Archive for May, 2011
BMW Engines Prove Their Quality
Posted on May 30, 2011 | Auto News, Auto Reviews.
Everyone who knows about cars knows this, BMW makes high performance cars that are top of the line quality. BMW has been providing this level of quality since it started rolling out cars in 1916. One may ask how BMW’s quality stacks up against the rest of the competition. Try 4 out of 8 size categories taken by BMW at this year’s prestigious International Engine of the Year Awards 2011. This is against stiff competition such as known automakers Audi, Ferrari, Volkswagen, Fiat, and others. Voted on by 65 judges from over 32 different counties this award one of the most sought after in the international car business. The engines are judged on every aspect of the engine including fuel economy, smoothness, performance, noise, and drivability Since 1999 BMW has taken 50 class category and overall awards at these ceremonies proving a long standing dominance in the international car world.
BMW took the 1.4 liter to 1.8 liter category with its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that is in the Mini Cooper S making this the fourth year in a row that BMW has taken this category. The engine uses Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and a variable valve control using technology developed for BMW’s patented VALVETRONIC system. At 1.6 L generating 184 horsepower this engine is the most powerful and efficient for its size.
The BMW 123d and the BMW X1 xDrive23d’s engine, a 4 cylinder diesel, took the 1.8L to 2L category by providing a best in class 204hp. It did this in addition to providing excellent fuel economy and low emission levels. This makes it the second year in a row that this engine has taken the 1.8L-2L category.
In the next size class of engine BMW once again took an award for the second year in a row in the 2.5 liter to 3 liter category with its 3 liter V6 engine found in its BMW 5 Series, BMW X3, BMW 6 Series Convertible, and the new BMW 6 Series Coupé. Utilizing a Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct injection technology High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC valve control BMW managed to fight off competition by once again providing excellent power (320 hp) at a fuel efficient rate. The older version of this model have taken three of these awards and won overall in the years 2007-2008.
The naturally aspirated 4 liter V8 engine that is in the BMW M3 Coupé, BMW M3 Saloon, and BMW M3 Convertible has the most impressive streak of any of the engines BMW is running with a 4 year streak of dominance in the 3 liter to 4 liter category. This engine generates a huge amount of horsepower at 420. The BMW engine, aside from featuring excellent performance and impeccable efficiency, also has superior features such as Auto Start Stop function; brake energy regeneration and further Efficient Dynamics technologies that give the BMW engine a mercurial feel.
With its recent successes and history of remarkable quality and amazing performance, along with its drive to provide the best car to its customers, one can only expect that BMW will be back with a vengeance at next year’s International Engine of the Year Awards.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze – The Next Toyota Camry
Posted on May 27, 2011 | Auto News, Auto Reviews.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze promises to be General Motor’s (GM’s) crowning glory in the small sized car category. In road comparison tests against the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic, the Cruze performed admirably and out-classed these other vehicles with its aggressive styling. In fact, the interior has been compared to the quality and style of both the Accord and Maxima.
For those interested in purchasing and owning a purely American vehicle, the Cruze would not be it. The Chevrolet Cruze is stated as having a “global nature” to its design. The original architecture was engineered in Germany; however, the Daewoo Lacetti is a product of Daewoo, a Korean company, and that vehicle was transformed into what GM is now calling the Cruze. Nevertheless, no matter where it originated, the Cruze’s sticker price, styling, and performance is sure to position this vehicle nicely against the Toyota Camry.
The vehicle boasts that it can seat five adults, but shoulder room in the rear row of seats may make the middle adult feel a little tight. The front seats feature 54.7 inches of shoulder room, 39 inches of headroom, and 42 inches of legroom. The rear seats have 52 inches of shoulder room, 37 inches of headroom, and 36.5 inches of legroom. The Cruze provides 15 cubic feet of cargo space, and can hold a maximum of 15 gallons of gasoline. Fortunately, the turbocharged 4-cylinder, 1.4-liter engine claims to produce 40 miles per gallon fuel efficiency. However, because the EPA has not finished with fuel efficiency testing, the 40 miles per gallon figure has not been qualified.
The Chevy Cruze is available in five trim styles; the LS priced at $18,175, the 1LT priced at $18,175, the 2LT priced at $20,675, the ECO priced at $18,175, and the LTZ priced at $21,975. All styles come equipped with a six-speed transmission. The LS and the ECO come standard with a manual transmission and the others come standard with an automatic. Depending on the trim style selected, the Cruze employs 16-inch steel wheels that can be upgraded to alloy or 17-inch alloy. The LTZ style uses 17-inch alloy wheels as standard and can be upgraded to 18-inch alloy.
In comparison to the Camry, the Cruze is much quieter. GM has strategically placed vibration dampening throughout the passenger compartment and, due to the turbocharged engine and six speed transmission, drivers and passenger will enjoy the lack of engine noise. Another reason the 2011 Cruze may replace the Camry is the price difference. Camry’s sticker price is higher than that of the Cruze and the two provide nearly the same options. Lastly, because the Camry is closing in on the end its life cycle, it is unlikely that Toyota will invest large amounts of money into an old product line in order to make it competitive with the new line of vehicles being produced.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a small vehicle with a grown-up style. From the luxurious interior to the zippy, yet fuel efficient, engine and transaxle, the Cruze is sure to win the hearts of the American public with style and grace.