The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is the first electric vehicle to earn a five-star overall vehicle score for safety as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.

“Safety is a key consideration for all buyers no matter how a car is powered – gas, or in the case of the Volt, electricity,” saidDoug Parks, Volt global vehicle line executive.

The Volt also has been named a 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

For the first 35 miles, the Volt can drive gas- and tailpipe emissions-free using a full charge of electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt’s battery runs low, a gas-powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range another 344 miles on a full tank for a total driving range of 379 miles.

Safety features on the Volt include:

• GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
• Front-, side- , knee- air bags as well as roof-mounted head-curtain air bags that help protect occupants in a side or rollover crash
• Optional rearview camera system featuring a display integrated into the navigation system screen
• Five-year subscription to OnStar’s Directions and Connections Plan including Automatic Crash Response, stolen vehicle assistance and connected navigation

Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and more rigorous requirements for its five-star safety ratings program that provide more comprehensive information about safety performance and crash-avoidance technologies. Changes include a new side pole test simulating a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.

Incoming search terms for the article:

Amidst an impressive start on the international automotive markets, the new BMW X3 has rapidly become the shooting star in its segment. Winning the title of “Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2011” awarded through the specialist car magazine “Auto Bild Allrad” is current proof of the new BMW X3’s exceptionally high degree of popularity. The success within the reader survey conducted by Europe’s biggest-selling specialist journal for four-wheel drive cars is already the BMW X3’s second title victory this year. Just a few weeks ago, readers of the magazine “Off Road” voted the Game Vehicle “Off-road Vehicle of the season 2011”. With this particular double success, the brand new BMW X3 is quick in following the traces of its predecessor, which, in 2006 and 2007, was able to secure the readers’ vote of both periodicals twice in succession.

For the eleventh time now, readers of “Auto Bild Allrad” were asked to mention their favourite models from those on the German car market. In nine categories, there have been more than 130 four-wheel drive vehicles to choose from. The new BMW X3 promptly secured first place in the category “Off-road vehicles and SUVs which range from 25,000 to 40,000 Euros”. The associated title of “Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2011” was awarded during a festive ceremony in Frankfurt on 24 March 2011.

Having a captivating design, a unique mixture of sportiness and efficiency along with the largest and many variable luggage compartment within the competitive environment, the BMW X3, that has been on sale in Germany since November 2010, all over again sets standards in driving pleasure, versatility and premium quality. Compared to the predecessor model, that BMW established the concept of the Sports Activity Vehicle in this segment, it provides a visible increase in space, even more efficient engines, optimum motoring comfort and a widened choice of innovative equipment features. Both at the front and at the trunk the brand new BMW X3 convinces through outstanding travel comfort along with a high-class ambience. Having a 550-litre loading capacity, which can be increased to at least one,600 litres, and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, the vehicle’s carrying capacities also set new benchmarks for that segment.

In the spring of 2011, the engine portfolio for the new BMW X3 will comprise two petrol engines and 2 diesel engines with a power output which range from 135 kW/184 bhp to 225 kW/306 bhp. Depending on the engine variant, the brand new BMW X3 features an eight-speed automatic transmission either as standard or being an option. The still unique, intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive has been optimised even more. Electronically controlled power distribution ensures not only supreme traction and maximum road stability on slippery surfaces, but also superior dynamics on the road, thus providing that unmistakable driving pleasure that’s so typical of BMW. Moreover, the new BMW X3 shoots way ahead of competition because of a comprehensive choice of innovative equipment features, driving assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive. For example, the new BMW X3 is the only model in its class to become optionally fitted having a Head-Up Display and provide in-car Internet access.

Incoming search terms for the article:

The 2011 Mazda3 was today recognized as a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).  The Mazda3 received the organization’s highest possible crash safety rating of “Good” in all four tests conducted.

Vehicles receive ratings based on results from the Institute’s evaluations on front, side and rear impact crash tests as well as a roof strength test (implemented in 2010), which measures occupant protection in the event of a rollover.  Each vehicle’s overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion specific to each crash angle and the injury impact on crash test dummies positioned within the vehicles at the time of collision.  Only vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are eligible for testing.

The 2011 Mazda3 recently was named a “Recommended” vehicle by a leading consumer publication and the sedan model praised as its “Most Fun Small Sedan” and a “Best Vehicle Under $20,000.”

Starting at $15,800, the Mazda3 sedan is equipped with a powerful and fuel efficient 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that offers 148 horsepower with 135 lb.-ft. of torque and an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 25 city/33 highway (MT) and 24 city/33 highway (AT).  A larger 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine boasting 167 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque also is available for the Mazda3 sedan but standard on the five-door model.  The Mazda3 hatchback starts at $20,045 and is rated with an EPA fuel economy of 20 city/28 highway (MT) and 22 city/29 highway (AT).  Topping the line is the MAZDASPEED3, available only as a five-door model and equipped with a direct-injected, turbocharged 2.3-liter engine producing 267-hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque.

All 2011 Mazda3 and MAZDASPEED3 models are equipped with a high level of standard safety features, which include six airbags (advanced dual front, front-seat mounted and full-length side curtain), anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS), front and rear stabilizer bars, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a “crushable” brake and accelerator pedal assembly and collapsible steering column, three-point safety belts for all seating positions, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters as well as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

Incoming search terms for the article:

The reinvented 2011 Ford Explorer, that provides a suite of innovative safety technologies, may be the latest Ford vehicle to earn a high Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Ford presently has eight vehicles on the road within the U.S. that have earned Top Safety Picks, which adds to Ford’s leading quantity of top U.S. safety ratings ever.

“The Ford Explorer sets a new standard for high-tech safety innovation,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “The Explorer offers several new innovative technologies, including available industry-first production rear inflatable seat belts, and Curve Control, which could help drivers maintain charge of a vehicle when they enter a curve too quickly.”

To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must receive a rating of “good” in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact crash tests and roof strength evaluations, as well as offer electronic stability control.

Initial demand for the driver-aid technologies on the new 2011 Explorer continues to be strong. Of the first 19,000 orders received:

• 22 percent include adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, active park assist and rain-sensing wipers
• 40 percent include BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
• 87 percent include rear view camera

“Explorer has a history of safety innovation, from side-curtain airbags to AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control), and now providing the world’s first production rear inflatable seat belts,” said Craig Patterson, Explorer marketing manager. “Explorer customers value safety and security. Security features are one of the main reasons customers cite for his or her purchases of Explorer and SUVs in general.”

World’s first production inflatable rear seat belts
The new Ford inflatable rear seat belts spread impact forces across five times more area than conventional seat belts to reduce pressure about the chest while helping to control neck and head motion. The car industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belts are made to provide additional protection for rear-seat occupants, often children and older passengers who can become more susceptible to head, chest and neck injuries.

Explorer’s Curve Control
Ford is pioneering the next frontier of safety with crash-avoidance innovations for example Curve Control, made to help drivers maintain charge of their vehicle when going for a curve prematurely, a scenario found to bring about approximately 50,000 crashes on curves every year within the U.S. alone.

Curve Control senses whenever a vehicle is entering a curve too quickly, and may apply four-wheel smart braking to reduce vehicle speed by up to 10 mph in approximately one second and help drivers follow their intended path.

Additional driver-assist and safety features
“The new Explorer delivers features that both assist in preventing an accident and help minimize occupant injuries whenever a crash is unavoidable,” said Erika Low, Explorer safety manager. “It’s a comprehensive safety story from bumper to bumper.”

The new Explorer comes with technologies to assist prevent crashes – from parking lot fender benders to high-speed collisions – by warning drivers from the potential for an accident. Driver- aid and safety technologies include options such as:

• Adaptive cruise control, which slows the automobile to adapt for traffic conditions and gaze after a preset distance between vehicles
• Collision warning with brake support, whichhelpsreduce speed, automatically pre-charges brakes, supplies a red warning light about the windshield as well as an audible beep to help drivers stop faster when the system detects a collision is imminent
• BLISwith cross-traffic alert, whichhelps detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving, as well as traffic approaching in the sides when reversing from parking spots
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which alerts drivers when it senses tire pressure is low
• MyKey, whichallows parents to limit speed and audio volume in their vehicles and it is made to help parents encourage safe driving habits within their teens

Structural safety and crash protection
Explorer features a unibody configuration body structure with nearly 1 / 2 of the stiff shell made up of high-strength steels, such as boron. A-pillars, rocker panels and front beams are made from boron steel for both increased strength and reduced weight. This structure was designed and developed to meet global crash standards. Explorer features Ford’s Trinity front crash structure, so named because of its three components made to absorb and redirect crash forces in the event of an incident.

When a crash becomes unavoidable, Explorer uses class-leading variety of airbags to protect occupants. Two front and 2 side second-generation airbags are joined by a security Canopy comprising side-curtain airbags for those three rows of passengers. Personal Safety System safety belts feature pretensioners and an energy management system with adjustable D-ring height in the first row.

Incoming search terms for the article:

Nissan today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan cube, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide.  The 2011 Nissan cube, with its distinctive asymmetrical rear window, refrigerator-style rear door and wide range of personal accessories, once again occupies a unique place in the automotive world – with space for five in its lounge-like interior, or 58 cubic feet of cargo room, and more than 40 accessories to help buyers customize cube to their precise tastes and needs.  The 2011 Nissan cube is available in three well-equipped models: cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S and cube 1.8 SL, and also in a special cube 1.8 S Krom Edition.

Following a number of revisions for the previous model year, the 2011 enhancements are limited to the addition of a Secure Digital (SD) Card-based navigation system with 5-inch color touch screen, XM NavTraffic capability, and USB connectivity to the cube SL Preferred Package and 1.8 S Krom Edition; the addition of XM Satellite Radio on the 1.8 S Krom Edition (XM subscription required, sold separately); and one new exterior color – Golden Ginger.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2011 Nissan cube include:

Model/Transmission
cube 1.8 M/T			$14,290 USD

cube 1.8 S M/T			$15,650 USD

cube 1.8 S CVT			$16,650 USD

cube 1.8 SL CVT			$17,750 USD

cube 1.8 S Krom Edition CVT	$21,190 USD

Incoming search terms for the article:

Porsche’s first production hybrid, the 2011 Cayenne S Hybrid sport-utility vehicle, has been certified as being eligible for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit as a Qualified Hybrid Motor Vehicle. Customers who purchase a new 2011 Cayenne S Hybrid before December 31, 2010 or who have already purchased one earlier this year may be eligible for a one-time tax credit up to $1,800.

The Cayenne S Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds on its way to a top test track speed of 150 mph, yet it delivers an impressive EPA-certified 20 mpg city/24 highway. Its base price before the federal tax credit is $67,700 (excluding destination).

In the Cayenne and Panamera model lines the ‘S’ designation indicates a V8 under the hood. But the ‘S’ in the Cayenne S Hybrid name is there for a different reason – to identify the true performance character of this SUV’s highly sophisticated parallel full hybrid system. With a combined power output of 380 horsepower from the supercharged V6 combustion engine and an electric motor, the Cayenne S Hybrid delivers performance nearly equal to the Cayenne S with its 400-horsepower V8 and fuel economy estimates that exceed those of the Cayenne with the V6 engine.

The all-new Porsche Cayenne has earned some significant awards since going on sale this summer. It is the 2011 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year and also recently received the Auto Pacific Motorist Choice Award for Best Premium Active Lifestyle Vehicle. Finally, the Cayenne Turbo was named Luxury ALV of the Year, On-Road in the 2011 Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year Awards competition.

The North American Cayenne lineup also includes the Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo. They are powered by a 300-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 in the Cayenne, a 400-horsepower 4.8-liter V8 in the Cayenne S, and a 500-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 in the Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo SUV models are on sale now, and their base prices (excluding destination) are as follows: Cayenne, $46,700; Cayenne S, $63,700; and Cayenne Turbo,$104,800.

Incoming search terms for the article:

Dodge today announced pricing for its new 2011 model year lineup, and with competitive pricing, new powertrains, new driving dynamics and all-new interiors, customers looking for fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient vehicles designed for performance with a nice dose of attitude will also be pleasantly surprised at the tremendous value they’re getting.

“When you walk into a Dodge dealership, you won’t believe your eyes,” said Ralph Gilles, Dodge brand President and CEO, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our Dodge line-up, including the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango and Charger, as well as the Journey, Grand Caravan, Avenger and Challenger, is either totally new or significantly updated. All are loaded with premium standard features. And the icing on the cake: customers will have plenty of room left in the budget to customize with some goodies from Mopar.”

New 2011 Dodge vehicles will start arriving in dealerships in December, just in time for the holidays.

All-new 2011 Dodge Charger – World-class Performance and Precision with an Iconic Soul

With its iconic character, contemporary fastback four-door coupe proportions, world-class performance, craftsmanship and refinement, and state-of-the-art connectivity features, the all-new 2011 Charger is the Dodge brand’s flagship that proudly delivers premium, world-class E-segment sedan precision at an incredible value.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 Dodge Charger (Rear-wheel-drive/All-wheel-drive):

Charger SE: $25,170

Charger SE (with Rallye Package): $27,420

Charger SE (with Rallye Plus package): $29,170

Charger R/T: $30,170 / $32,320

Charger R/T (with R/T Plus Package): $32,170 / $34,320

Charger R/T (with Road and Track Package): $33,170 / $35,320

Charger R/T (with Max Package): $35,170 / $37,320

(All prices exclude an $825 destination charge.)

2011 Dodge Journey Crosses Over: A Gorgeous New Spirit and a Driver’s Soul

For 2011, Dodge takes what was good with the Dodge Journey and makes it better. The Journey receives a major overhaul with a completely redesigned and retuned suspension, a new V-6 engine and a gorgeous new interior. And that’s not all. Journey also features the latest and greatest in vehicle connectivity and customization with the Chrysler Group’s new PowerNet electrical architecture. Owners will feel like they have the world at their fingertips with the Journey’s available touch-screen command center. In addition, at 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2011 Dodge Journey equipped with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers a 20 percent boost in power compared with the V-6 engine it replaces. It’s mated to the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Journey:

Dodge Journey Express: $22,245

Dodge Journey Mainstreet: $24,245

Dodge Journey Crew: $29,240

Dodge Journey R/T: $28,245

Dodge Journey Lux: $32,740

(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

The Originator is Back with an All-new Attitude–The New 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan: New Heart, New Moves, New Soul

The new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan with the driving dynamics of a performance sedan – and a little bit of attitude. Dodge believes that just because a driver needs the versatility of a minivan doesn’t mean that the experience has to be boring. So engineers redesigned and retuned virtually every system in the new Grand Caravan’s suspension. That major suspension overhaul, combined with a new V-6 engine that delivers best-in-class horsepower, gives Grand Caravan drivers a dynamic driving experience that other minivans in the segment just don’t deliver. Get behind the wheel, and enjoy a driving experience once never thought possible in such a functional vehicle.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan:

Dodge Grand Caravan Express: $24,995

Dodge Grand Caravan Mainstreet: $25,995

Dodge Grand Caravan Crew: $28,695

Dodge Grand Caravan R/T: $30,595

(All prices exclude $835 destination charge.)

An All-new Dynamic for the 2011 Dodge Avenger: A Mid-size Sedan Designed, Engineered for Spirited Performance

In addition to an all-new interior, the Dodge Avenger’s “fun to drive” quotient rises exponentially for 2011 with a significantly upgraded suspension to give drivers agile, confident, handling performance in all driving situations, whether it’s a spirited adventure on twisty roads or an emergency maneuver. A new and improved powertrain lineup contributes to the 2011 Avenger’s driving experience. In addition to the standard re-calibrated 2.4-liter World Engine with an available 6 speed automatic transmission, Avenger customers also can opt for the new Pentastar V-6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives customers the best of both worlds – best-in-class 283 horsepower (an increase of 20 percent compared with the engine it replaces) and 29 miles per gallon Highway fuel economy.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Avenger:

Dodge Avenger Express: $19,245

Dodge Avenger Mainstreet: $21,245

Dodge Avenger Heat: $23,745

Dodge Avenger Lux: $23,545

(All prices exclude $750 destination charge.)

New 2011 Dodge Challenger: Upgraded Performance, Handling, Style and Value

The new 2011 Dodge Challenger delivers more of what muscle-car enthusiasts want — a more powerful and efficient engine lineup, maximum grip with an all-new performance suspension design and even more athletic styling — all executed with quality and precision. The new 2011 Dodge Challenger combines world-class ride, refinement and braking performance with more power and new track-tuned suspensions to deliver a thrilling driving experience. With its all-new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 305 horsepower — 55 more horsepower than the engine it replaces — the new 2011 Dodge Challenger SE is the most powerful, refined and technologically advanced entry-level Challenger ever.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the new 2011 Dodge Challenger:

Dodge Challenger SE: $24,670

Dodge Challenger SE (with “Rallye” package): $26,670

Dodge Challenger R/T: $29,670

Dodge Challenger R/T (with “Plus” package): $31,170

Dodge Challenger R/T (with “Classic” package): $32,970

(All prices exclude $825 destination charge.)

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Delivers New Levels of Performance With Loads More Torque, Horsepower and Maximum Handling

With the introduction of the legendary 392-cubic inch HEMI® V-8 for the street, the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 builds on its original mantra of a rear-wheel-drive coupe that promises a balanced approach between form and function. The new 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 pumps out 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. However, impressive straight-line acceleration is just part of the performance story, as world-class ride and handling, high-performance braking and the latest technology that delivers improved fuel efficiency, results in the newest version of the quickest coupe in the Dodge product lineup.

Dodge Challenger SRT8 392: $42,555

(Price excludes $825 destination charge and any applicable gas guzzler taxes.)

Incoming search terms for the article:

Dodge today announced pricing for its new 2011 model year lineup, and with competitive pricing, new powertrains, new driving dynamics and all-new interiors.

Dodge is putting the ‘sport’ back into the sport utility (SUV) segment with the 2011 Dodge Durango, a three-row design spacious enough to carry the entire crew and performance-tuned to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive. From its sleek exterior design and modern, spacious interior to the 50/50 weight distribution and a unibody structure that is more than 25 percent stiffer than its predecessor; the all-new Durango delivers crossover versatility, SUV capability and unexpected performance a league above its competitive class. Durango is the perfect balance of functional versatility and luxury at an outstanding value.

The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango (Rear-wheel-drive/All-wheel-drive):

Durango Express: $29,195 / $31,195
Durango Crew: $33,195 / $35,195
Durango Crew with CrewLux package: $38,195 / $40,195
Durango Citadel: $41,795 / $43,795
(All prices exclude an $850 destination charge.)

Incoming search terms for the article: