2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

It would have been less complicated for General Motors to do what car companies usually do when introducing new vehicles to the buying public: trot out a stunningly beautiful concept at an auto show, only to tone down the production version before it makes its way to market. It's the old design-to-reality bait-andswitch. The production version of the CTS Coupe gives Cadillac's “Art and Science” design language a refined accent—the edges are still there, but they're tempered with curves that convey a handcrafted look. Of course, the CTS Coupe owes much of its design to the CTS Sedan, including the entirety of its bold front end.

The 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe is the latest addition to the lineup of Cadillac's best-selling cars. The 2-door coupe joins 4-door sedan and wagon body styles, which see no major changes for 2011. The coupe seats 4 while other versions seat 5. The sedan and wagon reprise 3.0 and 3.6 trim levels. Depending on body style and drivetrain, trim levels include Base, Luxury, and Performance. The coupe comes as the 3.6. The 3.0 uses a 270-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine. The 3.6 has a 304-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on 3.0 sedans.

It's offered as a credit option on 3.6 coupes and sedans. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all wagons, coupes, and 3.6 sedans while remaining optional on the 3.0 sedan. Rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is available on all body styles. The high-performance CTS-V is offered in all body styles as well. The coupe and wagon are new for 2011. All are powered by a 556-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8. It teams with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The CTS-V has GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which automatically adjusts firmness within two driver-selectable modes. "Performance Traction Management" is available on CTS-V.

This system is similar to GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system, but it is set to aid performance in spirited driving. The V has an upgraded interior that includes available Recaro-brand seats with 14-way adjustment and a suede-like microfiber wrap for the shift lever and steering wheel. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Available features include steering-linked headlamps and keyless entry and ignition. A navigation system is standard on the CTS-V, optional otherwise.

2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe Specs

Model: 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
Engine: 3.6-liter V6
Horsepower/Torque: 304 hp @ 6,400 rpm/370 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with manual
Wheelbase: 113.4 in.
Length/Width/Height: 188.5 x 74.1 x 55.9 in.
Tires: P245/45R19 (F)/P275/40R19 (R) no spare
Cargo volume: 10.5 cu. ft.
Fuel economy: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/18.3 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 18.0 gal.
Curb weight: 3,907 lbs.

The Bottom Line: Cadillac has expanded the CTS line with this coupe, it has great styling and performance that doesn't quite live up to it’s a+ styling, but still isn't bad.

2011 Ford Mustang

The 2011 Ford Mustang gets more power, suspension and steering upgrades, and new front and rear fascias following its model-year 2010 freshening. V6-powered, high-performance V8-powered GT, and ultra-high-performance Shelby GT500 Mustangs are offered, each available as a 2-door coupe or soft-top convertible. The V6 models have a new 305-horsepower 3.7-liter engine, which replaces a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V6. GT versions have a new 412-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, which replaces a 315-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. The GT500 retains its supercharged 5.4-liter V8, but it makes 550 horsepower for 2011 versus 540 in 2010. The V6 and GT offer a choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The GT500 has a mandatory 6-speed manual.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front-side airbags. GT and GT500 models have specific exterior trim and firmer suspension tuning. A Performance Package for the V6 includes a sport suspension, uprated brakes, and 19-inch wheels on summer performance tires. A Mustang Club of America package for the V6 includes unique interior and exterior trim, a rear spoiler, and 18-inch wheels and tires. A California Special package for the GT adds unique interior and exterior trim, a specific rear spoiler, and 19-inch wheels and tires. Available features include a navigation system and Ford's Sync voice-activated control for cell phones and MP3 players. The GT500 is available with an SVT Performance Package that includes specific exterior trim, unique wheels, and a performance suspension.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

No brand is more deeply rooted in off-road adventure than Jeep. The new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee stands at the top of the lineup with not only a much more luxurious and roomy interior but also more power and, yes, enhanced on- and off-road chops. The new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 churns out 290 hp and 260 lb ft of torque, delivers 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway and will tow 5000 pounds. But we’d choose the 360-hp V8 for its muscle-car hustle—and take the modest fuel-economy hit. For the first time, the unibody Jeep uses a four-wheel independent suspension for enhanced steering and suspension precision.

Opt for the Quadra-Lift air suspension, and the Jeep will provide five distinct suspension-height levels, with up to an impressive 10.7 inches of ground clearance. During a snow-covered sortie in Moab, Utah, the Jeep rocked and rolled its way over the worst obstacles, taking the most challenging lines without so much as a whimper. Best of all, the Grand Cherokee can lower itself back down and provide a pillow-soft luxury-car ride on the way home from the trailhead.

Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection, and the four-wheel Brake Traction Control System (BTCS). Other safety features include full-length side-curtain air bags which extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger and active head restraints which deploy in the event of a rear collision.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee also features SIRIUS Travel Link, offering up-to-the minute information about gas prices, weather conditions, sports scores and movie listings. In addition, Grand Cherokee features SIRIUS Traffic, which monitors traffic in 78 markets across the U.S.

2011 BMW 3 Series

The 2011 BMW 3-Series lineup includes coupes, hardtop convertibles, sedans and wagons with rear-wheel drive or BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Designated based on their engines, trims include the 328i, 335i, 335d, the new 335is and the M3. All body styles, except the convertible, are offered with xDrive in versions designated 328xi and 335xi. The 335d is a sedan, the 335is is offered only as a coupe or convertible, and the M3 comes only as a sedan or coupe. The convertible has a power-retractable hardtop.

All 3-Series are well equipped. Notable standard equipment on the base 328i includes leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, HD radio and run-flat tires with 16-inch wheels on sedans and wagons and 17s on coupes and convertibles. Coupes also come standard with a sport suspension. Moving up to the 335i adds driver's seat memory, adaptive headlights, a sunroof for coupes and sedans, and leather upholstery for the convertible.

The new 335is, which is offered as a coupe and convertible, adds equipment otherwise offered only in the M Sport package, including the M Sport steering wheel, M Sport seats, an anthracite headliner, 18-inch wheels and stiffer engine mounts. The 335is also has a slightly modified look front and rear.

The M3 comes with a limited-slip differential, larger brakes, performance suspension and staggered 18-inch tires. The M3 coupe also has a carbon-fiber roof.

All 3-Series iterations come with a full slate of safety features, including dual front airbags, front side airbags, anti-lock brakes, a tire-pressure monitor, traction control and electronic stability control. All but the convertible also have side curtain airbags, while the convertible has automatic pop-up roll bars. Manual-transmission versions also get a hill-holder clutch.

2012 Toyota Yaris HSD

 A highly stylized video of the 2012 Toyota Yaris HSD concept landed on YouTube last week. The subcompact with Hybrid Synergy Drive was unveiled at the 2011 International Motor Show in Geneva. The 2012 Yaris is touted as the first B-segment hybrid; it can be driven in full-electric mode.

Compared to a standard Yaris, the HSD Concept features a new, more advanced and sophisticated style to the exterior design. It gets new highly contoured headlamps, a Toyota logo fully integrated within the front lip of the bonnet, a long, sweeping roofline, and a single, crisp character line which runs smoothly throughout the length of the vehicle.

The exterior package is finished by flat, vertical ‘aero’ corners housing front fog-lamps and matching rear reflectors, a large, integral rear spoiler, comprehensive underbody covers and 18" aero wheels featuring enlarged air gaps for improved cooling air flow.



Vehicle information, such as fuel efficiency and other specifications, has yet to be released from Toyota, as the current focus of the Japanese automaker is on local recovery efforts and the safety of its employees and their families.

2011 Harley Davidson FXS Blackline Softail with Specifications

Harley-Davidson has unveiled 2011 Harley Davidson FXS Blackline Softail which new Dark Costum softail model comes with back-to-basics styling, new fuel tank and combined with unique split drag handlebars. The new Blackline motorcycle is a Harley-Davidson Softail model pared to the bone. A rebellious creation of the Dark Custom movement, the Blackline celebrates three fundamental elements of motorcycling: mechanical beauty, internal combustion, and the long black line of the road ahead.

As for the chassis, the chassis features a spring-damper with horizontal hidden by the frame tubes placed under the same engine: this allows to have more control of the rear suspension, which translates into greater maneuverability despite the swingarm is the same to that of a hardtail. This is the front instead of a fork full FX yokes. Finally, the spoked wheels front and rear are respectively 21 “and 16″ mountain tires and Dunlop D402 MH90-21, respectively, of the type and MU85B16.

The 2011 Harley Davidson FXS Blackline Softail features round air cleaner cover in brilliant chrome, Asymmetric five-gallon Softail fuel tank, a compact headlight and a tiny speedometer for more custom look. Styling highlights include new FX front end with black powdercoat triple clamps and black painted fork lowers.

2011 Harley Davidson FXS Blackline Softail Specifications

Engine type: 2 cylinders, 4-stroke, 45° V-twin
Displacement: 1584 cc (96.78 cubic inches)
Bore × stroke: 95.3 mm × 111.1 mm (under square – long stroke)
Cooling system: Air cooled
Torque: 121 Nm (12.34 kg-m) @ 3250 rpm(cranks)
Throttle: Cable operated
Valve train: OHV, variable
Valves per cylinder: 2
Sparks per cylinder: 1
Compression: 9.2:1
Engine mounting: Transverse
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Gear box: Manual 6-speed
Clutch: Wet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final drive: Chain
Starter: Electric
Length: 2362 mm
Width: 864 mm
Height: 1201 mm
Wheel base: 1689 mm
Trail: 123 mm
Ground clearance: 133 mm
Seat height: 610 mm
Curb weight: 310 kg
Dry weight: 290 kg
Frame type: steel, Backbone frame
Suspension: Cartridge
Suspension travel: 143 mm
Fork angle: 30°
Brake: Single Disk, Ø292 mm
Suspension: mono shock, Swing arm
Suspension travel: 91 mm
Brake: Disk, Ø292 mm
Fuel capacity: 18.93 l
Number of riders: 2 persons

2011 MV Agusta F3 with Specifications

The F3 superbike is the latest addition to MV Agusta line-up. If the F4, considered the most beautiful motorcycle in the world, set the styling and performance standards by which all others are judged, the new F3 has completely exceeded all previous conceptions of what a supersport motorcycle should be, redefining an entirely new category.

The 2011 MV Agusta F3 is powered by a an inline 675cc three cylinder, described by MV Agusta as the most compact, incredible short and narrow engine ever seen in this category. For the first time on an MV and on any middleweight bike, there is Ride By Wire, with multi-maps controlling the fuel injection to optimize power output in all conditions.

The styling, as with its bigger brother the F4, is pure MV Agusta genius, but the F3 is even more unique, with incredible attention to detail. For example, the exhaust system has a fabulously distinctive triple pipe, side exit muffler – just one example of design and function in perfect motorcycle harmony.

2011 MV Agusta F3 Specs 

Engine and transmission Switch unit
Engine type: 3 cylinders, 4-stroke, Inline
Displacement: 675 cc (41.24 cubic inches)
Cooling system: Water cooled
Power: 137.05 HP (100.8 kW)
Throttle: Ride by wire

Valves
Valve train: DOHC, variable
Valves per cylinder: 4

Fuel and ignition
Sparks per cylinder: 1
Fuel supply system: Fuel injection
Ignition type: Digital CDI
Engine mounting: Transverse
Lubrication system: Wet sump
Gear box: Manual 6-speed
Clutch: Wet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final drive: Chain
Starter: Electric

Chassis and suspension
Frame type: steel, Trellis frame

Front
Suspension: Cartridge
Brake: Twin Disk

Rear
Brake: Disk

Other
ABS available: Yes
Fuel capacity: 19 l
Number of riders: 2 persons

2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC with Specifications

 Aprilia’s new 2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC has genuine superbike performance, advanced electronic rider aids, a MotoGP soundtrack and a real-world, roomy riding position. The Tuono V4 R naked machine is one of its kind with a V4 engine. The naked bike is now available with APRC package.

Producing a claimed 167bhp, it’s more powerful than its closest super naked rivals, like the Ducati Streetfighter, KTM 990 Super Duke and Triumph Speed Triple. It’s a serious weapon on the track thanks to its balanced chassis, strong brakes, powerful engine, quickshifter, traction control and anti-wheelie. On the road it’s loads of fun when you turn the anti-wheelie off and setting the traction control high to deal with the unexpected, is a useful safety feature. You can be the first away from the traffic light GP too, if you use the electronic launch control. With a wide spread of smooth power and an impeccable throttle response it’s far less brutal then the V-twin Tuono of old. It’s also available without the APRC package for a grand less.

The 2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC is possibly the most extreme streetfighter-type streetbike ever made. Aprilia have upped the ante by a large measure. The V4 engine with its 167 horsepower is one of the best in the business, and its handling is exemplary.

2011 Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC Specs

Engine and transmission
Engine type: 4 cylinders, 4-stroke, 65° V4
Displacement: 997 cc (60.92 cubic inches)
Bore × stroke: 78 mm × 52 mm (oversquare – shortstroke)
Cooling system: Water cooled
Power: 167.23 HP (123 kW) @ 11500 rpm (cranksh)
Torque: 111.5 Nm (11.37 kg-m) @ 9500 rpm (cranksh)
Throttle: Cable operated

Valves
Valve train: DOHC, variable
Valves per cylinder: 4

Fuel and ignition
Sparks per cylinder: 1
Fuel supply system: Fuel injection
Ignition type: Digital CDI
Funnel diameter: 48 mm
Compression: 13:1
Engine mounting: Transverse
Lubrication system: Wet sump
Gear box: Manual 6-speed
Clutch: Wet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final drive: Chain
Spark plug pipe type: NGK
Motor oil: Synthetic
Starter: Electric

Dimensions
Physical measures
Length: 2065 mm
Width: 800 mm
Height: 1090 mm
Wheel base: 1445 mm
Trail: 107 mm
Ground clearance: 125 mm
Seat height: 835 mm

Weight
Dry weight: 183 kg

Chassis and suspension
Frame type: aluminium, twin spar

Front
Suspension: Cartridge – upside-down
Suspension travel: 120 mm
Fork angle: 25°
Brake: Twin Disk, Ø320 mm
Tire: 120 / 70 R17 ZR

Rear
Suspension: twin shock, Swingarm
Suspension travel: 130 mm
Brake: Disk, Ø220 mm
Tire: 190 / 55 R17 ZR

Other
ABS available: Yes
Top speed: 270 km/h
Fuel capacity: 17 l
Number of riders: 2 persons

2011 Ducati Monster 796 with Specifications

The new Ducati Monster 796 is a long-awaited middleweight for Ducatisti dissuaded by the wide disparity in naked-bike options. Bookended by the entry-level Monster 696 and the big-bore 1100, the new 796 model is priced at $9995, only $1000 more than the smallest Monster. The Monster lineup has been an unqualified success for Ducati, moving more than 225,000 units and sustaining the Italian manufacturer through one of the most challenging retail landscapes of the last century.

The 2011 Ducati Monster 796 certainly won't be the forgotten middle child of the Monster family. It is the kind of bike that has you spinning around for one more lap up your favorite winding road, even as the pesky yellow low-fuel light makes its presence known. For those looking for a bike sized just right for the restrictions of public roads, the 796 is easy, fun, and perfectly positioned.

It’s not under or overpowered, definitely not expensive to buy or maintain, easy to ride and a looker to boot. Plus it carries one of the most recognisable brand names ever on its fuel tank: Ducati.

2011 Ducati Monster 796 Specs

Chassis
Frame: Tubular steel Trellis frame
Wheelbase: 1450mm (57.1in)
Front suspension: Showa 43mm upside-down forks
Front wheel travel: 120mm (4.7in)
Front wheel: Y-shaped, 5-spoke in light alloy 3.50 x17
Front tire: 120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso
Rear suspension: Progressive linkage with preload and rebound Sachs adjustable monoshock
Rear wheel travel: 148mm (5.8in)
Rear wheel: Y-shaped, 5-spoke in light alloy 5.50 x 17
Rear tire: 180/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso
Front brake: 2 x 320mm discs, 4-piston radial caliper
Rear brake: 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Fuel tank capacity: 15l - 3.8gallon (US) / 13.5l - 3.6 gallon (US) ABS version
Dry weight: 167kg (369lb) / 169kg (373lb) ABS version
Seat height: 800mm (31.5in)
DDA: System-ready for Ducati Performance accessory
DTC: Not available on this model
ABS: Available upon request

Engine
Type: L-Twin cylinder, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled
Displacement: 803cc
Bore x Stroke: 88 x 66 mm
Compression ratio: 11:1
Power: 64kW - 87hp @ 8250rpm
Torque: 8.0kgm - 58lb-ft @ 6250rpm
Fuel injection: Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Exhaust: Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin lambda probes
Transmission

Gearbox: 6 speed
Ratio: 1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
Primary drive: Straight cut gears; Ratio 1.85:1
Final drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39
Clutch: APTC wet multiplate with hydraulic control
MSRP: $9,995.00 USD
Warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage