2011 Honda Accord Review

MSRP $21,180 (Base)


 The 2011 Honda Accord is the eighth generation of the vehicle and is now selling in dealerships. An exciting styling refresh is expected, with plans to make the Accord look more like a four-door coupe than a family sedan. Honda will most likely accompany the outer styling changes with revisions to the interior as well. Read on for a preliminary car review of the 2011 Honda Accord.

Specifications
With the 2011 Accord, Honda is upping the ante yet again. The latest incarnation of the popular sedan - or coupe - boasts a starting price tag that ranges between $22K and $32K. With two different 4-cylinder engines available, and one souped-up V6, the 2011 Honda Accord should please those with a need for speed. Five-speed automatic and manual transmissions are available, and all Accords feature front wheel drive. With enhanced fuel economy, it’s safe to say that the 2011 Accord is a definite winner. Here are several of the specs on the 2011 Accord:

•Pricing: prices of the new Accord range from $21,180 to $31,730 MSRP; no invoice data available

•Fuel economy:23 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, 27 mpg combined

•Engine: two four-cylinder engine options, one offering 180 horsepower, the other 195 horsepower. The V6 engine option should produce about 275 horsepower.

•Drivetrain: four-cylinder engines can be paired with a five-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission; V6 Accord coupes are available with a six-speed manual

•Acceleration: V6 2011 Accord completes 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds

•Model lineup: no changes are expected to the current lineup of Accords despite rumors of a resurrected gas-electric hybrid Accord.

•Car safety features: buyers can expect standard safety equipment like stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, and side-curtain airbags. The brakes in the 2010 Honda Accord were sub-par, so Honda may tweak them for the new model year.

•Suspension: double-wishbone front suspension, independent multi-link rear suspension

•Warranty: three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of corrosion protection

On the Road
While the 2010 Accord wasn’t quite sporty enough for some drivers, tweaks to the designs of the 2011 model’s engine and transmission make up for it. Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate the roominess of the car; even when every seat is filled, it never feels truly cramped. Handling is quite good, especially in coupe models. Although it performs admirably on the freeway, the 2011 Honda Accord does suffer from slightly elevated road noise that may bother some drivers.

The light, assured handling of the Honda Accord, combined with its fuel efficiency and punchy horsepower, makes it a true pleasure to drive. Unlike heavier sedans which feel clunky or awkward when being maneuvered around turns, the 2011 Honda Accord feels as if it is floating above the highway, touching the ground in the most minimal way. In fact, the floating feeling can cause the judicious owner to check his or her tire pressure to make sure it is indeed at the appropriate 30 PSI. Although the Accord is not a sports car, it has enough power to make it an excellent choice for long forays across the open road, and enough dexterity to handle the abrupt stops and jumps of city driving. The brakes are clean and responsive, and make navigating exceptionally curvy pathways at relatively high speed effortless.

Under the Hood
Despite its low price tag, the 2011 Honda Accord is packed to its gills with power. Topnotch engineering gives all three engines plenty of oomph. The 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, for instance, gets 177 horsepower; the more finely-tuned 4-cylinder that comes with EX and EX-L sedans - and all coupes - gets 190 horsepower. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces a whopping 271 horsepower. Five-speed manual (or six-speed manual in the case of the V6) and automatic transmissions get the job done, and reduced engine frictions through new gear ratios produces much better fuel economy.

Exterior Features
Almost every auto review of the 2010 Honda Accord agreed that the car was in desperate need of a styling refresh, and Honda is expected to deliver on that in 2011. In initial photos of the 2011 Honda Accord, you’ll see an extremely futuristic-looking car with high body lines and pulled-back headlights. The new Accord has very short overhangs and pronounced wheel arches. Overall, the new style gives the Accord a sporty, aggressive, coupe-like look that is very attractive.

Interior Features
The seats are roomy and designed to maximize comfort. Honda has always had an excellent sensibility when it comes to providing enough room for its passengers without wasting space. Perhaps the most cheering development is the addition of more ergonomic control panels, which make it much easier not only to read the displays and equipment, but to adjust them without taking any attention away from driving. With a full selection of audio/accessory perks, including a navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and Bluetooth phone connectivity, this vehicle is truly equipped for the 21st century. When combined with climate control, riding inside of a Honda Accord is an immersive, pleasurable experience.

Drivers have come to expect quality from Honda vehicles; the 2011 Accord does not disappoint. Technology lovers will appreciate the new USB iPod interfaces that are now included; rearranged climate controls enhance the experience of getting around town in comfort. Roomy, comfortable seats make for a very pleasant ride, while an abundance of high quality materials make the car feel much more sophisticated than others in its class. The enhanced navigation screen and new backup camera all round out the high quality of the interior of the Honda Accord to a considerable degree.

Performance
Although we won’t have any firm information on handling and performance until the 2011 Honda Accord completes an official road test, what’s under the hood is likely to remain the same for the upcoming model year. The Accord doesn’t need to improve fuel economy or add horsepower in order to remain competitive in the midsize sedan class, so changes are improbable. One change critics would like to see in the 2011 Accord, however, is improved braking ability. The 2010 model took an unnecessarily long time to come to a stop—an issue that Honda will ideally correct next time around.

Pros
There are plenty of perks involved with the 2011 Honda Accord. The price tag will attract initial interest, while exceptional fuel economy - sedans equipped with automatic transmissions get 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway - will reel many drivers in. The graceful design and ample technology that comes along with even base models of the 2011 Accord are all positive attributes, too. Honda has comprehensive warranty policies that give drivers significant peace of mind. Each component is engineered to deliver maximum quality; therefore, breakdowns due to purely mechanical failures are rare. Although regular maintenance is required, simple functions like changing the oil, rotating the tires, and otherwise performing routine, relatively inexpensive checks will keep the vehicle performing at a high rate for years. Developing a good relationship with a certified Honda mechanic will enable him or her to create a history of when each repair has been performed, allowing him or her to anticipate the need for additional maintenance. Anyone who is looking for an affordable sedan or coupe should consider the class-leading Accord.

Cons
In order to get at the cons of the 2011 Honda Accord, one has to get a little nit-picky. Road noise is one glaring issue, especially since many drivers don’t appreciate having to turn up the volume in order to hear their music. Some of the buttons continue to look rather similar, producing a bit of confusion. After growing accustomed to the Accord, though, it should cease being an issue for most drivers. The sedan is not as trim as other vehicles, and therefore uses slightly more gas than a two-door couple. For those individuals with families, the Honda Accord is the best choice in terms of maximizing comfort for multiple passengers.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG - First Drive Review

A smaller engine with larger output makes for an enticing new CLS63 AMG.

BY JENS MEINERS
January 2011

When it comes to what’s under the hood, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG launches with a name that is now more misleading than ever. AMG’s “63” moniker, after all, never was entirely correct: At 6208 cc, the last-gen CLS63’s naturally aspirated M156 engine missed the 6.3-liter mark by less than a 10th of a liter. And now, most AMG “63” cars are having their 6.2 replaced by a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 dubbed M157.

The smaller, turbocharged engine manages far better fuel economy than its predecessor (Mercedes expects EPA ratings for the 2012 CLS63 to be 16 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway, up from 12/18 for its predecessor) with, conveniently, more power. This CLS63 chalks up an 11-hp increase over the old car, from 507 to 518. Torque, meanwhile, gets a kick upward of 51 lb-ft, from 465 to 516. If that’s not enough, the optional Performance package cranks boost from 14.5 psi to 18.8, ratcheting power up to 550 horses and torque to 590 lb-ft.

Aided by a seven-speed automatic—the same transmission found in other V-8 AMG cars, it has a multiplate wet clutch replacing the torque converter—the CLS63 charges forward like a supercar and pulls relentlessly way beyond the 100-mph barrier. Top speed is governed at 155 mph, or 186 with the Performance pack, which also drops Mercedes’ estimated 0-to-60-mph time from 4.4 seconds to 4.3. As we clocked a previous-generation CLS63 to 60 in 4.1 seconds, we’ll call those estimates conservative. Turbocharging does squelch some of the bawdy V-8 roar that contributes so much to our enjoyment of the M156, but we’d say the extra power and torque are an adequate salve for that disappointment.

The AMG brand is often associated with straight-line performance more than balanced cornering. For some vehicles in its vast portfolio, which includes literal heavyweights such as the S-class and G-wagen, that is accurate; but the CLS defies that stereotype. The steering—controlled by a fat, somewhat oversized, Alcantara-wrapped wheel—is a touch too light but very precise, and the adjustable suspension allows only minimal body roll, behaving predictably up to the limits of adhesion. Try to surpass those limits, and the traction-control system intervenes sharply. It can be turned off entirely, but doing so is only recommended for trained professionals. The brakes feel a bit too aggressive around town but are perfect on the open road.

If you drive the CLS63 AMG with civility (good luck with that), it is actually quite comfortable. And it’s even green (sort of): The engine automatically shuts off when the car is stationary, and a prominent “eco” light illuminates in the instrument cluster whenever the driver isn’t sucking too much fuel. Okay, so that’s not really green at all. Any effort at political correctness is thoroughly negated by AMG’s design team. The grille, with its single horizontal crossbar, quotes Mercedes’ traditional sporty motif like the grille on the gullwing SLS does. From the gigantic front air intakes, venomous-looking LED headlights, and wide fenders to the quadruple exhaust tips, the CLS63 AMG is a hostile take on the already extroverted second-generation CLS, and it has us in equal parts scared and seduced.

2010 Mansory Porsche Panamera

MANSORY Switzerland enhances the Porsche Panamera. The specialist for exclusive refinement of premium automobiles turns the four-door Gran Turismo into a power pack which is even more dynamic and exclusive and most of all has a significantly more distinct appearance.

Originally, the company owner Kourosh Mansory solely focused on British luxury cars, but meanwhile he has also proven his talent for Italian brands such as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and automobiles like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. After the Chopster Cayenne, the Panamera is already the second Porsche which is given the honour to become entirely modified by MANSORY.

Also, the new Porsche will receive an individual design language according to the MANSORY tradition. Its engineers produce the new aerodynamics components in high-strength polyurethane (PU-RIM) and Prepreg-Autoclav-Carbon, the characteristic material for MANSORY. As the car is lowered by 35 millimetres and equipped with new wheels measuring 9,5x21 and 11,5x21 inches as well as a sport exhaust system, the new personality of the Panamera becomes significantly more visual and audible.

In order to provide the driver directly with the experience of an automobile refined by MANSORY, the engineers included extensive refinements. A widespread leather interior can be individually matched with the most precious woods, finest varnish or dynamic carbon. The pedals made of brushed aluminium perfect the interior equipment. With the newly designed sports steering wheel, the driver can feel the elegance of the refined Porsche straight in his hands.

MANSORY Switzerland bestows an individual appearance to the Porsche Panamera. The complex refinement turns a sports car for journeys into a characteristic personality – after all a real MANSORY.

For more information about the exclusive refining programme by MANSORY Switzerland AG please visit the web site www.mansory.ch

2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Ghost is a vision of simplicity – of taking the core values of Rolls-Royce and creating contemporary effortless luxury. Ghost has been engineered to ride and drive in peerless fashion. The chassis’ poise delivers a dynamically engaging experience for the driver, yet a serene, comfortable ride for passengers. Engine power is delivered in a manner which has become an engineering signature, seemingly effortlessly and endlessly. The latest in-car technology falls easily to hand while forming part of the background.

Ghost embodies 21st-century Rolls-Royce: more than 100 years of engineering and design excellence expressed in modern and uncompromised style.

*Rest of World specification – figures for North America can be found in the technical specification

** Option not available in some markets due to legal restrictions

Honda Skydeck: unhinged

Take a look at the Skydeck gallery.
After its unveil this week in Tokyo, we thought we’d give you a bit more information about Honda’s Skydeck, the crazy-doored concept sharing a stand with the nearly-production CR-Z.

The only problem is that there isn’t really much more information. The Skydeck is described as a hybrid MPV demonstrating how Honda’s petrol-electric technology can be squeezed into different shaped cars.

In the Skydeck, the battery pack sits within the central ‘transmission tunnel’, lowering the centre of gravity and freeing up interior space.

Honda has also done its best to incorporate every weird door configuration known to man: the front doors are scissor arrangements that hinge forward, Lambo-style, while the rears drop down and slide to the back of the Skydeck. We’re a bit disappointed they didn’t manage to fit at least one gullwing in there somewhere...

Beyond that, we know not very much. It has been speculated that the Skydeck previews a replacement for the FR-V, most probably because it is similarly six-seated, albeit in three rows of two rather than two rows of three.

But Honda is keen to stress that the Skydeck is nothing more than a design study, with no plans for production. A pity, or are those doors just too damn kerrazy for you?

Bugatti’s super touring car

Remember that Mercedes SLS ‘Black' we showed you the other week? It was a rendering by Dutch designer-chap Sytse Dijkstra that turned Merc's gullwinged supercar into a LM-style race car.
Well, we liked it. So much that we decided to step it up a notch. What, we wondered, is the most ridiculous fantasy racer we could imagine? A Bugatti Galibier. On 23s and ready for the grid at Le Mans.
Daft, isn't it? Note the open engine covers with Veyron powerplant nestled beneath and ridiculous rear spoiler.
Anyway, we thought we might do some more of these, so get signed up on our commenting thing below and give us your ideas. We'll pick the best five and get them illustrated.
But remember, don't take it too seriously. The more absurd the better, please...
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/bugatti-touring-car-2009-10-20

Stig spotted in Amsterdam

Following last week’s SENSATIONAL ARREST in Dublin, is the Stig now on the run from the police?
Our tame racing driver was spotted yesterday piloting a boat down a canal in Amsterdam, a city which, coincidentally, is included on this year’s Top Gear Live world tour for the first time.
“I had no idea that it was even possible to oversteer a barge,” said one astounded onlooker with a slightly amusing accent. “The tyre smoke was somewhat inexplicable, also. I mean, do barges even have tyres?”
After alighting from his commandeered vessel, the Stig made his getaway in a bright orange Spyker and was last spotted heading in the direction of Holland’s largest clog factory.
Dutch police refused to comment on whether the Stig was now being treated as a international fugitive, but did confirm that an unidentified white-suited man was wanted for questioning in connection with an incident involving an Edam cheese warehouse.Rumours that Stig’s law-bending European tour is nothing more than a blatant stunt to drum up publicity for Top Gear Live have been vehemently denied.