Car Reviews: 01/01/10

Friday, January 1, 2010

Bentley Continental wallpapars

Bentley Continental

2010 Audi A7 Super Execituve Cars

2010 Audi A7 Super Luxury Cars

2010 Audi A7 Super Sophisticated Cars

Lincoln, First Look: Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

BMW has proven that rear-wheel-drive c-segment size luxury works, with its 1 Series, Lincoln is turning next to the 2011 Ford Focus' platform for post-global warming luxury. To prepare us for a CAFE-friendly world, Lincoln rolled out the C concept (for c-segment, and so far, without an "MK" prefix) at Detroit. Looking much like a Renault with Lincoln's "flying wing" '41 Continental retro cue grille, the C is about the length of the '11 Focus, but about 2.75-inches wider for three-abreast seating via two flat benches. Ford designers cite the '39 Lincoln, '56 Continental II and '61 Continental as inspiration. But the a-pillar is curved much like a Renault Espace's, and the c-pillar ends in a Clio-esque bustle trunk. While there's no tumblehome, a deep shoulderline accents the profile.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

The stainless steel-like top is actually aluminum with a metalized paint, and the gray interior wood trim is recycled driftwood veneer. The Lincoln C has more interior space than a '61 Continental, J Mays and Freeman Thomas proudly note. The engine, theoretically - Lincoln didn't open the hood -- is a planned 1.6-liter EcoBoost four with central direct injection, variable valve timing on both cams and an interesting stop/start system to shut down the engine for red lights and stop signs.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

Restarts use a fraction of the starter energy required for a cold start by injecting and igniting fuel in the cylinder closest to top-dead-center on the compression stroke. The six-speed, twin-clutch "Powershift" transmission uses more efficient dry clutches (Audi DSG's wet clutches require an oil pump). It gains 9-percent better fuel economy than a conventional automatic transmission, Ford says. Including some key weight savings, Ford expects the EcoBoost-powered C would get about 25-percent better fuel economy than a similar car with a 2.0-liter.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

Other interior features include no b-pillar (which Mays insists is approaching production viability, even if the "suicide door" feature that accompanies it is only for show), a hubless steering wheel rendered in Apple-computer white plastic, thin-seat technology for better interior room (another near-production feature), hand-drawn floral patterns laser-etched into the otherwise stark white leather seats, weight- and height-sensing power head restraints, and stereo speakers in the headliner, which surrounds a Lincoln-symbol glass sunroof.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

North America design chief Peter Horbury says his favorite feature, though, is a device in the car's grille that recognizes other Lincoln Cs and automatically "winks" the left headlight, Mini Cooper-owner style.

Lincoln C Concept Car Mini Cooper-owner style

Question is, can Lincoln build a c-segment car with so much appeal that owners "wink" or wave at others voluntarily? We may have to ask that question again when Lincoln markets a c-segment car, in as little as two or three years.

MITSUBSHI LANCER 2008

The all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer was engineered from bumper to bumper to provide a driven-to-thrill experience behind the wheel. Driving enthusiasts will feel the difference through every curve, especially in the sport-tuned Lancer GTS model. Customers who purchase a Lancer DE or ES model will find themselves enjoying driving more than before.

The source for Lancer's engaging, fun-driving character is a new global performance-engineered platform that has been optimized for a maximum-performance variant (which will arrive at a later date). This platform was introduced first for the 2007 Outlander SUV, a vehicle that provides uncommonly energetic driving responses for its segment.

The 2008 Lancer GTS - with the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the optional Sportronic(R) CVT - combines a sport-tuned suspension with 18-inch wheels 215/45 R18 tires and large 4-wheel disc brakes to make this model an aggressive twisty-road tamer. Lancer models - and especially the sport-tuned GTS - will offer an international driving character more commonly found in expensive European sport sedans

The 2008 Lancer DE and ES models, with their standard 16-inch wheels (alloy on ES) and 205/60 R16 tires, provide solid and stable driving performance that can help make even an ordinary commute to work more enjoyable. The ES adds standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), as well as a rear stabilizer bar for sharper handling.

SOURCE:NETCARSSHOW.COM

MITSUBSHI GALANT 2009

Mitsubishi will showcase its new 2009 Mitsubishi Galant midsize sedan at the Chicago Auto Show 2008, Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place. Presenting expressive new styling, new user technology and a new value standard, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant brings Mitsubishi performance and character to the highly competitive midsize segment. The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant arrives at Mitsubishi dealers in February.

The introduction of the new 2009 Mitsubishi Galant follows a rise in Mitsubishi's 2007 sales (+9% over 2006) along with a line of major new model launches. Building on the success of the all-new Lancer launched in spring 2007 and the all-new Outlander crossover SUV, Mitsubishi introduced the high-performance 2008 Lancer Evolution that arrived in dealerships in late January.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant line offers four distinct trim levels and three performance levels, providing the wide array of choices that midsize buyers seek. The performance-tuned Galant Ralliart tops the line, which for 2009 also includes the 4-cylinder ES, the new 4-cylinder Sport Edition, and the V-6 Sport. The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Sport models integrate new standard factory value packages that add a long roster of premium equipment at a substantial savings over what those features would have cost separately. As a result, the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Sport models offer a significant $1,000+ MSRP value advantage over comparably equipped competitive midsize models.

Further enhancing value, all 2009 Mitsubishi Galant models come standard with a Sportronic® automatic transmission - a 4-speed with the 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed with the two V-6 engines. Sportronic allows manual shift control for a more engaging driving experience.

HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2005

Honda Civic 2005 Hybrid

The Honda Civic is an automobile manufactured by Honda. It was introduced in July 1972 as a two-door coupe, followed by a 3-door hatchback version that September. With the transverse engine placement of its 1169 cc engine and front wheel drive, like the British Mini, the car provided good interior space despite overall small dimensions.

Early models of the Civic were typically outfitted with a basic AM radio, rudimentary heater, foam cushioned plastic trim, two-speed wipers, and painted steel rims with a chromed wheel nut cap. The current Civic has become much more luxurious with satellite-linked navigation, a six-speed manual, power locks and power windows available. Still, many regard the Civic as representing a good value for the money, combining good performance, reliability and economy, as well as a very low rate of depreciation, resulting in a low total cost per mile or per year.
Source:-carslegend.tk

Toyota Camry 2010

Some things don't change. Take the 2010 Toyota Camry's buttery-soft ride and roomy, serene cabin, for example, which have been endearing Camry traits since we can remember. And some things get better with age. Look at the Camry's powerful, fuel-efficient and ultra-smooth 268-horsepower V6, which is not only the best Camry V6 ever, but also the best all-around V6 in any family sedan. Unfortunately, other things can sour with time. That's where the current Camry's underwhelming interior quality comes in. Overall, though, the 2010 Camry remains one of the top choices in this competitive segment. With excellent crash test scores and comfort and refinement to spare, the Camry's got what most family-sedan shoppers want.

For 2010, the Camry receives a midcycle rejuvenation. Most notably, the base four-cylinder engine increases in size from 2.4 to 2.5 liters, with a corresponding 11-hp bump (21 hp on the SE), and the manual and automatic transmissions matched to this engine are now blessed with six gears instead of five. The exterior styling has also been tweaked, boasting a new grille, larger headlights, and a revised taillight design. On the safety front, stability control is now standard across the lineup. Other notable additions include auto up/down windows all around and a new optional audio system with satellite radio and Bluetooth for the lower trim levels.

The current-generation Camry's '07 debut coincided with the latest Nissan Altima's, and the new Honda Accord joined the crowd a year later. Then, in 2009, Mazda threw its hat in the ring with the upsized Mazda 6. Meanwhile, other competent midsizers like the Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata have soldiered on as viable alternatives. And this just in -- the 2010 Ford Fusion has received a thorough going-over and looks set to seriously challenge the class leaders.

In the face of such stiff competition, there have been some rumblings that Toyota's iconic family sedan is losing its edge. Judging by the Camry's so-so interior quality relative to previous generations, there might be some truth to that. In most other respects, though, the 2010 Toyota Camry is still a top contender, from its top-notch crashworthiness and plush ride to its slightly sullied but nonetheless enduring reputation for reliability. It doesn't handle nearly as well as sporty entrants like the Mazda 6 and Altima, of course, but we suspect the majority of shoppers in this segment will appreciate the Camry's ride and handling balance more than the Mazda's or the Nissan's.

With so many appealing options to choose from, we strongly advise shopping around and test-driving as many models as possible. We're fans of the Camry, though. Its refined character is bound to appeal to families looking for a soothing vehicular escape from the daily grind

The 2010 Toyota Camry is a midsize four-door sedan offered in four trim levels -- base, LE, SE and XLE. The base Camry comes only with a four-cylinder engine, while the other trims offer a choice between the four-cylinder and a V6.

The base Camry features 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, auto up/down windows for all four doors, a six-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, full power accessories and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Camry LE adds keyless entry and an eight-way power driver seat.

The SE includes a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and special interior and exterior styling details. The luxurious XLE reverts to the LE's softer suspension settings and 16-inch wheels while providing an upgraded JBL-branded sound system with an in-dash CD changer and satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and music connectivity, automatic dual-zone climate control, a power passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, reclining rear seats, a moonroof, wood-tone accents and, on the V6 model, leather seating. Note that neither the SE nor the XLE offers the folding rear seat, though each has a center pass-through.

Most of the XLE's upgrades are offered on the lower trim levels as options. Other major options, depending on trim level, include a sunroof, a navigation system, keyless ignition and entry and heated front seats.

All Camrys are front-wheel drive, and the standard engine on base, LE and XLE trim levels is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that generates 169 hp, 11 more than the previous 2.4-liter four. The SE receives a tweaked version of the same engine that's good for 179 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all four-cylinder Camrys except for the XLE, which comes only with a six-speed automatic. For the rest of the trims, the automatic is optional. Fuel economy is estimated to be 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the manual, while the automatic dips to 32 mpg highway.

Optional on all models except for the base Camry is a 3.5-liter V6 that cranks out 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice. Thus equipped, the Camry can sprint to 60 mph in a fleet 6.5 seconds, yet fuel economy remains impressive at 19 mpg city/28 highway.

In base and LE models, the Camry's interior is straightforward and functional. Toyota's decades of experience in ergonomics shine through here -- the main controls are large and logically placed, and the wide seats easily accommodate most body types. There are plenty of storage cubbies, too. The ice-blue backlighting for the audio and climate controls may seem a bit tacky, but it does liven things up a bit. The SE adds sporty interior styling cues, while the XLE raises the bar with convincing fake wood accents and an upscale feature not typically seen in this segment -- reclining rear seats. Trunk capacity for all models is 15 cubic feet.

Notably, build and materials quality aren't up to the high standard set by previous-generation Camrys. Some plastics are substandard, and panel fitments aren't uniformly precise. The Camry's interior isn't bad by any means, but it's no longer above average for this segment.

Source:-edmunds.com

Toyota Belta

The Toyota Belta (referred to in North American and Australian markets as the Toyota Yaris sedan or Toyota Vios in South Asian markets) is a subcompact sedan manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. It is a redesigned and sportier version of the discontinued Toyota Platz sedan. The Belta went on sale in 2006 equipped with 1.0 to 1.3-liter engines (in Japan), and in 2007 in North America equipped with a 1.5-liter 14

The Vitz and the Belta share underpinnings with each other. However, while the Vitz was designed at Toyota's European design studios, the Belta was designed at Toyota's Japanese design studios – design projects for similar cars marketed toward different demographics. While the outgoing Vitz and Platz models look and feel virtually alike (the only things the cars do not share is the front clip, lights, rear doors, and bodies from behind the B-pillar), the new Vitz hatchback and Belta sedans are more subtly related. Sharing a similar but different dashboard, they do not employ the same components. The cars only share a frame and the drivetrain options. The sheetmetal is completely different. The Belta has increased in size over the previous generation, its interior volume larger than the 2001-2008 generation Corolla.

This model is not produced in European, Israeli, Lebanese and South African Markets. In an effort to boost sales and gain popularity among youths, Toyota has created a MySpace profile of its North American Yaris/Belta vehicle as part of its advertising campaign

Source:-en.wikipedia.org

Toyota AYGO

The Aygo can get a bit choppy - a short wheelbase and firm damping see to that - but it's not a bad performance. The three-cylinder engine gets a bit buzzy when pushed, but it'll cope with revs.

You can manage short motorway trips too, though a cross-continental jaunt is probably a bit beyond the comfort zone.

Unlike its French-badged C1 and 107 twins, the Aygo isn't offered with a diesel. No matter: the petrol is plucky and thrifty. We like its chirpy three-cylinder warble, but it can get on your nerves on a motorway. It hits 62mph in 13.7 seconds, which sounds slow but feels fine in the car.

Obviously not, but as an anti-fashion statement for an urban-based humanoid then perfectly acceptable.

The Aygo and its factory mates the Peugeot 107 and Citroen use Toyota production methods, which is good news. It's definitely built to a budget, though, with fairly Spartan spec. The dash is funky and well put together but made of hard plastics.

The minuscule size means the Aygo feels nippy and easy to place, especially in town. Grip disappears quickly once you're suburban and beyond though, fading into understeer, but it's a fun car to play in if you keep within the well flagged-up limits.

As cheap as it gets without going for a Malaysian no-brand. You're looking at group 1 insurance, a real-life 40-50mpg, plus cheap tax, and cheap-ish servicing - it's all good.

Source:-topgear.com

Toyota Auris 2007 (Present)

There’s never been any question that the Toyota Corolla is anything but a huge global success. The world’s best-selling model has set standards for profitability and popularity that are the envy of every other manufacturer on the planet.

Practical, reliable and affordable, it helped to define the family market – so why is Toyota about to change everything for the new Auris? On the face of it, ditching the famous Corolla name is marketing madness. But fortune favours the brave, and the firm claims its new family car is so radically different, only a fresh badge would do.

Designed in Europe, there have been some pretty daring words bandied about prior to the launch of the newcomer. Sporty is perhaps the most obvious. But is the Auris really good enough to take on rivals such as the VW Golf and Vauxhall Astra? And can the newcomer match the impressive Honda Civic, which was not only designed and engineered in Europe, but is built in Britain, too? Auto Express was first behind the wheel of the Toyota to find out.

Early impressions are mixed. The Auris is only 50mm taller and 65mm wider than the current Corolla, and as such looks quite compact when compared to the Ford Focus. However, the fresh styling certainly has character, while a sportier suspension system is also promised, as is a new range of powerplants which will ultimately be crowned with a near-250bhp turbocharged T Sport version.

For the time being, though, our drive is limited to five engines, including 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol units, plus a 2.0 and two 2.2 diesels. Jump behind the wheel, and the first thing you notice is how roomy the car is inside. It’s not only the extra head and legroom which stand out. The huge expanse of black plastic between the dashboard and windscreen makes the hatch feel bigger than it actually is, an effect created by the low-slanting A-pillar.

In fact, the designers extended the A-pillar so far forward that they have had to include an extra quarterlight window for better visibility. From the outside, the additional glass blends in well with the car’s profile. But from the front seat, it looks rather awkward.

Dominating the cabin is a silver-coloured ‘flying buttress’ centre console, which appears to be floating on the dashboard. It protrudes into the interior, and puts the gearstick, handbrake and switches all within easy reach. Unfortunately, we did notice some glare off the console’s shiny plastic surfaces. On top-spec models, dual-zone air-conditioning, a panoramic roof and paddleshifters will enhance the driving experience. Across the range, the seats are firm and supportive, and even the door handles have been specially coordinated to complement the console design

Ultimately, the Auris offers a whole lot more than the car which it replaces. It’s a Corolla that has ditched the med-iocrity, toned up its muscles, become much more athletic and taken a course in style and aesthetics. It will land in UK showrooms by next February. Rivals, you have been warned

Source:-autoexpress.co.uk

Toyota Aurion 2006 (Austrailia)

Toyota Aurion 2006 (Australia)

Introducing Aurion V6, the first Australian built, naturally aspirated big 6 to achieve 200kW of power, while returning fuel economy of just 9.9 l/100km. That makes Aurion V6 the most powerful, fuel efficient and advanced naturally aspirated big Aussie 6, thanks in part to technology inspired by F1 racing. Aurion also comes standard with features like a 6-speed sequential shift automatic and 6 airbags putting it ahead of others in the big 6 game.

So now that big power is achievable without a big fuel penalty, Aurion V6 is changing the rules of the Big 6 game for good. 200kW all-alloy quad-cam dual VVT-i engine 6-speed sequential shift automatic Driver Assist Technologies including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) AB-i incorporating ABS brakes....and much much more...!