Best Reviewing the 2011 Chevy Cruze

Reviewing the 2011 Chevy Cruze

From the Vega to the Chevette to the Cavalier to the Cobalt - GM's economy cars have had their ups and downs. Some (like Cobalt) were decent; others (like Cavalier) were disasters. Mostly, GM looked on small, economy-type cars as throwaways - "loss leaders," in the language of Detroit. The money was in big cars (and bigger SUVs). So that's where the effort went.

Exiting bankruptcy - and facing a world that has come to appreciate the virtue of well-built small cars - GM knows that so-so isn't going to cut it anymore. The 2011 Cruze shows GM has learned a hard lesson. The big question is whether it's in time to recover the market share now owned by the Japanese (and increasingly, the Koreans). Not to mention Ford - which has a helluva little car in the just-released 2011 Fiesta and an already successful slightly larger small car in the Focus.

WHAT IT IS

The Cruze is a front-wheel-drive sedan that replaces the Cobalt as Chevrolet's entry-level compact. Prices begin at $16,275 for a base LS with 1.8 liter engine and run to $21,975 for an LTZ with the turbocharged 1.4 liter engine. It competes against models like the slightly smaller Ford Fiesta and roughly same-size Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, among others.

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2011

The Cruze is a brand-new model for 2011.

WHAT'S GOOD

A huge improvement over the outgoing Cobalt. On looks, features and equipment, build quality, etc. this car is absolutely competitive with the segment leading Corolla and Civic - and nicer than the Focus. Optional 1.4 liter turbo engine has on-demand boost for almost as much power as standard (non-turbo) 1.8 liter engine while achieving 40-plus MPGs on the highway. Six-speed manual transmission available with both engines (Ford Fiesta/Focus and Toyota Corolla have five-speeds). Big (for a compact) 15 cubic foot trunk; comparable to some mid-sized cars' trunks. Roomy backseat, too.

WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD

It's a bit pricey. The outstanding 2011 Ford Fiesta starts out almost $3,000 lower ($13,320); a Honda Civic starts at $15,655 and a Toyota Corolla starts at $15,450. High-mileage 1.4 liter turbo engine carries a $2,000 price premium ($18,175) that offsets much of the economy advantage. Chevrolet doesn't have the Blue Chip status of the segment leading Corolla and Civic. Long-term quality/durability is an open question.

UNDER THE HOOD

Cruze comes with one of two available four-cylinder engines. The standard engine in the LS displaces 1.8 liters and produces 136 hp. Optional is a smaller 1.4 liter engine with a turbocharger that's rated at 138 hp. These figures put the Cruze a notch above the Fiesta (1.6 liters, 119 hp) and Corolla (1.8 liters, 132 hp) and just below the Civic (1.8 liters, 140 hp) and Focus (2.0 liters, 140 hp) as far as engine size/output go. A six-speed manual is standard with either Cruze engine; a six-speed automatic (with manual shift function) is optional.

The purpose of the turbo four is not to offer more power/performance than the larger, non-turbo four does. It is to offer equivalent on-demand power/performance from a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine. At the time of this review, official EPA figures hadn't been published - but GM is claiming the Cruze with 1.4 liter engine is capable of just over 40 miles per gallon on the highway - which if accurate would make it among the most fuel-efficient cars on the road.

An "Eco" package is available with the 1.4 liter engine that includes low rolling resistance tires plus aerodynamic tweaks to eke out maybe another 1-2 MPGs on top of that. Acceleration is leisurely, regardless. Both engines get the car to 60 mph in just under 10 seconds - with either transmission. But that's par for the segment. All versions of the Cruze are front-wheel-drive.

ON THE ROAD

Older economy cars may not have sucked gas but they absolutely sucked to drive. They felt fragile, weak - and cheap. You drove one because you had to - and hated every minute of it.

New economy cars like the Cruze (and its competitors) are light-years improved. They may not be quick, but they do have adequate power for most driving situations - and more important than that, they feel tight and well-built. They'll pull 80 mph all day, if you want (and can get away with it). The wheelcovers don't fly off in corners. Hit a pothole and the suspension wont bottom out, kicking loose your fillings.

The Cruze differs from its competitors in approaching the fuel economy vs. power paradigm by using a turbo to provide on-demand power equivalent to a larger engine when the driver needs to accelerate quickly - with the superior fuel economy potential of a smaller engine during light-load/steady cruise driving. The Cruze's optional 1.4 liter turbo engine is pretty much the smallest four-cylinder gas engine (outside of a hybrid or something really tiny like the two-seater SmartCar) on the market.

On the plus side, it performs just as GM intended. It delivers big engine (for an economy car) power, without surging, when you stab the gas - but it's more economical than the larger (and thus, thirstier) non-turbo 1.8 liter engine.

On the downside, there is a roughly $2k price premium to get the turbo 1.4 liter engine, which, don' forget, only produces 2 hp more and doesn't significantly improve the car's acceleration. Yes, it delivers better fuel economy (3-4 mpgs on top, according to estimates). But that up-front price will take some time to work off in the form of improved fuel economy.

Also, there's the potential down-the-road cost issue of the turbocharger, which is an expensive piece of equipment. Many people buy economy-type cars expecting to be driving them 150,000-plus miles. Will the turbo last that long without needing a rebuild?

A Cruze plus is the six-speed manual transmission, which provides both a fuel economy and fun-to-drive benefit. It lowers engine RPM in top gear on the highway and though it doesn't make the Cruze quicker by the stopwatch, it feels zippier because the gear spacing is tighter than in competitors like the Fiesta and Corolla, which have only five-speeds.

AT THE CURB

The exterior of this car is fairly generic small sedan-looking. It's by no means unattractive, but nothing special, either. On the inside, though, the Cruze has a very handsome dual-cockpit layout accented (on higher trim versions) with two-tone inserts and brushed metal/nickle trim. It's very upscale for a modestly priced car.

You can equip the Cruze with a variety of high-end-ish features, too - everything from leather and seat heaters to 18-inch alloy wheels. Some of this stuff is of debatable value in what's supposed to be, after all, a value-priced car. The optional 18 inch wheels, for example. Sure, they look nice. But they also add significantly to the cost of the car and not just up-front, either. Large wheels require larger (and more expensive) tires; tires that also wear out sooner and which give the car a firmer (read: harsher) ride. In a Corvette or Camaro, big wheels and grippy, performance tires make sense; but the Cruze is supposed to be about getting from "a" to "b" comfortably and inexpensively. Eighteen-inch ree-uhms kind of defeats the purpose.

On the other side of the coin, all but the top-of-the-line LTZ trims come with drum rear brakes (instead of discs all around). Drums cost less up front and much less to maintain than disc brakes because the main service parts are cast iron/steel drums (cheap and hard to hurt) and even cheaper and long lasting shoes that can routinely go for 40,000 miles or more - vs. easy to damage (via an air gun over-tightening lug nuts during a tire rotation) rotors and (often shockingly expensive) calipers.

So, that's a plus in terms of keeping down the Cruze's ownership costs.

Front-seat head and legroom is about par for the segment; but this little Chevy has a lot more backseat legroom (35.4 inches) than the Ford Fiesta (31.2 inches) and also edges out the Civic sedan (34.6 inches). The Toyota Corolla has a more generous backseat (36.3 inches) but a much punier trunk, just 12.3 cubes (12 in the Civic; 12.8 in Fiesta and 13.8 in the Focus) vs. the Cruze's almost mid-sized 15.4 cubic foot trunk.

In fact it has the largest trunk of any car in this segment - and that makes the Cruze more road-trip viable (and family-friendly) than its small-car competition.

THE REST

The standard-issue Cruze LS comes equipped with all the really important stuff - like air conditioning, power windows and locks, as well as a very decent CD and MP3-playing/satellite-ready stereo - standard.

Ditto the major safety stuff - which (like AC) is becoming a given on even low-cost vehicles. That means stability and traction control, ABS and curtain air bags. But the Cruze notches things up by also including a standard driver's side knee air bag and rear seat side-impact bags, too (in addition to front seat side-impact bags). The knee air bag - a feature that as recently as two or three years ago was available for the most part only in high-end luxury vehicles - can dramatically reduce the severity of injuries to your legs in a front-end wreck. That it's standard equipment even in base trim versions of the Cruze is much to Chevy's credit.

A factory GPS unit is available but I would recommend skipping it because an aftermarket Garmin or similar unit will cost you less, can be used in other vehicles and perhaps most importantly - in five years' time, if your aftermarket unit is out of date, upgrading it is easy and fairly cheap. Replacing an outdated factory GPS unit isn't.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Cruze's biggest weakness is its fairly high price relative to the established players in this segment (Corolla and Civic) as well as newcomers like the thoroughly excellent Ford Fiesta, which is only slightly smaller outside and has nearly the same interior space, backseat legroom excepted. (Ford has an updated version of the Focus on deck for the 2012 model year; expect it to one-up the Cruze in several key categories.)

If Chevy had figured out a way to start this car out around $15k rather than over $16k, it'd be one of the top choices out there, without question.

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Modern Performance Cars Aren Muscle Cars

Modern Performance Cars Aren't Muscle Cars

The Dodge Challenger, Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang are great performance cars, but they aren't muscle cars. That species is extinct - and there's no bringing them back.

Muscle cars were born at a unique moment in American history when technology had developed to the point that enormously powerful engines were becoming available but the government hadn't caught up with them yet. When it was possible to build a machine with a six or seven liter engine with no concern whatever for how loud it was, how much pollution it belched or how much gas it drank. Before government regulators made it legally impossible to offer such unchained wildness to the general public. When there were no requirements that new cars be fitted with electronic safety nets ranging from air bags to ABS. When it was still possible for a person just out of their teens (not well into middle age, as now) to buy a V-8 powered tire-fryer, brand-new - right off the showroom floor.

Those days are decades gone and will never return. Accordingly, neither will the muscle car. Challenger and Mustang and Camaro look the part. They are macho and big-tired and powered by large V-8 engines. But it is not the same. Their V-8s are as docile as they are powerful. They idle like Camrys and pull plenty of vacuum to run power brakes and other accessories. They all have AC... climate control AC. They are happy with automatic transmissions behind them. They can be driven by... anyone.

If you're old enough to remember, that was most definitely not the case with something like a '70 SS 454 Chevelle or RA III GTO. Cars like these were marginally house-trained and could be very scary. They did not do well in traffic; heavy clutches and a tendency to overheat kept you working- and sweating. They were loud, poorly built and evil-handling things. Most rode on 15-inch steel wheels. Some - including a Plymouth GTX 440 Magnum owned by a high school friend of mine - had 14s. Imagine: a 4,000 pound car with a huge V-8, no traction control - with a contact patch about the same size as a current Toyota Corolla.

Muscle cars were dangerous. It was easy to get in over your head. My high school friend ended up being killed in that GTX. It almost got me, too. This car had over-boosted power steering as vague as a politician's promise - and drum brakes, all around. At 125 mph - which it would do, easily, the front end of the car began to rotate like a C-130 on its take-off roll. But you didn't have wings and once those skinny 14 inch Hurst mags up front got some air under them, your life was in the hands of the Motor Gods. Almost all the muscle cars of the '60s and '70s were ass-light and nose heavy, which resulted in violent, often uncontrollable oversteer when you gave it too much gas, too soon. This was part of the fun, of course. But it's also part of the reason why muscle cars died off. Once the insurance companies began to tabulate their losses - and predict future ones - they began to jack up the premiums to compensate. Which quickly made muscle cars unaffordable to the 18-25 set that lusted after them the most. Then gas prices went up - and soon, it was all over.

By 1975 - the first year of catalytic converters - there were no muscle cars. A few nameplates - such as Camaro and Trans-Am - persisted. But the Z28 was history and the Trans-Am had been steered; underneath the still-menacing bodywork with its flares and scoops and angry-looking eagle on the hood, the biggest and baddest you could get was a 200 hp 455 and mid 15 second quarters.

A 2011 Camry V-6 is quicker. So, what we have in cars like the revived Camaro Z28, Mustang GT and Challenger R/T are performance cars, certainly - but not muscle cars.

A muscle car, by definition, is dangerous and wild. It is rude, crude - and obnoxious, too. The closest thing to it that's remotely new is a Yamaha V-Max with straight pipes. Muscle cars were about sideways skittering burnouts and hard tire chirps on the 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts down the quarter mile, tail out powerslides barely under control and the strutting presence of an obstreperous rooster when rolling slowly through the local drive-thru joint on Saturday nights with your buddies.

Only a handful of real muscle cars even made a pretense of handling or braking ability; only one - the Pontiac Trans-Am - even offered disc brakes all around.

Not a single real muscle car ever came with traction control, stability control - or air bags and ABS. "Safety" and muscle cars go together like mustard and ice cream. Hell, being unsafe was the whole point. It was a way of thumbing your nose at The Man and showing everyone you had a pulse and something between your legs, too.

Modern performance cars like the Challenger R/T, Mustang GT and Camaro have all the safety stuff - like it or not. They also handle and brake as well as they go in a straight line. They don't make your eyes water if you stand near the tailpipe, actually manage not-bad gas mileage and your grandmother could drive one. Which nicely proves the point that whatever these things are trying to be, they'll never be the real deal. It can't be done. That era - and those cars - are history, like the wild west and carrying kids unbuckled and rolling around like cordwood in the back of an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser.

A lot of us pine for those days, which explains the attempted resurrection of muscle cars. But like the old Eddie Money song says: "I wanna go back and do it all over but I can't go back, I know... "

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2011 Acura ZDX Review And Price

2011 Acura ZDX , Cars aren't always or even mostly an entirely rational purchase. If they were, probably not many people would buy a machine like the 2011 Acura ZDX. It's pretty big outside - but fairly small inside, with hard to access back seats. It's powerful - but not-so-quick - because its 300 hp engine has to lug around more than 4,400 pounds of steel and glass and plastic. It has a sophisticated AWD system, but isn't really built for snow (let alone off-road) driving.

On the other hand, the thing does look the Batmobile come to life - menacing and techno and slick as a custom-fitted leather body suit. And that's probably enough to tug at the heartstrings of just enough people to make it all worth doing.



2011 Acura ZDX , WHAT IT IS

The ZDX is one of those very rare show or concept cars that actually got put into production - like the old Isuzu VehiCross. (Remember that one?) Though it's somewhat similar in size and layout and looks to BMW's X6 and also the Infiniti FX, it doesn't really fit into any existing category of vehicle.

The ZDX's underpinnings are based on the seven passenger MDX crossover SUV and it's roughly the same length overall - but it only has two rows of seats and seats just four (just barely). It comes standard with the MDX's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) as well as 19 inch rims and about 8 inches of ground clearance - but it's not really built for off-roading or poor-weather driving. So the ZDX is really all about style and curb appeal; about having something different for a change - even if it's not especially useful or practical.

Prices run from $45,495 for the base SH-AWD equipped model without the Technology package to $49,995 with the Technology package ($56,045 with the even more "techie" Advance package, which includes gadgets to appeal to the Batman in you such as electronically adjustable shocks, collision-avoidance braking system, a blind spot warning system, active cruise control, voice-command audio with 15 Gig music storage hard drive and more stuff like that).



WHAT'S NEW FOR 2011

The ZDX was introduced last as an all-new model for Acura.

2011 Acura ZDX , WHAT'S GOOD? Sinister-looking Batmobile styling, especially in black. Superb craftsmanship, trim and detail touches. Gadgets galore; a technophiles' dream. Prices start about $11k below the BMX X6 ($56,500).

2011 Acura ZDX , WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD?A Corolla can carry more people; back seats are is Batcave-like and can be awkward to get into and out of. Heavy; could use more power to live up to Batmobile image. Lots of buttons. Maybe too many buttons. An Infiniti FX35 starts out around $2,600 less ($42,850).

2011 Acura ZDX, UNDER THE HOOD The ZDX comes standard with a 3.7 liter, 300 hp V-6 and six-speed automatic with normal and sport shift modes, as well as available manual control of gear changes via steering wheel-mounted pushbuttons. This is about the same, power-wise, as the BMX X6 with 3.0 liter turbocharged in-line six (300 hp) and the Infiniti FX35 with 3.5 liter V-6 (303 hp).

However, both the X6 and the FX can be ordered with considerably more potent V-8 engines, while the ZDX doesn't offer an optional engine. Still, it manages to reach 60 mph in the mid-six-second range, which is redible performance, especially given a curb weight of more than 4,400 pounds. Acura's Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) is standard in the ZDX.

This AWD system is more sophisticated - and performance-minded - than most AWD systems in that it can modulate power delivery to individual wheels, rather than just front to back. It's set up to make the front-wheel-drive-based ZDX feel more like a rear-wheel-drive car when driven aggressively, while still providing the traction advantages of a conventional front-to-rear AWD system.

ZDX Fuel economy is not terrible; 17 city and 23 highway. These figures are actually better than the six cylinder-equipped BMW X6 (15 city, 21 highway) which at 4,896 lbs. is even heavier than the ZDX - and about the same as the V-6 powered (and several hundred pounds lighter) Infiniti FX35's 16 city, 23 highway.

The ZDX's maximum tow rating is just 1,500 pounds. (This is odd because the MDX - upon which the ZDX is based and with which it shares an underlying chassis as well as the same engine - is rated at a much more manly 5,000 pounds.)

2011 Acura ZDX ON THE ROAD Given those tall tires, nearly eight inches of ground clearance and more than two tons of curb weight, the ZDX manages to feel reasonably sporty, both handling-wise and acceleration-wise. It's by no means a corner burner or a tire-fryer (not even possible with the AWD system) but it feels peppy enough in a straight line, with enough guts to execute a respectable fast pass - and it will corner faster than most people dare to drive.

The optional adjustable shocks (included with the Advance package) let you dial in more firmness and the SH-AWD system does an impressive job of making this FWD-based vehicle behave very much like the RWD-based BMX X6 and Infiniti FX if you're really pushing it hard.

Subjectively speaking, I think the ZDX would be a lot more interesting if it had a bit more juice than the MDX on which it's based. Maybe even an available manual transmission. But it ought to have more gumption than the MDX - and it'd be nice if Acura offered an optional engine that could hang with the V-8s available in the X6 and FX.

2011 Acura ZDX , AT THE CURB Just looking at the ZDX - with its ski-slope roofline and sharply tapering squinty side glass - you'd expect visibility to be terrible. But it's actually not. The rearview is pretty decent, actually - thanks in part to a flat section of glass built into the lower tailgate. You don't notice this from outside, because of the dark tinting, which maintains the visual effect of a solid rear section - but it nonetheless greatly improves your sight-lines to the rear.

The side view is acceptable, too - notwithstanding the broad-shouldered rear quarters and side glass that's rakishly tapered backward as well as canted inward. The driver sits in front of an uber-modern dash layout finished in taut, hand-fitted leather stretched tightly over each major trim panel. Brushed nickel trim plates and plush velour finish it all off. A neat touch is the "monolith" center stack, which goes dark when not in use. Again, very Batmobile-like.

Critics have screeched about the ZDX's lack of space, but this is only partially true. It's true the back seats are difficult to access. The doors cuts down into a very narrow "v" at the bottom, leaving not much room to swing legs in and out. But once you're in, it's actually not so bad. The seats are canted backward in a semi-reclined set-up, so even a six-footer like me has some daylight between the top of his head and the car's headliner - as well as between his knees and the back of the front seat. The real issue here is age - and agility. For younger people with plenty of flexibility, getting into and out of the ZDX is not a big deal; but for older people who aren't that flexible, accessing the ZDX's back seats may be a serious problem.

Older folks may also find the ZDX's array of little buttons and mouse-type controller intimidating.

Raise the liftgate and you'll find about 56 cubes of cargo capacity - plus three very nicely finished hidden cubbies (one in the floor, underneath a cover supported by gas-charged struts; the other two on the side panels). It's not as much room as in the MDX (83.5 cubic feet) but it's very close to the X6 (60 cubic feet) and Infiniti FX (62 cubic feet). This is not small by any means, either. Keep in mind that a current full-size car such as a Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan only has a a 16 cubic foot trunk. So while the ZDX may not have as much cargo space as a large crossover SUV like the MDX, it nonetheless has almost four times as much cargo capacity as an S-Class Benz!


THE REST

The hand-stitched leather (comprised of multiple individual sections form-fitted to the underlying part, such as the side panels on the center console) is magnificent. The ZDX's thickly carpeted, velour and brush nickel-trimmed cargo area is richer-looking than the main cabin in most other cars. This is a swank ride; a show car come to life that you can drive home in.

A major ZDX safety gizmo is the optional Collision Management Braking System (CMBS), which uses proximity sensors built into the front of the vehicle to detect an impending crash, warn the driver - and if the driver fails to respond by braking, will begin to apply the brakes automatically.

Also available: a blind spot warning system that alerts the driver (via dash icon and audible warning) to the presence of another vehicle or object in the ZDX's orbit, so that you're away of its presence before you initiate a lane change/merge. All ZDXs come standard with front seat side-impact air bags, curtain air bags, anti-whiplash headrests, traction/stability control and ABS - as well as the SH-AWD system, which is as much as safety feature as any of the foregoing.


THE BOTTOM LINE 2011 Acura ZDX , Acura probably won't sell many of these things, but it's admirable they went ahead and produced it anyhow.

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2011 Koenigsegg Agera R

In 2010 Koenigsegg presented a pre-production version of the Koenigsegg Agera. Since then the pre-production car and several test mules have continued the Agera development program. Similar to all previous Koenigsegg hypercars, the new Agera is the brainchild of Christian von Koenigsegg. The Agera has come to life in order to set new benchmarks for Hypercars when it comes to control, handling, speed, comfort, practicality and sheer driving enjoyment, while combining these features with clean, efficient and beautiful design.

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2011 Hennessey HPE600 Supercharged Camaro Convertible

Hennessey Performance (HPE) introduces the company’s first 2011 HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible. Pounding the pavement with a 602 bhp supercharged V8, the HPE600 is also the first 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible to hit the streets with a full treatment of aftermarket performance upgrades.

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2011 Singer 911

Beginning with any longer wheelbase Porsche 911 (1969 to 1989) donor car, the Singer 911 is stripped to its shell to begin reinvention. The reincarnation retains the original wheelbase, the A-pillar position, the roofline, suspension mounting and transaxle mounting points. Everything else is restored, reimagined and vastly improved for performance and expression.

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The Ferrari FF at the top of Plan de Corones at 2,350 metres

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2012 Acura TL

The ’s refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. The TL’s styling changes more closely align the overall design direction of Acura as, for example, the TL’s new lower front fascia openings are similar in design direction as those seen on Acura’s popular SUV models (ZDX, MDX and RDX).

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2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano Avantgarde Edition 125

The look of the Viano Avantgarde’s Edition 125 is certainly nothing for wallflowers; it symbolises the avant-garde in its class. It is shod in exquisite 16-spoke high-sheen 8J x 19 light-alloy wheels, whilst the high-gloss chromed exterior mirror housings plus side skirts and chrome trim on the front bumper and chromed rear trim on the tailgate highlight the special styling. The model is available in the metallic paintwork variants obsidian black or brilliant silver.

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New Infiniti FX Concept Performance engine

New Infiniti FX Concept Performance engine, At the awards ceremony contest «Car of the Year 2009» flagship Infiniti FX model line has been recognized as the best SUVs-SUV in 2009.

For the first time submitted to the world public at the Geneva Motor 2008 he won the hearts of connoisseurs of the brand Infiniti through stylish sports design, unrestrained dynamics and impeccable technical characteristics.

Under the elegant appearance of aggressive FX hides no less than a perfect technical toppings: along with the new 5-liter engine (400 hp) and 7-speed Automatic in the new Infiniti FX presents the revolutionary development of the company in the area of comfort and security.


The top layer of paint «Protection from scratches»

The body of the new model is covered with special FX «self-recovering» transparent layer of paint to protect the glossy shine. This paint «restore» paintwork scratches the surface after the light to almost original condition.

Around the monitor (Around View Monitor)
In the monitor around the Infiniti FX uses ultra low-carbon cell, set by the front, rear and sides to create FX around the potential sites on all sides of the vehicle, which eliminates the dead zone in the parking lot. The system applies advanced image processing technology to produce a unique type of vehicle with a bird's-eye view.

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Crossover Infiniti FX represents a unique driving of aggressive design

Crossover Infiniti FX represents a unique driving of aggressive design, Grass-snake 2DAY, thanks to high technologies, engineers of the company managed to create one of the most dynamical and indicative a distributing frame-overov of the premium-class, existing on the up-to-date automobile market. Crossover Infiniti FX represents a unique driving of aggressive design, dazzling performances and comfort of the passenger car.

"From the moment of the emergence in American market FX has occupied a leading position on such indexes as style, power, a multifunction and technical innovations", - Mark Ajgo (Mark Igo), the Vice-president and general manager Infiniti Division SPK. - "In 2006 And it is real, versions FX of 2007 are an example perfection of design, technics and constructing.

The sample piece is offered in two alternatives: FX45 and FX35.
All-wheel drive FX45 it is riged with standard 4,5-litre propeller DOHC V8 W ultimate output of 328 h.p., new 20-inch wheels and tyres, leather interior, and also the updated "sports" independent suspender of all four wheels W new absorbers.
FX35 It is equipped with propeller V6 W a displacement 3,5 l. The propeller develops ultimate output of 280 h.p. and the max twisting moment of 363 Nanometers.


All FX45 and FX35 are riged with up-to-date electronic system of reconstituting of a twisting moment (ATTESA E-TS?). This system grounded on an innovative guidance system, automatically pitchs 2 wheels an optimum twisting moment depending on a status of road and driving conditions. ATTESA E-TS? Ensures to the car outstanding performances at driving in turning movement thanks to an optimum ratio of the twisting moment passed to the front and rear bridge (from 50:50 B4 0:100).

The design of the car does not yield to its technical characteristics.
Outside FX looks wide and aggressive: such appearance is created by the long low drag cowl, a plain roof and a transparent top hatch.

Five-seater interior FX is a synthesis of fabricability, comfortability and elegance. The hide covering, heating up of front seats, function of storage of resettings, lumbar support, and a steering wheel electrically driven resettings on altitude and a slope - are normal equipment FX. All sample pieces differ an unusual multifunction thanks to a large baggage compartment W friend access 4 loading/discharge; to harmonious pillion seats W friend crandles of clampers.

As, the rear-view camera which one pitchs the plotting of room behind the car to the display goes into the standard complete equipment of all versions Infiniti FX. Infiniti FX not only is bright outbreak in the field of design, it is practicality SUV W character of a sports car, and this car is capable to meet the requirements the most exacting user.

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New Infiniti Essence Concept Design And Performance

New Infiniti Essence Concept Design And Performance, Infiniti Essence - it is a conceptual model that embodied the quintessence of the brand Infiniti, the essence of which lies in an effort to meet the demands of the most demanding automotive enthusiast.

The model, created to celebrate the 20 th anniversary of brand Infiniti, first presented at the 79m International Motor Show in Geneva. She became not only a reminder of the successes of the covered way, but at the same time - audacious attempt to look at the future of the brand.

This is a hybrid rear wheel drive coupe with power of 600 hp with a gasoline engine and electric motor, a unique design and a set of emerging technologies. Essence What exactly is not - this is the usual gift Infiniti brand to your own birthday.


The concept embodies the fusion core brand values, priotkryvaya future and absorbed all the best achievements of the past. In Essence debuted a number of innovative technologies, including hybrid (petrol plus electric), as well as design features that will distinguish future models of Infiniti.

This concept is embodied the main postulate of philosophy Infiniti - "Inspired Performance" (The power of inspiration), which will become the driving force for the release of this model in the luxury segment of the super-coupe. It will also help strengthen the position of Infiniti in the most exclusive and emotional world of automobile brands.

Essence began his life is not in the design studio, a product planning department at Infiniti. Francois Bankon, General Manager of Product Planning the future, and his team may not even be anticipated at the outset of development, as will appear Essence, but they knew how it should be, and why it is so, and knew who he might like .


Concept demonstrates, who may become future owners of this super-luxurious coupe. Bankon and his team of developers to build a picture of a typical scrupulous owner of Essence. The result was a loving portrait of a risk, uncompromising connoisseur the very best in life at the age of 42 years. «He did not need to flaunt their acquisition», said Bankon. «He is already on the next level of success, which is valued above all, to bring pleasure to yourself».

Francois Bankon continues: «We are looking for a new way of mixing different ingredients to create a car that reflects what is fashionable today, but it gives an opportunity to see the trends of the future. We wanted to create a car that is meant to be a cult. It must be exclusive, thoughtful and charming. For the driver, he must embody the essence of Essence (ie, the essence of Essence), expressed by the words: «All that I want and nothing that I do not want».

In terms of design and Essence is simple and surprisingly complex, and it looks like a classic car, and extremely dynamic at the same time. He radiates a strength and elegance. This car is one of those who saw one, you will not forget.

Infiniti designers are confident that the functionality of the car must be invisible, and will be used only when necessary. They call it a «hidden appliances». This name is reflected in functional minimalism, prevailing in the design of instruments and controls. Essence is not the driver makes mess of buttons and not to overload him with information and creates a pleasant atmosphere, allowing you to concentrate on getting the pleasure of driving.

The car had a feeling of luxury and warm hospitality thanks to the materials used, such as leather, Alcantara, wood, painted by hand by traditional Japanese lacquer products. Attention to detail is so great that even the skin on the backside of the right and left seats look different. Why? This is a reflection of the different methods used by Japanese men and women in kimono zapahivaya.

Essence Engine and transmission are designed to conform to the highest level of expectations of potential owners of this model. And they would like to get the absolute pleasure of driving. In Essence this pleasure raised to new heights, so this model debuted an innovative hybrid technology.

At Essence debuted a new type of electric motor, which is called 3D Motor, developed by taking into account the stringent requirements for size and power. As a result, the only engine in the form of a thin disk has twice as much torque as compared to conventional electric motors. Its design was created as a result of the analysis of three-dimensional magnetic field for the optimization of electromagnetic and permanent magnet rings.

Globally, the Infiniti brand has pledged to create a reliable car, equipped with the most advanced security systems.

At the Essence the first time presents the innovative technology in this field, guaranteeing that Infiniti cars remain one of the safest on the road. Foremost among them is the technology, called «The Shield Security» (Safety Shield), the appearance of which require long years of development aimed at creating an accident-free vehicle, which engineers have dreamed of Infiniti.

«Shield Security» complements two other new technologies to the already available at Infiniti of modern technology: the system of assistance to keep a distance Distance Control Assist (DCA) and the system designed to prevent escape lanes Lane Departure Prevention (LDP). The other two systems - system designed to prevent the side collision Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and the collision prevention system at the rear of Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP) extend to the «shield» around the machine, to prevent accidents.

If you change lanes Sensors System SCP, incorporated on the sides of the car, activate the alert system, if in the band, which intends to change the driver, identified approaching vehicle. Then, through an individual control system activates the braking of each wheel turning mechanism to prevent collisions. System Back-up Collision Prevention works the same way, identifying the location of another vehicle from behind, warning the driver, and then, if the warning is ignored, will use the brakes automatically.

At the creation of Essence lasted 20 years. This means the time it took to make the essence - its very existence, the quintessence of everything that embodies the Infiniti - was able to reach the current level of perfection. The idea of creating Infiniti first appeared in 1985, but its real birth was only in November 1989 when Infiniti first car was sold in North America. Today it is the fastest growing luxury brand in the United States.


But Infiniti - it is more than the American brand. Today, Infiniti has more than 230 dealerships in 15 countries with global sales of 150 000 vehicles per year.

The success Infiniti brand obliged a number of factors, but one of the most important is the "Dynamic Adeyaka", the ideology behind each car Infiniti. The combination of ideology and of the privileged Adeyaka Customer Service Total Ownership Experience in the result becomes the basis for the three basic concepts that distinguish Infiniti: driving pleasure, the hospitality and tranquility at the wheel.


These three values of the brand found its perfect reflection in the conceptual model of Essence, debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. Her debut, not only coincides with the anniversary of twenty marks, but is a response to the question of how to achieve success in the European market.

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New Infiniti Plan For festival of Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California

New Infiniti Plan For festival of Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California, In mid-August, the company Infiniti is planning a "virtual" presentation medium-size sedan M next generation of the annual festival of Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California.

The car did not demonstrate to the auto, its image would be projected to the full-size model. Samou car show, only in December this year, while its sales start in the spring of 2010, writes Japancar.ru.

Infiniti M equip six-cylinder engine volume of 3.7 liters and the turbo-diesel trehlitrovoy "six." Also, you may receive a hybrid version of the gasoline-electric power plant. But not known whether a hybrid of the European market.

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New Infiniti EX35 Price

New Infiniti EX35 Price, Infiniti Mark was always associated me with the words «high», «beautiful» and the «comfortable». It was interesting, whether it is true, because to the train on them, I could not. Appeared before me crossover Infiniti EX35 Elite for a few seconds brought me into a state of passion - apparently he was so good that, in addition to «vauuu», in the head does no longer occur.

EX35 hatchback looks a little more, so call it a crossover as it does not rotate the language:). Beautiful smoothed bodywork, sporty and taut appearance, zauzhennye the headlights, neformatnaya looks - all these details make the car a very attractive and ambitious. I even thought that such a machine should be like all, especially the female sex, it is for us it was created!

Affected the appearance of a small crossover, I do not know what to think about its internal equipment. Here I will focus more in detail. ... Open the door of the driver's seat presented to me his chocolate leather trim. Having opened his mouth, I slowly popolzla on the driver's seat, where I had to spend 20 minutes to inspect the internal sites. They have a lot of Infiniti EX35.

The interior of the crossover looks lush and expensive. Amazing beautiful leather trim colors «chocolate», in conjunction with high-quality soft plastics in black, thick and comfortable seats with lateral support, beautiful analog clock «Infiniti», combined with wood front panel, elegant aluminum border - all are done with taste and at the highest level . The quality is even through the olfactory system, because the air entering the cabin from the street, cleaned the filter with a built-ionizer. In the dark, you can even be dissolved in the visual pleasure - so impressive, high volume scatters light-violet illumination devices!

It is gratifying that the mirrors mounted lanterns, lit area near the front door, pleased that the pendant does not need to get out of his pocket - start the engine with the button Start, and am pleased that someone would not be sitting in your car before you, electric with memory automatically lead "job" in the driver's desired position.

To complete the picture is not enough just to ride on the dynamic «baby». The machine we received the V6 engine with a volume of 3.5 liters (302 hp) and the five-«machine». Settings seats, mirrors, steering with the help of electronics took me a few seconds.

«Well, in the way» - I thought and revom motor vehicle accelerated at a meeting of twilight. EX35 goes simply amazing. To place the machine speed for 6.9 seconds, leaving all competitors at the traffic light beyond the horizon. Roar of the engine when «waggery» almost inaudible. Machine vgryzaetsya confidently on the road, well kept straight, the wheel does not knock out of the hands and tyazheleet with fast driving. «Poshahmatit» on such a machine is easy to manage, the car is clearly responding to the rapid reconstruction of, and excellent brakes if necessary. Even at the speed of the machine is clearly in the turns, and the squeal of tires, only adding in one. But do not get carried away, because the system Stability VSC instantly put you in place.


Yes, and even the security company Infiniti did not forget. In standard equipment includes a full set of airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, VDC, TCS, TPMS. If you fail all of these abbreviations? I, too, but the main thing - all this is done, to the maximum to secure your stay at the wheel.

And about the views of the neighboring cars and say no - any girl in this elegant car looks playfully and confidently.

At the holes, and hole country roads EX35 cease to be comfortable, and the heart stops to think that any of these pits can bring excellent «baby» at the bottom. No, this so-called crossover created exclusively for the city. Why rape the car and experience the unpleasant feeling when you can enjoy fully the wonderful ride through the city?

Places in the EX35 is not too much, but not enough. In the trunk is quite vlezut all the supplies for children or a trip to the store. If you want to translate bulky cargo, the rear seats can be folded by pressing the button in the wall of the luggage. And to raise the back seat can not got out of the driver's seat - the buttons are duplicated on the central panel. Rear seats last couple of girlfriends or children, but adults tall men do not advise - nizkovat ceiling.

When I was troubled a large parking «nose» machines, but by the order, the entire perimeter of the machine is monitored by four cameras. Two of them are hidden in the external mirrors, and two more - in the vicinity of the front and rear emblems. Obtained from the computer converts the data into a single volumetric image. You can also separately view the image from the side chambers, which will help not scratch expensive disks on curbs.

Another «fishechka» Infiniti EX35 - paint coating that can "live" minor scratches, ie if you erased the top layer of lacquer - a special resin will fill the damaged area and «voila» - as a new machine:).

Competitors in the class of small crossovers «deluxe» Infiniti have a lot - Volvo XC60, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Audi Q5, but the prices are different.

Price Infiniti EX35 nothing less - 2 million rubles. For example: when buying a Volvo or Audi, you can meet the 1.5 million If you have a priority, practicality and functionality, this machine is hardly priglyanetsya you, but if you are young and willing soul «poschegolyat», with a few extra million reserve, the this machine - what is needed. After all, it is excellent expensive shoes, which at the foot did not even feel it - it just carries you.

Yegor Dobrovol'skii: «Infiniti EX - Crossover-egoist!» Infiniti EX is made on the same philosophy as the «starshenky» FX: fashion, boldly, without regard to practicality and for quality athletic. To do this, do not even have to sit behind the wheel and drive: one looks only confirms this view. Why? The proportions of all matter in the same proportions ...

Outwardly, the car and really, let's say, a compact, even a little. Against the background of any competitor whether Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 "Japanese» looks too tiny and, most importantly, no harmony in the external style: the long hood and small cabin with a heavy stern. But like with like Infiniti EX glamor public. And it happens in part because of the dear image of the brand Infiniti, and then tastes in people, as we know different. However, Infiniti EX mostly like girls accounted for, namely «devchachey» part of it though otbavlyay: soft, dutye sides, stretched wings headlights head light plus the weight bizhyuterii of chromium in the lattice falshradiatornoy and luggage linings, and of how to resist to fashion the rear lights with the LEDs.

EX outwardly seem uncomfortable, and this impression is reinforced when you try to quickly and easily get onto the driver's seat not to mention the process of landing on the second row. The door opening is wide, but the low roof, and front desk too overwhelmed, and the seat is set low, so that prolezt inside comfortably either lady, or subtilny dyadenka.


Of course, claims to the quality of car interior decoration of this level can not be that proper and podverzhdaet experience with Infiniti EX: soft plastic coffee-colored skin and gently creates a special atmosphere that only the inherent luxurious «Japanese». And massive insertion of a tree here in the topic, they are not dull, that reinforces the sense of the high cost of the car.

Sitting at the driver's seat, it becomes clear that the rear passengers are not to be envied. Even the man behind the average growth space for the legs to be butt, shizkaya roof appreciable pressure on the head, and shoulders at once zhmet. But the front seats with power-have a wide range of adjustments. In addition, ergonomics of the EX really good: it's a lot of buttons, but they are convenient and offer sound symbolism. Using an interactive menu system may not be as easy as when dealing with analog technology at the German machines, and all the same: to get to a section, you can not removing attention from driving.

If, however, behind the wheel started strapping the driver, then behind him would not be able to sit down, even a child. Back of the front seat cushions from the rear will be separated in this case, ten centimeters - the word, Infiniti of four cars turned into a triple.

Perturbation is the sham trunk, which is enough in the best case for a couple of small bags. 309 L - it is very little crossover, but vpihnut here even more difficult case, and because of the narrow aperture luggage. Moreover, it does not have Infiniti electric rear door.

But what pleasant emotions gives dynamics Infiniti and its 302-strong 3,5-liter V-shaped «Six». This evil character of teddy EX just not waiting: motor is still a transmission is engaged, whether dispersal from their seats or with speed, he does not care: a wave of hurricane strength narkryvaet immediately and continued unabated with increasing speed. Overtaking are simple, but with a rhythm of the engine consumes fuel by 20 liters and above.

Stiff suspension, minimum heel in turns and precise steering tuned - more than a dream man who prefers an active style of driving. By the way, the behavior of Infiniti and asphalt, and ice is beyond praise. The car is understandable and predictable. But the suspension is tight and costs - a low driving comfort. Even small defects in the pavement suspension reacts badly.

Naturally Infiniti EX is equipped with a full drive, like most crossovers in general. In an Infiniti electronically controlled clutch. In normal mode, rear wheel drive car, but on a signal ESP connects the front axle. This is a small and almost imperceptible delay, but these settings require a rear wheel drive behavior in the fast turn: EX willingly fails to skid, then gently connects the front axle, but still more than a moment ago. As a result, you can even pass in turn controlled by the gas and wheel slip, because ESP can be completely disabled.

In general, if you're interested in a car full of contradictions weaving, but at a price that, on average, for topovouyu version of Elite is more than 2 100 000 rub. It is close to the best models for business-class, which, believe me, they can go no worse than, the this is your personal choice that nobody has the right to challenge.

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Premium-brand Infiniti-19 years already sells products in different countries

Premium-brand Infiniti-19 years already sells products in different countries, Premium-brand Infiniti, a member of the Japanese auto group Nissan, 19 years already sells its products in the markets of different countries, among which appear even China, Ukraine and Mexico. However, so far mark is not made in Europe. The first country where cars appear Infiniti, will be Spain. Sales start here in October this year, so the company has already identified with prices for some models. For example, the G37 sedan in base instrument will cost Spaniards in the 42 500 euros.

Premium-brand Infiniti-19 years already sells products in different countries, Note that the entire European model lineup, except for the FX50, equipped with a 3.7 - liter V6 engine with a system of adjusting the height of recovery valves VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). And for Europe FX50 crossover completed 5 - liter V8.

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