World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2003 - 3rd Place - Honda Accord

3rd Place - Honda Accord

Review

Pros

-Acceleration (V6 models)

-Quietness

-Instruments/controls

-Steering/handling

-Build quality

-Exterior finish

-Interior materials

Cons

-Rear-seat entry/exit (coupes)

-Rear-seat room (coupes)

Vehicle Highlights

Honda answers arch-rival Toyota and its 2002 Camry redesign with a redesigned 2003 Accord. Dimensions and weight change little, but there's fresh styling, more power, and some first-time features. Returning are 4-cyl and V6 sedans and coupes in LX and upscale EX trim, plus a price-leader 4-cyl DX sedan. The 4 cyl gains as much as 25 hp, while a revised V6 gains 40 hp. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard for 4-cyl models. Optional with the 4 cyl and included with the V6 is a 5-speed automatic, replacing a 4 speed.

Also new for '03 is a sportier EX V6 coupe with 6-speed manual--Accord's first--plus 17-inch wheels vs. 16s or 15s on other Accords.

Also for '03, ABS becomes standard for all Accords, not just high-line models. V6s and 4-cyl EXs continue with 4-wheel disc brakes. Traction control is exclusive to V6 models, where it's standard. Front side airbags are standard on V6 models and the 4-cyl EX, and are available on LX models. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are exclusive to EX V6s, where they're standard.

EXs offer an optional navigation system with voice control for navigation, audio, and climate functions. All models get a tilt/telescope steering column, and all but the base DX include remote keyless entry. Joining leather upholstery as standard on EX V6s are dual-zone automatic climate control and heated seats; these are also available in the leather-upholstered 4-cyl versions, priced as EX-L models. V6s and 4-cyl EXs include an in-dash CD changer.

Specification

Type: Midsize Sedan

Where Built: Japan/Mexico/United States

EPA Class: Midsize Cars

Dimensions

Exterior

Length: 189.5 in. Width: 71.5 in.

Height: 57.1 in. Wheel Base: 107.9 in.

Curb Weight: 2989 lbs. Gross Weight: 4080 lbs.

Interior

Front Head Room: 40.4 in. Front Hip Room: 54.6 in.

Front Shoulder Room: 56.9 in. Rear Head Room: 38.5 in.

Rear Shoulder Room: 56.1 in. Rear Hip Room: 53.5 in.

Front Leg Room: 42.6 in. Rear Leg Room: 36.8 in.

Luggage Capacity: 14 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Performance

Base Number of Cylinders: 4 Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters

Base Engine Type: Inline 4 Horsepower: 160 hp

Max Horsepower: 5500 rpm Torque: 161 ft-lbs.

Max Torque: 4500 rpm Drive Type: FWD

Turning Circle: 36.9 ft

Fuel Data

Fuel

Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.1 gal.

EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)

Manual: 23 mpg / 31 mpg / 26 mpg

Range in Miles:

Manual: 393.3 mi. / 530.1 mi. / 444.6 mi.

World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2003 - 2rd Place - Infiniti G35

2rd Place - Infiniti G35

Review
Infiniti's new G35 sedan boasts all the hallmarks of a true sports sedan: powerful engine, rear-wheel drive, sports suspension, performance tires, excellent brakes, and driver-oriented cockpit.

It's practical, offering more interior space than other cars in the so-called near-luxury class. And it costs less than a BMW 330i.

The Infiniti G35 sedan clearly lives up to its claim as a sports sedan. Its handling is better than the front-drive Acura TL Type-S. It's more powerful than the TL Type-S, BMW 330i, Lexus IS 300, or Mercedes-Benz C320. Infiniti's daring design, with stacked headlamps, catamaran fenders, and short overhangs should make the G35 appealing to drivers who want something different.

Specification

2003 Infiniti G35 Performance
- 3498 CC 3.5-liter V-6 front engine 95.5 mm bore, 81.4 mm impactor, 10.3 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing / cam and four valves per cylinder
- Unleaded Petrol
- Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 9
- Multi-injection system, fuel
- 76-liter tank main premium unleaded fuel
- Power: SAE and 209 kW, 280 hp @ 6200 rpm, £ 270 m, 366 Nm @ 4800 r / min

2003 Infiniti G35 Discussed
- ABS
- Brake Assist
- Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
- Electronic Brake Distribution
- ABS traction control and electronic engine
- Immobilizer
- Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel
- Stability Control
- Multi-Front and rear suspension is an independent stabilizer bar and coil springs

2003 Infiniti G35 Exterior
- Bumpers front and rear body color
- Drag coefficient: 0.29
- The door for the driver and passenger heated mirrors painted in part
- External dimensions: overall length (mm): 4628, overall width (mm): 1816, the entire height (mm): 1392, Wheelbase (mm): 2850, front track (mm): 1534, rear track (mm): 1539 and curb to curb turning circle diameter (mm): 11,400
- Misty
- Complex surface lens xenon lamp
- Heat reflective glass
- Luxury trim alloy and leather is Gearknob
- Metallic, black paint, gloss paint, pearl paint
- Fixed rear window
- Tinted glass is a cottage
- Weight: Weight (kg) 1549
Wipers - variable intermittent wipe End

2003 Infiniti G35 Interior
- 12V power outlet: front
- Air conditioning and temperature control
- Antenna Diversity
- Anti-theft alarm
- Front and rear ashtray
- Audio cons theft-protection system: an integrated Dash
- Audio System AM / FM
- Automatic drive indicator light on the dashboard
- Cargo area light
- Load capacity: all seats in place (liters): 221
- Front seats cigar lighter
- Clock
- Description
- Dashboard full console, floor full console includes storage box, partly above the console includes storage box
- Delayed / Fade courtesy lights
- Cruise Control
Chairs - Front cup holders, and holders of the back benches Cup
- Alert the door ajar
- Take at the door
- Door pockets / receptacles driver and passenger seat
- Outside temperature
- Floor covering: carpet cargo space
- Floor Mats
- Driver and front passenger air bag passenger sensing
- Place the bucket seat
- 3-point reel front seat belts and the driver's seat in the passenger seat pre-tensioners
- Center Armrest front
- Glove box key
- Height adjustable two active head restraints in front, two rear seats, head restraints
- Lighting System
- Internal dimensions: front height (mm): 996, posterior margin (mm): 881, front hip room (mm): 1361, rear hip room (mm): 1219, front leg room (mm): 1113, Space rear leg room (mm) : 798, front shoulder room (mm): 1364, rear shoulder room (mm): 1339 and interior volume (liters): 2452
- Notice to the fuel level
- Dish warning a bit of liquid
- Locks includes power windows
- Steering
- Two front electric windows with one-touch
- In front reading lights
- 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver's side and passenger
- Bench / sports one-piece two rear seats
- Mirror
- Remote Audio
- Remote control remote trunk / Hatch
Roof airbags - front and rear
- Stocks on the back of the front seats
- Updated Fabric / Velvet seat upholstery is also updated / Velvet
- Seating: four seats
- Front side airbags
- Six speakers
- Leather covered wheel
- Tachometer
- Driver and passenger side vanity mirror
- Ventilation system is the recycling of the setting, micro filter and active carbon filter

World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2003 - Winner - Nissan 350Z

Winner - Nissan 350Z

Review

The 350Z proves that Nissan can make a sports car that is reliable and well built, but also involving to drive with great performance. It's a sharply styled two seater that's also available as a roadster, but perhaps the biggest attraction is that it's such great value for money, especially compared to more prestigious alternatives from Porsche or BMW. It does have a poorly designed boot though - the space is limited due to a large support brace - while the quality of the cabin on early cars was below usual Nissan standards. The Z has undergone several tweaks since it was first launched in 2003 including more powerful engines and some much needed interior improvements in 2006. It was upgraded again in 2007 with an extensively modified engine identifed by a bulging bonnet.

Specification

2003 Nissan 350Z Performance
- 3498 cc 3.5 liters V 6 front engine with 95.5 mm bore, 81.4 mm stroke, 10.3 compression ratio, double overhead cam variable valve timing / camshaft and four valves per cylinder VQ35DE
- Super Unleaded Petrol
- Fuel Economy EPA Highway (l/100km): 9
- A multi-point fuel injection
- 76 liters tank top prize of unleaded fuel
- Power: SAE and 214 kW, 287 HP @ 6200 rpm, 274 pounds m, 371 Nm at 4800 rpm

2003 Nissan 350Z handling
- ABS
- Brake Assist System
- Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
- Electronic distribution of braking
- Immobilizer
- Steel wheels rim space in internal reserves
- Multi-front and rear suspension with stabilizer bar independent with coil springs

2003 Nissan 350Z Exterior
- Front bumper and rear body-color
- Coefficient of Resistance: 0.3
- Driver and passenger power body color door mirrors
- External dimensions: overall length (mm): 4303, overall width (mm): 1,816, overall height (mm): 1318, wheelbase (mm): 2649, way before (mm): 1,534, rear track (mm): 1539 and curb to curb turning circle diameter (mm): 10790
- Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights
- Glass in reflection
- Adjustment of luxury alloy wheel and leather
- Paint glossy black paint, metallic paint, Pearl Paint
- Fixed rear window
- Stained Glass in the cabin
- Weight: Weight (kg) 1446
- Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe

2003 Nissan 350Z Interior
- 12v power outlet: front
- Air conditioning with temperature control
- Fixed antenna
- Anti-theft
- Audio system with AM / FM
- Cover the cargo / rear parcel shelf
- Cargo Area Lights
- Load capacity: all seats in place (liters): 193
- Clock
- Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel
Piano - Dashboard full console with covered storage box, full console with covered storage box, partial general console with covered storage box
- Delayed / fade courtesy lights
- Front seats cup holders
- Opinion door ajar
- Pockets / bins for driver seat and passenger seat
- Outside temperature
- Floor covering: carpet in load area
- Front Driver airbag occupancy sensor, front passenger airbag with occupant sensors and occupant switch-off
- Sport seats, sport seats
- Reel 3 seatbelts before point on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
- Bras central front seat
- Height adjustable two head restraints on front seats
- Flashlight with switch-off delay time control
- Lighting System
- Internal dimensions: front height (mm): 970, hip room front (mm): 1,369, legroom front (mm): 1,082, the Shoulder room front (mm): 1361 and the interior volume ( liters): 1,430
- Beware of low fuel
- Level Advisory Washer Fluid
- Central locking includes trunk / Hatch and Windows includes the power
- Steering
- Power windows with two One-Touch
- Reading lights front
- Mirror
- Fill door release Remote fuel
- Remote control remote trunk / hatch
- The front seat storage
- Cloth seats covered with a cloth extra
- Seating: two seats
- Six speakers
- Leather Steering Wheel Cover
- Tachometer
- Driver and vanity mirror passenger side
- Ventilation system with recirculation setting

World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2002 - 2nd Place - Mercedes SL

2nd Place - Mercedes SL


Review
The SL name has a great heritage in Mercedes-Benz history and this model holds true to its predecessors. It's expensive, exclusive and elegant while the metal folding roof means it's a convertible which can also be as refined and quiet as a coupe. But it's not just all about looks. The SL packs some serious performance thanks to a choice of great engines ranging from a 3.0-litre V6 up to the 5.5-litre V12 with more than 500bhp. It may not handle as well as similarly priced sports cars from Porsche for example, but few cars can match the style, refinement and pace it offers. It was facelifted in April 2008 with a more aggressive front end, improved steering and updated engines.

Engine Specifications
Engine Type: dohc V122 / sohc V81 * 1. SL500. 2. SL600.
Size, liters/cu. in. 365.0/6 5.0/503
Horsepower @ rpm: 389 @ 5200 / 302 @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm: 420 @ 3800 / 339 @ 2700
Availability: Standard / Standard

EPA City / highway mpg
5-speed automatic: 13/19 / 16/23

Fuel Data
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City: 16 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy: 23 MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx: 21.1 gal

Drivetrain Specifications
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive

Interior Specifications
Front Headroom: 37.1 in
Front Hiproom: 53.2 in
Front Legroom: 42.4 in
Front Shoulderroom: 55.4 in
Passenger Capacity: 2
Second Headroom: N/A in
Second Hiproom: N/A in
Second Legroom: N/A in
Second Shoulderroom: N/A in

Exterior Specifications
Curb Weight: 4125 lbs
Height, Overall: 51.3 in
Length, Overall: 177.1 in
Min Ground Clearance:N/A in
Tread Width, Front: 60.4 in
Tread Width, Rear: 60.0 in
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb: 35.4 ft
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall: N/A ft
Wheelbase: 99.0 in
Width, Max w/o mirrors: 71.3 in

Wheels
Front Wheel Material: Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material: Aluminum

Tires
Front Tire Size: 245/40ZR18
Rear Tire Size: 275/35ZR18

World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2002 - Winner - Nissan Altima

Winner - Nissan Altima


Vehicle Highlights
Redesigned for 2002, Nissan's second-rung front-drive sedan turned out to be slightly larger than the "flagship" Maxima, swelling from compact to midsize dimensions. Wheelbase grew by 7 inches, and the new Altima measured 5.7 inches longer overall. For the first time, a V6 engine was available. Exclusive to the top-of-the-line 3.5 SE, the new 3.5-liter V6 produced 240 horsepower. Base, 2.5 S and 2.5 SL sedans used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 175 horsepower (20 more than the prior model's four-cylinder). All models were offered with either a manual or automatic transmission. When equipped with automatic, the 3.5 SE qualified for optional traction control. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard. All except the base model could have optional antilock braking, which came bundled with front torso side-impact airbags and curtain-style airbags. Sixteen-Inch wheels were standard, but the 3.5 SE rode on 17-inch rubber. Leather upholstery was standard in the 2.5 SL sedan and optional for the 3.5 SE. All models had a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, split-folding rear seat, power windows, and power door locks. The 2.5 S added air conditioning, cruise control, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, and a CD player. Moving up to the 2.5 SL brought an eight-way power driver's seat, steering-wheel radio controls, a Bose stereo with in-dash six-CD changer, and alloy wheels. An upgraded suspension and foglamps were included on the 3.5 SE. Xenon high intensity-discharge headlights were optional on the 3.5 SE sedan. Altima rivals included the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat.

Specifications
Engine Types: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with variable valve timing
2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with variable valve timing
Horsepower: V6 - 240 hp @ 5800 rpm
4 Cyl. - 175 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: V6 - 246 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm
4 Cyl. - 181 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Recommended: V6 - Premium Unleaded.
4 Cyl. Regular Unleaded.
Transmission - Std: Five-speed manual
Transmission - Opt: 4-speed electronically controlled automatic with gate-style shifter
Tires - Standard: V6 - P215/55VR17 all-season BSW
4 Cyl. - P205/65TR16 all-season BSW
Overall Length: 191.5"
Wheelbase: 110.2"
Width: 70.4"
Curb Weight: 3,225 lbs. (V6 - manual trans)
Fuel Tank: 20 Gals.
Miles Per Gallon: EPA city 21, hwy 26 (V6 - manual trans)
Acceleration 0 to 60: 6.3 Seconds (V6 - manual trans)

World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2001 - Winner - Infiniti Q45

Winner - Infiniti Q45



Vehicle Highlights
The rear-wheel-drive flagship from Nissan's luxury division got a major makeover for 1997. At 111.4 inches, the new sedan's wheelbase was 2 inches shorter than before. Overall length dropped just half an inch, to 199.2 inches. Curb weight dipped from 4039 pounds to 3879, while trunk space shrunk from 14.8 to 12.6 cubic feet. Biggest changes went under the hood, as the previous 278-horsepower, 4.5-liter V8 gave way to a 4.1-liter V8 with variable-valve timing, which developed 266 horsepower. Two versions went on sale: the base Q45 and a Q45t touring edition. Standard on both was a 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential, antilock braking, dual front airbags, leather interior, and power sunroof. In midseason Infiniti, added side airbags to the Q45.

Specification
Specs for this generation Infiniti Q45 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions
4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 111.4
Overall Length, in. 199.2
Overall Width, in. 71.7
Overall Height, in. 56.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 3879
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 12.6
Standard Payload, lbs.

Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 37.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.6
Rear Head Room, in. 36.9
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.9

Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain was available: a 4.1-liter dual-overhead-cam V8 engine, producing 266 horsepower and driving a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engines dohc V8
Size liters /cu. in 4.1 / 252
Horse- power 266
Torque 278
Transmission:EPA city/hgwy 4-speed automatic: 18/23
Consumer Guide Observed 4-speed automatic: 17.6

World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2000 - 3rd Place - BMW M5

3rd Place - BMW M5

Review
The fastest production car in the saloon/sedan class upon its launching emerged in 1984 when the BMW M5 was introduced in the Amsterdam Motor Show. This model belongs to the BMW 5-Series and touted as the higher performance vehicle among the cars in this line. Several 5-Series variants like the E28, E34, E39 and the recent E60 and E61 versions were the mold upon which the M5 was patterned after.

Originally, the BMW M5 was a hand-built car with a 535i chassis powered by a modified BMW M1 engine, making these units, particularly the E28 M5, prized finds among car fanciers or collectors. There are four versions of the M5: the left-hand drive of European specifications, the right-hand drive of British specs, the North American spec and the South African version. What makes the North American spec unique is that these BMW M5 versions all come finished in black with tan interiors.

Vehicle
Make: BMW
Model: M5
Model year: 2000
Style: Luxury Sport Sedan
Drive type: Rear-wheel Drive
Transmission type: 6-speed Manual
Engine type: V8
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 5.0 Liter
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 400 @ 6600
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 369: @ 3800
Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.): 4024
Fuel tank capacity (gal): 18.5
EPA fuel economy (mpg) Auto / Manual: 13/21

Performance
0 - 60 (sec.): 5.3
1/4 mile (sec. @ mph): 13.75 @105.69
60 - 0 (ft.): 115.98
Skid pad, 200 ft diameter (lateral g) 38.1

Specifications
Length (in.): 188.3
Width (in.): 70.9
Height (in.): 56.6
Wheelbase (in.): 111.4
Seating capacity: 5
Cargo volume (cu-ft): 11.1

World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2000 - 2nd Place - Mercedes S Class

2nd Place - Mercedes S Class

Description
This S-Class looks sleekly poised and is less of a heavyweight than the previous model, though it has retained its imposing identity and presence. Thanks to the Active Body Control system the handling is sharpened up so much that the old car feels stodgy by comparison. The big Mercedes has shed some pounds (though not in price) and has been revitalised and almost reinvented in the process. Enthusiastic drivers may still prefer the leaner and sportier-looking BMW 7-Series, but this more dynamic S-Class is every bit as imposing.

Performance
There's more than enough power from the various engine options, starting at entry level 2.8 all the way up to the V12 5.5-litre S600 L version. It's the six-cylinder 3.2-litre diesel which is the pick of the bunch however thanks to its blend of economy and effortless motorway cruising. Out and out peak performance belongs to the AMG versions, which will exhilarate. There's the S55 AMG with a supercharged V8 engine delivering 500bhp (this superceeded the non-supercharged variant with 360bhp) or the bonkers S63 AMG. The V12 engine has 612bhp and 1,000Nm making it capable of 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Specification
Gas Mileage: 17 mpg City/24 mpg Hwy
Engine Gas: V8, 4.3L
EPA Class: Large
Style Name: S430
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity: 5
Passenger Doors: 4
Body Style: 4dr Car
Transmission: 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission-inc: "winter" mode, adaptive controls, OD, Touch Shift manual control

Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room (in): 37.6
Front Hip Room (in): 59.2
Second Leg Room (in): 40.3
Second Shoulder Room (in): 58.3
Front Leg Room (in): 41.3
Second Hip Room (in): 58.3
Passenger Capacity: 5
Second Head Room (in): 38.4
Front Shoulder Room (in): 59.2
Passenger Volume (ft³): 105.0

Exterior Dimensions
Tread Width, Front (in): 62.0
Width, Max w/o mirrors (in): 73.1
Liftover Height (in): - TBD -
Height, Overall (in): 56.9
Tread Width, Rear (in): 62.0
Length, Overall (in): 203.1
Wheelbase (in): 121.5
Min Ground Clearance (in): 6.1

Cargo Area Dimensions
Trunk Volume (ft³): 15.4

World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2000 - Winner - Peugeot 406 Coupe

Winner - Peugeot 406 Coupe

Description
The 406 coupé's refined and dignified looks lend it mini-Ferrari status; it's good to drive, residuals are reasonably high and it compares well against its nearest competitors, the Hyundai Coupé and Toyota Celica.

Performance

Four engines were offered, 2.0 is the entry-level unit, which is acceptable, but can be a bit noisy when pushed hard. 2.2 petrol gives a good mix between performance and economy. 3.0V6 is smooth, quick and refined, if a little thirsty. Some buyers may be surprised to find such an attractive car has a diesel option: a 2.2 HDi. It's punchy, refined and offers useful economy.

Specification

BodyType: 4/5S SALOON

Number of doors: 4

Dimension

Wheelbase: 2700 mm / 106.3 in

Track: Front 1500 mm / 59.1 in

Rear 1482 mm / 58.3 in

Length: 4598 mm / 181 in

Width: 1765 mm / 69.5 in

Height: 1404 mm / 55.3 in

Length wheelbase ratio: 1.7

Kerb weight: 1455 kg / 3208 lb

Fuel capacity: 70 litres / 15.4 UK Gal / 18.5 US Gal

Engine

Cylinders: V-6

Displacement: 2.9 litre, 2946 cc (179.776 cu in)

Type: Double overhead camshaft

Maximum power: (DIN) 196.7 PS (194.0 bhp) (144.7 kW) @ 5500 rpm

Specific output: 65.9 bhp/litre, 1.08 bhp/cu in

Maximum torque : (DIN) 267.0 Nm (197 ft·lb) (27.2 kgm) @ 4000 rpm

Bmep: 1138.9 kPa (165.2 psi)

Specific torque: 90.63 Nm/litre