Automobiles Review

Tag: AWD

  • Subaru BRZ 2013 To Handle Like No Other?

    Brace yourselves as Subaru is about to unveil the latest 2013 rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car. Day and place – as soon as the NAIAS in Detroit kicks off. Baring the typical Subaru pedigree, the BRZ spirit will be all about handling. Sales are expected to start late at Spring.

    So why not AWD like most Subarus out there? Well, to achieve exceptional handling, Subaru engineers have figured that they need the lowest center of gravity achievable. Therefore an AWD system was deemed too complex and restrictive while with a RWD system the engine can be mounted pretty low. The whole car weights no more than 2,700 lbs and it will be powered by a 2.0 liter, 200 horsepower, 7400 rpm doomsday device. And because it is a compact flat (boxer) engine, technicians have the freedom to put it where they want it to in order to achieve perfect weight distribution and center of gravity.

    The slippery looks scream of racing genes all around – 50.6 inches of height, a sloping roof line, miss maxi type fenders and short overhangs. Don’t despair though, because Subaru promise everyday practicality to go along with the lunacy – seating for four, handy boot space and generic passenger safeness.

    It’s an ambitious project this but we are definitely ready to fall in love. For we play the waiting game.

    Subaru BRZ (2013)
    Subaru BRZ (2013)
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ
    2013 Subaru BRZ

    Source: Subaru

  • All-in-one Chrysler 300 on it’s way

    What Chrysler is going to try and do with the new 300 series is to blend style and luxury with affordability and refinement. Sales are expected to start during the first quarter of 2012 with a base price of $40,145.

    Two trimmings will be offered when showrooms open up to costumers: the Chrysler 300 and the Chrysler 300 C. Both of these cars can be equipped with either an AWD system or RWD. The more economical and less powerful 300 pumps out 292 horsepower from a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 while the 300C makes use of a 5.7 HEMI V8 which delivers 363 hp. The latter, Chrysler say, goes easy on the petrol as it employes their Fuel Saver Technology. However, the Pentastar is the one to ask about fuel-efficiency – 23mpg combined (21 for the AWD version). A figure, according to the company, yet unsurpassed in the luxury class.

    The company is also proud of it’s state-of-the-art 8-speed automatic gearbox which is a first in a “domestic luxury sedan”. More yet shorter gear rations means smoother power delivery and a lively throttle response. The AWD segment is clever too as it makes use of all the wheels only when needed while normally the front axle is disengaged from the drivetrain. Transition from RWD to AWD is automatic and barely noticeable. All those factors, the transmission, the drive system, the Pentastar V6, work together to achieve a more powerful and a 17 percent more economic vehicle compared to the previous V6 300.

    Visually platinum-chrome touches ornament the fascias, door handles and mirror caps. The grille is also platinum-chrome with lining of the same material. Four polished face, pocket painted, 20 inch wheels (19 inch on the AWD models) bare the weight of the 300 for a completed look.

    Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (2012)
    Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (2012)
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
    2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series

    Now that Chrysler is closely associated with Fiat, the 2012 model 300 has had the pleasure to bare  an essence otherwise reserved for Italian exotic vehicles. A more detailed description of the interior offers terms like Mochachino and Nappa which sounds very classy and expensive. Basically the wheel, the dashboard brow, the center console and the instrument panel all participate in a lavish leather feast which continues further back where the black/two toned seats are also wrapped in leather to go with the door and center console arm rests (You guessed it. They are all leather as well). Add to that a chrome lining to the wheel and Natural Pore Mocha wood panels  here and there and things get really executive.

    The number of gadgets inside is high. Just to name a few we have heated/ventilated seats, die-cast paddle shifters, touchscreen navigation, electrically adjustable steering column and seats with a memorizing function, LEDs everywhere  and an electrochromic rear view mirror.

    Interested? Well here is a quick price list on all four specifications:

    • Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (RWD) $40,145
    • Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (AWD) $42,495
    • Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (RWD) $42,895
    • Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (AWD) $45,245

    Source: Chrysler

  • 2009 RAV4 With Toyota Optimal Drive

    Fifteen years ago the original RAV4 created a new market segment for compact, fun-to-drive SUVs. Now it is ready to raise the bar higher with improved performance, lower emissions and even better fuel economy. Thanks to new and revised powertrains with Toyota Optimal Drive technology, the 2009 RAV4 becomes an even stronger proposition for owners looking for quality, driving pleasure and keen cost-of-ownership performance. (more…)

  • GKN Driveline’s innovative AWD coupling debuts on new Infiniti FX series

    Infiniti FXAt the heart of the new Infiniti FX’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is a new generation AWD coupling from GKN Driveline Torque Technology.  GKN Driveline’s ElectroMagnetic Control Device (EMCD) controls the power flow in the driveline to provide optimum AWD performance when needed and Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) performance when it is not. (more…)