2011 Lincoln MKS

Lincoln automobiles are bred and born in the United States of America. It is a brand known throughout the world and is synonymous for being big, spacious, and having a huge engine. The goal of this article is to provide a review on the 2011 Lincoln MKS, categorized as a large luxury car, which placed 14 out of 16, based on two dozen published reviews, test drives and specification analysis. The goal of this article is to provide a brief but comprehensive review of the 2011 Lincoln MKS. This review will comprise of the average price, available trim, performance, interior, exterior, safety features, reliability, pros and cons as well as other cars to consider.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $41,500.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (75.7 liters) MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 204.1 in. (518 cm) Width: 75.9 in. (192.7 cm)
Height: 61.6 in. (156 cm) Wheel Base: 112.9 in. (254 cm)
Curb Weight: 4127 lbs (1872 kg) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 18.7 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 3.7L 24-valve DOHC Duratec V6 Compression Ratio: 10.3: 1
Horsepower: 274 HP Max RPM: 6250 RPM
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Selectshift Automatic
0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds* 1/4 Mile: 13.9 seconds*

*Based on 3.5L Ecoboost

Available Trims & Engine
Option:MKS Ecoboost MSRP: $48,390; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy

Performance

Most reviewers do not approve of the Base models engine but raves about the high performance twin turbo V6 of the EcoBoost model. Regardless of the stellar performance of the bigger engine the 2011 Lincoln still lags behind its competitor in overall drivability and performance.

The Base model comes standard with front wheel drive but can be upgraded to all wheel drive and has a powerful 3.5L engine. The EcoBoost comes standard in all wheel drive and has a huge twin turboV6 engine that performs like most V8’s.

Exterior & Interior

The 2011 MKS received a rating of 8.6 over 10 with 0 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. Most reviewers like the oversized double winged grill which is distinctively Lincoln, coupled with a linear and muscular appearance that gives it a distinct American style.

The interior is finished in leather and soft touch materials inside the cabin and seating is both spacious and comfortable. However reviewers have noted some plastic trims that are not appropriate for a luxury class sedan.

Safety

The federal government has not yet crash tested the 2011 Lincoln MKS however the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has, and rates the 2011 Lincoln MKS a Top Safety Pick for having scored “Good” on every standard crash test. Standard safety features include:

  • front, side and side-head-curtain airbags
  • anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist
  • Traction and stability controls
  • Blind spot mirror.
  • SOS Post Crash Alert System

Reliability

Based on a 3 year trending, the MKS also received substantially high marks for reliability. A standard 4-year warranty comes with the Lincoln MKS.

Pros

  • Large and comfortable cabin
  • Beautiful exterior
  • Excellent safety

Cons

  • Some cheap materials are used
  • Lack of engine power
  • Low drivability

Overall the 2011 Lincoln MKS scores 7.7 out of 10. Most reviewers like what has been done with the car but fears that it is not enough to persuade serious buyers to forgo more established luxury SUV makes and models that offer better performance. The sad reality is that while it can be said that the base Lincoln MKS is a lot cheaper than its competition it is too far behind in terms of engine performance to be a serious threat. The EcoBoost, which sports the better engine, is actually priced higher than its competitors at a little bit over $48,000.

The Competition

Other cars to consider maybe the Cadillac STS (MSRP $47,280; 18 city / 27 hwy) which also offers front wheel drive and provides a smoother ride with a stronger engine or the Infiniti M37 (MSRP $47,050; 18 city / 26 hwy)which offers better performance, a more powerful engine and more standard tech options.

Overall Rating
76 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Lincoln MKS won’t win over the Town Car or the M5 crowd, but it’s blessed with smart performance, subdued good looks, and a roomy interior.”Car Connection

“Despite additional power assist at low speeds, MKS suffers from a large turning radius, which complicates close-quarters maneuvering. ”Consumer Guide

“This large sedan, based on the Ford Taurus, has a 3.7-liter V6 that provides good power but isn’t particularly refined. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Though boasting a plethora of standard features and substantial interior space, the 2011 Lincoln MKS is outclassed by the competition and less expensive sedans alike.”Edmunds

“While Lincoln’s flagship sedan punches most of the right buttons, competition at this level is tough. Most competitors offer rear-wheel drive, available higher performance and better-respected brand names.”KBB

September 30, 2011 at 1:35 am | No comment

2011 Wiesmann Roadster MF5

The only sports car that can give you the freedom you deserve, the fun that goes with it and the speed that will take your breath away, a pure and cohesive way in dealing with the Wiesmann Roadster MF5.

Done with the ever repeating trend in sports car and retro coupe, Wiesmann introduces the 2011 Wiesmann Roadster MF5, which gives a different spin when it comes to sports car and how they come to have sophisticated packaging. The Roadster MF5 is the product of knowing how it should look, how it’s done and how it’s fun.

Performance

Have your way if you’re up to having a sports car that never fails with all its features and benefits. The MF5 Roadster is not your typical sports car, it is more, it never settles for anything less and it touches even the deepest imagination. You can even make it your own. It is lightning fast and you’ll enjoy being in the cockpit and you can never resist the smooth handling and personalized style that comes with it.

The Roadster MF5 lives out on its individuality, where it manages to give you an array of choices for leather covering. The structure says it all, a lustrous or glossy finish and an athletic feel makes the MF5 a true stand out.

Specifications

Performance
Engine: V8 twin turbochargers Displacement: 4.4 liters
Horsepower: 555 HP Torque: 502 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds Top Speed: 193 mph / 310 km/h

September 29, 2011 at 1:07 pm | 2 comments

2011 Opel RAK e Concept

On paper, electric vehicles should have been the future of the automotive world. As a practice, it seems that before that happens; technology in producing these cars must improve before this potential gets realized. With concept cars such as the 2011 Opel RAK e Concept, it shows that the electric vehicle has a bright future.

The RAK e is an electric prototype that aims to make electric vehicles affordable for everyone. The name RAK is of historic significance for Opel, as the RAK is a rocket powered car that reached 220 kilometers per hour in the year 1928. The RAK e is just as revolutionary, as it aims to become another groundbreaking vehicle.

Performance Motor

The RAK e is unlike just about any car on the market today, electric powered or otherwise. It promises to take you a distance of 100 kilometers for a cost of just one euro, reach a speed of 120 kilometers per hour within 13 seconds, and to make the car so affordable that just about anyone can afford it. Its size is about a third of a conventional compact car, but despite its light weight inherent from its size and its space frame structure, it is still a very safe place to be.

This car can seat 2 people in an arrangement that resembles a glider. The engine is an electric motor with a maximum power output of 49 horsepower. Coupled with a 5 kWh battery, it can cover a range of up to a hundred kilometers.

The Opel RAK e Concept looks like a viable concept. If ever this car (or something similar to this) comes out in the future, this will make a serious dent in the automotive market for years to come.

Specifications

Dimensions
Length: 46.8 in. (119 cm) Curb Weight: 836 lbs (379 kg)
Luggage Capacity: NA Maximum Seating: 1+1
Performance
Motor: Electric 36.5 kW Horsepower: 49 HP
Torque: 43 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 13 seconds

September 29, 2011 at 8:08 am | No comment

2011 Lincoln MKT

The automobile brand Lincoln is an American icon known for its powerful engine, oversized construction and spacious interior. The goal of this article is to provide a brief but comprehensive review on the 2011 Lincoln MKT, categorized as a luxury midsized sports utility vehicle (SUV) that placed 5 out of 17 based on two dozen published reviews, test drives and specification analysis.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $44,300.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.6 gallons (70 liters) MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 207.6 in. (527 cm) Width: 76 in. (193 cm)
Height: 67.4 in. (171 cm) Wheel Base: 117.9 in. (299 cm)
Curb Weight: 4637 lbs (2103 kg) Max Towing Capacity: 4500 lbs (2041 kgs)
Luggage Capacity: 17.9 cu ft Maximum Seating: 6 people
Performance
Engine: 3.7L Duratec V6 DOHC Compression Ratio: 10.3: 1
Horsepower: 268 HP Max RPM: 6250 RPM
Torque: 267 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed SelectShift Auto
0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds 1/4 Mile: 14.5 seconds
Available Trims & Engine
Option:MKT EcoBoost MSRP: $46,295; MPG: 16 city / 23 hwy

Performance

Reviewers approve of the 2011 Lincoln MKT especially if equipped with the V6 engine because it provides a quieter ride with power available on demand. Comparison tests with some of its rivals reveal that the 2011 Lincoln MKT performs as good as the competition if not better.

The MKT is available in two trims: Base and EcoBoost. The base model is available in front wheel driver and all wheel drive. The EcoBoost is priced a little bit above more and is equipped with a powerful twin turbo v6 engine that turns out 355 horsepower’s at a fraction of the fuel consumption.

Exterior & Interior

People either love the exterior design or hate it. The face of the MKT is almost all grills with its oversized two-winged design, narrow headlights. The mouldings on the side and the rear are handsomely made with linear highlights and emphasized curves. This model is very muscular and very handsome indeed.

The Lincoln MKT comfortably seats 8 passengers and the first two rows leave little room for improvement. The entire cabin is spacious, opulent and a full array of high tech features that will have geeks smiling from ear to ear. The only problem with the cabin is the third row that lacks legroom and headroom.

Safety

Unfortunately as of press time, the MKT has not been crash-tested. However most of the 2010 safety features are included in the 2011 model and then some. Take note the 2010 model earned a score of “Good” in crash tests for front side and rear crash tests and is named as a “Top Safety Pick” by the insurance industry. Therefore Ford is very confident the 201l MKT will rate just as high. Standard Safety features include:

  • Two stage front airbags
  • Side curtain airbags,
  • Front seat mounted side impact airbags,
  • AdvanceTrac® paired with Roll Stability Control and ABS
  • MyKey which restricts features like speed and based on the driver

Warranty

A standard 4-year warranty covers the 2011 Lincoln MKT.

Pros

  • Huge cabin
  • Comfortable first two rows
  • Powerful V6 engine that is also fuel efficient
  • Extensive Technological features in the interior

Cons

  • Love it or hate it exterior design
  • Insufficient leg and head room on the third row for adults

The Competition

Most reviewers love the 2011 Lincoln MKT with its stellar performance, beautiful well-appointed interior, and eye-catching exterior. It seems that this vehicle is poised to take on better-known competitors like Audi, BMW, and Lexus.

Other brands to consider are the Acura MDX (MSRP $42,930; 16 city / 21 hwy), Lexus RX350 (MSRP $39,075; 18 city / 25 hwy) and Ford Flex (MSRP $29,355; 17 city / 24 hwy), all three of which offers better third row comfort. The Lexus RX even boasts better fuel economy and is $6,000 cheaper but it only seats five. However none can beat the luxury and overall features of the MKT.

Overall Rating
84 out of 100

What others say:

“The swinging style sets an audacious mood—and the 2011 Lincoln MKT backs it up with turbo V-6 thrust.”Car Connection

“MKT has direct, well-weighted steering. Body lean is well controlled for a large vehicle, although sheer size and weight keep it from being truly nimble. The brakes are strong and responsive.”Consumer Guide

“Near-useless third-row headroom, high price for twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 model, questionable exterior styling.”Edmunds

September 29, 2011 at 1:32 am | No comment

2011 Subaru Legacy

The 2011 Subaru Legacy is a sedan that appeals to both spirited drivers and to those who are after the utility of an all-wheel drive which is Subaru’s iconic signature. The Legacy is one of the best-handling midsized sedans that offer comfortable accommodations for both front and rear passengers.

The redesigning of the Legacy gives more space to the backseat and an improvement in its gas mileage. Although it has received upgrades in the exterior and interior aspects, the styling was still found unappealing by some people.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $19,995.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters) MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 186.4 in. (473 cm) Width: 71.7 in. (182 cm)
Height: 59.3 in. (150 cm) Wheel Base: 108.3 in. (275 cm)
Curb Weight: 3270 lbs (148 kg) Ground Clearance: 5.9 in. (15 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 14.7 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 16-Valve SOHC 4-Cylinder Subaru Boxer Displacement: 2.5 liter
Horsepower: 170 HP Max RPM: 5600 RPM
Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds 1/4 Mile: 13.9 seconds
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Legacy Premium 2.5i MSRP: $20,995; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy
Option:Legacy Limited 2.5i MSRP: $25,295; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy
Option:Legacy Limited 2.5GT MSRP: $31,395; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:Legacy 3.6R MSRP: $24,995; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:Legacy Premium 3.6R MSRP: $25,995; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy
Option:Legacy Limited 3.6R MSRP: $28,295; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy

Despite the benefits of having an all-wheel drive, it had a negative effect on fuel economy and acceleration. But the Legacy measures up against its other rival midsize cars and remains the only one to feature a standard all-wheel drive.

Performance

The redesigning of the Subaru Legacy did not affect its driving personality. It is offered in three different engines with seven different trim levels. The engines include base with a 2.5-liter four –cylinder engine with trim level 2.5i, 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited can achieve 170 horsepower, 170-poundfeet of torque. Fuel economy is 20 in the city and 27 in the highway. The 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine with trim levels 3.6R, 3.6R Premium, 3.6R Limited can also achieve a 265-horsepower with 247-pound feet of torque.

Fuel economy is 18 in the city and 25 in the highway. The 2.6GT Limited trim has a revised 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer four with 265-horsepower and 258-pound feet of torque. Fuel economy is 18 in the city and 25 in the highway. This engine requires premium gasoline. The 2.5i engine comes in a standard sic-speed manual transmission. The 3.6 engine has an exclusive five-speed automatic transmission. The GT model has a six-speed manual and five-speed transmission.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior of the 2011 Legacy remains about the same length but is more than 3 inches wider and about 3 inches higher than the old model. It features a standard remote-powered heated folding side-view mirror, colored door handles, colored front and rear bumpers, galvanized steel body material and chrome grille. The 2.5i has a standard 16-inch steel wheels and automatic headlights. The 3.6 and GT comes with an 18-inch alloy wheels, summer tires and a sun roof.

In the interior aspect, the Legacy is equipped with quality materials. A new feature which is the electronic parking handbrake which added more space to the center console area where the traditional lever was placed. A standard three-spoke sport steering wheel with audio controls and paddle shifters for automatic transmissions is present on all models. The redesigning of the Legacy gave more space in the backseat legroom which helps hip and shoulder room in the front and the back. The interior materials were upgraded into metallic-looking trim on the steering wheel and other surfaces.

On the tech aspect, the Legacy is equipped with a four-speaker stereo with CD player in the 2.5i trim model and nine-speaker sound system in the 2.5i Limited and Premium models. In addition, iPod control, and streaming Bluetooth is available in the Limited edition. Despite the presence of these gadgets, some critics have been unimpressed with the entertainment and navigation system of the legacy.

Safety & Reliability

All models of the Legacy come standard with stability and traction control, anti lock brakes, front-front side and side head curtain airbags. In the federal government’s tests, the Legacy earned an over-all rating of four stars. It scored four stars in both frontal and side impact crashes and five stars in ability to prevent roll-over. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Legacy the highest score in both frontal and side impact crash test, “Good” in the rear impact test and “Good” in the roof strength test. The IIHS named the Legacy a “Top Safety Pick”.

The Predicted Reliability rating of the Subaru Legacy is 6.0out of 10 as provided by J.D. Power. This rating is based specifically on the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (ISQ).

The Competition

The 2011 Subaru Legacy competes with Ford Fusion, Honda Accord (MSRP $21,380; 23 city / 33 hwy) and Toyota Camry (MSRP $20,195; 22 city / 33 hwy). The Suzuki Kizashi (MSRP $18,999; 21 city / 31 hwy) is also a close competitor for having an all-wheel drive option but lesser in price compared to the Legacy’s.

Pros:

  • Spacious back seat
  • Turbo charged drive train
  • Good handling and precise steering
  • Base models are well equipped

Cons:

  • Fuel economy is not impressive
  • Tiny controls on the stereo
  • Road noise
  • Optional Bluetooth feature

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Subaru Legacy is one of the best-handling mid-size sedans, and the only mainstream one to offer standard all-wheel drive.”Car Connection

“Non-GT Legacy models are mild-mannered, slightly heavy-feeling sedans, with responsive, well-weighted steering, and reassuring stability.”Consumer Guide

“The standard four-cylinder is a bit sluggish with CVT; the 3.6R is more powerful. The GT’s turbocharged engine is available only with a manual transmission. ESC is standard.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2011 Subaru Legacy offers standard all-wheel drive and above-average performance in a fairly large package. It’s an offbeat choice, but a solid one nonetheless.”Edmunds

“Wide front seats, incredibly useful lumbar support and a cavernous trunk are among the Legacy’s most laudable offerings, as are a long list of standard creature comforts.”KBB

September 29, 2011 at 12:42 am | No comment

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