The 1951 Nash-Healey was a pretty little roadster. Nothing to write home about, but nothing offensive. Then in 1952 they hired Pinin Farina to do a redesign. I guess you can call it unique. It's unfortunate heavy and cross-eyed looks spread like disease throughout the Nash range - by 1955 most models shared the Nash-Healey look.
For anyone who regularly watches this site, I've now added a search as well as "reactions" on the bottom of each post. It seems to only let me have 3, so I chose to keep it simple with, "verified fugly" and "404: fugly not found". Feel free to go check crazy.
Because a Olds Alero looks exactly like a vintage Cadillac. And because the Olds Alero is such a terrific base for a rat rod. I'm guessing rat rod due to the pinstriping and matte paint. I think it's matte paint... The door and the rest of the car seem to be different textures.
RENAULT SAYS: The launch of the Renault Laguna Coupé in South Africa introduces an entirely new level of exclusivity, style and dynamism to the local Renault range – and the market as a whole.
Combining clean-cut coupé styling with exceptional levels of comfort, luxury and advanced technology, the Laguna Coupé stands out as a thoroughly contemporary offering, aimed at individuals that demand the ultimate in terms of sophistication, class and performance.
"The Renault Laguna Coupé expresses timeless beauty, linked to absolute driving enjoyment. The result is an athletic two-door flagship coupé with strong allure and a unique position in the local market," explains Renault SA managing director, Xavier Gobille.
"While we have already introduced 11 new Renault models in the past 12 months, most of the newcomers have been positioned in the budget, the compact and the midrange segments of the market.”
Gobille adds that the arrival of the Laguna Coupé in SA adds an enticing and distinctly upmarket lustre to the Renault line-up, symbolising the stylistic excellence and technical fortitude of the brand.
The coupé also represents the ultimate in a premium offering that focuses on quality, comfort and the pleasure of driving, thanks to its design, accessible technologies (such as the 4Control Chassis and the Bose sound system), and peerless luxury in an all-in-one package.
"Accordingly, it's a fitting flagship model for the SA market, and one that will attract an entirely new calibre of discerning clientele to our showroom floors, while serving as a compelling image-builder for Renault in general," Gobille says.
The Laguna Coupé he adds, is the perfect epitome of Renault’s new pay-off line: ‘Renault – Drive The Change’.
Timeless beauty and the pleasure of movement The Renault Laguna Coupé expresses the trend-setting spirit of several of the marque’s recent ground-breaking concept cars, most notably the Fluence, which was appropriately revealed at the Louis Vuitton Classic in England in 2004.
This sporty and upmarket four-seater coupé showcased the underlying theme of Renault's vision of a trend-setting coupé with liquid, wind-cheating lines and a welcoming interior expressed through simplicity and sensuality.
In its final execution, the Laguna Coupé achieves the ideal balance between contemporary attraction and timeless appeal, creating a genuine head-turning model with a silhouette that will never lose its appeal.
The fluidity and elegance of the styling is evident in the defining character line that originates from beneath the grille and rises confidently across the Coupé’s flanks like a wave of air.
It gracefully emphasises the form of the front fenders, then underlines the car's broad haunches as it progresses rearwards. From there, it flows around the rear and up over the roof, then extends along the length of the bonnet, towards the inside of the headlights.
The coupé’s unique light line is underpinned by a second contour, running flame-like along the base of the body to create a sense of prestige and authority.
The elegance and dynamic poise of the new Laguna Coupé's overall design expresses the unique appeal of a classic coupé. Its uncluttered styling is matched by the assertiveness and sporting character of the steeply raked bonnet, the broad mesh grille and its striking 18-inch alloy wheels.
Sumptuous interior The plush interior of the Renault Laguna Coupé, and its sporting credentials, are the perfect counterpoint to its exclusive, avant garde exterior. The suspended sweeping design of the dashboard dominates the cabin, placing the emphasis firmly on an unparalleled level of perceived and tangible quality and luxury.
Immediately evident is the 'lounge'-effect soft-touch trim extending across the dashboard and throughout the entire cabin. This is reinforced by soft-touch controls and a chic combination of aluminium and chrome finishes.
Boasting exceptional comfort and refinement throughout, the seats are sporty and enveloping, offering an unsurpassed level of comfort and support. But it's the rear of the cabin that truly sets it apart.
In the absence of a conventional middle seating position, the two rear seats have been brought closer together, affording rear occupants high levels of airy, all-round spaciousness.
Innovative 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering Renault's leading-edge 4Control chassis makes its SA debut in the Laguna Coupé. Jointly developed by Renault’s engineering team, in association with Renault Sport Technologies, this advanced system delivers the ultimate level of dynamic and sporty handling, while also allowing exceptional manoeuvrability at low speed.
The innovative chassis technology electronically controls the vehicle's dynamics, using both vehicle data (such as speed and steering wheel angle) and dynamic information (steering wheel movements, yaw) into account.
These parameters are analysed to determine the effective turning angle of the rear wheels, which is implemented by an electric actuator on the rear axle.
At low speeds, the 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering provides enhanced manoeuvrability in town by turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts, thus creating a tighter, class-leading 10,1 m turning circle and requiring reduced steering wheel angles for more direct control.
From 60 km/h, the system offers greater steering precision and stability by simultaneously turning the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts. Simulating the effect of a longer wheelbase, this gives the driver greater control, and creates an impression of cornering on rails.
The system also contributes to significantly higher active safety. In an emergency avoidance manoeuvre, or under harsh braking, the system automatically adjusts the angle of the rear wheels up to a maximum of 3,5 degrees in order to improve directional stability.
Furthermore, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is calibrated to suit a sporty driving style, and is applied gradually in unison with the rear-wheel turning action.
Flagship performance In line with its flagship status, the Renault Laguna Coupé is equipped with a powerful Euro 5-compliant 3,5-litre V6 engine, which is a perfect match for its dynamic potential.
Delivering a maximum power output of 175 kW at 6 000 r/min, accompanied by a mighty 330 Nm of torque at 4 000 r/min, this unit boasts outstanding levels of refinement, matched to a spirited nature and a lively, tell-tale exhaust note.
Mated to a responsive six-speed automatic gearbox, the V6 accelerates the Coupé from standstill to 100 km/h in just 7,4 sec, before attaining a 244 km/h top speed. Despite this obvious athletic ability, the Laguna flagship returns a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 10 litres/100 km. Emissions are rated at 238 g of CO2/km.
Premium technology The Laguna Coupé's exclusive character also sets the tone for a genuinely premium level of technology. High-end audio enthusiasts will certainly relish the bespoke Bose sound system, which comprises 10 speakers, a Bose amplifier incorporating a digital signal processing system, and a six-channel personalised equaliser.
Allied to this is a complete range of connectivity solutions, including the Bluetooth telephony system, combined with Bluetooth audio streaming and voice recognition functions. Renault's digital Plug & Music terminal provides a USB port and a jack socket for iPod/MP3 player connections.
The Coupé follows Renault's popular navigation technology, which features a fully integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation system. The unit is built into the large in-dash multimedia screen, and provides all the functions of a high-end navigation system, including precise colour maps, voice guidance, traffic information, alternative routes, and much more.
Setting the safety standard Renault maintains its proud record of safety, having obtained the maximum five-star rating in the stringent Euro NCAP crash tests for the Laguna Coupé with a score of 36 points out of a possible 37.
The Coupé's systematic approach to occupant safety is provided by a total of eight airbags, including two new-generation adaptive dual-volume front airbags coupled with a seat rail position on the driver's side.
Additional safety innovations include new double side-impact sensors that adapt the response time to the impact force, triggering the release of new-generation dual-chamber/dual-pressure lateral airbags.
Along with the innovative 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering, the Coupé is equipped with a latest-generation ABS all-disc braking system with EBD and EBA, as well as an advanced Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The Renault Laguna Coupé has a recommended retail price of R499 900, which includes an industry-leading after-sales customer support package. This combines a five-year/150 000 km warranty with a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. Service intervals are every 20 000 km.
VOLVO SAYS: The new Volvo C70 is the ideal car for people who reward themselves with the best in life. It is as much an elegant coupé as it is a sporty convertible – two exhilarating cars in one sleek package, with the same elegant, clean lines in both versions.
The new Volvo C70 has the same smart three-piece steel roof, practical seating for four adults and world-leading convertible safety as before. With an updated design and elevated premium feel, the C70 delivers an "I want" aura of absolute world class.
"The Volvo C70 has classic convertible lines and a strong identity of its own. What we have done is to carefully redesign the front and rear so they harmonise more with both today's and tomorrow's Volvo models. We have also increased the exclusiveness of the materials and trim details to enhance the atmosphere of luxury and enjoyment inside the car," explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.
With its new front, the Volvo C70 reveals traces of the all-new Volvo S60, which was recently unveiled in Geneva. As a result, the new C70 now blends in with the larger models in the Volvo range.
"The new C70 has a clearer, more pronounced face. The car's natural elegance has been modernised so it blends seamlessly with the most up-to-date, the most sophisticated backdrops," says Fedde Talsma.
Bodywork details such as the front wings have been redesigned, which gives the new C70 a fresh, stylish new look. The nose is more wedge-shaped and the headlights have been repositioned to give the new C70 a more dynamic appearance. The new headlights and the décor around the foglamps, for instance, have been angled up and to the rear, while the detailing of the lower grille is more pronounced.
From head-on, the front forms an open, inviting "V". The enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intake reinforce the self-assured stance. Owners who want even more individuality can opt for the stunning new colour, Flamenco Red Pearl.
"The new C70 is a more elegant coupe, and a more exhilarating convertible than ever before. It's simply fantastic to drive," says Michelle Naudé, Marketing Director Volvo Car South Africa.
Sleek new rear design
The exclusive high-tech LED lamps, of the same type as found on the Volvo XC60, are the most noticeable update at the rear. The entire lamp unit is clearly integrated with the oval that frames the new C70's rear panel.
New lines and details in the rear bumper and elsewhere have been integrated to emphasise the depth and dynamism of the design language.
The interior has been updated in several respects to create a unique ambience in the new Volvo C70. The instrument panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look and the surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the feeling of quality.
The exclusive new instruments, with gauges and graphics that are specific to the C70, are yet another example of how the car's premium feel has been emphasised still further.
"We've focused the new interior features around the driver to give the owner a stronger perception of being rewarded behind the wheel. The seats are upholstered in a new type of soft hide and there is even better detail finish to make driving a more pleasurable experience than ever before," continues Fedde Talsma.
The new Volvo C70 has been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market, with regard to both preventive and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that are unique in the world of open cars. The lack of a fixed roof has been compensated for by structural reinforcements and sophisticated technology.
The Volvo C70 has sturdy metal hoops that shoot up at the rear of the vehicle, behind the rear seat passengers, that creates a protective "compartment" should the car roll over. These hoops, which are part of Volvo's Rollover Protection System - ROPS - are activated by a gyro-sensor. Since the Volvo C70 has a proper glass rear window, the hoops shoot up through the glass if the roof is up. They have therefore been fitted with small hardened metal spikes that break the glass in order to function properly.
One important part of the side-impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain, IC, which is installed in the door since there is no roof rail in which to fit it. The curtain has an extra-stiff design featuring twin rows of panels that are offset slightly in relation to one another. As a result, the curtain can remain upright and help protect occupants effectively, even if the window is open. What is more, the curtain deflates slowly, which provides added protection should the car roll over.
In addition to the inflatable curtains on either side, the front seat occupants also have side-impact airbags. These are designed to shield both the chest and hips. The inflatable curtain also interacts with the belt pre-tensioners to provide the best possible protection for front seat occupants in a side impact or rollover situation. All four seats come with safety belt pre-tensioners.
The Volvo C70 transforms smoothly from a cosy coupe into an open convertible. Just press a button and the three-part steel roof folds quickly and silently away, disappearing neatly into the boot.
Porsche South Africa has done us a huge favour by telling us exactly how much its new Cayenne range will cost. Yes, we have all the details of which models are coming and where in the pricing order they will stand.
The biggest news is probably that a diesel and a hybrid are on their way, not only for the first time in the world but of course in Mzansi as well. A look at the models then which all come fitted standard with the new 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox.
Bottom of the pile is the Cayenne which has a normally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 220kW at 6300rpm and 400Nm at 3000rpm. Following that is the Cayenne Diesel sporting a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 with a power figure of 176kW at 4400rpm and 550Nm at 2250rpm. A little higher is the Cayenne S featuring the 4.8-litre V8, naturally aspirated, kicking out 294kW at 6500rpm and 500Nm at 3500rpm.
The Cayenne Hybrid is positioned even higher than that with its supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine at the forefront. Total system output is 279kW at 6500rpm and 580Nm at 5250rpm. Top of the list, for now anyway, is the Cayenne Turbo with its 4.8-litre bi-turbo engine shooting out 368kW at 6000rpm and maximum torque of 700Nm at 4500rpm.
And now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Prices are as follows:
Ford has released details and pictures of the new Focus RS500, a car seemingly for those with balls as big as their wallets. Although prices are not available (the car is not coming to South Africa anyway), it should be quite devastating to the pocket. Come to think of it that’s why Mzansi is not getting the normal RS either, both situations quite pitiful if you ask me. Only 500 units will be sold in Europe, hence the name.
Back to lecture at hand. The RS500 is the most powerful Focus ever made for the road and features the same 2.5-litre 5-cylinder turbo engine, probably Volvo’s hardest working engine so far. This time power is upped to 257kW at 6000rpm and peak torque is 460Nm between 2500 and 4500rpm.
“The engine’s improved breathing has allowed us to increase power without having to raise turbo boost pressure significantly,” explained Gunnar Herrmann, Ford’s Global C-Car Vehicle Line Director. “This has made it possible to enhance peak performance while maintaining the excellent driveability, fuel consumption and emissions of the standard Focus RS.”
Performance is quite impressive, with the 0 – 100km/h dash dispatched with in just 5.6 seconds and top speed pegged at 263km/h. Amazingly Ford has kept the front-wheel-drive (FWD) format instead of installing an AWD system to handle all that power and torque. I would imagine the torque steer experienced in take-off and possibly in some driving situations is quite a handful, but the company insists that its ‘RevoKnuckle’ front suspension design and a Quaife helical limited slip differential (LSD) help limit these undesirables.
The exterior colour is a matt black finish which goes well with the 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/35/R19 tyres. High performance brakes feature red brake callipers which are not only for display purposes but of course offer the required and expected performance.
The special edition Focus RS500 comes standard with pretty much everything, including rear parking sensors, dual zone climate control, a Sony 6-CD changer, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB port.
I’m sure that should a really hardcore Ford enthusiast want to import one, a price tag of over R700 000 would be in order. Now you understand why it’s not coming to South Africa.
Introduced last Detroit Auto Show, Concept Sportback is 106,632 won reader's attention. Same with the BMW 5-Series GT, the coupe uses a five-door and 4 seats.
VOLVO SAYS: Ford Motor Company has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Volvo Car Corporation and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.
The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010, and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.
The purchase price for Volvo Cars and related assets (primarily intellectual property) is US$1.8 billion, which will be paid in the form of a note in the amount of US$200 million, and the remainder in cash. The cash portion of the purchase price will be adjusted at close for customary purchase price adjustments relating to pension deficits, debt, cash and working capital, the net effect of which could be a significant decrease in the cash proceeds to Ford.
“Volvo is a great brand with an excellent product lineup. This agreement provides a solid foundation for Volvo to continue to build its business under Geely’s ownership,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO. “At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to further sharpen our focus on building the Ford brand around the world and continue to deliver on our One Ford plan serving our customers with the very best cars and trucks in the world.”
Ford will continue to cooperate with Volvo Cars in several areas after the sale has been completed in order to ensure a smooth transition, but will not retain any ownership in the Volvo Cars business.
Following completion of the sale, Ford will continue to supply Volvo Cars with, for differing periods, powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components.
As part of the sale, Ford also has committed to provide engineering support, information technology, access to tooling for common components, and other selected services for a transition period to ensure a smooth separation process.
Ford and Geely have established agreements to govern the use of intellectual property; these agreements will allow both Volvo and Ford to deliver their business plans and provide appropriate safeguards against misuse. These agreements also will allow Volvo Cars to grant sublicenses to certain portions of Ford’s intellectual property used by Volvo Cars to third parties, including Geely.
“The Volvo team has done an exceptional job of restructuring its business and remaining focused on delivering its plan during the sale process,” said Lewis Booth, Ford’s chief financial officer. “With Ford’s continued investment in Volvo, it has launched its best-ever product range and remained true to its core values – safety, quality, environmental responsibility and modern Scandinavian design.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Volvo Cars, and wish the management team, employees and new owners every success for the future.”
“Zhejiang Geely would like to pay tribute to Ford’s stewardship of the Volvo brand, and we look forward to continued cooperation as Volvo embarks on the next stage of its evolution with Geely,” said Li Shufu, chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited.
Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Cars, added, “The Volvo management team fully endorses Ford’s sale of Volvo Cars to Geely. We believe this is the right outcome for the business, and will provide Volvo Cars with the necessary resources, including the capital investment, to strengthen the business and to continue to move it forward in the future.
“Geely has been very supportive of Volvo Cars’ business plans and management team. We look forward to building a strong relationship between Volvo Cars and Geely, and to maintaining a strong relationship with Ford in those areas where we will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition.”
Volvo has refreshed the C30 3-door and gave it the company’s new face. A new front end as well as rear end give the car a new lease on life in times when a recession has dug deep into consumer pockets and left them helpless. Volvo need a star performer in its midst and the C30 is poised to be it.
A redesigned front grille kicks off the facework, followed by new upward-slanting headlights and front wings. A bigger air intake looks like it’s straight from the XC60.
“The fact that the C30 has enhanced its visual volume and self-confidence is entirely in line with Volvo Cars' design strategy. At the same time, the C30 has a one of a kind expression. The new honeycomb grille, for instance, means it takes just a quick glance in the rear-view mirror to see that the car filling your view is the new Volvo C30,” says Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.
The rear has also gone under the scalpel, gaining a new lights cluster and bumper. High end models receive a visible tailpipe as well. Volvo is offering white wheels as an option and they look quite hot with the R Design option. At the launch in Cape Town there was a car adorned with these special wheels and it really stood out, although I do admit that this is not everybody’s cup of tea. The C30 is of course aimed at the young at heart, or those who have the inclination to drive a compact Volvo. It was the car that continued the new Volvo funk started by the current S60. Therefore making it as funky as possible is part of its appeal, hence the white rims and catchy colours. In fact, a total of 12 paint colours are available to choose from.
As far as the interior, nothing has changed expect a few more options to pick from. The interior is now available in an all-new Espresso/Blond combo, consisting of a dark brown upper section and a blond, fresh shade on the lower door sides. The Volvo centre stack is also offered in something called Oyster Burst Déco which changes the texture of the stack and makes it feel quite funky.
Engines remain the same with the 1.6-litre making 74kW and 150Nm, the 2.0-litre worth 107kW and 185Nm as well as the 169kW, 320Nm T5 with a 2.5 turbo engine. Average fuel consumption is quoted at 7 litres per 100km, 7.4l/100km and 8.7l/100km for all three respectively. Matching C02 emissions are 167g/km, 177g/km and 203g/km. While I understand the 1.6 and even 2.0 form the bread and butter for C30, these two motors are underpowered compared to some German and French competitors with smaller, turbo power.
Changes have been made to the suspension system in line with the idea of improving handling performance. The sport chassis is optional on the lower models but standard on the T5 R Design and makes handling a little crisper. I felt it during the short stint in the car and it really was an improvement over the pre-facelift model. Steering is also sharper.
Speaking of R Design, the new models are simply smarter than the old ones and really accentuate the C30’s wild child personality to the fullest. Outside R Design features the related badge on the front grille, new body kit, 17-inch five-spoke aluminium wheels and a tailgate spoiler among others.
The R Design interior includes an embossed R-Design emblem in the front seats, sports steering wheel trimmed in leather with an R-Design emblem, a blue speedometer and rev counter gauges, as well as an R-Design centre stack and panel inserts.
“With the new sport chassis, the new R-Design builds further on the success of the sport chassis introduced in the Volvo S80 earlier in 2009. Although the actual properties differ between these two car categories, we've had plenty of good experience on which to build further in the Volvo C30,” says Stefan Sällqvist, manager Vehicle Dynamics.
It may be easy to dismiss the new Volvo C30 facelift as a mere facelift but it will go a long way towards infusing a new life force into the youthful, funky car.
Well, the Spartan. Another neoclassic from the 70's, which strangely used a 280Z as it's base. I suppose it's kinda fitting, as the 280Z had kinda morphed into a luxobarge at that point. Why not make it more luxurious and more barge-y.
I'm thinking he's looking at replicating the 1959/1960 El Camino, except instead of having a bed it has a a reeeeally long trunk. Kind of like the SSR.
South Africans are generally not known as station wagon buying people. We seem to mimic the Americans in that aspect, although they weren’t always this way. I guess the advent of the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) really changed the dynamics for the station wagon/ estate/ tourer market.
Consider that of the roughly 180 E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 combined units sold every month, only about 1 or 2 are station wagons. Internationally about 240 000 E-Class Estates have been sold since it was launched last year. Thus it seems Mercedes-Benz SA is taking a hell of a chance launching the E-Class Estate, especially in this currently depressed market.
Company logic is that the car will be niche yes, but very soon customers will grow to appreciate the type of value/ utility proposition offered by premium wagons. The other reason stated is the relative success enjoyed by the C-Class Estate in its segment, the trend towards smaller SUVs and the demand for space. Mercedes-Benz SA has no plans to launch the GLK compact SUV which competes against the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60.
One cannot accuse this car of being compact though, not by any means. It weighs in at about 1.7 tonnes (E 200 CGI) and measures 4.9 metres long, 1.85m wide, 1.5m high and has a wheelbase of 2.9m. Maximum boot capacity is 1950 litres, which means it can swallow well over 300 6-pack boxes of long-life milk. Or a space shuttle. Good news if you’re a farmer off to the moon. For the rest of us it means you can take all your buddies’ golf clubs plus their caddies and still make it in time for tee off.
That’s because the engines are powerful as well. At the bottom is a 1.8-litre 200 CGI with direct injection (fuel goes straight into the combustion chamber for improved efficiency all around), and a turbocharger. It produces 135kW at 5250 rpm and 270Nm at 1800rpm, has a claimed 0 – 100km/h sprint time of 8.8 seconds and runs out of breath at 222km/h. Average fuel consumption is between 7.9 and 8.1 litres per 100km and C02 emissions range from 183 to 189g/km.
The rest mirror the E-Class sedan; the E300 with a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre V6 worth 170kW and 300Nm, the E350 making 200kW and 350Nm, and the E500 with its 5.5-litre V8 of 285kW and 530Nm. MBSA says customers who are interested in the E 63 AMG Estate can certainly order one and get it delivered, though we weren’t given any indicative pricing on it. However, these cars are generally R25 000 more than their sedan equivalents, so you are looking at northwards of R1 194 000 for the fast mama wagon.
Speaking of which, gone are those days when the Estate looked like a bloated whale. This one is very streamlined, quite sleek on the sides and has an almost coupe-like rear profile. In the metal, and I saw one standing in front of me, it looks much smaller than in pictures.
As far as luxuries are concerned, this is an E-Class after all, so this is not in question at all. Being in South Africa also means a lot of the gadgets and fittings are already standard, things like 9 air bags, adaptive brake lights, ambient lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, ESP, Hill Start Assist and the Easy-Pack tailgate system which opens and closes the boot electronically through the touch of a button. You can even set the thing to rise as far as you want, which is useful for low-roof parking bays. Standard wheels are 17-inch types but there is an optional 18-incher which unfortunately because of its depth, does not come with a full-sized spare wheel.
Some sweet options are available however, including the Distronic Plus, bi-xenon headlights, leather seats, child seat recognition, keyless go and rear seat entertainment in the form of DVD players. Only the Elegance and Avantgarde options are being sold here, which is good for resale values and more understandable customer options.
I didn’t get a chance to drive the new E-Class Estate but will do so in the next couple of weeks, by which time you’ll know exactly what I think of it. In the meantime check out the pictures and pricing.
Review VW Blue Sports: Starting debut in Detroit, the car combines the favorite in Germany between the consumption of fuel economy with the sensation of driving a sports car. Using a 2.0-liter TDI engine, Volkswagen Blue sport are able to accelerate from 0-100 km / h in 6.6 seconds with maximum power to 180 hp.
Freshly leaked onto the internet, the 2011 Infiniti QX56 replaces the last QX's blocky, slightly boring look with this new hideously swoopy version. Sadly, in the process it removes unique and interesting details, like the C-pillar rear door handles and the gentle arch to the tops of the rear doors, and replaces them with a pretty generic midsection. Up front the previous slab-like headlights and grille have been replaced with units looking like these ripped from a M45. Not exactly elegant, as the bulging hood above gives the truck a slightly neanderthal look. And those fender vents looks suspiciously like those you can buy in bulk at Wal-Mart.
