New Volvo C70 Inscription Edition production limited to 2000 Pieces

 Volvo C70

We don't know what plans Volvo has for a successor to the C70 that will be eliminated in 2013 after the company shuts down its Uddevalla plant in Sweden, but for now, the automaker has announced a new special edition version that will debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16th.
The new C70 Inscription Edition combines bespoke exterior details such as the painted grille, black 18-inch wheels and LED daytime running lights surrounded by contrasting chrome, with unique interior features, including Sovereign Hide upholstery, a leather-covered dashboard and aluminium trim.

The limited package can be combined with all the engine options available for the C70 including the petrol and diesel units. Buyers can choose from three exterior colors - Black Stone (Solid), Black Sapphire (Metallic) and Ice White (Solid).
Volvo said production of the new C70 Inscription Edition will be limited to 2,000 units worldwide.

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Infiniti Introduces New IPL G Convertible at 2011 LA Auto Show

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible

BMW has the M Division, Mercedes-Benz has AMG, Audi its RS and S lines while even luxury-oriented Lexus has the “F Sport” range to show for itself. Infiniti’s answer is IPL, which stands for Infiniti Performance Line.

With just one model though, the IPL G Coupe, it’s not really a line. Therefore, the Japanese carmaker chose the 2011 LA Auto Show to unveil its second production IPL model based on the G37 Convertible.
Displayed initially as a thinly veiled concept at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the production IPL G is distinguished by the redesigned front fascia and bumper with integrated fog lights, the sculpted side skirts, 19-inch split-rim 7-spoke alloys with graphite finish and the two exclusive body finishes named Moonlight White and Malbec Black.

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible-ii

The interior also gets two color trims –Stone and the IPL-exclusive Monaco Red-, as well as red-stitched leather front sports seats. The “Silk Obi” aluminum trim, aluminum-trimmed pedals and footrest and IPL logos on the front seatbacks and floor mats further distinguish the IPL G Convertible from the standard model.

The Japanese brand has tuned the 3.7-liter V6’s engine management system, raising the maximum output point by 400 rpm, to 7,400 rpm.

 Infiniti  IPL G Convertible-interiors

A more linear torque curve and a revised exhaust system, help raise maximum output by 18HP to 343HP, and torque by 6 lb-ft to 273 lb-ft compared to the standard G37 Convertible.
Power is transfered to the rear wheels through an electronically controlled, seven-speed auto transmission that allows the driver to also change gears manually via the magnesium steering-wheel mounted paddles.
Finally, the Infiniti IPL G Convertible features an IPL-developed sports suspension, low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE050A performance tires and a more poten-t braking system.

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Audi Motorsport to Launch much improved New R8 LMS Ultra for 2012 Season

Audi Motorsport 's New R8 LMS Ultra

To replace a car that has scored 115 wins and 12 international and national titles in just three years. This is the challenge undertaken by the engineers of Audi's quattro GmbH who had to develop an even more competitive version of the successful R8 LMS named Ultra.
The managing director of the department, Werner Frowein, says: "Our customer teams provided us with valuable suggestions and stated the wishes for the various fields in which the car is used. We analyzed them, and subjected the R8 LMS to further development in many details.”
First of the “to do” list was reduce the car's weight. The new doors made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in combination with high-energy absorbing new crash foams shave pounds while at the same time, along with the new PS1 seat, increase the level of passive safety.
Next up was the chassis. The R8 LMS ultra has an inch larger front wheels (12- instead of 11-inches) along with wider 30-65/18 Michelin tires.
Bilstein has developed new, lighter compression- and rebound-adjustable dampers, while the silent rubber mounts of the suspension transverse control arms now have uniball joints, and the optimized cooling at the front wheels ensures better durability during the race.
The 5.2-liter, mid-mounted V10 that is based on the production car’s unit and, according to regulations, delivers up to 570HP, has been fitted with a new exhaust system that features race catalytic converters and increases torque at lower revs.
In the name of reliability, which is of the utmost importance in endurance races, quattro GmbH has updated the transmission as well as the cooling system. The R8 LMS Ultra sports larger coolers for the engine oil and transmission fluids, enlarged side vents for increased air flow to the engine and better air supply to the front radiator.
The tweaked aerodynamics complete the changes over the 2011 model. The R8 LMS Ultra has a wider front hood, which according to the homologation rules of every series, can be equipped with louvers.
Work in the wind tunnel has dictated a more efficient positioning for the larger rear wing to maximize downforce and minimize drag on the rear end, while at the front a new front plate helps achieve the optimal aerodynamic balance.
The new R8 LMS Ultra costs €329,900.00 plus VAT and deliveries will commence in March 2012. Audi can also retrofit the 2012 package to all existing R8 LMS racers.
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2012 Mazda 5 Grand Touring /Review

The mini-minivan has an almost perfect combination of passenger-carrying ability and small-car maneuverability, offering all that seating, up to 97.7 cubic feet of cargo space and a turning circle of 36.7 feet-all bundled within a package just two inches longer than a Ford Focus (180.5 inches vs. 178.5).

In fact, the new-for-2012 Mazda 5 sits on the same platform as the Focus (or, more accurately, the Mazda 3) and has the same MacPherson-strut front and multilink-rear suspension setup and a very similar drive character, with a fairly nimble demeanor over twisting mountain roads and enough power to keep up with the flow on the freeway. The stiffer body maintains its composure even when pushed around turns a bit aggressively, but we could use more weight in the steering.

We spec'd up a loaded, top-of-the-line Grand Touring model, checking every option box on offer at the time of our order. Unfortunately, a navigation system was not yet available, nor was a rear-seat entertainment system, so our options consist of some $50 rear bumper guards.

To compare the sticker of our Mazda 5 with some of the minivan alternatives available, the Mazda starts at $19,990. Our Grand Touring model, with those bumper guards and its standard power-sliding moonroof, six-disc CD player, satellite radio and fog lights, tops out at $24,720.

The Honda Odyssey starts at $29,885 and doesn't max out until somewhere in the stratospheric reaches of Minivan Monroney Land, at about $45,000. Granted, even a base-model Odyssey offers a lot more space, a much more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine and top-notch attention to detail in the fit and finish of parts and materials. But it doesn't trump the Mazda 5 in safety features, it lags in fuel economy, and it has a much tougher go of it in underground parking garages and tight parallel-parking situations.

So far, reaction in the office to the Mazda 5's new styling is mixed. Some genuinely like the crazy "Nagare," or wind-inspired, sculpting carved into the sides. Others find it a bit silly, perhaps the work of an overeager designer acting out for being relegated to penning the sheetmetal for a minivan. The corporate face is still too smiley for most, but the redesigned rear end is handsome, with more conventionally positioned taillights replacing the window-flanking taillights of the previous model.

Inside, the leather-trimmed seats are comfortable and provide adequate support. We like that the second row has captain's chairs, while the third row provides real room for its occupants-maybe not six-foot-four-inch room but enough space for smaller folks to sit comfortably.

For the more outdoorsy types on staff, the Mazda 5 should provide plenty of hauling capacity for tents, coolers and hiking gear, but there's no towing ability to speak of, so the duck boat and pop-up campers will be relegated to other members of the long- term fleet.

PRICING & OPTIONS

Base (includes $795 delivery): $24,670  As-tested price: $24,720

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DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase (in): 108.3   Track (in): 60.2 front, 59.8 rear

Length/width/height (in): 180.5/68.9/63.6  Curb weight/GVWR (lb): 3,457/4,685

ENGINE Front-transverse 2.5-liter/152-cid DOHC I4

Power: 157 hp @ 6,000 rpm  Torque: 163 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Compression ratio: 9.7:1  Fuel requirement: 87 octane

DRIVETRAIN Front-wheel drive

Transmission: Five-speed automatic      Final drive ratio: 3.458:1

SUSPENSION

Front: MacPherson struts with coil springs, gas-charged twin-tube shock absorbers, antiroll bar

Rear: Multilink with coil springs, gas-charged twin-tube shock absorbers, antiroll bar

BRAKES/WHEELS/TIRES

Vented discs front, solid discs rear, ABS with EBD; aluminum 205/50R-17 Toyo Proxes A18

FUEL ECONOMY  EPA combined: 24 mpg

STANDING-START ACCELERATION

0-60 mph: 9.3 sec  0-quarter-mile: 17.1 sec @ 81.9 mph

BRAKING 60-0 mph: 138.3 ft

HANDLING 490-ft slalom: 41.5 mph,  Lateral acceleration (200-ft skidpad): 0.78 g

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2011 Mercury Mariner/ Review

Mariner is an entry level compact crossover Sports Utility Vehicle manufactured by Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. This model was introduced in 2005. Mercury Mariner is technically identical to Ford's Escape. For 2011 model Mariner will be offered with HD Radio as standard feature and rest all features will remain same as 2010 model. 2011 will be the last year of production of Mercury Mariner. 2011 Mercury Mariner competes with other SUV models like Chevrolet Equinox, KIA Sportage, Honda CRV, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rouge. National base price of 2011 Mercury Mariner is around $ 23, 565 which excludes destination charges.

Style and Trim Levels:

2011 Mercury Mariner is a crossover SUV available with four trim levels which include Base I4, Base V6, Premium I4 and Premium V6. Both I4 and V6 variants are armored with different power source and no other features distinguish these variants.

Base model is offered with 16 inch alloy wheel, privacy glass, fog lights, full power accessories; steering wheel mounted audio control, Air Conditioning and audio system with satellite radio, CD stereo system and AIX-IN jack. Premier model is armored with ambient interior lighting, parking sensors, heated front seats, power driver seats, audio system with six speakers, Sync, auto dimming rear view mirror and leather upholstery.

Some optional features offered with base model are moon roof, roof rack, sync, power driver seat, leather upholstery and ambient interior lighting. And optional feature available with Premium trim levels are 17 inch wheels, chrome appearance package which include roof rail covered with shinny stuff and 17 inch wheels, back up camera, dual zone automatic climate control, full micro fiber upholstery, auto parking system and upgraded stereo system with seven speakers with HD radio, real time traffic updates and Sirius travel link and hard drive based navigation system.

Engine and Performance:

2011 Mercury Mariner is armored with either front wheel drive channel of all wheel drive channel. Base trim is armored with 2.5 L capacity inline 4 engine and Premium variant is armored with 3.0 L capacity V6 engine; this powertrain is capable of pumping 240 HP of power and 223 lb-ft of torque. Both power sources are mated with six speed automatic gear transmission.

Specifications:

* Engine size (Base Model): 2.5 L

* Cylinders: inline 4

* Cam type: Double overhead camshaft 

* Valves: 16

* Valve timing: Variable

* Torque: 171 ft-lbs at 4500 RPM

* Horsepower: 171 HP at 6000 RPM

* Turning circle: 36.7 feet

Interior and Exteriors:

2011 Mercury Mariner's cabin is packed with ample features with huge center console. Some of the attractive features of this sedan are adjustable head restraints, floor console with three tire storage system, front and rear cup holders and two removable bins, power door locks with child safety, rear door locks, and power window with one touch down driver seat window, Sirius satellite radio with six month subscription. Center console is offered with metallic accent and upgraded leather upholstery. In terms of comfort and space, this model presents good room for all its occupants. Front seat is are well shaped and rear seat is quite flat which lacks recline and adjustability property. Some of attractive exterior feature of Mercury Mariner are front fog lamps, chrome exhaust tip, privacy glass on rear doors, lift gate and quarter windows, satin aluminum grille and variable intermittent front windshield wipers with 2 rear wipers with washers.

Safety:

2011 Mercury Milan is armored with some advanced and standard safety accessories which include Personal safety system for both passenger and driver which include dual stage front airbag, safety belt energy management retractor, safety belt pretensioners, safety belt usage sensors, crash severity sensors, driver's seat position sensors, restraints control, front passenger sensing system and restraint control module. This vehicle is also offered with Advance trac system with Roll Stability Control, Battery saver system, Belt minder, front seat side curtain airbags, dynamic side impact airbags, side collision foam bolsters and roll over sensors. My-Key owner control feature, remote keyless entry system with two integrated security code, safety restraint system with 3 point safety belts in all position, intrusion door beams, security lock with passive anti theft system and height adjustable shoulder belts. Mercury mariner is awarded with five stars for both side and frontal crash protection from NHTSA and IIHS has awarded GOOD rating in side and frontal offset crash protection.

Suspension System:

* Front: McPherson Struts with Multi link rear suspensions

* Rear: Four wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bar

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