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2011 Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer – the vehicle that defined a segment – has been completely reinvented, raising customers’ expectations of sport utility vehicle (SUV) fuel efficiency, safety, technology, capability and quality.

The 2011 Explorer with V6 power is designed to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model, shattering conventional expectations for SUV fuel efficiency. When equipped with the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost^? I-4 engine, Explorer fuel economy is expected to improve by more than 30 percent and exceed the 2010 Honda Pilot and 2010 Toyota Highlander V6.

Weight reduction is a key element in improving Explorer fuel efficiency. While adding significant content to the vehicle, engineers were able to reduce total vehicle weight by almost 100 pounds through the use of lighter materials such as an aluminum hood.

Explorer’s available advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 delivers the power of a normally aspirated V6 without compromising four-cylinder fuel economy. Aimed at the SUV buyer whose top priority is fuel economy, this turbocharged and intercooled I-4 engine delivers a projected 237 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 through 4,000 rpm. The EcoBoost employs direct injection of gasoline, Ti-VCT, direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valve lifters and four valves per cylinder.

Explorer’s standard powertrain combines front-wheel drive with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, delivering an estimated 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. Ti-VCT allows individually optimized camshaft timing of valve opening and closing events to improve mechanical efficiency while delivering increased power and reducing part-throttle emissions. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, this powerful, flexible and efficient V6 is projected to deliver more than 20 percent better fuel economy versus the previous Explorer V6 model.

Each Explorer engine is paired with a unique six-speed automatic transmission, combining lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising.

A driver need only turn the console-mounted knob to the proper setting among snow, sand, mud and normal modes. This system also includes a hill descent mode.

In addition to its clean, modern design inside and out, Explorer aims to please SUV shoppers with a thoughtful, flexible interior package that abounds with clever storage capacity. The new SUV features more head and shoulder room, three rows of flexible seating, and room for everything families want to take along on their adventures.

The team enhanced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control for the all-new Explorer using an advanced technology called NoiseVision. A ball with hundreds of tiny cameras and microphones, NoiseVision allows engineers to pinpoint and address potential noise issues earlier in the development process.

The all-new Explorer targets top safety ratings with a stiff unibody structure and a class-leading suite of active and passive safety features and technologies, plus another Ford safety innovation – the world’s first second-row inflatable rear belts.

The 2011 Ford Explorer redefines customer expectations for driving dynamics and comfort – on any road, anytime, anywhere – while stretching the breadth of SUV capability. Transforming Explorer’s driving quality was central to creating an SUV for 21st century customers.

2011 Infiniti G25

Never a brand content to rest on its laurels, Infiniti has kept its best-selling model, the G Sedan, fresh throughout the years with continuous refinement and enhancements. Just last year, the G Sedan was refreshed with revised exterior styling, an enhanced interior treatment and upgraded technology features – resulting in renewed consumer interest and record sales. Yet up until now, Infiniti has been competing as one of the only luxury brands offering just one engine in the G Sedan’s class. That changes in the 2011 model year with the introduction of a new 2.5-liter V6 equipped Infiniti G25 Sedan.
For 2011, the G Sedan retains its visually striking exterior design, with its long, wave-like hood, raked A-pillars and athletic stance projecting a balance of power and grace that is suggestive of the performance potential within. The front of the G Sedan is highlighted by its iconic headlight and grille design, which offer a crisp form and high quality feel. Standard fog lights are located in the lower fascia, where they help provide an upscale and distinctive appearance. Every G offers standard High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights. The silhouette offers a wedged roofline and a sweeping bodyside character line that emphasizes both the rich shoulder surfaces and the G’s rear-wheel drive orientation.

The G25 Sedan comes with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission and is available in both rear-wheel drive and intelligent all-wheel drive.

The G25 Sedan’s extensive list of standard equipment includes leather-appointed seating, Shodo aluminum interior trim, 8-way power driver’s seat and 4-way power front passenger’s seat, Automatic Temperature Control, premium audio system with six speakers, XM? Satellite Radio (XM? subscription required, sold separately) and much more. Other standard G25 Sedan features range from 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights to 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).
Every 2011 G Sedan offers a crafted interior environment with a long list of standard or available luxury features, such as standard leather-appointed seating and “Shodo” aluminum trim inspired by a style of Japanese calligraphy. An available audiophile-quality Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose premium audio system, which combines Bose’s 3-way speakers using 10-inch subwoofers in the front doors with a parcel shelf-mounted subwoofer in the rear.

2011 G25 Sedans come equipped with Infiniti’s Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, along with front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

2011 Nissan Rogue
The new 2011 Nissan Rogue offers a standard 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT? (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Rogue S, Rogue SV and Rogue S Krom? Edition are available with an intuitive All-Wheel Drive system.
Rogue is designed to satisfy the buyers’ functional and emotional needs – including the versatility provided by a large 58 cubic feet of cargo space combined with a 60/40 split rear seat and available fold-down front passenger seat. Utility is enhanced by numerous storage and functionality features, including an oversized glove compartment and large center console.
Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features, including six standard air bags – front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for improved front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Available Rogue technology features include Nissan Intelligent Key?, Bluetooth? Hands-free Phone System, XM? Satellite Radio (XM? subscription required, sold separately) Nissan Navigation System, RearView Monitor, Xenon headlights and a Bose-developed audio system.
The new Rogue SV model is designed to provide excellent value, with standard 6-way power driver’s seat, driver’s seat power lumbar support, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth? Hands-free Phone System, Nissan Intelligent Key? and several other features previously available in the 2010 Rogue SL. Two available option packages, the Premium Package and SL Package, include the Nissan Navigation System.
For buyers looking for a sportier look, the Rogue S Krom? Edition features a unique front grille and bumper with fog lights, unique rear fascia, center-exit sport-tuned exhaust, integrated body-colored rear spoiler, body colored power outside mirrors and new 18-inch brilliant-finish aluminum-alloy wheels.