2011 Lexus GS 350

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Lexus GS350
On its own merits, the 2011 Lexus GS 350 is a fine choice as a luxury sport sedan. It delivers performance, prestige, comfort and plenty of upscale features to please some of the most discerning of shoppers. Pit the GS 350 against some of the competitors from Europe, however, and its appeal fades, as those sedans seem to do most things just a little bit better.

The GS 350's drawbacks, as minor as they are, include a bit less headroom and a less responsive suspension. For average-sized drivers with little desire for athletic handling, these faults are easily forgiven, since the Lexus excels in nearly every other category. The quiet and calm cabin delivers segment-leading comfort while enveloping occupants in top-notch materials and expert craftsmanship.

The 3.5-liter V6 produces an ample 303 horsepower to give the GS 350 relatively swift acceleration, which should satisfy the vast majority of luxury sedan buyers. There is also a V8-powered GS 460 for more power-hungry drivers and a slightly more fuel-efficient GS 460h hybrid (both of which are covered in separate reviews). Regardless of which GS model you might be interested in, you can expect an abundance of standard features and state-of-the-art safety systems.

Among the 2011 Lexus GS 350's competitors, the most appealing ones come from Germany. The BMW 5 Series offers more cabin space and higher performance. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is hard to beat in terms of style and prestige, while the Audi A6 presents a well-rounded and understated alternative. Luxury sedans hailing from Asia are also worth a look, with the Hyundai Genesis representing a relative bargain, as does the Infiniti M37 with an added dash of performance. Even though the 2011 Lexus GS 350 might not be a front-runner in this segment, its reputation for reliability and quality should not be overlooked.

INTERIOR
Interior amenities for the 2011 Lexus GS 350 include regency leather-trimmed power front seats featuring heat and optional ventilation functions. Dazzling wood trim, polished metal and leather are draped around every corner to create a delightful visual experience. Once you are comfortably situated, listen for the Lexus Premium Audio System with its ten speakers, six-CD changer and USB media device connectivity. An available 11-channel, 330-watt Mark Levinson Premium Sound System delivers a euphoric aural experience through 14 speakers, and the seven-inch display screen can play DVD movies when the vehicle is parked.

A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard, as are High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power and heated front seats and Bluetooth support for hands-free calling. The standard sound system is a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System with an in-dash 6-disc changer and auxiliary iPod / MP3 / WMA port.

Upholding Lexus' reputation for finely crafted interiors, the 2011 GS 350's cabin surrounds occupants with supple leather and rich wood and aluminum trim. Average-size adults will fit comfortably, but taller passengers may desire a bit more headroom -- at least compared to other sedans in this class. This is especially true for those relegated to the center rear seat, which is slightly elevated compared to the outboard seats.

Our gripes are minor and include less-than-intuitive audio controls and a distracting glare from the highly polished wood trim. The GS reclaims some points for its optional high-resolution touchscreen and easy-to-operate navigation system.

EXTERIOR

The Lexus GS combines proven chassis systems with advanced dynamic handling technology to provide fairly agile handling and the Lexus trademark smooth ride. An Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, standard on the GS 460 and available on the GS 350, provides two settings, normal and "sport" for tighter, more precise control. AVS can automatically select appropriate suspension damping for driving conditions.

The GS comes amply equipped, with only a navigation system and Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system package and a list of stand-alone options.

Standard fare includes electronic traction and stability control (both with a cut-off switch), dual-stage front airbags, side seat-mounted airbags front and rear, side curtain airbags and knee airbags, four wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control, Brake Assist and electronic brake force distribution.

The more noteworthy options include electronically adjustable suspension damping, a radar-enforced Pre-Collision System and dynamic cruise control, an electronic parking assist and a backup camera, a choice of three 18-inch wheel and tire combinations, and a choice of Sirius or XM satellite radios.

ENGINE 
 A 303-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 powers the 2011 GS 350, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability. If you require more power or enhanced fuel economy, V-8 (GS 460) and hybrid models (GS 450h) are also available. The GS 350’s V-6 features direct injection and variable valve timing technologies, sending its power to the rear wheels or an all-wheel drive system. The 2011 GS 350 receives 18-19 mpg in the city and 25-26 mpg on the highway. Horsepower and fuel economy ratings are competitive with six-cylinder offerings from the Cadillac STS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series.

Available Adaptive Variable Suspension offers the driver Normal and Sports settings, so you can choose between a smooth ride and a stiffer, more responsive and performance-oriented ride.

SAFETY
Standard safety features on the 2011 Lexus GS 350 include antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, front and rear side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Safety Connect, a traditional telematics service with automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and emergency assistance button is also standard. Adding the optional adaptive cruise control includes a pre-collision system that detects impending collisions and responds by pre-tensioning the seatbelts and activating brake assist.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the GS 350 its highest rating of "Good" for both frontal-offset and side-impact collisions. In Edmunds brake testing, a GS 350 with 18-inch wheels and all-season tires came to a stop from 60 mph in an excellent 114 feet.
reference:ww.leftlanenews.com,www.edmunds.com,www.newcars.com

 

2011 Lexus ES350

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Lexus ES350
Despite what some luxury brands may be telling us, not all drivers are looking for bucket loads of horsepower and driving dynamics on par with sports cars. Some buyers are really only looking for a comfortable and luxurious ride that isolates them from the outside world. The 2011 Lexus ES 350 was made with these car shoppers in mind.

The ES 350 foregoes driver engagement and excitement and concentrates on a cosseting cabin with top-notch leather upholstery, rich wood trim and silence reminiscent of a bank vault. Its V6 engine adequately propels this entry-level Lexus, giving it performance numbers that are just average in this segment. The ES 350 is easy to drive and can be optioned with as many or as few technological features as buyers want, and this seems to be a winning formula for many entry-level luxury sedan buyers.

This ES 350 formula sees almost no adjustments for 2011. The only notable change is the recommendation to use standard 87-octane unleaded instead of the pricier premium fuel. The V6's rated power has dropped slightly as a result (from 272 horsepower to 268). But assuming that performance is not a primary concern, this should benefit the average ES 350 owner. As it stands, the ES continues to have just one main drawback, which is its tendency to get rather pricey as options are tacked on.

Among other sedans in the ES 350's price range, we count the Buick LaCrosse and Hyundai Genesis as the closest competition -- both offer similar features and levels of comfort but are a bit more responsive in terms of driving dynamics. You could also check out the Acura TL and Volvo S60, which are sportier still. It's worth considering all these models, but overall the Lexus ES 350 continues to be a fine choice for a luxury sedan.

INTERIOR
Inside, the ES 350 gains revised steering wheel controls and new interior trim color options highlighted by a new wood veneer. The optional navigation system gains XM Radio's NavTraffic and NavWeather services. Bluetooth will be standard for the new model year. The ES 350 also features an eight-speaker premium sound system, Bluetooth connectivity and USB access.

The ES 350 also has three major option packages, including the Navigation System/Mark Levinson Package which features a HDD navigation system with voice command, XM NavTraffic and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker stereo upgrade. The less expensive pure Navigation System option package includes the HDD navigation system, XM NavTraffic, and Lexus Enform to offer Destination Assist with a subscription basis.

The final option package is appropriately called the Ultra-Luxury Package which features upgraded semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior, wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shit, heated and ventilated front seats, driver's seat power cushion extender, Lexus Memory system, panorama glass roof, power rear sunshade, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, Dual-Swivel Adaptive Front Lighting system (AFS), 17 inch wheels, and a full-size spare tire.

On the safety front, rear seat side impact airbags are newly standard, as are rain-sensing windshield wipers. Lexus' Safety Connect telematics system will come with a one year activation, while the more comprehensive Lexus Enform system is bundled with navigation.

 EXTERIOR
The ES was revamped for the 2010 model year onward. Revised headlamps and a new grille design set the updated ES 350 apart from the outgoing model, while a chrome lower body side molding and side mirrors with integrated turn signals set the exterior design apart. Redesigned rear tail lamps and new wheel designs round out the changes outside.

The Lexus ES 350 comes standard with a wide range of content including push button access and vehicle starting, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, Lexus Memory system for the power driver's seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel.

After going through some styling tweaks last year, the 2011 Lexus ES 350 gets a new color, Deep Sea Mica, which replaces Black Sapphire Pearl. Other exterior features include standard 17-inch wheels, dual exhaust, rain-sensing wipers and a moonroof. A panoramic glass roof and 10-spoke wheels with “liquid graphite” finish are optional.

 ENGINE
Driving the 2011 Lexus ES 350 is a revised 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that now runs on 87-octane regular gasoline instead of premium. The result is a slight dip in horsepower (from 272 to 268), but lots of savings at the pump. The engine features dual variable valve timing technology and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. The ES 350 achieves a decent 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is better than most configurations of the competing Acura TL and Lincoln MKZ.

  
SAFETY

Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Lexus ES 350 includes stability and traction control, antilock brakes, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. Optional features include a radar-based pre-collision system and the "Lexus Enform and Safety Connect" emergency telematics system.

In recent Edmunds brake testing, the ES 350 came to a stop in a longish 133 feet from 60 mph -- that's 18 feet longer than a Hyundai Genesis sedan took in the same test.

In government crash testing, the ES 350 earned five out of five stars for frontal crash protection and front seat side crash protection. It earned four stars for rear side protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the ES 350 was awarded the highest possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side crash tests. The IIHS notes, however, that these ratings were based on results from the Toyota Camry, which shares a platform with the Lexus.
reference:www.leftlanenews.com,www.newcars.com,www.edmunds.com

 

2011 Lexus CT 200h

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Lexus CT 200h
Armchair quarterbacks have been quick to charge Toyota with losing its engineering nerve, labeling it a brand content to churn out safe, middle-of-the-road milquetoast offerings for every segment in which it competes. Admittedly, this isn't the same company that once marketed a supercharged, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive minivan shaped like a suppository, nor is it the same company that sold homologated rally specials alongside its workaday iron. But to say that there are no bold spirits in Toyota City just ain't so – just look at the bonkers LFA supercar, for goodness' sake.

But you needn't have a millionaire's bankbook to see that the Japanese automaker still has cheek to spare – just check out the 2011 Lexus CT 200h. Not only is Toyota's premium marque dipping its toes into America's compact luxury market – a segment that nobody but Mini has figured out how to make big dollars on – it's doing so with a hybrid, an expensive powertrain configuration that, Prius aside, only sells in marginal volumes.

Admittedly, Lexus has made no bones about the fact that it's squarely targeting Europe with the CT (a market where hatchbacks consistently do big business and "small premium" is not an oxymoron), but make no mistake, this is a brave bet. Lexus says it's gunning for 1,000 units a month – a small number in the grand scheme of things – but it's expecting the moon when compared to competitors like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30, which typically sell in the hundreds per month. Yet this bold bet is showing early signs of paying off. Thanks in part to heavy advanced marketing, Lexus cleared its decks of over twice that many units in March – 2,199 – the CT's first month on sale.

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
Placing a big back door instead of a trunk on a small car doesn’t seem very Lexus-like, but the CT 200h was designed for Europe where luxury five-door hatchbacks are becoming a large segment of the market. The question is, will the CT sell in Peoria? After all, American automotive history is awash with hatchbacks that didn’t make it, like the short-lived Lexus IS 300 Sportcross.

In its favor, the CT 200h has strong visual links to the LF-Ch concept Lexus unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Athletic styling is highlighted by a slightly raked roofline, while the eye-catching details include the character line streaming down its side and the crease above the rocker panel. In the front, sharp contour lines add extra dimension to the sculpted hood while deeply recessed fog lights give it an aggressive look. In back, the unique-to-Lexus rear-access door straddles the line between hatchback and wagon and has a small, stylish lip that runs through the middle of the liftgate. In true hybrid fashion, the CT has impressive aerodynamics with a coefficient of drag at 0.29, just behind the Prius’s 0.25.

Like the outside, the CT’s cabin also plays off the LF-Ch concept with a two-tiered dash. While the design is untypically stylish for Lexus, it is somewhat spoiled by a drive selector lever that is standard Toyota hybrid equipment and not very sporty in appearance. Switchgear is familiar Lexus offerings, meaning the tactile feel is quality and substance. Of note, when the Sport mode is selected, illumination of the instrument panel changes from blue to red and the left Eco gauge changes to a tachometer.

Motor Trend had some rather unkind words about the interior design: “The overall design of the dash is unconventional and brings to mind the cockpit of a jet airliner, but it looks as though Lexus has simply dropped in parts wherever they fit with little thought to aesthetics.”

Lexus did a credible job of carving as much space as possible in a compact car. The driver and front seat passenger will find comfortable seating positions and those in back, well, it’s a compact. The 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold forward, providing a flat cargo floor. A retractable cargo cover provides privacy in back, and there’s plenty of room behind the backseat for a week’s worth of groceries. This is the first Lexus equipped with eco-friendly faux leather that the automaker calls “NuLuxe.” Lexus claims the car is 80 percent recyclable. (Real cowhide is available as an option.)

To compete in the compact luxury class Lexus has equipped the CT with all of the desired standard features: keyless entry with touch sensors on exterior front door handles; dual-zone climate control; cruise control; steering-wheel audio controls; heated seats; Bluetooth for phone and music streaming; USB/iPod connectivity; and a six speaker audio system with a CD player. There’s a magnum load of options that can push the $29,120 starting price beyond $40,000: LED headlamps with washers; rain-sensing wipers; dynamic cruise control; backup camera; and a navigation system that uses a mouse-like controller. Surprisingly, the Mark Levinson audio system is missing from the options list.

The expected safety gear includes eight air bags, anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control.

ENGINE
A 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a pair of electric motors combine to give the Lexus CT 200h some 134 horsepower, while an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) works as ringleader. In Edmunds testing, the CT 200h jogs from a standstill to 60 mph in a torpid 10.4 seconds on the way to a pass through the quarter-mile in 17.6 seconds at 78.8 mph, but don't let this discourage you, since in real-world driving, the CT feels reasonably well-powered and responsive in most situations. It comes to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet, a reasonable effort considering its less-than-sticky, low-rolling-resistance tires.

If the car feels lighter on its feet than any other Lexus, it's because it is. Lexus engineers kept its heft down to a modest 3,130 pounds, making it both the trimmest model in the automaker's fleet and the trimmest model in its segment.

We exploit the CT's playfulness by putting it in "Sport" mode and the drive mode knob indicates our choice by lighting up in bold crimson. Throttle response instantly becomes more aggressive and steering sharpens, since this mode modifies their settings for quicker response each time the driver taps the gas pedal or turns the wheel. Sport mode also dials back the car's stability and traction control systems, allowing us more direct control of the Lexus.

Fuel Economy Or Fun?
Like the Prius, the CT offers multiple driving modes. In the CT 200h, the choices are EV, Eco, Normal and Sport. EV mode allows drivers to go all electric for up to a mile—so long as the car is kept below 25 mph on flat paved surfaces (think parking lots only). Normal mode brings the CVT into play, allowing the car to respond to changing driving conditions by instantaneously adjusting its gear ratios. Eco mode alters that formula to provide maximized fuel economy for gas-electric driving—slowing cabin cooling, limiting throttle and accelerating regenerative braking to charge up the battery. The Eco mode is where drivers are most likely to achieve the government’s estimated 43 mpg city and 40 mpg highway fuel mileage.

The “touring” personality of the car is introduced with the Sport mode which is calibrated towards performance and handling. In this setting, the throttle is cranked up considerably, power control from the battery is increased from 500 to 600 volts and the Lexus CT 200h’s electric power steering is adjusted to be more responsive. To liven things up a bit, the stability and traction control systems become less intrusive.

These adjustments obviously cut into fuel economy, but much of the pleasure of owning a car like this isn’t so much the extra performance it provides in all driving situations, but the knowledge that it’s there when you’re in the mood for it. At 134 horsepower, the performance is about the whole package, not raw power.

Does this new system live up to Lexus’s claim that with the Lexus CT 200h, “fun-to-drive and hybrid can be used in the same sentence.”? Motor Trend says, “Lexus quotes a 0-to-60 time identical to the Prius at 9.8 seconds. Despite the not-so-sporty times, no amount of flogging by us journalist types during the drive could get the indicated fuel economy under 34 mpg. Not bad.” The magazine also commented, “The most remarkable thing about the CT 200h is how easy it is to forget that you're driving a hybrid. Regardless of driving mode, transitions to and from electric power and gasoline power are so seamless that you simply forget they’re happening. Power is plenty adequate in most situations, but can leave you wanting when passing or climbing hills.” Wards Auto says the Lexus CT 200h is a good start in the direction of affordable green sportiness, but “needs more oomph.”

Comfort
Although the CT 200h's suspension features the usual MacPherson struts in front and a fully independent, double-wishbone suspension in back, this is the first Lexus to offer a lateral performance damper system. It's a unique design meant to reduce body vibrations and promote a more comfortable ride, and this technology helps give the car a well-planted feeling that's more German than Japanese. Those expecting traditional luxury-car plushness might find ride quality somewhat firm, though, and things can get downright harsh and brittle in Sport mode.

We find the front seats comfortable and nicely padded, but some might find them a little low-slung. To give the car's cabin a sporty feel, Lexus designed the seats with a low hip point, which means that ingress and egress require a little more effort than you might expect from a vehicle that isn't a purpose-built performance car. Even the steering column is set at a low angle (21 degrees), though it can be customized via tilting and telescoping.

The CT's cabin remains mostly tranquil as we hustle from one road to the next. However, the inline-4 can sound ragged when pushed and its wail occasionally creeps into the cabin.
reference:green.autoblog.com,www.edmunds.com,www.hybridcars.com

2011 Land Rover Range Rover

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Land Rover Range Rover
The Range Rover Sport might sound like a souped-up version of Land Rover's flagship SUV, but it's actually something entirely different. While it shares the Range Rover nameplate, it is actually smaller, less powerful, and less expensive.

First introduced as a 2006 model, the Range Rover Sport shares a platform with the LR4. The truck's exterior has been designed to look very similar to the larger Range Rover. With seating for five occupants, the Sport slots below the LR4 in terms of size, despite being pricier.

The Sport received a modest overhaul for the latest model year, yielding two new engine options and a number of exterior and interior refinements.

INTERIOR
As standard, a 5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) driver information LCD screen within the instrument cluster displays key information in a clean, simple and user-friendly manner. A hard-drive navigation system, part of the HSE and HSE LUX packages, provides fast route calculation.

Part of the available Vision Assist Package, five digital cameras make up the Surround Camera System, relaying to the touch-screen a near 360-degree view from the vehicle. The cameras, which support easier parking, towing and off-road maneuvering, function immediately as the vehicle is started, and have options for selecting and zooming in to assist with close quarter parking and with towing.

The Range Rover Sport design theme emphasizes its position as the most dynamic model in the Land Rover range. Signature LED headlamps provide a technical focal point and feature Range Rover inspired interlocking circle lamps.

The interior, with its cockpit feel and soft-touch finishes, reflects the brand’s standards of quality and craftsmanship. Leather is used extensively on major surfaces, in a wide choice of colors. Rich dark shades border narrow sections in lighter tones, and the effect is completed by a generous selection of fine wood finishes. The soft-touch dash can be wrapped in stitched, premium-grade European leather.

Front and rear seats feature a deep, sculpted shape. Electrically adjustable side bolsters are available on the front seats. Ambient lighting adds to the premium feel of the cabin, with white LEDs that cast subtle halos around interior door handles and pockets, as well as on the dash and center console area.

EXTERIOR
The front brakes for the naturally aspirated vehicle are four-piston units mated to 14.2-inch ventilated front discs, while the rear brakes are single-piston units and with 13.8-inch rotors. The supercharged model sports 15-inch discs with six-piston calipers in the front, and 14.3-inch discs with single-piston calipers in the rear.

The recent update included LED headlamps combined with a new two-bar grille, revised front bumpers and widened fenders. At the rear, new light clusters and a revised bumper design mirror the smoother front-end. The interior was also redesigned, using higher quality materials, soft-touch finishes and better craftsmanship to create an environment that is "truly worthy of the Range Rover brand," the company said in a statement.

Steering response is improved on the Range Rover Sport with the stiffening of the front suspension lower arm forward bushing, enhancing the sense of driver involvement with the vehicle at higher speeds.

The Terrain Response system boasts a series of improvements, including improved performance when tackling challenging terrain like sand or large rocks. For soft sand conditions, a "sand launch control" mode makes for noticeably easier drive-away.

New, speed-dependent wheel-slip targets for the traction control system permit only very limited initial wheel-slip, helping to prevent the wheels digging down into the sand. The system also has an improved rock crawl program for better control while traversing boulders or driving through rocky terrain.

Because the Range Rover Sport was designed with strong on-road performance in mind, it features the "Dynamic Response" suspension system delivers flat cornering, tight body control, and sharp steering response.

Six airbags are provided including two in front triggered by a longitudinal impact, two seat-mounted for front occupant thorax protection in a side impact, and two side curtains that deploy from the ceiling for the head protection of all outboard occupants

An adaptive front lighting system with bi-xenon headlights that turn to follow steering inputs are standard on the Supercharged model and optionally available on the Range Rover Sport HSE.

ENGINE
The LR-TDV8 4.4-litre with parallel sequential turbocharging replacesthe outstanding LR-TDV8 3.6-litre and is unique to the Range Rover. Theall-new LR-TDV8 combines superior power and massive torque with unparalleled levels of refinement. Despite the extra performance, this V8 engine is cleaner too, delivering even lower fuel consumption and CO2emissions than its predecessor. The combined cycle fuel consumption of the new LR-TDV8 4.4-litre is 30.1mpg, making this the first Range Rover ever to better 30mpg.

With 313PS and 700Nm torque, the Range Rover's new powertrain reducesCO2 emissions by an impressive 14 percent from 294g/km to 253g/km. The new diesel engine is helped in this respect by its marriageto a new, electronically controlled, ZF 8HP70, 8-speed automatic. This combination is enough to catapult the Range Rover from rest to 60mph in amere 7.5 seconds and complete the 50mph-70mph dash in just 4.0 seconds while the top speed increases from 125mph to 130mph.

Available only on 4.4-litre LR-TDV8 models, this 'smart' transmissionintegrates with the diesel engine to deliver the most efficient operating regime in all conditions. To reflect the performance of the new 4.4-litre LR-TDV8, diesel models are fitted with the same Brembo-based braking system fitted to the 5.0-litre LR-V8 supercharged model. The system comprises 380mm ventilated front discs with unique, lightweight aluminium six-piston opposed action monoblock callipers. 365mm ventilated discs with single piston sliding callipers are fitted at the rear.

 New for 2011 highlights:
• Standard Extended Leather Package and contrast stitching on seats, center console and door panels on HSE LUX and Supercharged trim levels.
• New Vision Assist Package includes:; Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS; swiveling headlights); Automatic High Beam Assist (AHBA), and a Surround Camera System.
• Standard audio system now comprises 240-watt harman/kardon® electronics and amplifiers and 9 speakers (including subwoofer).
• Optional Premium Audio includes 480-watt harman/kardon digital surround sound; 13 speakers plus subwoofer; HD radio, and satellite radio (satellite radio standard on Supercharged model).
• New paint colors: Fuji White, Baltic Blue and Siberian Silver.
reference:www.carsession.com,www.leftlanenews.com,www.autospectator.com

2011 Land Rover LR4

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Land Rover LR4
Like the rest of its ilk, the Land Rover LR4 is big, tall, and heavy. No surprise there. Given the amount of effort expended by the auto industry in making big trucks like this into palatable suburban-use vehicles, it's also not terribly surprising that the LR4 is very polished overall-quiet, smooth-riding, and even reasonably good-handling. Where the Land Rover does, however, stand apart from other full-size, three-row SUVs is that it is considerably less stressful to maneuver in town. Although you think of the Land Rover as a big boy (and it is), its overall length is quite a bit shorter than several of its competitors. A Mercedes-Benz GL or an Audi Q7 is some ten inches longer; a Chevy Tahoe/Cadillac Escalade is a foot longer. The LR4 has the additional advantage of a tighter turning circle, besting the GL, the Q7, and even the fractionally smaller Jeep Commander. The final element that keeps the LR4 from being a tiresome beast to wrestle with is its excellent outward visibility.

Outward visibility has become a non-consideration for auto designers in recent years, as we've seen beltlines get ever higher, pillars grow thicker, and windows shrink. The LR4 stands in pleasant contrast to all those trends. The windowline actually is below the driver's shoulder, which is almost unheard of in a modern car. The A-pillars are too thin to hide a pedestrian entering a crosswalk. And, if you have the third seat folded, the dipped-down glass area in the tailgate actually allows you to see behind the vehicle.

INTERIORStandard interior features include push-button start, a multi-function steering wheel, dual climate control, electric parking brake and stadium seating for five or seven passengers. Leather seating and wood trim are optional. A harman/kardon sound system with iPod interface and touch-screen controls is standard, and a hard disc based navigation system can be added, as can Bluetooth connectivity. The optional rear seat entertainment system lets rear passengers play their own DVDs and games no more fighting. The 2011 Land Rover LR4 also comes with several trim options available, like the HSE with front parking sensors, heated front and rear seats, and Bluetooth connectivity. It also gets a navigation system similar to the larger Range Rover.

EXTERIOR
The fresh exterior design for 2010 onward includes smoother new front end and revised lights, including LEDs. The all-new interior delivers a more premium and functional five and optional seven-seat space. Other new features include available Surround Camera system, Gradient Release Control, Tow Assist, available Automatic High Beam Assist, Keyless Entry, and Push Button start.

Aerodynamic changes to the front end, with the revised front lower chin spoiler and new front wheel deflectors, help to reduce drag. 19-inch wheels and tires optimized for rolling resistance and improved tire wear also increase efficiency. The interior is completely redesigned, with a revamped dash and center console, new seats, and improved controls.

An electronically controlled six-speed ZF automatic transmission provides a wide spread of gear ratios. Three shift modes are available. In the automatic mode, up- and down-shifts are electronically regulated for smooth gear changes. In the Sport mode, shifting is keyed to maximum acceleration performance. In the CommandShift mode, the driver has manual control over the gears.

ENGINE
The 2011 Land Rover LR4 has plenty of power with a beefy 5.0 Liter V8 engine with a 375 horsepower rating and 375 pounds of torque. The 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive provides smooth shifting and plenty of pickup. While many other vehicles offer a larger towing capacity, this Land Rover will easily pull most trailers and boats The 2011 Land Rover LR4 is a midsize luxury SUV offered in a single trim level.

The engine has been optimized for low-end torque, making it possible to activate the lock-up clutch of the six-speed automatic transmission at lower speed. This reduces 'slip' in the hydraulic torque converter benefiting both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The higher torque at lower rpm also enables longer gearing for more economical cruising.

Handling

The 2011 Land Rover LR4 is a smooth ride both on and off the highway with air suspension. Acceleration was smooth, and the promise of 60 mph in 7.5 seconds achieved. The Land Rover LR4 gripped the road surface with confidence, although it felt a little tippy in tight corners. This is usually expected in a tall vehicle. The steering and braking performed well. Off-road is where the 2011 Land Rover LR4 truly shines with its excellent 4-wheel drive capabilities and high clearance. Depending on the road conditions, choose from General Driving, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Sand, Mud and Ruts, and Rock Crawl from the convenience of the control knob mounted on the center console.
reference:www.associatedcontent.com,www.automobilemag.com,www.leftlanenews.com

2011 Land Rover LR2

 

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Land Rover LR2
Land Rover, the brand synonymous with luxurious off-road capability, has just released its 2011 LR2, featuring the first-ever front-drive model, an updated look and improved engines for the new model year. The smallest of the Land Rover range until the 2012 Evoque lands next fall, the LR2 is otherwise largely unchanged from the 2010 model.

Not that lower emissions, improved fuel economy, and a fresh take on the familiar LR2 face are anything to complain about. First up, the mechanical changes.

INTERIOR
In the cabin, there are four new contemporary seat styles offering a greater range of choice. A stylish cloth trim, covered with new Tofino or Resolve fabrics, Napoli leather, a combination of Napoli leather and Alcantara, and Windsor leather for the premium pack. These four new styles differentiate between trim levels. There’s a choice of manual, 6/4-way electric adjustment and 8/6-way electric adjustment for the Premium Pack seats.

New colourways compliment the revised upholstery design with Ebony, Tan and Ivory and there are matching door casings in Ebony PVC with Ivory stitching and Ebony PVC with Tan contrast stitching. Four new fascia finishers come in either Element Silver, Element Black, Dark Chestnut and Piano Black lacquered finish. This lacquered black theme is also carried over onto the steering wheel switchpack.

At the high end of the option range, there’s a new Premium Pack option with Windsor Leather upholstery in Ebony, Almond, Ivory or Tan colourways. The Pack includes the luxurious 8/6 way electric seat plus premium carpet mats and covered centre stowage. All 2011 LR2s will benefit from a clear and contemporary new instrument pack too.

The LR2 provides the safest possible environment for occupants. The Command Driving Position provides good visibility of all four corners of the vehicle and narrow A-pillars ensure that forward visibility is not compromised. There are seven airbags: two curtain, two front, two thorax and a driver’s knee bag as standard. The transverse engine mounting not only frees up interior space but offers impressive crash performance, helping the LR2 achieve a 5 star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection.

EXTERIOR
Exterior looks get updated with a new front bumper an grille, three new color choices, and a new set of alloy wheels. The new front bumper assembly gets new front fog lamp bezels, and the grille is available in both Dark and Bright finishes, though the Dark finish is only available on the four-cylinder diesel model, which we won't get here in the U.S. New halogen projector headlights are now standard, a the rear lights get a clear inner lens with a black surround. Body-color tailgate handle, door handles, and door mirrors are also available or standard, depending on the model. A choice of 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels can be had, along with new colors Kosrae Green, Baltic Blue and Fuji White.

Like other Land Rovers, the LR2 offers an elevated driving position and plenty of window area for a good view of the world outside. It also features the company's "stadium seating" layout, where rear passengers sit slightly higher than front occupants, for increased visibility.

Cargo space is 59 cu. ft. (1670 liters) with the rear seats folded and 26.5 cu. ft (755 liters) with the rear seats up.

The body is a five-door monocoque structure, with enough stiffness to provide confident handling on-road and a solid feel off-road. The suspension is fully independent and uses modern stability control systems, including Roll Stability Control (RSC) -- a technology that helps mitigate the risk of roll-over even in extreme conditions.

Although the LR2 is often viewed as a road-friendly crossover, it offers a number of features geared specifically for true off-roading. These include Land Rover's unique Terrain Response system, standard all-wheel-drive, and the patented Gradient Release Control, which improves driver confidence and control when releasing the brakes on steep and slippery slopes.

ENGINE
The 3.2-litre straight six continues to head the LR2 powertrain line-up for 2011. The engine has been re-calibrated to meet EU5 rather than EU4 emissions regulations but the power remains unchanged at 233PS and 317Nm (234lb ft) torque. The straight six accelerates the LR2 to 60mph in 8.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 124mph.

The straight six is the best balanced of all engine configurations but its length usually
makes it difficult to package transversely. However, the Rear End Ancillary Drive (READ) arrangement of the i6, with ancillaries like water pump, air conditioning compressor and alternator mounted at the rear rather than the front, reduce the length of the i6 to an incredible 600.5mm making it an easy fit in the LR2’s engine bay.

With an advanced, aluminium block, head and bedplate the i6 remains at the cutting edge of petrol engine design. The i6 is equipped with twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder with cam profile switching (CPS) and variable valve timing (VVT). The combination of the two mix high power with low end flexibility and maximum efficiency.

The i6 also has a variable length inlet tract which adapts to optimise both high end power and low end torque. These technologies combine to deliver 80 percent of maximum torque across the entire useable rev range and 256Nm (189lb ft) is available between 1400rpm and 6400rpm. In common with the diesel engines, the i6 uses Intelligent Power System Management (IPSM) for ‘smart charging’ of the battery.

The i6 engine was originally developed with Land Rover applications in mind and is designed to resist dust, mud and water intrusion as well as operation at acute tilt angles.

SPECIFICATIONS

2011 LR2 technical data
i6 petrol auto 4WD
Height mm (in) 1740 (68.5)
Width mm (in) 2195 (86.5)
Length mm (in) 4500 (177)
Wheelbase mm (in) 2660 (104.7)
Turning Circle m (ft) 11.3 (37)
Min Weight From kg (lb) 1775 (3913)
Front suspension Macpherson strut with lower control arm and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension Strut assembly with lateral and longitudinal links and anti-roll bar
Brakes Ventilated front disc - 316mm,, ventilated rear - 302mm
Steering Hydraulic power assisted rack and pinion
Four Wheel-Drive system Full time 4 wheel drive with Haldex rear axle differential.
Engine type Transverse, in-line 6-cylinder, 24-valve, multipoint fuel injection

Displacement cc 3192
Bore/stroke mm (in) 84x96
Compression ratio 10.8
Max power PS (kW) 233 (171)
Max Torque Nm (lb ft) 317 (234)
Fuel consumption EU urban/extra urban/combined (mpg-L/100km) 18.2/34.9/26.4 (15.5/8.1/10.7)
Emissions EU5
CO2 g/km 255
Transmission Aisin SWF21 6 Speed auto
Fuel tank capacity litres/imp gals/US gals 70/15.4/18.5
Range, miles (km) 400 (650)
0-60mph 8.4
Top speed mph (kph) 124/200
reference:www.leftlanenews.com,www.zercustoms.com,www.motorauthority.com