Car Picture Collection: January 2011

31.1.11

2011 Mazda 2

2011 Mazda 2 Reviews
Now you can add the 2011 Mazda 2 to that list of price-conscious hatchbacks. On the plus side, the Mazda 2 is quite sporty to drive, and indeed this is one area where Mazda is quite proud of its new entry-level car. The list of standard and available features for the Mazda is quite short, too.

The 2011 Mazda 2 is a five-passenger, four-door subcompact hatchback that is available in two trim levels -- Sport and Touring. The Sport comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel and a four-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack.

The EPA estimates fuel economy at 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway for the manual transmission and 27/33 mpg for the automatic.
Standard safety features for the 2011 Mazda 2 include antilock brakes (discs in front/drums in rear), front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and stability and traction control.

The 2011 Mazda 2's interior is comparable to other hatchbacks in this economical price range. With those rear seats in place, cargo capacity is 13.3 cubic feet, which is small for a hatchback.
Among the most hotly anticipated (at least among Car and Driver staffers) is the 2011 Mazda 2, Mazda’s first America-bound B-segment vehicle since the 323 and arguably the best such car Mazda has ever built.

Unavailable, for example, even on Touring models, are a telescoping steering wheel, a sunroof, integrated navigation (a portable Garmin system will be available from dealers), a USB port, and a hands-free Bluetooth system. Ditto the front-disc, rear-drum brakes. Meanwhile, fuel economy is good if not worldbeating, at 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the five-speed manual and 27/33 for the four-speed automatic.
The Mazda2 press junket was shaping up to be one of those trips. Old-tech 4-speed automatic.

Mazda's stylists applied scaled-down versions of their latest styling cues -- the big smiling grille (link goes to photo), the strong front fender line, the trapezoidal rear window -- and while those same details stick out like sore thumbs on the bigger Mazda3, they somehow manage to blend right in on the little Mazda2.

At the front of the room, the Mazda staffers were talking about the virtues of the new Mazda2: refinement, light weight, price.
I picked a bright-red "Mazda2" Touring with a manual transmission and settled in. I certainly didn't feel like I was sitting in Mazda's cheapest car.

As much as I liked the Mazda2, my heart belongs to the Ford Fiesta. It's great to drive and its high-tech twin-clutch automatic delivers better fuel economy than the Mazda2, plus it offers features that the Mazda doesn't such as leather seats and iPod integration. Still, the Fiesta lacks the Mazda's quiet engine and smooth ride -- not to mention its proven Japanese build quality.
The car that poses the biggest challenge to the Mazda2 might well be the Nissan Versa, which has a roomy, well-trimmed cabin and a very attractive price tag but lacks the Mazda's good looks. Considering what the competition offers, I think the Mazda's mix of attributes will serve it well.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Cabriolet

V8 / 4.735 cc / 436 PS / 361 ft/lb (490 Nm) @ 5.000 / 0 - 62 mph (100 km/h): 4,8 s / Vmax: 190 mph (305 km/h)

(click images for a larger view)

PREVIEW: A look inside the future B-Klasse

After we initially came across a photo showcasing the dashboard of the future A-Klasse, Autoreview has recently published a set of clear design sketches revealing the interior of the upcoming B-Klasse. The dashboard emphasizes a smooth, fresh and youthful design. The huge, round aircon vents (which are very similar to those on the SLS or the new SLK) as well as the ingeniously-mounted display for the COMAND infotainment system and the big slab for fitting the aluminium/wood trim will obviously cause a great visual impact when someone enters the car for the first time. As far as we are concerned, these drawing are very encouraging and we can't wait to see the final result. Till then, hit the jump button and see more pics!

PHOTO GALLERY: The F-CELL World Drive - From Stuttgart to Reims

The Mercedes-Benz F-CELL World Drive trip commenced on the 30th January 2011. The team from the three B-Klasse F-CELL models that are taking part in this venturesome journey have penetrated France, going from Stuttgart to the town of Reims located in the northern part of the country. Check out the first pictures after the you hit the jump button!

REPORT: Future Mercedes-Benz compact SUV and coupe models planned for U.S.

In an interview awarded to Automotive News, Joachim Schmidt, head of the Sales & Marketing department at Mercedes-Benz, stated that the Stuttgart-based carmaker is currently working on several compact variants, developed on the revolutionary MFA front-driven platform, that will enter the U.S. market within the next three years. “We will introduce the next generation of our MFA family to the U.S.,” he said. Moreover, “Two variants, maybe even a third, are planned for the U.S.”, Schmidt further added. The future lineup of compact models will include up to four versions for Europe; the first of the series, the new B-Klasse MPV that comes by the end of 2011 and the A-Klasse hatchback that arrives in the summer of 2012, will not be sold in USA, but if there's an indication of a possible substantial demand, the officials might reconsider the situation, as Joachim Schmidt concludes: “The U.S. is not the typical compact hatchback market but if the demand arises, we could react very quickly and introduce these two variants in the U.S. far quicker than in the past.”. For the North Americans, Mercedes-Benz will offer a range of three interesting models, which includes a coupe (most probably a 4-door one - the little brother of the CLS), a small SUV (call it baby GLK, that may receive the name "BLK") and a third option - either a compact cabriolet or a shooting brake. The coupe and SUV will arrive six months after the Europe debut, which means 2013 and 2014, respectively.

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Noble M600

V8 / 4.412 cc / 456 PS (Road mode), 608 PS (Track mode) or 659 PS (Race mode) / 604 lb/ft (819 Nm) @ 3.800 / twin turbo / 0 - 62 mph (100 km/h): 3,0 s / Vmax: 225 mph (362 km/h)

(click images for a larger view)

So What Are Hydraulic Jacks And How Do They Work?

Hydraulic jacks use a liquid to push against the piston to lift just about anything with virtually no effort. The process is derived from Pascal's Principle which state that the pressure is in a given enclosed container is the same in all of its points. Therefore, if you have two individual cylinders that are connected, if force is applied to the smaller cylinder it is going to have the same pressure as the larger cylinder has.

The trick comes from the larger cylinder, because it has more area, which means it will result in greater force. Simply said, the more area there is the more force it will result in. The greater the difference in size between the two cylinders, the greater the increase in the force will be. Also the bigger difference they have in size, the more you will get an increase in resulting force. A hydraulic jack basically works on this system, resulting in a simpler and easier way to move and lift heavy objects.

The hydraulic jacks consist of 6 individual parts that make up the overall system. These parts are the check valve, reservoir, main cylinder, pump, piston, and lastly the release. The job of the reservoir is to contain the hydraulic fluid. On the down stroke the pump draws the said fluid up and is pushed by the pressure into the check valve. This allows the fluid to go into the main cylinder. As the cylinder fills up the piston is pushed up. Then, when the time to release the pressure comes, allowing the piston to come back down in its original position, the valve must open. Once the valve opens the fluid goes back to it original place, the reservoir.

The hydraulic jack for vehicles is one of the most common ways that the hydraulic jacks are put to use. This system makes the overall process much faster and easier than any of the traditional jacks used. If you plan on using the hydraulic jack, or any other jack for that matter, ensure that you use all precaution. The car must be parked if you have an automatic transmission. If you have a stick shift put the car in first or in reverse to make sure that you are safe.

Different cars have different jack points, so make sure to first locate yours. There should be a jack point sometime near or around the wheel you require to replace. It is important that you place the jack on a piece of plywood or other secure surface to ensure stability. Never place the jack on a soft surface, for example if you are changing the tire on a lawn or on the side of the road in the soft area as the jack will sink as it tries to lift the car. Using precaution when changing your tires is essential, this is whether you are using standard jacks or hydraulic jacks.

Car Covers Are For Everyone

Nature, it all it's wonder and glory, is not so kind when it comes to the treatment it gives to cars. Nature's elements can be quite harsh and detrimental to the car's well being. The various weather conditions can, and will have diverse effects on cars.

Rain contains high levels of acid that literally eat away at the car's paintwork. What is left, is a patchy, peeling paint car that looks like it has been through the wars. If that is not bad enough, the rain leaves awful watermarks all over the exterior of the car, and over time, causes the car to rust and rot.

Snow has more or less the same effects as rain does, only worse. When it snows, the car, and all it's parts, will freeze over. This includes the car's brakes. The problem with this is that when the brakes are frozen they do not work adequately enough and cause erratic driving that could result in a fatal accident, G-d forbid.

Wind has it's problems too. The seemingly innocent wind actually drags all sorts of 'goodies' along with it. Anything that has been left lying in the street gets swept up in the wind storm and made to fly through the air. In doing so, bits of rubble, including sticks and stones, will scratch and dent the car, leaving it looking a real spectacle.

The sun is extremely powerful. Due to global warming, the ozone layer has thinned, and therefore the sun's ultra violet rays are not being filtered. As a result, when the ultra violet rays beat down on the cars, they cause the finish to melt, and bleach the paintwork. The car is left looking completely washed out, and colourless; a dull metal tin!

When the car is left standing in the sun, its interior gets ruined too. The internal specs of the car get wrecked due to the car overheating. The car is also too hot and stuffy to drive,and can be very claustrophobic. Drivers can even burn their hands on the steering wheels, when the car gets overheated.

All of this, together with piles of dust, and birds droppings, do not make the outdoors a safe haven for cars. The cars are left in a bedraggled sated, with unsightly stains that will take hours to clean.

The indoors is not much better though. Although the car is not exposed to most weather conditions, it is still not shielded from dust and dirt. In fact, dust tends to pile up much faster in garages due to the storage conditions. Usually old bits of rubbish that no one wants to throw out are kept in garages, these are awfully dusty, and act as a magnet to more dust, that only instead lands up on the car.

Also garages are usually small places. People tend to have to squeeze past to get to the other end. In doing so, they are very likely to scratch or dent the car, especially if they have something like keys hanging from their belt or pocket.

In either case, a car cover would be the ideal choice to keeping a car in mint condition. All weather car covers are fully waterproof and ultra violet resistant, so that eliminates all problems caused by the sun, rain, sleet and snow. The cover will also be act as a cushioning shield for the car so that no impression will be made as and when it gets knocked about. Automatically, having a car cover, prevents the car from getting dusty too. So, all in all, the car cover is the ultimate life saver!

Setra to celebrate anniversary at Retro Classics 2011

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

- 60 years of Setra buses – the idea of the self-supporting body wins through
- 100 years of bus expertise from Ulm/Neu-Ulm
- Four historical buses from 1911 to 1976 in hall 8

Stuttgart/Neu-Ulm, Germany Jan 31, 2011 – Setra Buses, Daimler AG's Ulm-based bus brand, will be celebrating the brand's 60th anniversary and the beginning of bus production in Ulm 100 years ago when it appears at Retro Classics 2011 in Stuttgart (11 – 13 March), presenting four historical buses in hall 8 (commercial vehicles).

The first Setra bus from 1951

The highlight at the exhibition stand will be the first Setra bus ever to be produced, bearing the chassis number -001. This vehicle was presented to bus companies for the first time at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1951. The defining characteristic of this vehicle was that it did not use a truck frame as its base. Instead, a self-supporting frame was lined with sheet metal to form the vehicle's body. Other features of the first Setra include a six-cylinder Henschel rear engine rated at 74 kW (100 hp), underfloor luggage compartments and a fully synchromeshed five-speed ZF manual transmission.

S 215 HD dating from 1976 - the prototype of the Setra 200 model series

The 200 series in the Setra brand's 25th year opened another successful chapter. This generation of vehicles introduced cross-flow ventilation, whereby fresh air was channelled draught-free into the passenger compartment along the entire length of the vehicle. The exhibit is the prototype of the 200 model series and is fitted with an OM 403 10-cylinder V engine from Mercedes-Benz rated at 235 kW (320 hp).

First Kässbohrer bus on Saurer chassis from 1911

It was 100 years ago, in February 1911, when Kässbohrer undertook its first step in the field of bus construction. The first Kässbohrer bus was built on a Saurer truck chassis for the city of Ulm's first bus service running from Münsterplatz to the suburb of Wiblingen. The exhibit is a fully functional replica of the lost original. The vehicle possesses a four-cylinder Saurer petrol engine with an output of around 29 kW (40 hp). The wooden body has 18 seats plus space for around ten standing passengers.

Bus on Opel Blitz chassis with Kässbohrer trailer, built in 1956

The compact bus dating from 1956 was built on the chassis of the Opel Blitz, which was highly popular among bus companies at the time. With the introduction of the Setra S 6, compact buses were also produced in self-supporting design from the mid-1950s. The exhibit is fitted with a six-cylinder petrol engine rated at 46 kW (62 hp). A Kässbohrer luggage trailer compensates for the lack of space in the luggage compartment.

Retro Classics 2011 is an international trade show for vintage vehicles, replacement parts and restoration which is to take place at the Stuttgart exhibition site from 11 to 13 March (preview on 10 March), with over 1000 exhibitors. Opening times are Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs € 16 for adults, concessionary rate € 12.

30.1.11

2011 Volvo S80

2011 Volvo S80 Review

New for 2011 the engines receive horsepower increases, the 3.2 liter engine to 240-hp, and the turbocharged 3.0 liter to 300-hp. The front-wheel drive S80 is available with a 240-hp 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine or a 230-hp 3.2-liter PZEV engine. Safety features include ABS, traction control, stability control, and six airbags.

Unlike most luxury large cars, the Volvo S80 seems to be engineered to fly under the radar. Safety and price. The 2011 Volvo S80 is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) “Top Safety Pick,” which means it boasts excellent crash test scores and standard safety features. If you value your budget and your safety above plush interiors and back-road performance, most car reviewers say that the S80 should work for you.

The 2011 Infiniti M is also an IIHS “Top Safety Pick,” which should reassure buyers looking for a safe large luxury car--For 2011, Volvo has updated the S80’s engine lineup.

The exterior design is traditional Volvo. Fuel Economy is fine. This car is 90% Mercedes at 80% of the price. I recommend this car to anyone looking for understated luxury and high quality.

Volvo S60 R-Design

Introducing the all-new S60 R-Design — designed with true sports-car feel and featuring a specially developed chassis to ensure that the driving experience matches the car’s appearance.
With R-Design it becomes even sharper. They’re the natural choice for true connoisseurs,” said Paul Welander, Senior Vice President Product Development at Volvo Cars.

Sporty, sportier, sportiest — in order to keep the superlatives in check Volvo Cars has taken an holistic view of the all-new S60 R-Design, with the design and chassis being developed in parallel into a single cohesive offer.

Distinctive twin exhaust tailpipes and unique five-spoke 18-inch Diamond cut wheels emphasize the sporty overall appeal.
The Volvo S60 saloon has been winning Volvo praise thanks to its good looks, comfort and enjoyable handling. Now Volvo has added its R-Design package to the range, and we’ve tested it.
The chassis has been comprehensively honed to improve the precision of each wheel’s movements--Inside there’s a three-spoke steering wheel, blue instrument dials, sports gear knob and bucket seats with increased side support to further hold occupants in place.

It’s not as involving as the lively rear-wheel drive BMW 3 Series coupe, but on a par with the front or four-wheel drive Audi A5.
Actually it's a more advanced form of an existing Volvo active safety system called City Safety, which automatically stops a Volvo if another vehicle gets in its way.
It's a radar-and camera-based system that can detect pedestrians in front of the car.

In a nutshell, it gives a warning signal if someone walks into its detection field and automatically activates the car's full braking power if the driver fails to respond in time.

Half of all pedestrian accidents occur at speeds below 25 km/h. Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds up to 35 km/h, even if the driver is distracted and does not react in time. At higher speeds, the focus is on warning and reducing the car's speed as much as possible prior to the impact.

The all-wheel-drive technology now includes a torque-vectoring feature, which can increase torque to the outside wheel and help steer the car around a turn with more stability.

SAFETY
In addition to the Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake system, the S60 offers a selection of other advanced active safety features. n Lane Departure Warning is a system that alerts the driver if the vehicle is drifting into another lane. THE DRIVE
We drove like normal and it was almost completely uneventful other than some minor warning light episodes -- people walking in front while stopped (in drive).

Even with its battery of safety systems, the S60 is probably the sportiest Volvo sedan we've driven. Overall it's a nicely balanced car with a first-class engine.

2011 Dodge Magnum wagon is a full-size car

The new 2010 2011 Dodge Magnum wagon is a full-size car available with powerful performance of a V8 Hemi Engine. With the same platform as the Chrysler 300 sedan, the new Magnum sports rear-wheel drive and a four or a five-speed automatic transmission. A 3.5-liter single-overhead-cam V6 engine powers the Magnum SXT and makes 250 horsepower with 250 pound-feet of torque. The 2010 2011 Magnum SXT runs a four-speed automatic and will also offer all-wheel drive.

With distinctive style, more speed, better handling and better fuel mileage, the Dodge Magnum is the ultimate choice for the car buyers. In 1978, Dodge first introduced the Magnum in the market. From being just a sporty coupe, The "2011 Dodge Magnum" has become a full-fledged minivan. 2011 Dodge Magnum car models are the buyer’s delight. Give the V6 engine of Dodge Magnum just 11 seconds, it will pick up 60 mph speed. Enjoy driving with CD player, check out the outside temperature with outside temperature display attached with 2011 Dodge Magnum. Have a look at the features of Dodge Magnum RT.

Each car review or auto review includes 2011 Dodge Magnum ratings, 2011 Dodge Magnum safety ratings, 2011 Dodge Magnum reliability ratings, 2011 Dodge Magnum mileage ratings, 2011 Dodge Magnum practically ratings, 2011 Dodge Magnum exterior ratings from 100% real Dodge Magnum owners and Dodge Magnum enthusiasts.

VIDEO GALLERY: Daimler Celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the automobile - Best Moments

Daimler Celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the automobile - Best Of - Part I

Daimler Celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the automobile - Best Of - Part II

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Porsche 911 (997) Turbo Gemballa Avalanche GTR 650 EVO-R Cabriolet

B6 / 3.800 cc / 650 PS / 700 ft/lb (950 Nm) @ 1.950 - 5.000 / twin turbo / AWD / 0 - 62 mph (100 km/h): 3,4 s / Vmax: 205 mph (332 km/h)

(click images for a larger view)