2011 BMW X5 Review
2011 BMW X5 Review
The 2011 BMW X5 is a first-rate SUV that seats up to 7 and is offered in three trim levels ; the xDrive 35i the xDrive 50i and the xDrive 35d.
The powetrain available for the 2011 BMW X5 –xDrive 35i is a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cyolinder engine that provides 300 horsepower. It has an EPA estimate of 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. It is provided with an all-wheel drive and mated with a 5-speed Sport Automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control or ATC, steering wheel-nmounted paddle shitfters and Sport streptonic Manual shift modes. It accelerates from 0-60 mph within 6.4 seconds.
While the xDrive 50i, the newest flagship of the X5 family, has a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that gives 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 450 lb ft of torque at 1,750-4,500 rpm. This all- aluminum V8 engine is characterized by “reverse flow” engineering for a ground-breaking responsiveness, High Precision direct fuel injection and VANOS, BMW’s variable valve timing technology. As one, these features produce an almost ideal balance for low emission, fuel efficiency and the leading, forceful performance expected from a BMW V-8. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
The 2011 BMW X5 xDrive 35d is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo diesel engine that generates 265 horsepower and 424 lb ft of torque. This is a “clean diesel” engine with an EPA estimate of 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway and a combined 22mpg. It can go from 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds.
Both gasoline powered engines of the 2011 BMW X5 models are equipped with a new 8-speed automatic transmission with Streptonic control. It fits in BMW’s Brake Energy Regeneration system designed to save fuel by regulating to slowing down and braking the time for the alternator to charge the batteries. It elevates the industry standard for trimness, competence and gear choices.
In spite of the major changes in the 2011 BMW X5’ powertrain, it still retains its midsize luxury crossover SUV characteristics of being utilitarian as well as sporty. Its rigid suspension keeps the hefty body steady while cornering and inspire confidence at superior highway speeds. The steering is steady and responsive even at high speed.
The safety features of a 2011 BMW X5 include an ABS, antiskid system, traction control, hill-descent control, curtain-side airbags and front – side airbags among others.
2011 Chevrolet Equinox, Impressive MPG
2011 Chevrolet Equinox, Impressive MPG
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox comes with a 2.4- liter ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine with direct injection that delivers 182 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 172 lb ft of torque at 4,900 rpm. This powerful engine is matched with a 6-speed transmission for smooth acceleration and can travel more then 600 miles on the highway. It is also equipped with so called ECO button that lets a driver switch to a saving mode, that enhances fuel efficiency. It has a combined EPA estimate of 32mpg, an impressive showing for a vehicle in its class.
The drivetrain of a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox that is responsible for the vehicle avoiding a collision consists of an independent strut-type front suspension, an independent trailing arm rear suspension, Stability Track Electronic Stability control system, and Traction Control System. A Rearview Camera System is also available to help the driver see what is behind the vehicle through the rearview mirror.
Features of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox that assure safety of driver and passengers and ensure a worry-free driving are the Variable – Assist Power Steering that improves parking and vehicle handling; Tire Pressure Monitor that gives a warning when the tire pressure falls; Hill Start Assist, avert a vehicle roll- back on a slope; Four-Wheel Antilock Brakes, designed to moderate wheel-lock up and assist in maintaining steering control in times of hard braking; OnStar with Direction Connection Plan with an Automatic Crash Response ( available for the first 6 months) is a built-in sensor that can call for emergency help; LATCH System for children’s safety seat for easier installation of child’s seat; and six airbags for increased driver’s and passengers’ protection.
2011 Chevy Equinox
Photo by http://www.qualitychevy.com/
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is a big compact 5-Passenger crossover available in three trim levels; GLS, SE and Limited. The standard powertrain on the GLS trim is a 2.4-liter Theta II 4-cylinder that delivers 175 horsepower and 169 lb ft of torque. And fuel consumption of 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway or a combined 23 mpg when matched with a 5 – speed automatic transmission , and 19mpg city, 26 mpg highway and combined 21 mpg with a manual transmission.
Standard on the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe SE model and optional to a Limited trim is a 3.5 liter Lambda V6 engine that produces 276 horsepower and 248 lb ft of torque matched with a 6-speed transmission with an EPA estimate of 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. This engine accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds. A front-wheel drive is standard for all three trim levels of the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe but an electronically controlled all-wheel drive is optional.
One of the selling points of a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe is its smooth and comfortable handling. It is built on a unibody construction that provides a car-like ride and a very responsive handling. It is a very refined vehicle where road bumps and potholes are not felt inside the cabin because of the excellent suspension and rigid frame. The 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe has ample passing power and the steering has a satisfying feel, not too loose and not too tight. The brakes are good and the ride is comfortable and the vehicle is hush. The electronically controlled 4-wheel drive of the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe propels power to the wheels automatically and with very good traction. It has a manually available all-wheel drive lock that sends a 50/50 torque to the rear and front wheel that helps to control the vehicle in wet and slippery road surface.
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
Photo by KE7WOX
The standard safety features of a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe include two side curtain airbags with rollover sensors; driver and front passenger airbags; two side airbags; Electronic Stability Control System and disc brakes mated with an Anti-lock Braking system with brake assist that allows optimized braking power during emergency stop; Electronic Brake-Force Distribution System that instinctively balances the braking force to the rear and front axle according to the vehicle’s existing load; Tire Pressure Monitoring System that alerts the driver when any tire pressure gets alarmingly low; safety belt pretensioner; 3 –point seatbelts on all seats; and active adjustable head restraint.
2011 Ford Fiesta, Amazing Fuel Efficiency
2011 Ford Fiesta, Amazing Fuel Efficiency
The 2011 Ford Fiesta is not only one of the best reasonably priced subcompact vehicles in 2011; it also is one of the most fuel efficient cars in its class. It has an official EPA estimate of 29 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway with a 5- speed manual transmission, 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with the PowerShift 6-speed transmission, and to top it is the SFE package –outfitted model with 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
This front-wheel drive revolutionary subcompact is available as a 4-door sedan or a hatchback. It is powered by a 1.6-liter Duratec inline Ti-VCT 4-cylinder engine that generated 120 horsepower and 112 lb ft of torque. This powerful engine of a 2011 Ford Fiesta is mated by either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed PowerShift dual clutch automatic transmission and equipped by an independent front and semi-independent rear suspension.
The petite but elegant 2011 Ford Fiesta maneuvers accurately, dashing from corner to corner with amazing cool and ease but as steady on the highway as a midsize vehicle. The propensity of a front-wheel drive to be front-heavy is surprisingly absent in a 2011 Ford Fiesta and its body –roll is restricted. The independent front and semi-independent rear suspension of a 2011 Ford Fiesta react adroitly to road ruts and expansion joints resulting in a vibration-free, quiet and comfortable ride.
The 2011 Ford Fiesta offers big safety protection in a small package. It is designed to enhance undersized car safety with top – strength boron steel with the Trinity front crash structure. Ford also equipped the 2011 Ford Fieta with the latest state-of –the art safety features that include the highly developed airbag technologies such as the driver’s knee airbag, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and the dual-stage front seat airbags.
2011 Ford Fiesta
Photo by mkriedel
Other safety features to lessen the effect of an impact is the AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control, Smart Passenger Occupant Detection System sensors to maximize deployment of airbags, Belt-Minder to remind car occupants to fasten seat belts, rear door child safety locks, seat belts with pretensioners and a TPMS or Tire pressure Monitoring System.
2011 Honda CR-Z Review
2011 Honda CR-Z Review
The 2011 Honda CR-Z is an oxymorone of a hybrid car. It is not only a fuel-efficient car but is also a fun to drive car. It is a two- seat, two-door sporty hybrid provided with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist that consists of a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor with a nickel metal hybride battery set. The 1,5-liter engine produces 112 horsepower and 107 lb ft of torque while the electric motor gives and additional 13 horsepower and ft. lb of torque.
The 2011 Honda CR-Z is mated with a standard 6-speed manual transmission and a Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT with paddles shifters is an option. As per Honda’s reckoning, the 2011 Honda CR-Z’s IMA equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission will provide an EPA estimate of 31 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway and an overall 34 mpg. Whereas, with the CVT fuel consumption will be 35mpg in the city, 39 mpg on the highway and a 37 mpg combined.
Smooth and comfortable ride is what you will expect from a 2011 Honda CR-Z. It has an agility and liveliness that makes driving this car enjoyable. The IMA power source together with the added torque from the electric motor provides sufficient force to give this car a more lively performance at low speed. The suspension of a 2011 Honda CR-Z is unyielding and steady to make cornering enjoyable but agile enough for comfort.
Safety features of a 2011 Honda CR-Z include side guard door beams, crumple zone, side curtain airbags, front seat 3 point seat belts, driver airbag with dual stage deployment and dual threshold, front active head restraint, Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, seat-mounted front side airbags, Occupant Position Detection System Passenger Airbag Cutoff sensor, Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and Electronic Stability System with traction control among others.
2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid
Photo by Honda News cr-z.honda.com
