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Archive for July, 2010

The 2010 Jaguar XF is available with new, more powerful engines. The lineup also gains a high-performance model, the XFR. In addition to the XFR, the 2010 XF comes in Base, Premium, and Supercharged trim levels. Base versions reprise the 300-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 engine of the 2009 XF. All other 2010 XF models have a 5.0-liter V8. Premiums have 385 horsepower; Supercharged versions have 470 horsepower; the XFR has 510 horsepower.

All use a 6-speed automatic transmission with “JaguarDrive Selector,” which uses a rotary knob for gear selection. The transmission also includes steering-wheel paddles for manual gear changes. The Supercharged and XFR have specific tires, brakes, and trim. They also have Jaguar’s new Adaptive Dynamics suspension, which automatically adjusts firmness based on road conditions to balance ride and handling.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. A navigation system, rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring system, and adaptive cruise control are available. JaguarSense–a system that uses touch/proximity sensors to detect when an occupant wants to open the glovebox or activate the overhead interior lights–is standard.

The 2011 Jaguar XF lineup sees a few changes. Jaguar’s premium-midsize sedan comes in Base, Premium, Supercharged, and high-performance XFR trim levels. Base versions now come equipped with a 385-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine, which replaces a 300-horsepower 4.2-liter V8. This engine was previously standard only on the Premium. The Supercharged and XFR have a supercharged version of the 5.0-liter engine; the former has 470 horsepower, the latter 510.

All XF models use a 6-speed automatic transmission with “JaguarDrive Selector,” which uses a rotary knob for gear selection. The transmission also includes steering-wheel paddles for manual gear changes. The Supercharged and XFR have specific tires, brakes, and trim. They also have Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics suspension, which automatically adjusts firmness based on road conditions to balance ride and handling. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.

Blind-spot alert is optional on the Base, standard otherwise. A navigation system is newly standard on all models. Adaptive cruise control and a heated windshield are optional on all but the Base. Available on the Premium is a Portfolio Package, which includes upgraded leather upholstery, 16-way power driver seat, 12-way power passenger seat, heated steering wheel, rear sunshade, specific interior trim, and 20-inch wheels. JaguarSense–a system that uses touch/proximity sensors to detect when an occupant wants to open the glovebox or activate the overhead interior lights–is standard.

The 2011 Infiniti QX56 is redesigned, with freshened styling and more power. QX56 shares elements of its basic design with the Nissan Patrol, a large SUV sold primarily in the Middle East. For 2011, QX56 is longer, wider, and lower than the model it replaces. Production of this premium-large SUV also shifts to Japan from the United States. The sole powertrain teams a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission. This replaces a 320-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 and 5-speed automatic combination. QX56 is available in a single trim level with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading.

Maximum towing capacity is 8,500 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. QX56 seats 7 with 2nd-row buckets, or 8 with an available 2nd-row bench. The power-folding 3rd-row bench is split 60/40. A navigation system with real-time traffic and weather information, rear-obstacle detection, and a surround-view camera that shows the entire circumference of the vehicle on the navigation screen are standard.

Dual-screen DVD entertainment is optional. A Deluxe Touring Package includes 22-inch wheels (20-inch wheels are standard), ventilated front seats, heated 2nd-row seats, and Infiniti’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control System, which is designed to reduce body lean in turns. A Technology Package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, blind-spot alert, and a collision-warning system. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

The 2010 Infiniti QX56 is largely unchanged for its final model year in its current design. A redesigned version is due in calendar 2010 as a 2011 model. QX56 is a luxury-trimmed version of the Armada SUV from Infiniti’s parent company, Nissan. The sole powertrain teams a 320-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

QX56 is available in a single trim level with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Maximum towing capacity is 9,000 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags.

QX56 seats 7 with 2nd-row buckets, or 8 with an available 2nd-row bench. The power-folding 3rd-row bench is split 60/40. A navigation system, rear-obstacle detection, wireless cell-phone link, load-leveling suspension, and a rearview camera are standard. DVD entertainment and adaptive cruise control are optional.

The 2009 Infiniti QX56 is largely unchanged. QX56 is a luxury-trimmed version of the Nissan Armada SUV from Infiniti’s parent company. The powertrain teams a 320-hp 5.6-liter V8 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

QX56 is available in a single trim level with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Maximum towing capacity is 9000 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.

QX56 seats seven with 2nd-row buckets, or eight with an optional 2nd-row bench. The power-folding 3rd-row bench is split 60/40. A navigation system, rear-obstacle detection, wireless cell-phone link, load-leveling suspension, and a rearview camera are standard.

The 2009 Infiniti M receives more V6 power, and certain versions get a new 7-speed automatic transmission. These V6 and V8 sedans are the larger and costlier of Infiniti’s two premium midsize cars. The M35 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 303 hp, an increase of 28 over 2008 versions. The M45 has a 325-hp 4.5-liter V8.

Each is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. AWD versions are dubbed M35x or M45x. Rear-drive M35 models have a new 7-speed automatic transmission. All other versions use a 5-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery, sunroof, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and keyless entry and engine start are standard.

Optional on rear-drive models is a Sport Package, which includes firmer suspension tuning, Infiniti’s Rear Active Steer, sport bucket seats, and specific trim. Lane-departure warning, a heated power-reclining rear seat, and navigation system are among the options offered on all.

The 2010 Infiniti M is largely unchanged for what is its final model year in its current design. These V6 and V8 sedans are the larger and costlier of Infiniti’s two premium-midsize cars. The M35 has a 303-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The M45 has a 325-horsepower 4.5-liter V8. Each is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Rear-drive M35 models have a 7-speed automatic transmission. The AWD M35 and all V8 versions use a 5-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Leather upholstery, sunroof, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and keyless entry/engine start are standard.

An optional Sport Package on rear-drive models includes firmer suspension tuning, Infiniti’s Rear Active Steer, sport bucket seats, and specific trim. Lane-departure warning, a heated power-reclining rear seat, and navigation system are among the options.