Best New Sports Cars launched in 2011

New Sports Cars

Most of these new sports cars 2011 are a two-seater but there are also increasing number of sports cars 2011 that have a 2+2 configuration. This year will see the launch of a considerable number of new sports cars which will include new electric cars 2011 that is set to raise the bar for the modern day new cars for 2011. Some of the new sports cars 2011 include 2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo, 2011 BMW X4, 2011 Cadillac CTS, 2011 Chevrolet Camaro, 2011 McLaren MP4-12C, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS and 2011 Nissan GT-R..

BMW X4 2011 :

BMW-X4

BMW has been one of the most respected automobile makers and have earned the trust its new X6 model which is one of the top 10 fastest cars. The model features a highly sleek and sloped roof hatchback instead of the usual wagon-type styling. Unlike many other models, this one would have only two doors instead of four. The model in US will be available in two 6-cylinder engines with a capacity of 2.5-3 liter and will be capable of delivering 230 horsepower..

Chevrolet Camaro 2011 :

Chevrolet is one of the premium new sports car makers and this model has been expected from Chevrolet for quite a while. It is expected to be available in both LA and LT versions and can be fitted with a V6 or V8 engine. With a 3.6 liter machine and 312 horsepower this sport car is supposed to have its own set of admirers. Some of the other features that come with this great new sports car 2011 are a wireless cell-phone link, USB port, satellite road, and remote engine
stat.

Mercedes-Benz SLS 2011:

Mercedes Benz SLS

Mercedes-Benz’s new sports car 2011 is supposed to replace its old MCLaren SLR Supercar. Moreover, this has been said to be inspired from the hugely popular 1950’ based Gullwing. The car will sport a carbon fiber based structure and will be a two passenger sport car 2011. It has got a 5.4 liter V8engiene that can deliver a performance up to 617 horsepower. What is more interesting is the machine will have an acceleration of 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds.

Nissan GT-R 2011:

Nissan-GT-R

This is the most popular model from Nissan and is considered to be its flagship new sports car 2011. The GT-R series of Nissan has been considerably modified and now sports a new and highly efficient and revised suspension. With a 3.8 liter V6 with a power output of 485 horsepower. The model comes with a huge array of safety features notably the ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and airbags both on the curtain-side and front-side. This model also enables the storing of music files on a hard drive. Special coolant along with tires and wheels are available as part of the Cold Weather Package with no charge.

Alfa Romeo MiTo 2011:

Alfa Romeo MiTo

This model is a product of the alliance between Fiat and Chrysler and is focused on the premium small car segment and in direct competition to BMW Mini Copper. This new sports car model is the only product in the market with a 2-door body style. With top ratings in Euro NCAP crash tests, the model also has ranked very high in terms of its safety parameter. In addition to the curtain-side airbags, it will also have a driver’s knee airbag. To reduce the effect of whiplash injuries, the manufacturers have provided front head restraints that are supposed to self align themselves. It also sports various other features such as infotainment controller that can be voice-activated, advanced portable navigation systems and a relatively greater glass sunroof.

Cadillac C¬TS2011:

Cadillac

Cadillac models are some of the best selling sports cars 2011 and have been consistently reliable with great many safety features. The coupe version of the model can accommodate 4 though other versions are capable of accommodating up to five persons. The model comes with both real-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It also has GM’s widely acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control Suspension which adjusts the firmness between the various modes. Both the CTS-V and coupe are high performance vehicles and use a 6.2 liter V8 discharging a power of 556 horsepower. The CTS-V comes with a navigation system whereas it is an optional choice in other models of Cadillac. ABS, antiskid system, controlling traction, air bags including side and front are some of the standard safety features of this new sports car. Almost on all standard parameters, it scores more than the average premium-midsize car rating.

How to lease a car in Toronto

Leasing a car in Toronto is perhaps the best option for those who can’t stand the idea of sticking with the same car for more than four years. You can generally forget about the cost of general maintenance repairs, as most warranties provide coverage for the duration of the lease, though you’ll never really own the car outright (unless, of course, you choose to buy the car after the term ends). Leasing can also come with certain restrictions, such as the number of kilometres you can drive each year, though the zero down payment does allow for a certain, lots-of-new-tech-toys-type of freedom in its own right. Here are the steps to finding a lease that works for you:

Decide on the length of your lease

Generally speaking, the longer the lease, the lower the monthly payments. The trouble with signing on for a longer lease, however, is should you would want to terminate early, you may be faced with costly penalties. Most leases in Toronto are generally between two to four years.

Estimate your costs

There’s the pen and paper method for those who remember their sixth grade math, though an expedited option is to use an online lease calculator. There are plenty of resources to tap on the web, including this tool by Drive.ca, and many car manufacturer as well offer their own calculators right on their websites. Once you have a better idea of cost, you can decide on the precise type of car you want to lease.

Shop around

Just like when buying a new car, you might get a different offer from one dealership to the next. It’s best to visit various dealerships to get a feel for your options before making a commitment or composing a short list. Get your paperwork in order (gap insurance, license, etc.) before heading to the dealership for a test drive.

Test drive and negotiate

Try not to swoon at the smell of your new car. Work to get the best rate possible before signing the lease contract, after which you’ll be locked in. Keep in mind potential additional (hidden) costs such as acquisition fees.

Keep it beautiful

Eventually, you will have to return the car to the dealer (again, unless you decide to buy) so try to keep the car in the best shape possible. That means taking it in for regular maintenance and adequately prepping for winter.

Source: http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2012/02/how_to_lease_a_car_in_toronto/

Toyota Announces Return of “100 Cars for Good” Program in 2012

At the Chicago Auto Show today, Toyota announced the return of its “100 Cars for Good” program. For the second straight year, Toyota will award 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 U.S. nonprofits, with winners selected through public voting on the Toyota Facebook page. Applications for the program will open on March 12, 2012 at http://www.facebook.com/toyota.

The announcement was made by Michael Rouse, vice president of philanthropy and community affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., who was accompanied by some of the nonprofits that received vehicles in last year’s 100 Cars for Good program.

“At Toyota, we appreciate what a big difference a new car can make for organizations working to improve lives and strengthen communities across the country, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to lend a hand,” said Rouse. “Over the last 20 years, Toyota has contributed more than half a billion dollars to nonprofits throughout the U.S. 100 Cars for Good allows us to build on that commitment in important, new ways by making the public an integral part of these efforts and harnessing the power of social media to expand awareness and galvanize support for organizations that are having such a tremendous impact in neighborhoods nationwide.”

A 2011 winner of a new Toyota Sienna, the Chicago Zoological Society, also spoke at the announcement.

“We are very appreciative of this tremendous donation from Toyota,” said Stuart Strahl, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society. “The new van has been invaluable in our efforts to bring our conservation and informal science education programs to under-resourced communities throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Our dedicated staff travels year round to these communities, inspiring families to gain an appreciation of nature and wildlife, not only globally, but also in their own backyards. We have also used the minivan to transport young students to the zoo and field locations as part of the Society’s award-winning Youth Volunteer Corps.”

In communities across the country, vehicles from the first year of 100 Cars for Good are making a significant difference. These include:

Ensuring that a soup kitchen in Morristown, New Jersey can pick up food donations that used to be turned away due to a lack of transportation, allowing it to provide meals and food to even more people in need;
Helping a program near Detroit provide horseback riding visits for kids with cancer; and
Supporting the efforts of a nonprofit in Wilmington, North Carolina to train and deliver service dogs to wounded veterans.

Applying for the 2012 100 Cars for Good Program

Beginning March 12, 2012, registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can apply online at http://www.facebook.com/toyota. Finalists will be eligible to win one of six Toyota models, including the Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Prius v, Sienna minivan, Sienna Mobility or Tundra full-sized pickup truck. A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.

The 100 Cars for Good application process will last for two weeks, or until 5,000 applications are received. Of these, 500 finalists will be selected and then certified by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and social responsibility. Each finalist can then submit a video that will be featured on the Toyota 100 Cars site explaining how a new vehicle would help support its work. In addition, Toyota will be providing each of the finalists with communications and social media tools and training to assist their efforts to raise awareness for their organization.

Public voting will begin in May, with the exact date to be announced later, and will continue for 100 consecutive days. Each day, five organizations will be profiled at http://www.facebook.com/toyota and participants may vote for the charity they feel is most deserving of a vehicle.

The four runners up every day will each be awarded a $1,000 grant from Toyota.

100 Cars for Good is the first Toyota initiative that engages the public to determine how corporate philanthropic donations will be awarded. To learn more please, visit http://www.facebook.com/toyota.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants in eight states. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design facilities. Toyota’s annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from U.S. suppliers totals more than $23 billion.

Toyota is deeply committed to being a great community partner and is focused on supporting programs in ways that achieve long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, with a particular concentration on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than half a billion dollars to philanthropic programs across the U.S.

For more information on Toyota, please visit http://www.toyota.com.

Source: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/09/4251395/toyota-announces-return-of-100.html

Chrysler Talking to Banks About Auto-Lending Venture

DETROIT—Chrysler Group LLC is in discussions with banks about establishing an in-house lending arm through a joint-venture to better compete in the U.S. auto market, according to people familiar with the matter.

Chrysler, which gave up its struggling finance unit in its 2009 bankruptcy, has used government-owned Ally Financial Inc. as its preferred lender for customers loans and leasing, and for the loans that dealers use to finance vehicle purchases from the manufacturer.

With its contract with Ally scheduled to end in 2013, Chrysler is talking to several major lenders including Ally, and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., to create a new lender. Banks have approached the auto maker in the past year as its fortunes rose.
Chrysler today writes far fewer leases than rivals on its new vehicles. Above, a shopper checking out Dodge pickups in Peoria, Ill., last month.

The auto maker would take an ownership stake but not completely own the lending unit, said one of the people familiar with the matter. The banks would provide all financing. The deal would be similar to an agreement that Italy’s Fiat SpA, the majority owner of Chrysler, struck in 2006 with Credit Agricole SA to form Fiat Auto Financial Services.

A Chrysler spokeswoman declined to comment. JPMorgan and Ally also declined to comment.

The current arrangement with Ally hasn’t allowed Chrysler to pursue some potential loan customers other auto maker have enjoyed particularly in leasing, these people said.

“Chrysler likes the relationship they have with Ally, but they also want options,” said Chuck Eddy, who sells Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat brand vehicles from his Youngstown, Ohio, dealership.

Mr. Eddy said he is satisfied with Ally as a lender; he sold 1,300 new cars last year and 90% were financed by Ally. “But competition is good, it keeps everyone honest and the rates where they need to be,” he added.

Ally also hasn’t provided so-called “floor plan” loans used to buy inventory to some weaker dealers.

Other major auto makers, including Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co. and Toyota Motor Corp., have in-house lending arms that industry executives say provide affordable financing to dealers and consumers and which can ensure credit availability in an economic downturn.

The inability of GM and Chrysler to offer loans to a wide-range of consumers amid the 2008 financial crisis contributed to those companies’ eventual bankruptcies.

In January, Chrysler leased only 9% of the vehicles it sold. That is compared with the 20% industry average. Leasing is important because it can lower the monthly payment of a company’s most expensive, and highest profit vehicles.

For instance, Chrysler, through the first nine months of 2011, leased 20% of Chrysler-brand vehicles, 6% of Dodges and 15% of Jeeps, according to Experian. The 20% leasing rate at Chrysler, which is considered the company’s premium brand, is well below GM and Ford’s premium brands. Around 47% of GM’s Cadillacs and 29% of its Buicks are leased. Ford Lincoln brand depends on leasing for 49% of sales.

Ally has the largest share of the U.S. auto lending market, but the lending arms of Honda Motor Co., Nissan Motor Co. and Toyota do more leasing, according to Experian.

The move toward establishing an in-house auto lender is a reversal for Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, who had said previously such a move wasn’t necessary. In the more than two years since he took control of the Auburn Hills, Mich., company, rivals GM and Ford have benefited financially from having more control over auto lending.

As recently as last week, Mr. Marchionne said he didn’t feel that Chrysler was at a disadvantage in financing because of the lack of a finance arm.

In addition to aiding sales, a finance arm can be a valuable source of profit. GM started its own finance arm in 2010 after the purchase of subprime lender, AmeriCredit Corp. GM still has a lending agreement with Ally, which was established during its own 2009 bankruptcy. GM’s new finance unit made $281 million through the first nine months of 2011.

GM at first said it didn’t need a captive lending arm, but feared competition from rivals and the threat that loans could dry up in another downturn.

AmeriCredit helped GM get back into subprime lending, while Ally now provides most leases. GM this year is looking to expand its lending to dealers, which is still provided primarily by Ally.

Ally was originally GMAC Financial Services, and for 87 years was GM’s captive finance arm before it sold controlling interest to private-equity firms in 2006. GMAC switched its name after the auto maker severed its limited ownership stake during its bankruptcy. Ally was boosted by $17.2 billion in government loan support and still is struggling with losses from mortgage-lending.

Chrysler is nearing the end of a four-year contract that made Ally its primary auto lender. That agreement allows the auto maker to use its marketing money to help subsidize loans and leases through Ally. The auto maker needs to decide a year ahead of the contract end if it will extend the deal, one of those people said.

Chrysler’s deal with Ally came after the Obama Administration, which ushered Chrysler and General Motors in and out of bankruptcy, determined Chrysler Financial could survive only with a major cash infusion, which it refused to provide.

Chrysler Financial continued to operate as a third-party auto lender and insurance provider under the ownership of Cerberus Capital Management LP, the private-equity firm that bought Chrysler from DaimlerChrysler Corp. in 2007. The equity firm agreed to sell it to Toronto-Dominion Bank at the end 2010.

Ally today is the largest financier of new car loans, according to industry researcher Experian Automotive.

Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204136404577211043619987540.html