2011 Chevrolet Cruze

To replace the Cobalt, the new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact is a major update in almost all fronts with a winning combination of style, quality materials, energy efficiency at an affordable price.



There are many new things about the 2011 Cruze, which could be analyzed until the cows come home, but most notable has to be the two new four-cylinder engines. A 1.8-liter, 136 horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter option that produces 138 horsepower. Not much difference, but the turbocharged engine offers increased torque from 123 lb.-ft. to 148 lb.-ft., which will help you get off the line faster. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic.

2011 Chevy Cruze is available in four trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ with the fuel-sipping Eco-version by the end of the year. All finishes provide an elegant and instantly more room to improve the quality of the materials. A look inside and you immediately notice its elegant lines and modern look. Cruze has a wealth of 15 cubic feet of storage space. These characteristics, combined with both peppy engines let alone 2011 Cruze huge leg-up to leave cobalt. The competitors are the Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus and Mazda3.

Standard interior includes air conditioning, driver's seat eight manually adjustable, OnStar, 16-inch wheels, 60/40 split rear seats, trip computer, six-speaker stereo with CD player, auxiliary input jack and satellite radio. Up a notch with the launch vehicle's optional remote, leather, six driver's seat with power adjustable, heated front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth, USB / iPod, alloy wheels 18 inch sport suspension, automatic climate control, navigation and sunroof.

When it comes to safety, in 2011 Cruze is that you and your covered with a segment-leading 10 airbags, antilock brakes and electronic stability with traction control as standard equipment.

A point win in the competitive compact sedan segment, the new Chevrolet Cruze 2011 brings a new look, better performance and more space for a reliable price.

2011 Kia Forte

Now in its second year of production, the 2011 Kia Forte impressive fuel economy, great warranty, and a wide range of security features, all available under one roof. And this year, Forte is available as a hatchback style too.

(The Kia Forte is also available as a coupe, which were monitored separately in this site, see Kia Forte Koup.)

After replacing the Kia Spectra sedan range last year, a fresh and sporty Forte is available in three trim levels - LX, EX and SX. Kia refers to a new five-door hatchback, like a machine, and offers a different look for those who want a sporty look. LX and EX trim are powered by a CV-156, 2.0-liter four, while the SX trim gets a 173 hp, 2.4-liter inline-four. In 2011, both engines can be mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic available with auto-manual mode. Those who are constantly on the go will appreciate the fuel efficiency of the fort, which is playing at 22-27 mpg in city and 31-36 mpg on the highway.



For 2011 Kia Forte compete with other compact like the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Strong competitors match in the department of power, but where he really excels is the price and warranty. Its base of just under $ 15,000 MSRP (shipping) and 10 years/100, 000 miles of joints powertrain warranty do Forte of great value.

Options include strong external standard 15 F or more wheels, while large 16 - 17-inch tires with alloy wheels are optional. A sport suspension is available for a commitment to the unity of mirrors added, optional heated with turn signals, rear spoiler and a power moonroof with tilt feature of any substance that is added to the 2011 Kia Forte.

Forte is quite large for a compact car, with seats to and 14.7 cubic feet of space in the trunk of the sedan, which is more than it receives in a Toyota Camry-sized. Hatchback cargo space even more rapid expansion, all the way up to 19.4 cubic feet. Standard features of the Forte include satellite radio, USB and auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth ®, and air conditioning. Monitor EcoMinder fuel efficiency is standard on all automatic transmissions strong team and track your fuel economy to ensure that you get the most out of every tank of gas. Other options include a navigation system, push button start, automatic climate control and a automatic dimming rearview mirror.

For 2011 Kia Forte takes security very seriously. Front and side airbags for front seats and side curtain airbags to keep domestic passengers safe in a collision while the other security features like all the anti-lock disc brakes, electronic stability system, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution and monitoring system tire pressure keep you out of. These features are standard on all Strong.

Fuel consumption 2011 Kia Forte is designed to save you money at the pump and the concession, without sacrificing the quality of the interior and style, making it one of the best values ​​on the road .

2011 Cadillac Escalade

By mixing bling with the power, versatility and class, the 2011 Cadillac Escalade full-size SUV vehicle, you want to drive and be seen in.

2011 Cadillac Escalade is a power-403 hp, 6.2-liter V-8 that is mated to a six-speed automatic, and either two or four wheel drive. This power gives leg up Escalade horsepower than the competition, which includes a full-size SUVs like the Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX56, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Range Rover. This engine is a good pork Assessment 8300-pound tow, and more than 1,600 pounds of payload, while delivering 12 mpg in the city and 19 highway. If you like what the Escalade brings to the table, but I would like to increase fuel efficiency, do not despair, the Cadillac Hybrid (21/22 mpg city / highway) is also available.

Inside the Escalade, 2011, there is plenty of room for everything you need, if it comes to people or property. Seat seven to eight occupants, or use the incredible 109 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the front seats and 39 inches of rear legroom.



World-class materials online 2011 Escalade interior surfaces. Enjoy the luxury features like heated leather seats and all rows, wood and leather-covered steering wheel. The increase in the range of alloy wheels and leather interior trim pieces of wood, and laminated windscreen and side windows makes the Escalade 2011 silent than ever. Electronics include the power behind the product divisions, Bose speakers, XM Satellite Radio NavTraffic, six-CD, DVD and navigation system. Tri-zone automatic climate control ensures comfort, while the DVD player with a video game and entertainment are available connections. Platinum-edition, hand-stitched leather French stitching, heated and cooled cup holder, sunroof and cruise takes Nirvana.

2011 Cadillac Escalade takes security very seriously. Three line head, dual front and front side airbags for all outboard passengers to provide a great resilience in the event of an accident. ABS, traction control and stability control systems, and blind spot warning system helps keep the Escalade and out of danger. Escalade 2011 hours includes a standard amount of oil changes, tire rotations, the engine and cabin air filter replacement, and the number of vehicle control is the first of four years or 50000 miles.

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade is still a manufacturer's declaration, and qualifies as one of the most luxurious and versatile SUV on the road today.

2011 Toyota Prius Rear

The best-selling hybrid on the market by a landslide was the Toyota Prius and the new 2011 Toyota Prius tries to keep the series going by the supply of advanced technology and unsurpassed fuel economy.

Power comes from a hybrid, which contains a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable Ni-MH, which combines the power of 134 horses. Prius includes many high-tech tricks as part of the motor, including electric water pump, exhaust gases are collected, and the regenerative braking, all in the name of efficiency. Only the transfer of a 2-speed CVT with overdrive.

When the moment of truth for the 2011 Prius, of course, is its impressive fuel economy. Many factors contribute to the numbers of the Prius mpg notable even in a different way that is designed to be as aerodynamic as possible. That clocks a massive 51 mpg city and 48 mpg on the highway, which dwarfs the numbers of their only real competitor, the Honda Insight. The Prius may be involved in three driving modes: EV, which only works on battery as much as possible, and low power consumption.



Outside, the Prius maintains the same visual cues that show the way, as the split rear window, the wedge-shaped body and distinctive blue alluding to its hybrid nature. 15-inch wheels are standard, and 17-inch wheels are optional. LED taillights in the rear are standard and use less energy than conventional bulbs.

Inside, the Prius offers surprisingly spacious seating for up to five passengers. The floating panel has a futuristic look and feel to it, lacks a traditional gear lever and opt for a digital system instead of gears. The instrument panel has been moved to the top of the dashboard, and displays essential information such as speed, battery and fuel economy.

Standard features include high quality services, including climate control, Bluetooth ®, auxiliary audio jack and a button to start. Other technical innovations are optional and are voice-activated, touch-screen navigation system with dynamic control radar cruise, reversing radar and intelligence to guide your parking space by eliminating the hassle.

Prius is also a range of security technologies, including seven airbags, antilock brakes, the entire disc, traction control and electronic stability control as standard.

For exceptional fuel economy and a host of technical features premium is the 2011 Toyota Prius on the peloton.

BRABUS 800 E V12 Cabriolet

First the sedan and coupe and convertible now: with the 800 hp (788 hp) / 588 kW Brabus V12 Biturbo twelve-cylinder high cylinder 800 of the body of the roadster Brabus Mercedes E-Class family extends the E V12 legendary. Like its siblings, the Brabus E V12 Cabriolet is a high performance car of superlatives: the particular model has a top speed of up to 370 km / h (231 mph) and is more powerful and fastest four-seater in the world convertible. It is built to EUR 478 000.

The structure of this supercar BRABUS engineers relied on the expertise gained in the construction of many E V12 sedans and coupes. Precision work was required to implement the 800 V12 Biturbo BRABUS and increased five-speed automatic in the engine compartment of the E-Class Cabriolet.

The most powerful engine of the BRABUS range is based on the three-valve V12 engine of the current model Mercedes S 600. The company redesigned engine shop to build the engine in all respects. A special crankshaft and larger pistons stroke engine with increased bore the standard strokes from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 384 feet. Po). Other changes in the inner workings of the engine include the cylinder heads are optimized for mixture flow and camshaft in sport.

The devices of the engine are more complete overhaul: Two special exhaust manifold with more integrated turbochargers ensure a more efficient supercharger. Brabus biturbo system is completed by four water-air cooler, which also makes a vital contribution to the performance of extraordinary power. The stainless steel high performance exhaust system with four tailpipes have been created specifically for the E-Class Cabriolet. The inlet side has been completely redesigned: In the hood designed with integrated carbon fiber hood scoop ram-air is a newly designed intake manifold.



The perfect interaction of all performance measures increasing by mapping coordinates of the new planning system, electronic engine management.

800 BRABUS V12 biturbo powertrain, lubricated with a high-tech technology partner ARAL lubricants, convert the four-seater convertible to the most efficient and fastest of its kind in the world. 800 hp (788 hp) / 588 kW, 5500 rpm, and torque 1420 Nm (1047 lb-ft), electronically limited to a car to 1100 Nm (811 lb-ft), are unique, such as driving performance of the rear of this car.

The convertible has a power BRABUS high-performance limited-slip differential with a locking device to 40 percent, and the remaining sprints to 100 km / h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds. After 9.9 seconds of exclusive rental car reaches a speed of 200 km / h (124 mph). Accidents barrier 300 km / h (186 km / h), after 23.9 seconds. The report final drive of the BRABUS E V12 Cabriolet 800 has a top speed of up to 370 km / h (231 mph).

Sophisticated aerodynamic properties are essential for directional stability and active safety in a car capable of speeds so huge. The BRABUS aerodynamic components improves athletic and elegant, refined in the wind tunnel, as in Formula 1, which are made of lightweight carbon fiber but high resistance.

The BRABUS front apron is shaped to reduce lift on the front axle and a guide to a maximum amount of cooling air for radiators and front brakes of the model V12. Air outlet on the side of the road, the hot air away from the heat exchangers as quickly as possible. LED daytime running lights integrated in the deck give E V12 Cabriolet an unmistakable appearance that can be quickly identified, even retrospectively.

For more information, better driving stability at extremely high speeds and cornering speeds continue to increase, extend the life BRABUS E-Class Convertible. The redesigned sports front wings to expand the track and allows the installation of a large 9.5Jx19 wheels fitted with tires 265/30 ZR 19 sizes.

Custom carbon fiber rear fender flares add 60 millimeters (2.4 inches) to the width of the BRABUS E V12 convertible. They create room for ten inch wide wheels with performance tires up to size 295/30 ZR 19, provided by technology partners, Continental, Pirelli and Yokohama.

Engineering work has also invested in every detail of the suspension: suspension components have been designed specifically for the BRABUS E V12 Front and Rear Convertible. They offer a much wider range of individual suspension settings. These components are joined BRABUS coil-over suspension calibrated for a greater weight of the engine. The suspension has been developed in cooperation with Bilstein, and features ten selectable settings for bound and rebound on front and back. Ride height can be adjusted up to 35 mm to suit the personal preferences of each driver.

BRABUS high-performance brake system can easily master the incredible performance of the car. It is 380 x 37 mm (15.0 x 1.45 inches) brake discs ventilated and grooved steel and 12-piston aluminum fixed on the front axle. The rear stops 360 x 28 mm (14.2 x 1.1 inches) discs with 6 piston calipers in aluminum.

Naturally BRABUS E V12 Cabriolet is equipped with a special inner sole. The first car race in small series, which celebrated its public debut at BRABUS Middle East in Dubai, own branch of the company in the UAE, break the mold in this area too. The cockpit is dressed in a combination of finished leather lipstick red and black.

The ergonomically shaped BRABUS steering wheel, inlays made genuine carbon fiber dash, center console and a half to cut more sporting highlights. Speedometer 400 kmh (250 mph) line to demonstrate the potential performance of a single open-four parking spaces, although it is still standing.

2011 Saab 9-4x Aero SUV

2011 Saab 9-4x Aero SUV

2011 Saab 9-4x Aero SUV

2011 Saab 9-4x Aero SUV

2011 Saab 9-4x Aero SUV

2011 Saab 9-4x Aero Sport Utility Vehicle Performance

• Turbocharged
• Engine: 2.8L V6 DOHC with variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder
• Premium unleaded fuel
• Fuel economy: EPA (08):, 15 MPG city, 22 MPG highway, 18 MPG combined and 380 mi. range
• Multi-point fuel injection
• 21.1gallon fuel tank2011 Saab 9-4x Aero Sport
• Power (SAE): 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 295 ft lb of torque @ 2,000 rpm

ZURINER Depth-Charge ZV-01

By TLex ZURINER is newly established Hong Kong based Watch Company founded by Canadian watch connoisseur, Dave Simmons. I have to admit I haven't come across his name before, though. Nevertheless the ZURINER name has recently caught my attention.



The ZURINER brand has just one model, the 'Depth-Charge ZV-01', a PAM clone / homage watch that will most likely have die hard Paneristi spitting out their coffee. The PANERAI Radiomir 'Egiziano', which the Depth Charge takes its inspiration from, is an historic diving instrument that measured a massive 60mm in diameter. It housed the legendary Angelus Cal. 240 with 8 days power reserve and was commissioned by the Egyptian Navy in the 1950's. This brought about its nickname 'The Egyptian'.

In 2009 PANERAI gave the Egiziano a re-edition. The PAM 341, which boasted a new Titanium construction and Manufacture movement (the Calibre P.2002 also with 8 days power reserve). It still measured 60mm in diameter, though! Size aside the PAM 341 has an MSRP just south of 30K, so is it any wonder someone thought of making an affordable and wearable alternative. In steps ZURINER . . .



Well not quite, because ZURINER weren't in fact the first to clone the legendary Egiziano. RWC ‘Retrospective Watch Co.’ have been producing a 200 piece limited edition watch called the ‘EGIZAINO 1954’ for several years now. This watch’s dimensions are a far more reasonable 47mm (53mm inc. crown). It has a sapphire crystal and a Swiss mechanical movement. It ships for just 1098USD. Of the two watches the RWC leans more towards homage than the ZURINER. It recalls the name and history of the Egiziano and makes a connection with the name ‘Egyptian’ with a depiction of an ancient Egyptian style Griffin engraved on its caseback. It hasn’t copied PANERAI’s trademark and patented crown-locking system, either.



Both watches house the Swiss UNITAS ETA 6497 hand wound caliber, a movement that was in fact used by PANERAI for many of their watches in the days before they made such a name for themselves. The 6497 is large movement, which was once used to power pocket watches. It’s an obvious choice for anyone making large watches that have any sort of historical reference to PANERAI.



So what do you think of watches such as these!? Are they just blatant rip-offs or are they fitting tributes that make the unobtainable obtainable. Before we cast judgment, let’s give a thought to the plethora of Sub clones that we have become so nonchalant about, some of which are praised for the exceptional value that they offer, others evoke no more emotion than a grunted ‘seen that somewhere before’! And who said only Subs were fair game for cloning, anyway?!



Personally I believe there is just as much a place in the watch market for watches like the ZURINER Depth-Charge as there are for any other wannabe Omega, Panerai or Rolex. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, such is the nature of any industry that produces exotic items that because of their sheer expense and or rarity, or in this case size included, are out of reach for so many, that someone sees fit to provide a solution. So I guess it was only matter of time before someone set up an entire watch company based on the Egiziano. ZURINER is that company.



The ZURINER Depth-Charge ZV-01 has a 48mm (exc. crown guard) x 15 mm 316L ASI Stainless Steel case with 24mm lug width. Its case, which has a water-resistance of 20 ATM, 200 meters or 660 feet features a PANERAI-style crown locking device that is probably as close to PANERI’s trademark crown-locking system as one could get without a lawsuit (we shall see). It also features a rotational bezel and has been fitted with AR treated K1 mineral crystal. As previously mentioned it houses the UNITAS 6497 hand cranked movement with 46hrs of power-reserve, not quite 8 days, but what did you expect!



The dial recalls PANERI’s famous sandwich dial, a dual-layered black dial with applied indexes painted with SuperLuminova. The Depth-Charge ZV-01 comes in 6 different variations: two finishes, brushed or DLC and two crown positions, regular or lefty. There are two different sub-dial designs. I’m not particularly fond of either or them to be honest, they shouldn't have messed with them.



The brushed steel versions go for 1099USD, which considering its lack of sapphire crystal misses the mark for me price-wise. The DLC versions cost 1369USD, so that’s a massive 300USD price increase just for the pleasure DLC! Ouch! Each version of the Depth-Charge ZV-01 has been built in a limited edition of 300 pieces, so total 1’800 pieces. They come with a two year international warranty and ship for a further 70USD.