2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid /Review

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid will settle the dilemma between owning a large, capable SUV and saving money on gas and protecting the environment.  That’s because an efficient 332-horsepower, 6.0-liter V-8 is paired to GM’s two-mode hybrid system that features dual electric motors, a continuously variable transmission, and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack.  Like most hybrids, the 2011 Escalade Hybrid’s system recharges the battery pack through regenerative braking.  Fuel estimates check in at 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.  For those concerned about the environmental impact of the Escalade Hybrid, just know that it emits between three and four fewer metric tons of carbon dioxide than the gas-only Escalades.  Competition includes the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.

The Escalade Hybrid is available in four-wheel drive for enhanced traction and handling, and can tow up to 5,800 pounds (2WD model).  The Escalade Hybrid is bathed in hybrid badges, which instantly sets its exterior apart from other Escalades.  A power liftgate, 22-inch chrome wheels, power sunroof, and xenon headlights are standard, while LED headlights and power-retractable running boards are optional.

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid can seat up to eight occupants in three rows.  Cargo volume is also cavernous with 108.9 cubic feet of space to fit all of your luggage or equipment.  Leather interior, power, heated, and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, tri-zone climate control, heated and cooled cup holders, a navigation system, Bluetooth® connectivity and a USB/iPod port are just some of the impressive standard features.  Monitor the Escalade’s hybrid activity and efficiency through informative graphics displayed on the navigation screen and instrument cluster.

As for safety, the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid features three-row side curtain airbags, driver and passenger airbags, antilock brakes, an electronic stability system with traction control, rearview camera, and a blind spot warning system as standard equipment.  A suite of OnStar safety technologies and communications also comes standard and notify the authorities in the event of an accident.  Standard maintenance such as scheduled oil changes, replacement of engine and cabin air filters, tire rotations and more are covered for four years or 50,000 miles.

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PricingMSRP: $74,135 to $88,435
Invoice Price: $69,316 to $82,687
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG)
20 City /23 Highway
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2012 Audi R8 / Review

2012 Audi R8

Audi first unveiled the R8 -- its first ever mid-engine sports cars -- for the 2008 model year, and the model has continued largely unchanged in base trim since.
The base 4.2 R8 has a 420 horsepower high-revving V8 engine and all-wheel-drive. It uses the mid-engine Lamborghini Gallardo platform and starts at $114,200, positioning it squarely against the BMW M6, Porsche 911, and Aston Martin Vantage.
The car features a choice of LED or Xenon headlamps surrounded by LED running lights and indicators. LEDs are also used in the engine bay to make the impressive V8 visible even at night.
Both a standard manual and an automated manual transmission are offered. Claimed zero to 62 mph time is 4.6 seconds, though this number is likely conservative.

Interior

The interior has a driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high center console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.

The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a Leather/Alcantara combination, or optionally in full leather. Alternatively, the R8 can also be fitted with bucket seats, specially developed by quattro GmbH. There is plenty of room for the two occupants, with comfort levels well beyond the norm of high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment at the front has a capacity of 100 litres.
With numerous trim variants and applications in Piano finish or Carbon sigma, there are few limits to the range of customization options for the interior.

The drivetrain

At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-liter engine delivers 309 kW (420 bhp) of power output. Peak torque is 430 Newton-meters from 4.500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides ample thrust in most driving situation.
The engine is a high-revving unit. The maximum engine speed is 8,250 rpm. Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox, with a joystick gear-shift on the center console and, most especially, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. 'Shift by wire' technology provides for very fast gear-shifting and an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, allied to compact gearbox dimensions. The Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun. An automatic mode can also be selected.
The car is fitted with permanent four-wheel drive, which distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch. On the Audi R8 the legendary quattro system is adapted to the axle load distribution typical of mid-engined cars.

The chassis
The chassis features forged aluminum double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated wishbone with a track rod. This provides for optimum wheel control, and is a geometry which has proved itself to be the ideal solution in delivering agility, maximum steering precision and precisely defined self-steering characteristics.
Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the driver.

The spring and damper set-up is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics, while still providing a quite astonishing level of ride comfort. This is particularly true when the 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system is chosen as an alternative to the standard gas-filled shock absorbers.
Instead of the conventional damper fluid, a magnetorheological fluid is used -- in other words, a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically at will and instantaneously, by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.
Audi magnetic ride uses this property to deliver the correct damping forces in every driving situation. A computer determines the prevailing driving situation in a matter of milliseconds. Drivers can choose from two driving programs depending on whether they want to drive in a highly sporty style -- with the magnetorheological fluid adjusted to a low viscosity -- or with the emphasis more on ride comfort.
The Audi R8 is fitted with 6-arm 18-inch wheels as standard, and can optionally be ordered with 19-inch wheels. The 235/40 size tires at the front and up to 285/35 at the rear provide the necessary road-holding. The mid-engined sports car's long wheelbase and extremely low center of gravity ensure that it always retains maximum stability.

Equipment and trim

Xenon plus lights, LED rear lights and daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminium wheels, an audio system with 7-inch monitor, an anti-theft alarm and Leather/Alcantara interior trim are just some of the items on the extensive list of standard features.

The range of optional extras includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially designed speakers. A microphone-based vehicle noise compensation system adjusts audio levels to changing road conditions and speeds.

The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera help the driver to maneuver into even the tightest of spaces. The radio/navigation system plus, featuring a large-format color monitor and MMI keypad, combines extensive functionality with extreme user-friendliness.
A total of eight exterior colors are available, from Ibis White to Phantom Black, pearl effect.
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Specs:
Curb Weight (lbs)     3605
City (MPG)     11
Hwy (MPG)     20
Horsepower     430@7900
Torque (lb-ft)     316@4500
Wheelbase     104.3
Length (in.)     174.5
Width (in.)     79.9
Height (in.)     49.3

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2011 Ferrari 599 GTO /Review

Ferrari’s 599 GTO

Ferrari has finally taken the wraps of its high-performance 599 GTO. Billed as Ferrari’s fastest ever road car topping even the mighty Ferrari Enzo — the production version of the 599 GTO is largely based on the 599XX concept.

Using the already potent 599 GTB HGTE as a jumping point, the 599 GTO kicks it up a notch with a number of performance improvements. The 599 GTO cranks out 670 horsepower, up from the standard car’s 612 horsepower. The 599 GTO’s V12 engine is capable of revving to 9,000 rpm. Power is routed through an F1-style six-speed gearbox.

Thanks to that added power, the 599 GTO makes the sprint from 0-62 in just 3.35 seconds, continuing to a top speed of 208mph.

The 599's chassis has been thoroughly reworked for the GTO treatment, and Ferrari says the improvements completely eliminated any understeer.

Of course, with it being well known that weight is the number one enemy of performance, Ferrari also took several actions to shave off unnecessary weight. The areas involved include the bodywork and greenhouse (with thinner gauge aluminum and thinner glass), the brakes, transmission and exhaust system.

The result is a dry weight of 1,495 kg and a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp, a very significant figure that underlines the GTO's performance potential.

The 599 GTO features Ferrari’s Magnetorheological Supension Control system, as well as carbon ceramic disc brakes measuring 15.7x1.5 inches in the front, and 14.2x1.5 inches in the rear.

The 599 GTO gets its power to the ground thanks to high-performance Michelin tires, size 285/30/20 up front and 315/35/20 in the rear.

The car-driver interface was designed to maximize car and driver performance with a layout of the main commands that ensures absolute efficiency and minimum distraction. The Racing manettino also puts the emphasis firmly on sporty, track-specific driving settings by offering the driver full choice with regard to the electronic control parameters.

The ICE position on the 599 GTB Fiorano has been replaced by CT-Off (traction control off). The GTO is also fitted with bespoke, longer carbon-fibre F1 paddles for easier use in high-speed driving. In addition the GTO also features the Virtual Race Engineer, a system that monitors the status of the car and gives the driver immediate visibility of vehicle performance.

Ferrari will produce just 599 examples of the 599 GTO, with a price tag expected to fit that exclusivity with reports suggesting the 599 GTO will retail from $426,000.

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Basic Specs

Base Price     TBA
Drivetrain     Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs)     3538
City (MPG)     TBD
Hwy (MPG)     TBD
Horsepower     670@8250
Torque (lb-ft)     457@6500
Wheelbase     108.3
Length (in.)     185.4
Width (in.)     77.2
Height (in.)     52.2

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2012 Audi A4 Avant Wagon

2012 Audi A4 Avant Wagon

Basic Specs
City (MPG) : 21/Hwy (MPG) :29  Horsepower : 211@4300-6000  Torque (lb-ft) : 258@1500-4200

Audi took the wraps off its redesigned A4 Avant station wagon for the latest model year. Based directly on the new A4 Sedan, the Avant model is larger and more advanced than its predecessor.
Compared to the old model, the proportions have been adjusted noticeably. The front overhang has been shortened, and the hood and the wheelbase have gained considerably in length. The newly developed five-link front axle has been shifted farther forward. This ensures that the axle loads are better distributed, thereby improving handling.
The new A4 Avant measures 15.42 feet in length, 4.72 inches longer than the previous model. The body structure is considerably more rigid and stronger, yet is around 10 percent lighter at the same time.
Visually, the Avant is very similar to the new Sedan. The flat D-pillars create a more dynamic silhouette than those of past A4 wagons. The new A4 Avant will roll off the production line on 16 inch and 17 inch alloy wheels.
As with the sedan, the interior is all-new, featuring more legroom, improved materials, and more comfort overall. The driver-oriented cockpit borrows many features from the larger A8, Audi says. Thanks to the new electro-mechanical parking brake, the manual parking brake was no longer necessary, creating more space in the center console area.
Audi claims a maximum storage space of 50.50 cubic feet is the largest luggage capacity in the wagon's competitive field. The 60/40 split-fold rear seats also come with the option of a load-through hatch with separate ski and snowboard bag.

2012 Audi A4 Avant Wagon interior

Engine
While Europe will get the Avant with a choice of three diesel engine and two gasoline ones, Audi says the sole engine for North America will be a new turbocharged four-cylinder.
Gone are the multiple engine offerings, and in place of six and four-cylinder offerings is a single, 2.0-liter TFSI engine. This turbocharged four-cylinder engine is good for an impressive 211 horsepower from 4,300 to 6,000 rpm, and 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 4,200 rpm.
For the A4 Avant, the only transmission choice is the Tiptronic eight-speed transmission, rated at 21 city, 29 highway miles per gallon. This model is only available with quattro all-wheel drive.

Safety
Collision safety is improved by a combination of adaptive airbags, belt tensioners with variable belt force limiters and seat position sensors on the front seats to best protect occupants. In case of a rear-end collision, the backs of the front seats and the head rests support the upper body.
An electronic stabilization program (ESP) is standard, and can be partially switched off when driving under 44 mph. A new variable steering ratio system adjusts by nearly 100 percent depending on the speed driven.

High-tech features
Optional high-tech systems include the Audi parking system (a parking aid; standard for the A4 Avant Ambiente), Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist (which warns of hazards when changing lane). Adaptive cruise control maintains the distance to the vehicle in front.
The Audi Music Interface (AMI) allows iPods and similar devices to be connected. The navigation systems with MMI Basic plus or with DVD including MMI are also further upgrade options. They permit the integration of cell phones as Bluetooth car phones and are combined with the MMI operating system. A high-performance Bang & Olufsen audio system is available with a 505 watt, ten-channel amplifier that controls 14 speakers.

Packages
The new Audi A4 Avant will roll off the production line in the Attraction, Ambition, and Ambiente equipment lines. The dynamic S line offers the options of an exterior package and a sports package. The range of options includes luxury-class features such as air-conditioned comfort seats, the triple-zone climate control system, the advanced key which allows keyless access to the vehicle and vehicle start-up at the press of a button, and the dynamic cornering light system known as adaptive light. The large panoramic glass sunroof lights up the interior.

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2011 Acura MDX/Review

2011 Acura MDX

Pricing  MSRP :$42,930 to $52,555/Invoice Price :$39,411 to $48,139
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG): City:16 /Highway: 21

The seven-passenger 2011 Acura MDX is equipped with a 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.  With Acura’s standard Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive, the 2011 Acura MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is impressive for a midsize SUV.  Fuel economy ratings of 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway are decent and stack up against competing luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350.

2011 Acura MDX front and back view

Last year, the Acura MDX received changes to the grille, gauges, steering wheel, taillights and tailpipes, and added the Advance Package.  Auto-leveling xenon headlights, power tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels come standard, while 19-inch alloy wheels are optional.

Inside, the luxurious 2011 Acura MDX is adorned in leather and features eight-way power heated/cooled front seats and three-zone automatic climate control.  With six different cargo configurations, the spacious 2011 Acura MDX offers an above-average total cargo volume of 83.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.  Upgraded technologies include an optional rear DVD entertainment system, heated second-row seats, voice-recognition navigation system with real-time traffic updates, and a sport-styled steering wheel.  Other options include a sunroof, 10-speaker surround sound system, and USB/iPod integration.

2011 Acura MDX side views

Acura’s “Safety Through Innovation” initiative has helped the MDX earn top ratings in government crash tests with such standard active and passive safety technologies as dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all three rows of seats, vehicle stability assist with all-disc antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and an electronic stability system with traction control.  Options include a blind-spot warning system and adaptive cruise control with a collision mitigation feature, which helps reduce the chances of a collision by alerting you to potential collision situations and automatically activates the brakes if the system determines a collision is unavoidable.

 2011 acura MDX interiors

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2012 Hyundai Equus/Review

2012 Hyundai Equus

Pricing: $58,750 to $65,750 MSRP/ $54,903 to $61,413 Invoice Price
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG):15 City/23 Highway

Introduced last year, Hyundai now has a sort of super-Genesis in the Equus, an even larger sedan that aims to take on the BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS at a price point one rung lower. Toward that end, the Equus, which can seat up to four or five people depending on the trim level, might be cross-shopped against sedans ranging from a 5 Series and E-Class to an Acura RL or Volvo S80.

For 2012, the Equus gains a new 5.0-liter V-8 engine with direct injection. The V-8 makes 429 horsepower and teams with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Power sunshades for the rear side windows are now part of the Ultimate trim level's features.

2012 Hyundai Equus sideview

Exterior
The Equus resembles a larger, bejeweled Genesis; it's probable that passers-by will mistake the two. Although the Equus shares its cohort's platform, it measures 7.2 inches longer. 

Exterior features include:

    *Standard 19-inch alloy wheels
    *Standard adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
    *Optional forward corner-view camera

2012 Hyundai Equus interior

Interior

By the measurements, the Equus' cabin isn't appreciably larger than the Genesis' — front and rear legroom are up less than half an inch — but both cars meet the EPA's large-car classifications, so few shoppers should be wanting for space.
Nor should they be wanting for features. The dash comes wrapped in French-stitched leather, and it adorns more places — most notably the center console surroundings and steering wheel — than in the Genesis. Interior features include:

    *Standard iPod connectivity
    *Standard Bluetooth connectivity
    *Standard power moonroof
    *Standard power rear sunshade
    *Standard heated and cooled front seats
    *Optional power-reclining rear seats
    *Optional massaging rear seat with power-extending ottoman

2012 Hyundai Equus front and back view

Mechanical features include:
    *New 429-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 with 376 pounds-feet of torque
    *Eight-speed automatic transmission
    *Rear-wheel drive
    *Air suspension with adaptive damping

Safety
Standard safety features include:
    *Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
    *Electronic stability system
    *Side-impact airbags for the front and rear outboard seats
    *Driver's knee airbag
    *Side curtain airbags
    *Active front head restraints
    *Lane departure warning system
    *Parking sensors and a backup camera

TEST DRIVE VIDEO 

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2012 Aston Martin Virage/Review

2012 Aston Martin Virage

One of Aston Martin's endearing traits has been its ability to make more from less -- especially when it comes to its VH (Vertical/Horizontal) platform strategy that uses basically the same chassis bits to produce all its cars from the V8 Vantage up through the four-door Rapide.
With the introduction of the 2012 Aston Martin Virage, the British sports car maker now offers three distinct V-12 models on the same 107.9-inch wheelbase and positions the car as a way for customers to split the difference between the sporty DB9 and the sportier DBS. Or better yet, the new lineup should be described as sporty (DB9), sportier (Virage), sportiest (DBS).
There is much of the Virage besides its name that is shared with the DB9 and DBS, which starts with the same 6.0-liter V-12 engine. This front mid-mounted powerplant produces 490 bhp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Like the DB9, it's mated to a Touchtronic 2 six-speed ZF automatic gearbox with a paddle-shift feature that gives rev-matched downshifts. The DBS differs in that it offers only a six-speed manual. With a similar curb weight and dimensions, the Virage offers comparable performance to that of the DB9 with zero-to-62 mph acceleration of 4.6 sec. and a top speed of 186 mph.

2012 Aston Martin Virage interior

The Virage is offered as a 2+2 coupe, with a rear-seat delete option. The Volante (convertible) variant is only a two-seater. In splitting the difference between DB9 and DBS, Aston offers a number of standard features such as a new Adaptive Damping System that has five stiffness settings in the normal mode and five settings within the stiffer sport mode. The system automatically reacts to road irregularities to provide optimum levels of ride and handling. Also standard on the Virage are carbon ceramic disc brakes.
Sharper Styling
While the silhouette of the Virage is pure Aston Martin, changes to the front clip give the car a more aggressive and finely chiseled look. According to Marek Reichmann, Aston's director of design, "We have sculpted a new face which sharpens and refines the Virage, whilst still being instantly recognizable as a pure Aston Martin sports car. The whole car looks as if it were precision machined from a single billet of aluminum, emphasizing the attention to detail and exquisite surface language."

2012 Aston Martin Virage back view

Contributing to this new look is a new grille inspired by the One-77 supercar. The opening is divided by five horizontal chambered vanes that give the Virage a shark-nose appearance. The minimalist front bumper is offset by small winglets in the fascia that sweep rearward and has its line picked up by the car's rocker extensions. The signature vent in the front fenders has also been redesigned to incorporate six LED side marker lights. The new front end is further enhanced by the use of a new single lens bi-Xenon projector beam lights. The new headlamp bezels also include an LED light bar along the side which adds to the carís subtle, yet distinctive look.
New 20-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels are also unique to the Virage, which also offers customers the option of color coordinating the brake calipers to the car's exterior paint scheme. The calipers can be ordered in a choice of black, gray, red or yellow.Production of the 2012 Aston Martin Virage has already begun with pricing expected to be between the $180,000 DB9 and $266,000 DBS.

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2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid /Review

MSRP: $25,900 to $27,400
Invoice Price: $23,829 to $25,208
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG): 41 - 43 City/38 - 39 Highway

Redesigned for 2012, the Camry Hybrid is the greener version of America’s best-selling mid-size sedan. If you’re looking for a vehicle with a comfortable interior, adequate power, and extraordinary gas mileage, the Camry Hybrid should be on your short list.

One of the major improvements for the Camry Hybrid has been an upgrade to its Hybrid Synergy Drive system. Electric motor output has grown substantially from 30kW up to 105kW, while the gasoline engine gets a bump from 2.4- to 2.5-liters and now outputs 156-horsepower from its four cylinders. Total system output is rated at 200-horsepower combined. The power is routed through a continuously variable transmission to the front wheels. The battery pack has increased in voltage (now rated at 245 volt battery pack) while decreasing in size which allows trunk space to increase to 13.1 cubic feet.

Fuel economy has gone up significantly from last year’s model (which was rated at 31 mpg/city and 35 mpg/highway). EPA ratings now place the Camry Hybrid at 43 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with a combined 41 mpg rating, which brings the Camry Hybrid to the front of the pack for fuel economy, besting cars like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. This was accomplished by changes to the hybrid system, a weight reduction of about 250 pounds, adding lower rolling resistance tires, and creating a more aerodynamic shape. Toyota also offers Eco and EV driving modes on its hybrid. Eco mode maximizes fuel economy across all driving conditions and the EV mode keeps the vehicle in electric drive as long as possible (up to 25 mph). And with a fuel range of greater than 650 miles per tank, you’ll be able to spend more time on the road and less filling up.

The interior has also been redesigned for 2012, and the Camry Hybrid adds its own unique three-gauge instrument cluster. Information presented includes a power-flow display which shows energy flow, cruising range, and real-time fuel economy. Included in the redesign are gains in the rear seat leg and hip room.
The Camry Hybrid comes in two trim levels: the nicely configured LE and the higher level XLE. The LE comes with a long list of standard features, including dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and ignition, and USB/iPod and auxiliary audio input jacks. The XLE adds a leather wrapped steering wheel, eight-way power driver’s seat, and six-speaker Display Audio System with audio controls on the steering wheel. Further options include a sunroof, rearview camera, heated front seats, power passenger’s seat, navigation system, and an Entune System that integrates smartphone and web functions.

The Camry Hybrid comes with all the standard safety items we’ve come to expect from a Toyota.  Toyota’s Star Safety System integrates stability control, anti-lock disc brakes and the traction control system. There are 10 airbags in the cabin, including driver and passenger front knee airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and torso-protecting rear seat mounted outboard-side airbags. A blind-spot monitoring system is available as an option on the XLE.
The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes back with better fuel economy and a more comfortable cabin, which makes going green better than ever.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class/Review

Pricing : $48,850 to $87,600 MSRP
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG): 13 - 22 City/20 - 33 Highway

The 2011 Mercedes Benz E-Class series offers uncompromising luxury and performance, packaged with the latest in safety features.  It returns for 2011 with two sparkling new additions: a Cabriolet version which adds a soft top, and a wagon.  The E-Class competes with the BMW 5 series, Audi A6, and Infiniti M
Styling remains much the same from the full E-Class redesign in 2010.  E350 trims come powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, while the E550 offers a step up in power to a 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-8.  There is also an E63 AMG-version, which comes with an astonishing 518-horsepower, 6.3-liter V-8. 

New for 2011, Mercedes is offering the diesel E350 BlueTEC Sedan across all 50 states, powered by an ultra-efficient, 210-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 diesel engine.  All variations of the E-Class come mated to Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic transmission, and are available in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (4matic), except for the wagon which is only available in all-wheel drive.  E-Class fuel economy ranges from 15-17 mpg in the city and 22-25 mpg on the highway.  The diesel engine will allow you to travel over 600 miles on a single tank.

Each variation of the 2011 E-Class comes in your choice of luxury trim, which comes on 17-inch wheels, or the more aggressive sport trim riding on 18-inch wheels with a tighter suspension. Standard luxury features abound across the E-Class line including a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, double-stitched leather seats, 14-way power front seats, COMAND system with LCD screen, and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.  Available options include a rear-seat entertainment system, massaging front seats, rear spoiler, iPod/MP3 connectivity, and navigation system.

The 2011 E-Class also boasts a host of advanced safety features, such as Attention Assist which detects fatigue and drowsiness and alerts the driver with audio and visual cues.  All trims come standard with Mercedes’ PRE-SAFE® system which detects impending accidents/collisions, pre-tensions the seatbelts and shifts the passenger seat to a safer position before impact.  Also standard are a nine-airbag system, traction control, antilock brakes, and automatic emergency braking.  Optional safety features are available, like Night View Assist PLUS which detects objects at night and displays them on the video screen, and adaptive headlights. All of these features combine to make the 2011 E-Class an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2011 Mercedes Benz E-Class is a breathtaking car.  With impeccable exterior and interior styling, and a long list of advanced features and safety equipment, it zooms past the competition and establishes itself as the car to beat in the mid-size luxury segment.
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2011 Nissan Xterra/Review

Pricing : $24,260 to $29,670 MSRP
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG): 15 - 16 City:/20 - 22 Highway

The biggest change to last year’s Xterra is the addition of the new PRO-4X off-road model (which replaces the Off-Road model).  The PRO-4X is a beast and comes with standard four-wheel drive and either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.  The PRO-4X rides on 16-inch alloy wheels with off-road tires.  Other features include Bilstein gas-filled shocks, roof-mounted off-road lights, locking rear differential, transfer case, skid plates, and hill descent/start assist (automatic transmission only).
Powering the 2011 Nissan Xterra is a 261-horsepower, 4.0-liter DOHC V-6 engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission and your choice of two-wheel or part-time four-wheel drive.  The Xterra receives 15-16 mpg in the city and 20-21 mpg on the highway and competes with Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Toyota FJ Cruiser for off-road supremacy.

With seating for up to five passengers, the 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a roof rack and a rear bumper design with side steps for easy access.  A long wheelbase (106.3 inches) provides a smooth ride and increased interior cargo room (66 cubic feet with rear seats folded).  An adjustable channel system located in the cargo floor is available for securing bike racks and other accessories.
With the SE trim out of the picture, the X and S trim levels have been left to pick up the slack.  That slack includes standard power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise control, three 12-volt power outlets, four cup holders, luggage side nets, and removable seat cushions for easy cleaning.  An in-cabin micro filter, front map lights, easy clean cargo area, and 8-way manual driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support are optional.

The 2011 Nissan Xterra is equipped with four-wheel vented disc brakes and an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution.  Other standard safety features include an advanced airbag system featuring dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor.
If you love mountain biking, climbing, hiking, camping or just tearing it up in the middle of nowhere, then the off-road specialist 2011 Nissan Xterra is for you.
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2011 Volvo XC90/Review

Pricing : $38,400 to $48,000 MSRP/$36,096 to $45,120 Invoice Price
EPA Fuel Economy (MPG):14 - 16 City/21 - 22

Available in three trims: 3.2, 3.2 R-Design and V8, the 2011 XC90 rest atop the XC Series totem pole with two very capable engines.  A 240-horsepower, 3.2-liter inline-six cranks out 236 pounds-feet of torque, while a low-emissions version, which is sold in select states, creates 230 horsepower and 221 pounds-feet of torque.  Need more power?  Opt for the 311-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-8 with 325 pounds-feet of torque.  All engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with clutchless-manual mode.  The six-cylinder engines feature optional all-wheel drive, while it is standard in the V-8 trim.  For tight handling and a quick response, the R-Design trim is fitted with a sport-tuned suspension with thicker front/rear stabilizer bars and firmer springs and struts.

Fuel economy is decent with an EPA-estimated 14-16 mpg in the city and 21-22 mpg on the highway.  Other entries in the midsize luxury crossover segment include the BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, and Acura MDX.  Power-operated and heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and a power moonroof are all standard features.  Bi-xenon headlight with swiveling lenses, headlight washers, 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, twin dual exhaust pipes, and rear skid plates are optional.

Seat up to seven occupants with a standard third-row seat inside each 2011 Volvo XC90 crossover.  If you are looking for suitable seating for your young ones, a built-in booster seat in the second row slides forward up to 12 inches so you can keep them within your reach at all times.  Inside you’ll also find up to 85.1 cubic feet of cargo space when all seats are folded and 11.1 cubic feet behind the third row.  A USB and iPod interface, high performance audio system, Bluetooth® connectivity and automatic dual-zone climate control come standard, while premium leather seating, massaging and ventilated front seats, aluminum or real wood trim, heated front seats, dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, navigation system with real-time traffic, and a 650-watt, 12 speaker audio system are available/optional.

Safety comes standard on the 2011 Volvo XC90.  The SUV features Roll Stability Control that tries to correct a rollover once it has started.  Front, front-seat side-impact, and side curtain airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist, park assist, a whiplash protection system, and an electronic stability system with traction control come standard.  A blind spot warning system and rain-sensing wipers are optional for additional safety.
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