August 2010 Archives

Car and Driver have published their "Short Take Road Test" of the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe, 'The standard CTS coupe is propelled by GM's 3.6-liter, DOHC 24-valve aluminum V-6, making 304 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque at 5200. This is a thoroughly modern engine: direct fuel injection, an 11.3:1 compression ratio, and variable valve timing. But tethered to two tons of Cadillac, it generates acceleration that's on the edge of  ho-hum: 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and the quarter-mile in 15 seconds flat at 96 mph. An equivalent BMW 328i coupe (230 horsepower, 200 pound-feet of torque) can generate just as much performance, thanks to curb weights that start some 600 pounds lower; plus, there's the 300-hp 335i, which blows the Caddy out of the water. The CTS coupe is 221 pounds lighter than the CTS-V that competed in our September comparo, but it's the heavyweight of its class.'

A review of the 2010 Toyota Tacoma has been posted over at AutoGuide.com. 'The Tacoma we're pointing up the Wasatch trail, outfitted with a muscular six-pack of power and sure-footed traction promised from the 4WD mechanism, piles on sophisticated electronic devices for precise vehicle control and also carries a TRD (Toyota Racing Development) off-road package with locking rear differential, tuned Bilstein shocks and 265/70/16 BFGoodrich tires mounted on 16-inch alloy wheels. Those electronic controls link Tacoma's 4WD device to the anti-lock brake system and active traction (A-TRAC) and vehicle skid control (VSC) tools, plus an automatic limited-slip differential (A-LSD), hill-start assist control (HAC) and downhill assist control (DAC) systems, making for a capable machine on most any terrain.'

The Truth About Cars have published a review of the 2010 Lexus IS-F. 'The cleanly styled interior was near the top of the segment five years ago, but seems much less special today. The tested car's cockpit was nearly all black save for "aluminized composite" trim, which looks like carbon fiber that has been painted silver. Some people liked this trim. Most found it about as tasteful as the body kit. Look closely, and you'll also spy a touch of the F sub-brand's signature blue here and there--the gauge needles, a segment of the steering wheel, the seat stitching. Unlike the silver trim, these highlights are overly subtle.

A review of the 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage supercar has been posted over at Motor Trend. 'It took a while, but they finally did it. Aston took its smallest car and stuffed its biggest mill -- a 6.0-liter V-12 producing 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque -- into the engine bay. Aston Martin is claiming a top speed of 190 mph and a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds for the V12 Vantage. The top speed sounds about right, but that 60 time should be better. I tested a V-8 Vantage manual a while back and recorded a time of 4.1 seconds 0-60 and a quarter mile of 12.5 seconds at 115 mph, and that car has only 420 horsepower. I'm guessing the 60 for the V-12-powered Vantage will be somewhere south of 4.0 seconds with the quarter mile disappearing in the low 12-second range.'

Search Chicago have published a review of the 2010 Cadillac SRX. 'The Cadillac SRX has been redesigned for the 2010 model year, and it now features a much more attractive physique and a pleasing, luxurious cabin. Say goodbye to SRX's previous wagonlike looks and say hello to an all-new model that's quite good looking. The all-new SRX is a bit downsized from the previous version, but in a good way. Its nose reminds me of the Escalade, and the SRX also sports nicely chiseled lines. Swing around back and you will be mesmerized by the unique "finned" taillights. Slip inside and you'll be equally impressed. The cabin is luxurious, featuring excellent craftsmanship and plenty of attention to detail.'

Inside line have published a review of the 2011 Nissan Juke. 'Functionally, the 2011 Nissan Juke works pretty well. Visibility through the upright windshield is excellent and there's a sense of ample space in the front thanks to the tall roof. The backseat folds flat, usefully extending the high-bustle rear end's cargo volume. Your 6-foot friend won't be thrilled to ride back there for a long haul, but he's lucky you didn't make him walk instead. Silver accents spruce up the dark cabin, which thankfully exhibits more styling restraint than the exterior. The steering wheel's nicely contoured grips suggest it was plucked intact from a 370Z, though the vinyl covering proves otherwise. Cabin controls in this base Juke are straightforward, with a simple three-knob HVAC interface and sizable radio buttons.'

PaulTan have published a review of the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero. 'In terms of dimensions, the Pajero has about the same footprint as the previous gen Prado (latest version just out this year), but is narrower than the over 2m wide Discovery. Compared to the Pajero Sport, the Pajero is 205 mm longer and 60 mm wider, so we're looking at one big 4X4 here. Approach and departure angles may be alien terms to the urban SUV owner, but this is a Pajero, and it's worth mentioning - 36.6 degrees approach angle, 22.5 breakover and 25 departure are useful off the beaten path. For comparison, the air suspended Discovery 4 measures in at 36.2, 27.3 and 29.6.'

A review of the 2011 Ford Edge has been posted over at LeftLane. 'Although the original Edge got off to a slow start when it first launched in 2006, its combination of good looks, good value and just-right sizing eventually caught on with buyers. The current iteration of the Edge has now topped 400,000 sales, meaning Ford designers and engineers were charged with the daunting task of not screwing up a good thing - at least one that sold well. With the original's sales success in mind, Ford took a careful scalpel the Edge's face, giving it an updated mug with familiar ties to the last-gen car as well as the rest of the company's lineup. A new, bold grille is most noticeable, flanked by smaller headlines that give the Edge a sportier look. However, move to the side or rear of the 2011 Edge and things start to look very familiar, which probably has something to do with those 400,000 sales.'

The Independent have published a review of the Romanian-built Dacia Duster SUV. 'The Duster is a new compact SUV, which is hardly a groundbreaking concept until you realise that it costs about the same as a typical supermini. Like the other Dacias it is based on the previous-generation Clio's underpinnings, in this case strengthened and optionally available with Nissan-engineered four-wheel drive. A good base for a Luddite-pleasing car. There has been a Dacia Duster before, a crude off-roader sold in the 1980s and of which, according to Practical Classics magazine, just two survive in the UK. But this is a proper job, and will be available here in 2012, by which time Dusters will be raising dirt-road dust from Brazil to Siberia. Will it be worth the wait? Or will buyers be so brainwashed into the "need" for techno-gimmickry by then that the Duster will be doomed?'

CNET have published a review of the 2010 Lotus Evora supercar. 'At $73,500, the Evora is not cheap, which explains the coachwork in the cabin. Leather covers the dashboard and sport seats, and metal runs up the center console and sits to either side of the instrument cluster. Although these materials look quite good, the fit was not always up to the standards of competitors such as Porsche. We also were not crazy about the red LED displays showing fuel and temperature levels next to the tachometer and speedometer. '

A review of the Infiniti EX35 has been posted over at The Garage Blog. 'The interior of the EX35 is simply gorgeous. Beautifully designed, with quality materials and workmanship to back up the promise of sporty luxury promised by the exterior. The front seats are superbly comfortable. Finding a comfortable driving position is quick and easy (if you can't, it's time to call your chiropractor). Our EX35 packed a boatload of high-tech features, yet was not at all intimidating to use, thank to straightforward controls on the center console.'

Auto Express have published their review of ten sets of windscreen wiper blades. 'Verdict: It's victory for Bosch, as the firm has proved that when it comes to windscreen wipers, it can't be beaten. The very effective Aerotwin took the victory, followed by the car-specific pack offered by chain store giant Halfords. Valeo narrowly missed out on second place due to price, while a special mention has to go to our pick of the budget brands: Wiper Blades' Exact Fit.'

Car Advice have published their review of the Bentley Mulsanne marque. 'In essence, the Mulsanne replaces the Arnage as the flagship of the Bentley line, but there are few similarities between the two cars. The new big Bentley is longer, has a greater wheelbase and is both wider and taller than the Arnage. In fact, the Mulsanne is so massive, attention must be paid when driving along narrow roads or negotiating tight spaces. (During the drive event, two American journalists suffered the indignity of blowing both left-side tires after misjudging the width of the car and running off onto the shoulder of the road.)'

The Truth About Cars have published their review of the 2011 Infiniti M56x. 'The 2011 M56x wears all-new sheet metal, but shares the same basic platform with essentially all Infiniti models except the QX, and that's not a bad thing. The G37 is often praised for its handling and the FX50 is probably the fastest cross-trainer money can buy. Beating under the hood is the new 5.6L VK56VD Nissan V8. Equipped with direct injection and variable valve timing and variable valve lift, this big V8 puts out a respectable 420HP and 417ft-lbs of torque.'

AutoMiddleEast have published a review of the 2010 Range Rover Supercharged SUV. 'Handling is very good. Being an SUV there is a touch of body roll but nothing excessive and it's only really there if you're pushing the Range Rover hard. It's only really noticeable if you're used to driving something with a lower centre of gravity. For a large car the Range is very nimble and holds onto the road well. The bulk - almost three tonnes - becomes noticeable when braking. The Brembo brakes are good, but if you have to hit the anchors rapidly, you'll notice the weight of the car more than at other times. It's an indication of how good the engineering is, but it can come as a surprise.'

Popular Mechanics have published their "test driven" review of the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V coupe. 'Since the CTS-V coupe is not a no-comprises sports car, Cadillac took measures to preserve the ride quality. That task falls to the adjustable magnetorheological (MR) shocks installed at all four corners. These dampers have small iron particles suspended in the oil that change the fluid's viscosity based on electrical signals from the car's ECU. These shocks first appeared on the Corvette but have now spread not only to other GM products but Audi and Ferrari as well.'

Pocket-lint have published their review of the new Volvo S60. 'Designed with safety in mind, but also with the idea that you'll want something that looks good, the Volvo S60 features smooth curves and plenty of swish. It's not completely rounded however and you'll soon notice that the front bonnet is both high and square, while the rear of the car swoops upwards, but not dramatically. It's a design that is safer says Volvo (a higher bonnet for example means more flex when you hit someone, which in turn means they are likely to survive), but one that isn't going to get you stick when you pull up to a meeting or be overly polarising in that you'll either love it or hate it.'

A review of the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX wagon has been posted over at CNET. 'Trading on the rally conquests and Ken Block videos of the Subaru STI, the Subaru Impreza WRX has always been the car for people who aspire to dirt track power slides but who spend most of their driving time commuting to work and making grocery runs. The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX accepts its position as a stand-in for the STI by adopting the wide body kit and track of its rally bred brother. The WRX's resemblance to the STI is more than skin deep, but stops short of the bone. Where the STI is taut and hard, the WRX is compliant, even soft.'

Pickup Trucks have published their "test driven" review of the 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty King Ranch 4WD. 'The Super Duty's monobeam, front coil-over and leaf-spring rear suspension hasn't changed much from the previous year. It still provides good traction and moderate articulation with a heavy chassis. While many trucks, including military vehicles, are switching to independent front suspension systems, Ford is keeping with the Super Duty's front straight solid axle. It's true that an IFS system may save some weight, but many off-road enthusiasts know that a straight front axle is a tried-and-true, economical front drivetrain with an impeccable record for reliability. So we're glad the 2011 model sticks to its roots and offers an alternative to those who prefer it.'

Search Chicago have published a review of the 2011 Ford Mustang GT. ' In coupe and convertible versions, the 2011 Mustang is available first as a V-6 model or in GT guise with various graphic and V-6 performance packages available. The thing that impresses the most is the level of standard power on tap. The stable of 2011 Ford Mustangs has been bolstered by steroidlike injections of power. The standard 305-horsepower V-6 almost gallops past last year's V-8 (315 horsepower). As a base engine, it has plenty of power and a bonus - the Environmental Protection Agency gives it 19 city and 30 mpg highway ratings. It's smooth, has decent power delivery, ample torque and can excite with each pedal stomp.'

A review of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne has been posted over at The Car Connection. 'The 2011 Porsche Cayenne has become a little more svelte in appearance and officially gets all-new sheetmetal, but unless you take a look at a 2010 and 2011 model side by side, the changes are rather subtle. More curvaceous door panels and curvier-looking rear flanks hint more strongly of the sports cars in the Porsche family. The new version also has a new air dam design, different detailing in front and in back, and a few more curves, with a lower stance being the most noticeable effect. Inside, the Cayenne picks up the instrument panel and center-console look of the plush Panamera fastback sedan, with a sweeping, more coupe-like feel and matte-metallic brightwork.'

LeftLane have published a review of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE. 'The sixth-generation of Sonata, it is Hyundai's largest selling midsize ride, although its interior is classified by the EPA as that from a full-sized vehicle. A five-seater, our SE model slots directly in the middle of the lineup, although it is the most powerful for now, producing 200 horsepower. It replaces the respectable but ordinary outgoing Sonata and adds a dose of style and refinement, as well as strong specifications.'

A review of the Mini Countryman has been posted over at The Independent. 'This is a cartoon car, an automotive comedy act. Its proportions are those of all Minis through the decades, so it has huge wheels (19in examples are an option), hefty headlights and a truly giant speedometer in the middle of the dashboard. This £22,000 Mini is as big as the old Austin Maxi, and somewhat heavier. Calling the new car Mini is necessary for visual and marketing reasons, but given that "Mini" alludes to small size it's close to oxymoronic.'

Jalopnik have published a "test driven" review of the Hennessey VelociRaptor 600. 'The formula for the Raptor isn't much different from Hennessey's general approach to their products: lots of forced induction plus lots of fine-tuning. In this case it's two 58-mm turbos with 44-mm wastegates mounted in the truck's reinforced bumper with a pair of air-to-air intercoolers located behind the black plastic grille blowing air into the new 6.2-liter V8 and out a stainless steel exhaust. Essentially, it's a giant bolt-on kit. Power's conservatively rated at 622 HP with 638 lb-ft of torque, compared to 411 HP and 430 lb-ft of torque for the base 6.2-liter V8.'

The USA Today have published their review of the 2011 Kia Sportage. 'Sportage is Kia's longest-running nameplate, introduced in the U.S. as a 1995 truck-based model. It shifted to a crossover formula -- carlike unibody construction -- for 2004, and remains so. Kia shares powertrain development with Hyundai, perforce the 2011 Sportage matches the Tucson in offering only a single four-cylinder engine (at least now) that is more powerful than previous V-6s and more fuel-efficient, too. An SX version, coming about six months after this month's launch of the other models, is to have a direct-injection version of the four-banger to zip up the go index, as well as special shock absorbers that could eliminate the slap-whap ride quality of the other versions.'

Car Advice have published a review of the new BMW 3 Series Coupe & Convertible. 'BMW has replaced the coil spring valve dampers with disc spring valve technology. If that makes no sense to you, it essentially means the new Coupe and Convertibles enjoy a better rebound rate on our poor roads. Hence the ride is more compliant with improved noise comfort without affecting handling dynamics. Suspension improvements are a standard update on all new 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models except the 335i Convertible when equipped with the M-sport suspension.'

A review of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h has been posted over at the National Post. 'The HS 250h offers four different driving modes: EV, Eco, normal and Power. The EV mode allows the HS to operate on electricity alone when the conditions are right, which, based on my time with the car, is virtually never. The Eco mode softens the gas/electric combination, so it takes a really bold stab at the gas to get things rolling. The normal mode ramps everything up somewhat. Power is the best driving mode, but the performance comes at the expense of fuel economy.'

CNET have published a review of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. 'Throwing the Jetta into the corners, we found some typical small-car fun. Putting the transmission in third, or down to second, we got most of the car's horsepower to the road. Working the wheel at the start of a turn, we were pleased to note that the car remained relatively flat, stabilizer bars in the suspension keeping it reasonably planted. The unpowered rear wheels followed the front wheels' line, without floundering around, everything doing its part to keep grip. Powering through the turn, we started to feel some understeer, but it was far from excessive.'

PaulTan have published a review of the new Nissan X-Trail. 'The X-Trail comes with rear air vents, which is good, but I also like the storage ideas in this car. Fold down the centre rear armrest and you'll find two mini "shelves", good for mobile phones or music players. You can also access bags in the boot from this opening. The dash top has a big storage bin (should be big enough for a tissue box) and the glove box is very deep. Meanwhile, all cupholders located near air vents (2 in front, 2 behind) have cooling functions which can be shut off.'

The Truth About Cars have published a review of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. 'It's part Cadillac CTS, part Buick LaCrosse, part Chevrolet Malibu, and unmistakably GM in the way the exterior does not quite manage to be. Forget the Civic or Corolla. From the touchable dash panels to the big, comfy seats, the Cruze is fitted-out to compare directly with Accords and Maximas. The interior is spacious. Visibility is outstanding. On the road, the Cruze is genuinely quiet -- not from an overabundance of insulation, but from thoughtful design. The harsh, annoying frequencies disappear, allowing the stereo to shine even at low volume. Never before has a car of this size been so relaxing to run down the freeway for four adult passengers.'

A review of the 2010 Infiniti EX35 has been posted over at Motor Trend. 'The Infiniti EX35 is the most attractive vehicle in its class, but that's partly because it's difficult to determine how to classify the stylish hatchback. The EPA calls it a small station wagon, and we wouldn't disagree, though most will compare it with compact luxury SUVs like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class. You really must appreciate the EX35's design to consider buying it. Otherwise, this car...station wagon...err, crossover makes little sense from a practical standpoint.'