ALL CARS: November 2011

Minggu, 27 November 2011

Dodge Durango

Dodge Durango

Chrysler started to build the Dodge Durango Hybrid 2009 in fall 2008, featuring the 340 hp (250 kW) 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi engine with MDS as well as the new Two-Mode Hybrid system developed with General Motors and BMW. The manufacturer claimed an almost 25% gain overall fuel fuel economy and an almost 40% gain in the city. EPA testing on the Hybrid Durango with the Hemi V8 engine indicates fuel mileage to be about 20 miles per US gallon (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg-imp) (city) and 22 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) (highway) for 2009 model. The normal (non-hybrid) Durango with the 5.7 L (345 cu in) Hemi and 4WD gets 13 mpg-US (18 L/100 km; 16 mpg-imp) (city) and 19 mpg-US (12 L/100 km; 23 mpg-imp) (highway).

Dodge Ram Trucks

Dodge Ram Trucks

Dodge Ram Trucks

Dodge Ram Truck

If you ar an automobile buff, get ready to be dazed by the Dodge Ram 2011 version! This truck, the mother of all full sizing trucks is all set to make truck lovers go wow with its super fashionable improved look and features that will give auto companies a run for their money.

This stunning truck in the past created a new place for itself. Its robust body and super cool in-truck enhancements make this beauty an inspiration. What is so unique about the latest version is that the makers of this truck have added a whole new bunch of features. These features make it the perfect pickup truck.

Even though the Dodge Ram is reinforced like a truck, it gives the driver a smooth car like ride. This is because of the V8 engines which are one of the most technically advanced engine setups that one could possibly ask for in the current automobile market. For anyone who is obsessed with horse power of the engine this super strong truck will certainly not leave them disappointed.

Unlike other pickup trucks that one would normally find in the market, this truck delight is equipped to handle all kinds of pickups. And not only that the extremely accommodative interior as well the rear end of this truck make cargo transportation a breeze. There ar a good number of storage spaces provided in different parts of the truck. These spaces are designed in a way to optimally utilize the space in the truck.

What is so amazing about the Dodge Ram is that the makers of this truck have given a lot of grandness to the functional aspects of the truck but at the same time have managed to evoke sophistication in terms of the appeal. And if you are concerned to search the different models you ar welcome to do so. There ar many suppliers of this truck that commonly stock the Ram Box and the Crew Cab models.

What is interesting about this pickup truck is that the back seat portion of the truck is accommodative enough. One would wonder how a truck could have seating that is so spacious but that is where this truck is ready to exceed expectations of the customers. The truck has been intentional keeping the little details in mind. For instance, the dashboard area of the truck is Wi Fi enabled and also has music attachments to store and play music.

If you had to choose a pickup truck, the Dodge Ram is the way to go. This truck has everything you could ever want in a truck and even more. Investing in this trendy yet inherently sturdy truck will prove to be the best investment of your life. There ar many dealers who could help you get the best model with the best features. So get ready to get heads turning as you ride in this fashionable and equally efficient truck!

Dodge Ram Van

Dodge Ram Van

Dodge Ram Van

Dodge Ram Van

The Dodge Ram Van was a full-size van marketed under the Dodge brand by the Chrysler Corporation and later DaimlerChrysler. The Ram Van, which was a cargo van, was also available in a passenger van version known as the Dodge Ram Wagon.

Built on the B platform (later AB), the full-size vans entered production for the 1971 model year. At the time, the cargo vans were marketed as the Dodge Tradesman and the passenger vans were called the Dodge Sportsman. The Ram nameplate replaced both previous names in 1979. Due to a rail-through unibody design (uniframe), the Dodge platform was lighter and stronger than the competition, at the expense of NVH. Despite this unibody design, the B-series van was popular for cab-over motorhome conversion until Chrysler Corporation's egress from that market during their bankruptcy proceedings in the 1970s.

All generations of the B-series van feature similar construction, with only small variation from era to era. The most pronounced changes were to the front fenders, hood, grille, and bumpers, which tended to follow their full-size truck counterparts in each era. Additionally, the first generation's side door was mounted back several inches, using a fixed panel between the passenger's side front door and the side door, allowing for more access to the side door without interfering with the front passenger's seat. This panel was eliminated for the second generation van as it debuted in 1979, and its elimination allowed for a shorter wheelbase vehicle. Similar construction for the entire 32 years of production made the Dodge Van very popular with upbuilders, service companies, and other fleets due to the compatibility of installable options from year to year without necessitating a redesign.

The B-series van was available with nearly every engine used in a rear wheel drive Chrysler product during its production. Six cylinder engines included the 225 in³ Slant Six (1979-1987), the 3.9 L LA V6 (1988-1991), and the 3.9 L Magnum V6 (1992-2003). Small-block V8 engines included the LA-series 318 (1979-1991), 360 in³ (1979-1992), the Magnum 5.2 L (1992-2003), and the Magnum 5.9 L (1993-2003). Big-block V8 engines included the 400 in³ (1979-1980) and the 440 in³ (1979-1980).

In the late 1970s, Chrysler marketted the Dodge Ram Van in their lineup of "Adult Toys", along with the Dodge Warlock, Dodge Lil' Red Express Truck, and Dodge Ramcharger.

Plymouth received a rebadged variant of the Sportsman, called the Voyager for the 1974 model year. While never as popular as the Dodge version, Plymouth marketed the Voyager in this format through 1983, after which the nameplate was transferred to the new minivan that was introduced for 1984.

Dodge was (and still is, if one counts the Dodge Sprinter) the last of the four major full-size van makers to market a short-wheelbase van and passenger wagon. Ford, Chevrolet and GMC took their shortest full-size vans off the market early in the 1990s.

DaimlerChrysler discontinued production of the Ram Van and Ram Wagon after the 2003 model year, replacing them with the Dodge Sprinter.

Dodge Viper

Dodge Viper

For well over a decade, Chrysler has been thrilling car enthusiasts with the Dodge Viper muscle car which debuted in 1992 with a 8.0-litre V10 engine.

Some sixteen years later - the fourth generation Dodge Viper SRT-10 packs almost an extra half a litre in engine capacity to 8.4-litres (V10) and 447 kW of American muscle - Chrysler is celebrating a hefty milestone with the 25,000th Dodge Viper produced at the company's Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, USA.

Jumat, 18 November 2011

Suzuki Vitara

suzuki vitara

suzuki vitara

Suzuki Grand Vitara

Recognized by AutoPacific as the "ideal" compact SUV/off-road vehicle, Suzuki Grand Vitara surpasses other SUVs in its size and price category in balancing off-road capability with the very real needs of a daily commute. The vehicle's surprising off-road performance is matched by an equally impressive interior, making the Grand Vitara the perfect choice for adventure-minded drivers seeking to confidently explore the outside world in comfort and style. The ultimate discovery vehicle, the Suzuki Grand Vitara helps customers engage directly with their environment and their experiences.

For 2009, the rugged and award-winning Suzuki Grand Vitara, a true SUV in a segment of "soft-roaders," offers "brute-ute" owners the opportunity to resize for better fuel economy without settling for a "cute-ute" lacking full SUV capability. A standard, all-new four-cylinder engine provides drivers with better mileage, and a new, more powerful V6 delivers fuel economy better than the V6 it replaces.

A new grille and front bumper design accent the Suzuki Grand Vitara distinctive, chiseled-yet-elegant lines, with additional interior enhancements, including illuminated steering wheel controls, a sliding front center armrest, visor extenders, HVAC controls, upgraded audio system and updated cloth upholstery. As with all retail 2009 Suzuki automobiles and light trucks, the Grand Vitara is backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.

Performance and Functionality

The new Suzuki-developed 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of peak torque, delivering EPA fuel economy estimates of up to 19 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway. Available for Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport and Luxury models is a new 3.2-liter V6 engine with 230 horsepower and 213 lb.-ft. of torque, replacing the 2.7-liter V6 engine in 2008 Grand Vitara that produced 185 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. Despite an increase of 45 horsepower, the new V6 betters the old motor in fuel economy ratings. The new engine is also 20 percent cleaner than the 2008 model as measured by the State of California's smog index rating. The new V6 also features variable valve timing for both the intake and exhaust camshafts, and both Suzuki Grand Vitara engines use a zero-maintenance timing chain in place of a belt.

The Grand Vitara's new four-cylinder engine can be teamed to a standard five-speed manual transmission or a new four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 is matched to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. To help fulfill their sense of adventure, customers can choose among RWD models, Single-Mode four-wheel drive or Four-Mode full-time four-wheel drive, a traction system unlike anything else offered in the segment. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) is standard for all Suzuki Grand Vitara models, along with a new rollover sensor for the standard side curtain airbags. Enhancing performance on any road is a strengthened structure for 2009, plus rear disc brakes that replace the previous drums.

Suzuki Four-Mode four-wheel drive offers the best of both worlds: further aided by a completely retuned suspension, it is exceptionally capable off-road but is civilized on the asphalt. On pavement, drivers can leave the dash-mounted transfer case switch in 4H and the electronically controlled on-demand four-wheel-drive system will apply traction to the front wheels only as needed, optimizing economy. When traveling off-road, or for low-speed power and traction, drivers can turn the switch to high-range 4H Lock or low-range 4L Lock to engage the center differential lock. The V6 models with Four-Mode full-time four-wheel drive also feature Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control, which can enhance driving safety on steep slopes.

For RV owners, a Suzuki Grand Vitara equipped with an automatic transmission or with the Four-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system can also be flat-towed. Switching the transfer case control into the neutral position helps minimize driveline wear and prevent non-driving miles from accumulating on the odometer.

Built Like a Brute

The Suzuki Grand Vitara continues Suzuki's 40-year heritage of building compact but rugged SUV-type vehicles, including a model named "Brute." The current Grand Vitara has proven its durability in some of the toughest global markets. Key to the Grand Vitara's go-anywhere capability is its unibody construction with integrated ladder frame, rear-drive-based driveline and four-wheel independent suspension. Typically, only luxury SUVs offer this premium architecture. This type of construction yields the strength and capability sought in large SUVs, while providing the on-road agility and ride quality expected in a modern compact SUV.

Also separating the Suzuki Grand Vitara from the "high wagons" in the segment is the availability of a Four-Mode full time four-wheel-drive system with two-speed transfer case. This hardware, combined with its rugged body construction, steep approach and departure angles, and 7.9 inches of ground clearance (4WD models), enables the Grand Vitara to keep going when the pavement turns to trail. In addition, the Suzuki Grand Vitara 3,000-lb. towing capacity (with V6) is double that of many car-based models and enough to haul light recreational boats, ATVs or motorcycles.

Safety

Beyond offering a strong-yet-weight-optimized structure, the unibody with built-in ladder frame contributes to collision protection in the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The reinforced cabin has the added safety of head-impact protection pad and front and rear side-impact door beams.

Active safety (the ability to help avoid an accident) technology in every Suzuki Grand Vitara model includes anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, tire pressure monitoring system and ESP with traction control. ESP helps ensure vehicle stability when cornering, under acceleration, during emergency maneuvers and when driving on slippery road surfaces. Taking input from a variety of sensors, ESP has the ability to apply individual brakes and reduce engine torque to help the driver maintain the desired line of travel.

Standard passive safety features in every Suzuki Grand Vitara model include driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbag supplemental restraint systems (SRS), advanced dual-stage front airbag SRS, advanced weight-sensing front passenger airbag SRS and front and rear side-curtain airbags networked with a rollover sensor. The three-point driver and front passenger seat belts feature pretensioners and shoulder height adjustment. Each rear seating position is equipped with a three-point seatbelt and a headrest. Also provided is a rear child-seat LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).

The Grand Vitara's safety engineering also reflects Suzuki's attention to pedestrian impacts demanded in many global markets. The front end and the bumper integrate energy-absorbing materials to help reduce the possibility of serious leg injuries. The hood is designed to absorb some of the impact and help protect against serious head injuries. These factors helped the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest rating of good in its most recent frontal crash protection test. In combination, these active and passive safety features make Suzuki Grand Vitara one of the best-equipped compact SUVs with respect to safety.

The Look and Function of a Suzuki

To simplify and improve the driver experience, Suzuki offers easy-to-use features that add useful, real-world functionality to each vehicle. The Suzuki Grand Vitara shows its Suzuki sensibilities in the simple, uncluttered design. Form follows function, with styling that does not compromise visibility, as it does in many crossover-type SUVs. Handsome good looks are part of the mix, too, along with SUV necessities, including short overhangs and roof rails. Exterior mirrors, door handles and bumpers are all color keyed.

The compact exterior footprint contains a roomy, comfortable and versatile cabin to take people and cargo on daily trips or extraordinary voyages. The Suzuki Grand Vitara offers comfortable seating for five, including reclining rear seats, and 24.4 cu.-ft. of storage space with the rear seats up. Cargo space expands to 68.9 cu.-ft. with the 60/40 split-folding seatbacks folded. High-quality materials and attention to fit and finish should help make a driver accustomed to a large luxury SUV feel at home. Controls are easy to access and use, which anyone used to driving a large luxury SUV might find refreshing.

Four Trim Lines, Two Engines, Three Drivelines

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara four-cylinder model is offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, XSport and Luxury. The base model is RWD only, but its list of standard equipment is far from basic and includes: air conditioning with automatic climate control and micron air filtration system, trip computer, power windows, mirrors and door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, automatic on/off headlamps, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM Satellite Radio®-capable audio system and 16-inch wheels.

The Premium model (four-cylinder only) adds an available four-speed automatic transmission, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated audio controls, cruise control, privacy glass, full-size spare tire cover, cargo cover, and, when equipped with the optional Single-Mode four-wheel drive, heated exterior mirrors.

The XSport, available with RWD or Four-Mode four-wheel drive, adds function and luxury features, including power tilt-and-slide sunroof, the SmartPass™ keyless entry and start system, six-disc CD changer, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, roof rack rails and fog lamps. With the V6, XSport 4WD also gains Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, eight-speaker audio system with subwoofer and center channel speaker and door-mounted courtesy lights. In addition, the XSport deletes the full-size spare tire cover and replaces the standard steel spare wheel with a handsome matching alloy for a strong SUV image.

The top-of-the-line Luxury builds on the XSport equipment and adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, eight-speaker audio with subwoofer and center channel speaker black wood grain trim accents and full-size spare tire cover (with steel spare). With the V6, the Grand Vitara Luxury trim line also receives 18-inch alloy wheels and a HomeLink® wireless control system. In all Suzuki Grand Vitara models, standard and optional audio systems are XM Satellite Radio®-capable, and an accessory iPod® interface is available. A connected iPod® works seamlessly through the radio or the steering-wheel-integrated controls, with playlists and track information appearing on the audio display.