HONDA 2011

HONDA 2011

HONDA Videos

2011 Honda Element Review

By Daren C Cari  

When it comes to listing the top compact SUVs out there, the 2011 Honda Element will be somewhere at the top of the list. It gets a 9, out of 23 of the finest compact SUVs in the market, and this is after reviewing and analyzing over sixty published reviews regarding the same type of vehicles. The vehicle has gone through a lot of test driving in order to list it as an effective machine in the sports utility sector, and it does stand out. Essentially, the Honda Element epitomizes utility. The majority of reviewers are satisfied in that aspect, and so the buyers can trust that they won't be disappointed if that's what they are looking for in the vehicle.
The vehicle comes in two models both of which offers two wheel drive and of course the 4 wheel drive. The models are the LX and EX.
A decent but edgy type of vehicle to move around with in the city or outside in a rough terrain while maintaining a stable drive is what attracts buyers to this particular SUV. It is durable and a lot of buyers find that most important. So what's to look out for in the small SUV? A LOT of space. In fact, the vehicle boasts a 74.6 cubic feet of cargo space; and with the back seats folding capability, you really have space in there.
Performance
This SUVs performance rating may very much have to do with individuals, preference, because a lot of people like its sturdy and noisy ride, while some don't. But other than that, the easy navigation and plenty of room inside make it worthwhile.
Exterior
The exterior is a winner for the 2011 Honda Element; in fact a lot of recent models of SUVs have copied the Element's type of exterior when it hit the market back in 03, so the 2011 is still a winner in that aspect.
Interior
Ample space for cargo, which is always a major plus, but the passengers may not have the same spacious area because the seats aren't all that big. The interior is actually made in a way that allows easy cleaning for you, with the rubber floors and a lot of plastic. This takes care of its utility aspect and gives you a chance to get dirty.
Safety
When it comes to safety, again, the utility vehicle doesn't disappoint. In fact it gained a top pick in safety from insurance, so the only question is whether or not it's reliable. Of course the safety having been considered, there's little to worry about.
Reliability
It scores an almost perfect mark on reliability, getting a 9.0 for the predicted reliability test ratings. To sum it up, if you're shopping for a sport utility vehicle, this one embodies utility. Plus, there's always the 36000mile/ 3year warranty to add to the credits.

If you're looking for a new SUV or large vehicle you can learn more about 7 passenger vehicles and view the latest 7 passenger SUVS at http://a-auto-auto.blogspot.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daren_C_Cari

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Holden Cars

Holden Cars

 Holden Cars Videos

Ford versus Holden

By Alastair Harris  

Within Australia the two main car manufactures were Ford and Holden. Holden originally an Australian company, since brought out by GM and Ford one of the earliest sellers of motor vehicles in Australia, are thus both seen to have an Aussie history that other car builders just don't have. Because of this when it comes to talking to Australian Petrol heads, better known as Bevans, one to the biggest arguments is which is better Fords or Holden's? normally referring to the Falcon vs. Commodores. Normally 6 cylinders, but they also both come in V8 editions.
Let me join the debate by saying both are seriously lacking.
In the course of my employ I have driven or been a passenger in both vehicles in a variety of demanding situations and at speed and I have criticisms of both.
In the case of the Falcon's, Ford has a long history of having what can only be described as 'loose' steering, in particular at high speed the Falcon's begin to 'float'. Just when you want a car to be holding stronger to the ground with great ground force they feel very soft on the road with the slightest bump pushing it all over the place. The latest editions of the Falcons I will admit have allot more pick up, power, acceleration, but without increased control this just makes it scary. Also at the top end, the pinging of the engine is a worry. The sound of the pistons hitting the head and producing what can only be described as a unique sound informs you this is not a performance vehicle.
Another problem with the Falcon is it goes into a rear end or tail skid very easily. That's alright for someone who knows what to do when this happens but very disturbing habit for anyone who's a bit green to driving.
The Commodores no Angel either. It does stick to the ground allot better than the Ford Falcon, but the latest editions seem gutless in comparison to driving a Ford. Further under heavy braking the steering control is not as good as the Falcon. Although not as easy as a Falcon to get into a skid, when it does skid it tends to be the more dangerous front wheel skid. Make sure the ABS is working or your in trouble.
In both cars at speed you could almost swear the fuel gauge is going down before your very eyes. Given today's fuel prices I don't know how anyone can afford to drive either of these large cars at around $100 a pop.
I can hear some people saying, come on, the Holden's and Fords dominate Australia's premier race the Bathurst 1000. In response, its not hard to dominate a race where the rules are doctored to ensure that Holden's and Fords are the only real contenders.
Let's face it Falcon's and Commodores are made to be FAMILY sedans. Sorry to let down all you Bevan's out there, but they are designed for mum, dad and the kids. Unless seriously modified with sports packs and more, the average Falcon and Commodore is designed for a nice Sunday drive, not as a hoon mobile.
If you disagree with this article please feel free to add your own comment.
(Please also note I strongly suggest you always obey the road rules and vehicle safety requirements. If you want to race or trial a vehicle do it at an official approved facility or circuit. Obey the rules, wear a seat belt, don't speed, stay alert and NEVER drink and drive - the article is personal opinion and should not be considered expert advice).

This article is the property of Alastair HARRIS and his immediate family. It may be freely republished over the internet but must include original links.

Alastair HARRIS is the main promoter for article-gems.com article directory (visit [http://www.article-gems.com]) and the getfinancialfreedom4u family of websites, blogs and projects (visit http://the-cars-cars.blogspot.com/) specializing in online business opportunities and education, income being generated by affiliate marketing, google, GDI, eBay, clip flipping and more. Alastair is rated as an expert author on numerous article directories and is very open to assisting others on the internet

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alastair_Harris

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Gumpert Tornante

Gumpert

Gumpert Tornante Videos

Gumpert Tornante Review

Gumperts of the past had been primarily designed for those who like to spend their weekends, not in Casino Café de Paris in Monte-Carlo but on the streets of the city where Formula 1 cars have been screaming past the terrifyingly close crash barriers, each time tweaking the ride height, camber, downforce to shave those vital seconds off every lap time. The car itself looked incredibly ugly with each and every surface designed to make the car as slippery as possible. Looks actually don’t matter for the average Gumpert owner and why would he bother when the 4.2 litre V8 produces 700 horsepower.
Now though, there is a new Gumpert out. The Tornante is what the new car is called and for the first time, designers seem to have given it an aesthetic touch. Gone are the humongous air intakes that used to push the car to the ground and so has gone the big, in-your-face spoiler. You still get gull-wing doors which probably was the only cosmetic feature on the Apollo.The twin-turbocharged 4.2 litre V8 still churns out 700 bhp but, unlike the old Apollo it uses paddle shifts in place of a sequential shifter. The TT40e transmission is also the one seen on the Apollo.
The Tornante scores more on the desirability scale over the Apollo. How this car handles without that huge wing at the back is something that will be clear once someone gets to drive it. But for now, there are rumors that the German supercar maker has plans for an even more powerful machine for the future. No doubt, its going to be insane.

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GTA Motor

GTA Spano



GTA Motor Videos

GTA Motor Review

“Full Throttle track tests the new GTA Spano in a world first drive on Spain’s Ricardo Tormo race circuit in Valencia.”

With 573kW and 920Nm, the GTA Spano is the real deal. Blisteringly quick with race-car-like handling, this may also be the best looking supercar on the planet right now; at least that’s what we think.

The car we drove is a prototype and is propelled by a monster 8.3-litre V10 engine, similar to that found in the US muscle car, the Dodge Viper.

But that’s where the comparisons stop. The GTA Spano is a mid-engine car built in Spain by GTA Motor in Valencia and bristles with high tech innovations, such as liquid crystal shading (you can vary the degree of light on the cabin) and a Windows XP operating system, which needs to boot up just like your own PC.

Domingo Ochoa, the owner of the company is one seriously passionate Spaniard, I had tears in my eyes after he described the effort that he and his team have put into this project.

We love the GTA logo too, it’s a coat of arms with a wolf on top (Ochoa meant wolf in medieval times) and a chequered flag on the lower half which fits nicely with the company’s racing heritage.

He has been constructing Formula 3 racecars for over fifteen years, so you’ll take my word for it when I tell you that this car is quick.

Try 0-100km/h in less than three seconds and a top speed of more than 350km/h and the Spano is literally super glued to the tarmac. The prototype we drove wasn’t quite tuned to full power, but I have no doubt that the production version, due for release later this year, will measure up.

I’m not sure how much has gone into this project but with only one GTA Spano in existence, you can bet this car is worth many millions of euros.  No surprise then, that the car was trucked to the Ricardo Tormo race track, along with the entire development team and diagnostics equipment for testing by the Full Throttle team.

The circuit was booked from 5pm-7pm, but we had to wait for a superbike session to wrap up before the car was wheeled out of the truck and readied for our serious track session. These guys was so quick that I’m surprised Spain doesn’t have more MotoGP riders in Pedrosa’s league.

Incidentally, this is the home of the Spanish MotoGP and apart from the high-speed main straight; this is an incredibly tight circuit.

After a quick run through by the technical guys in front of a decent and very enthusiastic crowd, I flicked the ignition switch and fired up the V10.

I pulled back the rather difficult racing style seven-speed sequential shifter and without stalling, hammered down pit lane towards the end of the straight and onto the track.

After several reasonably quick laps, you are praying for a set of quick shifting paddles which would allow you to enter and exit the corners much faster than what is possible with the manual shifter.

GTA Motor told us that the production cars will get exactly that, and with seven speeds which should be a treat.

This car has got loads of grip, the 20-inch rear wheels shod with massive Pirelli 330/35’s certainly help, but give them enough throttle through a corner and the car will try and step out, but not before you pull up to 1.3G, and that was without knowing the track.

It’s stable too, at just over 250km/h down the straight, the Spano feels solid and capable of much more before you downshift and set up for the left-hander and onto a series of snake like bends. This is where I would have liked some additional side bolster, at least in the driver’s seat.

The brakes are simply awesome, they’re courtesy of AP Racing and carbon ceramic, as you would expect.

I liked the steering though, plenty of feel from dead centre, although; my preference would be for a little more accuracy at high speed but nothing too dramatic.

The beauty of a monocoque constructed from exotic materials like carbon-fibre, Kevlar and Titanium, is huge torsional rigidity with minimal weight (the rest of the car is all carbon fibre panels). Try 1350 kg and when married to the sort of engine outputs listed above, the Spano was only ever going to be one of the fastest cars in the world, both on and off the track.

We can’t wait to drive the one of the production series of just 99 cars, which should start rolling out of the boutique factory later this year.

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