Cadillac ATS Compact Luxury 2012

The small Cadillac will begin production next summer at Lansing Grand River, the same Michigan assembly plant that builds the award-winning midsize Cadillac CTS sedan, coupe, and wagon. 

"The car we codenamed ATS is being developed to be a driver’s car on an all-new Cadillac-specific RWD-AWD architecture," General Motors North America President Mark Reuse said. The Cadillac ATS Compact Luxury Sedan will be launched in 2012. 
Following months of rumors and spy shots, General Motors has released the first teaser image of its upcoming Cadillac ATS sedan. 

The ATS’ design is clearly inspired by the CTS sedan, highlighted by crisp lines and bulging wheel arches. XTS-like fog light opens also look to be a part of the ATS’s front-end treatment. 
Like the larger CTS, the Cadillac ATS will be available in sedan; coupe and wagon body styles, although the Euro-rival will also be available as a convertible. 

The entry-level Cadillac ATS is slated to come equipped with a 270 horsepower version of GM’s turbocharged 2.0L engine, backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to those eight cogs, the 2.0 ATS should return 22/32mpg. 

All ATS models will be assembled at the automaker’s Lansing, Michigan, assembly plant. 
Cadillac is moving forward with the often-teased ATS, a model slated for a 2012 debut and aimed straight at the Infiniti G37, Mercedes C-Class and other German and Japanese competitors in the entry-premium segment. 

"We're finalizing the four-door show car of the ATS first," a well-placed source told Inside Line. The source said Cadillac is currently "not too sure about the compromises of a folding hardtop."

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Cadillac SRX Turbo Premium 2011 Review

Cadillac introduced the first generation Cadillac SRX way back in 2004, with a major interior update in 2007. 

The Cadillac SRX features every major amenity that you would expect from a modern luxury vehicle while focusing on the needs of a modern SUV buyer. The shape of the 2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo maintains the classy form of the current Cadillac lineup while offering plenty of room inside – all without looking “clunky” like some other sport uses on the market. While some people might not care for the bold styling of the modern Cadillac, this is one sport utility vehicle that offers as much sport on the outside as it does utility inside. 

BIG POWER FROM 300-HP TURBOCHARGED V6 
The base engine is a 3.0-liter V6 that generates 265-hp and 223 ft-lbs of torque, and the upgraded power plant, which is only available in the all-wheel drive model, is a 2.8-liter turbo V6 that puts out 300-hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque at a very low and usable 2000 rpm, and remains flat until about 5000 rpm. 

The interior is the new Cadillac SRX is beautiful, luxurious, and inviting. There’s an LCD info screen in the center of the Speedo for all the electronic trip computer, fuel mileage, cruise control settings, etc. Each gauge has a surround of bright work, which is carried over to the steering wheel insert, HVAC outlets and center stack. 

The interior is covered in soft touch leather on the door armrests, and dual storage center console. A pop-up Navigation system dominates the top of the center stack. The test vehicle also was equipped with the reasonably priced rear seat entertainment system, which puts a dual TV screens behind each of the passenger seats, to keep the kids occupied with DVDs. The system comes with dual wireless headphones, and a remote control. 

Rear seatbacks also fold flat to double the cargo space. The base Cadillac SRX Turbo in Performance trims starts at $49315, while the Premium trim goes for $51,860. Cadillac has hit another home run with the SRX Turbo. 

Cadillac’s website lists the Lexus RX and Audi Q5 as its top competitors and the vehicle itself is built in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico alongside the Saab 9-4X. 

To note, the entry-level SRX lacks today’s luxury necessities such as a GPS, heated leather seats, remote start, keyless access and ultrasonic parking assist. The engine powering our tester is a turbocharged 2.8L V6 engine that makes 300 hp and 295 pounds-feet of torque, which is a significant boost from the base model’s 3.oL LF1 V6 engine that pushes out a more docile 265 horsepower and 223 pounds-feet of torque. The SRX was also made an NHTSA Top Safety Pick. 

There is no mistaking the Cadillac SRX for another crossover, as it rolls around with noticeably more swagger than the conservative design language of the Lexus RX — the sales leader of the segment. 

Our tester also felt confident in the corners thanks to its sporty FE3 suspension system and its all-wheel-drive. These features give the Cadillac SRX Turbo a much more dramatic and dynamic driving feel than the naturally aspirated base model, which uses a more cushy FE2 suspension system and starts with just front-wheel-drive before charging a little extra for the AWD system. However, the overall handling and suspension subtracts from the ride comfort, but such is the world of sport luxury crossovers. 

While the 2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo Turbo is leaps ahead of the base model in terms of a rewarding driving experience, it doesn’t fall in as a performance leader in this hyper-competitive segment. Compared to the Cadillac CTS, the SRX feels a little fancier, with subtle ice blue lighting illuminating the footwalls and striking through the dash. …It turns out that there is the lack of an electronic tilt/telescope option for the steering wheel across the board for the 2011 Cadillac SRX Turbo. If it sounds like I’m describing Audi’s MMI system, I am. From a sheer numbers standpoint, the SRX Turbo is all over the place. The SRX Turbo’s engine output was also nearly the same as the X5, being just under in the torque margin by 5 pounds-feet and even at 300 horsepower. 

More vehicles for the money one might say, but with its poor fuel economy rating of 22 MPG on the highway and 15 MPG in the city, the Cadillac SRX Turbo sports nearly the same fuel economy numbers as the much more massive Audi Q7, a crossover that is over 200 inches long and weighs in at 5,192 pounds. It’s one thing if you’re shopping for a sport luxury crossover or SUV the size of a Q7, as lower fuel economy numbers are commonplace in such a segment. If you could never put a finger on why over 90 percent of all SRX crossovers sold last year cradled the more economical 3.0L LF1 V6 engine instead of the thirsty 2.8L turbo, you can now. 
After my time with the Cadillac SRX Turbo, it became evident that those involved in deciding what they wanted the crossover to be couldn’t make up their minds. 

Though the" Cadillac SRX Turbo" is a fun and stylish crossover, I found too many things that kept me from really falling in love with it.

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Cadillac STS 2011 Overviews

For 2011, the Cadillac STS loses its V8 option. Being the middle child can be pretty tough; just ask the 2011 Cadillac STS. Overall, the 2011 Cadillac STS remains a decent luxury sedan. 

The 2011 Cadillac STS is a large luxury sedan available in three trim levels: V6 Luxury Sport, V6 Luxury and V6 Premium. 

The V6 Luxury (yes, it's a step up from Luxury Sport) adds wood trim, power lumbar for the front seats, a CD changer, Bluetooth, driver memory settings and heated front seats. Options for the Luxury Sport are minimal, consisting of a performance brake package and all-wheel drive. The Premium trim offers a Performance Handling package (includes upgraded brakes, high-performance summer tires and chrome wheels) as well as a Premium Luxury Collection package (includes a sunroof, a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning and a head-up display). 

All trims come standard with rear-wheel drive, and AWD is an option on the Luxury Sport and Luxury trims. 

Antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability control and a full complement of airbags are standard on every 2011 Cadillac STS. The Cadillac STS has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. In side-impact tests, the STS scored four stars for front passengers and five stars for rear passengers. Depending on trim level, the STS's cabin is fitted with aluminum accents and real wood trim as well. 

Inside the STS works much better; Cadillac has paid attention to Germany, evidenced in the STS' sober, handsome cabin. The STS also has been a disappointing crash-safety performer. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) is as mixed: it gives the STS "good" results in frontal-offset protection, "acceptable" results in side impact, and a "poor" grade for rear-impact tests. Safety options include a lane-departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot warning system. 

The latest STS still sports standard climate control; an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system; a heated, wood-trimmed steering wheel; and metallic and wood trim on the dash. 

The Cadillac STS carries over basically unchanged from last year. As a result, the STS do lose some features that were only available on V8 models. Three trim levels are available -- base, Luxury and Premium – all-wheel drive is available for about $2,300 on base and Luxury models, while Premium trimmed cars is rear-wheel drive only. A top-end STS Premium commands a $56,380 price tag and adds a rear-spoiler, auto-dimming xenon headlights, 18-inch wheels and a Bose surround sound audio system with navigation. 

If you expect a fair amount of standard features from your luxury large car, the base STS might disappoint. 

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Volkswagen CC 2011

2011 Volkswagen CC -The top-end model is powered by VW's VR6 3.6-liter, only available with 4Motion all-wheel drive and good for 280 horsepower. It pays for the power with a thirst 17/25 mpg city/highway and 20 mpg combined. Some will find even the front seating position a bit awkward because they're positioned low relative to the high door line. Raising the seats just compromises headroom.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Volkswagen CC is a four-passenger sedan that is offered in five trim levels. Starting with the base 2.0T Sport, standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, full power accessories, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, air-conditioning, a trip computer, hill-hold assist, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multifunction controls, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, 12-way adjustable front seats and split-folding rear seats. The 2.0T Lux trim augments the Sport model by adding 18-inch alloy wheels, foglights, dual-zone climate control, brushed aluminum interior trim and a navigation system. The VR6 4Motion Executive trim features a more powerful V6 engine and all-wheel drive, along with polished 18-inch wheels, headlight washers, heated outside mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, a power rear sunshade, parking sensors, driver seat memory, leather sport seats and a premium 10-speaker audio system.

The 2011 Volkswagen CC offers buyers the choice of two powertrains: front-wheel drive with a turbocharged inline-4 and all-wheel drive with a V6. Sport trim models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automated manual transmission (DSG) is available as an option. Other trim levels featuring the 2.0-liter turbo are only offered with the DSG automatic. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is only available on the all-wheel-drive VR6 4Motion Executive. The EPA estimates fuel economy for the DSG automatic at 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg in combined driving.

Safety
All Volkswagen CCs come standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability and traction control, hill-hold assist, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Last year's optional rear-seat side airbags have been discontinued.
It received five stars for front-passenger side crash protection and four stars for rear-passenger side protection.

Interior Design and Special Features
Rear seat headroom is limited by the sloping roof line, so taller rear passengers will find themselves slouching to fit, but average-sized adults should find these seats supportive and comfortable, with ample legroom.

While the strong, sleek appearance of the 2011 Volkswagen CC might suggest sport sedan, it's not quite that. Most of the lineup—especially the four-cylinder models—ride quite well, and lavish interior trims feel luxury-car caliber; the interior is tight and serene, too.
Backseat space isn't passable for adults, for head room reasons, while the front-seat position is, for lack of terse terms, a bit odd.

Volkswagen hasn't skimped on features in the Volkswagen CC sedans; all of them, even the base Sport, come very well-equipped. TheVolkswagen CC is available in Sport, Lux, and Executive models, with Sport and Lux models getting the four-cylinder engine and the Executive

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Volkswagen Golf Reviews 2011

The 2011 VW Golf has a powerful engines and a near-luxury cabin that reviewers say is worth the Golf’s high price. The 2011 Golf also has a diesel option that gets great fuel economy. 

The Volkswagen Golf has cruised American streets since 1974. Along with the name change, VW gave the 2010 Golf a makeover. The Golf stands out within the class for its available diesel engine. 

The Honda Fit will save you around $2,500 compared to the Volkswagen Golf, and averages 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, which beats the base Golf's fuel economy rating. In the name of going green, the Honda Civic Hybrid beats the Golf’s fuel economy, but matches its price. Details: 2011 Volkswagen Golf 

The Golf is largely unchanged for 2011. Volkswagen hasn’t released the 2011 Golf’s pricing, but the 2010 Golf starts at $17,620 for the 2-door, 2.5-liter engine, and the four-door TDI starts at $22,959. 

Outside of a few features being shuffled around, the Volkswagen Golf remains unchanged for 2011. 

Compared to other vehicles in its class, the Volkswagen Golf feels positively upscale. With either trim level, four-door models gain power-reclining front seats. 

The TDI models can be equipped with adaptive xenon headlights, a premium Dynaudio sound system, and a navigation system and (on four-door models) rear seat airbags. 

The base 2011 Volkswagen Golf 2.5L is powered by a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined for the automatic and 22/30/25 mpg for the manual. 

Safety 
The 2011 VW Golf's standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are unavailable on two-door models, but are optional on four-door models. 

Interior Design and Special Features 
The Golf is actually much nicer than the new 2011 VW Jetta sedan. 
Whether you choose the two- or four-door route, the Golf's interior passenger space remains the same. Access to the two-door Golf's rear seats is made relatively painless thanks to front seats that slide easily out of the way. The split-folding rear seats bump that figure up to 46 cubes. 

The 2011 Volkswagen Golf's high level of interior refinement is echoed in its composed, solid feel on the road. At highway speeds, theVolkswagen Golf is significantly quieter than other hatchbacks. The Golf's gasoline engine provides smooth power throughout the rev range. 

The Volkswagen Golf can't really be called sexy, but there are some classy details baked into its three- and five-door bodies--particularly around the rear door cuts. Stacked up against the dashing new Elentra, the Volkswagen Golf doesn't necessarily look dated, just conservative. The interior's solidly designed and built, more so than VW's own Jetta sedan that shares the Golf's assembly line. 

Front passenger space is ample, but the three-door's rear seats might seem a little cramped. The turbocharged Volkswagen GTI is reviewed separately. 

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Volkswagen CC Reviews 2012

2012 Volkswagen CC Reviews-The six speed dual clutch automated manual transmission is standard. Lux Limited- Adds adaptive xenon headlights, and different 18 inch wheels. All other engine, transmission, and standard safety equipment remain the same. 

The 2012 Volkswagen CC is a four-passenger sedan available in six trims: 2.0T Sport, 2.0T R-Line, 2.0T Lux, 2.0T Lux Plus, 2.0T Lux Limited and VR6 4Motion Executive. The Sport comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control, heated eight-way power front seats with lumbar adjustment, premium vinyl "leatherette" upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with a touch screen interface, HD radio, auxiliary audio jack, an iPod interface and satellite radio. 

The Volkswagen CC Lux adds to the Sport different 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, heated washer nozzles, dual-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system (deletes HD radio) and brushed-aluminum interior trim. Lux Limited gets different 18-inch wheels and adaptive xenon headlights. 

Stepping up to the VR6 4Motion Executive adds to the Lux Limited's equipment a V6 engine, all-wheel drive, headlamp washers, parking sensors, steering wheel shifter paddles, a power rear sunshade, driver memory functions, leather upholstery and a 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system. 

The 2012 Volkswagen CC 2.0T models are front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the automatic. A conventional six-speed automatic is standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17/25/20. 

All Volkswagen CCs come standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability and traction control, hill-hold assist, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. The VR6 stopped in 124 feet. 

From the base Sport model to the top-of-the-line Executive trim, the 2012 Volkswagen CC shows off the luxury amenities and workmanship normally associated with premium luxury brands. The front seats offer a plethora of adjustments to fit nearly any body type. 

The Volkswagen CC Sport, R-Line and Lux models feature a peppy four-cylinder engine that delivers a respectable 200 horsepower. The Volkswagen CC Lux also includes the RNS 315 navigation system as a standard feature as well as an available technology package that includes a DVD player, upgraded navigation screen and rearview camera. 

The sports-tuned suspension of the 2012 Volkswagen CC ensures a smooth, comfortable ride even on bumpy terrain. 

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Aston Martin V8 Vantage Convertible 2011

2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Convertible
Aston Martin claims the car will reach 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with the standard transmission. Other major options comprise 19-inch wheels, a Hard-Dick Drive navigation system, satellite radio, Bluetooth communication interface, and Xenon HID headlights.
Aston Martin stated that the Roadster model records identical performance tests to the Coupe model, despite being two hundred pounds heavier.

Or is that a V12 Vantage? Looking at the pics of this Aston Martin test car snapped by our crack team of spies, it's tough to say if we're looking at a refreshed V8-powered Vantage Roadster, or what might in fact be a V12 Vantage Roadster. Namely, and aside from the gray carbon-look wheels, a carbon fiber front splitter and a rear carbon fiber diffuser.

It all starts with Aston Martin's all-aluminum platform, the same basic chassis that also underpins the Aston Martin DB9, Aston Martin DBS and Aston Martin Rapide. The 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is a two-seat sports car available in two body styles: a hatchback coupe and the convertible Roadster. The V12 Vantage is reviewed separately.

The V8 Vantage N420 gets a sport suspension, a lightweight exhaust system, different wheels, carbon-fiber bodywork trim, clear-lens taillamps, power folding mirrors, front parking sensors, cruise control, sport seats, memory functions and Bluetooth. Most of the regular V8 Vantage's options are available, along with faux-suede seat inserts and special paint colors that celebrate Aston Martin's racing heritage: Rose Yellow, Kermit Green, Elwood Blue, Asia Cup Black and White, and Aston Martin Racing Green.

Every 2011 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is powered by a 4.7-liter V8 good for 420 hp and 346 pound-feet of torque. In terms of practicality, the V8 Vantage falls between the comfortable Audi R8 exotic car and the practical Porsche 911 sports car.

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Aston Martin volante review

2011 aston martin DB9 volante review
Aston Martin DB9 Volante there is infinitely variable bilstein dampers plus some new cosmetics to beautify this car 2011. Body control is strong but the chassis is supple. The steering feedback is precise.

Completing the DBS line-up, the new Volante affords customers the combination of the DBS’s already-established benchmark sports car characteristics with all the thrills of open-air motoring.

‘Volante’, meaning: ‘moving with light rapidity’, perfectly defines the performance potential and the dynamic characteristics of the DBS Volante.

Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “The DBS Volante delivers the utmost relaxed driving experience with the hood up or down. The DBS Volante offers a subtle mix of power and performance. In standard specification, the DBS has a rear-mounted six-speed manual gearbox, while an automatic six-speed ‘Touchtronic’ option is also available. The DBS Volante also comes with Bang & Olufsen’s renowned ‘BeoSound DBS’ in-car entertainment system, featuring 13 speakers as standard equipment. Aston Martin’s 16th convertible, learning taken from the engineering of previous soft-top cars has resulted in the DBS Volante possessing Aston Martin’s quietest and most refined roof system to date. As with the DBS Coupe, the bonnet, front wings and boot lid are formed from carbon fibre. The Volante features 2+2 seating as standard. The beautifully leather trimmed rear seats are ideal for younger persons or extra luggage making the DBS Volante a practical everyday sports car.

Delivered as standard with Bang & Olufsen’s BeoSound DBS audio system and seamlessly integrated into the DBS Volante’s bespoke interior, the system provides the driver and passengers with an unrivalled audio experience. The Bang & Olufsen BeoSound DBS system has been developed exclusively for Aston Martin. The system is acoustically and physically matched to the DBS Volante, with a design that follows the inherent quality and material honesty of the Aston Martin interior. The DBS Volante is powered by the same 6.0-litre V12 engine at the heart of the DBS which was launched in 2007. The 3.71:1 (manual) and 3.46:1 (Touchtronic) final drive ratio assures that all the DBS Volante’s power is useable, while also enhancing in-gear acceleration.

The DBS Volante is available as standard with a rear-mounted 6-speed manual gearbox with gear ratios optimised to extract the very best from the 6.0-litre engine. The Sport setting also incorporates a more responsive throttle map to match the high-performance characteristics of the DBS Volante.

Augmenting the DBS Volante’s supreme handling characteristics is the near perfect weight distribution – achieved by mounting the 6-speed gearbox at the rear placing 85% of the weight between the front and rear axle.

To take full advantage of its extremely precise and rigid platform, the DBS employs a sophisticated Adaptive Damping System (ADS) which is specifically tuned for the DBS Volante maximising ride comfort. The DBS Volante’s Adaptive Damping System perfectly captures the car’s sporting character, ensuring that stiffer dampers are available for better handling and control when the car is being driven enthusiastically, without compromising ride comfort during ‘normal’ driving conditions. The DBS Volante also has a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system specifically tuned to the Volante to help maintain maximum traction in challenging driving conditions. This results in reducing the overall weight of the car and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the DBS Volante’s dynamics.

With a 510bhp V12 engine, the Aston Martin DBS Volante makes you feel like a film star.
Uli Bez, Aston Martin's chief executive, has some pretty firm ideas on style and isn't afraid to express them. There's a lot of bare metal in the cabin, so our first winter driving impressions of the DBS Volante (that's drophead to you and me) mainly involve cold hands touching freezing switches and dials and a bone-chilling bare aluminium gear knob. Gloves, anyone?

That said, there are some tactile and visual highlights in the Aston's cabin, albeit not those concerning the Ford Fiesta steering column stalks.

The rest of the cabin, though, is a delight of soft claret leather, immaculate stitching, comfortable seats and tiny amounts of luggage room, including those laughably small rear seats, which would struggle to accommodate Barbie and Ken.
There's nowhere to hide. Delivering 510bhp at 6,500rpm, such is the colossal torque that the engine barely needs working to that extent. 

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Aston Martin Vantage GT4 2011

The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is built to FIA GT4 regulations and is eligible to compete in the following series: FIA GT4 European Cup; British GT4 Championship; Britcar Endurance Series; German GT4 Championship; Dutch Supercar Challenge; Dutch GT4 Championship; VLN Endurance Championship at the Nurburgring; Australian Endurance Championship; the American SCCA Championship; and the Aston Martin Owners Club Race Series.

The Vantage GT4 comes with either a manual transmission or sportshift transmission. Aston Martin Racing is now the only manufacturer to produce cars in each of the GT classes: GT1, GT2, GT3 and GT4. At 1,330 kg the Aston Martin Vantage GT4 is 300 kg lighter than the standard car.
Aston Martin has unveiled today details on a new Vantage GT4 for 2011.

Aston Martin Racing has launched a new Vantage GT4 for 2011. The new V8 engined racing car takes design inspiration from Aston Martin’s V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce.

As with the current 4.7 litre Vantage GT4, which made its race debut in 2009, the 2011 car is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car with key attributes being carried over including the aluminium chassis, base engine and suspension design. The Vantage GT4’s new splitter increases downforce at the front of the car, as well as channelling cooling air to the brakes and radiator. At the rear, the car gains the V12’s larger boot ‘flip’.

The new Vantage GT4 will be eligible for this Challenge, as well as the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class.

The updated 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 has just been revealed showcasing a revised engine. The 2011 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 comes with similar aerodynamics as the V12 Vantage road car, but with increased downforce. 

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Aston Martin DB9 Coupe 2011

The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 is an exotic GT available in two body styles: coupe and Volante convertible.

Options include front parking sensors and a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system. The rear-wheel-drive DB9 is powered by a 5.9-liter V12 that produces 470 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Aston Martin estimates that the DB9 will go from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds regardless of transmission. The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 comes with antilock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, front side airbags (which protect head and torso) and rear parking sensors. Front parking sensors are optional.

The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 is striking in the ease with which it drives down the road. First launched in 2004, the DB9 has become Aston Martin's most recognized model.
In addition to the straight-line performance, handling of the newest DB9 is improved thanks to Bilstein shocks, new suspension arms and bushings, and 19-inch wheels. These suspension upgrades resulted in a sportier ride, while the Volante's (convertible model) ride is made cushier.
The DB9's bumpers are invisible. The side strakes - an Aston Martin DB signature - are made from metal. The interior features an elegant center console, finished almost entirely in
die-cast zinc with an iridium finish. The Aston Martin DB9 is also available in a convertible model, designated by the unique Volante name.

You might have seen elsewhere that CAR was embedded in the Aston Martin pit team at the weekend's 2010 Le Mans 24-hour race. A facelifted' 2010 Aston Martin DB9? Yes, let's call it the 2011 model year DB9. Aston types hesitate to use the word 'facelift', it's just part of the continuous improvement that's gradually spruced up the DB9 since launch back in 2003.

CAR bumped into Aston Martin design director Marek Reichmann in the AMR pits at Le Mans and he gave us the lowdown on the 2011 DB9. What's new? The interior of the DB9 is spruced up with some previously unseen toys and equipment. How does the revised DB9 drive?

CAR picks up the fettled DB9 on Sunday night an hour after the end of the Le Mans 24-hour race. Click here to find out how Aston Martin Racing got on at La Sarthe. 

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Bentley Bontinental GTC 2011

The New Continental GT 2011 is one of Bentley's sexiest machines ever, and the brand's best-selling model. Granted, the nearly two-inch-wider track (65.51 inches front/65.15 inches rear) and standard 20-inch, five-spoke wheels (21-inch optional) also add to the effect. (The logo's wings are a longstanding Conti design flourish, stemming from the 1950 R-Type Continental.) Also shaped in Mulsanne fashion are the car's skinny, elliptical chrome exhaust tips, which expel the fumes created by the twin-turbocharged, 567-horsepower 6.0-liter W-12.

No other car in the premium sports car segment offers such a dichotomy of luxury and performance.

Power lines streak from front to back, accentuating the body like a finely pressed suit. Aluminum Super Forming heats body panels to 500° Celsius, eliminating the need for spot welding on the front wing panels and trunk lid. Flared elliptical tailpipes are chromed while the rear Bentley signature “floating” LED lamps extend around the corner accentuating size and stance.
At its core, Bentley has designed a sports coupe of the highest magnitude. Power stems from a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine. Steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters allow for rapid transition between gears. Mated to a 6-speed ZF Quickshift automatic transmission, it takes only 4.4 seconds to reach 60 mph. Additional performance figures indicate passing times of 1.7 seconds from 30-50 mph and 2.9 seconds from 50-75 mph. Top speed is set at 198 mph.
Speed is not the only factor propelling the new Bentley Continental GT to the top of its class. Continuous damping aids performance; the ride is supple yet tight with very little lean or body roll even at high speeds.

Standard wheel sizes are 20-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloys with two 21-inch Elegant and split-rim Sports variations optional. Large 405 mm (16-in.) front and 335 mm (13.2-in.) rear ventilated disc brakes bring the new Continental GT to a rapid and controlled stop. Optional 420 mm (16.5-in.) front and 356 mm (14-in.) rear cross-drilled carbon ceramic brakes supply the best stopping power.

Soft-touch leather is placed throughout the hand-crafted cabin. Rear seats are surprisingly comfortable, even for those over six-feet tall and a center armrest offers storage and rear ventilation adjustment. The 2011 Bentley Continental GT will offer the 6.0 W12 engine as its only source of power at launch. Worldwide sales for the original Bentley Continental topped 45,000 units since its introduction in 2003. A lofty achievement in the premium sports coupe segment, the 2011 Bentley Continental GT seems poised and capable to take the lead once more.

The 2011 Bentley Continental GT is just the second generation of the blockbuster coupe that rumbled ashore eight years ago. 0-60 mph? Top speed? 198 mph.

It's everything the current Continental GT is. For Crewe's design and engineering teams, the new Continental GT coupe is an opportunity to set a bold and exciting direction for one of Bentley's most revered names – the Continental.

Now the new Continental GT 4-seat coupe builds on the success of its iconic predecessor, capturing that GT spirit but with even higher standards of design, engineering, luxury, craftsmanship, dynamic performance, everyday practicality and refinement. The contemporary interior offers new levels of cabin design, comfort and hand-crafted luxury. This advanced power unit will deliver a 40 percent reduction in emissions compared with the W12 engine and will offer a class-leading CO2 emissions-to-power ratio with Bentley levels of performance and refinement.

Both engines are coupled to an all-wheel drive system with a sporty 40:60 rear-torque bias (compared with the 50:50 bias of the original Continental GT), minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the experienced driver to control the car's line and balance via precise throttle control. - Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Chairman and Chief Executive

"The new GT coupe interior combines form, practicality and innovation. The Continental GT's new infotainment system also provides the ultimate in in-car audio entertainment. An eight-speaker sound system is offered as standard employing the latest Balanced Mode Radiator technology. An 11-speaker Naim for Bentley system – created exclusively for the Continental GT by British audiophiles Naim – employs revolutionary Dirac Dimensions ™ digital signal processing. At launch, the new Continental GT coupe is powered by the latest evolution of Bentley's acclaimed 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine, now calibrated to provide even greater performance, thanks to increases in power, torque and fuel.

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Bentley's Continental GTC 2011

2011 Bentley's Continental GTC is the convertible version of the automaker's Continental GT coupe. A performance model, called GTC Speed, debuted in 2009. Exterior features include:

Interior
The GTC can seat up to four people on front and rear bucket seats, though the rear seats would likely only be comfortable for children.

Continental GTC Speed
The twin-turbo W-12 can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach a maximum
More substantively, the 2011 Conti gets a boost in horsepower from its 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 engine, hitting 567 horsepower and 516 pound-feet. To keep that power in the right place, the rear track is wider, front-to-rear bias of the all-wheel-drive system is now 40/60 front-to-rear, and the coefficient of drag has been reduced to 0.33. 0-60 mph? Top speed? 198 mph.

Joining that are a sleeker dash, climate-controlled "Cobra" seats sculpted to provide more rear legroom, and leather-lined door pouches with water bottle holders. It's everything the current Continental GT is.

When the last-generation Continental GT debuted in 2003, it proved surprisingly popular—not because the grand touring coupe wasn’t exceptional, but because it wasn’t cheap.

The Continental GT is not only a modern icon, it’s also largely responsible for changing the image of the brand from stodgy to sporting. (A small percentage of the population knows that Bentley won Le Mans in 2003, a much larger percentage knows about Bentley because of its top seller.)

The message behind these changes has carried over into the car’s performance, which has improved due to three key factors: more engine, less weight, more refinement.

While the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine of the original model was powerful (406 kW; 649 Nm), the new version is even more so (423 kW; 700 Nm). A quick blast along the desert roads of Oman proved that the new Continental GT represents a marked improvement. The revised 6-speed automatic transmission shifts gears in half the time, giving the Bentley a distinctly racier feeling compared to the original (although it’s still no dual-clutch speedster.)

The top speed claim could not be verified—at 210 km/h, a message on the instrument panel warned that the tires weren’t properly inflated for such speeds. It turns out that the technicians had prepared the coupe for comfortable touring not edge-of-your-seat drag racing.

The all-wheel drive system now features a basic 40/60 torque split (front/rear), which has carried over from the outgoing, high-performance Continental Supersports model. Of course, the traction control system varies the torque distribution if it detects wheel slippage at the back. As an everyday driver, the Continental GT is definitely more than a little intimidating: It’s big, it’s fast and it’s expensive. The Continental GT is a true 2+2 coupe, meaning that the back seat is suitable only for small children.

The front seats were also made lighter, in part by moving the seat-belt mechanism to the car’s B-pillar. The seats are sporty and supportive.

All things considered, the Continental GT is a more mature, higher-performing and more engaging version of its predecessor. 

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Bentley Continental Flying Spur 2011

The standard Bentley Continental Flying Spur features a more upright grille and bolder lower air intake, while the new rear bumper delivers a more aggressive and sleek appearance.

The double-glazed windows, a standard feature since launch, now feature a sophisticated acoustic laminate inner layer for all side and rear windows. High-performance 'Speed' edition
Like its GT coupe counterpart, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur can now be ordered in Speed guise. Inspired by Bentley's legendary Speed models that first appeared in 1923, the Flying Spur Speed offers a range of headline performance figures including a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph.

Added grip comes from the 9.5Jx20 multi-spoke alloy wheels with bespoke Pirelli P-Zero UHP performance tires.

The Bentley Flying Spur Speed is distinguished by subtle design cues which emphasize its performance credentials, including dark-tinted radiator and air intake grilles, wider rifled exhaust tail pipes and unique 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Background
The Flying Spur was introduced for the 2006 model year. Bentley also decided to update the Flying Spur's electronic stability program and offer optional carbon ceramic brakes should owners try and test that 195 mph top speed. The standard Spur's engine offers 552 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. Standard equipment on the Spur includes twin HID headlights with washer jets, 19-inch alloy wheels, a tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a choice of 16 colors. The front seats feature lumbar massage, memory and heat settings. The rear seat's outer occupants enjoy lumbar massage and heating settings as well.

Awaiting its 2012 model-year update, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur is back for 2011 and in showrooms, largely carried over from 2010.

The Flying Spur still looks contemporary, if more sedate than the Conti GT that shares its architecture. Inside, the Flying Spur's dual-binnacle dash is dressed in walnut or chestnut veneers, all precisely hand-cut and matched to create a mirror-image grain symmetry. A twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine channels 552 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque in the Spur. The Bentley Continental Flying Spur exudes refinement and sophistication in its driving experience. Strong, silent, and fast, the Spur quietly glides over road imperfections and is unruffled at 100-mph-plus speeds. The steering's without much sensation, but the Spur is incredibly stable at speed.

Like the Continental GT coupe, the Continental Flying Spur has all-wheel drive.

New for 2011
A Series 51 model allows customers to customize exterior and interior colors and features.

Exterior
Though a sedan, the Continental Flying Spur closely matches the appearance of the Continental GT coupe. Exterior features include:
Upright chrome grille
Large lower air intakes
19-inch wheels
Interior features include:
Available Naim 1,100-watt amplifier
Available backseat DVD system
Twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 engine produces 552 hp and 479 pounds-feet of torque
Adjustable air suspension

Safety
Standard safety equipment includes:
Eight airbags, including full-length side curtain airbags and side-impact airbags for both front and rear occupants
Electronic stability system
Continental Flying Spur Speed
Introduced in 2009, this package gives the Flying Spur a boost in power and an upgrade in ride and handling, along with a few exterior features.
Ride height lowered 10 millimeters versus standard Continental Flying Spur
20-inch multispoke alloy wheels.

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