rear-wheel drive

Infiniti Q70: Refreshed and Extended

April 16, 2014 by admin 3 Comments

Available extended wheelbase model debuts.

The Infiniti Q70 is the flagship sedan for Nissans luxury brand, a model that has been refreshed for 2015. Dropping cover in advance of the 2014 New York International Auto Show, this sports sedan gains an extended wheelbase model, adding 5.9 inches between the wheels to optimize rear seating room.

The extended wheelbase model will be sold in North America and in China where stretched versions of competing models from Audi and BMW are popular. The 2015 edition receives an updated face with new headlamps, a double arch grille, and a new front bumper with integrated fog lights.

At the rear, the Q70 receives new LED tail lights, tweaks to the trunk lid, a new rear bumper, and a chrome finisher. Choose the Sport edition and this sedan is outfitted with 20-inch wheels and tires.

Infiniti Q70

2015 Infiniti Q70L debuts.

2015 Infiniti Q70 and Q70L

Rear-wheel drive remains standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Both the regular and extended wheelbase models offer two engine choices: a 3.7-liter V-6 and a 5.6-liter V-8. The V-6 makes 330 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 270 foot pounds of torque at 5,200 rpm; the V-8 makes 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 417 foot-pounds of torque at 4,400 rpm. The V-8s numbers come in slightly lower for the Q70L. Both engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

A Q70 hybrid model returns, outfitted with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and an electric motor. The gas engine makes 302 horsepower and the electric motor adds 67 horsepower. The engine produces 258 foot-pounds of torque and the electric motor makes 214 foot-pounds of torque. Like the gas versions, the hybrid is outfitted with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Cross Your Legs

Adding 5.9 inches to the wheelbase (7.3 inches overall) the big gains realized with the Q70L is in its rear seat leg and knee room. In the Q70, rear passengers have 36.2 inches of legroom. In the Q70L it measures 41.8 inches. Knee room measures 26.6 inches in the Q70 to 32.5 inches in the Q70L.

Infiniti claims that the Q70 comes in quieter, especially at high speeds. New noise insulation materials, additional sealing and stiffened wheels were among the changes Infiniti’s engineers employed to reduce noise. The sedan also makes use of active noise control monitors that effectively offsets sound from four speakers, technology Infiniti says makes it easier to hold conversations and to improve music enjoyment.

Safety and Security Features

The 2015 Infiniti Q70 also receives four new safety and security technologies including the predictive forward collision system introduced to the Q50 sedan last year. What this system does is sense the relative velocity and distance of both the vehicle in front of it as well as the one two places forward.

An around view monitor, backup collision intervention and forward emergency braking are additional enhancements for this sedan. Other safety equipment already available include intelligent cruise control, distance control assist, lane depart warning, lane departure prevention, and blind spot monitoring.

The Competition

With these updates, the Infiniti Q70 is better positioned to take on its competitors including the Audi A6/A7, the Jaguar XF, Lexus GS, BMW’s 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Thats more good news for Infiniti dealers who are enjoying a 14 percent boost in year-to-date sales, doubling the pace of the industry.

Refreshed Infiniti QX80

Another Infiniti model refreshed for 2015 is the full-size QX80 sport utility vehicle. A restyled grille, new headlamps and tail lights, and the same safety upgrades available in the Q70 are present in the QX80 as well.

The model line also receives a new top-of-the-line Limited edition featuring smoked headlights and tail lights, 22-inch chrome wheels, semi-aniline leather seats and real ash trim. An ultra suede headliner is included as well.

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

Tease Us Please: Kia GT4 Stinger Concept

January 15, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

Korean automaker Kia is full of surprises. In fact, it coined the phrase the power to surprise just before releasing its Soul urban utility vehicle at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. At the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia pulled the wraps off of its GT4 Stinger Concept, a rear-wheel drive 2+2 sports car that is like nothing else that this Korean manufacturer has ever shown us.

Kia GT4 Stinger

Kia GT4 Concept

Stunning. Provocative. Emotive. Flaunting. Evocative. These are among the descriptives that may be used when characterizing the Kia GT4 Stinger. Its design is wholly modernistic, but Kia says that it hearkens [sic] back to the glory days of purebred, affordable sports cars. Interestingly, the Kia GT4 Stinger arrives just as Ford prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang with a new model. That original Mustang may the same purebred, affordable sports cars that the concepts designers aimed to emulate.

“Driving enjoyment was the number one priority in designing the GT4 Stinger,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America (KDCA). “It’s an authentic 2+2 sports car that can turn heads as a daily driver while also being right at home on the track. It’s about purity, simplicity and timelessness. The GT4 Stinger is a throwback to days when driving a car was a visceral experience that wasn’t muted by electronic gimmickry.”

The Kia GT4 Stinger is the work of the company’s US design team who undertook the project with the goal to reduce the vehicle’s weight, increasing its functionality and enhancing it pure driving enjoyment. The model eschews electronic gadgetry for a simple, minimalistic cabin layout.

Kia GT4 Stinger

Turbocharger and Gasoline Direct Injection

Under the concept’s hood, Kia uses a tuned version of its 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injected four-cylinder engine making 315 horsepower. It is the same engine used in Kias Optima race car, what make more than 400 horsepower. That engine is coupled with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.

The concept features 275/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tires in the rear and 235/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zeros to the front. Further, custom 20-inch aluminum center-lock wheels feature carbon fiber inserts for strength and weight reduction. Brembo Gran Turismo two-piece 15-inch cross-drilled rotors and four-piston calipers are tucked within each wheel to provide ample stopping power.

The concepts body, draped in Ignition Yellow is sculpted and rides on a 103.1-inch wheelbase. The Kia GT4 Stinger measures 169.7 inches long, 74.4 inches wide and just 49.2 inches tall. In other words it is about as long as the Forte Sedan, slightly wider than the full-size Cadenza and it sits lower than any other Kia model. It weighs just 2,874 pounds and features a 52 (front) to 48 (back) weight distribution.

Kia GT4 Stinger

Kia Design Language

Kia’s design language is evident in the concept model too. “We gave the car a shrink-wrapped appearance,” says Kearns. “It’s as if the body panels were formed around the chassis instead of merely welded to it.” It features the most current interpretation of Kia’s signature grille, placed low to the ground to maximize engine cooling and cold-air induction. The grille surround glows white and features a multi-layered, satin-black border, a styling theme found on the car from beginning to end. On both sides of the grille are vertical LED headlamps, and front-brake cooling vents molded into the bumper. To achieve added downforce at high speeds, a carbon fiber front splitter is mounted below the bumper, ensuring that the GT4 Stinger’s front tires stay firmly planted on the pavement.

Inside, the concept is outfitted with molded leather race-inspired bucket seats. A rubber floor mat is found beneath the billet-aluminum pedals. The concept includes a D-shaped steering wheel and a red LED-illuminated instrument panel with a large tachometer and gear indicator. Red-stitched pull straps are used instead of door handles, yet another nod to previous race car models. If you’re looking for an audio system, you won’t find one either with Kearns stating, “The audio system starts under the hood and the speakers are the exhaust pipes.” That performance tune is especially evident when the concept is on the go with its free-flow exhaust providing the tone that sports care aficionados will instantly recognize.

Concept to Production?

In a statement about the concept Kia noted that it has no plans to bring the concept to production. However, in a prepared statement by Kia management admits that the company has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear a strong resemblance to the concept that preceded them, and the GT4 Stinger provides a possible and highly provocative glimpse into Kia’s future.

So, if you’re waiting for a model that reflects the dreams and aspirations of Kias design team, it may take quite a bit of fan pressure to see this vehicle to production. And if the related buzz is any indication, It seems that fans wont be satisfied with anything less than making this concept vehicle a production reality.

Auto Trends: Kia GT4 Stinger

Photos courtesy of Kia Motors of America.

Drive It! 2014 Chevy Camaro SS Convertible

November 27, 2013 by admin 7 Comments

What is your favorite car? Thats a question I am asked by friends that know I routinely drive, enjoy and review a variety of vehicles. Okay, the enjoy part is at times an arguable one as there are occasions when a car comes my way that I know I would never purchase, yet still must consider for my readers if I am to render an illuminating and cogent review.

So it was to my immense personal pleasure when a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible arrived and was immediately welcomed to my humble abode. From its beautiful red rock metallic finish to its satin black cloth roof and extending across every square inch of its muscular frame, this particular Camaro is an imposing one, a 2+2 sport coupe with an attitude and the accompanying throaty exhaust note that says that it means nothing but business.

Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

That we even have a Camaro today is largely a tribute to a dedicated fan base that lobbied for its return following it cancellation in 2002. It also shows that car manufacturers, in this case General Motors, listens to its customers. That GM was still able to bring the Camaro back as it went through a painful bankruptcy and restructuring is quite an accomplishment. Not only that, Chevrolet wanted to build a better car than its Ford Mustang nemesis and it appears that it has succeeded.

The current iteration of the Camaro is now in its fifth model year. Chevrolet has tweaked this model since and has rolled out various versions including the ZL1, the SS and now the Z/28. The only people that remain heartbroken through it all are Pontiac Firebird fans who see in the Camaro what coulda/woulda/shoulda been for the Firebird. Fortunately, there is at least one aftermarket supplier that has developed a Trans Am bolt-on body kit to turn your Chevy into a Bird.

The standard hardtop Camaro comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine making 323 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 278 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. Not bad numbers, in fact they are excellent for a V-6. Moreover, this model is priced from $23,455 with the convertible carrying a $6,500 price premium, what makes the Camaro affordable for many buyers.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

LS3 Goodness and Thrills

But then most buyers know that greater performance is available by means of a 6.2-liter Corvette-derived engine, an LS3 motor bursting with energy. It features a cast aluminum block with iron bore liners and aluminum cylinder heads. Its an overhead valve motor with two valves per cylinder, its fuel drawn in by sequential fuel injection. As delivered, the Camaro SS makes 426 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 420 foot-pounds of torque at 4,300 rpm. Happily, a TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual transmission was the power plant pairing of choice, with a short-throw shifter entirely suited for this convertible. A six-speed automatic transmission with tap shift is available.

For 2014, Chevrolet updated the Camaro’s front and rear fascia including new headlamps and tail lights with the changes. Its SS hood scoop is the equivalent of a ring on a bull, a functional unit that diminishes heat and aerodynamic lift. The front fascia now features a wider and lower opening for improved heat mitigation and aerodynamic ability. Chevrolet also has separated the fog lamps from the LED daytime running lamps and has outfitted the SS with rear LED lights that complement the halo ring headlamps. Standard 20-inch aluminum wheels and a dual-mode exhaust system (quad finishers) enhance this burly beast.

To the great relief of this writer, the Camaro SS Convertible features a fairly simple and straightforward interior. Why occupy yourself with distracting controls when all you want to do is drive? The instrument panel is dominated by analog speedometer and odometer displays that flank a digital drivers information center. Four additional analog readouts are located forward of the transmission shifter for oil pressure, oil temperature, battery voltage and transmission temperature.

Recaro performance bucket seats up front provide the bolstering that the Camaro driver deserves, seats that never leave you tired or wishing for something else for that matter. They are heated too and both are six-way power adjustable. The center stack is topped by a colorful Chevrolet MyLink infotainment display with OnStar access, a navigation system with a rear back up camera, and touchscreen control of the 245-watt Boston Acoustics audio system. Knobs and switches provide audio access for traditional audiophiles.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

On the Road

Now that the design pleasantries are behind us, what matters the most about the Camaro SS is its performance, made immediately evident the moment you turn the starter and hear the engine announce its presence with the exhaust system responding by offering up the sweetest note. Well maybe not so sweet for the person who doesn’t appreciate the pounding of a drumhead with that beat amplified with each contact of the gas pedal. I spent the better part of the week coaxing out different sounds, quickly learning that slowing down while still in third gear produces a rolling rumble. My neighbors will confirm that experience too.

Chevrolet provides a launch control feature with the Camaro SS. To activate, a button located near the shifter is pressed twice in succession and StabiliTrak Competitive Mode appears on the driver information screen. Floor the gas pedal to allow the rpms to adjust at the appropriate range. Release the clutch, floor the pedal and youre ready to go. Its a fun feature, but I prefer to launch without any electronic assistance thank you very much.

It takes about one second to discover that the Camaro SS is made for performance. And for people not particularly comfortable with manual shifting this Chevy offers ample clutch free play and a smooth shifting stick, what allows you to concentrate on the drive without concern that youll get more of a work out than perhaps you want.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

Drop the Top

Novembers in North Carolina can be dicey with cold fronts pushing down from the north to kill your drop down plans overnight, adding showers to the mix. However, opportunity knocked one Sat. afternoon as the clouds departed and temperature soared through the 60s. And if you are blessed with a convertible especially one as potent as the SS, you’ll want to put the top down as soon as you can. Make that move and you’ll enjoy the intensity of the engine and exhaust system, amplifying sounds that hearken to an earlier muscle car era, circa 1970.

Granted, the Camaro SS weighs in fairly heavy, pushing two tons of rolling metal. Still, its electric assisted steering provides good feedback and the four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and performance tires to ensure that youll get everything you want from this beast. Was this Chevy my favorite car? Lets just say that it is on my wholly desirable list, the same one that also includes the Nissan 370Z and the BMW 435i.

Top Down Fun + Performance = Realizing the Dream

View manufacturer details and pricing

2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible

Sticker price from $41,855
Price as tested: $46,360
Seats 4 occupants
6.2-liter 16-valve V-8 engine
426 horsepower @ 5,900 rpm
420 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,600 rpm
4.06 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 10.7-to-1
Six-speed manual transmission
Wheelbase: 112.3 inches
Length: 190.6 inches
Width: 75.5 inches
Height: 54.2 inches
Passenger volume: N/A
Storage volume: 10.2 cubic feet
Towing capacity: N/A
EPA: 16 mpg city, 24 mpg hwy.
Regular grade gasoline
Fuel tank: 19 gallons
Curb weight: From 3,860 pounds
Vehicle assembly: Oshawa, Ontario (Canada)

More Car Reviews

2014 BMW 435i: The Advent of the 4 Series Coupe

Buick LaCrosse: Where Luxury and Affordability Intersect

Like a Rock: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

About the 2013 Infiniti M56S

Chevrolet Camaro photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

New Ford Mustang to Birth Additional Products?

October 8, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

In keeping with the “auto trends” theme of this website, once in a while, we offer our speculation on where the industry is headed, including specific manufacturers. Some bloggers, however, make sport of speculating, to the point where they make it difficult to separate the baseless from the possible. Lack of credibility, anyone?

The Lincoln MKC Concept may soon become a reality.

Ford Brand Dominates

The Ford Motor Company has been enjoying a surge in business, both here and abroad. Its Ford brand product line accounts for more than 96 percent of its US business with the Ford Edge alone outselling the entire Lincoln product line. That Lincoln is of little consequence to the success or failure of Ford is not necessarily a bad thing, although it does reveal that if this “luxury” brand continues to erode (sales are down by 6.3 percent over 2012), its future is in jeopardy.

Auto Trends believes that Lincoln has some life left in it with a new product possibly announced as early as next month at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. That product would be the Lincoln MKC, a model that shares the same platform underpinning the Ford Escape.

Lincoln followers, few that there are, know that the thin differentiation between Ford and Lincoln products in recent years has been reflected primarily in one area: trim level. Sure, the Lincoln MKZ uses unique sheet metal and much more refined styling characteristics than the comparable Ford Fusion, but underneath it is all Fusion.

2015 Ford Mustang Debut

When the 2015 Ford Mustang makes its debut on April 17, 2014, it will coincide with the 50th anniversary release of the original model. The new model will take a dramatic departure from the current edition with a more modernistic look, one that should appeal to an audience that goes well beyond North America.

It will also be underpinned by rear-wheel drive architecture, putting to rest once and for all the rumors that it might share its platform with a front-wheel drive Ford, such as the Fusion. That also means that Ford won’t invest more than $1 billion solely for a car that likely will not sell more than 150,000 units annually worldwide without it also producing some other models.

You only need to look at the Dodge Challenger as one example of rear-wheel-drive platform sharing, a sport coupe that shares much with the Dodge Charger and the Chrysler 300. Another example is the Chevrolet Camaro, a sport coupe that was expected to spawn rear-wheel-drive sedans for Cadillac and Buick. Financial chaos at GM killed that initiative, but the Zeta platform has been used by Holden which has brought to us the Chevrolet SS.

See Also — Book Review: Mustang by Design

Lincoln Product Initiative

Lincoln’s resurrection is likely hinged on at least one other model and that vehicle could very well share parts derived from the Ford Mustang. That vehicle could be a sedan, a model tasked to take on the BMW 3-Series and the Cadillac ATS, to name a few. It may be similar in size to the MKZ, but it won’t supplant the entry-level Lincoln. Instead, Ford may rip a page out of Toyota’s Lexus playbook and offer three entry points to the Lincoln brand: MKC, MKZ and the new rear-wheel-drive sedan. Lexus serves up the IS rear-wheel-drive sedan, the ES 350 front-wheel-drive sedan and the hybrid CT200h, what has proven to be a successful three-prong approach to snagging aspiring Lexus owners.

But, do not expect Ford to end its Mustang expansion project there. The Ford Taurus and the Lincoln MKS product cycle is now in its fourth year with new models needed by 2016. Add six inches to the Mustang’s wheelbase and a foot overall and you have the new Taurus/MKS. Ford will have to bump out its width by two or three inches to make it work, but the cost of doing so would be far cheaper than creating all new products on a fresh platform.

Why a rear-wheel-drive Taurus and MKS? For two reasons: Dodge and Chrysler has one and, Chevrolet offers one through Holden. The other reason is that large front-wheel-drive sedans do not have the same appeal as RWD sedans. Even with optional all-wheel drive, serious luxury shoppers just do not give the Lincoln MKS serious consideration.

China and Beyond

Building out the Mustang platform also keeps with Ford’s promise to reduce its current 15 platforms to nine by 2017. Its a cost-saving move, but it is also the right approach to take if Ford is to remain competitive. And with Lincoln entering China in 2014 and more new products in the offing, Ford’s premium brand may receive a boost from its iconic stallion, to serve up just the right platform mix that might yield one or two new products.

About the 2014 Chevrolet SS

August 21, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

The Chevrolet SS is imported from Australia, a five-passenger rear-wheel-drive sport sedan powered by a big V-8 engine. This model represents Chevrolet’s first performance sedan since 1996, joining the Corvette and Camaro in Chevy’s performance arsenal. Pricing for the new model begins at $44,470; the Chevrolet SS is sold in one trim level.

Racing and production versions of the Chevrolet SS on display.

Model Highlights

Based on the Holden VF Commodore, the SS incorporates a Chevrolet face that is flanked by HID headlamps. This sedan features daytime running lights; a long, aluminum hood; a muscular stance; a tapered rear deck and wrap around tail lamps. Bright, dual exhaust tips are standard. Every model is outfitted with 19-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels that are set within summer tires.

Inside, the driver and front passenger are provided with 10-way power adjustable sport bucket seats; a bench seat offers room for three in the rear. Leather seating is standard with the Chevrolet SS.

The Chevrolet SS features an in-dash touch screen that supports the brand’s infotainment and navigation systems. Also included are a nine-speaker, 220-watt Bose sound system, dual zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, leather treatment on the steering wheel and shift knob, remote start, keyless entry, a driver information system and head-up display.

Engine and Transmission

Power for the Chevrolet SS is derived from a 6.2-liter, 16-valve V-8 engine that makes 415 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 415 foot-pounds of torque at 4,600 rpm. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with tap shift capabilities.

The SS’ LS3 engine has a 10.7-to-1 compression ratio and measures 4.06 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke. Premium grade gasoline is recommended, but it is not required.

Performance and Handling

The Chevrolet SS travels from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds. It features a sport-tuned chassis with MacPherson strut front and multiline rear suspension. It comes with a sport-tuned electronic power steering system, front Brembo brakes, high-performance Bridgestone tires and forged aluminum wheels.

Like the BMW 5-Series, one of its competitors, the Chevrolet SS claims a near even 50/50 weight distribution. Other competitors include the Ford Taurus SHO and the Dodge Charger.

Chevrolet SS Specifications

Built in Elizabeth, South Australia, the 2014 Chevrolet SS sits on a 114.8-inch wheelbase and is 195.5 inches long by 74.7 inches wide by 57.9 inches tall. This vehicle weighs from 3,975 pounds and has a front track of 62.6 inches and a rear track of 62.4 inches.

Headroom measures 38.7 inches up front and 37.5 inches in the rear. Legroom comes in at 42.3 inches in the first row to 39.7 inches in the second row. Shoulder room measures 59.1 inches up front to 59 inches in the back. Hip room is 57.2 inches in the first row and 58 inches in the second row.

See Also — SEMA Shock Yellow Chevy Camaro Dazzles

Safety Features and Warranties

Numerous safety features are included with the Chevrolet SS. This sedan comes with forward collision alert, rear cross traffic alert, side blind zone alert, lane departure warning, traction control, stability control and eight airbags. A rear vision camera displays its picture on the front center stack’s screen. OnStar, GM’s road assistance and security system, is included.

This sedan also makes use of electronic brake-force distribution to optimize control of the rear brake pressure across all road surfaces and while operating under all vehicle loading conditions. In addition, it is supplemented by electronic brake assist to sense how hard and fast a driver hits the brake pedal, responding by providing extra braking assistance, as needed.

Every Chevrolet SS model is covered by a three-year or 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The powertrain is covered for five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. A rust protection warranty is for six years or 100,000 miles.

See Also — Out of the Gate: 2014 Chevrolet SS

Photo courtesy of General Motors Company.

Reviewed: 2014 Infiniti QX70

August 9, 2013 by admin 3 Comments

Youngsters the world over are fascinated with LEGO toys, those colorful, inter-locking plastic bricks that can be crafted into virtually any design. My two sons are no exception, so when my oldest boy found out about a show featuring LEGO artist, Nathan Sawaya, being held in Alamance County, NC, we took to the road. What better way to combine a father-son outing with a road trip leading to a car review, right?

Infiniti QX70

And the vehicle being tested was none other than the 2014 Infiniti QX70, a five-passenger rear-wheel drive SUV with a new name affixed to a proven design. That proven design had graced the FX37 and the FX50 through 2013, but Infiniti decided to change its naming convention to create model uniformity. Honestly, it is a bold effort that may backfire as not just once did I, the intrepid automotive journalist, screw up the name. If the people that know the industry make some slips, what about everyone else?

Brick Love But, it isn’t naming conventions nor LEGO bricks that were examining. Rather, it is a medium-sized sport utility vehicle that competes with the likes of BMW, Cadillac, Lexus and others for customers affections. The standard model, what was delivered for testing, is powered by a 3.7-liter, 24-valve engine. This engine makes 325 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 267 foot-pounds of torque at 5,200 rpm.

It is paired with a seven-speed automatic overdrive transmission with manual shifting capabilities. No paddle shifters are present, rather you can move through the seven forward gears by flicking the transmission stick toward the front of the SUV. Consider it Infinitis nod to those of us who read rear-wheel drive and think, spirited drive. Clutch-free shifting is common with such models, although this writer prefers the three-pedal workout.

You can get the Infiniti QX70 in all-wheel drive too, with that option making it possible to upgrade to a 5.0-liter V-8 engine making 390 horsepower. A word of advice: the V-6 bangs out ample power. Choose the V-8 if you need its 3,500-pound towing capabilities.

Change That Name

If you are familiar with Infiniti, you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between last years FX and this years QX70. The badging is different with no engine size incorporated in the name. Instead, Infiniti sticks a 3.7 badge adjacent to the side ventiports, the only obvious indication of what engine size you have. Lift the hood if you need to confirm!

Infiniti’s design is masculine, with a bold grille accentuating its face. That grille is flanked by flared headlamps and is offset by a sporty cowl, itself flanked by fog lights. Its rugged hood, strong shoulders and creased profile give this vehicle an intimidating look. Every model is outfitted with a rear spoiler, wrap-around tail lamps, and alloy wheels set within all-season tires.

Uncluttered, Elegant Interior

Inside, the Infiniti QX70 features plush, leather seating with bolstered buckets seats up front and a split-bench seat in the rear. The front seats adjust in a variety of directions up, down, forward and back and have a heating and cooling element. The rear seat provides room for three, with the center position partially obstructed by the driveline hump. It isn’t so pronounced that the middle position is uncomfortable for local trips, but perhaps a bother on family vacations. So, stick your youngest in the middle and give him a lollipop for his cooperation.

Infiniti is to be commended for keeping its instrument panel and dashboard as uncluttered as possible. Leather, chrome and maple wood trim are used liberally throughout the cabin, but there is no overwhelming display of technological distractions fending for your attention. As equipped, the premium package features a large, colorful navigation screen with touch point, voice or button/switch access available. Easy to use, intuitive and the navigation voice lady is pleasant and not too talkative.

You also get keyless entry with push button start, an 11-speaker Bose audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, a rear view camera, a power sliding moonroof, dual zone climate control, power accessories, four 12-volt power outlets, a power liftgate and a tonneau cover. That tonneau cover protects a 25 cubic foot storage compartment, coming in smaller than what some competitors have to offer.

Infiniti QX70

A Beastly SUV with Sporting Credentials

View manufacturer details and pricing

On the Road

Exterior and interior looks aside, the Infiniti QX70 lives up to the challenge on the road. Its rear-wheel drive architecture is certainly welcome with a front, independent double-wishbone suspension and a rear, independent multi-link suspension with stabilizer bars at work. Speed adjusted power steering, ventilated disc brakes at all four corners and four channel ABS are also present.

From the line, the Infiniti QX70 quickly shifts you through the gears in about six seconds, a clear indication that this SUV shares its architecture with the sporty 370Z. It is a pleasantly enjoyable discovery when you put it through the paces, leaving you wondering just how much more bang the V-8 offers? Then again, you may very well find that the 3.7-liter engine alone more than meets your expectations, perhaps surprisingly so.

brick hider

Let Go of My LEGO

Sometimes I find it odd how unrelated things in our lives are connected. My son prizes LEGO for its versatility and the fun to assemble bricks that can make some amazingly cool figures, including a few displayed here. His dad appreciates versatility in the vehicles he drives especially when a performance component is included. Sure, the Infiniti QX70 may fall short in some utility aspects, but its sportiness is a carefully crafted design that both brick builders and automotive enthusiasts can appreciate.

2014 Infiniti QX70

Sticker price from $45,995 (est.)
Seats 5 occupants
3.7-liter 24-valve V-6 engine
325 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
267 foot-pounds of torque @ 5,200 rpm
3.76 inches bore by 3.39 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 11.0-to-1
7-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 113.6 inches
Length: 191.3 inches
Width: 75.9 inches
Height: 65 inches
Passenger Volume: 102.5 cubic feet
Storage Volume: 24.8/62.0 cubic feet
Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds (AWD)
EPA: 17 mpg city, 24 mpg hwy.
Fuel Tank: 23.8 gallons
Curb Weight: From 4,209 pounds
Vehicle Assembly: Japan

Learn more about Nathan Sawaya and his The Art of the Brick exhibit by visiting his brick artist website.

Infiniti QX70 and LEGO photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Rear-Wheel Drive Architecture For Future Chrysler Products

July 23, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Chrysler’s rear-wheel drive architecture has set it apart from its domestic competitors with its large Dodge and Chrysler sedans underpinned by this platform layout. Chevrolet’s lone entry is its Australian-supplied SS while Ford relies on front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive for its Taurus sedan.

A pair of current rear-wheel drive Dodge beauties.

Rear-Wheel Drive Architecture

Future Chrysler products will continue to offer rear-wheel drive, something that sources had told Auto Trends recently and what Automotive News [subscription req’d] confirmed on Monday. Fiat and Chrysler are currently working on a next generation platform that will underpin select Alfa Romeo, Chrysler and Dodge products beginning with 2016 model year vehicles, with optional all-wheel drive expected.

The joint effort comes as Fiat desires to take on the German luxury triumvirate — Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz — with higher volume models. The platform being developed may target two distinct segments, notably with BMW’s 5- and 7-Series in the crosshairs. The Alfa Romeo products would eventually find their way to the US and would also be marketed in China and other markets.

Chrysler Sedans and Coupe

For Chrysler, the new rear-wheel drive platform would underpin the next generation Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans as well as the Dodge Challenger coupe. All-wheel drive variants of the sedans would also be made available. An AWD Challenger might be intriguing, but it is unlikely.

The Dodge Challenger had been rumored to be on its way out, replaced by the SRT Cuda, something that Car and Driver pointed out in its October 2012 issue. Auto Trends, however, believes that this won’t be the Chrysler Group’s approach. Instead, the Dodge Challenger will survive and if a ‘Cuda model does debut it will be wear Chrysler badging, not SRT. For now, the Viper will remain SRT’s lone model with the street & racing technology brand also tasked with developing SRT sub-models for the other Chrysler brands.

Brand and Product Differentiation

The Chrysler Group is also looking to differentiate its brands further by separating like products such as the Chrysler 200 and the Dodge Avenger. The Chrysler 200 name will survive and that vehicle will most likely debut in early 2014, underpinned by a modified Lancia platform.

The Dodge Avenger may solider on for another model year before it is killed off and replaced by a new model, a crossover, that would also replace the Dodge Journey. Unconfirmed and certainly of speculative nature is that the Avenger’s replacement would be rear-wheel drive, perhaps a chopped version of the new rear-wheel drive platform. That would give Dodge three rear-wheel drive models, delighting enthusiasts, but we believe that costs and the model’s now unusual layout (i.e., RWD non-luxury midsize sedan) would preclude that from happening. Then again, it might be the approach for Alfa Romeo to take.

Tougher Federal Fuel Requirements

Looming large for Chrysler and other manufacturers are the increasingly stringent federal fuel economy averages that will require automakers to offer fleets averaging 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. Chrysler’s fleet is one of the heaviest in the industry and scaling down won’t come easy with RWD vehicles in the line up. What Chrysler will do is make greater use of Fiat-supplied TigerShark four cylinder engines in some models, perhaps a turbo version of the same in its large sedans. Those models would also get the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 with a supercharged version of the same arriving a few years later and possibly replacing any remaining V-8 engines.

Auto Trends seems further industry consolidation over the next few years with alliances, not outright mergers, driving the industry. With Mazda supplying a Miata-derived sports car for Fiat, we’re fairly confident that this relationship will expand despite Mazda’s working relationships with Toyota and Nissan. Mazda is simply too small to continue on its on and might prove a nice addition to Sergio Marchionne’s portfolio.

See Also — Head over to Central Contracts to explore your Chrysler leasing options.

Photo courtesy of the Chrysler Group, LLC.