Not much changes for the 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. It's tempting to dismiss the 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport as Land Rover Lite, a luxury SUV posturing as the progeny of a line of vehicles with an impeccable off-road heritage. In reality, the Range Rover Sport shares more in common with the former Land Rover LR3 than the top-of-the-line Range Rover.
The Amari design AD1 three-piece deep concave forged wheelset is one of three wheel designs in the Amari design range, made from forged aluminium.
The Amari Design Windsor edition is available now from Amari supercars headquarters and there apointed international dealers worldwide.
The Sport is almost 8 inches shorter than the Range Rover and offers nearly 2.5 inches less ground clearance. Even if Range Rover Sport owners never go off-road, the Sport is more willing to dirty its boots than most of its competitors.
The 2011 Range Rover Sport is a five-passenger SUV available in HSE and Supercharged trim levels.
A rear-seat entertainment system is available for all models, but adaptive cruise control is optional on the Supercharged only.
Range Rover Sport HSE models are powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 375 hp and 375 pound-feet of torque. All Range Rover Sport models feature full-time four-wheel-drive with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response. Properly equipped, Range Rover Sport models can tow up to 7,700 pounds.
The 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is equipped with antilock disc brakes (more powerful Brembo brakes are fitted to the Supercharged model), hill-descent control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
Supercharged models equipped with an adaptive cruise control system also benefit from a collision mitigation system. Although the Range Rover Sport doesn't radiate the same Old World luxury charm as the more traveled top-line Range Rover, it still feels rich and contemporary.
Even though the 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is billed as a more nimble sibling to the top-of-the-line Range Rover, it still weighs about 5,500 pounds, about 1,000 pounds more than an Infiniti FX50.
Toyota has significantly revised its popular Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid crossover sport utility vehicles for 2011, giving them enhanced styling, additional standard amenities and new user technology.
Toyota’s solution to the common conundrum is the 28 mpg Highlander Hybrid, a full-size crossover with seating for seven, 4-wheel drive, and the ability to tow 3,500 pounds.
The gasoline/electric Highlander is powered by a version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, best known for its use in the groundbreaking Prius. A continuously variable transmission transmits power from the hybrid powerplant to the front wheels.
EPA mileage estimates for both city and highway driving are 28 mpg. City matches highway mileage because of the capture of regenerative braking energy during urban driving. The Highlander Hybrid is available in two trim levels — base and Limited. An electric power steering system is employed for efficiency, but it tends to numb some of the feedback provided by traditional systems.
The 2011 Highlander is available in Base, SE and Limited grades in both two-wheel (2WD) and full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD). All Toyota Highlander Hybrid models are equipped with four-wheel-drive with intelligence and available in Base and Limited grades.
The Limited Grade offers stylish 19-inch wheels and also features silver roof rails. The SE grade gains a power liftgate. Daytime running lamps are now standard on all Toyota Highlander models.
A standard 50/50 split third-row seat and manual rear climate control have been made standard for all 2011 models.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid base grade offers a new Leather Package that includes leather-trimmed front seats with front seat heaters, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, power moonroof, HomeLink®, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, plus an engine immobilizer with security alarm. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Base grade gains standard easy-clean fabric seating, along with an eight-way power driver's seat, the Tech Audio, the third-row seat and manual rear climate control.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid model's Hybrid Synergy Drive features a new, more powerful 3.5-liter V6 for 2011, replacing the previous 3.3-liter V6.
The system electronically varies front and rear torque distribution depending on traction conditions. Base and SE Highlander models are equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 245/65 R17 tires; the Limited features standard 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/55 R19 tires.
All Toyota Highlander models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. On conventional Highlander 4WD models, full-time four-wheel drive is available on all V6 grades. Toyota Highlander comes standard with Toyota's Star Safety System™.
This system integrates operation of enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electric Power Steering (EPS) and the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA).
Gasoline Toyota Highlander models are also equipped with a straight-line steering feature. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid employs the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. All Toyota Highlander models incorporate a corner-braking feature. Toyota Highlander comes standard with seven airbags. Additionally, all Highlander models are standard equipped with front active headrests.
The Highlander SE and Limited grades feature a standard backup camera with a 3.5-inch multi-information display; this feature is available for Base grade models for 2011 as part of the optional Tech Package.
For anyone not familiar with the Abarth brand, it is an Italian race car manufacturer that’s now responsible for not only Fiat’s motorsports efforts but also for the tuning of some of its cars. You’ll recognize an Abarth by the menacing scorpion logo adorned to many of the cars.
You can also expect a price hike over the $15,500 asking price of the regular 2012 Fiat 500.
Look out for the debut of the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, press days for which kick off on November 16.
First introduced to Europe in 2008, the 500 Abarth is an absolute hoot to drive. (Abarth also makes the 180-plus-hp 695 Competizione, but it’s a limited-edition special.) We don’t yet know exactly how our car’s chassis will be spec’d—Fiat only says that the car is aimed at driving purists and track-day enthusiasts with an Abarth-tuned suspension and brakes, and “technology features not traditionally included on a small car.” The Abarth’s front fascia has a larger intake opening, accented by a subtle chin spoiler.
The Abarth 500C holds its previous model s good looks, thrilling styling and original Abarth parts to introduce exciting new ideas, power upgrades, and a host of useful equipment as standard.
Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth in the UK, said: "Joining together two winning formulas the convertible roof of the Fiat 500 and the style and performance of the Abarth 500 - will make the new Abarth 500C an irresistible proposition for many new customers"
