Daily Archives: January 9, 2014
The 2014 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition
Taking a quick dip into precious metals is something automakers love especially for naming purposes. Porsche prefers platinum as it announced a new special edition for the cayenne. The Platinum Special Edition for the Cayenne reminded all the SUV lovers about the 2011 SUV of the year while the baby Cayenne, Porsche Macan was getting the entire buzz lately. On sale in January, the 2014 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition is anticipated to bring back the glory and attention to the model in its fourth year.
The 2015 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition V-6 will start at $64,295 while the diesel variant will cost about $67,895, including destination. Earlier the model was not taken a big note of since it seemed to be a proposal exclusively for Europe, but then the brand announced its availability in North America as well. For all the supposed cache that is usually associated with the Platinum moniker and the fact that this is a limited edition, Porsche is applying it here only on V-6 powered Cayennes. That includes both the gas version with 300 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque, and the diesel variant, which is good for 240 horsepower and a healthy 406 pound feet or torque in U.S. spec. Both the versions would be mated to an eight speed Tiptronic S Transmission.
The most popular “extras” from the brand, all get packed into this limited edition luxury of Platinum Cayenne. Headlining the list are the Bi-Xenon headlight, Power Steering Plus, park Assist fore and aft, and paparazzi-foiling dark glass for the rear seat passengers. The Platinum Special Edition Cayenne stays calm and classy on its exterior mostly with decent plays of blacks and whites along with Meteor Gray Metallic and interestingly, or rather contradictory-sounding, Mahogany Metallic. This limited edition vehicle rolls on 19-inch Cayenne Design II wheels.
Following the trend that prevails on the above the sheet metal, the Platinum Cayenne is similarly simple under the sheet as well. Porsche has “reserved” a Black/ Luxor Beige two tone interior for the Platinum. The owner gets to choose between a partial or (optional) full leather interior with the appropriate floor mats and entry guards. The SportsDesign steering wheel sports shift paddles while all the headrests are embossed with the Porsche logo. Another feature that comes as standard is Porsche’s communication management system with its seven inch touchscreen, navigation, and 11-speaker Bose audio system.
Interestingly, the current hot topic from the brand, which is the 2015 Porsche Macan S, still remains the powerful one. And the fact prevails that it is not at all difficult to price a 2015 Porsche Macan S in the mid to high $ 60,000 range which gives rise to a rather fascinating query that whether the market is going to boom for the more powerful Macan S with a few options or will people would drool over the platinum bathed, more practical and larger Cayenne Platinum Edition. The question remains unanswered till the Platinum Edition Cayenne hits the stores; however, the silver details on this limited edition SUV do make it rather tempting.
2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI: Luxury Personified
For the past 20 years Volkswagen has enjoyed an upscale reputation in mid size SUV market with its ever more comfortable vehicles, that have received applauds across the globe for its luxury, performance and stand out features. This time Volkswagen has outnumbered itself with its big future dream in the form of its 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI.
In literal terms, 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI is a mid size SUV, which is actually quite big for its range and also for the luxury it offers. Not even a market leading SUV manufacturer will manage to find a fault in its build quality, power and endless list of stupendous features. The chances for its rivals to win a very remote as this future SUV boasts off sizeable efficiency with unmatched power advantage and most sophisticated upscale luxury interior best suited for business class. The sport utility vehicle is in itself is a class apart, but its hefty price tag might keep it out of the reach of the traditional Volkswagen customer base.
To start with, 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI is not just another entry level hauler, rather it’s a mid size five passenger SUV that comes with a window sticker which gives a brief look at its exceptional features which primarily include a navigation system, edge to edge panoramic sunroof, driver’s information display, heated leather seats, dual automatic climate control and 20 inch rims to begin test drive with. The exterior of the SUV is welcoming with redefined and polished aggression. The passenger cabin boasts of 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI off the use of high quality materials with armrests and adequately padded center console along with a color palette which makes every inch of this SUV a value for money. Generous interior space is suitable for hauling passengers as well as cargo, wherein the second row stands out as an excellent option to while away when going on a long trip.
2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI has given touch competition to its rivals with its excellent power and efficiency. The base model comes with 3.0 liter turbo diesel V6 engine which is tremendously powerful. The fuel economy stands out brilliantly with engine consuming 6.7l/100km fuel on the highway leisurely, whereas in town the fuel consumption is 13.5l/100km which is very much close to the official 10.8l/100km figure quoted by the company. The SUV comes with 100liter fuel tank which might be a pain for many to fill up, but then who need to get it refilled often with such a good mileage.
Apart from great fuel economy, Touareg TDI by Volkswagen also delivers excellent forward thrust with 240 horses and 406 lb-ft torque, which is efficiently managed by eight speed automatic transmissions and a permanent four wheel drive system. The only small negative of Volkswagen Touareg TDI 2014 is that it lags rears at initial throttle tip-in, which can easily be learned while driving and navigating in traffic, apart from that this future SUV offers smooth, secure, confident and relentless acceleration.
A surprisingly quick SUV for its class, 2014 Volkswagen Touareg TDI is a beautifully balanced vehicle that manages to smoothly juggle between comfort and control, which makes a cake walk to drive, while other comparable sedans are challenge to handle smoothly.
The 2014 Mercedes Benz M-Class
The 2014 Mercedes Benz M-Class is one of the most perfect SUVs in the market. This stunningly stylish super utility vehicle is one hell of an off-roader and yet is a favorite and strong status symbol for the high end families in the up-class suburbs. What’s newer with the already new SUV is that it has recently been awarded with the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ honor by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Though what this amazing charmer can do and what it is used for isn’t always the same thing, this is a life for a luxury SUV it cannot escape from. The current 2014 Mercedes Benz M-Class looks more aggressive yet it doesn’t come too strong on you thus holding on to its outward image. On the inside, this plush SUV sports swooping curves and sculpted lines with soft sedan-like features.
While the 2014 Mercedes Benz M-Class does flaunt its off-roadness with sharp lines and masculine structure, it drives like a luxury sedan most of the time sporting a smooth, refined character behind the wheel. The SUV takes it all away with strong and responsive powertrain, secure handling and confident roadholding. The new 302 horsepower base V-6 engine in the M-class, which is a 3.6 liter 60-degree V6 engine was completely new last year and its one of the best V6 luxury engines. The gasoline engines especially tend to work well in concert with the seven sped automatic transmission, singing all the way up to the rev range with no rough edges. While the ML550 model sport a stronger, direct injection 4.6 liter V8 good for 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, the top-of-the-range ML63 AMG boasts a 5.5 liter biturbo V-8 making 518 hp and 516 pound feet of torque which gets better with the AMG Performance Package.
The 2014 Mercedes Benz M-Class offers many of the same comforts, infotainment, connectivity and plush luxury features you’ll find in the brands top sedans like the S-class; as well as some features that help it stand out against other utility vehicles. To a list a few standouts, there is a heated or cooled cup holder that keeps a capability of heating up to 141 degrees F and there is an iPad docking station – positioned between the front seats and in view for the rear passengers (which is soon to be available in all Mercedes Benz models).
With classier and more upscale interiors than the previous generations, the M-Class still looks familiar in its current design; however, the detailing is more with a broad grille, large air dams and more lines and creasing on the sides.
Tasteful exterior, indulging interiors, the new 2014 Mercedes Benz M-Class has turned out to be a pleasant vehicle to drive, even on a challenging track. The crossover faces tough competition with models like the redesigned 2014 BMW X5 that provides better handling, or the 2014 Porsche Cayenne, or the 2014 Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350. But for those who feel like cruising in dignified comfort, the 2014 Mercedes Benz M-Class is a good satisfaction.
The 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Chevrolet had a plethora of auto shows to choose where they were going to unveil the new Chevrolet trailblazer and the automaker chose the 2011 Dubai Motor Show. The brand announced a comeback of the Trailblazer along with confirming the news that the SUV will share a body-on-frame platform with the new Chevrolet Colorado pickup. The Trailblazer, just like the Colorado is a global vehicle. Though, if one really gives a thought, this SUV seems to be built for a region like the Middle East. No wonders that it was revealed at the Dubai Motor Show. When the 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer made its appearance in Dubai, it definitely came with a plenty of features that could potentially shoot it up the always-competitive mid size crossover SUV market.
Designed to combine the hauling and towing capability of a body-on-frame SUV with the ride and comfort of a crossover, the 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer epitomizes these qualities well enough. For all intents and purposes, this vehicle was unveiled at the Dubai Motor show as merely a show vehicle, but according to Chevrolet, this was as close to the real thing as it could possibly get.
Created by the GM South America Design Centre in Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil, the Trailblazer’s design seems familiar because of sister model, the Chevrolet Colorado. The Trailblazer sports and imposing profile what Chevy calls a “body in-wheels out” design. The hood of the SUV offers a dramatic power dome and when mated with a raised cowl, it gives the 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer a strong and intimidating look. Dual projector LED headlamps also add to the power along with the signature Chevrolet’s lighting.
Just like how it projects itself on the outside, the Trailblazer is just as bold and strong on the inside as well. The contrasting trim used with the light colored leather seating, mat dark wood trim accented with chrome and dual grained surface provide a premium feel the Trailblazer. The instrument panel and the integrated center stack combine seamlessly with one another and features and overhead console that integrate the HVAC system with onboard infotainment. Clever spaciousness is another thing that defines the Trailblazer, offering intuitive three-row tumble and/or fold-flat seat versatility, complete with a second and third row seat versatility that can be used upright to accommodate more passengers and folded to carry more storage space.
Powered by a 2.8 liter Duramax diesel engine the Trailblazer is still a mystery when it comes to output figures.
As the model that featured in the Dubai Motor Show was a show piece for all intent and purposes, pricing on the Chevrolet Trailblazer has not yet been decided. While there are no full figures of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the fact remains that when it does go on sale it is going to face immense competition with models like the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Durango. All the three models belong to the biggest US automakers so it is going to be one hell of a rivalry as to which SUV will be more successful.
2014 Land Rover LR4 – The Future of SUV
Land Rover LR4 is an impressive SUV to look out for in 2014 with its impeccable off road and towing ability that offer enough room for seven passengers to sit comfortably. A rather refreshed version of its predecessor LR3, the highly anticipated SUV of 2014 comes with revised exterior, powerful engine and luxurious cabin, which are worth its price. Minor aesthetic redesign for this year’s version is like icing on the cake that offers front grille, redesigned front bumper, smart headlights that boasts of LED accents.
A sharp look at 2014 Land Rover LR4 keeping its front end aside shows a very little to no change in its body which has remained the same constantly since it was first introduced in 2009, along with that the overall silhouette looks inspired from their 1989 original discovery SUV.
The 2014 Land Rover LR4 SUV comes with an efficient 3.0 liter V6 engine which is far better than its fuel thirsty V8 engine from previous versions; the supercharger generates 340 horsepower with 331 lb-ft. of torque. Brand new eight speed automatic transmission specifically designed by ZF is a highlight to look out for. This multi utility heavy weight vehicle has the power to sprint from 0 to 6 mph within the fraction of 7.7 seconds and is able to reach the maximum speed of 121mph. the newly added transmissions allow LR4 to achieve mileage of 14mpg in the city which can go up to 19mpg while on the highway with premium gasoline.
Not many buyers will be keen on taking their LR4 off the pavement, thus it comes with a standard transfer case which is a single speed unit that offer maximum 42 to 58 percent front rear torque split. However, buyers can also opt for a two speed unit, which is also available as an option for those looking for off road driving. The future car is loaded with several standard features that make it worth buying, wherein the primary ones include adjustable air suspension which helps in improving on road ride and handling, however no comprise has been made to its off road prowess which makes it stand among the top most SUVs. The highly admired terrain response system of Land Rover helps in optimizing vehicle in difficult situations. The terrain response for 2014 Land Rover LR4 is available with five settings: general, grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, sand, and rock crawl.
Up-market standard leather upholstery, power seats, alpine glass rear roof, seven inch touch screen panel with sound system and USB port, 19 inch alloy wheels and many are more are some of the features that makes 2014 Land Rover LR4 an interesting option to look upon in 2014.
Land Rover LR4 is ready to hit the market in 2014 with its base, HSE and HSE LUX trim levels which will surely face tough competition from the likes of BMW X5, Acura MDX and Audi Q7 as they have refined on road driving aesthetics to offer, however, in terms of road prowess only Lexus GX 460 can make the going tough for 2014 Land Rover LR4.