2011 Fiat 500
Posted: September 25th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: 2011 New Car Models, Fiat | Leave a comment »The Fiat 500 (cinquecento) is a car produced by the Fiat company of Italy first between 1957 and 1975. Launched in July 1957 it was marketed as a cheap and practical town car. Almost 4 million cars were manufactured between 1957 and 1975.
The Fiat Nuova 500 is a city car (inspired by the old Fiat 500) build by Fiat since 2007. The car is currently produced in Tychy, Poland (for European market) and in Toluca, Mexico by Chrysler Group ( for American maket). The four-seater, three-door hatchback 500 is almost designely identical to the 1957 original rear-engined Fiat 500. With this new Fiat 500, the Fiat returns in the U.S. market after 30 years since the Italian automaker sold its last car in the U.S.
The new 2011 Fiat 500 brought back fond memories in Europe but in the States it is a virtual stranger. Fiat believes that the Fiat 500 is the perfect ambassador to re-open relations with the US and Canada. The US Fiat 500 is not exactly the same as the car sold in Europe. To pass more stringent crash regulation in the US, the 500 has a new rear structure and a slightly different torsion-beam rear-suspension design. Other differences between the U.S. and European versions are mostly related to comfort: wider and flatter seats, more sound-deadening material and the addition of an armrest for the driver.
The modern version of the Fiat 500 is the symbol of true Italian design and is a perfect expression of what the world expects of Italian cars.
said Laura Soave, Head of Fiat Brand North America.
The new 2011 Fiat 500 is a two-door subcompact hatchback available as a hardtop or 500c convertible. The hardtop body style is available in Pop (starting at $15.500 MSRP), Sport (starting at $17.500 MSRP), and Lounge (starting at $19.500 MSRP) trim levels.
Differentiating the Fiat 500c convertible from the hatchback model is a slightly longer windshield and a multi-position power-retractable cloth top. The 2011 Fiat 500c is available in Pop (starting at $19.500 MSRP) and Lounge (starting at $23.500 MSRP) trim levels.
Standard equipment on the 2011 Fiat 500 Pop includes 15-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, heated mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Convenience package (standard on the Fiat 500 c ) adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Fiat’s Blue&Me Bluetooth phone connectivity and an iPod/USB interface.
The 2011 Fiat 500 Sport gains 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspensions tuning, retuned steering, a roof spoiler, foglamps, sport seats and cloth/vinyl sport upholstery. The Safety&Convenience package includes automatic climate control, a compact spare tire and heated front seats.
The 500 Lounge reverts to the Pop’s mechanical tuning and includes its optional packages as well. Also included are 15-inch alloy wheels, exterior chrome accents, foglamps and a fixed glass roof.
The 2011 Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder SOHC 16-valve MultiAir engine that produces 101 hp at 6500 rpm and 98 lb-ft of torque at 400 rpm. This engine was named ,,Best New Engine of the Year” in 2010 in Europe. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Pop and the Sport and a six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Lounge and optional on the other trims.
The estimated EPA Fuel Economy for 2011 Fiat 500 is 30 mpg city/ 38 mpg highway for 5-speed manual transmission and 27 mpg city/ 34 mpg Hwy for 6-speed automatic.
The 2011 Fiat 500 comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, driver knee airbag, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
Nissan Murano 2011
Posted: September 18th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: 2011 New Car Models, Nissan | Leave a comment »The 2011 Nissan Murano is five-passenger midsize SUV available in S (starting at $29.290 MSRP), SV (new for 2011 model year and starting at $32.860 MSRP), SL (starting at $36.400) and LE (starting at $38.300) trim levels. A new two-door convertible called Murano CrossCabriolet is disponible and it is the world’s first SUV convertible (at $46.390 MSRP). All trim levels come with front- or all-whell drive. The 2011 Nissan Murano competes in price and size with the Ford Edge, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.
Along with its refreshed grille and bumper design, new taillights, a new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design and a number of interior and content additions, Murano 2011 again combines its noteworthy ”mobile suite” interior with advanced technology and a refined, premium driving feel to create a modern crossover SUV like no other. New models are disponible for 2011: SV (AWD and FWD) trim level and CrossCabriolet. Other changes include the addition of one new exterior color, Graphite Blue, and a new wood grain hue on LE models.
As in 2010, all 2011 Muranos feature a powerful 3.5-liter DOHC 24 valve V6 engine with CVTS ( Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System) on intake valve and variable induction system. This engine produces 260 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. In combination with an advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), this engine provides a sporty and smooth driving experience. EPA Fuel Consumption estimates for 2011 Nissan Murano is 18 mpg city and 23 mpg on highway.
Available exterior features of 2011 Nissan Murano include rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate and a large, dual panel power sliding glass moonroof with 2nd row skylight that provides an open-air experience for Murano passengers without compromising headroom.
The 2011 Nissan Murano also offers a variety of convenient cargo storage areas throughout the interior including standard dual-level center console, pockets for mobile phones, coins, maps and more, an extralarge glove compartment and dual seat back pockets as well as a large rear cargo area.
Other standard interior features include an auto door lock feature, dual zone climate control and an AM/FM/CD six-speaker audio system with AVX-in jack, VTR jack and MP3/WMA capability. A variety of advanced technology features are available, including standard Nissan Intelligent key with Push Button Start, standard Interface System for iPod, Radio Data System (RDS) and Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System.
The 2011 Nissan Murano S models include 18-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights and LED taillights, 6-way manual driver’s and 4-way manual passenger’s seats, manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry system, a 6-speaker audio system, rear privacy glass and more.
Murano SV 2011 add Dual Panel Moonroof with one-touch open/ close, roof rails, integrated halogen front fog lights, 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, rear view monitor and Vehicle Security System. Murano SL 2011 models add leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, outside mirror position memory, heated steering-wheel, Bose premium audio system with 9 speakers and two subwoofers and heated outside mirrors.
The 2011 Nissan Murano LE models add 20-inch wheels with a special titanium-colored finish, roof rails with silver accents, rain-sensing front wipers, heated rear seats, wood grain interior trim and steering wheel memory position.
The Edmunds says:
The 2011 Nissan Murano is a standout among midsize crossovers for its finely tuned suspension and responsive steering, making it one of the most rewarding and involving cars in its class. The Murano is also notable for its comfortable ride, easily soaking up bumps and potholes.
Frankfurt Motor Show 2011 – New 2012 Lotus Evora GTE Road Car
Posted: September 10th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: 2012 New Car Models, Car News, Concept Car, Lotus, News | Leave a comment »Acording to a recent reports, the Norfolk-based sports car manufacturer is planning to introduce an updated Lotus Evora at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Details are limited, but in related news, the Evora 2012 lineup is set to expand with a convertible and a high-performance variant that will adopt a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 400 hp.
Frankfurt Auto Show – All New 2012 Mazda CX-5
Posted: September 6th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: 2012 New Car Models, Car News, News | Leave a comment »Mazda Motor Corporation will hold the world premiere of its all-new 2012 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday, 13 September. The new CX-5 is the first of new generation of Mazda products that will adopt the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV Technology and the new design theme ”KODO – Soul of Motion”.
Mazda describes the new CX5 as a ”unique crossover SUV for urban explorers which fuses emotional design with outstanding performance”. Worldwide, Mazda will offer the all new 2012 CX-5 with both gasoline and diesel engine (no specifications yet). First sales of new 2012 Mazda CX-5 will start early next year.
Source: Mazda Corporation
Frankfurt Auto Show – Land Rover DC 100 Concept – preview of new Defender
Posted: September 4th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: 2012 New Car Models, News | Leave a comment »Land Rover confirms All-New Defender Concept for Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Land Rover DC 100, a modern interpretation of the iconic Land Rover Defender will make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Land Rover also confirm that production of a new Defender is intended for 2015.
Comenting on the Land Rover DC 100 Concept Car, Gerry McGovern, Director of Design, Land Rover said:
Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide. This isn’t a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century.
Source: Land Rover
No details on the concept’s running were released, but are set to be announced during the Land Rover press conference in Frankfurt on September 13, 2011.