2008 Audi S4

The 2008 Audi S4 is impressive through its good looks and smooth performance. It has a sporty design and performs with a power that only exotic cars have. It is quick, comfortable and an enjoyable car to drive. The interior is plush and luxurious, the safety reviews are at par with other vehicles in the same class, and the exterior is equally smashing.

Performance

The S4 performance rates well. Handling, brakes and acceleration are superb. The car is powered by a 4.2 liter V8 engine that’s sure to provide enough power for a four door sedan. It has a 340 hp at 7000 rpm and the torque runs at 302 pounds per feet at 3500 rpm. In simpler, non-engineering terms: it’s very good. It’s a very rugged muscle car that doesn’t sound like a very rugged muscle car. It sounds what a normal V8 engine should be: purring loudly but not roaring.

The Audi S4 accelerates 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. If you are using a car with the automatic transmission, the acceleration may be a tad slower at 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Fuel efficiency is at 13/20 miles per gallon (city/highway) for manual transmission and 14/21 with automatic transmission.

The Audi S4 features a brake system that has a front and rear ventilated disk brakes. It also has an Anti-Lock Brake system, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution. This helps in detecting emergency brakes and helps by applying ample force needed to stop the car.

Exterior & Interior

The exterior of the car is attractive, and it looks like a serious coupe. It is a four door sedan. The trademark grille is still there, but the overall shape and appearance of the car is subtle, harking conventional car designs. If you want to attract attention though, you can order the car in loud colors such as yellow and bright red. It has adjustable exterior mirrors, sunroof with slide and tilt functions, retractable headlight washers and high intensity xenon headlights. It also comes with 18 inch alloy wheels.

The interior is also a winner. It is very sleek. It has adjustable seats covered with luxurious Napa leather. Trimmings are made of high quality birch wood, which is also decorated with the S4 logo. All the seats are ergonomically designed. They are specifically designed to give support to the lower back (lumbar region), making driving a pleasure. The legroom for the front seats are ample, a little tight for the passengers at the rear.

Rear seats are cramped and there is limited legroom. The car is ideal for two people, although it is designed to accommodate four people. It has a standard air filter for dust and pollen for perfect air quality inside the car. The Bluetooth technology is very useful for taking calls. It also boasts of an AM/FM car stereo, with a six disc CD changer. The Audi S4 has an optional navigational system but the critics dismiss it as a navigation system with a difficult interface, and can be distracting for the driver.

Safety

Safety features of this car are also sophisticated. It has the standard crash air-bag protection, front airbags, and a LATCH system for children at the rear seats. The S4 sedan also offers 13.4 cubic feet of cargo space (sedan model) and it also features a ski sack and hidden storage areas under the front seats. It comes in three body styles: sedan, wagon and convertible.

Overall Rating
85 out of 100

What others say:

“Few cars age as gracefully as the Audi S4, which has been on the road in its current form for over six years. The classically styled 2008 Audi S4 still looks good…”Car Connection

“The S4 is a high-performance version of the small Audi A4.”Consumer Report

“While the Audi isn’t quite as razor-sharp as a BMW or Infiniti, the extra grip afforded by its all-wheel drive could justify the trade-off for many enthusiasts, particularly those who live in parts of the country where rain- or snow-slicked roads are a part of life.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan MSRP: $37,570.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gallons Miles Per Gallon: 14 city / 21 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 180.6 in. (459cm) Width: 70.1 in. (178cm)
Height: 55.7 in. (141 cm) Curb Weight: 3990 lbs (1809 kg)
Wheel Base: 104.3 in. (265 cm) Ground Clearance: 3.7 in. (9.3cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.4 cu ft Maximum Seating: 4
Performance
Engine: 4.2L DOHC V8 Displacement: 4.2 liter
Horsepower: 340 hp Max RPM: 7000 rpm
Torque: 302 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds 1/4 Mile: NA

July 20, 2011 at 12:18 pm | No comment

2011 Eagle Jaguar E-Type Speedster

The 2011 Jaguar E-Type has always been an icon of British motoring. Since 1982, Eagle has been restoring and upgrading these legends into some of the best E-Types that money can buy. From this same love of E-Types, the Eagle Jaguar E-Type Speedster was born.

In the beginning, Rick and Paul Brace got into a conversation, with the word Speedster being mentioned. Paul sketched a design, Rick liked what he saw, and the rest was history. At first, this car was meant to be a one-off, but it gained a large following. Thus, they end up producing these cars full-time.

The 2011 Jaguar E-Type Speedster is a modified version of the E-Type convertible. Paying homage to the 1963 E-Type Lightweights, the body of these speedsters is made of aluminum. Various modifications were done to the body, including a reshaped windshield, widened track, and a lowered floor pan. A modified interior and custom wheels round up the design upgrades.

Of course, mechanical upgrades are also equipped into this car. A 4.7 liter engine custom built by Eagle is mated to a 5-speed transmission. An upgraded suspension and a weight recorded at 1008 kilos add up to this package.

While these changes give a custom feel to the Eagle Jaguar E-Type Speedster, it is not to the point that the design deviates from the original. It is a proper retro-modern combination.

Specifications
Vehicle Type: Speedster Base Price: NA
Engine: 4.7-liter inline-6 Horsepower: 310 hp
Max RPM: 480 rpm Torque: 340 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Displacement: 4700 cc Curb Weight: 2200 lbs (998 kg)
0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds Maximum Speed: 160 mph (257 kmh)

July 19, 2011 at 6:18 pm | 1 comment

2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid is considered one of those top midsize type cars produced by Ford. A lot of people find this car very impressive because of its reliability, safety, fuel economy and top working performance. The Hybrid’s combined gasoline and electric power-train is very important for well-defined controls and operation. This makes the vehicle on top of the list of the buying public.

Engine & Performance

The Fusion Hybrid can beat any other when it comes to mileage ratings. The engine was specially designed to properly eliminate the flutter rumble transitions which usually haunt many hybrids when shifting from gas to electric engine mode. The Fusion lives up to its name. It is indeed a Fusion of remarkable engine performance.

Your Fusion Hybrid’s gas engine will not make so much noise when you start up or shut down your vehicle. You can only hear a faint sound and nothing more. You can never feel any shimmers when you press on the gas to help the electric. The combination or Fusion of gas and electric into this wonderfully crafted vehicle will give you the edge over any other type of vehicle.

Exterior & Interior

The dream sedan boasts of its impressive, cozy, and accommodating interior. Who can ever believe that Ford was able to integrate the Sync and the Smart gauge into this vehicle? That really made a very big difference. It can even make you stay in this car for as long as you like but most important is the fact that these features made traveling easy and enjoyable.

You will feel relaxed at the backseat because of the spacious setting. Your kids will never complain when you drive them to school. You are assured that you will not be hearing any complain about small room for the feet or anything like that.

The exterior looks are also quite a sight. The colors are so fresh and pleasant to the eyes. You will always find the auto headlights, halogen light, and front fog-lights very useful for all types of weather.

Safety & Reliability

Safety and reliability is of no issue when it comes to the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid. It has passed all types of quality control tests and it garnered a score of 5 stars in the crash tests which were independently conducted to assure the safety of the driver as well as the passengers.

There are added features such as the dual-front airbags, front-seat side-airbags and side airbags for the backseat. This is completely safety at its best! Also included are the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) and the ESC (electronic stability control) device.

Competition

This car has a much better mileage than any other type of car within the same price range and class. When it comes to low fuel consumption, the Ford Fusion gains the top slot when compared with other cars. The Toyota Camry Hybrid (MSRP $27,810; 31 city / 35 hwy) and the Nissan Altima Hybrid (MSRP $27,560; 33 city / 33 hwy) are priced lower but use more fuel compared to the Fusion Hybrid. While almost all hybrids will take out all the fun and enjoyment in driving, the Fusion Hybrid will let you take control of your car in a supple way. The handling balance is definitely an advantage over other Hybrid vehicles.

Advantages & Disadvantages

The only main disadvantage of the Ford Fusion is the fact that it is quite expensive. Its price is several hundred dollars above those cars of the same type.

If you drive home with the Ford Fusion, you will feel the difference. This is the only one of its kind which enables the user to opt for AWD or all wheel drive. This feature of the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid is very significant considering the changes in weather and other relevant factors which might greatly affect your driving.

Overall Rating
77 out of 100

What others say:

“The latest update is extensive and rectifies the road noise and turning circle blemishes on the original car. The Hybrid version was the best of the line in our tests.”Consumer Reports

“True to its promise, the Fusion Hybrid is nearly as quick as the automaker’s V-6 Fusion, while it earns an EPA-rated 41/36 mpg.”The Car Connection

“…the 2011 Fusion Hybrid balances impressive performance with excellent creature comforts and mileage marks that simply blow most other mid-size hybrid sedans into the weeds.”KBB

“Spacious interior; engaging handling; comfortable ride; abundant high-tech features; good fuel economy from Hybrid model; available all-wheel drive.”Edmunds

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan Base Price: $28,600.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.5 gallons Miles Per Gallon: 41 city / 39 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 190.6 in. (484 cm) Width: 72.2 in. (183 cm)
Height: 56.8 in. (144 cm) Curb Weight: 3720 lbs (1687 kg)
Wheel Base: 107.4 in. (273 cm) Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 11.8 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Engine: 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Hybrid Compression Ratio: 12.3:1
Horsepower: 156 hp Max RPM: 6000 rpm
Torque: 136 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm Transmission: e-CVT Electronic Continuously Variable
0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds 1/4 Mile: 16.0 seconds

July 19, 2011 at 5:42 pm | No comment

2009 Audi S8

Like any Audi vehicle, the 2009 Audi S8 does not fail to disappoint, especially when it comes to design. Combining the power of the 5.2 liter V10 engine with 385 mm ceramic disc brakes, the car itself is an unusual but sophisticated mean machine.

Performance

The S8 is a muscle-bound cousin of the luxury Audi A8. While it is still a luxury sedan, it boasts of a 450 horse power at 7000 rpm. It also boasts of 398 pounds per foot of a torque at 3500 rpm.This car can do a 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. It is equipped with a six speed Tiptronic transmission. It is big and heavy, with a weight of 4586 lbs. However, the Audi S8 is still a good drive even if it has weight issues because of the excellent suspension system and the all-wheel drive system the Quattro has.

The air suspension system of the car is one of its best features. It constantly makes adjustments based on road conditions and the driver’s preferences, making it a good car to drive and all it takes is a push of a button. This is very important if you are driving the car in twisty roads and in compromising weather conditions. The suspension system also complements the car’s 20-inch wheels. This car features an all aluminum exterior that helps make the 4500 lb car lighten up. The design is also aggressive and very sporty to look at. The lines are clean and very sleek.

With the Premium Package, you can don’t have to operate this vehicle with a key: Just press the engine start button while holding down the brake and the car will come to life as the LCD dashboard lights up.

Interior & Exterior

The interior of the car is also luxurious. Sure this is a performance car, but it is also a luxury car. The seats are covered with premium leather. The trimmings and accents are made of wood and the finish is so sleek, like the other S models. It has a user friendly multimedia interface equipped with Bluetooth navigation. It also features a 350 watt Bose stereo system that can blast your favorite music.

The backseat features a flip down armrest that contains a first aid kit. It also has a pair of cup holders. It has retractable side mirrors. It is outperformed by other S models though and the critics deem the S8 as a luxury sedan more than a performance car. The car can accommodate up to five people but it’s more comfortable as a four-person car.

The S8 keeps it subtle but it also maintains the air of exclusivity by churning out limited edition colors both in its interiors and exteriors. There is one with the silver exterior with a burgundy exterior, or a black exterior with a caramel interior. The trunk is also spacious, which is good for towing luggage. The Audi S8 gives off that sexy, action movie-Hollywood vibe that people would really love.

Safety

Safety features of this car is standard, with the front and side airbags. The ceramic disc brakes take the cake, though. It is similar to the brakes of cars like the GTRS, 369 Stradale and Zonda F. It also has the Electronic Stability Control, the trunk pressure monitor, daytime running lights and rear seat head restraint. It also has pre-tensioners that automatically tighten when there is a collision, preventing the passenger from slipping from grips of the seatbelt.

It is also the company’s flagship sedan and it competes with BMW’s M series (MSRP $62,857; 11 city / 17 hwy) and Mercedes Benz’s CLS63 AMG (MSRP $67,726; 12 city / 18 hwy).

Overall Rating
84 out of 100

What others say:

“In highway cruising mode, road noise is more pronounced and the ride isn’t quite as soft as we’re used to in cars that cradle their occupants in such luxury.”KBB

“The 2009 Audi S8 is a solid choice for a premium luxury sport sedan thanks to impressive performance, all-wheel drive and stealthy exterior styling. But although it comes in at a considerably lower price point than many of its rivals, the S8 still falls short in some aspects.”Edmunds

“Though not overly quick, the 2009 Audi S8, essentially a performance-enhanced A8, will charge from 0-60 in 6 seconds and will top out at 155 mph (with a 60-0 stopping distance of some 112 ft).”Car Gurus

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan Base Price: $74,535.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 23.8 gallons Miles Per Gallon: 13 city / 19 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 199.3 in. (506 cm) Width: 74.6 in. (189 cm)
Height: 56.1 in. (142 cm) Curb Weight: 4586 lbs (2080 kg)
Wheel Base: 115.9 in. (294 cm) Ground Clearance: 4.9 in. (12.45 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 14.6 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5
Performance
Engine: 5.2L DOHC V10 Displacement: 5.2 Liter
Horsepower: 450 hp Max RPM: 7000 rpm
Torque: 398 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 6 seconds 1/4 Mile: NA

July 19, 2011 at 12:18 pm | No comment

2012 Audi Q5 Hybrid Quattro

Audi is making cars that are greener to the environment with no compromise to performance and style. With the new Audi Q5 Hybrid Quattro SUV, it is now possible to have both. The SUV is a mid size vehicle with sports like handling.

The engine is a 2.0 liter inline-4 six cylinder hybrid with turbo when it’s running at idle speed. The engine also switches to four cylinders to save on fuel. It can generate 211 horse power and an additional help of 54 hp with its electric motor.

When cruising, the engine switches to electric. This is very handy in traffic conditions, and that time, no CO2 emission is released and fuel consumption goes down to a minimum. At that point, it can reach a top speed of 62 mph with the electric motor alone.

The average fuel consumed is about 34 mpg. With its all-wheel drive system and aluminum suspension link system, it can go anywhere from asphalt to rough roads. Audi is also known for its safety features. The body consists of high steel components that reduce weight while increasing its impact and crashing strength with intelligent front seat belt and airbags all over the cabin for added protection.

Specifications
Vehicle Type: SUV Hybrid Est. Base Price: $50,000.00
Miles Per Gallon: 26 city / 27 hwy Curb Weight: 4350 lbs (1973 kg)
Engine: 2.0L 12 valve DOHC inline-4 w/ 44 hp electric motor Combined Horsepower: 241 hp
Aspiration: Turbo Torque: 354 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 6.8 seconds Maximum Speed: 138 mph (222 kmh)

July 18, 2011 at 6:17 pm | 1 comment

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