It feels like we’ve been waiting a decade for the arrival of the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman, the crossover version of the Mini.
Mini is adding a fourth model to the family, opening up a new dimension of that unmistakable Mini feeling. As a genuine crossover, the Mini Countryman bridges the gap between the classic concept of the Mini and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the Mini Countryman offers that unique driving pleasure so typical of Mini to new target groups requiring extra space and flexibility. As the first model in the Mini range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the Mini Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort.
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With Acura’s upcoming 2010 ZDX crossover-coupe-whatever setting the tone for the brand in terms of refinement and technology, its once techno-trendsetting MDX sibling is looking a bit long in the tooth. Indeed, the second-gen MDX-which placed first of eight in our last shootout of $50,000 SUVs-has sat relatively unchanged since its 2007 debut, and this fact, combined with a number of newly engineered goodies also used in the ZDX, makes this year the perfect time for an update.
The 2010 Acura MDX gets freshened styling, additional standard features, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with standard steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. This premium-midsize SUV seats up to 7 and has all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain is a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine paired to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. This replaces a 5-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags that cover all seating rows. Newly standard is Hill Start Assist, a mirror with rearview camera display, and a power tailgate. Other standard features include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a wireless cell-phone link. Options are available in three packages, all priced as separate models.
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There are a lot of nice things to say about the current WRX sedan. It is way more comfortable than the old ones. What you couldn’t say, though, was that it looked good.
Subaru WRX sedan has been engineered to be even more precise. This includes larger front and rear stabilizer bars, increased spring rates, and stiffer rear sub-frame bushings. And of course, the sedan features the iconic STI rear spoiler, which has been tuned to increase downforce, while reducing the car’s overall drag coefficient. Engines, which cranks out 305-horsepower and 290 lb-ft torque. It’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
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These are the long-awaited pictures of the next=generation supermini, the Nissan Micra, which will have its official debut next year. Several changes were observed, the most obvious of which were the addition of a MINI-style grille and Fiat Punto-like headlights.
The 2011 Nissan Micra has just been unveiled at the company’s press conference at the Geneva show. The new Nissan Micra comes with a new exterior design and a re-styled interior. The 2011 Nissan Micra will come with a new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that develops 59kW (80ps) and 108Nm of torque. It emits 115g/km of CO2. The 2011 Nissan Micra will also be available with a supercharged 1.2-litre direct injection engine with start/stop that develops 72kW (98PS) and 142Nm of torque. This version of the 2011 Nissan Micra outputs 95g/km of CO2.
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Based on a blend of the newly released CTS Coupe and the pre-existing CTS-V Sedan, The CTs-V Coupe performance model adds many of the design cues found on the CTS-V Sedan, including wire mesh grilles, power dome hood, wider tires and large brake calipers, but on the CTS Coupe ‘s two door platform.
Now we have a coupe version of the CTS-V, which makes us wonder if it will live up to the success of the sedan. Right off the bat, the CTS-V Coupe seems to outperform the BMW M3 Coupe in terms of performance figures, bringing in a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds (the M3 Coupe does it in 4.5 seconds). When compared to high-end sports cars like the Porsche 911 Turbo, the CTS-V Coupe stands out in terms of offering high-performance at a lower price point (of course, it won’t cost more than $100,000). The 500-hp 911 Turbo, which starts at $132,800 goes from rest to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
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Aston Martin Rapide, one of the most eagerly awaited cars of 2009, was unveiled at the 63rd Frankfurt Motorshow. The elegant Aston Martin Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provide space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins.
The 2010 Aston Martin Rapide, marks the return of a 4-door sedan to this exotic automaker’s lineup. Rapide comes in a single tri level with rear-wheel drive. The sole powertrain teams a 470-horsepower 6.0-liter v12 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission offering steering-wheel shift paddles for manual gear selection. Available safety features includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.
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The ForTwo is unparalleled in its ability to squeeze into tiny parking spaces and spots between cars in traffic. The Smart is even economical, with a low starting and a good fuel economy rating.
The 2010 Smart ForTwo is largely unchanged. ForTwo is the smallest and shortest car available for the mass market in North America. The ForTwo is an ultra-compact 2-seater designed and built by the Smart company, a division of Daimler and Mercedes-Benz. Smart vehicles are sold at approximately 70 select Mercedes-Benz and stand-alone dealerships across the U.S. Two-door coupe and convertible body styles are offered. The sole engine is a 71-horsepower 1.0-liter 3-cylinder that teams with a 5-speed automated-manual transmission that behaves much like an automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection.
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The Spirra EX Supercar is powered by a souped up Hyundai engine with 500 horsepower and does 100 kilometers in just 3.8 seconds. It’s Korea’s first “supercar”, a handmade mid-ship sports car that uses 100 percent Korean parts. Power comes from a mid-mounted, Hyundai sources 2.7-liter V6 which makes 175 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque in the base Spirra N model. Not impressive, we know, but as you climb upwards in the model range, that’s where things start to get tasty. The Spirra S adds a small turbocharger to that mill, resulting in 330 hp and 347 lb-ft, and Spirra T uses a larger turbo which ups output to 400 hp and 362 lb-ft. At the tippy-top end is the Spirra EX (“EX” for “Extreme”), and its twin-turbo V6 cranks out the a screaming 500 hp and 398 lb-ft, making a six-speed manual transmission, and power is sent solely to the rear wheels.
The exterior coach work of the Spirra EX has been upgraded with the addition of a carbon fibre body kit. The front air dam, side skirts, rear diffuser and engine cover are crafted by carbon fibre, an aerospace technology material that is remarkably light and offering great strength. Our designers spent many hours in our studios on the final styling details of this very important phase. The vehicle interior has also been upgraded with the extensive use of luxurious Alcantara to add to the dynamic feel of the driving experience.
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Looking back on some of the cars that made sport driving great, and built the legend that has become today’s Porsche , you have to wonder how we ever got to 3,500 pounds, 500 horsepower twin-turbo monsters. The 356 Speedster, for example considered by many to be one of the first modern sports cars-weighed a mere 1,670 pounds and managed just 40 horsepower in some guises.
It appears the Speedster has made a return, although this time around Porsche has used its Boxster as the basis. The new car is called the 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder and it’s set to make its world debut next month at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show before going on sale in February 2010.
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BYD E6 is an all-electric vehicle by BYD Auto-crossover that deliver to 200 miles (320 km) with a load is expected. Produced the first plans for the mass of the vehicle in China in 2010 were postponed. Instead, field tests will be carried out with 100 units as taxis in the city of Shenzhen in 2010.
BYD Auto—the name stands for “Build Your Dreams”—is the car making arm of one of the largest Chinese battery cell companies, though it now sells vehicles outside China in only a few countries, including Bulgaria, Poland, and Russia.
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