Posted on 26 Jan2012 under Chevrolet, Sports Car |
The 2011 Chevrolet Camaro returns for its second model year with only a few minor changes. The high-shouldered, cartoonish exterior, scorching performance, and muscle-car attitude carry over with all the force of before.
Just as the muscle-car feeding frenzy (first stoked a few years ago by concept cars, then the introduction of the Dodge Challenger) might have subsided, Ford turned up the heat this year with new V-6 and V-8 engines, truly resurrecting a decades-old rivalry. And what better indication than after Ford revealed the 305-hp Mustang V-6, Chevrolet announced a new 312-hp rating for its base 3.6-liter V-6 in the Camaro.
The 2011 Camaro makes some extreme sacrifices inside in order to achieve an aggressive look. Space inside is tight, without much headroom for taller drivers, while shorter ones might feel claustrophobic from the high beltline; for just about everyone, visibility is severely compromised. There’s a small backseat, but it’s good for only two small children, and the trunk is quite tiny. On the other hand, ride quality is excellent, with a surprising lack of road noise.
The SS uses the V8, which sees no major changes for 2011. SS versions with a manual transmission get a 426-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. Automatic-equipped SS models also get a 6.2-liter V8, but it makes 400 horsepower and features GM’s Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. V6 versions also offer a manual or automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. An RS Package for LT and SS models includes bi-xenon headlights, specific trim, and on LT versions, 20-inch wheels. All Camaros are available with 21-inch wheels
Posted on 18 Jan2012 under Nissan, Sports Car |
Where high technology meets high performance, you find some serious automobiles. As an example, look no further than the 2012 Nissan GT-R. As the representative of Nissan’s latest technology, the GT-R packs some pretty serious hardware, including a fire-breathing twin-turbo V6, a dual-clutch automated manual transmission, an advanced all-wheel-drive system and a sport-focused suspension with adaptive dampers. The GT-R’s performance numbers push it into supercar category, yet the Nissan maintains a significantly lower price point.
This year the Nissan GT-R expands its performance envelope even farther. Power output rises to 530 horsepower (45 hp more than last year) and 488 pound-feet of torque (up from 434) thanks to the combination of revised turbo boost and more free-flowing intake and exhaust systems. The already impressive brakes also have been enlarged slightly to better deal with the added performance potential.
Beyond the track sheet, you can definitely feel the R35 GT-R (12MY M/C)’s extra power, much like you’d feel being whacked from behind by a six iron. Besides the engine, the other changes are far subtler. It’s a good thing Nissan brought along a couple examples of the 2011 model to compare against the new car during our single day of driving and track lapping.
Every production car on the market represents a snapshot, the final spot where the engineers decided to call it a day after exhausting their development time and budget. Improvements can always be eked out with more time and budget. That’s what the 2012 GT-R represents: the old GT-R plus three years of time and a little—very little, because the sports-car market has been sucking wind lately—extra development money.
Nissan undertook an ambitious project with the first-generation GT-R, and succeeded at shocking the sports car establishment with bestial acceleration and tenacious handling. The 2012 GT-R’s more responsive suspension and angrier engine up the ante considerably, offering an even quicker and easier turning sled with which to challenge the big boys. The price has crept up nearly $20,000 since the 2009 debut model, but even as it approaches the treacherous six-figure mark, the Nissan GT-R remains a remarkable performance bargain.
Posted on 18 Jan2012 under Nissan, Sedan |
The model they lent us was the 250XL V6 (2.5L) and it came in color Deep Amethyst Purple. From the moment I saw the car when it was delivered my jaw already dropped. The elegant and subtle curves immediately grabbed my attention. In fact it was hard to take my eyes off it! The experience was similar to seeing a gorgeous supermodel walk past you in a mall and you can’t help but turn your head twice! The Nissan Teana 2011 was breathtaking and I was 100% sure that I would be enjoying the time I would spend with it over the weekend!
When the driver handed me the “keys” I was a bit stumped. There was no “key”. It was just a key fob to unlock the door. The driver just told me to get inside and I would figure it out myself. I opened the door and the interior was just stunning and overwhelming! Beautiful quality leather seats (light brown), accents of wood, and a gorgeous LED display on the dashboard which also functioned as the media hub. Anyway, the driver was correct. Instead of your usual ignition slot for the key, I found this:
The first thing you would notice is that there’s no key. Actually, the car has a key hidden flush in the fob, but you don’t need it to start the car. Simply press the On/Off button while depressing the brake (with the key fob within the car’s cabin, of course) and the engine roars to life. Your pleasurable driving experience starts here, and you would likely not want your journey to end given the creature comforts the car offers.
The 2.5-liter V6 engine seems properly matched with the midsize executive sedan, providing enough power when needed, yet a smooth ride when you’re just plying city streets. The Teana’s Xtronic CVT (continuous variable transmission) feels like an upgrade from most old-school CVTs that don’t deliver enough oomph when called for. A steady right foot gives you smooth acceleration with no shift shock at all. But floor the pedal on those uphill terrains or when overtaking and the CVT downshifts to give you that much-needed acceleration just when you want it.
Posted on 18 Jan2012 under Jeep, Suzuki |
Suzuki Jimny is very competent small SUV powered by 1.3 litre M13A DOHC petrol engine that generates 110 Nm of maximum torque and 80 bhp of maximum power, while its diesel version is powered by 1.5 litre diesel engine that produce 160 Nm of maximum torque and 65 hp of maximum power. Jimny will take the place of Maruti Gypsy in the Indian market.
Source: autocardesign.org
Over the past 40 years, Suzuki has sold more than 250 million Jimny and has become one of the most successful 4x4s in all over the world. This is the sixth generation car that has come in the market in 1998. First generation model of the Jimny car is made with 2 cylinder engine with 360cc capacity which produced a huge amount of power: 25hp. As compare to last model, the current engine range has developed a bit to the 1.3-liter 16-valve 85 hp petrol models.
Interior part of the jimny gives a best experience to driver. With stress-free driving position, you will never feel tiredness on the longest of journey. The steering wheel is located right sit; your hands feel comfortable with its shape. The design of the cockpit is based on ergonomic studies. The brake pedal, accelerator and ergonomic shift lever provide superior action that improves your control. Electric windows and power door locks can be easily run by master control. Your comfort is intended by using an optional climate control system. Four adult passengers sit comfortably in its space-efficient layout seats. The sporty seats are large, relaxed and helpful during forceful driving. The rear is made with fold back, so you can any time fold for making a room for luggage. If you want to sleep, then you can fold all seats back. The doors and control panel are completely trimmed and the seats upholstered are made with durable, high-quality fabric.
Engine:
- Petrol: 1.3L & 1.3L VVT
- Drive system: Part-time 4WD
- Transmission: 5MT and 4AT
- Steering: LHD/RHD
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Number of valves: 16
- Pisiton displacement: 1,328 cm
- Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 69.5
- Compression raito: 9.5
- Fuel distribution: Multipoint injection
- Diesel: 1.5L DDis
- Drive system: Part-time 4WD
- Transmission: 5MT
- Steering: LHD
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Number of valves: 8
- Pisiton displacement: 1461 cm
- Bore x stroke: 76.0 x 80.5
- Compression raito: 9.5
- Fuel distribution: Direct injection
Posted on 18 Jan2012 under SUV, Suzuki |
The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara ranks 10 out of 20 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 74 published reviews and test drives of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. While the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara can handle itself off-road and has standard navigation, reviewers still say that its powertrain and cabin aren’t perfect.
Test drivers don’t call the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara a bad SUV. In fact, they like that it comes standard with navigation and are impressed with its off-road abilities. But they still have a lot to complain about. First, with both two- and four-wheel drive, the Vitara has poor fuel economy ratings for the class, even compared with compact SUVs with four- or all-wheel drive. Second, two-wheel drive models aren’t as refined on pavement or as powerful as models like the Toyota RAV4.
There are three styles available for the Suzuki Grand Vitara: Base, Premium and Limited. Even base and Premium models are pretty well equipped with features like automatic climate control, full power accessories, a removable Garmin navigation unit and side and side curtain airbags. The top-line Limited has luxurious upgrades like leather seating and heated front seats. Bluetooth is optional on all but the base Grand Vitara.
Every Suzuki Grand Vitara is powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on base models, while all other versions get a four-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, but Premium models can also be had with a four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case. Limited models are offered with a four-mode 4WD system (4H, 4H Lock, 4L Lock and N) that allows the Grand Vitara to be flat-towed behind an RV without adding miles to the odometer.