Mini E 2010

Top 10 Electric Cars

Mini E 2010 Reviews

Here in the United States, the Mini Cooper comes with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine or the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine in the Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions. In markets outside the U.S., Mini offers a version with a tiny 1.4-liter gasoline engine as well as a version with a diesel engine.

All that is about to change with the introduction of the Mini E, E for electric. It’s the first all-electric production car offered to the American buying public by a major manufacturer, beating the rest to the market.

However, it isn’t going to be widely available to the public for some time yet. The fast-charging all-electric Mini E is initially only going to be built in a batch of 500 cars, 250 for greater Los Angeles, and 250 for greater New York, so that the company can do a proper job of charging equipment installation and keeping up good communications between the users and the company over time. All of the Mini E cars will be built in Munich, rather than the main plant in Oxford, England.

We say “users” rather than owners because the company will not actually sell the Mini E. Each of the 500 units will be leased to customers, along with the special charging equipment it will require, for a hefty lease payment of $850 a month, about $500 a month more than a conventional Mini lease price, for a 12-month lease, not subject to renewal. Customers will be selected from interested parties living in New York and Los Angeles who have registered on the Mini website. Interested? Read on.

BMW and Mini officials have said that the all-electric Mini E will come with insurance, road service and a free replacement vehicle baked into the monthly lease price. Each car will come with a special wall-mounted 240-volt, 50-amp charging unit that can bring the 570-pound, 35 kilowatt-hour battery in the Mini E up to full charge in about two hours, depending on the type of electric service available at the house, condo or apartment. If the customer uses a charging system away from home, using a typical 110-volt outlet for charging, a full charge may take up to 24 hours, say BMW and Mini officials.

Initially, the Mini E will be offered only in the Mini sedan body style, no Clubman or convertible models. The American-made AC Propulsion system uses 5088 lithium-ion cells in the space normally filled by the rear seats. The 201 horsepower electric motor, which makes 143 foot-pounds of torque, the power control electronics, and the inverter, which turns DC current into AC and back again are under the hood.

BMW says a fully charged Mini E has a driving range of about 160 miles, well within the round-trip commuting range of many American drivers. Top speed is said to be governed to 95 mph and 0-60 acceleration is electronically limited to about eight seconds, to preserve battery power. Regenerative braking charges the battery every time the brakes are applied.

The Mini E dashboard has a battery-charge meter in place of the tachometer and a power meter in the speedometer. There is no conventional transmission in the car, because the torque provided by the electric motor is sufficient without multiplication through a transmission, but there is a conventional reverse-neutral-drive shifter on the floor. The air conditioning system is electric, and all the standard Mini chassis systems, electronic traction and stability control, are included. The 600-pound-heavier Mini E uses a modified Cooper S suspension to cope with the extra weight.

Deliveries to customers should start in the spring of 2009.

Article Source:    Newcartestdrive.com

GMC Terrain 2011

Top 10 Small SUVs

GMC Terrain 2011 Reviews

General Motors added the Terrain crossover utility vehicle to its GMC brand’s lineup for the 2010 model year onward. Positioned below the full-size Acadia, the Terrain shares its Theta architecture with the new Chevrolet Equinox. The model replaced the Pontiac Torrent and GMC Envoy.

Two engines are available for customers to consider. A new, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection delivers highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. Peak fuel economy is achieved in part with an “ECO” mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the motor.

Also available is a 3.0-liter DOHC direct injected V-6 engine delivering an estimated 264 horsepower. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Terrain’s rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.

“The new Terrain brings GMC’s history of innovation and engineering excellence into a smaller, fuel-efficient package for today’s buyer,” said Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “The capability attributes that make a vehicle a GMC are ingrained in Terrain, making it an appealing choice for existing traditional SUV customers who are looking for distinctive styling and increased efficiency.”

“GMC is a strong, core brand for GM and the Terrain crossover SUV is the latest example of how we’re adapting to changing market conditions,” said Docherty. “As we first demonstrated with the Acadia crossover, GMC is committed to offering the capable vehicles customers seek, with the personal technologies they expect.”

The Terrain is offered with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive in SLE and SLT trim levels. A list of standard and available features includes: standard rear vision camera, programmable power rear liftgate, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, MultiFlex sliding rear seat, remote vehicle start, USB audio connectivity, MP3 playback, a seven-inch touch-screen navigation system, a 40GB hard drive, a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens, and standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio.

The Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that promise to offer comfort and solid handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.

GMC Terrain is produced at the CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario with pricing starting in the low $20,000 range.

Article Source:   Leftlanenews.com

SSC Ultimate Aero TT

Top 10 Fastest Cars

SSC Ultimate Aero TT  Reviews

March 26th, 2007-Just in are the results from SSC’s first planned high speed run which they attempted on Nevada’s Highway 93. Unfortunately, a snowstorm meant changing locations to an uneven road surface and the Areo was limited to 221 mph before its driver had to back off. Only using half throttle at that speed, the Aero’s available 1183 bhp was massive and could spin the wheels at 190 in 6th gear! SSC’s photographer reports that that they will try again for the production speed record at a better location in the near future.

October 31st 2006, Las Vegas – Using SCC’s proprietary twin-turbo design, the Ultimate Aero TT’s power plant has surpassed its original design specifications in all areas, producing a nasty 1180 bhp at 6750 rpm and 961 ft lbs of tarmac tearing torque while maintaining a paltry 2750 lbs of curb weight. The meticulously manufactured carbon fibre composite body harnesses a motor that has a wonderful idle, incredible daily drivability characteristics, runs on 91 octane pump fuel, easily handles the rigors of long term redline usage while delivering and incredible 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Further establishing its place among the supercars, the Ultimate Aero TT produces more emissions legal horsepower than any other production automobile in the world, thanks in the large part to the tireless efforts of the design team.

But the dedication to every small detail doesn’t stop at excellent performance; the hand-stitched, custom leather interior will turn heads all by itself. Race-ready seats are designed to accommodate a driver up to 6’7” and 300 lbs. Standard features include power windows, power locks, security system, DVD player, a backup camera, height adjustment, premium sounds system, five-light sequential shift indicator and a horsepower gauge.

SSC plans a limited run of only 25 cars with a distinctive number plate matching chassis numbers to protect its collector value.

Article Source:  Supercars.net

Audi R8 2011

Top 10 Exotics

Audi R8 2011 Reviews

Audi unveiled the R8 — its first ever mid-engine sports cars — for the 2008 model year and beyond. Sales began in the first half of 2007 for the United States and Europe.

The car has a 420 horsepower high-revving V8 engine and all-wheel-drive. It uses the mid-engine Lamborghini Gallardo platform and costs $114,200, positioning it squarely against the BMW M6, Porsche 911, and Aston Martin Vantage.

The car features a choice of LED or Xenon headlamps surrounded by LED running lights and indicators. LEDs are also used in the engine bay to make the impressive V8 visible even at night.

Both a standard manual and an automated manual transmission are offered. Claimed zero to 62 mph time is 4.6 seconds, though this number is likely conservative.

The interior has a driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high centre console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a Leather/Alcantara combination, or optionally in full leather. Alternatively, the R8 can also be fitted with bucket seats, specially developed by quattro GmbH. There is plenty of room for the two occupants, with comfort levels well beyond the norm of high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment at the front has a capacity of 100 litres.

With numerous trim variants and applications in Piano finish or Carbon sigma, there are few limits to the range of customisation options for the interior.

Article Source:    Leftlanenews.com

Mazda MX-5 Miata 2011

Top 10 Fun-to-Drive Cars

Mazda MX-5 Miata 2011 Reviews

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata sees no major changes. This 2-seat convertible offers the choice of a manual-folding soft top with a heated-glass rear window, or a power-folding hard top. The lineup begins with the soft-top only Sport. Other Miata trim levels include mid-line Touring and top-end Grand Touring, which are available with either top.

All use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 167 horsepower with manual transmission and 158 with automatic. Sports have a 5-speed manual transmission. Touring and Grand Touring have a 6-speed manual. The sole automatic transmission is a 6-speed unit. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags.

An optional Suspension Package for Touring and Grand Touring includes a sport suspension and limited-slip differential. The hard top opens or closes in 12 seconds, steals no luggage space, and adds 77 pounds to the car’s weight. Grand Tourings are available with a wireless cell-phone link and xenon headlights. This report is based on evaluations of the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Article Source:   Consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com

smart fortwo brabus cabriolet

Top 10 Convertibles

smart fortwo brabus cabriolet Reviews

It’s not that the car is new in Canada — Smarts have been sold here for the past five years — but its distinct and diminutive form continues to stand out. Brabus builds on the fortwo’s already funky design with add-on bits to enhance the vehicle’s performance, sportiness and styling.

A sportier exhaust system, a tauter chassis and suspension and a body that has been lowered by 10 millimetres are all part of the package. The exterior has been emboldened with alloy wheels measuring 15 inches in the front and 17 in the rear. A Brabus emblem accentuates the fuel fill door and the name is affixed to the front and rear of the fortwo. A front skirt supposedly reduces front axle lift and the side skirts add a sporty appearance to the Smart’s “tridion” safety cell. To accommodate the sport exhaust system, the rear skirt has a centre cutout to accommodate dual chrome-plated tail pipes. Two colours are offered — metallic silver or black. The Brabus edition also features halogen projector beam headlights, yellow side indicators and colour-keyed outside mirrors trim.

A look inside the cabin reveals sport pedals made of brushed aluminum, velour floor mats embroidered with the Brabus logo, standard heated leather seats, power steering and additional dashboard instrumentation.

At $24,900, the Brabus is only $3,650 more than a regular fortwo cabriolet — the smallest and least expensive convertible one can buy in this country. It’s the way to go if you want to give the baby Smart a tougher, less cutesy look. But, if you actually want to “go,” keep in mind that the same three-cylinder gas engine used in regular fortwos powers the Brabus.
The one-litre motor, which is connected to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, pumps out a credible 70 horsepower, which, considering the cabriolet weighs a low 840 kilograms, is surprisingly peppy — at least around town. This is accentuated by the fact the Brabus’s low centre of gravity, wide track and meaty rubber give the car the feel of a go-kart when cornering. However, passing acceleration at highway speeds is dependent on the steepness of the downhill grade and how much of a tailwind there is. Anything other than those conditions and it’s best to stick to the right lane, although the fortwo is more than capable of cruising at 120 kilometres an hour on flat stretches of road. It’s also worth noting that the little car is susceptible to crosswinds. On one blustery evening with the winds gusting to around 30 km/h, it took two firm hands on the steering wheel to keep the cabriolet in its lane.

What makes the city driving experience less than ideal is the car’s lack of torque — 68 pound-feet at 4,500 rpm — and the automatic’s gear ratios. Left in Drive, the automatic naturally upshifts early to promote fuel economy. The problem is that the drop in rpm — especially from first to second and second to third — is so steep that the fortwo “rubber bands,” losing momentum between the shift and then jerking forward in the next gear. My wife, who does not travel well, was far from happy.

Using the console-mounted gear lever or the steering wheel paddle shifters and manually delaying the upshift mitigated some of the jerkiness but at the expense of fuel economy. While still frugal, my test average of 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres was significantly higher than Transport Canada’s fuel economy averages. I can’t help but think a manual transmission would work wonders for the car — if it would fit.

Speaking of wonders, the power soft-top is positively brilliant in its efficient simplicity. A press of the console button and the top opens up like a large sunroof. A second press has it flip all the way down. Unfortunately, it bunches at the back, which can leave rear-view visibility issues. For complete alfresco motoring, the roof bars are detachable, stowing in a compartment in the dinky rear tailgate.

Second only to comments regarding the Smart’s looks were the one’s questioning its safety — recent car-on-car frontal crash test results conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the United States were on more than a few minds. All I can say is that Mercedes has engineered the car to be as safe as it can possibly be considering its petite size. Personally, I have owned subcompact cars before and larger vehicles around me have never intimidated.

As a primary means of transportation, the Brabus Smart wouldn’t be on my shopping list. As a second car, to be used around town as the grocery getter or as the family “pet” for top-down weekend jaunts (pack light), it has an infectious appeal. But the car’s undulating power flow is a serious compromise, taking a measure of fun out of the driving experience.

Article Source:    Network.nationalpost.com

Nissan Cube 2011

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cars

Nissan Cube 2011 Reviews

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Nissan Cube is largely unchanged. Cube is a subcompact 4-door wagon. It comes in four trim levels: 1.8, 1.8 S, 1.8 SL, and top-line 1.8 S Krom Edition. The sole engine is a 122-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine borrowed from the Nissan Versa. It teams with a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves much like an automatic.

The manual is offered on the base 1.8. The CVT is available on that model and is standard on the S, SL, and Krom. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Cube’s rear seat is positioned slightly higher than in other subcompact cars, and it is able to slide back and forth to accommodate passengers or cargo.

The SL Preferred Package includes a rearview camera, keyless access and engine start, and an uplevel audio system. A wireless cell-phone link is standard on the SL and Krom. A navigation system is newly available on the SL with Preferred Package and Krom. This report is based on evaluations of the 2010 Nissan Cube.

Article Source:    Consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com

Volkswagen Golf TDI 2010

Top 10 Cars for Moms

Volkswagen Golf TDI 2010 Reviews

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Volkswagen Golf replaces the Rabbit as this German automaker’s compact hatchback. Like the Rabbit, Golf comes in 2- and 4-door body styles. Each is offered in 2.5 and diesel-powered TDI trim levels. A 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine is standard on 2.5 models. TDI versions have a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the 2.5 2-door. Optional on that model and standard on the 4-door 2.5 is a 6-speed automatic. TDI versions come with a sport suspension and have either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual that behaves much like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, front-side airbags, and on 4-door models, rear-side airbags. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard. A sunroof, heated front seats, and a wireless cell-phone link are optional on all models. An uplevel audio system, xenon headlights, and a navigation system are TDI-exclusive options.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Nissan Versa, and Volkswagen Jetta. Our Recommended pick is the Scion xB.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Honda Insight, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer (Sportback), and Volkswagen Golf.

Article Source:   Consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com

Volkswagen Jetta 2011

Top 10 Family Sedans

Volkswagen Jetta 2011 Reviews

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is redesigned with freshened styling and larger exterior and interior dimensions. Volkswagen’s best-selling car returns as a 4-door sedan. The SportWagen station wagon continues with the same basic design as the 2006-2010 Jetta. The 2011 sedan is more than 3.5 inches longer with 2.6 inches more rear legroom than the 2006-2010 Jetta. Trim levels include S, SE, SEL, and diesel-powered TDI.

A sport-themed GLI is due in early-calendar 2011. Jetta S models have a 115-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The SE and SEL use a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 5-cylinder, which carries over from the previous-generation Jetta. The TDI has a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder. The GLI will have a 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the S, SE, and SEL. A 6-speed manual is standard on the TDI and GLI. Optional on the S, SE, and SEL is a 6-speed automatic. The GLI and TDI offer a 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual that behaves much like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.

Rear-side airbags are no longer available. A Convenience Package for the SE includes 16-inch alloy wheels, faux leather upholstery, satellite radio, wireless cell-phone link, and heated front seats. SEL models include keyless access/engine start, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a navigation system. A Sport Package for the SEL includes a sport suspension, sport seats, and specific trim. The navigation system is optional on the TDI. A sunroof is standard on the TDI and optional on the SEL and SE with Convenience Package.

Article Source:   Consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com

Mercedes-Benz S550 2010

Top 10 Luxury Sedans

Mercedes-Benz S550 2010 Reviews

To fully represent the image of the 2010 Mercedes S-Class, I’m writing this review from a Mexican lakeside villa. I’ve got opera music wafting in the background and a view of the mountains ahead. One part of the mountain is on fire, but never mind that. This is the S-Class lifestyle you read about in dealer brochures — relaxed and richly appointed, yet subtle enough not to attract too much attention.

I’m on vacation, two hours west of Mexico City, next to some of the best back roads the world has to offer. I’m glad I don’t have a car. Had I followed these roads back to la capital in a $107,000 Mercedes, I would have written “Carjack Me” on my forehead. Mercedes would tell you the same thing. In March, they paid the Mexican federal police to protect journalists driving a convoy of $200,000 SLS “Gullwings.” Any luxury car, especially a huge one like our S550 tester, doesn’t hide well here.

In the U.S., no one gets stirred up at the sight of an S-Class sedan. They’re the anonymous black cars favored by Goldman Sachs executives and other big suits in need of a quick, private escape. Driving one, let alone riding in its bedroom of a back seat, lets you turn off reality. The actual world — sirens, trucks, the unemployed — is but a few millimeters of double-paned glass away, yet it stays outside. If you smothered your face with pillows and jammed in a pair of earplugs, you could achieve a similar effect in the Nissan Cube.

What’s not easily mimicked is the adjustable air suspension — also pillow-like, but controlled — or the front seats with side bolsters that inflate as you round bends, keeping your torso straight. While you’re at it, you might as well order up a back massage, heated or chilled. Of the four choices displayed on the main LCD panel, I take mine “Fast and Vigorous.” Do enough short sales to tick off the SEC, and you may want it “Slow and Gentle” instead.

Most times the 5.5-liter V-8 acts accordingly, loafing this 4,630-pound sedan along through a sedate 7-speed automatic. Gear changes are imperceptible, until you nail the throttle, commanding a 7-to-3 shift to bring all 382 horsepower on tap. It’s enough to hustle this 17-foot-long car to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, impressive until you’re near another S-Class with the letters “AMG” spanked on the back. That’s proof of 500, or even 600-plus horsepower under the hood.

In Germany, Mercedes offers a “badge delete” option that strips the model designation off the trunk lid. It’s a nod to European socialism, so factory workers won’t key the CEO’s 12-cylinder S65 AMG, thinking it could be a base S350 with the turbodiesel six. The S350 owner, sans badge, can also pretend he’s in a model costing $20,000 more, merely by upgrading his rims.

But in America we like to show off our labels. You don’t work 80 hours a week on Wall Street to be equal with the next luxury sedan.

Article Source:   Boston.com