If you want to break from the traditional luxury sport sedan, but still want something that performs and looks great, you should definitely consider the 2011 Infiniti M56S. For 2011, the M56S boasts about a 70 horsepower increase, more sculpted exterior lines, and user-friendly interior updates. In layman’s terms, the ’11 M6 S was re-designed, both inside and out.

Under the hood, the M56S is a beast. It is powered by a 5.6L VVEL direct-injection V8 mated to a 7-speed transmission that produces 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 417 lb-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Fuel economy with this paring is surprisingly not atrocious, and on the highway, it could be considered downright good. Expected values are 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Infiniti also realized that there are many different types of drivers that could be drawn to the M56 and of course, there are always different types of driving conditions. There is a knob that tailors the driving experience to the driver’s desire as well as the road conditions. Choosing between sport, standard, economy, and snow settings changes the mapping for the transmission, engine, and traction. Also, If you and your spouse or family member are sharing the Infiniti M56S, the iKey (“intelligent key”) saves you the frustration of constantly having to re-adjust the seat and mirror settings by remembering specific individual settings for multiple drivers.

The basic M56 starts at a base price of $56,550 but the upgrades for the optional sport package and optional deluxe interior package brought the price up to $64,065.

Before the New York Auto Show frenzy ensued, we had the opportunity to put the 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport through the paces of winter weather. The ’10 Range Rover Sport comes with slight exterior changes and interior upgrades.

On the exterior, the changes are subtle. There are LED headlights, a revised two-bar grille, new fender styling, and redesigned arches for the 20″ wheels. On the interior, in the backseats, there is elevated stadium seating, audio controls on door, and heated seats.

Under the hood, the Range Rover Sport boasts a direct injection, naturally aspirated 5.0 liter V8 that produces 376 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 375 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm with a base price of $60,495. If you want a ridiculous amount of power in your Range Rover, you can splurge for the supercharged V8 option that produces 510 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 461 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 (price tag of $74,195)

There are two areas where the Range Rover Sport could improve. The first area is the fuel economy. While a 14% increase over last year, the ’10 Sport only gets 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. The second area is the back hatch. If you have to close the entire hatch manually, it is a struggle if you’re not tall and relatively strong.

Overall, if you are looking for a luxury SUV, the Range Rover Sport will fit the bill. It has all of the luxury amenities you’d expect to find, a terrific terrain response system with five different settings, and options like side step running boards to customize the Sport to your needs.

MINI brought their newest vehicle, the ’11 Countryman, to the 2010 New York Auto Show. A small crossover, the MINI Countryman bridges the gap between the classic MINI concept and a modern crossover vehicle. The MINI Countryman is a completely new car, unprecedented in the history of the MINI brand, though its likeness to the rest of its family is immediately apparent. While it is MINI’s largest production vehicle ever, it is still only a size “small,” and the company remains committed to the its core values… practicing fiscal, environmental and adrenal responsibility at all times.

The MINI Countryman powertrain options include Cooper, Cooper S or Cooper S with ALL4 (our-wheel-drive system). The Countryman will be the first crossover on the market to feature a turbocharged and direct-injected engine with VALVETRONIC technology, which together provide optimum performance and efficiency. And for those who are focused on gas mileage, MINI expects the Countryman to offer the best fuel economy in the crossover segment.

The Countryman will be on the streets early next year (2011).

• 2012 Range Rover Evoque (2/14/2012)
• 2012 MINI Cooper Coupe (2/7/2012)
• 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan (1/30/2012)
• 2012 Hyundai Veloster (1/20/2012)
• 2012 Mazda3 SkyActive (11/1/2011)
• 2012 Honda Civic Si (10/1/2011)
• 2012 Hyundai Accent (9/25/2011)
• 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 (8/10/2011)
• 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (7/20/2011)
• 2012 Audi A7 (6/10/2011)
• 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet (6/2/2011)
• 2011 Kia Optima Turbo (5/26/2011)
• 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R Spec (3/15/2011)
• 2011 VW Touareg VR6 Sport (3/15/2011)
• 2011 BMW 535i Sedan (2/8/2011)
• 2011 Nissan Juke SL AWD (12/14/2010)
• 2011 Nissan LEAF (12/13/2010)
• 2011 Lexus RX350 (11/23/2010)
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet (11/15/10)l
• 2011 Ford Mustang GT (11/1/10)
• 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder (8/20/10)
• 2011 Hyundai Sonata (9/15/2010)
• 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS (6/10/10)
• 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
• 2010 Mazdaspeed3
• 2010 Toyota Highlander (01/15/10)
• 2010 BMW 335d
• 2010 Subaru Legacy GT
• 2011 Infiniti M56
• 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster (5/6/09)
• 2009 Cadillac CTS (2/23/09)
• 2009 Subaru Impreza
• Chevrolet Traverse (2/15/09)
• Infiniti M45
• Toyota Corolla
• Jaguar XF
• Jaguar XK
• 2008 Focus Coupe SES (10/17/2008)
• Honda Civic SI
• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Rav4
• Infiniti G35 Sedan
• Infiniti G37 Coupe
• BMW 135
• BMW 335
• Audi R8
• Audi S5
• 2008 Ford Focus Coupe SES
• Nissan GT-R
• Nissan Murano
• Suzuki SX4
• Hyundai Entourage

“Adding world-class design and cutting-edge technologies to an already successful value-packed CUV equation, the all-new Sportage offers Kia the opportunity to attract an entirely new and more sophisticated customer,” said Michael Sprague, vice president marketing, KMA, at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. “The 2011 Sportage retains the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model but repackages the CUV into a sleek, modern and bold style with new proportions and a completely new look to help elevate the Kia brand further as a world design leader.”

The ’11 Sportage is offered in two trim levels: LX and EX. Starting at the LX level, the Sportage is outfitted with 16-inch alloy wheels matched with 215/70R16 low-rolling resistance silica tires, body-color door handles, adjustable side mirrors with side mirror turn signal indicators, and tinted glass. Moving up to the EX trim offers 18-inch alloy wheels mated with 235/55R18 silica tires, standard body-color heated side mirrors, roof rails, a rear spoiler, chrome body trim and door handles and a chrome-accented radiator grille.

The redesigned Sportage comes standard with a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-value four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Value Timing (CVVT) and is offered with two-wheel (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations paired to either a six-speed manual transmission (base) or a six-speed automatic transmission.

At the 2010 New York International Auto Show, Hyundai showed off the 2011 Equus, the luxury sedan they hope will become their flagship. “[The] Equus takes Hyundai’s formula for intelligent luxury to a new level,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “We’ve applied the lessons in engineering excellence we’ve learned with Genesis to the Equus, while adding a new level of customer experience that will further differentiate our take on luxury from the traditional premium brands.”

The Equus adds to Hyundai’s lineup and like the Genesis, the Equus is build on Hyundai’s rear-wheel-drive architecture. It is powered by a 4.6-liter Tau® V8 mated to a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control that produces 385 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque using premium fuel and 378 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque using regular fuel (0-60 time is 6.4 seconds). With technology you’d expect to see in the more expensive luxury sedans, the Equus showcases features such as a lane departure warning system, electronic air suspension, smart cruise control and a Lexicon® audio system.

Starting price for the 2011 Hyundai Equus will be in the mid $50,000 range.

BMW used the 2010 New York Auto Show as a chance to showcase its fan favorite, the 2011 Alpina B7. The ’11 Alpina B7 is based off of the current 750i but under the hood, the Alpina is pure performance. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter direct-injection V8 mated a six-speed automatic transmission with Alpina Switchtronic transmission control produces 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. With the Alpina Switchtronic transmission control, there are Sport and Manual modes.

True to Alpina style, BMW wants to draw attention to the stainless-steel dual exhaust. With the special turbochargers that are tweaked to allow better air flow from Alpina (supplied by Honeywell-Garrett), the B7 produces 1.0 bar of boost versus 0.7 bar from the standard 750i sedan.

The 2011 BMW Alpina B7 will go on sale in the spring.

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At the recent 2010 New York International Auto Show, Acura showed the world their all-new 2011 TSX Sport Wagon. “The TSX Sport Wagon represents a smart choice for those seeking a vehicle with utility,” said John Mendel, executive vice president, sales. “It’s practical, fun to drive, luxurious and technically advanced, all while achieving an outstanding estimated highway fuel economy rating of 30 miles per gallon* [per preliminary EPA mileage estimates].”

Powering the TSX Sport Wagon is a 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC®, inline four-cylinder engine paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission fit with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The Sport Wagon will join the TSX lineup, which already includes the 4-cylinder and V-6 powered sports sedans.

To enhance the driving experience, the TSX Sport Wagon features the latest in advanced technologies including an available hard disk drive-based Acura Navigation System™ with an all-new 8-inch full VGA high-resolution color display and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic and Weather™ featuring radar image mapping. For the audiophile, the TSX Sport Wagon will be available with an Acura/ELS Surround® Premium Audio System and a hard disk drive (HDD) for media storage. Additionally, the TSX Sport Wagon is equipped with a well-rounded list of standard features, including a power glass moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, a premium sound system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and USB port and AUX jack music interface. Like all Acura vehicles, the TSX Sport Wagon will come with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including Acura’s acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure.

Look for the 2011 TSX Sport Wagon in Acura dealerships in the late fall.

TSX Sport Wagon Specifications:
Length: 189.4 inches
Width: 72.4 inches
Height: 57.9 inches
Wheelbase: 106.5 inches
Wheel: 17×7.5- inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
Seating capacity: 5-passenger

Specialty: “The Tire Rack Team consists of expert enthusiasts trained to provide friendly, accurate fitment and performance advice. In fact, team members spend approximately 80 hours a year in the classroom or behind the steering wheels of test vehicles at The Tire Rack’s on-site test track and in “real world” driving sessions. These experiences give them the knowledge to help you choose the correct product for your vehicle, driving style and conditions.

As America’s leading high performance tire and wheel distributor, The Tire Rack is focused on providing high quality wheels and the finest original equipment and replacement tires for every kind of vehicle from sports cars to sport utility vehicles…imported or domestic. In addition, The Tire Rack carries a variety of suspension components to further enhance your vehicle’s appearance and performance capabilities.”

The Tire Rack
7101 Vorden Parkway 
South Bend, IN 46628-8422
USA

Main Tel: 888-541-1777
Alt. Tel: 219-287-2345
Fax: 219-236-7707

Website:http://www.tirerack.com/
e-Mail: sales@tirerack.com

Specialty: Strut & body brace products for many BMW models

Front: For the e36 and Z3 models, we offer a choice of either our Competition Lightweight (CL) or all steel front Strong-Strut. The CL models is more that sufficient for all spirited street and highway touring and we recommend our all steel model for those owners who track their cars or who are serious at autocross. All our front Strong-Strut designs omit the pivoting type connections used by our competition. Pivoting points where the cross bar connects to the rings, defeats the purpose of the strut brace and reduces it to an ornamental accessory. Whether alloy or steel, all our Strong-Struts are CNC machined from billet material, we use no cheap stampings or hollow tubes. Assembly is precision performed by the hands of selected technicians. It is the only such product that offers the customer a choice of finishes, prices, and options. The Strong-Strut combines strength, effectiveness, clean complimentary design and best dollar value. There is no higher quality at any price and it comes with a lifetime guarantee against failure or breakage of any kind.

Rear Strong-Strut: Our unique and exclusive design. We are the only manufacturer offering a bracing product for the rear of the Z3. Manufactured of solid machined steel, it tames the infamous Z3 rear end “hula dance.” The rear Strong-Strut also fits all e30 models.

For the Z3 models, we have the front and rear Strong-Strut and Body Brace set. Our customers call this the “Strong-Strut Trio” and installation of these three bracing products totally transforms the rigidity of the Z3 chassis and delivers the many benefits resulting from the stiffer chassis. We have a front Strong-Strut for all the following models: e36, e46, e31, e38, e39. Some of these are special order, inquire.

The designer/manufacturer is a fellow BMW ///M Roadster enthusiast that developed the original for his personal use and who has owned a 97 2.8 liter, 98 ///M Roadster, 2000 ///M Roadster, and currently drives a 2007 ///M Roadster. He is also the Founder and President of the Arizona BMW Z Series Club, currently in its 10th year of operation.

Strong Strut
9777 East Granite Peak Trail 
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
USA

Main Tel: 480-513-3222
Alt. Tel: 
Fax: 480-513-3238

Website:http://www.strong-strut.com/
e-Mail: pebeyer@cox.net

Specialty: Lone Star Bavarian, Inc. sells and services pre-owned BMW automobiles and offers merchandise to the BMW enthusiast and owners. Lone Star Bavarian, Inc. prides itself on reliable and guaranteed service and products.

Lone Star Bavarian
3800 W. Vickery Blvd. 
Fort Worth, TX 76107
USA

Main Tel: 817-732-4888

Alt. Tel: 
Fax: 817-732-9777

Website:http://www.lonestarbavarian.com/
e-Mail: techsupport@lonestarbavarian.com

Specialty: Our unique car lease calculator lets you compare lease payments from our lending partners on new or late-model used cars. Our site is also a knowledge center on vehicle leasing. Get all the facts in Auto Lease 101 and see if leasing is for you, then discover the advantage of our service. Need more answers? Our additional resources include a message forum where our staff will field your leasing questions; and our friends in the partner marketplace can help you with other automotive needs. To get to know us better, learn more about us.

LeaseCompare.com
6249 Stewart Rd. 
Cincinnati, OH 45227
USA

Main Tel: 800-223-4882
Alt. Tel: 513-527-7700
Fax: 513-527-7705

Website:http://www.leasecompare.com/
e-Mail: info@leasecompare.com