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Strolling through the auto shows over time, I had decided to go for a car portraying an aggressive yet a sporty look, and the all-new Mercedes Benz SL simply left me mesmerized. It might be because of the wider grilles with the peanut shaped headlights, but the pointed nose and the new side-air outlets adds a totally different meaning in the overall appearance of the whole car. The rear part characterizing LED taillights is sure to make its prominence, while I would take a pleasure drive around midnight.
The new Mercedes-Benz SL is just an overhaul of the older generation SL (first launched in 2001). Mercedes-Benz gives a retro touch to this car with the “power domes” up on the hood. However, the single bar grille with the peanut shaped headlights stole my eye, since my first look at it. Numerous emblems of its V-12 engine adore its interior as well as its exterior part. The wide tires add more stability especially at high speeds to the entire car, with the sporty 18’ alloy wheels. The interior is designed in an offbeat manner, giving more comfort and luxury equally. The car interior comes loaded with an Air-scarf system, to deliver warm air from the headrests, to ease driving at chilly weather. The new Command Infotainment system is much easier to use than the previous ones, and the three-spoke steering wheel makes driving more fun as well as easy.
Apart from the looks, I also expect the engine to meet a few standards. However, this one features something more. This youthful machine will be available in two trims, namely the SL 550 and the SL 600. The supercharged SL 600 features a 510 hp twin turbo V-12 engine with a seven-speed multi-clutch system transmission. Though an automatic version will be available in this 6.2L SL63AMG, I consider the manual transmission system to add pleasure in driving. The automatic transmission will not feature a torque converter in this version. Therefore, you get to shift gears more quickly and more importantly, more smoothly, perfect for a speed fanatic.
This 6.2L AMG engine is far advanced than its older 5.4-litre engine. You can also avail it in the SLK 55 AMG, but is without a supercharger. The G55 AMG engine features a supercharger, but the new 6.2 L AMG assures more stability at high speeds in highways.
This new Mercedes Benz SL is supposed to launch in the early 2009; and, can’t wait to see the first one.
Volvo launches a new car - the V70, with alterations from its past models. This new family wagon highlights the look of the S80 sedan from the front. The tall unending taillights add a sporty look with the sloping roofline, giving it the perfect look of a family car. The increased rear quarter space, with alterations in the seats and the seat belts caught my sight at the first look at it. It also incorporates an adjustable booster cushion, specially fitted for kids to use the seat belts comfortably, regardless of their height. The stronger side structures of high tensile steel and the curtains insure more safety, minimizing the risk of penetration in case of a collision. Not only these, but the optional active bi-Xenon headlamps and the Adaptive Cruise Control insure more safety to the car. Besides, the car also comes with a Blind Spot Information System, which notifies the driver when another automobile is in a blind spot at the rear.
A proper sound system is what I always put emphasis on, after considering the security part of a four-wheeler. I was surprised after listening to the premium standard audio system with Dynaudio speakers. I believe it to be the perfect speaker system for any car. Volvo also offers the option to upgrade it to eight as well as to twelve speakers from the standard six-speaker version. The wide legroom and the comfortable seats along with the spring-strut front anti roll bar front suspension and the multi-link rear with anti-roll bar makes the drive a pleasant one.
The all-new 2008 Volvo V70 is packed with a 6-cylinder 3.2-liter engine delivering 235 hp of torque at 6200 rpm. The engine is designed in a transverse manner, keeping the front collision safety in mind. Stepping on the accelerator pedal I managed to reach 0-62 mph in about 9 seconds. Driving the six speed Geartronic automatic transmission version is fun, and much more easy as compared to a manual transmission system. A sport mode is also equipped with this automatic transmission, for shifting manually in case of spirited driving. At the top speed, i.e. 130 mph the car is stable enough to keep it in control. Further, the All Wheel Drive (AWD) also renders in controlling the car easily at high speeds.
This new family wagon is all set to roll out in the
A speed machine is what I always had a soft corner up on, and the 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet is just the perfect one to fit in the right slot. This two-seater Cabriolet is meant for speed; its smart compact structure of length 175.2 inches, width 72.9 inches and a height of 51.2 inches renders the car more stability as well as maintain control at very high speeds. The merging of the curves at the joint of the roofline and the rear wheel arch gives a much more refined sports look. Though the added wing in the rear part is a bit large, it merges well with the overall appearance of the cabriolet. The 19’ alloy wheels completes the overall sports appearance of this speed machine.
The interiors don’t need a mention, as Porsche cars are always loaded with the proper interiors and accessories. The speedometer highlighting a top speed of 310 km/hr was the first thing that had caught my eyes. The gear is positioned perfectly, easy to shift at high speeds. The comfortable bucket seats is sure to excite you in pressing the accelerator and reach the highest speed possible. The standard version is equipped with six airbags, a 12 Speaker System from Bose, wind deflector and satellite navigation.
The 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet is equipped with a 3.6 Liter horizontally opposite 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, with 4 valves per cylinder. This twin turbocharged petrol engine produces 6,000 rpm and a torque of 457lb ft at 1,850 rpm. I was simply spell bound to reach a speed of 60mph in only 4 seconds. Reaching a speed of 190 mph, I wished I could cross the red line on the speedometer. The six-speed manual transmission is simply smooth as cream. The option of Chrono package Plus is also offered by Porsche, featuring a dashboard mounted stopwatch and an over-boost function, allowing peak torque of 501 lb ft. for short periods.
I’ve found this new Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet to deliver just the perfect performance without any disdain. The three spoke smart steering wheel makes the car easy to control with the 18’ alloy wheels, delivering good stability. The six-piston 13.78-inch cross-drilled internal vented mono-block caliper ceramic disc brakes render much more security to the overall performance of this car. The independent Mac Pherson-type coil spring suspension adds good comfort. Priced around $1,36,000 this speed machine is worth buying.
When BMW had extended its branches to the compact car segment at Europe in 2004, the 1-series E87 hatchback, to be precise was termed to be a bit expensive as compared to its competitor, The Volkswagen Golf. Then onwards, BMW has numbed the disapproval by marketing around 450,000 units of its 3 and 5 door 1-series premium compact cars. So you even agree at this to be a success. Besides, it rolls smoothly. Thus, the ‘okay’ designs are the only complains about the hatchback models. However, all these hatchbacks failed to attract the mass of US citizens.
To achieve success in North America, BMW has designed the new 1-series coupe to suit us all. Though I have driven other BMW cars, I found this 135i coupe to render adequate comfort, for two adults in the back seat with its 60/40split seats. Powered by a twin-turbo 3.0litre engine with six inline cylinders, this is something that fits in the slot of a Powerhouse. This engine is around 100 pounds lighter than its siblings- the 3 Series. Pumping 300-horse power, this powerhouse twirls up 7000 rpm with 300-pound-foot punch in 1400 to 5000 rpm. Yet, I found the throttle to respond as spontaneous as other ordinary engines. With a top speed of 155 mph, I made this Powerhouse-135i shoot 60 mph in 5.3 seconds from standstill. The 6-speed manual gearbox is smooth and responses more evenly than any other cars in its segment. Though automatic transmission will be available in the US market, I personally prefer driving the manual one to enjoy the sure pleasures of driving. Fuel economy is what I always look at every time. I found the direct fuel injection is the key to reduce fuel consumption with a proper performance of the engine, at the same time. The fuel injectors are placed just next to the spark plug over here. This allows an accurate measurement of the fuel injected. BMW has even placed an indicator in the instrument cluster, suggesting the right gear to be at to maximize the fuel economy.
The strong, yet easy to control brake system delivers an added confidence in driving this coupe. The wide rear tyres are well contrasted with the front, emphasizing on more safety and stability in its performance. The position of the steering wheel made my drive a more pleasing one with the delicious noise of the engine, in short, worth the money. I find this car to be a sporty coupe; yet can be driven all the weeklong. This 135i is fast with a lot of road grip, and I find that this is built for comfort as well as for mastering prowess. This has a class of its own, and I’m sure that you will recognize it easily at its launch in February. Priced around $30,000, I expect this Powerhouse to be worth the money I will be putting in.
Sports machine was something I always hunted for, and the 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS simply left me spell bound. This four seater SUV with lots of luggage space proved to be the best-handled SUV on Earth, since my first glance at it. Loaded with a 4.8 litre V-8 engine, it delivers 385 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. Therefore, you can easily figure out that it achieves a speed of 62mph from standstill in 6.5 seconds, just like a click on a button. The new Tiptronic 6 speed automatic gearbox makes this machine a much smoother one. However, all this while I felt the key to ‘pleasure driving’ comes from driving one with a manual transmission, I was simply amazed to press on the accelerator and reach a speed of 100mph in 15 seconds, from this automatic transmission gearbox.
This new ‘sports machine’- The 2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS even stands out from others in grounds of handling. The Active Suspension Management System with steel springs, and not air suspension blends evenly with the All Wheel Drive mechanism of the SUV. I also feel that it’s the wide radial tires that contributes to the whole thing; not that I am discriminating the independent suspensions. And of course; I do not want to be marked as a heretic and would also like to give the credits to the 38.4 inches steering wheel diameter.
Nevertheless, I found the 0.79-inch-lower stance three-mode electronic shock controls and the 21-inch running gear to deliver quality performance. Though the twin roof spoiler is for no technical improvements to its aerodynamic shape, still it looks good, the way it should like. The drag quotient of 0.36 and a curb weight of 4950 pounds make me feel this car to be always thirsty, ready to drink to a few barrels of gasoline. Even so, the low mileage is worth its overall performance.
With a height of 66.9 inches and a length of 188.9 inches, the SUV throws a sporty look, both in the exteriors and the interiors. The standard leather upholstery just made me relax back comfortably, with no lack of any pleasantness. The 12-way adjustable front bucket seats made me ease the strain of the rugged roads. The rear seats are well fitted to accommodate two adults. The positioning of all the control buttons renders the essence of a well-equipped cockpit. I was more or less confused to operate the too many gadgets inside. I think I need to take a glace at the manual to set them in order the next time.
This $69,300 sports machine is worth buying only if you like to tame a wild beast.
