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Archive for April, 2011

The 2011 Audi A5 affords both drivers and passengers unmatched interior space, even in the back seats. Extensive use of high-quality materials and a bevy of high-tech driving aids and convenience options continue to make the Audi A5 a benchmark of the class. Both cabriolets enjoy the same level of sophistication as their hard top brethren, but they also incorporate a power folding multi-layer acoustic soft top that is capable of retracting fully in as little as 17 seconds – and at speeds of up to 31 mph. A firm commitment to innovative technologies has enabled a refined suspension built on a lifetime of racing experience to deliver a ride that manages to be both comfortable and capable, offering up the world class handling and razor-sharp response buyers have come to demand from their Audi cars.

Price: $36,500 – 58,450.
Invoice: $33,945 – 54,360.

Design

Arguably the definitive Audi design of recent years, the Audi A5 presents a low and muscular physique, with an extended roofline and sharply carved contours guiding the eye along its sleek shape. Capitalizing on the styling elements that define a sports coupe, the Audi A5 exudes performance and elegance with a tall shoulder line and steeply raked windshield. The instantly identifiable Audi Singleframe® grille dominates the front of the car, while available purposeful LED taillights illuminate the rear.

Similarly, the Audi A5 Cabriolet and Audi S5 Cabriolet present a beautiful form, which highlights a long, lunging hood and gracefully styled flanks. With the unobtrusive soft top raised, the Audi A5 Cabriolet maintains its coupe roots, while lowering the roof immediately conveys a sense of speed and purpose. The Audi A5 Cabriolet and its sportier sister, the Audi S5 Cabriolet, give buyers driving elegance no matter the weather. On both models, bold and muscular fender lines define the profile. The look immediately hints at the performance potential of the chassis, as well as the surefootedness of quattro all-wheel drive.

Engines

In 2011, both the Audi A5 Coupe and Audi A5 Cabriolet are powered by the potent 2.0 TFSI® turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With a sturdy cast-iron block and efficient aluminum cylinder head, the 2.0 TFSI delivers 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Audi uses direct-injection technology to increase the efficiency of the 2.0 TFSI, and, as a result, the engine manages an astonishing 30 mpg highway in an Audi A5 equipped with a manual transmission. The turbocharged engine provides abundant torque, making the Audi A5 capable of a 6.5 second sprint to 60 mph and proving there is no need to sacrifice true sports coupe performance for everyday fuel economy. The 2011 Audi S5 Cabriolet benefits from a powerful and efficient 3.0 TFSI V6 engine.

The 3.0-liter, all-aluminum engine is supercharged to create 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The powerplant incorporates a number of Audi innovations to maintain class-leading fuel efficiency as well. Audi valvelift system, FSI® direct injection, a two-stage intake, dual intercoolers and a drive-by-wire throttle all help the 3.0 TFSI stay remarkably efficient, delivering 17/26 mpg (city/hwy).

Buyers seeking prodigious performance and power from their Audi coupes need look no further than the Audi S5. The S5 boasts a powerful V8 engine, dubbed the 4.2 FSI. This all-aluminum 4.2-liter engine provides 354 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Also featuring FSI direct injection, the S5 is capable of an exhilarating 4.9-second rush from 0-60 mph, with the stout V8 providing an immediate swell of power the moment the gas pedal is depressed. When mated to the Tiptronic® automatic transmission, the 4.2 FSI offers buyers 16/24 mpg (city/hwy).

Interior

The 2011 Audi A5 boasts an ergonomic interior designed around driver and passenger comfort. Audi has taken an even greater focus on attractive shapes and precision workmanship to create a space as gorgeous as it is functional. With high-quality leather and rich materials assembled together to the strictest tolerances, it is obvious immediately that there has been no cost spared in interior luxury.

Comfortable sports seats provide ample support, and a driver-oriented center console hosts an exquisitely designed interface, as well as Audi’s industry benchmark third-generation MMI® system. If optioned, the seven-inch MMI screen is located high on the dashboard to facilitate reading and minimize the amount of time spent lòòking away from the road. The driver also is treated to a standard leather-wrapped §teering wheel and brilliant, easy-to-read gauges.

Drivetrain Options

A5 Coupes and Cabriolets benefit from a number of gearbox solutions to complement the torque laden and fuel-efficient 2.0 TSFI engine. Connecting power via standard quattro all-wheel-drive, the A5 Coupe is offered with the choice of a precise six-speed manual transmission or an available Audi Tiptronic six-speed automatic gearbox. The Audi A5 Cabriolet comes standard with an Audi FrontTrak® multitronic® CVT and a Tiptronic six-speed transmission on quattro models. The Tiptronic transmission provides drivers with the ease of an automatic and the added option of manual gear choice if the desire arises. The Audi S5 Coupe is available with either a six-speed manual or a Tiptronic six-speed automatic transmission. Both option afford buyers the choice of capable, smooth and sporty gearboxes befitting Audi’s dedication to performance.

The highly advanced Audi S tronic® seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission comes standard on the Audi S5 Cabriolet. Because the sophisticated transmission uses dual input shafts and twin clutches, the gearbox is able to ‘predict’ which gear the driver intends to use and prep the gear for action before it is selected. This results in seamless and instantaneous gear changes, taking just a fraction of a second.

Also available on both the Audi S5 and S5 Cabriolet is quattro with Sport rear differential, which gives the Audi S5 a new level of road holding ability by actively controlling the distribution of torque between the two rear wheels, effectively overdriving the outside wheel in corners. This ‘forces’ the front end of the vehicle into the corner to eliminate understeer and create more surefooted excitement for the driver. In addition, the Sport rear differential works with ESP® during accident avoidance maneuvers to keep the S5 cars stable and composed in emergencies.

This four-seater features a revolutionary three-panel roof that transforms a hardtop coupe roof with an integrated sunroof to an open convertible. Volkswagen will offer the Eos with two engines: an award- winning 2.0 liter turbo, 200 horsepower, four cylinder starting at $27,990 and a 3.2 liter, 250 horsepower version of Volkswagen’s narrow angle V6 starting at $36,850.

In addition to the innovative CSC (coupe-sunroof-convertible) roof, the Eos includes high-quality standard features such as Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), safety-optimized front headrests, front airbags and specially developed front side head-thorax airbags; 16-inch alloy wheels (17-inch standard on the V6 model), air conditioning system, fog lights, panoramic sunroof, power windows, and cruise control.

MSRP: $31,615-35,200
Invoice: $29,435-32,835

The dimensions of the Eos enhance the vehicle’s dynamics. Together with its length and height, the vehicle’s width lends the Eos a particularly powerful appearance and contributes to the car’s extraordinarily agile and safe handling characteristics. Its leading-edge roof engineering includes multi-folding components with fully automatic operation. The result is pure driving enjoyment regardless of whether the roof is up or down.

The Eos is available with an even more impressive lineup of options, including a double clutch (DSG™) 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic®, Steering wheel, shift knob and brake handle each wrapped in leather, automatic headlights, dual-zone Climatronic™ climate control, 12- way power driver seat, heated front seats and washer nozzles, windblocker, center armrest and trip computer, for $31,065.

A further upgrade to the 3.2 liter, 250 horsepower V6 engine with added wood trim, all-season tires, multi- function §teering wheel, HomeLink®, rain sensing wipers and satellite radio is available at $36,850. Additional options include a Dynaudio premium sound system with ten-channel amplifier, ten loudspeakers and 600-watt output power, bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic and static cornering lights, DVD navigation system, park distance control and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Like all new Volkswagen models, the Eos comes with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years with unlimited mileage, and new vehicle warranties including:

* Five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty.

* Four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments excluded after the initial 12 months/12,000 miles.

* 12-year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation.

The 2011 Toyota Venza redefines versatility by uniquely blending the styling and comfort of a passenger car with the flexibility of a sport utility vehicle (SÚV). The Venza is offered with four-cylinder and V6 powertrains and available all-wheel drive. Toyota designed the Venza to appeal to an emerging section of the market that prioritizes bold, innovative design, and excellent handling but still requires outstanding roominess and utility. Venza offers all of those qualities, along with a luxurious and refined interior, and SÚV-like flexibility, specifically in its foldable rear seats, a large cargo area, higher driver sightline, available all-wheel drive (AWD) and up to 3,500-lbs. towing capacity.

Performance and Efficiency

The 2011 Venza offers a choice between four-cylinder and V6 engines, both with excellent responsiveness and fuel economy. Both the four-cylinder and V6 models are available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions. Venza’s standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 182 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. The four-cylinder Venza is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city/- 27 MPG highway for the FWD model.

The Venza’s available 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. The V6 FWD model has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway.Both engines are mated to a six-speed sequential-shift electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The six-speed ECT-i provides an engaging driving experience and helps optimize fuel economy. Úphill/downhill shift logic selects the proper gear for driving conditions and helps provide moderate engine braking during downhill driving.

Handling and Ride

Venza was designed with a lower center of gravity than typical SÚVs to help provide dynamic handling, which is further enhanced by the large wheels and tires. The four-cylinder models ride on 10-spoke, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Distinctive 20-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels are standard for the V6 model and were a first for a Toyota passenger car. Power-assisted ventilated front/solid rear disc brakes are standard on all models.

Venza’s body structure relies on high tensile-strength steel, gussets and crossmembers for its strength, rigidity and optimized weight. Front suspension is by rigid L-arm-type MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar, and rear suspension is a dual-link MacPherson strut setup with stabilizer bar. Electric power §teering (EPS), with its ideally weighted §teering effort, contributes to the Venza’s spirited driving dynamics. EPS helps provide a more direct §teering feel at both high and low speeds and provides just-right assist when maneuvering the vehicle into tight parking spaces.

Options

Simplified option packages and stand-alone options for the 2011 Venza include numerous comfort and utility features. Some include: high intensity discharge headlamps with an automatic high beam feature that detects oncoming vehicles and automatically switches the headlamps from high- to low-beam; chrome-accented front door handles that lock and unlock all four doors and the liftgate; panoramic roof with power tilt/slide function and a separate fixed glass panel over the rear seats, and power windows with auto up/down function and jam protection on all four doors.

An available rear seat DVD entertainment system features JBL Synthesis surround sound, nine-inch display, two sets of wireless headphones, a remote control unit, auxiliary mini-jack, a 120-volt outlet and RCA mini-jacks. Additional options for Venza include power liftgate with jam protection; Smart Key System with push button start; leather-trimmed seats; tow hitch; roof rack; carpeted floor mats, and a cargo mat. A wide range of pet utility accessories, including a rear liftgate pet ramp, booster seat with harness, pet buckles and rear seat zipline-style harnesses are available at Toyota dealerships. Other items include pet carriers and bucket seat, bench seat and hammock-style waterproof seat covers.

Interior

The Venza interior is designed to enhance driving enjoyment and offer premium comfort. The available interior colors, ivory and light gray, are available in both leather and fabric. The flow of the center console creates a unique ’60/60′ design that gives both driver and front passenger the feeling that 60 percent of the space is accessible from their seating position. The standard Optitron® speedometer and tachometer and multi-color center instrument panel display can be paired with optional satin mahogany wood-grain style trim. Dual-zone automatic climate system controls are centrally located on the upper console, providing easy access for both the driver and front passenger.

Personal space lends overall comfort to the vehicle’s interior. Measurements for head room, shoulder room, hip room and couple distance surpass competitive vehicles. Cargo area utility is enhanced with fold-down 60/40 rear seats, one-touch fold-down seat levers and a tonneau cover.All aspects of Venza’s engineering and design were targeted specifically for the North American market, where it is sold exclusively. Venza was primarily engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. The design was the creation of Toyota’s Calty Design studios in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Mich. Venza is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in Georgetown, Ky., also home of the Camry and Avalon. More than 70 percent of Venza’s components come from North American suppliers.

Exterior

The Venza is built on a generous 109.3-in. wheelbase and has an overall length of 189 inches and height of 63.4 inches. Toyota engineers minimized vehicle height while maximizing head room. The Venza design team’s development focus was to create a new vehicle that shifted away from traditional SÚV styling themes. Calty designers leaned toward a sleek sedan-like concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior, but also included important SÚV attributes, such as cargo space, towing capability and available all-wheel drive performance.

The Venza sports an aerodynamic shape with short overhangs, forward A-pillar, crisp character lines, and a low roofline. Continuous brushstroke lines run from the front grille to the D-pillar. A bold front end features a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for a sporty yet refined appearance. From behind, Venza’s sophisticated and confident appearance is completed with an angled rear hatch, spoiler and wide wraparound taillights that interconnect with the hatch door. Tight tire-to-body gaps contribute to the sophisticated, refined appearance. The Venza design offers much practicality. For example, the rear load-in height is almost as low as that of the Sienna family van’s. An available power liftgate with jam protection that detects obstruction in the door’s path and reverses the motor. Venza’s sweeping rocker panels provide a lower step-over height for improved ergonomics. The generously sized liftgate opening enhances the vehicle’s utility.

Safety

Toyota’s STAR Safety System is standard on all Venza models and features ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) systems with a cutoff switch, and Brake Assist. VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle’s braking force at each wheel to help control loss of traction during cornering. TRAC helps maintain traction during challenging driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, Brake Assist supplements the applied braking power until the driver releases the pedal. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), also standard on all Venza models, temporarily provides pressure to the brakes while the vehicle is stopped on an incline to help ensure easy starting with no rollback.

Venza’s comprehensive array of standard safety features provides seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. Front seat belt pretensioners retract the seat belt in a severe frontal collision, while the dual-stage force limiters help limit the seat belt force applied to the driver and passenger’s chests. Driver and front passenger seats employ active headrests. If the vehicle is struck from the rear, a cable-actuated mechanism will move the headrest upward and forward to help limit movement of the occupant’s head.

The Honda Pilot excels at providing the capabilities that people desire most from a family-oriented SUV .The Pilot emphasizes safety, versatile cargo areas and comfortable space for adults and children, while also providing a smart balance between all-weather capabilities, refined driving dynamics and overall fuel efficiency.

The 250-horsepower V-6 engine provides both performance and enhanced efficiency with Variable Cylinder Management , a technology that can deactivate up to three of the engine’s six cylinders to save fuel when cruising or lightly accelerating. The available Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel-Drive (VTM-4 ) directs power to the wheels with the most traction in rain, snow and slippery terrain. All models are equipped with a standard towing hitch receiver and a maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds on 4WD models and 3,500 pounds on 2WD models1.

Consistent with contemporary SÚV styling, the exterior conveys a bold and substantial approach that also helps to maximize interior space, yet the Pilot still maintains a garage-friendly exterior length of less than 16 feet. The interior emphasizes an expansive feel with an efficient and modern design that supplies 152.7 cu-ft. of passenger space within three rows of seats. Adjustable storage compartments in the center console can accommodate items large and small from handbags to mobile phones. The instrument panel’s wide center stack intelligently groups similar controls for the audio system, climate controls and the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System and Honda DVD Entertainment System (if equipped). All models provide an auxiliary audio input jack for digital music players, and navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a ÚSB audio interface2.

The first row provides a commanding view of the road for the driver and the passenger. The 60/40 split second row bench seat accommodates three passengers and slides forward for increased ease-of-access to the third row. The third-row bench seat, also split 60/40, is designed to offer sufficient knee room for an average size adult. There are four Lower Anchor and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) attachment positions, which provide options for three child seats in the second row and one in the third row.

The 18.0 cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row matches or exceeds the trunk space of a typical large sedan and can accommodate items as large as a mid-size cooler or a folded stroller. The cargo area has a hidden storage well that provides 2.8 cu-ft. of space and can combine with the above floor storage area by securing the hinged cover against the seatback. The Pilot Touring provides a load-supporting cargo net (20 pounds maximum weight) to further subdivide the rear cargo area. For maximum cargo space, the second and third rows fold flat into the floor to create 87.0 cubic feet of storage capacity, while also providing sufficient width for 4-foot-wide items. The tailgate features a lift-up glass hatch for access to the cargo area.

Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE ) body structure that helps redirect crash energy around the passenger cabin and can enhance frontal collision compatibility. Additional safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ), commonly referred to as Electronic Stability Control; three-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist.

The Pilot is powered by an advanced 24-valve i-VTEC engine with ‘intelligent’ Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) technology. As part of the Pilot’s i-VTEC technology, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) allows the V-6 engine to operate in six-cylinder mode for power and four- or three-cylinder modes for efficiency. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated3 city/highway/combined fuel economy of 17/23/19 miles per gallon on two-wheel-drive models and 16/22/18 miles per gallon on four-wheel-drive models. A 21-gallon fuel tank can comfortably provide a driving range of more than 400 miles on the highway. The Pilot has a California Air Resource Board emissions rating of ÚLEV-2 and a Federal Tier 2, Bin 5 rating.

The 5-speed automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when going uphill or downhill, thereby avoiding gear ‘hunting.’ The VTM-4 system (available) adds fully automatic four-wheel-drive capability. VTM-4 delivers seamless, ‘decision-free’ application of four-wheel-drive when needed, a key benefit compared to conventional systems. The system also provides a ‘lock mode’ – available when in first or second gears (up to 18 mph) and activated by a button on the instrument panel – that can deliver the maximum-possible torque transfer to the rear wheels to aid in extraction from extremely low traction or stuck conditions.

The unit-body construction makes extensive use of high-strength steel (52 percent) to minimize weight. The suspension is a fully independent system with front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link with trailing arm designs that contribute to responsive driving characteristics for an SÚV. The 109.2-inch wheelbase facilitates a smooth ride and standard 17-inch wheels with P245 65 R17 all-season tires combine both on- and off-road performance. A turning diameter of 38.6 feet aids maneuverability in tight parking situations.

The Pilot is available in four model choices (LX, EX, EX-L and Touring); each offered in either a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive configuration. Standard comfort and convenience features on the Pilot LX include a front and rear air conditioning system with air-filtration system, keyless entry, tilt and telescope §teering column, cruise control, power windows with auto-up/down driver’s and passenger’s window, power door and tailgate locks, AM/FM/CD stereo system with 7-speakers including subwoofer and Radio Data System (RDS), trip computer, digital compass, auto on/off headlights, heat-rejecting tinted glass, integrated class III towing receiver, and more.

The Pilot EX adds a tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and air filtration, a power driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment with lumbar support, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, security system, XM Radio 4, body-colored side mirrors and door handles, alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lights, exterior temperature indicator, HomeLink Remote System, and more.

The Pilot EX-L adds leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, 4-way power front passenger’s seat, one-touch power moonroof, acoustic windshield glass, automatic-dimming rearview mirror with rearview camera display (EX-L-exclusive), and the availability of either the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with rearview camera (navi display replaces backup monitor in EX-L rearview mirror) or the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen. The addition of either the navigation or the entertainment system also upgrades to the Premium Audio System with 10 speakers including subwoofer, and adds a 115-volt power outlet.