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Archives for March 28, 2013

Red Hot Coupe: 2014 Scion tC

March 28, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Scion tC breaks cover in Manhattan.

The Scion brand is now in its second decade of existence, a Toyota marque initially aimed at Generation Y new car buyers in the United States. In 2010, Scion was introduced to Canada, but the brands reach goes no further. Thats intentional, too, as Toyotas desire has always been to bring innovation and value to a handful of youth-oriented vehicles riding on a compact or smaller platform.

Buyer Median Age

While the median age for car buyers was 51 as of 2011, the average Scion buyer was about 34 reports Forbes. Some models, such as the tC, attract an even lower age group 28, on average.

The Scion brand isn’t poaching from Toyota as 75 percent of its buyers are new to the company. Given that Scions are usually sold at Toyota dealerships (there are some stand alone shops) the remaining 25 percent are simply choosing models that typically wear Toyota badges in other parts of the world.

2014 Scion tC.
The third-generation Scion tC.

Auto Industry Recovery

Scion’s success has slipped in recent years even as the industry and particularly Toyota have recovered from the Great Recession. The Scion division reported sales of 73,505 units for 2012, but that number is nearly 100,000 units below the peak 173,034 sales reached in 2006.

Getting back up above 100,000 units annually is doable noted Scion vice president Jack Hollis in a May 2012 WardsAuto interview. However, that threshold may not be reached until the US market achieves annual sales of 16.5 million units or more.

Aged models such as the xB and xD are expected to be replaced in 2014, reviving the Scion line that includes two new models: the iQ minicar and FR-S sports car. A fifth model, the Scion tC was updated in 2011, but its replacement is already waiting in the wings, an all-new model that made its global debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show.

2014 Scion tC

The third-generation Scion tC goes on sale in June 2013, a 2014 model year coupe that the brand describes as infused with sporty DNA. That DNA provides a new front end, improved rear styling as well as modified steering and handling. Think FR-S when you take a look at the all-new Scion tC and you wouldn’t be off the mark the sport cars styling cues are evident across the coupes body.

Doug Murtha, Vice President Scion Division, introduced the new coupe to reporters at the Jacob Javits Center.

The third-generation Scion tC is outfitted with angular headlamps, refined upper and lower grille treatments, a lower hood line that extends over a more pronounced grille and LED treatments. A blacked-out valance sits beneath the rear bumper with new trim touches and LED tail lamps apparent. This model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels shod within 225/45R18 tires.

Cabin Treatments and Technology

Several new technologies are found inside the 2014 Scion tC. Most notable is Scion Standard Display Audio, an arrangement marked by a a 6.1-inch LCD touchscreen. This system will roll out across the Scion line beginning in 2014, marketing the first time a non-luxury brand will offer a touchscreen audio system as standard equipment. SSDA includes Bluetooth connectivity, high-definition radio and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

SSDA also makes available Aha™, a premium audio system exclusive to Scion. With Aha you get full navigation and enjoy smartphone control and access to 30,000 free audio stations. Scions own audio station is part of that mix, providing 17 music channels across a wide spectrum of music genres. This system also brings in audiobook stations, sports, news and entertainment. Location-based services including Yelp and TripAdvisor are part of the package.

Under the Hood

So, what powers the 2014 Scion tC? That would be a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 179 horsepower at 6,000 RPM. Scion pairs this engine with your choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a modified six-speed automatic. The latter gearbox has been redesigned to change gears nearly twice as fast as the previous model for both upshifts and downshifts.

The improved transmission also comes with a distinctive FR-S feature: Dynamic Rev Management technology, which quickly blips the engine to match its revs to gear ratios on downshift. This technology limits driveline shock for driving enhancement.

Handling improvements include upgraded stabilizer bar hardware, optimized shock absorbers and improved body rigidity. The tCs electronic power steering has been retuned to deliver improved response.

Scion tC Notes

Will the Scion tC advance the brands revival? That seems likely and it may not take an extra 2 million net US sales to reach it. And when Scions two older models are updated, this youth-oriented brand will have one of the youngest product fleets on the market, priced to reach first-time car buyers and other value-minded consumers.


See Also — The Hidden Benefits of Stick Shift Transmissions

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

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 2014 MODELS, NYIAS, SCION FR-S, Scion Standard Display Audio, SCION TC, Toyota

Flagship Hyundai Equus Refreshed For 2014

March 28, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

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

2014 Hyundai Equus.
Refreshed for 2014: Hyundai Equus.

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.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: AUDI, BMW, Hyundai Equus, Lexus, luxury sedan, Mercedes-Benz

Shock Reveal: 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

March 28, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

Media folk had been expecting Chevrolet to roll out an updated Camaro at the New York International Auto Show. That model did make an appearance, but it was the shock reveal of the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 that lifted the crowd. This track capable coupe clocks in at three seconds faster on the track than the Camaro ZL1 and is 300 pounds lighter, representing the fastest Camaro ever built. Take that, Ford Mustang!

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
The most powerful Camaro Z/28 takes to the track in 2014.

Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

As expected, Chevrolet did reveal the updated 2014 Camaro, a model outfitted with a larger lower opening up front for improved cooling and reduced drag. The rear deck has also been redesigned to achieve greater aerodynamic balance. Camaro SS models also gain a functional hood vent; inside Recaro performance seats can be found.

Whats under the hood is what counts most to Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 faithful, fans that have been waiting for a top-end performance model to return ever since the Z/28 was retired in 2002. Their dreams have been answered and likely well beyond even their best expectations.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Check out the modified rear deck.

Track Lap Performance

The Z/28s engine is an adaptation of the LS7 used in the C6 Corvette Z06, a See Also Corvette Racing-developed 7.0-liter V-8 motor. A TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual transmission is the lone gearbox provided.

Performance figures are not official yet, but Chevrolet has pegged those numbers at 500 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 470 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. Moreover, a maximum engine speed of 7,100 rpm will make it possible for drivers to hold their gears longer between shifts while lapping the track. Peak engine power means faster lap times those first 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 models are expected to begin track time in spring 2014.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
A modified LS7 engine powers the all-new Camaro Z/28.

See Also — Refreshed and Reinvigorated: 2019 Chevrolet Camaro SS


Camaro Z/28 Engine Facts

The Camaro Z/28 engine is of cast aluminum construction and features an overhead valve design with two valves per cylinder. It features an 11.0 to 1 compression ratio and measures 4.125 bore times 4.0 stroke.

Constructed at GM’s Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., this engine is hand-assembled and outfitted with forged steel main bearing caps, a forged steel crankshaft, titanium compression rods and aluminum flat-tops pistons. Additional changes to the cylinder heads, exhaust valves, manifold and cooling system were also made. A cold-air induction system is outfitted with a free breathing K&N air filter.

Premium fuel is required. Its estimated 15 mpg around town and 24 mpg on the city fuel economy ratings will help this model escape the dreaded (and expensive) gas guzzler tax.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Thinner seats help achieve weight savings.

Significant Weight Savings

The all-new Camaro Z/28 is not just faster, it comes in lighter too. Weight savings were found in a variety of areas including the trunk carpeting and insulation what you will find in other Camaros, but not this one. Thinner rear window glass and the removal of all speakers except for one have yielded additional weight savings. Even the air-conditioning system was removed although you can buy one if you cannot take the heat.

Chevrolet says that the Camaro Z/28 is street legal, but it will put up its best performance numbers right on the track. You can use it on the drag strip too although Chevrolet is minimizing that attribute in favor of emphasizing its lap capabilities.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
Want air-conditioning? It is an option for a very weighty reason.

Parting Thoughts

So, what does the Camaro Z/28 do for Chevrolet? Pride. Prestige. Brand building. A much desire victory over the Ford Mustang.

The revived Z/28 wont sell in huge numbers pricing hasnt been announced, but it will cost a mint. And that may be just fine with Z/28 faithful who have been longing to take on and conquer the Ford Mustang and its many variants. The Chevy-Ford rivalry is heating up and well see how Ford responds when when the next generation pony car is introduced in April 2014.

2014 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
A very special emblem returns.

See Also — Drive It! 2014 Chevy Camaro SS Convertible

Photos courtesy of the General Motors Company.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: CAMARO Z/28, Chevrolet, Chevy, CORVETTE, GM, NYIAS, SPORT COUPE

New York: 2014 Acura MDX Crossover Debuts

March 28, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

Stiff competition in the midsize luxury SUV segment notwithstanding, the Acura MDX has managed to carve out a healthy chunk of the market with more than 50,000 units sold in 2012. Its main competitors include the BMW X5, Lexus GX470, Volkswagen Touareg ad Volvo XC90, crossovers that will have to face off against an all-new Acura MDX later this year.

2014 Acura MDX
The next generation Acura MDX
is scheduled for a summer release.

All-New Acura MDX

The New York International Auto Show was Acuras chosen venue to introduce the third generation MDX, a model that it says includes a more affordable and fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive configuration.

The2014 Acura MDX will sit on a new platform and makes use of lighter weight materials to lose 275 pounds. Magnesium, aluminum and high strength steel contributed to the weight savings and a 17 percent increase in aerodynamic efficiency has been realized. Noise canceling technology, acoustic glass and sound deadening materials help provide for a quieter cabin too.

Engine and Transmission

Sold in front- and all-wheel drive variants, the Acura MDX is powered by a 24-valve 3.5-liter V-6 engine that is paired with a sequential shift six-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters are included. The Earth Dreams Technology engine makes an estimated 290 horsepower and 267 foot-pounds of torque. For its gasoline engines, Earth Dreams represents enhancements in variable valve timing and lift electronic control system, modifications that improve performance and fuel efficiency.

Top fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg around town and 28 mpg on the highway are projected for the front-wheel-drive model. The AWD Acura MDX is expected to deliver 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This model takes regular grade gasoline.

Lapping the Ring

Acura says that it put the AWD MDX through the paces on the Nürburgring racing circuit, Germanys famous track frequented European sedans and coupes. Its efforts apparently paid off as the newest model lapped the Ring eight seconds faster than the previous model.

Fine tuning yielded improvements in steering, handling and braking, with MacPherson front struts, a multi-link rear suspension system and reactive dampers ensuring improved driver feel and response. An Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) is all-new, a driving system that adjusts throttle response.

Amenities and Technologies

Inside, the Acura MDX provides a 10-way power adjustable and heated drivers seat and an 8-way power and heated passenger seat. Additional storage space has been freed up too as the new model offers an oversized front console that can hold a laptop case, two tablets or a purse. Remote engine start, premium leather trim, silver-plated highlights, accent lighting, second-row sunshades and climate-controlled seats are among the standard features found in the Acura MDX.

Cutting-edge technology, always a Honda strong suit is apparent inside, outside and all across the Acura MDX. Signature Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights are introduced, a look that is distinctive and eye-catching. Inside, an improved ELS Studio premium audio system and an updated AcuraLink™ connectivity system are offered, the latter offering three years of complimentary freeway traffic and surface street conditions. Its a cloud-based system, one that works with compatible web-enabled smartphones.

Safety Features

Acura says that the MDX is expected to achieve the highest possible safety ratings including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award. A 5-star NHTSA rating is likely too.

Helping to keep Acura MDX drivers and passengers safe is a suite of safety features including an anti-lock braking system, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control and seven airbags. Also available are forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems.

Retail Availability

The 2014 Acura MDX will be built at Hondas Lincoln, Ala. operating plant, and will go on sale this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to this models release date.


See Also — The Highly Unlikely Acura Minivan

Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Filed Under: New Models Tagged With: 2014 MODELS, ACURA MDX, crossover, EARTH DREAMS TECHNOLOGY, HONDA, NYIAS

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