2011 Chevrolet Camaro

There is no doubt that the Camaro is one of the best cars that Chevrolet has ever produced. A relatively affordable sports car, it is strong, attractive, and relatively practical. With expectations quite high on such a legendary name, people are intrigued if the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro is up to the hype. Let’s find that out for ourselves.

Of course, when you see the new generation Camaro, the first thing that should strike you real hard is the exterior. Obviously making a salute to the first generation Camaro from 1967 to 1969, people unanimously liked its retro modern style.

The retro boom is in full swing (check cars like the Mini Cooper (MSRP $19,400; 29 city / 37 hwy) and the Fiat 500 (MSRP $15,500; 30 city / 38 hwy) for instance), the re-entry of the Camaro is perfectly timed.

Exterior & Interior

While it salutes the past, it is distinctively modern, and has managed to carve for itself a true identity that distinguishes it from its forefathers. If for looks alone, it is safe to conclude that it is an absolute winner. There are 2 trims available for this car: a 2 door coupe and a convertible (which is expected to come out soon) are the options. However, when you get inside the car, there are mixed feelings about it. The first thing that you would observe is how nice the gauges are located: it is also an apparent salute to the past Camaro’s. And while it is advertised that it is capable of seating 4 people, the rear seats are apparently cramped in both headroom and legroom.

Standard equipment includes a radio with Bluetooth connectivity and an auxiliary jack, though perhaps more features should be integrated given its stature in Chevrolet as a legend. And while most of the functions such as the gauges and electronics are readable, its elements that combine modern and retro are executed quite confusingly. As expected in a sports car, it doesn’t have the largest trunk in the world. It is rated at 11.3 cubic feet in size, but this already small space becomes much more difficult to utilize due to the small trunk opening.

Performance

The base engine for the Chevrolet Camaro is its 3.6 liter V6 engine that produces 312 horsepower, which gives its competition a run for their money. This engine is then helped by a six speed manual transmission, which delivers smooth performance. However, a six speed automatic transmission complete with paddle shifters is optional equipment.

As for fuel economy, it is rated to go in between 17 to 29 miles per gallon, competitive numbers for a true sports car. But to gain maximum economy, it is better to drive it on highways and back roads than drive it on city streets where traffic is to be expected. As for the handling, a lot of people liked it, even calling this car the best in its class. With its independent rear suspension, handling is refined.

In addition, the suspension is dialed just right that it doesn’t drive roughly during ordinary driving. And the brakes, both the standard 4 wheel discs and the optional bigger ones produced by Brembo, provide sure footed stopping power. And for those that want more performance, the SS version, complete with its V8 engine and other modifications, is a vehicle of choice.

The Competition

The Camaro, along with the Ford Mustang (MSRP $32,845; 17 city / 26 hwy) and the Nissan 370Z (MSRP $40,870; 18 city / 25 hwy) have a lot of big shoes to fill from their predecessors. You want to drive something out of memory lane? Then these three are worth a look.

Pros & Cons

The strong points and weak points of the Camaro can be summed up to this. Its strongest points are that it is attractive, it is desirable, and its combination of good brakes, transmission, suspension, and engine provides incredible performance and reliability. The only things that hold it back is its lack of practicality, mainly because of its rear seating and its small trunk opening. In addition, rearward visibility is found to be an issue.

All in all, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro has been able to live up to the legend. It is a car with true attitude and identity, and gives a lot of style and performance for the money. A true winner.

Overall Rating
66 out of 100

What others say:

“Provided you’re not too tall and you don’t have more than one passenger or big suitcases, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro provides decent creature comforts.”Car Connection

“Any Camaro corners with good grip and minimal body lean.”Consumer Guide

“Braking performance is excellent on the V8 and the ride is taut and controlled ride. The styling impacts practicality, with severely hampered visibility, hard-to- decipher controls, and a cramped rear seat.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Strong acceleration with V8 or V6; head-turning looks; good V6 fuel economy; excellent value; capable handling.”Edmunds

“Certainly beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but we are of the opinion that the new Camaro looks like a car that could command a much higher price tag.”KBB

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Coupe Base Price: $22,805.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (71 liters) MPG: 17 city / 28 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 190.4 in. (483 cm) Width: 75.5 in. (191 cm)
Height: 54.2 in. (137 cm) Wheel Base: 112.3 in. (285 cm)
Curb Weight: 3780 lbs (1714 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 11.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 3.6L 24 valve DOHC V6 Displacement: 217 cu in
Horsepower: 312 HP Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 278 lb-ft @ 5100 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds Maximum Speed: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Camaro 2LT MSRP: $27,350; MPG: 17 city / 28 hwy
Option:Camaro 1SS 6.2L V8 MSRP: $31,070; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy
Option:Camaro 2SS 6.2L V8 MSRP: $34,420; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy
Option:Camaro Convertible MSRP: $29,275; MPG: 17 city / 28 hwy
Option:Camaro Convertible 1SS V8 MSRP: $36,775; MPG: 16 city / 24 hwy

October 21, 2011 at 3:36 pm | No comment

2011 Infiniti EX

Out of 8 compact luxury SUVs, the Infiniti EX ranks second. It is an SUV that is stylish and has excellent handling. This sporty SUV won the 2011 award for Best Compact Luxury Crossover for the money and another 2011 award as the Best Luxury Compact SUV for Families. The EX is designed to have Journey trims. Many people admire how the interior is designed. If not for the cargo space or the number of passengers that the EX can accommodate, parents choose to have EX on their garage because of its sporty performance and excellent interior.

Performance

The Infiniti EX comes standard with a V6 3.5L engine. This engine generates a power of 297 horsepower which makes it powerful when compared to other luxury compact SUV. The transmission is seven-speed. The combination of the engine and transmission enables the SUV to run from rest to a speed of 60mph in just 7.4 seconds. Even if the EX revs to a speed of 6800 rpm, the ride is smooth. Handling of the Infiniti EX is smooth and the steering is precise and light compared to other SUVs.

Exterior

The overall exterior design of the EX looks sleek and magnificent. The Infiniti EX has a self-healing feature where it can repair small scratches like fingernail scratches all by itself. This is possible because the paint is mixed with a resin. This resin increases the flexibility of the paint.

Interior

Other parents won’t choose Infiniti EX because of its limited cargo area but if they have a peek on the interior design, maybe they will reconsider EX. One feature that EX can brag about is the high-quality, warm, and luxurious interior design. Five persons can be accommodated by EX. Occupants of the front seats will be comfortable with the leather-appointed seat while those who occupy the rear seats will be a little bit uneasy because the seats are cramped.

Aside from the superb finish, EX is packed with standard and other additional features that boost the overall interior design. Satellite radio (XM), iPod interface, monitor for rear view, and a USB port are available. The temperature can also be automatically controlled. A journey trim can be integrated in the car for an added cost. Other options that can be included are the navigation system for the hard drive, a premium audio system from Bose, and a hard drive music box with 9.3 GB of memory.

Safety

The Infiniti EX underwent a rollover test given by the federal government. It was given a rating of 4 out of 5 for this rollover safety test. Another thorough test for the safety of the rear, side, and roof crash was conducted by Insurance Institute for Highway safety and they received the rating “Good”. Receiving a rating of “Good”, this is the basis of IIHS for choosing EX as one of the Top Safety Pick. Another feature why you must chose EX over the other luxury SUV is that it offers an option where there is an advanced or innovative safety structure.

Reliability

Many consumers rated the EX with 3.5 out of 5 rating for its mechanical overall quality; this is after owning the car for three months. The power-train feature of the luxury car was rated 4 out of 5. The power-train has a 6 year or 70,000 mile warranty. The EX includes a basic warranty for 60,000 miles or four years.

The Competition

Infiniti EX has limited cargo space so if you want a spacious cargo, Volvo XC60 (MSRP $32,900; 18 city / 25 hwy) can be your option of another luxury SUV. XC60 can also accommodate more passengers than Infiniti EX. In a case where you don’t want to sacrifice good and sporty performance of a SUV but you want a large cargo space, the BMW X3 (MSRP $36,750; 19 city / 25 hwy) would be right for you. More passengers can enjoy the X3 ride and it has a performance similar to sports sedans but you need to pay more to get what you need.

Pros & Cons

If your first concern when buying an SUV is safety, then the Infiniti EX is perfect for you because it has advanced options for the safety of the passengers. It has an engine that is very powerful and a sporty and smooth handling. Many reviewers wowed the luxurious interior design because of the high-quality materials used and its functionality.

Having a back seat that is cramped is a downside of the EX. This compact SUV is not good if you plan to use the SUV going on a camping trip where you need spacious cargo area to accommodate your belongings. There is a cargo area provided but it is limited. Another downside is the off-road capability that is limited. But to weigh the pros and cons of this car, the pros will surely outweigh the disadvantages.

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“Among smaller, sporty crossover wagons, the 2011 Infiniti EX35 remains among the most svelte-and among the best-performing.”Car Connection

“EX corners well and exhibits only slightly more body lean than G37. A relatively tight turning radius aids in low-speed maneuvering.”Consumer Guide

“This small pseudo-SUV has agile handling and a steady ride. The rear seat is very snug and the cargo area is tiny. Styling has compromised rear visibility somewhat. Crash-test results are impressive.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Zesty handling and acceleration; compliant ride; classy cabin; sleek styling; versatile hatchback body style.”Edmunds

“The 2011 Infiniti EX35 rides and handles very much like the G37 sedan from which it’s spawned, so much so that we simply began referring to it as our G Wagon. ”KBB

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Midsize SUV Base Price: $35,200.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (75 liters) MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 182.3 in. (463 cm) Width: 71 in. (180 cm)
Height: 62.6 in. (159 cm) Wheel Base: 110.2 in. (280 cm)
Curb Weight: 3764 lbs (1707 kg) Ground Clearance: 6.5 in. (16.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 18.6 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 Displacement: 3498 cc
Horsepower: 297 HP Max RPM: 6800 RPM
Torque: 253 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic w/ Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)
0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds 1/4 Mile: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:EX35 AWD MSRP: $37,000; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:EX35 Journey MSRP: $37,900; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Option:EX35 Journey AWD MSRP: $39,300; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy

October 21, 2011 at 12:52 am | No comment

2012 Nissan GTR

Who can ever forget the legendary Nissan GT-R? It was first released in Japan at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and soon after it conquered the U.S. and the rest of the world.

Aptly called “Godzilla”, this behemoth is back with a roaring reappearance!

Mind you, the 2012 Nissan GT-R is not a merely a face-lifted version of the original. Every modification made by the Nissan engineers had only one thing in mind: to build a better and wilder Godzilla.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe Base Price: $89,950.00
MPG: 16 city/ 23 hwy Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.5 Gallons
Dimensions
Length: 183.9 in. (467 cm) Width: 74.6 in. (189 cm)
Height: 53.9 in. (136.9 cm) Wheel Base: 109.4 in. (277.8 cm)
Curb Weight: 3829 lbs (1736 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 8.8 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 3.8L 24-valve Twin Turbo V6 Compression Ratio: 9.0: 1
Horsepower: 530 HP Max RPM: 6400 RPM
Torque: 448 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Auto-Manual
0-60 mph: 2.7 seconds Top Speed: 196 mph (315 km/h)

Performance

Under the hood, you will be instantly drawn to a bold red valve covering of the GT-R’s powerhouse. Nissan did not change the old VR38DETT 3.8L V6 TT engine featuring a six-speed transmission with dual clutch. A revision of valve-timing, better mixture between air and fuel, and a cranking of boost result to improved power change of 475 hp to 530 hp.

To tame the beast, Nissan installed powerful brakes and stickier Dunlop tires.

You would think that the new GT-R would be guzzling more fuel as a result of this increase in power. But the use of very-low precious metal catalytic converter mated to a new Electronic Control Unit and state of the art electronics allows the GT-R to consume less fuel while emitting fewer toxic fumes.

If you think the classic GT-R is laden with testosterone, wait till you get your hands on the 2012 edition. More power has been injected into the all-wheel-drive monster from Japan to boost its engine output to 530 horses and torque to 448 lb-ft. All this crazy numbers translate well on the road as the new GT-R zooms from 0-60mph in barely 3.2 seconds.

Innovations in suspension geometry and improvement in the structural stiffness of the car resulted to a more responsive and smoother handling.

Exterior & Interior

Aesthetically, the new GT-R sports minimal changes from the classic version. Among these are LED running lamps, new front fascia that features larger openings, and a redesigned rear diffuser.

Although no radical change was made in the car’s overall look, the benefit these changes made to the car’s performance is significant. For instance, drag coefficient has dropped to .26 and down force at speed has increased by 10%.

For a premium, you may get a Black Edition version that adds lightweight six-spoke Ray wheels, leather-accented red and black Recaro seats with a dark headliner.

As was mentioned earlier, the new GT-R has improved structure and suspension. Support members and strut braces combined with better rigidity and body roll make the GT-R tightly hugging the road as you corner and more receptive to the driver’s steering commands.

Re-designed springs and dampers together with thicker anti-roll bars add up to making the GT-R more responsive and more steady on the stretches, and still ensuring driver and passenger comfort.

…at a glance

Base price for the 2012 Nissan GT-R is $89,950. The Black Edition retails for $95,100.

Few cars can claim the spectacular performance record of the GT-R. And most of these cars lie in the insanely expensive range. The Nissan GT-R makes it possible to have a more affordable supercar without compromising one bit on what makes a supercar a supercar.

October 20, 2011 at 2:25 am | 8 comments

2011 Kia Soul

The 2011 Kia Soul is only the second generation with the model debuting in 2010. During that time frame, Kia did little to change the Soul’s appearance. Of course, some features have been modified, making it more desirable than contemporaries like the Nissan Cube (MSRP $14,740; 25 city / 30 hwy).

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hatchback Base Price: $13,900.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.7 gallons (48 liters) MPG: 27 city / 35 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 162.2 in. (412 cm) Width: 70.3 in. (178.5 cm)
Height: 63.4 in. (161 cm) Wheel Base: 100.4 in. (255 cm)
Curb Weight: 2615 lbs (1186 kg) Ground Clearance: 6.5 in. (16.5 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 19.3 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 1.6L 16-Valve DOHC Inline-4 Displacement: 1591 cc
Horsepower: 138 HP Max RPM: 6300 RPM
Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual,O/D
0-60 mph: 8.6 seconds 1/4 Mile: 16.6 seconds
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Soul + 2.0L MSRP: $15,495; MPG: 26 city / 34 hwy
Option:Soul ! 2.0L MSRP: $18,495; MPG: 26 city / 34 hwy
Option:Soul Sport MSRP: $18,495; MPG: 24 city / 30 hwy

Exterior & Interior

Speaking of the Nissan Cube, the Soul actually shares the same innovative shape. From the side, the product has more angles than curves with Kia’s grille and headlamps to finish off the design. The curve of the back adds that necessary “oomph” to the abundance of angles in this generation.

The interior of the Soul may be disappointing for those who are expecting something innovative based on the exterior. The design actually combines an array of colors, steering it far from the norm. Textures are pretty good and the level of comfort inside makes up for the not-so imaginative interior.

Performance

Those considering the Soul, you have two engine choices and can opt for automatic or manual transmissions. Most people claim that the model has less than stellar-manual transmission, making it very sloppy to handle. As for the engine, most models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder displacement totaling to about 142 horsepower. The other choice boasts of around 122 horsepower with a 1.6-liter four cylinder. The Soul base and mid-line comes with either 16 or 15 inch wheels respectively.

Compared to its contemporaries, the Soul really doesn’t perform well in the speed stakes. The low horsepower makes it ideal for city driving but not much else. Those who are thinking about bringing their Soul’s to the highway can do so, but be prepared for some thrumming down under. Suffice to say, Kia’s Soul is best used in the city.

Handling is something owners can get used to over time despite some potential transmission problems. The car is also fuel efficient although compared to its performance, not really an economic breakthrough.

Safety & Reliability

Considering how small it is, it’s actually surprising how well equipped the Soul is against any accidents. For one thing, it has been awarded four starts by Federal tests not to mention praised by the insurance industry. The vehicle comes with airbags on the front and side, anti-lock disc brakes, head restraints and electronic stability control. The design of the Soul itself facilitates safety as most drivers find themselves getting a clearer view of the road ahead.

Pros & Cons

One of the best things about the Kia Soul is the fact that it comes with excellent seating arrangements. The level of comfort one gets from the car makes it ideal for long trips. Aside from the standard accessories, owners will also have fun with all the extras included in the design. Unfortunately, a navigation system has been left out of the design, peculiar since this addition is practically a standard.

The interior itself is well planned and looks good to the eye. The fact that it also comes in multiple color options only makes the Soul ideal for people who want to get more than just a car.

Of course, the 2011 Kia Soul isn’t perfect. For one thing, its available cargo space leaves a lot to be desired with contemporaries easily topping it. The acceleration is also pretty weak and the manual transmission is adequate at best.

For those who don’t know it yet, the 2011 Kia Soul is actually one of the most affordable small cars out today. The less than classic design and low price makes it ideal for the younger set of car buyers.

Overall Rating
75 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Kia Soul is fashion-forward and fun-to-drive—and unlike most of its urban-wagon rivals, it’s just as practical as it looks.”Car Connection

“This subcompact is reasonably nimble, with some noticeable body lean in turns.”Consumer Guide

“It has very easy access, abundant headroom, and a surprisingly spacious rear seat.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Loads of available features; highly customizable; user-friendly controls; ample passenger space; surprisingly fun to drive; low price; long warranty.”Edmunds

“For 2011, Kia will offer two Special Edition Soul models featuring automatic climate control and unique paint and trim.”KBB

October 20, 2011 at 2:23 am | No comment

2012 Fiat 500

Fiat is an Italian automobile icon. Owning other top notch brands such as Ferrari, it leads one of the biggest automotive conglomerates in the world. But before they got this far, they had been known for a car that represented the company with pride. This car is the Fiat 500. A small city car powered by a 500cc engine, it sold by the millions and is the most recognized Fiat ever.

Fast forward to the year 2007. Exactly 50 years since its first release, the Fiat 500 was re-introduced, and now it has hit other countries including the United States. So how good exactly is the 2012 Fiat 500?

Exterior & Interior

Of course, one of its biggest selling points is its exterior. Just like the VW Beetle (MSRP $18,995; 22 city / 31 hwy) and the Mini Cooper (MSRP $19,400; 29 city / 37 hwy), the Fiat 500 manages to be modern and yet maintain its classic look and feel. From a mile away, you can distinguish the fiat 500. That’s how strong its personality as a car is. In addition, there are a lot of ways in which you can customize its looks. Choose among 14 different colors and different graphics such as stripes to create your own individual style.

As for the interior, with a car as small as this, it is expected that it is going to have seriously cramped space. However, open the doors on this car and you will see space that belies its super shrunk exterior. It has interior space that is bigger than most similarly sized cars, and surprisingly, the rear seats are actually usable, albeit to a limited degree. The rear seat is best reserved for people less than 5 foot 6 inches in height, but the front seats are warmly received.

Visibility is great, though some drivers complain of some blind spots. Basic equipment includes power windows, heated windows, and a comprehensive audio system complete with an auxiliary jack. Upgrades include a premium audio package, sport seats, USB port, and a sunroof. As for storage, cargo space is limited to 9.5 cubic feet and this is increased to 30.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Performance

The 500 is equipped with a 1.4 liter 4 cylinder engine that has a maximum output of 101 horsepower. Now that doesn’t sound quite a lot. But when you think about its light weight, you’ll realize (especially when you drive it) that such power is just about right. There are 2 transmission options for this car, a 5 speed manual and an optional 6 speed automatic.

The estimated fuel economy for this car is rated at 30 to 38 miles per gallon for the manual and 27 to 34 for the automatic. Back to the light weight, it is primarily the reason why 2 of its strongest suits are braking and handling. The brakes are quite strong and snappy, and cornering, while hampered a little bit by a high ride height, is actually silky smooth partly due to its minimal size and mass.

Pros & Cons

There is a lot to like about the 2012 Fiat 500. This car is very fun to drive because of its excellent maneuverability. Also, for a car of its price, it is loaded with a lot of features. Of course, its looks are nothing short of legendary. As for weaknesses, its power output is considered to be on the weak side, struggling on highway runs. Fuel economy, while great, is pretty mediocre considering its size. And both cargo and rear seat space are largely compromised by its lack of size.

If you’re looking for a city car that will satisfy your fix for a blast from the past, the 2012 Fiat 500 is going to be perfect for you. A perfect mix of an iconic shape, affordability, drivability, and fun factor, this car is going to be a welcome addition to your garage if you are looking for a city car.

Overall Rating
65 out of 100

What others say:

“Steering feel is solid, and body lean in fast turns is well controlled. The brakes have good pedal feel. Pop and Lounge models feel only slightly less athletic, and any 500 darts through urban congestion as easily as it tackles hilly switchbacks.”Consumer Guide

“The retro-styled 500 has agile handling, a willing engine, and a crisp-shifting manual transmission, which all combine to make the Fiat fun to drive.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Wait-and-see reliability; cramped front headroom with sunroof; disappointing fuel economy with automatic; less cargo room than rivals; convertible’s poor top-down visibility.”Edmunds

“More affordable than a Mini Cooper and more gregarious than a Toyota Yaris, the 2012 Fiat 500 offers a new mix of economy and style.”KBB

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hatchback Base Price: $15,500.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.5 gallons (39.7 liters) MPG: 30 city / 38 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 139.6 in. (354.5 cm) Width: 64.1 in. (162.8 cm)
Height: 59.8 in. (151.8 cm) Wheel Base: 90.6 in. (230 cm)
Curb Weight: 2363 lbs (600 kg) Ground Clearance: 4.1 in. (10.4 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 9.5 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4 people
Performance
Engine: 1.4L SOHC Inline-4 Displacement: 1368 cc
Horsepower: 101 HP Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 98 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
Available Trims & Engine
Option:500 Sport MSRP: $17,500; MPG: 30 city / 38 hwy
Option:500 Lounge MSRP: $19,500; MPG: 30 city / 38 hwy
Option:500c Convertible Pop MSRP: $19,500; MPG: 30 city / 38 hwy
Option:500c Convertible Lounge MSRP: $23,500; MPG: 30 city / 38 hwy
Option:500 by Gucci MSRP: $23,500; MPG: 30 city / 38 hwy
Option:500 Pink Ribbon MSRP: $22,000; MPG: 30 city / 38 hwy

October 20, 2011 at 12:30 am | 1 comment

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