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2011 Chevrolet Cobalt
Posted by Alexander in Car Reviews, Chevrolet on March 22nd, 2011
The Chevrolet Cobalt comes in two forms, two door coupe or five door family sedan. The Cobalt comes nine trim level starting from the Base Coupe to top-end SS Turbocharged Coupe. The Fuel-efficient Cobalt combines both performance and comfort specially the top-end SS.
2011 chevrolet cobalt
The Chevrolet Cobalt Base, LS and LT shares same 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual is the standard transmission, with a four-speed automatic available as an option for the LS and LT.
Terms
coupe, sedan, turbo, performance, comfort MyLink, premium, sports equipped, control, manual
Fuel economy with the manual transmission is 25mpg in the city, 35mpg on the highway and 29mpg combined. The Cobalt with the automatic transmission achieves 24mpg in the city, 33mpg on the highway and 27mpg combined.
The top-end Cobalt SS Coupe is equipped with a 2.0liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 260 horsepower and 260lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available is a five-speed manual achieving 22mpg in the city, 30mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined.
The base Cobalt Base is equipped with a 60/40-split rear seat with a trunk pass-through, 15-inch steel wheels, OnStar, a tilt steering wheel, satellite radio, a trip computer and a four-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Cobalt LS adds air-conditioning. The LT adds upgraded front seats, full power accessories and a front center armrest. The 2LT Sedan and Coupe adds 16-inch alloy wheels, antilock brakes and cruise control.
The optional features in Chevy Cobalt LT includes bluetooth, 16-inch aluminum wheels, antilock brakes, a USB port for the audio system and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls as a package called “MyLink”. Another package “Sun and Sound” adds a sunroof and a premium Pioneer seven-speaker sound system. The “Sports” package adds 17inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, front foglamps, reworked front and rear fascias, Bluetooth and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio and cruise controls in Cobalt LT. Most of these features are available as individual options too.
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2011 Chevrolet Cobalt
The top-level Cobalt SS adds an exclusive sport-tuned suspension, sport seats covered with a suedelike material, 18-inch wheels shod with performance tires, Brembo front brakes, unique exterior and interior styling cues, a sunroof, the premium Pioneer stereo and Bluetooth.
Full-length side curtain airbags are standard on all Cobalts. Most Cobalts have a front-disc/rear-drum brake setup; SS models have performance-tuned four-wheel disc brakes. Antilock braking (ABS) is optional on the LS and LT and standard on the 2LT and SS. ABS-equipped models with automatic transmissions come equipped with standard traction control. Side airbags and stability control aren’t offered.
Safety features includes Front and rear head airbags, immobilizer, dusk sensing headlamps, passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation, emergency interior trunk release, tire pressure monitoring as standard.
Buick Lucerne
Posted by Alexander in Buick, Car Reviews on January 27th, 2011
The Buick Lucerne is one of Buick’s newest models. The Base Lucerne has Buick’s polished pushrod 3.8-liter V6 engine, which produces 197 horsepower and acceptable acceleration.
2011 buick lucerne
Terms
polished, engine, sophisticated, suspension, firm, control, standard, spacious, layout, comfortable, safety
The Magnetic Variable Assist steering in the CXS and CXL V8 is precise, with the right amount of firmness. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard on all Lucernes. The Buick Lucerne CXS also has standard Magnetic Ride Control, a StabiliTrak anti-skid system and Brake Assist, optional for the CXL V8. Estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg in the city and 28 on highways with the V6 and 17 and 25 with the V8.
The Lucerne’s interior is spacious, and features a comfortable ergonomic layout. The Lucerne seats five and with an optional front bench seat can seat six. Seats are comfortable for many but some might find them too flat. All Lucerne trim levels have a good amount of comfort, convenience and safety equipment, including six airbags.
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2011 Buick Lucerne
The Lucerne has Buick’s traditional grille and a smooth modern look. Fit and finish of Lucerne body panels and trim pieces in the interior is good. Wide doors with large, elegant chromed handles allow easy entry to the church-quiet interior, which has understated elegance and limousine-style room in the rear. Buick Lucerne seats are comfortable and especially supportive when taking curves in the CXS.
The big trunk has a low liftover, but its lid uses old-style manual hinges instead of hydraulic struts. The hood raises easily on such a strut, and the trunk lid will be opened much more than the hood.
2011 Buick Lucerne Features
CX
Exterior, Design, Paint & Finish
– Front and Rear Color-Keyed Bumpers
– Front Air Dam
– Metallic Paint (If Selected)
– Chrome Grille
Seats
– Driver Power Seat Adjusts 6 Ways Total
– Front Dual Reclining Bucket Seats With Adjustable Seat Height and Adjustable Headrests
– Cloth Seats
– Rear Bench Seat With Fold Down Center Armrest
– Rear Seat Pass Through
– Front Passenger Power Seat Adjusts 6 Ways Total
Instrumentation
– Tachometer
– Tire Pressure Monitor
– Voice Activated Controls For Phone
– Compass
– Steering Wheel Mounted Controls For Audio, Cruise Control and Wireless Enabled Devices
– Trip Computer With Instantaneous Fuel Consumption
– Digital Clock
– Cruise Control
– Service Interval Indicator For Oil Quality
Storage
– Rear Armrest Storage
– Illuminated Glovebox
– Front Dual Door Mounted Storage
– Front Dual Seatback Storage Pockets
– Front Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
– 2 Front and 2 Rear; 4 Cupholders Total
– Coinholder
Interior, Design, Decor & Floor Covering
– Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Trunk
– Leather Steering Wheel
– Rear Carpeted Floor Mats
– Front Carpeted Floor Mats
Exterior Lighting
– Front Halogen Foglights
– Daytime Running Lights
– Automatic Headlights With Automatic On/Off and Dusk Sensor
– Halogen Headlights
– Cornering Lights
Safety
– Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters
– Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
– Front and Rear Pretensioners
– Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
– OnStar(R) Telematics System With 6 Months Directions and Connections Plan. Includes Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist and Roadside Assistance
– Front and Rear Automatic Locking Retractors
– Side Guard Door Beams
– Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor Activated By Weight
– Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
– Trunk Anti-Trap Device
– Front Side Airbags
– Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
– Passenger Airbag With Dual Threshold Deployment
– L A T C H
– Crash Sensor Sends GPS Signal
– Crumple Zones
Braking & Traction
– All-Speed Traction Control
– Brake Assist
– 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
– StabiliTrak(R) Vehicle Stability Control System Measures Steering Wheel Angle/Direction, Yaw Rate and Lateral Acceleration
– Front Power 303-mm X 30-mm Vented Disc and Rear Power 292-mm X 12-mm Solid Disc Brakes
Steering
– Tilt Steering Column
– Power Rack and Pinion Steering
Engines & Emissions
– Extended Service Interval For Platinum Tipped Spark Plugs, Distributorless Ignition and Transmission Fluid
– Flexible Fuel 3.9-Liter, V6, VVT 12-Valve, OHV, SEFI Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 227@5700, Torque Of 237@3200, Cast Iron Block and Alloy Cylinder Heads; Runs On Ethanol/Gas Mixture With Up To 85 Percent Ethanol (Primary Fuel Economy With 100% Gasoline Is 17-City, 27-Highway and 21-Combined; Secondary Fuel Economy With 85% Ethanol Is 13-City, 20-Highway and 15-Combined)
– Roadside Assistance Warranty For 100000-Miles, 60-Months
Suspension
– Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers and Ride and Handling Ride Type
– Automatic Load Leveling
– Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers and Ride and Handling Ride Type
– 29-mm Front Stabilizer Bar
– 18-mm Rear Stabilizer Bar
Remote Controls & Remote Releases
– Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob
– Power Remote Trunk Release
Anti-Theft & Locks
– Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors
– Vehicle Anti-Theft Via PASS-Key III Engine Immobilizer
– Programmable Power Door Locks
– OnStar(R) Stolen Vehicle Assistance With Vehicle Slowdown
– OnStar(R) Remote Ignition Block
– Theftlock(R) Radio Anti-Theft
– Vehicle Anti-Lockout
– Valet Lockout
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
– Manual Air Conditioning
– Interior Air Filter
Electrical
– Audio Pre-Wiring
– Battery Saver
– Drive-By-Wire Control For Throttle
– Battery
– Remote Ignition Pre-Wiring
– Front Power Outlet
– Delayed Power Retention Operates Audio and Power Windows For 10-Minutes
Interior Lighting
– Engine Compartment Light
– Front and Rear Map Lights
– Illuminated Entry Footwell Lights
– Trunk Light
– Delayed Courtesy Lights
Entertainment, Communication & Navigation
– AM/FM Radio With Seek, Scan, Speed Sensitive Volume and 6 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player; XM(R) Satellite Radio (Includes 3 Months Of Service, Unavailable In Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico or US Virgin Islands)
– Radio Data System
– Pre-Programmable Equalizer
– OnStar(R) Telematics System With 6 Months Directions and Connections Plan. Includes Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, Remote Horn and Lights, Turn-By-Turn Navigation, Hands-Free Calling, Vehicle Diagnostics and Low Mileage Discount
– USB Port
– OnStar(R) Hands-Free Calling With Telephone
– In-Glass Radio Antenna
– Front Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
– Telephone Antenna
– Vehicle Location System
Transmission
– 4-Speed Electronically Controlled Adaptive Automatic Transmission With Overdrive
– Adaptive Automatic Transmission
2011 Buick Lucerne Specifications
CX
Engine
Standard Engine 3.9L V6
Standard Transmission 4 Speed Automatic
Cylinders 6
Horsepower @RPM 227@5700
Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy 17 / 27
Combined Fuel Economy 20
EPA Class Large
Number of Valves 12
Torque @RPM N/A
Fuel Type System Flexible Fuel Vehicle / Multi-Port Fuel Injected
Turbo (Yes/No) No
Overdrive Transmission Yes
Battery Output N/A
Compression 9.8:1
Displacement 3900 / 238
Bore X Stroke 3.90×3.31
Cruising Range 360 miles
Final Drive Gear Ratio Opt N/A
Power to Weight Ratio 16.7
Final Drive Ratio No
Valves Configuration Overhead Valve
Supercharged No
Electric HorsePower RPM N/A
Electric Torque Feet Per Pound N/A (foot-lbs)
Electric Torque RPM N/A
Electric HorsePower BHP N/A
Interior Dimensions
Seating (Standard) 5
Seating (Optional) 6
Tow Capacity (Standard) 1000
Tow Capacity (Maximum) 1000
Headroom (Front) 39.5
Headroom (Row 2) 37.7
Hiproom (Front) 56.1
Hiproom (Row 2) 57.0
Legroom (Front) 42.5
Legroom (Row 2) 41.4
Shoulder Room (Front) 58.0
Shoulder Room (Row 2) 57.0
Seating (Maximum) 6
Headroom (Row 3) N/A
Hiproom (Row 3) N/A
Legroom (Row 3) N/A
Shoulder Room (Row 3) N/A
Brakes, Steering, Suspension and Tires
Brakes (Front) Disc
Brakes (Rear) Disc
Driveline Front Wheel Drive
Driveline (Opt) N/A
Steering Rack & Pinion
Steering Diameter Left 42.2
Steering Diameter Right 42.2
Suspension (Front) Independent
Suspension (Rear) Independent
Tire Type Passenger
Tire Width 235 mm
Tire Aspect Ratio 55
Tire Construction Radial
Tire wheel Diameter 17 in.
Capacity and Volume
Cargo Volume (EPA) 17 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume (MFR) 17 cu. ft.
Fuel Capacity 18.0
Passenger Volume (EPA) 104
Passenger Volume (MFR) 108.0 cu. ft.
Box/Cargo Height N/A
Box/Cargo Length N/A
Box/Cargo Width (Wheel) N/A
Box/Cargo Width (Wall) N/A
GVWR Standard N/A
GVWR Maximum N/A
Payload Standard N/A
Payload Maximum N/A
Exterior Dimensions and Weight
Curb Weight MT N/A
Curb Weight AT 3735
Ground Clearance N/A
Height 58.0
Length 203.2
Top Type (Standard) Hard Fixed
Top Type (Optional) N/A
Track (Front) 63.0
Track (Rear) 62.5
Weight Distribution AT (Front) N/A
Weight Distribution AT (Rear) N/A
Weight Distribution MT (Front) N/A
Weight Distribution MT (Rear) N/A
Wheelbase 115.6
Width 73.8
Doors (Standard) 4
Doors (Maximum) 4
Crash Test Ratings, Sales and Origin
Crash Test Rating N/A / N/A
Sales Volume N/A
Where Built U.S.A.
2010 Lotus Exige
Posted by Alexander in Car Reviews, Lotus on January 12th, 2011
According to Lotus, exige accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and from 0 to 100 mph in 9.9 seconds. It does this with a Toyota powertrain—a 240-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, according to our own testing,
2010 lotus exige
Light weight and utter simplicity have been the birthright of Lotus since the first one was built in 1948. A very light car with a small engine could outrun a very heavy car with a large engine. Lotus was selling its Ferrari-like Esprit in the United States in small numbers, but GM figured the name was worth something.
Terms
powertrain, cylinder, engine, transmission, automatic, weight, simplicity, sports, elise, supercharged, horses, injectors, comfortable, expensive, British
So it had Lotus build the Elan, an odd little sports car, powered by a four-cylinder Isuzu engine, that Lotus tried to sell in the United States for $40,000. Unfortunately, the 1991 Elan looked a lot like the 1991 Mercury Capri, which cost about $27,000 less.
Beneath the skin, the Elise and the Exige, introduced in the first quarter of 2006, are very similar.
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2010 Lotus Exige
They share an ultra-lightweight aluminum frame, and although a family resemblance to the Elise can be seen in the Exige’s body work, every panel is different except for the doors. The regular Exige S carries over for 2008 with 220 supercharged horses and 164 pound-feet of torque; in the S 240, that jumps by 20 horsepower and six pound-feet, thanks to a remapped engine-management computer, higher-flow injectors, and a repositioned roof-mounted air scoop. The S 240 also gets larger front disc brakes, with AP Racing four-piston calipers. The clutch has been beefed up.
2010 lotus exige review
The downside, as with all Lotus models, is a moderately cramped interior—two adults will rub elbows. Getting into and out of the driver’s seat requires acrobatics for anyone not named Sneezy, Grumpy, or Sleepy. But once you’re in, the seat is plenty comfortable, even for long stints.
2010 lotus exige road test
The Exige S 240 lists for $65,815, almost four grand more than the already expensive Exige S. A $1600 Touring pack gets you leather, more sound insulation, and a few more niceties. The $1650 Track pack adds adjustable anti-roll bars and adjustable Bilstein dampers. A limited-slip diff is $1790, but no one at Lotus suggests you need it unless you are a career autocrosser. Two colors—red and British racing green—are standard, with other colors adding up to $5100 to the price.
2011 Buick LaCrosse
Posted by Alexander in Buick, Car Reviews on December 30th, 2010
General Motors calls the 2010 LaCrosse the second chapter in Buick’s renaissance. The Enclave midsize crossover utility vehicle was the
2011 buick lacrosse
Terms
wheel, include, seat, offer, engine, sedan, buick, airbag, brake, number, passenger, sport, motor, various, headlight
GM survive? Well, after a day behind the wheel, we think the LaCrosse’s brand of luxury stacks up nicely with the likes of the Lexus ES 350. Now, all younger luxury customers need to do is rediscover Buick. That might be easier said than done.
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is offered in CX, CXL and CXS trim levels. Front-wheel drive is standard; the CXL is offered with all-wheel drive (AWD). Notable standard features of the CX include cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, XM Satellite Radio and 17-inch steel wheels. The CXL adds leather heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps and 18-inch alloy wheels. The CXS trim gets heated and ventilated leather seats and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels. The CXS
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2011 Buick LaCrosse
can be ordered with a Touring package that includes real-time suspension damping and 19-inch wheels.
Standard safety equipment includes dual threshold front airbags, side-curtain airbags, a tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control and GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control.
There are three engines to choose from here, two of which are new to the LaCrosse. For the first time, CX and CXL trims are offered with an updated version of GM’s Ecotec 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Previously offered in other GM vehicles, the engine now features direct-injection technology that improves both power and fuel efficiency. Output is 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. A new 3.0-liter V6, which is a version of the 3.6-liter V6 that had been offered in the last model, also has direct injection and produces 255 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. The top engine, offered only in the CXS, is a 3.6-liter V6 that adds direct injection as well, increasing horsepower from 240 to 280 and torque from 225 to 259 lb-ft. All engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate.
2011 buick lacrosse reviw
This CXL’s available all-wheel-drive system can send 85 percent of the power to the rear wheels. It also comes with an electronic limited-slip differential to apportion the power between the rear wheels for optimal traction.
Now this is more like it. The LaCrosse interior was designed in China, where Buicks are status symbols and owners often have chauffeurs. As a result, the LaCrosse has one of the best cabins in the General Motors lineup. It is attractively designed, carefully assembled and has an abundance of soft-touch surfaces. Standard “ice blue” ambient lighting adds a quality touch and helps illuminate various controls at night.
Like most sedans today, the LaCrosse’s coupe like rear pillars limit the size of the trunk opening. The trunk is spacious, though, with 13.3 cubic feet of cargo room. That space can be enhanced by standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Buick also includes a rear-seat pass-through, so the car can accommodate four passengers carrying long cargo, such as skis.
2011 buick lacrosse road test
The CXS is the closest to a sports sedan, especially when equipped with the Touring package, which comes with real-time damping and 19-inch wheels. While the CXS Touring may turn more willingly than the others, the wheels and low-profile tires tend to slap over pavement joints and highway tar strips. If you live in an area with rough roads, try the Touring suspension before you buy. On any version, the brakes are strong and easy to modulate, and the steering is light and a bit slow, but with decent road feel.
All engines come with a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate. The CXS has a Sport mode that allows for manual shifting and also changes shift points, steering resistance and suspension firmness. Even in Sport mode, however, the CXS doesn’t feel particularly sporty.
Kirk Bell
2009 GMC Envoy
Posted by Alexander in Car Reviews on December 14th, 2010
Availability of a V8 has enhanced the appeal of the 2003 GMC Envoy, which is one of General Motors’ most
2009 gmc envoy
They have
Terms
provide, wheelba, item, vehicle, occupant, inche, control, crui, airbag, area, teen, tran, engine, spen, sion, model
different front, rear and side styling and unique interiors, along with differently tuned suspensions. The lack of a third-row seat was a glaring fault when the trio was introduced, but GMC and Chevrolet added a longer wheelbase version with such a seat to increase occupant capacity from five to seven last year.
Standard for these sport-utilities is a smooth BMW-style inline (not V-shaped) 4.2-liter 6-cylinder with 275 horsepower and good torque. It adds five horsepower for 2003 and is sophisticated with such items as dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder.
New V8
A 5.3-liter V8 with 290 horsepower and more torque than the 6-cylinder engine is offered for the Envoy and Trailblazer, but not
Category › Car Reviews
Title › 2009 GMC Envoy
for the Bravada. The V8 is needed to give the heavier, longer versions stronger off-the-line acceleration and more towing ability.
Some potential buyers of these vehicles have been typical American truck purchasers who didn’t understand why a V8 wasn’t offered—although this GM “six” has been the most powerful standard engine in the mid-size sport-ute class since the trio was introduced.
Base prices for the Envoy range from $28,510 for the regular-length, rear-drive SLE model to $37,385 for the XL SLT extended-length version with 4-wheel drive.
There are various trim levels, and GMC gives the latest Envoy some option and feature repackaging. Even the base Envoy has a good amount of standard equipment, including air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD, power windows and remote keyless entry.
Two Lengths
The regular length Envoy has a 113-inch wheelbase and is 191.6 inches long. The extended-length XL version is considerably larger, with a 129-inch wheelbase and a length of 207.6 inches. While shorter than a Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon full-size sport-utility, the 7-passenger version is among the largest trucks in the mid-size sport-ute category.
GMC says the Envoy 6-cylinder engine is the most popular. That’s partly because the V8 costs an additional $1,500 and is offered only with the 7-passenger XL version. The regular-length version provides seating for five adults.
The V8 can’t be ordered for the XL SLE version without a $1,450 Preferred Equipment option group, which contains items including a power driver’s seat and GM’s OnStar emergency assistance feature. No option group is needed if the V8 is ordered for the XL SLT version.
Both engines provide strong overall acceleration and are hooked to a 4-speed automatic transmission. It works well, but a more modern 5-speed automatic would be better.
2009 gmc envoy
Impressive Ride
The ride is very smooth, especially with the longer wheelbase, although it occasionally becomes bouncy. The steering has the right gearing for a big, high, heavy vehicle. Handling is decent, and the $375 rear load-leveling rear suspension enhances it.
The brake pedal is too soft, but the Envoy provides sure stops, thanks partly to a good anti-lock brake system.
Extra effort is needed to enter or leave the quiet interior, which has easily read gauges and nicely sized, smooth sound system and climate controls. Front seats are very comfortable, but power controls on their sides near the doors are inconveniently located. There are a good number of storage areas for smaller items.
2009 gmc envoy
Roomy
There’s plenty of room in the first- and second-row seating areas, and occupants sit high for a good view of surroundings. The third seat area offers decent leg and head room for several 6-footers and isn’t especially hard to reach. A raised rear roofline provides third-row occupants with good head room.
The tailgate has a convenient flip-up glass area. The cargo area is spacious in the shorter version, but just average in the extended-length Envoy with the third-row seat in place. However, the third seat folds forward to allow plenty of cargo room.
The Envoy benefits from being one of GM’s newer vehicles. It’s very easy to live with, and very well-mannered.