Tag Archives: sedan
Hybrid Kinetic Introduces K350 SUV And H500 Concepts In China
Hybrid Kinetic, an electric car startup company in China, partnered with Pininfarina to utilize new technologies for its cars. The Chinese company aims to come up with a full lineup of electric cars powered by an extended-range electric powertrain that uses a microturbine as range extender.
Pininfarina, the Italian design house, is tasked to pen each of the models. In the past, we have already seen four concepts that would define Hybrid Kinetic’s future lineup—the H600 sedan, the K550 and K750 SUVs, and the GT coupe. All of these concepts feature a similar look, which is close to the company’s planned production models.
During the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, Hybrid Kinetic presented to more sedan concepts—a small SUV called the K350 and a small sports sedan called the H500. The official shots revealed by the brand showed handsome exteriors and elegant, modern interiors for both vehicles.
Aside from the two vehicles, the concept also featured a common powertrain that has an electric motor at each exle that can produce a combined power of 800 horses. The motors will draw their energy from a battery that can be charged through a plug. It can also draw power from running using a compact microturbine that weighs less than 200 pounds.
The microturbine can deliver a continuous 80 horsepower, enough to charge the battery. It can also run using a variety of fuels such as diesel, gasoline, and hydrogen. The total reach could possibly be 620 miles. That’s a lot of miles for a car running on battery!
The company’s first production model could be a possible sedan arriving sometime in 2020. The automotive division of Hybrid Kinetic is not just focused on producing vehicles. Instead, it is part of a larger group that includes businesses on finance, battery production, and electric buses. Another thing that the company is focusing on is the graphene, a lighter and stronger material than carbon fiber that has the ability for faster charging time.
4 Things To Know About The Interior Of The 2019 Toyota Avalon
To say that the 2019 Toyota Avalon is cool is an understatement. In luxury cars such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, you will have to pay a premium price for the kind of snazzy, comfortable, and elegant interior we saw in the Avalon. But Toyota is best when it comes to this: providing a sophisticated interior without breaking your bank.
The fifth-generation Avalon brings to the table a premium approach for its interiors. Here are the four things we need to know about the snazzy new look of the Avalon’s cabin.
1. Elegant Center Console
The first thing you will notice about the Avalon’s interior is the flowing center console that arcs upward from the central tunnel in a singular and flowing bend. It looks clean, cohesive, and very, very elegant, almost like you needed to pay thousands of dollars just to get that look.
2. Quilted Upholstery
Forget about plastic. Forget about leather, either. The Avalon’s door panels are wrapped in quilted upholstery, keeping the interior aesthetics clean and pristine. The dashboard and the seats and the door panels are now wrapped in that same elegant upholstery that adds to the sophistication of the interior’s overall look and design. The three-spoke steering wheel is also wrapped in high-end material.
3. Different Color Options Available
The Avalon’s interior design comes in a combination of different colors such as cognac, gray, beige, and black, all depending on the trim level selected. There are a lot of other materials that make the interior look too good—there’s aluminum accents, Ultrasuede and leather upholstery, piano black surrounds, and satin chrome material.
4. Plenty Of Space
There’s plenty of space in the Avalon. Rear-seated passengers will have a shoulder room of 57.1 inches, a legroom of 40.3 inches, and a headroom of 37.5 inches. These seats are quite comfortable, thanks largely to the mix of backside-coddling and support in the right proportions.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan Version Debuts At Beijing Motor Show
Mercedes-Benz wants a bigger chunk of the premium car market. The automaker is breathing new life to the lower rungs of its lineup by launching newer versions of the compact Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The sedan version of the A-Class has made its way to the 2018 Beijing Auto Show after the hatchback version aimed primarily at the European market made its debut at the 2018 Geneva Auto Show in March.
Mercedes showed the A-Class L version of the sedan in the show. “L” stands for long wheelbase, which is common in the auto market of China. We’re sure that a US-spec A-Class will soon arrive in the United States.
The A-Class L has been stretched by 6 centimeters or 2.3 inches. It will be sold exclusively in China. A soon-to-come standard wheelbase will most likely be available for the US market as the new entry-level Mercedes. The CLA-Class, the current entry-level Mercedes, will move by a level.
The A-Class sedan stands similar to the hatchback model in Geneva, sans the presence of a trunk in the longer wheelbase model. Even the MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) was the same as it features a screen setup closer to the larger Mercedes models. There’s also a sophisticated voice-recognition system.
In China, this model will be launched with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 163 horsepower. There will also be a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 187 horses later. Both these engines will be paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission and it will use a front-wheel drive platform. Mercedes, however, may also offer as an option an all-wheel drive system.
The powertrain lineup for the US models will be revealed at a later date, and there will also be new details on high-performance AMG models. Aside from the A-Class L model, Mercedes will also be launching the Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury electric SUV concept in Beijing.
3 Things To Know About The Redesigned 2019 Chevrolet Spark
The tiny, sub-subcompact car known as the Chevrolet Spark is ready for a mild update for the 2019 model year. It’s due for one since the last time Chevrolet gave the Spark a refresh was in 2016. It’s time for a bit of tweaks and adjustments for this very able subcompact sedan.
But unlike last time, when Chevrolet bragged about the addition of power (17 percent) in the Spark’s 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, there’s not much upgrades in the mechanical department for the 2019 Spark. Instead, there’s a new front end and some tech upgrades.
1. Grille Shape Is Different
The latest Spark’s front grille is quite different, thanks to a new shape and the use of chrome on the grille. The shapes of the two outboard intakes in the bumper are also different from the current and previous generations. The utilization of chrome on the grille and the LED running lamps do not deviate from the fact that this is an affordable car, though.
The LED running lights should have given the Spark a “more powerful” presence but we know that Spark can only produce as much as 98 horsepower, tops.
2. Tech Features
Like before, the Spark comes with the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen that has the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration, built-in 4G LTE data connection powering a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, 10 airbags, and a backup camera.
All of these will come at a price of only $13,925. The overall price of the car has yet to be announced, but we’re expecting that anytime soon.
3. Drive Confidence Package
Last year, Chevrolet introduced the forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning as part of its driver assistance package. For the 2019 Spark, we’ll see automated emergency braking feature. In the event of an accident, Spark will apply the brakes for you or augment the driver’s braking inputs to avoid or minimize a collision.
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:
2019 Hyundai Genesis G70 Will Come With Manual Transmission Option
The upcoming 2019 Hyundai Genesis G70 compact sports sedan will come with a manual transmission option, a representative for the South Korean automaker said. Genesis is Hyundai’s standalone luxury brand.
This manual transmission option has just placed the G70 in a segment that has increasingly become lacking of options that would allow you to “row your own” vehicle. Kevin Smith, Genesis’ spokesman, said in a report by The Car Connection that the 6-speed manual gearbox will be paired with the G70’s standard 2.0-liter turbo-4. There are no details though on the pricing of these different trim levels.
It is further revealed that the G70’s manual option is only for purists, which means those who can handle the turbo-4 and a rear-wheel drive. On the other hand, the more powerful 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine will be exclusive with the 8-speed automatic that will be optional with the turbo-4.
It’s in the fuel economy that will suffer, apparently. The rear-wheel-drive G70 will be powered by the 2.0-liter inline-4 with manual transmission. That has an EPA rating of 18 mpg city, 28 highway, and 22 combined. Compare that to the 22/30/25 mpg for the G70 with an automatic transmission, the turbo-4, and rear-wheel drive, and the manual option surely did a take a lot of hit.
The rest of the lineup will have these ratings: 21/28/23 mpg for the turbo-4, the 8-speed automatic, and the all-wheel drive, 18/26/21 mpg for the optional V-6, and 18/25/20 mpg for the V-6 and all-wheel drive.
The G70 will probably make its debut this early 2018 as a 2019 model, so that should come anytime soon. As for the prices, though there is no official word yet, it will probably be in the $30,000 bracket.
Aside from the Hyundai Genesis G70, other luxury models from other brands offering manual transmission are the Cadillac ATS, Audi A4, and BMW 3-Series.
2018 Nissan Altima Pricing Released With Added Safety Features
Last year, the Nissan Altima range had a lineup of about seven vehicles. This year, the Japanese automaker trimmed down the number to five, eliminating the base and the high-end models of the car. There are no significant changes in the remaining five models, except for some safety features that are now standard to all models.
What safety features are we talking about? Automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning are now the standard features of all models while standard adaptive cruise control and NissanConnect, including navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, will come with the top-level 3.5 SL.
Since the base model was officially eliminated from the range, that means the new base model will be higher in price—about $240 higher, which isn’t at all much of an increase considering what you’re getting. The 2.5S will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) combo that can produce 179 horsepower. It will sell for $24,025.
The 2.5 SR, on the other hand, will be cheaper than last year’s model. At only $25,085, it will get a pair of smoked headlights and taillight housings. It will also come with fog lights, a decklid spoiler, a power driver’s seat, manual shifting capability for the CVT, paddle shifters, leather-bound steering wheel and gearshifter, sport-themed trim, a tweaked suspension, and a pair of special 18-inch wheels.
If you are looking for more features, you may want to get your hands on the 2.5 SV, which will come equipped with adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot warning, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay for just $26,670.
Next up are the 2.5 SL and 3.5 SL, which aside from being leather trimmed, will come with a seven-inch touchscreen with navigation and heated steering wheel and front seats. The four-cylinder model will sell for $29,880 while the V-6 engine will have a price tag of $34,395.
Top 3 Features Of The 2018 BMW M5 Sedan’s New Powerful Engine
German automaker BMW finally unleashed its 2018 BMW M5 in all its glory. Though looking very similar to the regular 5 Series, it now has larger grilles, trademark vents in the fenders, an aggressive rear valance with a faux diffuser.
Once you enter the car, you’ll find the same luxurious BMW setup—special-power heated sport seats with illuminated M5 logos and two bright red M buttons on the steering wheel.
If you want to be wowed by the new M5, you’ll have to pop open the hood. Underneath, you’ll find a plethora of amazing specifications.
1. Produces 600 Horsepower
The 2018 BMW M5 will have the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine, but it can now produce 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 40 horsepower and 53 pound-feet of torque from the previous generation (that’s not counting the fact that a limited edition producing 600 horsepower was also released).
2. Paired with a Unique All-Wheel Drive System
Impressed with the power and torque? That was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, which was a first for an M5. Don’t fret, the unique system will also allow the M5 to function on purely a rear-wheel-drive setup, one of the car’s three driving modes.
The all-wheel-drive system will keep the stability control from intervening in the driving mode. It will instead provide more traction and control from the first drive. And thanks to the unique system, the car will also be able to hit 60 mph from 0 mph in just 3.2 seconds. The top speed is 189 mph when paired with the M Driver’s Package. Without it, it can still go to 155 mph.
3. Improved Handling Experience
The 5 Series traditionally has the double-wishbone front setup and the multi-link rear suspension. This has been revamped on the 2018 M5. There are now firmer anti-roll bars and loads of chassis bracing. It also boasts of 19-inch wheels, which count for the wider track.
3 Variants Stand Out For The 2018 Mazda 3
The new Mazda 3 may not be as popular as Honda Civic right now, especially when it comes to the Si and Type R variants, but it has an appeal that cannot be denied, too. As the Civic’s direct competitor, the Mazda 3 added new standard equipment to its lineup and made the powerful 2.5-liter engine more readily available.
1. Sport Variant
The Sport variant of the compact sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can produce 155 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission and a $18,970 price tag. The six-speed auto transmission will add $1,050 and the hatchback style has a $1,250 premium.
The standard equipment would be an automated emergency braking (available across all variants), 7.0-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth phone and audio, push-button start, and cloth seats. With the $1,000 Preferred Equipment package, owners can also get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert plus 16-inch alloy wheels (standard for the hatchback), satin chrome interior trim, and heated side mirrors with turn-signal lamps.
2. Touring Variant
The Touring has a new 2.5-liter engine that has an output of 184 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3250 rpm. The price tag starts at $20,965 with the hatchback version adding $750 on top of that.
Standard equipment includes leatherette seats with heated front, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a new dark silver alloy wheel color, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
For an additional $1,500, owners can get a nine-speaker Bose audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a sunroof.
3. Grand Touring Variant
Mazda 3’s loaded version has a starting price of $24,020 with a six-speed manual transmission but for $24,770, you can have it in the hatchback version with manual gearbox. An automatic transmission adds another $1,050.
The Grand Touring will have all the standard and optional equipment on the lower trims, plus black or off-white leather seats, a color head-up display, and all-LED exterior lighting. If you want more, there’s the $1,600 Premium Equipment package that will add navigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and traffic-sign recognition, plus adaptive front headlights, a heated steering wheel, and paddle shifters (with the automatic transmission).
Expect the Mazda 3 to arrive this month.
2018 Honda Insight Spy Shots Emerge
The third-generation Honda Insight is arriving, if spy photos of a test mule for the hatchback is to be believed. It looks like the Japanese automaker is finally ready to unveil its latest offering for the sedan segment.
Body of a Honda City
Honda has always managed to stay clear of criticisms when it comes to body styles and lines. The Insight is no different as it prepares to use the similar body of the Honda City, though adjustments are needed to fit the mechanicals of the Insight. Adjustments mean stretching and widening the body to make way for the wheel arches and extensions added to the hood and rear doors.
Plug-In Hybrid is Possible
Honda has yet to give details as to what will compose the 2018 Insight. What we know so far is based on the Clarity range of fuel cell, plug-in hybrid and electric cars in the midsize sedan segment that was launched just recently. The Clarity range is a hint that Insight will keep its odd shape—a hatchback—but will also dabble in offering electrified cars, or at least the possibility of a plug-in hybrid variant.
If Honda does take this route, it only means one thing—it’s ready to compete with the Toyota Prius in the electrified car segment. The Prius is offering both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The current-generation Insight, on the other hand, only delivers a hybrid version.
Based on the 2030 Vision strategy released in June by the Japanese carmaker, two-thirds of its vehicle lineup should have some form of electrification by 2030. Primarily, the focus is on the plug-in hybrid technology, although there are also plans to produce electric and fuel cell cars. Honda is set to release a new electric car this fall.
The 2018 Honda Insight will debut later this year or early next year.
Photos
Check out Autoevolution’s spy shots of the upcoming Honda Insight in the gallery below:
