The S trailing the name of this Vantage stands for “sport”—hardly astonishing news—but the differences between sport and standard (one simply cannot employ so mundane a descriptor as “base” in connection with an Aston Martin) are a bit elusive. S means a little more motor, a little more brake, a little more rubber, a little less weight, some small trim distinctions, and, of course, a little more money.
The engine is Aston’s familiar 4.7-liter aluminum V-8, with improved intake airflow, new mufflers, and new programming that keeps the exhaust system’s bypass valves open longer. The net is 430 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque, gains of 10 ponies and 15 lb-ft. Although it’s a small gain in output, the S’s new transmission (more on that in a moment) should help it whittle the Vantage’s 0-to-60-mph time down from the 4.3 of the to about four flat. Beyond that, the menacing V-8 sounds that emerge when the bypass valves open up and the engine soars toward redline are almost worth the price premium on their own, with or without the extra thrust.
There’s just one asterisk. The single-clutch gearbox, chosen for packaging and weight-saving reasons, doesn’t quite measure up to the car’s other mechanical elements. Nor does it match the performance of the dual-clutch boxes found in many of the Aston’s peers. It offers two modes, sport and normal, but upshifts in the base setting are a little slow and convulsive, reminiscent of BMW’s unlamented SMG tranny. In sport, there’s more urgency, particularly when shifts are tucked close to redline, but even then the responses are a bit deliberate compared with something like the whap-whap shifting of, say, a Ferrari 458 Italia.
The Jeep Liberty is a 4-door SUV offered in 4WD 4dr Limited , RWD 4dr Sport , RWD 4dr Limited , 4WD 4dr Sport , RWD 4dr Limited Jet , 4WD 4dr Arctic and 4WD 4dr Limited Jet . The powertrains include 3.7-liter V6 (210 hp) engines, and 4-speed automatic transmissions. It is Rear, part-time, or permanent 4WD wheel drive. EPA-rated fuel economy ranges from 15 mpg city to 21 mpg highway. The Liberty uses Regular fuel.
The Liberty has a 3,500 towing capacity.
Standard safety equipment includes No/no (Side air bags, front/rear), Standard Stability control, Standard Antilock brakes.
Competing models include Toyota RAV4 , Kia Sportage and Subaru Forester .
2.4L 4-Cylinder Engine with eAssist Technology or 3.6L VVT V6 Engine With SIDI
Optimize your driving experience by choosing either the 2.4L ECOTEC Direct Injection 4-cylinder engine with eAssist Technology that offers estimated fuel economy of 25 MPG/36MPG city/highway - or opt for the 303 horsepower V6 with EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 27MPG.
StabiliTrak® with Traction Control
Drive with confidence with LaCrosse’s StabiliTrak and full-time traction control. This system monitors the road and steering input to help LaCrosse grip the road when you need it most.
HiPer Strut Suspension
Short for High Performance, the available HiPer Strut Front Suspension integrates with LaCrosse’s performance systems so you can enjoy a smoother, more balanced and controll.
The 2012 Ford F-150 is many things to many people. From job-site mule to family hauler, the list of needs that the F-150 has to fulfill has grown. To that end, the F-150 is now more comfortable and capable than ever before.
The Ford F-Series is the best selling truck in America, and was the best-selling vehicle of any kind last year. Ford said the air bags have exploded after a warning light indicating that he had left the system must be controlled. A wire had been incorrectly installed on the steering wheel was the cause of the problems. Owners will be contacted by Ford to bring their trucks at your local dealer for corrective work, which will take about half a day. Ford also is recalling the Lincoln Mark LT of the same fault.
