2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Big changes, at least cosmetically, have gripped the upcoming 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Gone is the narrow body, the 2011 will be sporting an all new redesigned wide body platform with stability to match. The first change from the 2010 WRX STI to the 2011 is the widened front bumper, featuring sharp angles, and matching stretched fog lights. But that’s not where the changes end, this upgrade to the STI comes in 2 different model types, both spelled with a four letter word…fast!

The 2011 WRX STI front bumper wraps the blacked out fog lamps in a 3-dimensional styled lip spoiler. This aggressive styling, coupled with a fresh grill and blackened base makes this STI an intimidating ride on any road. Not all the wide cosmetic changes affect just the front end, the rear of the car also benefits from wider rear fenders. Furthermore, for the first time ever, Subaru is offering the 2011 Impreza WRX STI in two model types, 4 and 5 door versions.

New in 2011 is a freshly tuned suspension, which offers a lower riding height than previous years. The 2011 STI shown at the 2010 New York Auto Show featured a higher spring rate setup, which eased the chassis down on 18″ rims. The impressive stance coupled with a high luster paint set the car apart amongst a sea of vehicles looking to compete with the longing stares of consumers. What’s great about the Imprezza WRX STI is that it can back up the bark with a high performance bite, rivaling cars twice the price.

Not only has the 2011 Impreza WRX STI gone on a diet, but it also features the juiced up 4 cylinder from the 2010 model years. 305 horsepower from a turbo charged and intercooled 4cylinder, linked to a 6-speed manual transmission makes even a trip to the grocery store a thrill. As in previous STI’s the 2011 features a transmission capable of multiple settings, which allow the driver to select performance points to fit their own driving style. All of the auto settings are built upon Subaru’s infamous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Inside the 2011 WRX STI, things haven’t changed a whole lot. There’s a new color scheme for the seats and panels, wrapped in black and silver highlights. Also, trim on parts of the dash and switches show off a new for 2011, Dark Cast Metallic.

The 2011 Impreza WRX STI will rocket into Subaru show rooms some time later this year. Industry analysts expect the sporty multi-door to be priced close to the 2010 model year, at around $35,000.

Mitsubishi RA Concept Car

Research and development teams at Mitsubishi have been working on building a car that can combine a green personality with a high performance demeanor. The Mitsubishi RA concept car is the result of such an endeavor. The RA was built to utilize clean diesel technology without sacrificing adrenaline producing performance. Like most concept cars, it’s extreme in it’s design and aspirations, but worth taking a look at.

Drive train wise the RA concept car is comparable to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. It features Super-All-Wheel-Control (S-AWC), which helped make the Evolution a winning rally car capable of maneuvering over the roughest terrain. Included in this system is stability control which is capable of adjusting torque and braking to help maintain a straight line. When all components are working together it provides maximum traction, control, cornering, and vehicle stabilization.

Powering the RA concept car is a 2.2 liter 4 banger 16 valve turbo diesel engine. To achieve it’s high efficiency while maintaining performance attributes, the engine features Mitsubishi’s MIVEC that offers constant variable valve timing control. The small liter engine is capable of producing just over 200 horsepower, but an amazing 300 ft lb of torque. This high torque engine, coupled with the light weight design of the RA, makes for performance you can feel in the seat of your pants. Consider this, the RA’s engine produces more torque than the 4.6 liter V8 found in the 2010 Ford Mustang.

Exterior wise, the RA concept car reminds me of the legendary Eclipse. What sets this Mitsubishi apart is it’s diesel engine and full time all wheel drive. It’s like Mitsubishi took the best parts of the Lancer Evolution and mated it with the sexy body lines of the latest generation Eclipse. They even went so far as to add Lambo Doors, just like many after market car enthusiasts do to customize their rides.

No indication has been made that the RA Concept Car will actually be produced, but its a great platform to build upon. Any research and development done to further performance and efficiency deserves everyone’s attention.

2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator, Igniting Performance

Promising to deliver more style, capability, and value than ever, Dodge has released a special edition Nitro called the Detonator. For the 2010 Nitro model lineup Dodge has added more of everything, including power, restyled interior and exterior cues, that will come in 3 distinct editions including the Nitro Shock, Heat, and Detonator. Supporting the claim that the new 2010 Nitro offers more value, Dodge has made many options standard on the Detonator edition, that were otherwise nickel and dime’d into the previous SXT models.

Instead of relying on past years model labeling like RT, SXT, and others established by the Dodge brand, Dodge is now using exciting names. For example, the Detonator is most comparable to the 2009 Nitro SXT, except for the addition of options to make it a better deal. Standard features of the 2010 Detonator include better safety equipment, 20″ MOPAR painted and polished rims, decals, massive speaker system, and even Dodge’s ParkSense rear-park assist technology.

If you subscribed to the theory that past Nitro models offered more bark than bite, you’ll be happy to know they improved horsepower and torque across the entire lineup. The 2010 Nitro Detonator comes with 23% more horsepower and 12% more torque. 260 horsepower and 265 lb ft of torque is delivered via a 4.0 liter V6, which powers all three aptly named Nitros.

Somehow Dodge has managed to cram more power and a plethora of interior upgrades at an attractive price point. For just $25,995, buyers are treated to color matched cloth interior that matches the exciting exterior paint job. The 2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator debuted at the Detroit Auto Show featured an eye plucking yellow, complete with fender decals. From the looks, the bark is still there, but with the added performance, extra standard options, the bite can be felt. According to the official Dodge website, the 2010 Dodge Nitro Detonator should start igniting dealer show rooms soon.

2011 Hyundai Sonata, Luxury For Family

Hyundai strives to set itself apart in the sedan market in 2010, with green marketing, and complete redesigns. The 2011 Sonata, which comes in three different flavors, is a contender in the mid-size sedan market with bold styling and green engine technology. Claiming to destroy the mold that most sedans have been made from, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata breathes renewed spirit into the niche, offered in GLS, SE, and Limited editions.

As anyone with a family will attest, safety in a vehicle becomes priority one, and tops the list of standard features found in the Sonata. For example, the 2011 Sonata comes equipped with electronic stability control, which enables drivers to carefully out maneuver any obstacles on the road. What better way to protect passengers than to avoid the accident in the first place? But when the worst happens, the 2011 Sonata’s reinforced unibody design coupled with advanced front airbags makes for the safest family car on the road.

Outside, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata looks like a much more powerful vehicle than it really is and camouflages it’s ability to be a fuel efficient car capable of seating five. Underneath the hood the Sonata comes equipped with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder, which is capable of 200 horsepower. Despite the big power numbers from a small engine, the 2011 Sonata is also capable of delivering a staggering 35 miles per gallon. Thanks to fuel efficient technology like ‘Continuously Variable Valve Timing’ and even sport tuned suspension allows the 2011 Sonata to meet Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standards.

All work and no play makes Sonata a dull boy, that’s why Hyundai thought well enough to equip the 2011 with fun features like 400 watt Infinity sound system. Hard to believe but the sun roof even comes as standard equipment on the SE and Limited editions of the SE. For the thrill of driving a high end car, Hyundai even equipped the 2011 Sonata with push button start, that is capable of sensing if the keys are in your pocket.

The interior of the Sonata appears luxurious, with ergonomic engineering and design that makes the car appear to be much more expensive than the $19,000 price tag. Hyundai Sonata drivers will be fortunate to set in comfortable seats, designed by special Seat Engineers. Drivers also have access to a whole host of technological goodies like Dual Climate Control, rearview camera, navigation system, HOMELINK, and even an iPod Jack as standard. The new 2011 Hyundai Sonata is a family sedan worthy of Bill Gates at a price we can all afford.