The BMW i8 gasoline unit drives the rear wheels through a dual clutch transmission, while the electric motor uses a twin-speed transmission to turn the front wheels.
BMW’s second generation 1 Series will be a 2012 model in Europe and continue to be the only rear-wheel-drive model in the class. All engines in the 1 Series are now turbocharged with BMW’s TwinPower turbo – a single dual vane turbo system that reduces lag. Call your BMW i8 dealer and demand these cars.
The gas engine drives the rear wheels for a perfect 50/50 weigh distribution, but also allowing all-wheel drive when both engines are working.
It also features what BMW i8 calls LifeDrive architecture, which involves both passenger seating and its propulsion system being based on state-of-the-art methods of cutting weight. The concept is constructed a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque.
It also features something called PRO ECO mode, a setting that allows the driver to utilize the most energy efficient method when traveling. Overall, BMW is serious about the BMW i8 being able to handle various weather situations.
It's reportedly been tested in cold weather around the Arctic Circle.
The Kia Sorento front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is in the passenger seat. The vehicle's occupant classification system (OCS), which classifies the occupant in the front passenger seat, may misclassify an adult passenger as a child or child seat and improperly turn off the passenger side air bag. Consequence: The passenger side air bag is turned off when the OCS misclassifies an adult passenger.
A recall has been issued for model year 2007 and 2008 Kia Sorento SUVs for a possible malfunction in passenger side airbag Occupant Classification System (OCS). Kia will update the OCS programming free of charge. The problem: Faulty programming may incorrectly deactivate the front passenger airbag for adult riders.
The issue affects the Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in 2007 and 2008 model year Sorento SUVs manufactured from June 2006 through September 2007
The present model also offers a usable third-row seat, standard four-cylinder power with a V6 option, and Kia's extensive warranty package.
Current Kia Sorento The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV offered in base, LX and EX trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive with a locking center differential is available. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is also available. In reviews, we've been roundly impressed with the Kia Sorento.
Used Kia Sorento Models The current, second-generation Kia Sorento debuted for the 2011 model year.
The first-generation Kia Sorento was produced from 2003-'09 (there was no 2010 model). It debuted with a 3.5-liter, 192-hp V6 in LX or EX trim. LX models had either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while the EX came only with the automatic. Standard equipment on the first-generation Sorento included air-conditioning, full power accessories, a CD audio system, multiple power points and 60/40-split flip-and-fold rear seats. Dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and heated front seats were among the notable options.
The Peugeot 407 went on sale in the UK in June 2004 and is the successor to the much-loved Peugeot 406. The 407 is based on PSA Peugeot Citroen’s platform three for middle and upper segment vehicles. Whichever model you choose the Peugeot 407 offers exceptional value for money.
Transmissions include either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox, or an electronic 4-speed or 6-speed automatic 'Tiptronic' auto adaptive gearbox.
The Peugeot 407 line-up offers a range of model variants that straddle a large price bracket, starting with the base model 2.0-litre SR HDi which costs around $40,990, through to the 2.7-litre V6 SV HDi Touring which will set you back and extra $25,000.
The Peugeot’s 2.0-litre diesel produces 100Kw and 320Nm and does a great job of moving this large car that weighs in at around 1732kg.
Parking sensors are a great help in handling the Peugeot’s large dimensions. A visual and audible warning system protects front, rear and corner panels.
The six-speed automatic transmission on our vehicle performed beautifully. Inside the cabin, the Peugeot 407s beauty is a little more mainstream. The audio system belts out a nice sound, but it lacks modern kit, sporting a mere single CD player as standard. Heated seats are included in the leather option. Seat memory would be a welcome addition.
Cabin storage is also good, with door pockets, centre console storage and a large glove box.
Instrumentation is large and clear, and includes a multi-function digital display. The large side and rear pillars however, leave you with poor rearward visibility.
Retractable sun blinds on the rear side windows and rear window are fantastic.
The boot space is great, at Peugeot 407 litres, and the large opening makes loading big items easy. Electronic stability control is standard across the range, as are anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.
Also, expect the CVT to be dropped for either a conventional autobox or Fiat's automated manual transmission.
People will remember the Dodge Caliber for a few good hits, including a powerful SRT-4 version, liftgate-integrated MusicGate speakers, illuminated cupholders and removable flashlight.
The Dodge Caliber is one of the unfortunate models from Dodge Caliber which didn’t have the expected success on the market. It is worth mentioning that the Caliber was the first Chrysler model to use electromagnetically controlled all wheel drive with variable torque output. After pulling the plug on the Caliber, Chrysler is expected to release a new Dodge compact during 2012.
The new model will be fitted with a turbocharged Fiat 1.4-liter engine.
Chrysler had a real hit on its hands (at least initially) when it launched the Neon in 1994. The Caliber, however, has been less of a market success.
In replacing the ubiquitous Neon in 2006, Dodge went with a pseudo-SUV shape to create a more rugged aesthetic on the Dodge Caliber.
It's also roomy and inexpensive, and it boasts an available continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Current Dodge Caliber Built on a global platform also used for the Jeep Compass SUV and midsize Dodge Avenger sedan, the tall-bodied Dodge Caliber comes only as a compact hatchback/wagon. The Caliber comes in five so-called "lifestyle" trim levels -- Express, Mainstreet, Uptown, Heat and Rush. A five-speed manual and continuously variable transmission (CVT) are available. The Caliber's interior has been greatly improved from its horrible previous iteration.
Used Dodge Caliber Models The Dodge Caliber debuted in 2006 as a 2007 model. At the bottom of the ladder was a 148-hp 1.8-liter inline-4, which came standard on the base Caliber and the SXT. The R/T model was equipped with the current Rush trim's 2.4-liter inline-4. There was a high-performance Caliber SRT-4 produced for 2008 and '09. Aside from its big engine, it got 19-inch wheels, lowered suspension, upgraded brakes, a performance trip computer and sport seats. A key change to the Caliber occurred for 2010, as Dodge addressed the rather deplorable interior quality previously found in the Caliber.
Known also as the Cinquecento, the fiat 500 is the first Fiat to come stateside since the Fiat X1-9 of the early '80s and perhaps the first of additional tasty Italian cars heading our way now that Fiat and Chrysler have merged.
Like the current Mini, the fiat 500 is a nostalgia piece, an updated version of a charismatic original. The question is, will American's embrace this Italian import like they have the Mini?
I suspect that the enthusiasm flows from confidence about the fiat 500's distinctive personality, which—like BMW's reincarnated Mini Cooper—draws heavily on the car's cultural legacy. "There are 27 million Italian-Americans," says Laura Soave, CEO of Fiat in North America.
Soave points up the 500's advantage in this regard by comparing it to the Mini—a British original redesigned by a German carmaker—and the Ford Fiesta. Those cars, direct competitors with the 500, lack the "emotion" and "heritage" of the car that defined at least two generations of Italian drivers. The MultiAir technology "maximizes performance and minimizes emissions," basically by fine-tuning the intake-valve timing and lift, says Joe Grace, the Fiat vehicle line executive.
"Even driven hard," Grace says, "you'll get extremely good fuel economy."
The three models first to market are the Pop, Sport and Lounge. All look virtually identical—"cute" is the operative adjective—and have similar dimensions: At 140 inches long, 64 inches wide, 60 inches high and with a wheelbase of 91 inches, the 500 is slightly smaller than the Mini. Standard equipment is rather spare and includes a five-speed manual transmission, 15-inch wheels and cloth seats.
The Drive When I juiced the Sport on the twisty two-lane roads and punched the button that firms up the handling, the fiat 500 hugged the road nicely. I found the car perfectly able, cleverly designed—with fun touches, like the round headrests—and enjoyable to drive.
Remember Fiat? Remember the joke about Fiat meaning “Fix It Again, Tony”?
This dramatic comeback is widely credited to Sergio Marchionne, the Italian-Canadian turnaround specialist who took over in 2004 as CEO of Fiat Auto Group, the vehicle division of the Fiat SpA combine. More recently, Fiat formed a global strategic alliance with Chrysler. Future product plans have yet to be finalized, but early reports say Fiat products and platforms will play a significant part in future Chrysler offerings.
There are some interesting parallels between the British-sourced Mini and the U.S.-market Fiat 500. First, both were designed by Frank Stephenson, who joined Fiat after creating the 2002 Mini. The wagon may be a reprisal of the classic Fiat 500 Giardinetta; think Mini Cooper Clubman with an Italian accent. As a 2-door hatchback, which will surely be the mainstay seller, the Fiat 500 is about 5 inches shorter, over an inch slimmer, and 3.2 inches taller than the equivalent Mini Cooper. Both cars have front-wheel drive, pert retro styling, and seating for four. In the States, the 1.4-liter engine is rated at 101 horsepower.
The Volkswagen CC It gets vote as the best-looking car in this category, and one of the nicest-looking cars on the road, period. This latter model is powered by a 280-horsepower, 3.6-litre V-6 and has VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive, while the other two use a turbocharged/intercooled 2.0-litre fou- cylinder that develops 200 horsepower.
It can be mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, and in this configuration, has VW’s Tiptronic manual shift feature as well, which allows you to change gears via steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. My Highline version featured all-leather seats and tasteful brushed aluminum trim. I just need more head space, man. Needless to say, standard equipment level is high, and the Volkswagen CC comes with things like cruise control, electronic parking brake, heated front seats (three settings!), rain-sensing wipers, a stability control system and Sirius satellite radio. For the Highline model, add 18-inch wheels and tires (up from 17-inchers), climate control, vented sunroof and 12 power adjustments on the front seats.
My tester also had a couple of options: navigation system with rear-view camera, and VW’s R-Line package, which includes upgraded alloy wheels and various exterior bits and pieces.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2012 Volkswagen CC is a four-passenger sedan available in six trims: 2.0T Sport, 2.0T R-Line, 2.0T Lux, 2.0T Lux Plus, 2.0T Lux Limited and VR6 4Motion Executive. The Sport comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control, heated eight-way power front seats with lumbar adjustment, premium vinyl "leatherette" upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with a touchscreen interface, HD radio, auxiliary audio jack, an iPod interface and satellite radio.
The Lux adds to the Sport different 18-inch wheels, foglamps, heated washer nozzles, dual-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system (deletes HD radio) and brushed-aluminum interior trim. Lux Limited gets different 18-inch wheels and adaptive xenon headlights.
Stepping up to the VR6 4Motion Executive adds to the Lux Limited's equipment a V6 engine, all-wheel drive, headlamp washers, parking sensors, steering wheel shifter paddles, a power rear sunshade, driver memory functions, leather upholstery and a 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system.
The 2012 Volkswagen CC 2.0T models are front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the automatic. A conventional six-speed automatic is standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17/25/20.
Safety
All Volkswagen CCs come standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability and traction control, hill-hold assist, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. The VR6 stopped in 124 feet.
Interior Design and Special Features
From the base Sport model to the top-of-the-line Executive trim, the 2012 Volkswagen CC shows off the luxury amenities and workmanship normally associated with premium luxury brands. The front seats offer a plethora of adjustments to fit nearly any body type
For 2011, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox optional V6 now has E85 capability. The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox boasts character and refinement two traits that were missing in previous-generation models, and indeed many small crossovers in general. With a rear seat that slides back to create an expanse worthy of a prom-night limousine, the Equinox easily counts rear legroom among its strengths. Ride quality is another plus, with the Equinox delivering a stable, well-planted ride. The most significant area in which the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox lags is cargo capacity. The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover SUV available in LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ trim levels.
The top-shelf LTZ adds automatic headlamps, a power tailgate, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery and driver memory functions.
All Equinox trims except the LS can be had with a sunroof. Every 2011 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional. An Equinox four-cylinder with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. All-wheel drive lowers these estimates to 20/29/23. An Equinox V6 with front-wheel drive gets an estimated 17/25/20, with all-wheel-drive versions dropping 1 mpg on the highway.
Safety
The 2011 Chevy Equinox comes standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and OnStar. In side-impact and frontal-offset crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Equinox earned a top "Good" rating.
Interior Design and Special Features
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox boasts a stylish cabin filled with premium touches. Adjust the sliding rear seat backward and you'll find rear legroom that's the most generous in this segment; the rear seat also reclines for passenger comfort.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is an all-new small sedan that replaces the aged Cobalt.
Breaking with the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze tradition of offering a larger-than-average engine in a small car, the Cruze offers a pair of fuel-efficient yet peppy small power plants. In terms of features, even the base Cruze LS comes pretty well equipped, with 10 airbags being one notable standard equipment highlight. The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a small sedan that comes in four main trim levels: LS, Eco, LT and LTZ.
The Cruze LTZ adds 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, rear park assist, a sport-tuned suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.
The Cruze LS is powered by a 1.8-liter inline-4 that makes 136 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined for the Cruze LS. The fuel-economy-focused Cruze Eco earns a laudable 28 mpg city/42 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 26/37/30 with the automatic.
Safety All 2011 Chevrolet Cruze models come with stability control, antilock brakes, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and front and rear side impact airbags as standard. All trims save the LTZ have a front-disc/rear-drum brake setup; the LTZ upgrades to four-wheel disc brakes.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Cruze LTZ stopped from 60 mph in 122 feet, a decent distance for this class of car.
Interior Design and Special Features The most surprising characteristic of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is its genuinely athletic handling and comfortable, controlled ride quality. Most drivers should be satisfied with either of the Cruze's engines.
For 2011 the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is now available with a new Ultimate Performance option package ("Z07"), which incorporates the Corvette ZR1's adaptive suspension and wheel-and-tire fitment. Other notable changes this year include upgraded tires for the Z06; option package for the Corvette Grand Sport that combines Z06 tires with ZR1's Magnetic Ride Control suspension; and the addition of a USB port and auxiliary audio jack for the navigation system. Finally, the Corvette Engine Build Experience option allows a Z06 or ZR1 buyer to help assemble the car's engine at the GM facility in Wixom, Michigan.
The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is pretty much the automotive equivalent of a summer action movie. On the cheaper end, Ford's 2011 Shelby GT500 is a very worthy competitor to a base Corvette. The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is available as a coupe with a removable roof panel, a fixed-roof coupe or a convertible.
Trim levels include the base Corvette, Grand Sport (GS), Z06 and ZR1. Standard on the base (1LT) coupe and convertible are 18-inch front cast-aluminum wheels and 19-inch rears, xenon headlamps, cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, full power accessories, OnStar, leather seating, a six-way power driver seat, a manual tilt steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The top-of-the line ZR1 boasts a supercharged V8, even larger wheels (19-inch front, 20-inch rear), special tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, adaptive dampers and additional lightweight body panels that include a carbon-fiber roof panel and a carbon-fiber hood with a clear polycarbonate window that reveals the engine's intercooler.
New this year is the Ultimate Performance package for the Z06 that adds the ZR1's adaptive dampers, carbon-ceramic brakes, wheels and tires. Further ZR1 imitation comes from the Z06's Carbon Fiber package, which adds most of the ZR1's lightweight panels.
All 2011 Chevrolet Corvettes have a six-speed manual gearbox with launch control as standard, while a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is a no-cost option for the base and GS models. Regardless of which Corvette you choose, you'll get stunning performance. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at a laudable 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for a manual-transmission Corvette. The ZR1 gets the even more sophisticated Performance Traction Management system.
Driving Impressions No question here: The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette can bring the heat.
For 2012, the Chevrolet Volt gets a slightly lower price tag, but its formerly standard navigation system and Bose audio system are now on the options list. The Volt is essentially a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has the ability to run much faster and farther under just electric power than a normal hybrid.
Once you run out of battery juice, the gasoline-powered inline-4 engine kicks in, producing electricity for the motor and actually powering the wheels in some circumstances, stretching the Volt's range as much as an additional 300 miles. In an Edmunds test of a Volt with the battery pack depleted, the car averaged 31.4 mpg in mixed driving. Even with a $7,500 federal tax credit, a base Volt will still cost about $32,500 -- and that's without the home charging station, which is essentially mandatory for a plug-in hybrid like the Volt.
Overall, we think the 2012 Chevrolet Volt represents an agreeable middle ground between a pure electric vehicle (which is usually limited to about 75 miles before needing a time-consuming recharge) and a standard hybrid (which doesn't offer the all-electric range and speed of the Volt).
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is a midsize four-door hatchback sedan with seating for four.
The front-wheel-drive 2012 Chevrolet Volt is primarily powered by an electric motor rated at 149 horsepower (111 kilowatts) and 273 pound-feet of torque. This motor draws power from a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack until the battery charge is 70 percent depleted. At that point, the Volt's 1.4-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine, which requires premium fuel, comes to life as a replacement power source for the electric motor. In Edmunds testing, we found the Volt had an electricity range of about 25-50 miles. When the battery is depleted, our testing showed the Volt gets an average of about 33 mpg. In Edmunds performance testing, the Volt went from zero to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds in electric mode and 9 seconds flat with the engine generator.
Safety
Safety features on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt include antilock brakes, stability control, front side airbags, front knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the Volt came to a stop in a respectable 124 feet.
The 2010 Cadillac SRX is an all-new luxury crossover SUV. For the relatively compact 2010 Cadillac SRX, model, all of that's been brushed away in favor of a new five-passenger platform that utilizes front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For more power, Cadillac is also offering a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 on the higher trim levels. The available Saab-sourced turbo V6 makes the SRX more competitive, but opting for it sends the SRX's price skyrocketing.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Cadillac SRX is a luxury crossover SUV available in four trim levels: base, Luxury Collection, Performance Collection and Premium Collection.
The top-of-the-line Premium Collection tacks on keyless ignition/entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat audio controls, ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats. All-wheel-drive Performance and Premium Collection models also receive a sport-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping.
The base 2010 Cadillac SRX has no available options. The surround-sound stereo and the navigation system are optional on the Luxury Collection, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system can be specified on any SRX equipped with the navigation system.
The Cadillac 2010 Cadillac SRX comes standard with a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 265 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard with this engine, with all-wheel drive optional on all but the base model. All-wheel-drive models also have a specialized rear differential that applies power to the outside wheels for improved cornering traction.
EPA fuel economy estimates for the base V6 are 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined for front-drive models. GM says the turbocharged SRX will achieve 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway.
The 2010 Cadillac SRX comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and OnStar.
Interior Design and Special Features The SRX's interior is probably its single most appealing aspect.
Driving Impressions In other road-going respects, the 2010 Cadillac SRX is a solid but unremarkable luxury crossover.
The Cadillac CTS-V returns largely unchanged for 2010. While the 2010 Cadillac CTS-V bears little physical resemblance to Detroit's original muscle cars, the parallels are hard to ignore. It also helps the CTS-V top every other high-performance production sedan we've ever tested through the quarter-mile. The 2010 Cadillac CTS-V does have a few faults, albeit minor ones.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and OptionsThe 2010 Cadillac CTS-V high-performance sport sedan returns in a single well-equipped trim level. Inside, the standard features list continues with leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats with driver-seat memory, a suede-trimmed power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Powertrains and PerformanceThe EPA puts the CTS-V's estimated fuel economy at 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined with the manual transmission, and 12/18/14 mpg with the automatic.SafetyThe 2010 Cadillac CTS-V comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control and traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.
GM's OnStar emergency communications system is also standard.The CTS also received a five-star government rating for both front- and rear-seat passenger protection in side-impact crashes.First, the bad news: The 2010 CTS-V's interior isn't much different from that of the regular CTS model. The synthetic suede seat inserts and steering wheel and shift knob trim are an especially nice touch.As noted earlier, the CTS-V's interior also sports as much head- and legroom as some midsize super-sedan competitors.
The split-folding rear seat found on other CTS models isn't available here, but a trunk pass-through opening is standard.Driving ImpressionsThe 2010 Cadillac CTS-V standard Magnetic Ride Control suspension offers a good balance between ride quality and handling via driver-selectable Tour or Sport modes.
The 2010 Cadillac DTS returns largely unchanged, except for the loss of last year's Performance model. Well, that old clich� actually turns out to be a pretty succinct summation of the 2010 Cadillac DTS sedan.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Cadillac DTS full-size sedan is available in one well-equipped base model and three increasingly upscale trim levels dubbed Luxury, Premium and Platinum. The standard equipment list for the entry-level DTS includes 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, front foglights, remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power front seats, Bluetooth, OnStar and an eight-speaker CD stereo.
Interior upgrades include a three-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, driver seat memory settings and an eight-speaker Bose audio system with a six-disc CD changer. Top-of-the-line Platinum models add several of the best mechanical bits from last year's Performance trim level, including a more powerful version of the base 4.6-liter V8 engine, electronic Magnetic Ride Control suspension and 18-inch wheels. Other notable options include adaptive cruise control and a 40/20/40-split front bench that gives the 2010 Cadillac DTS seating for six. Front-wheel drive is standard. The DTS Platinum differs with 22 mpg on the highway.
Safety Standard safety features include electronic stability control, antilock disc brakes, side-impact airbags for front seat passengers and side curtain airbags that cover both rows. In government crash tests, the 2010 Cadillac DTS scored five stars (out of five) for the driver and four stars for the front seat passenger in frontal impacts. Side-impact tests resulted in four stars front and rear.
Interior Design and Special Features While front bucket seats are standard, the available 40/20/40-split front bench makes this one of the few modern sedans that offers seating for six.
Other than receiving some minor feature changes, the 2012 Buick Enclave carries over unchanged for 2012.
Overall, though, the Buick Enclave stands out as a solid pick for an upscale family hauler.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2012 Buick Enclave is a large crossover SUV that's offered in four different trim levels. All have a standard seven-passenger seating configuration via second-row captain's chairs and a third-row bench seat. The Leather Group tacks on leather upholstery, heated power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger) and driver memory settings.
The top-of-the-line Premium Group has the above equipment plus 19-inch chrome wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, heated power-folding outside mirrors with built-in turn signal repeaters, heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, a 115-volt household-style power outlet and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system with USB/auxiliary audio input jacks and a pair of rear seat headphone jacks.
Major options vary by trim level and include 20-inch chrome alloy wheels, a dual-pane sunroof, the second-row bench seat and a second-row center console. Electronics upgrades include the 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system and a navigation system.
The 2012 Buick Enclave is offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive versions rate 16/22/18.
Safety Stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on every 2012 Buick Enclave. Even the third-row seats are suitable for adult passengers.
Driving Impressions Other large crossovers feel more nimble, but overall the Enclave's handling inspires confidence.
The 2010 BMW M6 receives BMW's much-improved new iDrive interface, which includes more buttons on the center console, a better menu structure and a hard-drive-based navigation system.
Plain and simple, it's the car's styling. Having said that, we've repeatedly slapped the M6 with two performance-related demerits: The steering feel falls short of BMW's customary high standards, and the lurch-prone SMG single-clutch automated manual is well behind these dual-clutch times. Like other 2010 BMW M6 models, the M6's iDrive gets a new interface with more sensible-to-use menus, extra buttons for accessing oft-used features and a hard-drive-based navigation system.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 BMW M6 is offered as either a coupe or convertible. Based on the 6 Series, the M6 comes standard with 19-inch double-spoke wheels, a carbon-fiber roof (coupe only) a body kit (including a more aggressive front airdam, side-sill extensions and a rear diffuser), adaptive xenon headlights, adjustable suspension dampers, leather-upholstered 12-way power front sport seats with driver memory settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, Bluetooth, the revised iDrive interface with a hard-drive-based navigation system featuring real-time traffic updates, and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system.
Powertrains and Performance A seven-speed single-clutch automated manual gearbox called SMG is standard, and it can be operated via wheel-mounted shift paddles, manual shift-lever manipulation or a full-automatic mode. The 2010 BMW M6 comes standard with multilevel stability control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags for the coupe, automatic rollover hoops for the convertible and front and rear parking sensors.
The 2010 BMW M3 receives two minor changes: standard HD radio and optional automatic headlights.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 BMW M3 is available as a sedan, coupe or retractable-hardtop convertible. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, xenon headlamps, cruise control, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-adjustable sport seats with driver memory, split-folding rear seats and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The coupe features a carbon-fiber roof, the convertible has a power-retractable hardtop, and all M3s receive (relative to the regular 3 Series) revised exterior styling, an exclusive sport-tuned suspension, more powerful brakes and a limited-slip rear differential.
The optional Premium package adds power-folding mirrors, BMW Assist and enhanced interior trim. la carte options include 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic high-beam operation, a sunroof (sedan and coupe only), heated front seats, extended leather upholstery, rear park assist and a number of audio options, including an upgraded sound system, satellite radio and an iPod adapter.
Powertrains and Performance A 4.0-liter V8 powers the 2010 BMW M3, sending 414 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual gearbox is optional. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined for all models except the convertible with the six-speed manual, which drops to 13 mpg city.
Safety Standard safety features for the 2010 BMW M3 include front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control. It garnered a perfect five stars for side impacts for both front and rear occupants. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests gave the 3 Series sedan "Good" ratings (the highest possible) in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing, although the convertible received a second-lowest "Marginal" score.
When equipped with the optional navigation system, the 2010 BMW 5-Series gets the latest version of BMW's iDrive electronics interface.
There are also a new Value package and M Sport package.IntroductionFor 2010 BMW 5-Series, all 5 Series thankfully get the latest iDrive knob and accompanying menu buttons, but without navigation, the same old convoluted menu structure remains. We suggest opting for the navigation system, which includes the higher-resolution screen and improved iDrive menus found in the all-new 7 Series.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 BMW 5 Series is available in sedan and wagon body styles. The wagon comes in 535i xDrive trim only. The 528i comes standard with 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, automatic headlights and wipers, power front seats with driver memory and power headrests, a power tilt-telescoping steering column, leatherette vinyl upholstery, automatic climate control, the iDrive electronics interface and a 10-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. There are several sport packages available.
The Sport package available on the 528i and 535i adds active roll stabilization, 18-inch wheels, performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, "Comfort" front seats and a sport steering wheel. The Sport package available on the xDrive models only includes the seats and steering wheel. The M Sport package available on all trim levels includes all the regular Sport package items, but adds an aerodynamic body kit, dark gray headliner and on the 550i, 19-inch wheels.
The sedans are rear-wheel drive by default, but the 528i and 535i sedans can be equipped with all-wheel drive. SafetyStandard safety equipment includes stability control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags.
Rear-seat side airbags are optional. In government crash tests, the 2010 BMW 5 Series earned only three out of five stars for driver protection in a frontal crash, although it did receive a full five stars for front passenger protection and front and rear side protection. Rear-seat head- and legroom are also generous for its class. When equipped with the new hard-drive-based navigation system, iDrive features the same updated control knob, physical menu buttons, high-resolution display screen and revised menu structure found in the new 7 Series.
The BMW 650i Coupe and Convertible receive the latest version of BMW's iDrive software and a hard-drive-based navigation system with 13 gigabytes of multimedia storage. For better or worse, the 2010 BMW 6 Series is a reminder of what happened on erstwhile BMW design chief Chris Bangle's watch.
Additional points in the 6 Series' favor include a choice of coupe and convertible body styles, a trick soft top with an independent power glass rear window on the convertible, and excellent ride and handling characteristics.Though you'll certainly want to check out Mercedes-Benz's new E-Class Coupe as well as the Jaguar XK-Series, this BMW continues to be a very appealing luxury sport coupe and convertible.Body Styles, Trim Levels, and OptionsThe 2010 BMW 650i is available in coupe and convertible body styles.
Options include a Sport package that adds 19-inch wheels, sport seats, a sport-tuned suspension, a body kit, different exhaust tuning, a unique hood design, an Alcantara headliner (coupe only) and exclusive color options. Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes with advanced standby and drying features, stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags and active head restraints. The coupe features side curtain airbags while the convertible gets pop-up rollover hoops.
Both coupe and convertible have an easy-entry feature for accessing the rear quarters, but only the convertible's is power-operated. Driving ImpressionsThe 2010 BMW 650i isn't as sporting as some other BMW models, but its well-controlled body motions and firm-yet-supple ride are certainly up to BMW standards.
Model Peugeot 107 is equipped with trehtsilindrovym 12-valve gasoline engine power 68 hp, which is fully like environmental standards of Euro-4. Dynamic quantity of cars furnished with passive and active safety, the greatest standards to safeguard passengers.
Peugeot 107 New Peugeot 107 did not call: the compact city hatchback total length 3.4 meters and a width of a single.6 — the ideal car for that conditions Small maneuverable four Peugeot 107 is presented in three-and body and has two choices for completion: Urban and chic.
Peugeot 107 is really a tiny 4-seats hatchback, ideal car for the mega city. The Peugeot 107 was just what I became seeking inside a car.
The Peugeot 107 a simple to drive and cheap to run small car - ideal for driving in busy built-up areas. The 107 is available in either a 3-door or 5-door version.The three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine is happy to be revved hard which, when combined with the sharp handling and good body control, makes the Peugeot 107 great fun to drive.
We sat down this week with John Maloney, Volvo Cars of North America’s VP of Marketing and Product Planning and current acting President. Volvo insiders keep telling us XC60 supply still can’t keep up with worldwide demand, so to us, it seems like adding the V60 would be a way to alleviate some of the XC’s excess demand and since it’s just an S60 with a hatch, it’d be very easy to federalize. Maloney also spoke briefly of the recent decision to eliminate the S40 and V50 models. The decision to name a new VCNA President is one that’s ongoing and has included candidates both from within and outside of Volvo, including Maloney himself.
Upgrade process Owners can simply rock up to their local volvo cars dealership, fork out £645, and a kind workman will connect a laptop to the car's on-board diagnostics 2 port. This allows the Volvo mechanic to upload new code to the car's engine-control unit -- a bit like Jeff Goldblum did at the end of Independence Day.
Volvo won't confirm whether there's any improvement to the standard car's 5.9-second 0-60mph time, but it definitely feels rapid.
Sensible driving The volvo cars transmission is slightly at odds with its newfound power, too. The Polestar software upgrade unleashes extra straight-line performance from your V60 T6 for a relatively small outlay. It also makes the car more fun to drive, but, as it's a software-only upgrade, don't expect it to change the car's personality too drastically.
The BMW i8 gasoline unit drives the rear wheels through a dual clutch transmission, while the electric motor uses a twin-speed transmission to turn the front wheels.
