2010 Volvo XC70 Interior (Very Good)

XC70 Interior - 8.4 (Very Good):Auto writers note that the 2010 Volvo XC70's cabin is functional, comfortable and practical. "Inside is the Swedish Modern design that has also been a Volvo hallmark in recent years, with a free-standing center stack and excellent seat comfort," writes The Auto Channel. Additionally, the XC70 features a vast amount of cargo room.


Volvo rates the base XC70's 3.2-liter engine at 235 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Although it is smooth and very quiet, many critics find its power and torque unimpressive in the heavy XC70, providing only average acceleration. Fuel economy is not outstanding, either. The EPA rates the 3.2 AWD at 16/22 city/highway, and Volvo recommends premium fuel.

2010 Volvo XC70 Interior

(Very Good)

The 2010 Volvo XC70's safety technology

The 2010 Volvo XC70's safety technology, comfortable seats and large cargo hold make it a practical choice among luxury wagons. However, its lack of power and poor fuel economy are liabilities. In fact, the Orlando Sentinel describes the Volvo XC70 as "the automotive equivalent of a Swiss Army knife: Capable of handling most any task, excelling at none, perhaps, but more than competent at all of them."

Both engines are part of Volvo's SI6 (short-inline 6) family, launched in 2006. Thanks to its unusual accessory drive layout, which mounts the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor behind the engine, the SI6 is one of the world's most compact inline sixes; its overall length is within a few millimeters of Volvo's earlier inline five. Both SI6 engines have a variable-length intake manifold, 24 valves, and dual overhead camshafts, with variable lift and timing for the intake cam.

The 2010 Volvo XC70's safety technology

Volvo XC90 is known for it's safety

The V6 engine manages to do it's job, coupled to a 6 speed engine with a short shift in the first gear to guarantee a better take off from a full stop, but some reviewers felt that this engine just didn't cut it and Car and Driver commented that "at speeds above 50 mph the engine struggles to motivate the XC90's 4786-pounds and all-wheel drive system." That's not the only problem with the smaller standard engine. Consumer Guide commented that "some testers complained of slow downshifts with the 3.2." These may seem like small and finicky complaints, but the overall driving experience depends on having an engine that will step out with plenty of horsepower. The V6 in the Volvo XC90 only puts out 235 horsepower, as compared to the 311 horsepower generated by the larger V8 option.



For 2010 there have been a few changes to the Volvo XC90. The five-passenger seating has been discontinued and is now offered as a seven-passenger only. The trims lines have been changed slightly as well, with three available models and an available R-Design package.
Volvo XC90 is known for it's safety

2011 The Volvo XC90

The XC90 is an affordable family hauler with great seating and excellent crash test scores. While other SUVs may have nice interiors and better performance, the Volvo XC90 has a very low starting price for the class.


When it comes to picking the right engine for the 2010 Volvo XC90, experts agree that the 4.4 Liter V8 engine option is the way to go. Unfortunately, the 3.2 liter inline six cylinder engine comes standard, so customers will have to ask for the better engine option and be willing to take a small hit in gas economy. We promise that the payoff in take-off power, mid-range acceleration, and driver satisfaction is well worth both the immediate price increase the extra gas.
2011 The Volvo XC90

The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche

The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche contains all the top notch safety features including anti-skid system, all side airbags, ABS, and traction control. Auto-ride load-leveling suspension of GM is conventional on LTZ trim, but not available on base version. The other options include DVD entertainment and navigation system.

The first engine is the 5.3 liter V8 engine. This engine comes standard on all 2WD models, and produces 320 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. Its block is cast entirely out of iron, which makes it able to handle high compression ratios. An aluminum block version of this engine also exists. However, this engine has a slightly lower power rating at 310 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. Due to its smaller numbers, this engine also has increased fuel economy. A user of this engine can expect 20 miles per gallon on the highway, and 16 miles per gallon in the city.


The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche

2010 Chevrolet Avalanche tail lights

The first major change to the 2010 Avalanche is the transmission. Chevrolet has opted to put a Hydra Matic 6L80 transmission in this model, which does away with the old 4L60 transmission found in previous incarnations. This new addition helps with fuel economy, because instead of having a four speed transmission, you now have a six speed. This addition also helps to reduce the amount of road noise heard by the passengers.

The only engine is a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 310-hp, as the 6.0-liter V8 engine goes off the 2010 Avalanche lineup. It also designed with Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation mechanism of General Motors as well as six-speed automatic transmission. This engine has the capability to run with the help of E85 ethanol-blended fuel and has the maximum towing ability of 8100 lbs.


2010 Chevrolet Avalanche tail lights

BBR gives MX-5 235 bhp

The Mazda MX-5 is a great little sports car, but the most powerful version currently available features a 2.0 litre engine with a fairly modest 158 bhp (118 kW / 160 PS).



For those who think that that’s not enough, tuner BBR has got together with Cosworth Engineering to provide a fix.

Their solution is to attach a fourth generation Eaton MP62 supercharger, which lifts power by almost 50% to 235 bhp (175 kW / 238 PS), while torque rises from 188 Nm (138 lb/ft) to 257 Nm (190 lb/ft). That puts the BBR-Cosworth MX-5 right on a par with competitors such as the £33,870 Mercedes-Benz SLK 300.



However, the conversion consists of more than just the supercharger. To help the engine breathe better, a Cosworth inlet manifold housing is fitted, together with high-flow calibrated injectors, air box and air filter.

Managing everything is a BBR Auxiliary Interceptor 2010 engine control unit, which has 3-D mapping and a MAP sensor. An air to water intercooler is also included in the package, and competition-grade hoses and fixings are used throughout.



The finishing touches are the BBR-Cosworth identification badges, which are the only external clue to the under-bonnet transformation.



The BBR-Cosworth Mazda MX-5 supercharger upgrade is priced at £4,995.00, including installation by BBR. Kits will also be made available for DIY fitting.