LATEST NEW CAR INFORMATION AND EXPORT NEWS
10/17/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2013 Buick Enclave
Buick Enclave is battling big-name competition; Acura, Volvo, Audi, Lincoln, and Mercedes-Benz all want the lead in the prestigious three-row luxury crossover segment. Yet the handsome, comfortable and efficient Buick Enclave effortlessly dominates this class in terms of sales. That's evidence of an exceptionally well-received package that delivers solid crossover luxury, deep value and three-row flexibility the public enthusiastically responds to.
Revised for 2013, Buick Enclave represents an astutely restated rendering of the crossover SUV, with Buick determined to drive it into more upscale American garages.
The 2013 Enclave benefits from a beautifully restyled interior and dashboard. Embellished with elegant ice-blue ambient lighting, brightly colored new climate controls and real upholstery stitching lends the driving compartment a feeling of premium quality. And for the technologically acute, the new Buick IntelliLink system supports audio streaming of Pandora Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio as well as available Sirius/XM satellite radio.
Externally, the 2013 Enclave is recognizably updated. A larger, more pronounced Buick waterfall grille delivers clear brand identification, while body-color rocker moldings and front and rear fascias communicate the Enclave's premium character. These are further accented by tasteful chrome highlighting. Big 19- and 20-inch wheels make a bold style statement, while LED headlights, taillights and running lights continue the Enclave's modern character.
New for the 2013 Enclave is a recalibrated suspension, delivering smoother, more comfortable touring, while at the same time providing well-controlled agility and road sensitivity during maneuvering. This is a difficult balance to achieve, but the Enclave has done it nicely.
Mechanically, the excellent Enclave 6-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission is carried over from the previous year, as is the fine V6 engine, delivering decent fuel mileage for this very large package, at 17/23 mpg City/Highway in front-wheel-drive form.
The key to any luxury crossover, however, is packaging, and the 2013 Enclave leads its class by providing more cargo space than any of the competition. It delivers more third-row legroom than the rest, and it features a brilliant second-row sliding seat provision that makes third-row entry simple and convenient.
And while Enclave passengers are onboard, safety is paramount. In 2011, this Buick earned National Highway Traffic Administration's highest five-star overall vehicle safety score and was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The new Enclave is equipped with all of the same mandatory airbag protections, but it features, with Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, something no other vehicle in the world can claim. Its industry-first front center airbag inflates from the inboard side of the driver's seat, protecting the driver and front-seat passenger from impacting each other during a severe side impact. This great idea will surely find its way into other large cars as soon as is feasible.
Simply put, the Buick Enclave is the complete package. Seating seven (or eight, with center bench at no extra cost), the American buying public has enthusiastically embraced this large and welcoming vehicle. With volumes of space, a crisp and newly freshened interior, and highway performance and agility that belie its considerable weight and mass, this is a full-size crossover family sport-utility vehicle to be taken very seriously. Better still, it boasts better cruising range than Acura MDX, Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz R350. Small wonder it's Buick's best-selling model.
Model Lineup
The 2013 Buick Enclave is offered in one model with three trim package levels. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive ($2,000). All models are powered by a 3.6-liter 24-valve V6 with direct injection and variable valve timing, producing a hearty 288 horsepower, and come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Convenience Package ($39,270) includes fabric upholstery, tri-zone climate control, tilt-telescope steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel, OnStar with automatic crash response and turn-by-turn navigation, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, IntelliLink connectivity to cell phone and Pandora/Stitcher SmartRadio, AM/FM/XM/Sirius, with 6.5-inch touchscreen, USB port and power takeoff, cruise control, complete instrumentation including outside temperature gauge, second-row captain's chairs for 7-passenger seating (8-passenger seating available with second-row bench seat), 8-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, two-way power front-passenger seat, driver express up/down and front-passenger express down power windows, keyless entry, remote vehicle starter, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, active noise cancelation, universal home remote, automatic on/off headlamps, power rear liftgate, heated outside power mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear parking assist, 17-inch or 18-inch wheels and tires, structure-less front wiper blades, dual outlet exhausts.
The Leather Package ($43,285) upgrades with perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, eight-way power passenger seat, memory seat settings, side blind-zone and cross-traffic alert.
Premium Package ($47,625) upgrades with 19-inch chrome wheels, articulating headlamps, power folding side mirrors, power tilt/telescope steering column, Bose 10-speaker premium sound system, cooled front seats.
Options include navigation ($1,540), trailering package ($525).
Safety features standard on all models include OnStar crash notification, tire pressure monitor, Optional all-wheel drive improves handling stability and traction in slippery conditions.
2013 Buick Enclave
Buick Enclave is battling big-name competition; Acura, Volvo, Audi, Lincoln, and Mercedes-Benz all want the lead in the prestigious three-row luxury crossover segment. Yet the handsome, comfortable and efficient Buick Enclave effortlessly dominates this class in terms of sales. That's evidence of an exceptionally well-received package that delivers solid crossover luxury, deep value and three-row flexibility the public enthusiastically responds to.
Revised for 2013, Buick Enclave represents an astutely restated rendering of the crossover SUV, with Buick determined to drive it into more upscale American garages.
The 2013 Enclave benefits from a beautifully restyled interior and dashboard. Embellished with elegant ice-blue ambient lighting, brightly colored new climate controls and real upholstery stitching lends the driving compartment a feeling of premium quality. And for the technologically acute, the new Buick IntelliLink system supports audio streaming of Pandora Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio as well as available Sirius/XM satellite radio.
Externally, the 2013 Enclave is recognizably updated. A larger, more pronounced Buick waterfall grille delivers clear brand identification, while body-color rocker moldings and front and rear fascias communicate the Enclave's premium character. These are further accented by tasteful chrome highlighting. Big 19- and 20-inch wheels make a bold style statement, while LED headlights, taillights and running lights continue the Enclave's modern character.
New for the 2013 Enclave is a recalibrated suspension, delivering smoother, more comfortable touring, while at the same time providing well-controlled agility and road sensitivity during maneuvering. This is a difficult balance to achieve, but the Enclave has done it nicely.
Mechanically, the excellent Enclave 6-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission is carried over from the previous year, as is the fine V6 engine, delivering decent fuel mileage for this very large package, at 17/23 mpg City/Highway in front-wheel-drive form.
The key to any luxury crossover, however, is packaging, and the 2013 Enclave leads its class by providing more cargo space than any of the competition. It delivers more third-row legroom than the rest, and it features a brilliant second-row sliding seat provision that makes third-row entry simple and convenient.
And while Enclave passengers are onboard, safety is paramount. In 2011, this Buick earned National Highway Traffic Administration's highest five-star overall vehicle safety score and was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The new Enclave is equipped with all of the same mandatory airbag protections, but it features, with Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, something no other vehicle in the world can claim. Its industry-first front center airbag inflates from the inboard side of the driver's seat, protecting the driver and front-seat passenger from impacting each other during a severe side impact. This great idea will surely find its way into other large cars as soon as is feasible.
Simply put, the Buick Enclave is the complete package. Seating seven (or eight, with center bench at no extra cost), the American buying public has enthusiastically embraced this large and welcoming vehicle. With volumes of space, a crisp and newly freshened interior, and highway performance and agility that belie its considerable weight and mass, this is a full-size crossover family sport-utility vehicle to be taken very seriously. Better still, it boasts better cruising range than Acura MDX, Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz R350. Small wonder it's Buick's best-selling model.
Model Lineup
The 2013 Buick Enclave is offered in one model with three trim package levels. Each is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive ($2,000). All models are powered by a 3.6-liter 24-valve V6 with direct injection and variable valve timing, producing a hearty 288 horsepower, and come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Convenience Package ($39,270) includes fabric upholstery, tri-zone climate control, tilt-telescope steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel, OnStar with automatic crash response and turn-by-turn navigation, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, IntelliLink connectivity to cell phone and Pandora/Stitcher SmartRadio, AM/FM/XM/Sirius, with 6.5-inch touchscreen, USB port and power takeoff, cruise control, complete instrumentation including outside temperature gauge, second-row captain's chairs for 7-passenger seating (8-passenger seating available with second-row bench seat), 8-way power driver seat with lumbar adjustment, two-way power front-passenger seat, driver express up/down and front-passenger express down power windows, keyless entry, remote vehicle starter, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, active noise cancelation, universal home remote, automatic on/off headlamps, power rear liftgate, heated outside power mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear parking assist, 17-inch or 18-inch wheels and tires, structure-less front wiper blades, dual outlet exhausts.
The Leather Package ($43,285) upgrades with perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, eight-way power passenger seat, memory seat settings, side blind-zone and cross-traffic alert.
Premium Package ($47,625) upgrades with 19-inch chrome wheels, articulating headlamps, power folding side mirrors, power tilt/telescope steering column, Bose 10-speaker premium sound system, cooled front seats.
Options include navigation ($1,540), trailering package ($525).
Safety features standard on all models include OnStar crash notification, tire pressure monitor, Optional all-wheel drive improves handling stability and traction in slippery conditions.
09/30/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2013 Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln Navigator boasts the towing and load potential of a truck with the comfort and convenience of a luxury sedan. The Navigator offers real space for up to eight passengers. It also features enormous cargo capacity. Navigator is rated to tow up to 9,000 pounds.
Yet the Navigator is smooth and quiet on the road, with a compliant, fully independent rear suspension that smoothes over the roughest of pavement. It is a truck with a ladder-type box frame and separate body, so the Navigator is not as responsive as a crossover SUV such as the Lincoln MKX. Car-based crossovers don't offer the towing capability of a truck-based SUV such as the Navigator, however.
The Lincoln Navigator comes in the standard size or a long-wheelbase version called the Navigator L. Both can seat seven or eight passengers, depending on the seating configuration ordered. The Navigator L is almost 15 inches longer than the standard version. Passenger accommodations are essentially the same, but the Navigator L provides an additional 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third seat.
The Navigator is powered by a 310-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which we found work smoothly together. Navigator is available with either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or electronically engaged four-wheel drive (4WD) that can be driven on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. We recommend opting for the four-wheel drive.
New and standard for 2013 is Curve Control. Integrated into Lincoln's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Curve Control helps you keep the wheels on the pavement and the shiny side up should you misjudge a curve and try to round it too quickly. Lincoln says that trying to take a curve too fast contributes to 50,000 crashes in the U.S. annually. And while no electronic widget can change the laws of physics, features such as curve control can help compensate for human error.
Of course the Navigator also offers all the infotainment electronics you'd expect in this price class. Voice-controlled navigation, HD Radio, and Sirius Travel Link are just a few of the Navigator's standard features. Ford's corporate SYNC system includes voice activation with standard Operator Assist, while SYNC AppLink software provides hands-free voice control of select smartphone apps.
Model Lineup
The Lincoln Navigator 4x2 ($57,775) and Navigator 4x4 ($60,675) come with leather upholstery and wood trim.
Two second-row captain's chairs and a third-row bench seat are standard for seven-passenger seating, though a three-place second-row split bench seat is available at no charge for eight-passenger seating. Rear seats are heated, while the front seats are both heated and cooled. A power-folding third-row seat and power liftgate come standard. Other standard features include THX II Certified 5.1 Surround Sound audio with Sirius XM radio, plus input jacks for auxiliary audio, USB, and headphones; voice-activated SYNC with AppLink: voice-activated navigation with integrated Sirius XM Traffic and Sirius XM Travel Link; dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat fan and controls; leather-and-wood steering wheel with audio and climate controls; 10-way adjustable front seats; power-adjustable pedals; keyless entry keypad; remote keyless entry; front seat position memory; power-deploying running boards; roof rack; high-intensity discharge headlights; power-folding mirrors with integrated spotter mirrors, memory and puddle lamps; fog lamps; and 255/70R18 tires on machined alloy wheels.
The Navigator L 4x2 ($59,940) and Navigator L 4x4 ($62,840) are equipped the same as the standard-wheelbase models.
The Monochrome Appearance Package ($420) means body-color side cladding with chrome lettering, plus body-color lower grille and mirror caps. The Monochrome Limited Edition ($1,645) combines the Monochrome Appearance Package, a power moonroof, and unique interior décor, including Olive Ash wood trim and premium leather in a milk-chocolate color Lincoln calls Canyon (with black piping). Or, for the same price, choose the more prosaically named Equipment Group 101A ($1,645) which delivers the same monochrome exterior and power moonroof, but changes the interior color scheme to ebony woodwork and premium leather seats in Camel (tan) or Stone (gray).
Stand-alone options include DVD entertainment with screens mounted on the front-seat headrests ($1,925); remote start ($345); 20-inch polished wheels ($1,310); chrome hood accent ($75); moonroof ($995); a Trailer Tow package ($595) which includes rear load-leveling air suspension, heavy-duty hitch integrated with rear bumper, two-inch receiver, heavy-duty radiator and transmission cooler, brake module wiring, and four-pin and seven-pin connectors; and a dealer-installed cargo organizer ($135).
Safety features include dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, and curtain-style head-protection airbags with rollover sensor for all outboard seats. All Navigators are equipped with Lincoln's AdvanceTrac electronic stability program with Roll Stability Control, which uses a gyroscopic roll-rate sensor to enhance rollover resistance. For 2013 Lincoln has added Curve Control. Four-channel antilock brakes (ABS), rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitor are also standard.
2013 Lincoln Navigator
Lincoln Navigator boasts the towing and load potential of a truck with the comfort and convenience of a luxury sedan. The Navigator offers real space for up to eight passengers. It also features enormous cargo capacity. Navigator is rated to tow up to 9,000 pounds.
Yet the Navigator is smooth and quiet on the road, with a compliant, fully independent rear suspension that smoothes over the roughest of pavement. It is a truck with a ladder-type box frame and separate body, so the Navigator is not as responsive as a crossover SUV such as the Lincoln MKX. Car-based crossovers don't offer the towing capability of a truck-based SUV such as the Navigator, however.
The Lincoln Navigator comes in the standard size or a long-wheelbase version called the Navigator L. Both can seat seven or eight passengers, depending on the seating configuration ordered. The Navigator L is almost 15 inches longer than the standard version. Passenger accommodations are essentially the same, but the Navigator L provides an additional 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third seat.
The Navigator is powered by a 310-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which we found work smoothly together. Navigator is available with either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or electronically engaged four-wheel drive (4WD) that can be driven on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. We recommend opting for the four-wheel drive.
New and standard for 2013 is Curve Control. Integrated into Lincoln's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, Curve Control helps you keep the wheels on the pavement and the shiny side up should you misjudge a curve and try to round it too quickly. Lincoln says that trying to take a curve too fast contributes to 50,000 crashes in the U.S. annually. And while no electronic widget can change the laws of physics, features such as curve control can help compensate for human error.
Of course the Navigator also offers all the infotainment electronics you'd expect in this price class. Voice-controlled navigation, HD Radio, and Sirius Travel Link are just a few of the Navigator's standard features. Ford's corporate SYNC system includes voice activation with standard Operator Assist, while SYNC AppLink software provides hands-free voice control of select smartphone apps.
Model Lineup
The Lincoln Navigator 4x2 ($57,775) and Navigator 4x4 ($60,675) come with leather upholstery and wood trim.
Two second-row captain's chairs and a third-row bench seat are standard for seven-passenger seating, though a three-place second-row split bench seat is available at no charge for eight-passenger seating. Rear seats are heated, while the front seats are both heated and cooled. A power-folding third-row seat and power liftgate come standard. Other standard features include THX II Certified 5.1 Surround Sound audio with Sirius XM radio, plus input jacks for auxiliary audio, USB, and headphones; voice-activated SYNC with AppLink: voice-activated navigation with integrated Sirius XM Traffic and Sirius XM Travel Link; dual-zone automatic climate control with rear-seat fan and controls; leather-and-wood steering wheel with audio and climate controls; 10-way adjustable front seats; power-adjustable pedals; keyless entry keypad; remote keyless entry; front seat position memory; power-deploying running boards; roof rack; high-intensity discharge headlights; power-folding mirrors with integrated spotter mirrors, memory and puddle lamps; fog lamps; and 255/70R18 tires on machined alloy wheels.
The Navigator L 4x2 ($59,940) and Navigator L 4x4 ($62,840) are equipped the same as the standard-wheelbase models.
The Monochrome Appearance Package ($420) means body-color side cladding with chrome lettering, plus body-color lower grille and mirror caps. The Monochrome Limited Edition ($1,645) combines the Monochrome Appearance Package, a power moonroof, and unique interior décor, including Olive Ash wood trim and premium leather in a milk-chocolate color Lincoln calls Canyon (with black piping). Or, for the same price, choose the more prosaically named Equipment Group 101A ($1,645) which delivers the same monochrome exterior and power moonroof, but changes the interior color scheme to ebony woodwork and premium leather seats in Camel (tan) or Stone (gray).
Stand-alone options include DVD entertainment with screens mounted on the front-seat headrests ($1,925); remote start ($345); 20-inch polished wheels ($1,310); chrome hood accent ($75); moonroof ($995); a Trailer Tow package ($595) which includes rear load-leveling air suspension, heavy-duty hitch integrated with rear bumper, two-inch receiver, heavy-duty radiator and transmission cooler, brake module wiring, and four-pin and seven-pin connectors; and a dealer-installed cargo organizer ($135).
Safety features include dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, and curtain-style head-protection airbags with rollover sensor for all outboard seats. All Navigators are equipped with Lincoln's AdvanceTrac electronic stability program with Roll Stability Control, which uses a gyroscopic roll-rate sensor to enhance rollover resistance. For 2013 Lincoln has added Curve Control. Four-channel antilock brakes (ABS), rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitor are also standard.
09/23/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S
Aston Martin's fastest Vantage was unveiled in Monterey, California, during the week of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
The 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is outfitted with a revised 6.0-liter AM28 V12 engine that makes 565 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque (versus 515 hp and 438 lb.-ft. on the previous model). Aside from the British marque's limited-production One-77 supercar, the V12 Vantage S is the fastest Aston Martin to date, with the company claiming a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds.
From the outside, changes to the new V12 Vantage are subtle. The body is slightly refreshed, most notably around the front fascia. A black, honeycomb-shaped mesh grille insert replaces the chrome horizontal bars found on the outgoing model, swapping elegance for a racier look. Aston reps say the new design was inspired by the CC100 Speedster concept car that debuted at this year's 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance race. New graphics and wheels also appear on the new V12 Vantage S.
The 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is fitted with a new gearbox, a 7-speed automated manual that replaces the old 6-speed transmission and weighs 55 pounds less. It's the same one used in the V8 Vantage S, and a close variant of those used on Aston Martin's FIA GT racecars. Gears can be shifted via steering wheel-mounted paddles that are wrapped in leather or carbon fiber. A limited-slip differential is standard.
A new suspension features adaptive damping. The front suspension gets coil springs, antiroll bar and monotube dampers, while the rear uses dual-rate coil springs.
For the first time, the V12 Vantage will offer a choice of three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track. The settings change the firmness of the suspension and adjust the new ZF-Servtronic power-assisted steering system. Of note, Aston Martin still uses hydraulic steering, unlike many manufacturers that have switched to electric. Many drivers prefer the feel of traditional power-assisted hydraulic steering over the new electric steering systems.
The chassis of the V12 Vantage S is lighter than its predecessor, and aerodynamics and airflow have been tweaked to improve cooling and engine performance, aided in part by redesigned air ducts and a new carbon fiber front grill.
Aston Martin claims a 30 percent reduction in noise, vibration and harshness due to new insulation material that's made from 80 percent recycled materials.
Brakes come with huge, cross-drilled carbon ceramic rotors. Forged alloy wheels come fitted with standard Pirelli P Zero Corsa all-season tires; Pirelli P Zero summer times can be ordered instead for the same price.
Pricing for the 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S will start at $184,995. Cars are expected to arrive in dealerships in early 2014.
2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S
Aston Martin's fastest Vantage was unveiled in Monterey, California, during the week of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
The 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is outfitted with a revised 6.0-liter AM28 V12 engine that makes 565 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque (versus 515 hp and 438 lb.-ft. on the previous model). Aside from the British marque's limited-production One-77 supercar, the V12 Vantage S is the fastest Aston Martin to date, with the company claiming a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds.
From the outside, changes to the new V12 Vantage are subtle. The body is slightly refreshed, most notably around the front fascia. A black, honeycomb-shaped mesh grille insert replaces the chrome horizontal bars found on the outgoing model, swapping elegance for a racier look. Aston reps say the new design was inspired by the CC100 Speedster concept car that debuted at this year's 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance race. New graphics and wheels also appear on the new V12 Vantage S.
The 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is fitted with a new gearbox, a 7-speed automated manual that replaces the old 6-speed transmission and weighs 55 pounds less. It's the same one used in the V8 Vantage S, and a close variant of those used on Aston Martin's FIA GT racecars. Gears can be shifted via steering wheel-mounted paddles that are wrapped in leather or carbon fiber. A limited-slip differential is standard.
A new suspension features adaptive damping. The front suspension gets coil springs, antiroll bar and monotube dampers, while the rear uses dual-rate coil springs.
For the first time, the V12 Vantage will offer a choice of three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track. The settings change the firmness of the suspension and adjust the new ZF-Servtronic power-assisted steering system. Of note, Aston Martin still uses hydraulic steering, unlike many manufacturers that have switched to electric. Many drivers prefer the feel of traditional power-assisted hydraulic steering over the new electric steering systems.
The chassis of the V12 Vantage S is lighter than its predecessor, and aerodynamics and airflow have been tweaked to improve cooling and engine performance, aided in part by redesigned air ducts and a new carbon fiber front grill.
Aston Martin claims a 30 percent reduction in noise, vibration and harshness due to new insulation material that's made from 80 percent recycled materials.
Brakes come with huge, cross-drilled carbon ceramic rotors. Forged alloy wheels come fitted with standard Pirelli P Zero Corsa all-season tires; Pirelli P Zero summer times can be ordered instead for the same price.
Pricing for the 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S will start at $184,995. Cars are expected to arrive in dealerships in early 2014.
09/22/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Advancing on its theory that smaller and less expensive offerings can attract a Gen Y demographic to its brand, Mercedes-Benz will add to its lower-end stable next year when it brings the compact GLA-Class SUV to the U.S. market.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the fifth (and smallest) model series in the company's SUV portfolio, arrives in the U.S. in the fall of 2014 as a four-wheel drive, or 4MATIC, vehicle, with an estimated price of about $35,000. A front-wheel-drive version is to come the following spring, Mercedes says. We're expecting this first model to be called the GLA250.
With its cargo capability, low greenhouse, and swoopy lines, this smallest Mercedes SUV borrows on the CLA250 four-door, that is to go on sale with coupe-like styling in September.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 will come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that generates 208 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Mercedes says the 4MATIC version will sprint to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds.
The GLA-Class and CLA-Class represent a radical platform shift by a company that has been wedded for decades to rear-wheel drive. By using front-wheel drive architecture, Mercedes can offer a range of cars that are smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient. (No fuel-economy figures are available yet, however.)
While the GLA-Class isn't billed as Range Rover capable, it has some sporty, rugged chops, and Mercedes says it will have the juice for off-roading: It includes a hill descent program, which maintains a slower speed when negotiating downhill gradients. The GLA-Class features 18-inch wheels as standard equipment, with 19-inch wheels available as an option.
The GLA-Class will go up against the BMW X1 (starting at $30,800) and the upcoming Audi Q3, a compact SUV that will borrow components from the Volkswagen Tiguan.
The flowing lines of the GLA-Class were crafted for optimal aerodynamic efficiency, a key factor for SUVs that normally have bulkier, taller bodies. The so-called dropping line styling, with light-catching, curvaceous architecture, is obviously aimed at a youthful, style-conscious audience, and it's clear, both with this model and the CLA250, which starts at $30,000, that Mercedes is seeking entry-level buyers it hopes will remain loyal as their fortunes, and family size, increase.
To that end, the GLA-Class will arrive with ambient lighting and an electronics infotainment system. A central freestanding display provides multimedia and navigation capabilities supported by mbrace2 connectivity, which connects with a smartphone.
The GLA-Class employs electromechanical power steering, which incorporates steering assistance functions that are initiated by the ESP electronic stability program control unit. These include countersteering when the vehicle gets into an oversteer condition, and steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different levels of grip.
Although the GLA-Class is priced at entry-level, the vehicle will feature as standard a pair of warning systems, Attention Assist, and radar-based Collision Prevention Assist, which helps apply the brakes more forcefully if a collision seems imminent. Optional intelligent safety features include blind spot assist, and a lane-keeping program that bumps the car to help the driver steer back into his lane.
For buyers with speed dreams, Mercedes is expected to ramp up an AMG version that will likely borrow heavily from the upcoming CLA45 AMG. That car is rated as making 355 horsepower and scooting from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds. The hot version of the GLA will likely be connected to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive.
2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
Advancing on its theory that smaller and less expensive offerings can attract a Gen Y demographic to its brand, Mercedes-Benz will add to its lower-end stable next year when it brings the compact GLA-Class SUV to the U.S. market.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the fifth (and smallest) model series in the company's SUV portfolio, arrives in the U.S. in the fall of 2014 as a four-wheel drive, or 4MATIC, vehicle, with an estimated price of about $35,000. A front-wheel-drive version is to come the following spring, Mercedes says. We're expecting this first model to be called the GLA250.
With its cargo capability, low greenhouse, and swoopy lines, this smallest Mercedes SUV borrows on the CLA250 four-door, that is to go on sale with coupe-like styling in September.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 will come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that generates 208 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Mercedes says the 4MATIC version will sprint to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds.
The GLA-Class and CLA-Class represent a radical platform shift by a company that has been wedded for decades to rear-wheel drive. By using front-wheel drive architecture, Mercedes can offer a range of cars that are smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient. (No fuel-economy figures are available yet, however.)
While the GLA-Class isn't billed as Range Rover capable, it has some sporty, rugged chops, and Mercedes says it will have the juice for off-roading: It includes a hill descent program, which maintains a slower speed when negotiating downhill gradients. The GLA-Class features 18-inch wheels as standard equipment, with 19-inch wheels available as an option.
The GLA-Class will go up against the BMW X1 (starting at $30,800) and the upcoming Audi Q3, a compact SUV that will borrow components from the Volkswagen Tiguan.
The flowing lines of the GLA-Class were crafted for optimal aerodynamic efficiency, a key factor for SUVs that normally have bulkier, taller bodies. The so-called dropping line styling, with light-catching, curvaceous architecture, is obviously aimed at a youthful, style-conscious audience, and it's clear, both with this model and the CLA250, which starts at $30,000, that Mercedes is seeking entry-level buyers it hopes will remain loyal as their fortunes, and family size, increase.
To that end, the GLA-Class will arrive with ambient lighting and an electronics infotainment system. A central freestanding display provides multimedia and navigation capabilities supported by mbrace2 connectivity, which connects with a smartphone.
The GLA-Class employs electromechanical power steering, which incorporates steering assistance functions that are initiated by the ESP electronic stability program control unit. These include countersteering when the vehicle gets into an oversteer condition, and steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different levels of grip.
Although the GLA-Class is priced at entry-level, the vehicle will feature as standard a pair of warning systems, Attention Assist, and radar-based Collision Prevention Assist, which helps apply the brakes more forcefully if a collision seems imminent. Optional intelligent safety features include blind spot assist, and a lane-keeping program that bumps the car to help the driver steer back into his lane.
For buyers with speed dreams, Mercedes is expected to ramp up an AMG version that will likely borrow heavily from the upcoming CLA45 AMG. That car is rated as making 355 horsepower and scooting from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds. The hot version of the GLA will likely be connected to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive.
09/22/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
The Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, the drop-top companion to the Vanquish Coupe made its North American debut in Monterey, California, during the festivities preceding the August 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
With the same stunning good looks as the fixed-roof Vanquish, the two-door, 2+2 Volante is powered by the same AM11 V12 engine, good for 565 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a 6-speed Touchtronic 2 sequential manual gearbox, with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. A limited-slip differential is standard. While it's not the quickest Aston in the lineup, it nonetheless posts an impressive 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph.
Underneath its carbon fiber body, the Vanquish Volante rides on a chassis of bonded aluminum and carbon fiber that's 14 percent stiffer and 10 percent lighter than Aston Martin DBS Volante. Although the Volante is lighter, it's not svelte with a curb weight of 4,065 pounds. A new rear subframe helps redistribute weight more evenly, for a 51/49 front-rear balance.
Like the newly announced Aston Martin V12 Vantage S, the Vanquish Volante uses three drive modes, Normal, Sport, and Track, that electronically adjust suspension settings and steering response. Suspension is an independent double-wishbone setup in front and rear, with coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers.
Brakes are ventilated carbon ceramic discs with six-piston calipers in front and four pistons in back. Standard 20-inch alloy wheels are wrapped with Pirelli P Zero tires.
Standard features include everything you'd expect to find in a luxury convertible whose price surpasses that of the average U.S. home price: automatic climate control, full-grain leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, Alcantera headliner, cruise control, power-folding heated exterior mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, Garmin-powered navigation with a 6.5-inch display screen, a 1000-watt, 15-speaker Bang & Olfufsen sound system with iPhone integration, USB port and satellite radio capability, as well as Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. The full-power fabric top folds up or down in just 14 seconds.
Options include a variety of colors and trims, different wheel designs, painted calipers, backup camera, and personalized vanity sill plaques.
Deliveries of the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante are expected to begin in the U.S. in early 2014, with a starting price of $297,995.
2015 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
The Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, the drop-top companion to the Vanquish Coupe made its North American debut in Monterey, California, during the festivities preceding the August 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
With the same stunning good looks as the fixed-roof Vanquish, the two-door, 2+2 Volante is powered by the same AM11 V12 engine, good for 565 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a 6-speed Touchtronic 2 sequential manual gearbox, with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. A limited-slip differential is standard. While it's not the quickest Aston in the lineup, it nonetheless posts an impressive 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph.
Underneath its carbon fiber body, the Vanquish Volante rides on a chassis of bonded aluminum and carbon fiber that's 14 percent stiffer and 10 percent lighter than Aston Martin DBS Volante. Although the Volante is lighter, it's not svelte with a curb weight of 4,065 pounds. A new rear subframe helps redistribute weight more evenly, for a 51/49 front-rear balance.
Like the newly announced Aston Martin V12 Vantage S, the Vanquish Volante uses three drive modes, Normal, Sport, and Track, that electronically adjust suspension settings and steering response. Suspension is an independent double-wishbone setup in front and rear, with coil springs, anti-roll bar and monotube adaptive dampers.
Brakes are ventilated carbon ceramic discs with six-piston calipers in front and four pistons in back. Standard 20-inch alloy wheels are wrapped with Pirelli P Zero tires.
Standard features include everything you'd expect to find in a luxury convertible whose price surpasses that of the average U.S. home price: automatic climate control, full-grain leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, Alcantera headliner, cruise control, power-folding heated exterior mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, Garmin-powered navigation with a 6.5-inch display screen, a 1000-watt, 15-speaker Bang & Olfufsen sound system with iPhone integration, USB port and satellite radio capability, as well as Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. The full-power fabric top folds up or down in just 14 seconds.
Options include a variety of colors and trims, different wheel designs, painted calipers, backup camera, and personalized vanity sill plaques.
Deliveries of the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante are expected to begin in the U.S. in early 2014, with a starting price of $297,995.
09/16/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2013 Honda Accord Best Commuter Car for 2013
All-new, the 2013 Accord is an outstanding sedan in every respect. Its smooth ride, smooth, responsive powertrain, smooth brakes, comfortable cabin, and easy to use features make it a joyous refuge from the daily grind. And that's what makes a great commuter car.
We think we were the first to focus on commuting for a product award, though other media quickly glommed on. The mistake most of them make, however, is they focus almost exclusively on fuel economy. But if fuel economy is your sole criteria for selecting a car for your daily commute you don't need them: Simply go to www.fueleconomy.gov and pick your own winner.
Here at New Car Test Drive, we think a great commuter car is much more than a highly efficient transportation appliance. After all, you practically live in this thing. A two-hour commute means you may spend more than 20 hours a week in your car. And that's just getting to and from work. You use your car on weekends and evenings, also. Saving money on gas is good, but it may not be everything. Some of us want more. After a long, stressful day, we want to get into a car that makes us feel good. We want a happy place, whether that means gliding along in silence lost in our thoughts, celebrating with some tunes, or enjoying the response of the steering, brakes and throttle. A noisy, reluctant car that's cheap to operate doesn't do that. And as you motor home, that extra three bucks in your bank account will not reduce your stress levels the way a smooth, refined machine will.
Next to a house, a new car is one of the most expensive things most of us buy. It's the most complex mass-produced product on the market. The good news: Cars have never been better. And this is a good time to buy one, assuming you can afford one.
That brings us back to the Honda Accord. First of all, it's a sedan. Sedans are handy for commuting because you can open the back door and toss in your stuff. It's so easy, and it saves walking around the car and cluttering up the passenger seat.
Second, the new Accord is outstanding from the standpoint of driving dynamics. It handles grinding stop-and-go traffic supremely well. There's no hesitation when you tip in the throttle; it accelerates exactly how you want, and it does this smoothly and quietly. The 7-speed automatic changes gears smoothly, almost imperceptibly. The brakes are not grabby, as they are on many hybrid-powered vehicles. Instead, they are smooth and progressive, slowing the car exactly the amount you want for the situation. The nose of the car doesn't dive excessively when you brake nor does the rear squat under acceleration. Traffic during commuting hours around Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington, Seattle, you name it, can be vexing because you stop and go, stop and go, stop and go, sometimes a half-dozen times a minute, and the dynamics of repeatedly accelerating and braking can greatly affect your stress levels. It can be really annoying in some cars. In the Accord, it's minimized.
Third, the 2013 Accord is supremely comfortable, easy to operate and offers the driver a vast array of features. The navigation system is easy to operate. The stereo is easy and it sounds good. The seats are comfortable. Visibility in all directions is excellent, reducing your stress levels further. There are passive safety features galore, should you or someone else make a mistake that results in a collision. Active safety features are there to help you avoid a collision.
Fourth, the new Accord does get excellent fuel economy: With the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, Accord rates an EPA-estimated 27/36 miles per gallon City/Highway, or 30 mpg Combined, with the continuously variable transmission. With the 7-speed automatic, it rates 26/35 mpg City/Highway. Regular gasoline is recommended for all 2013 Accord models, so there's no need to spend more money buying Premium.
Finally, it even looks great. The outgoing Accord was bland in appearance, but the 2013 Accord offers sleek styling that won't quickly grow old.
For these reasons and more, we're calling the new Accord Best Commuter Car for 2013.
2013 Honda Accord Best Commuter Car for 2013
All-new, the 2013 Accord is an outstanding sedan in every respect. Its smooth ride, smooth, responsive powertrain, smooth brakes, comfortable cabin, and easy to use features make it a joyous refuge from the daily grind. And that's what makes a great commuter car.
We think we were the first to focus on commuting for a product award, though other media quickly glommed on. The mistake most of them make, however, is they focus almost exclusively on fuel economy. But if fuel economy is your sole criteria for selecting a car for your daily commute you don't need them: Simply go to www.fueleconomy.gov and pick your own winner.
Here at New Car Test Drive, we think a great commuter car is much more than a highly efficient transportation appliance. After all, you practically live in this thing. A two-hour commute means you may spend more than 20 hours a week in your car. And that's just getting to and from work. You use your car on weekends and evenings, also. Saving money on gas is good, but it may not be everything. Some of us want more. After a long, stressful day, we want to get into a car that makes us feel good. We want a happy place, whether that means gliding along in silence lost in our thoughts, celebrating with some tunes, or enjoying the response of the steering, brakes and throttle. A noisy, reluctant car that's cheap to operate doesn't do that. And as you motor home, that extra three bucks in your bank account will not reduce your stress levels the way a smooth, refined machine will.
Next to a house, a new car is one of the most expensive things most of us buy. It's the most complex mass-produced product on the market. The good news: Cars have never been better. And this is a good time to buy one, assuming you can afford one.
That brings us back to the Honda Accord. First of all, it's a sedan. Sedans are handy for commuting because you can open the back door and toss in your stuff. It's so easy, and it saves walking around the car and cluttering up the passenger seat.
Second, the new Accord is outstanding from the standpoint of driving dynamics. It handles grinding stop-and-go traffic supremely well. There's no hesitation when you tip in the throttle; it accelerates exactly how you want, and it does this smoothly and quietly. The 7-speed automatic changes gears smoothly, almost imperceptibly. The brakes are not grabby, as they are on many hybrid-powered vehicles. Instead, they are smooth and progressive, slowing the car exactly the amount you want for the situation. The nose of the car doesn't dive excessively when you brake nor does the rear squat under acceleration. Traffic during commuting hours around Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington, Seattle, you name it, can be vexing because you stop and go, stop and go, stop and go, sometimes a half-dozen times a minute, and the dynamics of repeatedly accelerating and braking can greatly affect your stress levels. It can be really annoying in some cars. In the Accord, it's minimized.
Third, the 2013 Accord is supremely comfortable, easy to operate and offers the driver a vast array of features. The navigation system is easy to operate. The stereo is easy and it sounds good. The seats are comfortable. Visibility in all directions is excellent, reducing your stress levels further. There are passive safety features galore, should you or someone else make a mistake that results in a collision. Active safety features are there to help you avoid a collision.
Fourth, the new Accord does get excellent fuel economy: With the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, Accord rates an EPA-estimated 27/36 miles per gallon City/Highway, or 30 mpg Combined, with the continuously variable transmission. With the 7-speed automatic, it rates 26/35 mpg City/Highway. Regular gasoline is recommended for all 2013 Accord models, so there's no need to spend more money buying Premium.
Finally, it even looks great. The outgoing Accord was bland in appearance, but the 2013 Accord offers sleek styling that won't quickly grow old.
For these reasons and more, we're calling the new Accord Best Commuter Car for 2013.
09/14/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2013 Audi A5
The 2013 Audi A5 and Audi S5 get leaner, sleeker and more muscular. That's physically true, with a new nose, and true to the line, with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 bumping the 4.2-liter V8 out of the S5.
With the new V6, the 2013 Audi S5 accelerates as quickly as last year's V8 version and gets better fuel mileage. But the game isn't over for the V8: The V8 stays on top of the performance pile by bumping itself to 450 horsepower for use in the 2013 Audi RS5.
Audi has the engine line down. The 2013 Audi A5 comes with the venerable silky 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which has long been the king of four-cylinder engines. While the 246-horsepower BMW, 247-horsepower Ford, and 220-horsepower Hyundai, all 2.0-liter turbo fours, have been letting Audi know the reign is over, Audi's 2.0 is still a great base engine for the A5.
And Audi quattro all-wheel drive is at the top of its class, adept and experienced in snow, mud and wet or icy streets. It seems a same to buy an Audi with front-wheel drive and miss out on quattro.
It's hard to find a direct statistical competitor to the four-seat A5 or S5, considered a grand touring coupe or cabriolet. The Infiniti G37 Coupe is quite similar, but after that you'll find differences in the number of doors or seats. The Mercedes C-Class or BMW 3 Series coupe or convertible with all-wheel drive (both with 5 seats) might be cross-shopped, or the Nissan Maxima (4 seats, 4 doors). When all is said and done, we'd say the Mercedes C250, if similarly equipped, most closely compares to the Audi A5 in size, powertrain and price. If you were to consider leaving the realm of grand touring to look at cars of a similar size, you'd find a bewildering long list of sedans including Lexus ES, Acura TL, Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Passat, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 200, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion, and even the Audi A4. All of them priced lower than the A5.
Worth considering, however, is that Kelley Blue Book announced the 2012 cars with best resale value, and Audi A5 won the luxury class, going away. According to KBB.com, the 2012 A5 is worth 64.7 percent of its new cost after 36 months, and 41 percent of its cost after 60 months. Second place after 60 months was the Mercedes SLK, way down at 34 percent.
The A5 is subtly beautiful. Its clean contours eliminate the need for stylists to tack on character lines as with many other cars. We think Audi is better looking than BMW here.
The A5 and S5 got a facelift for 2013, and it's a lovely job. The grille is rounded at the upper edges and narrowed at the bottom, to make it more shapely and less aggressive. New headlamps are sleek, small, and artful, with available LED running lights tracing a line around their dancing sharp edges.
Welcome changes to the 2013 A5 also include streamlining of the MMI Navigation system and controls, reducing the number of buttons from eight to four. The three-zone climate control system has also been slightly simplified. There's also more connectivity, with available Audi Connect, including Google Earth for navigation and Wi-Fi for surfing.
The cabin is sophisticated but simple, and nicely functional. A choice of leather is available along with different types of wood, carbon fiber, aluminum or stainless steel trim. Without exception, the materials are pleasant. The standard A5 leather seats are excellent, a nice level of firmness and bolstering. However heated seats, navigation, and rearview camera are all optional equipment, an extra bite on top of the healthy luxury price.
The instruments are clean and clear, including a trip information display that's easily scrolled through. A big clear white digital speed number can be displayed there. The leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel is tidy, with grips at the right places and thumbwheel controls on each side spoke. It tilts and telescopes for drivers of different sizes and preferences.
At night the cabin is pretty, with deep amber illumination, smoked-lens lamps mounted in the roof, and shaded map lights. However in direct sunlight, the display screen at the top of the center stack is unreadable, even with its shade. In our Cabriolet with the top down, we couldn't tune the radio because we couldn't read the orange numbers on the screen.
Rear passengers are catered to, with a wide armrest that folds down over central storage trays, reading lights, two speakers per side, coat hooks, outboard storage pockets, cupholders, and a pair of vents with adjustable temperature control. Legroom is in short supply but better than that of the Infiniti G Coupe.
Trunk space is relatively small, but larger than that of the G37 Coupe or Mercedes C-Class coupe. The A5 rear seat folds, allowing access to the trunk, although not in the Cabriolet, whose trunk loses 2 cubic feet of space with the top down and folded.
The MMI (multi-media interface) controls many of the car's functions with a central control knob, somewhat like BMW iDrive and Mercedes COMAND systems, only MMI is quicker because it demands fewer clicks. The screen at the top center of the dashboard displays audio information and the optional navigation and rear camera. But having driven BMWs with 10-inch screens that can display navigation and audio at the same time, we now like them big. With Audi Connect, the navigation can be overlayed on Google Earth mapping.
The strength of the A5 is its smoothness at speed. The overachieving 2.0-liter turbocharged engine feels fastest from 50 to 70 mph, where you need it; that's part due to the excellent Tiptronic 8-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. The engine delivers strong torque over a wide range from 1500 to 4200 rpm, to propel the car from intersections and up hills. It accelerates from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds.
Fuel economy is an EPA-rated 20/30 mpg City/Highway for an A5 Coupe with quattro and 8-speed automatic, or 22/32 mpg with 6-speed manual. The A5 Cabriolet is rated 24/31 mpg. The A5 models all require Premium gasoline.
The A5 chassis and suspension are an excellent package, perfectly comfortable around town on patchy pavement, while being totally capable on winding roads, and we can't say that about many cars. The handling is responsive and firm, when pushed to the reasonable limit. The A5 is one of the best in this area. And there are options and upgrades to make the handling even better in the curves. Audi Drive Select allows programmable modes of performance.
The Audi S5 is another animal. It's powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It's fueled by direct injection and breathes through a two-stage intake manifold. It's mated to a 7-speed twin-clutch transmission that shifts in .2 seconds. It accelerates from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds. S8 gets an EPA-rated 18/28 mpg with automatic, 17/26 mpg with manual. An optional active rear differential overdrives the outside rear tire in corners, forcing the front end to turn in more quickly. It also communicates with the vehicle's Drive Select system and stability control to help maintain control in emergency maneuvers.
And there's nothing quite like the Audi RS5 with the lusty torque from its powerful V8 engine. It's EPA-rated at 16/23 mpg.
Model Lineup 2013 Audi A5
The 2013 A5 comes in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.
The 2013 Audi A5 Coupe 2.0T Premium ($37,850) uses the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, quattro all-wheel drive, and 6-speed manual gearbox or 8-speed automatic with sport and manual modes ($39,050).
The 2013 Audi A5 Cabriolet comes standard with front-wheel drive and CVT ($43,300), or quattro all-wheel drive with 8-speed Tiptronic ($45,500).
Premium trim comes standard and includes leather seating surfaces, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, 3-zone climate control, 8-way power front seats, 50/50 split-fold rear seat with pass-through, tilt/telescoping steering column, aluminum cabin trim and doorsills, moonroof, trip computer, AM/FM/XM/CD 180-watt 10-speaker stereo, fog lights, heated windshield washers, cruise control, halogen headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels and power windows/locks/heated mirrors. The Cabriolet Premium version adds the fabric folding top with heated glass rear window and wind blocker, and keeps the split folding rear seat. Premium options include Bluetooth/HomeLink/iPod cabling, heated front seats, Milano leather, wood trim, and metallic paint.
Premium Plus ($41,400) upgrades with heated front seats, plus a convenience package with things like iPod interface, Bluetooth, HomeLink, and heated mirrors; and a lighting package including bi-Xenon headlamps with LED running lights and tail lamps. Premium Plus options include HDD-navigation with DVD player and HD radio, Sport package with three-spoke steering wheel, sport seats with lumbar, sports suspension; Bang & Olufsen sound system, 19-inch wheels, advanced key, rear park sensors, and walnut wood trim. Cabriolets also offer a Comfort package with heated and ventilated Milano leather sport seats with lumbar and a neck-level heating system.
Prestige trim ($47,300) adds Audi MMI control including navigation with voice control, color-information screen, rear park sensors and rearview camera, advanced key system, adaptive headlamps, blind spot warning and a Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker, 505-watt sound system. Prestige options are the 18-inch wheel sport package, S line package with 19-inch wheels/performance tires, black leather/Alcantara sport seats, S line specific cabin trim and bodywork; Audi drive select; adaptive cruise control and collision-mitigation braking, power rear window sunshade, wood trim; and the Cabriolet Comfort package.
Audi S5 Coupe uses the 3.0-liter supercharged engine with 6-speed manual gearbox ($50,900) or 7-speed S tronic dual clutch ($52,300). There is an S5 exterior kit, while larger brakes, firmer suspension and high-performance tires are among the mechanical upgrades for the high-performance S models. Premium Plus is the standard S5 spec (equipped as the A5), with Alcantara leather. Options include MMI control with navigation; sports rear differential ($1100); wheels; Alcantara seat inserts; Bang & Olufsen sound system; and cabin trim of carbon atlas, gray birch, stainless mesh and piano black lacquer.
S5 Prestige ($57,550) adds the features outlined in A5 coupe Prestige. Also available for S5 Prestige: Audi driver select with adaptive damping, dynamic steering, sports rear differential; Audi side assist; adaptive cruise control; and power rear sunshade.
Audi S5 Cabriolet Premium Plus ($59,300) and Prestige ($65,950) are fitted with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and 7-speed S tronic transmission. The S5 Cabriolet is equipped much like the S5 coupe with the Convertible's extras.
Audi RS5 coupe ($68,900) keeps the 4.2-liter V8, while blowing it way up to 450 horsepower for 2013 (from 354 hp last year). The 2013 RS5 uses the 7-speed S tronic transmission. It's equipped with an RS exterior kit and badging, Nappa leather sport seats, 3-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel with paddles, 19-inch 10-spoke forged wheels with 265/35 summer tires, Audi drive select controls, music interface with iPod cable, speed-activated rear spoiler, concert radio (one CD) with XM, matte alu-optic grille and mirrors, bi-xenon front lighting with LED daytime running lights and taillights, auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, RS suspension and brakes, heated, 12-way power front seats with driver memory, sunroof, Bluetooth, sports differential, adaptive headlights with washers, advanced key, and last but not least a 174-mph top speed limiter.
Safety gear that comes standard on all A5 and S5 models consists of two-stage driver and adaptive passenger frontal airbags, front knee airbags, front side-impact airbags, active headrests, electronic stability control, ABS, EBD and tire-pressure monitors. All except one A5 Cabriolet come with all-wheel drive. The coupes also have side-curtain airbags and LATCH child-seat anchors in back. An optional rearview camera can help drivers spot a child behind the car when backing up.
2013 Audi A5
The 2013 Audi A5 and Audi S5 get leaner, sleeker and more muscular. That's physically true, with a new nose, and true to the line, with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 bumping the 4.2-liter V8 out of the S5.
With the new V6, the 2013 Audi S5 accelerates as quickly as last year's V8 version and gets better fuel mileage. But the game isn't over for the V8: The V8 stays on top of the performance pile by bumping itself to 450 horsepower for use in the 2013 Audi RS5.
Audi has the engine line down. The 2013 Audi A5 comes with the venerable silky 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which has long been the king of four-cylinder engines. While the 246-horsepower BMW, 247-horsepower Ford, and 220-horsepower Hyundai, all 2.0-liter turbo fours, have been letting Audi know the reign is over, Audi's 2.0 is still a great base engine for the A5.
And Audi quattro all-wheel drive is at the top of its class, adept and experienced in snow, mud and wet or icy streets. It seems a same to buy an Audi with front-wheel drive and miss out on quattro.
It's hard to find a direct statistical competitor to the four-seat A5 or S5, considered a grand touring coupe or cabriolet. The Infiniti G37 Coupe is quite similar, but after that you'll find differences in the number of doors or seats. The Mercedes C-Class or BMW 3 Series coupe or convertible with all-wheel drive (both with 5 seats) might be cross-shopped, or the Nissan Maxima (4 seats, 4 doors). When all is said and done, we'd say the Mercedes C250, if similarly equipped, most closely compares to the Audi A5 in size, powertrain and price. If you were to consider leaving the realm of grand touring to look at cars of a similar size, you'd find a bewildering long list of sedans including Lexus ES, Acura TL, Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Passat, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 200, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Fusion, and even the Audi A4. All of them priced lower than the A5.
Worth considering, however, is that Kelley Blue Book announced the 2012 cars with best resale value, and Audi A5 won the luxury class, going away. According to KBB.com, the 2012 A5 is worth 64.7 percent of its new cost after 36 months, and 41 percent of its cost after 60 months. Second place after 60 months was the Mercedes SLK, way down at 34 percent.
The A5 is subtly beautiful. Its clean contours eliminate the need for stylists to tack on character lines as with many other cars. We think Audi is better looking than BMW here.
The A5 and S5 got a facelift for 2013, and it's a lovely job. The grille is rounded at the upper edges and narrowed at the bottom, to make it more shapely and less aggressive. New headlamps are sleek, small, and artful, with available LED running lights tracing a line around their dancing sharp edges.
Welcome changes to the 2013 A5 also include streamlining of the MMI Navigation system and controls, reducing the number of buttons from eight to four. The three-zone climate control system has also been slightly simplified. There's also more connectivity, with available Audi Connect, including Google Earth for navigation and Wi-Fi for surfing.
The cabin is sophisticated but simple, and nicely functional. A choice of leather is available along with different types of wood, carbon fiber, aluminum or stainless steel trim. Without exception, the materials are pleasant. The standard A5 leather seats are excellent, a nice level of firmness and bolstering. However heated seats, navigation, and rearview camera are all optional equipment, an extra bite on top of the healthy luxury price.
The instruments are clean and clear, including a trip information display that's easily scrolled through. A big clear white digital speed number can be displayed there. The leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel is tidy, with grips at the right places and thumbwheel controls on each side spoke. It tilts and telescopes for drivers of different sizes and preferences.
At night the cabin is pretty, with deep amber illumination, smoked-lens lamps mounted in the roof, and shaded map lights. However in direct sunlight, the display screen at the top of the center stack is unreadable, even with its shade. In our Cabriolet with the top down, we couldn't tune the radio because we couldn't read the orange numbers on the screen.
Rear passengers are catered to, with a wide armrest that folds down over central storage trays, reading lights, two speakers per side, coat hooks, outboard storage pockets, cupholders, and a pair of vents with adjustable temperature control. Legroom is in short supply but better than that of the Infiniti G Coupe.
Trunk space is relatively small, but larger than that of the G37 Coupe or Mercedes C-Class coupe. The A5 rear seat folds, allowing access to the trunk, although not in the Cabriolet, whose trunk loses 2 cubic feet of space with the top down and folded.
The MMI (multi-media interface) controls many of the car's functions with a central control knob, somewhat like BMW iDrive and Mercedes COMAND systems, only MMI is quicker because it demands fewer clicks. The screen at the top center of the dashboard displays audio information and the optional navigation and rear camera. But having driven BMWs with 10-inch screens that can display navigation and audio at the same time, we now like them big. With Audi Connect, the navigation can be overlayed on Google Earth mapping.
The strength of the A5 is its smoothness at speed. The overachieving 2.0-liter turbocharged engine feels fastest from 50 to 70 mph, where you need it; that's part due to the excellent Tiptronic 8-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. The engine delivers strong torque over a wide range from 1500 to 4200 rpm, to propel the car from intersections and up hills. It accelerates from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds.
Fuel economy is an EPA-rated 20/30 mpg City/Highway for an A5 Coupe with quattro and 8-speed automatic, or 22/32 mpg with 6-speed manual. The A5 Cabriolet is rated 24/31 mpg. The A5 models all require Premium gasoline.
The A5 chassis and suspension are an excellent package, perfectly comfortable around town on patchy pavement, while being totally capable on winding roads, and we can't say that about many cars. The handling is responsive and firm, when pushed to the reasonable limit. The A5 is one of the best in this area. And there are options and upgrades to make the handling even better in the curves. Audi Drive Select allows programmable modes of performance.
The Audi S5 is another animal. It's powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It's fueled by direct injection and breathes through a two-stage intake manifold. It's mated to a 7-speed twin-clutch transmission that shifts in .2 seconds. It accelerates from 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds. S8 gets an EPA-rated 18/28 mpg with automatic, 17/26 mpg with manual. An optional active rear differential overdrives the outside rear tire in corners, forcing the front end to turn in more quickly. It also communicates with the vehicle's Drive Select system and stability control to help maintain control in emergency maneuvers.
And there's nothing quite like the Audi RS5 with the lusty torque from its powerful V8 engine. It's EPA-rated at 16/23 mpg.
Model Lineup 2013 Audi A5
The 2013 A5 comes in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.
The 2013 Audi A5 Coupe 2.0T Premium ($37,850) uses the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, quattro all-wheel drive, and 6-speed manual gearbox or 8-speed automatic with sport and manual modes ($39,050).
The 2013 Audi A5 Cabriolet comes standard with front-wheel drive and CVT ($43,300), or quattro all-wheel drive with 8-speed Tiptronic ($45,500).
Premium trim comes standard and includes leather seating surfaces, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter, 3-zone climate control, 8-way power front seats, 50/50 split-fold rear seat with pass-through, tilt/telescoping steering column, aluminum cabin trim and doorsills, moonroof, trip computer, AM/FM/XM/CD 180-watt 10-speaker stereo, fog lights, heated windshield washers, cruise control, halogen headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels and power windows/locks/heated mirrors. The Cabriolet Premium version adds the fabric folding top with heated glass rear window and wind blocker, and keeps the split folding rear seat. Premium options include Bluetooth/HomeLink/iPod cabling, heated front seats, Milano leather, wood trim, and metallic paint.
Premium Plus ($41,400) upgrades with heated front seats, plus a convenience package with things like iPod interface, Bluetooth, HomeLink, and heated mirrors; and a lighting package including bi-Xenon headlamps with LED running lights and tail lamps. Premium Plus options include HDD-navigation with DVD player and HD radio, Sport package with three-spoke steering wheel, sport seats with lumbar, sports suspension; Bang & Olufsen sound system, 19-inch wheels, advanced key, rear park sensors, and walnut wood trim. Cabriolets also offer a Comfort package with heated and ventilated Milano leather sport seats with lumbar and a neck-level heating system.
Prestige trim ($47,300) adds Audi MMI control including navigation with voice control, color-information screen, rear park sensors and rearview camera, advanced key system, adaptive headlamps, blind spot warning and a Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker, 505-watt sound system. Prestige options are the 18-inch wheel sport package, S line package with 19-inch wheels/performance tires, black leather/Alcantara sport seats, S line specific cabin trim and bodywork; Audi drive select; adaptive cruise control and collision-mitigation braking, power rear window sunshade, wood trim; and the Cabriolet Comfort package.
Audi S5 Coupe uses the 3.0-liter supercharged engine with 6-speed manual gearbox ($50,900) or 7-speed S tronic dual clutch ($52,300). There is an S5 exterior kit, while larger brakes, firmer suspension and high-performance tires are among the mechanical upgrades for the high-performance S models. Premium Plus is the standard S5 spec (equipped as the A5), with Alcantara leather. Options include MMI control with navigation; sports rear differential ($1100); wheels; Alcantara seat inserts; Bang & Olufsen sound system; and cabin trim of carbon atlas, gray birch, stainless mesh and piano black lacquer.
S5 Prestige ($57,550) adds the features outlined in A5 coupe Prestige. Also available for S5 Prestige: Audi driver select with adaptive damping, dynamic steering, sports rear differential; Audi side assist; adaptive cruise control; and power rear sunshade.
Audi S5 Cabriolet Premium Plus ($59,300) and Prestige ($65,950) are fitted with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and 7-speed S tronic transmission. The S5 Cabriolet is equipped much like the S5 coupe with the Convertible's extras.
Audi RS5 coupe ($68,900) keeps the 4.2-liter V8, while blowing it way up to 450 horsepower for 2013 (from 354 hp last year). The 2013 RS5 uses the 7-speed S tronic transmission. It's equipped with an RS exterior kit and badging, Nappa leather sport seats, 3-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel with paddles, 19-inch 10-spoke forged wheels with 265/35 summer tires, Audi drive select controls, music interface with iPod cable, speed-activated rear spoiler, concert radio (one CD) with XM, matte alu-optic grille and mirrors, bi-xenon front lighting with LED daytime running lights and taillights, auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, RS suspension and brakes, heated, 12-way power front seats with driver memory, sunroof, Bluetooth, sports differential, adaptive headlights with washers, advanced key, and last but not least a 174-mph top speed limiter.
Safety gear that comes standard on all A5 and S5 models consists of two-stage driver and adaptive passenger frontal airbags, front knee airbags, front side-impact airbags, active headrests, electronic stability control, ABS, EBD and tire-pressure monitors. All except one A5 Cabriolet come with all-wheel drive. The coupes also have side-curtain airbags and LATCH child-seat anchors in back. An optional rearview camera can help drivers spot a child behind the car when backing up.
09/14/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2013 Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban can tow a sizable trailer. It can safely transport up to nine passengers. And, equipped with genuine four-wheel drive, it can haul a load of cargo over primitive roads. It's an adept workhorse and arguably the best SUV you can get for towing trailers. Launched during the Great Depression in 1936, the Suburban was last redesigned for the 2007 model year.
Changes for 2013 include three new paint shades, and the automatic's grade-braking is active all the time now, not just in tow/haul mode.
The Suburban can hold 137 cubic feet of cargo, or up to nine passengers and 45 cubic feet of cargo, or myriad combinations in between. Two weight classes are offered, the normal 1500 and the heavy-duty 2500. The 2500 is a good choice for towing trailers.
The Suburban is available with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The 1500 and 2500 are available in LS and LT trim levels, and the 1500 is also available in a more luxury-oriented LTZ trim level.
Suburban 1500 models come with a 5.3-liter V8 engine of 320 horsepower, 335 pound-feet of torque and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engines in 1500 models with two-wheel drive have an iron block, while models with four-wheel drive have an aluminum block; both versions have aluminum heads. Fuel economy for a Suburban 1500 is an EPA-estimated 15/21 mpg City/Highway.
Suburban 2500 models get a 6.0-liter V8 with aluminum block and heads and variable valve timing rated at 352 horsepower and 382 pound-feet of torque. It also comes with a 6-speed automatic. The minibus-size Suburban 2500 4WD is rated at a bus-like 10/15 mpg. There are no optional gasoline or diesel engines.
The Suburban 2500 uses a different transmission, steering gear, brake parts, suspension, alternator, wheels, tires, axles and fuel tank than the 1500 series. The primary reasons for selecting the 2500 over the 1500 are its greater towing and weight-carrying capacity. A Suburban 2500 4WD is rated to tow up to 9,400 pounds, or 9,600 pounds with 2WD, and carry at least 2450 and 2181 pounds, respectively. Comparable Suburban 1500 values are 8100, 8200, 1528 and 1576 pounds.
All 1500-series engines are E85-compatible, which means they will run on 85-percent ethanol fuel, and all have Active Fuel Management (AFM) which switches off half the cylinders when the additional power or idle smoothness isn't needed. Fuel economy with E85 is a dismal 11/16 mpg for the Suburban 1500, however.
Model Lineup 2013 Chevrolet Suburban
The 2013 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LS ($43,870) comes standard with cloth interior, power locks and windows, three-zone air conditioning, leather wheel with cruise and audio controls, woodgrain trim, tinted rear windows, roof rack with crossbars, folding power heated mirrors, a seven-wire trailer harness, 17-inch aluminum wheels, three power outlets, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 sound system with six speakers, USB port, rear audio system controls and two headphone jacks, Bluetooth connectivity, floor and overhead consoles, front bucket seats with six-way power adjustment, 60/40 second-row seat, 50/50 third-row split-bench seat, paint-matched mirrors, door handles and side moldings, and OnStar with six months of the Directions and Connections plan, which includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Suburban 1500 LS 4WD ($46,715) models add the Autotrac system that has on-pavement all-wheel-drive ability (no two-speed transfer case with low range). A 40/20/40 split front bench seat with fold-down armrest and storage is available.
Options include a trailer package ($230), which includes an active two-speed transfer case with 4WD ($330); an integrated trailer brake controller ($200); a Convenience package with adjustable pedals, remote start, rear park assist, and rear camera display in the rearview mirror ($1,060); locking differential ($295); 3.42:1 axle ratio; and engine block heater ($75).
The Suburban 2500 comes with a 6-liter engine and completely upgraded running gear; LS 2WD ($45,480) and LS 4WD ($48,320).
Suburban LT 2WD ($47,630) and LT 4WD ($47,630) add leather seating, heated front seats, Bose premium sound, automatic climate control, automatic locking rear differential, remote start, rear park assist, adjustable pedals, fog lamps, and two more 12-volt power outlets (for a total of five). LT models offer the new HDD navigation system with AM/FM/XM/CD stereo, USB port, time-shift recording capability, and SiriusXM Weather Service ($2,500); a rear-seat entertainment system ($1,395); and other options not available on the LS. As 2500 2WD LT ($49,220) and LT 4WD ($52,065).
Suburban LTZ 2WD ($56,765) and LTZ 4WD ($59,765) come with perforated leather seating surfaces, the new HDD navigation described above with XM NavTraffic and rearview camera, Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound, second-row bucket seats, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, Autoride suspension with rear air assist and self-leveling, side blind spot assist, and other features.
The Z71 Off-Road Package is offered only on 1500 LT trim level, in 2WD ($1,535) or 4WD ($1,585). Suburban Z71 gets a different chrome grille and fascia, body-colored fender flares, tubular assist steps, 18-inch wheels with on/off road tires, off-road suspension package, skid plate, higher-capacity air cleaner, and badges.
Safety equipment on all models includes dual frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, full-length head-curtain airbags, front seat-belt pretensioners, a tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock disc brakes with electronic proportioning, and StabiliTrak, GM's electronic stability program with anti-rollover mitigation, traction control, and now trailer sway control and hill start assist. OnStar telematics will send help if the airbags deploy and you don't respond. Safety-related options include rear park assist, and side Blind Zone Alert.
2013 Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban can tow a sizable trailer. It can safely transport up to nine passengers. And, equipped with genuine four-wheel drive, it can haul a load of cargo over primitive roads. It's an adept workhorse and arguably the best SUV you can get for towing trailers. Launched during the Great Depression in 1936, the Suburban was last redesigned for the 2007 model year.
Changes for 2013 include three new paint shades, and the automatic's grade-braking is active all the time now, not just in tow/haul mode.
The Suburban can hold 137 cubic feet of cargo, or up to nine passengers and 45 cubic feet of cargo, or myriad combinations in between. Two weight classes are offered, the normal 1500 and the heavy-duty 2500. The 2500 is a good choice for towing trailers.
The Suburban is available with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The 1500 and 2500 are available in LS and LT trim levels, and the 1500 is also available in a more luxury-oriented LTZ trim level.
Suburban 1500 models come with a 5.3-liter V8 engine of 320 horsepower, 335 pound-feet of torque and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engines in 1500 models with two-wheel drive have an iron block, while models with four-wheel drive have an aluminum block; both versions have aluminum heads. Fuel economy for a Suburban 1500 is an EPA-estimated 15/21 mpg City/Highway.
Suburban 2500 models get a 6.0-liter V8 with aluminum block and heads and variable valve timing rated at 352 horsepower and 382 pound-feet of torque. It also comes with a 6-speed automatic. The minibus-size Suburban 2500 4WD is rated at a bus-like 10/15 mpg. There are no optional gasoline or diesel engines.
The Suburban 2500 uses a different transmission, steering gear, brake parts, suspension, alternator, wheels, tires, axles and fuel tank than the 1500 series. The primary reasons for selecting the 2500 over the 1500 are its greater towing and weight-carrying capacity. A Suburban 2500 4WD is rated to tow up to 9,400 pounds, or 9,600 pounds with 2WD, and carry at least 2450 and 2181 pounds, respectively. Comparable Suburban 1500 values are 8100, 8200, 1528 and 1576 pounds.
All 1500-series engines are E85-compatible, which means they will run on 85-percent ethanol fuel, and all have Active Fuel Management (AFM) which switches off half the cylinders when the additional power or idle smoothness isn't needed. Fuel economy with E85 is a dismal 11/16 mpg for the Suburban 1500, however.
Model Lineup 2013 Chevrolet Suburban
The 2013 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LS ($43,870) comes standard with cloth interior, power locks and windows, three-zone air conditioning, leather wheel with cruise and audio controls, woodgrain trim, tinted rear windows, roof rack with crossbars, folding power heated mirrors, a seven-wire trailer harness, 17-inch aluminum wheels, three power outlets, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 sound system with six speakers, USB port, rear audio system controls and two headphone jacks, Bluetooth connectivity, floor and overhead consoles, front bucket seats with six-way power adjustment, 60/40 second-row seat, 50/50 third-row split-bench seat, paint-matched mirrors, door handles and side moldings, and OnStar with six months of the Directions and Connections plan, which includes Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Suburban 1500 LS 4WD ($46,715) models add the Autotrac system that has on-pavement all-wheel-drive ability (no two-speed transfer case with low range). A 40/20/40 split front bench seat with fold-down armrest and storage is available.
Options include a trailer package ($230), which includes an active two-speed transfer case with 4WD ($330); an integrated trailer brake controller ($200); a Convenience package with adjustable pedals, remote start, rear park assist, and rear camera display in the rearview mirror ($1,060); locking differential ($295); 3.42:1 axle ratio; and engine block heater ($75).
The Suburban 2500 comes with a 6-liter engine and completely upgraded running gear; LS 2WD ($45,480) and LS 4WD ($48,320).
Suburban LT 2WD ($47,630) and LT 4WD ($47,630) add leather seating, heated front seats, Bose premium sound, automatic climate control, automatic locking rear differential, remote start, rear park assist, adjustable pedals, fog lamps, and two more 12-volt power outlets (for a total of five). LT models offer the new HDD navigation system with AM/FM/XM/CD stereo, USB port, time-shift recording capability, and SiriusXM Weather Service ($2,500); a rear-seat entertainment system ($1,395); and other options not available on the LS. As 2500 2WD LT ($49,220) and LT 4WD ($52,065).
Suburban LTZ 2WD ($56,765) and LTZ 4WD ($59,765) come with perforated leather seating surfaces, the new HDD navigation described above with XM NavTraffic and rearview camera, Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound, second-row bucket seats, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, Autoride suspension with rear air assist and self-leveling, side blind spot assist, and other features.
The Z71 Off-Road Package is offered only on 1500 LT trim level, in 2WD ($1,535) or 4WD ($1,585). Suburban Z71 gets a different chrome grille and fascia, body-colored fender flares, tubular assist steps, 18-inch wheels with on/off road tires, off-road suspension package, skid plate, higher-capacity air cleaner, and badges.
Safety equipment on all models includes dual frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, full-length head-curtain airbags, front seat-belt pretensioners, a tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock disc brakes with electronic proportioning, and StabiliTrak, GM's electronic stability program with anti-rollover mitigation, traction control, and now trailer sway control and hill start assist. OnStar telematics will send help if the airbags deploy and you don't respond. Safety-related options include rear park assist, and side Blind Zone Alert.
09/08/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2014 Jaguar XJR
The full-size 2014 Jaguar XJ lineup gets a high-performance upgrade with two new XJR models, boasting wind-tunnel-defying aerodynamics, Nurburgring-tested handling and a whole lot of power.
Revealed at the March 2013 New York International Auto Show, the 2014 Jaguar XJR models go on sale this summer (2013).
The rear-wheel-drive 2014 XJR uses a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that makes 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, the same engine used by the Jaguar XKR sports car. It's mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with wheel-mounted paddle shifters and uses an active locking electronic differential.
The 2014 XJR will be capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, according to Jaguar Land Rover. Top speed is electronically limited to 174 mph. Fuel economy is expected to be 15/23 mpg City/Highway.
By comparison, the regular Jaguar XJ sedan's base engine uses a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 good for 340 horsepower, and V8 models are available in a naturally aspirated 385-hp version, or a supercharged 470-hp model. They won't catch the XJR on the track, but they're nothing to shake a stick at.
Software in the XJR is tuned for sportier driving, with more aggressive shift points and an adaptive computer that can adjust shifting to match driving style. An adaptable suspension, dubbed Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics, uses variable dampers for a more hunkered-down ride.
Visually, the XJR is more aggressive with a new front bumper, front splitter, side skirts and a rear lip spoiler. But these aren't just for looks; they help to create additional downforce at high speeds and helps the XJR slip more easily through the air. New vents on the hoods help to cool the roaring powerplant that lies beneath. The XKR also sports quad exhaust pipes and rides on lightweight 20-inch wheels.
In the cabin, the XJR is wrapped in semi-aniline leather with carbon fiber or piano black trim. A 12-speaker, 380-watt Meridian audio system comes standard.
The 2014 Jaguar XJR is expected to go on sale in August 2013. Two body styles will be available: the standard wheelbase with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $116,000, and a long wheelbase with an MSRP of $119,000. (MSRP does not include $895 destination charge.) Jaguar Land Rover announced the prices at the March 2013 New York International Auto Show.
2014 Jaguar XJR
The full-size 2014 Jaguar XJ lineup gets a high-performance upgrade with two new XJR models, boasting wind-tunnel-defying aerodynamics, Nurburgring-tested handling and a whole lot of power.
Revealed at the March 2013 New York International Auto Show, the 2014 Jaguar XJR models go on sale this summer (2013).
The rear-wheel-drive 2014 XJR uses a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that makes 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque, the same engine used by the Jaguar XKR sports car. It's mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with wheel-mounted paddle shifters and uses an active locking electronic differential.
The 2014 XJR will be capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, according to Jaguar Land Rover. Top speed is electronically limited to 174 mph. Fuel economy is expected to be 15/23 mpg City/Highway.
By comparison, the regular Jaguar XJ sedan's base engine uses a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 good for 340 horsepower, and V8 models are available in a naturally aspirated 385-hp version, or a supercharged 470-hp model. They won't catch the XJR on the track, but they're nothing to shake a stick at.
Software in the XJR is tuned for sportier driving, with more aggressive shift points and an adaptive computer that can adjust shifting to match driving style. An adaptable suspension, dubbed Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics, uses variable dampers for a more hunkered-down ride.
Visually, the XJR is more aggressive with a new front bumper, front splitter, side skirts and a rear lip spoiler. But these aren't just for looks; they help to create additional downforce at high speeds and helps the XJR slip more easily through the air. New vents on the hoods help to cool the roaring powerplant that lies beneath. The XKR also sports quad exhaust pipes and rides on lightweight 20-inch wheels.
In the cabin, the XJR is wrapped in semi-aniline leather with carbon fiber or piano black trim. A 12-speaker, 380-watt Meridian audio system comes standard.
The 2014 Jaguar XJR is expected to go on sale in August 2013. Two body styles will be available: the standard wheelbase with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $116,000, and a long wheelbase with an MSRP of $119,000. (MSRP does not include $895 destination charge.) Jaguar Land Rover announced the prices at the March 2013 New York International Auto Show.
09/07/2013 - Nicolas Popov wrote:
2014 Kia Cadenza
The new 2014 Kia Cadenza is the first full-size flagship for the Korean automaker. Cadenza seats five comfortably and looks like an Audi.
The Kia Cadenza is front-wheel drive and shares its basic structure with the Hyundai Azera. Compared with the midsize Kia Optima, Cadenza rides on a wheelbase that's two inches longer, and has a body that's five inches longer overall. It's also about an inch higher.
A 3.3-liter V6 engine with direct injection powers Cadenza, good for 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, with EPA estimated fuel economy at 19/28 mpg City/Highway. Kia shares this V6 with Hyundai. We found Cadenza accelerates smoothly and has ample power but has to work hard when charging up mountains.
Inside the cabin, design and materials are surprisingly refined. Controls are well laid out and intuitive, and the color touchscreen is easy to use and read. Upgraded Nappa leather upholstery is soft, and the headliner has a suede-like feel. An analog clock in the middle of the center stack is reminiscent of luxury brands like Infiniti, although certain small pieces here and there have a parts-bin look, like the rocker switch for the door locks that sit on the side arm rests.
Competitors to the 2014 Kia Cadenza include other full-size sedans such as the Buick LaCrosse, the all-new Chevrolet Impala, the Ford Taurus, the Hyundai Azera, the Nissan Maxima, and the Toyota Avalon. Kia hopes that with all its included bells and whistles, the Cadenza will squeeze into a sweet spot for shoppers looking for something between a standard family car, and a luxury sedan such as the Acura TL, Lexus IS, or Lincoln MKZ.
Cadenza comes loaded with standard features that normally rack up thousands of dollars in options, including leather upholstery, pushbutton start, a premium sound system and even navigation with free traffic and telematics features. The Cadenza also comes with three years of included scheduled maintenance and a 10-year/100,000-mile basic warranty.
Audio, information and entertainment are provided via Kia's UVO system, powered by Microsoft. Originally launched as a voice recognition system, UVO has been expanded and comprises the entire user interface, controlled from an 8-inch color touch screen. UVO has many features that are now common on most manufacturers' user interfaces, like Pandora streaming Internet radio and Zagat restaurant guides. Complimentary software updates can be downloaded by the user and uploaded to the car by SD card.
A telematics system similar to GM's OnStar and Hyundai's Blue Link comes standard with UVO, with automated 911 notification, scheduled vehicle maintenance alerts, on-demand car diagnostics, pre-loaded directions via Google send-to-car, and other features. But unlike most manufacturers that charge a subscription fee for these services, Kia offers Cadenza owners all the emergency features free for the life of the car, and everything else free for 10 years. Users can access vehicle information remotely via a free companion smartphone app for Apple and Android operating systems.
Model Lineup
The 2014 Kia Cadenza comes in one trim level with two option packages: The base Cadenza Premium ($35,100) includes leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, pushbutton start, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, rear parking sensors with camera and back-up warning system, navigation with 8-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a premium Infinity 12-speaker audio system with CD player, XM satellite radio capability, USB port and auxiliary audio jack. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Cadenzas equipped with the Luxury Package ($38,100) get upgraded Nappa leather upholstery, a 12-way power driver's seat with cushion extension and ventilation, heated steering wheel, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, heated rear seats, a full-length panoramic power sunroof, power rear sunshade, and adaptive HID headlights.
Cadenzas equipped with the Technology Package ($41,100) include everything in the Luxury Package plus an electric parking brake, lane departure warning, full-speed radar-based adaptive cruise control (which can slow or stop the car automatically), blind-spot detection system, lane departure warning, water-repellant front side windows and 19-inch wheels.
Safety features on all models include front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side air bags, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist and hill-start assist. A rearview camera is also standard.
2014 Kia Cadenza
The new 2014 Kia Cadenza is the first full-size flagship for the Korean automaker. Cadenza seats five comfortably and looks like an Audi.
The Kia Cadenza is front-wheel drive and shares its basic structure with the Hyundai Azera. Compared with the midsize Kia Optima, Cadenza rides on a wheelbase that's two inches longer, and has a body that's five inches longer overall. It's also about an inch higher.
A 3.3-liter V6 engine with direct injection powers Cadenza, good for 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, with EPA estimated fuel economy at 19/28 mpg City/Highway. Kia shares this V6 with Hyundai. We found Cadenza accelerates smoothly and has ample power but has to work hard when charging up mountains.
Inside the cabin, design and materials are surprisingly refined. Controls are well laid out and intuitive, and the color touchscreen is easy to use and read. Upgraded Nappa leather upholstery is soft, and the headliner has a suede-like feel. An analog clock in the middle of the center stack is reminiscent of luxury brands like Infiniti, although certain small pieces here and there have a parts-bin look, like the rocker switch for the door locks that sit on the side arm rests.
Competitors to the 2014 Kia Cadenza include other full-size sedans such as the Buick LaCrosse, the all-new Chevrolet Impala, the Ford Taurus, the Hyundai Azera, the Nissan Maxima, and the Toyota Avalon. Kia hopes that with all its included bells and whistles, the Cadenza will squeeze into a sweet spot for shoppers looking for something between a standard family car, and a luxury sedan such as the Acura TL, Lexus IS, or Lincoln MKZ.
Cadenza comes loaded with standard features that normally rack up thousands of dollars in options, including leather upholstery, pushbutton start, a premium sound system and even navigation with free traffic and telematics features. The Cadenza also comes with three years of included scheduled maintenance and a 10-year/100,000-mile basic warranty.
Audio, information and entertainment are provided via Kia's UVO system, powered by Microsoft. Originally launched as a voice recognition system, UVO has been expanded and comprises the entire user interface, controlled from an 8-inch color touch screen. UVO has many features that are now common on most manufacturers' user interfaces, like Pandora streaming Internet radio and Zagat restaurant guides. Complimentary software updates can be downloaded by the user and uploaded to the car by SD card.
A telematics system similar to GM's OnStar and Hyundai's Blue Link comes standard with UVO, with automated 911 notification, scheduled vehicle maintenance alerts, on-demand car diagnostics, pre-loaded directions via Google send-to-car, and other features. But unlike most manufacturers that charge a subscription fee for these services, Kia offers Cadenza owners all the emergency features free for the life of the car, and everything else free for 10 years. Users can access vehicle information remotely via a free companion smartphone app for Apple and Android operating systems.
Model Lineup
The 2014 Kia Cadenza comes in one trim level with two option packages: The base Cadenza Premium ($35,100) includes leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, pushbutton start, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, rear parking sensors with camera and back-up warning system, navigation with 8-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a premium Infinity 12-speaker audio system with CD player, XM satellite radio capability, USB port and auxiliary audio jack. It rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Cadenzas equipped with the Luxury Package ($38,100) get upgraded Nappa leather upholstery, a 12-way power driver's seat with cushion extension and ventilation, heated steering wheel, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, heated rear seats, a full-length panoramic power sunroof, power rear sunshade, and adaptive HID headlights.
Cadenzas equipped with the Technology Package ($41,100) include everything in the Luxury Package plus an electric parking brake, lane departure warning, full-speed radar-based adaptive cruise control (which can slow or stop the car automatically), blind-spot detection system, lane departure warning, water-repellant front side windows and 19-inch wheels.
Safety features on all models include front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side air bags, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist and hill-start assist. A rearview camera is also standard.
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Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 9am to 6pm Eastern Time
Website property of Global Export Motors™
Website design by Invigorating Media