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Archive for the ‘Car reviews’ Category
Wed, October 8, 2008 7:39 am By James Coolridge  Printer friendly version
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 Mitsubishi, the Japanese automaker enjoys an undisputed space in the hearts of the car makers. Thanks to the designed looks and sophisticated features that the various models from the lineage of Mitsubishi played from time to time. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution made its entry into the automobile market in 1992 giving Mitsubishi a path into the World Rally Championship’s Group A class and the SCCA Pro rally Championship. In the beginning, the Evolution was only for sale in Japan.
Mitsubishi crossed the European borders to make an impact there in 1998. The first county where Mitsubishi made its entry first was in the UK, where the vehicle was received by car lovers with wide enthusiasm.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in its firs version had a 5 speed gearbox and a powerful 2.0 litre engine, along with a four wheel drive system. This magnificent car could bump out 244bhp which was pretty excellent stuff for a saloon.
The Mitsubishi Evolution was built alongside the more family orientated Lancer Saloon. Its capacity to handle power made the model a cult classic. It developed respect amongst speed freaks and rally drivers alike. The car made a heavy hike in sales taking the gross revenue to big heights. The next version, the Evolution IX was launched in 2006. Then came out the Evolution IX, added with many new improvements over the original model. The car had a new lightweight aluminium roof and a carbon fibre just over 4.2 seconds, making it one of the best model car in the competitive market. The Evo was widely accepted by the car users, as it was easy to handle smoothly in rough conditions. No model in the contemporary market would be able to match with this car from Mitsubishi. rear wing that is larger for better weight distribution and corner handling.
Just a test drive of this car will make a thing sure. It is not a mere fluke that Mitsubishi is the lord on the roads.
Tags: road, engine, Power, UK cars, speed, aluminium roof, carbon fibre, mmitsubishi Lancer Evolution, World Rally Championship, Evolution IX,
Wed, July 30, 2008 12:11 pm By James Coolridge
 Well yes, the hybrids are in these days. GM has finally casted the much awaited spell by bringing together the Dodge Durango and the Chrysler Aspen that pairs two electric motors with a traditional four-speed automatic for roughly 25-percent gains in overall fuel economy. Read on to know more!
The Power!
We see that GM utes get a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle version of the 6.0-liter small-block V-8, whereas on the other hand the Chrysler utes simply get the standard Hemi. Though it does boasts of being an updated-for-2009 Hemi, with variable cam timing, improved airflow and cylinder deactivation. However, the hybrids have a different intake than other ’09s and make 345 horsepower versus 356 for the Hemi-equipped ’09 Durango. Total output combined with the electric motors is 385 horsepower, although with the added weight and taller final-drive ratio, Chrysler predicts the hybrids will be slower than comparable non hybrid Hemi models launched earlier.
Greater fuel efficiency!
This unique Durango/ Chrysler hybrid arrangement allows the transmission to function either as a continuously variable unit (CVT) in two distinct ratio spreads—from infinity to 1.70 for taking off from a stop and from 1.70 to 0.50 for high-speed efficiency—or as a traditional automatic through one of the four fixed ratios. The power train electronics continuously sort out in real time which mode to operate in to maximize economy.
As with other so-called full hybrids, the Chryslers shut down the gas engine at low speeds and can drive on electric power only, in this case at speeds up to 25 mph, and use their electric motors to recapture energy under braking. A further efficiency boost is that the additional power provided by the battery allows the Hemi to stay in four-cylinder mode more often, even at highway speeds.
However, the only ad spell is that of the buck this machine represents. $45,000! Yes it may seem huge to us but with the kind of capacities it has brought with it, for those of us who are freaks, this will certainly gear up to be a good catch this summer.
Tags: Review on Durango, cars in 2009
Tue, July 29, 2008 12:11 pm By James Coolridge
 Even though your SUVs’ might have given you your best fun-rides, the new Porsche has gotten a step further of providing the concept with the GTS version of its Cayenne sport-ute. This model is ideally being called as a fraternal twin to the V-8 powered Cayenne S and has come up as one the most expensive and best performing among its family so far.
Talking about its visual appeal, it looks like the turbo model with a nose that has similarly humongous air intakes. Adding more to it is a blacked-out door and window trim and inside with supportive seats covered with a handsome combination of leather and a suede-like material called Alcantara. This makes its appeal so strong that a glimpse at it and you’ll realize that you have already fallen in love with it.
This GTS is also one of the quickest among the non-turbo engines. Its green model, which became quite popular whne launched was a manual-transmission model and ran up to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Indeed, nothing could beat its strength then. However, a Cayeonne S with the automatic did the deed in 6.0 seconds. The problem actually lies in the manual tranny’s short gearing, which means two shifts are required to pass 60 mph.
This model displays a great improvement in its Grip. The GTS is stuck with a sports-car-like 0.90 g of lateral bite versus 0.82 for the unfortified model. Its adjustable air suspension is highly flexible, rendering both a terrific, supple, well-controlled ride in the comfort setting and a fair amount of precision in the sport setting, that a car of its like ideally needs.
Though you would like its suspension, some of you may think that the manual transmission doesn’t really gel well with the Cayenne. The shift throws are long, and it’s a lifeless stick that feels even more out of place because the parking brake isn’t on the center console but rather is a foot-operated pedal.
Hence we see that this model is certainly you wouldn’t want to miss. It does offer a vast set of capabilities neatly packaged with great precision and finesse.
Tags: Porsche, Summer 2008 cars, summer cars
Fri, July 4, 2008 11:51 am By Jack Mounce
 Peugeot 307, the family car, is a successor of Peugeot 306 and was introduced in European markets in 2001. Since then, Peugeot 307 is a hit in the auto industry. The car has been sold different parts of the world including Australian, New Zealand and Asia. The Peugeot 307 makes use of a reworked 306 platform, which is consistent with the Citroen Xsara and the Citroen ZX. Peugeot 307 is larger than the 306 version in every direction.
The consistent styling of stunning headlights and highly sloped windscreen in Peugeot 307 is similar to the Peugeot 206 and Peugeot 607 models.
The 59.4 inches height of Peugeot 307 have landed itself in the middle order between small family cars and compact MPVs. The profile and the height make the car buyers to treat the Peugeot 307 as a low compact MPV. The car has a very long front end, with wedge shaped body and four doors, making it a perfect family car.
Peugeot 307 was initially a 3 and 5 door hatchback. It was not given the status of a sedan until 2002, when two of its estate models were released. The two estate models were the Peugeot 307 Break and 307 SW that are identical. The SW version has silver roof bars and a ¾ long panoramic glass roof which are its standard equipments. In spite of being identical, we may say that Peugeot SW is much more versatile than Peugeot Break.
Tags: Car, Review, Peugeot 307, Family
Sat, June 21, 2008 12:21 pm By James Coolridge
 Who will not love to own a tall wagon that gets greater mileage? Well, we are talking about the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, which fulfills all that you need from a wagon!
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is a handsome truck with comfortable interiors and tough exterior. The hybrid is bold and a good move for Ford. According to the Detroit News notes, “This makeover makes sense,” its reviewer states. “Still a top-selling compact SUV in a crowded market, the Escape may now be more appealing to people downsizing their vehicles but not their expectations.”
The Escape Hybrid comes in one trim with either front- or four-wheel drive. Everything in the Escape Hybrid is electronic, ranging from the brakes to steering to the gas pedals.
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is quicker than the regular four-cylinder Escape and feels almost as fast as the V6 model. Two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models are offered.
Tags: hybrid, Ford, Escape
Tue, June 17, 2008 5:49 am By Jack Mounce
 The 2008 BMW 1 Series Coupe is truly an irresistible sports coupe for the car lovers. The two-door luxury vehicle gives the ultimate feeling for luxury for your family of four. 2008 BMW 1 Series Coupe is available in two trims namely the 135i and 128i.
128i trim comes with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 230 Hp engines that achieves 18-mpg in the city roads and 28-mgp on the highway. On the other hand, the 135i trim is equipped with the same 3.0 liter but is powered by the powerful 300 Hp turbo engine that achieves 17 mpg in the city roads and 25 mpg on the highway. The 6-spped automatic transmission is common in both the trims and overdrive is optional for the same.
The 2008 BMW 1 Series Coupe is perhaps going to be the favorite choice of car lovers.
Tags: BMW, 2008, Coupe
Mon, June 9, 2008 8:24 am By James Coolridge
The Pontiac Solstice is a roadster from the Pontiac division of General Motors. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Solstice began production in Wilmington, Delaware, starting in mid-2005 for the 2006 model year. The exterior styling of the production Solstice is similar to that of the 2002 Solstice concept. Car review of the Pontiac Solstice convertible that will challenge the Miata. If this is the car you have your eye set on, make sure you first watch its video.
Tags: Pontiac Solstice
Sun, June 8, 2008 8:33 am By James Coolridge
 I have searched for some adjectives in the thesaurus to describe about Volvo’s new V70 and XC70 wagons. To start with, I would like to spill out these words to describe the cars- capable, proficient, expedient, safe, roomy, functional and well-equipped. Well, if I seem to be biased about the cars, read the rest of this article to know why I am flabbergasted by Volvo’s wagons. Read on.
The iconic Swedish brand has offered vehicular adrenaline pumps like the hyperventilating V70R turbo wagon.
The most welcoming improvement is artistic. The striking high-contrast interior of dark seats, dash and door-panel which inserts against parchment floor and sides are visual delight.
Let me now talk about the technical part of the wagons. An additional engine cylinder comes with the S80 upgrade, replacing coarse five-bangers with 3.2-liter straight-six rated at 235 horsepower and 236 pound-feet. A variable valve timing and lift system fed by variable-length intake runners increases engine responsiveness, with 90 percent of peak torque available at just 2000 revs. The high-rise XC70 increases its minimal off-road cred with improved approach, departure, and break-over angles.
The greatest innovation is a pair of integrated second -row child safety seats. This is standard on the V70 and optional on the XC70 version. Your children can enjoy to be seated in a booster seat. The cushion of the seat pops up to one position for your 10 years old kid, improving their view out. The side-curtain airbags now extend 2.4 inches lower down the door to better protect kids.
I am sure that Volvo owners will love their wagons. The T6 engine adds a sensible amount of passion without altering the cars’ worthy natures.
Tags: Volvo V70, XC70, wagons, T6 engine
Sun, June 8, 2008 8:32 am By James Coolridge
 Have you heard of a seven seated car? If not, well, here is the info for you. Nissan has introduced the all new three row 7-seater version of Nissan Qashqai. The all new car comes with a turbo diesel option, magnificent looks and an affordable price tag. This is the longer and extended version. The wheelbase has been extended by 135mm and the length has been extended by 211mm. The height of the Qashqai+2 versions has been increased by 38mm.
The four engines comprise of a 1.6-litre petrol with 84kW and 160Nm, and a 2.0-litre of 103kW and 200Nm of torque. On the diesel front we have the Renault-Nissan alliance 1.5 dCi with 78kW and 240Nm, plus the range-topping 2.0dCi with a Bosch piezoelectric-controlled injection system making 110kW and 320Nm. They can be matched to a 5-speed manual for the 1.6, 6-speed manual on both 2.0-litres, a 6-speed automatic for the 4WD 2.0 dCi and a CVT in the 4WD 2.0-litre petrol.
Your children can easily fit into the introduced third row of the car. The third row can be folded down to enlarge the boot area.
The Qashqai+2 is anticipated to follow the extremely popular original Qashqai which had a record sale of over 170,000 in Europe since its launch.
Prices of the Qashqai+2 will be announced at the London motor show this June.
Tags: Nissan, Qashqai, seven-seated
Fri, June 6, 2008 6:15 am By James Coolridge
See why the Hummer H2 is as close to a mountain goat than any of its competitors. When it comes to traversing the uneven terrain, Hummer’s always gonna be by your side, not sure about your girl though!
Tags: Hummer H2, Car, Review
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