Cars Auto

 Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Maserati Quattroporte
Some things just sound better in Italian. In English, Giuseppe Verdi would be a rather pedestrian "Joe Green." Likewise, would you shell out over $120,000 for a car that is simply called the "four-door?" Call it the 2011 Maserati Quattroporte, however, and suddenly it doesnt sound so plain.

For Maserati, the Quattroporte name dates back to the 1960s when large, fast sedans from Italy were a rarity. The current model represents the fifth generation of this car, and its Pininfarina-designed bodywork helped put Maserati in front of many new buyers after years of troubled coupes and convertibles. But this model has been around since 2004, and is beginning to show its age in the face of newer four-door luxury models from England and Germany. Nevertheless, the Maserati Quattroporte still manages to touch all of the necessary bases, making it a memorable luxury sedan.

The 2011 Maserati Quattroporte delivers a smooth and quiet ride that rivals that of cars from any other luxury brand, along with that certain little Italian ingredient -- passion. An even though power output from the available V8 engines is less than that of its rivals, the Quattroporte manages to engage and excite. This cars handling is also noteworthy, even in its base-model configuration.

Unfortunately, the Quattroporte has received few updates in the six years since its debut. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class still defines the market segment and is available in several different models, from a hybrid to the wild AMG variants, and provides more contemporary technological features. The Porsche Panamera is also worth a look for its surprising levels of sophistication and performance, as are the latest examples of the Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ. Most of these alternatives also have a starting price well below that of the Maserati. But if youve got a thing for Italian passion, youd be remiss to pass up the 2011 Maserati Quattroporte.
INTERIOR
Inside, the driver is treated with wood grain trims and Poltrona Frau leather seats. The standard dual-zone climate control is a forgone conclusion compared to the state of the art Bose multimedia system. The sound system features a hard-drive based satellite navigation system, a CD player, an iPod connection, a 30GB hard disk for storing mp3 files, satellite radio, voice control, Bluetooth connection, and a USB/AUX-in connection that doubles as a USB reader. Automatic headlights and window wipers are also standard equipment.

The Quattroportes interior is just what youd expect from a luxury sedan of this stature. Nearly every surface is covered in either supple leather or rich wood trim. Furthermore, Maserati buyers may choose an interior treatment from a dizzying array of color and materials to suit their particular tastes.

Controls are fairly intuitive and easy to operate, with the Bose multimedia system featuring a clever infrared proximity sensor that automatically summons the proper audio or navigation menu to the screen when your finger moves close to the desired button.

Technically, the Maserati Quattroporte can seat up to five passengers, but judging from the deeply contoured outboard rear seats, only four would really be comfortable. All seats are supportive and comfortable for long stretches, but taller drivers may find the accommodations lacking in headroom. The trunk can hold up to 16 cubic feet, which is plenty for a few golf bags and suitcases.
EXTERIOR
With some of the greatest Italian engine manufacturing under the hood it is only fitting the body of the Quattroporte line was designed by Pininfarina, the famed Italian coachbuilder. With a chrome grille and LED lights the Quattroporte, could easily be described as sexy.

The paint is set off by matte finish on the chrome exterior trim and charcoal-gray 20-inch wheels. Polished calipers are tucked inside the wheels. The paint is matched by the interior, where tan leather seats with perforated Alcantara inserts promise the utmost in pampering. The headliner is likewise rendered in the soft faux suede, as are door-panel inserts. Satin-finish wood moldings and brushed-aluminum door moldings are included as well. And, of course, an “Awards Edition” plaque serves to remind friends that your Q-porte cost more than theirs.

Driving Technology

Traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, brake force distribution, and anti-slip regulation systems are only the beginning of the safety and handling features the Quattroporte S brings to the table. An electronically controlled Sky hook suspension automatically and continuously adjusts the road surface and your driving style. The gearbox was designed by the German transmission specialists at ZF. A state-of-the-art automatic with a manual shift gate and paddle shifters is mated to the monster under the hood, providing one of the greatest European driving experiences possible.
ENGINE
The base 2011 Maserati Quattroporte is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that produces 400 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Both the Quattroporte S and GT S models receive a 4.7-liter V8 that increases output to 425 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque. Either engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Maserati estimates 0-60-mph acceleration at 5.6 seconds for the base model and 5.4 seconds for the S. The GT S, making use of its launch control system, is expected to make the same run in only 5.1 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 11 mpg city/17 mpg highway and 14 mpg in combined driving for the 4.2-liter V8, while the 4.7-liter engine is rated at 1 mpg greater on the highway.
Safety

Standard safety features for all 2011 Quattroportes include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
Interior Design and Special Features

The Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition goes on sale in the second half of 2010 as a 2011 model. Pricing has not yet been announced, but figure on at least a $10,000 premium, which would push this Maser’s price into the low-to-mid-$140,000 range. 
reference:www.leftlanenews.com,www.edmunds.com,www.caranddriver.com

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Toyota Sequoia
The 2011 Toyota Sequoia marks the 10th year of production for this perennial overachiever. Ever since its last redesign three years ago, the Sequoias generous helpings of torque, interior volume and civilized road manners have kept it a top choice among full-size SUVs.

Thanks to its available 5.7-liter V8, the 2011 Sequoia is one of the quickest SUVs in its class. In our testing, a Sequoia Limited 4WD hustled its nearly 6,000-pound frame to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Theres plenty of towing capacity, too, with up to 7,400 pounds available when properly equipped. Its 4.6-liter base V8, introduced last year and standard on the SR5, is no slouch either, with its 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque.

The Sequoias chassis balances a comfortable highway ride with adequate off-road agility. An independent rear suspension, a relatively tight 39-foot turning circle and 10 inches of ground clearance make the Sequoia at home on trails, in the Costco parking lot and on the urban expressway. A rear air suspension is also available on the Platinum model.

Growing families will also appreciate the Sequoias versatile second-row seats, available as either a 40/20/40-split bench or captains chairs. These seats feature plenty of fore-aft adjustment, optimizing legroom or cargo room as needs dictate. Unlike GMs full-size SUVs, the Sequoias independent rear suspension allows the roomy 60/40-split third-row seat to fold flat. Stowing the second- and third-row seats opens up a cavernous 121 cubic feet of cargo space for more serious hauling, facilitated by a power liftgate that is now standard on the Limited.

If youre not in need of the Sequoias massive towing and hauling abilities, however, a large crossover SUV like the GMC Acadia (or its Buick Enclave/Chevy Traverse relatives), Ford Flex or Mazda CX-9 would be a better choice. These crossovers offer competitive passenger and cargo space with lower price tags, better handling and superior fuel economy. The 2011 Infiniti QX56 is a very appealing new entry among Herculean full-size SUVs, yet the 2011 Toyota Sequoia still is among the best in its class.
INTERIOR
The Toyota Sequoia cabin is built for passenger comfort, with generous legroom and headroom. Seating is designed for long days of driving, with a comfortable, broad drivers seat with power lumbar support. The seats have soft, wide bolsters…easy to climb over getting in and out, and the kind of adjustability that allows a driver to shift around during long drives. The SR5s cloth and Platinums perforated leather each offer three colors, the Limiteds leather two.

The Sequoia revels in bigness. The interior is conspicuously wide and offers ample legroom and shoulder room. The dash is simple and focused, with two central gauges, speedometer and tachometer, flanked by fuel, temperature and voltage gauges. Bright rings accent the instrumentation.

A very large rectangular shifter dominates the metallic center strip area, and behind it is a wide central console designed to hold 12 CDs or four DVD cases. The four-spoke steering wheel contains controls for AC, Bluetooth-capable phones and audio functions (varies by grader). The steering column tilts and telescopes; electrically and memory-linked on Platinum.

Switches and dials are used to control windows and the HVAC system. The HVAC system is designed to define and maintain three different climate zones, two in the front, and one in the back. We think Toyota does a good job when it comes to switch feel and operational consistency of dials and other touch points.

Two overhead compartments are suitable for sunglasses, and the control strip has sunroof controls. An electrochromic rear view mirror is standard except on SR5, and the mirror contains built-in garage door opener buttons operating on three different frequencies. IF you choose a backup camera without navigation the image is displayed in the mirror.

The sun visors are huge, and they slide on their hangers, providing effective shade for driver and passenger all day long. On the A-pillar are hefty grab handles, with grips big enough to support body weight as you swing into the seat.

The interior is notable for thoughtful features that increase utility, such as a compass, map light, automatic up-and-down jam protection for front power windows, and back door power window. There are eight cup holders, eight bottle holders, console surfaces, everything you would want for eating in the Sequoia while putting away the miles. And then, theres lots of door pocket space for trash.

Second-row seating carries two or three people; its roomy but not as stretch-out as some other large utilities. The split bench arrangement reclines and slides fore-n-aft, and arguably makes the most sense for a truck like this. Either way, access to the third row is good enough for anyone that fits back there, and that includes adults.

The Sequoia is especially designed to make the third-row passenger seats more comfortable, and more useful, more like real seating for adults. To that end, the third-row seats have almost as much leg room as the second-row seats but lose three inches of headroom. For comparison a 1.4-inch-longer Ford Expedition offers at least two inches more legroom and more headroom in the back two rows. However, for those who often make use of the third row, the Sequoias standard interior layout is better than many SUVs weve seen, in which the third-row seats constitute emergency seating for smaller people only. Those who do not need eight-passenger capacity can configure the Sequoia with captains chairs in the second row, which shifts the priority to second-row passenger comfort.

The Sequoia is one of the very few SUVs with a retractable rear hatch window. It also has a closed, removable ashtray that is dish-washable, and a cigarette lighter up front.

Last but not least, the Sequoia has ample cargo room behind the third row, and even more if you fold it down. It offers 120 cubic feet behind the front seats, 67 behind the second row, and 19 behind the third row. The Expedition has roughly the same behind the third row but less otherwise; if you need considerably more youll be checking into Expedition EL and the Chevy Suburban. When Sequoias third row is folded flat, large baggage or cargo can be loaded without removing the seat. It is a well-organized cargo area, even having tow hooks that can hang grocery bags. The seat folds flat manually in SR5s, and upgrades to a power folding feature in Limited and Platinum models.
EXTERIOR
The Toyota Sequoia is long and wide, with a long wheelbase, and is designed to look tall and oversized, so as to project strength from a distance. Its every inch a full-size SUV. The Sequoia shares design features with the Tundra pickup from the front bumper to the B-pillar, along with numerous drive train components.

The low windshield angle accentuates bulk below the hood line, and large high-mounted headlamps add an alert look to a cabin-forward design. Exterior mirrors are large, because they have to be for towing, but careful smoothing has reduced wind noise, as does the use of partially hidden wipers that likewise must be very large to sweep the windshield. The design has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.36, respectable for a full-size truck, but remember that aerodynamic resistance is Cd times frontal area, so keeping highway speeds moderate will pay off in less fuel consumption for this big box.

From the side, large, strong-looking door handles are apparent, the kind youd appreciate if you wear gloves. All the roof pillars are big as well, and the flare in the bodywork to cover the rear tires makes the area between the wheels look smaller than it is. The rear doors open wide, for easy child seat and passenger access. Parking sensors and a pair of rear camera display choices enable easier parking and the ability to avoid people or toys lurking in the driveway.

The receiver hitch is well incorporated in the rear bumper, and the bumper has decent low-slip top for loading the roof rack. To avoid damage from shop[ping carts or narrow tree-lined forest trails the taillights are up high and the rear reflectors are inset in the bumper where they get dirty quickly.
ENGINE
The large V8 engine provides 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, which is ULEV-II compliant, uses four valves per cylinder and Dual Variable Valve Timing. The exhaust system, constructed of stainless steel, uses a valve in the main muffler to alter exhaust flow, reduce exhaust noise and improve performance.

As a result, the Sequoia has a gross combined weight rating of 17,280 lbs. In addition to the available 5.7-liter V8 engine, the 4.7-liter iForce V8 has been replaced with a more powerful 4.6-liter iForce V8 to come standard.

An electronically controlled five-speed automatic ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) is mated to the standard 4.6-liter V8, while a new six-speed ECT automatic is part of the powertrain package when the available with the 5.7-liter V8.

The trucks new platform features independent suspension at both front and rear, improving ride comfort and handling.

Sequoia is equipped with Toyotas STAR Safety System, which includes VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), and TRAC (Traction Control) (2WD models) or A-TRAC (Active-Traction Control) (4WD models), ABS (antilock braking) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and Brake Assist.
SAFETY
Standard safety equipment for all 2011 Toyota Sequoias includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags and three-row side curtain airbags. Front and rear parking sensors are standard on the Sequoia Platinum and Limited, as is a back-up camera (optional on the SR5).

Driving Impressions

For a large SUV, the 2011 Toyota Sequoias pleasant driving experience will likely win you over. The 5.7-liter V8s abundance of low-end torque makes passing maneuvers effortless, and the six-speed automatic is always on point with gear selection, even when towing. Even the 4.6-liter V8 pulls hard, particularly if you wont be maxing out your SUVs payload and towing capacities on a regular basis.

Ride comfort ranges from smooth and composed in an SR5 to downright plush in a Sequoia Platinum with the adaptive dampers. Around corners, the suspension does a fine job of managing 3 tons of SUV, though the numb steering adds to the overall sense of heft.
reference:www.edmunds.com,autos.aol.com,www.leftlanenews.com

2014 Chevrolet Malibu review -. The refreshed version of the Chevy Malibu, which is coming a year-and-a-half ahead of its originally scheduled arrival, and just 18 months after the car first launched. Under the mask hides a new fascia, which we believe will be brought in line with the wide-mouth look recently introduced on the Traverse. It’s possible we’ll also see a light upgrade for the interior, which would add higher-quality materials.

The new and enhanced features include:

•     Revised front-end appearance

•     Roomier rear seat with 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) more knee room

•     Redesigned center console

•     New 2.5L engine with variable valve lift control and start/stop technology helps deliver estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 35 highway - a 5-percent improvement in city mileage and 3-percent greater highway efficiency

•     Nearly 14 percent more torque from the available 2.0L turbo engine - 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) - engineered for a greater feeling of power on demand

•     Suspension enhancements derived from the all-new 2014 Impala engineered to contribute to a more refined driving experience

•     New available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features

Everything should carry over pretty much as it is now: A 197-hp, 2.5-liter four sits at the base of the lineup, with a 259-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four above it. We don’t expect much to change for the Malibu Eco, either, which presently pairs a 2.4-liter inline-four with a small electric motor for a total output of 182 horsepower. Although the six-speed automatic transmissions will hang around, internal improvements could help bump the cars’ fuel-economy ratings.  Everything should carry over pretty much as it is now: A 197-hp, 2.5-liter four sits at the base of the lineup, with a 259-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four above it. We don’t expect much to change for the Malibu Eco, either, which presently pairs a 2.4-liter inline-four with a small electric motor for a total output of 182 horsepower. Although the six-speed automatic transmissions will hang around, internal improvements could help bump the cars’ fuel-economy ratings.

New Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features are offered, adding to the protection from a car that received a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the New Car Assessment Program from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2013 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both are the highest ratings possible.

Chevrolet Malibu also comes with 10 standard air bags and an available rearview camera system.