2011 Honda Pilot
The Pilot originally debuted as a 2003 model in July of 2002. Design and development of the 2003 Pilot and the 2009 Pilot were carried out at Honda R&D Americas in Raymond, Ohio, and Torrance, California. The Pilot is assembled at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln.
A new 250 horsepower 3.5L V6 engine introduces the latest generation of Honda fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology that operates in 6-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, an improvement compared to the existing Pilot’s available VCM system that works exclusively in 6- and 3-cylinder modes.
The new fuel-saving measures return an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 17/23/19 miles per gallon on two-wheel-drive models and 16/22/18 miles per gallon on four-wheel-drive models.
The 2009 Pilot has a base price of $27,595 for the LX model -- the same as the outgoing 2008 model. The up-level Pilot EX lists from $30,395, with the EX-L model starts off at $33,595. The range-topping Pilot Touring edition retails from $36,795.
Honda’s Variable Torque Management 4-wheel-drive (VTM-4) system adds $1,600 to the price of any 2009 Pilot model.
Range Rover limited edition
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Range Rover, parent company Land Rover is launching the most opulent SUV in its history, with the Range Rover Autobiography Black Limited Edition.
Buyers may not be able to say that name three times fast, but the Autobiography Black Limited Edition will let buyers be swaddled in the monochromatic hue, with black exterior paint, “diamond turned” 20″ alloy wheels, a chrome grill, and a special interior with either red or ivory accents to accompany the black leather appointments. The Autobiography Black logo is embossed on the rear- armrest, key fob, door sills, and the owners manual cover, while black lacquer adorns the dashboard, center console and door panels.
The Autobiography Black comes with all the top bells and whistles, including a 1200 watt harmon/kardon stereo system, heated and cooled seats and Range Rover’s Jaguar derived 5.0L supercharged V8 putting down 510 horsepower. The Autobiography Black will retail for $122,950, ensuring its exclusivity as the top Range Rover.
[Source: Car and Driver]
2010 Nissan Patrol
This spy photo arrived from the Middle East. The new Nissan Patrol fill some of the american markets’s holes left by the cancellation of the Armada and Infiniti QX56.
It is expected that the new 2010 Nissan Patrol will remain body-on-frame, and that it will pick up a 4.8L V8 for the engine bay. Other engine options will likely include a 4.0L V6 and 3.0L V6 diesel that is rumored to produce 265 hp and 405 ft-lbs of torque.
2011 FORD EXPLORER
The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer SUV was unveiled today and will go on sale in the U.S. at the end of the year with pricing start at $27,995. The new Ford Explorer switched from a heavy body-on-frame to the same unibody structure with independent from and rear suspension used on the Ford Taurus sedan and Flex crossover. Ford’s SUV will be offered with a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering an estimated 290HP, and 20 percent better fuel economy.
As an option the next Ford Explorer can be equipped with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol producing a projected 237HP at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 rpm. Both engines are hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder Ecoboost is offered only in front-wheel drive configuration while the V6 model can be equipped optionally with a new, intelligent all-wheel-drive system developed with formerly Ford-owned Land Rover.
The AWD features a Land Rover-like terrain management system with four settings controlled via a console-mounted knob. Each setting provides unique engine behavior, throttle tip-in, transmission shift scheduling and calibrations for traction and stability control systems. This system also includes a hill descent mode that provides engine braking when descending a steep incline.
The all-new Explorer will be available in three trim series levels - base, XLT and Limited.
Standard convenience features include:
MyForddriver connect technology including 4.2-inch LCD screen
MyKey owner control feature
Air filtration system
Media hub
Easy Fuel capless fuel filler system
Cruise control
Power windows, with one-touch down for driver
Power door locks with child safety rear door locks
Tilt/telescoping steering column
Four 12-volt power points
Cargo hooks
Explorer XLT includes standard content and adds:
Automatic headlamps
Six-speed SelectShift Automatic
Heated sideview mirrors with LED signal indicators and security approach lamps
SecuriCode keyless entry keypad
Reverse sensing system
Perimeter alarm
Explorer Limited includes all base and XLT content, plus:
PowerFold sideview mirrors with driver’s side memory
Ambient lighting
Adjustable pedals with memory functionality
Cargo net
Dual-zone electronic temperature control
10-way power driver’s seat, with power recline and lumbar
Electrochromic interior mirror
Rear view camera
Remote start system
110-volt outlet
MyFord Touchdriver connect technology
Intelligent Access with push-button start
Universal garage door opener
2007 Land Rover Defender
Land Rover has unveiled the 2007 Defender. The new Defender received a number of enhancements: a new 2.4-litre common rail diesel engine, a new six-speed gearbox featuring a wide ratio spread, a fully-integrated facia, more comfortable seating with full-size forward-facing third-row seat option, and a high-output heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. The unique 2007 Defender architecture retained, with 90, 110 and 130 wheelbase versions supporting a wide range of derivatives. The new engine offers 122 horsepower with more than 90 per cent of peak power available from less than 2200 rpm to over 4350 rpm. 232 pound-feet of torque are available at from 1500 rpm to 2700 rpm. Peak torque of 265 pound-feet arrives a 2000 rpm.
Hummer H3 Alpha
The 2008 Humber H3 Alpha boasts engine improvements for the performance-oriented Hummer. Topping the H3 line is the new 2008 Alpha powered by V8 5.3 liter engine, providing 295 hp and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. The new Hummer H3 also will feature a new drivetrain to match the engine alongside several exterior and interior refinements.
The new Hummer’s power increase allows the H3 Alpha to reach 60 mph in eight seconds. A four-speed automatic transmission will be utilized in the 2008 H3 Alpha.
The 2008 Hummer H3 Alpha will be available for sale this summer.
