Cars Guide

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Nissan Cube
Despite its somewhat boxy shape, the 2011 Nissan Cube is surprisingly nimble on the road. Crosswinds dont seem to present a problem. Acceleration is great, allowing you to zip along without any issues. As fun as the Cube is to drive, though, it comes at a price: noise. Road noise in the 2011 Cube, especially when on the freeway, is practically unbearable. Even when the radio is cranked all the way up, its sometimes difficult to hear. Those who want serene, quiet rides should look elsewhere.

The cube offers space for five in its lounge-like interior, or 58 cubic feet of cargo room, and more than 40 accessories to help buyers customize cube to their precise tastes and needs.

The latest Nissan cube is available in three standard and one special model: cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S and cube 1.8 SL, and also in a special cube 1.8 S Krom Edition.
INTERIOR
 The 2011 Nissan Cube comes reasonably well equipped with amenities like air conditioning, power windows, mirrors, and locks, remote keyless entry, and an intermittent rear wiper. Detachable hooks for bags can be affixed to the dashboard or doors and you can secure maps, cell phones and the like via plastic straps on the door armrests.

The new-for-Cube navigation system is part of the Preferred Package option for SL models and is standard on the 1.8 S Krōm Edition. This navigation setup is one of Nissan’s rather basic units; it doesn’t include voice recognition, for example, and uses a modestly sized 5-inch diameter dashboard touchscreen. But it’s a worthwhile accessory that uses an SD memory-card-based software and includes XM satellite radio and NavTraffic capability and a USB iPod interface Package.

Depending on the model, other available features include pushbutton ignition, a Rockford Fosgate audio system with subwoofer with six speakers, and a rear-view monitor for easier and safer parking. Eccentricities include “shag” carpeting for some interior shelf surfaces and a 20-color cabin-accent lighting kit.
EXTERIOR
 The 2011 Nissan Cube styling continues with the same blend of cute and weird it debuted with for model-year 2009. Cube has a pug nose, glassy upper body, and an unusual right-rear corner that uses black-out glass to create the illusion of an asymmetrical tail design. Cube is taller than it is wide, so you sit comfortably upright on chair-like seats. There are seatbelts for five, but the rear seat is really wide enough for just two adults. Outward visibility is quite good – you’ll even feel a little exposed behind those big windows. In fact, Cube’s window size is a drawback to keeping the cabin cool on hot, sunny days. And Cube needs bigger sun visors; swiveling them to the side blocks only a fraction of the solar spotlight assaulting the driver and front passenger.

A body just an inch longer than that of a standard Mini Cooper spells no-fuss city parking, though you’ll need to leave room behind for the large, side-hinged cargo door. The rear bench slides fore/aft to prioritize cargo or people space. Its seatbacks split and fold, but the lower cushions don’t. So despite in impressive-sounding 58-cubic-feet of maximum cargo volume, you can’t create a flat load floor. That detracts from some of the utility promised by this boxy body. The cabin design itself is fairly traditional, with a simple, user-friendly dashboard, though the symmetrical-circle design in the headliner is truly odd.

The 2011 Nissan Cube is offered in four models, labeled 1.8, 1.8 S, 1.8 SL, and 1.8 Krōm Edition. The last, pronounced “chrome,” has subtly different front and rear styling and some exclusive interior trim. Cube 1.8 and 1.8 S models come with 15-inch tires with wheel covers; 1.8 SL and 1.8 Krōm Edition models come with 16-inch alloys. Different wheels and aero body panels are also available for all models.
ENGINE
The front-wheel drive cube is built on Nissan’s B-platform and is offered with a standard 122-horsepower, 127 lb-ft of torque 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissans Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or six-speed manual transmission.

The cube also provides fuel efficiency of 27 city, 31 mpg highway with the CVT transmission. For the current model year, the combined fuel economy rating increases to 29 mpg (from the previous 28 mpg).

With the six-speed manual transmission fuel economy comes in at 25 city, 30 highway mpg.

Conclusion: Is the 2011 Nissan Cube a Smart Buy?

The Nissan Cube is unusual looking, which is a big part of its attraction to drivers. And if you’re looking to be an individual, perhaps it’s the car for you. But if you’re looking for a roomy cabin, a quiet drive or ample options, there also could be reason to look at other alternatives.
Pros

There are two main advantages to the 2011 Nissan Cube: fun and affordability. This car is definitely geared towards young drivers; its unique styling isnt going to appeal to everyone. Nimble handling and fairly good gas mileage are also perks of driving the Cube. Zipping around in this eye-catching car is definitely an experience. Its exceptional acceleration also brings extra fun to the table for drivers who need to get where they are going fast.
Cons

Without a doubt, the 2011 Nissan Cubes unique styling is one of its biggest downfalls. Many drivers just wont be able to get past its strange appearance. Those who need to bring along older kids will also be dismayed by the cramped backseat; this car isnt designed for long road trips. When on the highway, the 2011 Cube is unacceptably loud; road noise and wind take over, making for a stressful driving experience. Overall, however, the low price of the Cube will make up for most of these issues.
reference:www.leftlanenews.com,iguida.com,www.automobile.com

Civic Breaks 13-Year-Old Monthly Record on American Honda 20-Percent Sales Gain; Acura Sales Jump 18 Percent on MDX Monthly Record and All-Time Light-Truck Sales Record

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported July 2013 U.S. sales of 141,439 units, a total increase of 20.9 percent compared with July 2012 (up 16.1 percent based on the Daily Selling Rate, or DSR*). The Honda Division posted July 2013 sales of 126,289 units, an increase of 21.3 percent compared with July 2012. Acura Division U.S. July sales of 15,150 units jumped 18.1 percent compared with July 2012.
Honda

• Accord and Civic both top 30,000 July sales, with Civic breaking a 13-year-old July sales record
• CR-V breaks July sales record set last year by more than 6,500 units, with sales of 27,226, up 32.5 percent compared to July 2012
• Pilot and Ridgeline both see fifth consecutive month of double digit sales gains, up 32.5 and 67.7 percent respectively, from July 2012

"In July, all of our core models - Civic, Accord, Odyssey and CRV - showed double-digit gains," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. "This indicates Hondas commitment to retail sales is resonating with consumers seeking not only fun and fuel-efficient vehicles, but also products that retain their long-term value."
Acura

• Acura posts a 18.1-percent sales gain, and a 35.4-percent gain in light-truck sales setting an all-time light-truck sales record
• MDX, new from the ground up, topped 5,500 units and set a new July record last set in 2005, making it Acuras top-selling model
• RDX continues its amazing run with 15 consecutive month of record sales (3,936 units sold)

"The all-new MDX is off to the kind of dominating start we expected, teamed with RDX to give Acura a powerful 1-2 punch in the important luxury light-truck segment, and new momentum in Acura showrooms," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura sales. "MDX delivers due to its fundamental advantages in areas that resonate with luxury SUV shoppers."
*The daily selling rate (DSR) is calculated with 25 days for July 2013 and 24 days for July 2012. Year-to-date, the DSR is calculated with 178 days for 2013 and 178 days for 2012. All other percentages in release are unadjusted; see table for adjusted DSR figures.

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Spyker C8 Convertible
When it was founded in 2000, the Dutch firm Spyker borrowed its name from an early 20th century airplane engine manufacturer and quickly translated that history into the design language of its first supercar, the C8. The wheels, steering column, and switchgear all recall 1920s airplanes and help Spyker distinguish itself in a field of ultra-modern exotics. The C8 was introduced along with the founding of the new company and has seen minor refreshes ever since.
 INTERIOR and EXTERIOR
The 2009 Spyker C8 is an exotic sports car available in three versions: C8 Laviolette, C8 Spyder and longer-wheelbase C8 Aileron. Standard features for the C8 Laviolette include 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, keyless entry/ignition, electrically operated single-hinge tilting doors, full leather upholstery, air-conditioning and a CD sound system. The C8 Spyder shares the C8 Laviolettes equipment roster while adding a power-assisted soft top in place of the Laviolettes fixed roof. The C8 Aileron adds a unique dashboard design with a multifunction LCD display, a navigation system and a six-speaker Kharma sound system with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. A Spyder version of the Aileron is scheduled to appear later in the model year.
As youd expect of a hand-built exotic car, the Spyker C8 offers a mind-boggling array of options, including riveted body panels, 19-inch alloys ("Aeroblade" for Laviolette/Spyder, "Rotorblade" for Aileron), stereo upgrades, heated seats, quilted leather upholstery, an aluminum dashboard, a Louis Vuitton custom luggage set, a Louis Vuitton tool kit, Chronoswiss dials, Alcantara interior trim and bespoke exterior and interior color schemes.

ENGINE
In its current incarnation, most versions of the C8 are powered by an Audi-made, 4.2-liter V8 engine that generates 400 hp and 354 foot-pounds of torque. The engine is quick enough to reach 60 mph from a standing start in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph. A GT-class version of the car, known as the C8 Spyder GT2R, uses a 3.8-liter engine that generates a lower 310 foot-pounds of torque but ups its raw horsepower to 450, resulting in a quicker 3.8-second dash to 60 mph with the same top speed.

Safety

To comply with American regulations, the C8 Laviolette and Spyder have been fitted with a steering-wheel airbag in place of the Euro-spec propeller-shaped four-spoke wheel. The C8 Aileron adds a passenger airbag. Antilock brakes are standard, but neither stability nor traction control is available.

Driving Impressions

Mellifluous and responsive Audi V8 notwithstanding, the Spyker C8 isnt a car that tempts you to race other exotics. Its fast, but not that fast. The handling is another matter, though -- with precise manual steering and a chassis tuned with input from Lotus, the C8 has plenty of moxie. Unfortunately, the price of that handling comes in the form of a spine-bruising ride. The C8 does have shock absorbers, but you may have your doubts after a spell in the driver seat. To Spykers credit, though, the C8s ultra-rigid aluminum structure evinces zero chassis quiver, and driving enthusiasts will appreciate the sense of intimate connection with moving parts and the road below.
source:www.leftlanenews.com,www.edmunds.com