Cars Information

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Suzuki Equator
Like most everything else in the U.S., pickup trucks have been supersized over the last couple of decades. Perhaps with the latest trend of downsizing, midsize trucks may regain some footing. Choices are few in this category, but among this select group, the 2011 Suzuki Equator ranks very highly.

Although the Equator has its own traditional style, its essentially identical to the Nissan Frontier under the sheet metal. The Equator and Frontier interior treatments are fundamentally similar as well, with just a few badge changes for the Suzuki. Under the hood, youll even find some traces of Nissan labeling.

As a result, you get all the advantages and disadvantages that come with the Nissan Frontier. The Equator shares the strength of an optional V6 engine, relatively nimble handling, a manageable size, sturdy construction and respectable off-road performance. Likewise, both trucks suffer from the same cramped quarters in the rear of the crew cab. The Equator also isnt available in the simple standard cab from the Frontier lineup, although this is simply because it has relatively little market appeal.

Suzuki offers a seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the Nissan stops at five years and 60,000 miles. The drawback here is that warranty work must be performed at Suzuki dealerships, which are outnumbered considerably by Nissan dealers. If a Suzuki dealer is conveniently close to you, however, the 2011 Suzuki Equator should be an enticing midsize pickup.
INTERIOR
Inside the Suzuki Equator, the feeling is of practicality. There is no faux wood trim or European-luxury inspired arrays of controls. No attempt is made to load the cockpit with the stylistic features of a high-end SUV, but it is practically designed and well organized. Leather is not an option; instead, a rubberized, water-resistant material is the premium fabric option, designed to be easy to wash. A low-gloss textured plastic is used throughout, with bright-coated plastic accents on the center stack shifter panel and steering wheel. It may be all plastic, but our charcoal interior looked nice, and it would clean up well time after time.

Only those opting for four-wheel drive will get all of the Equators interior frills. The RMZ-4 package includes chrome trim on the instrument panel, more adjustments in the drivers seat and upgraded seat material. The Sport 4x4 and RMZ-4 get a premium eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo system with subwoofer. All trucks come with bucket seats and a center console. The base audio system, which is standard in two-wheel-drive Equators, doesnt include an auxiliary jack to accommodate MP3 players. Interior features include:

    Available hands-free Bluetooth connectivity
    Optional Rockford Fosgate audio system
    Sport, RMZ-4 packages have only one 12-volt outlet, others have two
    RMZ-4 gets illuminated ignition key cylinder
EXTERIOR
The Equator has been equipped with a unique front clip, meaning that it has its own hood, grille, front fenders, and front fascia to distinguish it from the 2009 Nissan Frontier that it is based upon. The honeycomb mesh Suzuki grille is the most visible part of the Equators identity, as it contains a large Suzuki emblem. Fenders are visibly flared upward and doors, shared with the Frontier, are wide and flat. The side view is designed with a low belt line that makes the Equator seem taller, and bigger.

Mirrors on most models are black, and not overly large, so they seem to disappear into the truck. The rear windows have darkened privacy glass, as does the back cabin window.

The tailgate is another unique Suzuki piece. Use of chrome is limited to the rear bumper, and on the RMZ package, mirror and door handles.

Sport and RMZ-4 packages are also distinguishable by wheel size. The Sport package, intended more for street use, has 17-inch wheels and 65-series tires. The RMZ-4 Equators have 16-inch wheels, and higher-profile P265/75 BFG Rugged Trail tires.

The hood, front fenders, grille, bumpers and tailgate are exclusive to Suzuki. The bed comes with a factory spray-on bedliner and an adjustable tie-down system. The prominent Suzuki badge on the honeycomb three-bar grille distinguishes the Equator. Exterior features include:

    Chrome door handles on RMZ-4
    Tow hitch optional on all trims
    16-inch alloy wheels on RMZ-4
    Available 17-inch alloy wheels on other V-6 models
ENGINE
Engine and transmission configurations include:

    *152-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder, aluminum block/cylinder head, DOHC, four valves per cylinder with 171 pounds-feet of peak torque
    *261-hp, 4.0-liter V-6, aluminum block/cylinder head, DOHC, four valves per cylinder with 281 pounds-feet of peak torque
    *Five-speed manual available only in base extended cab 4x2 with inline-four engine
    *Five-speed automatic standard in all other inline-four and all V-6 models
    *Electronically controlled part-time four-wheel-drive transfer case
SAFETY
Antilock disc brakes, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on all trims. Traction and stability control are standard on Sport and V6 models. Hill-hold and descent control is standard on the four-cylinder Sport and V6-powered long bed and RMZ-4 models.

The 2011 Equator has not been rated using the governments new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which arent comparable to 2011 tests) resulted in four stars (out of five) in frontal tests for both driver and passenger and five stars for side impact protection. The extended cab garnered four stars for driver protection in frontal impacts and five stars for frontal-impact passenger protection and driver protection in side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded its highest score of "Good" for frontal-offset testing.

a crew cab Equator Sport model came to a stop from 60 mph in 122 feet. Its an admirably short distance, but the soft pedal was far from confidence-inspiring, and sometimes it went all the way to the floor under heavy pressure.
reference:www.cars.com,autos.aol.com,www.edmunds.com

Styling: The 2011 Dodge Challenger’s styling isn’t altered, staying true to the model-year 2008 revival of this MoPar muscle car. The long-hood, short-deck shape, wide grille flanked by round headlamps, graceful roofline, and full-width tail lamps continue to honor the 1970 Challenger two-door coupe.

The 2011 Dodge Challenger’s interior is updated, but not as extensively or as elegantly as that of several other 2011 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models. Revisions to the 2011 Challenger’s cabin are highlighted by a new steering wheel with more ergonomically integrated controls for the audio and cruise control systems and other functions. The dashboard instrumentation gets new faces, and assorted trim is regrained or softer to the touch.
he base model 2011 Dodge Challenger SE will come with Chrysler’s new high-feature 3.6-liter V6 engine, packing 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque (compared to 290 horsepower under the hood of the Jeep Grand Cherokee using the same engine). The Challenger’s current five-speed automatic will remain, fuel economy will be rated at 19 city, 26 highway miles per gallon.

We’ve known that the Challenger SRT8 model would swap out its 6.1-liter V8 for a new 6.4-liter unit for the 2011 model year, but until now we could only speculate in regards to power figures. Although not as high as many rumors indicating it could produce as much as 500 horsepower, the 6.4-liter HEMI will be rated at 475 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Along with the new engine, the SRT engineers have given the Challenger’s chassis some help with new dampers accompanied by revised suspension geometry. The steering is now quicker, too, and uses a heavy-duty hydraulic pump that’s said to offer more feel, particularly on-center, something the car needed. We’re hopeful, too, that the changes impart an extra dash of nimbleness to what is a heavy car—it weighs more than two tons.

Exterior differentiation starts with prominent “392 HEMI” badges on the front fenders. The front fascia has been revised, including a larger chin spoiler that creeps up along the wheel wells in order to route airflow around the rolling stock.

The 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 comes with xenon headlamps, functional hood scoops, leather upholstery, special sport bucket front seats, and dashboard readouts that track 0-60-mph acceleration times, lateral G-forces, and other lead-foot data. Dodge also is offering the 2011 SRT8 392 Inaugural Edition, a special model whose production is limited to 1,492 cars.  The Inaugural Edition rides on exclusive 20-inch wheels and tires and gives buyers a choice of a white exterior with blue stripes running the length of the car or a blue exterior with white stripes. The seats are finished in white leather with blue stripes and stitching.

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Mazda Tribute
It must be tough for the 2011 Mazda Tribute at family get-togethers. Like the red-headed stepchild, this compact crossover sticks out as the oddball among its fellow Mazdas with their rakish profiles, beefy fender flares and wide-mouth grilles. Thats because the Tribute has been adopted from a different family. Remove the badges from the Mazda Tribute and what you have is a Ford Escape, except without the Fords many appealing high-tech features.

The Tribute and its Ford twin date back to the turn of the millennium, and you can tell, as this vehicles blocky shape and upright driving position are indicative of the truck-based SUVs that used to rule back in Y2K. The Tribute has been thoroughly updated since then with refreshed styling, dramatically improved interior quality and more potent engines, but the underlying vehicle has remained the same. That means it lacks new, now-common features like a telescoping steering wheel or a reclining and sliding rear seat. And it drives with a truck-ish demeanor that seems very un-Mazda-like.

More important, its also a little hard to fathom why someone would opt for a 2011 Mazda Tribute instead of a Ford Escape, since the Ford can be equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system, excellent self-parking technology and the innovative Sync electronics interface, which includes cell phone and iPod connectivity along with voice controls.

However, note that the Escape is far from a top pick among compact crossovers. It might have the admittedly appealing option of Sync, but its still an aging design that lacks many of the beneficial attributes of competitors like the Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV-4. Either way you cut it, though, this 2011 Mazda is a Tribute to neither its adopted nor birth families.
INTERIOR
The well-equipped, entry-level Sport trim offers all the convenience, safety and utility today’s young SUV buyers demand. Standard features include automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system, ambient temperature gauge, remote keyless entry system and power mirrors, door locks and windows. Cruise control is standard on vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A roof rack and auto-dimming rear view mirror complete with compass, or Homelink® are also available.

The mid-level Touring trim builds on the Sport trim with the addition of privacy glass, a standard roof rack, six-way power adjustable driver’s seat with manual adjustable lumbar support, overhead console with dual storage bins and front seatback map pockets.

Offering the highest level of comfort and convenience found in the Tribute lineup, the fully loaded Grand Touring trim comes standard with everything found on the Sport and Touring trims, plus Satellite radio and much more. Additional standard exterior features include heated side-view mirrors and a power-sliding moonroof. A more sophisticated and cozy interior features leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, garage door opener, electrochromatic mirror with rearview backup camera display and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For the most part, the Tributes cabin is virtually identical to that of the Ford Escape. This isnt really a bad thing, as the control layout and build quality are generally impressive. The straightforward climate and stereo controls are split, with readouts placed high atop the dash in legible blue and white characters. Unfortunately, the Tribute does not offer the Escapes excellent available navigation system or the innovative Sync electronics interface, which includes Bluetooth, iPod interface and voice controls.

The Tributes front seats are well-bolstered and comfortable, though a tilt-only steering wheel might prevent some from finding an ideal driving position. The rear seat, although roomy enough for adults, has an uncomfortably flat bottom cushion in order to create a flat load floor when the seatback is laid down, and the seat itself is devoid of reclining and sliding adjustments. Folding down the seat is a bit of a chore, as the headrests must be removed and the bottom cushions tipped forward before the seatbacks can be lowered (its that flat load floor thing again).

Cargo space stands at 31.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 67.2 cubes with the 60/40-split second row folded. This is a bit larger than Mazdas own CX-7 and smaller crossovers like the Hyundai Tucson, but the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are bigger.
EXTERIOR
The Tribute’s sporty behavior also comes from its unibody construction and the fully independent coil-sprung suspension, as used on many sports cars. Many rival SUVs use truck-like body-on-frame chassis, which flex more and provide a much less stable platform for the suspension. The Tribute’s unibody construction provides superb structural rigidity, improving ride and handling, as well as contributing to fewer rattles and a much tauter driving feel.

The fully independent coil-sprung suspension – MacPherson struts at the front, multi-link at the rear – ensures each wheel responds independently to road conditions, increasing the sure-footedness of the vehicle, improving handling and road holding. It gives the vehicle more poise in difficult conditions, including at high-speeds and on unpaved surfaces, and also improves ride comfort.

The track, front (60.7 inches) and rear (60.2 inches) is wide, which also benefits stability, handling and road holding. Nitrogen gas-charged shock absorbers give superb wheel control, on- or off-road, and maintain their composure even after tough use. The Tribute handles like a well-sorted sedan, but with all the extra benefits of an SUV.

Another sports car touch is the use of rack-and-pinion steering for greater steering precision and response. Variable power assistance means low-speed maneuvering, such as parking, is easy. Yet at higher speeds, reduced power assistance preserves road feel and steering feedback. Electric Power Steering (EPS), which improves vehicle sensitivity, is standard, and, improves NVH and fuel economy by eliminating the power steering pump.

All Tributes have ventilated 11.9-inch front discs for strong heat dissipation which improves braking performance after repeated use, such as a long downhill stretch with many bends. Both Tribute i and s models are equipped with standard Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) to prevent wheel lock-up and skids, and to help maintain steering control under braking. The four-channel system is more advanced than a conventional three-channel set-up, as every wheel has its own sensor to provide individual braking control. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) varies the distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels depending on the load to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible.
ENGINE
The Tribute takes some naming queues from the Mazda6 utilizing " i " and " s " monikers to designate which engine is under the hood. Perspective Tribute owners have their choice between a 171 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which comes with models dubbed " i " and an " s " model which comes with a 3.0-liter V6 model providing 240 horsepower.

Most other vehicles in this small SUV segment have similar four-cylinder or V6 engine options available. The Tributes main competition comes from the Toyota RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson, and of course its Ford and Mercury half-brothers.

Like other Mazda models the Tribute has three trim levels available. A base "Sport" trim, an upgraded "Touring" trim, and the top of the line "Grand Touring" trim are offered.

The standard drive train for the Tribute is front-wheel drive. An electronic four-wheel drive option is available with any trim level as well. Standard safety features consist of six airbags, stability and traction control systems, and Anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution.
SAFETY
The 2011 Mazda Tribute comes with standard antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing of the Tributes twin, the Ford Escape, we found that it came to a stop from 60 mph in an unacceptably long 154 feet, which is about 30 feet longer than it should be.

Thankfully, the Tribute and Escapes crash ratings are strong. The government gave them a perfect five stars in all front and side crash categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tribute the top mark of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side crash tests, but the second-lowest rating of "Marginal" in the roof strength test.
reference:www.leftlanenews.com,www.edmunds.com,www.autospectator.com