Among the myriad of refreshed and all new model announcements, Chrysler has also revealed a revised version of its bread and butter model, the Town & Country mini van.
The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country will add a lot of extra features, as well as a brand new engine, in order to attract practical families that want something to haul around the kids with.
First off, the new Town & Country is equipped with the SafetyTec package, which includes over 40 safety features, with things like blind spot assist or rear cross-path detection.
The interior has been slightly upgraded, but keeps the same Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system, which allows easier access to the third row of seats. The center console has been upgraded, as new features were added to keep passengers entertained. Customers can choose from dual DVD systems, which can play different discs on two separate screens, or even Sirius satellite TV or Flo TV, each with dedicated children broadcasts.
Under the hood of the new 2011 Chrysler Town & Country sits the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, rated at 283 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque. Even though its power is more than enough for a regular minivan, the fuel economy is also pretty decent. The EPA rates the new Town & Country at 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg highway.
The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country will be rolling into dealerships at the end of the year.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 chrysler town & country, Chrysler, chrysler town & country, chrysler town and country, minivan, refresh, upgrade
Chrysler has decided to shine the upgrade light on another one of the Jeep models, after introducing the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the refreshed 2011 Wrangler.
Now, the 2011 Jeep Patriot can finally boast a lot of much-needed upgrades. You will find slight styling tweaks, more interior features and a few new customization options.
First off, the front fascia has been restyled, sitting much lower than before. The grille is now color matched to the exterior, while the fog lights have been repositioned. 17-inch wheels can be fitted to the new Patriot, while its exterior can be had in more color choices.
On the inside, the entry-level crossover has received a lot of upgrades, in order to finally make it more attractive. The door panels have received soft touch materials, the seats are wrapped in a new type of fabric, backlighting has been added to the doors while the steering wheel now has audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls.
Under the sheet metal, Jeep says it has revised the suspension and steering systems, while the 4×4 models have received an extra inch of ground clearance.
Overall, the 2011 Jeep Patriot was in serious need of upgrading, and Chrysler did a pretty good job.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 jeep patriot, Chrysler, crossover, Jeep, jeep patriot, refresh, upgrade
Renault is preparing quite a few surprises for the upcoming Paris Motor Show, including its brand new flagship model, the Latitude.
Alongside it, according to a recent report, will be the refreshed version of the Renault Laguna. As you can see above and below, the new model has already been leaked onto the web.
First off, the front fascia of the Laguna has been restyled, with the headlights received new elements. The new look is more aggressive than the outgoing Laguna, and will no doubt position the model as a sportier alternative to the more entry-level Fluence.
The wagon model has also been tweaked, and we might expect new wheels and exterior customization options to be available.
The engine lineup is expected to stay the same, but the frugal 1.5-liter diesel will see its CO2 emissions lowered to around 120 g/km.
Expect more details as soon as the Paris show opens its doors at the end of the month.
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Post tags: Tags: facelift, paris motor show, refresh, Renault, renault-laguna
Jeep is continuing its upgrade trend, and after revealing the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee, the off-road specialist has also detailed the 2011 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models.
Off-road fans are definitely going to enjoy driving the refreshed Wrangler both on the road as well as on hardcore trails, thanks to a series of major upgrades made to the interior. No longer are customers getting the Spartan treatment, as Jeep has fitted a brand new steering wheel, revised instrument panels, larger rear windows and used better materials for the trim.
A more comfortable arm rest is also available, as is a USB interface and Bluetooth connectivity for the new audio system. Speaking of sound, Jeep says that a new ‘acoustical treatment’ has been fitted to the 2011 Wrangler, meaning your conversations won’t have to be carried out via loud speaker anymore.
In all seriousness, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler definitely has some great new features on the inside, but also boasts new paint colors like Bright White, Cosmos Blue, Deep Cherry Red, Detonator Yellow, and Sahara Tan. What’s more, a body color removable hardtop is now available, for a price, on the popular Sahara trim line.
The 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are now in production, and will be available in dealerships in the following weeks. Until then, check it out in the photo gallery below.
Photo Gallery: 2011 Jeep Wrangler
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 jeep wrangler, Jeep, jeep wrangler, jeep wrangler unlimited, photo-gallery, refresh
2011 Nissan Murano gets refreshed looks and new options
After it was already revealed for Europe, the 2011 Nissan Murano has now been confirmed to arrive on US shores.
The new mid-size crossover packs a brand new grille, as well as a few other tricks with the 2011 model year edition.
First off, as you can see above, the old razor-like grille is gone, replaced with something bit more … peculiar, so to speak. The front bumper has also been tweaked and is a bit on the bloated side. Still, you will be able to order a brand new trim line, the SV, in both front- and all-wheel drive versions.
New options ranging from 20-inch wheels to a dual-panel moonroof or new colors can also be ordered for the Japanese crossover. You’ll still get just one engine though, the 3.5-liter VQ V6, capable of 260 HP and 240 lb-ft of torque.
Expect the 2011 Nissan Murano to reach dealerships in October.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 nissan murano, crossover, details, facelift, Nissan, nissan-murano, options, refresh
Even though the 2011 Ford Fiesta is reaching US dealerships as we speak, the Blue Oval is already looking to the future, and is reportedly ready to implement a refresh to the European Fiesta as early as 2012.
According to the rumors, the Fiesta, which is available only as a hatchback in the Old Continent, will get a restyled front fascia, complete with LED lights. The front spoiler will be redrawn, while the interior of the compact hatch will get new options.
Most importantly though are the new engines, all wearing the EcoBoost name. The Fiesta will get a 90 HP turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder enginie, like the one on the Ford Start concept, while the performance Fiesta ST will receive a 180 HP 1.6-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine.
Expect the facelifted Ford Fiesta to appear in Europe at the end of 2012, and might reach US shores in 2013.
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Post tags: Tags: 2012, ecoboost, europe, facelift, Ford, ford-fiesta, refresh
Land Rover isn’t just busy preparing the Range Rover Evoque for its formal debut next year, but has also taken time to present the refreshed 2011 Land Rover LR2 or Freelander 2, as Europeans know it.
As you can see, not a lot of things were changed on the outside. The fog lamps have been repositioned, while a new finish is present on the front grille as well as a revised bumper. On the inside, changes are even more scarce, with just the gauges, seats and mats being revised.
By far the biggest changes were made under the bonnet though. The 2011 Land Rover LR2/Freelander 2 will be the first model to be offered with a front-wheel drive option, reserved only for the 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, capable of 150 HP. When fitted to a manual transmission, such a setup can achieve around 38 mpg US. If you want four-wheel drive, the figure drops to 33 mpg.
US consumers won’t be getting this combination though, as a 190 HP gasoline engine will be present, mated to an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. No efficiency figures were revealed, but don’t expect anything mind blowing.
The new 2011 Land Rover LR2/Freenlander 2 will be arriving into dealerships by the end of the year.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 land rover freelander 2, 2011 land rover lr2, crossover, front-wheel-drive, Land Rover, land rover freelander 2, land rover lr2, refresh
Even though it is quite busy launching the brand new 2011 Saab 9-5 all over the world, as well as setting up plans for the next few years, Saab isn’t neglecting its entry-level offer, the 9-3.
According to insiders, the 2011 Saab 9-3 will be treated to a mild refresh, consisting of revised looks as well as new options for both the exterior and the interior.
It seems that the model will be getting two new colors, Javabrown and Diamond Silver, as well as the turbine wheels we saw on the 2011 9-5. Two new versions, Vector Griffin and Griffin Aero will be introduced, each sporting tweaked front fascias. The inside will be host to a few more trim options, and new materials, for the 2011 model year.
In terms of engines, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with direct injection, will be available. It will output 163 in naturally aspirated form, and 220 HP, thanks to a turbocharger. In specific markets, a diesel engine will also be available, in three flavors: 130, 160 or 180 HP.
While this isn’t official just yet, Saab will certainly implement some changes if it wants the 9-3 to remain competitive until the next generation sedan arrives.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 saab 9-3, facelift, options, refresh, Saab, saab 9-3
The 2011 Nissan Rogue crossover has finally been refreshed, boasting an upgraded look, as well as enhanced features and, most importantly, a slightly better fuel average.
As you can see above and below, the new Rogue has gotten the same type of front grille as the Murano, but also new fog lamps and revised spoilers for both the front and the rear. While two versions will be available, S and SV, custom accessories can be ordered, and two special editions, SL and S Kr?m, are also present in the range.
Eco-friendly customers are going to approve of the new low rolling resistance tires, available with the 17-inch chromed wheels, as well as a new underbody tray, which reduces the aerodynamic drag. These enhancements have made the Rogue more efficient by 1 mpg. The FWD 2011 Nissan Rogue achieves 22/28 mpg, while the AWD version gets 22/26 mpg.
Expect the 2011 Nissan Rogue to appear in showrooms in mid-August.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 nissan rogue, facelift, Nissan, nissan rogue, refresh
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG super sedan refresh has been revealed, boasting even more power than the 2010 model, and an improved interior.
Even though the outgoing model had more than enough power to go around, thanks to its 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, for the 2011 model year, Mercedes-Benz and AMG engineers managed to squeeze out 11 more HP. This takes the total output to 525 HP, with 464 lb-ft of torque.
All this power is sent through the MCT SpeedShift seven-speed gearbox, allowing a 0 to 62 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph. Power isn’t the only thing increased for the 2011 E63, as the new performance sedan is 12% more efficient than the outgoing edition.
While the exterior is largely unchanged, the interior of the super sedan has been restyled, and new options are now available. Artico leather now decorates the doors and dashboard, while the center console is treated to a piano black finish.
Expect the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG to appear later this year on the market.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 mercedes-benz e63 amg, amg, interior, mercedes, mercedes benz e63 amg, Mercedes-Benz, performance, power, refresh
The Smart ForTwo hasn’t exactly been the city car sales phenomenon Mercedes-Benz had been hoping for.
Still, the company is confident in the compact model, and has revealed the 2010 refresh to the ForTwo range.
As you can see above, the outside hasn’t seen any dramatic changes, with the new, optional LED daytime running lights being the biggest addition. A set of 15-inch alloy wheels can also be ordered, alongside an even wider array of colors, that can decorate anything from the body to specific components of the car. Also, for the open top version of the ForTwo, customers will be able to order either a red or blue cloth top.
The interior of the 2010 Smart ForTwo has seen some much needed improvements though. The instrument panel has been redesigned, while an optional three-spoke leather steering wheel can be ordered. Another new addition is a touchscreen infotainment system, letting drivers control the navigation, bluetooth connectivity or the audio system.
In terms of engines, the units haven’t changed, but their CO2 emissions have been lowered. The top-of-the-range Brabus version is now capable of emitting just 119 g/km of CO2. The most frugal in the range is still a CDI diesel unit, which puts out just 86 g/km of CO2.
Expect the 2010 Smart ForTwo to debut in dealerships this fall, across the world.
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Post tags: Tags: 2010 smart fortwo, city-car, daimler, facelift, Mercedes-Benz, refresh, Smart, smart-fortwo
Tesla is definitely in a much better place these days, as after its IPO, a lot of money has been added to the accounts of the electric vehicle manufacturer.
In order to celebrate this, the company has just revealed the 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5 refresh, which improves the looks of the electric sportscar, but also adds new options to the range.
The biggest change is at the front, where a new grille has been added, in the vein of the Model S concept we saw some time ago. The rear bumper has also received a new diffuser, but not a lot is known about its impact on the aerodynamics of the EV.
On the inside, the seats have been redesigned, in order to offer a better comfort to the driver and passengers. They will also be able to enjoy a 7-inch touchscreen display, which can be wired to a backup camera system.
No pricing has been revealed as of yet, but you can’t expect any huge changes here.
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Post tags: Tags: Electric Vehicles, facelift, refresh, sportscar, Tesla, tesla roadster 2.5, tesla-roadster
2011 Aston Martin DB9 refresh revealed
After a very successful seven year life cycle, Aston Martin has finally decided to refresh its DB9 model.
The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 features just a few changes, with new styling cues used on the front fascia and the addition of the same Active Damper System used in the DBS and in the Rapide.
Aston Martin’s grand tourer has seen a new finish on the radiator grille, while the lower front air intake has been reshaped and also received bright hexagonal mesh. Other styling changes include silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond-turned wheels and new, clear taillights.
From a mechanical standpoint, the DB9 has seen the introduction of the Active Damper System, which has improved the handling of the 2011 model that the Sport package has been erased from the options list. A new tire pressure monitoring system, a revised bluetooth connectivity pack plus the option of a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system were also added.
Besides that, the 2011 Aston Martin DB9, both in Coupe and Volante (Convertible) form, still packs the massive 6.0-liter V12, capable of 470 HP and 442 lb-ft of torque. Production is already underway, and deliveries will arrive shortly.
Until your own 2011 DB9 gets delivered, feel free to check out the refreshed British sportscar in the photo gallery below.
Photo Gallery: 2011 Aston Martin DB9
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 aston martin db9, Aston Martin, aston-martin-db9, facelift, photo-gallery, refresh
With the 2011 model year fast approaching Dodge, the Chrysler subsidiary will be left with just one proper performance model, the Challenger, as the Viper’s life cycle will end.
As such, the guys at AllPar have got their hands on some juicy rumors. It seems that the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will see its 6.4-liter HEMI V8 develop around 480 HP and 460 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 55 HP and 40 lb-ft.
That’s not all, as Dodge will be partnering up with ZF to equip an eight-speed automatic gearbox into the 2011 Challenger SRT8.
The more tamed Challenger R/T will see its power levels remain the same, while the SE version will benefit from an upgraded Pentastar V6 unit, capable of 290 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque.
Changes will also be made across the lineup, as elements from the Charger, will make their way onto the Challenger, as well as an upgraded interior and an electronic power steering pump.
Bear in mind that none of these changes are confirmed, as of yet, by Chrysler, so we still need to wait a few months until the official unveil of the 2011 Dodge Challenger.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 dodge challenger, Dodge, dodge-challenger, dodge-challenger-srt8, refresh
It was a long time coming, but the 2011 Mini range has finally been revealed. The new city car lineup showcases slightly refreshed looks, new technologies and a new diesel engine.
First off, don’t expect any huge changes to the design, as only a few touches have been modified. The front is largely unchanged, but is now much more friendly to pedestrians in case of a crash. The rear taillights have now received LED technology.
The inside houses little changes as well, with new controls for the air conditioning and audio systems being added. More options are now available for the interior, as well as the Mini Connected system. Besides offering navigation and being the command center for the rest of the systems, it will also allow you to connect your iPhone and you can check out videos on the display of the car.
Customization will continue to play an important role for Mini. Even more interesting are the three new ‘design worlds’: Classic, Scene and Rally (hmmm), which are basically configurations of materials and finishes for things like the roof or the upholstery. Of course you can opt for your own customization options, like the Chili Red contrast color, now available for the John Cooper Works performance versions.
The biggest change in the 2011 Mini range is the introduction of a new diesel engine, courtesy of BMW. The four-cylinder is available in two flavors, a 90 HP unit, in the Mini One D, and a 112 HP one in the Cooper D. The claimed fuel average is a mighty impressive 61 mpg (US) or 3.8 liters/100 km, and just 99 g/km of CO2 emissions. For the first time, the Mini Cooper D will also be available in Convertible form.
The 2011 Mini range will make its debut on September 18. Until then, check out the photo gallery below with the new models, from the One, to the Cooper, the Clubman or the John Cooper Works.
Photo Gallery: 2011 Mini
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 mini, facelift, Mini, mini clubman, mini one, mini-cooper, photo-gallery, refresh
