Honda fit sport

Honda fit sport
Premium subcompact hatchback"? Isn't that a classic oxymoron, on the order of "business ethics", "military intelligence", or "computer security"?
Not, not if the subcompact hatchback in question is a Honda Fit. When it debuted a few years ago, Honda deliberately placed it above its Asian competitors in standard equipment level and pricing. And performance. Although adhering to the basic "econobox" formula -- small size, hatchback body, front-wheel drive, and MacPherson strut/torsion beam axle suspension, in design and execution the original Fit was a step or three above any other Oriental machine. Only the Mini and VW GTI out-did it as a premium hatch, but at a potentially considerably higher price level.

 Honda fit sport
A second generation of Fit makes its debut for model year 2009, and adds a little more room, a touch more performance -- with no fuel economy penalty -- and more visual flair to its repertoire. Its unibody structure is stronger and more rigid, benefitting both ride and handling and safety, with no weight penalty, while developments to the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine have allowed a small but noticeable gain in power -- 8 hp -- on the same small amount of unleaded regular.
As before, there are two trim levels, the regular Fit and the Fit Sport. The Sport is, well, sportier, with the obligatory "aero-kit" look outside, fancier trim inside, and upgraded wheels, tires, and suspension. Both are offered with five-speed manual or automatic transmissions; the Sport gets manual-mode paddle-shifters on the steering column with its automatic.

 Honda fit sport
I've just finished a week with a manual Fit Sport, and I'm sad. It's gone. I should probably recuse myself from reviewing it as I liked it entirely too much. But what's not to like?

 Honda fit sport
The Fit Sport comes as close to being my (personal) ideal car as anything in production today, with a winning combination of a small, easy-to-park external size, plenty of interior, and great access to and reconfigurability for that interior, entertaining performance and handling, all with a frugal appetite for fuel. It's economical and it's, at heart, a (very useful) box, but it's no "econobox".

 Honda fit sport
The Fit is more like the reincarnation of the CRX than ever, but with more room inside that the late CRX and four doors for better access to that room.

 Honda fit sport

Honda fit sport

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Land rover 67

Land rover

 Land rover
Land Rover as being a company had a period of restructuring inside the 1980s. This involved improving the company’s products, leading to the launch from the Ninety/One Ten/127 range in 1983/4 in addition to updates towards the Range Rover . When Rover car production left the Solihull factory, Land Rover could close its numerous satellite factories in Birmingham and bring engine, gearbox along with other component manufacture in one place. In these changes, Land Rover desired to lessen the amount of specialist conversion work that it sent ‘out of house’ to other companies. This led to the creation of the Special Vehicles Division and to the beginning of the Llama project.
Land Rover had produced ‘Forward Control’ (i.e.- vehicles in which the driving controls were positioned over or maybe ahead of the front axle ) of the company’s Series II models within the 1960s, depending on the standard long-wheelbase chassis. It made sense to employ a similar design for your new version.

 Land rover
Land Rover developed a fibreglass cab body over a steel-tube ‘ spaceframe ‘. It was hinged in front and tilted forwards to allow for use of the engine and gearbox (engine access was a concern while using older Forward Control models). The cab was fully trimmed in plastic and rubber panels, with all the instrument pod through the existing Land Rover models, and also other controls and aspects of other Rover Group cars including the Austin Metro and the Austin Montego . This well-equipped interior reflected Land Rover’s intentions that this Llama should eventually be obsessed about the civilian market.
Land Rover is often a luxury SUV manufacturer which includes its roots in England. Most of its vehicles are replete with the type of leather-lined comforts that call in your thoughts hunting lodges and high tea. Land Rovers are famous for being stellar trail-busters, endowed with the moxie to get down and…
Land Rover can be a luxury SUV manufacturer that has its roots in England. Most of its vehicles are replete while using form of leather-lined comforts that call in your thoughts hunting lodges and high tea. Land Rovers will also be famous for being stellar trail-busters, endowed while using moxie to have great if the road gets rough. Currently owned by Ford Motor Company, Land Rover is one kind of just a couple of automotive brands in the usa to solely market SUV products.
Land Rover and some other off-road capable vehicles have hill-descent control. This technique uses the vehicle’s traction control sensors however the other way around. Traction control senses that a wheel is spinning, it applies a brake on that wheel to slow down. On the other hand, hill-descent control uses brakes to maintain a group speed for continuing to fall a hill, however, if one of the wheels should secure, it releases the skidding wheel momentarily, a sliding wheel having less traction than one still turning. (This works only until there isn’t enough traction for virtually any wheel never to skid, obviously, after which no electronic trickery can help-although a tuned off-roader still has a number of tricks left, a little more about which later).

 Land rover

 Land rover

 Land rover

 Land rover

 Land rover

Land rover

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Lexus lfa

Lexus lfa

Don’t get me wrong; the LF-A is an amazing machine. It just comes down to pure numbers, pedigree, and common sense.

The issue is that Lexus (Toyota), are caught in a market they’ve never been in. Sure they had the Supra in the 80’s and 90’s, but that was a machine built to compete with the then growing sports coupe market. Not the pure-bred super-car market they’re trying to enter now.  Likewise, for companies trying to gain a foot-hold in this market is met with a VERY pesky thorn: The Nissan GTR.

 Lexus lfa

Despite the extreme light weight, the LF-A still can’t compete with the Nissan GTR. So what does Lexus think about that? They ignore the GTR altogether and compare the LF-A to the Ferrari Enzo and the Mercedes SLR-McLaren, as a “cheaper alternative”. But again, as you will see in the provided numbers, there is no comparison. The LFA keeps coming up short. They’re stuck in super-car limbo with a good looking, lightweight, and terribly performing machine. During a heated office discussion, I think I said it best:  “The Lexus LF-A is the big plush leather seat that everyone wants to sit in…a true “super car” is the rigid, light weight, and uncomfortable seat that only true enthusiasts will appreciate.”

 Lexus lfa

It’s just that it’s the biggest super-car impostor since the Delorean. At least the people who bought the Delorean KNEW they were getting an under-performing – pretty looking (?) – car.  My issue is that the Lexus LFA claims to be something that it is clearly not. I don’t give a shit that it’s constructed of 95% carbon fibre, or that it has a odometer straight out of Grand Tourismo… they’re all just sales gimmicks. The car wasn’t constructed as a pure performing super sports car, it was conceived through the sales ideas of Toyota marketing. Caution wasn’t thrown out the window, it was carefully used to understand what sells a super car these days. That is, when you’re a econo-box company trying to make it in a market they have no business being in: You make a car and fill it with all the gadgets and toys people in that market talk about, pay for biased and skewed comparisons from third parties, and ignore your direct competition while comparing this monstrosity to iconic hyper cars. All the while fooling the public into believing that this car belongs. It does not.

 Lexus lfa

Paraphrased, the LFA is a fad and/or a gross bastardization. It suffers from delusions of grandeur.  It will never be known for its performance. Just it’s looks, bells and whistles, and insane price. Wait… this is all too familiar.  Lexus F-’ed up like this once before. The failed Lexus SC430…. Hey Lexus – don’t get yourself down – girls LOVE them!  It’s like a big comfy leather Miata. Maybe you just created the first super-car for the female market? (Was that sexist?… hmm).

 Lexus lfa

 Lexus lfa

 Lexus lfa

Lexus is being totally, completely, and retardedly pretentious about the way one must acquire the LFA (well, in the USA anyways… us EU residents can have the title immediately). Lexus claims that they wants to “avoid the fly-by-night buyers” who will snatch up these limited production cars and sell them for “outrageous prices”.  So Toyota decided to do that themselves!   Lexus is LEASING the LFA for two years before the original leaser can opt to purchase the vehicle. The lease (which isn’t really a legit lease) is worth $12,400 A MONTH – paid all up-front !   Yup, suckers lucky buyers won’t just buy their LFA once… no, no, these lucky suckers buyers get to buy their LFA’s TWICE!   The 24-month lease alone will cost the buyer $297,600.  THEN they’re lucky enough – after said 24-months – to pay out the ass again! Yay!   It’s a terrible maneuver, whether they’re trying to add to their bottom line (100% yes, for sure), or somehow curb resellers (just a bad excuse to charge more) – they’re not doing themselves any favours.

P.T. Barnum said it best – “There’s a sucker born every minute”.

Lexus lfa

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Jeep wrangler

Jeep wrangler

 Jeep wrangler

 Jeep wrangler

 Jeep wrangler

Jeep wrangler

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Alfa romeo 4c

Alfa romeo 4c

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo unveiled its 4C Concept, a two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupe with its engine at the centre. The model is scheduled to go into production and will be sold worldwide beginning 2012, including the United States.

 Alfa romeo 4c

The Alfa Romeo 4C halo car “will bring us back into markets such as the United States, where we are not present today,” said Alfa CEO Harald Wester.

Alfa Romeo plans to produce 15,000 to 20,000 units of the 4C over 5 years. Another 5,000 to 10,000 units of a roadster version for Abarth will be built as well.

 Alfa romeo 4c

Refresher: The rear-wheel-drive Alfa Romeo 4C Concept weighs less than 1,873 lbs and is powered by a 1750 turbo gasoline engine with direct injection. The engine is mated to the ‘Alfa TCT’ twin dry clutch transmission and gives the Alfa Romeo 4C a weight/power ratio which is lower than 4 kg/HP allowing it to go from 0 to 62 mph in under 5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

 Alfa romeo 4c

Distinguished by its graceful and clean external lines, the same principles are also applied to the inside, with the Concept's specific on-board design maintaining features and devices which directly reflect the car's sporting spirit.

 Alfa romeo 4c

The Concept takes up the Brand's sporting tradition, taking us back to its origins, when agility and the weight/power ratio were the keys to a successful racing vehicle, and combining these aspects with the Alfa Romeos which take to the road every day.

This car is not simply an exercise in style created for the Motor Show; it will be on sale in 2012 and is set to reinforce Alfa Romeo's global growth.

New 2011 Alfa Romeo 4C Concept specifications, review, photos and imagery courtesy of Alfa Romeo.

Alfa romeo 4c

The new concept presents the classic formula of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé with its engine at the centre, a length of approximately 4 metres and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres: dimensions which serve both to emphasise the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. 

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Gmc terrain

Gmc terrain

When the 2010 GMC Terrain begins rolling out of General Motors' CAMI assembly facility in Ingersoll, Ontario and into dealerships this September, the new CUV will be clutching a $24,999 sticker price (including a $745 destination charge). For that sum, buyers will get GM's latest direct injected four-cylinder engine, in this case displacing 2.4-liters and producing 182 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. 

 Gmc terrain

Perhaps more importantly, this engine manages to deliver an EPA-estimated 32 miles per gallon on the highway, a class-leading figure. Also available will be a 3.0-liter direct injected V6 engine with 264 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque, a GPS navigation system and a rear-seat DVD infotainment system. The least expensive all-wheel-drive model will go for $26,745.

 Gmc terrain

 Gmc terrain

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control and GM's excellent OnStar service. On the technology front, every GMC Terrain will come equipped with a rear-view camera system, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with USB connectivity and XM satellite radio. Stepping up a few notches to the top-rung SLT2 trim will bring leather seating surfaces, an upgraded sound system from Pioneer, power liftgate and a sunroof for $29,995. Click past the break for an official press release.

 Gmc terrain

 Gmc terrain

Gmc terrain

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Buick enclave

Buick enclave

The functionality of Buick Enclave is clear to see, with seating for up to eight and an impressive volume of space for cargo. What is equally apparent to the eye is how its capability is integrated into an elegant design that is sure to capture your attention. Complete the picture with abundant power balanced with exemplary fuel efficiency – and the craftsmanship that Buick is known for. The complete luxury crossover – the 2011 Buick Enclave.

 Buick enclave

Enclave goes out of its way to make sure everyone is comfortable with climate controls from end to end. Adjust the temperature easily with tri-zone automatic controls for driver, and right-front passenger, as well as rear-seat-passenger controls. 

 Buick enclave

A sister vehicle to the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, the Enclave uses a 3.6-litre V6 with six-speed automatic transmission. Both the CX and CXL are available in front- or all-wheel drive. Seating is for seven, with available eight-passenger configuration.

Features on the CX include 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, rear privacy glass, power liftgate, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, brushed aluminum roof rails, variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper, cruise control, floor mats, tire pressure monitoring system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass, tilt and telescopic leather and wood steering wheel with audio controls, illuminated visor mirrors, garage door opener, auto up/down driver and auto-down passenger windows, automatic xenon headlamps, keyless entry, OnStar, anti-theft alarm, six-way driver and two-way passenger power cloth seats, second-row sliding captain’s chairs, 60/40 split-folding third-row seat, CD/MP3 stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, and XM satellite radio.

 Buick enclave

The CXL1 adds rear-view camera, ultrasonic rear parking assist, remote starter, and eight-way driver and four-way passenger heated perforated leather seats with driver’s side memory.

The CXL2 adds 19-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, auto-dimming driver’s side mirror, 115-volt power outlet, power tilt and telescopic steering column, adaptive headlamps, heated and cooled front seats, and premium ten-speaker Bose stereo with USB port.

 Buick enclave

Enjoy only the sounds you want to hear with special noise blocking technology. Enclave uses premium triple door seals and an acoustic-laminated windshield to dramatically lessen wind, traffic, and city noise. 

 Buick enclave

 Buick enclave

Buick enclave

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Aston martin db9

Aston martin db9

With Aston Martin’s recently acquired £304 million bond - about $440 million at the current rates - the brand is full speed ahead on supplying an all new platform for their full line of sports cars, including the DB9, Vantage and Rapide models. In fact, the new DB9 has already been caught testing for the first time, under heavy camouflage of course. The highly decorated model doesn’t exactly tell us much, but at least we’ve got an official confirmation of the car’s current development.

 Aston martin db9

The first details for the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 suggest that it will get new lights like the ones found on the Rapide and Virage, a new side profile, new side skirts, a more aggressive front spoiler, and a rear trunk lid lip. The rear end also looks to be a bit wider and taller than the current DB9 and there will also be new mesh-grilled hood vents and side mirrors that stand farther away from the doors, mounted on thinner, more aerodynamic stalks. Under the hood, the new DB9 will feature the same 6.0-liter V-12 engine that delivers 510 HP and is mated to a a choice of six-speed manual or shift-by-wire six-speed automatic.

Expect the 2013 Aston Martin DB9 to make its debut sometime next year.

2011 Aston Martin DB9 pictured above.

 

 Aston martin db9

 

 Aston martin db9

 

Aston martin db9

 Aston martin db9

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Fiat 500

Fiat 500

Fiat 500
On July 4, 1957, in Turin, Fiat presented the Nuova Fiat 500, a real icon of our times, with which Fiat concluded a revival that had begun straight after the Second World War. On July 4, 2007, exactly 50 years later, again in Turin, Fiat will present the new Fiat 500 which will be marketed immediately after the launch. And the new car will conclude an equally important cycle of revival for Fiat Automobiles SpA.

Fiat 500

Fiat 500
Developed by the Fiat Style Centre and manufactured in the plant in Tychy (Poland), the new 500 is a 3-door model with very compact measurements: it is 355 cm long, 165 cm wide, 149 cm tall and has a wheelbase of 230 cm, The car is extremely entertaining to drive, due to its three engines: a 75 bhp 1.3 16v Multijet turbodiesel unit and two petrol engines, the 69 bhp 1.2 8v and the 100 bhp 1.4 16v, all of which are available with five or six speed mechanical gearboxes.
The model confirms Fiat Automobiles SpA's undisputed leadership in this category - a result of its extraordinary heritage of technical, design and human experience accumulated in over a century - and it takes a quality leap forward in terms of comfort and safety, technology and equipment for this segment. The new 500 is the most up-to-date solution for the motorist who enjoys' his car in complete freedom, appreciates it for day-to-day use, but also wishes to drive a car that is entertaining and practical, environmentally-friendly and accessible, but also appealing and full of fun.

Fiat 500

Fiat 500

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