Dream Car Wallpaper: 2011

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Volkswagen Beetle (2011) first official pictures

Wider, lower and longer, the 2011 Beetle abandons its predecessors three semi-circle styling for the flat-roof look of 2005’s hot rod-inspired Ragster concept.

At the front, the Beetle adopts the corporate horizontal intake styling and a more angular front bumper melded with a less curvaceous evolution of the 1998 New Beetle styling template.

The flattening of the New Beetle's curves continues in profile and at the rear we see a standard integrated spoiler below the rear window. More complex tail-light clusters fit with the current corporate style book, while overall the Beetle is a more aggressive, masculine design.

As well as bringing a silhouette more reminiscent of the original VW, the new styling means less headroom, and despite being bigger than the Golf in all dimensions, its boot is smaller than its parts-sharing sibling too. So the form-before-function approach of the 1998 original hasn't disappeared altogether with the new generation.

Inside the 2011 VW Beetle

The Beetle's interior makes a significant leap forward in perceived maturity over the 1998 car's simple geometric design. The central facia can be specified in body colour or the carbonfibre-look trim shown in the official photos.

There are three specification levels on the Beetle - basic Beetle, more luxurious Design, or top-line Sport for all the enthusiasts the more coupe-like, aggressive 2011 Beetle is presumed to attract. The car can be specified with an optional panoramic glass roof, and a 400W Fender sound system amongst a range of customised trim options. The 1998 car's flower vase is noticeable by its absence on this lower-set, more sporting interior design.

The Beetle's powerplants

All European engines are turbo’d four-pots, with 103bhp and 138bhp on offer from the 1.6 and 2.0 diesels, and 103bhp (1.2-litre), 158bhp (1.4) and 197bhp (2.0) available from VW’s TSI units.

The top two petrols feature the XDS electronic differential from the Golf GTI, and the entry-level Bluemotion Technology oiler is the cleanest and most fuel efficient Beetle ever: 65.7mpg and 112g/km CO2.

The new Beetle is set to debut simultaneously at the 2011 Shanghai motor show, 2011 New York motor show and a special media event in Berlin.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Sales of used cars are way up

Sales of used cars are way up. So far almost four million more have been sold this year than last. But buying a used car is never a good deal if you end up with someone else’s headaches. Consumer Reports’ auto experts can keep you on the straight path.

used cars

More people are buying used cars in this down economy. As a result, used cars are in short supply and prices are up.

“People are looking for value now,” says Rik Paul of Consumer Reports. “And used cars, especially late-model used cars, are better values than new cars.”

But Consumer Reports says you have to shop carefully. First, narrow down your choices to a reliable make and model. That translates into less time and money spent at the repair shop.

“The reliability information that Consumer Reports gathers shows that some models are generally more reliable than others. It’s hard to go wrong with a Honda, for instance,” says Paul. “The Accord, the Civic, the CR-V, and the Pilot are all very reliable.”

Next, you want to find a car that’s been well maintained. Ask for records so you can see if the recommended maintenance was done as well as any repairs.

“You should also look over a used car very carefully,” Paul explains. “Telltale signs of damage are rust or corrosion like this or a door that doesn’t close properly.”

Also check the engine and under the car for any oil or coolant leaks. If you find any, steer clear.

But most importantly, have an independent mechanic check out a used vehicle before buying it.

“If someone won’t allow a car to be inspected, consider that a red flag and move on,” Paul says.

And is it better to get a certified used vehicle? They can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars more.

“If you focus on getting a reliable car that’s well-maintained, and you have it inspected by an independent mechanic, you can skip going the certified-car route,” says Paul.

Taking a test drive is also important. You want to see if the car drives smoothly and that there are no unusual noises. Take the car on highways and local roads, too. Ideally you want to spend up to a half-hour driving the car so you have enough time to size it up. You can get more advice on buying a used car by clicking on the Hot Button.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

New Audi A7 Sportback revealed

On Monday night I was in a modern art museum in Munich - the Pinakothek der Moderne Munchen, if you must know - to see the world unveil of the new Audi A7. It was a glitzy and glammy and super-stylish event and media from all over the world were there in droves to see a white sheet taken off a complex bit of machinery.

It's a niche car, alright, but it's not that nichey - you could argue the successful Mercedes CLS has been filling it for years, and big coupe-like four door ‘saloons' like the Jaguar XF and Porsche Panamera are right there as well.

This car will appeal to anyone considering a Jaguar, which is exactly what Audi wants. It's low, sleek and big. It has a hatchback and plenty of room inside, despite looking like a coupe. It runs on the next A6's chassis, which is part of the same modular platform that the A8 sits on, along with the A4, A5 and even Q5 - very cleverly designed, obviously, and cost-effective as well.

What I like about this shape is not the details, which are interesting in themselves, but the overall stance. It sits very low and squat, and looks extremely purposeful and aggressive from all angles. Audi is really finding its mojo with styling now, and I can't remember a more Audi-ish Audi than this one.

I asked Audi's Board Member for Technical Development, Michael Dick, whether or not he's hard at work on an S7 or RS7 and he wouldn't be drawn - though he did smile a bit, because he couldn't help it. The last thing I said to him, actually, was ‘so do you think the twin-turbo V10 from the RS6 would be the best engine for the new RS7?' and he said ‘I cannot comment on that right now' in a manner that suggested the line of questioning was over. Maybe I asked the question once too often, but you can't blame me - imagine this big, low, sleek monster with wider track and arches and gigantic wheels and a big V10 in the nose. For me, that right there is the best Audi in the world. If they make it. (Which they will).

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

2011 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Review, Price - Photos

2011 Dodge Ram 1500 remains a full-size pickup leader, with stand-out style, a lot of muscle, and the level of repair is not half a ton of other suitable enough. 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 changes involve new trim packages and accessories upgrades. Added to the SLT trim level is Outdoorsman package that replaces the previous version of TRX and cover a variety of off-road upgrades. Also new is the Longhorn Laramie package, the answer is 2011 Dodge Ram 1500-luxury-minded to the Ford F-150 King Ranch and GMC Sierra Denali luxury models. New features offered include heated power folding side mirrors, new navigation system, and a factory spray-on-bed cargo ship.

Beyond the features tricks, Ram 1500 has more than covered the basic requirements. The player V8S available is impressive, the chassis is suitable for heavy work and the cab Ram is a class leader in design, ergonomics and materials. Perhaps the only weak point is the basic engine, a 215-horsepower V6 is EPA-rated fuel engine is not better than top-dog, 5.7-liter V8 390-hp. Provided you can swing an additional cost, large V8 big jump in performance and ability to work without fuel economy penalty is a no-brainer.

Honestly, all big pickups have more ability than most people need, and the option to wear them like a luxury sedan. But the one that took place on the additional pages are the 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. Line up against the Chevrolet Silverado, which rival Tundra Ford F-150 and Toyota in Edmunds comparison test, Ram took home the victory thanks to a personality that is more well-rounded. This year, more powerful F-150 could shake a little, but overall we still think Ram is selecting a large truck to full size.

2011 Ram 1500 comes in three cab styles: regular cab two door, one long-extended Quad Cab with two small rear doors, and Crew Cab body again with four conventional doors. Forum for the 120.5-inch wheelbase regular cab and offers cargo-bed length 6.3 meters and 8 meters. 2011 Ram 1500 Quad Cab and Crew Cab using a wheelbase of 140.5 inches. Quad Cab has a 3.6-foot cargo box. Crew Cab has a 6.5-foot box, all beds are wide enough to hold sheets of 4x8 laid flat.

2011 Ram 1500 back to the various trim levels, from basic work-truck ST, better equipped with the SLT, Sport live, and luxurious Laramie. Added to the SLT trim level for model year 2011 is a package that replaces Outdoorsman TRX previous versions and includes a variety of off-road upgrades. Also new is the luxury package Laramie Longhorn with two-tone paint treatment is unique and rich leather and wood-trimmed interior.

2011 Ram 1500 is still the only full-size pickup to use coil springs instead of leaf springs in conjunction with a solid rear axle. influence is a class ride comfort and chassis control over bumps. Its towing capacity when properly equipped, ranging from £ 3,600 with a gentle V-6 all the way up to 10,450 first-rate competitive with the Hemi.