Car Technology & Wallpaper ☻

2012 Toyota Yaris

2012-06-30T12:21:00.001+05:00

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 3- or 5-door hatchback

BASE PRICE: L, $14,875; LE, $16,385; SE, $17,160

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection

Displacement: 91 cu in, 1497 cc

Power: 106 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque: 103 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

TRANSMISSIONS: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 98.8 in

Length: 153.5 in (L, LE); 154.7 in (SE)

Width: 66.7 in Height: 59.4 in

Curb weight (C/D est): 2300–2350 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):

Zero to 60 mph: 8.9–10.5 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 17.0–18.0 sec

Top speed: 106 mph

FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):

EPA city/highway driving: 30/35–38 mpg

2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara

2012-06-19T21:51:00.000+05:00

The Suzuki Grand Vitara for 2010 is a small SUV; it's one of the smallest on offer. The Grand Vitara is positioned between car like front wheel drive SUVs and larger, contemporary body on frame vehicles. It sports a unibody ladder frame construction. Its chassis sports 4WD. The Grand Vitara may not be grand in size, but it has great off road handling as an attribute.

The Grand Vitara for the 2009 year is changed significantly. Engines have been changed and now host a 2.4 Liter four cylinder with 166 hp in the base model or a 3.2 Liter V-6 with 230 hp. The V-6 comes with four cogs in the auto tranny that it is coupled with, the five speed manual gearbox, and this foregoes the six cylinder 5-speed auto tranny.

The Grand Vitara comes with rear wheel drive and 4WD. Four trims are offered. Each trim is focused on greater off road capabilities and comfortable highway driving abilities. Features include things like climate control and a Garmin Navigation system. The base Grand Vitara offers sparse features however.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

2011-11-13T17:12:00.000+05:00

I can't think of a finer balm for the soul than cruising the Mediterranean coastline at the wheel of a genuine supercar, while the early sun paints the hillsides a warm butter yellow.Top down, we're able to see and be seen in this playground of the astronomically wealthy. If ever there was a target demographic for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster we're driving – this is it. Here, we're able to experience it in its natural habitat, among the palm trees, the yachts and the languid villas of the French Riviera.

I'm able to scratch one entry off my personal bucket list by driving (albeit slowly) the Circuit de Monaco, the legendary Formula One course made famous by its hairpin turns and impromptu dips into the harbour. It's so choked with traffic, both pedestrian and motorized, that we're barely moving above a crawl. Nonetheless, it was a special thrill to clip the candy-stripe curbing of the infamous Lowe's Turn.

Passing by the Casino Square, we run a gauntlet of Maseratis, Aston Martins, Bentleys and Ferraris. We're amused that our passage turns heads, even in this elevated setting. The SLS is a very wide car for this part of the world; we were sure we'd lose a mirror or scrape one of its lovely flanks. The roads are so narrow; we wince at the passing of scooters and motorbikes between lanes that seem barely able to accommodate two vehicles. Eventually we accept it with Gallic shrugs.

When I first heard that the SLS AMG would be released as a roadster, I was horrified. The signature gullwing doors, so representative of the SLS's iconic presence, amputated? What would Mercedes-Benz's halo sports car be without those soaring wings held aloft? Why clip those beautiful wings?

Personally, from a purely aesthetic point of view, I've always preferred the uninterrupted roofline of a coupe. Especially in a car whose design is such an intrinsic part of its appeal.

But I have to concede the SLS Roadster is a beautiful car, even without the wings. That elongated nose, huge wheels and muscular rump create a shape that's elegant, yet undeniably sexy. To me, a cloth top is the equivalent of sneakers with a dress suit, but I must admit this one is neatly finished. Still, it's much better left stowed. It can be activated at speeds up to 50 km/h and we're impressed with the mere eleven seconds it takes to deploy, but you can kiss rear visibility goodbye.

2011 Ferrari The beast one

2011-09-26T23:12:00.000+05:00

In this layer, and the performance of the raw bar stops just under the mighty Bugatti Veyron. But pure speed is not sufficient to reach the promised land, or hold an extraordinary high energy and can be found on sticky tires in the lower realms. The car offers the perfect combination of advanced engineering solutions for a very, materials, rare and beautiful, the most important of all: the bandwidth. The car is ideal force smaller machines along the way, whether through the presence and power of pure will and also manage the daily commute distances and distance. After all, what is the car at the end of the day, if you can not pay anywhere, anytime?
Led nothing less than the arrival of the McLaren MP4 - 12C us to this issue, and therefore, this comparison test of three Super. Built around the basin 12C carbon fiber central, previously unknown in these prices and production volumes. It also comes with 593 hp, twin-turbo V - 8, an adaptive suspension damping fluid through the trick modes and the rear wing that appears to help high-speed braking. Performance options higher than the base price is limited 233 500 dollars to exhaust sport ($ 5,430), light and super light or forged wheels ($ 5,140 for a second, in addition to the $ 1430 to end the "ghost"), and $ 13 130 carbon ceramic brakes. Throw in the additional cost of paint and some optional elements to the end and get the figure we have $ 303.690 and tested.
Natural enemy of McLaren, with a history of 45 years of fighting, Formula 1, Ferrari, Italy, 458. With sensual curves and 562 horses a screaming 9000 rpm V - 8, 458 is a quad-doping. The only thing that kept the 458 to win comparison test in November 2010 to award $ 270,790 as a resource, high enough to lose the important points in the results of our calculations. This time, Ferrari is the eye-popping $ 332,032, including 00,028 dollars for paint and $ 52 683 of carbon fiber Trim only. (Do not dare to say that painting is?) More expensive competition, and made this time round is less than a factor. Based on a long waiting list of 458 (sold essentially the entire production cycle), and potential owners do not seem to mind the Ferrari price.
The Porsche 911 Turbo S, which won the grand prize in the comparison test we have a super last, here GT2 RS. In terms of reducing the GT2 turbo engine is equal to, in addition to the GT3 chassis. RS trim provides additional 90 horsepower and increased aggressive weight loss program, which includes a cover of carbon fiber parts and suspension of many of the aluminum. This is 620 horsepower, rear-engine, rear wheel drive and terrorism. And got the rear wing that looks like a pair of horns and soul full of threats from the affectionate title of "The Monster" GT2. And limited production to 500, and the price is $ 245 950. Add to the black paint for $ 3140 and the removal of air, packaging, and radio (free), high total 090 to 249 $. The quest for perfection and our North Wales, in itself a kind of utopia of the leadership of many desolate winding roads. What we discovered is a super current state of the art

Unimog By Mercedes-Benz

2011-08-20T12:01:00.000+05:00

For the fifth time, Unimog by Mercedes-Benz has been voted the best off-road vehicle of the year by readers of the interest magazine OFF ROAD. The "Special-purpose vehicles category" award was made on the basis of a vote vehicles in eight categories in the December edition.
More than 44,000 readers took part in the vote between the 92 concerned vehicles .
The Unimog won first place by getting 42.3 % of the votes.
The categories for the readers’vote were "Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs)", "Off-road vehicles","Luxury SUVs", "Classics", "Luxury off-road vehicles", "Pick-ups", "Special-purpose vehicles" and "Crossovers". The Unimog was clearly on the head of the field of the special-purpose vehicles – off-road capable vehicles used to carry loads and goods to remote areas, or as a platform for special-purpose bodies such as expedition and military vehicles firefighting, Characteristic product attributes such as outstanding off-road capabilities with portal axles, and enormous torsional flexibility, were particularly praised.

Dodge Challenger 2011 muscle car

2011-08-16T19:49:00.000+05:00

The release of the 2011 Dodge Challenger is near, so here we are going to whats new in it

So,The retro style stays, and no one is going to complain about that? It Looks like the 2011 Dodge Challenger will be get a 6.4L boasting around 500bhp. Other changes include the usual raft of minor cosmetic changes and some reworking of the mechanical

Features:Some reports tell us that new model will include a sportier new steering wheel and a remote entry system that allows the driver to unlock the car without removing the keyfob from briefcase, backpack, or purse. 2011 Challengers will again have four-wheel disc brakes with ABS for better control in emergency stops, traction control to, and antiskid traction control to mitigate sideways slides. SRT8 models come with xenons, function hood scoops, special sport bucket, and dashboard readouts that track 0-60-mph acceleration times, lateral G-forces, and other lead-foot data. Leather upholstery will give an option on SE and R/T models, along heated front seats and mirrors. Also available will be a voice-activated navigation system, Chrysler’s Uconnect multimedia system that includes USB iPod interface and steering-wheel audio controls; and sound systems that range to a 368-watt setup with seven Boston Acoustic speakers.

Challenger R/Ts are fast cars, but only with the manual transmission. No such qualifiers for the Challenger SRT8 model, which has used a 6.1-liter version of the Hemi V-8. With 425 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque, the SRT8 is a perfect with either the six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. However, premium-priced model, which is around $44,000. That’s some $10,000 more than the 400-plus-horsepower Camaro SS and the 412-horsepowr 2011 Mustang GT. Some experts speculate that it could get a new 6.4-liter version of the Hemi V-8 said to generate 475-525 horsepower. While, Dodge hasn’t relegated all of Challenger’s recent updates to cosmetic features. Model-year 2010, for example, saw R/T models made available with the Super Track Pack, which added special 20-inch tires as well as performance-tuned shock absorbers, axle ratio, and brake linings, plus an antiskid system recalibrated to promote controlled tail slides through turns.

So, this is all that i can understand about it.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

2011-08-15T18:52:00.000+05:00

There are, by unofficial count, 84 buttons to push in the front cabin of the Rolls-Royce Phantom drophead coupe, each shimmering in chrome or in black Bakelite, but what there is not is a tachometer to track the revs of the whispery quiet but eloquently powerful 453-hp, 6.7-liter V-12. So the engine’s redline is a mystery, but that’s not a problem, since shifting modes are limited to two—drive and low—and both are automatic.

The tach is replaced by a “Power Reserve %” gauge. At any moment while under way in this splendid convertible, a glance tells the driver what’s left in the bank, power-wise. For example, at 70 mph, you’re still rich—you have 86 percent of the car’s power to spend! The owner’s manual informs politely, “You can use this information, for instance, to estimate the acceleration potential when passing or driving in the mountains.” (Mountains? Apparently, people in the market for a half-million-dollar car are not found in our many prairie states.)

The Curious Gesture as Hallmark

Such eccentric gestures—the bonanza of buttons, umbrellas stored in door jambs, cameras front and back, the car’s bank-building face, a picnic tailgate that can hold 330 pounds of brie, rear-hinged “coach doors” that snap closed wickedly via another button, and the feltlike material used to line the wheel wells—are what Rolls-Royce continues to be about, even though this British institution is run by BMW and all the modernist no-nonsense that implies. The curious feature is still the company’s main currency: There’s a button that makes the hood ornament disappear via a trap door, and the great number of bull hides used to cover the puffy-firm seats are from an Alpine herd that, the pitch goes, neither is preyed on by mosquitoes nor suffers scarring from barbed wire. Bulls, you should know, are less prone to the terror of femalehood: stretch marks.

Those seats are not, oddly enough in this car costing $484,450, particularly comfortable. They’re not contoured, Mercedes-Benz fashion, but are more like the overstuffed chairs one supposedly finds in a London gentleman’s club. It’s like you’re a rajah perched atop an expensive cushion, but your elephant in this case has RR stamped on its flanks. Still, the leather aroma is wonderful, the material an exercise in smooth perfection. There’s a wide swath across the dashboard of “cross-banded Santos Palissander,” a honey-hued rosewood so special it’s not in the dictionary. Perhaps it came direct from the manger in Bethlehem—who knows? And speaking of wood, you can get a veranda of teak that wraps around the rear deck, along with a brushed-steel hood and matching A-pillar trim, for $17,550.

This is the long boy of cars—220.8 inches, close to a foot and a half in excess of a long-wheelbaseAudi A8. The Phantom comes within 107 pounds of three tons, although with a Rolls, that’s a good thing. The long and flamboyant hood makes the driver feel as if he were at the helm of some brightly painted locomotive, and the pencil-thin steering wheel seems too frail for the job. But the back seat, as luxurious as the ones in the front, isn’t any roomier than a Honda Accord’s.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost

2011-08-15T18:43:00.000+05:00

The Ghost truncates one of the great names from Rolls-Royce’s past, the Silver Ghost, a moniker that attached itself to the full line of classically reliable and smooth 40/50s produced from 1906 to 1926. These were the cars that prompted The Autocar and Motor to call Rolls-Royce “The Best Car in the World.” The new Ghost will bring that legacy to bear on the luxury-sedan class, reordering the segment’s hierarchy dominated by the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Mercedes S-class, and BMW 7-series. This steel-monocoque car might weigh as much as the Bentley (nearly a staggering 5500 pounds) but also produces an intimidating 563 hp and charges from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.8 seconds. Moreover, it will achieve total pricing supremacy when it gets here in early 2010, with a projected MSRP of about $245,000 to start. Some might argue that this makes it more of a competitor to the forthcoming Bentley Mulsanne than to lesser Bentleys. We prefer to think of the Mulsanne as an insufficiently expensive competitor to the Phantom.

suzuki Alto 2001 & Wallpapers

2011-07-07T20:05:00.003+05:00

The Suzuki Alto is a very small car (kei car) designed by Suzuki. Its selling points include low price and good fuel economy. The model was introduced in 1979 and has been built in many countries worldwide.

HISTORY (JAPANESE MARKET)

The first generation (SS40) was a 3-door version of the 4-door Fronte. The Alto used a 543-cc 3-cylinder engine producing 28hp (21kW). In addition to the Alto and Fronte, a 3-door coupé (Cervo) and a 2-door pick-up (MightyBoy) were also available.

The 2nd-generation (CA71/72) (see 1st photograph in this page) was introduced in 1984. It continued with the SS40's engine, but was also available with turbocharged and multi-valve engines. A 5-door body (identical to the Fronte's) became available in 1985. A Cervo on the SS71 base was introduced in 1988, with a new 547-cc engine.

The 3rd-generation (CL11/21/22) replaced the CA71 in 1988. It had strikingly angular styling, with an unusual glazed C-pillar on the 5-door. Initially it used the SS71 Cervo's engine, but when the kei-car standards were changed in 1990 the capacity was increased to 657 cc. This was the last generation of Alto to have an associated Fronte model. An unusual feature of this generation was the availability of a version with sliding doors, the Slide Slim, intended to make it easier to enter and exit in tight spaces. Suzuki also produced a version (the Hustle) with a high roof behind the front seats, which was unusual in that it used a modification of the Alto's body rather than a completely new body; this made it possible to link the Hustle with the Alto, but made the styling rather unharmonious.

suzuki alto 2001 & Wallpapers

2011-07-07T19:30:00.000+05:00

HISTORY (JAPANESE MARKET)

Toyota Camry

2011-06-06T21:44:00.001+05:00

The Camry was last redesigned for the 2008 model year. Some material used in this review may refer to earlier model years that are substantially similar. The Camry is available in a stripped-down base model, a better-equipped LE edition, a sport-tuned SE model and a top-of-the-line XLE trim level. The 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid, a close variant of the gas-only Camry, is reviewed separately.

Shoppers might want to note that 2007 through 2010 Camry sedans were included in a pair of massive and highly-publicized recalls due to allegations that a Camry, under certain conditions, could accelerate even when its driver wasn’t touching the gas pedal. A Toyota spokesperson tells us that the 2011 Camry’s accelerator pedal is a new design that's not affected by the recalls. The 2011 Toyota Camry is also one of the first Toyotas to feature a new brake override system, which ensures that the engine can’t cause the car to accelerate while the brake pedal is being pressed. There have been no allegations of unintended acceleration regarding the 2011 Toyota Camry, but it has only been on the market for a very short time.

Camry Performance - 7.6 (Good)

The 2011 Toyota Camry is built to serve as a comfortable daily driver. Those looking for a family car or commuter with a gentle ride will be satisfied with what the 2011 Camry has to offer. But auto writers are generally unimpressed, calling it one of the least exciting rides in its class.

Camry Exterior - 7.9 (Good)

Auto critics aren’t impressed with the look of the 2011 Toyota Camry. Terms like “dull” and “conservative” appear again and again in reviews. In fairness to Toyota designers, the Toyota Camry has been the best-selling car in America for eight straight years. It's hard for it to look distinctive when it’s such a common sight.

Camry Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

The Toyota Camry has always been known for its exceptionally comfortable cabin, and that remains true with the 2011 Camry. Reviewers say it is spacious and thoughtfully designed. With the 2011 model, however, we’ve seen a number of reports of problems pertaining to build quality.

Camry Safety- 7.4 (Good)

The 2011 Camry has not been crash-tested yet. However, the mechanically-similar 2010 model did very well in both government and insurance industry crash tests. The 2011 Camry is one of the first vehicles Toyota has produced since its series of high-profile recalls involving unintended acceleration. Toyota sources tell us it features a redesigned throttle system.

Camry Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2011 Toyota Camry reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. 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 Camry is covered by a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2011 Ford F-150

2011-06-06T21:26:00.000+05:00

The 2011 Ford F-150 is available in 11 different trims, not including the different cab configurations (regular, extended or crew), bed lengths (5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, or 8 feet), or engine choices (two V6’s and two V8’s).

For 2011 the F-150 comes with a slew of new engines. A base 3.7-liter V6 produces 302-horsepower and a 5.0-liter V8 with 360-horsepower are the two bottom rung engines. Surprisingly positioned above the 5.0-liter V8, Ford is introducing a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower. F-150s equipped with the twin-turbo mill are capable of towing 11,300 pounds, just as much as the top line 411-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. Off-road oriented SVT Raptor, luxurious Lariat Limited and special Harley-Davidson edition F-150s come standard with the 6.2-liter V8. All models receive a six-speed automatic transmission.

Other changes include a 4.2-inch LCD display in the gauge cluster that displays information about fuel economy, towing and off-roading. A new three-point safety belt now rests in the middle passenger position of bench-seat equipped F-150’s. Driver’s also benefit from integrated spotters mirrors in the side mirrors.

Renault Meganne Cabriolet

2011-06-05T16:56:00.000+05:00

The Coupe-Cabriolet is, on average, an astonishing 25% heavier than the Megane hatch. This has serious implications when it comes to performance. Take the most popular 128bhp 1.4-litre petrol turbo (TCe 130.) It has to cope with a hefty, big-car 1.5-tonne kerbweight. Against the clock it takes 10.7 seconds to complete the 0-62mph dash and it tops out at 124mph. That doesn’t sound too bad even though it is a whole second slower than the hatch. On the road it’s a different story. Quite frankly the little turbo struggles and has to be worked very hard, which is completely at odds with the relaxed nature of the droptop Megane. We would avoid it and the 2.0-litre CVT petrol (0-62mph 11.7 seconds) and consider the 178bhp TCe 180 instead. That engine helps reduce the 0-62mph to 8.6 seconds and has far more low-down punch. A better bet still is the 128bhp dCi 130 and the 158bhp dCi 160 diesels. Although even then, the most powerful 2.0-litre diesel, still feels underwhelming in the performance department. Despite plenty of torque, 0-62mph takes 9.4 seconds topping out at 134mph. The firm’s new double-clutch auto is also available, but only on the base 109bhp dCi 110. The new auto offers smooth changes, but again, weight blunts its best efforts.

2012 Ford Focus

2011-06-05T16:47:00.000+05:00

ExteriorThe Focus is an exceptionally stylish vehicle in this historically conservative class. It offers body-colored door handles and side mirrors, with integrated turn signals. Standard wheels range from 15-inch steel rims on the Focus S to 17-inch alloys on the Titanium trim level. There are many optional alloy wheels as well, topping out at 18 inches for the Titanium.

A rear spoiler comes on the sedan's optional SE Sport Package. Ford also offers a wide selection of graphics packages that can be applied to either body style at the dealership.
InteriorTwo cubic feet smaller than the 2011 model, the 2012 Focus' interior compares to the 2011 Civic and Corolla, with less backseat room than more recent introductions like the Cruze. The interior quality is notably higher than in the 2011, with standard cloth and, in higher trim levels, optional leather upholstery. Heated front seats are also optional.

The two lower trim levels come with a one-piece, folding bench backseat, and a 60/40-split version is optional on the SE and standard on the two higher trims. At 13.2 cubic feet, the 2012's trunk is 0.6 cubic foot smaller than last year's model. The hatchback, which hasn't been offered since the 2007 model year, offers 23.8 cubic feet behind the backseat and a total of 44.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat.

Standard and optional features include heated side mirrors, remote start, a keyless-entry keypad, satellite radio, a navigation system, a backup camera, a moonroof, Sync and MyFord Touch. An automatic parallel-parking option will come later in the model year.
Under the HoodThe Focus' engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that can team with a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, which is a fast-acting dual-clutch automated manual. (It has no clutch pedal and operates as an automatic from the driver's perspective.)

According to Ford, the Focus will achieve as high as 38 mpg on the highway with the automatic and 36 mpg with the manual. The best efficiency will come with the Super Fuel Economy option later in the model year, which for $495 will deliver 40-mpg highway with the automatic.

The Focus offers two suspension tunings, tied to wheel size. The base covers all wheel sizes from 15 to 17 inches. The Titanium's optional 18-inchers come with a firmer, sportier suspension and pricey Michelin Pilot Sport 3 summer performance tires.

Volkswagen Golf Mk5

2011-06-05T16:33:00.000+05:00

The fifth incarnation of the Golf went on sale in February 2004. There was a choice of 1.4, 1.6 or 2.0-litre petrol engines, and 1.9 or 2.0 TDI diesels, along with a normally aspirated 2.0 SDI unit. The GTI didn’t arrive until January 2005, followed by the 247bhp R32 within the year.
In June 2005 the taller Golf Plus appeared, and in the same month in 2006 the 138bhp 1.4 TSI replaced the 2.0 GT. A year later, the estate was launched, alongside a 170bhp 1.4 TSI.
What to look forALL MkVs had a variable service indicator, but only buyers who opted for it had it activated. You can get it switched on no matter how old the car is – vital if you do high miles, as it can allow you to go twice as far between checks.
A squeaky clutch on 1.9 TDI points to weak release bearings. Also, high oil levels on TDI PDs could mean diesel has got into the injectors, ruining the engine.

2012 Suzuki Swift

2011-03-28T17:06:00.002+05:00

Here is 2012 Suzuki Swift, this is new vehicle from this automaker japan. The Suzuki is recent additions like the SX4 and Kizashi.The suzuki is calling “Swift” because that be a bit of wishful thinking.

Few details have been released as to what has gone into the S-Concept and where it’s going, but anyone can tell straight off the bat that it’s a Suzuki Swift taken to the extreme. In fact, it looks as close to an S2000-spec racer for the street as we’ve seen in some time, sporting 18-inch wheels, aerodynamic upgrades, Recaro racing buckets the works.
The result looks good. Seriously good. Which is sadly probably more than we can say for its production prospects. But for the company behind such an eclipsing Pikes Peak campaign, with the right mechanical upgrades to match the sporting pretensions of its own styling, a hotter Swift could be just the ticket to inject some much-needed excitement into its range. For more images of this car click here.

Next Mustang will get global design

2011-03-09T18:44:00.000+05:00

GENEVA--The Mustang may be a thoroughly American vehicle, but the design of the next-generation model will get input from Ford Motor design studios around the globe.

"It is a common process we use on every vehicle," Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president for global product development, said last week at the Geneva auto show.

"When we embark on a new product, particularly one that is all-new, it involves all of the studios. Then J [Mays] and the design team pick the best of those themes," Kuzak said. Mays is Ford's global design chief.

Kuzak said the redesigned Ranger pickup--which will not be sold in the United States--is the latest example of cooperation by Ford's studios.

"The Ranger was done by the Australian studio with input from the European studio," Kuzak said during an interview at the show. The Ranger is the first global Ford vehicle designed by the Australian subsidiary.

The Ranger pickup will go on sale this year.

Ford adopted the global design approach about three years ago.

Kuzak did not say when the redesigned Mustang is coming, but sources say it will debut in the 2014 or 2015 model year.

While the final styling theme might come from outside the United States, he said, Ford's Dearborn, Mich., studio will have the responsibility of turning that theme into a production vehicle.

Magellan Premium Car Kit for iPhone or iPod Touch

2011-03-04T21:44:00.000+05:00

The good: The Magellan Premium Car Kit keeps your iPhone safely visible and charged while increasing the positioning accuracy of any app that uses GPS. The speakerphone is much louder than the iPhone's internal speaker and the microphone is much clearer. The kit adjusts to accommodate the iPhone and the iPod Touch, with or without a case.

The bad: The Car Kit is a bit pricey for an iPhone accessory that duplicates, but enhances, functions that the iPhone already possess. The joint where the cradle meets the suction-cup mount feels flimsy.

The bottom line: The Magellan Premium Car Kit adds GPS capability to the iPod Touch, making the media player useful for navigation, but the kit's high price tag somewhat limits its value to iPhone users.

Review:

With its ever-growing library of navigation apps, the iPhone seems like a great way to get turn-by-turn directions without getting a whole other device. However, with a loudspeaker the size of a pinhole, GPS draining its battery, and occasionally questionable location accuracy, even the mighty iPhone could use a little help.

Range Rover

2011-02-07T12:57:00.000+05:00

The 2010 Land Rover Range Rover ranks 4 out of 10 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 62 published reviews and test drives of the Land Rover Range Rover, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Built for traversing an empire, the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover continues the tradition of uncompromising off-road abilities coupled with unparalleled luxury.

Land Rovers have always been vehicles with a large dose of luxury cachet. For 2010, updates to the Land Rover Range Rover have made the company's flagship model more powerful, more capable and more luxurious. The changes have been so well-received that it's tough to find a reviewer who has anything remotely negative to say about the Rover.

Range Rover built its reputation on remote trails, and the 2010 Range Rover continues to astound reviewers with its rugged capabilities. What's more astounding is that, unlike other off-road SUVs, the Range Rover has very good on-road performance as well. Two new engines -- one of which makes over 500 horsepower -- give the Range Rover the power it needs in any situation. Handling and braking are so good that the Range Rover is as at home on the freeway or in the city as it is on rock-strewn trails. Inside, reviewers say the cabin lives up to the Range Rover's nearly $80,000 price tag.

The one quibble reviewers raise about the Range Rover is Land Rover's reputation for poor reliability. While Tata Motors, the company that recently bought Land Rover, has promised to improve reliability, it's too early to tell if improvements have been made

Toyota Land Cruiser

2011-02-07T12:55:00.000+05:00

The 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser ranks 4 out of 10 Luxury Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 22 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Land Cruiser, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is well-mannered on-road and ruggedly capable when the pavement ends.

With its strong combination of on-road refinement and off-road chops, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a good choice for buyers who want a luxury SUV, but who also want to go off-road. In fact, reviewers say the Land Cruiser shoots right down the middle and hits its mark. Its ride and handling are plush but composed. Thanks to its powerful V8 engine, the Land Cruise scoots better than its size might suggest and gets gas mileage that's about average for the class (though no SUV in the class has gas mileage that could be considered good).

Still, the Land Cruiser stands out in one way: in a class full of vaunted marquees like Land Rover and Mercedes, the Land Cruiser is a humble Toyota. However, when the chips are down, the Land Cruiser competes well with its more-pedigreed competition. Reviewers like how it drives and its cushy interior. Taken as a whole, the Land Cruiser stands up well to the competition, even as consumers move away from full-size SUVs. Still some reviewers question if this Toyota's capabilities are worth its price tag, given that most owners won't take theirs off-road.

Audi A1 Quattro

2011-02-05T19:45:00.000+05:00

An Audi A1 quattro prototype that brings all-wheel-drive to the premium subcompact hatchback segment for the first time is currently undergoing a baptism of fire grappling with freezing conditions on Canada's densely snow-packed roads. The one-off development car is one of the stars of the `Fascination of quattro' event taking place in Montreal to celebrate the past, present and future of the legendary four-wheel-drive system, which reached its 30th anniversary in 2010. It reaffirms the Vorsprung durch Technik brand's commitment, made at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, to underpin future high performance variants of the A1 with this proven driver aid.

The latest member of the burgeoning quattro family uses technology very similar to that used in A3 and TT models. At its core is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch located in front of the rear axle for an optimized distribution of weight. Inside is a package of plates that rotate in an oil bath.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine's power to the front wheels. If the front axle loses grip, the clutch can instantly transfer torque to the rear axle by forcing the plate packages together. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the necessary oil pressure.

The UK A1 range currently offers a choice of ten front-wheel-driven models powered by 1.2-litre TFSI (86PS) and 1.4-litre TFSI (122PS) petrol engines and a 1.6-litre TDI (105PS) diesel, and is priced from Â£13,420 OTR to Â£18,665 OTR.

Even before it filters into the most diminutive of Audi models, the quattro system is already a feature of over 120 variants in the Audi line-up, from the A3 hatchback through to the R8 super car.

The Audi A1 with quattro drive

As announced at the Paris Motor Show back in the fall of 2010, Audi is also bringing the permanent all-wheel drive system to the premium subcompact class. Consistent traction, a high level of driving safety and exciting dynamics - the A1 with quattro drive will be the first car in this segment to power all four wheels.

During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine's power to the front wheels. If the front axle loses grip, the clutch can instantly transfer torque to the rear axle by forcing the plate packages together. A pressure reservoir helps the electric pump to develop the necessary oil pressure.

Volkswagen Taxi Concept

2011-02-05T19:29:00.000+05:00

The man behind the project, Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design at Volkswagen, was present in Central London earlier today to unveil the car.

Designed to meet the challenges faced by vehicles in modern cities, with ever tighter restrictions on space and emissions, the Volkswagen Taxi Concept is powered by an electric motor fed by lithium-ion batteries. With a capacity of 45 kW/h the batteries allow the electric motor to generate a maximum power output of 115 PS, translating to a theoretical top speed of 74 mph.

The range of the Volkswagen Taxi Concept is estimated at 186 miles between charges with an 80 per cent charge taking around one hour to complete.

The Concept, which measures 3,730 mm in length, 1,680 mm in width and 1,600 mm in height, is shorter than the current smallest Volkswagen, the Fox. However its long wheelbase and minimal front and rear overhangs allow it to have a spacious cabin with room for two adults to be seated in comfort plus an allocated area for luggage. At the front, the driving environment is similarly spacious, an impression emphasised by the large glass area.

The theme running throughout the vehicle is simplicity, with an elegant, clutter-free look to the interior. The major functions of the vehicle including climate, entertainment and fare information are all grouped onto one touchscreen display mounted next to the driver. In the back a similar screen relays information to the passengers on their route and their immediate environment. Despite its modest size, the Volkswagen Taxi Concept feels luxurious, with use of cream leather and individual, as opposed to bench, seats.

The styling draws on that of the UP!, Space UP! and Space UP! Blue concept cars and features deliberately tongue-in-cheek details such as the silver Union Jack on the roof and the City of London's coat of arms resplendent on either side of the vehicle as well as on the dashboard.

Elegant daytime running lights mounted within the headlight units are joined by a distinctive `Taxi' light on the roof. This has two settings - it glows green, indicating when it's free and red when it's not.

At the rear the light units are integrated into the 60:40 split tailgate, behind which are a pair of cubbies to house the belongings of the driver.

GMC Sierra Denali 2011

2011-02-02T23:20:00.000+05:00

GMC has always been about "Professional Grade" trucks, but the Denali trim level takes it up a notch or two -- it's the package for people who work hard but like to do it in style, too. Now, the folks in the big trucks will get their own pampering as GMC reveals the new 2011 GMC Sierra Denali Heavy Duty.

The Sierra Denali HD marks the first time the luxurious Denali trim has been offered on GMC's toughest trucks. Specific to the Denali package is a four-bar grille with a chrome surround, chrome accents on the doors and door handles, body-color bumpers and new 18- and 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels. Inside, the Denali package features a Bose audio system, power-adjustable pedals, 12-way power seats and brushed aluminum trim. A heated steering wheel and heated and cooled seats are optional.

Beyond the Denali package, which will only be offered on the Sierra 2500 Crew Cab Standard Box model, those who look closely may notice a few other subtle enhancements to the 2011 Sierra's appearance. Most notable is the enhanced hood with its big louvers and powertrain badges, along with new 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheel options. Non-Denali trucks also get a new three-bar grille and a full-width chrome front bumper.

So far, you may be wondering what the big deal is. Leather and chrome packages don't mean much on work trucks, so you'll be happy to know all the money GMC didn't spend on aesthetic upgrades was directed toward upgrading the Sierra's chassis and powertrain. The result is the same 20,000-pound maximum towing capacity with a fifth-wheel trailer as the Silverado HD, as well as the same 16,000-pound maximum towing capacity with a traditional hitch and the same 6,335-pound maximum payload capacity. Unfortunately for GMC and Chevy fans, that's a little short of the specs for the new Ford F-Series Super Duty, though not by much.

2010 Nissan GT-R

2011-01-29T19:33:00.000+05:00

The good: High-tech gear, such as an active suspension, all-wheel drive, and a dual-clutch transmission, give the 2010 Nissan GT-R race car handling. The hard-drive-based navigation system avoids traffic, and the driver can customize gauge screens with a variety of information.

The bad: The ride and noise level are harsh, fuel economy is poor, and there is no iPod support, but the 2011 model promises to address these issues.

The bottom line: The 2010 Nissan GT-R is an outstanding car for the track or sport driving, but its rough ride makes it tough to live with on a daily basis, and the next model year should see significant improvements.

Review:

The 2010 Nissan GT-R thrives on speed; at anything less than 60 mph, it feels like a Soviet-era Russian tractor. Reviewers, including Car and Driver and Edmunds.com, tested the 2009 version of the GT-R at 3.3 seconds to 60 mph. For 2010, Nissan squeezed an extra 5 horsepower out of the engine.

Exemplifying the use of tech to enhance road performance, the GT-R tops its 3.8-liter engine with twin turbochargers. A dynamic suspension actively counteracts body roll, and power is selectively fed forward and rear by an all-wheel-drive system. A six-speed dual-clutch

Porsche Panamera 4S

2011-01-27T20:33:00.001+05:00

The good: The dual-clutch transmission in the 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S works beautifully, contributing to driving dynamics and fuel economy, while the dynamic suspension leads to impressive cornering. Navigation includes 3D maps, and the Bose stereo produces a nicely refined sound.

The bad: Shifter buttons on the steering wheel are poorly placed. The car lacks a voice command system.

The bottom line: The 2010 Porsche Panamera delivers a spectacular driving experience in a surprisingly practical car, while modern cabin tech satisfies navigation and entertainment.

Review:

Like most things Porsche, the 2010 Porsche Panamera 4S isn't easy to classify. At first, we were tempted to call it a squashed Cayenne, but the driving characteristics took that comparison out of the running. And although we were reminded of the 911 4S while behind the wheel, we just couldn't bring ourselves to call it a stretched 911.
No, Porsche came up with a unique new car that stands on its own in the model lineup. In broad strokes it takes its place among German flagship sedans such as the BMW 750i, the Mercedes-Benz S550, and the Audi A8, but the Panamera 4S's sport handling makes those other cars look like stately luxo-barges.
Of course, the fastback design of the Panamera also puts it in its own class. Yes, that is a full hatchback at the rear providing a tall luggage area--a strange hint of practicality in such a pricey vehicle. The first spy shots of the Panamera produced quite a bit of negative reaction towards its styling and, though that was mostly undeserved, the long cabin does give it an odd proportion. After spending some time with it, we've come to like the rear quarter and the nose section quite a bit.
Luxury interior, sports car ride.

Sitting in the cabin, the fine leather, woodwork, and metal components led us to expect a luxury ride. But the seats were surprisingly hard, and the suspension didn't exactly smooth out the timeworn asphalt of city streets. Instead, the car let us feel the road as a sports car would, communicating changes in the pavement so we could react accordingly.