The 2011 Cadillac Escalade is ranked number 1 out of 9 Luxury large SUVs. It sets the standard by which other luxury sport utility vehicles (SUV) are measured because of its luxurious interior, impressive technology and powerful presence. The Escalade has been a favorite luxury SUV of high profile individuals everywhere since it was introduced. It is a 4-door vehicle that can seat up to 8 passengers.

The roomy interior is trimmed in elegant brushed aluminum accents and polished chrome than can comfortably accommodate 8 adults. Luxurious details feature supple leather trims, 14-way adjustable front seats and an audio system with a premium 10-speaker 5.1 surround system and a leather-wood trimmed steering wheel that’s adjustable.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: SUV	Base Price: $63,455.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 26 gallons (98 liters)	MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 202.5 in. (514 cm)	Width: 79 in. (200.6 cm)
Height: 75.9 in. (192.7 cm)	Wheel Base: 116 in. (295 cm)
Curb Weight: 5488 lbs (2489 kg)	Ground Clearance: 9 in. (22.8 cm)
Luggage Capacity w/ all Seats in: 16.9 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 7 people

Performance

Engine: 16-valve OHV V8	Displacement: 6.7 liters
Horsepower: 403 HP	Max RPM: 5700 RPM
Torque: 417 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 7.0 seconds	Max Towing Capacity: 8100 lbs (3674 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Escalade Luxury	MSRP: $69,570; MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy
Option:Escalade Premium	MSRP: $71,960; MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy
Option:Escalade Platinum	MSRP: $82,585; MPG: 14 city / 18 hwy

Performance

The Escalade has been a favorite of the test drivers because of its powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine that achieves 403-horsepower and a 417 pound-feet of torque. It is a six-speed automatic with a standard manual-shift feature. The escalade further features a cylinder deactivation technology that shuts down four of the engine’s eight cylinders for improved fuel economy. The Escalade runs 14mpg-in the city and 18-mpg in the highway.

Exterior

The Escalade comes in four trim levels: Base, Luxury, Premium and Platinum Editions. There are also hybrid, extended length model (ESV) and the pick-up style (EXT) available. The Base model comes with standard 18-inch wheel, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, power folding and driver-side auto-dimming outside mirrors, power lift gate, automatic xenon headlights, fog lights and running boards. Escalade Luxury features a 22-inch cast-aluminum wheel, automatic headlight high-beams, a blind-spot warning system, a suspension that comes with an active damping system, a sunroof, a power-folding and tumbling second-row seats and heated steering wheel.

The Escalade Premium features a power-retractable running boards and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a single roof-mounted display. Additional features includes chromed 22-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, leather-trimmed dashboard and door tops with contrast stitching, heated and cooled cup holders and a headrest-mounted-dual screen DVD entertainment system. The Platinum offers a blend of technical innovations and aesthetic enhancements, including a unique 22-inch wheel and exterior badges exclusive only to Escalade Platinum. A unique feature in the Platinum is the Magnetic Ride Control that gives more precise body motion control. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are all leather wrapped.

The 2011 Escalade’s design has taken SUV’s into a more elegant status. The Escalade has three exterior stylings namely the Escalade with a four-door SUV; Escalade ESV with an extended wheelbase model; and the Escalade EXT with a small truck bed-feature with an enclosed cargo area.

Interior

The interior of the Escalade has a unique instrument panel that is a defining attribute to the SUV. It includes gauges with white needles and blue inlays and white LED backlighting. The spacious cabin includes heated and cooled 14-way powered leather seats that can accommodate 7 to 8 passengers comfortably. The second row seat can be folded for easy access to the third-row seat. The cargo space behind the third row seat is 16.9 cubic feet.

When the third row seat is removed, it creates cargo space of up to 60.3 cubic feet. But removing the third row means removing it from the SUV unlike other competitors that the third row seat folds into the floor. A standard power-assisted rear lift gate that opens and closes with only a touch of a button is also featured. The Escalade also features an eight-inch touch screen navigation system and a digital surround sound system with dual play (CD/DVD) and MP3.

Safety & Handling

On the road, the Cadillac Escalade delivers a swift acceleration at all speeds. Its handling gives confidence especially with the Magnetic Ride Control suspension. It comes with four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak that uses a computer to detect unsafe conditions which then selectively applies the brakes to each wheel and uses the throttle to maintain vehicle control.

The federal government gave the Escalade a score of five stars for the occupant protection in front crash test and five stars in the side crash test rating. The Escalade has a 10-year/100,000 mile transferrable warranty which is longer than most luxury SUV has to offer.

Reliability

The Escalade earned a score of 8.0 out of 10 in the Predicted Reliability rating done by J.D. Power. These Safety and Reliability scores are based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality dependability data specifically on the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).

The Competition

Because of certain feature on the Escalade, such as the third row seat situation when it comes to cargo loading, the Infiniti QX56 (MSRP $58,700; 14 city / 20 hwy), Land Rover LR4 (MSRP $47,650; 12 city / 17 hwy), and the Mercedes Benz GL-Class (MSRP $60,950; 17 city / 21 hwy) are better suited for frequently carrying of full load or passengers. They are also easier and more responsive when it comes to handling. But the Land Rover LR4’s 22 inch rims that don’t look fit on an SUV and Mercedes Benz GL’s which does not fit well as good as it does on the Escalade.

Pricewise, the Infiniti QX56 is less than the Escalade while the Mercedes Benz costs way more than the Escalade.

Here is a list of the Pros and Cons of the 2011 Cadillac Escalade:

Pros:

• Virtual presence is unmatched
• Has a ling list of standard features
• Good V8 engine
• Strong Acceleration
• Decent Handling

Cons

• Lack of leg room on the third row seat
• Third row seat must be removed to maximize cargo space
• Low fuel economy

Overall Rating
74 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Cadillac Escalade delivers solid, luxurious, and spacious accommodations with an advanced feature set. If you can live with the thirst of non-Hybrid models, it’s unbeatable.”Car Connection

“Though this is a large vehicle, Escalades are stable and confident in low-to-moderate speed changes of direction.”Consumer Guide

“The plush interior is quiet and the ride is comfortable, but handling is clumsy and braking distances are long.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Unmatched visual presence; long list of standard features; gutsy V8; civilized road manners.”Edmunds

“Fuel economy is not the Escalade’s strong suit (nor is being inconspicuous). There is an Escalade Hybrid for the fuel-conscious and a host of less-flashy but equally-comfortable competitors for those who prefer something less ostentatious.”KBB

The Wiesmann GT MF5 is no doubt a trendsetter in the world of sports cars, with its slick and clever design, who would ever think that this coupe is geared with a 4.4 liter V8 Twinscroll turbo with 555HP and 680 Nm Torque? Unbelievably, this car can sprint from 0 to 100 in a stunning 3.9 seconds.

The truth behind its speed, GT MF5 has an extreme ratio when it comes to power over weight, with its 2.5 kg/HP helps in hitting this coupe’s speed of up to 311 km/h, not to mention its lightweight feature of only 3097 lbs. gives a more advantage on the road.

Exterior

It’s a creation made to perfection, it’s just what Wiesmann thought about after making the GT MF5, a sports car that has everything, a sheltered aluminum monocoque and a composite body panel, its hybrid engine and is exceptionally lightweight for a pure superb driving experience.

Many can attest to its BMW sourced five-liter V10 powered engine, supported by a nineteen inch wheels in all four corners and how about its comfortable fitted carbon fiber seats that gives a subtle feeling of elegance and comfort. Making it more conventional, it added a seven-speed sequential gearbox with a 245/40ZR19 tires upfront and a 275/30ZR19s watching from the back.

You will surely fall in love with the GT MF5, where no other sports car comes close to its dynamic and astonishing design that sets the mood for a more amplified and for a feel of a three-dimensional driving satisfaction.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe	Est. Market Price: €189,500 +($260,752.00)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons (70 liters)	MPG: 15 city / 30 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 166 in. (422 cm)	Width: 76.7 in. (195 cm)
Height: 46.5 in. (118 cm)	Wheel Base: 98.7 in. (250.7 cm)
Curb Weight: 3097 lbs (1405 kg)	Maximum Seating: 2

Performance

Engine: V8 TwinScroll Twin Turbo	Displacement: 4395 cc
Horsepower: 555 HP	Compression Ratio: 9.3: 1
Torque: 502 lb-ft	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds	Top Speed: 193 mph / 310.5 km/h

The 2011 Cadillac DTS is ranked 12 out of 16 large luxury vehicles. With its spacious interior, it reminds you of the classic models. The DTS (De Ville Touring Sedan) combines timeless luxury and modern sensibility and make the premier prestige with a distinctive exterior styling with well-adorned features. The DTS is basically a full size luxury sedan manufactured by General Motors replacing the old Cadillac De Ville.

It is a front-wheel drive sedan which separates it from most luxury large cars. Its most important feature is the six-passenger comfortable seating capacity that is appropriate in long distance travels. It is equipped with standard features including multiple airbags, heated steering wheel, high power xenon headlamps, cooled/heated seats, leather seating, chrome wheels, power seats, sun roof, navigation system and Magnetic Ride control system.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Sedan	Base Price: $46,680.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18 gallons (68 liters)	MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 207.6 in. (527 cm)	Width: 74.8 in. (190 cm)
Height: 57.6 in. (146 cm)	Wheel Base: 115.6 in. (293 cm)
Curb Weight: 4009 lbs (1818 kg)	Max Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs (453.6 kgs)
Luggage Capacity: 18.8 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 32-Valve DOHC V8	Displacement: 4.6 liters
Horsepower: 275 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic

Available Trims & Engine

Option:DTS Luxury	MSRP: $51,925; MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy
Option:DTS Premium	MSRP: $54,825; MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy
Option:DTS Platinum	MSRP: $59,875; MPG: 15 city / 23 hwy

Performance

The 2011 DTS is available in 4 trims ranging from the V8, Luxury to the Platinum. The Base, Luxury and Premium are powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine outputting a maximum power of 295 pound feet of torque and 275 horsepower. It has a fuel economy of 15-mpg in the city and 23-mg on the highway. The Platinum is powered by an engine that can produce 288 pound feet of torque and 292 horsepower. Fuel economy can achieve 15-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. Both engines are equipped with four-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive system.

Exterior & Interior

The DTS styling is linear and straightforward with a 207.6 inches long body. It offers an egg crate grille, has a sizable Cadillac crest and fresh-end sheet metal, standard xenon headlights, a standard 17-inch wheels. Addition feature for the 18-inch wheel is the sun roof. The DTS comes in Vanilla Latte and Tuscan Bronze Chrome flair exterior colors.

The DTS features one of the uniquely designed interiors which leads in its class. With a luxurious cabin that offers ample amount of headroom and legroom for both driver and passengers. It features a dual-zone climate control, leather appointed seats, auto-dimming mirror. The audio system features an eight-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with XM Radio. It also features a standard remote start system. The Luxury trim is upgraded with a wood trim, a touch screen navigating system optional blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning system. The DTS’s maximum cargo capacity behind rear seats is 19 cubic feet.

Safety & Reliability

The DTS earned a five-star rating for driver and a four-star rating for passenger in frontal impacts in government testing while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the DTS the highest rating for both side impact and frontal offset crash protection. The DTS includes the feature of standard front, front side and side head-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and an automatic crash response system.

The 2011 DTS received a high score for Predicted Reliability rating provided by the J.D. Power. This is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data basing on the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).

The Competition

Despite its unique features, the 2011 Cadillac DTS falls short on its competition like the Infiniti M (MSRP $47,700; 18 city / 26 hwy) and the Mercedes Benz E-Class (MSRP $49,400; 17 city / 24 hwy) which offer more luxurious interior accommodations, fresher exterior designs and earning top safety scores.

The prices of these three are nearly identical, which is not an issue. Another car to compare with the DTS is the Lincoln MKS (MSRP $41,500; 17 city / 24 hwy) but DTS cannot match its athletic and high tech interior features. Adding to that, the MKS has less fuel economy than the DTS. Pricewise, the MKS is much cheaper than the DTS.

Here are the Pros and Cons on the 2011 Cadillac DTS:

Pros:

• Bigger interior and trunk space
• High-end luxury features
• Competitive base price
• Cushy ride with capable braking

Cons:

• Lacks in advance safety features compared to its competitors
• Low fuel economy
• Poor turning radius
• Mediocre handling
• Parking problems

Overall Rating
74 out of 100

What others say:

“Base versions have a well-cushioned, emotionless ride quality, while the more plush versions with Magnetic Ride Control have measurably better steering and ride response.”Car Connection

“Clear gauges are easy to read. Minor controls are mostly handy, but some switch icons are not obvious and others are too small and hard to read in daylight. Refreshingly, the climate controls are independent of the optional navigation system, which absorbs but doesn’t complicate audio functions.”Consumer Guide

“The ride is quiet and comfortable, but handling is clumsy.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Roomy and quiet interior; cushy ride; huge trunk. Unimpressive performance and handling; difficult to park; subpar interior materials.”Edmunds

“If you desire the Cadillac brand, but you want your car to have a modicum of road feel (not to mention youth-oriented styling), you might want to shoot for the STS Sedan or even the SRX CUV.”KBB

The 2011 Subaru Forester ranked 7 out of 23 Affordable Compact SUVs. People say that it can be the most refined compact SUV that one can buy but its low price, standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior and fun driving experience makes it one of the better values in the class.

It is a good choice for someone looking for an SUV with a roomy and comfortable interior, with some available tech features and at a low price.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Compact SUV	Base Price: $20,495.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.9 gallons (64 liters)	MPG: 21 city / 27 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 179.5 in. (455 cm)	Width: 70.1 in. (178 cm)
Height: 66.9 in. (170 cm)	Wheel Base: 103 in. (261 cm)
Curb Weight: 3250 lbs (1474 kg)	Ground Clearance: 8.7 in. (22 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 33.5 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 16-Valve DOHC 4 Cylinder	Displacement: 2.5 liter
Horsepower: 170 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 174 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 10.4 seconds	Max Towing Capacity: 2400 lbs (1088 kgs)

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Forester Premium	MSRP: $23,195; MPG: 21 city / 27 hwy
Option:Forester Limited	MSRP: $26,495; MPG: 21 city / 27 hwy
Option:Forester Touring	MSRP: $27,995; MPG: 21 city / 27 hwy
Option:Forester Premium 2.5XT Turbo	MSRP: $26,995; MPG: 19 city / 24 hwy
Option:Forester Touring 2.5XT Turbo	MSRP: $29,995; MPG: 19 city / 24 hwy

The Forester was redesigned with a slightly larger and more rounded look for 2011. Its look is more sophisticated and looks more like a tall box than a small-scale SUV. Inside, the Forester is a bit plain but it’s good for outdoor enthusiasts because of its class-leading 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive.

The Forester is one of the few small crossovers that offer a turbocharged engine which is appealing to some people who often drive at high altitudes. In manual transmission, the Subaru Forester has five speeds while the optional automatic transmission offers only four speeds. This is the only concern on the Forester when it comes to transmission because most of its competitors have a five-speed or a six-speed transmission.

Performance

The 2011 Forester comes in several trims with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The trim levels include the base 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited while the turbocharged include 2.5XT Premium, 2.5XT Touring and 2.5XT Limited. Unlike the base line, the touring line features HID headlights, back up camera, dual-zone climate control, roof rails, and integrated turning signals on the side mirrors.

The big news for the Subaru Forester is that it has the most significant change in the all-new engine for 2011. It’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that still achieves 170-horsepower as the old model but it gets better fuel economy at 16-mpg in the city and 28-mpg in the highway. The torque is 174-pound feet. Turbocharged four-cylinder engines can make 224 horsepower. Although the power has been praised by some reviewers, the forester still has shortcoming in the four-speed automatic transmission that is why it has been recommended to get the five-speed manual instead.

Exterior & Interior

The shape of the 2011 Subaru Forester is boxy creating more space inside along with ideally placed seating and low cargo floor that cannot be found in other vehicles of its class. It can accommodate five adults comfortably. The cargo space behind the backseat measures 30.5 cubic feet and when the backseat is folded it will make a space of 63.0 cubic feet for more cargo room and easier loading.

The Forester’s interior features a pleasantly styled and highly functional cabin design although the fit and finish has some flaws because of its unremarkable dash plastics that can feel a bit hard and hollow. It has features that can be generation old with a crummy headliner, undersized stereo knobs and a flimsy fob. Legroom and the headroom in the backseat are good but the issue is that the seat could sit a bit higher off the floor.

In the gadget features on the Forester, the base model does not offer much high tech quality even the navigation system is not that good compared to the other competitors. It comes with single-disc CD player with auxiliary audio input jack, cruise control, air conditioning, a manual height-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a steering column that tilt-adjustable, rear seat heat ducts and a rear window wiper with washer.

Options

There are optional features on the 2.5X Limited including the navigation system and premium stereo system integrated with Bluetooth hands free functions, six speakers, Bluetooth audio streaming, iPod controls, a USB port and Sirius Satellite Radio compatibility. The 2.5X Touring trim’s additional feature is the dual-zone climate control and a rearview camera.

Safety & Reliability

The Subaru Forester has a reputation for being one of the safest vehicles in its class though the side protection of the vehicle has been questioned. As of February 2011, the federal government’s score on the Forester are far from top-notch. It only gave three-star rating for side impact, and in the new side pole test it just scored two stars out of five.

The insurance industry, on the other hand, gave the Forester a top score in frontal, side impact and rear crash. It also earned a top score in roof strength and was even named a 2011 “Top Safety Pick”. The 2011 Forester however comes with a long list of safety features which include a standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes (with brake assist), traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags and front rear side curtain airbags.

Reliability for base models is relatively high while the turbo models’ are just about average. Its Predicted Reliability rating is 7.0 out of 10.o as provided by J.D. Powers. This data is based specifically on the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (ISQ).

The Competition

The 2011 Subaru Forester is closely compared to Toyota RAV-4 (MSRP $22,475; 22 city / 28 hwy) and Honda CR-V (MSRP $21,895; 21 city / 28 hwy). The Forester is priced thousand less than the RAV-4 plus a towing capacity of 2,400 pounds compared to the RAV-4’s 1,500 towing capacity. Furthermore, the Forester has standard driver’s power seat which is optional in the Toyota counterpart.

The Forester and the Honda CR-V cost roughly the same however the latter has an optional all-wheel drive while in the Forester, it is a standard feature. The standard 10-way power driver’s seat, the standard Bluetooth hands-free phone and the standard panoramic sun roof which are featured in Forester 2.5X is not available in Honda CR-V.

Pros:

• Standard All-wheel drive feature
• Roomy cabin with large cargo space
• Strong turbocharged engines on the XT Trims
• Excellent handling

Cons:

• Four-speed automatic transmission is outdated
• Fit and finish is unimpressive

Overall Rating
78 out of 100

What others say:

“The roomy, versatile 2011 Subaru Forester handles better than just about any other small crossover, though the need for a more modern transmission and a little more cabin refinement keep it from greatness.”Car Connection

“Forester has a car-like demeanor. Steering is direct with sporty heft. Lean in corners is kept well in check, though some testers complain of a slightly top-heavy feel.”Consumer Guide

“The redesigned Forester is among the best small SUVs.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“More grown up in both size and character than past iterations, the 2011 Subaru Forester is a top pick in the highly competitive small SUV segment.”Edmunds

“With volatile gas prices compelling many large SUV owners to abandon their fuel-hungry rides, small crossovers like the third-generation 2011 Subaru Forester have never looked better.”KBB

Elevated from other auto-typical design, the Wiesmann GT MF4 stands out as the epitome of beauty with its mixture of vintage and modern style. Surely, it will sweep you off your feet knowing that it even enhances its features in giving superb comfort and absolute driving pleasure. Power in many ways is what this retro sports car is all about, it’s geared to have that feeling of acceleration top with a striking interior design and breath taking appearance that will surely give confidence to your personality.

Performance

You will never go wrong with the GT MF4, you will be enamored by its sensitive response to a highly and well-organized engine that produces instant reaction in a millisecond. This car will inspire you with its power and unique design and will keep you driving for as long as you want.

The Wiesmann GT MF4-S is robustly designed to capture what a retro German sports car should look like and what should it feels like, engineered to drive you off to the highways speed in four seconds.

The GT MF4-S is an old-school inspired automobile where the Wiesmann Company is very much well known for when it comes to design. But with its fresh look and engine that can produces 407 horsepower, you will never think of it, even for a bit, because that’s what the GT MF4-S is all about—a true rush in style.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Super Sport Coupe

Est. Market Price: €133,000($183,467.00)

Dimensions

Length: 166.5 in. (423 cm)	Width: 74 in. (188 cm)
Height: 46.8 in. (119 cm)	Wheel Base: 98.7 in. (250.7 cm)
Curb Weight: 3053 lbs (1385 kg)	Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters)

Performance

Engine: Twin Turbo V8	Displacement: 4395 cc
Horsepower: 407 HP	Compression Ratio: 10.0: 1
Torque: 443 lb-ft	Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds	Top Speed: 181 mph / 291 km/h