2014 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

BMW prepared a whole new lineup for the upcoming year. The 2014 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 has been introduced as one of the most fuel efficient cars capable of generating more than 300 HP.

With several elements inherited from the 535i model that includes the engine and design features, BMW attempts to an option in the growing segment of hybrid cars.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan Est. Market Price: $61,400
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.7 gals (67 L) MPG: 23 city / 30 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 193.1 in. (490.5 cm) Wheelbase: 116.9 in. (296.9 cm)
Height: 57.6 in. (146.3 cm) Width: 73.2 in. (185.9 cm)
Unladen Weight: 4938 lbs (2240 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 10.0 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Engine: 3.0 Inline 6 Twin Turbo Hybrid Compression Ratio: 10.2: 1
Horsepower: 335 HP Max RPM: 5800 rpm
Torque: 330 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds Top Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)

Engine & Performance

The ActiveHybrid uses the same engine as the 535i luxury sedan. With a six-cylinder engine and an electric motor, the car generates up to 335 horsepower with an average gas consumption of 23 gallons per mile in the city and 30 on a highway.

You get an added 37 miles using the motor. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic gearbox and can go from 0 to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds.
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Unlike other models from the 5 Series, the ActiveHybrid does not feature an all-wheel drive which affects to some degree its stability on the road but still maintains a firm grip during tight corners or at high speeds.

Additionally, the Dynamic Damper Control system adapts the car to the road conditions and driver’s style.

Exterior

Similar to other models from the 5 Series, the ActiveHybrid incorporates the same redesigned front grill, air intake and rear headlights. The air intake itself has been lowered while the contour lines became more prominent.

Side indicators have been added to the mirrors and the rear of the car has been lifted and has an additional crease.

Interior

The interior is similar to the one found in other models in the lineup of the 5 Series. New chrome trims have been added around the control display.

Extra trim elements can be added as part of customization packages. Other that this minor touch, BMW includes new materials as part of the other personalized options.

BMW’s version of hybrid cars positions the model in the luxury sedan category. The 2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid does not feature an economic gas engine but a powerful six cylinder matched with an electric motor able to deliver 300 horsepower using less gas.
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July 8, 2013 at 7:40 pm | No comment

2014 Toyota 4Runner

The 2014 Toyota 4Runner is as comfortable climbing hilly terrain as it is climbing a family driveway. It is tough and rugged enough to be considered one of the top off-road vehicles available, yet gets the job done driving around to do errands.

It is hard to believe it has been nearly 30 years since the introduction of this mid-size SUV. This vehicle is a revised edition of the fifth generation of 4Runners.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 23 gals (87 L) MPG: 17 city / 22 hwy
Dimensions*
Length: 189.9 in. (482.3 cm) Wheel Base: 109.8 in. (278.9 cm)
Height: 71.5 in. (181.6 cm) Width: 75.8 in. (192.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 4400 lbs (1996 kg) Ground Clearance: 9.0 in. (22.9 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 47.2 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5-7 people
Performance
Engine: V6 DOHC Displacement: 4.0 Liter
Horsepower: 270 HP Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 278 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm Transmission: 5-Speed ECT-i Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 5000 lbs (2268 kgs) Maximum Speed: NA

There are 3 trims to choose from for 2014: the SR5, Limited and the Tail grade which is the off road version.

Engine & Performance

Under the hood of all 3 models of the 2014 Toyota 4Runner you will find a 4.0 liter, V6 that generates 270 HP. The SR5 and Trail have 2 settings, part time 4 wheel drive with a neutral setting and the Limited has full time 4 wheel drive.

When driving your 4Runner in the 4 wheel drive mode, you are aided by “A-TRAC” traction control, hill start assist (HAC) and downhill assist controls (DAC). You will have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
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Exterior

The 2014 4Runner comes with a new “grille”. It exhibits a sense of strength with a large keyed mesh-like grille and a bumper that has the appearance of being able to penetrate the toughest of obstacles.

The Limited’s bumper is made of chrome, adding to its persona while the SR5’s is painted silver. The headlights are projector beams with LED lamps and the smoked lens are nice accents. The taillights are state of the art combined with LED technology.

Fog lamps help enhance the SR5 and Trail. All 3 models come with roof racks. The functional hood scoop on the Trail adds a cool touch.

The SR5 and Trail also share the same size 17 inch wheels, while the Limited stands tall on 20 inch rims.

Interior

The interior of the 2014 Runner is roomy. The SR5 and Trails feature fabric seats available in either black, graphite or sand beige, while the Limited comes standard with leather.

Other interior features that the SR5 and Trail have in common are leather wrapped steering wheels, soft touch door trim and third row seating. The Limited has front seats with memory that are also heated.

The dashboard is laid out well, making it easy to read and monitor your 4Runner’s progress while driving. All models have large center consoles and glove boxes.
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July 8, 2013 at 2:11 pm | No comment

2014 Bentley Continental GT W12 Le Mans Edition

The 2014 Bentley Continental GT W12 Le Mans Edition is a 4-seat coupe which brings you the highest of standards in engineering, performance and luxury.

Its twin turbo engine achieves exceptional perofrmance for power-to-emissions in the luxury cars segment. This iconic model is the flagship of Bentley Motor’s spirit of hard work and creativity that dates back to 1919.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: NA
Fuel Tank Capacity: 24 gals (90 L) MPG: 13 city / 20 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 189.2 in. (480.6 cm) Wheel Base: 108.1 in. (274.6 cm)
Height: 54.8 in. (139.4 cm) Width: 76.5 in. (194.3 cm)w/o mirrors
Curb Weight: 5115 lbs (2320 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 12.6 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: W12 DOHC Displacement: 5998 cc
Horsepower: 567 HP Max RPM: NA
Torque: 516 lb-ft Transmission: 8-Speed ZF

Engine & Performance

The Bentley Le Mans edition is home to a 6.0 liter V8 engine that is built to achieve exceptional luxury and speed standards. Its patented growl sets it apart from its previous models. The engine delivers a total of 567 hp and an outstanding peak torque of 516.

The 2014 GT is available in coupe only. Its iconic on-road performance is powered by Bentley’s legendary 6 liter W12 that produces a whopping 616 bhp and 590 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm.
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Normally, the GT velocity sprints to 60 in just four seconds. So far, with a top-speed of 205 mph, it is the fastest among Bentley’s stable of workhorses.

Thus far, 2014 Le Mans Edition specifications are nothing short of a perfect combination of skill and practicality. Its long awaited launch in the course of this year will definitely breathe new life into the ever evolving world of speed, power and luxury.

Exterior & Interior

The Le Mans edition’s features are a perfect blend of heritage and sportsmanship that feature among other things, diamond plated door panels, diamond leather seats, dried alloy foot pedals, illuminated tread-plates, two piece 5-spoke wheels, enhanced suspension and sport tuned steering.

The seats are recognizable because of the unique handmade design that represents day to day practicality.
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President of Bentley Motor Inc., Christopher Georges, was quoted saying that 2014 Bentley Continental GT W12 Le Mans Edition is specially built to showcase Bentley Motors long history of success and heritage. Accordingly, Bentley Motors is marking 90 years since they achieved their first 4th place win in at Le Mans.

July 7, 2013 at 1:59 pm | No comment

2013 Acura ILX Hybrid

If you are young, successful and concerned about the environment, the 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid may be the car you have been waiting for. Further, this vehicle enables an individual to enter the luxury market at an affordable price.

The standard ILX Hybrid is affordable, if you want the bells and whistles in the technology package, it will be just a little more. The cost is reasonable, but the real value lies in the exquisite exterior styling and its clean air offering.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan Base Price: $28,900
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gals (50 L) MPG: 39 city / 38 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 179.1 in. (454.9 cm) Wheel Base: 105.1 in. (267 cm)
Height: 55.6 in. (141.2 cm) Width: 70.6 in. (179.3 cm)
Curb Weight: 2987 lbs (1355 kg) Ground Clearance: 6.2 in. (15.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 10.0 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 1.5 Liter Inline 4 Hybrid Compression Ratio: 10.8: 1
Horsepower: 111 HP Max RPM: 5500 RPM
Torque: 127 lb-ft @ 1000-3500 rpm Transmission: CVT

Engine & Performance

Under the hood of the Acura ILX Hybrid lies a 1.5 liter inline for engine with an integrated motor assist electric motor. This combo generates 111 HP at 5,500 RPM. When coming to a stop, the gasoline engine will deactivate and the electric motor serves as a recharger for the cars batteries.

When at a full stop, the engine enters idle/stop mode saving fuel and cutting down on emissions. The ILX Hybrid delivers 35 mpg in the city and 38 on highways. The engine is mated with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
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Exterior

The ILX Hybrid is sleek, sporty and aerodynamically efficient. The headlamp compartments are wing-like and sweep to the sides of the auto. A bold chrome center strip accentuates the front grille and the lower mesh air intakes are inside the two running lamps positioned on the outside of the bumper.

The front bumper itself is neatly integrated into the rest of the body creating an uninterrupted flow to the sides. The rear bumper picks up the contours of the side body and continues the coordinated lines from front to back. The wrap around taillights begins well onto the rear fender and sweep around to the backside. The trunk lid arcs just enough to create an efficient spoiler effect without imposing on the overall “smart” styling.

Interior

Inside you will discover a nicely appointed gull winged dashboard allowing for plenty of leg room. The instrumentation is highlighted by an ample informational display mounted at the top and center. All of the controls are easily accessible with the usual push button accompaniments on the steering wheel.

The optional technology package will afford you a full complement of features that include real time weather and traffic conditions (with rerouting capabilities), a navigation system with voice recognition and an ELS surround sound audio system.
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July 6, 2013 at 5:53 pm | No comment

2014 Chevrolet Silverado High Country

The third generation Chevrolet Silverado arrives next year. To mark the occasion, Chevy brings on the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado ” High Country” edition. It has been 15 years since the Silverado joined the ranks of C/K series pickups.

The 2014 standard models will stand taller and are structurally sound than its predecessors. The base short crew cab starts at $31,715. However, the High Country may cost just a little more.
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Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Pick Up Truck Base Price: $31,715
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gals (98 L) MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 230.0 in. (584.2 cm) Wheel Base: 143.5 in. (364.5 cm)
Height: 74.2 in. (188.5 cm) Width: 80.0 in. (203.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 5042 lbs (2287 kg) Ground Clearance: 8.7 in. (22.1 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA Maximum Seating: 6 people
Performance
Engine: V8 EcoTec3 2WD Displacement: 5.3 Liter
Horsepower: 355 HP Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 9800 lbs (2489 kgs) Maximum Speed: 120 mph (193 km/h)

Engine & Performance

Under the hood of the pickup truck is a 5.3 liter, 8 cylinder EcoTec3 engine that produces 355 horsepower. It is capable of reaching speeds up to a maximum of 120 MPH.

You have the option of getting a two-wheel drive or a four wheel drive depending on your specific requirements.
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Exterior

The first thing you’ll notice on the front of this special edition truck is the unique grille. Its horizontal chrome bars stand out as a distinctive touch. The halogen projector headlamps are quite noticeable and they are sure to provide sufficient illumination at night.

The front and rear bumper are color coordinated to enhance the trucks overall finish. A touch of chrome are present on its side trim and around the mirrors. Its tall profile is enhanced by 20 inch chrome wheels and features a functional running board. The tires are rated for all weather conditions, P275/55R20.

Interior

The interior is distinguished by the “High Country” logo stamp embossed in the headrests. The front buckets are made of saddle brown trimmed leather and have both heating and cooling capabilities.

The instrument panel is laid out with all controls easy to reach. There is also an 8 inch touch screen with Chevrolet’s “My Life” connectivity. There is front and rear park assist and an audio system from Bose.
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July 6, 2013 at 2:08 pm | No comment

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