DRIVEN TO DRIVE

Archive for the ‘NEW VEHICLES’ Category

The other day I picked up a Subaru Forester. My first question was – “So where is the Sumo wrestler?” Okay, it didn’t come with one so one less mouth to feed, but what did it come with?

First it came with the heart and soul of Subaru. As I’ve mentioned many times before, Subaru beats its own path – marches to a different drummer as it were. It doesn’t get caught up in the oft times and seemingly frivolous one-upmanship rivalries seen in other parts of the automotive market. Subaru has its own philosophy when it comes to vehicle design and as a result, it has captured a niche market and a dedicated following – a following incidentally, which is growing as a very steady rate. Read the rest of this entry »

2011 Subaru Forester – Images by Michael A. Coates

Stuttgart – Electric drive will take on an increasingly important role in the further enhancement of Porsche Intelligent Performance. To combine greater efficiency with even lower fuel consumption and emissions, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is working consistently not only on the ongoing development of hybrid concepts already in regular production, but also on practical tests as part of the Stuttgart Model Region for Electromobility, using three research cars with all-electric drive based on the Porsche Boxster.

In the test process, these three electric Boxsters are to provide an initial first important insight into new electric drive components and battery systems for all-electric vehicle drive. This field test intended to also provide further findings on the infrastructure required for electromobility, user behaviour and the demands made of future products, is to start in early 2011.

Michael Macht, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Porsche AG, sees this contribution made by Porsche as absolutely essential: “We will definitely be offering an electric sports car in future. But such a concept only makes sense if it offers product qualities typical of a Porsche.”

Porsche has been committed to electric mobility for a long time, thus helping to preserve the environment and save resources in our world: The spectacular concept study of the 918 Spyder high-performance mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid combines high-tech breakthroughs in engine technology and electromobility with a truly fascinating range of further qualities. Emissions otherwise to be found only on a super-mini of just 70 g/km CO2 with three litres fuel consumption for 100 kilometres in the NEDC (equal to 94.1 mpg imp), come with the performance of a super sportscar developing well over 600 horsepower.

The hybrid system of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid has been developed especially for racing, with two 60 kW (82 hp) electric motors on the front axle boosting the 480 hp six-cylinder power unit fitted at the rear. Replacing conventional batteries there is an electrical flywheel power storage system re-charged whenever the driver applies the brakes and thus delivering energy to the electric motors. The 911 GT3 R Hybrid has already proven its racing qualities in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Introducing the Cayenne S Hybrid, Porsche also offers the first production car in the range able to run under electric power alone. With maximum output of 380 hp, the Cayenne S Hybrid makes do in the NEDC cycle with just 8.2 ltr/100 km (equal to 34.5 mpg imp), and CO2 emissions reduced to a mere 193 g/km. This hybrid technology will also be featured in the future Panamera S Hybrid due to enter the market next year.

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS is essentially a very nice car.  It’s well built and performs admirably. But it has its quirks, and it takes time to adjust to them.  But overall I was impressed, not only be the functionality but by the quality.  This car could have/should have scored a higher mark and would have had it not been for a few, let’s say, items that have room for improvement 

Don’t forget that these ratings are somewhat subjective – however we do strive to be fair. Therefore readers should not get themselves in a tizzy if their opinions differ.

So in conclusion, here is the score card for the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS –

Click here to see rating system

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse –

• Exterior Styling –  8.5
• Interior Styling –  8.5
• Passenger Comfort – 7.5 (8 for front seat passengers – 7 for rear seat passengers)
• From The Driver’s Seat – 7 (could have been an 8 if it wasn’t for the weird mirrors and huge “A” pillar
• Performance and Handling – 8
• Practicality and Versatility – 7  (Low door frames make it difficult for passengers to enter and exit, plus small access to trunk).
• User Friendliness – 8 (This was a bit of an enigma – once a person has become familiar with the vehicle, it is user friendly, but there is a steep learning curve.  This core is based upon knowning what everything is all about).
• Quality of Materials and Workmanship – 8.5
• Active and Passive Safety – 6  (While the Buick LaCrosse scored well in safety, having optional airbags is a huge no-no)

Over all 7.7

Here’s what I do like

Let me emphasise, these are things I like! Again, others may agree. Some people may be impartial and some may even disagree. I don’t care – here are the things I like about this vehicle.

Performance and Handling

The Buick Lacrosse CXL is essentially an upscale family car with four doors for two adults, two kids and the family dog.  It’s not there to compete with the “zero to 60 in under 5 seconds” crowd, or for occupants to experience excessive G-forces in corners. It’s a vehicle designed to transport family members to and fro in relative luxury, and to that end it does it very well.

The LaCrosse CXS comes with the 280hp 3.6L V6 transverse mounted motor that produces 259 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm, and this is delivered to the road via a 6-speed automatic transmission.  What does this mean?  It means the CXS has more power than the average driver will ever need.

What is important is the fact that this power is delivered cleanly and smoothly, and the transmission’s shifts are hardly noticeable.  For those who require more fun, there is the fully automatic Sport Mode.  Simply move the shifter to the left and enjoy the shifts at higher rpm.  For those who want total Driver Shift Control – while in Sport Mode, move the shifter forwards or backwards to either shift up or to shift down.

Brakes – When you have over 4000 lbs of un-laden vehicle being thrust by 280 hp, then it’s nice to have the confidence of a good set of brakes.  While I only had to use the brakes in earnest once.  That was when someone driving a car to my left decided at the last moment to take the exit looming on my right and in so doing.  This little act of folly, almost resulted in a re-sculptured front left fender.  I don’t know.  It’s big, it’s white, it has light – what’s not to notice?  Anyway, thanks to the Buick’s full set of disk brakes, calamity was averted.  I can’t tell in this case, if the braking system’s Intelligent Assist was activated or not, but for those unfamiliar with this feature – the amount of “enthusiasm” applied to the brakes at any given moment is instantly analysed and the appropriate amount of braking is adjusted accordingly.

Wheels and Tires – When all is said and done, it’s the wheels and tires that call the shots.  The wheels determine the shape of the tire’s contact patch and it’s the tires that grip the road.  Now, I’m somewhat embarrassed to have driven a vehicle with 19” wheels wearing 245/40 profile tires (Goodyear Eagles RS-A All Season tires), with temperatures dipping below freezing.  In warmer temperatures, these tires would no doubt come into their own realm of happiness.  That’s not say they didn’t perform well – they did, but winter tires are better this time of the year.  Tire profile is a give and take.  The lower the profile, the better the handle.  The lower the profile, the harsher the ride.  Having said that, the ride was very good so I can only surmise this car must be a dream to drive in ideal temperatures.

From The Driver’s Seat

The Buick LaCrosse wasn’t the easiest car to get accustomed to.  It certainly had its quirks, but the interesting thing was – the more I drove it, the more I enjoyed driving it.  It’s a shame that the new buyer only gets to drive a vehicle around the block from which they have to decision.  I was still discovering things about this vehicle after a week of driving. We’ve talked about the “A” pillar and mirrors in Day 6, so here are some of the other quirks –

-

• The seat controls were down the side of the seat but were difficult to reach with the door closed.  This was interesting – seat controls in this location have been a problem if a seat belt gets caught up in them.  However, the way the seat belt is positioned – it is very difficult to get the belt caught.  I can’t tell if this was deliberate or accidental.  Either way, I would have preferred to have the seat controls up out of the way.

• There are two memory positions for the driver’s seat which is convenient if there are two drivers.  However, the steering column has only manual telescopic and tilt.  It would seem natural that this adjustment be powered and therefore be tied into the memory control.

And here is some of the really kool stuff -

• I love the “Head up Display” (HUD) – this is not a gimmick.  The vehicle speed, in either Digital or Analog format, is displayed just below the line of sight.  It’s unobtrusive yet convenient.  Warnings about the possibility of ice, for example, pop up from time to time.

• The harman/kardon sound system delivered through 11 speakers is a joy to behold.  I never did quite find all 11 speakers, but who cares when you’re listening to the rich voice of Andrea Bocelli in the days leading up to Christmas.

• Navigations systems get better and better and this was one of the best – perhaps because it was one of the latest.  Regardless, I liked it.  I was also amused by the fact that when I got a low fuel warning, the navigation system immediately displayed the location of nearby gas stations.  Why did I suddenly run low on gas?  Well, it was because the fuel gauge was not quite linear.  It wouldn’t be the first GM vehicle that had left me stranded because of this little quirk.  OK guys – we’ve had our fun – now make it fixed!!  Gas gauges are only useful when they are linear.

THERE’S MORE TO COME  – Stay Tuned

This review was written based purely upon personal experiences gained during a test drive of one vehicle over a period of one week. The vehicle was evaluated solely upon its merits and not by price nor in direct comparison to any other vehicle. Prospective buyers are encouraged to contact their local dealerships to arrange a test drive to evaluate the vehicle based upon their own needs and requirements.