Posts Tagged ‘2011’

2011 Volvo S60

Posted April 1, 2011 News No Comments


Volvo has for too long been known for above-average vehicles that are more practical than stimulating. We hope that’s about to change, as the 2011 Volvo S60 looks like it may be one of those cars that redefines the generation of a company. The Swedes have leaked pictures and video of the redesigned sedan weeks before its anticipated debut in Geneva, and their excitement is understandable. The S60′s main attraction other than its facade is the revolutionary new Pedestrian Detection System, which forces the car to a complete stop if it senses that a collision with a person is imminent. With the system, Volvo claims that the car can avoid collisions when traveling as fast as 35km/h, and even at higher speeds is able to significantly reduce impact. Thankfully, Volvo has turned their attention under the hood as well, and offers a bevy of petrol and diesel choices, to be expanded on during the vehicle’s second year in production. The clear choice, at least on this side of the pond, would have to be the 3.0 inline-six that produces 304bhp and hustles the sedan to 60mph in a brisk 6.5 seconds. What we’re really truly pleased with is the direction Volvo decided to take with the body of their newest car. Aside from assigning more practical wheels and eliminating the glass roof, the S60 appears virtually unchanged from the S60 Concept that debuted a year ago; the oversized headlights capture the most attention, and frame the trademark Volvo grille that has been given a slightly more cohesive shape. The lights are complimented by E-Class-style running lights, sure to be a theme among luxury cars and their copycats in the years to come. The beltline is really appealing, as it undulates in sync with the car’s fenders and really runs with the outline of the vehicle, lending it a very sporty look. The rear of the vehicle incorporates a similar, albeit smoother look we recognize from the C70, the centerpiece of which is the blacked-out rear diffuser that houses the dual exhaust. With such sporty new looks to match the technology and power, this new Volvo must deliver on all fronts, but we think this time it’s finally up to the challenge. Deliveries will begin this summer.

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Source: SwipeLife

2011 BMW 335is

Posted April 1, 2011 News No Comments


Since its inception, the BMW 335 has, in every iteration, dominated its respective market. It is only natural that its near-perfection would catch the attention of both inhouse and third-party tuners, and modified versions of the 3-series can be found in nearly every major market except one. Thankfully, that’s about to change, as BMW recently announced that the United States will actually get the first shot at the newest horse in its stable, the 335is. With club racers in mind, BMW made a series of modifications that could make this the best 3-series yet. The engine and cooling system were modified in tandem, the latter being done to allow for better breathing and the added stress that comes from an additional 20bhp (up to 320) and 32 pounds of torque (up to 332). Don’t stop grinning yet, though. The 335is is able to ratchet its performance up one notch further, with a devestatingly powerful overboost feature; by upping the boost to 14.5psi, the car is able to provide 370bhp for up to seven seconds. With the whole 3-series range slated for a minor aesthetic overhaul this year, this special edition can be identified by its ferric 18-inch wheels, gloss black kidney surrounds and mirror caps, black window trim, and a deadly-looking pair of blacked-out exhaust tips that rest below its functional rear diffuser. The suspension and interior have both been upgraded with M components, and the transmission will come as either a 6-speed manual or with a 7-speed DCT, which had previously been unavailable on any other 3. The 335is is supposed to come in between the 335i and M3 in virtually every way, but we can’t help but wonder if BMW has done too well here. One is reminded of Porsche’s Cayman, which was supposed to offer a nice middle road between the Boxster and 911; however, it has since become debatable as to whether or not most versions of the 911 should even exist. Like the Cayman, the 335is promises to offer outstanding performance for its price, and should be a stylish and well-rounded vehicle. We are hoping enthusiasts stateside really warm up to the 335is, as it would likely open future doors to other special editions. The convertible will debut first, hitting dealerships in March and costing about $59k; the coupe will be available in June and is priced just over $50k.

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New Range Rover V8 2011 Pictures

Posted June 22, 2010 News No Comments


Land Rover might only have revised the Range Rover last summer, but there’s now a new version, complete with a bigger and better 4.4-litre TDV8, plus it’s available as a limited-run Autobiography Black special edition to celebrate the car’s 40th birthday.

“The 2011 Range Rover retains its position as one of the world’s most complete luxury vehicles,” said Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director. “Its combination of reduced CO2 emissions and superior engine performance continue to make it a clear industry benchmark. And with the introduction of our all-new ’super diesel’, we see the Range Rover delivering over 30mpg for the first time.”

The big news is under the bonnet, where the Range Rover’s best selling diesel V8 engine grows from 3.6 litres to 4.4 thanks to a longer stroke. The combination of this engine and a new eight-speed automatic gearbox improves efficiency in terms of power, fuel economy and CO2 emissions.

The new engine uses sequential turbocharging to generate 309bhp (a 15 per cent boost on the outgoing engine) and 516lb ft of torque. Claimed fuel economy is now 30.1mpg on the Combined cycle (an 18.5 per cent improvement), and CO2 output sits at 253g/km (down 14 per cent from the old model’s 294g/km).

The performance increase means that the Range Rover now accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds.

The eight-speed gearbox is controlled via a rotary dial that rises out of the transmission tunnel, as in Jaguar’s XF and XJ models.

The flagship of the range will be powered by the 5.0-litre supercharged petrol engine which, along with a six-speed automatic gearbox, is carried over unchanged from 2010 model year cars.

Both petrol and diesel Range Rovers benefit from an enhanced version of the company’s Terrain Response system which will offer Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control. The former holds the car on hills as the driver moves from brake to accelerator pedal, while the latter controls speed on steep downhill gradients even when Hill Descent Control is not engaged.

Prices for the 2011 model year Range Rover will be announced in August.