2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Overview

Mercedes-Benz GLK has designed about a year ago to compete with the BMW X3, the Acura MDX and the Audi Q5. Curiously, the GLK has a wider body and 1.5 inches shorter in comparison with the M-Class. The GLK is the smallest of the SEI of the manufacturer, and comes to exterior styling of the big GL-Class.



GLK-Class receives a 3.5-liter V-6, 268 horsepower mated to a seven-speed automatic tranny. It is optional on all wheels as well. This compact SUV provides 23.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats in the rear. It can tow up to 3,500 pounds.







The GLK is equipped with independent suspension and an adaptive suspension, which allows the vehicle to provide comfort and sport modes to the maximum. The inclusions are the last GLK exceptional in terms of management and one of the best offers Mercedes-Benz to date. With G-Class as an exception, the GLK is like all other vehicles in the range Mercedes-Benz, which sports a unibody construction and is one of the least efficient off-road, the manufacturer's engineers.









The Beach

Body style: Crossover SUV

Engines: 3.5L V-6

Transmission: Automatic 7-speed

Models: GLK350, GLK350 4MATIC



What's new?

For the second year of the Mercedes-Benz GLK series, the changes are within the new steering wheel, premium leather and a new headlight switch. The knee airbag, airbag pelvic and back-up camera are available. There is also the AMG sports package, with the AMG bumpers, 20-inch, LED daytime running lights, roof rails and aluminum. Pearl gray is the new color in 2011.



Outside

What looks like a scaled-down GL-Class comes with 19-inch wheels and optional 20s so it looks better than it really is. This is the most robust in the search for entry-level SUV of luxury.









Inside

Features such as eight way power front seats, cruise control, dual zone temperature dust filter, 5.0-inch, eight-speaker audio system and tilt / telescoping steering wheel is standard. A panoramic sunroof, surround sound and a navigation system are available.



Performance and Packaging

GLK-2011 series is powered by the same 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 as the car was in 2010, receiving SUV 60 mph 6.8 seconds and through the quarter mile 15.1 seconds, 91.8 mph . It requires only 118 meters to stop 60 mph, which is best in its category. Despite the excellent chassis dynamics, however, the control is silent.



Security

There are driver and passenger front airbags, curtain side airbags (front-back), driver's knee, and two front airbags basin. Stability Control, the discs with ABS and brake assist and traction control are standard.



+ PLUS :

* Big-SUV styling

* Excellent chassis dynamics

* Great acceleration

* Beautiful, airy cabin



- MINUS :

* Uncommunicative steering

* Rear middle seat is tight

* No engine options

* Not much of an off-roader

2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Overview

Two passengers SL-Class is considered a valuable and has the honor of Mercedes-Benz, the automaker launched the vehicle for the race 1950. SL translated Sport or Sport Leicht light, and it was a successful endurance racing cars. Many incarnations, the SL-series is a vehicle that illustrates the role. Today, models are luxurious, have a lot of brilliant work, and is heavier than ever.



SL-Class has a heavier weight, but that does not hinder his skills that the car had increases in the power train in time. SL-Class 2011 model is a carryover to 2010. Three engines are offered, including 5.5 liters V-8 with 518 hp, 6.0-liter V-12 with 604 hp and the 6.2-liter V-8. V-8 is connected to a seven-speed automatic tranny, V-12 joined a five-speed automatic transmission.







In 2009, the redesigned SL-Class. The car retains the same dimensions and the basic structure than previous models. This car also comes in a convertible. If you want a hardtop roadster with a retractable roof, this vehicle is ideal.



The Beach

Body Style: Convertible

Engine: 5.5l V-8, 6.2L V-8, 6.0L V-12

Transmission: Automatic 7-speed automatic 5-speed

Models: SL550, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG



What's New

There is a new limited edition of 2011 - Night Edition SL550, of which 100 will be produced. It comes with the flat black paint, premium black leather, AMG 19-inch wheels and brake calipers painted silver. All models are tire pressure monitor, HD radio, Sirius and trafficking. Quartz Blue is the color of the new painting. Model SL600 and SL65 Black is not surprising return.



Outside

The SL modern streamlined, low position and huge. Whether you prefer the coupe or convertible, the SL satisfy both, as hardtop retractable cord with attractive lines on the top is up or down.







Internal

The cabin is flooded with luxury leather and wood, and all the comforts you would expect in this price range. Both seats are 12 way adjustable and heated, and navigation and audio system 10 speakers is standard.



Performance and management

Although the SL-Class can be seen as more than the cruiser Boulevard interpreter track, the convertible is gaining momentum in a hurry. The S550, the estimates of Mercedes, takes only 5.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. This number drops to 4.5 seconds in SL63 and SL65 in 4.2. AMG models offer traction control and three-speed transmission Speedshift.







Security

Four wheels is a four-channel ABS and Brake Assist are standard, as well as stability control and traction control. Dual front airbags, side impact airbags and head-thorax airbag for the driver's knee is standard.



+ PLUS :

* Elegant styling

* Smooth, powerful engines

* Beautiful interior



- MINUS :

* High pricetag

* High curb weight

HELSON Blackbeard

By TLex Presenting the HELSON 'Blackbeard'. This playful interpretation of a well known vintage-military diver features a 3.5mm thick double domed-sapphire crystal (AR inside), skull 'n' cross bones signed and engraved screwdown crown and caseback, lumed acrylic unidirectional divers bezel and a water-resistance of 500 meters. Further specifications include: a brushed 316L surgical stainless steel case with Ø 42mm, height 16mm, overall length 50mm and lug distance 22mm. The case houses a 25 Jewel Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement with a power reserve 40hrs.







The black dial, hands and bezel markers are with Swiss C3 SuperLuminova. And if the name, Balckbeard wasn't already whimsical enough HELSON have seen fit to strategically place a BGW9 luminous skull 'n' cross bones icon at 12 o'clock on the dial. The watch comes on a 22mm mesh bracelet and is supplied with a further 22mm natural rubber strap. The HELSON Blackbeard is due to go on sale imminently, priced at 749USD . . .

BMW M3 CRT, Light Car With Carbon Fiber

Berlin: The German luxury carmaker BMW M3 CRT has released a new product called super light car. Auto Trends proclaim Friday (24 / 6), BMW M3 CRT is the last car manufacturing techniques using carbon fiber in the car.

The car is the weight through the use of carbon-fiber front seats, front air intakes, new rear spoiler and hood. While the hood is fiber, do not worry, because the same power

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

As the short-lived career of many celebrities who call Malibu (place) at home, the history of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (the car) is a lesson in how quickly things can change. It was four years ago when the new seventh-generation midsize sedan won the prestigious North American Car of the Year. And while the Malibu is still a good car, the landscape in the category of midsize sedans have changed dramatically in recent years, once the darling of the media are not very competitive.



With honors, in Malibu is still the strengths, like the attractive design, well-balanced ride and handling characteristics and rapid acceleration, the V6 engine. But these merits are overshadowed by the tight back seat, use the paragraph on the quality of interior materials and the lack of well-known features of comfort and safety of the competitors.







Above all, however, the Malibu has been improved by an avalanche of competing models. The sleek Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima related engines offer an excellent style, attractive and a lot of value for money. The Volkswagen Passat is now cheaper and bigger than before, while the popular Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima sport are two very strong candidates. Complicating matters further is the fact that a new eighth-generation Malibu will debut as 2013 model in early 2012, and is very impressive. Put it all together and we have difficulty recommending the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.



Body styles, trim levels and options

2012 Chevrolet Malibu comes in three basic trim levels - LS, LT and LTZ - which is then divided into several sub-models.



Standard on entry-level Malibu LS includes 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, cloth upholstery, power driver's seat, in part, the 60/40 split folding rear seats, keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, full power, tilt and telescopic steering, OnStar and six speaker CD/MP3 stereo with satellite radio and an additional audio.



The next step is to LT, which is divided into 1LT, 2LT and 3LT models. The highlights here include alloy wheels 17 inches, body-color outside mirrors and side moldings, steering wheel mounted audio controls and a USB audio input. The 2LT and 3LT comes with everything, plus upgraded upholstery, remote ignition, power seat adjustment additional driver, heated front seats, Bluetooth and a rear 110-volt household-style outlet.







Spring Area-topping LTZ and get 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, heated exterior mirrors, sunroof, rear LED lights, automatic climate control, leather interior, updated tools, auto-dimming rearview mirror and eight speaker system Bose audio. Many of these functions are grouped into packages of options that can be added to trim the lower levels. In addition, sunroof is available on all models except the LS.



Engines and performance

The standard engine for 2012 Malibu is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that puts out 169 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control manual. Estimated fuel economy for this powertrain is 22 mpg highway mpg and 26 mpg city/33 combined. In performance testing Edmunds, reached a four-cylinder Malibu 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, which is about average for the four-cylinder powered sedans in this class.







A 3.6-liter V6 good for 252 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque is available on LT and LTZ. The six-speed automatic transmission is standard here. Fuel economy is estimated at 17/26/20 mpg. Our test of a Malibu V6 resulted in a 00 to 60 km / h in just 6.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest V6 sedans in its class.



Safety

2012 Chevy Malibu comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, semi-curtain airbags and OnStar telematics system.



Down government testing the Malibu deserves an overall rating of four stars out of a possible five, with four stars for protection against frontal impacts and five stars for overall protection against side impacts in general. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety received the highest rating of Malibu "good" in frontal offset and side impact tests. In the brake test Edmunds, a V6 Malibu has impressed us by the decision of 60 km / h on a short 122 feet with no fade.



Interior Design and Special Features

While inside the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu looks great, the overall effect somewhat impaired by the use of low-grade material in some places. The design of the gauges and controls are refreshingly simple, however, and the use of sound insulation give the room a comfortable silence.



In front, the seats are comfortable and supported, but people can find a large mattress pronounced side make it difficult to get resolved. The rear seat is passable for a few adults, but it is a skin-tight for three people, or even a couple of people larger than some other mid-size sedan.



At the rear, the trunk offers a healthy 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space that has been made more flexible by 60/40-split-folding file back. However, the space here is shallow, and the opening is on the small side, making loading and unloading of large objects a little difficult.



Driving Impressions

Behind the wheel 2012 Chevrolet Malibu impresses with its smooth, quiet ride and confident handling. Steering feel is generally good for a sedan general public, but several of our editors still prefer the power-assisted steering is used to help increase energy efficiency four-cylinder models of the more conventional hydraulic servo that comes with the V6 engine.







What powertrain is good for you depends on your driving style and expectations, but most buyers should be satisfied through a combination of four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Not surprisingly, the V6 is a better choice for those looking for greater acceleration, provided they can live with the fuel economy significantly lower that comes with it.

Maserati GranCabrio[Reviews]

Maserati Gran Cabrio - four real seats, comfortable, warm and enveloping. Never before available as a convertible from Maserati. Never before has a car with the Trident logo has a whole family or four friends to enjoy a trip outdoors. The magical chemistry Maserati GranCabrio starts when you look: it's incredibly beautiful, with the top up or down. In fact, it has a sophisticated soft top for

2012 Hyundai Veloster

We were in a 2012 Hyundai Veloster movement before. It was in southern California on the Pacific coast, but no leads. We rode shotgun, while Hyundai CEO John Krafcik manned the controls.



Now we are at the wheel of a very early prototype for a very short run some of the roads of the United Kingdom. The "prototype" means we should not condemn the fit and finish. Hyundai has given us through the heart and hope to die if we do, so I do not.



Do not worry anyway. We are here to deal with the steering, brakes and suspension. You know, the things that really matter.







In the market this fall



Hyundai Veloster think its asymmetrical, which features two doors on one side and one on the other, could be the equivalent of VW Scirocco or Mini Cooper S: a kind of halo for the brand. It was designed at Hyundai's studio in Southern California, and will hit retailers this fall.



Krafcik said Hyundai also reference the old second-generation Honda CRX (1988-'91), when it came to some bits Veloster dynamic.



Our test car pre-production had the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder car air will be used in the United States, along with a manual six-speed clear. Veloster Green photographed in South Korea is equipped with the optional six-speed dual-clutch automated manual, but the car he was driving for the evaluation was equipped with three pedals.







1.6-liter four is a direct injection, and rated for 138 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 123 pound-feet of torque at 4850 rpm. It powers the front tires Veloster, idles smoothly and freely rotates to cut its fuel at 6700 rpm.



Because the 2012 Hyundai Veloster weighs only 2.584 pounds with a manual transmission, it scoot along well but we are waiting for the model 208-HP Turbo (2013) before calling us quickly. It is built on a heavily revised version of the platform of the Elantra, and cut weight also helps to bring about 30 mpg city/40 highway.



However, the Elantra was only so much to offer. The Veloster uses an independent front suspension, but makes do with a beam rear axle.



Base Veloster roll 17s. This prototype is an optional 18-inch wheels spinning tires and 215/40 all-season measure. Summer tires are available in Veloster turbo.



How is it going

The driving position is a clean, even if the most comfortable place to travel to the size of the steering wheel would be yes. You sit low in the car, as you'd expect from a sports car, the pedals are far apart, and the steering weights are pleasantly positive.



Moreover, management is well weighted and linear, although the low-speed ride is on the rough side. Despite the long wheelbase of the Veloster, which measures 104.3 inches, there are large vertical movements of the city, with none of the flexibility we have come to expect, for example, Hyundai's own Sonata.



It's the same at high speeds, the lack of roll will never fix everything. This can make you feel more dynamic and agile, but need not be at the expense of a sophisticated ride. Other cars like the Mini Cooper to ask drivers to make this sacrifice, but ideally the final Veloster not.



We are told that the development team still working on finalizing the calibration suspension, steering and transmission, so there are still some violins back room.



At present the 2012 Hyundai Veloster feels very agile. It responds quickly to steering inputs small, with small heel, but a roll rate quickish. It is also adjustable gas - much like to go if you are away from the gas or brakes later on the accelerator when it tends to understeer. All this is well within the realms of grip, too, I speak of its appearance, behavior is not slidey.



Work to Do

Still a bit 'done on the frame, then. But Hyundai should be released to its full potential. There are a lot of competitive cars and desirable at this level, and the need Veloster everything possible to get ammunition.







Hopefully Hyundai will soon launch a Veloster us on American soil. After our recent trip to California and the short term the UK, we are very optimistic about Hyundai hatchback unique packaging.