Tuesday, February 22, 2011
2012 Mercedes Benz CLS Class
2012 Mercedes Benz ClsMercedes-Benz struck styling gold with the first-generation CLS-Class, creating a new segment that sent rival automakers scrambling back to their design tables. Things are different the second time around, as the new 2012 CLS steps into a market suddenly littered with so-called ‘four-door coupes,’ with more on the way from Stuttgart’s German rivals Audi and BMW.
With the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the automaker has focused on improving the one area that defines its existence: design. The sides of the car feature much more pronounced sculpting that starts with the front wheel well and ends at the fresh set of LED taillights. Love it or hate it, this is one four-door that at the very least will draw your attention.
Not surprisingly, LED daytime running lights make an appearance, but the 2012 CLS has full LED headlights, as well. The 71 individual LEDs enhance visibility and frankly, they just look cool.
Inside the CLS' cabin, a wraparound dash makes the cockpit feel tailored, while a high-gloss analog clock adds an upscale touch. Design, Mercedes-Benz points out, is only half the story inside. Material quality has been upgraded in a further effort to distinguish the CLS from other segment players. Semi-aniline leather is just 1.6 millimeters thick and has an especially soft feel, according to the automaker.
Look to the dash and you'll see matte galvanized air vents and a hand-sewn leather dashboard. High-gloss brown burl walnut and black ash wood trims are standard equipment, but for a bit more cash, Mercedes will be happy to fit your CLS with black piano lacquer or carbon fiber instead. That black piano trim, by the way, is handcrafted and has up to seven layers to make sure it has the right high-gloss look.
2011 Toyota Yaris - Review Summary
2011 Toyota YarisThe 2011 Toyota Yaris is the best car for you if you want a no-worries fuel-sipper that acts bigger than its tiny size suggests – and didn’t suffer unintended-acceleration recalls.
The 2011 Toyota Yaris subcompact leverages light weight and modest power to achieve hybrid-like fuel economy. How does 29 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway sound? And that’s with automatic transmission and room for four adults. The 2011 Yaris is treated to some new colors and like all Toyotas – recalled or not – receives an electronic brake-override system. Prices for the 2011 Yaris start at a friendly $13,615. As the most desirable models tickle $16,000, however, you’ll need confidence in your priorities to resist the call of a larger car.
Should you buy a 2011 Toyota Yaris or wait for the 2012 Toyota Yaris? If you’re on a strict budget and need a new small car today, the 2011 Yaris won’t disappoint. The 2012 Yaris isn’t apt to get any compelling new features, but if you can wait for it you’ll be better positioned to compare Toyota’s smallest car against some compelling new rivals. One is the Ford Fiesta, which actually debuted as a 2011 model. Fiesta is impressive but can get a little pricey, easily costing $2,000-$3,000 more than a roughly comparable Yaris. The real rival for your attention is certain to be the all-new 2012 Hyundai Accent. Accent is already the best-seller in the subcompact class and Hyundai hopes to pad to its lead with the redesigned 2012 version.
2010 BMW Z4 Review
The 2010 BMW Z4 sees no major changes following its redesign for the 2009 model year. Z4 seats 2 and comes as a convertible with a power-retractable hard top. Z4 comes in two trim levels, each with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The sDrive30i has 255 horsepower, while the sDrive35i is turbocharged and has 300 horsepower. Both have a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic is optional on the sDrive30i. A 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual that behaves much like an automatic is optional on the sDrive35i. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. BMW's Dynamic Drive Control, which allows drivers to alter throttle, traction control, and steering response, is included as part of the optional Sport Package. The Sport Package also includes adjustable shock-absorber control and 18-inch run-flat tires. Leather upholstery and automatic climate control are optional on the sDrive30i and standard on the sDrive35i. A navigation system is optional. The optional "through-loading" system includes a luggage pass-through for skis or golf bags to the passenger compartment.
2010 BMW Z4
2010 BMW Z4
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