Honda CR-Z Sporty Hybrid Coupe 2011

2011 Honda CR Z

 

Okay, so the 2011 Honda CR-Z isn't exactly the modern-day CRX redux that we were all hoping for. Mildly upsetting, yes, but perhaps this disappointment tarnished our initial impression of this newest hybrid offering from Honda. We still have many questions about its form and function, but need to accept the fact that times have changed, Honda's product strategies have been realigned to the times and the CRX shall remain a modern classic – especially the Si. Besides, this little two-seat hybrid isn't really all that bad. Really.

What we have here is an inherently good vehicle that doesn't make a whole lot of sense. It only has two seats and its EPA fuel economy numbers are underwhelming. A Ford Fiesta, for example, is more functional, less expensive and gets nearly the same combined fuel economy – at least compared to a manual-equipped CR-Z like our tester.

But don't write off the CR-Z completely. It may be a tough sell when looked at from a big picture perspective, but on its own, it's a pretty good little whip. Follow the jump to find out why.


After spending a week with our North Shore Blue EX test car, we grew to rather like the CR-Z's design, though it is a bit awkward at first take. The oversized front maw doesn't really match up with the short, wedgy proportions of the rest of the car. What's more, the side profile highlights the fact that the front overhang is noticeably longer than the rear, and from most front three-quarter views, the CR-Z looks rather nose-heavy.

Out back, however, things are a little more put together. The split glass rear hatch and triangular taillamps are reminiscent of the original CRX, but we can see a bit of its larger brother, the Insight (both the original and new one), as well. Interestingly, though, the rear view seems to be the most polarizing among the general public. Within the span of 30 minutes, we had one passer-by make mention of the CR-Z's "butt-ugly butt" and another commented on how modern and high-tech it looked. To each their own, but we're quite fond of the rear design, even though the split in the glass cuts right through the middle of your rear-view mirror sight-lines. Even so, it's no worse than trying to look out the back of a properly winged Subaru STI.

Visually, the only difference between our loaded-up EX tester and the base CR-Z are the addition of front foglamps. All models get the same set of 16-inch alloy wheels you see here, though Honda does offer an attractive set of 17-inchers as a dealer-installed accessory. The larger wheels would better fill out the relatively large wheel wells, not to mention add an extra dose of sportiness, since Honda is, after all, trying to convince us that the CR-Z is a sports car... of a kind.

Looking inside, the whole "hybrid sports car" theme is nicely presented. The futuristic dash display speaks to the eco-mindedness of the CR-Z, and the nicely bolstered, supportive seats and short, nubby six-speed manual shifter are sporty visual cues. Furthermore, all of the car's controls are canted toward the driver, and we're big fans of the smaller-diameter steering wheel. Especially with the navigation screen in place, the interior looks great when lit up at night, though Honda is long overdue for an upgrade to its infotainment display technology – things are starting to look a bit pixelated onscreen.

The CR-Z's hatchback design would lead you to believe that it's relatively functional, and we don't have any complaints about the 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Instead of fitting a second row of seats, Honda has opted for clever storage compartments and a divider that can be folded flat to accommodate larger haulables. Would we prefer a two-plus-two seating arrangement? No. We can't imagine that those rear seats would be used for anything except shopping bags and the original CRX didn't have rear seats, anyway.

But while the phrase "hybrid sports car" works for the interior design, it's not as well played out when it comes to the CR-Z's on-road manners. Power comes from Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology, pairing a 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine with a small electric motor. The gas-powered mill is good for 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque and the electric motor churns out 13 hp and 58 lb-ft, though unlike most parallel hybrids, the CR-Z is a mild hybrid and can't be powered by its electric motor alone. Honda says that maximum torque thrust is available as low as 1,750 rpm, but these i-VTEC four-pots aren't known for their low-end twist – it's all about the high-revving power here, which goes against the point of a hybrid powertrain.

Lander Rover

2011 Lander Rover Defender

 

Didn’t the Land Rover only receive a new engine recently?

That’s true, though the switch to the Transit-derived 2.4-litre diesel did happen a few years back. This car is running a 2200cc oil burner, because the bigger 2.4 Puma engine apparently can’t meet forthcoming emissions regulations.

That means out with the 121bhp and 268lb ft 2.4, and in with the 2.2, but despite the smaller size expect a boost in power and torque outputs, plus performance, while the new engine should also help improve on the current car’s 27.5mpg and 274g/km CO2 output too.

We're not yet sure when the new engine will be introduced into the Defender, but Land Rover has a whole host of new product on the way in the next 12 months, including a facelifted Freelander, the new LRX and a new 4.4 TDV8 so it's another engineering matter to keep the Midlands team very busy.

2010 Mercedes Benz SLR

2010 Mercedes Benz SLR

 

The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, the final hurrah for the fabled SLR line, has a production date of June 2009 and is the culmination of everything SLR. The SLR Stirling Moss has a radical design, with no roof or even proper windshield. It is as if Mercedes-Benz is flaunting the fact that all SLR drivers own a couple more cars, and the retro race-roadster design is the only thing they could respectfully apply legendary British race car driver Stirling Moss's name to.

Stirling Moss--the car--is styled unlike anything else on the market, even from boutique car builders. It looks every bit the modern interpretation of the classic race speedster Mercedes is going for, and while the modern SLR McLaren heritage is clear, this new edition is wholly different. While the new open supercar Mercedes was again developed in conjunction with McLaren, this one drops the McClaren name in favor of honoring the most famous of Benz pilots.


SLR Stirling Moss Styling - Rolling Sculpture and Totally Unique Supercar

Mercedes-Benz rather curious decision to fit the SLR Stirling Moss with neither a front windshield nor side windows seems like a strange one on a supercar capable of more than 200 mph. Only two tiny front wind deflectors--less than two centimeters tall, Mercedes-Benz reminds us--protect driver and passenger from wind, dust, tiny chunks of asphalt, etc. Helmets will be required for serious high speed driving, but just think how cool and classy you can look with a vintage Stirling Moss SLR 300-style racing helmet!

Only a roofless, windowless car can get away with the huge air scoops aft of the rear seats, which also serve SLR Stirling Moss driver and passenger safety with integrated roll bars. The car's drastic styling, when compared side-by-side with the famous SLR 300 race cars of the 1950s, does its namesake justice. The SLR Stirling Moss will be the culmination of production for the SLR line, and will see a worldwide release of 75 units. Just 75.

Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss price sits at EUR 750,000 or approximately USD $1.05 million, and good luck getting one, even if you have that kind cash. This thing is inevitably destined to fetch many millions at the Pebble Beach auctions of the future. Availability at launch will be only to European current customers of Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes benz ML450

2010 Mercedes benz ML450

 

An hour after Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new ML450 hybrid at the New York Auto Show, we got to take our first quick drive in the first German version of a two-mode hybrid. Mercedes-Benz has been collaborating with General Motors, Chrysler and BMW for the last four years to develop the two-mode hybrid system for applications smaller than the buses that GM originally designed it for. GM has now installed the system across the board on all its GMT900 full size trucks and SUVs and Chrysler briefly offered it on the Durango and Aspen before production of those vehicles ended at the end of 2008. In 2010, Dodge will add the system to the Ram pickup trucks.

Mercedes-Benz will be building its own version of the two-mode hybrid transmission at a plant in Germany. Those transmissions will also be supplied to BMW for the X6 hybrid when that debuts. Read on for our first on the road impressions of the ML450.

The two-mode hybrid transmission for the Mercedes and BMW applications is based on the same mechanisms as the GM variant and in fact much of the innards are common. It features 4 clutches and three planetary gear sets. The main difference for the German variant is smaller motors that allow for a tighter package size so that it fits into the more compact vehicles. The two motors are rated at 83 hp/173 lb-ft and 80 hp/192 lb-ft. Similarly, the power electronics are repackaged but 75 percent of the internals are common with GM.

2010 BMW 6 Series

2010 BMW 6 Series

 

For better or worse, the 2010 BMW 6 Series is a reminder of what happened on erstwhile BMW design chief Chris Bangle's watch. With its Porsche 911-esque profile, distinctive ducktail trunk and lidded headlights, the 6 Series has been alternately wooing and alienating luxury coupe and convertible buyers since its debut back in 2004. Aesthetics aside, we've had few complaints about BMW's flagship GT over the years, and for 2010 BMW has addressed a major one by installing the much-improved fourth-generation iDrive system. If you're in the market for a car of this type, the 6 Series still merits close consideration, even in its seventh year of production.

As noted, the big news this year is on the iDrive front, where BMW has finally taken its much-maligned electronics interface back to the shop for serious revisions. The result is – gasp! – a system that's actually fairly intuitive, thanks to the addition of numerous controller-adjacent physical buttons for frequently used functions (stereo, navigation, telephone) and redesigned menus that are more logically arranged. Additionally, the navigation system is now hard-drive-based and offers 13 gigabytes of multimedia storage and real-time traffic information. It may have taken six full years of production, but the 6 Series now boasts industry-standard cabin technology in addition to its other virtues.

As ever, these virtues are plentiful, starting with the mellifluous 4.8-liter V8 under the hood of the 650i (the only available 6 Series model). While this motor clearly lacks the low-end punch of a Mercedes-Benz V8, it compensates with velvety refinement and a thrilling high-end punch. To BMW's credit, a manual transmission is still available for the presumably few buyers who want one (BMW is mum on the take rate), though it's now a $250 option rather than standard. Additional points in the 6 Series' favor include a choice of coupe and convertible body styles, a trick soft top with an independent power glass rear window on the convertible, and excellent ride and handling characteristics.

2010 Brabus Mercedes-Benz Viano

2010 Brabus Mercedes-Benz Viano

The 2010 Brabus Mercedes-Benz Viano Lounge powered by 426hp 6.1L V8 engine, and features a 32-inch LCD, two Sony VAIO laptops, a PlayStation 3, Nespresso machine, and even a Vertu Constellation phone.
"A 32-inch electrically deployed LCD screen is integrated into the partition wall behind the front seats. It serves as monitor for the computer system with Sony Vaio notebook and Wireless LAN network for connecting additional notebooks to the on-board network and for connecting to the internet via UMTS. A Sony Playstation 3 game console plays Blu-ray movies and games such as the racing simulator Gran Turismo 5 in stunning clarity on the big screen, which can also display the images from the digital TV tuner. The large screen can also be used in split-screen mode to simultaneously monitor the images from the various external cameras.
The audio signals of the various sources are carried in highest perfection Dolby Surround by a sound system custom-designed for the Viano.
The equipment of the customized Viano can be completed with an exclusive mobile phone. The Vertu Constellation weighs just 140 grams (5 oz.) and features quad-band technology for use in 180 countries across the world. The housing is made from a fancy combination of stainless steel, scratch-proof sapphire glass and the same supple leather that covers the Viano Lounge interior.
BRABUS also provides on-board refreshments: A generously dimensioned refrigerator is part of the exclusive Lounge Concept equipment of the BRABUS Viano as is a Nespresso coffee maker of the latest generation...

2010 Lexus GS

2010 Lexus GS

 

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
The 2010 Lexus GS is largely unchanged. This is the sportier of Lexus' two premium-midsize cars. The GS lineup starts with the GS 350, which has a 303-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. It's available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The GS 460 has a 342-hp 4.6-liter V8 and an 8-speed automatic. Also available is the gas/electric hybrid GS 450h. The GS 450h teams a gasoline V6 engine with an electric motor for 339 hp total. Like other Lexus and Toyota hybrids, it can run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. The GS 450h has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The 460 and 450h are rear-drive only. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, rear side airbags, and front knee airbags. Also standard are leather upholstery and keyless entry and engine start. Many control functions are via a dashboard touch screen that also displays an available navigation system and rearview camera. Other available features include steering-linked headlamps and Lexus' Pre-Collision System, designed to automatically cinch seatbelts and apply brakes if an unavoidable crash is detected. This report is based on evaluations of the 2009 Lexus GS.

COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.

Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37, Jaguar XF, and Volkswagen CC. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A6, Lexus ES 350, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo V70.

New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series (Gran Turismo), Infiniti G37 (coupe and sedan), Lexus ES 350, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Cadillac CTS gains a 4-door wagon body style for 2010.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

 

Pictures of the Mercedes Benz 2010 SLS AMG– one of Benz’s defining pieces of automotive engineering– have leaked one week ahead of its official unveiling. With inspirations coming from the iconic 300SL, the finely tuned machine is powered by a 6.3-liter V8, delivering 563 ponies and 480 lb-ft of torque to a rear wheel drive format. The engine is matted to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox which propels the car to a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds as it tops out at 197 mph. Available in late 2010, the car comes in with a suggested retail price of €177,310 EUR in Germany (approximately $257,000 USD).

Due to be revealed at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, the 300SL-inspired "Gullwing" is packing a front/mid-mounted version of the venerable 6.3-liter V8 fitted to the majority of AMG's offerings, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox channeling 563 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Weight is pegged at around 3,500 pounds, allowing the SLS to run from a rest to 60 in 3.7 seconds. Top speed is 197 mph and optional carbon ceramic discs should bring the party to a halt with supreme authority.

Although we've seen an endless string of spy shots of the SLS over the past year, we finally get a clear view of its upright fascia, drawn headlamps and curvaceous rump that draws a few cues from the departed McMerc and modern M-Bs.

Color choices will include Alubeam Silver, Syvanite Grey, Alanite Grey and red, complimenting the leather and alcantara interior and ten-spoke forged wheels. Production will begin in late 2010 with sales starting the following year, and early pricing suggests a €177,310 MSRP in Germany. Get your first eye-full in the gallery below before all the official details are delivered next week.

2010 TOYOTA RAV4

2010 TOYOTA RAV4

 

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
The 2010 Toyota RAV4 is largely unchanged. This compact SUV comes in Base, Sport, and Limited trims. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a locking center differential. RAV4 seats five, but an optional 3rd-row bench on Base and Limited increases capacity to seven. A 179-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is available along with a 269-hp 3.5-liter V6. A 4-speed automatic transmission is standard with the 4-cylinder, and the V6 has a 5-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb with the 4-cylinder, 3500 lb with the V6. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Hill ascent/descent control is standard on V6 RAV4s and included on 4-cylinder models equipped with the 3rd-row seat. All have a side-hinged cargo door. Sport models have a sport suspension. Leather upholstery and a navigation system are optional on the Sport and Limited.

COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Mitsubishi Outlander.

2010 BMW 5 Series

2010 BMW 5 Series

 

When you think of luxury executive saloons, one car always comes to mind, the BMW 5-series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series remains a crucial car to BMW. With the current E60 5-series introduced back in 2004, BMW is preparing the sixth-generation model to be revealed in 2010. It will be a tough job for the designers as well as the thousands of engineers working across BMW’s development centers to renew the current model, a car that already resides at the edge of the technical front line.
The new design is critical for BMW’s design manager Adrian van Hooydonk and his team, who have to create an exterior that radiates the brand’s distinctive design values and at the same time feels new and fresh. Using information from various sources, these renderings were compiled by our partners over at Sweden’s Auto Motor and Sport and their illustrator Radovan Varicak, giving us a preview of what the final version will look like.

The front-end will likely feature a more upright kidney grille in order to comply with stronger pedestrian protection laws, while the headlights won’t be stretched out like on the current model. BMW’s characteristic interaction between convex and concave shapes will still be emphasized, and will be clearly indicated in the engine hood’s lines.
The rear roofline and C-pillar connects more fluidly to the trunk lid, which is now devoid of the Bangle-butt that was so universally derided with the E60 model. Parts of the tail-lights continue onto the trunk lid in order to strengthen the impression of width. We must say, this design is very pleasing and if BMW’scar looks anything like this, we sure it’ll lure back any customers loss to its rivals because of the controversial styling of the former E60.