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Archive for November, 2010

LA Auto Show: 2012 Infiniti M35h

Monday, November 29th, 2010
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We hope you had a chance to make it out to the 2010 LA Auto Show, but if not, we still have a few more newsworthy videos coming your way.  Infiniti claims their M Hybrid will “challenge you to re-think everything you know about performance luxury hybrids” and after seeing some of the specs, that statement may be true.  The M35h will be the first of its type to deliver V8 power with 4-cylinder efficiency and is currently the only car in America with more than 350 horsepower and 30 mpg. 

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Infiniti unveiled its first production hybrid performance luxury sedan, the 2012 Infiniti M35h, at the 2010 LA Auto Show. Available in the spring of 2011, the M Hybrid stands to break new ground as the first true luxury performance “driver’s” hybrid — and the only vehicle to offer more than 350 horsepower and 30 miles per gallon (estimated) fuel economy.

The Infiniti M35h features the all-new Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™ system, an advanced one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid design that combines precise, high-speed motor control technology, which, enabled by the powerful Lithium-ion battery, allows power to be delivered directly to the vehicle’s 7-speed automatic transmission. The system also utilizes an innovative Hybrid Electric Power Steering system and Electric Driven Intelligent Brake regenerative braking system, both which help conserve energy and provide a natural, enjoyable driving feel. 

The Infiniti M Hybrid’s exhilarating driving performance also greatly benefits from use of Infiniti’s proven 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, which paired with the 50 kW electric motor, provides a hybrid system net power of 360 horsepower. 

Torque figures are equally impressive, with the V6′s 258 lb-ft of toque combining with the electric motor’s immediately available 199 lb-ft of torque to provide strong performance. The result is a vehicle that first and foremost delivers a refined driving experience, along with expected best-in-class Combined fuel economy (estimated fuel economy 30 mpg Highway, 25 mpg City and 27 mpg Combined).

For more auto show coverage or car review videos, check us out on YouTube: RoadflyTV

LA Auto Show: 2012 Porsche Cayman R

Monday, November 29th, 2010
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Porsche used the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show as the venue to unveil the new 2012 Porsche Cayman R.  President and CEO, Matthias Muller, was on hand to make the introduction.

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The new 2012 Cayman R is now the lightest and most powerful model of any Cayman or Boxster. With weight savings of 161 lbs, the Cayman R offers a highly efficient 3.4-liter six-cylinder Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) boxer engine found in the Cayman S, but dishes out 10 more horsepower. It will go on sale in the U.S. early next year with a MSRP of $66,300, excluding $950 for destination.

For more auto show coverage or car review videos, check us out on YouTube:  RoadflyTV

Rant or rave about the new Cayman in our forums:  Porsche Cayman Forum.

LA Auto Show: 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

Friday, November 19th, 2010
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At the 2010 LA Auto Show, Chevrolet introduced a new option to the well-known Camaro. New for 2011 will be the offering of a Camaro SS Convertible. If you’re worried about the Camaro feeling different than the coupe, Chevrolet made sure that the same spirited feel was there for open air driving by reinforcing the structure and utilizing the Camaro coupe’s chassis and performance characteristics.

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The convertible will be offered in similar model configurations as the Camaro coupe. The standard model will have a 312-horsepower direct injection V-6 engine delivering 29 mpg highway. The SS model will feature the 6.2L V-8 engine producing 426 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with an optional six-speed automatic.

Two 6.2L V-8 engines are offered in Camaro SS models, including the L99 on automatic-equipped vehicles and the LS3 on manual-equipped models. Both engines are derived from the LS3 that debuted on the 2008 Corvette, with an aluminum block (with cast iron cylinder liners) and aluminum cylinder heads. Horsepower for the L99 is 400 (298 kW) and torque is 410 lb.-ft. (556 Nm). The LS3 develops 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. (569 Nm).

The Camaro convertible is offered in 1LT/2LT (V-6) and 1SS/2SS (V-8) trim packages and priced from $30,000 MSRP (including $850 destination). Nine production exterior colors are available, with tops offered in black or tan.

For more auto show coverage, check out our YouTube Channel: RoadflyTV

LA Auto Show: Range Rover Evoque

Friday, November 19th, 2010
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At the 2010 LA Auto Show, Range Rover premiered their most environmentally-aware offering.  The AWD Range Rover Evoque is Range Rover’s intro to the growing small SUV/crossover segment.  The Evoque will be offered as a 5-door and a coupe, a pairing of a compact, downsized Range Rover paired with a sportier package.  Look for the Evoque to go on sale next year with a starting price estimated at $45,000.

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For the Evoque’s design, the full-sized glass panoramic roof enhances the sensation of space and comfort by filling the interior with natural light, and offers even greater headroom for all occupants.

On the open road, the Range Rover Evoque five-door offers a polished driving experience that combines dynamic and sporty handling with responsive, effortless performance and refinement.

The Range Rover Evoque five-door shares its turbocharged powertrain with the coupe model. The state-of-the-art petrol engine offers smooth and responsive power, delivering 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds, blending four-cylinder efficiency with six-cylinder performance.  The new 240bhp, 2.0-liter Si4 gasoline engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin variable valve timing for exceptional driveability and excellent fuel efficiency.

The Evoque is the first Range Rover to offer breathtaking new sound systems developed in partnership with the high-end audio specialist Meridian. The premium Meridian offering is an 825W, 17-speaker system that delivers the ultimate in surround-sound performance.

For more auto show coverage, check out our YouTube Channel:   RoadflyTV

LA Auto Show: Jaguar C-X75 Concept

Thursday, November 18th, 2010
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Jaguar celebrated their 75th anniversary in style at the 2010 LA Auto Show with the debut of the C-X75 Concept Car. For the first time outside of Europe, the C-X75 was presented to the media.  Designer Ian Callum also co-hosted the debut and gave us the key specs of the breathtaking Jaguar C-X75 Concept.

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The 205 mph four-wheel drive supercar is capable of running in purely electric (zero tailpipe emissions) mode for 68 miles on a six-hour domestic plug-in charge. The innovative, lightweight micro gas-turbines are also capable of very quickly and efficiently recharging the Lithium-ion batteries, giving the car a theoretical range of 560 miles. Because each wheel is driven by its own electric motor, the C-X75 is four-wheel drive – with all the traction, grip and safety benefits that entails. The C-X75 boasts advanced design features such as a ground-breaking propulsion system, and active aerodynamics allow for an elegantly simple fuselage section that remains stable at very high speeds.

For more LA Auto Show coverage, check out our YouTube Channel:  RoadflyTV

LA Auto Show: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Thursday, November 18th, 2010
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Mercedes-AMG GmbH CEO Ola Kallenius revealed the second generation Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG at the 2010 LA Auto Show and man, did the power outputs get even better for 2012.  Trust me, you’ll want to watch the video just to hear the engine roar.

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The all-new 2012 Mercedes CLS63 AMG will be powered by a new 5.5-liter biturbo V8 that produces more power and better fuel economy. With twin turbochargers, direct fuel injection and multi-spark ignition, the new AMG engine will produce 518 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. The new Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG will also come with AMG’s award-winning MCT (for multi-clutch technology) transmission and innovative systems designed to reduce fuel consumption. For even more performance, the CLS63 AMG will be available with an optional Performance Package that includes increased power — 550 hp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, a 43 horsepower improvement and 125 lb-ft of torque increase.

For more auto show coverage, check out our YouTube Channel:  RoadflyTV

LA Auto Show: Subaru Impreza Concept

Thursday, November 18th, 2010
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What will AWD look like in the future?  As one of the leaders in the field, Subaru unveiled their vision for the evolution of all-wheel drive design with their Impreza Concept.  We were on hand for the Impreza Concept announcement at the 2010 LA Auto Show and captured the debut on video.

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Built to express possible future Subaru design elements, the Impreza Design Concept conveys a sporty and lively “four-door coupe” style. The Impreza Concept combines environmental compatibility and comfortable ride of the Impreza with the trusted performance that Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive provides. 

On the front, the Impreza Design Concept is clearly recognizable as a Subaru, with a hexagonal grille with spread wings in the center and hawk eye-style headlights. At the same time, the front view previews a new direction for the brand’s design, with the hood, grille and headlights designed to project three-dimensional character.

For more 2010 LA Auto Show videos, check out our YouTube Channel:  RoadflyTV

LA Auto Show: Nissan Ellure Concept Video

Thursday, November 18th, 2010
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Meet the Nissan Ellure Concept car from the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show.  Nissan’s Chief Creative Officer was on hand to introduce the Ellure.  The Ellure not only has the “green” qualities as a hybrid, but it also has styling that will bring back buyers who may have left the sedan family or even the brand, for the ever-popular crossover segment.

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The Ellure Concept’s exterior is highlighted by a deeply skirted front fascia, large 90-degree opening doors with rear-hinged rear doors for full panoramic interior access, a full-length tinted glass roof, and special “Geode” White tri-coat mica paint. Inside, the dramatic lounge-inspired interior utilizes eco-materials, touch screen displays, hidden electronics, a “floating” sculptural center console and red recessed lighting.

In Nissan’s words… The Sedan Re-Imagined.  We can’t wait to see if the Ellure Concept comes to production.

For more auto show coverage, check out our channel on YouTube:  RoadflyTV

Video Review: 2010 Lincoln MKZ

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
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Join RoadflyTV fan-favorite Jessi Lang as she details the key changes and offerings from the ’10 Lincoln MKZ, the often overlooked upscale version of the Ford Fusion.  Needless to say, she was pleasantly surprised with the recent MKZ changes that yielded a more elegant vehicle with smoother handling.

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The 2010 MKZ brings a lot more to the table, from the modernized interior to the revised exterior.  Even the suspension has been tweaked to provide better ride comfort and handling.  For the interior, a new gauge cluster replaces the old boxy style and the all-encompassing multimedia system allows for a bit of personalization.  But with the good comes the bad, and the MKZ is not immune to this saying.  The steering wheel controls and center console accessibility are not driver friendly, so if you are easily distracted, you may want to memorize their locations as the layout may will require you to take your eyes off the road.

The Lincoln MKZ is powered by a 3.5L V6 paired to a six-speed automatic with SelectShift, the manual shift control system.  The V6 produces 263 horsepower and 249 lb-ft of torque, doing 0-60 in 7.1 seconds. Unfortunately, in this day in age, the fuel economy is not a hair above average, with 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway projected.

Starting at $34,225 and an as-tested price of $43,245, the Lincoln MKZ has features that make it a vehicle worth considering. With the blind spot indicators, cross traffic alert system, and the optional sport package, the MKZ is worth a second look by buyers who want to support an American manufacturer while also getting something a little out of the norm (i.e. not your standard Accord or Avalon), and something a step above the base standards (i.e. not a Ford Fusion) without breaking the bank.

VIDEO: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
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Let’s be honest, the Impreza WRX STI gives you that little bit of hope that one day you’ll be able to join Travis Pastrana on his team or that you’ll be a stunt driver in a Fast & Furious movie. Join host Jessi Lang as she gives you the rundown on the rally-inspired 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI and see if it lives up to the hype.

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For 2011, the Impreza WRX STI has updated styling including offerings as both a 4-door and 5-door vehicle, but keeps the same hood scoop and engine from the 2010 model year. The 2.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder Boxer® engine produces 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. You have three driving modes with this engine: Intelligent, Sport, and if Sport wasn’t peppy enough — Sport Sharp.  The only downside of the ’11 WRX STI  is the monochromatic guage cluster, but it is definitely not a deal breaker. The fuel economy at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway isn’t impressive but with a turbocharged engine, you already know what you’re getting in to there.

Our 5-door tester came in at $38,720 with goodies, but the base price starts at $33,995.  The WRX STI comes with some great standard features like the  Brembo® breaking system, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, Bluetooth®, and an usb port for your iPod®.   However, if you upgrade to the Premium or Limited trim levels, you can get even more creature comforts like navigation, Satellite radio, heated seats, a moonroof, and leather interior.  If the WRX STI is a little too pricey to you, you may want to consider the slightly-less prestigious Impreza WRX that starts at $25,495 .

2011 Suzuki Kizashi SLS Car Review Video

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010
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Join host Jessi Lang as she reviews the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi SLS. Most of you are probably scratching your head going, “Suzuki, what? What is this Kizashi?” and luckily, Jessi is here to help. The Kizashi straddles the line between the compact and mid-sized segments and comes out swinging in a market that is dominated by the big boys like Honda and Toyota.

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The ’11 Kizashi is powered by a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Our tester, paired to the manual transmission, stayed within the fuel economy ranges of 20 city mpg and 29 mpg highway. We could easily check our gas consumption thanks to the digital real-time data display in the gauge cluster. Despite no V6 offering (check out the video for more info), the Kizashi was able to make up for the lack of throaty growl with some of its other features in the trim levels.

The Kizashi is offered in four trim levels: base S, SE, GTS, and SLS (our tester), offering configurations that would fit most drivers needs. On top of the multiple variations, the Kizashi’s refinement and interior quality also helps make up for its shortcomings like tight legroom for the rear passengers.

With the multiple trim level options and features you expect from starter luxury vehicles, the Suzuki Kizashi’s price tag is shockingly low. Our top-tier SLS with leather upholstery, heated front seats, rain sensing wipers, and rear parking sensors started at $24,699 and topped out at $25,304.

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