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Archives for March 27, 2013

All-New Lexus IS Steps It Up

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The third generation Lexus IS has broken cover, a sport sedan that steps up its game with improved rear suspension, a new eight-speed transmission and expanded seating room for rear seating passengers. As before, IS 250 and IS 350 models are available, with your choice of standard rear- or optional all-wheel-drive.

2014 Lexus IS
The all-new third-generation Lexus IS.

Current Design Language

New for 2014, the IS sedan employs Lexus spindle grille design language. LED daytime running lights are a first for this model, a combination that gives the sedan an aggressive, yet elegant look. The new look has been gradually rolling out across the Lexus line as current models are updated and new ones are introduced.

Lexus says that the IS sedan is more rigid than its predecessor, making use of improved welding and body-bonding techniques. Along with an all-new multilink suspension, the Lexus IS sedan receives a revised front suspension and upgraded steering, with all three attributes taken from the larger GS sedan.

Engines and Transmissions

Each model is defined by a corresponding sized V-6 engine. The IS 250 is powered by a 2.5-liter engine that makes 204 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 185 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine is paired with a shiftable, six-speed electronically controlled transmission

Under the hood of the IS 350 is a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 306 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 277 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. This model grabs the eight-speed, sport direct shift automatic transmission featured in the high performance IS F model. Paddle shifters are included.

A drive mode select system is new to the Lexus IS sedan line, enabling drivers to choose one of up to five driving modes. ECO, normal and sport modes are included with the IS 250 and IS 350 models, while the F Sport model adds a Sport+ mode. All-wheel-drive models include a snow mode. The system is designed to allow the driver to individualize his driving experience for whatever road conditions, or mood, is present.

Cabin Comfort and Technologies

New features for 2014 include a modified dual-zone climate control system, a pair of multimedia systems, a display audio system and an optional navigation system. That latter system controls audio, climate, phone functions and more. Also available is an 835-watt, 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound speaker.

Rear passengers will find that leg, shoulder and hip room have improved as the new model is one-half inch wider and three inches longer. The sedans slightly larger size has made it possible to increase trunk storage capacity too. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat expands storage capacity as well.

Lexus IS Safety and Warranties

Numerous safety amenities are included with the 2014 Lexus IS. A collision warning system takes action before an accident, by automatically activating the brakes as needed. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and 10 airbags are standard.

Lexus IS models are protected by a 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty; roadside assistance is for 48 months with no mileage limits. Powertrain warranty and restraint system coverage is for 72 months or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first. Rust protection lasts for 72 months regardless of the miles driven.

See Also — Larger, More Luxurious Cadillac CTS Sedan Debuts

Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Happy Hamsters: 2014 Kia Soul

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2014 Kia Soul

Kia has used hamsters to market its Soul utility vehicle, but the quirkish people mover has done quite well without the marketing embellishments. The first generation Kia Soul was introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The second generation model rolled out this week at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. Both cities are urban centers, providing the essence or soul of what this Kia model is all about.

The 2014 Kia Soul is expected to go on sale during the third quarter this year. It will sit on a new platform too, one that is longer, wider and above all else stiffer than the first generation model. Kia says that this move will increase passenger room and storage capacity while attacking the bane of many utility vehicles: noise, vibration and harshness.

2014 Kia SoulMaking any changes with a successful model carries some risks. Indeed, the Kia Soul took many people by surprise even Kia to some extent. Said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications at Kia Motors America (KMA). “When the first Soul was introduced in 2009, everyone at Kia believed we had a hit on our hands, but we didn’t realize how big that hit was going to be.” Of the second generation model, Sprague noted that it was important that the models iconic design be maintained while bringing in modern cues for the more premium model.

Whether that effort is a success or translates into a much higher price point isn’t known yet. The 2013 model is priced from $14,400.

Engines and Transmissions

Three Kia Soul model choices will be available: Base, Plus and Exclaim. The Base Soul gets a 1.6-liter all-aluminum four cylinder direct injection engine that makes 130 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 118 foot-pounds of torque at 4,850 rpm. A gasoline direct engine displacing at 2.0 liters is offered in all other models. This engine makes 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Base editions are paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. Kia Soul Plus models also get either transmission while Exclaim models are equipped with the automatic transmission alone.

Amenities and Technologies

Inside, the Kia Soul is outfitted with a new instrument panel including an available eight-inch capacitative touchscreen. From that screen drivers can access Kia telematics and the infotainment system, as well as providing iPhone and Android smartphone connectivity. Kia says that the screen arrangement provides improved visibility and one finger access, with ancillary controls arranged so as to reduce driver distraction. In addition, turn-by-turn directions are now displayed from the navigation system.

2014 Kia SoulPandora Internet radio is now fully integrated into the head unit and can be accessed by touch or by voice. A trial subscription to SiriusXM data services and travel link offers reports about road conditions, weather and security. The package also provides fuel prices, stock information, movie times and sport scores. Once the three-month trial is up, owners can purchase annual and multi-year plans or monthly plans ranging from $1.99 to $8.99 per month.

Equipment and Packages

Standard Kia Soul equipment includes power accessories windows, door locks and the heated side mirrors a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and a telescoping steering wheel column. Available amenities include 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and remote keyless entry.

Choose the Kia Soul Plus and your vehicle is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, side mirror turn-signal indicators, automatic headlamps, UVO eServices, a rear camera display and optional navigation system. Available options at this trim level include fog lights, ambient lighting, an upgraded audio system, a panoramic sunroof, leather seating surfaces and a heated steering wheel.

The Kia Soul Exclaim has 18-inch alloy wheels, projector beam headlamps, LED positioning lights, a 10-way power drivers seat with lumbar support and upgraded interior trim. Also available is a navigation system, automatic climate control, push button start, heated and ventilated seating and an Infinity audio system.

Happy Hamsters

Will Kia continue marketing the Soul with its hip-hop hamsters or will the Korean automaker upgrade to classical music loving guinea pigs? No matter, this five-passenger front-wheel-drive model will likely do quite well selling itself, long a proven hit in a sea of small utility vehicles.

2014 Kia Soul
2014 Kia Soul
2014 Kia Soul
2014 Kia Soul

See Also — Stunning: Kia Cross GT Concept

Photos courtesy of Kia Motors America, Inc.

Larger, More Luxurious 2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan Debuts

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On the eve of the New York International Auto Show media days, GM used Manhattans Lincoln Center as the stage for debuting its all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan. Home to the Metropolitan Opera, the Lincoln Center also hosts the New York City Ballet and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, among the leading performing arts companies in the world.

That backdrop was, of course, on purpose as it was meant to showcase Cadillacs most important model and associate it with the type of customer the brand already reaches: sophisticated, educated and wealthy patrons of the arts, individuals that have a corresponding taste in vehicles. Enter the 2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan.

2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan
2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan.

Cadillac CTS Sedan

Introduced by Mark Adams, executive director Cadillac global design, the Cadillac CTS Sedan was described as the centerpiece of the product line. Specifically, the CTS Sedan, …has ascended into the top levels of midsize luxury. Adams also noted that each new generation of the CTS is tasked with moving the entire brand forward, a sedan that now enters its third generation.

The Cadillac CTS Sedan was introduced in 2002, the first modern rear-wheel-drive Cadillac, a model that brought to the world its art & science design language. It has since been joined by wagon and coupe variants, although these body styles may be discontinued.

Three Powertrain Choices

The marque’s design language has evolved through the years and the new Cadillac CTS Sedan advances that. As before, rear-wheel-drive is standard; all-wheel-drive is available. A normally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 drives the CTS with a twin-turbo version of this engine available.

A third engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four is also available. The smallest engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the larger engines get an all-new paddle-shift eight speed automatic transmission.

Longer, Lighter Sedan

The newest Cadillac CTS Sedan sits on a wheelbase that is 1.2 inches longer than the outgoing model and is five inches longer overall. Still, it manages to come in lighter and weighs nearly 200 pounds less than the comparable BMW 528i. Indeed, it is that very same BMW and like models from Mercedes-Benz and Audi that are firmly centered in the sedans competitive crosshairs, completing a long promised upmarket transition.

The most notable changes can be seen in the fascia as the grille is wider, offers more detail, while the new headlamp design moves up and across the hood line. LED lighting provides verve, a snappy embellishment that connects with the flowing body line characteristics of this luxury sedan. A similar lighting treatment is found on the chiseled rear deck, providing what Cadillac describes as a crisp, uniform appearance.

Bright, Sophisticated Cabin

Step inside and the cabin offers more room, blending the latest technologies with hand-crafted surfaces. Real wood, carbon fiber and aluminum are offered among the eight available design schematics as is leather including hand-crafted semi-aniline leather that is cut and sewn for each model.

The newest features found inside include 20-way adjustable front seats, with heating and cooling possibilities. A motorized cupholder in the center console, an electronically locking glove box and an 11-speaker Bose audio sound system are standard. Optionally, a 13-speaker Bose surround sound system is also available.

Cadillac Safety Features

The Cadillac line has been setting the pace with safety features, providing 10 airbags standard and with its one-year OnStar subscription.

Automatic parking assist is new to the CTS, while front and rear braking kick in to bring this sedan to a safe stop in emergency situations. Its safety alert seat technology vibrates a warning to prepare drivers when a crash is imminent or when another vehicle is in its blind spot.

Other safety features standard or available include adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, panic brake assist, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert. The CTS also offers a rear vision camera with dynamic guidelines and adaptive forward lighting.

What Comes Next

Beyond the CTS Sedan, we can expect new and updated Cadillac models to roll out including the ELR plug-in hybrid coupe, new versions of the SRX crossover and Escalade SUV, and perhaps a larger crossover to slot between the SRX and Escalade.

Cadillac hasnt said where the CTS coupe and wagon will stand in all this, but our guess is that these models will be dropped. Instead, coupe and wagon variants may eventually roll out with the ATS line, Cadillacs compact model that competes directly with BMWs 3 Series.

Further Reading

Thrice Teased: Cadillac Sixteen, Ciel and Elmiraj

Bling it On: 2015 Cadillac Escalade

All-New Lexus IS Steps It Up

See Also — Cadillac CTS Vsport: Twin Turbo Performance

Photos courtesy of General Motors Company.

All-New 2014 Toyota Highlander Takes a Bow

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The third generation Toyota Highlander has made its debut, taking a bow at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. The 2014 model receives a new exterior design and offers an upgraded, premium interior with technological and safety updates. This midsize crossover sport utility vehicle seats up to eight and features standard front-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive. The new model goes on sale in early 2014.

2014 Toyota Highlander
The all-new Toyota Highlander takes a bow.

Bold, Fresh Design

The 2014 Toyota Highlander is a clean sheet design, featuring improved aerodynamics, a slightly lower roofline and sculptured side-door panels. Toyota says that the new model measures a half-inch wider and three inches longer overall. A trapezoidal grille, wraparound headlight and more pronounced fenders help to burnish this models image.

Three powertrain choices are available including a 2.7-liter four cylinder engine that is standard with FWD models. Optionally, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine is standard with AWD models. Both engines are paired with a six-speed electronic controlled transmission.

Toyota is the worlds leader in hybrids and the Highlander Hybrid represents the third powertrain arrangement. The V-6 engine, an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission are present with this all-wheel-drive model. The current model gets an even 28 mpg around the city and 28 mpg on the highway according to the U.S. Department of Energy no word yet whether well see the 30 mpg cracked with the latest edition.

Toyota Highlander Interior

Toyota is placing emphasis on interior refinement for the new Highlander, a vehicle that competes in a segment that includes the Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango and Ford Flex to name a few. Those refinements include a soft touch instrument panel, standard seat stitching and brightwork embellishments.

The new Highlander also features a wood-grain pattern trim across the front dash and door trim. Perforated leather-trim seats are optional, an upgrade from the standard premium cloth seats offered. Leather touches can also be found on the shift knob and around the steering wheel. Knit roof lining and available second row sunshades bring further refinement to the cabin.

Toyota squeezes out an eighth seating position by placing a bench seat in the second row position. The third row offers a split folding seat that also seats three. Buyers, however, may choose to lose the bench seat by replacing it with a pair of optional captains chairs that also come with a collapsible tray with cupholders. In any case Toyota says that much of the interior layout improvements provide more room for third-row passengers and also yields a 34 percent increase in standard storage capacity.

Multimedia and Infotainment

Standard across the Toyota Highlander line is the brands Entune™ multimedia system. It represents a display audio system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen; Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition are included. Optionally, shoppers can choose an eight-inch touchscreen system, while Toyota’s Entune™ app suite with12 JBL speakers can also be had.

Rear seating passengers can get connected too via an available entertainment system. This rear seating system offers an RCA coaxial input terminal located at the rear of the center console, what makes the connection of external devices, including gaming systems, possible.

Safety Features

Every 2014 Toyota Highlander model will come with eight airbags and will be outfitted with stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, hill start assist and Toyotas smart stop system. All models will feature a rear backup camera; AWD models come with AWD LOCK, enabling the driver to switch to full-time AWD at low speeds. When engaged, the system sends torque to the rear wheels for improved traction on more challenging surfaces.

Several optional safety features are new to the Toyota Highlander line for 2014. These include: rear parking sonar, a blind spot monitor, lane departure alert, rear cross traffic alert, and a collision warning system.

See Also — Charleston: Drayton Hall and a 2014 Toyota Highlander

Photos courtesy of Toyota Motors Sales, Inc.