Archives for April 2014

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ — The Current Qualifiers

April 30, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

— This list is current as of May 7, 2014 —

Crash test performance is important to consumers, providing a way for them to compare the safety performance of various models. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts crash tests for many of the vehicles you might consider and assigns these models with a rating.

Top Safety Pick+ Ratings

The highest ratings offered are Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+, the latter qualifier added in 2013. To achieve its now top rating a vehicle must meet two criteria:

1. Meet the top safety pick vehicle requirements, including earning “good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a good or acceptable rating in the small overlap front test.”

2. Earn a “basic, advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.”

Vehicles that meet the advanced both criteria are assigned a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

As of April 2014, very few models have achieved the IIHS’ top rating. By category, the following vehicles qualify with some exceptions noted.

Minicars

No winners.

Top Safety Pick+: 2014 Toyota Prius (select models).

Top Safety Pick+ — 2014 Toyota Prius (select models).

Small cars

2014 Honda Civic 4-door — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Mazda 3 — applies only to optional front crash prevention models and to vehicles built after October 2013; hatchback and sedan body styles included.

2014 Toyota Prius — applies only to optional front crash prevention models. Applies only to vehicles built after November 2013.

Midsize Moderately Priced Cars

2014 Chevrolet Malibu — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Ford Fusion — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Honda Accord 2-door — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Honda Accord 4-door — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Mazda 6 — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Subaru Legacy — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Subaru Outback — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

Top Safety Pick+ -- 2014 Ford Fusion (select models).

Top Safety Pick+ — 2014 Ford Fusion (select models).

Midsize Luxury/Near Luxury Cars

2015 Audi A3 — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Infiniti Q50 — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Lincoln MKZ — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Volvo S60 — all models.

Large Luxury Cars

2014 Acura RLX — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2015 Hyundai Genesis — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Volvo S80 — all models.

Small SUVs

2014 Mazda CX-5 — applies only to optional front crash prevention models. Applies only to vehicles built after October 2013.

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Nissan Rogue — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Subaru Forester — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

Top Safety Pick+ -- 2014 Subaru Forester (select models).

Top Safety Pick+ — 2014 Subaru Forester (select models).

Midsize SUVs

2014 Chevrolet Equinox — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 GMC Terrain — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Toyota Highlander — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

Midsize Luxury SUVs

2014 Acura MDX — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

2014 Mercedes M Class — applies only to vehicles built after August 2013.

2014 Volvo XC60 — all models.

Top Safety Pick+ -- 2014 Toyota Highlander (select models).

Top Safety Pick+ — 2014 Toyota Highlander (select models).

Minivans

2014 Honda Odyssey — applies only to optional front crash prevention models.

Safety Rating Considerations

Achieving a Top Safety Pick+ rating should result in lower auto insurance costs for consumers. The time to check what your rate will be should be done before you make your purchase. Insurance rates can vary by hundreds of dollars annually between like models.

You should also know that the ratings are assigned with the vehicle category in mind. That simply means larger and heavier vehicles provide better protection than smaller and lighter models across the board.

Please note that as of April 2014 Auto Trends now includes IIHS safety ratings with the vehicle specifications for every new car review posted to this site.

Toyota to Consolidate its Headquarters to Texas

April 29, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Toyota moves deep into the heart of Texas.

2013 Toyota Tundra — Tundra is one of two Toyota models currently built in Texas.

Toyota: From California to Texas

Toyota already has a strong presence in Texas including in San Antonio where its truck plant produces its full-size Tundra and smaller Tacoma pickup trucks. Toyota’s presence in the Lone Star State is about to boom with its announcement on Monday that its far-flung North American headquarters will be united in Plano, just north of Dallas.

The consolidation to Texas will give the world’s largest automaker a much more central presence, moving its operation closer to where it produces many of its vehicles and to the heart of the consumer market. In the 1950s it made sense for Toyota to set up headquarters in California where it could get a toehold in the US market. Since then, Toyota has spread across the country and redefined itself: it no longer is it simply a Japanese brand, but a global powerhouse, one with a distinctly American brand in its Lexus line.

Three Divisions, One Headquarter

At present, Toyota has three separate locations for its manufacturing, sales and marketing, and corporate divisions. Besides its Torrance, California, base of operations for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America is based in Erlanger, Kentucky, and Toyota Motor North America is in New York City. All three will consolidate to Texas no later than early 2017.

Even so, Toyota has promised to maintain a presence in all three locations and will increase its philanthropical support to the affected communities for five years beginning in 2017. Toyota will maintain about 2,300 employees in California and 8,200 workers in Kentucky. The automaker also supports area nonprofit and community groups in both states, and will contribute an additional $10 million over and above its current commitments.

Toyota will move about 2,000 people from California, 1,000 from from Kentucky and a small group of people from New York to Plano. Its separate Toyota Financial Services (TFS) company will also head to Texas, but not before 2017. Some 1,000 TFS employees will be affected by that move.

Toyota’s new headquarters will compose a state-of-the-art environmentally sustainable complex that will take about two years to complete. The company plans to break ground for that facility this fall, but initial small groups will begin to move in this summer to a temporary facility not far from its future headquarters.

Making Financial Sense

Moving from California to Texas makes sense not just from a geographical proximity standpoint, but from a financial perspective. Texas has long ranked among the top states for doing business, coming in at No. 2 in a 2013 CNBC survey of the same, finishing just behind South Dakota. Although its cost for doing business isn’t particularly impressive (coming in at No. 35), Texas received top marks for its economy and infrastructure.

California has long ranked near the bottom of the pack, falling to No. 47 in 2013. The state scored highest (No. 2) for technology and innovation, finishing behind New York. But, Texas also ties California for that honor and beats its west coast rival in other categories including workforce, education, and cost of living.

Jim Lentz, Toyota’s chief executive officer for North America noted the importance of the automaker’s shift to Texas by stating, “With our major North American business affiliates and leaders together in one location for the first time, we will be better equipped to speed decision making, share best practices, and leverage the combined strength of our employees.” Lentz also noted that the combined headquarters will provide greater collaboration and efficiencies across Toyota, what he says will help the company “become a more dynamic, innovative and successful organization in North America.”

Toyota US Sales

Toyota’s US sales are just ahead of Fiat Chrysler and behind the Ford Motor Company to hold third place. Year-to-date sales are down 1.6 percent in a market that is up 1.4 percent for the year according to the Wall Street Journal.

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2014 Audi A6 TDI Quattro: Diesel Does It!

April 25, 2014 by admin 5 Comments

Audi diesel delivers excellent fuel economy and performance.

My first and only diesel vehicle was a used 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit, a model with a single, overarching positive attribute: it got 50 miles per gallon. Beyond that, the Rabbit diesel was as slow as molasses to the point where my palms broke out in a sweat whenever I attempted to enter a high speed road from a full stop.

Early on, I learned to allow for double to triple the amount of the normal space required between the sluggard VW and approaching traffic, lest I suddenly find a rig bearing down on me with not enough torque to move out of the way. That happened just once, a frightening experience that had me shopping for something new and gas-powered just days later.

Since that ordeal, Volkswagen has made much progress with its diesel technology and now produces a line of TDI engines — turbo-diesel injection — that are clean, efficient and powerful. Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, automatically receives the same benefit, offering diesel-powered models across much of its product line.

2014 Audi A6 TDI Quattro

One such model, the 2014 Audi A6 TDI Quattro (priced from $57,500) was a recent weekly tester, a model outfitted with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That all-wheel drive model had me forgetting the earlier VW experience and favoring it over the previously tested Audi A6 with its four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine.

As before, I enjoyed the room, comfort and amenities that the Audi A6 line offers. What clinched it for the TDI was its robust power — Audi says that it goes from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, beating many gas-powered models. Its 240 horsepower rating is good, but the 428 foot-pounds of torque gives this medium-sized luxury sedan some real kick.

Excellent Fuel Economy

The A6 TDI’s driving range is well over 600 miles thanks in part to its high EPA numbers: 24 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway for a combined 29 mpg. I averaged above 32 mpg for the week, a deliciously satisfying number for this five-passenger sedan.

Audi does two things to squeeze more diesel out of every gallon of fuel. For one, the transmission is efficient with the added gears (8-speed versus 6-speed) contributing to its fuel savings. While driving on the highway I also used cruise control to maximize fuel efficiency, an adaptive system that also maintains sufficient space between the A6 and vehicles in front of it. When activated, the system will stop the car if you don’t — to resume speed, a slight tap on the accelerator brings the Audi back to its previous cruise setting.

The second fuel savings feature is automatic start and go (stop/start technology), part of a driver assistance package ($2,800) that includes cruise control, lane keeping assist, and a top view camera. When idled, the Audi A6 shuts off, then quickly activates the moment you take your foot off of the brake. It is not annoying or intrusive — when power is needed you get it and without hesitation.

Quattro All-Wheel Drive

Power is sent to A6’s front wheels with additional power distributed to the other wheels as needed. For luxury cars I prefer rear-wheel drive, but I also admire all-wheel drive systems especially Audi’s.

Its Quattro system has been around for more than 30 years and is recognized as the best of its kind. Sure enough, it handled my many and varied driving maneuvers with ease, with nary a tap of the brake pedal required to slow me down. If I were shopping for an Audi I would choose Quattro to enjoy its full handling characteristics, what amounts to an important safety advantage too.

Clean, Luxurious Package

Inside and out, the Audi A6 delivers a look that is sporty, refined and luxurious. My test model had stenciled on both sides of the sedan raised TDI and “clean diesel” lettering to distinguish this model from all others. It is an attention getter too — several times I saw people staring at the profile and mouthing the words. Figure that it was a press fleet embellishment too — I haven’t seen it on other A6 TDI models.

Just as easily the gapers might also had been admiring the 20-inch rotor-designed wheels that were set within the summer tires. A sport package ($1,500) brought in the sport suspension and paddle shifters; a black optic package ($1,300) added high gloss trim and better wheels. The tester’s $67,295 sticker price also included a Prestige package ($2,800) and an $895 destination charge.

Speaking of prestige, that package included several upgrades to enhance its attractive interior. Four-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a Bose audio system, front seat ventilation, automatic power folding heated side mirrors, and adaptive lighting were among its top features. This package also included S line trim to amplify its sporty credentials.

2014 Audi A6: Diesel Does It

View manufacturer details and pricing

Real Wood, Simple Instrumentation

The model’s black interior seemed more like dark gray with soft touch materials and real wood trim found across the dashboard, around the door handles, and on the center storage compartment. The seats were covered in leather with sport stitching blending in with the fabric. Those front seats were firm, yet comfortable — the rear seats were also comfortable although the middle position does penalize people with its pronounced drivetrain hump.

The A6’s instrument panel is simple: traditional analog odometer and speedometer displays flank a digital driver information center, the latter adjusted by means of a stalk fixed to the column behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Connect your smartphone, track your direction or access music information without veering your eyes to the right.

And to the right of the instrumentation was a nifty display panel that emerges from the top of the center stack when the ignition is engaged. Its called Audi Multi Media Interface, what displays your SiriusXM satellite or other radio band stations in bright white lettering on a black background. Switches located just below the transmission shifter brought up navigation, telephone and other media information. Push the “menu” switch and turn the corresponding knob to exert system control. You can also press the “car” switch to change your driving settings from comfort to auto, dynamic or individual. What I appreciated about this layout was accessing a system that was elegant, clean and easy to use.

The one drawback for this sedan — and a glaring one at that — was the music device interface located inside the covered compartment between the front seats. There is no direct connection available unless you have the correct connecting cables, something not provided. Sure, you can automatically make a connection if the A6 senses your phone, but if you want to recharge your iPhone while driving, you’re simply out of luck.

Trunk Space and Pass Through

Audi provides a small pass through from the trunk to the cabin, a centered compartment useful for skis. The trunk itself is of average size with a netted compartment to the right and an enclosed compartment to the left housing the battery. Tie down hooks and a full-size under floor spare are also found.

Does the Audi A6 TDI provide enough performance to convince drivers to switch to diesel? Likely, many shoppers will find that it does. Even this guy was won over, enjoying the power and efficiency as delivered.

2014 Audi A6 TDI Quattro

Sticker price from $57,500
Price as tested: $67,295
Seats 5 occupants
3.0-liter 24-valve V-6 turbocharged diesel engine
240 horsepower @ 3,500 rpm
428 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,750 rpm
3.27 inches bore by 3.60 inches stroke
Engine compression ratio: 16:8-to-1
8-speed automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 114.7 inches
Length: 193.9 inches
Width: 73.8 inches
Height: 57.8 inches
Passenger volume: 112.1 cubic feet
Storage volume: 14.1 cubic feet
Towing capacity: NR
EPA: 24 mpg city, 38 mpg highway
Diesel fuel
Fuel tank: 19.8 gallons
Curb weight: From 4,178 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Good in all four tested categories
Safety features: Available rear seat torso airbags
Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 12 years/Unlimited miles
Vehicle assembly: Neckarsulm, Germany

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Lincoln Bets That China Investment Will Pay Off

April 24, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

Is China Lincoln’s promise land?

Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company; Jim Farley, executive vice president, Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln; and Robert Parker, president, Lincoln China at the April 2014 Lincoln roll out in China.

The Lincoln Motor Company is back. Well, at least the Lincoln brand has some life left in it. US sales are up by 35.9 percent through March 2014, well ahead of the industry average. Sales are still way below the hundreds of thousands of models that Ford’s luxury brand used to sell yearly about two decades ago, but its outlook is considerably brighter than in 2011 when Mercury was killed off.

On to China

Credit the all-new 2014 MKZ sedan with bolstering Lincoln sales and an upcoming MKC crossover with giving Lincoln dealers hope that additional customer interest is forthcoming. What also may help Lincoln’s visibility is its introduction in China, the world’s largest car buying market.

China is the auto industry’s lifeline, a market that quickly emerged as the global leader when US car sales tanked in 2009. Impervious to the recession, Chinese consumers snapped up nearly everything available to them, pushing year-over-year sales up by 30 percent or more for several years.

Though the Chinese market has since slowed down, analysts still expect that it may soon support 30 million cars sold annually, far above the 17+ million record for the US market. Ford, like all the other automotive players in China, wants to increase sales. Until now, only the Ford brand has been sold there — Lincoln sales start later this year.

The Lincoln Space

Leading up to the Beijing auto show, Ford formally introduced Lincoln, promising to bring a “new breed” of global vehicles to China. The Lincoln MKZ and MKC will kick things off this fall with three more models added by 2016. Those three include a midsize luxury SUV (MKX), a midsize luxury sedan, and the Lincoln Navigator — its full-size, body-on-frame SUV.

For China, Ford developed a unique customer education experience dubbed The Lincoln Space to introduce the brand to the Chinese. Ford describes it as a “bespoke environment” in a bid to convey a “personalized luxury vehicle ownership experience” for Lincoln shoppers. Following its Beijing appearance, the exhibit will travel to other cities including Shanghai and Chengdu.

Like other luxury brands, Lincoln has been attempting to upgrade the customer buying experience. With a new network for China that effort is now underway, what could lead to further improvements stateside.

The Lincoln Way

“The Lincoln Way” is an initiative whereby Chinese car shoppers are provided with a tea room, a personalization studio, and personalized technologies to help them choose and build their Lincolns.

“The Lincoln Way captures how Lincoln sells and services its vehicles and how Lincoln customers experience the brand,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president, Ford global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. “It completely shifts luxury automotive ownership from a sales and service transaction model to an experience model. It was designed in China based on the unmet expectations of luxury customers here, and it will launch here first.”

Ford says that Chinese customers are looking at luxury cars as a way to express their personality. No longer content with buying such vehicles to demonstrate their wealth, the automaker believes that Chinese consumers want to develop a personal relationship with their brands.

Bringing Forth Innovation

The automaker also says that the Chinese market allows the company to innovate, by trying out new methods to reach their customers. The company believes that China ultimately holds the key to Lincoln’s success and assumes that it will one day become its largest market. If so, then China will likely account for more than 160,000 units sold — the sales number Auto Trends has forecast for the brand stateside come 2016 — once the Lincoln MKC has been established.

Given up for dead by many following Mercury’s demise, Lincoln may once again find its place among the luxury brands. It won’t have the products of a Cadillac nor the cachet of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but it may provide a match for Acura and deliver customer service not unlike Rolls-Royce.

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Photo courtesy of Lincoln Motor Company.

Fiat Chrysler Not Giving Up On the Dodge Brand

April 23, 2014 by admin 3 Comments

Refreshed Charger and Challenger models may lift brand sales.

Dodge’s compact Dart has been a sales disappointment.

As of April 2014, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has officially added Alfa Romeo to its US product line, quietly debuting the sensuous 4C at the New York International Auto Show.

Besides Alfa, the Italian-American automaker also sells Fiat, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and SRT brand vehicles. Add in its Mopar automotive parts division and you have eight brands to balance for one of the largest car portfolios outside of the Volkswagen Group.

FCA also owns Ferrari and Maserati, brands that are marketed and sold separately in the US. Only Lancia and Ducato do not have a presence stateside and neither seem likely to be established here. With so many brands it seems possible that one or more makes might get cut with Dodge mentioned as a likely candidate by Ward’s Auto in a story it ran in June 2013.

Since the Ward’s article was published, other industry analysts and casual observers have shared their own thoughts about the future of Dodge. Not to be left out, the following are my reasons why I expect Dodge not only to survive, but thrive. Input from other industry experts was sought as well.

Refreshed Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger

Tim Kuniskis is the CEO of the Dodge brand, and as such has a stake in the success of the brand. This brand’s large cars are its Challenger coupe and Charger sedan, models that share the same platform and have been extensively reworked for 2015. Kuniskis had previously identified the pair as Dodge’s heart and soul models.

Since the current generation for both models went on sale five years ago, Dodge has sold more than 1 million vehicles combined, enjoying year-over-year sales increases since then. With FCA strengthening the brand’s heart and soul that’s reason alone to preserve Dodge.

2015 Dodge Challenger

Good-Bye, Dodge Avenger

In 2013 Dodge sold 93,842 units of is Avenger midsize sedan. Though those numbers pale in comparison to what Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Ford push with their respective models, it still represents a significant number of car shoppers. Those shoppers, however, won’t find an Avenger in Dodge showrooms after 2015 as the automaker is discontinuing the model even as it replaces the similar Chrysler 200.

Dodge hopes to recover some of its Avenger cancellation by switching people to the Dodge Dart, a compact model that has been a major disappointment for the company. FCA also expects some Avenger shoppers to move over to the 200 as the automaker seeks to reduce brand overlap. The Avenger cancellation and Dart sales slump have fueled rumors of Dodge’s demise, but with its heart and soul models in place, the automaker may simply be looking to narrow Dodge’s focus even as sales take a hit.

Making it With Crossovers

Where the Charger and Challenger represent the center of the brand, its crossover Dodge Durango and Dodge Journey models may be its bread and butter. The Durango is based on a stretched wheelbase version of the platform that underpins the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Though the Durango’s 60,727 units sold in 2013 come in far below the Jeep’s 174,275 units, Durango sales rose by 43 percent in 2013 and are up 19 percent through March 2014 where price tags approaching $40,000 a piece are common.

The Dodge Journey came to the brand in 2009 and has been a good seller. This midsize crossover has been given an extended lease on life as an all-new model is set to roll out for 2016, one year later than originally planned. That vehicle will be built on the same platform underpinning the Jeep Cherokee, itself exceeding sales expectations. While FCA will most certainly distinguish the Jeep and Dodge models, the next generation Journey could itself attract a new group of customers.

A Minivan or Not

Rumors continue to swirl about Chrysler’s two minivans: the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan. CEO Sergio Marchionne made it known several years back that only one of the two models would survive with the other likely to be remade as a crossover. With the Durango firmly in place it seems likely that Dodge will get the minivan and Chrysler the crossover.

The current Grand Caravan will stay in production through 2017, extending its life cycle by two years according to Automotive News. That will give the automaker time to develop the hybrid system that has reportedly been considered for this model. A diesel-powered model also seems likely.

2015 Dodge Charger

Beyond the Essentials

Might Dodge survive with just five models, namely the Challenger, Charger, Journey, Durango and Dart? Certainly, especially if the other brands pick up the slack.

Dodge’s rumored demise has been talked about since Chrysler separated its Ram trucks from Dodge and later reassigned Viper to SRT. That the Dart is selling poorly has been no comfort to brand loyalists either, a model outclassed in a very competitive segment.

Dodge sales rose in 2013 by 14 percent yet are down 9 percent through March 2014, largely due to declining Avenger and Dart interest. In resolving its Dart problems, Dodge may narrow its sales losses, but not entirely. Even then, the brand should have enough healthy models to press on as Fiat Chrysler seeks to bolster the rest of its portfolio.

The Experts Weigh In

Though the rumors about Dodge’s pending demise have received some traction over the past year, a number of experts are now saying otherwise.

Jason Lancaster, editor of AccurateAutoAdvice.com, believes that Dodge should focus on performance, taking a similar approach that has worked with with BMW and Porsche. Said Lancaster, “They should offer upgraded versions of cars in the Chrysler-Fiat family, with catchy names, flashy styling, and excellent stats.” With these changes Lancaster believes that “Dodge could become a symbol for modern American muscle.”

Ryan Freeze, a leader of change at Ajunt, a cloud-based agency platform, believes Dodge will survive but faults the brand for not offering a convertible and for currently presenting a line up that resembles a “Hertz commercial.” Freeze gives high marks to Ford for its reworked Mustang, but criticizes the Dart for “…too much body and [for not having] the same road feel as many competitors.” Like Lancaster, Freeze pointed to BMW as a brand for Dodge to aspire to.

We also heard from Justin Cupler, Chief Editor for TopSpeed.com, who was NOT at a loss for words. Said Cupler, “The entire Chrysler group, along with Maserati, is supporting FIAT Chrysler Automobiles NV and the FIAT brand. FCA NV would be insane to pull focus from Dodge at this point, as the muscle car realm is likely to explode in the next two years. The Mustang and Camaro are both selling pretty well, particularly the Mustang (up 19 percent YTD), and the Charger/Challenger siblings should see a boost from their respective refreshes. The Avenger and Dart are both huge losers, and the Avenger is already slated for the axe in 2016, with a RWD, midsize sedan rumored to take its place. This leaves the oddball that is the Dart, which needs a refresh to bring it more in line with the rest of the brand. If anything, FIAT S.p.A. needs to inject more into Dodge to cut the fat (Avenger), rework the slow sellers (Challenger and Dart) and introduce a midsize RWD sedan to replace the Avenger.”

So, there you have it. Dodge will likely be around for the long haul, but clearly an improvement in the way that this now 100-year-old brand approaches the market is required.

Photos courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, NV

Chevrolet Trax Makes Five Chevy Utility Vehicles

April 22, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

A familiar silhouette receives Chevy garnishment.

And then there were five. With the introduction of the Chevrolet Trax at the New York International Auto Show last week, the bow-tie brand will soon have five utility vehicles for customer perusal.

The Chevy Trax is a subcompact model that has been sold in Canada since 2012 and is a sibling to the Buick Encore. Yes, badge engineering hasn’t died and Chevrolet is getting a new model to slot below the Equinox. The three other Chevrolet utility vehicles are the Traverse, Tahoe and Suburban.

Competing Models Force Chevrolet’s Hand?

Bringing the Trax stateside makes sense as the crossover utility vehicle market continues to grow. Honda plans to introduce the HR-V next winter, Jeep is readying the Renegade, while Nissan already has the Juke.

Ford sells the EcoSport in India and reportedly is studying whether to offer a subcompact model for the US market too. Ford sells six utility vehicles in the US and won’t allow Chevrolet to get the upper hand.

“Trax offers customers another option in the Chevrolet family and will be a strong competitor in the emerging small-SUV market, which is expected to grow more than 80 percent by 2016, said Alan Batey, General Motors senior vice president, Global Chevrolet. “Trax also leverages our global resources and builds on Chevrolet’s strong SUV heritage.”

Chevrolet Trax Mashup

2015 Chevrolet Trax

Expected to arrive in early 2015, the Chevrolet Trax will be powered by the same 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine that powers the Buick Encore. it will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. That engine makes 138 horsepower and 148 foot-pounds of torque and can also be found underneath the hood of select Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze models.

Auto Trends reviewed a pair of Buick Encores within the past year. You can find those reviews here and here.

Standard and Available Equipment

With room for up to five, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax will offer standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. This model will also feature electric power steering, the latest OnStar and Chevrolet MyLink technologies, 10 airbags, numerous storage compartments, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and available keyless entry with remote start.

Pricing will be announced closer to its release, but a base model could come in just below $20,000. With the Equinox currently priced from $24,440 it will be interesting to see how GM determines pricing. With the Jeep Renegade arriving just ahead of the Trax you’ll likely see that pricing set accordingly.

Small Vehicles Added

Besides the Trax, Chevrolet has been building out its smaller vehicle inventory with a variety of products. Its car line now includes the Spark (mini), Sonic (subcompact) and Cruze (compact) and it will soon add the City Express van to its line up courtesy of Nissan.

Although the returning Colorado pickup truck is not a compact model, it comes in considerably lighter than the Silverado, representing one of only three small pickup truck lines sold in America (Toyota and Nissan represent the other two).

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Amazing! Monster Jam 2014

April 21, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

If spiffed up trucks are your thing, then the traveling Monster Jam event is certainly not to be missed. Monster Jam is a two-hour competitive and theatrical performance of jacked up pickup trucks outfitted with 1500-horsepower engines and all the glitz, noise and hoopla to go with it. Our family took in Monster Jam 2014 when it appeared at the PNC Center in Raleigh, NC, this April, a show that isnt like any other.

Monster Jam

Traveling Motorsport Event

Monster Jam is a motorsport event and tour that travels the country, indeed the world. Feld Entertainment is behind Monster Jam, the same company that operates the Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Circus you know, The Greatest Show on Earth. If you’ve ever been to a Disney On Ice or Disney Live performance, Feld runs those as well.

Although big on theatrics, Monster Jam is also a competition with dozens of drivers and their bedecked trucks competing. For the Raleigh event, six trucks participated: Madusa, Monster Mutt, Stone Crusher, Grave Digger, Hooked and the Lucas Oil Crusader.

And bedecked fails to adequately describe what you will see as each truck is of massive proportions, customized to accentuate an aggressive persona. Monster Mutt, for instance, is a kid favorite with his enormous floppy ears; stiff, upright tail; and cute-as-a-button face. Yet, a toothy snarl painted on the mutts side contradicts the playfulness, revealing that this dog has an intense bite.

The Stars and Their Trucks

The drivers or stars have their following with fans rooting for the trucks they want to come out on top. Drivers participate in racing and freestyle competitions with points awarded by three judges. The judges scores are based on the various stunts and tricks the drivers perform.

The trucks are noted for climbing on, over and circling around objects, usually junked cars that have been spray painted for accentuation. A crowd favorite are those times (and there were many) when a truck flies through the air to clear the junkers how long was the hang time for Cracked? Did he beat Lucas Oil and Monster Mutt?

Also of interest are those times when a truck climbs on top of a junker and the roof and pillars collapse. Madusa, Hooked and Grave Digger excelled in that department at least for one night.

Monster Jam World Finals

Besides the events which lead to an annual championship every March in Las Vegas with freestyle and racing champions named, each stop on the tour features a pit party where fans go to meet the stars and get their autographs. The pit party is a separate event, usually held late on a Saturday morning. Our show was on a Friday evening with two more shows scheduled the next day at 2 p.m. and again that evening.

Related to the event but sold separately are 1:64 scale Hot Wheels Monster Jam trucks. Each truck is of die-cast construction and has mega monster tires and four-wheel turning capabilities. A figure (driver) is included too. At the show, one set was given away; free tee shirts were shot into the crowd as well.

Monster Jam is loud, bright and it can even get you dirty especially if you sit up front and a truck suddenly begins doing donuts. Dirt flies nearly everywhere including into the lower seats small chunks, but offering fans a big surprise at that.

Special thanks to announcer Larry Jewett for securing a complimentary set of tickets for my family.

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New York: 2015 Hyundai Sonata on Display

April 17, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

A midsize sedan with a large interior.

The New York Auto Show is all about technology so it seemed fitting that the 2015 Hyundai Sonata would use that venue to showcase whats new from this Korean car manufacturer. The seventh generation Sonata was unveiled this week, a model replete with new and updated technologies including the latest version of its BlueLink infotainment system.

2015 Hyundai Sonata

The changeover from sixth to seventh generation is much less dramatic than the one that moved this large sedan from its fifth to sixth generation. The large categorization is how the EPA sees this vehicle, measuring interior capacity that leads the midsize segment.

For marketing and comparison purposes the 2015 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan. Its many competitors include the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Subaru Legacy, Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat and its corporate cousin, the Kia Optima.

Cleaner, More Sophisticated Lines

The Sonata’s exterior represents the latest iteration of its design language or what Hyundai calls Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. The new design includes a larger and sleeker grille along with a wider air intake.

From front to back the sedan features character lines that push back along the hood, extending from the headlamps to the front pillar, running from the top of the front wheel wells to the trunk, and offering a creased presentation just above the rocker panels.

The rear treatment includes wrap around tail lights with LED touches. With the 2.0T edition, a rear diffuser with quad exhausts tips and 18-inch alloy wheels gives this model a special look.

Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design North America noted, “With the 2011 Sonata, Hyundai took the mid-size sedan from a meal to a gourmet dinner. The evolution to Fluidic Sculpture 2.0’s more taut, modern lines reflect the improvements in refinement and driving dynamics for 2015.”

Smarter Interior Layout

Inside, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata offers a cleaner and more sophisticated layout with the automaker noting that controls are grouped logically and are conveniently placed for the driver. The audio and navigation displays were moved to optimize driver visibility.

Every Sonata model provides generous amounts of technology including SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary input jacks, and iPod/USB ports. An 8-inch navigation system is available, providing improved touch, better mapping, and a music split screen.

Hyundais Blue Link system has been updated to include the latest features such as destination search powered by Google, remote start, and a driver app for scheduling service at a Hyundai dealership.

Quieter Interior

Hyundai claims that it has reduced noise by increasing the amount of sound deadening materials in the dashboard and changing the size of the bulkhead openings. Its engineers also tuned the engine notes and added additional sound absorption materials in the floor plan.

The underbody tray itself is now made of a fibrous glass expansion board that has the dual purpose of containing sound and improving aerodynamics. And as for aerodynamics the 2015 Hyundai Sonata comes in at a slippery drag coefficient of 0.27, lower than any sedan in its class except for hybrid models.

Powertrain Choices

As before, Hyundai continues with its two four cylinder engine strategy, offering a reworked 2.4-liter four cylinder engine standard. Hyundai engineers shifted the power band downward and added new electronic intake continuously variable valve timing to reduce emissions. This engine is rated at 185 horsepower and 178 foot-pounds of torque.

An available 2.0-liter turbocharged four returns, what powers the Sport 2.0T models. For 2015 a smaller turbine and wheel compressor were added to increase torque and engine responsiveness. This engine is rated at 245 horsepower with an output of 260 foot-pounds of torque. Both engines are paired with six-speed automatic transmissions with manual shift capabilities.

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata hits showrooms by early summer. All US models are built at Hyundais factory in Montgomery, Alabama.

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2015 Toyota Camry Overhaul Breaks Cover

April 16, 2014 by admin 5 Comments

Best selling sedan receives a makeover.

2015 Toyota Camry

The current generation Toyota Camry rolled out for the 2012 model year, as mild of an update as you might find. The overall dimensions of the model remained the same and critics faulted Toyota for playing it safe as it sought to retain its position as the best selling car model in America.

2015 Toyota Camry

Well, the days of playing it safe for Toyota may be a thing of the past if the 2015 Toyota Camry is an indicator. America’s best seller is not all-new, but for a mid-product cycle refresh it offers many more changes than what are typically provided.

Indeed, Toyota says that it stripped the current generation down to its chassis and rebuilt it. The 2015 edition has 2,000 new parts although its powertrain choices remain the same. No matter, it was the bland skin that bothered many shoppers, a problem solved by crafting a whole new exterior.

Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., admitted as much as he presented the Camry at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. “Customers today love the durability, quality and value that the Camry represents, but they are looking for a little more style, comfort and performance, and this 2015 Camry has all of the above.”

Stiff Competition

Clearly, Toyota could not wait for the next generation model to refresh the Camry. Its chief competitors Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and the Ford Fusion have been gaining ground in recent years with bold styling and fresh powertrains the difference. Other competitors have jumped in with new models too including the Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Subaru Legacy and the Chrysler 200.

The Camry’s entire exterior except for the roof has been changed for 2015. This model measures 1.8 inches longer than the 2014 edition and the track was widened by 0.4 inches to help underscore its more athletic stance. Its front fender has a more confident look and its grille has taken on trapezoidal proportions.

New headlamps punctuate the front fascia with turn signal indicators and daytime running lamps integrated for an upscale look. To the rear, the Camry features reworked tail lamps that push up into the leading edge of the trunk. Toyota also applied decorative trim along the inside of the tail lamps for visual enhancement.

No Powertrain Changes

Under the hood, buyers will continue to choose from either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. Both motors are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Toyota Camry Hybrid also returns, retaining the same Atkinson-cycle 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine it has always used. It remains paired with a continuously variable transmission.

Inside, the Toyota Camry makes use of premium materials. The center console tray has been redesigned for increased capacity and a power source has been added to the storage box. The enclosed bin located forward of the shifter includes 12-volt and USB ports as well as a wireless charging system for smartphones, a segment-first feature.

The Camry’s instrument panel receives a new 4.2-inch TFT screen flanked by three-dimensional Optitron gauges on the SE, XLE and XSE (new) models. Audio, navigation, warnings and communication information are displayed on the screen.

Premium Seating and Noise Control

Toyota also gave seating surfaces a more refined look with those changes differing by model. Premium cloth is standard with genuine leather and ultra suede available, adorned with French stitching.

Toyota’s engineers were also tasked with making the cabin quieter in a bid to reduce wind and road noise. Upgraded window and door seals, thicker carpeting and redesigned mirrors collectively contribute to reducing noise.

Will the changes be enough to keep the Toyota Camry on top of the midsize sedan segment as well as keep it the best selling car in America? That seems likely as long as pricing follows. Given Toyota’s resolve, the Camry should continue to keep its competitors at bay at least for another year.

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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.