Archives for May 2012

Specifications of a 2013 Cadillac XTS

May 30, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

2013 Cadillac XTS

The newest model in the Cadillac arsenal is its XTS sedan, a larger five-passenger vehicle powered by its front wheels. All-wheel-drive is optional. New for the 2013 model year, the Cadillac XTS replaces a pair of discontinued sedans: the STS and the DTS, formerly known as the Seville and the DeVille respectively. The all-new XTS advances Cadillac’s art & science design language; it also brings with it new technologies including CUE, a driver interface, and new safety features. Priced from $44,075, the Cadillac XTS tops out at $61,805.

Engine and Transmission

The 2013 Cadillac XTS is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine. This 24-valve motor is of aluminum construction and features direct injection to produce 304 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 264 foot-pounds of torque at 5,200 rpm. With an 11.5 to 1 compression ratio, this engine measures 3.7 inches bore by 3.37 inches stroke.
Cadillac pairs its engine with a next generation Hydra-Matic 6T70 6-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination is the sole offering for the XTS.

2013 Cadillac XTS

Fuel Economy

Ample performance does not come at the expense of fuel economy with the Cadillac XTS. Choose the front-wheel-drive edition and your sedan gets 17 mpg city, 28 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive model delivers nearly the same fuel economy, coming in at 17 mpg city, 27 mpg highway.

You get a 19-gallon fuel tank with the FWD XTS and a 20-gallon fuel tank with the AWD model. With a cruising range of approximately 560 miles, you can travel from San Francisco to San Diego on one tank of regular grade gasoline.

Model Dimensions

Cadillac’s XTS sits on a 111.7-inch wheelbase and is 202.0 inches long, 72.9 inches wide and 59.4 inches tall. The FWD model weighs from 4,006 pounds; the AWD edition from 4,215 pounds. Passenger volume measures 104.2 cubic feet and trunk space is 18.0 cubic feet. The XTS can pull up to 1,000 pounds.
Front head room measures 40.1 inches; there is 37.8 inches in the rear. Front leg room comes in at 42.8 inches; rear leg room is 40.0 inches. Front shoulder room measures 57.9 inches; rear shoulder room comes in at 56.3 inches. Front hip room is 55.1 inches; rear hip room is 54.3 inches.

Model Highlights

The 2013 Cadillac XT rides on 19-inch painted aluminum wheels with chrome insets. Polished aluminum 19- or 20-inch wheels are also available. All-season blackwall tires are standard.

Four XTS trim levels are offered including standard, luxury, premium and platinum editions. Standard across the model line is magnetic ride control, front Brembo brakes and a Bose audio system. Inside, each model features front bucket seats with 10-way power driver and front passenger seat adjusters along with 4-way manual head restraint adjust. Seats are trimmed in leather and include lumbar control. The rear seat is of 60/40 split-folding design with a lockable rear pass-through compartment to the trunk.

If you are not familiar with Cadillac CUE, the XTS and other 2013 Cadillac models will soon familiarize you with this new technology. CUE or Cadillac User Experience is an infotainment system featuring a customizable interface. CUE makes use of an 8-inch screen in the center stack and includes the faceplate below the screen along with its steering wheel controls. For people familiar with electronic gadgets such as Apple’s iPad, you can use similar hand gestures to adjust the screen. CUE also makes use of voice recognition technology.

The XTS also offers a 12.3-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster. You can go beyond the standard settings to choose one of four possible screen layouts. The information supplied includes readouts for fuel levels and speed, navigation, phone and entertainment information.

Every 2013 Cadillac XTS features keyless entry, push button start, a steering wheel with power rake and a telescoping feature, rear park assist and a universal home remote. Choose the luxury package and amenities such as a rear back up camera and daytime running lamps are included. The premium models includes CUE upgrades, a 14-speaker Bose audio system and tri-zone climate control. The platinum model brings in larger wheels, a panoramic sun roof, a rear window power sun shade and manual side rear window sun shades.

Safety Features

Safety features galore are available with the Cadillac XTS. Every model offers OnStar with its turn-by-turn navigation assistance, stolen vehicle slowdown and crash assist. A driver awareness package is standard on the premium and platinum editions and is available with the luxury model. These features include lane departure warning, forward collision alert, a safety alert seat that vibrates to warn you, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert and a reflected LED display.

A driver assist package is available beginning Fall 2012 and is standard with the platinum edition and available with the premium model. This package features the driver awareness package and brings in adaptive cruise control, front and rear automatic brakes, and automatic collision preparation. Other safety features include dual front seat knee airbags, a head-up display and more extensive adaptive cruise control.

2013 Cadillac XTS

Photos courtesy of General Motors Company.

How to Find a College Grad Car Deal

May 28, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

mortars — With college behind you, a new car may be in front of you.

They’re out there. And you may have heard some buzz about them. What am I talking about? New car deals for college grads.

It is true that car manufacturers are interested in getting the business of recent college grads. Grads typically are just launching their careers and some are shopping for their first new car. The clunker or hand-me-down car from mom and dad just doesn’t cut it — 20-somethings are in the market for new wheels, but they’re also looking for a lot of car for not a lot of money.

College Grad Shopping Tips

To help smooth the way to new car ownership, most manufacturers are offering highly publicized incentives to get a grads business. Read on for some tips on what to look for as you shop for a new or used car:

1. Grad program eligibility — You need not have graduated within the past few months to qualify for a new college grad program. General Motors, for example, extends its Best in Class Alumni & Student Discount program to college students who obtained a degree from any two- or four-year institution within the past two years. Current nursing school and grad students are also eligible. Similar programs from Hyundai, Ford, Toyota, Nissan and Fiat Chrysler are also available.

2. Proof of eligibility — Sure, you can tell the dealer that you qualify for a discount. But you’ll have to show proof that you graduated from college or are currently enrolled. Some manufacturers, such as Ford, encourage you to register online first. Ford’s College Student Purchase Program will send materials to your inbox once you are registered.

Eligibility proof usually includes furnishing a copy of your diploma or submitting proof that you are currently enrolled in school. Some manufacturers require a job offer letter from your future employer or recent pay stubs. Check the manufacturer’s website for current requirements or ask your dealer.

3. Know the rewards — Car manufacturers may offer different rewards and have varying requirements for you to receive a rebate or discount. If you lease or buy a Toyota model and finance your purchase through Toyota Financial Services, then you may be eligible for a $750 rebate, monies you can apply toward your down payment. You’ll need to show proof of graduation and have a job lined up.

Not all manufacturers offer a cash incentive. Honda and Mitsubishi provide low-rate financing, the latter through its College Graduate Program. The Mitsubishi program requires college grads to have a job lined up, one that they will start within 120 days, have a clean credit history and payments must be no more than 18 percent of the grad’s gross monthly income.

As of this writing, both Ford and General Motors are offering $500 back to college graduates. Nissan is updating its offer. Dodge and other Chrysler Group brands are more subtle with their programs, but a search of individual dealer websites shows a $500 rebate for recent college grads. If you can afford a BMW then its college graduate program can give you $1,000 back on a new car or $1,500 back on a Certified Pre-Owned BMW.

4. Other Incentives College grads should know that there are other incentives available for the taking. For instance, if a manufacturer is offering $2,000 back on a new car or low-rate financing or leasing, the college grad incentive is on top of that. Moreover, you should negotiate the best price on a new car first before talking incentives to get the lowest price possible from the dealer. You can do this by getting at least three bids from different dealers on like make/model cars before talking incentives. When you get your best price add in the general incentive first and then the college rebate. Lastly, ask about trading in your car or try to get more money for it by selling your car to a private party.

Know the Rules

All car manufacturers regularly adjust incentives throughout the year. We’ve updated the information here since the article was first published in 2012, but changes can happen at any time.

Not sure what incentives are offered? Just ask your salesperson. Likely, there is a program for you as manufacturers want to win your business now in hopes of keeping you in the brand fold for many years to come. Dangling a special incentive before your eyes is one of the ways that this is done.

Photo: April Bell

Specifications of a 2013 Chevrolet Traverse

May 23, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

GM likes to call its Chevrolet Traverse a midsize model, but this vehicle offers a cavernous interior and room for up to eight people. Yes, it is smaller than the bulky Tahoe, but when it comes to offering the best blend of room, utility and fuel efficiency, the Traverse should be on your buy consideration list.

Introduced for 2009, the Chevy Traverse receives a significant overhaul for the 2013 model year. The changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, however new technological and safety features keep this model at the forefront of SUV innovation. Chief competitors include the Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot.

Engine and Transmission

2013 Chevrolet Traverse For 2013, the Traverse’s sole engine and transmission combination returns. This model is powered by a 24-valve 3.6-liter V-6 engine of cast aluminum construction. It offers direct, high-pressure fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing. This engine makes 281 horsepower when outfitted with a single exhaust and 288 horsepower with dual-exhaust models. It makes 266 foot-pounds of torque or 270 foot-pounds when dual exhaust is present. The V-6 has an 11.3 to 1 compression ratio and measures 3.70 inches bore by 3.37 inches stroke.

Chevrolet unites its V-6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is suitable for both front- and all-wheel-drive applications.

Fuel Economy

The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse takes regular grade gasoline. The front-wheel-drive model is rated at 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. Choose the AWD edition and your crossover makes 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway. This vehicle has a 22-gallon fuel tank, giving it a maximum range of 528 miles or enough fuel to take you from Jacksonville to Key West, Fla., on one tank.

Model Dimensions

Built on a 118.9-inch wheelbase, the Chevy Traverse is 203.7 inches long, 78.5 inches wide and 69.9 inches tall. The FWD model weighs from 4,713 pounds; the AWD edition comes in at 4,956 pounds.

With 150.8 cubic feet of storage capacity, the Traverse seats 7 or 8 people. This vehicle offers 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat. Fold down the third row and 70.3 cubic feet of cargo space is available. With both the second and third row seats folded down, cargo capacity expands to 116.3 cubic feet.

Head room measurements come in at 40.4, 39.4 and 37.8 inches respectively for rows one, two and three. Leg room measures 41.3, 36.8 and 332. inches respectively while shoulder room is 61.5 inches up front, 61.0 inches in the middle and 57.6 inches in the rear. Hip room comes in at 58.0 inches up front, 57.8 inches in the middle and 48.3 inches in the third row seat.

Model Highlights

Chevrolet describes the Traverse as having an “athletic exterior” and a face that represents its new design language for the brand’s SUVs. This look is different from its passenger vehicles, but still features the big golden bow-tie that is a Chevy staple. New chrome accents, a revised hood, new head lamps and sculpted corners are among the changes seen up front. In the rear the tail lamps have been redesigned.

Inside, the Traverse offers a modified interior, bringing in Chevrolet MyLink infotainment for smartphone integration and Bluetooth streaming. This means you can access Pandora and Stitcher Internet radio with ease; a large illuminated center stack provides a more luxurious look.

Articulating front head restraints are now standard; both seats feature 8-way power adjustments. New trim touches including available wood treatments are available.

The 2013 Traverse also brings to the market the industry’s first front center air bag. This unit supplements existing airbag technology to provide extra protection in far-side impact crashes. Other safety features include available side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, head curtain side airbags, stability control, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, hill start assist and a tire pressure monitoring system. OnStar, with its safety and security features is included, with a 6-month subscription.

Photos courtesy of General Motors Company.

7 Car Brands You Won’t See in the USA Anytime Soon

May 23, 2012 by admin 2 Comments

Tough market and competition keeps some automakers away.

The U.S. auto industry is the second-largest in the world, having been bypassed by China in 2009. China’s ascendancy came as the U.S. market tanked, but its recovery is in progress and promises to be a good one. Car manufacturers the world over prize both markets, desiring the U.S. because of its high profit margins and China for its volume. Not all brands are present in both markets and we can think of several makes that aren’t likely to make an appearance in the U.S. anytime soon.

1. Renault — Big in Europe and in the Americas from Mexico on south, Renault is no stranger to the U.S. market. The French automaker partnered with American Motors Corporation in 1980 and assumed controlling interest of AMC in 1983. Throughout much of the 1980s, Renault and AMC models were sold across the US until Renault sold AMC to Chrysler in 1987. Renault’s presence in the U.S. market ended in 1992 when its rebadged Eagle Premier model was dropped by Chrysler. Today, Renault and Nissan are in a strategic alliance with the latter likely keeping the former from ever showing up stateside again.

2. Peugeot — Like Renault, French automaker Peugeot also sold its cars in the United States, beginning distribution in 1958. Its models, however, were less than inspiring and the market for Peugeot cars never thrived. By 1991, Peugeot exited both the U.S. and Canadian markets, although it has since reestablished a presence in Mexico. Don’t expect to see the latest Peugeot models on U.S. highways within the next few years despite its all-new alliance with General Motors. China is a more practical expansion point for this automaker with GM, perhaps, nixing any possible plans for U.S. distribution.

Editor’s Note: In February 2019, Peugeot announced it will return to the U.S. market, setting 2026 as its re-introductory date. Likely, the company will debut its latest models through a car-sharing service.

3. Skoda — The Volkswagen Group is bent on leading the world in car manufacturing and its Skoda subsidiary will be doing its part to contribute a significant sales boost. The Czech automaker was largely unknown outside of eastern Europe until VW came calling and buying in 2000. Skoda products share platforms and parts with Volkswagen products, but one model could find its way to the U.S. However, Volkswagen is much more interested in promoting its eponymous brand than launching Skoda stateside, thus any Skoda product sold here will likely carry VW badging.

This Skoda MissionL is a Chinese-bound model.

4. SsangYong — It looks difficult to pronounce, but a Korean friend of mine says that the double “S” in SsangYong is treated as a hard S. No matter, this once bankrupt automaker was rescued by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra, a company with its own designs on the U.S. market. Those designs have been thwarted in a legal tie-up with its one-time U.S. distributor and could take years to untangle the mess. SsangYong may prove to be the avenue by which Mahindra makes its official U.S. debut, but we don’t see that happening within five years, if at all.

5. Samsung — Korea’s big electronics company began building cars in 1998, just before the Korean economy tanked. Two years later Renault bought a controlling stake in the automaker, increasing it to 80.1 percent where it is today. Samsung cars are rebadged Nissans, the latter a strategic partner of Renault. Nissan Motors is on a quest to increase its market share in the U.S., with an eye of overtaking Honda as the second-largest Japanese automaker in America. Allowing Samsung badged models would only undercut its U.S. efforts, thus the only Samsung you’ll ever see is the one you watch, make calls on or use to wash and dry your clothes.

6. Holden — Okay, trick submission. Holden cars have recently made an appearance in the United States with its Monaro coupe sold as the Pontiac GTO and its Commodore as the Pontiac G8. When Pontiac died, Holden’s presence in the U.S. went with it, but only for a little while. Today, the Chevrolet Caprice is sold as a pursuit vehicle to law enforcement agencies only. That car is the Holden Commodore-Pontiac G8 and is one model that may eventually be sold to retail customers. As far as Holden getting a hold in the U.S. market, we that think brand-happy GM has learned its lesson. At least we hope that it has!

7. Tata — We’ve known for years that Tata Motors has been planning to sell its uber-cheap Nano in the United States. A European-spec model, the likely precursor of the U.S.-spec model, has been built. However, it still hasn’t been sold. Tata has been exporting its cars to other emerging markets and it seems likely it will continue to find markets where competition is thin in the ultra-low-cost entry-level market. As for a U.S. model of any kind, Tata may be content with managing its Jaguar and LandRover brands, highly profitable lines for this Indian car company.

The U.S.-spec Tata Nano is not ready for prime time.

Other Brands

There are scores of other brands around the world that either have a more localized presence or simply have little interest in entering the highly-competitive and expensive U.S. market. Maruti, an Indian automaker controlled by Suzuki, is busy expanding its presence throughout this vast republic of 1.3 billion people. Russian and Chinese manufacturers may someday sell cars stateside, although it seems likely that a Chinese brand such as BYD will set up shop here first. Brands that don’t make it to the U.S. need not look longingly at the U.S. market as the cost of entry is too high and the competition fierce.

LEGO Fans Rock the Super Car Models

May 21, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Bringing the wonder of LEGO to super car design.

Update: May 23, 2012 — The developer of the Vampire GT Supercar would like LEGO to take his idea and make it into a supported product. He can’t do this without your support, however. If you like Paul Boratko’s work, then please vote for it right here. LEGO says that 10,000 supporters are needed before it will give a product its consideration.

This past weekend, my wife and I took our two boys to the Brick Master 2012 festival held at the Hilton North Raleigh. That event featured an assemblage of LEGO crafts, built by enthusiasts young and old alike. Many displays were custom-made designs, utilizing hundreds if not thousands of tiny plastic bricks to create some highly spectacular works of art.

LEGO Enthusiast

On hand with his nine pieces was Paul Boratko, a LEGO enthusiast with an eye for building super cars. Boratko’s display included a 1969 Camaro SS, a chopped hot road, a Vampire GT, a Porsche 997 GT3, a Lamborghini Murcielago, a Lamborghini Gallardo and other other models and parts including transmissions, a generic deluxe super car and a Vampire GT chassis.

According to Crowkillers, the Vampire GT features a dash switch that allows you to choose either rear- or all-wheel-drive. It also comes with a 5-speed transmission with one reverse gear, a working “Hand of God” steering with remote cockpit steering, 4-wheel independent suspension, a small bevel gear that opens and closes each door, and a hood and rear hatch that opens. Not your typical LEGO design and one with a whole lot of extras included.

Murcielago LEGO

Boratko’s talent is clearly evident and demonstrates the interest of car enthusiasts have in building LEGO models of various vehicles. Indeed, the Murcielago design was picked up by LEGO and issued as part of its RACERS series . On the box it says “designed by LEGO fans,” acknowledging the contribution that some LEGO enthusiasts have made to this product line (ed. — however, we have since confirmed that this story was a hoax on the part Fernando Correia and wishful thinking that LEGO would pick up Boratko’s design). As of this writing, the current RACERS series is comprised of four monster trucks.

Each photo shown here can be enlarged to see a more detailed view of the super cars. Right click on the photo and click on “open image in new tab” to view. You may reuse these pictures on your website with attribution to “Auto Trends Magazine” and a link to autotrends.org.

7 Automotive Career Training Schools

May 21, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

Students seeking a career in the automotive sector will find several different opportunities awaiting them. Those with a degree in engineering can pursue careers as automotive engineers, earning close to $80,000 per year on average, among the highest wages in the industry. Others may work as automotive body and related repairers, as service technicians and mechanics, as master or speciality mechanics, or as glass installers and repairers. Whatever position youre interested in, there are numerous schools across the nation that specialize in automotive repair or at least offer a program that can help you get your career rolling. We list seven of those schools here, a list we arent endorsing, but a starting place for aspiring automotive professionals nonetheless.

1. Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
16220 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 100
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
800-859-7249

Notes: With 10 campuses and six courses of study, UTI provides training for people that are looking for careers automotive, diesel, collision repair and motorcycle technicians. The school operates the NASCAR Technical Institute in Charlotte and each of its schools has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The school claims that nearly two-thirds of its students graduate with four out of every five of its grads finding work within their chosen field.

2. WyoTech
4373 North 3rd Street
Laramie, WY 82070
866-202-6582

Notes: Founded as the Wyoming Technical Institute, this school is headquartered in Laramie, Wyoming. It operates five other campuses one each in Florida and Pennsylvania, and three in California. WyoTech offers courses in advanced automotive diagnosis, automotive-diesel combination, motorsports chassis fabrication and trim and upholstery technology, among others. Each campus is individually accredited, with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges putting its stamp of approval on each one. The graduation rate varies by campus and ranges from 67 to 86 percent.

3. Kettering University
1700 University Ave.
Flint, Mich. 48504-6214
800-955-4464

Notes: Kettering University got its start in 1919 and was initially known as the School of Automotive Trades and, later, as the General Motors Institute. In 1998 it assumed it current name to honor Charles F. Kettering, an early donor and inventor. The university offers extensive undergraduate and graduate programs including Fuel Cells Hybrid Technology, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Computer Engineering and other areas. Undergraduate specialities include Alternative Energy, Automotive Engineering Design and Bioengineering Applications. The university offers a cooperative program and counts several businesses as its employer partners in education including Faurecia, BorgWarner, GM, TRW and Bosch.

4. Penn Foster Career School
Student Services Center
925 Oak St.
Scranton, PA 18515
570-961-4033

Notes: Owned by the Princeton Review, Penn Foster has been educating students since 1890, having started out as the International Correspondence Schools. The school is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council. Penn Foster offers courses leading to an Automotive Repair Technician and offers an Automotive HFAC Essentials Certificate and an Automotive Transmissions Essentials Certificate. Studies in Diesel Mechanics and Motorcycle Repair are also offered.

5. Nashville Auto-Diesel College
1524 Gallatin Road
Nashville, TN 37206
615-226-3990

Notes: You may be familiar with the Lincoln Group of Schools, a for-profit educational institution with more than 40 schools and campuses scatted across the United States. Among Lincolns acquisitions is the Nashville Auto-Diesel College in Tennessee, a school with a history that spans more than 90 years. NADC is well-known for automotive training and is staffed by ASE certified instructors. The school has on-campus dormitories, a full service cafeteria and has a custom paints program, an auto and diesel shop, and a collision repair and finishing facility on-site. NADC is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and is authorized to operate by the state of Tennessee. NADC boasts a student retention rate of 60 percent.

6. Macomb Community College
14500 E. 12 Mile Road
Warren, MI 48088
586-445-7999

Notes: Located near Detroit and within the heart of Michigans automotive sector, Macomb Community College is positioned to prepare its 48,000 students for life beyond college. Given that MCC is a public two-year school, it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. MCC offers a one-year Comprehensive Automotive Training program that yields a certificate or students can choose a slightly longer and more involved program that provides an Associate of Applied Science degree. All areas of the car are covered and this program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

7. Pittsburg State University
1701 South Broadway
Pittsburg KS 66762
620-231-7000

Notes: For students that successfully complete a two-year Automotive Service Technology degree and are looking to purse a four-year degree, Pittsburg State University in Kansas accepts transfer students into its program. This program moves forward where two-year programs leave off, preparing students in engineering technology, theory, logic, leadership, and business skills to assume management positions as they work their way up in the auto industry. AST also operates a two-year program, one that is certified by NATEF. Its four-year program is one of the top four of its kind in the nation. PSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

See Also — 7 USA Racing Schools

References

ONET Online: Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Specifications of a 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T

May 14, 2012 by admin 3 Comments

Turbocharged engine brings performance to the Sonata line.

Hyundai Sonata Turbo Engine — Under the hood of this Hyundai Sonata is a turbocharged engine.

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata continues where the previous model year sedan left off, bringing to customers a roomy five-passenger sedan that is big on value, looks and fuel efficiency. This model also has performance credentials to offer as a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine powers the Sonata 2.0T edition.

Engine and Transmission

Hyundai continues to advance a trend whereby V-6 engines are disappearing from the midsize sedan segment. Those manufacturers still offering the larger engines typically claim a 10 percent sell rate as customers overwhelming choose smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient four cylinder engines.

Recognizing that some buyers still want the power a V-6 engine delivers, Hyundai produces the Sonata 2.0T, a turbocharged edition powered by a 2.0-liter 16-valve in-line four cylinder engine. This model makes 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 foot-pounds of torque in a 1,750 to 4,500 rpm range. This aluminum engine measures 3.38 inches bore by 3.38 inches stroke and has a 9.5-to-1 compression ratio. Hyundai pairs this engine with a SHIFTRONIC 6-speed automatic transmission with an overdrive lock-up torque converter. Paddle shifters are included with the SE model.

Fuel Efficiency

With its 2013 Sonata 2.0T, Hyundai effectively demonstrates that performance and fuel economy are not mutually exclusive. The EPA rates the turbo Sonata at 22 mpg around the city and 34 mpg on the highway. This vehicle takes regular grade gasoline.

Outfitted with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, the Sonata 2.0T has a cruising range of 629 miles (34 mpg x 18.5). That’s enough fuel to take you from Detroit to New York City on one tank of fuel. For even better range, consider the Sonata Hybrid.

Sonata 2.0T Dimensions

Built on a 110.0 wheelbase, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T is 189.8 inches long, 72.2 inches wide and 57.9 inches tall. This vehicle has a coefficient of drag measuring 0.28.

Total passenger volume measures 103.8 cubic feet. The Sonata offers 16.4 cubic feet of trunk capacity. This vehicle weighs from 3,338 to 3,452 pounds. Towing is not recommended.

Front leg room capacity is 45.5 inches; rear leg room comes in at 34.6 inches. Front shoulder room measures 57.9 inches; rear shoulder room measures 56.7 inches. Front hip room is 55.2 inches; rear hip room is 54.9 inches. Head room measures 40 inches up front and 38.1 inches in the back. Slight variations in head room exists in sedans equipped with a sunroof.

Model Facts

The Sonata 2.0T is offered in SE and Limited editions and is priced from $25,850. Among the many features offered are power-folding heated side mirrors, automatic projector-beam head lamps, front fog lights, 18-inch silver aluminum alloy wheels set within all-season tires and two sunroof options.

Inside, leather trim is standard with leather touches found on the steering wheel, the door inserts and on the shift knob. This model comes with tilt and telescopic steering wheel, cruise control and sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors.

Every Sonata 2.0T comes with remote keyless entry, push button start, power windows and door locks, two 12-volt power outlets, eight-way power driver’s seats with lumbar support and heated front seats. Heated rear seats are standard with the Limited edition.

Also standard is a six-speaker audio system with seven- and nine-speaker systems available or optional elsewhere. HD Radio is optional with the SE and standard with the Limited. USB jacks, a shark fin antenna and Blue Link telematics — Hyundai’s proprietary system — are standard.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai North America.

The Average Salary of Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

May 1, 2012 by admin 6 Comments

Information updated June 2014.

By Charles K. Green

What automotive glass installers and repairers earn.

You are zipping down the interstate and without warning an unknown piece of debris flies up, hits your windshield and sails over the roof of your car. Startled, you continue on your way, but soon notice a pin-sized hole in your windshield. That hole will only grow if it is not repaired, possibly causing the entire windshield to crack and break if you neglect the repair.

Fortunately for you, your auto insurance policy will cover the repair, provided you use XYZ automotive glass repair, a company that will send out a technician to repair your windshield at your home. Such automotive glass installers and repairers number just 18,000 strong according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning an average annual salary of $32,310 per year as of 2013.

Average Pay for Automotive Glass Installers

The median pay for automotive glass installers and repairers was $32,300 in 2013 according to the BLS. Those in the 10th percentile averaged $19,900 per year while those in the 25th percentile earned $25,200. Glass repairers in the 75th percentile averaged $39,400 per year and those in the 90th percentile earned $47,100 per year annually.

Largest Industries

Automotive repair businesses and car manufacturers employ the largest number of glass installer and repairers. Companies such as Safelite AutoGlass typically send technicians to the location of a vehicle to remove the old glass and install new glass. Some technicians work in body shops or related repair shops. Others work in manufacturing plants.

By Location

Automotive glass installers and repairers can be found in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Tennessee, with an average yearly pay of $41,100, lead all states as of 2013. Minnesota at $39,500, Oregon at $38,000, Utah at $37,300 and Nevada at $36,600 followed.

At the bottom end of the pay spectrum is Missouri where the average salary as of 2013 came in at $22,300 followed by New York at $25,400, New Mexico at $26,300, Louisiana at $27,000 and Indiana at $27,400.

Training for Automotive Glass Installers

Most repairers and installers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some have completed technical school, receiving training in body work. Workers may be hired and trained by a company, but should possess expertise and experience working with such tools as cutting knives, pullers, screwdrivers and power buffers. Mechanical aptitude, mathematical skills and customer service skills are important for this position.

Job Outlook

The BLS is estimating average growth for automotive glass installers and repairers, projecting an 8 to 14 percent job growth for the 10-year period ending in 2022. Approximately 6,900 openings are forecast as workers move on to other jobs or move up in the industry. With more than 250 million vehicles registered in the United States according to the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, there will always be a need for people to fix cracked windshields and replace other automotive glass.

Additional Salary Articles

The Average Salary of Automotive Body Technicians

What Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics Earn

The Average Salary of Automotive Engineering Technicians

The Average Salary of Automotive Engineers

The Average Salary of Automotive Service Technicians