Mazda, with their Zoom-Zoom ethos, has always sought for ways to improve their technology. And during the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, that ethos was in full effect with their theme “Environmental Technology, Pushing the boundaries of the emotion of motion”.

With their new concept, the 2011 Mazda Takeri, they are integrating their new style concept into the sedan.

Design

The Takeri employs Mazda’s new design language: Soul of Motion. This imparts sharpness that can only be seen on a few cars outside Mazda. True to its design language, they have managed to create a sedan that has a strong beauty and identity. Not only that, this body is both lightweight and aerodynamic, enhancing both performance and efficiency.

Technology

But don’t think for a second that this car is just for style, as this car has an abundance of substance too. It employs a lot of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV technology. The SKYACTIV-D engine, a new diesel engine, provides more than adequate performance, fuel efficiency, and smoothness for the Takeri.

Performance

But Mazda did not stop there, to deliver maximum efficiency new technologies are used to further improve this engine’s fuel efficiency potential. Regenerative braking converts kinetic energy produced from braking into electricity used to power the car’s electrical system. Together with an idling stop system, these electronic gadgets allow for optimal fuel economy.

The 2011 Mazda Takeri concept car was able to create a bold statement. If this is the sign of things to come for Mazda, we can expect some really unique and efficient vehicles in the not so distant future.

Specifications

Dimensions

Length: 178.7 in. (454 cm)	Wheel Base: 106.3 in. (270 cm)
Height: 67.1 in. (170.5 cm)	Width: 72.4 in. (184 cm)
Curb Weight: 2433 lbs (1440 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 150 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: SkyActiv G 2.0	Displacement: 1997 cc
Horsepower: 153 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic

With more people maintaining an active lifestyle, compact crossover vehicles are becoming more popular these days. So it is no wonder why car manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, Ford, and the like are always trying to come up with vehicles to cater to this demand. Mitsubishi is no different. Its bet in this race is the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander.

With the legendary Lancer Evolution behind some of its DNA, you kind of know that the Outlander is going to impress a few crowds. Expect to get better fuel economy and exceptional features in the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Interior & exterior

The Mitsubishi Outlander impresses with its interior although the presence of cheap-looking plastics in some spots lessens this appeal somehow. Naturally, the nicest looking interior can be found in the upscale XLS and GT variants- what with the delicate to the touch upper instrument cluster and the double-stitch details on the door trims that are simply attention-grabbers.

It is cool that the Outlander is enabled with the Fuse system as it allows you to control your iPod or call your friends through voice commands. It certainly is a fun addition and adds to the general appeal of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander.

On the downside, the steering wheel is not telescoping-enabled so taller drivers may have a harder time driving it.

The third-row seating that is available in SE and up variants are really too small and cramped to be fully functional. It really makes one to wonder if those seats were meant to be used or if they were just added for the extra publicity mileage.

Performance

The low end ES and SE variants come with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine which generates 168hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. The XLS and GT models are equipped with a 3.0L V6 that revs 230hp and 215 lb-ft of torque.

The ES and SE are given a CVT while the XLS and GT are using the conventional six-speed automatic transmission. For all models, a manual is available.

AWD is an option for the SE, while the GT is AWD upfront. The XLS is a front-drive.
In 0-60mph acceleration tests, the GT was clocked at 7.9 sec performance. Fuel economy is pegged at 25 mpg for combined city/highway for the in-line four, 22 mpg for the V6 and 24 mpg for the AWD inline-4 and AWD V6 is 21 mpg.

All these engine specs translate to a crossover vehicle that is remarkably fun and spirited to drive. Handling is good, and the sport-tuned suspension mated to a nicely weighted steering wheel result to an exhilarating driving experience.

Although not the most powerful crossover vehicle around, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander still gives fast and responsive acceleration. To top it all up, the AWD makes the car grip the road firmly even in the presence of snow or mud.

Trims

The basic ES model is supplied with an inline-four engine and sports 16-inch steel shoes. Usual standards like air con, cruise control, all-power controls, roof rails and six-speaker audio system with CD and auxiliary jack are also provided.

Go to the XLS territory to get a powerful 3.0L V6 engine. All the above accessories are thrown in as well as xenon headlights, Fuse voice interface, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, etc. You may also choose to upgrade your trim level by getting a Premium, Sun and Sound, or Touring package.

Safety & reliability

Safety features are ABS, airbags, head restraints, stability control, and others.
Recent crash tests are very good as it received 5 stars. J.D. Power and Associates Predicted Reliability grade for this car is “mediocre”. Warranty is 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Competition

Mazda CX 7 (MSRP $21,990; 20 city / 28 hwy), Toyota RAV 4 (MSRP $22,475; 22 city / 28 hwy), Honda CR-V (MSRP $21,895; 21 city / 28 hwy), Chevrolet Equinox (MSRP $22,995; 22 city / 32 hwy) are just some of the competition of the Outlander.

Pros & Cons

The Outlander has an agile and spirited handling which makes this car fun to drive. Additionally, it has an ample storage space and the lift-gate design of its read door makes access for storage easy.

The biggest drawback to the otherwise superb record of the Outlander is third-row seat which is small even for kids. The non-telescoping steering wheel is a turn off as the cheap plastic used in the interior.

Overall Rating
72 out of 100

What others say:

“One of the older vehicles from Mitsubishi, the Outlander crossover is also one of their better efforts.”Car Connection

“This crossover has quick and communicative steering feel with moderate body lean in turns. GT handles best and exhibits little body lean.”Consumer Guide

“The ride is fairly stiff and road noise is pronounced, but better in the four-cylinder version. Interior fit and finish is a bit unimpressive. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is more like a sport-utility than a boring old crossover, and that’s a good thing.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Crossover SUV	Base Price: $22,345.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gallons (62.8 liters)	MPG: 23 city / 28 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 183.7 in. (466 cm)	Width: 70.9 in. (180 cm)
Height: 66.1 in. (168 cm)	Wheel Base: 105.1 in. (267 cm)
Curb Weight: 3384 lbs (1535 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.5 in. (21.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 36.2 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 2.4L DOHC MIVEC Inline 4	Displacement: 2360 cc
Horsepower: 168 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 167 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm	Transmission: Automatic – CVT Sportronic®
0-60 mph: 8.4 seconds	Max Towing Capacity: 1500 lbs (680 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Outlander SE 2WD	MSRP: $23,345; MPG: xx city / xx hwy
Option:Outlander SE AWC	MSRP: $24,845; MPG: xx city / xx hwy
Option:Outlander GT 2WD, V6	MSRP: $25,895; MPG: xx city / xx hwy
Option:Outlander GT AWC, V6	MSRP: $27,895; MPG: xx city / xx hwy

When a vehicle is launched into the public through an intense car chase scene featuring no less than Agent 007 himself, James Bond, then it is almost a certainty that the vehicle will be racking up huge amounts of sales.

This is exactly the case for the DBS line of cars by the car company Aston Martin, as they were first seen by the public in Casino Royale.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: $287,576.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (80 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 11 city / 17 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 185.5 in. (471 cm)	Wheel Base: 107.9 in. (274 cm)
Height: 50.4 in. (128 cm)	Width: 75 in. (190.5 cm)
Curb Weight: 3737 lbs (1695 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 6.6 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 2 people

Performance

Engine: 48-valve DOHC V12	Displacement: 5.9 Liter
Horsepower: 510 HP	Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 5750 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds	Maximum Speed: 191 mph (307 km/h)

And since that famous chase scene that allowed the public to glimpse into the groundbreaking new line of cars by Aston Martin, the company has never looked back, releasing several other models, the latest of which is the 2012 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition that is expected to follow on the heels of the high sales of previous models.

But more than being a mere addition to an already established line of cars, the Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition also has unique features of its own, the best of which is its unique exterior and interior design that is unprecedented. The silk-like finish of the vehicle was achieved through a painstaking process that involved seven layers of paint and 25 hours of polishing and finishing by hand, thus ensuring that the vehicle had undergone meticulous attention to detail.

Exterior & Interior

The wheels of the vehicle also exude luxury and grandeur, as they feature black diamond turned wheels. Other noticeable features of the DBS Carbon Edition include an imposing black grill, carbon-fiber mirror heads, smoked rear lights, and carbon rear lamp fill-ins that ensure that the prospective driver of the vehicle will still be able to see down dark paths and during intense weather conditions.

And finally, the regal air that is exuded by the vehicle’s exterior is, of course, sustained by its interior, as it is made from the finest materials that are guaranteed to provide comfort to its drivers and passengers.

The 2012 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition is certainly more than a mere addition to the well-loved line of Aston Martins.

The 2011 Ram 1500 is available in Outdoorsman, Sport, SLT, Longhorn, Express, Laramie, ST, and Tradesman models.

Performance

The types of engine available for this full size pickup truck are a 3.7L V6 engine, a 4.7L SOHC V8, and a 5.7 L Hemi. The V6 engine offers a torque force of 235 pound-foot and a horsepower capacity of 210. Its fuel rail is constructed with stainless steel material. The V8 engine has 310 horsepower capacity and torque force of 330 pound-foot.

It has Flex Fuel capability which enables it to operate on unleaded gas and on the combination of 15 percent of gasoline and 85 percent of ethanol. This engine is practical because it has the benefit of using an alternative fuel. The HEMI V8 engine is capable of delivering a torque force of 407 pound-foot and a horsepower of 390. It has Fuel Saver technology which disables the cylinders if a small amount of engine performance is needed.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior body of this full size pickup truck is made from galvanized steel and aluminum material. The grille is constructed in chrome material. It is designed with dual exhaust system. The sidestep is furnished with Mopar chrome tubular. The diameters of the wheels are available in 17, 20, and 22 inches. The wheels are constructed in forged aluminum, chrome-clad aluminum, painted aluminum, and machined aluminum materials. The box rails are designed with lockable storage with water-resistant capability.

The seats are available in leather material which is designed to resist stains and odors. The steering wheel, rear seats, and front seats are capable of emitting heat during cold weather conditions. The seats are ergonomically designed to provide better support to the lumbar part of the body. The pedals can be adjusted to accommodate the height of the driver. The interior of this pickup truck is also capable of providing storage space. The storage sections are located under the rear seats and at the center console. A removable storage bin can also be located on the floor. The 2011 Ram 1500 has a passenger capacity for three people.

Safety & Reliability

The 2011 Ram 1500 offers protection with its side airbags, side-curtain front airbags, and advanced multistage airbags. This pickup truck is structured in hydroformed body frame capable of providing additional strength and protection. The hydroformed body frame protects the driver and the passengers by absorbing and dissipating the fatal force during crash impacts. The ParkView camera installed in this pickup truck allows it to display the objects behind it. It prevents the pickup truck from colliding with other vehicles or objects. The ParkSense Assist system enables the driver to park the pickup truck with ease.

The Competition

The Chevrolet Silverado (MSRP $21,945; 15 city / 20 hwy) and the Ford F-150 (MSRP $22,990; 17 city / 23 hwy) are comparable pick up trucks worth looking at in addition to the Ram 1500. The Silverado and the Ram 1500 have nearly identical features and capacities. The F-150 does prove to have better fuel economy over both the Ram 1500 and Silverado.

An advantage of this pickup truck is its availability in three engine types. These three engine types deliver durability, immense performance, and efficiency. This pickup truck also has the advantage of using the available space on the floor and under the rear seats for storage containers. Disadvantages for this pickup truck includes small torque force output, less payload capacity, and less towing capacity.

Overall Rating
75 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 wraps passengers in ample room, with enough build quality and flexibility for just about any truck owner.”Car Connection

“Ram is far too large and prone to cornering lean to be called nimble, but car-like is not a stretch. There’s too little on-center steering response though, and Laramies, with their 20-inch wheels, seem prone to highway wander–requiring frequent correction. Brake response is excellent, with little nose plow in simulated panic stops.”Consumer Guide

“Weak base-model engine with poor fuel economy; five-speed (not six-speed) automatic transmission.”Edmunds

“If you like the rugged image of a tough-as-nails working truck, but not the harsh ride or crude interior that accompanies it, check out the 2011 Ram 1500. Its “big-rig” inspired styling is mighty impressive, as is its available Hemi V8 engine.”KBB

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Pick Up Truck	Base Price: $20,810.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26.0 gallons (98 liters)	MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 209 in. (530 cm)	Width: 79.4 in. (201.6 cm)
Height: 74.6 in. (189 cm)	Wheel Base: 120.5 in. (306 cm)
Curb Weight: 4548 lbs (2063 kg)	Ground Clearance: 9 in. (22.8 cm)
Payload Capacity: 1450 lbs	Maximum Seating: 3 people

Performance

Engine: 3.7L V6	Displacement: 226 cu in
Horsepower: 215 HP	Max RPM: 5200 RPM
Torque: 235 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity: 9050 lbs (4105 kgs)	Maximum Speed: NA

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Regular Cab SLT 4.7L V8	MSRP: $25,430; MPG: 14 city / 19 hwy
Option:Regular Cab OutdoorsMan 4.7L V8 FFV	MSRP: $28,025; MPG: 14 city / 19 hwy
Option:Regular Cab Sport 5.7L V8 Hemi	MSRP: $31,115; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy
Option:Crew Cab 4.7L V8 FFV	MSRP: $29,585; MPG: 14 city / 19 hwy
Option:Quad Cab 3.7L V6	MSRP: $25,290; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy

August Horch was a German automobile pioneer that established one of the worlds most prestigious and well-respected car manufacturers.

Cleverly enough, his surname translated in Latin would prove to be a name that would spawn super-mini’s and cross-over SUV’s all around the world. As such, Audi has been consistent with its top of the line car models and car technologies.

Exterior & Interior

The Audi A2 concept is intended to be an all-electric super-mini that would front the company’s current compact MPV models. Measuring in at a compact 3.8 meters in length, the Audi A2 concept will have plenty of room for at least four individuals. The super-mini’s powerful electric-drive system and by-wire technologies are designed for quick and efficient vehicle performance on the road.

Audi designed the A2 concept as the future of metropolitan cars. As such, the innovative body technology and the ultra-light weight construction of the vehicle allow the A2 to weigh in at an astounding 1150 kg or 2, 535 lbs.

As for the A2 concept’s exterior qualities, the opaque glass roof of the super-mini becomes transparent upon pressing a button. The matrix beam headlights of the A2 are another intrinsic feature of this concept car. A group of light-emitting diodes carefully detailed one above the other conveniently produces the low beam and high beam lights. Mirco-reflectors then allow the precise positioning of the light to take place. Moreover, the car’s driver will be able to turn on and off the LED lights independently for various road conditions.

Performance

With a top speed of 93 miles per hours, the A2’s electric engine can deliver up to 116hp and around 119lb-ft of torque. Nonetheless, it is an agile vehicle and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Concept

Driving Range: 124 miles (199.5 km)

Dimensions

Length: 150 in. (381 cm)	Height: 58.6 in. (149 cm)
Width: 66.4 in. (169 cm)	Curb Weight: 2535 lbs (1150 kg)
Luggage Capacity: NA	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Power: Electric Motor	Source: 31 kWh Li Ion Battery
Horsepower: 116 HP	Transmission: Single Speed
0-60 mph: 9.3 seconds	Maximum Speed: 93 mph (149 km/h)