2011 Lexus CT200H Hybrid

The 2011 CT Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger wagon, available in two trims, the 200h and the 200h Premium.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 134-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 43-mpg in the city and 40-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2011 CT Hybrid is all-new for 2011. 
Lexus ballyhoos CT's base price, which by Lexus standards is, indeed, low. But if you want your new CT equipped to Lexus standards, plan to spend a little more.
Offered in base and Premium trim, the base CT has all the safety stuff (eight air bags, traction and stability control, brake override and more) and a few perks (heated mirrors, tilt/telescope wheel, power driver's seat, keyless entry/start, dual-zone climate, Bluetooth, six-speaker CD with satellite radio), but it also has vinyl seats and no sunroof. And you can't gussy it up much, unless you consider Premium Floor Mats a big upgrade, because there are no factory options to speak of on the base car.
To get access to those, you've got to go to the $31,775 Premium model, which adds heated front seats and a sunroof.
That's what we drove, but ours was loaded with options: boffo 10-speaker audio, leather, navigation, back-up camera, Lexus Enform personal assistance service and more. And that explains why our car cost 22 percent more than the $29,995 base price we were enthused about.
But, hey, it was equipped like a Lexus.
It is, however, powered like a Toyota.
Under its skin, CT 200h is a Prius, sharing Prius's basic platform and its hybrid hardware: CVT automatic transmission, 1.8-liter gas I-4, nickel-metal hydride battery pack and electric motor. Like Prius, CT's total system horsepower is a modest 134.
On the road, it's the slick suspension and quick steering that please — certainly not CT's straight-line acceleration, which is about 10 seconds from zero-to-60.
Anyway, it's fuel economy where CT really shines, earning EPA ratings of 43 city/40 hwy — wildly impressive by luxury-car standards, though lower than Prius's 51/48. For that, blame CT's slightly heavier curb weight, its slightly less-aero body and its stickier, more-aggressive tires, which contribute to the nice handling manners.
Drivers have the option of four drive modes: EV (pure electric; low-speed/short-distance); Eco (maximum mpg); Normal; and Sport (better throttle response).
In just under 300 miles of mixed city/hwy driving, we registered 43 mpg.
Room is fine front, OK in back, where head room is good but leg room is close.
Worth noting: the marvelous mouse-like controller for the car's various systems. Located on the center console, it falls easily to hand and, if you've used a computer mouse, it's utterly intuitive.
Go easy on options and — if you're not in a hurry — CT 200h is a fine, affordable and frugal gateway into the Lexus family.
Fifth hybrid model in the Lexus lineup a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that works with an electric motor, battery and generator. The system has a total power of 134 hp (100 kW) and is for 2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid to accelerate 0-60 mph [96 km / h] in 9.8 seconds. The manufacturer claims that the hybrid model EPA-estimated value of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway, using regular 87-octane gasoline.
Standard on all 2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid Includes smart access with pushbutton start / stop and touch sensors on the outside of the front door handles, leather steering wheel, six speaker audio system with CD player and Bluetooth, integrated satellite radio (with complimentary 90-day trial), USB / iPod connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels and dual zone automatic air conditioning. Hybrid is also equipped with a standard eight airbags supplementary restraint.
2011 Lexus CT-200h Hybrid Optional features will be sixth-generation navigation system with rearview camera, moonroof, heated seats and premium sound package that the Lexus Premium Sound system with 10 speakers and six-CD changer, Homelink, and electro-chrome rear view mirror with compass underwater covers.

 

2011 Audi A3

 2011 Audi A3

This car also comes with a choice of new exterior colors such as Amethyst Gray, Gray Dakota, Scuba Blue, and Red. New customers can also choose a new 17-inch wheels, and 18 inch new. In the interior, riders will be treated to leather seats, lever gear and instruments with a gray background. Audi has not announced the price of the Audi A3 and S3 2011.
Hatchback buyers tend to fall into two camps: people who are looking for a sporty compact, and people who are looking for utility on a budget. One thing both camps should be concerned with, however, is safety. While there’s a perception that budget-friendly compact hatchbacks aren’t safe, there are actually a number of models with good crash-protection ratings and innovative safety features. You just have to know what to look for.  
Driving a Hatchback Safely.
Hatchback drivers have a few advantages over people who drive coupes or sedans. In most hatchbacks, visibility tends to be good. Most hatchbacks have an upright chair-like seating position, which gives drivers a commanding view of the road ahead. Plus, because hatchbacks have high rooflines and lots of glass, side and rearward visibility tend to be good as well.
However, you still need to check the visibility carefully when you test drive a hatchback. Some newer hatchback models have SUV-like styling. On models like the Kia  Soul and Nissan it can be tough to see objects that are directly behind you because they have an upright design with a rear window that’s far off the ground. Other hatchbacks, like theHonda Fit and Kia Forte hatchback have rear windows that are lower to the ground, making it easier to see if there is anything behind you.
Even if a hatchback doesn’t have the upright styling of an SUV, its design can impact visibility. For example, the rear roof pillars in the Nissan Versa are very wide: this makes the car stronger, but it also makes the pillars difficult to see around. The same is true for the Scion xD No matter how much you like a hatchback’s styling, make sure it won’t get in the way of safe driving.
Cargo and Safety
Hatchbacks are great for hauling cargo. But, filling a hatchback’s cargo area with your gear brings safety issues into play. You should always keep cargo separate from passengers. If cargo simply has to be in the passenger compartment, make sure it’s secure. In an accident, you don’t want cargo flying around.
Hatchbacks are popular with pet owners because it’s easy to put your dog or cat in the back and keep your seats clean. However, if you’re putting your pet in your hatchback’s cargo area, you need to secure it -- for Fido’s safety and for yours. In a crash at 50 miles per hour, an unrestrained ten-pound dog will exert about 500 pounds of pressure on any object it hits. That includes you. An 80-pound unrestrained dog in a 30-mile-per-hour crash will exert about 2,400 pounds of pressure. That’s like getting hit by a Honda Civic.
Luckily, hatchbacks are meant for cargo and can carry a lot of it safely. The Volkswagen Golf has 12.4 cubic feet of space in its cargo area. That’s enough for a few suitcases. The Honda Fit has a whopping 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space -- more than most other small hatchbacks -- behind its backseats. If you routinely haul a lot of cargo, look into optional cargo management features like bins and nets, which keep your stuff secure.
Hatchback Crash Test Ratings
Before buying any hatchback, you need to check out its crash-test ratings. Crash tests are controlled collisions that measure how good a car is at protecting the people inside it. It’s no guarantee of how a car will perform in a real collision, but it’s one of the strongest indicators of vehicle safety that shoppers have.
Two organizations complete crash-test ratings: the federal government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). You might be familiar with NHTSA scores: cars, trucks and SUVs earn stars (five stars is the best) for how well they protect occupants in front- and side-impact crashes. They also earn stars based on their likelihood of rolling over in a single vehicle crash, and get an overall rating. IIHS also rates vehicles in front- and side-impact crashes, but they also test roof strength and how good the seats are at protecting occupants in rear-impact collisions. IIHS gives scores that range from “Good” to “Poor.” IIHS also names “Top Safety Picks.”  Cars that earn “Top Safety Pick” status get the best scores possible on all crash test measures and have standard electronic stability control.
Hatchback crash-test scores can vary considerably, so do your research before you buy. For example, the  hatchback hybrid earns three stars in front- and side-impact crash protection, but gets a five-star rollover score. Overall, it only gets three stars from NHTSA. By contrast, the Subaru Impreza wagon is a hatch that does better in crash tests. It’s an IIHS “Top Safety Pick.”
One other thing hatchback buyers have to pay attention to is which model is being crash tested. For example, there’s a hatchback version of the Nissan Versa, but the sedan model was the only one tested by NHTSA. The same is true for the Ford Fiesta While these hatchbacks have similar engineering to their sedan counterparts, bear in mind that the crash-test results may not match what you encounter in the real world.  Also, if you’re considering both a two-door and four-door hatchback, pay attention to which body style the crash-test results apply. TheWolk, for example, can have two or four passenger doors, but the four-door models are the ones that get crash tested.
Key Hatchback Safety Features
Anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control are the three active safety features that smart hatchback buyer should look for. They’re called active safety features because they can actually step in and help you avoid having an accident altogether. Anti-lock brakes keep your brakes (and thus wheels) from locking. Locked wheels almost always mean a skid, which means a loss of control, which means a crash. Ditto stability and traction control. Those systems constantly monitor your wheels. If one starts to travel at a different speed than the others, which indicates a loss of traction, the systems step in, selectively applying the brakes to pull your car out of a skid. It works so seamlessly that you probably won’t even notice it happening, but when you avoid a crash, you’ll be glad they were there.

Impreza WRX 2011

 

 2011 Impreza WRX

Sporty yet practical, the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX, Impreza WRX Premium, and Impreza WRX STI offer everything an adrenaline junkie needs: turbocharged power, tenacious handling and aggressive agility. Strap in tight and enjoy the ride.
There was a time when the only all-wheel drive vehicles on the road were those quirky little machines from Japan. But according to the Detroit Free Press, as many as 30 percent of all new vehicles sold in 2015 will be equipped with the traction-adding drivetrain. In fact,  just announced that every single one of the luxury automaker’s products has all-wheel drive on their option sheets now. Some models, like the company’s  sell with an astonishing 72 percent AWD take rate.
Lincoln isn’t alone. The Free Press reports that 50 percent of all models are sold as all-wheel-drive units; in the future, that same percentage will spread across the entire  brand.
That news is downright baffling, for a number of reasons. Automakers are bent on improving the fuel economy of their vehicles at all costs, and at the same time, government agencies both at home and abroad are urging tighter emissions parameters.
All-wheel drive adds weight, drag and complexity to a vehicle’s drivetrain -- the three horsemen of the fuel-economy apocalypse. The glitch here is that car buyers are perfectly content to trade off a few miles per gallon for the impression that they’ll be safe and sound no matter the weather forecast. Aggressive marketing from the likes of has beaten the illusion of  superiority into the public consciousness, and both luxury buyers and the public at large are growing more comfortable with the system.
We tend to think that as the price per gallon inches up, more buyers will think hard before sacrificing fuel economy for the seldom-beneficial all-wheel-drive system. For the vast majority of drivers, proper tire selection and maintenance can be just as effective as the world’s finest all-wheel drive.
Subaru Rally Team USA's David Higgins and Dave Mirra competed this weekend in their respective 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI rally cars  at the Olympus Rally, round three of the 2011 Rally America National Championship. The Olympus Rally runs along the beautiful shorelines of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula. David Higgins and his co-driver Craig Drew rocketed into the lead in their #75 WRX STI after impressively winning four of the first six stages. Meanwhile teammate Dave Mirra and Marshall Clarke in the #40 WRX STI kept on-pace, holding fast to a fourth-place position throughout the first day.
Sadly, a fatal accident occurred late on day one of the rally involving privateer competitor Matthew Marker of Elk Rapids, MI. Marker’s Co-driver Christopher Gordon of Brooklyn Park, MN, was not seriously injured. Due to the accident, Rally America officials halted the the Olympus Rally at the conclusion of stage six and subsequently cancelled the second day of the National portion of the event. The final results of the rally were consequently based on the leader board after stage six giving Higgins and Mirra 1st and 4th place finish positions, respectively.
31-year-old driver Matthew Marker was in his fifth year of participating in the Rally America National Championship and was a popular driver among his peers. Marker was known to have ambitions of improving his Championship standings and taking part in building the sport’s popularity.

2012 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

One of the selling points of Cadillac’s superb  coupe and sedan was that even modestly-engined models could be ordered with a row-it-yourself gearbox. Buy a Performance or Premium package CTS with the 3.6-liter V-6 engine, and you could select either a six speed manual or a six speed automatic. Even base, 3.0-liter equipped cars could be ordered with a manual transmission, which gave Cadillac bragging rights and the ability to counter sales of European sport sedans. Competitive products from Audi and BMW gave buyers the option of a stick or a slushbox, and including a manual transmission option was key to Cadillac’s market positioning (even if most buyers opted for the automatic). That’s changed for 2012, and if you’re looking to buy a 3.0-liter or 3.6-liter Cadillac CTS with a manual transmission, you’re out of luck. Insufficient demand for the manual transmission has forced GM to cease production, since it’s simply not cost effective to build cars that customers don’t want to buy. Since there’s no significant difference in other mechanicals between the 2011 and 2012 cars, you may still have luck shopping dealer inventory for a manual-transmission-equipped 2011 CTS coupe or sedan.
The change doesn’t impact Cadillac’s CTS-V models, which continue to be available with either the six speed manual or the six speed automatic transmission. Even the CTS-V Sportwagon can be ordered with a manual transmission, making it the only 556 horsepower, row-it-yourself station wagon on the market today. Ironically, the CTS-V’s record Nürburgring lap time was set in an automatic-equipped car, with the transmission in “Sport” mode. Sure, the automatic is faster, but it’s no where near as satisfying to drive.

911carrera 4s

Every element fulfils a function. From this principle, the 911 draws its inner strength. The logical consequence of this is the 911 Carrera’s very low drag coefficient of 0.29.
The air intakes on the front end have been enlarged to provide increased cooling power and give an even more dynamic appearance.
Bi-xenon headlights are fitted as standard on all 911 models. The indicators and LED daytime running lights and position lights are harmoniously integrated into the separate front light units above the outer air intakes for an imposing look.The optional dynamic cornering lights have a swivelling module for the dipped beams – visible engineering for improved visibility. As with the modified exterior mirrors which provide an even better rearward view.
The rear end, too, has undergone a restyling. The imposing LED taillights are drawn right into the wing and taper off to the outside. Unmistakable – especially at night. The stainless steel tailpipes, designed as twin tailpipes on the S model range, are integrated seamlessly. Another important aesthetic contribution is the wheel design. As standard, 911 Carrera models are fitted with 18-inch wheels and Carrera S models with 19-inch wheels.
Specific to the all-wheel drive variants is the 44 mm wider stance at the rear and the taillight strip, which, as a striking design feature, lends even more impact to the rear end.
In every respect, the design is unmistakably 911 – because its form follows function. And all the while it maintains its unique appeal.


Character

Outstanding driving dynamics and traction are what the allwheel drive variants of the 911 have to offer above all else. And they’re instantly recognisable. By their wider body – an extra 44 mm at the rear wings. By the wider rear track – 32 mm more in Carrera 4S models – and the wider rear tyres. Also, by their titanium-coloured front air intake grilles and slats, and seamless taillight strip. Painted in black for contrast, the trims on the lower rear panel and the side skirts provide improved protection against stone impact.the trims on the lower rear panel and the side skirts provide improved protection against stone impact.

In terms of measurable values:

The performance of the 911 Carrera 4 with the 3.6-litre engine is 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds with a top speed of 284 km/h (177 mph).
The 911 Carrera 4S completes the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in just 4.7 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 297 km/h (185 mph).

On to the internal values:

The performance of the 911 Carrera 4 with the 3.6-litre engine is 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.0 seconds with a top speed of 284 km/h (177 mph).
The 911 Carrera 4S completes the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in just 4.7 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 297 km/h (185 mph).

On to the internal values:

Both models are equipped with Porsche Traction Management intelligent all-wheel drive, which until now has been exclusive to the 911 Turbo. PTM has been optimised for outstanding driving dynamics, which are also underpinned by the mechanically locking rear differential. In addition, the traction offered by PTM represents a significant safety feature – especially in wet and snowy conditions.
The 911 Carrera 4 models therefore deliver improvements in both safety and dynamics. However, this is no surprise to their drivers, who see them as an indication of their inner strength.
* These data were obtained using the Euro 5 measurement method (715/2007/EC and 692/2008/EC) in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) with standard equipment.
The 911 Carrera 4S completes the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in just 4.7 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 297 km/h (185 mph).

On to the internal values:

Both models are equipped with Porsche Traction Management intelligent all-wheel drive, which until now has been exclusive to the 911 Turbo. PTM has been optimised for outstanding driving dynamics, which are also underpinned by the mechanically locking rear differential. In addition, the traction offered by PTM represents a significant safety feature – especially in wet and snowy conditions.
The 911 Carrera 4 models therefore deliver improvements in both safety and dynamics. However, this is no surprise to their drivers, who see them as an indication of their inner strength.

Porsche 911 carrera

 Porsche 911 carrera

Luxury coupes can be divided into two categories: performance and touring models. Performance models include the  Porsche 911, Cheverolet  -- two very different models. But these models do have one thing in common: sports car status. That means they’re intended for the highway, not city driving. They’re too powerful and small and have low fuel-economy ratings, making them impractical for daily commutes. Save these vehicles for weekend getaways with your significant other.
Touring coupes, such as the BMW 128i coupe and the Mercedes Benz E350 coupe, will do better as your primary mode of transportation. Neither has stellar fuel-economy ratings -- the 128i gets 18/28 mpg, city/highway and the E350 gets 17/26 -- but their size, performance levels and the 128i’s price are much more practical. The E350’s V6 engine pumps 268 horsepower, while the 128i’s V6 pumps 230 horses.
Fuel Economy
If saving money at the pump is a priority, use the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website to check ratings for the vehicles you’re interested in. The EPA lists data for two- and four-wheel drive vehicles and even tells you how much you will spend on fuel each year.
Most luxury coupes don’t have exceptional fuel-economy ratings. The Audi A5 Coupe gets 21/31 mpg, city/highway, which is more than most other luxury coupes can boast. Fuel-economy ratings aren’t high for the Corvette and Carrera because these engines are designed for performance: the Corvette gets 16/26 mpg, city/highway while the Carrera gets 19/27 mpg, city/highway.
Comfort
Coupes can seat two, four or five people, but in most models, only the driver and front passenger will be comfortable. Coupes lack rear doors and their sloping rooflines make rear seats cramped. You should always test all the rear seats thoroughly to see if they’re comfortable enough for short trips. If not, don’t be afraid to pass up a model in favor of something roomier.
Most coupes fit two comfortably in the front, but watch out for models with super small dimensions. Drivers and passengers who are six feet tall or more may be cramped out of the smallest models.
Features
If you want a luxurious cabin, don’t buy a coupe built for sports enthusiasts, even if the cabin has plenty of front seat space. Instead, look at coupes that offer a lot of tech features that make the cabin livable. The Infiniti G37 is a great example. This entry-level luxury car has standard leather seats, XM Radio, push-button start and MP3 playback capabilities, and you can equip it with a lot more. A sunroof, dual-zone temperature control, heated seats, a Bose sound system and navigation system are optional.
Utility
Like convertibles, coupes are not utilitarian vehicles, but their trunks can usually handle luggage for a weekend getaway for two or a week’s worth of groceries. At 7.4 cubic feet, the G37 coupe has one of the smallest trunks in the class. For more space check out the BMW 328i coupe’s 11 cubic feet. This isn’t much space considering sedans can offer up to 16 cubic feet, so it’s important to buy a model with a decent amount of interior storage. Look for spacious glove compartments and deep center consoles. Even if the rear seats aren’t fit for passengers, going for a coupe with back seats can increase your cargo space, especially if the rear seats fold down.

2011 Ford Fiesta

 2011 Ford Fiesta

Fiesta gets the most out of every corner, thanks to the technical precision only a Ford-tuned suspension can offer. Taking on straightaways is a smooth affair, too, when you combine electric power-assisted steering with the proprietary Ford invention, active nibble control. Covert aerodynamic design and critical technology such as the class-exclusive PowerShift six-speed automatic and 1.6L Ti-VCT Duratec® I4 engine with twin-independent variable cam timing make it a responsive and fuel-responsible driving experience.

Fuel-Efficient Technology

Fiesta thinks on its feet, combining aerodynamic design with efficiency-critical technology to deliver a responsive and fuel-responsible driving experience.

Fuel-Efficient Technology

Fiesta thinks on its feet, combining aerodynamic design with efficiency-critical technology to deliver a responsive and fuel-responsible driving experience.
No other compact car matches Fiesta in fuel economy.² Fiesta SE with the Super Fuel Economy Package gets an impressive EPA-estimated 29 city/40 hwy/33 combined. The Super Fuel Economy Package features underbody shields and blockers on the lower grille to help minimize air resistance and increase fuel efficiency. Other aerodynamic features include aero-shaped body-mounted mirrors and the line cut into the taillamps. And all models feature rapid-fire shifting, which is enhanced by a powertrain control module making real-time adjustments, producing efficient mobility.
Inspired by our European counterparts, we've gone even more aggressive with the American version, so you can really make a statement with your Fiesta by specifying this Four-Piece Lower Body Kit by 3dCarbon. Available for SE and SES five-door hatch models and not available with Splash Guards or the Exterior Protection Package.