Posts Tagged ‘Better’

Volvo Xc90: Better and Better

As most automobiles age into their lifeline, the 2007 Volvo XC90 just gets superior and better, really more refined, and in its case the styling is enhanced with a new grille, bumpers and taillights.

The automobile gets an all-new 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that replaces the previous five cylinder, resulting in 235 horsepower, an increase of 27 hp, and an same 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Volvo is still offering the V8 option that develops 311 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. The new 6-cylinder and the V8 both meet the stringent ULEV II emissions standards.

The new six-cylinder produces enough power so that potential buyers don’t have to automatically default to the V8 if they’re looking to ensure they have enough power. It receives color-coordinated side moldings and door handles while the V8 gains aluminum roof rails and color-coordinated wheel arch moldings. Both models sport new outside mirrors with integrated turn signals that flash three times with light pressure on the turn signal stalk.

An upgraded interior features a standard leather gearshift for the cylinder.

Changes for the V8 include new watch-dial instruments and optional Sovereign Hide Chestnut Brown leather upholstery. Selecting the Touring Package for the V8 adds new Sapeli wood inlays including the gearshift knob and steering wheel, plus 18-inch “Camulus” alloy wheels to its already excellent Volvo parts. An auxiliary input, MP3 ability and satellite broadcasting preparation is standard on both models.

Volvo maintains its benchmark position with the XC90 because as Volvo’s most favourite selling automobile in the U.S., it’s done something other high-end brands haven’t been healthy to do — and that is really reflect the brand’s values and indistinguishability through design and performance. There’s a couple other high-end SUV makers that always leave you with the impression all they’ve done is slap their badge on a truck because they wanted to give their customers the option to have a high-end SUV. For the moment these other brands shall remain nameless.

But the focus here is on the Volvo XC90 that delivers a traditional SUV driving experience. It doesn’t have the car-like characteristics of the newer crossovers. SUVs got favourite because of the upright, high-performance, near-truck-like driving characteristics which you get with the XC90.

For someone looking for a high-end SUV, the Volvo XC90 remains a great car. The center console dominated by two massive round dials for audio controls, the rest of the panel comprised of easy-to-read flush black buttons. And you’ve got to love the tiny human graphic sitting in a seat that guide you on the climate control functions. The dash and driver cockpit includes laptops and cellphones.

Steering wheel mounted controls are clean and simple to comprehend without diving for the driver’s manual. They include audio and cruise control functions with flat black buttons on the wheel’s center padded area, and Volvo has place simple to use front and rear wipers on the right stalk, with light controls on the left stalk, both mounted on the column.

It comes with third row seating that’s standard with the eight-cylinder engine and optional with the six.

It has “active” Bi-Xenon headlights with beams that swivel up to 15 degrees for enhanced nighttime visibility [that cost $800]. A high-power Dynaudio sound system is offered on the V8. An auxiliary input, MP3 ability and satellite broadcasting preparation is standard on both models. Available on both models is Volvo’s state-of-the-art digital video Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

Adhering to Volvo’s core value of safety, all XC90 models are equipped with Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Side impact Protection System (SIPS) with side airbags and Inflatable Curtains for all three rows.

The 2007 Volvo XC90 with the 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine starts at $36,135, while the V8 begins at $46,425; both have a destination charge of $695. Some option packages to look out for are the climate package that includes heated seats, for $675, as well as the navigation system that goes for $2,120. The all-wheel drive package our tester had runs $1,850.

Corey Putton is a 28-year old bachelor from Pittsburgh, PA who has been around automobiles for the superior part of his life. He now works online and writes all about his passion: cars. He is also a certified mechanic.

The Mercedes-benz Cl-class Made Even Better

It is common for automakers not to include models at the bottom of the range during brand launching. This is because they only want to bring out the range toppers to demonstrate products in their ideal light. Fortunately for Mercedes-Benz such was never an issue especially when it unveils its stunning new CL-class coupe complete with a backdrop of the Peckforton Castle in Cheshire.

The CL-class is actually the coupe version of the flagship S-Class Saloon. The baseline CL 500 model is powered by a 5.5 liter V8 engine that revs up 388 hp which is enough to spring the CL 500 from 0 to 62 mph in a matter of 5.5 seconds.

The CL 600 on the other hand is equipped with an upgraded bi-turbo V12 power plant which enables this automobile to reach 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The CL 63 AMG is fitted with the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in the world. Even though it might not be faster than the CL 600 but it sure sports a firmer and sportier set-up.

The previous CL-class was a large hit for Mercedes Benz selling a total of 46,000 units worldwide. The new CL-Class also aims to take advantage of the popularity of its predecessors by offering even more features, ability, and luxury.

The new design of the CL-Class is stylish and sleek, yet exudes an aura of modesty. It also possess certain styling cues from the S-class since the CL was based on the Mercedes CLS whose one-of-a-kind swooping curves have prefabricated it into the most desirable executive saloon available.

The interior of the new CL-Class is as remarkable as its exterior. It has a four-seater cabin even though not a 2+2 and not that roomy but spacious enough to wage its passengers with the sitting comfort that they need. Some of the trim schemes are conservative and are prefabricated to match the varying tastes of most buyers.

Although the CL 500 is equipped with plenty of equipment, the 600 for its part is given more luxurious touches like for instance an electric rear roller blind, a garage door opener, and an ambient lightning system. It also features active seats which wage instant lateral support especially when cornering.

Mercedes Benz is more of a grand tourer than a sports racer however should it never be underestimated since it can establish to be a real creature especially with the V12 engine in the bonnet. And if there is one thing to anticipate from Mercedes-Benz it’s in terms of their country features which aims in keeping the passengers innocuous and sound.

In case you ‘lose it’ absolutely the CL has a pre-safe brake system which triggers partial braking once its sensors sense that a crash is imminent. Each component added to CL-class is carefully scrutinize for calibre and durability especially those parts like the Mercedes brake hose which to some might be small part but are very important for boosting the country of the vehicle. Mercedes brake hoses are important component of any Mercedes car whether it is a CL-class or other models since these special flexible tubes delivers the braking fluid that amplifies the pressure on the brake booster needed for a powerful braking performance.

Another outstanding feature of the CL is its Active Body Control which reduces roll by up to 60% compared to the previous CL model. But of course with such power, performance and features one should not anticipate that it would come cheap. The basic CL-class is priced at £79,550; the CL 63 AMG cost £103,450, while the CL 600 tops the range with price at £106,995 and if you like to load it with some optional packages then make sure that you have ample cash since you might be heading for a Bentley territory.

The current prices of the CL-Class has been increased by 7 percent compared to the prices of previous CL models however Mercedes-Benz assures that with the high price comes superior performance, refinement and remarkable level of equipment.

Dwyane Thomas is a part time cook and full-time auto-enthusiast. This 31-year old Civil and Environmental graduate is a consultant at one of the engineering firms in Pennsylvania.

Return top