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07/17/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

An all-new Range Rover Sport debuted bigger yet significantly lighter at the March 2013 New York International Auto Show. Daniel Craig drove the 2014 Range Rover Sport through the streets of Midtown Manhattan, delivering it to a live reveal where he struck his famous James Bond pose in front of it at Skylight at Moynihan Station in New York City.

The 2014 Range Rover Sport is expected to arrive in U.S. Land Rover dealerships in the fall of 2013.

The second-generation 2014 Range Rover Sport grows enough to fit a third row of seats, thanks to a wheelbase stretched 7 inches and an overall length 2.5 inches longer compared to the previous version. But space in back is tight, and Land Rover is referring to it as 5+2 seating, with the third row for occasional use.

Land Rover managed to shave a whopping 800 pounds off the previous car, mostly due to a new all-aluminum unibody chassis. Aluminum is also used on doors, many suspension components and much of the subframe. This should significantly improve the Range Rover Sport's notoriously mediocre fuel economy of 13/18 mpg City/Highway for the base engine and 12/17 mpg City/Highway for the supercharged engine. But Land Rover isn't releasing fuel economy estimates for the new Sport just yet.

Four engines will be available initially on the Sport. The old naturally aspirated V8 has been dropped in favor of a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 on the base model that puts out 340 horsepower. That's less than the previous car's 375 hp, but the new Sport should feel even peppier after shedding so many pounds.

But don't worry about the Sport going all soft. The old 5.0-liter supercharged V8 carries over to the new generation, pumping out 510 hp and 461 pound-feet of torque. Land Rover claims the supercharged Sport will barrel from 0-60 mpg in five seconds flat. Supercharged V8 power comes at a price, though, with a starting point of $79,995 for the 2014 Range Rover Sport Supercharged.

Diesel options will also be available in the U.S., with an initial choice of two 3.0-liter diesel engines, followed by a high-performance 4.4-litre version. Land Rover also announced a high-efficiency diesel hybrid that should ship in early 2014.

All engines are paired to a new 8-speed automatic transmission that replaces the old 6-speed gearbox. Electric power-steering is all-new, and the air suspension system has been redesigned to allow off-roading at higher speeds. Automatic stop/start is included on all models.

Pricing starts at $63,495 MSRP for the 2014 Range Rover Sport with the 340-hp 3-liter Supercharged V6; the 2014 Range Rover Sport HSE retails for $68,495. Top of the line is the 2014 Range Rover Sport Autobiography at $93,295, which comes with the 510-hp 5-liter supercharged V8. These prices, announced by Land Rover at the New York International Auto Show, are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices and include an $895 destination charge.

07/17/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

Porsche introduced a new line-topping flagship 2014 Cayenne SUV at the 2013 North American International Auto Show at Detroit expected to go on sale this spring.

The 550-horsepower 2014 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S pumps out 50 more ponies than the 2013 Cayenne Turbo. The 2014 Cayenne Turbo S boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.8-liter V8 Porsche says will rocket this big SUV to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 175 mph. With standard Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and a Sport Chrono package, it will also offer lucky owners amazing dynamics for its size and weight.

The exterior is differentiated by a black-finned front grille flanked by large side air intakes, widened wheel arches over 21-inch 911 Turbo II wheels with Porsche crests and gloss-black accents, a roof spoiler, gloss-black mirror trim and dual twin-tube tailpipes. Appearance options will include darkened LED tail lights with an adaptive brake light, a high-gloss-black exterior package, stainless steel front and rear panels, and aluminum sill strips. The carbon-black interior can be ordered with two-tone leather upholstery in black/carrera red or black/luxor beige with contrasting carrera red or luxor beige stitching.

Features will include the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) with automatic high-beam control (also available with black bi-xenon headlights) which at speeds of 40 mph and above helps ensure that the high beams are not automatically activated in residential areas or traffic. Its intersection light dispersion function uses navigation data to switch on both cornering lights to better illuminate an intersection, or one for a side road.

The 2014 Cayenne Turbo S V8 delivers a muscular 553 pound-feet of torque between 2250 and 4500 rpm for mind-boggling acceleration from almost any speed. Compared to the regular Turbo V8, it uses increased boost and revised engine electronics to produce the additional 50 horses and 37 pound-feet. Exhaust gases from both cylinder banks spin the twin water-cooled compressor turbines to force air into the combustion chambers through twin intercoolers.

All 2014 Cayenne Turbo S models will route this power through a fast-shifting Tiptronic S 8-speed automatic transmission. A standard auto Start/Stop function will save fuel by shutting down the engine when the car is at rest, then restarting it when the brake is released. Putting it smoothly to the pavement will be Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with active all-wheel drive and air suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). If the PTM senses a loss of rear-wheel traction, a motor-controlled multi-plate clutch quickly distributes just enough torque to the front axle to maintain acceleration, then re-routes it all back to the rear axle once rear-wheel traction is regained.

By interpreting data such as steering angle and speed, accelerator pedal position, yaw rate and vehicle speed, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) improves steering response and precision during cornering by strategically applying the inside rear wheel brake and rapidly varying torque distribution to the rear wheels through an electronically controlled rear differential. This results in quicker initial turn-in, reduces understeer and provides greater high speed stability, when cornering at speed and when there is rear-wheel slippage.

All this is complemented by Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), which virtually eliminates body roll in corners. Speed-sensitive Power Steering Plus increases steering effort with speed to maintain road feel and accuracy and reduces it at low speed for parking and other maneuvers. And the standard Sport Chrono Package permits measurement and storage of performance data such as lap times and transverse and longitudinal acceleration values, which Porsche Communication Management (PCM) can display as a graphic analysis.

Like other top-of-the-line Porsches, this 2014 Cayenne Turbo S SUV will be as high-tech as it is fast and powerful.

07/17/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Cadillac ELR

Cadillac's all-new futuristic plug-in hybrid debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and is expected to go on sale early in 2014.

The sultry, sleek design of the 2014 Cadillac ELR not only earns praise from journalists and consumers, but from discriminating automotive industry designers, who named it Best Production Vehicle at the 2013 Eyes On Design award, held concurrently with the Detroit auto show press days.

The Cadillac ELR design is based on the Converj concept car shown at the Detroit show a few years ago. Unlike the Volt, whose production version was far less radical and more Prius-like than its concept, the ELR retains many of the bold elements found in its show-car predecessor. Fresh lines and proportions combine with signature Cadillac design elements, such as the vertical LED headlamps and taillights, all rolling on giant 20-inch wheels with low-rolling resistance tires.

Built on the same platform and using nearly the same powertrain as the Chevrolet Volt, the front-wheel-drive Cadillac ELR pairs an electric motor with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine.

The result is a total system equivalent of 207 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Like the Volt (but different from some hybrids and plug-ins), the gas engine doesn't power the car directly. The Cadillac ELR will run on the electric motor until the 16.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack is depleted, then the gas engine will kick in to power a generator that in turn produces electricity to feed the motor. Drivers can also manually switch on a Hold mode that can use the generator during highway cruising to save the battery for city driving.

Range is estimated at about 35 miles in pure electric mode, with an overall system range of more than 300 miles (i.e. using the gas engine). Charging time is estimated at 4.5 hours with a 240-volt fast charger. The ELR can also be charged with a standard 120-volt household outlet, but GM declines to say how long it takes. We're guessing it's excruciatingly slow. You'll need the 240-volt setup.

The interior is finished in luxe leather, and the driver's instrument cluster features a reconfigurable display. A 10-channel Bose audio system comes standard, as does Cadillac's CUE infotainment system with navigation, a touch-screen interface that's cool in theory, but which has gotten mixed reviews from industry analysts. Folding rear seats add a mite of practicality.

Like the Volt and other electrified vehicles on the market, the ELR can be monitored and managed via a smartphone app, that, among other things, allows owners to schedule charges ahead of time and to take advantage of better electricity rates.

Production on the Cadillac ELR will begin in late 2013, with deliveries expected in the U.S. beginning in early 2014. All Cadillac ELR models will be manufactured at the General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant in Michigan.

Pricing has not yet been announced, but rumors surfaced several months ahead of the ELR's debut that GM was planning to undercut Tesla's near-$58,000 price tag on the all-electric Model S. Until we hear differently, we'll figure the plug-in coupe will start at around $56,000.

07/16/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Chevrolet Stingray Convertible

An all-new seventh-generation 2014 Chevrolet Corvette goes on sale this fall. Chevrolet unveiled a convertible version at the March 2013 Geneva auto show. Like the new coupe, it revives the mid-1960s Stingray name, and shares the coupe's billing as the most powerful standard Corvette ever produced, as well as much of the coupe's bold new styling, though the soft top mitigates the sweep of the coupe's dramatic roofline.

Chevrolet also announced that the 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible will retail for $56,000, while the Stingray Coupe will start at $51,000. (All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices and do not include $995 destination charge.)

The 2014 Stingray Convertible shares the coupe's curb weight and 50/50 weight distribution. Most convertibles are adaptations of coupe models, requiring extensive (and weighty) frame reinforcements to compensate for the lost roof structure. But the design of the latest Corvette, C7, to aficionados, began with the topless version, according to Chevrolet, and its aluminum frame is identical with that of the coupe.

Chevrolet engineers claim the new foundation is almost 100 pounds lighter than the steel frame employed in the C6 Corvettes, and also 57 percent stiffer in terms of structural rigidity, the essential starting point for responsive handling. Since the center portion of the coupe's roof is removable, the commonality between coupe and convertible in terms of structural specification isn't astonishing, but the improvement in chassis rigidity is impressive nevertheless, given the C6 Corvette convertible was respectable on this score.

The new power-operated soft top is composed of three layers with sound-absorbing padding, versus its five-layer predecessor, and the design team anticipates sharply diminished interior noise levels. The rear window is glass, and the top can be raised or lowered while the car is in motion, up to 30 mph. It can also be operated remotely via the car's key fob, a trick sure to startle casual passers-by.

One of the most welcome of the 2014 Corvette's attributes is its all-new interior, which has a more upscale appearance, improved telematics, and, more important, new seats that deliver much more lateral support and all-around comfort than the previous generation. The seats were singled out for particular praise when the coupe made its Detroit debut, and like the rest of the interior elements they're identical in the convertible.

Like the C6 Corvette, the 2014 Stingray's sculpted hood shelters a 6.2-liter V8 engine. It continues to be an overhead valve design, but Chevrolet has replaced the old port fuel injection system with direct injection, raising output substantially. The Stingray is SAE-certified at 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque with the standard exhaust system or 460 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 465 pound-feet of torque at 4600 rpm with the available performance exhaust system. Chevrolet has yet to release fuel economy projections, but cylinder deactivation plus the addition of direct injection is expected to boost mpg ratings as well. The powertrain engineers are willing to bet, unofficially, that the new car will improve on the C6 Corvette's 26-mpg highway rating.

A new 7-speed Tremec manual transaxle, with active rev matching on downshifts, replaces the former 6-speed, and a 6-speed with a paddle shift manumatic function continues to be the automatic option. The convertible shares the coupe's five-mode drive selector (Eco, Inclement Weather, Touring, Sport, Race Track). Chevrolet forecasts tenacious tire adhesion (1.0 g) as well as 0-to-60 mph in less than four seconds. As with the previous generation Corvette, owners inclined to exercise their cars at track day events can enhance the formidable basic setup with the optional Z51 performance package. The 2014 Stingray Z51 includes a dry sump lubrication system, an electronic limited slip differential, cooling system enhancements, bigger brakes, a more aggressive wheel/tire combination, and aerodynamic add-ons.

The 2014 Chevrolet Stingray convertible and coupe are expected to begin rolling into selected showrooms in early to mid-October. With the official rollout still over a half-year in the future, Chevrolet refrained from furnishing pricing information at the Geneva show. We expect a base MSRP for the convertible of about $56,000.

07/15/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 BMW 320i

Entry-level luxury is all the rage right now, and BMW is jumping on the bandwagon with its announcement at the January 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit that it will bring its 320i sedan to the U.S. in late spring 2013.

Already in Europe and other markets, the BMW 320i sedan uses a less powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine found in the 328i. The BMW 320i makes a modest 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, far less than the 328i's 240 hp and 255 lb.-ft.

Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. Only rear-wheel-drive is offered with the manual, while cars equipped with the automatic transmission are available with BMWs xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

The result is a rather pokey 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds with either transmission. Speed of the 320i sedan is electronically limited at 130 mph.

Fuel-saving technology found on other 3 Series models also appear on the 320i sedan, including auto start-stop, brake energy regeneration, and an ECO PRO drive mode that helps to optimize efficiency. Whether the 320i delivers better fuel economy than that of the 328i we have not yet been able to confirm.

Cars equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission are expected to get 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, while the automatic is expected to yield 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The 320i xDrive model is expected to achieve 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. That's about the same as the figures for the 328i.

So if it's slower and equally efficient, what's the draw? Price. The 320i sedan starts at $32,550 (not including $895 destination and handling fee), which is $4,000 less than the 328i sedan. But prices can add up with a variety of options, most of which are found in other 3 Series models, including a Sport Package, Cold Weather Package, Premium Package, Driver Assistance Package, and additional lighting.

The 2014 BMW 320i sedan is expected to arrive at dealerships in late spring 2013.

07/15/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Dodge Durango

Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, the 2014 Dodge Durango full-size three-row crossover utility is significantly improved, with freshened looks, better fuel economy and an expanded array of features. Most important are its new 8-speed automatic transmission, which improves fuel economy and performance, and the addition of Chrysler's easy-to-use Uconnect Access touchscreen infotainment system.

When Chrysler redesigned Dodge Durango for 2011, it earned accolades and sales for its appealing combination of modern, muscular styling; quiet, comfortable interior; commodious cargo capacity; class-leading power and towing capability; and road-hugging ride and handling.

For 2014, Durango is nicely upgraded and includes five trim levels: base SXT, Rallye, new mid-level Limited, R/T, and top-of-the-line Citadel.

Durango's standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 generates 290 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque and up to 9-percent better fuel-economy with its new 8-speed automatic compared to the previous transmission.

The optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 pumps out 360 horses and 390 lb.-ft., and its cylinder-deactivating Fuel Saver Technology alternates between V8 and four-cylinder modes depending on demand. A new Eco Mode optimizes throttle sensitivity, the transmission's shift schedule, the cylinder deactivation and interactive deceleration fuel shut-off, which cuts fuel delivery when coasting to reduce consumption.

Unlike most crossover utility vehicles, the 2014 Dodge Durango offers a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with either the V6 or the V8. V8 models with all-wheel drive include a low-range transfer case.

Properly equipped 2014 Durango models can tow up to 6200 pounds with the V6 or 7400 pounds with the V8.

Durango's unibody structure uses high-strength and ultra-high strength steels to improve driving dynamics while decreasing weight. Its short/long arm front and multi-link independent rear suspensions have aggressive shock and spring rates, large anti-roll bars (anti-sway bars) and isolated cradles front and rear for precise handling with a cushioned ride. Standard electro-hydraulic power steering and electronic stability control help maintain steering feel and vehicle stability. Durango shares its basic structure with the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Other new features include a 7-inch customizable color instrument cluster; 5- or 8.4-inch touchscreens with available Uconnect Access (with Wi-Fi capability and mobile apps) and navigation with 3D mapping; voice-command hands-free calling, texting and music streaming via Bluetooth; a Blu-ray/DVD rear-entertainment system with dual 9-inch screens; second-row captain's chairs with a standard pass-through center console; new standard capless fuel fill, a Rallye Group monochromatic appearance package with 20-inch Hyper Black wheels; and more than 60 available safety and security features including adaptive cruise with stop function, forward collision warning with collision mitigation and auto crash notification/911 call.

Durango can seat seven passengers with the standard seating or second-row captain's chairs can be ordered for six-passenger capability. The seats can be converted to multiple configurations, and those captain's chairs leave pass-through space for easy access to the third row. The standard 60/40 middle-row seats fold and tumble, recline 18 degrees and are available with heat. The third-row seat splits 50/50 and is easily folded from the rear of the vehicle, and a switch in the instrument panel remotely lowers its headrests when it's not in use.

07/13/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2015 Volkswagen GTI

A hot rod version of the Golf hatchback, the Volkswagen GTI has been a source of affordable high performance since the original was unveiled at the 1975 Frankfurt auto show. Through six generations, the GTI has been the benchmark of the market category it established, the hot hatch class (also characterized as a sports car in a box), combining engaging dynamics and an extra measure of engine performance with all-around usefulness and everyday comfort.

Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva auto show, generation seven builds on that long tradition, and none too soon. Though it still rules its small category, particularly in Europe, the current GTI has been upstaged in terms of sheer performance by usurpers such as the Ford Focus ST and Mazdaspeed 3.

As always, the 2015 Volkswagen GTI is based on the VW Golf, also in its seventh generation and the recipient of the 2014 European Car of the Year award. This means the 2015 GTI will share the Golf's new MQB architecture, developed to support a wide range of new VW vehicles, the Golf/GTI one of the first examples.

The 2015 GTI will also share the new Golf's subtly refined sheetmetal, but with GTI embellishments: a deeper front air dam, expanded front air intakes, a rear spoiler, and rear diffusers embracing twin exhaust pipes. The horizontal red stripe spanning the grille of the generation six GTI now stretches from headlight to headlight, the taillamps sport smoked lenses, and the distinctive alloy wheels (dubbed Cuisinart wheels by aficionados) have a revised design, but still show off the traditional red brake calipers.

Inside, the redesigned Golf furnishings are enhanced with GTI instrumentation and badges, a grippy GTI steering wheel (leather-wrapped and flat-bottomed), GTI shift knob, and a set of sporty bucket seats up front. Continuing GTI tradition, the standard cloth upholstery is plaid, a new pattern called Clark, presumably for Jimmy Clark, the late Grand Prix great.

Of more interest to those with a need for speed, the new GTI will be propelled by a more potent version of VW's new 2.0-liter direct injection four-cylinder engine: 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, gains of 20 horsepower and 51 pound-feet versus the current engine. Like the current GTI, the new engine will be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, or (optional) VW's excellent dual clutch (DSG) automated manual.

Volkswagen predicts a 0-to-62 mph (100 kilometers per hour) time of about 6.5 seconds, which seems very conservative in light of the current GTI's performance. Contemporary road tests of the current GTI have produced 0-60 sprints in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 153 mph.

Like its ancestors, the seventh-generation GTI will have firmer suspension tuning than the standard Golf, and more aggressive tires. Unlike its ancestors, it will have a new variable ratio electric rack-and-pinion power steering system and for the first time an optional performance pack. Included: a 10-horsepower increase in engine output, bigger brake rotors (13.4-inch front, 12.2-inch rear, vented fore and aft), plus a mechanical limited slip differential, replacing the standard electronic brake intervention system.

Like the current GTI, the next generation will be offered in three- and five-door body styles. And as was true of the current generation, U.S. buyers will have to be patient. The new GTI goes on sale this spring in Europe, but won't begin rolling into North American showrooms until the spring of 2014 as a 2015 model.

Why the big delay? Volkswagen has been slow about bringing new Golfs and GTIs to the U.S. in the past, but in this case the delay is related to the readiness of a new production facility in Puebla, Mexico, due to come online in the spring of 2014.

With the official on-sale date so far away, VW's official response to U.S. pricing questions is no comment. Unofficially, based on off-the-record speculation by insiders, we anticipate a base price for the three-door GTI of about $26,000, add $500 for the five-door model.

07/13/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Audi A3

A new, third-generation Audi A3 is expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships beginning with a four-door sedan as a 2014 model. The A3 is Audi's smallest offering in North America and the new model will represent the first time the company will offer a four-door sedan version in U.S. The four-door sedan will replace the second-generation four-door hatchback.

Audi suggests the 2014 A3 sedan may be followed by three-door coupe, a five-door hatchback, a soft-top convertible. A variety of powertrains is expected over time, among them a small-displacement turbo, a TDI diesel, and a plug-in hybrid.

As always, the A3 will offer budget buyers a front-wheel-drive version, and a more expensive quattro all-wheel-drive version.

The new A3 is expected to add a number of design, safety and convenience features that weren't available when the current car came onto the market, including front and rear LED lamps, lane-departure warning, blind-spot detection, active cruise control, and forward and rearward facing cameras, with voice activation for navigation and telephoning. Like all Audis, the A3 will have most of its controls operated from the MMI controller on the center console.

The new A3 will compete in the marketplace against the BMW 1 Series.

07/05/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, which was all-new for 2013, will be significantly refreshed for 2014, a remarkably quick (18-month) reaction to disappointing sales.

Why? It followed a handsome and popular previous model but on a shorter wheelbase with less rear legroom. This latest-generation Malibu launched in early 2012 as a 2013 model with just one powertrain, a fuel-efficient but pricey eAssist mild hybrid system, followed later by a new four-cylinder engine. Add to that the competition: Malibu was losing market share to a phalanx of excellent new mid-size sedans from domestic and import competitors.

The 2014 Malibu addresses a number of shortcomings of the all-new 2013 model. First, rear legroom and knee room in the 2014 Malibu is increased 1.25 inches for a noticeable improvement in back-seat comfort over the 2013 model. Second, the eAssist powertrain's fuel-saving Stop/Start feature, which shuts down the engine when the car is stopped then smoothly restarts it when the brake is released, comes standard with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Third, the Malibu's chassis and suspension are improved for 2014 for better-balanced ride and handling.

Beyond those changes are a new, sportier face for the 2014 Malibu, with black-out mesh grille texture in wider twin-port openings, a nicely redesigned center console and new available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features.

The 196-hp DOHC 2.5-liter Ecotec engine, with variable valve lift control and Stop/Start, delivers EPA-rated fuel economy of 23/35 mpg City/Highway, a 5-percent improvement on the City rating and 3-percent better on the Highway vs. the 2013 model. Revised transmission shift points and quicker shifts enhance refinement and the feeling (if not the reality) of performance for the 2014 Malibu.

For those wanting a much quicker, more fun-to-drive mid-size sedan, the available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offers 259 horsepower and a 295 pound-feet of torque.

Redesigned front seats with more deeply sculpted seatbacks contribute to the improved rear-seat room and comfort, and a slightly shorter rear cushion with more seatback sculpturing and a new material allow rear passengers to sit more deeply in their seats. The new center console has a longer armrest, twin cup holders and dedicated storage for two cell phones.

The 2014 Malibu suspension updates were inspired by the all-new Chevrolet Impala, including rebound springs integrated inside the struts, which contribute to the Malibu's smoother ride while reducing weight transfer and body roll during acceleration and cornering. Standard energy-efficient, variable-effort electric power rack-and-pinion steering enables near-effortless low-speed driving along with improved steering feel at higher speeds, and the new Malibu's brake system is also improved for a more solid, confident feel.

The suite of standard chassis control features includes four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control. Ten airbags are also standard, and a rear-view camera system is available.

07/05/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:

2014 Acura MDX

Acura's midsize luxury crossover follows the bigger-and-lighter trend with an new design that debuted at the March 2013 New York International Auto Show.

The all-new 2014 Acura MDX gains two inches in length and sheds 275 pounds compared to the outgoing model. For the first time, the MDX will also be available in front-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive.

While it might not sound like much, those two extra inches of length, combined with a longer wheelbase and clever repackaging, translate into a noticeable difference in interior space. Access to the third row is improved via a lowered step-in height and a wider entryway that eases entry and exit for rear passengers. Second-row seats fold and slide forward with the touch of a button.

Power comes from an all-new direct injected 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, which replaces the old 3.7-liter V6. Although the new engine is slightly less powerful, Acura says the reduced weight in the 2014 MDX will make it even quicker than the outgoing model. The gearbox is a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

Fuel economy is expected to be substantially improved, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 20/28 mpg City/Highway for the new front-wheel drive model and 18/27 mpg with all-wheel drive. By comparison, the outgoing all-wheel-drive model is EPA rated at 16/21 mpg City/Highway.

Standard features on the 2014 Acura MDX include leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver's seat, 8-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, LED headlights and 18-inch wheels. A new 7-inch color touchscreen and revised instrument panel design reduces the number of hard buttons on the center stack from 41 to just nine. In addition, a new center console is large enough to hold a laptop computer or large handbag. Many electronic safety systems are standard or optional, including a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and a collision mitigation braking system.

Pricing will be announced closed to the on-sale date. With the 2013 Acura MDX starting at $43,280, we're guessing the new front-wheel-drive model will start at a couple of thousand dollars less, while the all-wheel-drive model should see a modest price increase. That puts the 2014 MDX in the ballpark of $42,000 and $44,000, respectively.

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