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Archive for December, 2010
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Posted by Alexander in Car Reviews, Mercedes-Benz on December 20th, 2010
The redesigned, fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is better able to compete with small luxury sedans from automakers such as BMW,Infiniti and Lexus.
2011 mercedes benz c class
And the new model will surely trump some rivals just because it has the Mercedes nameplate.
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The 2008 C-Class has Mercedes’ new corporate look, an edgy interplay of taut lines and wide, rounded surfaces. It’s larger than the lastgeneration model, being nearly 4 inches longer, about 2 inches wider, with a wheelbase lengthened nearly 2 inches.
The new car is heavier and thus a bit slower with its holdover engines, but is still fast. All versions were introduced with rear-wheel drive, but a new all-wheel-drive system soon becomes available for the C300 Sport and C300 Luxury automatic transmission trim levels.
New Equipment
New standard equipment includes a power sunroof, 8-way power front seats, 2-zone automatic climate controls, 17-inch wheels and a Bluetooth feature that allows a phone in a pocket or purse to be used through the audio system.
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
A central controller works with a 7-inch display screen that can be read quickly and stows out of sight in the upper dashboardwhen not used.
Revised steering and suspension make the car more agile, although the precise steering’s general heaviness and the suspension’s firmness give the impression that this is mainly a secure high-speed cruiser, although it’s easy to maneuver in the city.
Handling is secure at all speeds, and the supple ride smoothes out roads. However the brake pedal in my early-production test car was touchy. Stopping distances were short in normal driving.
Old Engineering Dominance
That S-Class was arguably the last Mercedes designed by the automaker’s engineers without cost-cutting or interference from the marketing department, with items that even included double-glazed glass like that found in living rooms.
But that S-Class was criticized for being too large, heavy and “socially irresponsible” for the modern world. It was replaced for 2000 by a more efficient S-Class, and yet another redesigned—and more complicated—S-Class, which arrived for the 2007 model year.
Perhaps the new C-Class shows that Mercedes engineers have gotten more influence again. That would be a welcome development, as long as Mercedes doesn’t go over-the-top with complicated gizmos that have led to lower customer satisfaction ratings.
Mercedes says the new C-Class interior is roomier, but there’s still no surplus of rear legroom for a 6-footer behind a driver who has moved his seat only halfway back.
Obvious Faults
The revised cabin has supportive front seats, but some obvious faults: For instance, the analog gauges have markings too small to read at a glance. The notchy headlight control switch feels cheap, and turn signal and speed control stalks are too close and thus can be easily confused.
However, most controls are OK, although I missed Mercedes’ traditional, handy door-mounted power seat controls, which have been replaced by controls at the bottom side of the seats.
An electronic controller on the console acts like a computer mouse to provide operation of functions that once required lots of buttons and switches. Cupholders are nicely placed on the console, and rear windows roll all the way down.
2011 mercedes benz c class
Large Trunk
The large trunk is slightly roomier and has a low, wide opening. It has a padded interior lid to hold down cabin noise in this extremely quiet car.
Mercedes says the new C-Class puts more emphasis on agility, comfort, safety and sport, although it’s not as sporty as the rival BMW 3-Series.
The two C300 versions have a smooth 3.0-liter 228-horsepower engine, while the C350 Sport’s V6 generates 268 horsepower and more torque. The 3.0-liter versions do 0-60 in 7.1 seconds, while the 3.5-liter C-Class hits 60 in 6.3 seconds.
The automatic transmission has seven speeds and shifts smoothly, although it exhibits some indecisiveness under light throttle at lower speeds.
A 6-speed manual transmission is offered for the C300 Sport, but isn’t offered for the higher-horsepower C350. That may seem curious until one realizes that most C350s will be bought by those who want the most luxurious new C-Class—and that an AMG version is surely coming.
2011 mercedes benz c class
Unique Sport Version Appearance
The C-Class Sport trim levels are identified by Mercedes’ iconic three-pointed star emblem in the grille, a design cue usually reserved for the automaker’s coupes and convertibles. These trim levels also look sportier, with body add-ons inspired by AMG models. These additions include deeper front and rear aprons, along with under-door rocker panels.
Moreover, the Sport versions sit a little lower and have twin-spoke 17-inch wheels of staggered width, sport shocks, springs and stabilizer bars that deliver crisper handling.
The Luxury trim level has a traditional thee-pointed-star emblem on the hood, four-spoke steering wheel and burl walnut trim. Sport versions have three-spoke wheels and either aluminum (C300) or black Birdseye maple (C350) trim. The Luxury trim level has a richer looking interior.
It’s doubtful that Mercedes will ever bring back another mass-market car like that 1990s S-Class, but new models such as the 2008 C-Class make up for it in a much-changed world.
2010 Lotus Elise
Posted by Alexander in Car Reviews, Lotus on December 19th, 2010
We dreamed, perhaps unrealistically, that the addition of a supercharger to the Elise’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder would be akin to dropping
2010 lotus elise
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version, a car whose power curve looks like Piet Mondrian drew it.
For those unfamiliar with the standard Elise, its power delivery at 6500 rpm is akin to getting an injection of adrenaline to the heart; at that rpm the cam phasing changes, and the Elise hurtles forward violently. Supercharging the Elise smoothes out the engine’s bipolar behavior like a good dose of lithium. The Elise becomes a more docile and tractable car, a better citizen and certainly easier to live with. Boost from the supercharger totals only 5 psi, low enough that Lotus doesn’t even alter the 11.5:1 compression ratio or add an intercooler. Even at low rpm the Elise SC feels satisfyingly strong; power builds progressively, and the cam
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2010 Lotus Elise
change is virtually undetectable. All 218 horsepower (a scant 19 more) arrive at 8000 rpm with max torque (156 pound-feet, 23 more than before) coming 1800 rpm sooner, at 5000 rpm.
Surprisingly, the SC’s 0-to-60-mph time of 4.5 seconds was a 10th slower than the naturally aspirated Elise we tested in ‘04 but quicker than the 4.8-second sprint of a naturally aspirated Lotus Elise we tested last year. We’re thinking that first Elise may have been an unnaturally fleet example.
Supercharger and rearview-blocking rear spoiler aside, the Elise SC is pretty much the same as the regular Elise. It has sharp and flavorful steering, quick responses, huge grip, and it’s sometimes creaky and nearly impossible to get into with the top in place. In short, the SC retains all of its charm.
For ‘08, the entire Lotus lineup gained lower-gloss interior plastics and new instruments, the Exige S lost its intercooler and two horses, and the newly named and intercooled Exige S 240 gained 20 horsepower. No major changes are planned for 2009.
2011 Lincoln MKZ
Posted by Alexander in Car Reviews, Lincoln on December 19th, 2010
Lincoln lovers are all “Mark” lovers these days as Ford’s luxury division strives for a cohesive presentation of its lineup;
2011 lincoln mkz
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tran, previou, tire, seat, sion, year, headlight, shift, speaker, plea, lover, increa, wheel, start, electronic, cohe
interior and exterior freshening plus a new 6-speed automatic transmission enter the most affordable Lincoln into the race for class supremacy.
Model Lineup
Offered strictly as a midsize, 4-door, 5-passenger sedan, the Lincoln MKZ comes in two flavors: front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Both are available with the Sport Appearance Package, which has a stiffer suspension and cosmetic enhancements.
A cosmetic makeover brings the MKZ decisively into the modern Lincoln family. The car’s new front end features a trademark Lincoln waterfall grille, making it a near-copy of the larger MKS. Also new are the rear decklid and LED taillights. In addition, the automaker has sprinkled chrome accents throughout; the bright stuff can be found on the door handles and elsewhere. Standard wheels are
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2011 Lincoln MKZ
17-by-7.5-inch painted and machined-finished 9-spokes with P225/50VR-17 all-season tires. A nearly identical chrome 17-inch wheel with the same tires is optional. A 10-spoke 18-inch polished aluminum wheel is standard with the Sport package and otherwise optional on non-Sport iterations.
Besides the larger wheels, Sport versions boast body-color door handles, darkened headlights and a slightly different grille. Inside, contrasting piping on the leather seats, thicker floor mats and aluminum trim add some pizzazz, while outside, improved brake pads, larger sway bars and noticeably firmer shocks and springs enhance handling.
Under the Hood
While Lincoln has done little to change the 263-horsepower 4-cam 3.5-liter V6 engine from the previous generation, it has swapped out last year’s 5-cog automatic transmission for a 6-speed automatic, which lops almost a half-second off the MKZ’s sprint to 60 mph. It also delivers better fuel economy, which is rated at 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway using regular-grade gasoline.
2011 lincoln mkz
Understandably, there is no manual transmission option. The so-called Select-Shift computer control, however, works intelligently to provide smooth cruising or higher-rpm shifts when driving aggressively. The algorithms also hold gears between corners on mountain descents, a huge improvement over the somewhat arbitrary shift schedule in the previous MKZ.
Designed for inclement weather, the AWD MKZ automatically shuttles power to the rear tires when necessary, and sometimes a little before. This increases stability and driver confidence. Coupled with a host of computer stability controls, the AWD Lincoln promises fine winter-driving security.
To increase utility and ride comfort, Lincoln updated the suspension tuning, relocating the rear lower control arms and even tightening the turning circle by 3 feet. The power steering was also refined for better feel and easier parking.
2011 lincoln mkz
Our test drive was in a front-wheel-drive MKZ with the Sport Package. It quickly demonstrated good ride manners and pleasing agility. Clearly, the MKZ boasts a great chassis that’s a pleasure to drive everywhere from the parking lot to mountain roads. Acceleration is also markedly superior to last year’s model, and the new, intelligent Select-Shift 6-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly, smoothly and right on cue. Lincoln says the MKZ hits 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, tying such luxury-class sprinters as the Lexus ES 350 and just besting the Acura TL.
And yes, it’s quiet. Not like a tomb, but generously insulated from the rude outside.
When you add all of that to class-leading passenger room, the MKZ is a fit tourer. Overall, the car is sporty in the sense that it’s maneuverable and generally willing, but is more comfortable than athletic in the sports-sedan sense. It certainly presents an urbane persona, making the right muted sounds, cushioning the bumps of real-world pavement and offering a sophisticated interior environment wrapped in a touch of exterior class.
2011 Lexus IS
Posted by Alexander in Car Reviews, Lexus on December 19th, 2010
Lexus is known for quiet, powerful, refined cars, so one can be blamed for being a bit skeptical when it
2011 lexus is
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been sold for a few years in Japan with a smaller engine as a Toyota. (Lexus is Toyota’s upscale division.)
What was Lexus thinking? There was no way it could seriously challenge the 3-Series with such a car.
However, the trim IS 300 has been the most fun-to-drive Lexus and has gained it experience in the entry luxury sports sedan market. More importantly for Lexus, it’s captured a young audience because the median buyer age of an IS 300 is only 29.
Higher Sales Expected
Lexus hopes the newly revamped compact IS, which is more refined and more liberally equipped than its predecessor, will retain the younger crowd and grab older buyers to boost annual IS sales in
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2011 Lexus IS
America to 40,000 cars.
The IS 300 attracted only 9,972 buyers in this country in 2004. The 3-Series—also sold as coupe and convertible versions—found 106,549 buyers in 2004, making it BMW’s top-selling auto series in this country.
Larger and More Stylish
The more stylish, high-waisted 2006 IS resembles the BMW 3-Series sedan, which was revamped for 2006. The new Lexus is as solid and smooth as that BMW and is a big improvement over the IS 300.
The new IS looks sleeker and more muscular than its predecessor and is partly derived from the redesigned new Lexus midsize GS sedan. The IS wheelbase is up 2.4 inches to a fairly long 107.5 inches, and the car is 3.5 inches longer overall, 3 inches wider and nearly an inch higher.
The new rear-wheel-drive IS is less edgy than the rear-wheel-drive IS 300 but is far more of a 3-Series sedan rival. Car and Driver magazine’s October 2005 issue compared eight respected entry-level sports sedans, including the top-line IS 350 and BMW 3-Series, and said the IS finished a close second to the winning 3-Series.
One criticism of the IS 300 was its cramped rear-seat area. One might think that the larger dimensions of the new IS would give it more rear-seat space. But no dice—it’s still too tight back there, especially for long-legged adults, and narrow door openings impede entry and exit.
However, there’s good room up front in the quiet, upscale, nicely designed interior, which has good materials, supportive bucket seats and easily read Optitron gauges with needles that appear to float.
The trunk is roomy, but the car’s racy styling causes its opening to be rather small.
Hot Rod Version
The IS 350 is the hot rod, with an engine that outpowers all others in its class. It does 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The IS 250 is no slouch, though, despite having less power and torque. It reaches 60 mph in 7.9 seconds with rear-wheel drive and in 8.3 seconds in heavier all-wheel-drive form.
The IS 350’s engine will make this version hard to pass up, but Lexus says most buyers of the new IS will choose the IS 250, if only because of its lower price. Lexus also says a good percentage of buyers in northern states will order the all-wheel-drive version.
2011 lexus is
Nice Roadability
The electric power steering was quick but heavy in an all-wheel-drive IS 250 I tested. New front and rear suspension components and powerful new anti-lock brakes provide sharp handling and sure stops—although the brake pedal action is a bit grabby. The supple suspension shrugs off most road imperfections, but is firm enough to occasionally cause a jerky ride on freeways.
The IS 250 versions have traction control and a Vehicle Stability Control system. The IS 350 gets a more sophisticated Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system. Both help keep the car on the road under trying conditions.
An optional performance package with 18-inch (vs. standard 17-inch) wheels and lowered sport suspension isn’t really needed unless one is a genuine car buff.
2011 lexus is
Well Equipped
All IS trim levels have a long list of standard comfort and convenience features, including a 13-speaker audio system. Safety items include a wide array of airbags.
Options include a sunroof, heated-ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, easily operated navigation system with a rear TV camera, more upscale audio system, steering-linked headlights and a collision avoidance system with radar cruise control.
Lexus has proved that it knows a thing or two about building highly competitive cars. If I were BMW, the IS would make me a little nervous.
2010 Land Rover LR2
Posted by Alexander in Car Reviews, Land Rover on December 18th, 2010
Rivals to the new Land Rover LR2 compact SUV include the BMW X3 and Acura RDX, but they can’t top
2010 land rover lr2
The early 2008 LR2 replaces the Land Rover Freelander, which was popular in Europe but flopped in America. The $33,985 LR2 should
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do much better here because it has more power, room, luxury and versatility.
Potent Volvo Engine
Ford owns Land Rover and Volvo, so the LR2 has a 3.2-liter 230-horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine from Volvo’s S80 large premium sedan. The smooth aluminum engine is sophisticated, with dual overhead camshafts, 24 valves and variable valve timing.
The compact engine is mounted transversely—or sideways—which seems like odd positioning for a Land Rover engine. But it has enough go-power to give the 4,255-pound LR2 strong acceleration for fast merges and passing on highways.
However, with all that weight, fuel economy is only an estimated 16 mpg in town and 23 on highways. And premium gasoline is recommended.
Tedious Push-Button Start
It’s annoying to start and stop the engine. It haspush-button starting, like some other new vehicles. But, before pushing the button to start the engine, one must put a foot on the brake and jam the key fob into a narrow, almost invisible dashboard slot near the steering wheel instead of just putting the fob anywhere in the vehicle—which is the case with other push-button-start vehicles.
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2010 Land Rover LR2
To stop the engine, you must push the key fob farther into the slot to remove it—and then push the button again. (Land Rover says all this keeps the fob’s battery charged.)
The only transmission offered is a responsive 6-speed automatic, but it perfectly suits the LR2. This is just too plush and prestigious a vehicle to have a manual gearbox for the American luxury vehicle crowd.
Rather Plain Styling
The styling is rather plain, but the LR2 has a nice planted stance. Land Rover and the larger Range Rover models always have been too boxy to win beauty contests.
But the LR2 is nicely sized and its clamshell hood, jeweled headlights, side air intakes and slotted grille give it a strong Land Rover identity.
Steering is quick, and the turning circle is tight. Handling is good for a rather tall SUV, with little noticeable body sway when zipping through curves. The fully independent suspension provides a pleasant ride, although there is mild pitching on some surfaces. Stops are made quickly. The brake pedal has the right amount of firmness, although some may feel it’s touchy.
Sophisticated All-Wheel Drive
The LR2 has no low-range gearing usually needed for good off-road prowess. But it has a sophisticated all-wheel-drive setup and a Terrain Response system controlled by a console switch. The system alters powertrain and suspension calibrations to accommodate normal driving, grass, gavel, snow, mud, ruts and sand.
The all-wheel drive mainly works in front-wheel-drive mode with only a small amount of power shot to the rear wheels during most driving conditions—until more rear-wheel power is needed.
2010 land rover lr2
Well Equipped
Anti-lock brakes, traction/anti-skid control with rollover sensors and hill-descent control are standard. So are many comfort, convenience and safety items, which include front-seat side airbags and side-curtain airbags with rollover deployment.
Among the few options is a $700 package containing heated front seats and a heated windshield. A $3,500 technology package has a navigation system, upscale sound system, satellite radio, rear radio controls and a wireless cell phone link.
2010 land rover lr2
Narrow Rear Door Openings
It takes some extra effort to slide in and out, but occupants sit high. Outside door handles are large, but narrow door openings inhibit back-seat entry and exit.
The cargo opening is high, but there’s only a moderate amount of cargo space for an SUV unless the rear seat backrests and bottoms are folded forward, which is easily done.
While it feels solidly built, the LR2 is too new to have a track record. And reliability has been an issue with some Land Rover and Range Rover models.
2011 Kia Rio
Posted by Alexander in Car Reviews, Kia on December 18th, 2010
The revamped 2006 Kia Rio shows that economy cars are getting better because of an increasingly competitive market. The small,
2011 kia rio
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it’s been the lowest-cost car sold in this country for most of its life.
The Rio also has been backed by a long warranty from Kia’s parent company, South Korea’s Hyundai. Many buyers have figured that the Rio had to be at least fairly good if it had a 5-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The same long warranty has helped draw people to Hyundai-badged models, and Hyundai correctly predicted that the warranty would attract Rio buyers. Of course, the warranty would have meant nothing if Hyundais and Kias fell apart, but that hasn’t been the case.
Major Improvements
The redesigned new Rio, which continues with the alluring warranty, remains among the lowest-priced autos. But it’s built
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2011 Kia Rio
on a new platform and has slicker styling, more power, additional room and added safety features.
The new Rio couldn’t have arrived at a better time for Kia because high gasoline prices have made small cars more popular this year. Kia expects that the small car market will grow by about 30 percent over the next two years—or probably more if gas prices become higher.
Horsepower of the Rio’s small-but-sophisticated 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine is up from 104 to 110. The fastest acceleration is with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox because the engine is small, although the manual shifter has an imprecise action. Acceleration is average at highway speeds with either the manual or $850 4-speed automatic transmission, and engine revs are high above 65 mph even with the manual in overdrive fifth gear.
But Kia says the Rio’s fuel economy is up 20 percent despite the additional horsepower.
Longer Sedan
The sedan and hatchback both ride on a 98.4-inch wheelbase, but the hatchback is 158.1 inches long, whereas the sedan is 166.9 inches long.
Newly standard are front-seat side airbags and full-length head-protecting side-curtain airbags. The wheelbase is longer to help provide a smoother ride, and there’s a wider track for better handling and a more purposeful-looking stance.
Quieter Interior
The interior is quieter and has easily read gauges and a refreshingly simple dashboard layout. As might be expected, there’s lots of interior plastic, but cockpit materials look pretty good for a low-priced economy car.
2011 kia rio
Front seats offer only marginal side support in curves, but climate controls are large and audio system controls are mounted high for convenient use.
Roomier Hatchback
Those who want the most cargo room should opt for the hatchback. It has 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space, compared with 11.9 cubic feet for the sedan. However, the sedan’s nicely shaped trunk has been enlarged and is roomy for the car’s size.
The hatchback provides 49.6 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded forward, while Kia says the sedan’s cargo area totals about 24 cubic feet with its rear seatbacks folded forward.
2011 kia rio
Average Roadability
No Rio should be bought for driving fun. The Rio sedan has average steering and handling, partly because it has only narrow 14-inch wheels. The hatchback handles a little better with its larger wheels and slightly wider tires.
However, all versions have a comfortable ride for a small car. And the brake pedal has a linear action for smooth stops, although stopping distances are average.
The new Rio sedan and hatchback are expected to appeal to younger and slightly more affluent buyers, evenly split between men and women. They’re still mainly for those on limited car budgets, but don’t look or drive like economic hardships.
2010 Jeep Compass
Posted by Alexander in Car Reviews, Jeep on December 17th, 2010
If you have a vehicle with the same iconic brand name recognition as Coca-Cola, why not take advantage of that
2010 jeep compass
Chrysler knew that expanding the market for Jeep would eventually involve introducing more car-like models, and that would be tricky
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if it didn’t want Jeep to lose its go-anywhere “trail-rated” off-road reputation.
That reputation helps distinguish Jeeps from many other SUVs, although only a small percentage of SUV owners go off-road or do serious off-road driving. It’s the fact that those owners could tackle rugged terrain with a Jeep that adds to the appeal of this SUV.
Also, Chrysler needed a new vehicle on which to base a car-like Jeep so it wouldn’t have to spend a small fortune developing an all-new entry. One really didn’t become available until the compact Dodge Caliber crossover vehicle (some call it a car or station wagon) went on sale this year.
The Compass 4-door hatchback is based on the utilitarian Caliber 4-door hatchback. So it’s no
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2010 Jeep Compass
surprise that both are made in the same Belvidere, Ill., plant that long made the discontinued Dodge Neon.
Jeep Styling Cues
The 4-door Compass has sufficient Jeep styling cues, such as round headlights, a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel openings. But it looks sleeker than other Jeeps with its new silhouette, which includes a steeply raked windshield. Rear door handles are integrated in the rear roof supports, as such handles have been for years in several Nissan SUVs such as the Pathfinder.
Who will buy a Compass? Jeep is aiming it at folks who want Jeep’s free-spirited image, but also the comfort and roominess of a modern, space-efficient compact car/crossover—along with fairly good fuel economy.
2010 jeep compass
Average Highway Performance
Powering the new Jeep is a 2.4-liter 172-horsepower 4-cylinder engine that DaimlerChrysler jointly developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. It provides good in-town acceleration, but just average highway performance because it isn’t very large and the Compass is fairly heavy for its size at 3,071 to 3,351 pounds, depending on the trim level.
Estimated fuel economy doesn’t touch the 30 mpg level, which would be a good selling point. Rather, weight holds down estimated economy to 25 mpg in the city and 29 on highways with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox and 23 and 26 with the responsive continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that was in my test Compass.
The CVT costs $1,000 for the base Sport trim level and $1,150 for the upscale Limited version. Only 87-octane gasoline is required.
2010 jeep compass
Significant Safety Features
All Compass trim levels have standard anti-lock brakes with a brake assist feature for surer panic stops and traction control and an anti-skid system with rollover sensors. Also standard are side-curtain airbags, although front-seat side airbags cost $250.
Handy items include a console sliding armrest that moves 3 inches for shorter drivers and has a flip pocket for storing a cell phone. There’s also an available 115-volt power outlet, grab handles above all doors with clothes hooks on the rear handles and a removable self-charging lamp in the roof above the cargo area that can be used as a flashlight.
The open storage bin above the glove box may seem like a good idea, but items in it will end up on a front passenger’s lap or the floor during a sudden stop.
The Limited adds air conditioning, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, height-adjustable driver’s seat, fold-flat front seat, reclining rear seat and 18-inch tires—along with more exterior glitz such as bright front/rear fascia overlays.
2011 Infiniti G Sedan
Posted by Alexander in Car Reviews, Infiniti on December 17th, 2010
Success doesn’t rest on its laurels. When the 2003 Infiniti G35 sedan hit the streets, it was an immediate hit.
2011 infiniti g sedan
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and adding a new transmission. With the new engine comes a name change: the G37, and it’s quite possibly Infiniti’s best sport luxury sedan yet.
Model Lineup
The G37 sedan is offered in four trim levels: G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport MT and G37x AWD. All are well-equipped. The base G37 comes with leather upholstery, automatic climate control, keyless entry and starting, XM satellite radio, bi-xenon headlights and 17-inch tires on alloy wheels. The G37 Journey adds dual-zone automatic climate control, 6-disc CD changer and automatic headlights. Infiniti offers the G37S Sport MT as its performance version. It is the only one with a manual transmission, and it comes with sportier suspension settings, a limited-slip differential and 18-inch performance tires. The G37x
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2011 Infiniti G Sedan
model has Infiniti’s Intelligent all-wheel-drive system, plus heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors.
A Sport package for Journey and Sport MT trims comes with sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip differential, larger brakes, sport seats, a more aggressive front fascia and, for the Journey, steering-wheel shift paddles. Also offered is Infiniti’s Four-Wheel Active Steer system, which is teamed with stiffer shocks and variable steering ratios.
Standard safety equipment on all versions includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, side-curtain airbags, a tire-pressure monitor, active front head restraints, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, traction control and electronic stability control.
Under the Hood
The 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan gets Infiniti’s 3.7-liter V6, which first appeared in the G37 coupe for the 2008 model year. It produces 328 horsepower, up from 306 horses in the 2008 G35 sedan. The new engine has Infiniti’s Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system, which is a form of variable valve timing for the intake stroke. The engine is offered with a 6-speed manual transmission or a new 7-speed automatic with manual shift capability and Adaptive Shift Control that learns the driver’s driving style and adjusts accordingly. The new transmission and VVEL system raise Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy ratings by one mpg in the city and two mpg on the highway, to 18/26 mpg (city/hwy). With the manual transmission, EPA fuel economy ratings are 17/25 (city/hwy).
The G37 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, and the G37x has Infiniti’s Intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which it calls Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split (ATTESA E-TS). This system is rear-drive biased. Under normal conditions, it sends 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels. When slip is detected, it can actively distribute up to 50 percent of the torque to the front wheels thanks to a locking center differential. AWD comes only with the automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are 18/25.
Inner Space
Take a seat in the G37 and you notice that it has a premium feel. The controls are within easy reach and move with precision. At the center of the dash is a 7-inch display with a control panel to operate the navigation system and/or information center. The control panel may seem a bit complicated at first, but the radio and climate controls are separate, so the learning curve is short.
Infiniti’s optional navigation system comes paired with the company’s 9.3-gigabyte MusicBox hard-drive music system. Order the Premium package and you also get an iPod interface that charges your iPod and lets you control it through the radio. For those with other types of MP3 players, the G37 has a standard auxiliary input jack.
2011 infiniti g sedan
Compared with its natural competitor, the BMW 3-Series sedan, the G37 sedan offers more interior space. Front-seat room is about the same, but the rear seat is considerably better. The G37’s rear seat will accommodate two passengers fairly easily, but three will be a stretch and someone will have to sit on the hump. Front-seat occupants have plenty of headroom- and legroom. The Sport package’s sport seats have extra side bolstering that helps hold occupants in place during aggressive cornering. Some may find the seats a bit firm.
Complaints about the G37 are minor and revolve around carrying capacity. Small-items storage consists of a shallow center console, two cupholders behind the shifter, the glove box and front door pockets with integrated bottle holders. Another bin or tray would be nice. The trunk has a decent 13.5 cubic feet of volume, but the G37 sedan has a center pass-through instead of a split folding rear seat. That means you can carry skis, but a snowboard and long boxes may not fit.
On the Road
The G37 sedan provides a sportier driving experience than any competitor other than the BMW 3-Series. Most noticeable is the steering. Grip the tactile steering wheel and you feel very connected to the road. The steering is also very direct, which makes the car react quickly to input.
Even the standard suspension is sporty. All G37s exhibit little body lean in corners and feel agile in quick changes of direction. Ultimate grip isn’t as tenacious as in a BMW 3-Series, but the G37 will thrill anyone who looks for driving excitement. Plus, the G37 offers two more levels of sportiness. The available Sport package has firmer suspension settings and 18-inch wheels that give it sharper moves. The optional Four-Wheel Active Steer system is firmer yet, and it makes the G37 react even quicker.
2011 infiniti g sedan
I would recommend the Sport package, but would advise customers to try the Active Steer system on a bumpy road before they buy. The base suspension setup is fairly forgiving, and the Sport suspension is firmer but not punishing. Active Steer comes with even firmer suspension settings that can make it pound over bumps and jiggle on broken surfaces. Rust Belt buyers will want to avoid it.
The 3.5-liter V6 in the 2008 G35 was one of the best engines on the market, and the 2009 model’s 3.7-liter V6 is even better. Infiniti says it propels the G37 from zero to 60 mph in one- or two-tenths of a second faster than the 2008 model, which could reach 60 in as little as 5.3 seconds. That’s V8 power in a V6 package. The new 7-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, and it combines with the powerful engine to provide immediate and confident passing response. The Sport package’s steering-wheel paddles add a fun factor during aggressive maneuvers, and the available 6-speed manual shifts easily, though it’s a bit notchy.
Kirk Bell