World Car Awards finalists

Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.



With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:





2011 World Car of the Year

• Audi A1


• Audi A8


• BMW 5 Series


• BMW X3


• Jaguar XJ


• Jeep Grand Cherokee


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Nissan Leaf


• Porsche Cayenne


• Volvo S60 / V60

Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.



What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.

The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.







It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.



Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.





2011 World Performance Car

• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi RS 5 Coupe


• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe


• Ferrari 458 Italia


• Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera


• Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Porsche 911 GT2 RS


• Porsche 911 Turbo


• Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250

This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.









2011 World Car Design of the Year

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta


• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi A7


• Citroën DS3


• Ferrari 458


• Honda CR-Z


• Kia Sportage


• Nissan Juke

There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.

On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.



The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.







2011 World Green Car

• BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition


• Chevrolet Volt


• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid


• Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell


• Nissan Leaf


• Smart electric drive

Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.

Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.







But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.







The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.



Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.



Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.

Volt is Car of the Year

The Chevrolet Volt has been declared the 2011 North American Car of the Year. 49 jurors from across the United States and Canada gave it 233 points, making it the fourth time that GM has won the title.

Images © GM Corp.

In second place was the Hyundai Sonata, which received 163 points. Third went to the electric car that took the 2011 European Car of the Year award, the Nissan Leaf. It picked up 94 points.



Meanwhile, the 2011 North American Truck of the Year is the Ford Explorer, which earned 253 points. It comfortably beat the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which scored 138 points from the jury. The Dodge Durango, with 99 points, was third.

Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty

Jeep has marked the introduction of its 2011 Wrangler by announcing a special Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition. As the name implies, this limited edition has been created following a marketing tie-up between Jeep and Call of Duty creators Activision Publishing, Inc.

The Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition is based on the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Changes from standard are mainly to the exterior, which is finished in black with Call of Duty: Black Ops graphics on the roof and front wings. High-gloss Mineral Gray wheels come shod in 32-inch off-road tyres, while the Mopar catalogue has been raided for the tail light guards and fuel-filler door.

Pricing in the US has been confirmed at $30,625 for the two-door model and $33,500 for the four-door, including $750 destination. The Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition will be available in showrooms from next month.

And that coincides nicely with the release of the game of the same name, which is released worldwide on 9th November for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and Windows PC platforms. Naturally, as part of the partnership, Jeep Wranglers will feature in both the game’s single player storyline as well as its multiplayer mode.



Meanwhile, all Wrangler models benefit from 2011 model year updates. The most significant of these is the interior, which is all-new in an effort to improve quality.



As well as a new instrument panel, the centre console has been redesigned and upgraded materials have been used. New steering wheel mounted buttons mean Wrangler drivers will now be able to use the cruise control, radio and hands-free phone without taking their hands from the wheel.



To help refinement levels, cabin noise is reckoned to be reduced compared to before. Larger rear windows are now fitted for improved visibility, and the door mirrors are heated and powered for the first time. Finally, Sahara models get a brand new body-coloured hard top.



Like the Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler range arrives in dealers next month.

Jeep Patriot by StartTech

Available in UK dealerships this June, Jeep is now offering a huge range of accessories from notable Chrysler group tuner, Startech. Such standalone items include a Startech chrome grille and a bodykit in addition to a sports suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels. Additional accessories include illuminated entrance sill panels, aluminium pedal pads, three-piece aluminium design kit for the dashboard and aluminium door locking pins. Two sizes of alloy wheels are also available: 19-inch Monostar IV five-spoke alloys or 20-inch Monostar IV five-spoke alloys. Both options come fitted with Yokohama tyres and a locking wheel nut kit.

Jeep has also put together a few exterior and interior packages. The “SE Package” includes a front and rear under-ride bodykit, chrome grille inserts, tailpipe cover and Startech logo for the rear of the vehicle for just £999. For the interior, the “SE Lifestyle” package includes a leather effect centre armrest cover, four chrome loudspeaker rings, a chrome gearshift gate; leather gear knob and leather effect treatments for the top of the door panels and dashboard instrument panel all for £1199.

Lastly, as a performance upgrade, Startech's PowerXtra Performance Module is available for the 2.0-liter diesel and adds 40hp, also prices at £999.

Notes:

• All prices include fitting and VAT. Installation of these accessories will not affect the vehicle warranty. Prices may vary by dealer dependent upon labour rate charged.
• Startech accessories are also available for other Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models.
• Patriot in the attached images features the exterior pack, interior pack and 19-inch Monostar IV five-spoke alloys.

Limited Edition Led Zeppelin Jeep Patriot for UK

Co-branded joint ventures between pop-icons and car makers are nothing new. In recent years, we've seen the pairing of Mercedes with the Rolling Stones, Slash of Guns N Roses fame with VW and Honda with Black Eye Peas and Fall Out Boy.

In what is being touted as the Holy Grail of rock reunions, Legendary rock band, Led Zeppelin, have agreed to do a one-time performance in London's O2 Arena on November 26^th. Speculated as the biggest demand for one show in history, the marketing and sponsorship frenzy is not surprising, especially, when legendary guitarist, Jimmy page, and lead singer, Robert Plant, have admitted that money was a major factor influencing the decision to perform a reunion show in earlier years.

Enter the Limited Edition Led Zeppelin Jeep Patriot. With only seven examples to be produced, the Patriots are available this week only. In other words, since the 20,000 tickets are obviously sold out, the only possible way to still see the show, is to buy this car for a massively marked up £34,860 which includes two VIP tickets, champagne reception and access to the after-show party. How badly, do you want to go to this show?

Somehow, I don't think they'll have any trouble selling them. However, just in case you're interested in the car, the Patriot model is a 2.0 CRD Sport edition, with Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Two-Tone leather, privacy glass, 6-speed manual gearbox, Remote Central Locking, 4x Electric windows and a premium sound system in addition to a specially created graphics on the side of the car.

Not since Berlin 1980 has the entire band performed together just months prior to the unfortunate death of drummer John Bonham. Despite limited number of performances in the 80's and 90's which did not include bassist, John Paul Jones, all three member's will be present plus John Bonham's son, Jason, filling in on drums.

STARTECH Jeep Compass Accessories

The Jeep Compass has arrived and in time for the market introduction of the new compact SUV STARTECH already offers an exclusive customization program and powerful performance tuning for the turbodiesel model.

The STARTECH SD3 performance kit for the diesel model consists of an auxiliary module that modifies the engine electronics. With it maximum power output of grows from stock 140 hp / 103 kW to 180 hp / 132 kW. At the same time peak torque increases to 360 Nm between 1,750 and 2.500 rpm.

As an optimal complement to the STARTECH SD3 power kit there is the STARTECH sport exhausts system with a large oval chrome tailpipe on either side. The fully stainless-steel precise-fit exhaust is available for all engine variants of the Compass, and lends the Jeep a more thrilling exhaust note. For customizing the exterior STARTECH offers a custom-tailored designer suit. In the front the Compass gets a new face with the STARTECH front fascia. Retaining the original mounting points means easy installation and optimal precise fit.

The sides of the five-door are refined by elegant STARTECH rocker panels that serve as running boards. The rear of the Jeep is modified with an element that attaches to the rear bumper. It features integrated cutouts for the STARTECH sport exhaust.

'20-inch diameter instead of the 18-inch stock wheels' is the motto of the exclusive STARTECH tire/wheel combination for the Compass. The Monostar IV five-spoke wheels are silver polished and in size 9Jx20 with size 245/35 R 20 tires they fill out the wheel houses nicely. STARTECH also offers progressive-rate springs that lower the ride height of the American SUV by some 30 millimeters. The lowered center of gravity gives the Jeep sportier and even safer handling characteristics.

STARTECH also adds exclusive and individual interior highlights. These include stainless-steel door sills with illuminated STARTECH logo, high-quality velour floor mats and the STARTECH Lifestyle interior upgrade package that gives the entire Compass cockpit a more elegant appearance.

Jeep Wrangler by StarTech

Legends are immortal and in the automotive world that is especially true for the Jeep Wrangler, the mother of all off-road vehicles. To customize the latest version of the American 4x4 and to make it even more exclusive Startech is developing an innovative and exclusive accessories program for the short wheelbase and the new long wheelbase version.

The polished Startech Monostar IV 9Jx20 light-alloy wheels attract attention at first sight. The striking five-spoke wheels lend the new Jeep. Wrangler a more exclusive appearance. But thats not all: Mounted with sporty on- and off-road tires in size 285/50 R 20 front and back they give the SUV even more agile handling characteristics while at the same time improving driving safety.

While the Startech design program for the new Wrangler is still under development, the first stainless-steel components will be available shortly. Sturdy tubular side guards for short and long wheelbase models protect the rocker panels of the Jeep and partially hide the Jeeps frame from view. The spare wheel cover with high-gloss stainless-steel ring adds the finishing touch.

The new Wrangler generation for the first time includes a model with diesel engine. The STARTECH motor engineers are currently developing the Startech SD 4T tuning module for the 2.8-liter (171 cu. in.) common-rail turbodiesel engine.

Startech sport exhausts will soon be available for all engine and body variants of the Jeep. The fully stainless-steel exhausts feature one characteristic oval chrome tailpipe each on the right and left, and produce a more sonorous engine sound, while at the same time optimizing power yield.

The interior of the Jeep can also be upgraded stylishly with startech accessories: Highly polished scuff plates welcome driver and passengers, and the ergonomically shaped Startech sport steering wheel adds to the ambiance.

Additional customization requests can be fulfilled by the company-own Startech upholstery shop. Partial and fully leather interiors made from especially soft yet durable Mastik leather satisfy even the most discriminating tastes.