2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

SPECIFICATIONS: 2011 CADILLAC CTS COUPE

Model: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
Engine: 3.6-liter V6
Horsepower/Torque: 304 hp @ 6,400 rpm/370 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual
Wheelbase: 113.4 in.
Length/Width/Height: 188.5 x 74.1 x 55.9 in.
Tires: P245/45R19 (F)/P275/40R19 (R) no spare
Cargo volume: 10.5 cu. ft.
Fuel economy: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/18.3 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 18.0 gal.
Curb weight: 3,907 lbs.
Sticker: $50,035 (includes $825 destination charge, $2,200 in options ($2,090 summer tire performance package, $110 underhood appearance package))

The Bottom Line: Cadillac has expanded the CTS line with this coupe, it has great styling and performance that doesn't quite live up to it’s a+ styling, but still isn't bad.

Cadillac's CTS line replaced the Catera, which broke Caddy's mold of delivering only big boats for old people. The CTS itself broke Catera's mold in moving the bar higher on the performance line. The CTS Coupe is the latest iteration of the CTS philosophy, and while in standard form it's a nice car, the CTS-v version should be a knockout.

I had a sense of how attractive it is when a neighbor was in the driveway anxious to "kick the tires" before the delivery men had left. In fact, he sat in it before I did.

The CTS Coupe is all seemingly straight lines and angles. Coupe styling tends to be more dramatic than sedans, even in the same car line, and the CTS Coupe is no different. While it retains the basic CTS shape and lines, in a coupe form these lines seem more dramatic.

I was surprisingly pleased with the performance form the 3.6-liter V6. While I'm one of those purists who believe that a Caddy should have eight cylinders, the 304 horsepower V6 didn't do a bad job. Sure, if you demand the type of performance the styling suggests, then opt for the 556 hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the CTS-v, for a price bogey of about $12,000. As for me, I'd be perfectly satisfied with the V6.

The 6-speed automatic also has a manual mode. You can shift it with the shifter or with buttons on the back of the steering wheel.

Ride quality is excellent. Handling is very good. While the suspension is firm enough for good response, it's also very complaint. You won't get a backache driving the CTS Coupe.

The front seats are comfortable and offer good side support. the rear seats are coupe rear seats - hard to get into, but decent when you do. there's a slight claustrophobic feel in the back with small side windows. They have good leg room once you get there.

Push buttons abound. There is a pushbutton in the hidden exterior door handle and one on the inside when you want to get out. It seems strange, then, that there isn't a pushbutton start; just a faux key start without the key.

Controls are very intuitive; if you can't figure them out you probably didn't figure out how to get in the car in the first place. I was able to find audio stations on all bands as well as my iPod. The HVAC works well on both sides.

The trunk is listed at only 10 cubic feet, but is still perfect for a getaway weekend for a couple. However, it won't carry a golf bag without folding down the rear seat backs. The trunk expansion is more like a large pass through, but it does the job.

I must admit that the high beam is one of the best I have used. It clearly lighted the road ahead and the surrounding area, so if a deer was waiting in the wings ready to attack, I'd find her.

I also must admit I thoroughly enjoyed my week in the Cadillac CTS Coupe, an American car that can compete with the best from Germany or Japan on an equal basis and look good doing it.

© 2010 The Auto Page Syndicate

by http://www.theautochannel.com

2011 Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza was first introduced as a 2009 model. Now for 2011, the only noteworthy change is a $200 base-price bump. According to Toyota, all aspects of Venza's engineering and design were targeted specifically for the North American market, where it is sold exclusively. Venza was primarily engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The design was the creation of Toyota's Calty Design studios in Newport Beach, California, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Venza is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Kentucky, also home of the Camry and Avalon. More than 70 percent of Venza’s components come from North American suppliers.

The Venza is a 5-passenger mid-size Crossover, or crossover SUV if you will, and competes with the likes of the Mazda CX7, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano and Chevrolet Equinox, amongst others. Toyota likes to refer to the Venza as a passenger car and some see it as a replacement for the Camry station wagon. It is an upscale, tall-wagon with hatchback practicality --- Americans have come to like hatchbacks via minivans. Larger and heavier than a wagon it does offer a higher seating position and an increased ground clearance of 8.1 inches for the occasional really, really deep snow or unpaved road adventure.

The 2011 Venza offers a choice between four-cylinder and V6 engines and both are available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions. Venza’s standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 182 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft. of torque. The four-cylinder Venza is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/27 MPG highway for the FWD model. The Venza’s available 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower and 246 lb.-ft of torque. The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway.

Both engines are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Venza's available Active Torque Control AWD System optimizes torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to help ensure stable acceleration and smooth cornering on all road surfaces. AWD offers enhanced traction and helps provide excellent overall handling in inclement weather. With AWD, EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2.7-liter four-cylinder is 20 MPG city/25 MPG highway and for the 3.5liter V6 is 18 MPG city/25 MPG highway.

With 34.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seat, that increases to 70.1 cubic feet if folded down, the Venza is well suited for hauling stuff. With 2500 lb. towing capacity with the 4-cylinder and 3500 lb with the V6, the Venza should work well for active-lifestyle folks. The 17.7 gallon fuel tank could get you somewhere between 450 and 500 miles on an all-day road trip.

All Venza models come standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System™ which includes Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). Earlier this year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had announced that the 2010 Venza has earned “Top Safety Pick” status, the highest safety designation awarded by the IIHS.

The Venza mid-size crossover is also equipped with Smart Stop Technology throttle over-ride.

The four-cylinder models ride on 10-spoke, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels while 20-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are standard for the V6 model. Power-assisted ventilated front/solid rear disc brakes are standard on all models. Electric power steering (EPS) is standard.

Venza only comes in one trim level or model with an extensive roster of standard equipment including dual-zone automatic climate control with air filter and second row seat vents; a tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with integrated audio controls; an overhead console with map lights; rear seat adjustable personal reading lamps and three 12-volt power outlets. Three different audio systems are available. Option packages and stand-alone options include high intensity discharge headlamps with an automatic high beam feature that detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high- to low-beam; chrome-accented front door handles that lock and unlock all four doors and the liftgate; panoramic roof with power tilt/slide function and a separate fixed glass panel over the rear seats, and power windows with auto up/down function and jam protection on all four doors.

A rear seat DVD entertainment system features JBL Synthesis surround sound, nine-inch display, two sets of wireless headphones, a remote control unit, auxiliary mini-jack, a 120-volt outlet and RCA mini-jacks.

Options for Venza include power liftgate; Smart Key System with push button start; leather-trimmed seats; tow hitch; roof rack; carpeted floor mats, and a cargo mat. And since many folks need a “wagon-type” vehicle because they have a pet, a wide range of pet utility accessories, including a rear liftgate pet ramp, booster seat with harness, pet buckles and rear seat zipline-style harnesses are available at Toyota dealerships. Other items include pet carriers and bucket seat, bench seat and hammock-style waterproof seat covers.

As an added value for customers and further decreasing owner operating costs--or increasing miles per dollar, as I like--Toyota recently announced that new Toyota vehicles will now come standard with Toyota Care. This new plan offers complimentary normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Toyota is the first full-line brand to offer a complimentary maintenance plan standard on new Toyota vehicles within its line-up.

The MSRP ranges from $26,475 for the four-cylinder FWD model, to $29,750 for the V6 AWD.

© Larry Nutson

by http://www.theautochannel.com

2011 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Wagon, The only BMW station wagon for 2011.

2011 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Wagon
At about the same time the ’11 BMW 328i Sport Wagon became available at U.S. dealers the all-new 5-series was also. Along with the new 5 came the news that BMW would no longer offer the 5-Sport Wagon model in the U.S., although it is still offered and available in Europe. If BMW’s X3 or X5 Sport Activity Vehicles meet your need, then you are still OK. If you wanted a car with space and versatility, then the 3-sport wagon is it.

I’ve just begun to read “Younger Next Year” by Chris Crowley & Dr. Henry S. Lodge and I’m not plugging the book but it serves as a good reference to the fact that as baby-boomers move into retirement years and become empty nesters they will need to continue an active lifestyle to live out what may be the final one-third of their lives. Yes I’m talking 80 or even 90 years. In my view, the station wagon is the perfect car model that provides a balance of comfort, luxury, versatility and cargo capacity for active-lifestyle folks of any age.

Getting to the 2011 328i xDrive Sport Wagon that I have been living with for about 3 weeks now, I find this car true to BMW design character, fun to drive, stylishly gorgeous, low on fuel consumption and really practical. New this year is a bolder front spoiler/bumper ensemble, larger center air intake and newly shaped headlight clusters. In mixed driving with the 6-speed automatic, a 6-speed manual being also available, I’m averaging 22 mpg and I know from previous 3-series experience that 30 to 32 mpg is attainable on a long highway cruise. Recently I was biking and rendezvoused with my wife for dinner. After, we very easily loaded my bike in the back of the wagon rather than have me pedal home on dark streets.

The interior of the 3-wagon is stylish, comfortable and ergonomically friendly. It comes with two keys that are each programmable for two different drivers. Leather-clad seats with memory power adjustment are firm and supportive yet very comfortable. An on-board computer monitors vehicle parameters, the AM/FM stereo allows for CDs or MP3 player and has an integrated iPod and USB adapter. Bluetooth enabling for mobile phones is easily programmed.

For winter months, the heated steering wheel, heated front seats and headlight washers make for behind-the-wheel comfort. For those bad weather conditions especially winter, in addition to the xDrive all-wheel–drive system, Dynamic Stability, Traction and Brake Control systems enhance the driving experience and overall safety. Let me not forget the Hill Descent Control.

A Navigation System is available for those trips into new urban environments; Satellite Radio will allow you to follow all your favorite radio-jocks wherever you may be; a Convenience Package includes among other items Park-distance Control and Comfort Access; and if you’re still a boy-racer a Sport Package or a M-Sport Package can be chosen. Roof Rails are available if you may need to do some car-top carrying for bikes or a skis…and it’s much easier to put them up than on a tall SUV or crossover.

I find it of interest to compare models within a brand. Perhaps you’ve decided you want a BMW, but which one remains the question. Looking at the X3, BMW’s smaller Sport Activity Vehicle or crossover, pricing starts at $38,850 whereas the Sport Wagon starts at $37,700. Both come with the 3.0L in-line 6 cylinder---which I must comment is a very wonderful engine that I find more pleasing than some equivalent-output Turbo 4-cylinders of other brands---the X3 engine has 30 more HP over the 230 HP of the Sport Wagon, which is needed for its heavier weight. The X3 is a little quicker 0 to 60 mph at 7.1 sec. v 7.3 sec. for the Sport Wagon but there is a fuel economy tradeoff with the Sport Wagon at 17 city mpg and 26 highway mpg and the X3 at 17 city mpg but 24 highway mpg.

Both are 5-passenger. The Sport Wagon holds 25 cu. ft. behind the rear seat and the X3 holds 30 cuft. Fold the rear seat and the Sport Wagon holds 58 cuft and the X3 holds 71 cuft---so the X3 holds about 20-22% more. On the outside, the Sport Wagon is 1.3 inches shorter and a significant 10.2 inches lower. But, the X3 has 8 inches of ground clearance which is about twice that of the Sport Wagon. If you are driving in really deep snow very often or traveling unpaved, rutty roads or are concerned about frequent street flooding, the X3 has the advantage.

I don’t do any of these but do need to travel snowy roads and the xDrive on the Sport Wagon does it for me. I can mount four winter tires, which is always a good recommendation to follow, and further improve snow driving. The empty-nester couple will be very comfortable in the Sport Wagon and the 4-doors and rear seat allow for easy accommodation of friends or family. I really like the rear hatch’s separately-opening upper glass that allow you to quickly stow small packages that can be concealed by the cargo cover.

All BMWs have a four-year/50,000 mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty which includes a Maintenance Program that covers at no cost all factory-recommended maintenance and normal wear and tear items such as brake pads, wiper blade inserts and engine drive belts. Oil changes cost nothing and are every 15,000 miles or once per year. Most BMW dealers will provide a BMW loaner if you schedule it in advance…always a quick test drive opportunity.

Final word: I hope the 3-series Sport Wagon stays in the BMW program and doesn’t go the way of the 5-Sport Wagon. The good news is that they are still built for Europe and it wouldn’t be too difficult to revisit this decision.

© Larry Nutson

by http://www.theautochannel.com