Archive for June, 2011

2012 Nissan Versa Review

Posted on June 30, 2011 | Auto News, Auto Reviews.

The economy is still tough and many people are having difficulty making ends meet, let alone have the money to buy a new car. In times like these consumers place a high premium on value and that’s where the Nissan Versa delivers. It is by far one of the most affordable small vehicles on the market and starts at just around $10k. The interior offers enough room to seat five adults. A sportier looking hatchback version is available at an additional cost. Competitors of the Versa in the affordable compact niche include the Kia Soul, Kia Forte and Honda Fit.

Appearance wise, the Versa is clean and simple looking and focused more on utility and function than form. Fifteen inch wheels are available as well as multi-reflector halogen headlights. Performance for the Versa is more than adequate; consumers aren’t expecting a hot rod or high performance hot rod given the extremely low price. Handling is smooth and efficient while parking is a breeze due to the Versa’s compact size. The base engine is a four cylinder 1.6 engine with a 107 hp while the mid level trim sports a 1.8 Liter engine. A Continuously Variable Transmission is available which offers mileage of 38 mpg on the highway.

Despite its affordable cost, the Versa offers a high quality cabin and comfortable seats. The upper level trim even comes with materials that are soft to the touch. The trunk offers a generous amount of space at 13.8 cubic feet. The 2012 model comes standard with a stereo system; a feature that was only available as an option on the 2011 version. Additional standard features include AC, a trip computer, cup holders, brake assist, ABS and a tilting steering column. The Versa boasts the most legroom in its class.

Drawbacks to the car are that it’s traditional and old fashioned when it comes to technology. The windows need to be adjusted manually (no power windows are available) and the seats also need to be adjusted manually. Options such as Bluetooth and a navigation system are available at an additional cost but it will raise the price quite a bit. Despite its small stature, the Versa is big when it comes to driver and passenger safety. Standard safety features include traction control, an air bag system with a total of six bags, a tire pressure monitoring system and a LATCH system in order to secure child seats.

If you are looking to save money and want to purchase an economical car then the Versa definitely delivers when it comes to value. On top of that, gas mileage is quite good which adds to even more savings down the line.

2010 Lamborghini Reventon

Posted on June 28, 2011 | Auto News, Auto Reviews.

Lamborghini released the “ultimate driving machine” in 2010 when an open two-seat supercar called Lamborghini Reventon Roadster invaded the marketplace. This supercar isn’t just the quickest one in the world, but it’s also the most exclusive luxury sports vehicle ever built, because only twenty lucky drivers have the opportunity to take it for a ride each day. The marketplace price for every of those incredible Reventons is close to 1.1 million Euros, without taxes.

The Reventon offers superior performance as well as an incredible driving experience. The outside style of this Raging Bull is inspired through the fighter jet images. The resemblance is obvious especially because of its aggressive wedge shape. All the details are incredible and stylish such as the headlamps equipped with bi-xenon components which have LEDs able to offer daytime running lights. The bodyshell from the Reventon is made entirely from carbon fibre and sheet steel which is used for that door skins. It features a sharp design painted in a unique matt grey color which within the sunlight gives an impact of depth due to the metal particles that are part of the paint. The outside design is completed by the engineered Lamborghini Reventon wheels which have matt and glossy elements. Because of the five spoke rims which have small-crescent wings made from carbon fiber, the Reventon receives an unusual visual impression; that’s an experience by itself for about any first time admirer of the supercar. The Reventon’s front end could be raised by 1.6 inch for the purpose of protecting underneath from the car when it passes over potholes.

Inside, the 2010 Lamborghini Reventon is as spectacular as on the exterior. The cabin is well delimited and all the instruments are handy and simple to gain access to by the driver. It’s just like a modern aircraft. The Reventon Roadster doesn’t have the classic instrumentation from the coupe. All the details needed is delivered by using one transmissive and two transreflective liquid-crystal displays. The instruments are placed inside a casing bulk manufactured of solid aluminum mounted in a dashboard made of carbon fibre. The interior is included in Alcantara and leather. The seats are comfy and in it are hidden two pop-up bars which deploy in a second in case of an imminent rollover.

Underneath the hood, the 2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster hosts a powerful 6.5 liter V12 engine able to produce 670 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. Consequently, the Reventon goes from zero to 100 km/h in only 3.4 seconds as the maximum speed achieved is close to 330 km/h. It’s an icon of the engineering innovations that amaze the planet. This powerful engine is really a masterpiece with two chains which drive the 4 camshafts that lead the 48 valves. The dry sump lubrication makes sure that the high performance power unit is continually supplied with oil. The supercar is also designed with the Viscous Traction all-drive system as well as an e.gear automated six-speed transmission. The gear is activated hydraulically also it offers three different modes: the standard, the Corsa along with a “low adherence” mode. The brake system from the 2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster is equipped with air channels especially made to cool down the brakes. The carbon fibre ceramic discs will also be contained in the standard package. At high speeds the Reventon offers stability and safety, because of this incredible brake system and because of the traction control system.