If there is one thing we can say about the 2009 Infiniti G37, it is that we liked it. We really liked it. Our Athens Blue Coupe could put a smile on your face and instantaneously make you forget about any troubles that might be clouding your day.
The car is beautiful on the inside and out, the handling is amazing and the exhaust note is nicer than the VQ35 powered Nissans, especially when you get higher up in the rev band. Our four passenger GT car is powered by a 3.7 Liter V6 with VVEL variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to make an astounding 330 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque and shifted through a 7 speed automatic transmission.
Once you are behind the wheel you forget about the 19 inch sport rims or the chrome front grill, even the HID headlamps won’t seem impressive when you are sitting in the Stone leather seats, gripping one of the most comfortable leather wrapped multifunction steering wheels on the market, because all you will be able to think about is the road. The G37 engages you in a way that only a fun car can.
Continued after the jump.
> More
.
Top Speed recently received Toyota’s latest response to a multi-people mover, the Venza. This MPV is perfect for any consumer who needs the space and practicality of a minivan, but wants the attitude and style traditionally associated with a fun to drive vehicle. Overall it looks like a chopped and stretched Lexus RX SUV. Starting off, our Barcelona Red Venza came with options like leather, wood grain, high intensity discharge headlamps, AM/FM/MP3 radio as well as a DVD entertainment system.
One of the first things that you will notice when you get behind the wheel of most modern Toyota’s is the dual LCD displays on the dash. There is the traditional large screen incorporated into the center stack as well as a smaller 3.5 inch display that shows the settings for the dual zone climate control, fuel economy and a few other helpful facts for the driver. Meanwhile the larger LCD displays everything from audio settings to navigation.
The Venza offers seating for 5 and has more than enough cup holders to allow a few passengers to enjoy multiple beverages. There are also plenty of rather large storage compartments that conveniently let you stow away your goods. The Venza shines when it comes to cargo capacity, offering over 30 cubic feet of available space behind the rear seats and over 70 cubic feet when they are laid flat; there is even a 110 Volt outlet and audio/video inputs so you can play some video games while camped out in back of the Toyota.
Continued after the jump.
> More
.
Top Speed is proud to have been handed the keys to our favorite econobox, the Nissan Sentra, especially when it is the top of the line SL version. Our well-equipped Economy sedan came with leather, a continuously variable automatic transmission, AM/FM/XM radio and some stylish 16 inch inch rims and Bluetooth; quite a bargain at just over $22,000. Gaining entry into the vehicle is facilitated by the Nissan Intelligent key that can remain in your pocket throughout the duration of your commute.
After all, that’s what the Nissan Sentra is all about. Being an affordable and reliable transportation option. This compact four door sedan is the perfect vehicle for new car buyers starting out in the world of automobile ownership. Our Sentra’s simple and modern design redefines what the econobox has to be. One thing is for certain, Nissan has always done a good by their compact sedan and the Sentra SL is no different.
> More
.
Top Speed had the pleasure of trying out a greener option for that other necessary item in any weekend racers garage, a work truck. Sure its nice to have a classic Ferrari or a an all out race car in your garage, but what good are they if you cannot get them to an appropriate environment. That is where our GMC Sierra 2WD Hybrid Crew Cab comes into play, this pick up can haul up to 6,100 pounds of trailer and seat six individuals inside the cab. Aside from the nice touches like the 18 inch chrome rims and larger than life front grill, the Sierra Hybrid has the benefit of being an alternatively fueled vehicle.
The full sized trucks 2-Mode Hybrid/Electric power train is tuned to get as much as 21 MPH when driving around town, impressive for any vehicle that weighs over 5,000 pounds. Don’t let the size discourage you, the Sierra Hybrid is easy to drive and the power adjustable front seat allows the driver to find the perfect vantage point.
The truck uses a combination of an electric module and a 6.0 Liter Chevrolet small block to make 332 HP, but you most likely won’t have to use much of those ponies, we found ourselves driving the Sierra around on electric only power most of the time, negating the need for any of the eight pistons. It was nice to know that they were there when we needed them like when passing on the highway or pulling a heavy load. One thing was for certain, the GMC Sierra Hybrid is working hard to give trucks a good name again.
Continued after the jump.
> More
.
We here at Top Speed have thoroughly enjoyed our run with the subcompact Toyota Yaris. Since we received the tiny five door, we have thoroughly tested the car both on highway and off. The VVT-i 1.5 Liter four cylinder works hard at higher speeds, but is able to chug along with the flow of traffic. Despite the car’s smaller footprint, the Yaris is extremely spacious on the interior, and the cloth seats were extremely comfortable on our two hour highway stint. The Yaris did quite well on the open road, the car was able to get up to speed quickly, there was minimal exterior noise in the cabin and the seating position kept the controls in easy reach while allowing you to relax for the duration of the trip.
The Yaris shines in a crowded urban environment. The way that the wheels are pushed out to the far corners, just like the original compact car the Mini, allows for many of the same benefits. There is maximum use of the interior space, weaving in and out of traffic is a breeze and finding a parking space has never been easier. For those reasons and many more, we don’t mind trading in massaging seatbacks and fancy hard drive based navigation units for a simpler, less-complicated automobile. However our favorite feature of the Yaris are all the storage compartments hidden in the dashboard.
The Toyota Yaris is not only a great first car; it is also a great second car. Save the 599 for the weekends, tell your wife that you’ll be taking the Yaris to the office today, you’ll just have to be selective about which clubs to bring to the driving range after work, because an entire golf bag definitely won’t fit in the trunk. But for around $15,000 you can’t go wrong with a Toyota Yaris, it also comes with one of the greatest guarantees in the world, it’s a Toyota.
.
The Nissan Cube may be new to the U.S. market, but the miniature box shaped people mover has been on sale in Japan for over a decade. For 2009 Nissan has redesigned the Cube and decided that they can compete with other space conscious small cars like the Scion xB and the new Kia Soul. Our car came with a 122 HP 1.8 Liter four cylinder engine connected to a Xtronic CVT, continuously variable transmission.
The interior features some nice touches, like the multi sized cup holder right next to steering wheel. So no matter whether the driver has a small coffee from Starbucks or a Big Gulp from 7-11 they won’t have to reach far to quench their thirst. In the middle of the dash is a small piece of shag carpeting that oddly enough comes with a warning not to place any items on top of it, if so they would be risking serious injury. The most interesting design feature is the ripple effect wavy pattern sculpted into the headliner; Nissan claims that the design was inspired by a Jacuzzi to promote a relaxed sociable atmosphere.
Continued after the jump with video walkaround.
> More
.
The Ford engineering team set out to build a vehicle that was engaging and fun to drive, they succeeded. Ford’s new flagship was designed by a group of cohesive engineers and was developed in the digital world, a process that cut 12 months off of the new car’s development cycle. The new Taurus offers the latest and greatest from the blue oval, and is a step in the right direction for any American automaker. Led by Chief Engineer Pete Reyes. The Exterior Design Manager Earl Lucas assured us that the 2010 Ford Taurus is more about me and less about we. Meant for the consumer who is past the Crossover phase of ownership and settling into a comfortable lifestyle. The new Ford Taurus is meant for the new car buyer who wants something that is fun to drive and nice to look at, with a touch of style from Ford’s European design team.
The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO is one engaging vehicle to drive, with its powerful Eco Boost engine and responsive all wheel drive system. The 3.5 Liter turbocharged V6 works like a V8, making 365 HP, while getting 25 MPG on the highway; this Super High Output model is the future of sport luxury sedans. The styling is 21st century and the forward thinking power plant is a must in todays conservation minded society.
The base Taurus will sell for around $30,000 and the high horsepower model will retail closer to $45,000. Ford has something for every price level with their new four door, but we recommend the SHO.
Continued after the jump.
> More
.
After driving the standard Taurus yesterday, Top Speed finally got a chance to get behind the wheel of the almighty SHO and it was a pleasant surprise , and we’d love to tell you about it, but we can’t, not until June 23rd. However, we can tell you a little bit more about the 3.5 Liter Eco Boost engine that it has under the hood. This is Ford’s next generation engine with plans for the six cylinder that has the benefits of a V8 while getting the efficiency of a smaller motor.
This is the first twin turbocharged direct injected V6 in North America, making 102 additional horse power over the base car’s Duratec motor of the same size. Direct injection is a beautiful thing, initially developed for endurance racers, this method of fuel delivery allows for the most controlled combustion possible, injecting exact amounts directly into the combustion chamber. These systems have the benefit of getting better gas mileage and making more power at the same time compared to traditional multi port fuel injection.
The 2010 Ford Taurus SHO also features a beefed up transmission to handle the 12 psi of boost from both snails to make a ground pounding 350 lb-ft of torque from the next generation internal combustion engine. Ford is so dedicated to this engine design, that the last American automotive manufacturer left standing plans on introducing Eco Boost into 90% of their future product lineup. If you are partial to an inline setup, and hesitant to go with a V6 there is good news, because Ford is also working on a 4 cylinder version of Eco Boost.
Continued after the jump with video of Ford Advanced Engine Design and Development Manager Brett Hinds talking about the new Eco Boost in the 2010 SHO.
> More
.
General Motor’s luxury arm, Cadillac, has an answer for all the environmentalists out there who want to have their lavish SUV and drive it too. This is mainly due to the vehicle’s 6.0 Liter Vortec combined with an electric generator in the transmission housing to create the world’s first large luxury hybrid SUV. Don’t be fooled by the amount of Hybrid logos strewn about the Escalade, this is truly a big money machine. From our car’s Quicksilver exterior to the Ebony interior the Escalade Hybrid is all about style. Our $70,375 Escalade Hybrid rolls around on stylish 22 inch chromed rims connected to magnetic ride control shock absorbers that soak up ever imperfection on the road’s surface.
Thanks to the 2-Mode Hybrid system with active fuel management the 5,000 pound SUV is able to get 20 MPG in the city and 21 MPG while cruising at highway speeds. The Escalade Hybrid comes equipped with convenience features like a power lift gate, folding side mirrors and rain sensing wipers, the only thing missing is for someone to hitch up your trailer for you. Combined with the always-great Onstar road side assistance standard as well as a 4 year 50,000 mile warranty and a 8 year 100,000 hybrid component warranty you can rest assured about the reliability of your new gas/electric vehicle, and despite the fact that the Escalade Hybrid isn’t quite as clean as the lovable Toyota Prius, it is definitely a green vehicle.
> More
.
So we are about to drive the new for 2010 Ford Taurus SHO. Despite all the talk about the “SHO,” we have yet to see the factory tuned Ford to be referred to by its proper name. For anyone who doesn’t remember the original badass four door was known as the “Super High Output” model. We couldn’t think of any other words to better describe the new high performance people mover.
There are a few touches that separate the SHO from the lesser Taurus models, like the chromed front grill and the new power bulge on the hood. The SHO also upgrades to a set of LED driving lights on the front corners and SHO emblems just behind the rear windows and another EcoBoost badge on the trunk. The rear end of the SHO is also distinguishable by the rear wing and chrome strip that ties the taillights together. The Ford Taurus SHO also rides on a asset of unique 19 inch rims or a set of optional 20s.
Most importantly the SHO will have a twin turbocharged version of Ford’s new 3.5 Liter EcoBoost V6 under the hood making 365 HP. This is the same motor that the blue oval has been using in their vehicles for the last few months. The power plant offers the benefits of V8 power with the emissions and fuel consumption of a V6. Is this the next evolution of performance vehicles? We’re not sure, because we are about to take the SHO for a spin ourselves, however we won’t be able to tell you about it until June 22nd.
.
Pages: 
Picture Gallery
Post a comment
RSS -
Webmaster free news |
Linux Server Management