Porsche 918 RSR To Promote Virtues of Hybrids

Porsche 918 RSR

A Porsche is about emotion and passion," he told Inside Line. "We want to get our customers excited about the possibilities provided by hybrid technology. Until now, the Toyota Prius was the hybrid, and we need to change perceptions. In the long term we have to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. This is not just about climate change; it's also about protecting the world's oil reserves."
Porsche is currently developing two hybrids: a Prius-style battery system for use in road cars and a flywheel accumulator solution for racing. The former will be used in the 918 Spyder supercar, which will debut next year. The latter, developed in association with the Williams F1 team, debuted on the 911 GT3 R Hybrid and features in the 918 RSR.

Audi launches R8 5.2 FSI in India

German luxury car manufacturer Audi announced the launch of the much awaited all new Audi R8 5.2 FSI for India, strengthening its position in the super sports car segment

Propelled by the powerful V10 engine which makes a staggering 525PS of power and 530Nm of torque, the new Audi R8 V10 goes from zero to 100 km/h in a scant 3.9 seconds, and boasts a heady top speed of 316 km/h! This combined with the lightweight aluminium body built around the Audi Space Frame chassis and the company’s proprietary Quattro permanent four-wheel drive system also makes for a sharp handling package which matches, if not bests, some of the top supercars in the world. The R8 5.2 FSI will be available with a six-speed manual transmission or Audi’s R-tronic electro-hydraulic manual gearbox which manages ultra fast gear changes.

Audi R8

Speaking on the occasion, Michael Perschke, Head of Audi India said, “The Audi R8 V10 exemplifies our belief in developing and delivering world class automobiles to sports car enthusiasts in India. Embodying our philosophy of “Vorsprung durch Technik,” every Audi R8 5.2 FSI is hand-built and demonstrates paramount engineering excellence that is skillfully blended with distinct design cues which will enable us to establish new benchmarks in the performance sports car segment”.

Audi Q3 details uncovered

 

Audi's response to BMW's X1 and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz BLK/GLC is nearing production and some details are begin beginning to emerge - although not, thus far, any official pictures.

Nevertheless, it's expected to look much like the Cross Coupe quattro concept, first shown at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show.

What is known is that it will be based on a shortened version of the MLB (A4, A5, Q5) platform and engine options at launch will include a two-litre TFSI with either 125 or 155kW and a 125kW TDI, mated to either six-speed manual or DSG transmissions.

Later additions to the range are expected to include a 177kW, three-litre TDI and a 248kW, supercharged three-litre V6 - as well as a hybrid variant.

Emissions are expected to range from 158 to 184 g/km.

The VW Group has invested R2.8 billion in the development of the Q3, and plans to build about 80 000 a year at the Seat plant in Martorell, Spain, starting early in 2011.

Expected a world premier with much fanfare at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the first deliveries in Germany at the beginning of October 2011. 

Project Kahn Unveils 2011 Audi Q7 Wide Track

2011 Audi Q7

Audi’s Q7 is big and it’s bold, so tuning companies all over the world try their hardest to make their mark by selling aftermarket parts for customers wanting to stand out even more. One such tuner is Project Kahn, who has just released a new kit for the 2011 model. The aggressive customization package gives the SUV some strong features that are as aggressive as anything that is currently on the market.

The Kahn Q7 Widebody Aerodynamic Styling Package includes Wide Wheel Arches, Front Wings with Vents, Front Spats, Rear Bumper, Exhaust Trims and Rear Roof Wing. The package fits well with the factory panel lines, while also proving a more sporty feel. When cruising in Audi’s giant, the aesthetic large-dynamiter wheels will make sure everyone knows this is one of Afzal Kahn’s conversions.

Audi A1 named 'car of the year'

Audi A1

The Audi A1 has been hailed by What Car? magazine.
The model was named car of the year and best supermini at a ceremony in London.
Meanwhile the Range Rover Evoque was named the most exciting car of the year, despite its launch not being for another six months, and the Land Rover Discovery took the best 4x4 prize for seventh year.
Nissan's all-electric Leaf vehicle bagged the new ultra-low carbon prize, being called "a slice of tomorrow's motoring today" by Steve Fowler What Car?'s editor in chief, while the Jaguar XF was named the best executive car for the fourth consecutive year.
Mr Fowler said of the A1: "If ever there has been a car that has hit the nail squarely and firmly on the head, the Audi A1 is it.

Audi unveils super sports car R8 V10 at Rs 1.3 crore

Audi R8 V10 has a speed of 316 km per hour. “Our customers are responsible businessmen and these cars are not meant to be driven on India’s city roads. They will try this out on racetracks,” said Michael Perschke, head, Audi India, at the launch of the company’s showroom in Chennai.

“Audi has become the fastest-growing luxury brand in India and we are on track to maintain the growth pace this year as well,” he added.

With Audi R8 V10, the company is hoping to consolidate its position in the super sports car segment in India and garner the same kind of customer response that the company’s other luxury vehicle, the SUV Audi Q7, fetched.

After an 81 per cent growth at 3,003 units in 2010, Audi is gearing up to garner more market share in the luxury segment in coming years, with more launches and expansion of services to more cities. “We have projected sales target of over 4,500 units for 2011. This is the minimum we expect this year,” said Perschke.

2011 Jaguar XE Roadster

2011 Jaguar XE Roadster

Many people were worried about Jaguar’s future when Tata Motors bought it from Ford. Having seen the new luxury XJ we love where Jag is heading and can’t wait to see what’s next for Jaguar.

According to Autobild, Jaguar will very likely introduce the successor of the legendary E-Type at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Called XE Roadster it will go against the Mercedes-Benz SLK, BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster.

Jaguar boss Mike O’Driscoll told Autobild: “We have a great desire to build this car.” The XE will continue the new design line with a fierce look and a distinctive grille. Body of this small roadster will be made of aluminum and

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Cadillac has been out of the racing circuit for quite some time now. But now they are hoping to make it big with their return to the circuit at the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge at the 2011 edition. The car that they are putting their money on will be the CTS-V Coupe from Cadillac. They will develop an upgraded version of the car joining hands with Pratt & Miller – an engineering firm from New Hudson Michigan which has specialized in motorsports. The last race that Cadillac attended officially was at the SCCA track way back in 2007. This year they are returning to the circuit with a two car team.
Now SCCA is not a matter of joke. So although the Coupe is quite a good one, it will have to be better to compete with the best at the SCCA. The modifications for the wonderful Coupe are yet to be announced by Cadillac. The standard version of this Cadillac Coupe is based on the V8 engine capable of producing an output power of 556 HP. So while they go for an upgrade the other competing teams will obviously have to look out for Cadillac, tipped to give some great competition.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car

2011 Cadillac CTS-V

 Before the 2011 Detroit Auto Show gets underway which is just round the corner, here is a glimpse of the CTS-CV Coupe race car which has been released by GM. The coupe race car is all set to make its first debut on January 19th as was announced last month. GM has promised it will make a come back in the Sports Car Club of America World Challenge GT racing series for the 2011 season, which is going to start from March 25-27 in St Petersburg. And the pilot’s seat will be graced by three time GT1 champion in American Le Mans Series, Mr. Johnny O’Connel and winner of 2005 SCCA World Challenge GT class Mr. Andy Pilgrim.

Aston Martin Cygnet Concept

Aston Martin Cygnet Concept

 Aston Martin today released first official images of the ‘Cygnet’ – a new luxury commuter concept car based on the Toyota iQ, that was previewed first back in June.
The Cygnet won’t be cheap compared to the Toyota iQ it is based on, rumored price is around 25,000 euros ($30,000), which is still cheap compared to true Aston Martin models.
Power will come from the same 1.0-liter or 1.3-liter engine found in the Toyota iQ. No V8 and V12 engines for this little Aston Martin.

Aston Martin hopes to have it ready sometimes in 2010 and it will be initially available to Aston Martin customers in the UK and Europe.

2011 Aston Martin DB9 from RSC Tuning

2011 Aston Martin DB9

The Aston Martin DB9 has had its share of modifications and updates for the year 2011 model. The car is already on a high post updates yet its time it got a great tuning package. One fortunate tuner from the state of Miami has hit the jackpot with the opportunity of making this amazing set of wheels a tad better. RSC Tuning has started on their research and exterior upgradations on the super car with suitable modifications in the engine department too being next in the pipeline.
RSC has always been impressive with their packages with a capability to completely give a car the perfect makeover. The package will include a new RSC sports exhaust, RSC performance air filters, a new set of clear rear tail lights from RSC, COR wheels, RSC lowering springs, RSC custom floor mats, and Vantage Collection rear diffuser. Well this is only about the exteriors of the car. More upgrades are coming up from RSC in various other departments. They are now planning to add an ECU update to the car and use RSC 100 Cell secondary sports catalysts.

2011 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Roars Into Sturgis Rally 2010

Ford is upping the ante with the 2011 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson model, stuffing a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine under the hood and calling it "the most powerful and capable" version ever offered by the automaker. It's the same 411-horsepower engine featured in the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.
The new F-150 Harley-Davidson, the 17th of its kind in an F-Series truck, was unveiled before the target audience during the 70th anniversary of the Sturgis Rally 2010 here.
Ford spokesman Patrick Hespen said the new Harley-Davidson truck will go on sale in the winter. He was unable to provide pricing. "It's too early for pricing," he wrote in response to an e-mail query from Inside Line. "However, the 2010 Harley-Davidson F-150 was at the top of the list in the price category, and that should not change for 2011."

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport Goes Public

We first told you about the outrageous Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport back in early July, when it set a world land-speed record for production cars of 268 mph. Now, this 1,183-horsepower wallflower has come out of the closet, making its first public appearances at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
The Veyron 16.4 Super Sport appears to be the last of the breed — what Bugatti describes as "the climax of the Veyron series" that was launched in 2005. In the ensuing five years, Volkswagen's most exclusive brand has sold 260 Veyrons and 35 Grand Sports, all at seven-figure stickers.
The Super Sport, which goes into extremely limited production this fall at Molsheim, is distinguished from its siblings by its more powerful quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 engine, which makes 1,106 pound-feet of torque, as well as its visual cues, which include a pair of NACA cooling ducts on the roof, a double diffuser in the rear and larger front air intakes.

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302S

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302S Picture

2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport First Drive

2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. It's probably your second or third Bugatti, after your normal, 987-hp, $1.6M 16.4 coupe and your $1.9M open-top Grand Sport.
And you've handed over another $28,000 to take your new car to one of Bugatti's customer track days at Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany, which has a 5.6-mile-long straightaway that is one of the very few places on earth where you can legally prove the Super Sport's claim to be the world's fastest production car.
So after your car has been meticulously checked and you've done your sighting laps with Bugatti's test-driver Pierre-Henri Raphanel sitting shotgun, you fire it up. Then you insert your special top-speed key into the slot in the dash and muster every last bit of go-fast glory you can work up and put your foot all the way in and hold it there.... What happens?

Not So Fast
You run into an electronic speed limiter. Yep, same way you do in a Corolla. OK, it's a speed limiter that cuts in at 258 mph, but it's a speed limiter all the same. Seems as though the suits at the Volkswagen Group, which owns Bugatti, aren't prepared to shoulder the risk of you going any faster, even if you paid them more than $2 million for the privilege.
The standard, unrestricted coupe or Grand Sport will do 253 mph flat-out. So all that extra money and all that extra power has bought you an extra 5 mph. It's just enough to recapture the title of world's fastest production car from the SSC Ultimate Aero. Bugatti figured that was enough of a reason to justify building this third Veyron model. Well, that, and the company really, really needs to get rid of the final batch of Veyrons, the last of which are supposed to be built by 2012.

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 First Look

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Not much around Ford counts as sacred, but the name "Boss 302" may well be. There have been Mustang Mach 1s that didn't come with V8s, Mustang Cobras that only had 120 horsepower aboard, and the company even sold a "GT350" during the 1984 model year that wasn't much more than some tape stripes. But Ford hasn't used the name Boss 302 since way back in 1970 when the original left production. And Ford hasn't built a Boss Mustang of any sort since the 1971 Boss 351. Until, that is, the all-new 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302.
Built around a fortified version of the Mustang GT's new 5.0-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 that can twist and shout all the way to 7,500 rpm and knock out 440 hp, the revived Boss 302 seems a more-than-worthy successor to its namesake. The new 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 will be (by factory rating) the most powerful Mustang Ford has ever sold without forced induction.
With an engine like that, the old Boss 302 is lucky to be mentioned in the same naturally aspirated breath as the new one.

2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe

 
2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe
The 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe is the first vehicle to sport Infiniti's new Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) series of modifications. More in the spirit of F-Sport, S line and A-Spec rather than AMG or M (unless you count AMG's body/wheel kits and BMW's M Sport offerings), the IPL lineup involves subtle tuning and augmented appearance packages rather than full-on significant new model-name-requiring changes.
For example, the 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe is fitted with the same 3.7-liter V6 found in the Infiniti G37 but makes 347 horsepower thanks to a tweaked engine management system and a high-flow dual-exhaust system.
Other modifications include a new front and rear bumper/front fascia design with integrated foglights, new side sills, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips and 19-inch IPL split seven-spoke graphite-finish wheels.

G2011 Ford MustangT 5.0

The 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium starts out at $32,845. And for that you get some serious performance by way of a 412-hp DOHC V8 connected to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. And with a curb weight some 200 pounds lighter than a Chevy Camaro, 412 hp is more than sufficient. A six-speed automatic is optional, but really, no thanks.
Apart from a manual trans and a V8 we had three more rules for our long-term Mustang: 1) It couldn't be a stupid color; 2) 3.73 rear end; 3) keep the price as low as possible. This is a Mustang; it's supposed to be cheap fun.

We managed two out of three.
Early in the shopping process we realized that a GT would be harder to find than a GT Premium. The Premium gets you Bluetooth, iPod integration, satellite radio, leather seats, a power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and color-adjustable gauges. It also adds $3,200 to the price. Rule three was already looking difficult.

Subaru To Unveil Sports Car Concept

Subaru said Friday that it will unveil its companion to the Toyota FT-86 sport coupe — the so-called "Toyobaru" — at the upcoming 2011 Geneva Auto Show. The official name: Subaru Rear-Wheel Drive Sports Car Technology Concept.

In a brief statement, the automaker said: "A Subaru rear-wheel-drive sports car is currently under joint development as part of the business alliance with Toyota. Based on an all-new platform, the vehicle will offer Subaru's distinctive trademark and core technology: the horizontally opposed Subaru boxer engine."

Toyota Prius Brand Name Game Begins

In a new poll bound to have Latin scholars drooling, Toyota is asking consumers: "What do you call more than one Prius?" The marketing campaign is tied to the debut of the Prius sub-brand and the introduction this week of the Toyota Prius V and Toyota Prius C concept at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

As of Friday morning, 40 percent of the online voters liked "Prii," while "Prien" was the least favorite. Toyota is limiting the choices to five options: Prius, Priuses, Prii, Prien and Prium. Votes can be cast at Toyota's Web site.

2011 Audi RS3 First Drive

2011 Audi RS3
It would seem that Ingolstadt — and by association Wolfsburg — knows it has hit a genuine nerve with the strong and lightweight 2.5-liter "W28" turbocharged and direct-injected inline five-cylinder, and it goes beyond the "Ur-quattro" legend.

In the latest application of this sturdy mill, we get the exhilarating 2011 Audi RS3 Sportback fitted with the latest-generation Haldex Quattro drivetrain. The engine was first used in the Audi TT RS and it made us wish for more.

Now we're getting another taste on the clean winter pavement north of Montreal and a few snow-packed ski area access roads. The RS3 shows itself capable of putting a Volkswagen Golf R, BMW 135i or any iteration of Ford Focus RS to shame. The control and sophistication at hand in all conditions is better than anything else in the class. And the Sport ESP and secret-sauce S button — for Sport exhaust and throttle — make it sound as good as it feels from the driver seat.

Volvo Goes Electric

Volvo Goes Electric

Swedish carmaker Volvo certainly got enough electric miles from its C30 EV concept. The car has been hitting car show floors since 2007, and made the rounds last year in Paris and Los Angeles before a crash-tested version showed up in Detroit last week to prove the vehicle's safety -- safety being the selling point on which Volvo has long hung its hat. The automaker recently announced that the electric version of its slick hatchback will go into production this month. The specs, according to Gizmag, are comparable to the Nissan Leaf

2011 Acura RDX

2011 Acura RDX

The Acura RDX is unchanged for 2011.

Introduction

Some say the 2011 Acura RDX looks like a metal-beaked angry chicken. You can blame the front grille that debuted last year for that, but even so, the RDX has plenty of reason to be angry. Now in its fifth year in production, this compact luxury crossover has been overlooked in favor of newer competitors. Perhaps it's due to styling (pre- and post-beak grille) or perhaps it's simply that consumers didn't realize they wanted a small luxury SUV until Audi and Mercedes started selling them. Whatever the reason, though, the RDX deserves better.
For one, the Acura RDX is one of the most pleasing compact crossovers to drive. Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine has less horsepower than many of its competitors, but robust torque and a lighter curb weight result in energetic acceleration. In fact, the RDX is quicker than all its competitors with the exception of the 297-horsepower Infiniti EX35.
Complementing the RDX's swift acceleration is the optional "Super Handling" All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that truly makes this Acura stand out from the pack. By proportioning power automatically to the outside wheels during cornering, the MDX corners more crisply and with a livelier feel than the competition. If your significant other wants the added utility of a crossover, but you're not quite willing to give up the driving experience of a sport sedan, the RDX could be a great choice.
Beyond performance and handling, the RDX features a well-constructed (though visually unremarkable) cabin available with a full load of high-tech features like solar-sensing climate control, an iPod interface and an easy-to-use navigation system. Its optional Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system is also one of the best in its class. Best of all, a loaded RDX hits the register at a price that undercuts its similarly equipped competition by thousands.
So as you can see, the 2011 Acura RDX is worth consideration alongside newer competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Volvo XC60. Each has its own benefits, however, with the Volvo in particular being the best choice for families. They also benefit from arguably more compelling designs, which in the luxury segment means a lot. Unfortunately for the RDX, an angry robotic chicken just isn't the most premium of visuals.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Acura RDX is a five-passenger compact luxury crossover available in a single trim level. Standard features include 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors, privacy glass, automatic xenon headlamps, foglamps, a sunroof, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way driver and four-way power passenger seats, heated front seats, leather upholstery, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The Technology package adds GPS-linked and solar-sensing automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a navigation system, real-time traffic and weather, voice controls, a larger infotainment display screen, and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with DVD audio capability.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Acura RDX is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles is standard, but there is a choice between standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Dubbed SH-AWD, it distributes power not only between the front and rear axles as is typical, but also between the left and right wheels, ensuring optimal traction in all conditions.
With front-wheel drive, the RDX went from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds in Edmunds testing, making this Acura one of the quickest crossovers in the class. The heavier SH-AWD model should be just a bit slower. In terms of fuel economy, the front-drive RDX is rated at an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined, while the SH-AWD version rates 17/22/19. Both are about average for the class.

Safety

The Acura RDX comes standard with antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A rearview camera is optional. In Edmunds brake testing, a front-drive RDX came to a stop from 60 mph in a reasonable distance of 125 feet.
The RDX has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to the new methodology) were a perfect five stars for both frontal and side-impact crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the RDX a perfect score of "Good" in its frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing.

Interior Design and Special Features

The RDX's interior design is a bit unremarkable compared to what's found in newer competitors, but we still feel that most buyers will be satisfied with the RDX's environment. Materials quality is adequate, though there's a little too much hard plastic relative to its competitors. A deep center storage compartment between the front seats can hold a briefcase or laptop bag.
There are 28 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, and folding down the 60/40-split rear seatback affords 61 cubic feet -- mid-pack numbers for a small luxury crossover. The Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLK are tighter, the SRX about the same, and the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 notably roomier. Rear legroom is good, but the rear seats don't recline or slide fore and aft (unlike those in the Audi Q5 and the RDX's plebian cousin, the Honda CR-V).

Driving Impressions

The 2011 Acura RDX's audible turbo whooshing sound is a pleasant departure from the standard six-cylinder soundtracks in this segment. Turbo lag is minimal, and power plentiful enough to make you question its relatively paltry horsepower number.
On the move, the RDX has a firm ride quality -- overly so on rough city streets. However, the payoff comes around corners, where the RDX is as eager to play as any model in its class. It feels smaller than many others in the segment and has steering that is on the light side, but reassuringly precise nonetheless. With Acura's signature SH-AWD, the RDX's handling is improved further, yanking this little ute around corners with poise and tenacious grip.

Rear-wheel-drive Subaru Sports Car Headed to Geneva Motor Show

Rear-wheel-drive power is on the way for Subaru, and a sports car being jointly developed with Toyota will be shown in March at the Geneva motor show.

Each of the Japanese companies will get a version of the car, which Toyota calls the FT-86. Subaru will supply the engine, a horizontally opposed boxer powerplant. It's based on a new platform.

2011 Acura MDX

2011 Acura MDX

 The Acura brand is typically the purveyor of sensible luxury cars with strong value and copious features. You buy an Acura because it's reliable and well-made; ultimate brand cachet isn't as important. That mindset also applies to the 2011 Acura MDX, but in this case the MDX also happens to be one of the most luxurious and fun-to-drive midsize luxury crossover SUVs in its class.
Much of the fun-to-drive quality relates to Acura's so-called "Super Handling" all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD). By proportioning power automatically to the outside wheels during cornering, the system helps make the MDX feel more agile and happier in the corners. Finally, well-controlled body roll and communicative steering contribute to a responsive crossover that drives much smaller than it is.
Inside, the MDX has a cabin that matches Acura's RL flagship for quality and certainly all of its similarly priced SUV competitors. Wood trim, soft-touch materials and high-quality switchgear create a luxurious ambience. As for features, even the base MDX comes with a wealth of standard equipment, and the three available option packages up the luxury and convenience quotient even further. If there's any point of contention, it's that the center stack is awash with buttons, though they prove to be intuitive once you know where everything is.
For the money, the 2011 Acura MDX makes a lot of sense. True, vehicles like the Buick Enclave and Ford Flex are roomier, but the Acura is certainly a more high-end item. The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class are smaller and more expensive, the Infiniti FX is considerably smaller, the Land Rover LR4 is thirstier and more expensive, and the Lexus RX 350 lacks a third-row seat. All certainly have benefits of their own, but when it comes to being both sensible and desirable, the Acura MDX is second-to-none.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

2011 Acura MDX

The 2011 Acura MDX is available in one trim level. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, foglamps, a power liftgate, a sunroof, privacy glass, heated eight-way power front seats, two-way adjustable driver lumbar, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.
The Technology package adds a multiview parking camera, GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control, upgraded leather upholstery, a navigation system, real-time traffic and weather, voice controls and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with digital music storage and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Advance package includes all Technology items and adds 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), auto-leveling headlamps, a sport steering wheel and ventilated front seats. The Entertainment package, which can be added to the Technology or Advanced packages, adds a rear-seat entertainment system and heated second-row seats.

Powertrains and Performance

2011 Acura MDX

The 2011 Acura MDX is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and Acura's "Super-Handling" all-wheel-drive system are standard.

In Edmunds performance testing, the MDX went from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. When properly equipped, the MDX's maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Safety

Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Acura MDX includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and stability control with a stabilizing feature for trailer towing. The optional CMBS, by monitoring following distance and rate of closure, alerts the driver if a collision seems probable via visual and auditory warnings. If a collision is imminent, the system can automatically apply hard braking and cinch up the front seatbelts.
In Edmunds brake testing, the MDX came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet -- a solid distance for this type of vehicle. The MDX has not yet been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash tests. According to 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 ratings) the Acura MDX earned a top five-star rating in all of the frontal-impact and side-impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave a top score of "Good" to the same vehicle for occupant protection in frontal offset and side-impact crashes.

Interior Design and Special Features

The MDX's cabin is a technology-lover's dream. Even the base model has its share of electronic toys, and the Technology and Advance packages add even more. Best of all, they are easy to use thanks to the use of not only buttons but also a multipurpose knob and voice commands. Basically, you can do things the way you prefer. The Panasonic/ELS surround-sound system is one of the best, as is the navigation system.
The MDX is pretty spacious for a three-row midsize luxury crossover SUV. An adult can fit in the third row for a short journey, although the rearmost seats are better suited for kids. If you want legitimate room for adults, the Buick Enclave or Ford Flex are better choices. A total of 83.5 cubic feet of cargo space is available with the second and third rows folded, which is also above average for a midsize luxury crossover.

Driving Impressions

For a three-row SUV, the 2011 Acura MDX does a fine job of acting as if it's not one. On curvy roads, the MDX is an eager partner thanks to the "Super-Handling" all-wheel drive. There's a sensation of torque shifting from wheel to wheel as needed during hard cornering, cluing the driver into the magic behind the electronic curtain, but it all happens so effectively that the result is encouraging rather than distracting. Equipped with the Advance package, the MDX's active dampers soak up the bumps when necessary and firm up when the pace quickens. The MDX is truly one of the most rewarding luxury crossovers to drive.
Acceleration from the 3.7-liter V6 is a shade soft until the tach needle climbs into the midrange, at which point the engine pulls with enthusiasm. The MDX's six-speed automatic transmission upshifts smoothly and quickly downshifts when the throttle is prodded

2010 Manhart Racing M3 V8R Biturbo

2010 Manhart Racing M3 V8R

The 2010 Manhart Racing M3 V8R Biturbo is a glimpse into the future of turbocharged M cars and the performance that tuners will be able to achieve with a simple remap of the engine electronics. After all, that's what we have here with the V8R Biturbo — an ECU remap and an exhaust system, plus sufficient cooling to keep the whole business from melting. It's not so far removed from the 570-hp version of this engine that will power the forthcoming BMW M5.
The straight-line performance of this thing is just ridiculous. It's not just the top speed of over 200 mph, either. This engine is insane from the moment we touch the throttle pedal. There's a guttural roar from the exhaust and the car just bolts forward.

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour Recalled for Airbag Problem

2010 Accord Crosstours

Honda is recalling 3,336 2010 Accord Crosstours because of a problem with the front passenger-side airbag, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"The front passenger airbag may not have been assembled according to correct specifications," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "In the event of a crash, the front passenger airbag may not deploy as intended and could place an unbelted child seated in the front passenger seat at greater risk of injury should the airbag deploy."
In other documentation filed with the federal government, Honda said the problem lies with the airbag packing cloth cover.
"Deployment of the low-risk deployment flag will be delayed, resulting in improper performance," wrote Jay Joseph, the senior manager of Honda's product regulatory office. "Should the flap deploy improperly when an unbelted child is out of position in the front seat, the child may incur neck injuries."

2010 Honda Accord and CR-V Recalled

2010 Honda Accord

 Honda is recalling 2,277 2010 Accord four-cylinder models and 2010 CR-V vehicles because of a problem that could cause engine stall, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"There is a potential failure with the engine wiring-harness connector, which may cause intermittent spark firing or the engine to stall," said the NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "An engine stall will increase the risk of a crash."
Separately, Honda said the wire-harness coupler could have been damaged during vehicle assembly. The Japanese automaker said it identified the issue through warranty repairs, and no related accidents or injuries have been reported.

Porsche 918 RSR To Promote Hybrids

Porsche 918 RSR Picture

The Porsche 918 RSR is currently a showcar and is not fully functional. Nor would it currently comply with the regulations for any of the major sports car series. "We wanted to excite our customers and to raise the appetite of the regulation makers for changing the rules," says Hartmut Kristen, Porsche's head of motorsports. | January 14, 2011 | Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

2010 Dodge Viper Picture

2010 Dodge Viper Picture

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class First Look

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

Heading into its third generation, the redesigned 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster enters the market with a new look and an optional glass retractable hardtop with a technological twist.
Mercedes calls the sometimes-clear, sometimes-tinted roof technology Magic Sky Control, and it's just one of the new features on the fully redesigned convertible that retains the essential long-hood, short-trunk proportions that define the segment.

New Mercedes SLK here for summer

The third-generation Mercedes SLK has been revealed, prior to its public debut at the end of January, and its UK launch in June.

New Mercedes SLK

As with the first two generations, the new Mercedes SLK will feature a folding hard top, which is available in three forms.
While the standard roof is made of aluminium, buyers can also choose to have tinted glass in the top panel. Most interesting of all though is the Magic Sky Control option.
This allows the SLK’s occupants to choose between clear or tinted glass at the touch of a button, thanks to a layer of liquid crystal beneath the glass.
The new SLK will also be the first to be offered with a diesel engine, although this won’t be available at launch. Instead, there will be three petrol engines to choose from:
SLK200: 1796cc, 184bhp, 46.3mpg, 7.0sec 0-62, 150mph top speed (147mph for auto)
SLK250: 1796cc, 204bhp, 45.5mpg, 6.6sec 0-62, 150mph top speed
SLK350: 3498cc, 306bhp, 39.7mpg, 5.6sec 0-62, 155mph top speed