The Grayline » 2011

New 2011 Ford Explorer

Christopher — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:38:31 +0000

I don't need to tell you how many problems the automotive industry has had in recent years, but despite it's plagues, there is a glimmer of good news. Ford has announced an all new 2011 Ford Explorer, which more importantly, will be built in Chicago creating close to 1,200 new jobs.

Production will being in 4th quarter of 2010 and bring a relief to automotive workers needing jobs in the Chicago area. In addition, the retooling of the Chicago plant, along with updates, will cost roughly $400 million a healthy shot into the industries arm.

As far as the 2011 Ford Explorer is concerned, Explorer enthusiasts will love the more fuel efficient redesign. The concept of the 2011 Explorer was shown back in 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show, but I'm sure the final product will not be nearly as concepty. Yes, concepty is a word, I just invented it. Check out the concept 2011 Ford Explorer below and some 2011 Spy Pics as well, which tell a much more believable tale of what we can expect out of Chicago late this year.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

New 2011 Ford Explorer

5.0 Mustangs Coming Back

Christopher — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:11:23 +0000

The 5.0 was a tried and true engine for Ford and graced the Mustang's engine bay all the way up until 1996. It wasn't until 1996 that Ford release a 4.6 liter engine, to replace the bullet proof 5.0, albeit less efficient. Even though the 4.6 provided bigger horsepower and torque numbers, the 5.0 remains one of the easiest engines to modify. Maybe that's why Ford has decided to revive the legend and increase the performance that 5 liters of Ford engineering has to offer.

The Coyote engine marks the triumphant return of the 5 oh. Available in the GT trim of the 2011 Mustang, the 5.0 liter V8 engine will produce a ground thumping 400 horsepower. It's worth noting that Ford is notorious for understating horsepower numbers, which can realistically place the new 5.0 Mustang at 425-450 galloping horses. Maybe that's why the 2011 Mustang GT was choosen to be the official pace car of the Daytona 500.

Already the new Coyote named 5.0 engine is garnering attention from industry analysts. The 2011 Mustang GT will undoubtedly dominate the new face of muscle cars everywhere, trumping even GM's daring Camaro SS.

Not only has Ford gone bat shit crazy with horsepower packed 5.0 engines, it's also produced the nimblest Mustang ever built. According to Ford the handling will be unmatched amongst previous Mustangs and be paired with a blast to drive 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. With these kind of figures and performance leaps it's hard to imagine what the next Shelby, Roush, or Saleen will look like. The anty has been upped and I've yet to year of anyone wanting to call out the new Coyote 2011 Mustang GT.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

5.0 Mustangs Coming Back

2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

Christopher — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:51:11 +0000

The Porsche SUV never really made sense to me, at least from a familiarity perspective. Why would a company known for their sports cars ever want to enter the suburban sport utility market? Greed perhaps? I don't know, but it never jived with my understanding and sticking to core competency has always worked in the past. Well, Porsche is throwing my thoughts all out of whack again, by introducing a green Hybrid version in the 2011 Cayenne.

The 2011 Cayenne S Hybrid is a parallel hybrid, meaning it will use both it's gasoline engine or electric motors for power. Depending on the load and demand the Cayenne S is capable of operating on electric or gasoline alone and a combination of the 2 when necessary. The internal combustion engine side of the Cayenne hybrid remains pretty potent, with a V6 super charged to 333 horsepower. The electric side of things is a completely different story, with some very misleading numbers.

Electric power can confuse age old wisdom about cars and how they operate. Consider that the electric motor in the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid only produces 52 horsepower, but is capable of up to 210 ft lb of torque. This means for normal load the electric motor will get the wheels turning up to speed with it's impressive torque figures and keep its constant speed with the minimal horsepower.

According experts allowed to play with the 2011 Cayenne hybrid the V6 Hybrid version of the SUV does a convincing job of pretending it's got a V8 under the hood, sans sound. So if the new Cayenne S proves to be successful, how long before we see the same technology introduced into it's other line up of performance vehicles?

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

2011 Suzuki Kizashi

Christopher — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:09:30 +0000

Suzuki has yet to be known for their mid size sedan offerings, but they are hoping this will change with the upcoming release of the 2011 Kizashi. Even though the new sedan name sounds like a raw fish appetizer, Suzuki is hoping they can build on the success of their compact car offerings. If they can start stealing market share with little cars, why can't they do it with midsize? Not to mention the pie is a little larger, weighing in at 20% of Canada's market.

Like most press releases from car manufacturers in a recession, it's full of big words and supposed cutting edge technology. Plenty of references to european style handling, expensive styling ques, and the ability to be had for a fraction of the next closest competitors price. But what stands out to me is its lack of engine options. Early adopters of the Suzuki Kizashi will have only one choice for engines, a 4 cylinder.

Now, this works in compact cars, but I'm not sure how it will stack up in the mid size market. The minimum offering should at least be a 4cylinder gas saver for the car-pooler without friends and then a 6 cylinder option for those living in the mountains driving a full load. Fill a mid size sedan up with 4 fat ass business types, throw in some luggage, and good luck getting that 4 cylinder to react and perform like other sedans on the market with v6 offerings.

That being said, just because it's got the same safety equipment, handling, and amenities of every other mid size sedan on the market doesn't mean you can take some pie. It will only take one poor review from a fat driver to put your sales in the tank. Good luck Suzuki, but please hurry up and plan on offering a V6 option in the 2011 Kizashi.

It's amazing how far of a cry the final 2011 Suzuki Kizashi is from the concept a few months back. So much for hoping for a performance minded mid size sedan.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2011 Suzuki Kizashi

2011 Ford Super Duty Pic

Christopher — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:42:45 +0000

The F Series line of pickups from Ford have stood the test of time. I myself have owned two different ones, a 97 F150 and an 04 F150, both of which I was very happy with. Dependability, performance, even a little luxury, but maybe they weren't quite as rugged as I would have liked. That's why Ford offers Super Duty F Series options, for those who really need to beat up their trucks.

The redesigned 2011 Super Duty will over 2 different engine configurations. The gasoline V8 will be a whopping 6.2 liters, while the diesel version will be a 6.7 turbo charged v8. Either one sounds like they won't have any trouble pulling whatever you might be able to hook up to. Also, thanks to Ford's relentless pursuit of efficiency, just because you need a big dog doesn't mean it will eat like one. Ford claims that the new Diesel 2011 Super Duty will be the best-in-class for fuel economy.

2011 Ford Super Duty

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2011 Ford Super Duty Pic

2011 Kia Sportage Pics

Christopher — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:21:28 +0000

Oh how I love when new spy photos show up, adorning the new model are always some beautiful camouflage. The latest spy pics are of the 2011 Kia Sportage SUV, thanks to LefLaneNews.com.

Not a lot is known about the 2011 Kia Sportage, but experts believe that some restyling in the form of coupe-like styling. Again, so hard to tell with that ugly ass camo and the fact that manufacturers love changing things up right until release. I don't think the 2011 Kia Sportage need a lot of attention right now and certainly won't get anyone's heart pumping, but new models need their glory.

2011 Kia Sportage Pics

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2011 Kia Sportage Pics

V10 Motor For Upcoming Audi R8 Spyder Roadster

Christopher — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:24:27 +0000

Lamborghini is donating it's heart to the Audi R8 Roadster to be debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show this year. The 2011 R8 will feature a whopping V10 monster, pushing 500+ horsepower, allowing the Audi to do 0-60 in under 4 seconds.

According to sources close to Audi engineers the base model Audi R8 will retain it's 4.2 liter V8 motor. However, the Spyder convertible, will have the V10 option to maintain an elite status. Although with a top speed of 195 mph it will be hard to tell who's driving anyways.

The V10 Audi R8 Spyder won't be available till model year 2011, so look for it on Audi/Saab show room floors sometime late next year.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

V10 Motor For Upcoming Audi R8 Spyder Roadster

2011 Honda Civic?

Christopher — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:20:07 +0000

Spy Photo

A picture has surfaced on the internet of a Japanese magazine with a concept picture of the 2011 Honda Civic. Although at this point it may just be a rumor, you can be the judge. For starters, I'm not sure sporty is the first word I think of when I see this tall squished Civic. The tuner boys and girls may feel differently.

2011 Honda Civic Spy Pic

2011 Honda Civic

At any rate, looks like Honda has plans to completely redesign the Civic. Whether or not the all new model will be a 2010 or 2011 Civic has yet to be officially announced. Please feel free to discuss your predictions in the automotive forum.

Honda Products From The-Grayline.com

Honda Civic Chrome Key Ring

Honda Hoody's Starting at $40.99

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2011 Honda Civic?

2011 Hyundai Sonata Spy Pics

Christopher — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:10:42 +0000

Hyundai has already been throwing buzz words around like Turbo Charge and direct injection when describing the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The manufacturer has been very committed to the creation of the all new Sonata and stating that efficiency and power will be the focus of their engineers.

More interesting to this post is the spy pics of the 2011 Sonata and it's covered skin but exposed lines. It resembles a more expensive BMW, but time will tell when we finally get the bra off these mammaries.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2011 Hyundai Sonata Spy Pics