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Found 28 entries.
Categories results for: second opinion
2008 Wards Ten Best Engines
Dec 13, 2007 9:27 am | Categories: auto industry, second opinionPosted by louiswei
Wards has just announced the ten best engines award for 2008, and the winners are:
• Audi AG: FSI 2.0L turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3)
• BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (335i Coupe)
• Daimler AG: 3.0L DOHC V-6 Turbodiesel (Mercedes E320 CDI)
• Ford Motor Co.: 4.6L SOHC V-8 (Mustang Shelby GT/Bullitt)
• General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
• General Motors Corp.: 6.0L OHV V-8 Hybrid (GMC Yukon Hybrid)
• Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
• Mazda Motor Corp.: 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed3)
• Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.7L DOHC V-6 (Infiniti G37)
• Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
Overall I think this is a good list, the only engine that I don't think it's deserved to make the list is Audi's 2.0T I4...
Camry XLE Finished Last in the Recent Comparo
Dec 10, 2007 3:52 pm | Categories: second opinion, ventPosted by louiswei
The comparo was done by Edmunds and they fielded 4 cars: '08 Honda Accord EX-L, '07 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE, '08 Chevy Malibu LTZ and '07 Toyota Camry XLE. All equipped with V6 engines.<u1:p></u1:p>
I personally have no beef about Camry finishing 4th since it is the oldest out of the 4. What I do have problem with this comparo is that since Edmunds made driving dynamics (sportiness) such a big deal in a midsize family sedan comparison, why choose the cushy Camry (XLE) over the sporty Camry (SE)?<u1:p></u1:p>
Also, before declaring the Camry as the new Buick maybe Edmunds should do some research so they'll know that some people (as matter of fact, a lot of people) actually prefer no feedback and sloppy ride...
Modern V6 Engines
Dec 5, 2007 10:00 am | Categories: auto industry, second opinionPosted by louiswei
With the modern V6s hitting 300HP mark and over I don't understand the point for those V8s with less than 350HP.
Here's the breakdown for all the current high output V6s:
Honda J37A1:
Displacement - 3664 cc
HP - 300
Torque - 275 ft·lbf
Technology - SOHC VTEC
First appearance: 2007 MDX
Nissan VQ35HR:
Displacement - 3498 cc
HP - 306
Torque - 268 ft·lbf
Technology - Direct inject, CVTC with hydraulic actuation on the intake cam and electromagnetic on the exhaust cam
First appearance: 2007 G35
Nissan VQ37VHR:
Displacement - 3696 cc
HP - 330
Torque - 270 ft·lbf
Technology - Direct inject, CVTC with hydraulic actuation on the intake cam and electromagnetic on the exhaust cam, VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift)
First appearance: 2008 G37 Coupe
Toyota 2GR-FSE:
Displacement - 3456 cc
HP - 306
Torque - 277 ft·lbf
Technology - Duel direct inject (combines gasoline direct injection with traditional port injection), dual-VVT-i (variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams)
First appearance: 2006 IS350
GM LLT:
Displacement - 3564 cc
HP - 304
Torque - 273 ft·lbf
Technology - Direct inject, VVT
First apperance: 2008 CTS
Recent Lexus Recall
Nov 30, 2007 9:34 am | Categories: auto industry, second opinionPosted by louiswei
I don't know about the general public but I have zero problem with recalls, yup '0' as in nada, zip.
To me when the manufacture issues a recall is a good thing because that means they are willing to stand behind their products and I get to fix my car for free.
What I do have problem with is manufactures not willing to stand behind their warranties or simply just not honoring it...
People are driving fine before the daytime running light came along...
Some would argue that DRL increase the visibility of the oncoming car but If one can't see an oncoming car on a bright sunny day then he/she probably shouldn't been driving in the first place. If it's dark, foggy, raining or under any bad condition then it's the drivers' duty to turn the lights on...
It is no secret that Japanese (especially Toyota/Lexus) cars often have been knocked on lacking the "soul" like the German makes. Personally I don't know what kind of "soul" do the German cars have but I do know that not every car manufacture has the same design philosophy so of course the products from different makes would no doubt show the differences. To say that the Japanese cars have no souls by having different characters is like saying just because you have a different belief than me then you have no soul...
Take a look at the picture below, I took it with my phone on my way home from work yesterday. At first I thought it was just a really nice looking 325i convertible from distance. When I got closer I then noticed there is a M3 badge on the left edge of the trunk lid (see yellow circle) WHILE THE 325ci BADGE IS STILL ONE THE RIGHT SIDE!!..
"Subtle" German interior styling
Oct 29, 2007 9:10 am | Categories: second opinionPosted by louiswei
The word I often see to describe German interior styling is "subtle". Personally I don't know what the definition of "subtle" is in a dictionary but based on many German cars' interiors I saw I wouldn't be surprised if "subtle" can define by the word "bland". It's one thing to have the interior looking clean, ergonomically sound and "subtle" but it's a totally different thing if the interior looks dated, 20th century and "bland"...
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