2011 G-Power BMW M3 GTS

G-Power is a tuning company specializing in producing parts, as well as upgrading BMWs. M-series cars are their specialty, and for this specific project, they got hold of the E92 M3 GTS, a race-inspired car that was limited to only 150 units worldwide, and created what they call the world’s most powerful M3.

The 2011 G-Power BMW M3 GTS starts its life as an “ordinary” BMW M3 GTS, a car designed to take on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. By equipping this car with a supercharger, together with reinforced con rods, crankshaft, and engine block, the output of the M3’s V8 is increased dramatically: 635 horsepower to be exact. This represents a nearly 200 horsepower increase in power. This provides some serious performance numbers: zero to 100 kph comes in 4.2 seconds, and zero to 200 kph is clocked at 11.9 seconds. Top speed achieved by this car is around 200 miles per hour.

With these upgrades, the potential for the G-Power BMW M3 GTS is sky-high. It is capable of creating some seriously quick lap times. The upgrades, developed under the pressure of competing in events such as the Nurburgring 24 Hour race, just fit seamlessly, ensuring both smoothness and durability. The G-Power BMW M3 GTS, the world’s fastest M3, is ready to take on Porsches and the rest of the world.

Specifications
Vehicle Type: Coupe Special Base Price: $33,200.00
Miles Per Gallon: NA city / NA hwy Curb Weight: 3020 lbs (4536 kg)
Engine: 4.4-liter V8 Horsepower: 635 hp
Max RPM: 7800 rpm Torque: 464 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Displacement: 4400 cc Aspiration: Supercharged
0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds Maximum Speed: 200 mph (321 kmh)

July 24, 2011 at 6:37 pm | 2 comments

2011 Audi Q5

For the ultimate experience without sacrificing comfort and performance, a luxury compact SUV may be the right choice. In the world today, the word luxury has always been associated with only one brand: Audi. This German company has risen among the ranks of the world’s car manufacturing industry with its quality production of cars that emphasize on safety, fuel efficiency, and performance. With all that said, the only car that fits the puzzle is the 2011 Audi Q5. This car company has garnered a lot of awards and recognition from various critics.

Performance

Currently, the Audi Q5 is available in two trims with two types of engines. The most basic engine is the 2.0T Engine. Under this engine, two trims exist: the Premium and the Prestige. The Premium trim has a 2.0L Turbo-charged 4-Cyl engine that is capable of a maximum of 211 horsepower. It has 18-inch wheels suitable for all seasons, and LED taillights as well. The twelve-way power front seats have a four-way lumbar control for maximum comfort. The car has adjustable heated exterior mirrors that have LED turn signals.

It also has a three-zone automatic climate control feature, seats with leather surfaces, and inlays made of wood. The Premium Plus has all the mentioned features, plus a music interface with iPod or iPhone compatibility, a HomeLink remote, a power tailgate, a panorama sunroof, and a set of xenon headlights that have LED lights for daytime. The 3.2 engine comes in the Premium Plus trim and the Prestige trim. Both trims have the 3.2L DOHC V6 engine capable of delivering up to 270 horsepower.

Exterior & Interior

In terms of overall performance, the Q5 is impressive. Both trims have an exceptional engine that has outstanding fuel efficiency. The build and dynamics of the vehicle has that fine balance between luxury, comfort, and sport. Arguably one of the most striking aspects of this car is its beautiful exterior. The front grille adds to the strong statement of the car, adding even more style and class to the vehicle. The metal finish is also clean and polished.

The interior is also superb, made with high-quality materials that ensure maximum comfort. However, the cabin size lacks the standard size of the cabin, and the rear seating is tight for most people.

Safety & Service

However, out of all the features, the best is its safety assurance. The vehicle has passed all the necessary tests of the government with flying colors. It has the standard safety measures like stability control, roof rack detection system, anti-brake system, brake-pressure distribution, anti-slip regulation and hill descent control. There are also optional features like the rearview camera, and rear side air bags. The vehicle however, has mediocre reliability based on the official tests of the government, with a four-year or 50000-mile warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance for 4 years, free first 5000-mile or 12-month service, and 12-year limited corrosion warranty.

Competition

There is also a likely chance that some people may want to look at other alternatives. The 2011 Audi Q5 may be expensive for most people, but one alternative is the Volvo XC60 (MSRP $42,150; 18 city / 25 hwy) has almost the same fuel efficiency, power, and all-wheel drive function at a lower price. The other is the BMW X3 (MSRP $41,050; 17 city / 24 hwy), which also has a lower cost, albeit significantly poorer fuel efficiency.

Pros & Cons

People may be discouraged by some of the minor flaws like the high cost, tight rear seating, and subpar cargo capacity, but the 2011 Audi Q5 shines with its luxurious look and feel, shrewd controls, sporty handling, and fuel-efficient engine.

Overall Rating
80 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2011 Audi Q5 feels responsive while it’s also fuel-efficient, with the new four-cylinder engine, though the Q5’s Audi Drive Select might not be worth the money.”Car Connection

“The Q5’s ride is composed and compliant; only sharp bumps register. Suspension settings can be altered to bias sporty firmness or softer comfort via the optional Drive Select system.”Consumer Guide

“The ride is steady and supple. Braking is excellent, with short stopping distances. The 3.2-liter V6 provides generous power and returns 19 mpg overall with the six-speed automatic.”Consumer Report

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Compact SUV Base Price: $35,600.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19.8 gallons Miles Per Gallon: 20 city / 27 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 182.2 in. (463 cm) Width: 82.2 in. (208.9 cm)
Height: 65.1 in. (165 cm) Curb Weight: 4090 lbs (1855 kg)
Wheel Base: 110.5 in. (280.7 cm) Ground Clearance: 7.9 in. (20 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 29.1 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC inline-4 FSI Displacement: 121.1 cu in (1984 cc)
Horsepower: 211 hp Max RPM: 4300 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm Transmission: 2.0 TFSI® with eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive
0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds 1/4 Mile: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Premium Plus MSRP: $39,900; MPG: 19 city / 24 hwy
Option:3.2 FSI® Premium Plus MSRP: $43,000; MPG: 18 city / 23 hwy
Option:3.2 FSI® Prestige MSRP: $50,100; MPG: 18 city / 23 hwy

July 24, 2011 at 1:00 pm | No comment

2011 TopCar Porsche Panamera Stingray GTR

The Porsche Panamera is a great car. Designed to take on other extreme sports sedans such as the Aston Martin Rapide and the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, this 4 door sedan is a bona fide exotic, armed with that unmistakable Porsche sports car DNA. But car tuner TopCar decided to take this car to the next level.

In April 2010, during the Top Marques Monaco event, TopCar unveiled their Panamera Stingray GTR. Created to improve on the already impressive Panamera, they have created an extreme car that resembles more of a track weapon than a road car.

Equipped with bodywork upgrades that cost 45000 Euros by itself, most of the 2011 TopCar Porsche Panamera Stingray GTR’s parts are composed of carbon fiber and Kevlar. Developed and designed by TopCar itself, it features a wider, more aerodynamic stance. Also, the power is upgraded to match the radical looks of this car. Various modifications and upgraded parts increase the engine’s output to a supercar-like 600 horsepower. All this power is relayed to the road by specially-designed 21 inch wheels.

The 2011 TopCar Porsche Panamera Stingray GTR is bound to belong to an exclusive company. Only 25 Panameras are turned into Stingray GTRs. Available in “Matte Black”, “White”, and “Carbon Gray” editions, each of these variants possess unique paintjobs, color ways, and interiors.

Specifications
Vehicle Type: Sedan Coupe Base Price: $63,500.00
Engine: V8 Horsepower: 700 hp

July 23, 2011 at 6:23 pm | 2 comments

2011 Audi A4 Avant Wagon

As far as luxury car brands go, Audi is considered as one of the best choices by many people. Some get their own Audi vehicle just to get that sports-car feel and the fine performance, or maybe to get the best safety assurance possible and the exceptional fuel savings. That may be the case when sedans or other similar car builds are concerned.

The Audi A4 Wagon is a new take on the A4 that is available in 3 trims. The first trim is called the 2.0T Premium, which features power front seats that have lumbar support for ergonomic benefits, seats covered with leather surfaces, four-spoke steering wheel wrapped with leather, 17-inch wheels fitted with tires good for all seasons, Sirius XM Satellite radio, and automatic climate control.

For those willing to go a little bit over the budget, the 2.0T Premium Plus combines the features of the 2.0T Premium trim with heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity for cellular phones, and xenon plus headlights that have LED daytime running lights above them. For those who are willing to go way above the basic trim, the Prestige trim offers the same features of the 2.0T Premium Plus, but with more features like 18-inch wheels designed for all seasons, MMI Navigation plus, driver memory, Bang and Olufsen Sound System, and an advanced key.

Performance

In terms of performance, the A4 Wagon does well with its adequately powerful engine and balanced handling. The Audi Drive Select System further enhances the handling. It has the steering, transmission calibrations, and suspension settings that would cater any kind of driver.

Interior & Exterior

The outside design of this wagon may not seem like the most stunning creation of the century, but it is enough to captivate the hearts of many people. The curves and the windshield angle give a speedy feel and appearance, and the sunroof and the roof rails give a more neat and classy look. Although the interior design and arrangement does not have the same appeal of the exterior detail, it is above average nonetheless. It is equipped with a cargo hold that has a large capacity, and has a finely-arranged and constructed interior. However, the Multi-Media Interface of the Audi A4 Wagon may seem confusing for some beginners and long-time drivers alike.

Safety

Probably the best suit of the car is its safety features, which fare well in official frontal and side crash tests. It is considered as one of the safest wagons due to the presence of standard high-quality safety devices like front, front-side and window airbags and the Quattro all-wheel drive system that offers more stability and control. The company offer is also fairly reliable, based on three years of initial quality and dependability tests after subjected to IQS, or Initial Quality Study, and VDS, or Vehicle Dependability Study.

Competition

However, some people may try to consider other alternatives that are similar to the 2011 Audi A4 Wagon. One example of a luxury wagon line worthy to stand up to this one is the BMW 3 Series Wagon (MSRP $37,150; 17 city/27 hwy). Although it seems pricier than the A4 Wagon itself, its best feature is the 328i xDrive trim, which gives better handling and stability for drives.

Reliability

Although the car may be taken down a notch because of its confusing Multi-Media Interface, the 2011 Audi A4 Wagon is a known car choice for its safety assurance, appealing exterior look, very satisfactory interior design, and stable and comfortable handling due to the Quattro all-wheel drive feature.

Overall Rating
85 out of 100

What others say:

“The A4 accelerates, steers, and hunkers down at high speeds much more like a true sport sedan.”Car Connection

“The pedal feels firm and responsive but stopping distances were disappointing for a sports sedan.”Consumer Report

“Four-cylinder power in a six-cylinder segment; unintuitive standard control layout; wagon has limited cargo capacity.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Wagon Base Price: $36,300.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.1 gallons Miles Per Gallon: 21 city / 29 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 185.2 in. (470.3 cm) Width: 79 in. (201 cm)
Height: 56.5 in. (143.6 cm) Curb Weight: 3814 lbs (1730 kg)
Wheel Base: 110.5 in. (280.8 cm) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 50.5 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Engine: 2.0L Turbocharge DOHC inline-4 Displacement: 2.0L
Horsepower: 211 hp Max RPM: 6000 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds 1/4 Mile: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Premium Plus MSRP: $39,700; MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy
Option:Prestige MSRP: $45,400; MPG: 21 city / 29 hwy

July 23, 2011 at 1:00 pm | No comment

2011 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato was released in May 21, 2011 during the Villa D’Este Concours. It was made in collaboration with Italian car designer Zagato as celebration of their 50 years of partnership. During the last 50 years, Aston Martin’s partnership with Zagato has given birth to some of their best cars, which includes the DB7 Zagato, the V8 Vantage Zagato, and the legendary DB4GT Zagato, a car that is celebrating its 50th anniversary as well.

Planning for the production of the V12 Zagato started in 2010, integrating both Aston Martin’s and Zagato’s design principles within the car. Like the DB4GT Zagato that it is paying tribute to, the design of this car exudes both grace and power. While Zagato’s influence can still be seen in this car, a good chunk of the work on this car was performed by Aston Martin, a moving symbolism of Aston Martin’s progress in design over the years.

While the Aston Martin V12 Zagato unveiled during the Villa D’Este Concours is only a prototype, a production model of this car produced in limited numbers could be a possibility in the future. In fact, this car is scheduled to compete in the 2011 edition of the Nürburgring 24 Hour race.

Specifications
Vehicle Type: Sports Coupe Base Price: $528,000.00
Engine: 6.0Liter 48 valve DOHC V12 Horsepower: 510 hp
Max RPM: NA Torque: 420 lb-ft
Displacement: 5935 cc Aspiration: Natural

July 22, 2011 at 6:23 pm | 4 comments

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