Tag Archives: New York Auto Show
Hyundai Kona Electric Showcases Powertrain Versatility
The Hyundai Kona Electric was introduced last week at the New York Auto Show, marking another level of versatility that the brand is bringing to its US utility lineup.
The Kona Electric is a pure EV subcompact crossover that go an estimated 250 miles on a single charge. It’s part of the series of announcements that Hyundai made to introduce an all-new lineup. Last February, the South Korean automaker said that the redesigned Santa Fe will have a diesel option in 2019, which marks Hyundai’s first diesel in the US market. The fuel-powered Nexo will also continue to be around to build on the brand’s “hydrogen legacy.”
The Kona Electric will be rolled out to targeted markets only. Hyundai said that the EV subcompact crossover will be produced in Ulsan, Korea, and will be initially available in California. Later on, other states with California’s zero-emission vehicle regulations will follow the launch. The availability will start in the fourth quarter of 2018.
What the Kona EV brings to the table is “peace of mind” and “flexibility,” according to Hyundai Motor America COO Brian Smith. Why? The 250-mile range is father than the capability of EVs before the Kona EV. Previous EVs can only muster up around 100 or 150 miles.
The closest competitor of the Kona EV is the Chevy Bolt, a hatchback that has the capacity of 238 miles in a single charge. Though Tesla Model 3 has a 220-mile range, it is a sedan and does not fall under the same category as the Kona.
A lot of cross-shopping will happen, Smith claims, as customers who want EVs suddenly have the option of buying a CUV because it’s out in the market now. The 250-mile range will also allow many people to go two to three days without charging, and that’s a big factor to consider.
The Kona EV gets 19.2 cubic feet of rear cargo space, which is the same as the gasoline version of the crossover. Pricing details have not been announced yet.
6 Important Things To Know About The 2018 Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Jaguar’s first SUV is getting a special treatment from JLR’s performance and customization division, the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). The Jaguar F-Pace SVR debuted at the New York International Auto Show last week and showed tremendous potential as a sports car performance in a practical SUV design.
1. Exterior
The F-Pace grabbed both the World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year awards in 2017, which proved that Ian Callum is the “king” in SUV design. Callum is the same person behind the designs of the Aston Martin Vanquish, Jaguar C-X75, and the Jaguar F-Type.
The SVR model adds aggression and power to its looks, thanks to an aero package, a unique bumper, a new hood, larger fender vents, and a unique set of lightweight forged alloy wheels measuring 21 inches.
2. Interior
The F-Pace SVR has a sleek but simple interior. It starts with a quilted upholstery with the embossed SVR logo on the heavily bolstered sport seats. Top-shelf materials are used in every inch of the cabin, including the new pistol-style shifter knob, an SVR-specific steering wheel with soft-touch upholstery wrappings and aluminum paddle shifters.
3. Drivetrain
The F-Pace SVR received a huge power boost because of its supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 that can now produce 550 ponies and 502 pound-feet of torque. It has an active and lightweight exhaust system that helps power the car to 176 mph top speed. It can go 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The F-Pace SVR is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
4. Chassis And Handling
The F-Pace SVR used the same iQ-Al modular platform as the regular F-Pace. This is the same one used on the Jaguar XE, the second-generation Jaguar XF, and the next-generation Jaguar XJ, not to mention the Range Robert Velar SUV. Thanks to this platform, the F-Pace SVR has a lightweight aluminum body that makes it easier for driver to handle it.
5. Prices
The SVR variant will start at $79,990 and orders will start this summer.
6. Competition
The main competitor of the F-Pace SVR is the Porsche Macan Turbo, which is rocking a twin-turbo V-6 that produces a whopping 400 horsepower after it has been paired with a 7-speed transmission and high-performance AWD system. The price for the Porsche starts at $77,200.
2019 Nissan Altima Will Have Semi-Autonomous Driving Option
The 2019 Nissan Altima midsize family sedan is slated to be revealed soon at the New York Auto Show. Though we don’t have a full idea of how it will look like, seeing as we only saw it in spy shots and early sketches, it’s still nice to know a little more details about it.
Reports said that the new Altima will have a ProPilot Assist option. It’s a semi-autonomous driving system, just in case you forgot what a ProPilot is. The system can provide steering, acceleration, and braking assistance on highways. It has the ability to bring the car to a complete stop and resume accelerating up to speed. It can also recognize other cars, adjusts speed, and keeps the car in its lane.
It is semi-autonomous because it requires the driver to continue paying attention to the road and to keep his hands on the steering wheel in case he needs to take control of the car. The system can manage some corners on highways, but it all depends on how tight the turn is. Certain turns cannot be managed.
Currently, the ProPilot Assist system is available on the Nissan Rogue crossover SUV, as well as the new Leaf EV. The Altima, then, is the third Nissan-badged vehicle that will get this innovative technology. Based on the Rogue and the Leaf EV, the ProPilot Assist system is simple and reliable. It is handy for long and boring highway drive since it will virtually allow you to rest during long drives.
This is a tempting new feature on a family sedan since who wouldn’t want to mingle and chat with the family while driving? There is no word yet on whether the ProPilot Assist will be available across all variants of the Altima. Expect to shell around $28,000 for it.
Spy Shots of the 2019 Nissan Altima
Here are some spy shots of the 2019 Nissan Altima from Carscoops:
Should the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Be Banned From the Roads?
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon was recently launched at the New York Auto Show. Its maker boasts that the product has the highest horsepower, G-force, zero to 60 mph acceleration and 1/4-mile sprint in a production car.
The SRT Demon features significant changes compared to the Hellcat. Under the hood of the car lies a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. It may be the same as the unit carried by the Hellcat but the Demon offers significant improvement thanks to its new pistons, rods, supercharger, valve train and fuel injection system.
The upgrades provide the Demon an output of 840 hp and 770 lb-ft of torque. Now that’s the part where the critics are complaining.
According to a report from Automotive News, they are arguing that the power of Fiat Chrysler’s latest creation might endanger motorists. Thus, they are saying that its registration as a road-worthy car should be banned.
The article claimed that although the Demon was built as a drag racer, it has been banned by the National Hot Rod Association for being “too fast”. That further strengthens the group’s call for the car to be prohibited in the roads.
With all due respect to the source, it should be noted that the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards allows the Demon’s registration for use in public roads. Its maker might have pushed its performance to ridiculous and impractical levels, but again, it is still within the limits set by regulatory bodies.
The people opposing the Demon’s road-worthiness should instead focus more on the key safety features of the auto rather than just basing their arguments on engine power alone. On the issue that people might be tempted to put the pedal to the metal on the Demon, that is already within the discretion of the driver. Some examples to reduce instances of the vehicle falling into the wrong hands is that the critics should call for the stricter issuance of driver’s license to people and there should be implementation of mandatory training programs for supercar owners.
2017 Kia Cadenza Gets 8-Speed Auto, Fuel Economy
The 2016 New York International Auto Show highlighted a slew of budget sedans and SUVs that would revamp market availabilities, targets and demands in the following months. One of the most anticipated confirmations is Kia’s 2017 Cadenza.
The brand has finally gives a glimpse of what’s new with the 2017 Kia Cadenza during the New York Auto Show. It can be recalled that the company revealed that the car will arrive in US shores later this year.
The car was first offered to Americans in 2013, so it’s not exactly old, but changes are forthcoming and much needed amid a society of automobile enthusiasts constantly needing upgrades, not to mention options for fuel economy.
The big sedan is related to the Azera, made by sister company Hyundai. It sports the same 3.3-liter V-6 and front-wheel drive setup currently in the outgoing model. The use of the same drive setup is not really surprising, although we expected more from this upgrade—preferably a smaller and more fuel-efficient engine.
The new Cadenza will also replace its current 6-speed automatic with the new 8-speed automatic transmission that promises to improve fuel economy.
If it follows the schedule, the new Kia Cadenza will be the first one from the brand to use the front-wheel and 8-speed auto transmission combination. We’re expecting that combination to be a platform for other future Kia vehicles, although the company has yet to confirm that.
Although it’s looking like the new Cadenza will be more fuel efficient than the current one in the market, Kia did not give any details to how economic it will be. Experts said it’ll be a slight improvement from the 19 mpg city, 28 highway and 22 combined from the current car. Here’s hoping the 2017 Cadenza will breach the 30 mpg threshold.
Outside, the Cadenza will have the same design as the one that debuted last November in Korea. It has a European-inspired exterior while the interior has light updates.
Source: Motor Authority
Mazda MX-5 Debuts with a Hard-Top
Everyone who’s been waiting for Mazda’s idea of a hard-top convertible can rest their cases. The company just lifted the curtains off its new Mazda MX-5 “Retractable Fastback,” named in honor of its new roofing system.
This is the fourth generation Mazda MX-5 with a 911 Targa-style top, which would lift at the push of a button. The roof folds automatically into the rear at a speed of up to 6mph. And you don’t even have to worry that the folded up roof will take up some boot space at the rear. This is not the case with the MX-5 RF. It basically offers the same space as the soft-top MX-5.
But that’s not the only thing you should look out for the Mazda MX-5 RF. It also has a unique rear roof and retractable back window that offers a new open-air feeling.
The new model will feature either of the two engines namely the SKYACTIV-G 1.5 or SKYACTIV-G 2.0 gasoline engine, depending on the market. The model coming to US shores will have the SKYACTIV-G 2.0.
The convertible would also come packed with a six-speed automatic transmission. There’s no word yet on how much this would weigh, but it is estimated to be somewhere over the standard car’s 1,075 kilograms figure.
The Mazda MX-5 RF is being offered also in the new Machine Grey paint. It uses three coats but requires further details, which we don’t have at the moment since Mazda has yet to release full specifications for the MX-5 RF.
This new hard-top Mazda will make its world debut at the 2016 New York Auto Show, which will be open to the public from March 25 to April 3. Mazda is also expected to launch the Mazda CX-9, and feature current available models such as the Mazda 6, Mazda 3, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-3 and Mazda MX-5.
2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Unveiled With 640hp, 10-Speed Auto
Everyone thought the 1LE would be the biggest and meanest Camaro to be unveiled this year. Well, we’re dead wrong. According to Motor Authority, Chevrolet just announced the debut of the new Camaro ZL1, which packs a staggering 640 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque.
That power comes from the familiar supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 found in cars like the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V. This is combined with the lighter chassis of the sixth-generation Camaro’s Alpha platform.
The combination would give Ford’s Mustang Shelby GT350R a run for its money. It can even embarrass some other “powerful machines,” such as those being churned out by Porsche.
There are no significant details yet about the power and speed of the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, but expect it to be faster, of course, than the previous ZL1 that can run the quarter mile in 11 seconds. The new ZL1 has 60 horsepower more than the previous version, and it also weighs 200 pounds less.
And with the 10-speed automatic transmission, expect it to move right up there in the speed ranking. The transmission was developed with Ford, which initially wanted it for the new F-150 Raptor.
But those who don’t have the need for such speed can have the standard 6-speed manual with rev-matching.
There are other technologies used in the new ZL1 that has nothing to do with speed, but with a more efficient performance. The list includes magnetic ride control, an electronic limited-slip differential, performance-oriented traction control, launch control and a driving modes selector.
The new ZL1 has massive Brembos with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear too. Then, there are 15.35-inch discs at the front and 14.37-inch discs at the rear. The car sits on 20-inch wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires that measure 285/30 at the front and 305/30 at the rear.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will have its world debut next week at the New York Auto Show, so stay tuned for more details.
2017 Toyota Highlander Boasts a New V-6
The crossover segment is getting into a tough fight this year, and Toyota’s not letting their Highlander just go by without a bang. The new 2017 Highlander is expected to debut at the New York Auto Show on March 23, and will highlight some new mid-cycle updates Toyota has been boasting about.
The current Toyota Highlander has done very well in the segment. It has record gains in both 2014 and 2015 with 146,127 and 158,915 examples sold, respectively. With these upgrades, Toyota is expecting for a boost on this trend according to a report.
The new Highlander has a refreshed front grille, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, LE and XLE trims on the hybrid, the sporty SE trim level, and a host of other safety features on the standard variant.
It will continue offering eight seats, a choice of a four-cylinder, hybrid, or V-6 powertrain, FWD or AWD, and other optional equipment. Those who are not a fan of the minivan can get the Highlander instead—Toyota’s premiere people hauler.
On the exterior, the new Highlander will change nothing from the 2016 version except for the front grille and a larger and more SUV-ish appearance. There are three new color options available—the Celestial Silver Metallic, the Toaster Walnut Pearl, and exclusive on the SE is the Salsa Red Pearl.
The SE, by the way, will also come with trim-exclusive, 19-inch alloy wheels, dark paint treatment on the front grille and roof rails, as well as smoked headlight lenses.
Inside, Toyota is offering a new brown leather color for the Limited Platinum trim. On the SE, the new black leather seats will come with silver inserts and stitching. The Highlander will still come with eight seats, thanks to second row seating. But on the Limited and Limited Platinum, the second row can turn into captain chairs.
The new Highlander will most likely have these features under the hood: 290 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque.
Pricing for the 2017 Highlander has yet to be announced, but expect it to start at roughly $30,990.
Mazda To Debut MX-5 Miata Power Retractable Hard Top
Sources have been abuzz that Mazda will introduce during the New York Auto Show later this month a Power Retractable Hard Top version of its MX-5 Miata.
Mazda has confirmed already that there are plans to unveil a new model during the auto show, but no details have been released regarding the said launch. What the company did say is that it would be a “world premiere” and that the car will “blow the lid off.”
With such a description, it may be safe to assume that a retractable hard top is on its way for the MX-5 Miata, currently in its fourth generation and is only available as a soft-top convertible.
This was quite a curious move for Mazda since other models have already offered both a soft-top and hard-top retractable roof. There was even one with a fixed roof.
To say that the company is simply bowing down to measure is quite an understatement. It has a valid, logical reason as to why it would introduce a retractable hard top. Since its introduction back in 2007, the variants with the PRHT have created huge following in the Miata family.
Mazda said that the hard top variant would be lighter than the ones fitted on previous models. This would, of course, help in the speed and power of the Miata. It would also provide a more compact look, and would free up extra cargo capacity.
Although the top would most likely add a bit of a weight to the roadster, this would still be popular for people living in the colder part of the world.
Under the hood, the same would probably be found in the MX-5 Miata—a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine at 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can choose between a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional six-speed automatic unit.
More details would be revealed at the New York Auto Show, so stay tuned.
