Thursday, March 31, 2011

Buick Enclave Review 2010

The new 2010 Buick Enclave will come with no major changes when compared with the current generation models, though there will be several minor add-ons. The vehicle falls under the category of the family class SUVs. It comes with the seating capacity of up to 8 members. The vehicle shares its design features with the models like GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and the Chevrolet Traverse.

The 2010 Enclave will come in two separate trim levels - the CXL and the CX trims. The model uses the 3.6 liter V6 engine that produces 288 Horse Power and is offered in 6-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity of the next generation Buick Enclave is expected to be around 4500 lbs. The model comes in all wheel drive as well as the front wheel drive. The standard features provided in the vehicle include the 7-passenger seating with the second row bucket seats and the third row foldable bucket seats. The second row third person bench comes as an optional feature. The seats are designed to allow the easy access to the third row.

The safety features in the vehicle include the front side air bags, ABS, curtain side air bags that cover all the rows, anti-skid and the traction control system. Bi-Xenon headlamps remain standard throughout all the trim levels. The vehicle also includes with the DVD entertainment system, the navigation system with the 110 volt inverter, wireless cell phone link and real time traffic updates. The vehicle without navigation system comes with the rear view camera with driver confidence package.

As we all know, Chevy recently decided not to distribute its Orlando mini-crossover in the States in order to concentrate on its current lineup. Looks like they might have had another reason.

According to the Associated Press, Buick will be continuing its barrage of new products with an Aveo-based crossover to be built in Orion Township, Michigan.

This is refreshing; the brand formerly known as OLD has not only reinvigorated its lineup, but will be releasing more products in the near future - the Chinese-market Excelle and this new mini-Enclave - to help pull in younger buyers (Lexus and Acura fans, too).

Let's recap: large, medium, and (soon to be) small cars? Covered. Full-size and (soon to be) small crossovers? Covered. All of the ones currently available on lots (barring the Lucerne)? Pretty good-looking. Above average, even.

The crazy thing is, now I wonder what's stopping them from doing a sports car down the line? Talk about a positive identity shift.

By Phil Alex

Via: AP / Yahoo (Photos: Buick Enclave)

All New 2010 BMW X5 Facelift Shows

If you want to hear a wonderful bass line, but are concerned about the usual amount of equipment it takes to get that quality of sound in your vehicle, think again. A subwoofer system for your BMW x5 audio is available in a kit which comes with the enclosure and mounting hardware, the subwoofer, an amplifier, and all of the wiring and accessories that you will need for an easy installation with your own basic tools.

Another benefit of a custom BMW x5 audio system is that it is created to fit your vehicle perfectly. You will not need to sacrifice your precious cargo space in order to get the BMW speakers to fit. No one will know that you have upgraded your BMW car audio system because the interior of your car will remain exactly the same, due to the design that is custom matched to your particular BMW.

There are installation services for BMW x5 audio available in cities across the country. You can make an appointment to install the BMW x5 audio components that you want, along with testing of the sound to ensure that the sound your BMW produces is the best quality.


We've just landed these fresh spy shots of the extremely subtly facelifted BMW X5 SUV that was caught testing without any camouflage at all. And truth to be said, there's no need for any type of body cladding as the only styling change compared to the current model is the newly designed front bumper with larger air-intakes that house the repositioned fog lights. And yes, the new bumper is identical to the one found on the X6 SAV.

Though that's the only visible styling change on this particular prototype model, our sources state the production model will also feature a subtly revised rear bumper, new alloy wheel designs and updated trim in the interior.

The X5's engine line up will remain for the most part unchanged with the exception of the new 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel unit that makes 306 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and a peak torque of 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) at just 1,500 rpm while there's also talk about the revised 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six petrol that generates 326HP in its latest guise, up from 306HP.

BMW X5 Official Photos

Like many on the road today, you may find that you spend between one and two hours a day on the road commuting to and from work. If you are the proud owner of a BMW x5, however, that time on the road can be pleasantly spent listening to great music or books on tape through your BMW x5 audio system. An experienced BMW x5 audio solutions provider can upgrade your current BMW car audio system and provide installation services so your commute sounds will be exceptional.

Your BMW car audio system works like your home stereo system, in that the quality of sound that you actually hear inside the vehicle is very dependent on the quality of your vehicle's BMW speakers. The great news is that there are speaker packages designed for your exact vehicle. These speakers also come with a plug and play feature, that allows for easy installation of the new speakers. This upgrade to your current BMW x5 audio will give you a higher quality of sound because more of the sound range will be audible, allowing you to hear even more of the low and high notes in your music. The audio technology of today provides you with the best sound in your vehicle with the least amount of equipment, so that your BMW x5 audio system is concise yet complete.

As reported from these pages a few days ago, BMW will reveal it's 2007 X5 model this week. But as I know a lot of you probably don't won't to sit around and wait for them, here they are: the first official pictures of Bimmer's all-new luxury SUV.


Judging from the pictures, BMW avoided "Bangling" up the X5's design which actually looks much better than the model it replaces -that's a first... Design aside, the most important thing on the E70 X5 is the fact that for the first time, BMW is offering an optional third row of seats (probably suitable for two children) which fold into the floor when not in use. With the two extra seats in their position, the X5's boot space is 200 litres (VDA) and while folded, 620 liters. If you want to fold the last two rows then you'll have a whole 1.750 liters of space to do as you please.





To fit the extra row of seats, the new X5 has grown in length and now measures 4.854 mm or 191 inches. In comparision, the previous X5 measured 4.677 mm or 183.7 inches in length. The 2007 E70 X5 is also 61 mm or 2,4 inches wider (1.933 mm or 76,1 inches) than the model it replaces.

In the interior, the 2007 BMW X5 obtains the new 5 Series dashboard which I hope will have better quality materials. The most eye-caching differences concern the double side air vents and the wider lower part of the centre console with the controversial i-Drive system. Rear passengers can get really cozy as BMW offers a DVD entertainment system equipped that come with a standard remote control -popcorn is not included.


Besides the i-Drive system, the all-new X5 also comes equipped with BMW's Active Steering, Head Up Display and a Park Assistant Radar System that includes rear view camera.

Power will be driven to all four wheels through BMW's latest generation xDrive 4wheel drive system. As for driving dynamics, BMW officials promise not only to maintain but to improve the current X5's excellent on-road manners.

UPDATED- In regards to the engine range, the new Bavarian SUV will be presented at the Paris Motor Show with two new petrol engines, the 272 Hp 3.0 6cylinder (0 to 100 km/h in 8,1 sec, top speed 225 km/h) and the 355 Hp 4.8 V8 (0 to 100 km/h in 6,5 sec, top speed 240 km/h) and one diesel, the 231 Hp 3.0 6cylinder (0 to 100 km/h in 8,3 sec, top speed 216 km/h). The engine range is expected to grow rapidly after the car starts its career in Europe and the USA in the beginning of 2007 .

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

New Sedan concept 2015 Volvo SC90 Sports

Times have certainly been changing and it looks like Volvo is also moving along with what's happening in the mainstream. The Volvo that we all know is that vehicle manufacturer that produces box type cars and vehicles which are cunningly built so as to provide the utmost safety and protection to its passengers.

But it seems like the changing lifestyles and market consumption has also pushed the auto manufacturer from Sweden to start moving away from the style and type of vehicles that the company has grown up with. And it is starting to make a name for itself not just in terms of safety but also in style plus quality and design. These are some things that you would never think would happen to Volvo. And recently, Volvo is now working on spreading the news and the miracle of green technology.

It would take more than just simply creating parts custom Volvo S90 and other Volvo parts. It would take more time and effort to create and make use of such technology.

Some Volvo vehicles are now offering a feature called the PremAir. This is a treatment done to the radiator of the vehicle. What it does is it can consume ozone once the harmful gas is in contact with the treatment. In the end, the environment benefits from a cleaner and more breathable air.

Another change in the Volvo line of vehicles is the use of the V8 engine. It sure is a first for this auto manufacturer. The V8 engine is from Yamaha. This new engine is used in the Volvo XC90 V8 and the engine is very clean. In fact, the Volvo XC90 is now considered as the only vehicle in the world to be powered by a V8 engine that is actually able to meet the emissions standards set by the ULEV II.

There also is the Volvo 3CC Concept Car. This vehicle made its way to public knowledge back in Shanghai, China as part of an auto show. It has been made as an electric car that could seat three people inside. But still, it has not yet reached its production stage.


Technically sanctioned by Volvo, the S90 was thought up by Nouphone J. Bansasine while studying at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center.

With a more aggressive nose and its fastback roof line, the slippery 4-door coupe would be a very welcome successor to the oh-so-bland S80. Something like the S90 could help Volvo reinvent itself as truly stylish, mid-range luxury in order to tackle the world.

With the new S60 sedan already poised to fight the 3-Series, a car providing CLS looks at an E-Class price is definitely going to be necessary for Volvo to keep its momentum going.

Since this is just a design study, there's nothing official about the power train. Even so, it wouldn't be a stretch to picture this with a hybrid setup for people who bleed green and a higher-output T6 and all-wheel-drive for those who still bleed red.

If this is a hint at where Volvo is going, it might be in good hands.

By Phil Alex

Designer: Nouphone J. Bansasine , Via: Yankodesign & Carbody


New 2011MY VOLVO-S40 Sedans Over Production Error

It might not sound sexy but the S40's X-Factor is its calm-inducing qualities. We wouldn't say this is the car to set your heart racing - but it's certainly a car you can live with for a good few years. Design-wise it's understatement that wins the day, the S40 is very easy on the eye, both inside and out - just the wheels to make an urban commute more bearable but more than capable of dealing with the motorway slog too.

Volvos are meant to be safe and reliable - and the S40 has both in spades.

And while it might not set your heart racing, we reckon this is a car which is good for the soul.
Volvo S40 comes with a wide range of engines, four cylinder and for the first time also five cylinder petrol engines for the medium sized Volvo cars. A four cylinder turbo diesel is also part of the programme.
The new Volvo S40 can also be equipped with an all wheel drive system.

Volvo S40 has a body with 68% more torsion stiffness than its predecessor. It has also a high level of safety with a new patented front structure which has several crumple zones.

Volvo claim the free floating ultra thin central console is unique to their vehicles, and very nice it looks too, as well as freeing up a little storage behind. Want to really impress? Order the clear version. The S40's interior resounds with quality, from the understated design of a car which isn't trying to impress on a first date - to the not-nasty-at-all fabric seats which make a viable option should leather not be your thang.

Even as far as Volvos go, the S40 is a goodie, with an excellent performance on Auto Trader's Reliability Index. Once again Volvo lives up to its reputation.


In what could be one of the smallest recalls of the year, Volvo has issued a recall for seven S40 sedans from the 2011 model year in the U.S. over a production error. In a recent filling, Volvo told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] that a crack may have formed on the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment during the component production. Volvo said that the crack could have an effect on the front structure and may reduce the crash performance of the vehicle.

According to the recall notice, Volvo’s dealers will inspect the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment for cracks. The automaker said that if no crack is found, no further action is needed.

However, if the inspection reveals a crack in the side support member, given that this is a structural damage, the vehicle will immediately be taken out of service and the company will offer the owner a new replacement vehicle of equal specification.

The safety recall is expected to begin on or before April 15, 2011 For more information, U.S. owners can contact Volvo’s customer care center at 1-800-458-1552.

According to Volvo, aside from the seven S40s in the U.S., 4 vehicles from Canada and 2 from Puerto Rico are also subject to the same recall. You can check out the VIN numbers of the affected models in the list below.



RECALL 241 ELIGIBLE VEHICLE LIST – VIN NUMBER

Eligible U.S. Vehicles

YV1672MS4B2541597

YV1672MS9B2541675

YV1672MSXB2541684

YV1672MS7B2541691

YV1672MS6B2541701

YV1672MS6B2542198

YV1672MS0B2542214

Eligible Canadian Vehicles

YV1672MK6B2237574

YV1672MK9B2237584

YV1672MS7B2541688

YV1672MSXB2541958

Eligible Puerto Rico Vehicles

YV1672MSXB2542513

YV1672MS2B2542523


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