Cadillac’s second generation CTS is winning accolades here and there, making it a compelling alternative to its Japanese and German rivals. And if you think we’re running out of things to say about this sedan, you couldn’t have been more mistaken. Here are some fast facts, good and bad, about the 2010 Cadillac CTS:

The pricing of this vehicle starts at $35,165 or $41,565 with the 3.6L engine. But if you want the keys to a luxury model, you’ll need just about $37,865. Performance variants start at $39,765, while the Premium car goes for $46,865. This doesn’t include all the perks and incentives that you could get on the dealer where you’re buying this car.

The CTS sedan is still offered with either a base 270-hp 3.0L V6, or a 304-hp 3.6L unit. Though the latter is hands down the best pick because of how it delivers the power, the former can also be a fairly good choice as it performs quietly and efficiently. Fuel economy is rated at 18/27 mpg regardless of the engine and the drive train it carries. Sport models get a stiffer suspension and 18-inc wheels, while Premium models get 19.

And after you’ve spend an ample amount of time behind its steering wheel, you’ll immediately realize why this sedan has been a leading contender in the market after four years since its introduction. It delivers excellent refinement, acceleration, and handling which is way above its competitors.

Source: Auto Guide

A far cry from its predecessor which is the 1973 model, the 2010 Honda Civic Sedan has able to retain some endearing features of the earlier model.

Compared to the older Civic, the current vehicle is 37.5-inches longer, 9.7-inches wider and some 1,187 lbs heavier. It boasts other features as well including anti-lock brakes, dual stage airbags, available stability control and standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. As for styling, it definitely is distinct compared with other similar types of vehicle. However, it seems like that’s all what this vehicle has to offer when it comes to appearance.

Like all 2010 sedan models, the vehicle is also equipped with Honda’s 1.8-liter inline four- cylinder engine. With a single overhead camshaft head with iVTEC variable valve timing, it’s rated at 140 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 128 ft-lbs of torque at 4300. But what’s special about this rig is its handling. The steering is nicely weighted having good feedback at slow and high speeds. Turning around corners won’t be a problem as it’s surprisingly neutral given the front weight bias and front-drive powertrain. One can even power the Civic through corners fairly quickly and smoothly, even under wet conditions.

Taking it all into consideration, the 2010 Honda Civic Sedan is the best choice in terms of price, style, and drivability. A perfect choice for when you want to buy a family car.

Source: Auto Guide

BMW has come up with a new model that is meant for people who want ultimate luxury every time they go out on the road. The BMW 550i Gran Turismo is a big driving machine that boasts superior design and accents. Anyone would be proud to be the owner of this vehicle. By the way, the BMW 550i Gran Turismo is based on the new 7 series platform.

One of the highlights on this car’s fascia is the “angel eyes” or the slanting headlights. It has an aggressive look that will really make people take notice. Another thing is the tailgate because it features a two-stage actuation. It also features an opening under the rear window that allows the passenger to open up the rear, pretty much the way it’s done in a sedan. If the owner needs to load large cargoes, the whole rear portion of the hatch can be lifted upward.

Aside from that, the BMW 550i Gran Turismo is capable of superb performance because of its VANOS 4.4-liter V8. This engine can produce 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. This power is transmitted by means of a smooth new eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic shift capability.

BMW also makes it a point to provide the latest technologies in its creations. The 550i is equipped with the following technologies and features:
• Dynamic Drive Control with four-stage driving programs (Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+)
• BMW Assist(TM) Safety Plan Telematics Includes Automatic Collision Notification, Emergency Response, Remote Unlocking, Roadside Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Tracking
• Navigation System
• Anti-Theft System
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Vehicle Stability Control System
• iDrive Centralized Control Instrumentation For Climate, Phone, Audio, Navigation and Telematics
• BMW Ambiance Lighting and Illuminated Entry Located In Footwell, Side Stepwell and Rear Stepwell
• Multi-Function Remote Operates Anti-Theft, Door Lock/Unlock, Illuminated Entry, Panic Alarm, Power Windows, Moonroof and Liftgate/Trunk
• Advanced Safety System Crash Sensor Activates Flashers, Disconnects Battery, Turns On Interior Lights and Unlocks Doors
• Park Distance Control Front and Rear Electronic Parking Aid With Alarm and Ultrasonic Sensors

Nope, it’s not the feast that the whole town is buzzing about but instead, it’s the 2011 Ford Fiesta. It’s is basically the automaker’s attempt to fill in the wide open gap, a.k.a. B-class car, in its vehicle lineup. This small car is available in two versions: the five-door hatchback and the four-door sedan. Both models are front-wheel drive but with only a single engine choice available - the 1.6-liter four-cylinder with Ford’s Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT). This powerplant makes 120 horsepower and 112 ft-lbs of torque. Ford rates its fuel-economy by 29-mpg city and 38-mpg highway for the manual, and 30-mpg city and 40-mpg highway for the automatic. When it comes to design, Ford did a great job on this one as it has a lot of factors that can literally turn heads. However, it still remains to be seen if the known pickup truck manufacturer’s gamble has truly paid off.

Source: Auto Guide

Are you a Maybach fan? Then you’ll be glad to know that even though there are rumors going around regarding the brand’s demise it still managed to introduce its new 2011 range!  The 2011 range is composed of the Maybach 57, 57S, 62, and 62S. These new vehicles are still remarkably Maybach. These sedans are wonderfully and luxuriously designed.

Now for the specifics, the 57 and 62 models are equipped with more powerful 5.5-liter 12-cylinder engine. Maybach made sure that the exterior won’t disappoint as well. The two models have an arrow-shaped grille, which is considerably bigger than what the carmaker used to design. The grille bars have longitudinal orientation. The hood has been redesigned a bit as well with its sharper edge lines to blend well with the grille. There’s doubt that the new models are more streamlined and aerodynamic.

The interior has some great upgrades as well. For one thing, the new models have a new leather seating that displays Swarovski Crystalized Elements. They also have electrotransparent panoramic glass roof that has liquid crystal membrane that makes the glass appear opaque. Privacy in these new models is assured thanks to the privacy screen between the driver and passenger compartment. A reclining rear seat is also a great highlight in the new models. Those who want to have any of these new models will have a 19-inch rear screen, a perfume atomizer, and a wireless internet function as options aside from the crystal encrusted seat piping. Wow, talk about luxury at its best!

The 57S and 62S models are made with 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engines that can generate up to 630 HP. This is 18 hp than the previous 604 hp. But when it comes to the exterior, these models have a different look because of their “shadow strut” flag and 12 solid double louvers.

Check out the pictures of the new range.

Check out the pictures of the new range.

Photo Credit: Autoblog

Looking for a safe vehicle for family use? The perfect choice would be the 2010 Kia Forte sedan. Why? This vehicle has been recognized as the Top safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. During tests, the Kia Forte received the highest rating for side, front, rear, and rollover impact protection. These results alone can make anyone feel more secure while on the road right? 

Kia Forte Awarded ‘Top Safety Pick’ By Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

New for 2010 Compact Sedan Wins Highest Award from IIHS

- Forte receives top ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection

- Compact sedan is third vehicle in company history to be named ‘Top Safety Pick’

IRVINE, Calif., April 20 /PRNewswire/ — Following in the footsteps of the 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle, the 2010 Kia Forte compact sedan has been recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with a 2010 “Top Safety Pick” award in the Small Car category. The new Forte, which replaced Kia’s popular Spectra model, received the organization’s top honor by earning “Good” ratings – the highest achievable – in frontal, side, rear and rollover impact crash safety tests. The Sedona minivan was chosen as a “Top Safety Pick” shortly after its launch in 2006.

“The Kia brand is growing rapidly in the U.S. thanks to new vehicles such as the Forte that embody our core philosophies of quality, value, style and safety,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). “Forte offers buyers a youthful and dynamically styled vehicle with an impressive array of standard safety features, and being honored as an IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick’ award winner furthers its position as a top contender in its segment and a vehicle that offers consumers the entire package.”

Ratings from the Institute are based on results from frontal, side and rear impact crash tests, and for the first time a good performance in a roof strength test to measure protection in a rollover also was required to win. Each vehicle’s overall evaluation was based on various measurements specific to each crash angle, and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision. All vehicles must have electronic stability control available to be eligible.

Available in three trims, LX, EX and SX, pricing for the Forte sedan starts at $13,695 for the LX trim, while the EX begins at $15,995 and the SX starts at $17,495(1). In addition to competitive pricing, Forte also showcases a class-leading combination of standard safety features with active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), brake assist (BAS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

All Forte models also come well-stocked with a long list of standard amenities, starting with a standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service(2). Also standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players as well as Bluetooth®(3) wireless technology and connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls, which enables hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones.

Photo Credit: Autoblog

The Bentley Mulsanne is a sedan that for sure lots of families would love to have. This vehicle is luxury at its best. It’s actually a huge sedan. Its size is actually a good thing especially in terms of safely. At least it won’t easily topple over if ever in an event of a collision. Anyway, this model’s specs have been officially released for the interest of those who are dying to have one.

Here are the specs that would serve them well:
Engine
Type: Twin-turbocharged V8
Installation: Front, longitudinal, rear-wheel drive
Construction: Alloy heads and block
Capacity: 6750cc
Power: 512PS / 505bhp / 377kW at 4200 rev/min
Torque: 1020Nm / 752 lb ft at 1750 rev/min
Performance & Economy
0-60 mph in 5.1 secs (0-100 km/h in 5.3s)
0-100 mph in 11.6 secs (0-160 km/h in 11.5s)
Max Speed: 184 mph (296 km/h)
Economy: 16.7 mpg (16.9 l/100km) Combined EU Cycle (figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval)
US EPA Cycle (fuel consumption figures will be advised following Certification)
CO2 emission: 393 g/km (figure is provisional and subject to Type Approval)

Transmission
Type: Rear-wheel-drive
Gearbox: ZF 8-Speed automatic
 

Body & Chassis
Length: 5575mm (219.49in)
Width (mirrors folded): 1926mm (75.80in)
Height: 1521mm (59.88in)
Wheelbase: 3266mm (128.60in)
Front Track: 1615mm (63.58in)
Rear Track: 1652mm (65.03in)
Wheels / tyres (standard): 9J x 20in. with 265/45 ZR 20 tyres
(option): 9J x 21in. with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres
Kerb weight: 2585 kg (5700 lb)

Photo Credit: Autoblog

Toyota has just unveiled its all-new 2011 Avalon at the Chicago Auto Show. Starting off with its wheels and engine, the 2011 Avalon now boasts off 17-inch wheels standard and it’s powered by a 3.5 liter V6. The output of the engine is rated in a decent 268-hp, fuel efficiency is 20-mpg city and 29-mpg highway which can be partially credited to a six-speed automatic transmission. Style has improved and looks more aggressive with a large front grille that somehow resembles an old Infiniti M45 design.

Other features includes a new sixth-generation navigation screen, segment-exclusive reclining rear seats, a power rear sunshade, LED lighting, and a backup camera integrated into the rearview mirror. But it also has new safety additions in relation with the current recalls Toyota has made. This includes a new pedal system, brake override, stability control, ABS, traction control, and seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. You can’t see the car’s interior in the picture, but we’ll say that it’s worth a look.

Source: Auto Guide

How would you like to have a Volvo as your next car? If it’s Volvo you want, we can recommend the 2011 Volvo S60. This new model will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. But even so, reviews regarding its looks and performance are already out.

The 2011 Volvo S60 is a big car with a 109.3-inch wheelbase. It’s going to be a car to be reckoned with on the road because it packs in a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that generates up to 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated with a six-speed automatic and a Haldex all-wheel drive system. Customers will have several choices in terms of suspension system and these are: Base, Dynamic, and Four-C Adaptive.

In terms of safety technology, Volvo has integrated its newest creation in theS60. This technology is the Pedestrian Detection. What is it capable of? It is basically a front-mounted radar unit and mirror cameras that detect pedestrians over 31 inches tall. It automatically activates the brakes to prevent collision. This technology works hand in hand with the city safety crash avoidance system.

Photo Credit: Autoblog

Have you checked out the 2011 BMW 5 Series? This vehicle has been on a test drive to see how it will really perform on the road. By the way, if you’re not aware, this model is categorized as a mid-size sedan.

So, how did this car do in the test drive? According to the testers, the car is impressively capable in any kind of driving situation. However, the only drawback about its drivability is the fact that when doing curves the variable steering became unpredictable. But on the smooth track, the BMW 5 Series performed extremely well and the ride was all comfortable.

The 2011 BMW 5 Series will be available in three engine types when it gets launched in the American market. There will be the 550i that will have a 4.4-liter turbo V-8 that yields 400 hp; then next is the 535i with 3.0liter 6-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbocharger that generates 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The third engine that will be available last is the 528i with its 240 hp capability.

The 2011 BMW 5 Series also has new styling cues that make it distinct from the rest. The manufacturer also built it to have the company’s most recent technologies like the BMW parking Assistant, Surround View, and iDrive infotainment.

This vehicle seems like a great car to have.

Photo Credit: Autoblog