2011 Aston Martin DB9 Convertible

2011 Aston Martin DB9 Convertible

Surely there will come a day when the car is no longer our means of transportation. It's hard to imagine, but then someone would have said the same thing 200 years ago horses had you told them become mere toys for the rich girls. On this day in the distant future, when they finally succumb to the temptation of dilithium with stationary engine pods, humanity will look back fondly on the Aston Martin DB9 is one of the best vehicles to traverse the Earth. It should serve as proof that the car was both a means of transport.
Here and now, 2011 Aston Martin DB9 is more cause for concern as the true future of the museum. Under all is the beautiful car that has to compete with some of the finest exotic cars are now available: Audi, Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, all can share the same space of the future museum.

The DB9 brings to the table in the same light, but structurally rigid all-aluminum platform that supports all the Aston Martin. This package relatively light allows for greater flexibility and faster acceleration of the 470-horsepower V12, which powers the DB9 coupe to 60 km / h, which Aston Martin estimated at 4.6 seconds. It's damn fast, but some of his colleagues of the future museum pieces are even faster and cheaper.

Still, the Aston Martin DB9 has not taken the ultimate thrill machine is the automobile. If you want to be a gun or go to a track, a Ferrari or a Porsche will offer a much more irregular participation performance edge. Instead, the DB9 coupe and DB9 Volante convertible offer precise handling, but both are comfortable and spacious enough to drive from Miami to Los Angeles without her butt go numb, your ears ring or luggage to stay home. Masterful collection of fine leather interior, wood and sapphire crystal, even make a trip more enjoyable.

2011 Aston Martin DB9 we give our approval sincere enthusiasm, but an important caveat - There are a lot of great cars available at the same price or less than the DB9. They are all very different in balance the look, temperament and ride / handling - Apples-to-apples comparison is not only not realistic. Thus, the DB9 is a place for our hypothetical Automotive Museum is for sure, but if it belongs to the garage is a completely different story.
Body styles, trim levels and options

The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 exotic GT is available in two body styles: coupe and Volante convertible.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a dual mode (road and track) active suspension, electric folding mirrors, a limited slip differential, rear parking sensors, cruise control, automatic climate control, seats Heated front electric, with memory functions, a full leather-trimmed interior of the wheel, tilt steering and telescopic, Bluetooth, hard drive, navigation system, a switch to disconnect the battery (for long-term parking) an auto-dimming mirror mirror and a premium audio system with six-CD changer, auxiliary audio input, an iPod / USB audio interface and satellite radio. The steering wheel adds a wind deflector.

Options include rear parking sensors, and a surround sound system Bang & Olufsen. DB9 is highly customizable, especially when it comes to exterior paint. It is a fairly wide range of colors to choose from (including the roof of the color wheel), plus you can ask for any color code of Aston Martin, or any other manufacturer has never been used. There are also many types of leather upholstery and colors available.

Engines and performance

Rear-wheel drive DB9 is powered by a 5.9 liter V12 engine that produces 470 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission shift paddles on the steering wheel is available. Aston Martin DB9 believes that ranges from zero to 60 mph 4.6 seconds regardless of transmission time. Heavier than the convertible bond is likely that a few tenths slower. Fuel economy is 13 mpg city/20 highway for the automatic and 15 mpg mpg in total (if you care).

Security

2011 Aston Martin DB9 comes with antilock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front side airbags (which protect the head and upper body) and rear parking sensors. The Volante is supplied as standard with the automatic installation of turner bars. Front park assist are optional.
Interior Design and Special Features

It is difficult to find a surface of the DB9, which is not covered in soft leather, all wood, piano black, aluminum trim, and even a sapphire fill in the blanks. Buttons easily deciphered combined with an LCD screen to create a central interface more user friendly and visually appealing as the first DB9, which was first off the assembly line in 2004. Even the navigation system is one of the worst in the industry and how the hand glow gauges rotate in opposite directions (the speedometer goes clockwise, counterclockwise will tachometer) is another bad idea . The speedometer is small number makes it as useless, but there is a digital speedometer with trip computer as a backup.

The driver's seat is wonderfully comfortable, with plenty of leg room for drivers higher. Unfortunately, the seat four-way power passenger does not offer the same amount of control and comfort. The two rear seats are glorified shelf, while the trunk has enough space for a set of golf clubs and a suitcase. The interior is decent visibility outside DB9 is less cumbersome than some other exotic. The visibility of the Volante is understandable worse, wind and vibrations can be a bit boring.

Driving Impressions

2011 Aston Martin DB9 is striking how easily it goes down the road. With the manual transmission, the clutch action is light and the lever to sneer through the doors. The automatic transmission is remarkably smooth, and its manual mode via paddle shifters moving ahead quickly. The steering is light and precise, even if you do not expect the accuracy of Ferrari and feel.

You can view this as a compromise, as the DB9 is consistent ride it one of the few exotic sports cars that you would drive cross-country. With its new active damping for 2011 DB9 manages to stick to the pipe line as well as its ability to handle the corners has been improved. The DB9 has always been exciting to drive, changing direction easily and react intelligently to steering and braking inputs, but now sports two set the mode to active suspension gives the car a dimension of ultra-high performance , making it no longer sport suspension package useless.

The DB9 was once criticized for being a mess of broken sidewalk swinging sagging, but Aston has made revisions in recent years largely correct this problem. You always have the strange noise in the wheel, but is mild and probably owe the pleasure of listening to the deafening sound of the V12 exhaust note of the roof peeled multilayer. While the coupe is the best option for drivers, the Volante is now near its capacity.

Price $ 198 115

2011 GMC Acadia Review

2011 GMC Acadia Review

Following the fuel price and buyers a more realistic assessment of their needs, a traditional truck-based SUV is not the popular family vehicle that once was. Although most buyers use to go to these thirsty beasts would probably be very well served by mini-vans, many people, instead of opting for an alternative that is appropriate: large crosses, as the 2011 GMC Acadia.


Acadia is one of the triplets of GM "Lambda" platform (Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse is the other). Like its cousins, the Acadia uses a carlike unibody architecture that makes it easier and more compact than the heavier body on frame truck-based SUVs. As such, Acadia offers more passenger and cargo space while providing better handling, a more pleasant driving experience, superior collision safety and better fuel economy.

Available with front or four wheel drive, the Acadia is powered by a V6 engine strong. Families traveling by road will appreciate the Acadie smooth, quiet. Those in the habit of carrying large objects will be grateful for the generous amount of binding of the load because the load space is 117 cubic feet. The recovery of the Acadia is complemented with high scores and their ability to accommodate up to eight passengers.

This beautiful and spacious cabin has some weaknesses, however. Some documents are mediocre and the third row, but very accommodating, not as comfortable as the Ford Flex. Visibility (admittedly a weak point in most large crosses) is reduced compared to other models in this short segment. Finally, driving enthusiasts can find the handling a little heavy Acadia compared to the lighter, more nimble rivals like the Mazda CX-9.

Even so, these are just small quibbles seen against many strengths of the 2011 GMC Acadia. Addresses some worthy crossover competitors like the Ford Flex and Mazda CX-9, as well as new technologies packed, and the Ford Explorer and the luxurious Hyundai Veracruz. We recommend trying all of which best suits your needs. Eventually, however, we suspect that the Acadia is the best choice for many buyers, the strength of his impressive combination of comfort, functionality, cargo space and performance.

Body styles, trim levels and options

In 2011, the GMC Acadia is a crossover SUV offered in five large stones: base SL, SLE, SLT-1, SLT and Denali-2. Seven-passenger seating is the default configuration, while seating for eight passengers (replace a bench fold-flat second-row chairs of the standard fold-flat captain) is optional on all but the SL.

The SL comes with alloy wheels 18 inch front and rear air conditioning, power accessories, cruise control, OnStar telematics (with a six-month subscription to reach and connections) and a set of six CD/MP3 stereo speakers satellite radio. The SLE adds fog lights, power liftgate, remote start, leather steering wheel, power front seats (eight-conductor / passengers in both directions), auto-dimming mirror mirror, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and a backup camera display mirror with a small mirror.

The SLT-1 upped the ante with 19-inch wheels, heated mirrors, a steering system with variable assist, three-zone automatic climate control, rear audio controls and headphone jacks, leather, heated front seats and a Bose stereo with 10 speakers USB audio jack. The SLT-2 adds power folding mirrors with auto dimming driver's side, more power settings for the front passenger seat, memory functions and preparation of the driver of the towing package.

Denali tissue level trim adds a unique body treatment (including the grille, front / rear sections, side moldings and wheel flares), 20-inch chrome wheels black chrome accents, xenon lights, more sound insulation, illuminated scuff plates, " skyscape "active front / solid rear dual sunroofs, Head-Up Display, perforated leather upholstery, heated / ventilated front seats and leather / wood steering wheel.

Many additional features in the superior court can be added as options at a lower cut. Other highlights optional, depending on equipment level, including a navigation system, rear entertainment system, a power of 115 volts, a version of surround sound Bose stereo, a console in the center of the second row and sunroof Skyscape .

Engines and performance


There is only one engine / transmission combination available in the GMC Acadia - 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic edit manually. V6 produces 288 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.

The EPA estimated fuel economy for FWD Acadia are 17 mpg highway and 19 mpg city/24 mpg combined. All wheel drive models are very close to Acadia 16/23/19 mpg. Properly equipped, the Acadia can tow up to 5,200 pounds.

Security

ABS, traction control and stability control, front seat side airbags and curtain side airbags half of all three rows are standard on all 2011 GMC Acadia, which is one of GM's OnStar service, including turn-by-turn directions and hands free phone connectivity. In tests Edmunds Brake, Acadia has stopped 135 meters - the Flex and CX-9 work better.

In crash tests of the new government more difficult in 2011, Acadia was awarded five stars for overall performance, with four out of five stars on account of the impact protection of the leader and five stars for side protection.

Acadia Insurance has also managed to crash tests of Highway Safety Institute, where he earned the highest rating of "good" in frontal crash tests and lateral offset.

Interior Design and Special Features

Inside, the cabin of Acadia is a spacious, attractive two-tone brushed aluminum and chrome finishes (including wood grain accents Denali). The dashboard is made up of two meters, with a number of bright white on black, these indicators are simple and easy to read. Minor ailments are among the weakest of the interior plastics and the audio and climate controls that consist of little buttons and similar in appearance too.

Depending on the configuration chosen, both the Acadia seats seven passengers (with second row captain chairs), or eight passengers (with a split-folding sofa in the second row) has three rows. The seats in first and second rows are very comfortable and supportive, and a split-folding third-row seats - that often the children only the traditional SUV sector - can accommodate adults in reasonable comfort. Maximum load capacity is a generous 117 cubic meters per second, and third-row seats are folded down. Although all three rows of seats in use, there is a useful 24 cubic feet of storage space.

Driving Impressions


Like other large crossovers from General Motors, GMC Acadia 2011 strikes a balance between safe and comfortable handling. But you'll never forget that a large vehicle and heavy (nearly 5000 pounds with four-wheel drive) and it feels more difficult to manage than other large crossovers on the market. The choice of most 19 - or 20-inch wheels may also affect ride quality Acadia. We have no complaints about the 3.6-liter V6, as it gives the acceleration arranged in almost any situation.

Price $ 32,000

2011 Infiniti EX Review

2011 Infiniti EX Review

Sometimes it feels like ancient history, but there was a day when the tall, sturdy wagon ruled the power to pull the family in America. Then came the SUV, ending the era and the birth of the second American families that turned into a long, fat, and vehicles for nearly three decades. But $ 4 a gallon of gas has broken the fastest part of the police, and as soon as the Americans began to concentrate more, hybrids and crossover vehicles derived.
As a luxury crossovers go, 2011 Infiniti EX (ex-EX35) to live in a small niche. He wants to show that it is actually a sports sedan under its high perch, and the back of the hold. It is a good example. EX wheelbase is 2 cm longer, and the ride height 1 inch longer than the Infiniti G37 sedan, which supports it. EX continues to lead the 3.5-liter V6 remains of the previous G35, but it finally arrives seven-speed automatic are offered throughout the rest of the Infiniti line.

In 2011, the EX gets a new look for outside wheels as standard on both trim levels of 18 inches. All models also get dual-zone climate, previously available only in higher-level trim. Inside the cabin, the EX is a great sport-luxury environment, leather upholstery, high-quality contact points, as well as a number of standard and optional high-tech, such as the innovative Infiniti Around View Monitor System Camera , which uses four cameras to a 360-degree view of the composite car parking. In 2011, the EX is also a blind spot warning system.

While the Infiniti EX 2011 can be one of the most agile crossovers in the segment, it is not the most versatile. Its back seat is not suitable for a long tail and its cargo area does not provide much more space than a large trunk. If it's space you need for passengers and freight, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo XC60 GLK350 are valid alternatives. BMW X3 is also worth visiting as it is sport and it is more spacious inside. But if you love sports sedan dynamic small utility wagon and run a little above the fray, EX is an endearing oddity in this evolving segment.

Body styles, trim levels and options

In 2011, Infiniti EX is a five-seat crossover vehicle luxury available in the base and Journey trim levels. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, automatic headlamps, fog lights, cruise control, keyless ignition / entry, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering column with tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power seats (heated on AWD models), leather, two-tone interior treatments, a rearview camera and a stereo with six-speaker single CD player, radio, satellite and a USB connector.

Travel EX adds a sunroof, power steering, heated front seats, wood interior, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth, and an in-dash six-CD.

The most important travel options are limited. Premium Package includes a 11-speaker Bose audio system with single CD player, and 9 GB of storage of digital music, navigation system in real-time traffic and weather reports, Bluetooth audio streaming, multi-camera system, front parking and rear parking sensors, and air cleaner.

Touring deluxe package includes alloy wheels, 19 inch, adaptive xenon headlights, the memory functions of the driver, a passenger eight-way power seats, power seats, a folding rear seat and interior trim upgrades. The technology package provides a clue from prevention and warning systems, adaptive cruise control, Intelligent Brake Assist with collision warning and blind spot warning system.

Engines and performance

2011 Infiniti EX is available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The only engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 297 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. It is coupled with a new seven-speed automatic with manual editing.

In performance tests, a former RWD with the previous five-speed automatic pushes of zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, fast, EX this year is probably a tenth or two faster still. Estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg highway and 20 mpg city/24 mpg combined the two rear wheels and four wheels.

Security


Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability, side airbags for front seats, side curtain airbags and active head restraints. The Technology package adds optional Forward Collision Warning (which uses the adaptive cruise control radar to warn drivers of an impending collision), intelligent brake assist (which automatically engages the brakes if the driver ignores FCW) and system track departure warning (which alerts the driver when the car starts to turn in another direction). In performance contracts braking test, stopping ex from 60 km / h in 118 feet, and a very good result for this class.

The Insurance Institute crash tests for Highway Safety, the EX has a score above "good" in frontal offset and side protection.
Interior Design and Special Features

EX is one of inviting in its class. Both trim levels offer high quality leather, aluminum (bottom) or maple (Journey) complete the interior with soft lines and contours pleasant. The front seats are supportive and the driving position is excellent, with Journey, the more power tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Controls for the climate, stereo and optional navigation systems are some of the most intuitive to use, as is standard with the iPod interface.

The rear seat is not as impressive as his legs becomes limited restraint on long trips. Cargo space is rather superficial at 18.6 cubic feet, the space behind the rear seats are only slightly higher than the trunk space of many sedans. Even with the seat backs folded, the less likely that competitors crossing.

Guide


The 2011 Infiniti EX is a pleasure to drive, even if you do not like SUVs. This is because the EX is actually more of a sports sedan with a high altitude. Based on the platform, the Infiniti G35, EX balances the almost perfect balance between ride quality and handling. Even with 18-inch wheels that feels comfortable on the floor, broken, strong but sensitive and hairpin bends. The V6 pulls strongly from almost any speed and the brakes are strong and easy to modulate. Those who opt for the EX sedan instead of the G series is not likely to miss the G slightly better overall dynamics.

Price $ 35,200