AUDI

Living Large With the Hyundai Equus Ultimate

January 21, 2014 by admin 5 Comments

The Hyundai Equus is the top-of-the-line model in this Korean brands arsenal, a true-blue full-size luxury sedan that is in the same class as the Lexus LS, Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It retails for about $10,000 less than the Lexus and comes in at a price far below its German competitors, offering value in a segment where shoppers seem to care more about prestige and branding than for saving their money. That doesn’t mean that the Equus doesn’t hit many of the high points for the segment it does. Rather, it is a model that seeks to change perceptions about Hyundai and adds the prestige to go with it.

The Equus proportions are in line with the largest Lexus and what the top European brands offer. Its brand name, Hyundai, has long stood for value, with quality and reliability more recent attributes. Combined, these three Hyundai hallmarks have helped the brand enjoy soaring sales even as capacity constraints and stiff competition weighs in.

2014 Hyundai Equus Ultimate

The Equus is a thoroughly wonderful sedan. That it is a Hyundai may explain why fewer than 4,000 units have been sold in each of the past two years, a sedan now in its fourth model year for US sales. In 2013, Lexus sold 10,727 LS sedans, up 28.5 percent. Mercedes-Benz sold 13,303 of its S-Class sedan, up 8.5 percent. BMW sold 10,932 units of its 7 Series, down 1.5 percent. And Audi sold 6,300 units of its A8, up 5 percent.

Meanwhile, Hyundai sold 3,578 Equus units, down 10 percent for the year. Two headwinds are working against the Equus: its Hyundai association and lack of all-wheel drive availability. Brand conscious folk wont buy the Equus because it is a Hyundai and although its rear-wheel drive layout is quite good, not offering all-wheel drive may also hold down sales.

Beyond the mind-numbing statistics, Hyundais Equus offers limo-like good looks, a quiet and comfortable interior, and the latest technological features that large luxury sedans provide. On that level the Equus matches its competitors, the beginning and ending purchase decision point for one segment of shoppers.

2014 Hyundai Equus

Powerful Engine, Smooth Transmission

Under the hood, a 429-horsepower 32-valve V-8 engine is at work, and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It is the only powertrain coupling available, but it also the only one needed. It is rated at 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. After 304 miles on a single tank I had to head the pump, getting an estimated 17 mpg in mostly highway driving. Chances are if the Hyundai Equus or one of its competitors is on your list, gas mileage is a low priority.

The Equus design does not follow the current Hyundai fluidic sculpture styling convention. It has a distinctive front grille, flanked by HID headlights located above fog lights set within sculpted alcoves. An air intake is found between the fog lights. This model is outfitted with power operated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, 19-inch alloy wheels, and LED tail lights. The only exterior hint that it is a Hyundai is the scripted H symbol centered between the tail lights. No use of Hyundai anywhere instead, the Equus symbol graces the front hood, the wheels and on the steering wheel.

Leather, Wood, and Refinement

Inside, the 2014 Hyundai Equus is lavishly appointed with supple leather on the seats, across the dash, and on the door panels. The headliner is of microfiber suede, and premium wood trim is in abundance. Hyundai equips the Equus with 12-way power front seats, with heating and cooling elements. The tilt and telescopic steering wheel is also heated, itself made of wood and wrapped in leather. The wheel also includes secondary control switches and dials.

2014 Hyundai Equus

A 9.2-inch display screen features a Driver Information System as well as the navigation interface. The screen is clear, easy to read, and simple to control by means of a large dial located between the front seats. That display features the rear view camera as well as a 360-degree view of the sedan. More than once it came in handy when I needed to back into a tight space.

Todays luxury sedans offer a heads-up display (HUD) and the Hyundai Equus has one of its own. You can display vehicle speed, turn-by-turn navigation, and see several warning displays including blind spot detection within plain sight. I appreciated that I could adjust the height of its appearance on the windshield, with Hyundai making it possible to adjust it up and down with ease.

Hyundai Equus: BMW Amenities, Limousine Ride

View manufacturer details and pricing

Not unexpectedly, the Hyundai Equus has its own audio system of note. If you’re going to compete with the top echelon, then your sound system must deliver. The Equus is equipped with a 598-watt, 17-speaker Lexicon surround sound audio system, one that includes a 13-channel digital amplifier, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD radio, and the accompanying iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks. Lets just say that if you want a symphony experience or enjoy your favorite rock concert, you wont be disappointed.

Hyundais technology credentials are evident in the Equus LCD instrument cluster. Its a sharply luminous display with a 12.3-inch screen that changes screen color when you change the driving mode (i.e., normal, sport, snow). Trip information is located front and center with the odometer on the left and a speedometer on the right.

2014 Hyundai Equus

Rear seating room is for three, but consider that option carefully. For when there are two people present, the outboard seating positions ratchet up the comfort level by reclining, and can be heated and cooled. You need to drop down the center seat armrest to access these controls which also provide lumbar support, localized heating and cooling, and control of the two front seat back LCD display screens. Both rear side windows have sunshades when the Ultimate package is chosen, providing an additional level of comfort and privacy for rear-seating passengers.

Hyundai Equus or Not?

You may hear that the Hyundai Equus doesn’t have the handling or ride of its upmarket contemporaries. I wont dispute those findings. The Equus reminds me of what the Lincoln Town Car might have become had the Ford Motor Company created a new model. Equus has the price and the package that would satisfy American luxury car buyers, but improved body sculpting, a more forceful grille, and a distinct rear deck would certainly be attention grabbers. As it stands, the Equus is closer in price and style to the Lexus LS than its German competitors, a value-oriented luxury liner that represents a good first shot for Hyundai.

2014 Hyundai Equus Ultimate

Sticker price from $61,000
Price as tested: $68,920 (estimated)
Seats 5 occupants
5.0-liter 32-valve V-8 engine
429 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
376 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,000 rpm
3.78 inches bore by 3.43 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 11.5-to-1
Eight-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 119.9 inches
Length: 203.1 inches
Width: 74.4 inches
Height: 58.7
Passenger volume: 109.3
Storage volume: 16.7 cubic feet
Towing capacity: Not Rated
EPA: 15 mpg city, 23 mpg hwy.
Regular grade gasoline
Fuel tank: 20.3 gallons
Curb weight: From 4,616 pounds
Vehicle assembly: Ulsan, Korea

More Hyundai Reviews

Premium Compact: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

Attainable Opulence: 2015 Hyundai Genesis

Refreshed: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

On the Road With the All-New 2016 Hyundai Tucson

Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards Places Ford First Again

January 16, 2014 by admin 6 Comments

For the fourth consecutive year the Ford Motor Company has finished on top of the Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards as presented by IHS Automotive at the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit this week. Polk recognized 33 winner across a variety of categories including eight featured categories and 25 segment-level automotive loyalty categories.

Toyota Avalon — This full-size Avalon sedan was among four Toyota brand automotive loyalty winners.

Measuring Automotive Loyalty

Polk measures loyalty by determining when a household returns to the market to buy a new vehicle. When the household purchases or leases a new vehicle of the same model or make, then its loyalty to the company or brand is confirmed. For the 2013 model year, 7.4 million consumers returned to the market, up sharply from 5.9 million in 2012 for a 26 percent increase.

Three manufacturers General Motors, Toyota and Ford accounted for half of the total return-to-market population. And as has been the case since 2010, the Ford Motor Company led everyone. Moreover, the Ford brand itself outperformed its competitors meaning that Ford owners were more likely to return to Ford than Toyota owners were to go back to Toyota and so forth.

While the news was certainly good for Ford, other manufacturers also shined. In 2013, Cadillac demonstrated the most improved loyalty to a make and the Audi brand had the highest conquest percent of registrations. Subaru showed the most improved conquest rate of registrations.

Polk also takes a look at market loyalty by ethnicity. The African American market showed the most loyalty to Ford while both the Hispanic (Latino) and Asian markets demonstrated the most loyalty to Toyota.

Jeep Grand Cherokee. — Jeep Grand Cherokee: Non-Luxury Mid-Size SUV.

Top Segment Performers

In the 25 model segments Toyota, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, and Honda shined. Winning the non-luxury traditional compact car award was the Toyota Prius. Toyota also led in the non-luxury traditional full-size car segment with its Avalon, in the non-luxury mid-size truck with its Tacoma, and in the non-luxury full-size SUV segment with its Land Cruiser. Several Lexus models finished on top as well including the RX for luxury midsize CUV, the LS for luxury traditional full-size car, and the CT200H for luxury traditional sub-compact car. With seven segment awards, Toyota was tops among all brands.

The Chrysler Group took five awards with the Fiat 500 nabbing the non-luxury traditional sub-compact car award, the Chrysler Town Country finishing first among non-luxury mid-size vans, and the Dodge Challenger taking the non-luxury sport mid-size car award. In the non-luxury mid-size SUV segment the Jeep Grand Cherokee was the winner there while the Jeep Wrangler won the award for the non-luxury compact SUV segment.

Mercedes-Benz garnered four awards with its C-Class winning the luxury traditional compact car segment, its E-Class the luxury traditional mid-size car segment, and the SL-Class finishing first among luxury sports cars. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class was tops among luxury mid-size SUVs.

Automotive loyalty and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Honda took three awards including the non-luxury traditional mid-size car segment with its Accord and the non-luxury compact CUV award for its CR-V. The Acura MDX finished first among luxury compact CUVs.

Six manufacturers rounded out the remaining spots including the Ford F-150 for the non-luxury full-size half-ton pickup segment, the Kia Sorento took the non-luxury mid-size CUV award, and the Hyundai Veloster finished atop the non-luxury sport car segment. For the luxury full-size SUV segment, the Land Rover Range Rover enjoyed the greatest customer loyalty. Among luxury exotic cars, the McLaren MP4 finished first and for the luxury prestige full-size car segment it was the Rolls-Royce Phantom that took top honors.

Overall Brand Loyalty

Customer loyalty is a big deal to manufacturers who strive to retain buyers as they reenter the market. Overall brand loyalty was 51 percent in 2013, up from 50 percent the year before. That also means that 49 percent of buyers bolted for another brand. So, manufacturers that successfully attract and retain buyers will enjoy not only improved sales, but the profits that come with them.

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake Concept Debuts

January 14, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

Audi fans may want to pay close attention to what the automaker is revealing at the Detroit auto show this week. The newly redesigned A8 sedan makes it debut as does the Q3, a compact crossover utility vehicle. Also getting press time is the Allroad Shooting Brake concept vehicle, a model that points to the engineering direction Audi will take in the near future.

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake

While the A8 continues as the brand’s flagship sedan and the Q3 extends Audis crossover reach, the Allroad Shooting Brake concept points to a fresh direction that Audi is planning to take. The model is a hybrid electric vehicle, outfitted with two electric motors and designed to take on light-duty off-road work. The shooting brake designation describes a two-door wagon-like vehicle and in Audi’s case a model the cannot be conveniently segmentized.

“The show car combines sex appeal, highly efficient e-tron-quattro technology that produces 300 kW of power yet only consumes 1.9 l/100 km (123.80 US mpg) of fuel and cutting-edge electronic applications,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of AUDI AG, Technical Development. “We are offering very concrete glimpses of the near future in this show car.”

The concept features low-profile dual headlights, the form language of the Audi quattro models. Moreover, it advances the design cue first seen with the Sport quattro concept car at the Frankfurt International Motor Show last Sept. Audi says that braces partition the headlights into four segments; the matrix LED technology with its individually controlled light-emitting diodes guarantees excellent visibility without causing glare to oncoming traffic. Beneath the headlights, narrow cross fins provide structure to the large air inlets.

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake.

High-Performance Characteristics

Perhaps what captures the imagination most about the concept is its performance capabilities. Audi claims that the Allroad will make 408 horsepower and 480 foot-pounds of torque, weighing in at 3,527 pounds. Its 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time is 4.6 seconds and its speed limited to 155 mph. It is a plug-in hybrid making up to 124 mpg with a driving range of over 500 miles.

Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbo fuel stratified injection (TFSI) makes 292 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque. It operates with a disc-shaped electric motor via a decoupling clutch; the electric motor outputs 40 kilowatts of power and 199 foot-pounds of torque. It is integrated with the six-speed e-S electronic dual-clutch transmission, sending torque to the front wheels.

Mounted to the rear axle is a second electric motor, what supplies propulsive power at low and moderate vehicle speeds with its maximum power of 85 kilowatts and 199 foot-pounds of torque. Audi says that it can be operated in company with the motor and engine at the front axle when the hybrid management system determines that all-wheel drive should be activated (e.g., slippery roads or off-road use).

Audi Allroad Shooting Brake.

Three Driving Modes

A lithium-ion battery pack sits just ahead of the rear axle, with Audi claiming that storage capacity is only minimally affected. The liquid-cooled battery has an all-electric driving range of about 31 miles before the gas engine takes over. Three driving modes EV, hybrid, and sport can be selected. When EV mode is chosen, power is sent to the rear wheels and operates at speeds of up to 80 mph. In sport mode, the Audi Allroad Shooting Brake taps both the gas engine and the rear electric motor to provide maximum power.

Many concept vehicles are never built, but the concrete glimpses referenced by Dr. Hackenburg indicates that this model will be produced. An official announcement will likely be made this year, perhaps by the fall with production beginning as early as next year.

Related NAIAS News

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Audi Allroad Shooting Brake photos courtesy of Audi of America.

Ford, Toyota Models Pace 2013 US Auto Sales

January 3, 2014 by admin 7 Comments

2013 US Auto Sales Recap

Updated Jan. 4, 2014.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. — A big winner for Chrysler was the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2013 US auto sales calendar officially came to end on Jan. 2, marking the fourth consecutive year of sales improvement. For 2013, sales rose by 8 percent as 15.6 million passenger vehicles were sold. That number is within range of the 16.1 million units sold in 2007, the last stable sales year before the Great Recession kicked in.

As expected, the Ford F-150 was the best selling vehicle followed by the Toyota Camry. The F-150 has been the best selling pickup truck for 37 consecutive years and the Toyota Camry has owned the car market every year except for one since the new millennium. Both models have been facing stronger competition in recent years, but each manufacturer has found ways to keep these models atop of their respective categories.

Read on for a closer look at how each manufacturer performed in 2013.

The Detroit Three

2014 BMW 4 Series. — BMW rolls out the 4 Series for 2014.

Ford and Chrysler reported a sales increase for Dec., while GM sales fell by 6.3 percent. Still, GM remains the top selling automaker in the US market, moving 2,786,078 units for 2013, up 7.3 percent for the year. Meanwhile, Ford closed the gap and finished a strong second with 2,485,236 sales, up 10.8 percent over 2012.

John Felice, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service, explained Fords success, what helped the automaker achieve its best selling year since 2006. “We saw strong growth across the entire Ford lineup and made significant gains in the import-dominated coastal markets. California in particular has showed much promise for Ford.

Chrysler sales continue to rise and topped 1.8 million units, although barely, beating that threshold by 368 units. Chryslers sales were up 9 percent for the year with Ram and Jeep accounted for that increase. The Chrysler Group also enjoys a 45 month streak of increased month-over-month sales.

The Big Three, Japanese Style

Toyotas Dec. sales were down by 1.7 percent, but the Japanese automaker finished up by 7.4 percent for the year based on 2,236,042 units sold. Although the Ford brand outsold Toyota, Toyota claimed the retail sales mantle as it has a much smaller percentage of fleet vehicle sales than Ford. The Camry is once again the best selling car in America; Toyota also reported big gains for its Avalon sedan, its RAV4 crossover and its Prius family.

Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager, offered an especially upbeat outlook for the year ahead. “The auto industry was a consistent bright spot in the economic recovery throughout 2013. We expect the economy will continue to gain strength in 2014, with car sales rising to pre-recession levels.”

2014 Subaru Forester — The Subaru Forester remains a perennial favorite.

Honda sales fell by 2.4 percent in Dec., but rose by 7.4 percent for the year to 1,525,312 units sold. As has been the case, Hondas top three selling models Accord, Civic and CR-V accounted for the bulk of the sales, with more than 1 million units sold combined.

Nissan sales rose at the highest level among the Big Six manufacturers, increasing by 10.5 percent. For the year, Nissan sales rose by 9.4 percent finishing with 1,248,420 units sold. Its best selling vehicle was its Altima line with 320,723 units sold followed by the Rogue, with sales of 162,751 units.

Hyundai and Kia

Hyundai sales increased by 2.5 percent for the year on 720,783 units sold, its best-selling US sales year ever. However, its sales fell short of the 734,000 units it had expected to sell according to Reuters.

Kia reported its second-best US sales year ever, but that follows its best year in 2012. Kia sales fell by 4.2 percent with capacity constraints and stiffer competition weighing in. Sales of its Optima sedan rose by approximately 2 percent based on 155,893 units sold. Sales of its Soul CUV rose as well, moving past the Sorento as the brands second best-selling model.

The European Luxury Makes

BMW led among the luxury makes in 2013, selling 375,382 BMW and Mini models for the year. BMW sold 331,401 vehicles to Minis 43,981 vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz was second among the luxury makes, selling 312,534 units according to USA Today. Dec. sales rose by 17 percent; Mercedes finished up 14 percent for the year.

Audi sold 158,061 vehicles, up 13.5 percent for the year. Audi had its best Dec. ever, selling 17,013 vehicles, the first time that it passed 15,000 units for that month. Its Q5 and Q7 SUVs accounted for much of the brands gain this year with 40,355 Q5s sold for the year.

Mark Del Rosso, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America, thanked American consumers for embracing the brand. “These record results show the payoff from our longstanding strategy to build the Audi brand through exciting products, committed dealer partners and a sustainable business model.”

Subaru, Volkswagen, and Mazda

At the rate that Subaru is growing it may one day threaten the market leaders. The niche Japanese automaker is enjoying record sales and even moved past the Volkswagen brand for 2013. In 2013, Subaru sold 424,683 units (up 26.2 percent) to Volkswagens 407,704 vehicles sold (down 6.9 percent). Subaru sold 123,592 Foresters (up 61.9 percent) and 118,049 Outbacks (up 0.4 percent) for the year.

Mazda sales fell by 15.7 percent for Dec., but that did not stop this automaker from enjoying a 2.5 percent sales increase based on 283,946 units sold. Notably, it wasn’t the Mazda3 that helped move sales in 2013, rather it was increased demand for the Mazda6 and a sharp increase in CX-5 sales (up 83.2 percent) that lifted Mazda.

The Rest

Tesla Motors sold 19,351 Model S vehicles in 2013, the first full year of sales for this sedan. Volvo sales fell to 61,233 units, down 10.1 percent for the year. Mitsubishi sales moved up by 7.7 percent finishing with 62,227 vehicles sold. Jaguar Land Rover sold 66,962 vehicles, up 20.3 percent; Porsche sales rose by 20.8 percent to 42,324 vehicles sold. Ferrari (2,053 units) and Maserati (4,768 units) rounded out the market.

Note: 2013 US auto sales data is based on manufacturer reports, data derived from Motor Intelligence (AutoData Corp.), and the previously mentioned news outlets.

Volkswagen Milestone Reached: 100,000 Turbo Diesels Sold

December 25, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Volkswagen continues to manifest its diesel leadership among all car manufacturers. For 2013, it has sold more than 100,000 TDI Clean Diesel models for its mainstream Volkswagen and luxury Audi brands combined, the first time it has reached that milestone.

Volkswagen Turbo Diesels

Volkswagen Group of America leads the market in clean diesel technology, engines that provide as much as a 30 percent boost in fuel economy over comparable gasoline engines. Its diesels also burn 12 to 30 percent lower carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline engines. Diesels do carry a price premium and diesel fuel is costlier than regular grade gasoline. However, these engines are more durable and last longer.

Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Diesel. “Selling more than 100,000 TDI Clean Diesel vehicles is a significant milestone for Volkswagen Group of America,” said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America. “We’re excited to see the increasing numbers of customers able to enjoy the reliability, durability, fuel-efficiency and power of the clean diesel engine.”

Turbo Diesel Domination

Indeed, the Volkswagen Group is so dominate with diesels it claims more than 75 percent of the market for passenger cars and sport utility vehicles. And unlike other manufacturers, Volkswagen has been in the market for decades, beginning with the 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit, the first of a long list of models to offer a diesel option. BMW, Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, and Mercedes-Benz also offer diesels.

For 2014, the following Volkswagen models have a diesel option: Passat, Golf, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Jetta, and the Jetta Sportswagen. Each model offers a 2.0-liter TDI engine paired with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. As equipped, the midsize Volkswagen Passat sedan offers top fuel economy, making 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. A seventh model, the Volkswagen Touareg, is powered by a 3.0-liter six cylinder turbo diesel engine.

Audi is represented by five diesel models for 2014: A6 quattro, A7 quattro, A8 L, Q5, and Q7. Each model is paired with a 3.0-liter turbo diesel six cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capabilities. Top fuel economy of 24 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway is achieved with both the A6 and A7 models. Come summer 2014, Audi intends to add a sixth diesel model, the all-new A3 TDI Sedan.

Turbo diesel hybrid VW CrossBlue concept.

From concept to reality? Volkswagen CrossBlue, a hybrid SUV.

Volkswagen and Audi Sales

As for brand sales, Volkswagen will finish the year with a net decrease while Audi sales continue to rise. Indeed, Volkswagen sales are down 5.2 percent through Nov. 2013, while Audi is up by 13.3 percent according to AutoData Corp. The full US market is up by 8.4 percent for the first 11 months of 2013.

Volkswagen is also looking to add a second model to its sole US manufacturing plant. The Chattanooga, Tenn., facility produces the Passat and may soon be joined by the CrossBlue SUV, a hybrid diesel concept introduced at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

See Also — Hot Hatch: 2017 Volkswagen Golf R

Photos courtesy of Volkswagen Group of America.

Cadillac CTS Pricing: Going Up

June 18, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

The General Motors Company has been repetitively telling us that the third generation Cadillac CTS would cost more as the new sedan grows in luxury and proportions to take on Europe’s finest models. Indeed, the new model is five inches longer, but 244 pounds lighter than the 2013 edition. With a starting price of $46,025 including its destination charge, the 2014 Cadillac CTS is priced $6,035 higher than the previous model.

2014 Cadillac CTS sedan.

The new pricing also reflects what GM says are more than 20 new standard features. Three trim levels — Luxury, Performance and Premium — are available for a model that features standard rear-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive is also available. The CTS V-Series is sold separately.

Cadillac CTS Engines

GM’s go-to V-6 engine, displacing at 3.6 liters and making 321 horsepower, is back. New for 2014 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, the first four banger application for the Cadillac CTS. The 272-horsepower engine is also available with the Cadillac ATS, the brand’s entry-level compact sedan.

2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan

At a Glance

Sticker price from $46,035
Arrives fall 2013
Three trim levels available
Seats 5 occupants
Standard rear-wheel drive
Optional all-wheel drive
Two engine choices
V-Series gains a twin-turbo V-6 engine
First eight-speed transmission offered

The Cadillac CTS offers selectable drive modes for better handling and control on challenging surfaces. Drivers can choose touring, ice and snow, or sport driving as they head out. Each model is equipped with front Brembo brakes, anti-corrosion rotors, Magnetic Ride Control and 18-inch wheels.

Infotainment by Cadillac CUE

Cadillac CUE, the brand’s infotainment system, is standard across the CTS line. All models are equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen that can be easily reconfigured and controlled by light finger touches or with a sweep of a hand. Steering wheel controls for the phone, radio and navigation functions are displayed on a 5.7-inch instrument panel color display.

The Cadillac CTS features an 11-speaker Bose audio system with HD radio capability. Streaming portable media devices is accomplished with its three USB ports, one auxiliary port and an SD card port.

Cadillac CTS V-Series

A V-8 engine option is no longer available with the new Cadillac CTS. For buyers of the CTS V-Series, retailing from $59,995, that sedan is powered a Twin Turbo version of the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The enhanced motor is SAE-certified at 420 horsepower and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This rear-wheel drive only model also comes with an electronic limited slip differential.

With its new model as well as with an upgraded packaging and pricing formula, GM is aiming the 2014 Cadillac CTS squarely at the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E350 sedans. Its pricing comes in $4,400 to $6,800 less than BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but is $2,030 higher than the Audi according to Automotive News.

Given the CTS’s growing following and ongoing favorable critic reviews, this sedan has the cachet to compete side-by-side with Europe’s finest models. Include the Jaguar XF and Lexus GS with the German three and the Cadillac CTS sedan has the credentials to take on five world-class competitors and win.

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Audi Seeks to Close the Luxury Brand Gap

May 6, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

In Mexico for the ground breaking of Audi’s first manufacturing plant in North America. Pictured from from left to the right: Frank Dreves, Audi Board Member for Production, Ildefonso Guajarda Villarreal, Mexican Economics Minister, Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, Rafael Moreno Valle, Governor of the State of Puebla, and Filogonio Vargas Torres, Mayor of San José Chiapa.

Audi, the German luxury marque, is on a roll. Three times since Dec. 2012 its sales have topped 13,000 units, putting it on a path that it expects will one day enable it to overtake market leading BMW.

Luxury Market Competitors

Audi will also have to overtake Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Acura a long the way and hold off surging Cadillac, but it does have an ace in its sleeve that will be pulled out in a few years: a Mexican factory with a build capacity of 150,000 units. This past weekend executives from Audi broke ground for its San Jose Chaipa facility, the first Audi manufacturing plant in North America. Likely, most of the production capacity for the Mexican plant will serve the US market.

Audi is on pace to sell 150,000 vehicles this year after topping the 100,000 unit mark in 2010. Even if Audi doesn’t grow for a few years, which is highly unlikely, it will sell at least 300,000 models in 2016 with the addition of the Mexican plant. Based on 2012 figures, that number would put it in first place ahead of the pack.

Monetary Fluctuations

Building Audis in North America will put the brand on a level playing field with its German rivals. Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz have long built vehicles in the United States while Audi has had to rely exclusively on imports. The vagaries of foreign exchange markets also means that Audi has to weather monetary fluctuations that often work against European manufacturers. With a sizable part of its capacity coming from lower wage Mexico, the money pressure will be eased considerably.

The Audi Q5 is the model slated for the Mexican plant with additional crossover SUVs possibly in the works reports Bloomberg. By 2020, Audi expects to sell more than 2 million units worldwide, with the brand providing a significant amount of the funding its parent Volkswagen Group is relying upon to further its growth. Volkswagen manages 12 brands with the eponymous Volkswagen brand outselling the other brands combined. Asia and North America are providing the best growth opportunities for this automaker.

Audi: King of the World

In 2008, Volkswagen announced that it was aiming to take over the top car manufacturing position in the world, held by Toyota and General Motors most recently. Group sales continue to rise rapidly and the company may move on top by 2014 if not 2013. The A4 and current Q5 are its strongest sellers with significant growth coming from other models including A5, A6, A8 and Q7 models.

Photo courtesy of Audi of America, Inc.

Flagship Hyundai Equus Refreshed For 2014

March 28, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

The Hyundai Equus battles it out with Europe’s thoroughbreds.

At the 2013 New York International Auto Show, a refreshed 2014 Hyundai Equus was paraded out, a mid product cycle update featuring numerous changes inside and out. This flagship sedan is one of three premium models sold by Hyundai, a Korean brand that introduced its first premium model to the US market in 2009 when the Hyundai Genesis Sedan made its debut.

2014 Hyundai Equus

The Genesis Sedan was followed in subsequent years by the Genesis Coupe and Hyundai Equus, the latter a large rear-wheel drive sedan designed to strike at the heart of BMW. BMWs 7 Series as well as the Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A8 have been deemed fair competition although Hyundai data reveals just 3,972 Equus units were sold in the United States for 2012.

Still, Hyundai’s data also reveals that the Equus is the most shopped brand in its category, giving the automaker enough reason to stand behind it. Besides, last years sales reflected a 24 percent increase over 2011, demonstrating that there is a lot of potential for Equus.

It will be a few more years before we see a totally new Hyundai Equus hit the market. For now, shoppers may find the interim updates more than sufficient to extend this models appeal.

Interior and Exterior Changes

The exterior changes will include a new front bumper and grille design supplemented by standard LED fog lamps. New 19-inch polished wheels and side mirrors are also on tap.

Inside, the instrument panel, center stack and shift lever receive a full redesign. Steering wheel setting controls have been rearranged with changes to the rear seat center console controls as well. The 2014 Hyundai Equus will also offer a new, ivory leather interior with upgraded genuine wood trim choices.

The Hyundai Equus is sold in Signature and Ultimate packages, offering seating for four or five. Additional changes will include an upgraded Blue Link telematics package, larger cluster and upper center stack displays, tri-zone climate control, dual rear seat entertainment monitors, power door closure and power lumbar support for rear outboard seating positions.

Powerful Engine, Advanced Transmission

Every Hyundai Equus built is outfitted with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that makes 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000 rpm. This direct injection engine makes use of dual continuously variable valve timing, a variable induction system and has a 11.5 to 1 compression ratio. Hyundai pairs this engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

EPA fuel economy remains unchanged, with this model getting 15 mpg around the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Premium grade gasoline is required.

Standard Safety Features

The Hyundai Equus comes equipped with numerous safety features that are standard across the model line. These include adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, a head up display and a multi-view camera system. An air suspension system offers normal and sport modes, with a snow mode new for 2014. New suspension bushings enhance both handling and ride comfort.

Pricing for the 2014 Hyundai Equus has yet to be announced. Likely, we see it will starting around $60,000 or about $15,000 below the base price for the current BMW 7 Series.

See Also — Say Good-Bye to These Models

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America.

Diesels, They Are A-Coming

March 4, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Corrected: March 12, 2013

Mercedes-Benz R350

Diesels are available in European luxury cars, particularly Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW models driven by natty-suited professionals. Diesels are also found in heavy duty pick up trucks, and are prized by work crews and outdoors enthusiasts both. In the middle ground are the vast majority of car buyers, individuals whose diesel aspirations are limited to Volkswagen, although change is a-coming.

GM Diesels

This year, diesel models will be offered by several manufacturers including some that have not served up diesel models before. General Motors caught the diesel bug in the 1970s when 4.3-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter V-8 diesels rolled out as an option in its medium and larger cars. Those early designs were terrible as GM used the same heads as they did in its gas engines, with engine failure rampant due to the usual higher compression ratios.

In the early 1980s, GM offered an Isuzu supplied engine with its subcompact Chevrolet Chevette, a much more reliable product from its Japanese engine partner. The two companies would later team up to build Duramax diesel engines, but by that time Americas love affair with diesels had grown cold and GM only offered them in pickup trucks.

This summer the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel will roll out, a model that will be powered by a four cylinder engine displacing at 2.0 liters. GMs Opel subsidiary produces these engines and has a long history of producing a quality product.

Diesel Appeal

There is a certain appeal with diesel engines not found elsewhere. These motors run more efficiently as diesel fuel burns at a much higher temperature than the typical gasoline engine for improved fuel combustion. Better energy density enables diesels to enjoy as much as a 30 percent boost in fuel efficiency. Moreover, diesels provide better torque, do not require tune ups and last longer than gasoline engines.

The downside of diesels, sooty emissions, has largely been resolved as todays engines run much cleaner thanks to improvements made in exhaust treatment. Indeed, where it was once nearly impossible and costly to comply with California’s far more stringent emissions requirements, the new breed of diesels are 50-state compliant, quieter and are still very efficient.

2011 Ford Super Duty. — Heavy duty pickup trucks are gas or turbo equipped.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep offered a common rail diesel briefly with its now-retired Liberty SUV, but dropped it because sales were slow and fuel efficiency was surprisingly disappointing. The Grand Cherokee, too, offered a diesel for 2007 and 2008, but unlike the VM Motori-supplied engine in the Liberty, its engine came from Daimler.

With FIAT now firmly in control of Jeep, we will begin to see new engines for this Chrysler Group brand.

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a 3.0-liter V-6 turbo-diesel, making 240 horsepower and delivering 30 mpg on the highway. That engine comes by way of VM Motori of Cento, Italy, a company jointly owned by Fiat and General Motors. Both companies tap VM for its engineering services as well as for its diesel engines. Expect the refreshed Jeep Wrangler, due out for model year 2015, to offer this engine.

Mazda Diesel

2014 Mazda6 Japanese manufacturers have proven to be just a capable as the Europeans in building quality diesels. Besides Isuzu, Honda builds diesels and had been expected to sell an Accord Diesel before scrapping its plans in 2010. Toyota, Subaru and Nissan make diesels too, although you cant buy one in the United States.

Mazda will crack the U.S. diesel market for the 2014 model year when its all-new Mazda6 adds one to the line up. The engine is new, has the lowest compression ratio of any diesel in the world, and is outfitted with ceramic glow plugs to get it going on cold days. It features a variable exhaust valve lift to help circulate engine warming gases faster reports the BBC.

Diesel Revolution

Of course, no diesel compilation is complete without mentioning the huge contribution that the German manufacturers have made, particularly by showing leadership in the light-duty and nontruck diesel arena.

Volkswagen Golf Diesel Stricter EPA emission requirements forced the German automakers to retool and by 2009 the first batch of new wave diesel engines rolled out. Volkswagen offers diesels in multiple models including various Jetta, Beetle, Golf and Passat editions. The midsize Passat, for instance, gets 43 mpg, rivaling gasoline-electric hybrids. The Volkswagen Group will also supply a diesel for the Porsche Cajun SUV later this year, joining the Audi line in offering a high-luxe model.

Looking Ahead

Diesel engines are a-coming and are already here. Likely, if diesel variants of the Chevrolet Cruze, Mazda Mazda6 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee show much promise, we will see many more diesels from other manufacturers roll out in coming years. Diesels and hybrids offer near equivalent fuel economy as well as vehicle pricing, two important powertrain options car manufacturers may use to meet ever higher EPA fuel mandates.

See Also — Diesel Does It: Range Rover HSE

Photos courtesy of the respective manufacturer.

MIT Names Audi, Toyota As Disruptive Companies

February 21, 2013 by admin 4 Comments

The word disruptive suggests chaos or what challenges conventional wisdom to introduce something that is new. Technology Review, a publication founded by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1899, recently updated its annual 50 Disruptive Companies list, with both Toyota and Audi mentioned for 2013.

Autonomous Driving

Audi, founded in 1909 and based in Ingolstadt, Germany, made it to the MIT list for the first time. The Review recognized Audi for pushing autonomous cars closer to fruition with a laser-scanning road detector that fits in a vehicles front grille. Autonomous driving received significant mention in Audi CEO Scott Keoghs address to the media at this years Washington Auto Show, a story that was reported by Auto Trends earlier this month.

Said Wolfgang Dürheimer, Board Member Technical Development, AUDI AG, “Piloted driving is a logical step for Audi, based on the in-car assistance systems already in use.”

Hybrid Leadership

Toyota has also made news about autonomous driving, but the Review recognized it in a different area, one that should be familiar to everyone. Of Toyota MIT lauded it for, Expanding its dominance of the hybrid-car market with its new plug-in version of the Prius. Toyota, founded in 1937 and headquartered in Tokyo City, Japan, continues to expand and update the Prius line, now offering five models to choose from.

When approached by Auto Trends for a comment, John Hanson, national manager, environmental, safety and quality communications at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. said, “Toyota is focused on developing for the future and strives to be the safest, highest-quality, most fuel-efficient and innovative car brand. Whether it’s alternative energy sources, interconnected traffic & safety systems, human assisting robots or new modes of personal transport, we’re taking steps to innovate. He added, Hybrid technologies are regarded as our core technology, and we have endeavored to promote the mass-market adoption of hybrid-vehicles. By 2015, 10 percent of our cars will be hybrids, or about 990,000 units, based on sales projections.”

Top Companies

Of the 50 companies mentioned, 31 were new to the list this year. Audi and Toyota alone represented the auto industry with some companies including General Electric supplying components that are used in todays new cars. Apple, Google, IBM, Xerox, Corning and Phillips were among the more recognized disruptors mentioned. Others included Square, Kymeta, Ambri, BGI and Leap Motion.

MIT was quick to point out that its list is not based on a quantitive assessment. Nor is it a ranking. Rather, it is the Reviews way of bringing attention to innovations that get commercialized or what these companies do to improve their positions in their respective markets. Some have brought forth a breakthrough product, while others are innovating with new breakthroughs yet to be realized.

Piloted Vehicles

For Audi, making it to the MIT list represents the third time this company has been recognized this year for its autonomous or what it calls its piloted driving technology. Just in January, Popular Science named Audis technology as a product of the future. Vox Medias, The Verge, also included Audi in its 2013 CES announcement for best automobile technology.

In January, the publication took a slap at Googles self-driving car when Chris Ziegler penned, Audi working on making self-driving cars look like normal cars. Audis piloted technology when it goes mainstream will be incorporated within the vehicle. Google, on the hand, slaps its equipment right on top of the vehicle. Guess which technology layout is an eyesore?

Hybrid Technology

Toyota has, of course, enjoyed its share of accolades for its innovative hybrid Prius line. Toyota sells more hybrid vehicles than the rest of the market combined and has placed its green technologies bets with hybrids not pure electric vehicles or with fuel cell vehicles. Toyota is still working on the two latter technologies, but it clearly wants to maintain its edge in hybrid technology even as competitors such as the Ford Motor Company continue to flex its own muscles.

The Toyota Prius c, the smallest model in the Prius family, took first place honors when the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy announced its 15th annual greenest vehicle list. The little Prius is EPA-rated at 53 mpg around town and 46 mpg on the highway for a combined 50 mpg, and can had for less than $20,000.

Future Winners

What other automotive companies might be considered disruptive? To the extent that groundbreaking technologies are offered, look for the first company that delivers a production-ready fuel cell vehicle to the market to make that list. A solar-powered vehicle may someday also be recognized as might any new vehicle that effectively eliminates the risk of a crash.

Innovating is the key to technological advancement, what Technology Review has been tracking for well more than a century.