2011 BMW X3 Review

2011 BMW X3 Review
BMW's X3 compact SUV . It's also bigger (3.4 inches longer and 1.1 inches wider), better looking, and more fuel-efficient. The trade-off: The engine in the xDrive28i has less oomph (20 horsepower less) than the only engine offered in the outgoing X3.

The new X3 xDrive35i is relatively expensive, with a starting price of $41,925. It comes with a powerful 3.0-liter, 300-horsepower, turbocharged six-banger engine, however, that matches or bests the top horsepower rating of any of the X3's main competitors.
The X5's other rivals offer only seven- or six-speed automatics.
The mileage rating is exactly the same for the xDrive35i, except that highway mileage rises to 26 mpg.

Among the X3's main rivals, only the four-cylinder-powered Audi Q5 2.0T, with an average mileage rating of 22, does better. The Volvo XC60's mileage rating matches the X3's, but its average drops to 20 mpg with AWD and 19 mpg with a turbocharged engine. The Audi Q5 3.2 is rated to get 20 mpg, and the Mercedes GLK350 is rated to average only 18 mpg, whether with rear-wheel drive or AWD.

The 2011 BMW X3 has higher fuel economy ratings, more standard features and more interior space than previous models, making it an all-around stronger contender.
For the 2011 model year, BMW has taken the luxury compact X3 back to the drawing board and returned with a SUV that the industry admires. “The original BMW X3 ‘Sport Activity Vehicle’ debuted in 2004, and was one of the pioneers of the luxury small crossover craze, influencing brands like Acura, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz to follow in their footsteps. Here's the good news: That all changes with the 2011 BMW X3.

Other Compact SUVs to Consider
Instead it offers rear-wheel drive with an all-wheel drive option. The result, reviewers say, is that the EX is extremely fun to drive. Reviewers like the Q5’s car-like ride and handling, as well as its luxurious interior.

Details: BMW X3
All-wheel drive is standard on both trims. The 2011 model is bigger than the outgoing model, and has a new suspension and transmission, more passenger room and more cargo space.
The 2011 BMW X3 has been fully redesigned. Highlights include an optional turbocharged engine, a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, crisper exterior styling, revised suspension tuning and an updated interior design with the latest iDrive electronics interface.
Thankfully, BMW softened the suspension and upped the power in successive years. An optional adaptive suspension allows the driver to select from three different modes calibrating suspension, throttle, transmission and stability control settings.

The xDrive28i ostensibly replaces last year's xDrive30i, and offers slightly less power, but also a slimmer entry fee. Both models get a new eight-speed transmission, which rows through gears in a quiet fury to reach cruising speed. Overall, BMW's refinements make the X3 a prime contender in the small luxury crossover SUV segment.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 BMW X3 is a five-passenger compact luxury crossover SUV available in two trim levels: the xDrive28i and the xDrive35i.
Standard features on the 28i include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, eight-way power front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, automatic climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, BMW's iDrive electronics interface and a 12-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod interface.

The Sport Activity package varies slightly for each model, but includes 18-inch wheels, sport front seats, roof rails and a sport transmission with paddle shifters. The Technology package offers a rearview camera with top view, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth streaming audio and a hard-drive-based navigation system with voice commands and real-time traffic. Opting for the Dynamic Handling package gets you adaptive suspension dampers, variable-ratio steering and three driver-selectable drive modes. A Cold Weather package adds heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

A 3.0-liter inline-6 engine powers both 2011 BMW X3 models. BMW estimates the x35i's fuel economy at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway.
Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, automatic brake drying (useful in rainy weather), front airbags, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints, stability control, and hill descent control. In Edmunds testing, the xDrive35i stopped from 60 mph in a short 116 feet.

Veritas RS III

V10 / 4.999 cc / 507 PS / 384 lb/ft (520 Nm) @ 6.100 / 0 - 62 mph (100 km/h): 3,2 s / Vmax: 216 mph (347 km/h)

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2011 Infiniti EX35 Review

The 2011 Infiniti EX35 gets a new transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Standard on the Journey are a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, heated front seats, sunroof, wireless cell-phone link, and hard drive for storing digital-music files. Lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, power-folding rear seat backs, and a navigation system are among the options offered on the Journey.

COMPETITION
Premium-Compact SUVs are luxury SUVs that are compact in size.
With rear-wheel-drive and a more wagon-like profile, the EX35 isn’t your average people and cargo hauler. if Goldilocks drove, she might consider it just right. North America sees the EX in 3.5-liter trim (hence EX35), but Europe and Japan get a zippier EX37 with Infiniti’s larger V6, while China gets an EX25 with Infinit’s smaller V6.
For the 2011 model year, the Infiniti EX35 finds itself grille to grille with some of the brightest in the business.

Any breakthroughs?
Then there are the other techno-fab pieces like the Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Departure Prevention systems, Full-speed Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, and finally the Blind Spot Warning system.

When you compare the EX with big brother FX, you get the impression that the EX came out on top when the genetics were being sorted out. With our Infiniti and its rear-wheel-drive setup (all-wheel-drive is optional), we didn’t even make an attempt at some of the rough terrain that is South Florida.

Chrome trim strips frame the greenhouse, and blacked out B, C and D-pillars help to minimize the size that comes with adding various safety items like air curtains and seat side-curtain airbags. The overall look is finished off nicely with 19-inch split-spoke wheels mounted with Bridgestone Potenza sport tires. The liftgate is equipped with a curved expanse of glass covered by a rear window shade. Once again, Infiniti shows that it is at the top of its game as far as interior design is concerned. Infiniti has managed to avoid going to the spinning control dial as seen in Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and, yes, Hyundai vehicles. Large, living room chair-style front seats kept us firmly tucked in during our tracking through twisties. Cargo space in the “way back” was accommodating for 18.6 cubic feet with the 60-40 split seats in the upright and locked position. Following Infiniti’s (and Nissan’s) economy of scale, the EX shares underpinnings with its sistership, the G sedan. But with the EX 5.6 inches shorter in overall length at 182.3, than the G’s 187.9-inches, it is able to bring forth a sporty car feel that actually makes it a fun driver.

Our EX RWD weighed in at 3,795 lbs., and according to the EPA, managed to tick off 17 city and 24 highway miles per gallon during government testing. From a handling standpoint, the EX is equipped with a subframe mounted double-wishbone setup that has high-performance dual-pass shock absorbers with a 26mm stabilizer bar in front. A speed-determined variable-power assist handles steering.

The EX was quite the performer throughout our week of constant cruising. Once again, the thought “Infiniti G wagon” came to mind.
Infiniti’s 2011 EX35 captures the spritely feeling of a small car with the luxury and technology of a land yacht.

Lumping the Infiniti EX35 in with other “small cars” is a bit of a stretch. The Infiniti EX35 is not exactly small, since it measures about 15 feet long and weighs 3,764 pounds. Like the Infiniti M37x, the EX35 has that cocooning cockpit feel. You slip in and the car just feels right. The lighting inside, especially the “electroluminescent” gauges, have that extra luxury look that makes the car worth the higher price tag (our test car is priced at $46,605 but the base price is $35,150 – or much closer to the X3.)

The exterior styling is not as pronounced as the M37x we tested.
Pick a speed, any speed
We’re jumping right to the driving experience here, because that is the real draw with this sporty hatchback. It now has a 7-speed transmission. Truth be told, switching from a 5-speed to a 7-speed might be a technical improvement. The real reason the Infiniti EX35 begs you to drive fast is due to the cockpit feel.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2011 Reviews

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T model comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.6-inch disc brakes, a front strut brace, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel audio controls, power windows, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3, air conditioning, projector beam headlamps, trip computer, cruise control, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, active head restraints, front/side/curtain airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control.

The Premium edition gains a power driver's seat, 360-watt Infinity audio with 10 speakers, push-button start, auto-dimming mirrors, a tilt-and-slide power sunroof, and navigation system.
Available for $26,750, with a six-speed manual only, is the 2.0T "Track" model. It has all the same mechanical upgrades as the Track model, but lacks the premium leather seats, Xenon lights, and navigation.

A six-speed manual is standard, while upgrading to the Shiftronic pushes the price to $26,500.
Lastly, the "Track" V6 model comes with 19-inch gunmetal finish alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with 13.4-inch rotors and four-piston brakes, track-tuned suspension, and Torsen-type limited-slip differential. Unlike the 2.0T, the Track model is available with a Shiftronic automatic, in addition to a regular manual.

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a solid value, providing rear-wheel drive sports car abilities for a lot less than the competition. The Genesis Coupe is Hyundai's sportiest vehicle yet, but struggles to find its place in the exciting, fast-paced world of sports cars.

Other Sports Cars to Consider
Within the class of Affordable Sports Cars, only the Mazda RX-8 and Mitsubishi Eclipse offer seating for four and everyday usability. Shoppers seriously considering the 2011 Hyunda Genesis Coupe should shop it against Muscle Cars, like the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang.

Details: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Genesis Coupe 2.0T is available in base, Premium and R-Spec trims.
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe features improved interior materials, including padded door armrests, softer leather for the leather-wrapped steering wheel and more chrome accents for the instrument panel. Though it shares its name with the larger Genesis luxury sedan, the Genesis Coupe is a considerably different type of car. It follows the basic formula for a high-performance coupe with its sleek styling, rear-wheel drive and a pair of small backseats. Thankfully the Genesis Coupe has the goods to back it up. With either power plant the Genesis Coupe provides some of the best handling you'll find in a sport coupe, with precise steering and plenty of cornering grip.

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a performance coupe available in six trim levels: 2.0T, 2.0T R-Spec, 2.0T Premium, 3.8 R-Spec, 3.8 Grand Touring and 3.8 Track.
The base 2.0T comes standard with 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, keyless entry, tilt (but not telescoping) steering column, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, trip computer, Bluetooth and a CD/MP3 stereo with USB/iPod connectivity and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

The 2.0T Premium loses the R-Spec's performance hardware and instead comes with a sunroof, automatic headlights, power driver seat, keyless ignition/entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, an upgraded audio system plus a navigation system.

Powertrains and Performance
The rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis Coupe is powered by either a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine (in 2.0T models) or a 3.8-liter V6 (in 3.8 models). For the 2.0T, Hyundai offers either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with manual shift control. For the 3.8 models, there's the manual or a six-speed automatic, also with manual shift control.
EPA estimated fuel economy for the 2.0T is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the manual transmission.

Safety
The 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, active front head restraints and full-length side curtain airbags.
The front seats are superbly shaped for both enthusiastic driving and long-distance cruising.
Driving Impressions
On the road, the 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is notably impressive for its excellent body control, responsive steering and sophisticated ride quality.

Ferrari Superamerica 45

V12 / 5.998 cc / 620 PS / 448 lb/ft (608 Nm) @ 5.600 / 0 - 62 mph (100 km/h): 3,6 s / Vmax: 207 mph (333 km/h) / one-off collector piece, built for NY real estate mogul Peter Kalikow

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Aton Impulse Viking 2992

S4 / 1.774 cc / 80 PS / 97 ft/lb (131 Nm) @ 3.000 / amphibious vehicle / AWD / Vmax: 50 mph (80 km/h)

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emerging electric mobility agenda, and it's Smart Forspeed concept for the 2011 Geneva auto show is no exception.
The Forspeed's rear wheels are propelled by a 30-kW (40-horsepower) electric motor, the same setup found in the Smart Fortwo ElectricDrive. Smart has included a so-called overboost function, which reportedly allows drivers to cue up an extra 7 horsepower for short blasts by pushing a button on the dashboard. Power is drawn from the same 16.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack as in the Smart ED, giving the Forspeed a theoretical range of 81 miles to a single charge.
While the electric drivetrain is rooted in reality, the Forspeed's styling is not. Bearing some resemblance to the wild Crossblade concept and special-edition model from earlier this decade, the Forspeed does without a roof or windscreen. Shy of donning full-face helmets, occupants receive protection from the elements by means of a chopped wrap-around windscreen and -- unlike the Crossblade -- full door panels.
Like Smart's recent electric bike concepts, the ForSpeed's exterior lighting is LED-based. The lamps aren't traditional projector-style assemblies, however. Instead, designers placed LED pipes radiating from a body-colored center. The outermost rods change color to act as turn signals, and similar lighting placed around the exterior power port, help display the vehicle's charge status.
The Forspeed's safety cell wraps into the double-bubble roll bars, and then flows down into the cabin, where it serves as the car's center console. Designers trimmed the interior in a matching, matte white hue to match the exterior paint, but liberally applied green accents to hint at the eco-friendly properties of the car's drivetrain. A minimalist two-pod dashboard places a speedometer in front of the driver, and a smartphone-based nav system dead ahead of the passenger. According to Smart, the latter can be swiveled 90 degrees to let the driver view the map.
Although a small quantity of Crossblades were offered to the public, Daimler doesn't plan on pushing the Forspeed into even limited production. Even so, the brand says to expect some of the concept's design cues to be incorporated into future Smart product offerings.

2012 Passat also be available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged

The Volkswagen Passat will be redesigned for 2012. There's a lot in store for the 2012 Passat. Buyers can choose between a five speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission (DSG) is standard. Now 50-state emissions legal, the 140-hp TDI makes the Passat the only mainstream family sedan available with a diesel.

The 2012 Passat is facing a kind of perfect storm of skepticism from long-time fans of the brand. Volkswagen has wasted no chance to tell the world that the company's newest sedan will be custom-tailored to the American market, with styling and packaging tweaks designed to set the vehicle apart from its European counterpart. That trend kicked off with the 2011 Jetta – a vehicle that sacrificed interior materials and suspension refinement to meet a lower price point while growing larger to accommodate American tastes.

Does the Passat share a similar fate? That lead many onlookers (ourselves included) to conclude that in creating its new mid-sized sedan, Volkswagen had simply supersized the Jetta.

There's no denying that the 2012 Passat is cut from the same design cloth as the 2011 Jetta. The look is right at home on the larger Passat, with its slightly aggressive headlights, three-bar grille and scowling hood. No matter where your eyes rest, they're bound to fall on a line that runs nearly uninterrupted around the entire vehicle. Base models wear 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, though 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy rollers are also available depending on the trim specification. For 2012, Volkswagen has built almost four additional inches into the Passat, and most of that length has found its way into the rear foot well. One of the biggest highlights of the 2012 Passat interior is its sound system. Volkswagen teamed up with Fender to create a nine-speaker audio system that pushes 400 watts of power. Volkswagen has worked to slim its option sheet to just 16 buildable combinations down from 128 possibilities, and as a result, long-time Passat fans will find a few notable omissions. Buyers will no longer be able to enjoy a wagon version of the vehicle. Additionally, the 2012 Passat is only available with three engines. Those include a 2.5-liter gasoline five-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque as well as a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 with 280 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of twist.

The Passat will also be available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder with 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. We're happy to report that Volkswagen has left some quirkiness in the Passat line by offering the 2.0 TDI engine with both the DSG and a six-speed manual option.

We were able to spend time in both a 2.5-liter, automatic-equipped Passat and its 2.0-TDI, DSG counterpart in mixed driving. Though the big German sedan weighs in between 3,300 and 3,400 pounds depending on engine and transmission choices, neither engine has a particularly hard time moving the Passat in any conditions. The five-cylinder gasoline engine offers similar power to four-cylinder options in both the Camry and Accord, and as such, there's enough grunt on hand to keep the vehicle on pace with the rest of traffic. VW says that while the EPA hasn't finished its fuel economy evaluation for the Passat, the company expects the 2.5-liter powered sedan to see 21 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway in manual guise and 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with the autobox of our tester. Those numbers put the base entry around three mpg behind the Hyundai Sonata on the combined scale and 1.5 mpg behind a comparably equipped Honda Accord.

As a result, the TDI-equipped Passat feels and drives like a sedan you want to spend time in. As in the Jetta TDI, the 2.0-liter engine is quiet both inside and out, producing marginally more engine noise than its petrol counterparts. We encountered just over 40 mpg combined during our time behind the wheel of the Passat TDI.

Volkswagen hasn't announced pricing for the 2012 Passat just yet, but the company says that it's aiming for a price point in the low-$20K range with topped-out models landing in the lower- to mid-$30K range.

Volkswagen's Passat replacement, still called the Passat, grows to large-midsize, will sticker for as little as $20,000 and gets an optional 2.0-liter turbodiesel. VW's spin on the Accord-sized and -priced 2012 Passat is that it represents "accessible German engineering." It's a key component in VW's quest to sell 800,000 cars and sport/utilities in the United States by 2018.

VW, exclusive of Audi, sold about 260,000 cars and sport/utilities here last year, and expects to sell about 300,000 here in '11.
To appeal to a wider audience, mostly Toyota, Honda and Hyundai owners, VW is replacing the smallish-midsize Passat with an Accord-sized 191.7-inch long four-door sedan on a 110.4-inch wheelbase. VW claims best-in-class rear-seat legroom. Strictly speaking, the new Passat doesn't share its platform with anything else sold in North America, though VW has commonized its transverse-engine models (which is just about everything) into the MQB component set.
Base engine will be the unimpressive 170-horsepower 2.5-liter inline five, the Jetta's volume engine, supplied out of Mexico. Just like the 2.0-liter base '11 Jetta, the '12 Passat will start with a low-priced version featuring the 2.5-liter five, for about $20,000, "a breakthrough price for VW," one executive says.
Assembly begins in VW's new Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant later this year.

The best car-related watches of the world - Bugatti Super Sport Watch by Parmigiani Fleurier

Movement Calibre PF 372 / 21.600 half-rotations per minute / 40 jewels / 337 parts / hand winding / power reserve 10 days / 18K white gold case, 36 x 51 x 23 mm / Hermés alligator strap, white gold buckle / Limited edition (30 watches) / USD 259.000

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