake system component. Except for a CD changer, an optional component, all entertainment devices like CD player, Radio are standard. Most models consist of halogen lights, daytime running lights and fog lights. The higher models like XRS 5-Spd AT are equipped with cruise control, steering wheel mounted control, and reading and map lights etc by default.

When it comes to safety, all the trims offer standard safety features by default. Center seat belt, airbags, automatic locking, driver airbag, side airbag, passenger airbag, side head curtain, and anti trap device are standard. A significant difference in transmission can be noticed in various models. For example, the XRS 5-Spd AT model offer s adaptive automatic transmission while Base 5-Spd MT model consists of manual transmission only.

Overall, all the models of the 2010 Toyota Corolla have good reputation in the market. But it will be good to read user reviews about the various trims.

Many websites, such as Toyota Cars For Sale can help you in deciding what models you should buy and how to go about it. Get detailed information about the new 2010 Models and Toyota Dealers at just one click.
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Top Luxury Cars - The Saab 9-3 Vector Convertible

Nothing, but nothing can beat the unmatchable feeling of zipping along with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, countryside flying by as you cut a dash down sweeping lanes and winding roads. If you've never had the pleasure of a convertible car, then I implore you to at least borrow one for a spell, but be warned! Once you've tasted the unforgettable feeling of freedom that it brings, you might find yourself unwilling to give it back.

If you haven't guessed, I love convertibles. I don't think that I could buy a car that had a static roof, because after years of being able to go topless it would feel unnaturally claustrophobic. I'd be out there with my tin opener without a thought for the consequences if I was forced to have a standard model.

Fortunately I don't have to worry about fitting a family into my vehicle, and I'm aware that that's a big bonus when it comes to the freedom of being able to choose whatever car model I want. Some people are not so fortunate and have to think of practicality before their own desires, but there is a way that these desires can be realised!

I found a wonderful used Saab 9-3 Vector convertible at an unbeatable price, and frankly if I had a family car then I wouldn't hesitate to make this my second vehicle. It's spacious, elegant and cuts a dash wherever you choose to take it, so whether you're heading into town or travelling on the motorway you can be assured of a fabulous performance.

The summer has been all the more enjoyable since I got my used Saab. It's simply one of the most gorgeous cars that I've ever had, and I would recommend a used Saab model to anyone!

L Riley is head over heels for a used Saab 9-3 Vector convertible
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Top Luxury Cars - The 2009 Chrysler Firepower

The 2009 Chrysler Firepower is a superb sports car with a top sped of 175 mph. This car happens to be the very first model from the house of Chrysler, which is featured with the powerhouse V8 engine. The is equipped with the hemispherical shape combustion chamber. The new 2008 and 2009 Chrysler Firepower models come with the front and longitudinal layout. The curb weight of the vehicle is about 3380 pounds.

The engine used in all the variants of the 2009 Firepower is the V8 OHV with the HEMI cast iron set up. The length of the model is measured to be about 172.6 inches, while the width and height of the new model is about 73.2 inches and 47.7 inches respectively.

The 2008 model comes with the ground clearance of 5.1 inches with the wheelbase of 98.8 inches, while the overhang for the front and rear sides are measured about 34.1 inches and 39.6 inches respectively. This two-seat coupe also comes with a 6.1 liter 425 bhp advanced engine.

The 2009 Firepower has been manufactured with a fine artistic touch, but still the aggressiveness of the vehicle is well dominated by its stylish looks. Its style can be definitely compared with the Dodge Viper, and the Firepower is equipped with the Cental High Mounted Stop Lamp or CHMSL elegant touch, which is mounted on its roof as the satellite antenna.

In addition to its looks and design, the vehicle has all the quality in terms of the high speed and acceleration to be rated as a super car.

Jet-set-go, download the latest Chrysler Firepower Wallpapers Here

Here's one of the biggest online collections of the Chrysler Car Wallpapers
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Top Luxury Cars - The Volvo XC90

As a midsize luxury crossover vehicle, the Volvo XC90 is in a competitive segment which includes some of the top models produced by Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Acura and Volkswagen. But what the XC90 has going for it is its renowned Volvo quality, reliability and safety, features the crossover has in abundance.

First introduced in 2002, the Volvo XC90 has recently completed an important makeover, incorporating important changes to keep the crossover relevant as well as appealing to buyers. Should you consider the Volvo XC90? I'll let you decide that after we take a closer look at this important model.

Plenty To Like About This Crossover
So what does the Volvo XC90 have going for it? First of all, it is Volvo's top-selling vehicle in the United States. The crossover is based on the same platform underpinning the S80 sedan, the flagship Volvo model. Second of all, the crossover offers seven passenger seating and has a very competitive starting price of about $37,000. Lastly, the XC90 features a design that is attractive inside and out.

In the cabin, the XC90 offers good looks plus all of the amenities expected to be found in a luxury crossover model. Easy to read displays, an uncluttered dash, premium sound system, dual zone air-conditioning, bolstered seating and a sensible center stack are just a few of the XC90's attractions. Offering a smooth ride, good handling and a safety cage environment, the XC90 performs well in all road conditions thanks to its all wheel drive technology.

Sleek Exterior Styling
On the outside, the unmistakable Volvo grille emblem is placed just above an attractive skid plate that gives the crossover its unique look. Sweeping lines from the nose to the A-Pillar suggest the crossover's sporty flair while rounded styling from the B- C- and D-Pillars give the crossover a constant "in motion" look. A generous sized hatch moves up and out of the way, giving easy access to the storage compartment.
The latest XC90 model incorporates quite a few standard features that were at one time offered optionally. Leather seating surfaces, rear park assist, power glass moonroof, third row seat with climate control, and upgraded multimedia package are now included. Blind Spot Information System and Dual Xenon Active Bending Lights are now stand alone options, which means that either one can be offered separated from an expensive add on package. Thus, the latest edition of the Volvo XC90 offers more features and better value than ever before.

Lots of Safety Features
Like all Volvo models, safety is what the XC90 is all about as it offers dual-stage frontal airbags, side impact airbags and air curtain bags for passengers, roll-over protection system, whiplash protection, energy absorbing interior and much more. Clearly, when a car is defined by it safety, the Volvo XC90 meets that definition.

Fully loaded, a Volvo XC90 can be had for under $50,000 with well equipped models retailing for just over $40,000. Priced right and offering the amenities customers want, this Volvo is sure to please especially with people needing seven passenger seating at an affordable price.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Acura Integra intake and Nissan 240SX Intake
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Top Luxury Cars - The New Volvo C30

This week I officially turned into a grumpy old man. Walking through town on my lunch break I was constantly surrounded by over excitable children, getting more rambunctious by the second thanks to an inordinate amount of e colorings in their bags of sweets. "Why aren't you in school?" I screamed to myself, before the realization that it was summer holiday time again hit me like a punch in the face. Then I remembered that if it was summer holiday time, it meant school reports had just been issued by their teachers who most probably drive used beige Volvos and wear corduroy trousers.

Therefore they had good reason to go crazy. If they are anything like I was, the lead up to the end of year school report was so nerve wracking I'd swear every year I'd developed Parkinson's disease overnight. I'd often stare in the mirror and vow to try harder next year. I'd even beg the teachers to go easy, promising all manner of riches I could never really lay claim to. The fear and anticipation was often far worse than the reality, but as a chatty child who was constantly being sent out of class for distracting others, there was always mention that "if Mark applied himself he could be a high achiever".

Obviously it could have been far worse: "Mark really should stop beating his teachers around the face" or, "Mark claims not to have burnt down the school, but the can of petrol in his bag says otherwise", but being an only child, anything less than perfect wasn't worth reading by my parents. My defense is that in many subjects I really wasn't interested in learning information I knew I'd never use in later life and therefore not learning the subject seemed a far more attractive proposition.

I think everyone is guilty of this. If you don't have a natural flair for something, or fail to enjoy an activity immensely, you'll spend as little time on the subject as possible. That is why I spent roughly two months on my art project and five minutes revising French. I can think of no better example of the correlation of being interested in something and therefore being good at it than driving.


I am yet to see a man who chats about the torque steer at 4,000rpm in his Lancer Evolution X reverse into a shopping trolley. Nor have I seen a girl racer in a heavily modified and much loved Honda Civic plow through the central reservation on a motorway. The reason is that these drivers love being behind the wheel, take great pride in choosing what car gets them from a to b, and throw boring things like fuel economy and practicality out the window.

Compare this to drivers of cheap and/or unstylish cars. How often do you see Kias, Protons and Chevrolets (formally Daewoo of course) in hedges, with gears crunching and more dents than a boxer's forehead? Often is my answer and it's because the drivers have no interest in cars and are therefore rubbish at driving, just like me and the French language.

Historically, Volvos have always been driven by the inept. Despite no styling whatsoever, old Volvos were so safe in a crash that all the rubbish drivers bought one so they knew they'd be OK when the inevitable happened. Yet something has happened in Stockholm. They've made a Volvo that is quite simply stunning to look at - the C30.

The Swedish firm have somehow managed to combine traditional traits like the rectangular front grill and long bonnet with a bonkers rear end that oozes Italian flair and a side profile that looks aggressive and unlike anything Volvo has done previously. It's not all show and no go however. To drive the C30 holds the road ably and provides plenty of feedback through the steering wheel. Engine choices vary, with the top-of-the-range one being the six-speed, 2.5 liter 220 PS turbo T5, which will propel you from standing to 60mph in just 6.3 seconds. It'll roar onto 150mph too.

Where Volvo has been sensible however is their pricing of the C30. The headlining T5 mentioned above is £21,495, however the most popular is likely to be the 1.6 litre petrol version which starts from just £14,750. The car has been on sale for nearly two years so used Volvos should start to appear on forecourts. It's too early to tell the rate of depreciation, but I reckon and will be mouth-wateringly tempting to give the Swede a chance.

Buying the New Volvo C30 will scream to the world one thing - you're not a rubbish driver.
PJ Ridgard is a writer and a car enthusiast. Here he talks about the New Volvo range.
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Top Luxury Cars - The 2009 Citroen C5

The 2009 Citroen C5 comes with an exclusive 2.2 HDI 16V engine. The wrap around halogen headlights with AFS system is available with the car that can attract any of the car lovers. The bonnet width run with double chevron bars. Many more handy facilities are provided in some of the variants of the C5. The extra width increases the beauty of this car, and it also happens to be one of the longest cars in its class.

A special type of glass is used that can clear the water falling over it quickly. This allows the loading aperture of the car to a 439 liter boot that can also be enhanced by making the rear seats flat. The C5 model can be seen even in huge crowd because of its sleek and elegant lines. The interiors and exteriors of the car are done in German style. The door handles are designed like a fish that enhance its exterior looks.

The Citroen's second generation cars have various extra features included within it. The aircraft styled three dials are provided to the instrument nacelle that runs over the information screen. The height adjustment and backrest facilities are also available to render extra comfort to the passengers and the driver.

The head lamps used in the C5 are of Xenon type. The market price of petrol-variant of C5 with the 1.8iSX engine is about £15,595. The SX model is provided in nine separate colors, and it also includes some extra advantages including front and rear electric windows, air conditioning with pollen filter etc.

Before you get your hands on the 2010 red hot C5, here's a cool collection of the most fascinating Citroen C5 Wallpapers
To check out the latest Citroen Car Wallpapers Click-Here
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Top Luxury Cars - The Brand New Lincoln Navigator?

The brand new Lincoln Navigator was launched off-late in 2009. From top 9 Luxury Large SUVs, this car has been ranked fourth out of top nine contenders. This ranking is purely based on its performance and the recently published 50 strong positive reviews, so you can be rest assured that the ratings fair and square, and definitely believable. It is a full sized luxury SUV car, which is a strong contender in its class.

The Navigator is praised by a lot of critics for its comfortable cabin, space and styling. Many of the car reviewers consider it to be a good alternative for one of Cadillac Escalade. In comparison to Cadillac, Navigator is not superior either in terms of fuel economy or the engine power. However, some of the car reviewers have picked the Navigator over some of the Cadillac models. In the current market, Navigator is available in a long wheel-base L trim and a base trim. It also comes in four-wheel and an optional two wheel drive.

The 2009 Lincoln Navigator has got plenty of surprises under its hood, so the expectations from the next gen. 2010 model are even higher. It is expected to come with minor face lift and upgraded features of the 2009 Navigator.

As of now, only some impressive 2010 Lincoln Navigator pictures are available over the internet, along with tentative specs, but nothing is declared by Lincoln officially till date. So, let us wait and watch the show.

In the meantime, you may want to take a look at these amazing Lincoln Navigator Pictures Here

Here's a fascinating online collection of all the latest Lincoln Car Pictures
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Top Luxury Cars - 2009 Mini Cooper Convertibles

The 2009 Mini Cooper Convertibles is one of the newest cool mini cars this generation.

It has 2 door, 4 passenger convertibles or sports car. The Base is equipped with a standard 1.6-liter, I4, 118-horsepower engine that achieves 28-mpg in the city and 36-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

This mini Cooper has also John Cooper Works and equipped with a standard 1.6-liter, I4, 208-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 26-mpg in the city and 34-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.