redesigned Archives

Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot

Filed under: Sedan, BMW, Hyundai, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M56

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

The Infiniti M37, Hyundai Genesis V8 and the BMW 5 Series were tested in the latest issue of Consumer Reports, and the results were fairly predictable. All three vehicles received ratings of “Excellent,” though each vehicle’s road to the top came from a different direction.

The newly redesigned M37 remains CR’s top-rated midsize luxury sedan for its combination of performance, luxury and comfort. CR chief David Champion credits the M for combining “agile handling, a taut yet comfortable ride, and a beautifully-finished interior.” Solid praise, indeed. The BMW 535i’s top rating comes on the heels of a test that revealed the new sedan as quick, luxurious and fuel efficient. Interestingly, CR believes that the new 5 Series has lost some of its trademark agility for 2011.

While the M37 is the top-rated midsize luxury sedan the V8-powered Hyundai Genesis could be the big winner of this test. South Korea’s best nailed the test with the most power of the three vehicles tested and the lowest price tag of the group. We’re not talking a couple thousand bucks, either. The Genesis was $10,000 cheaper than the M and $15,000 less than the BMW. The dark-horse luxury sedan was called spacious and smooth, though the ‘built for comfort’ chassis was called out for being “not that sporty.” Both the M37 and Genesis have been granted the coveted CR “Recommended” label, while the 5 Series doesn’t have enough reliability data available to qualify just yet. Check out the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot

Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned Bentley Continental GT teased in video

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Bentley, Luxury

2012 Bentley Continental GT

Click above to view the video after the jump

After a slew of special editions and the recent spate of spy shots, the new Bentley Continental GT is finally getting ready for its big reveal at the Paris Motor Show, and the flying B has set up a microsite with a brief teaser video to whet our appetites for the big day.

As seen previously, the exterior revisions appear to be limited to a revised front fascia with a more aggressive air damn and a set of Mulsanne-inspired LED headlamps, partnered with a more sloping rear window and reworked taillights out back.

One feature sure to get attention is the navigation and infotainment system – a constant thorn in many buyer’s sides – and a subtle redesign of the GT’s interior. We don’t have intel on powertrain upgrades yet, but expect a few more ponies to be pulled out of the twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine and a overhauled gearbox to be part of the package. Full details should be revealed in the run-up to the show this September, but until then, check the video after the jump and the gallery of screen caps below.

Gallery: 2012 Bentley Continental GT Screen Caps

Continue reading Redesigned Bentley Continental GT teased in video

Redesigned Bentley Continental GT teased in video originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota to kill Sequoia, Tundra redesigned in 2014

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Toyota

2010 Toyota Sequoia – Click above for high-res image gallery

At it’s peak in 2002, Toyota was selling over 70,000 Sequoias. Last year, that number dropped to below 20,000 units. So it comes as little surprise that ToMoCo will be nixing its Tundra-based SUV at the end of the current model’s lifecycle.

A source speaking with PickupTrucks.com confirmed that the Sequoia won’t live on, partially due to slow sales, but surely in part to get Toyota’s CAFE ratings in check before the new rules hit in 2015. But all’s not lost for the automaker’s body-on-frame offerings.

A redesigned Tundra is set to arrive in 2014, just in time for Ford, General Motors and Nissan’s newest half-ton pickups. Although sales of the Tundra haven’t lived up to Toyota’s lofty expectations, it’s obvious the automaker feels the need to compete in the segment, and a refreshed model should help sales, despite the market’s less-than-enthusiastic reception of Toyota’s largest pickup.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Sequoia

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Toyota to kill Sequoia, Tundra redesigned in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned Nissan March goes on sale in Japan

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Nissan

Nissan March

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

The all-new Nissan March, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in, you guessed it, March) went on sale in Japan this week. The March (or Micra, as it’s known in Europe) is powered by a new family of inline three-cylinder engines. The base normally-aspirated 1.2-liter is rated at 79 horsepower, and Nissan has also announced a supercharged and direct injected version that should produce over 100 horsepower.

The normally-aspirated engine is available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission along with an automatic start-stop function to switch off the engine when the car comes to a halt. The CVT variant with idle-stop is rated at 61 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the Japanese urban test cycle, which should be equivalent to somewhere in the low to mid 40 mpg range on the EPA cycle.

Nissan has yet to confirm whether it will offer the redesigned Micra/March in the U.S. market.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Micra / March

[Source: Nissan]

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Redesigned Nissan March goes on sale in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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