2011 BAC MONO

Cool cars have never been cooler like the BAC (Briggs Automotive Company) MONO. Car enthusiasts all over the world have drooled over the magic that the BAC MONO brings. It has racecar technology that can be used on the road by any racecar enthusiast.

It has a horse power of 520 bhp/ton and speeds to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds! And the MONO zooms to 100 mph in 6.7 seconds. The MONO’s max speed reaches an astounding 170 mph. The car is also made of science and art brought by the Brigg’s brothers’ expertise and experience with Ford, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz.

The car’s engine has a capacity of 2.3 liter inline-4, natural aspiration, a torque of 207 lb-ft, and has a weight of 1, 190 lbs.

The cool car MONO is a machine that is designed superbly with carbon fiber and tubular steel safety cell. The immense power of the MONO comes from its 280 hp, 2.3-litre Cosworth unit, mated to an electronically-controlled, paddle-shift, six-speed sequential Hewland transmission with limited-slip differential.

Audi R8 will get a facelift in 2012

Being officially launched at the Paris Motor Show in 2006, the R8 seems like it needs small modifications in order to stay in “touch” with the competition. And how else can a German supercar be facelifted than by more power.

According to the manufacturer, the 2012 Audi R8 will get a number of subtle styling tweaks, as well as more power from the V8 and V10 engines, a new transmission being also available.

The powerful 5.2 liter V10 on the R8 will deliver around 533 BHP, compared to the current 518 BHP, while the entry-level 4.2 liter V8 will develop 444 BHP, with 20 BHP more than the current one.

Even though the R8 looks like a brand new model after five years in production, the Audi Group has also announced the updating of GT and GT Spyder.

The 2012 R8 is expected to have minor exterior modifications, such as revised headlights, LED tail lights and new bumpers.

The new Audi R8 facelift is expected to be revealed sometimes next year.

“Having raced at almost every major track in the U.S. and Canada, I’ve pushed the limits in many cars in my 34 years as a race car driver,” Istook said. “I like my street car to give me some of that thrill. With my new Audi TT RS, I not only get that thrill, but I also get that ‘race car’ sound.”

“Today’s phones have more computing power — in number of transistors — than supercomputers of 50 years ago. Yet, we don’t use it much beyond individual computing,” explains Li-Shiuan Peh, associate professor of electrical engineering at MIT. “Phones have to access all web services through the Internet as they are computed on servers. My group is exploring ways to better harness the immense computer power of phones, networking a collection of phones together to run and drive novel services.”

Refresher: Power for the 2012 Audi TT RS comes from an outstanding 2.5 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder TFSI direct-injection engine making 360-hp between 5,500 – 6,700 rpm with a maximum torque of 343 lb-ft between 1,650 – 5,400 rpm. Mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission (thank god no automatic option is available), the 2012 Audi TT RS goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph. Prices start at $56,850

2011 ABT Audi R8 GT S

If you are looking for a car that will let you stand out in the road for all the good reasons, then the 2011 ABT Audi R8 GT S is the right one for you. Even better, this model would not simply satisfy your aesthetic concerns. Seeing that the model is expertly designed to be as aerodynamically perfect as possible, you will be able to manoeuvre through tough spots and curves with this car, because of the different weight reduction technologies used on it. You can go as swift as you can without worrying your little head about weight and air resistance concerns.

Those who want a car that has a well-thought out and well-designed interior will be pleased with this vehicle as well, with its stylishly designed console and expertly put-together interiors. Every single part of the model’s interiors is specifically chosen to fit the lifestyle and the driving philosophy that the most upholds.

Every single inch of the interior is covered with high quality leather, there is no doubt that the 2011 ABT Audi R8 GT S will fit you almost-royal lifestyle. If you are looking for a car that is fit for a king, which you are, this one is it.

2011 Aston Martin v8 vantage

2011 Aston Martin v8 vantage that covers pros and cons, available options, powertrains and overall driving performance.Aston Martin V8 Vantage S as expected aston martin brought its latest iteration of the vantage to the 2011 geneva motor show.
As expected, Aston Martin brought its latest iteration of the Vantage to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Aston has been designing rolling works of art for a very long time and has recently retaken a stance as a racing power as well. The company’s GT4 racecar won its class in two of the most important races of the year, Nurburgring 24 and Spa 24 hours, and have begun fusing racecar technology into the road cars with more fervor than ever before. The top-of-the-line V12 Vantage has the motor from the larger DB9 shoehorned into its engine compartment, making it a true hot rod. That formula may work for some, but others were seeing a lapse between the V12 model and the base V8.

At the beginning of Summer 2011, Aston Martin will introduce the V8 Vantage S, hoping to squeeze some more profit out of its best selling model line and please enthusiasts at the same time. Increases in engine performance, transmission, chassis, and aerodynamics will all further the appeal of an iconic sports car.

According to Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, “The Vantage S epitomizes every attribute of the V-8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before.”

UPDATE 03/11/2011: Aston Martin has revealed an amazing video of the V8 Vantage S showing the car in action. Just listen to the music of that engine! Video after the jump.

Hit the jump for more details on the 2011 Aston Martin Vantage S.Aston Martin will offer this car in coupe and roadster versions complete with V12 Vantage styling. The Car will use a Horizontal splitter under the lower front grill in order to increase airflow under the car. A new lower front air dam and bumper set up built from carbon fiber creates a more aggressive look than ever for the front end of the Aston. This piece is functional as well, allowing more air to cool the new 6-piston front brakes. In front of the brakes sit 19-inch v-spoke wheels or optional 10 spoke models that are even more lightweight. Further increasing grip is the width of the rear wheels on the Vantage S – 10mm in extra rubber should provide improved grip in the slalom and for acceleration.At the rear of the car is a more pronounced deck lid, which Aston claims will reduce lift at high speeds. The carbon fiber rear diffuser will also help airflow from underneath the car. These features may be functional, but they also help to distinguish this new model from the base version in an already tight model lineup. The sporting feel increases further if the driver presses the sport button allowing the exhaust bypass valves to open fully and let out a strong V8 rumble.The interior of the Aston will remain largely the same as the other models in the line, which is really not a problem. It is one of the most exquisite handcrafted cabins in the industry with an impeccable level of fit and finish.

Once you have entered the cabin through the upswing doors you are greeted by hand stitched leather seats, aluminum face gauges and dash, and a host of electronic wizardry. The optional 1,000 watt Bang and Olufsen stereo system remains one of the most favorable options if listening to the harmonious engine note is not enough entertainment. Interior appointments are rounded out by embroidered “Vantage S” logos in the carpets and headrests Aston Martin builds each of its V8 engines at their facility in Cologne, Germany. The V8 found in the new Vantage S will be tweaked to produce 430 hp at 7,300rpm and 361 lb-ft of torque at 5,000rpm. This is equal to an increase of 10 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque over the base model, which may not seem like much, but take into consideration that the Vantage S will also weigh 66 pounds less than the other models.

Aston Martin wanted this car to be driver-focused with a more involving character overall. The standard Vantage features a 6-speed sport shift transmission that is more than capable of performing well in the car, but Aston engineers wanted more. In order to get closed gear ratios and a shorter final drive, they outsourced the new Vantage transmission to Graziano for their single-clutch 7-speed that will complete shifts 20 percent faster than the outgoing model. Utilizing a carbon fiber driveshaft and other performance components, the Vantage S will have weight distribution of 49/51. An old school 6-speed manual will not be available on the Vantage S and owners will have to settle for the base V8 or the V12 model to get that.Other technological enhancements released at the Geneva Show include:

- Lower final drive ratio (4.182:1) which should give the seven-speed some more oomph.
- Completely new spring and dampers in the suspension.
- Revised steering ratio to 15:1, the previous car used a 17:1 ratio which is not quite as fast as this model. It should provide a better response with less driver input.
- Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) this system helps to provide extra braking input when the car is under emergency or panic braking situations.
- Hill Start Assist (HSA) this system is employed when the car is going up-hill from a stop. It allows the car to remain planted instead of rolling backwards while the gear is selected.

To increase performance they have also been able to tune the suspension and stability control. 3-different settings can be engaged based on what type of driving is being done, helping the driver to focus the cars abilities. Most of these systems will allow for greater variability in wheel slip and sliding, but most still have an array of abs or stability programs that will intervene at the first sign of trouble. For the lucky new Aston owner, there is a full-off switch for these systems allowing for unadulterated fun around the track Pricing.
Aston Martin has been promoting this car rather heavily and most of the details have been known for a long time. It is good to see that the car will be entering production , but many enthusiasts feel that a 10hp increase doesn’t really call for a new product designation. Nonetheless, it seems as though the V8 Vantage will finally live up to its potential and be a real force in the sports car world once again. Aston Martin has also been hinting at a completely new model that remains unseen and will do so until the show as well. The price jump to this new model is reasonable beginning at $139,615 and 152,615 for the coupe and roadster, respectively.
Competition The automotive press has not tested the car and therefore it is hard to compare this new model to anything else based on numbers. However, the Aston will be amongst similar offerings from Porsche, Jaguar, Maserati, and Audi. The engine and body style of the Maserati GranTurismo are possibly the most similar to the Vantage S. The GranTurismo uses a 4.2-liter V8 with a similar compression ratio to the Aston in order to make 405hp at 7,100 rpm. However, the GranTurismo is more of a touring car and less driver focused than this latest Aston Martin.

The Porsche GTS line may be the most compelling comparison considering that it bridges the gap for Porsche between the base models and Turbos. Improved exterior bodywork, tweaked engines, and slight handling improvements make the GTS line a success while keeping the price down from an all out Turbo model. The Carrera GTS produces 408 hp at 7300rpm and 310 lb-ft at 4200rpm. This power increase in conjunction with the sport chrono package can get the Carrera GTS to 60mph in 4.2 seconds and will top out at 188mph. We’ll have to wait and see if the same formula can work from Aston Martin and its new V8 Vantage S, but on paper they look prime for a road test comparison.As expected, Aston Martin brought its latest iteration of the Vantage to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Aston has been designing rolling works of art for a very long time and has recently retaken a stance as a racing power as well. The company’s GT4 racecar won its class in two of the most important races of the year, Nurburgring 24 and Spa 24 hours, and have begun fusing racecar technology into the road cars with more fervor than ever before. The top-of-the-line V12 Vantage has the motor from the larger DB9 shoehorned into its engine compartment, making it a true hot rod. That formula may work for some, but others were seeing a lapse between the V12 model and the base V8.

At the beginning of Summer 2011, Aston Martin will introduce the V8 Vantage S, hoping to squeeze some more profit out of its best selling model line and please enthusiasts at the same time. Increases in engine performance, transmission, chassis, and aerodynamics will all further the appeal of an iconic sports car.

According to Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, “The Vantage S epitomizes every attribute of the V-8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before.”

UPDATE 03/11/2011: Aston Martin has revealed an amazing video of the V8 Vantage S showing the car in action. Just listen to the music of that engine! Video after the jump.

Hit the jump for more details on the 2011 Aston Martin Vantage S.Aston Martin will offer this car in coupe and roadster versions complete with V12 Vantage styling. The Car will use a Horizontal splitter under the lower front grill in order to increase airflow under the car. A new lower front air dam and bumper set up built from carbon fiber creates a more aggressive look than ever for the front end of the Aston. This piece is functional as well, allowing more air to cool the new 6-piston front brakes. In front of the brakes sit 19-inch v-spoke wheels or optional 10 spoke models that are even more lightweight. Further increasing grip is the width of the rear wheels on the Vantage S – 10mm in extra rubber should provide improved grip in the slalom and for acceleration.At the rear of the car is a more pronounced deck lid, which Aston claims will reduce lift at high speeds. The carbon fiber rear diffuser will also help airflow from underneath the car. These features may be functional, but they also help to distinguish this new model from the base version in an already tight model lineup. The sporting feel increases further if the driver presses the sport button allowing the exhaust bypass valves to open fully and let out a strong V8 rumble.The interior of the Aston will remain largely the same as the other models in the line, which is really not a problem. It is one of the most exquisite handcrafted cabins in the industry with an impeccable level of fit and finish.

Once you have entered the cabin through the upswing doors you are greeted by hand stitched leather seats, aluminum face gauges and dash, and a host of electronic wizardry. The optional 1,000 watt Bang and Olufsen stereo system remains one of the most favorable options if listening to the harmonious engine note is not enough entertainment. Interior appointments are rounded out by embroidered “Vantage S” logos in the carpets and headrests Aston Martin builds each of its V8 engines at their facility in Cologne, Germany. The V8 found in the new Vantage S will be tweaked to produce 430 hp at 7,300rpm and 361 lb-ft of torque at 5,000rpm. This is equal to an increase of 10 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque over the base model, which may not seem like much, but take into consideration that the Vantage S will also weigh 66 pounds less than the other models.

Aston Martin wanted this car to be driver-focused with a more involving character overall. The standard Vantage features a 6-speed sport shift transmission that is more than capable of performing well in the car, but Aston engineers wanted more. In order to get closed gear ratios and a shorter final drive, they outsourced the new Vantage transmission to Graziano for their single-clutch 7-speed that will complete shifts 20 percent faster than the outgoing model. Utilizing a carbon fiber driveshaft and other performance components, the Vantage S will have weight distribution of 49/51. An old school 6-speed manual will not be available on the Vantage S and owners will have to settle for the base V8 or the V12 model to get that.Other technological enhancements released at the Geneva Show include:

- Lower final drive ratio (4.182:1) which should give the seven-speed some more oomph.
- Completely new spring and dampers in the suspension.
- Revised steering ratio to 15:1, the previous car used a 17:1 ratio which is not quite as fast as this model. It should provide a better response with less driver input.
- Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) this system helps to provide extra braking input when the car is under emergency or panic braking situations.
- Hill Start Assist (HSA) this system is employed when the car is going up-hill from a stop. It allows the car to remain planted instead of rolling backwards while the gear is selected.

The New Aston Martin Virage, a Performance GT

The Aston Martin grand marque has always held a certain mystique in the motoring world. Not only for its motor racing heritage over the last century and being raced by some big name racing drivers, but also classically immortalised in television and big screen films like the James Bond Franchise, which has made it an iconic sports car classic.

With race wins at world renowned circuits like the Le Mans 24 hour race, Aston Martin has come along way from its humble beginnings as a custom built hill climb race car. The company was founded by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford back in 1913. The name “Aston Martin” was introduced as a branded vehicle in 1913, but took the name “Aston” from a hill race circuit called “Aston Hill” close to the neighbouring village of Aston Clinton, where they both raced their race car specials. From then on Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford decided to make their own vehicles with a view to selling them to the general public.

Fast forward to the present day and the world of Aston Martin looks very different than it did nearly 100 years ago, with the 2011 launch on the new Aston Martin “Virage” to compliment the current range of cars. It has caused a bit of a stir in the motor industry with motor journalists and automotive sports car fans. The new Aston Martin Virage is being hailed as a true performance “Grand Tourer” and a great as an every day all round sports car for the price tag of around £150,000.

The Virage sits between the Aston Martin DB9 and the leading performance DBS within the current range in both pricing and power output. The power plant in the in the Virage is a 6.0-litre V12 engine, producing 490bhp, which is exactly 20bhp below that of the DB9 and 20bhp more than its bigger brother the DBS.

Styling-wise it looks similar to that of the DB9, but features a wider mouthed grill, newer looking “skirted” sills, a much cleaner front bumper and a single lower grille to move away from the DB9′s three-piece grille styling. Overall the appearance is vastly improved over the DB9 visually and brings a more elegant feel to the Virage, but brings a true feel of a GT 2+2 or a 2 seater option if weight is an issue. Inside the interior has a had a revamp from the DB9, there are newly styled & upgraded leather seats, a new Garmin branded Sat-Nav and the cockpit has been re-styled from that of the other 2 models to give a cleaner more comfortable feel. Overall it’s a very attractive car with great performance and bags of usability and it is sure to be in demand.

Ascari A10 Super Car

The first serious answer from Ferrari FXX comes from a pretty unexpected direction: the British producer ASCARI.ASCARI was born in 1995, in Dorset and only recently has managed to make an important entrance on the supercar market with model KZ1. A10 has the pretence to be the fastest car in the circuit, among the homologated cars for street use. This is an affirmation not exactly that easy to sustain, considering that monsters like Veyron and also extra-light cars like Ariel Atom are also homologated for street use.But it seems that the officials at ASCARI are very sure of their statements. After that, the same officials come and bring it a step further by saying that A10 can have on the circuit extremely close to an FFX time. Pretty amazing, huh?The car is entirely hand built in Branbury, it weighs around 1200 kg, being mostly built from carbon and aluminium fibre and having an engine of 625 HP. So, until now, not very spectacular.

But the start up is simply incredible: 0-100 in 2.8 seconds and 0-160 km/h in under 6 seconds. How is it possible to obtain such times with such report mass/power? It’s very likely that the transmission may be a real engineering masterpiece.Ascari A10 is much stronger than a KZ1, the modified parts going from new body panels to a new engine and transmission plus a brake modified system capable to absorb the extra power.There will be produced only 10 units, at a price of 520 000euro. If it seems too much, think about the fact that an Enzo FXX costs 1.5 million Euro and is restrictioned at circuit use.

2011 Artega GT

The Artega GT is a sophisticated machine that combines style and science. Its unprecedented design is matched by no other. Each material is chosen because of its high quality and durability. The engine crafted with the best in engineering and optimal performance.

mixture of materials derived from racing cars, such as an aluminum space frame, high-strength alloys embedded with carbon fiber; give the Artega GT a weight of 1285. The light weight of the Artega GT makes cruising and racing a breeze. The Artega GT has a V6 engine that has a capacity of 3597 cc and gives the machine 300 hp (220 kW). The engine increases the performance to 4.28 kilograms per HP. The low weight and performance ratio makes the car an efficient and powerful machine on the road. The car races to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The highest speed is 270 kilometers per hour.

The Artega grants the buyer an aura of exclusivity. The Artega has a factory that designs each vehicle with care. The Artega’s trademark is the percentage of parts produced in-house, including the chassis, wheel suspension, engine periphery, the fuelling and exhaust mechanisms are all made by human hands. Each vehicle has the human touch from inside out. All parts are chosen and put together by human hands. The factory in Delbrück only makes 500 cars per year.

Alfa Romeo 156 2.5 V6 Service Cost

One of the best cars to drive but worst to fix, or is it? I bought this good looking muscle car for a bargain. Yes, compared to what I could have bought it was a true bargain. Nothing looks quite like it. A car with sexy curves with leather interior and hidden door handles. The paint job is not the best but nothing else looks like it. You get air-conditioning, power steering, ABS, Fuel Injection, Central locking with built in alarm, Two air bags, and a lot of muscle. 2.5litre V6 quad cam 24 valve Alfa engine that push out 140KW and 190bhp. At 7.2 seconds 0 – 60Mph its fast.

The catch with the car is the service fees you will spend on it. My clear advice to you is to have the cam belt service done at an Alfa repair shop. It might seem as if the guy down the street will save you a dime, but can you really put a price on safety and comfort. Let’s talk about the price of a service. A cam belt service at an Alfa repair shop should cost you about R14 000.00 in South Africa or $2 400.00 in the States. But why you ask? This is the Alfa that saved Alfa Romeo from bankruptcy. From the wheels to the badge to the engine and the seats has all been made by Alfa for Alfa. The Alfa cam kit cost approximately R9 000.00 and the rest of the money is for labor and stuff. A normal oil filter spark plug service will cost you R3500.00. It is best you do the cam belt change before the belt break. To have 24 bent valves replaced will cost you much more than R20 000.00. In Cape Town South Africa there is at least three Alfa dealerships that will do a great job fixing your Alfa. You can also have the Alfa repaired by Bosh or Holandse Motors. Remember to keep the oils and waters checked weekly and top up as you inspect the car week after week. A great service will last a long way. After my service I can just get into the car and start her up and go.

I will tell you A little more about the V6 engine. Yes it is a V6 Alfa engine. The 156 came out with the 2.5 liter quad cam 24 Valve V6 engines that pushed out 141Kw into a six speed manual gearbox to the front wheels. The car is nose heavy and turning is a problem because the huge engine takes up lots of room under the bonnet. I have my car for just over a year now and it is still a pleasure to lift up the bonnet and view that marvel of an engine. The engine was over engineered in so many ways. The Alfa V6 engine can also be found in a 3l 3.2l 3.7l and even a 3.8l. The 2.5l engine lacks the pull away power found with the bigger bores, but in the 156 it simply put that smile on your face. There is really very little mechanically that can go wrong with these engines, but if something breaks, you have to spend all your money and lend some. The weaker point on the engine is all related to the timing parts. The factory water pump had plastic moving parts that could warn under the stress and heat of the engine and fuel leaving you with no cooling for this massive engine. The cam belt has a lower than average life span and should not be overlooked if you are considering purchasing one of these classic cars. The problem with my car was a broken or rather torn cam belt tensioner. I was standing on a bridge and I heard a big taping sound before my engine died. The cam belt came lose after the tensioner failed and I managed to bend 24 valves. It is good practice to have your timing belt and moving parts inspected at every service and please just please do not skip a service on this car.

I have taken the car on a few family trips and it handles fine. The only thing they could have improved on the car if I could mention this to you, is the air conditioner. It is as good as not having it in the car. The rest is all right on the money. From the stitching in the door panels to the exhaust system and that powerhouse engine in front I can truly agree that this car was made with passion and purpose. If this is what it took to save Alfa from bankruptcy, then it is good enough for me.

Is it worth the money? I have to say, a Big Phat Yes. This car and its engine were rated car of the year and engine of the year back in 1998. The engine note of Alfas V6 engines will leave your friends in awe. The day you pull away and leave the Mercs and VW’s and BMW’s behind, you will realize that you are close to perfection in this classic muscle car. The fuel usage is poor, but it’s no VW. With a 6 speed manual and an engine tone at high Rpm’s you’ll be smiling like a rich man in a poor man’s car. Remember, you are not a petrol head until you have driven an Alfa.

It is time to go and look at that Mercedes and BMW again and then look back at your Alfa. Service do cost a little extra, but what you get is the best Alfa had to give to our planet at a time when they had hit rock bottom. What you get is more than a car, it is a piece of history that tells a story of a time when fuel was cheap and power was plenty. It tells of a driver that can be enrolled under the great petrol heads of all time. This is not just an Alfa; this is the Alfa that began all the other Alfas after it in a race to be more than a car. This Alfa is a legend.

2012 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

The Alfa Romeo Giullietta blends manageable size and good fuel economy with lots of utility, advanced technology and high, sporting style, crafted by one of Italy’s oldest, most revered car builders. Americans could get the opportunity to buy a Giulietta by 2012.
North America might need a bit of context regarding Alfa Romeo, to be sure. The company is an upscale division of Fiat, one of Europe’s largest automakers, but it hasn’t sold cars in the United States since 1995. The Giulietta name (pronounced like Romeo and Juliet-tah) dates back to 1955, when it was applied to a long line of small, lightweight cars noted for their agile handling. The Giulietta was a volume-produced product that moved Alfa into the mainstream with a new type of chassis known as a unitbody. Giuliettas came in Spider convertible, Sprint coupe, and Berlina sedan body styles and were rear-wheel drive. Through the 1960s, the Giulietta Spider and Sprint developed a small but fanatical following in North America for its sporty handling and racing capability.

Things change, and the biggest change of late is that Fiat is now the controlling shareholder of American automaker Chrysler. Chrysler and Fiat will share technology in the years ahead, and jointly develop vehicles for the U.S. market. Fiat is expected to introduce some of its existing products either through Chrysler dealerships or through standalone stores under the Fiat or Alfa Romeo brand name. Most prominent among these will be the Fiat 500, but in recent discussions Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has made it clear that his company will introduced a smaller Alfa Romeo to the United States for the 2012 model year. Many in the car business predict the Giulietta will be that Alfa Romeo.
The current Giulietta is an all-new model, introduced in Europe in the spring of 2010. The Giulietta is a compact five-door, front-drive hatchback with sporting aims and a load of Italian flair. With an overall length of 171.3 inches on a 103.1-inch wheelbase, the Giulietta is about the size of more familiar cars like the Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza hatchbacks, even if it looks quite a bit different.

The Giulietta’s calling card is Alfa Romeo’s traditional triangular grille, ringed in chrome between bi-xenon projector beam headlamps and LED running lights. A big air intake below its front bumper line creates an almost sneering face, edged with standard fog lamps. The Giulietta’s body is heavily sculpted, starting with deep scallops along the length of its hood.
In profile, the Giulietta’s hood looks long, ahead of a gradually sloping roofline that drops abruptly at the rear hatch. Its LED taillights swirl around the edges of the rear fenders, and then across the metal under the rear glass. It’s safe to say that the Giulietta will stand out among the cookie-cutter compacts currently populating American roadways.

Its interior styling is unique, too, but by appearances quite functional. Its switches are neither complicated nor too densely packed together, with extra large knobs for frequently adjusted audio and climate functions.The optional navigation screen pops up from the center of the dash, and nicely in the driver’s forward site line.

The Guilietta is offered with five engines in Europe, including two diesels, but it’s almost certain that only the most powerful of those will be offered in the United States. That’s a moderately sized, 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, with direct fuel injection and a significant 235 horsepower. Many speculate that Alfa will fit the Giulietta with a second, larger engine option before it goes on sale in the States. The car will be offered with a six-speed manual and an automatic transmission: either a conventional six-speed automatic, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), or a dual-clutch manu-matic. Alfa has all three types at its disposal.

Other high-tech mechanical features include a dual-pinion steering system unique in the Giulietta’s price range. One pinion turns the front wheels with electrical power at lower speeds, so turning the steering wheel requires very little effort. The other pinion has no assist at all, working at higher speeds and delivering the pure, un-boosted steering feel sports car drivers appreciate. All Giuliettas also come with something Alfa calls its DNA selector. It’s a driver adjustable button, similar to those used on many expensive luxury-performance cars. The DNA selector allows the Giulietta driver to tailor how quickly the gas pedal reacts, how firm the steering feels, and how much the electronic stability control will allow the tires to slip before the electronics intervene.

The Giulietta will likely be sold in two trim levels in North America, as it is in Europe, where the least expensive version starts at $27,700. Even the base Giullietta model will come well equipped, with features such as dual-zone climate control and probably leather upholstery.

Acura Integra – The Perfect Luxury Car

Most of the individuals who are looking forward to buy Acura Integra are generally drawn towards this specific car for two particular reasons i.e. the car has a luxurious sports appeal and yet comes at an affordable price. Integra is the car which was initially able to draw a large number of customers towards the Acura brand and thus making the luxury cars wing of Honda extremely successful worldwide.

Designing strategy:
Most of the people believe that the dramatic design of Acura Integra has been greatly inspired from Honda’s earlier version of luxury sedan i.e. Civic. Acura Integra was dramatically redesigned in 1994 and possessed several new features, such as dual air bags, compact Integra 2-door hatchback coupe and another 4-door notchback. When the car was first launched in 1987, it was surrounded with a lot of frenzy and hype. Needless to say, after several modifications and years, this car has been able to prove its worth.
Acura Integra is a highly successful car today which comes in several models and versions. Some of the most prominent Acura Integra models can be defined on three levels i.e. base RS, luxury LS and the sporty GS-R. All the Acura Integra models comprise of 4-wheel disc brakes. However, the feature of anti-lock braking is available only in luxury LS and sporty GS-R.

How much would it cost?

One of the main reasons which led Acura Integra to become an immensely successful phenomenon was its apt pricing. Acura Integra price was based on several strategies in a bid to make it successful in the market. Although this car fell under the luxury section, its price was set several thousand dollars lower than the standard $25,000 which was being charged for other luxury cars.
This apt pricing has even led some car enthusiasts to name Acura Integra as a car which instead of being called a luxury car can more prominently be known as a car which is well-equipped, easy-to-tune, fun-to-drive and better qualifies as a sports coupe.

Features:

In terms of its performance, Acura Integra is fitted with pretty decent features, such as standard air conditioning and a 195 horsepower engine. A standard model of Acura Integra comes pre equipped with a standard antitheft engine immobilizer and 100,000- mile tune-up intervals.

2011 Acura tl

2011 Acura TL Acura has yanked the sheets off of the latest take on its bread-and-butter TL at the 2011.

There’s no getting around the fact that widely admired styling can sell cars and overcome glaring faults. At the same time, questionable design can sully an otherwise appealing car.
Take the 2011 Acura TL, a midsize luxury sedan that’s difficult to fault. It has compelling performance, perfect crash scores, a spacious interior, solid build quality and plenty of the latest technologies. Even so, since being completely redesigned two years ago, the once top-selling TL has taken a steep nose dive in sales compared to similarly priced luxury cars. You would think that a car renowned for its reliability and strong value would do relatively well in tough economic times, yet the current TL has floundered. For most buyers, one look at its bloated bodywork and big metallic beak of a grille will be all the explanation necessary for this decline from one generation to the next.
Styling is subjective, though, so if you can put aside (or appreciate) the TL’s looks, then you should welcome its many positive attributes. Available in two distinct flavors, the TL consequently caters to two distinct type of buyers. For those interested primarily in a refined ride, a spacious cabin and a full helping of bells and whistles, the base model TL is a smart alternative to luxury sedans like the Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Genesis or Lexus ES 350. The sport-oriented TL SH-AWD, meanwhile, can keep pace around corners with sport sedans like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G37 thanks to its high-tech Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (hence SH-AWD).
Luxury cars and sport sedans must strike an emotional connection with their buyers, but if that emotion is a negative one, then those cars are unlikely to win many takers. As much as we like the 2011 Acura TL and find it to be a compelling value with few objective faults, it’s easy to understand why buyers aren’t flocking to Acura showrooms to pick one up.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Acura TL is a midsize luxury sedan available in TL and TL SH-AWD trim levels. The standard TL comes with 17-inch wheels, automatic xenon headlamps, foglamps, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated eight-way power front seats (with driver lumbar adjustment and memory functions), leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. The TL SH-AWD adds a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive, more aggressive suspension and steering tuning, upgraded brakes, 18-inch wheels, deep-bolstered front seats and contrasting leather stitching.

The Technology package available on both trims adds upgraded tires, a rear spoiler, a rearview camera, keyless ignition/entry, GPS-linked and solar-sensing climate control, upgraded leather upholstery, upgraded interior metal trim, a navigation system, real-time traffic and weather, voice control and a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system with digital music storage. This package can also be augmented with 18-inch wheels on the base TL or 19-inch wheels on the SH-AWD.
Powertrains and Performance

The base model 2011 Acura TL is front-wheel drive and is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. In Edmunds performance testing, the base TL went from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds — on par with most base model luxury sedans. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

The TL SH-AWD model features Acura’s Super Handling-All-Wheel-Drive system, which transfers different levels of power to individual wheels to maximize traction and grip through turns and in inclement weather. It also gets a 3.7-liter V6 good for 305 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard, but a six-speed manual is optional and includes hill start assist. With the automatic, the TL SH-AWD goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and with the manual, it does it in 5.6 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17/25/20 with either transmission.
Safety

Every 2011 Acura TL comes with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front restraints. In Edmunds brake testing, a base TL came to a stop from 60 mph in a distance of 122 feet — average for the class. The TL SH-AWD used its upgraded brakes to record a stop in a very impressive 106 feet.

The Acura TL has not been rated using the government’s new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedure. Its 2010 rating (which isn’t comparable to 2011 ratings) shows that the TL receives the top five-star rating in all categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the TL its top rating of “Good” in the frontal-offset and side impact tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2011 Acura TL’s interior features a more contemporary design language than some of its competitors. Aluminum trim adorns the cabin instead of the glossy wood treatments found in the Cadillac CTS, Hyundai Genesis or Lexus ES 350. Overall, the surroundings have a more austere look and feel, much like an Audi. Materials quality is top-notch, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces. Some have commented that the base aluminum trim has a cheap look about it, but upgraded metallic trim included with the Technology package is of a higher quality and the available two-tone color scheme helps to dress things up.

In terms of comfort, the TL’s cabin is roomy and quiet, with more space than similarly priced European sedans. The driver seat offers plenty of adjustment and side bolstering, while the rear seats can easily accommodate taller passengers. Large flip-up headrests provide comfort and protection for those seated in the rear and, when not in use, slide down flush with the seatbacks for an unobstructed view. The 13.1 cubic feet of trunk capacity is a bit less than other cars in this class, but the wide opening makes loading a few golf bags and suitcases easy.
Driving Impressions

Given the divergent handling characteristics of the 2011 Acura TL models, they can almost be thought of as two distinctly different cars. The base TL should appeal to drivers with more comfort and luxury in mind. Ride quality is excellent — bumps, potholes and expansion joints are dismissed with a reassuring, almost Germanic thump that befits a luxury car with the TL’s price tag. The 280-hp V6 should prove more than adequate for daily drives, while the steering, though lacking in feel, has plenty of assist to make parking easy.


For those with more sporting intentions, the SH-AWD lives up to its “Super Handling” label by delivering considerably more grip and control than the base car. The complex all-wheel-drive system directs more power to the outside wheels when cornering for improved handling dynamics, while the communicative and well-weighted steering makes for a more confident driving experience.