Mitsubishi Eclipse 2011

Casting a shadow on the competition, the 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse sports coupe not only looks like a rocket on wheels, but performs like one too.

Mitsubishi Eclipse 2011

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The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is available in three trim levels: GS, GS Sport, and GT and can be had as a convertible, which is known as the Spyder.

Mitsubishi Eclipse 2011

Mitsubishi Eclipse 2011

New features abound in all trims for 2011, including a black-steel roof on the GS and power glass sunroofs on the GS Sport and GT.  All models sit 0.6 inches lower adding to menacing look of the two-tone front and rear bumper fascias.  Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on all trims, as is a dual exhaust.  Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are optional, while an aero kit for added customization is available.  

Mitsubishi Eclipse 2011

The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse seats four, but there isn’t much room in the back—especially for adults.  The backseat does however fold down so that you can utilize both the trunk and rear seat space to carry cargo.  Air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, and an auxiliary input jack are all standard features, while leather upholstery, heated front seats, a six-way power driver’s seat, and aluminum pedals are optional (standard on the GS Sport).  A 650-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, Sirius Satellite Radio, automatic climate control, and Bluetooth® connectivity are other sleek options.  

Mitsubishi Eclipse 2011

Mitsubishi Eclipse 2011

Mitsubishi Eclipse 2011

Acura MDX 2011

The 2011 MDX continues to deliver eye-catching looks as a result of Acura’s signature design front grille, a bold front fascia, a rear fascia with integrated polished stainless-steel exhaust finishers, sleek taillights with bright LED lights, and bold 18-inch diameter 5-spoke aluminum wheels. 

 Acura MDX 2011

The latest MDX features a new 3.7-liter SOHC VTEC V6 with 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, which Acura says now features more heavy-duty parts for extra longevity. Acura has replaced the five-speed automatic transmission with a new six-speed transmission, bringing EPA fuel economy to an estimated 16/21 mpg for city/highway driving.

 Acura MDX 2011

Interior
The MDX has a cabin that matches Acura’s RL flagship for quality and certainly all of its similarly priced SUV competitors. Wood trim, soft-touch materials and high-quality switchgear create a luxurious ambience. As for features, even the base MDX comes with a wealth of standard equipment, and the three available option packages up the luxury and convenience quotient even further. If there’s any point of contention, it’s that the center stack is awash with buttons, though they prove to be intuitive once you know where everything is.

 

 Acura MDX 2011

  Acura MDX 2011

The MDX offers a formidable list of standard equipment including items such as a leather trimmed interior, power moonroof, power windows, leather-wrapped multi-function §teering wheel with racing-inspired paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated rear view camera and a tri-zone climate control system with humidity control.

 Acura MDX 2011

Included are numerous high-tech features such as Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless telephone interface, a Multi-Information Display (MID) that allows access to multiple electronic functions and LED backlit instrumentation. Also standard with the MDX is an 8-speaker, 253-watt Acura Premium Sound System that features an AM/FM tuner, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, WMA player, MP3 capability, XM® Radio and an auxiliary jack for connectivity of personal audio devices.

  Acura MDX 2011

Lexus ES 350 2011

The Lexus ES 350 continues to blur the line between “entry luxury” and “prestige luxury.  The ES 350′s elegance is reflected in its distinct front fascia that features arrowhead-shaped headlamps, integrated fog lamps, and chrome grille and grille surround. Chrome body side molding further underscores the car’s refined character and demonstrates its dynamic design. The arrowhead shaped design motif is also echoed in the large tail lamps. Side mirrors with integrated turn signals accent the ES 350′s classy exterior.

 

 Lexus ES 350 2011

Driving the 2011 Lexus ES 350 is a revised 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that now runs on 87-octane regular gasoline instead of premium.  The six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides a sequential manual shift feature for a more involved driving experience when desired. Shifting strategy adapts to driver input, with rapid downshift response. Monitoring the engine’s speed and load, dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) increases torque at lower speeds for better maneuvering, while boosting power at higher speeds. By making the valvetrain more flexible, this results in faster acceleration, better performance and lower emissions.

 Lexus ES 350 2011

Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
In sixth gear, the wider gear-ratio spread provides greater acceleration, efficiency and seamless shifting. The sequential-shifting capability enhances performance by allowing the driver to control shifting by nudging the gearshift forward or backward.

 

Lexus ES 350 2011

Interior Design
Built on a 109.3-inch wheelbase, the midsize ES 350 provides a roomy and inviting interior. The driver and passengers are treated to intelligent, elegant luxury, with touch points that convey quality and controls that respond fluidly.
The high level of Lexus craftsmanship is immediately evident in the ES 350, with bright, clear Optitron ® gauges, premium wood, as well as polished metal and leather accents that echo prestige-luxury models.

Lexus ES 350 2011

HDD Navigation System
The available voice-activated HDD Navigation System uses a hard disk drive (HDD) to store maps and data, which allows it to operate much faster than previous DVD-based models. Additionally, it can recognize over 100 voice commands; provides a sharper, more colorful display; can map over eight million points of interest; and display information in English, French and Spanish.

Lexus ES 350 2011

Safety/Security Features
The ES 350 received a brake override system, Smart Stop Technology, as an additional measure of consumer confidence mid-2010 model year beginning with vehicles produced in January 2010. The braking system enhancement automatically reduces engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions.

Lexus ES 350 2011

Lexus CT 200h 2011

The Lexus CT 200h becomes the entry-level car in Lexus lineup and just from looking at the five-door hatchback you can tell that it is made with a different audience in mind than the traditional Lexus owner.

 

 Lexus CT 200h 2011

Under the hood, the 2011 CT 200h features a hybrid drive train that combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine on the Atkinson cycle with an electric motor for a total output of 134-horsepower.

Lexus CT 200h 2011

Inside, the 2011 CT 200h delivers the quality and comfort you’d expect from a Lexus, along with environmentally friendly materials like the all-new NuLuxe seating which generates fewer emissions during production than leather and weighs half as much.

 Lexus CT 200h 2011

Standard features include Bluetooth® connectivity and audio streaming, automatic dual-zone climate control, push button start with smart key, and USB/auxiliary audio inputs. The speakers are made with sustainable bamboo and Lexus claims that 85% of the vehicle can ultimately be recycled.

 Lexus CT 200h 2011

Also available are a voice-activated navigation system with backup camera, heated front seats, and a moonroof.

Lexus CT 200h 2011

There is a long list of standard safety features inside the CT 200h, including eight air bags, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes, and Lexus’ Safety Connect system.  The CT 200h also comes with front seats that a designed to reduce the severity of a whiplash injury should a collision occur.

Porsche 911 2011

The 2011 Porsche 911 is the latest version of one of the most recognizable and iconic sports cars around.   There are up to 23 different variations of the 2011 Porsche 911 and it would take too much ink to go into detail on everyone, so we’ll just stick painting the big picture.

Porsche 911 2011

For 2011, Porsche introduces the GT2 RS, Turbo S, and GT3 RS.  Engine options range from the 345-horsepower, 3.6-liter H-6 to the massive 620-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.6-liter six-cylinder found in the GT2RS that pushes it to a 205-mph top speed making it Porsche’s fastest street-legal car ever.

Porsche 911 2011

A soft-top for the convertible, metal-roof on the coupe, or a glass-roof on the Targa truly makes the 2011 Porsche 911 a chameleon.  Bi-xenon headlights, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels, dual or quad exhaust pipes, and rear spoiler are just some of the many exterior features. 

Porsche 911 2011

Porsche 911 2011

 Inside, seats are available with partial or full leather trim, sport support, heat, and ventilation.  

Porsche 911 2011

Porsche 911 2011

A top-end 385-watt, 13-speaker BOSE surround sound system, sunroof and Porsche Communication Management with a 6.5-inch touch screen and voice command technology are optional.  The PCM system can also be joined with the optional TV tuner, which accepts analog and digital signals, and a navigation system. Bluetooth® connectivity and an MP3 interface come standard, while power-adjustable seats and a leather-wrapped dashboard are other luxurious options.

Porsche 911 2011

Porsche 911 2011

Standard safety features in the 2011 Porsche 911 include dual front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, door-mounted side curtain airbags, all-disc antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, and traction control.

Honda Accord 2011

The 2011 Honda Accord remains one of the gold standards in the auto industry, combining flexibility, style, and reliability into one package.  For 2011, there are several new improvements that help the Accord to stay at the head of the pack.

Honda Accord 2011

Starting under the hood, the 2011 Accord is available with three engine options depending on trim.  

• A 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter four cylinder engine is available on LX and SE sedans.  
• The engine gets a bump to 190-horsepower on the LX-S coupe and EX trimmed sedans and coupes.  
• Also available is a 271-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 for added power and a more dynamic driving experience. 

Honda Accord 2011

The 2011 Accord also features a slightly reworked interior, with good fit and finish and high-quality materials usually reserved for luxury makes.  

Honda Accord 2011

With seating for five and standard features like air conditioning, cruise control, stereo with auxiliary input jack, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, all Accords come well equipped.  

Honda Accord 2011

The new SE sedan trim level comes with leather seating, heated front seats, and a leather trimmed steering wheel.  

Honda Accord 2011

Also new for 2011, all Accords with the optional navigation system now receive a backup camera.

Honda Accord 2011

Safety features on the Honda Accord include side-impact and side curtain airbags, an electronic stability system, four wheel disc and antilock brakes, and active front head restraints

Ford Fusion 2011

2011 Ford Fusion truly is a blend of everything you would want in a midsize sedan. The Fusion is available in four trims – 

• S
• SE
• SEL 
• Sport.

Ford Fusion 2011

Out of those four trims, there are four available engines that yield tremendous power.

Ford Fusion 2011

A 2.5-liter, 175-horsepower I-4 engine provides impressive power for a base model, while the 3.0-liter, 240-horsepower V-6 is both powerful and versatile with a FlexFuel option. The Sport comes equipped with a 3.5-liter, 263-horsepower V-6 that will raise a few eyebrows with its sublime power.

Ford Fusion 2011

For enhanced handling and traction, the 2011 Ford Fusion offers all-wheel drive on V-6 models, which is class-exclusive. The Fusion Sport features 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust pipes, a rear spoiler and leather seats with contrasting accents.

Ford Fusion 2011

Interior amenities include the available SYNC™ Communications System, which allows you to use voice commands to access your music collection by genre, album, artist or song title and operate your Bluetooth®. The optional voice-activated DVD-based navigation system has an 8-inch color LCD monitor and a 10GB hard drive that stores photos and music. An optional Sony sound system features Dolby 5.1 surround sound, 390 watts and 12 speakers with two subwoofers giving you optimal sound performance. 

Ford Fusion 2011

The 2011 Fusion seats five and features a 60/40-split rear seat. Heated front seats, leather upholstery and dual-zone air conditioning is optional.

Ford Fusion 2011

Nissan Altima 2011

The sporty and sensible 2011 Nissan Altima returns with a few new color schemes after its visual refresh last year.  Available as a coupe or sedan, the 2011 Altima seeks to add a dash of excitement to what is traditionally a more stoic segment.

Nissan Altima 2011 

The Altima comes with two engine choices for both coupe and sedan: 

• A 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 pounds-feet of torque.
• A larger 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 with 258 pounds-feet of torque.

Nissan Altima 2011 

The 2011 Altima also packs features inside the cabin as well, with a few standard features usually not found on cars in this class like:

• Push button start and keyless entry with trunk release.
• Interior options include leather/heated front seats.
• A Bose audio system.
• Bluetooth® connectivity.  

Nissan Altima 2011 

Nissan Altima 2011 

Nissan Altima 2011 

Nissan’s hard-drive based navigation system is also optional, and features a 6.5-inch touch screen monitor that accepts voice commands and has features such as built-in Zagat Survey restaurant reviews.

Nissan Altima 2011 

Safety features on the 2011 Altima start with side-curtain and side-impact airbags, antilock brakes, and an electronic stability system which all come standard.  A backup camera is an available option which helps with safe reversing.

Nissan Altima 2011 

Nissan Altima 2011