2011 Archives | Page 39 of 57

2011 Triumph Tiger 800 completely leaked

Filed under: Motorcycle

Triumph Tiger 800 and 800 XC

Triumph Tiger 800 XC – Click above for high-res image gallery

Surprise, surprise. An entire high-resolution image gallery of the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 and 800 XC has found its way online, and everything is exactly as we suspected. The Tiger is also (surprise, surprise) very reminiscent of the BMW F 800 GS, which will be Triumph’s main competition in this particular segment niche.

Triumph’s hopeful ace in the hole will be its trademark triple engine, measuring 800cc in this case. According to leaked documentation, this mill is a stroked version of the much-loved 675cc inline-three used in Triumph’s small-bore sport bikes. Figure around 100 horsepower and a nice, flat torque curve peaking at about 70 pound-feet.

With an expected weight in the 440-pound range, the Tiger’s power-to-weight ratio should crucially be just a bit better than the aforementioned Beemer. Check out our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 and 800 XC

2011 Triumph Tiger 800 and 800 XC

[Source: MotorInfo.hu via Asphalt & Rubber]

2011 Triumph Tiger 800 completely leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Nissan Rogue

Filed under: Crossover, Nissan, Reviews

A Good Option Among Many Gets a Little Better

2011 Nissan Rogue – Click above for high-res image gallery

We don’t envy the hordes of product planners working in the auto world. America’s concept of quality transportation seems to shift with the seasons, leaving analysts scrambling to anticipate amorphous market demands while automakers fill barely justifiable voids in their product line. If you need proof, look no further than the scorching hot CUV segment. Buyers have developed a seemingly unquenchable thirst for small, car-based high riders, and nearly every automaker sports at least one tall hatch in their lineup.

Nissan hopped on the small crossover train belately in 2007 when it introduced the Rogue as a 2008 model. The pint-sized ‘ute borrowed plenty of styling cues from the likes of the larger Murano and came equipped with an efficient and capable drivetrain built to suit a variety of tastes. But that was three years ago. In order to keep the Rogue as fresh as possible until a full-on next-generation model arrives, the company has rolled out a mildly updated version for 2011. It may not be the front-runner in its class, but the refreshed 2011 Rogue promises to hit all of the same notes that American buyers are singing right now. We spent a week with one to find out.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Rogue: Review

2011 Nissan Rogue

Continue reading Review: 2011 Nissan Rogue

Review: 2011 Nissan Rogue originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: 2011 Dodge Challenger V6 takes on Mustang, Camaro

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford

Dodge Challenger SE

Dodge has big things headed our way for the 2011 model year, not the least of which is a thoroughly updated Challenger that seems to be much better equipped to go up against the likes of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Up to this point, even those who loved the last generation’s styling and optional Hemi engine had to admit that lower level models powered by the old 3.5-liter V6 engine were simply unable to match up against its lifelong mortal enemies from Chevrolet and Ford.

As we’ve come to find out straight from the ~~horse’s~~ pony’s mouth, Dodge intends to bring its base-model muscle car up to modern specifications courtesy of a brand spankin’ new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. As a reminder, here’s how the new V6 engine compares to the competitors’ options:

	Base Price	Engine Size	Horsepower	Torque	MPG	Weight
Dodge Challenger	$23,245*	3.6 liters	305 @ 6350	268 @ 4800	N/A***	3819 lb*
Chevy Camaro	$22,680**	3.6 liters	312 @ 6400	278 @ 5200	17 / 28	3741 lb
Ford Mustang	$22,145**	3.7 liters	305 @ 6500	280 @ 4250	19 / 31	3453 lb

* 2010 model ** Plus destination *** Not yet rated

As you can see, the Dodge very nearly matches up with its main rivals on paper, with slight deficiencies in torque and overall weight, though we don’t quite know what the 2011 model’s final poundage figure will be. We’re also unsure of the Challenger’s pricing for the new model year, but we can’t imagine it will go up too much from its current spot as it’s already the priciest of the three competitors, albeit barely.

In any case, we have ourselves one obvious burning question to consider: Does the new V6 engine improve the Challenger enough in your eyes to go head-to-head with the best six-pot pony cars from The Blue Oval and the Golden Bowtie? Or, to put it another way for you Mopar fans, is the 2011 Challenger V6 Sublime or is Chrysler just plain Plum Crazy? Make your voice heard in our completely unscientific, informal poll below.

View Poll

Poll: 2011 Dodge Challenger V6 takes on Mustang, Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Dodge Challenger gets new Pentastar V6 with 305 HP

Filed under: Coupe, Chrysler, Dodge

2010 Dodge Challenger

2010 Dodge Challenger – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s no secret that Chrysler is making the most of its new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. We’ve tested this mill in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and know the automaker has plans to offer it in the forthcoming Dodge Avenger, Durango, Charger and Journey, as well as the new Chrysler 200, 300 and Town & Country. Good news all around, but what’s most interesting is that the Challenger pony car will benefit from Pentastar power, meaning that the base V6 model will be better poised to compete with its cross-town rivals, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

The 2011 Challenger V6 will produce 305 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, gains of 55 hp and 18 lb-ft versus the 2010 model. Compare that to the Mustang with its new 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 and the Camaro with its direct-injected, 312-hp 3.6-liter six, and what we have here is quite the showdown. Now, all the Challenger needs is a slightly better interior, and we’ll be in business.

See how the V6 Challenger stacks up to the Mustang and Camaro side-by-side in the table below, and follow the jump for Chrysler’s official press release.

	Base Price	Engine Size	Horsepower	Torque	MPG	Weight
Dodge Challenger	$23,245*	3.6 liters	305 @ 6350	268 @ 4800	N/A***	3819 lb
Chevy Camaro	$22,680**	3.6 liters	312 @ 6400	278 @ 5200	17 / 28	3741 lb
Ford Mustang	$22,145**	3.7 liters	305 @ 6500	280 @ 4250	19 / 31	3453 lb

* 2010 model pricing ** Plus destination *** Not yet rated

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Challenger

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading 2011 Dodge Challenger gets new Pentastar V6 with 305 HP

2011 Dodge Challenger gets new Pentastar V6 with 305 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Ford Edge Limited

Filed under: Crossover, Ford, Reviews

Ford Masters The Mid-Cycle Refresh

2011 Ford Edge

2011 Ford Edge – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s one thing for an automaker to develop a single great vehicle. After all, even a blind squirrel can score the occasional nut. But to gain a loyal customer base, automakers must string together a consistent cadence of winners. When CEO Alan Mulally joined Ford Motor Company in 2006, he inherited a product lineup with only two true champions: the F-Series pickup and the iconic Mustang. Over the next four years, Mulally and his team concentrated on getting the company leaner and meaner while improving quality and streamlining its product offerings.

At the same time that Ford was trimming costs and eliminating waste, it was also producing more competitive products. The 2010 Taurus was a step in the right direction. The 2010 Fusion won Motor Trend Car of the Year. The 2011 Mustang GT got the engines it needed to beat up on the pony car competition. And buyers are spending top dollar to get optioned-up 2011 Fiesta hatchbacks and sedans. The Blue Oval has been firing on all cylinders, and the company’s newest offering, the 2011 Edge, is supposed to extend Ford’s seemingly unbreakable streak. Will updated looks, new engines and a completely overhauled interior get the Edge on buyers’ short lists? We spent a week in a loaded 2011 Edge Limited to see for ourselves.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Edge

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Review: 2011 Ford Edge Limited originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150*

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti EX

2011 Infiniti EX – Click above for high-res image gallery

The biggest news for Infiniti’s 2011 model year lineup may be the all-new M sedan, QX56 SUV, G25 sedan and IPL G coupe, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the automaker’s portfolio sails into the new year unchanged. The smaller EX crossover/wagon thingie, for example, gets a host of new updates including a seven-speed automatic transmission, larger wheel choices and more standard technology.

Curiously, Infiniti is still offering the EX with its smaller 3.5-liter V6, even though the majority of its products now use the more powerful 3.7-liter mill. Still, with 297 horsepower on tap, the EX35 should continue to be a surprisingly engaging steer, and with a new seven-speed gearbox in place, fuel efficiency should be improved for 2011, especially in the all-wheel drive models.

From there, all EX models now come standard with 18-inch wheels (a 19-inch set is available with the Deluxe Touring Package), dual-zone automatic climate control and new exterior paint options including Arctic Blue (pictured). Other changes for 2011 include Active Blind Spot Warming being added to the EX’s technology package and a revised premium package that encompasses both the upgraded Bose audio system and around-view camera system.

The 2011 EX is making its way to dealerships as you read this, priced from $34,150 (*excluding destination fees). A top-end EX35 Journey AWD will set you back $37,750, drastically undercutting the price of BMW’s new (and admittedly larger) X3 xDrive35i that we recently tested. Follow the jump for the full list of 2011 EX changes in Infiniti’s press release.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti EX

2011 Infiniti EX

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading 2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150*

2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Journey gets Pentastar engine, new interior for 2011

Filed under: Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge

2011 Dodge Journey

2011 Dodge Journey – Click above for high-res image gallery

As Chrysler continues its effort to drastically refresh the majority of its product portfolio in short order, we’re seeing a raft of updated interior refinements and powertrain enhancements making their way across the full range of Pentastar vehicles. The big news for most of these vehicles is better interior quality, and no place is that more apparent than on the 2011 Dodge Journey. Have a look at the old Journey’s cockpit and compare that with the new one. On face value alone, this looks to be a massive improvement.

Updated interior aside, the 2011 Journey receives revised suspension geometry, better tires and an overhauled steering system in an effort to make things more engaging from behind the wheel. In the biggest development of all, Chrysler’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is under the hood, delivering 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. V6 models also receive a more aggressive lower front fascia, 19-inch wheels and LED taillamps.

Pricing has not been released as of this writing, but we’ll have those details closer to the 2011 Journey’s on-sale date near the end of this year. For now, read Chrysler’s own words about the updated Journey in the press release after the break and check out the high-res gallery below. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Journey

2011 Dodge Journey

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Dodge Journey gets Pentastar engine, new interior for 2011

Dodge Journey gets Pentastar engine, new interior for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, First Drive, Electric

“She Blinded Me With Science”

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chevy Volt has finally, successfully, made the leap from science fiction to fact. Quite a bit has changed in the nearly four-year journey from the 2007 Detroit Auto Show to last week, when General Motors let us drive a production-spec car. The Volt may not be the stuff of Blade Runner, but it’s a technologically advanced showpiece for GM, and the first widely practical electric vehicle, ready and waiting for mainstream acceptance.

Give GM credit for building the Volt during the most miserable turn of events in the company’s long and storied history.

But first some basics: The Volt is a four-passenger, compact hatchback. While there’s considerable controversy over whether or not to call it a plug-in hybrid, that’s how we’ll be referring to it, following the lead of the Federal government. GM prefers “extended-range electric vehicle,” which is somewhat misleading, since the Volt is only an electric vehicle for the first 25-50 miles. In EV mode, the Volt’s electric drive system draws power exclusively from a 16 kilowatt-hour battery pack, at all speeds up to its 100-mph maximum. Once the battery gets drawn down to 35 percent of its capacity, the Volt’s gasoline engine fires up, spinning a generator to produce more electricity.

Of all the changes GM’s engineers have wrought since the first Volt concept, the most controversial has to be the design of the transmission, which GM kept a secret until last week. GM has been saying all along that the Volt was driven purely electrically, but as it turns out, this is not exactly the case. At highway speeds in extended range mode, the Volt’s gasoline engine is actually clutched together with the electric drive system inside the vehicle’s transaxle. There’s no point in belaboring the controversy beyond saying that the design is 10-15 percent more efficient, according to GM. Since efficiency is pretty much the whole point of the vehicle, we’re satisfied, even if we’re not happy that we (along with the rest of the media) were misled. However, it’s time to move on and focus on evaluating the Volt as a vehicle, and to that end, it’s an amazing piece of machinery.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt: First Drive

2011 Chevrolet Volt

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First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Brammo Enertia Plus doubles down on distance with 80-mile range [w/video]

2011 Brammo Enertia Plus – Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2011 Brammo Enertia Plus doesn’t just raise the bar – it hoists it high and threatens to go all Jackie Chan on everything within its newfound extended reach. It takes the 40-mile range of the original Enertia and doubles it to 80 (LA92 drive cycle). It’s now easier to charge, simpler to start and turns tighter than its predecessor. Amazingly, with its new “Brammo Power” battery, it still weighs the same 324 pounds and, at $8,995, costs only $1,000 more.

Brammo has been pretty good about using social media to keep in touch with their existing and future customers and not only has the company listened to what people told them about the product, it’s taken their suggestions to heart and the Enertia Plus is the proof. Of course, increased range was a no-brainer, but boosting the battery up to a 6 kWh pack really makes the machine more desirable and allows it to truly fulfill its urban commuter mission. Minor complaints about the turning radius that could have been easily shrugged off were addressed with an improvement of the front geometry. Not only does the new bike turn tighter but the handle bars are now an inch closer (the fork offset has been increased and the trail decreased). Brammo engineers have also streamlined the charging and starting procedures. Now, you simply plug it in to charge and turn the key to start.

If you’ve already bought yourself an Enertia but really really want to upgrade, don’t despair. The company is offering a very attractive $2,500 “Customer Loyalty Rebate.” As with its new Empulse model, Brammo is also giving away a free bike to one of the first 1,000 pre-orders. To read the official press release and watch a slick and quick presentation of this new and improved urban weapon, hit the jump.

[Source: Brammo]

Continue reading 2011 Brammo Enertia Plus doubles down on distance with 80-mile range [w/video]

2011 Brammo Enertia Plus doubles down on distance with 80-mile range [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Hyundai Equus starts at $58,000

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury

2011 Hyundai Equus

2011 Hyundai Equus – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has released pricing information for the all-new 2011 Equus, and the full-size luxury sedan we drove earlier this year, will start at $58,000 in Signature form. Option up for the top-tier Equus Ultimate and the sticker swells to $64,500. So what does the extra $6,500 nets you?

50/50 split rear seats (four-passenger seating) with reclining function
First-Class passenger-side rear seat with leg support and a massage system
Cooled rear seats, a rear-seat entertainment system with an eight-inch monitor
Thermoelectric rear center console refrigerator
Rear-seat power up/down head rests
Rear-seat illuminated vanity mirrors
Forward-view cornering camera
Power trunk lid

All 2011 Hyundai Equus’ features Hyundai’s new “At Your Service” ownership experience, which includes a plethora of service options ranging from valet pick up and drop off to the use of a Hyundai Genesis while the Equus is in for service, not to mention no-cost maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles. Every authorized Hyundai dealership will play host to an Equus Champion; a product expert who is available to answer any questions about the car. New Equus owners also get to enjoy an Apple iPad in place of the traditional owner’s manual.

The 2011 Hyundai Equus will begin arriving at select dealerships this December and you can get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus: First Drive

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2011 Hyundai Equus starts at $58,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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