Garrett Turbo

Mac Demere asked:


rs are traditionally rear-wheel drive. As is the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Similar to a RWD racer, the Genesis Coupe 2.0T model is quick, responsive and fast. The standard engine is a 210-hp, turbocharged, four that makes a whopping 230 pound-feet of torque at a very low 2,000 rpm. Pricing for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T is under $25,000.

The main purpose of front-wheel-drive, contrary to popular misconception, is to increase interior room. (And, if you haven’t heard, additional weight is not “road hugging.”) With a front-drive car, the front tires must do all of the acceleration and steering and about 80 percent of the braking, while the rear tires’ main job is to keep the gas tank from dragging on the pavement. This means a front-driver has more difficulty simultaneously accelerating and turning (or turning and braking). With a rear-drive car, the rear tires concentrate on putting power to the ground, while the fronts focus on turning and/or slowing down. The bottom line: A rear-drive car will always beat an otherwise identical front-driver around a dry racetrack or up a mountain road. Not to mention, a rear-wheel-drive car can do things no stock front-drive car can do: drifting powerslides and hooning, smoky burnouts. (“Hoon” is an Australian or New Zealand word translates to anti-social behavior and driving irresponsibly.)

The Genesis Coupe is also available with a 306-horsepower 3.8-liter V6. While the Genesis Coupe 3.8 V6 is notably quicker at the drag strip, the turbo four is the more enjoyable version of the car. Reasons are many: Much of the V6′s extra 100 pounds is carried on the nose, which tends to overwhelm the front tires. The four also has much lower first and second gears in its six-speed manual transmission. The combination of big torque and low gearing gives the four cylinder strong acceleration in the speed range that can be used on public roads without entering the Highway Patrol’s Frequent Offender Program. It also offers enough torque to squeal the tires leaving the line and on the one-two upshift.

The V6 moves the Genesis Coupe into a different realm. The V6 feels much less nimble than the four. Also, the V6′s manual did not react well to performance-oriented shifts, responding with harsh drivetrain shocks, as if we had never driven a manual. Also, the linkage of both manual transmissions suffered from an extremely annoying buzzing. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to sample either of the automatics: five-speed with the four or six-speed on the V6.

The Genesis Coupe 2.0T will go head-to-head with the likes of the Honda Civic Si and the V6 Ford Mustang. The four-cylinder turbo is rated at 30 miles per gallon in the government’s highway driving cycle and 21 mpg. The V6 gets 26 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city, when equipped with the six-speed automatic.

Both engines are available in a “Track” configuration, which includes 19-inch-diameter wheels with very sticky Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires and stiffer suspension springs and anti-roll bars, as well as Brembo brakes. The summer tires will help the Coupe’s street performance but the stiffer suspension will be difficult to live with every day in pothole-plagued areas. Unless you’re really going to the track, stick with the regular model. There’s also a “R” version that removes some standard features, such as the sunroof, to reduce weight.

Safety features include six airbags, active head restraints, standard electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes. Included is a 360-Watt, 10-speaker Infinity sound system. Inside, the Genesis Coupe offers good quality materials and commendable fit and finish. This is one reason that the average residual value after 36 months for a Hyundai has improved to about 43 percent currently from 37 percent in 2005. All is not perfect as the blue on black digital information center is difficult to read, and the speedometer and tachometer are offset away from the center of vision, making them a bit difficult to follow.

The Genesis offers minimal rear seat room. Five 17-year-old girls would fit just fine, but the Genesis Coupe is a two-seater for big or tall adults. It has a hefty trunk with a pass-through for long items. Here’s the take-away: Rear-drive rules. Strong horsepower, low gearing and a low purchase are nice, too.

B. Aboul-Nasr asked:


From this autumn, the family of BMW X models will welcome its newest member, the X1 compact crossover SUV, fitting neatly under the larger X3, X5 and X6 brothers. For the United States, the X1 is expected to arrive in calendar year 2011.

Targeted to a younger audience, the new BMW X1 compact proportions should give it the agility and versatility of compact cars (C-segment, lower medium) with the technical substance of a modern premium vehicle made by the largest luxury cars manufacturer in the world.

The X1 body is 4.45 metres (175.2″) long, which is significantly longer than the other 1 Series models (4.24 metre / 166.9” for the 3- and 5- door bodies, or 4.36 metre / 171.7” in the 1 Series coupe and convertible). Quite logically, it remains shorter than the 4.57 metres 1.79.9” of the larger X3 brother.

In wheelbase terms, the X1 enjoys a rather long dimension for the compact segment (2.76 metres /108.7”). It is equal to the 3 Series wheelbase (the X1 is a variation of the 3 Series platform), significantly longer than the wheelbase of the 1 Series models (2.66 metres / 104.7”) and slightly shorter than the 2.79 metres /110” wheelbase of the X3 (More about the main exterior and interior dimensions of the new BMW X1).

On the practical side, the rear seat comes with an adjustable backrest (for angle) and folds down in a 40/20/20 split, extending the luggage compartment capacity from its original 420 litres to a maximum of 1,350 litres. Above the 5 passengers, an electrically operated Panorama glass roof is available as an option.

Depending on the model variant, the X1 proposes gasoline and diesel engines, rear-wheel drive (sDrive versions) or all-wheel-drive technology (xDrive), as well as a range of BMW EfficientDynamics features including Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, and a gearshift point indicator.

Standard features include three-point inertia-reel seat belts all round, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, adaptive Brake Lights and daytime driving lights. Options include Xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and a High-Beam Assistant.

X1 active safety equipments include high-precision power steering (rack-and-pinion), high-performance brakes, Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control and, as an option, Performance Control acting on the brakes.

In conjunction with the optional Business and Professional navigation systems, the X1 is equipped with the latest generation of BMW iDrive including a Controller and direct selection buttons on the centre console, a Control Display integrated in the instrument panel, and favourite buttons beneath the control panel for the standard air conditioning.

Sophisticated HiFi systems are available as an alternative to the audio system fitted as standard, and the AUX-In port likewise featured as standard may be supplemented by a USB interface. Optional driver assistance systems and a wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive services are also available with the new model.

The X1 will be launched with the following engine and transmission variants:

*** X1 xDrive28i: Straight-six gasoline engine with composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, VALVETRONIC and dual-VANOS.

Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 190 kW/258 hp (255 bhp) at 6,600 rpm. Max torque: 310 Nm/228lb-ft from 2,600 to 3,000 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed automatic. Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.8 sec. Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph). 230 km/h or 143 mph with optional high-speed set-up.

- Urban fuel consumption to the EU standard: 13 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 21.7 mpg imp, 18.1 mpg USA, 7.7 km / litre). Urban fuel autonomy (range) would be estimated at 484 km (301 miles) with the full 63-litre fuel tank.

- Extra urban fuel consumption: 7.3 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 38.7 mpg imp, 32.2 mpg USA, 13.7 km / litre). Extra urban fuel autonomy is 863 km (536 miles).

- Combined fuel consumption: 9.4 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 30.0 mpg imp, 25.0 mpg USA, 10.64 km / litre). Combined fuel autonomy is 670 km (416 miles).

- CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 219 g/km. Emission standard: EU5.

*** X1 xDrive23d: Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, BMW TwinPower Turbo and common rail direct fuel injection.

Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 150 kW/204 hp (201 bhp) at 4,400 rpm. Max torque: 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 2,000 to 2,250 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed automatic. Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.3 sec. Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph). (223 km/h or 138 mph with optional high-speed set-up).

- Urban consumption to the EU standard: 7.8 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 36.2 mpg imp, 30.1 mpg USA, 12.8 km / litre). Urban fuel autonomy (range) is 782 km (485 miles) with the full 61-litre fuel tank.

- Extra urban consumption: 5.5 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 51.3 mpg imp, 42.7 mpg USA, 18.2 km / litre). Extra urban fuel autonomy is 1109 km (689 miles).

- Combined consumption: 6.3 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 44.8 mpg imp, 37.3 mpg USA, 15.8 km / litre). Combined fuel autonomy is 968 km (601 miles).

- CO2 emissions: 167 g/km (EU5).

*** X1 xDrive20d: Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection.

Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 130 kW/177 hp (174 bhp) at 4,000 rpm. Max torque: 350 Nm/258 lb-ft from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic. Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8.4 sec. Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph). (213 km/h or 132 mph with optional high-speed set-up).

- Urban consumption (six-speed manual): 7.0 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 40.3 mpg imp, 33.6 mpg USA, 14.2 km / litre). Urban fuel autonomy is 871 km (541 miles) with the full 61-litre fuel tank. Urban (optional six-speed automatic): 7.7 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 36.7 mpg imp, 30.5 mpg USA, 12.9 km / litre). Fuel autonomy is 792 km (492 miles) with the full 61-litre fuel tank.

- Extra urban consumption (six-speed manual): 5.1 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 55.3 mpg imp, 46.1 mpg USA, 19.6 km / litre). Extra urban fuel autonomy is 1196 km (743 miles). Extra urban (optional six-speed automatic): 5.4 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 52.3 mpg imp, 43.5 mpg USA, 18.5 km / litre). Fuel autonomy is 983 km (611 miles).

- Combined consumption (six-speed manual): 5.8 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 48.6 mpg imp, 40.5 mpg USA, 17.2 km / litre). Combined fuel autonomy is 1051 km (653 miles). Combined (optional six-speed automatic): 6.2 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 45.5 mpg imp, 37.9 mpg USA, 16.1 km / litre). Combined fuel autonomy is 983 km (611 miles).

- CO2 emissions: 153 g/km (EU5).

*** X1 sDrive20d: Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection.

Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 130 kW/177 hp (174 bhp) at 4,000 rpm. Max torque: 350 Nm/258 lb-ft from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed manual. Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8.1 sec. Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph). (218 km/h or 135 mph with optional high-speed set-up).

- Urban consumption: 6.4 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 44.1 mpg imp, 36.7 mpg USA, 15.6 km / litre). Urban fuel autonomy is 953 km (592 miles) with the full 61-litre fuel tank.

- Extra urban consumption to the EU standard: 4.7 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 60.0 mpg imp, 50.0 mpg USA, 21.2 km / litre). Extra urban fuel autonomy is 1297 km (806 miles).

- Combined consumption to the EU standard: 5.3 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 53.2 mpg imp, 44.3 mpg USA, 18.8 km / litre). Combined fuel autonomy is 1150 km (715 miles).

- CO2 emissions: 139 g/km (EU5).

*** X1 xDrive18d: Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection.

Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 105 kW/143 hp (141 bhp) at 4,000 rpm. Max torque: 320 Nm/236 lb-ft from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed manual. Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 10.1 sec. Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph).

- Urban consumption: 6.7 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 42.1 mpg imp, 35.1 mpg USA, 14.9 km / litre). Urban fuel autonomy is 910 km (565 miles) with the full 61-litre fuel tank. – Extra urban fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.1 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 55.3 mpg imp, 46.1 mpg USA, 19.6 km / litre). Extra urban fuel autonomy is 1196 km (743 miles).

- Combined consumption: 5.7 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 49.5 mpg imp, 41.2 mpg USA, 17.5 km / litre). Combined fuel autonomy is 1070 km (664 miles).

- CO2 emissions: 150 g/km (EU5).

*** X1 sDrive18d: Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection.

Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 105 kW/143 hp (141 bhp) at 4,000 rpm. Max torque: 320 Nm/236 lb-ft from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed manual. Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.6 sec. Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph).

- Urban consumption: 6.1 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 46.3 mpg imp, 38.5 mpg USA, 16.4 km / litre). Urban fuel autonomy is 1000 km (621 miles) with the full 61-litre fuel tank.

- Extra urban consumption: 4.7 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 60.1 mpg imp, 50.0 mpg USA, 21.2 km / litre). Extra urban fuel autonomy is 1297 km (806 miles).

- Combined consumption: 5.2 ltr/100 kilometres (equal to 54.3 mpg imp, 45.2 mpg USA, 19.2 km / litre) with a fuel autonomy of 1173 km (728 miles).

- CO2 emissions: 136 g/km (EU5).



Mack