2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 2011 is one of the last of his career. Gone are the days of cheap, front-wheel drive sports coupe from Japan, like the Acura RSX, Honda Prelude and Toyota Celica. Tastes have changed and corporate priorities have changed. Today, there was a resurgence of inexpensive fun cars, but most belong to the hot hatch genre. But for those who laugh a trap stupid and miss the old days of sports coupe, the Eclipse 2011 is a nice relic. It is also one of the few convertibles your price range.

From the moment it was introduced four years ago, the Eclipse coupe and convertible Spyder current differs mainly because of their outrageous style, highlighted by a deeply raked windshield, a beltline tilted forward and a round, curvaceous rear end. A smart key is spoiler GS models transparent background, while the GT can be equipped with a funky two-tone interior, reminiscent of a Creamsicle.

Unfortunately, however, especially when it is desirable ends Eclipse. Its standard four-cylinder will not move the heavy coupe and cabriolet with a semblance of authority and its fuel economy is not particularly impressive. The big V6 found in the GT boasts robust power but overwhelms the front wheels with torque. Eclipse coupe handling is also far from the Chevrolet Cobalt SS and the Honda Civic Si (coupe other relics) or hot hatches such as Mazda Speed ??3, Mini Cooper S and VW GTI.

Eclipse is nice to look inside, but on closer inspection there are unpleasant stuff. The common characteristics, such as the telescoping steering wheel, rear seat headrests and navigation system is not available, and there is also much less rear-seat space that most of its competitors.

Of the two, the Eclipse Spyder models are more attractive of the two simply because there is not much competition. Those same price (Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, VW Eos) are radically different types of drop-top. We think they are all worth watching.

What a coupe, as we remember the Good Old Days Mitsubishi Eclipse, version of 2011, but an interesting player in the former shell of himself. There would be difficulty in choosing one rather than the Civic and Cobalt SS is, or a rear-wheel drive Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. If you care about the price of fuel more efficient and low, Kia Forte Scion tC coupe and based on alternatives as well. Also, do not so quickly dismiss those hot hatches. Times have changed, and affordable sports cars are developed. Eclipse can be a pleasant memory, but it is a relic, though.

body types, levels of output and settings

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is available in two body styles: coupe and convertible Spyder. Both people four people are available in Sport GS and GT, while the GS Coupe adds a base plate.

GS is a 18-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, tilt, only the steering wheel, driver lumbar adjustment, 50/50 split rear seat and six speaker audio system with CD player. GS Sport adds xenon headlights, fog lights, sunroof, power heated mirrors, heated leather seats, power driver seat, six way, Bluetooth and a nine speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and steering wheel controls. Spyder convertible roof includes a power supply. GT adds standard V6 engine, a larger rear brakes, a larger rear stabilizer bar, large rear spoiler (coupe only) and automatic air-conditioning. There are no meaningful alternatives to the factory, even if the iPod adapter is one of several dealer-installed accessories.

Powertrain & Performance

Every 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a front-wheel drive. The GS models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 162 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. GS is a five-speed manual transmission, while the four-speed automatic is optional for the GS and standard on the Sport GS. Estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway cars and 23 mpg one.

The Eclipse GT gets a 3.6-liter V6 with 265 horsepower and 262 lb good-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. This engine requires premium fuel and its fuel economy is estimated at 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.

Security

2011-Mitsubishi Eclipse comes standard with four-wheel antilock brakes, stability control and side airbags front seat. Cup characterized by a front airbags and side curtain side airbags Spyder receives more than cover the heads of people. There are no rear headrests. Eclipse Spyder has received the Insurance Institute for best score of the Road Safety "good" in both frontal-offset tests and side impact.

Design and Special Features

Eclipse cabin is both elegant and simple, thanks to a sweeping dashboard and chrome-rimmed gauges attractive with cool blue backlight. Unfortunately, this modern gay is tempered by the use of certain plastic materials of inferior quality and a steering wheel that telescopes. The front seats are sturdy and supportive, but the rear seat upright is no headrest and provides no flexibility (especially with the tailgate inclined cutting). The hatchback design offers to provide some additional equipment, but that makes 50/50-split-folding back.

The Spyder features a soft top convertible with three layers. Losing It is a breeze. Release header latches, press a button and the summit itself fits under the hood fixes in 19 seconds and it goes up just as quickly. Unfortunately, this design severely restricts rearward vision with the hood and limits trunk space to only 5.2 cubic feet.

Driving Impressions

For many drivers, the dynamics driving the 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse might be a bit of a disappointment. GT V6 produces a lot of power, but to get all the horses on the pavement can often lead to a high dose of skating and torque. Unlike V6, struggling four-cylinder with a heavy Eclipse - less engine acceleration can be described as anemic.

Another point of discord is the great turning radius, which requires much more multi-point being that the other vehicles. The overall management should satisfy most drivers, but those with a taste for performance will probably find inspiration in a number of competitors or sports coupe hatchback. The Spyder will be on a frame a little softer over the bumps that we would like, but not enough to ruin an otherwise enjoyable driving.

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2011 Saab Phoenix Review

Elegant, innovative and very effective: the Phoenix Concept Car Saab introduces the features and technologies that will drive the next generation of Saab cars.

Based on a novel architecture that allows the next Saab 9-3, Saab Posted Phoenix Design 'aeromotional ": a visual record of the principles of aerodynamic design and passion for innovation that inspired the creators of the first Saab car Ursaab iconic.

The Saab concept covers PhoeniX tear, "liquid metal" jet forms and a spectacular greenhouse flag of inspiration that gives expression to the expenditure covering topics Saab design firm and translucent ice blocks.

A clean, well-muscled form allows exceptionally low coefficient of drag, only 0.25 and is also considering to flow through a distinctive "installed" winglets ".

Butterfly opening doors give easy access to a 2 +2 cabin, which combines simplicity with technology. It has a minimalist approach, "deleted" feel, as a new expression of the design based on the Saab driver and a world first Saab infotainment Iqon innovative communications system. In fact, the Saab tradition, there is also a surprisingly versatile loading platform.

"Phoenix will establish a new benchmark for the design of future Saab products," said Jason Castriota, Saab Automobile's managing director of design. "It symbolizes the rebirth of the spirit of innovation and passion that drove the Saab to build its first car. We are now taking DNA visual on what we call "aeromotional 'design, adds emotion, power and fluidity. This design aesthetic form and differentiate future models in the portfolio of Saab. "

The murmur of the body, Saab Phoenix has at its disposal an innovative rear electric transmission mated to a sophisticated 200 hp 1.6-liter gasoline engine turbo. The result is an intelligent, the capacity of hybrid four-wheel drive, which improves comfort and reduces fuel consumption. fuel combined cycle and CO2 emissions should be only 5.0 l/100 km and 119 g / km.

Aeromotional Design

Saab Concept topic PhoeniX aeromotional "design is inspired by the roots of Saab's aviation and called Ursaab expression, the prototype aircraft designed by the engineers who created the first generation of Saab cars.

The full form of the Phoenix Concept Saab is apparently shaped by the wind. Tightly wrapped in a skin-like liquid, the cabin looks like a block of ice and tear of darkness seems to emerge from the center of the body's muscles. Two major currents flow along the hood to the windscreen pillars dressed as if barely able to hold off a powerful structure.

 

The reverse is also black screen broke through the outer skin of the rear wheel, the allusions to the conical shape of teardrop style rear Ursaab, echoes "sawed off" Kamm tail, while a form of cut first Saab, the sonnets.

The low front style has a broad interpretation of the three ports Saab grill. A central body color wing is now dominant, according to the minimalist design of the car, LED lights are almost invisible to its board. The new grille and hood are among the ways the style of the subjects could see the future of Saab automobile production.

Butterfly doors to ensure better access to low cab. There is no visible handles or door mirrors to disturb the flow of air cameras and small, thin stems rear view.

'Winglets' Roof PhoeniX Enable Saab concept to cut through the air as efficiently as possible. The air flow channel on the side of the car and direct the entire parcel shelf, which reduces lift forces for greater stability without increasing drag.

minimalist interior

In true Scandinavian tradition, the 2 +2 cabin adopts a minimalist style. It has been "stripped" feeling of a racing car, with seats shaped metal shell and inner sections that mimic the network exposed to a safety cage.

sweet expression is given to the instrument Saab traditional driver-oriented design. A circular platform in front of the driver in the shape of the afterburner of a jet engine, the presentation of data in conjunction with the HUD.

Angle of 45 degrees to the pilot, a separate module Saab Infotainment hosts Iqon and advanced communication system. For good ergonomics, 8-inch touch screen is as close to the fingertips of the driver and the steering wheel.

Saab iQon (see separate release for details) is a platform car pioneer of communication using the Google operating system AndroidTM. On the basis of "open innovation" with innovative third-party vendors and application developers, consisting of an integrated IT platform that connects directly to the Internet when the car ignition is on. The touch screen provides access to navigation and entertainment audio streaming, online, on storing music on board, and download applications such as smartphones.

Red light for all the tools and environment, cabin lighting brings warmth and feeling of the cabin. This includes the floor, where they are exposed to LED light tubes for punching black carpet. It's all part of a new design strategy aeromotional 'which includes the "fire and ice" effect.

Saab Concept PhoeniX costumes curves cover a hatch in depth. Provides access to a flat loading platform, including folding rear seats and a track to load cargo adaptable.

efficient propulsion

Under the sculpted hood and under the cargo deck, the concept Saab Saab powertrain PhoeniX progress rightsizing strategy. Its propulsion system combines a high-efficiency turbocharged 1.6-liter with innovative technology and electric drive rear wheel.

The gasoline engine packs compact all-aluminum 200 hp (147 kW) and includes variable valve timing and lift control and start / stop function, minimal losses from pests and a fuel cut function. A stainless steel tank fitted, which is easier and less expensive than conventional plastic design

The engine is the innovative Saab eXWD support system. Rear disc includes a housing chamber 25 kW (34 hp) electric motor / generator powered by a low battery. Regenerative braking is used to support the battery.

Now Saab emerging next-generation hybrid propulsion system that allows you to benefit from four-wheel drive, and at the same time reduce fuel consumption. Using a six-speed manual gearbox, there is a kombi fuel economy and CO2 emissions are just 5.0 l/100 km and 119 g / km.

The driver can choose one of three eXWD use of space. The default mode the exact fuel efficiency and CO2 to reduce the load on the steering gasoline engine at low speeds, the Sport mode contains the maximum power for the entire axle torque vectoring rear chassis control and traction mode allows more than one excellent good grip to take off and slippery conditions.

Inside and out, this PhoeniX Saab Concept Design and Technology new directions that will be part of future Saab products.

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2011 Infiniti Etherea Review

Making its debut at the Geneva Convention of 2011, Etherea Infiniti Concept compact luxury car reinvented for a new generation of discerning younger buyers, while providing a vision of a future European Infiniti lineup, when the convention of any distinctive character challenge to the note obtained in the compact segment for the first time.

"Etherea on a new type of luxury," said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and Global Head of Infiniti Business Unit.

"It 's the younger buyers who want a smaller version of the luxury cars typically conservative and traditional. There are people who want a car that defines who they are, who their parents were not."

Infiniti is the encapsulation of everything - even in the absence of a compromise on a hybrid power and driving pleasure - in the car long 4.4, Etherea Infiniti Concept offers a bold new approach for the premium compact class. Its dynamic nature and very sculptural, close to the mono-qualified offer in the form of a silhouette of the kind currently in the classroom.

"Etherea is completely different from the current compact luxury car," said the director of design, Shiro Nakamura. "It 's suitable for a new generation of drivers who see themselves as different.

"As an exploration of what a future entry-level Infiniti Infiniti loves Etherea Concept is very important and a breakthrough in this Infiniti thinks to himself."

Bancon, Director General of exploratory and advanced products, said: "We believe the market - and buyers of compact cars - is ready for a car like that, especially in Europe as a means to isolate such insurance owner progressive. and a little off the beaten track, Infiniti Etherea concept fits very well with what Infiniti is all about. "

Performance

Infiniti Etherea segment-busting concept of appeal is based on a number of vehicles coming together of styles. It is part of an elegant coupe, which is part of a large sedan, which is part of the tailgate practical, and even some long-crossover. And Infiniti is also a great sport to help the car it drives.

Like all Infiniti Etherea will actively engage in parallel with high design. The concept car is designed for powerful, yet very efficient hybrid power train is based on a platform of home and a clutch of innovative electric / twin used Infiniti M35h first hybrid brand is currently sold throughout Europe.

Turbocharged 2.5-liter gasoline 4-cylinder engine developing 245 hp offers a rapid response and strong acceleration during the performance. Hurry up power when the need for more and provides a quiet, emission-free driving at low speeds, an electric motor. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) type and the Infiniti is the first to drive the front wheels.

How M35h, the hybrid powertrain is designed to use clean electricity to more frequent, longer and at higher speeds that hybrids tend to treat, add Infiniti Etherea the concept of hybrid advantages of the open road and away from the busy city streets. This maximizes efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions even more, do not make compromises when driving in the front.

Independent suspension, regenerative braking and advanced drive-by-wire electric / hydraulic steering to further improve the balance between performance and greenness.

Design

Designed in Japan under the direction of Shiro Nakamura, Etherea cut that is more sedan-inspired, with many flourishes Infiniti supercar concept first seen in Essence. However, the elegant profile Etherea Infiniti Concept is not at the expense of functionality. Despite appearances, Etherea boasts a large liftgate.

With a platform is internally developed for Infiniti, ensure the long wheelbase and overhangs uncharacteristic Infiniti visual balance and sporting appeal. The cover is perhaps not as the Infiniti RWD, but the proportions are just as finely judged and the overall look equally balanced, with C increasing single pillar, offering a dynamic and highly characteristic signature Infiniti.

A spacious four-seater cabin offers all the luxury Infiniti owners expect, and unparalleled ease of on and off, increasing the H point, which is higher than the average compact cars to luxury. Four large doors, rear-hinged, and because the B-pillar offers an unprecedented feeling of openness.

A relative of Infiniti design has been developed to meet the challenge of the concept car. The headlights, for example, define "face" Infiniti clearer than ever. With a subtle curves, the lights are daytime running lights as a crescent of the LED. In the future, new lights are destined to become a popular feature of Infiniti.

"Other elements of exterior design and interior craftsmanship began to have an important influence on the production models in the future," said Shiro Nakamura.

Project manager and designer exterior Giichi Endo said ether can be summarized as a "four-door coupe with the practicality of five doors -. a sedan that does not look like a hatchback has been key management new front-drive architecture - very different from the rear-drive FM platform Infiniti designers are accustomed to working with - to provide the traditional outbreak of Infiniti of seduction "to the design while providing the key to a car on the habitability Class 4.4.

Wide doors, rear doors hinged at the back, and B-pillar was the central idea that we can do as the car open and welcoming as possible. Access is further reducing the height of the car. Infiniti Etherea concept is a crossover, but the driver H (hip) higher than that of ordinary compact car, it's easy and a bit of command driving position, which separates as the Infiniti FX. The designers have talked a bit 'high-style body "Lift-Up."

In terms of concept Etherea Infiniti offers a unique feeling of solidity. In a design that immediately connects with the rest of the family Infiniti is the high bonnet line led by a network of depth. An updated version of the double arch design Hyundai familiar, fine mesh grill is translucent with the light are both fully functional and very artistic.

Shiro Nakamura said in the profile is a suggestion of a mono-volume design - very different from current pretenders to the compact luxury segment.

The highlight of this project, however, Nakamura pillars around the base - as he says, one of the most difficult areas to get right to the designer of any car. Etherea in this area is done in a style unlike any other car - with the exception of Essence, which in turn a source of inspiration. The key to this work has been exaggerated by the length of the front fender-pillar extends a plane coming together very sculptural. A small window of the fourth pillar provides a clear out. It makes everything a modern and innovative design to inject energy to the whole machine.

Comfort, space and capacity

Just as the front-wheel drive platform has a new design possibilities for the Infiniti from the outside, does not permit a bold new approach to the cabin. The flat floor and comfortable opening, Infiniti Concept Etherea interior has been designed with comfort and space while offering luxury and craftsmanship Infiniti buyers expect. As Francois counter says: "Your first experience in the premium luxury car should feel that way."

The B pillar-less design and open the opposite door cab and highlights its easy access and excellent rooms. In the absence of transmission tunnel and a flat floor, welcoming the opening of the cabin Etherea extends through the car, with only elegantly slim consoles between the four posts that act as arms and home control assistant.

As each driving position is sporty Infiniti. The control layout is very focused on the driver, but not in a way that excludes passengers. Here is a concept that can be luxurious and sporty all share. For example, the center of the dashboard has a double screen, as both easily accessible to the front passenger than the driver. The bottom, more like the screen is a touch screen to control functions such as climate control and entertainment, while the display is intended only to display the information.

"Hamon" is a Japanese word to call the dashboard. It refers to the ripples on a pond, which radiate outward from a stone thrown in water. Similarly to call radiate outward central rev counter. It 's a highly ergonomic and elegant solution.

harmonious design and materials are at the heart of Etherea Infiniti Concept interior, as they are in any Infiniti. Features making their debut include Etherea Kumihimo, piping on the seats kimono and Inuyarai, slashes in the elimination of interior doors. Etherea debut as the new set of Infiniti, a version of finished parchment style known in Japanese washi. The new finish called Kasane Washi-and introduces a new form of paper sheet, improve its texture. The know-how in Etherea Infiniti concept is inspired by Japanese culture, and reinterpreted by technology.

Since the study of the future entry-level model of production Infiniti Etherea off existing market segments, the proof that Infiniti, allowing its Alliance Partner, is serious about competing, as well as a compact luxury and Europe.

Bancon said: "Etherea is a redefinition, not a revolution - one car for buyers whose idea of ??luxury is very different from the stereotypes Etherea Infiniti Concept is not a stereotype is a bit borderline cases, is an expression of identity. .. and personality. It adds the new values, and disseminate existing. More than anything, it is not just another luxury compact car. "

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