New Land Rover Freelander Review
Posted by admin in Car Review, Land Rover, New Cars on July 18, 2011
The Freelander is the 4×4 for those who want to have a 4×4, but without the associated problems. It’s massively capable off road, easy to park, reasonably economical and drivable around town. Plus in the Freelander, you can still be a friend of the Earth.
The previous Freelander was the best selling 4×4 in the UK because it ticked so many of the boxes. It did have some issues though, like poor handling, a lack of space, and some reliability issues. Land Rover have now really got their act together and built a car worthy of sitting in the same stable as the Defender, Discovery and Range Rover. The new Freelander is now the car it always wanted to be.
There is plenty of space inside for both passengers and luggage. The interior trim is of a high quality and the whole cabin looks like it belongs in one of the more expensive Discovery or Range. Equipment levels are excellent with even entry level models benefiting from alloy wheels, air-conditioning and a CD player.
Reliability looks set to be rock solid in the new Land Rover Freelander, not just due to Discovery parts being used in the cabin, but due to a new range of engines. There will be a six-cylinder 3.2-litre unit with 230bhp and a more economical 158bhp 2.2-litre diesel. An automatic gearbox is optional. Read the rest of this entry »
Maserati Quattroporte Transmission and Handing and Safety
Maserati takes pride in the ongoing Italian tradition of designing and developing superb automobiles. In its tradition of striving perfection in every detail, Maserati enables drivers to experience the power of pure engines while enjoying utmost comfort, performance and beauty.
The Quattroporte offers a six-speed, hydraulic automatic transmission that it is symbol of refinement and smoothness. Collaboration with the German transmission ZF has produced an exceptionally flexible and responsive unit that allows changes at engines speed of up 7,200 rpm. In normal driving conditions, the gear shifting is managed automatically. However the driver has also the “sport” and “ice” options. With “sport” set up, gear changes are still managed automatically but up-shifting happens at higher engine speeds and the changes are faster creating a sportier drive.
The ICE mode is instead used when driving over low-grip surfaces. The transmission also gives the driver a complete control over the gear changing when the “manual” mode is selected. The rigidity of the Maserati Quattroporte body leads to superb handling and uncompromised safety features. The highly sophisticated anti-dive and anti-squat suspension system enhances the car’s stability and safety by preventing the front end from diving during heavy breaking and the rear from pitching down under hard acceleration. Read the rest of this entry »