Opinion Cars

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 MINI Cooper
The Mini lineup will enter the 2011 model year with an array of visual and equipment upgrades for the Cooper, Cooper convertible, and Clubman. The visual changes include a redesigned front bumper that helps the Mini meet new pedestrian-safety regulations in Europe. The lower grille and new fog-light surrounds have more pronounced, contoured borders. Base (non-S) models feature a new horizontal bar in the lower air inlet, while S models sport prominent (and functional) brake ducts that can be trimmed in chrome. There are five new wheel designs in 15-, 16-, and 17-inch sizes.

The exterior lighting has been revised with new trim rings for the side-marker lights, while black headlight surrounds, like those on the recent Camden anniversary edition, are now optional on all but John Cooper Works models. The brake lights now use LEDs, and the optional xenon headlights now swivel in turns. Reverse lights migrate to the lower bumper.

Updates to the interior will help appease those, like us, who found the Mini’s ergonomics less than friendly. The audio controls have been consolidated under the large center speedometer, and all secondary controls are now finished in matte black rather than silver, as are the steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.
INTERIOR
Of all the ways to describe the Mini Coopers interior, we doubt anyone would call it boring. The massive center-mounted speedometer is a nod to the original Mini, but in terms of practicality, it comes off as a bit gimmicky. One of our main gripes of previous Minis was the oddly placed stereo control knobs. Fortunately, that has been rectified for 2011 with a slightly more conventional layout.

Despite the Mini Coopers small size, the front seats are surprisingly spacious. There is no shortage of headroom or legroom and the cabin feels extraordinarily airy. The rear seats, by comparison, are much less accommodating, with a notable lack of legroom. Trunk space is also restrictive, at a very meager 5.7 cubic feet, but folding the rear seats flat increases cargo capacity to a very usable 24 cubes.

The convertible features a tailgate-style trunk opening with an upper package tray that can be raised to allow larger items to fit in the tiny 6-cubic-foot trunk. Unlike most convertibles, the Minis rear seats can be folded flat to accommodate larger items, but the rollover hoops and soft-top mechanism prevent the loading of bulkier objects. Rear visibility for the convertible is poor with the top down and even worse with the top up.

New optional extras include ambient lighting that can be set to any of 756 colors, and auto-dimming side-view mirrors. A cargo cover for Clubman models is now standard. New audio and navigation systems are available, with the latter using a 6.5-inch LCD screen in the Mini’s central speedometer. With Mini Connected software, iPhone and iPod users will be able to watch videos on the display while the car is parked, or see album cover art while playing music. The screen also will be able to display contact information from a compatible cell phone connected via Bluetooth.

The high-performance John Cooper Works trim gains an extra accent color, Chili Red, for the mirrors and roof. The color is also splashed on interior trim panels and stitching for the steering wheel, shifter, and parking-brake handle. JCW cars also score anthracite-gray gauge faces.
EXTERIOR
A more functional improvement is new anti-torque steer programming that keeps the wheels pointed forward under hard acceleration. The car does pull to the side far less than in the past, unfortunately, however, MINI has done nothing new to combat that spinning inside tire.

For several years now no mechanical limited slip has been offered on the MINI lineup and the Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) system, essentially an electronic LSD, is engaged only when the DTC is shut completely off. MINI engineers insist it works as well as the real deal, but it certainly doesn’t feel that way and as it stands you’ll get plenty of wheel spin or DSC interference in low gears, when you input lots of steering and throttle. Besides, it would be nice to have the properties of a limited slip without having to turn off all the safety gear. Just because you’re in the mood for a spirited drive it doesn’t mean you’re at the track. Thankfully it’s by no means as unmanageable as the MazdaSpeed3, but it’s hardly ideal.

Even with the added power for 2011, MINI managed to eek out a little extra fuel economy – always a plus. The 6-speed manual now gets 27/36-mpg compared to 26/34-mpg, while automatics see a similar jump rising to 26/34-mpg from 24/32-mpg.
ENGINE
The 2011 Mini Cooper comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine good for 121 hp and 114 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual with hill-start assist is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. Mini estimates a manual-equipped hatchback will go from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds (9.7 seconds with the automatic). EPA-estimated fuel economy is 29 mpg city/37 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined with the manual (27/35/31 convertible) and 28/36/31 with the automatic.

The Cooper S has a turbocharged version of the same engine good for 181 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque (192 lb-ft at full throttle thanks to an overboost function). Mini estimates 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.6 seconds for the manual and 6.8 seconds for the automatic. EPA estimated fuel economy is 27/36/30 with the manual and 26/34/29 with the auto.

The John Cooper Works cranks up the turbo boost to produce 208 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only available transmission. Mini estimates a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds for the hatchback and 6.6 for the convertible. Fuel economy is 25/33/28.
SAFETY
All 2011 Mini Coopers come standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control and front-seat side airbags. Side curtain airbags are standard on the hatchback, while the convertible features pop-up rollover bars and larger front side airbags that extend to head height. Traction control is optional. In Edmunds braking, various Mini Cooper S models with 17-inch wheels stopped from 60 mph between 112 and 115 feet -- excellent results.

The Cooper has not been rated using the governments new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedure. Its 2010 rating (which isnt comparable to the new methodology) was four stars out of five for frontal and side impacts for both driver and passengers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the hatchback its best rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset test, and its second-best score of "Average" in the side-impact and roof-crush tests.
reference:www.edmunds.com,www.autoguide.com,/www.caranddriver.com

2011 Toyota Sequoia

2011 Toyota Sequoia Review
It continues to offer SR5, Limited and Platinum models. It upgrades the machine with plush seven passenger seating, 20 inch super chrome alloy wheels, color-keyed grill and special black seat fabric. The limited trim options are a Rear Seat Entertainment System, a DVD navigation system with a backup camera and optional captains chairs in the second row. An exquisite, white pearl exterior paint job is the only available option for the Platinum trim. There is an additional 60 month power train coverage and unlimited corrosion coverage.

The 2011 Toyota Sequoia ranks 3 out of 8 Affordable Large SUVs. Demand for large SUVs may be declining, but for those in need of the towing capability and space, the 2011 Toyota Sequoia is worth a good look.

Both the Nissan and Chevy are rated to tow more than the Sequoia’s 7,100-pound tow rating (9,000 pounds and 8,500 pounds, respectively). The Tahoe also manages marginally better fuel economy than other competing large SUVs.

Details: Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia continues to be offered in three trim levels: SR5, Limited and Platinum.
The 2011 Toyota Sequoia is a great family vehicle, a modern replacement for the traditional American station wagon, with three rows of seats capable of carrying eight passengers. Brake Assist has been added as standard equipment for 2011 Toyota Sequoia. Toyota Sequoia comes in two trim levels: SR5 and Limited.
Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models are available. The Limited model is fitted with sumptuous leather seats, comfortable and heated. For maximum cargo carrying, you can remove the third-row seats and fold and tumble the second-row seats. Toyota’s attention to detail can be seen everywhere in The 2011 Toyota Sequoia. Two-wheel-drive 2011 Toyota Sequoia come standard with rear-wheel traction control, though, obviously, they won’t offer the mogul-climbing abilities of the four-wheel-drive models. The skid-control feature, which is standard, helps the Sequoia maintain stability should it lose traction and begin to slid sideways. A two-wheel-drive Sequoia is rated to tow up to a 6500-pound trailer, while a 4×4 is rated to pull a 6200-pound trailer.

Set to be a production reality and on sale in the UK by 2013, this alternatively-powered range-topper, the BMW i8, made its bow at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

When we got our Frankfurt tickets, one of main priorities was to get you a glimpse of BMW’s electric car for the future. For more dynamic driving or out-of-town routes, a high-performance three-cylinder petrol engine also comes into play. The sports car has an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h and space for up to four occupants.

The 349 horsepower hybrid has nearly 80 mpg fuel consumption. A lithium-ion battery pack works simultaneously with the three-pot works in tandem and front-mounted electric motor pulled from the i3 and driving the front wheels. Also the i8 has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, measuring 4632mm in length, 1955mm in width and 1280mm in height, comparable to the 3 Series coupe in dimensions.

The 349 horsepower hybrid has nearly 80 mpg fuel consumption. BMW says the i8 runs a 0-62mph in just 4.6 sec – 0.3 sec faster than the M3 Coupe. I

BMW i8 measures 4632mm in length, 1955mm in width and 1280mm in height, comparable to the 3 Series coupe in dimensions.

Both the BMW i3 and the BMW i8 will be built at BMW’s Leipzig plant in Germany.

At this very same Frankfurt show two years ago, Lamborghini unveiled the Reventon — the Raging Bull’s stunning, range-topping super model. With all 20 copies of the Reventon gone and the Murcielego nearing the end of its long lifespan, Sant A’gata Bolognese has one more trick behind the curtain in the form of the Reventon Roadster.

In all, the Reventon Roadster is essentially a Reventon with a removable roof. It’s powered by the same 6.5L V-12, though it now makes 670 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque and can hit 62 mph in just 3.4 secs and a top speed of 205 mph, but this time with the wind in your hair. A dry-sump oiling system keeps the engine lubricated and mounted as low as possible for optimal weight distribution, which, at 42/58 front/rear is optimal, according to Lamborghini. Lamborghini’s E-Gear single-clutch six-speed automated manual transmission sends power to all four wheels and, when the rear wheels are just spinning, can send up to 35% of the power to the front.

Porsche 911 GT2

The new Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Developed especially for the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, sports tires measuring 325/30ZR-19 convert this massive power into equally massive performance and acceleration on the road: zero-to-62 mph in 3.5 seconds, zero-to-124 mph in just 9.8 seconds, and zero-to-186 mph in 28.9 seconds. Top speed is 205 mph.

Equally supreme stopping power on this ultra-high-performance sports car comes from PCCB composite ceramic brakes. The interior also exudes the flair of sporting performance in virtually every detail, featuring lightweight bucket seats made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic in carbon-surface finish and lightweight door panels with door opening straps.

Appropriate control longitudinal and lateral dynamic chassis configuration is provided by the RS sports springs, Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management (PASM), anti-roll bar and engine mount and PSM Porsche Stability Management.

Its exterior styling, the new Porsche 911 GT2 RS 911 GT2 clearly distinguished by means of carbon fiber reinforced (CFR), as part of a distinctive matte black. Faced with the new, wider wheels Porsche 911 GT2-style alloy wheels with a central locking collar are flared fenders. "RS GT2" model designations provide further differentiation in the doors and rear engine cover. From behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT2 RS, a flash of sport performance continues. Porsche GT2 RS - Key information and technical data

Light features developed for the Porsche 911 GT2 RS includes the use of lightweight aluminum frame and cross diagonals of the rear suspension, carbon fiber reinforced front cover and rear spoiler, rear polycarbonate side windows, bonnet Light, lighter single-mass flywheel, lighter lithium-ion batteries.

As for the interior, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS exudes the flair and panache of top quality sporting performance in virtually every detail, including the lightweight bucket seats made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic in carbon surface finish and lightweight door panels with door opening straps.

While the 458 Italia comes with a powerful 4.5 Liter V8 engine that produces 570 horsepower with a 201-mph top speed, the Porsche 911 GT2 RS has the leg up, thanks to its 3.6 liter six-cylinder boxer engine with 620 horsepower and a 205-mph top speed. Despite the "slower" top speed, the 458 Italia jumps off the block as fast as the 911 GT2 RS, posting a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds compared to the Porsche 911 GT2 RS’ time of 3.5 seconds (0-62 mph).

The price for both cars hit well in the range of each other with the 911 GT2 RS ($280,000) being a little more expensive than the 458 Italia ($275,000).




The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid.

As impressed as we were with the 2011 Kia Optima just a month ago, nothing could have prepared us for the Kia Optima Hybrid.

Heres the recipe: Take everything that makes the Optima a winner, and add a hybrid powerplant. But make it a hybrid powerplant that delivers the mileage. 24 mpg city/34 highway in the gasoline Optima becomes 35 city/40 highway in the Optima Hybrid...good enough to vault into 7th place on TireKickers Top 10 Fuel Savers, ahead of smaller, lesser-performing cars like the Honda CR-Z and Lexus HS 250h.






The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid rear view.

Best part of it all? The price spread between gasoline and hybrid is small as such things go...$4,005.  Now, admittedly, thats the difference between $22,495 and $26,500. But if your priorities include using less gasoline and putting fewer pollutants into the air, there are higher prices to pay.

Much like the gasoline version from a month ago, this Optima Hybrid was loaded. You might remember the $22,495 wound up being $27,440. Well, in this case, a single option, the $5,000 Premium Technology Package (Nav system with backup camera, Sirius Traffic, an Infinity audio system, panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, upgraded 17-inch tires with alloy wheels, auto-leveling HID headlamps, leather seat trim, drivers seat memory, heated and cooled front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel and power front passengers seat) ran the price with $750 freight and handling to $32,250.

Yeah, thats a pricey Kia. But again, its less than five grand above the loaded gasoline version.



The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid gauge cluster.

So...the big question: Hows the mileage? Well, we did 225 miles of purely city street driving over the course of a week, and got 31.0 miles per gallon. Yes, the EPA estimate is 35 city, but the small print under that number says "expected range for most drivers 29 to 41 mpg". So were in the ballpark. As always, your mileage may vary. Id bet on having hit 35 had we done our usual amount of freeway driving...and on a roadtrip, 40s probably realistic.

Bottom line: Kias on a roll, and the Optima is a contender not just among family sedans, but among alternative-energy vehicles as well.


2011 Kia Optima Hybrid

Base price: $26,500

As tested: $32,250

Likes: Styling, smooth power, impressive mileage for its size.

Dislikes: Overly sensitive tire pressure monitoring system.

EPA estimates: 35 mpg city/40 mpg highway.

Simply put, its slow, with a 2-liter four cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. Its noisy by contemporary standards and rough, too.

The arguments in its favor? Price...a base price of $22,995 for the all-wheel drive SE model we drove...$18,495 for the 2-wheel drive ES model (which comes with a 5-speed manual that might cure a lot of our problems with power and drivability...every step up comes with the CVT)...and mileage (the EPA says 24 city, 29 highway. We saw 24.5 in a mix of city street and freeway driving over 420 miles in one week)...and Mitsus warranty package (10 years/100,000 miles powertrain, 7 years/70,000 miles anti-corrosion/perforation, 5 years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance.

The 2011 Chrysler 300.

This is the second 2011 Chrysler 300 the press fleet folks have sent our way in the past few months. I wrote about the first one for High Gear Medias Carnewser.com a couple of weeks back.  That first car came option-free...sporting a price tag $7590 less than the 2011 Dodge Charger reviewed here on TireKicker in late September.

The Carnewser.com piece focused on my trying (and failing) to understand why Chrysler, working to set itself apart as an upscale brand would build and sell such reasonably priced examples of their flagship, the 300.

Since then, though, word has come that Chryslers dropping the ax on the Dodge Grand Caravan. Come 2013, theyll only be selling the Chrysler Town and Country, setting off speculation that once Fiats, Alfa Romeos and Lancia-sourced Chryslers begin appearing in showrooms, the product mix between those brands, Dodge and Jeep may be very different from what we see now.

So lets assume a plan is in the works and assess the 300 on its own merits, absent percieved price crowding with its cousin, the Dodge Charger.









The 2011 Chrysler 300 rear view.

First of all, even in base form. the 2011 Chrysler 300 is drop-dead gorgeous. Its a completely different design from the last generation, relying on subtle cues to tie the two together. The details are superb and the effect sets the 300 apart as the only big American sedan of its kind.

The new Chrysler Pentastar V6 is a revelation...strong, smooth and economical. Even with a five-speed automatic (an 8-speed is on tap for 2012), the EPA says 18 city, 27 highway, and we saw a rock-steady 20 miles per gallon in a week of nothing but city streets.






The 2011 Chrysler 300 interior.

Like example number one, this 300 was the base model, with a base price of $27,170. Unlike the first car, this one had options...but just two. $295 for Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat exterior paint, and another $295 for Customer Preferred Package 27E...Chryslers Uconnect voice command with Bluetooth.

Fold that in with the standard equipment (4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, brake assist, hill start assist, all the airbags a car can hold, power locks, keyless entry and pushbutton start, 8-way power drivers seat, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, an AM/FM/Sirius/CD/mp3 audio system with 6 speakers and USB and auxilary connections, and dual-zone climate control and while you dont have the pinnacle in luxury, you do have a remarkably equipped, very quiet, comfortable and reasonably quick big sedan for $28,585 with destination charges.

Ive decided to stop worrying about why Chrysler offers this car for so little money. There are people who will be very glad they do.

2011 Chrysler 300

Base price: $27,170.

As tested: $28,585.

Likes: Room, quiet, fuel economy for its class.

Dislikes: Pairing and connecting phones with the Bluetooth system is a lengthy, hit-and-miss proposition.

EPA estimate: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway.