Bugatti Veyron Vitesse

Similar to the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, Veyron Vitesse is also equipped with 8.0-liter W16 engine block, creating a tremendous power up to 1,200 horsepower (882kW) at 6400 rpm and torque of 1,500Nm. The figures gave names to the list of car models fastest convertibles in the world. Besides, the Bugatti Veyron Vitesse also owns a great outfit with gray translucent panels, followed by interior colors and the details are meticulously crafted ...

2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon

The 2011 Acura TSX features a new wagon body style called the Sport Wagon. All TSXs also get a slight fuel economy gain, exterior design refinements, improved acoustic insulation and a new hard-drive-based navigation system with a higher-resolution display.


Introduction
The 2011 Acura TSX continues in its role as the gateway model into Honda's premium brand, a steady if somewhat plain performer in four-cylinder sedan trim and a more exciting sport sedan when equipped with the available V6. But the biggest news for the TSX line in 2011 is the addition of a wagon model. Offering more cargo room than most competitors, ample storage and a flat load floor that can accommodate objects nearly 70 inches long, the TSX Sport Wagon adds welcome versatility and panache to a model that frankly has been less interesting every year.


The Sport Wagon comes standard with the TSX's 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-4 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. Although enthusiasts might prefer that this new Acura wagon be a rival to the sportier Audi A4 Avant and BMW 328i wagon by combining a V6 engine, a manual transmission and all-wheel drive, the reality is that the TSX Sport Wagon offers balanced performance in nearly every dynamic category as well as superior fuel economy. Acura only plans to offer 4,000 units in North America, a tentative way of taking the temperature of American enthusiasm for a luxury wagon from Japan, so get on the list if you want one.
The Sport Wagon also adds a new design perspective to the TSX, as its tapering roof line and sharp, future-shock angles give the wagon an image of velocity even at rest. Acura has also tamed the TSX beak, the polarizing design for the grille and front fascia that has undermined what is otherwise a solid car under the sheet metal. The front end of the 2011 Acura TSX still looks sharp and techno, but its metallic overbite has been substantially reduced.


Overall the TSX offers excellent manners in daily driving, a pleasing interior, an impressive amount of standard equipment, plus state-of-the-art navigation and entertainment systems. In four-cylinder guise, the driving experience can be a bit bland -- the A4 and 3 Series are just more fun to drive. And it might be worth looking at loaded versions of the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and Volkswagen CC as well. With the V6 and its sport-tuned suspension and steering, though, the TSX gains a more dynamic persona. In either case, the TSX is worth a look, and is certainly one of the better luxury sedan and wagon values on the market.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Acura TSX is a compact entry-level luxury sedan available in base, wagon and V6 trim levels. The base TSX and TSX Sport Wagon offer standard equipment that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, foglights, a sunroof, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, an eight-way power driver seat with memory, a four-way power passenger seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 60/40-split-folding rear seatback. Also standard are Bluetooth and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and a USB port. In addition to more horsepower and displacement, the V6 adds a firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels and a road noise-cancelling feature for the sound system.


The optional Technology package adds a rearview camera, a hard-drive-based navigation system, voice recognition, real-time traffic and weather forecasting, a 10-speaker Acura/ELS surround-sound system with single-CD player, digital music storage and, for the wagon, a power liftgate.
Powertrains and Performance
The front-wheel-drive TSX is available with a choice of two engines. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder makes 201 hp and 170 pound-feet of torque (172 lb-ft when equipped with the manual transmission), while the 3.5-liter V6 generates 280 hp and 254 lb-ft. A five-speed automatic transmission with sport shift paddles is standard on all models, although a six-speed manual is available for the four-cylinder sedan only.

In Edmunds testing, a manual four-cylinder TSX sedan loped to 60 mph from a standstill in an unremarkable 7.7 seconds. The automatic sedan and Sport Wagon both crossed the lights about a second slower. The V6, on the other hand, posted a competitive 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds.
Estimated EPA fuel economy estimates for the four-cylinder automatic TSX sedan are 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 combined; the manual version drops to 21/29/24. The wagon achieves 22/30/25, while the V6 comes in at 19/28/23.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2011 TSX includes antilock brakes (with brake assist), stability control, traction control, active head restraints, front seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, both the four- and six-cylinder versions of the TSX took 133 feet to stop from 60 mph. That's at least 10-15 feet longer than we'd expect for a comparable sport sedan. The Sport Wagon came to a halt in 127 feet.

The 2011 Acura TSX has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings for the sedan (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) resulted in five-out-of-five stars for all frontal and side-impact tests. It also earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Interior Design and Special Features
Although toned down a bit from its predecessor, the 2011 Acura TSX is still dense with buttons and switchgear, particularly on its center stack. Most of the controls and commands are fairly intuitive and logical, however. Equipped with the Technology package, the TSX offers a very good navigation system (now hard-drive-based for 2011) featuring voice commands, real-time traffic, weather forecasting and a large LCD screen with a secondary control knob. The accompanying Acura/ELS surround-sound audio system is certainly good enough to justify the extra cost.


New heating/cooling vents at the rear of the center console ensure improved comfort for rear-seat passengers. The center console cargo box is now also climate-controlled, the better to keep drinks from a run to McDonald's either cool or warm. Interior room in the sedan is good, offering just a bit less volume than the larger TL and considerably more than a competitor like the Lexus IS 250. The trunk measures 12.6 cubic feet. The Sport Wagon opens up even more room, delivering nearly 61 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. That betters both the Audi A4 Avant and the BMW 3 Series wagon.
Driving Impressions
The 2011 Acura TSX rides calmly and quietly at highway speeds thanks to thicker glass and improved acoustic insulation. Power from the four-cylinder engine is adequate, though compared to other entry-level luxury cars it leaves the TSX with a somewhat uninspired driving character. The V6 and Sport Wagon are more spirited thanks to their sport-tuned suspensions and, in the case of the V6, gutsier acceleration. Both transmissions work well; the manual is easy to work thanks to a short-travel clutch and linear throttle tip-in, while the automatic provides pleasantly smooth shifts.

Source: www.edmunds.com

2011 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

Winning the Two-Horse Race

By Ronald Montoya, Consumer Advice Associate

Compact truck shoppers in 2011 will find that their choices have slimmed to a few key models, and many of the offerings from the domestic brands are no longer as competitive as they used to be. The Detroit labels have focused their resources on the more popular full-size trucks, leaving their compact trucks to stagnate with minimal updates or even discontinuing them altogether.


But not everyone wants to drive a big honking truck. There is a substantial size difference between a compact and a full-size pickup, and you can tell the difference when you're behind the wheel. Full-size trucks are harder to park, might not fit in your garage and consume more fuel — especially if you opt for the V8 engine. A compact truck might be all you want, and since it has nearly the same capabilities as a full-size truck in so many respects, it might be all you need.

Though the compact truck market has dwindled, the good news is that the best truck in this class is still alive and kicking. The 2011 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab V6 4x4 provides an excellent balance of size, fuel economy and interior refinement.

The general consensus among the Edmunds editors is that the current compact truck market is basically a two-horse race between the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier. The Ford Ranger happens to sell more than the Frontier, but the Ranger is smaller and has not had a redesign in more than 10 years. The Chevrolet Colorado and Dodge Dakota can be ordered with V8 engines, which provide additional towing capacity, but neither truck's interior is as well appointed as the Tacoma's.

Performance

This 2011 Toyota Tacoma V6 Double Cab 4X4 we tested came with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. During our instrumented testing, the Tacoma went from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds — slightly above average for trucks in this class. The V6 is a breeze to drive around town, but this heavily optioned four-wheel-drive model still weighs 4,277 pounds, so it's no wonder that we felt that this engine could use a bit more power for getting up hills or for passing on the highway.


The Tacoma's brakes brought the truck to a halt in 126 feet and were able to withstand a number of hard stops without fading. But while the brakes performed admirably on the track, the brake pedal felt spongy and required a bit more effort than we felt comfortable with, a reminder that this is a pickup and not a car, as truckmakers are wary of quick response in a heavily loaded vehicle.

If you like to go off-road, the Tacoma is more than capable. The TRD Off-Road package features Bilstein dampers, a locking rear differential, BF Goodrich tires, a skid plate beneath the engine and a host of cosmetic parts like smoked headlights, TRD decals and color-keyed bumpers. This package works well, and it also gives the Tacoma some visual credibility against full-size pickups.

When equipped with the V6 tow package, the 2011 Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,400 pounds (6,300 pounds if you have the optional 6-foot bed). A full-size truck can tow more, though you have to wonder if you need 9,000 pounds of towing capacity in a personal truck.

Comfort

Despite the fact that this Tacoma had been outfitted with off-road equipment, we found the ride quality good enough for everyday driving, a reminder that pickup trucks are far more comfortable than most people suspect. The ride is lively but never harsh, and we enjoyed the truck's alert personality compared to the remote, carlike personality that full-size pickups have these days.


Our test vehicle came with a cat-back exhaust (it fits downstream of the catalyst) as part of the T/X Pro package. While the exhaust adds a bit more power, it also adds a substantial amount of noise, as do the Tacoma's off-road tires.


It is easy to find a good driving position thanks to the tilting and telescoping steering wheel. Similarly, the front seats are comfortable, spacious and offer numerous adjustments. Surprisingly enough, there is enough legroom in the backseats of the double cab for tall passengers.

Function

The stereo system has a simple and intuitive layout. The buttons are easy to reach and have additional controls on the steering wheel to skip songs or adjust volume. The climate controls feature the classic yet effective three-dial setup. Pairing your phone via Bluetooth requires a trip to the owner's manual, but works well once set up. You can also set up a few of your contacts with voice prompts for quick dialing.


There is plenty of room in the 5-foot cargo bed (a 6-footer is optional) and it doesn't take a stepladder to access it since the walls of the cargo bed don't tower over your head the way they do in a full-size pickup. Storage is limited within the cab, however. Aside from the glovebox, there are only a center console and small pockets in the front doors. For comparison, the Dodge Dakota has rear seats that fold away to reveal storage crates, while the Nissan Frontier has a dual-level glovebox.


As is the case for most trucks, rear visibility is adversely affected by the tailgate and small rear window. The good news is that pickup trucks can now be had with back-up cameras, although the Tacoma's system integrates the screen into the rearview mirror, so visibility isn't great.

Design/Fit and Finish

The 2011 Toyota Tacoma is a good-looking truck. Its swollen fenders and large trapezoidal grille give this pickup an aggressive look. Our test model also was equipped with an attractive set of 16-inch "beadlock-style" wheels as part of the T/X Pro package.

The Tacoma's interior is filled with hard plastics, but this is par for the course among compact trucks. That said, the Tacoma actually has one of the nicer interiors relative to its competition. The center stack has a silver finish that makes all the difference when compared to the drab black plastic found in other compact trucks.
Who should consider this vehicle

The 2011 Toyota Tacoma is a good example of what these compact-class trucks offer in comparison to full-size trucks. It looks great, drives in a lively and entertaining way and gets good fuel economy. It is also available in an amazing number of cab, cargo bed and powertrain configurations just like a full-size truck, from the cheaper two-wheel-drive chassis powered by a four-cylinder engine that costs about $16,000 to this elaborate four-wheel-drive model with a V6, a double cab and an off-road package that costs more than twice that.

It's true that a compact pickup does give up some utility to a full-size pickup — notably payload volume, payload capacity and towing capacity. But for a private owner, this theoretical margin of performance isn't something we use often. The assets of a compact-size pickup — its practical dimensions, fuel-efficient performance and enjoyable dynamics — are things that you can enjoy on a daily basis.

Lastly, the 2011 Toyota Tacoma is the only compact truck that comes with free maintenance as part of the Toyota Care program. The Nissan Frontier may have the better V6 and the Chevrolet Colorado has an available V8, but the Toyota Tacoma is the most well-rounded among these compact trucks.

Source: www.edmunds.com

2012 Audi A7

While the coupe design of the Audi A7 attracts the eye, the aluminum-hybrid lightweight construction, with aluminum body panels and a steel frame, provides excellent handling, safety and fuel economy. The 3.0L TFSI V6 supercharged engine generates 310 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission yielding impressive fuel economy ratings (18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, according to the U.S. EPA, for a combined fuel economy rating of 22 mpg) with quattro all-wheel drive standard.


The A7 delivers excellent performance characteristics with usable functionality. The integrated rear spoiler automatically deploys at higher speeds to achieve maximum down force and improved aerodynamics.

Continuing to take a leadership role in bringing progressive, innovative technologies to our customers, the Audi A7 is available with the latest MMI® technology that provides a user-friendly interface for navigation, audio, phone and vehicle customization functions. In addition, the MMI touch handwriting recognition system allows customers to enter destination or telephone information with the touch of a finger.


The MMI system also serves as the interface with the industry-first Audi Connect system, which brings a whole new level of real-time user-relevant information into the vehicle. With first-to-market voice-activated Google EarthTM, Google Local search, and, for passenger use, rolling Wi-Fi® hotspot functionality (first-to-market as Factory-installed option with integrated mobile broadband connectivity), the A7 enables new, progressive ways of interacting with the vehicle and its surroundings.

The A7 introduces an available Audi-first headup Display with a high-resolution, full-color display, as well as many innovative technologies which were recently introduced in the Audi A8 flagship, including available full LED headlights, Night vision assistant, Audi pre sense plus and the unmatched Bang & Olufsen® Advanced Audio System, which delivers 1,300 watts of audio bliss through 15 perfectly tuned speakers.

Design:
• Iconic 5-door coupe design utilizing aluminum hybrid lightweight construction.
• 4-seat configuration with folding rear seats
• Xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
• Unmistakable Audi Singleframe® grill design
• 7-inch Driver Information System
• 8-inch MMI screen with MMI touch technology
• Frameless side windows appropriate for coupe
• Ambient lighting plus using LED lighting technology

Engine/drivetrain:
• V6 3.0L TFSI supercharged engine delivering 310 hp and 325 lbs-ft of torque.
• 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission
• Legendary quattro all-wheel drive with 40:60 rear-bias torque split


Standard equipment:
• 18-inch wheels with all-season tires
• Xenon plus headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
• Leather seating surfaces
• Power, heated front seats with driver lumbar support
• Automatic power tailgate
• Audi drive select
• SIRIUS® satellite radio
• Audi Music Interface
• Bluetooth® telephone and music player connection
• Homelink®
• Keyless go
• Power sunroof
• 3-zone automatic climate control
• Automatic headlights with light/rain sensor

Optional equipment:


Premium Plus includes:
• 19-inch 10-spoke wheels with all-season tires
• MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and Google Earth
• Audi Connect with 6 month complimentary data trial period
• Front and rear parking sensors and rearview camera
• 7-inch Driver Information System and 8” MMI screen
• HD Radio, CD changer and Jukebox

Prestige includes Premium Plus items and:
• S line® exterior (bumpers, grille)
• BOSE® surround sound system
• Advanced key (keyless entry)
• 4-zone climate control
• Ventilated front seats
• Adaptive headlights and cornering lights
• Power adjustable steering column
• Ambient lighting plus (LED interior lights)


Innovation Package:
• Full LED headlights
• Audi pre sense plus
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Audi side assist
• Head Up Display
• Night vision assistant

Sport Packages:
• 19-inch or 20-inch wheels with performance tires
• Sport suspension
• 3-spoke sport steering wheel with shift paddles


Driver Assistance Package:
• Audi pre sense plus
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Audi side assist

Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System (similar to A8 D4):
• 15 speakers including subwoofer and center speaker
• Acoustic lens emerging tweeters
• Speaker covers are polished aluminum
• 1300 watts of B&O® ICEpower®

- By: Omar Rana

2011 Audi Q5

Introduction:

Luxury cars have seldom been known for their high fuel economy, and SUVs have also never been known for being frugal with gas. Put the two together and you have a recipe for fuel consumption that would make an oil executive put a down payment on a second yacht. Bucking this trend, though, is the 2011 Audi Q5. Notable this year for the Q5 is a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers only a couple mpg less on the EPA driving cycles than the Audi A4 Avant wagon. Even the Q5 with its available, more powerful V6 is pretty good on gas. Yet fuel economy is only one of the Q5's many virtues. Thanks to its underpinnings from the Audi A4 sedan, the Q5 is one of the most entertaining vehicles to drive in the segment of luxury crossovers. It has the confident handling and alert responses of the A4, yet the Q5's decent cargo hold and generous passenger space mean it's pretty comfortable and practical, too. Indeed, its family-friendly sliding rear seat is the only one of its kind among luxury crossovers of this size.

The Q5's biggest downside is its price, which can end up thousands of dollars more than what you'd pay for some other competitors once you order all the familiar options. The Volvo XC60 is a bit bigger than the Audi and offers a few extra features that are useful for families. The Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is a bit smaller, but has a cheaper base price and a more solid feel to it. The BMW X3 has been redesigned for 2011 and will likely be the athlete of the class, while the new, surprisingly luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee should appeal to those who plan on venturing off the beaten path every now and then. Certainly you're not going to go wrong with any of these choices. But considering the 2011 Audi Q5's well-rounded virtues as well as above-average fuel economy, we think this vehicle will suit luxury crossover shoppers quite nicely indeed.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:

The 2011 Audi Q5 is a compact luxury crossover available in four trim levels: 2.0T Premium, 2.0T Premium Plus, 3.2 Premium Plus and 3.2 Prestige.

Standard equipment on the 2.0T Premium includes 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, roof rails, eight-way power front seats with adjustable lumbar, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40 rear seat, a dash-mounted Multi Media Interface (MMI) and a 10-speaker sound system with CD/MP3 player, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. Options on the Premium include a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and Bluetooth. These items are included on the 2.0T Premium Plus, which also gets xenon headlights, LED running lights, a power tailgate, auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors, an auto-dimming interior mirror and an iPod interface. Nineteen-inch wheels are optional. Step up to the 3.2 Premium Plus for a V6 engine, 19-inch wheels, headlight washers and S Line exterior trim. The top-shelf 3.2 Prestige adds adaptive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, keyless ignition/entry, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and the Audi MMI Navigation Plus package (navigation system, digital music storage, voice controls, rearview camera, HD radio, CD/DVD player and center-console-mounted MMI system). The 3.2 Prestige can also be equipped with Audi Drive Select (four settings alter throttle response, transmission shift points and steering assist), adaptive cruise control and the Luxury package (ventilated front seats and upgraded leather). Both 3.2 models can be equipped with 20-inch wheels and the S Line package, which adds different 20-inch wheels, performance tires, a sport steering wheel, shift paddles and brushed aluminum trim. All but the 2.0T Premium can be equipped with the MMI Navigation Plus package and the Bang & Olufsen stereo.

Powertrains and Performance:

The 2011 Audi Q5 2.0T comes standard with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine good for 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. The Audi Q5 3.2 gets a 3.2-liter V6 that produces 270 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is standard. In Edmunds performance testing, a Q5 3.2 accelerated from a standstill to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, a performance on par with the Audi's peers. Estimated fuel economy stands at 18/23/20, which is tops among similarly powered all-wheel-drive crossovers. Towing capacity with the 3.2 is above average, with a 4,400-pound rating when properly equipped.

Safety:

The 2011 Audi Q5 comes standard with stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Rear side airbags are optional on all models, while a blind-spot warning system is standard on the 3.2 Prestige. In government crash tests, the Q5 achieved perfect five-star ratings for frontal and side impacts. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Q5 was likewise awarded the highest rating of "Good" in frontal-offset and side crash tests. In Edmunds braking testing, the Q5 came to a stop in 123 feet, a competitive performance.

Interior Design and Special Features:

Like other Audis, the Q5 benefits from classy interior design and top-notch construction. The center stack controls are canted toward the driver, although the layout depends on whether or not you opt for the navigation system.

Without navigation, the knob and buttons for the MMI system reside on the center stack, and the resulting procedure for using the stereo is not intuitive. With navigation, though, the controls migrate aft of the shift lever, where they fall more readily to hand. Navigation-equipped models also get the latest, third-generation MMI system with revised menus and an additional joystick button for enhanced control. Despite its compact size, the Q5 manages to feel roomy whether you're seated in the front or rear. The rear seats slide fore and aft, which is a rarity in this segment of luxury crossovers, and the seats also recline for greater comfort. Folding the rear seats down creates 57 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, which is a little below average for this segment.

Driving Impressions:

Though we have yet to drive the 2011 Audi Q5 with its new turbocharged inline-4 engine, we've had good experiences with this engine. The Q5's acceleration will likely seem relatively slow, but this torque-rich mill has surprising low-end punch and should return impressive fuel economy as well. The Q5's 3.2-liter V6 delivers smooth, powerful acceleration, and the six-speed automatic is also refined and responsive. With it, the Q5 matches European rivals like the X3, GLK350 and XC60 in terms of acceleration, though the Japanese Infiniti EX35 has more punch. Regardless of engine, the Q5's ride quality is firmer than the norm for this class of vehicle, but we've never found it to be harsh. In terms of handling, the 2011 Q5 is one of the sportiest crossovers on the market. One downside, though, is that the electric power steering has both a consistently artificial feel and an odd tendency to weight up suddenly at low speeds. We would skip the optional Audi Drive Select system as it's pricey and complicated; the car's standard setup is just fine.

2011 Toyota Land Cruiser

Introduction:

The 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser is an icon for Toyota, but it's also like a misfit at a high school dance. At a time when every manufacturer is trying to create a light-duty carlike crossover, the Land Cruiser continues to stay true to its 53-year history in America as a tough, all-terrain sport-utility vehicle. But to blend into the dance of stylish crossovers in the marketplace, the Land Cruiser has packaged its go-anywhere capability within a well-appointed shell.

At the heart of this full-size SUV is a 5.7-liter V8 that pumps out 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque and it's been specifically designed to allow the Land Cruiser to either scramble up a craggy peak. Full-time four-wheel drive with low-range gearing further enhances the Land Cruiser's off-road capability, as does its "Crawl Control," a three-speed hill ascent and descent mode in which the throttle and brake are electronically manipulated to maintain a constant, controllable speed over challenging terrain, freeing the driver to concentrate on the obstacles ahead. Both on- and off-road abilities are enhanced with Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which automatically controls the front and rear antiroll bars depending on the driving conditions. Basically, this allows for more body control while cornering on pavement, a smoother ride on the highway and greater wheel articulation (travel) when navigating an off-road trail. As a large SUV, the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser is a strong choice in the segment. True, it is quite expensive compared to most other large SUVs. But when looking at other direct competitors -- the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, for instance -- you'll likely find each falls well short on capability or value for the dollar. At the same time, the Land Rover LR4 offers similar capabilities but is notably cheaper.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:

The 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size luxury SUV available in just one well-appointed trim level. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, heated and power-folding mirrors, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, front and rear parking sensors, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions and adjustable lumbar, leather upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 14-speaker JBL audio system with a six-CD changer and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The aforementioned KDSS also comes standard. Most options are bundled into the pricey Upgrade package that includes a rear spoiler, a rear-seat entertainment system, a navigation system, real-time traffic update feature, a back-up camera, wood interior trim, heated second-row seats and a center console cooler box. The navigation system and rear spoiler can be ordered as stand-alone options, however.

Powertrains and Performance:

The 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with high- and low-range gearing. In Edmunds performance testing of the almost mechanically identical Lexus LX 570, a sprint from zero to 60 mph took 7.4 seconds. EPA fuel mileage ratings stand at 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined. Properly equipped, this SUV can tow 8,200 pounds.

Safety:

Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes (with brake assist and multi-terrain programming), stability control, front and second-row side airbags, front knee airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser also receives Toyota's Safety Connect telematics system, which is similar to GM's OnStar, notifying emergency responders if the airbags deploy or if a severe rear-end collision is detected. The optional advanced seatbelt system (which is included with the Upgrade package) will tighten the front seatbelts when the brakes are suddenly applied or when tire slippage is detected by the stability control system. And as with all of Toyota's 2011 models, the Land Cruiser also has the company's "Smart Stop," a throttle override/brake enhancement system.

Interior Design and Special Features:

The 2011 Land Cruiser's interior is as refined as a Toyota gets, with high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. The cabin can accommodate eight passengers, though we'd recommend the third row only for kids because of the flat seat bottom and high floor. Access to the third row is eased via a one-touch tumble-forward second-row seat.

Middle-row occupants fare better with more space, along with slide and recline adjustments. With the rear seats in place, cargo space is 16 cubic feet or about the same as a midsize car's trunk. The third-row seats do not fold down, nor are they removable. Instead, they fold up against the sides of the cargo bay -- a rather awkward solution. Consequently, the Cruiser's maximum cargo capacity is modest at 82 cubic feet, which is a relatively small figure for a large SUV.

Driving Impressions:

As with previous Toyota Land Cruisers, the 2011 model has excellent off-road capability while still delivering a thoroughly comfortable ride on urban streets. When exploring the untamed wilds, the Land Cruiser's crawl control takes much of the worry out of the hands (or feet) of the driver. Uphill or down, simply dial in the desired speed (as low as 1 mph), keep your feet off the gas and brake pedals, and steer in the desired direction.

In the more maddening wilds of the urban jungle, the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser behaves like the civilized luxury SUV it's intended to be, soaking up bumps with composure and insulating driver and passengers from the outside world. When faced with curvy roads, the Land Cruiser remains relatively flat through corners, feeling surprisingly confident for such a large and heavy vehicle -- a lot of credit goes to the KDSS active antiroll bars. Performance is also strong, with the 5.7-liter V8 furnishing plenty of thrust for passing, towing or effortless freeway cruising, but expect it to be thirsty.

2011 BMW 5 Series Review

All-new, better than ever, easier to operate. (by Ted West)

The BMW 5 Series is all-new for 2011. Virtually no hardware was carried over directly to the 2011 BMW 5 Series from the previous models. The all-new 2011 5 Series lineup includes the BMW 528i and BMW 535i with six-cylinder engines, and the BMW 550i with a V8.

You'll never hear it from BMW. But with no less than nine new models arriving all at once in the 2011 line, to a significant degree, BMW is starting over. Not surprising. Under the guidance of controversial American Design Director Chris Bangle during the past decade, BMW took an excursion into doing some very un-BMW things. Contour by contour, the Ultimate Driving Machine became overstuffed looking, given BMW's famously aggressive design language, downright frumpy. Simultaneously, with the debut of the first-generation iDrive system several model years ago, Munich offered to the world the single most counter-intuitive, infuriating cockpit management system ever brought to market. Ever since that bleak debut, the revered company has been backtracking at a stubborn, no-we-never-screw-up rate. But at last, the news is spectacular; 2011's fourth-generation iDrive is wonderfully intuitive, a pleasure to use.

There are further good tidings. The broad line of new 2011 BMWs, far from looking frumpy, has regained the aggressive, exciting enthusiasm that had been the company's trademark since long before these difficulties began. From 7 Series to 5 Series to 3 Series, 2011 models are back to the reliable old BMW formula: Same sausage, in three different lengths. But oh, what sausage!

Dead center in the BMW sausage case is the 5 Series, always a strong choice for buyers who want vigorous acceleration and crisp handling, but not the limited interior space of the 3 Series, nor the girth, weight and fee-fye-foe-fum price of the 7 Series. As a luxury midsize sedan, the 5 will hit the sweet spot for many families that include a driver or two with a strong taste for performance accompanied by all the latest safety provisions.

In comparison with the previous 5 sedan, the 2011 version is two inches longer, with a three-inch longer wheelbase. That translates to one inch less frontal overhang than in any previous 5. This will certainly be helpful in tight parking situations, but far more than that, it give the 5 its stunning visual impact. With its forward-lunging shapes, muscular flanks, and low, road-hugging front end, the 5's appearance accurately communicates its racerly velocity and apex-strafing agility. Said agility is aided and abetted by the new 5's near-perfect 49/51 front/rear weight distribution. This package delivers levels of handling that have inherent stability, with no sudden surprises. Very, very BMW.

Sliding into the new 5's interior, you will find a typically German environment. The BMW representatives we spoke to describe the cabin as contemporary but warm, and so it is. The dashboard surfaces of our test BMW 550i were a combination of bright tan and matte black, highlighted by the expected graceful brushstrokes of wood. The instrumentation is thorough and easy to use, and the seats are covered in either leatherette, for the 528i and 535i, or leather in the 550i. As has been the case from nearly the beginning, cloth interiors will not be imported to North America.

And somewhat surprisingly, comparing content to content in the 2011 5 Series versus its predecessor, the 5 Series furnishings represent a drop in prices.

Lineup

The 2011 BMW 5 Series is available in three models: the BMW 528i ($44,550) with 3.0-liter inline-6, the BMW 535i ($49,600) with more powerful 3.0-liter inline-5, and the 550i ($59,700) with 4.4-liter V8.

The 528i and 535i come standard with leatherette upholstery, automatic dual-zone air conditioning with micron air filter, 205-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with 12 speakers, redundant steering wheel controls, pre-wired for satellite radio and CD changer, iDrive, power moonroof, Bluetooth, wood trim. The 550i comes standard with leather trim.

Options: The Active Ventilated Seat Package ($2,950) adds front ventilated seats, active front seats, multi-contour seats, heated front seats; Convenience Package ($1,700) adds power tailgate, keyless entry, soft-close automatic doors; Cold Weather Package ($1,050) includes heated steering wheel, heated front seats, heated rear seats, retractable headlight washers; Driver Assistance Package ($1,750) supplies automatic high beams, lane departure warning, active blind spot detection, parking assistant; Dynamic Handling Package ($2,700) adds electronic damping control, active roll stabilization, adaptive drive.

The Premium Package for 528i and 535i ($1,800) upgrades to Dakota leather and includes universal garage-door opener, auto-dimming mirrors, ambiance lighting; Premium Package 2 for 550i ($2,800), 528i and 535i ($4,900) adds navigation, rearview camera, satellite radio, premium audio, power rear sunshade with manual side windows, heated front seats, park distance control, iPod and USB adapter. The Sport Package ($2,200) features 19-inch alloy V-spoke wheels (18-inch on 528i), increased top-speed limiter, leather steering wheel, multi-contour seats, shadow-line exterior trim.

Safety provisions in the 5 Series are lavish: two-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags and curtain front-to-rear head protection, active head restraints, LATCH child seat mounts, three-point seatbelts with force limiters and front-seat emergency pre-tensioners. Seatbelts are your first line of defense in an accident, so we recommend wearing them.

Optional rearview camera's wide-angle view and tracking lines make parking easier and safer; Top View combines views from side mirrors with rear-view to provide full picture of vehicle surroundings; Side View monitors side traffic, viewed from front bumpers. Active cruise control adjusts speed to maintain safe interval to car ahead, with provision to stop the vehicle completely if required; collision warning indicates an imminent collision, primes the brakes for full stopping power, and will automatically apply the brakes. Active blind spot detection monitors safe lane reentry when overtaking another car; a backup visual signal and a recognizable vibration in the steering wheel provide further warning. Lane departure warning monitors lane markers; when a lane change begins and turn signals are not activated, the system warns the driver with vibration in the steering wheel. Automated headlights follow curves in winding roads, and automated high-beam controls switch high beams on and off as required when drawing close to another car or meeting oncoming cars up to 440 yards ahead. Adaptive brake light system flashes bright taillights when ABS is engaged or brakes are applied strongly. Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, provides early detection of objects and pedestrians in the night; warning is provided by the Control Display and is displayed on the inner surface of the windshield if fitted with head-up display. Head-up display delivers vehicle speed and other data without requiring a glance away from the road ahead.

Walkaround

The outward appearance of the 2011 5 Series is unmistakably BMW. It has no odd rear horizontal surfaces or Bangle bustles in its profile, adhering instead to the strictly functional appeal that has long been BMW's signature. The traditional kidney grille is present, and the 5's short frontal overhang, a BMW trademark, is accompanied by a traditional long hood and long, segment-leading 116.9-inch wheelbase.

The cabin is set considerably to the rear, giving the profile a slightly wedged, coupe-like forward-thrust shape that, given the car's performance, is in no way misleading. Handsomely flared wheel openings filled with stylishly modern wheels and large tires underline the car's muscularity and its rear-wheel drive layout. And the signature kink in the rear side window's aft edge confirms that this is a bona fide BMW.

At the nose, the 5 Series features BMW adaptive xenon headlights (optional on the 528i) for powerful, safe forward illumination. And in daytime running, the headlight complex is illuminated by LED rings of light. The new turn indicators, as well, are illuminated by LED. And following Audi practice, new taillight clusters are illuminated in an LED pattern distinctive to BMW.

Interior

The cockpit of the 2011 BMW 5 Series is all business, deferring in every way to the driver. The dashboard is angled towards the driver, while the horizontal lines of the dash add to a feeling of spaciousness for both front-seat occupants. And as expected, all controls are well placed, with the driver-only functions situated to the left of the steering column or on the wheel itself. The steering wheel contains 12 fingertip adjustments for audio, phone and adaptive cruise control. It also has a convenient tilt-away provision for easy ingress and egress.

The front seats are supportive and grippy, with unobtrusive but firm side bolstering. Both front seats have 10-way power adjustment, though with the Sport Package, for maximum comfort and driver alertness, the driver's seat is provided with deluxe 18-way multi-contour seats. The rear seats offer decent side bolstering, while rear seat legroom is generous, a half-inch greater than in the preceding 5.

Instrumentation includes four classic circular gauges set against a black panel for optimal legibility. The optional navigation system, located in the center console, proved easy to use, delivering a fine three-dimensional display and excellent, well-timed verbal instructions even in the most complex of multi-lane maneuvers. Combined with the navigation option, this entirely user-friendly fourth-generation iDrive is contained in a large and legible 10.2-inch screen. (Without navi, a 7-inch console screen is standard.) The display is transreflective, sunlight beating on it actually enhances its legibility. And if the head-up option is included, relevant navigational instructions are added to the head-up display.

Six different two-tone interior color schemes are available in the interior, and the standard Dakota leather can be replaced by optional, more luxuriant Nappa leather. The strokes of wood that give the 5 interior its deluxe feel are available in three colors, with Ash Anthracite and Fineline Matte optional.

Climate controls and ventilation are as expected: superb.

Driving Impressions

We drove both the 535i and 550i on the racetrack and were stupefied by how extremely competent and balanced this midsize performance sedan really is. The chassis of both models had exceptional poise and pace.

The 550i's front/rear weight balance was slightly more nose heavy, at 52.4/47.6 percent, than the 335i's 50.9/49.1, but it would take Mario Andretti to notice the difference, which he no doubt would. For the rest of us, merely bringing our game up sufficiently to fully exploit the real potential of the two different 5s was an all-day exercise.

So what does racetrack performance have to do with everyday driving in these 5s? Absolutely everything. Virtually any emergency maneuver in normal traffic demands near maximal use of a car's balance and grip. On the racetrack, a car's balance, grip and maximum performance and being assessed constantly. We found the two 5s to be extremely controllable at massive levels of acceleration, stopping and cornering. Compared with their competition, the BMWs should provide excellent performance in accident avoidance maneuvers.

One of the singular components of the new 5 is a superb new eight-speed automatic transmission, up from six speeds last year. This eight-speed, combined with newly intense weight-saving provisions with aluminum doors, hood, front side panels and suspension components, produce good fuel mileage for such a strong performer, in part because gears seven and eight are both overdrive.

Fuel economy are an EPA-estimated 20 City/29 Highway for the 535i and 17/25 mpg for the 550i. Not bad for a racing sedan. The 535i and 550i, after all, achieve 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds and 5.0 seconds, respectively.

Much as we admired the new eight-speed gearbox's quick shifts and energy efficiency, the shifter had a bit of the first-generation iDrive about it. It has a P button on top for Park and an unlock button on the left side. To get out of Park, you depress the unlock button and move the shifter forward or backward for Reverse or Drive. Sounds simple enough. You can only go from Drive to Reverse, and vice versa, by first pressing the unlock button. If you move the shifter left, you get manual selection of the eight gears. To return to Park, you must place the lever between D and R, in neutral, and press Park on the top of the lever. It takes a bit of self-training, and a goodly number of mistakes, to master the three simple goals of D, R and P. Like some other German carmakers, BMW thinks it's important to do things their way, even when there is absolutely nothing about their way that is superior to the utterly conventional PRNDL auto-shifter. On the plus side, the manually selected eight-speed did its very best to give us the shift we wanted every time.

The new 5's steering is electronic, variable ratio and feels seamless and precise. And breaking with longtime BMW practice, the new front suspension eschews struts in favor of a proper multi-link system.

To heighten controllability and give the driver an improved platform, available dynamic damping control constantly adjusts shock rates to match the current road surface. The system is so fast that when a front wheel senses a pothole a highway speed, the rear shock can adjust before the pothole arrives. In addition, active roll stabilization curtails body roll in hard cornering, giving the driver a heightened sense of command. As we found on the racetrack, these advanced electronics work wonderfully well.

The new BMW brake system is combined with the other stability control systems, pre-setting the brakes in heavy braking, drying the brakes in wet driving, and compensating for brake fade in vigorous driving. And the brakes have a regenerative-energy feature, not unlike in a pure hybrid, that captures electric energy and recharges the battery during slowing. This reduces the net amount of time the alternator must regenerate charge, cutting engine drag and improving fuel efficiency. You can actually feel the regenerative feature engaging during gradual braking. Nice.

Summary

The BMW 5 Series is dramatically updated and improved for 2011. If you've held back because you've heard complaints about some of BMWs' cockpit controls, the waiting is over. The 5 is unquestionably one of the premier performance sedans in the world.

Ted West filed this NewCarTestDrive.com report after his test drive of the BMW 5 Series at New Jersey Motorsports Park and around greater Philadelphia.

© 2011 NewCarTestDrive.com