luxury

Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer

September 4, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The Wagoneer line will elevate Jeep’s profile.

The long-awaited return of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is nearly complete. On Thursday, Fiat Chrysler revealed the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept, a full-size SUV that blends the brand’s off-road credentials with luxury. The Grand Wagoneer represents one part of a Wagoneer sub-brand that will serve as the top-tier of the Jeep brand. Much in the same way Land Rover utilizes Range Rover for its elite line, Jeep appears ready to do the same.

As with any concept, this one isn’t the production version, but we think it will be very close. The concept clearly demonstrates where Jeep is headed as the Wagoneer features an elegant grille, 24-inch polished wheels, a long greenhouse, and LED touches.

From Ram to Jeep

To develop the Wagoneer line, Jeep turned to Ram’s platform underpinning the Ram 1500 pickup truck (one difference is that the Jeep will not utilize the solid rear axle in the Ram, utilizing an independent rear suspension).

That body-on-frame platform is currently without an SUV variant, unlike GM and Ford who have built various large SUVs for the Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, and Lincoln brands. As such, the Wagoneer should start somewhere above $60,000 and top $100,000 in its fully loaded Grand Wagoneer guise. A mid-2021 debut is likely with the company’s Warren, Michigan, plant producing the new models.

Elegance and Technology

Jeep did not reveal the Grand Wagoneer’s dimensions, but many of the other details are apparent, including the wood and leather interior, a digital display cluster, upper and lower infotainment screens, a front passenger screen, and additional screens for rear-seat climate control and infotainment. Further, the upscale Jeep will earn the company’s latest infotainment software, Uconnect 5.

The concept also features a 23-speaker McIntosh audio system connected to a 24-channel amplifier. Jeeps says the audio elements are designed in aluminum and gloss black, paralleling the look of McIntosh’s typical high-end home audio systems.

A Three-Row First

This will be the first three-row Wagoneer model. The concept shows a model with room for as many as seven occupants with first- and second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench seat.

Quite possibly an 8-row variant will be offered with a bench seat replacing the middle-row thrones. In any case, Jeep is touting this SUV’s interior room, luxury elements, and amenities.

Electrified Powertrain System

We don’t know everything about the various powertrains on tap, but the concept is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Jeep intends to push electrification across the brand, using the concept’s reveal as an opportunity to debut the Wrangler 4Xe, which is also a PHEV. These models follow the Renegade and Compass hybrids already on sale across Europe.

The gas engines in the hybrid fold will likely include the 3.6-liter V6 and the 5.7-liter V8 used by Ram. Quite possibly the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V6 will also find a place. All three engines work with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Grand Wagoneer comes with standard four-wheel drive. Notably, Jeep says it will offer three distinct four-by-four systems and supply an optional air suspension. Thus, the Grand Wagoneer is poised to travel places few big SUVs dare to go. Whether buyers would do so is another matter, but simply having that capability will give Jeep a leg-up in a competitive segment.

Grand Wagoneer Heritage

Jeep launched the first Wagoneer in 1962 for the 1963 model year. It was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle paired with an automatic transmission, effectively pioneering the modern SUV movement.

In 1984, Jeep rolled out the Grand Wagoneer, introducing leather upholstery, air conditioning, AM/FM/CB stereo systems, and extra insulation to deaden sound. These “premium” touches paved the way for competitors to follow, with many not joining the fray until early this century.

An Expanded Jeep Line

With the Wagoneer set to return in various guises, the Jeep brand should easily build on the momentum that has advanced this marque over the past decade. Once the pandemic passes and sales activity returns to normal, Jeep should sell more than 1 million units annually stateside with at least double that globally.

We think the Grand Wagoneer is a welcome addition to the Jeep line, although we’ve been disappointed that Ram never took advantage to build its own modern big SUV.

About the 2021 Genesis GV80

August 11, 2020 by admin 2 Comments

Genesis gains its first SUV.

The Genesis GV80 breaks new ground for the marque, delivering standard
5-passenger seating with available 7-passenger seating.

Hyundai’s Genesis brand has three sedans to show for it, but we’re still waiting the debut of its first utility vehicle. Fortunately, that wait is nearing an end as this luxury marque intends to release the GV80 SUV this fall.

When the GV80 arrives it will face stiff competition from well-established BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus models. But just as Genesis has shown no hesitancy with rolling out its trio of sedans, the all-new GV80 should find a place in the market.

Here are some important facts about the Genesis GV80:

1. Seoul debut. The GV80 made its global debut in January at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) west of Seoul. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 global pandemic soon followed and forced the cancellation of the New York International Auto Show in April where it would have made its North American debut. Design studios in Korea, Germany, and the United States collaborated on developing the new model.

2. A competitive starting price. Genesis prices the GV80 from $49,925, including a $1,025 destination fee. No competitor starts this low with most models costing from two to tens of thousands of dollars more. Its top price comes in around $72,000 in a segment where $90,000 or more for a fully loaded model is possible.

The 14.5-inch touch-screen display is fetching on all counts.

3. Two gasoline engines, no diesel. In Korea, Genesis showcase a GV80 with a diesel engine. Unfortunately, that engine isn’t destined for America. Instead, the base engine is turbocharged gas 2.5-liter that routes power to the rear wheels utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission is also standard. Both options feature available all-wheel drive (a $1,850 upgrade). An electronic limited-slip rear differential is included with the top trim. The preliminary performance numbers are as follows: 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque for the standard engine and 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque with the V6.

4. Wheels and suspension. The GV80 rides on standard 20-inch alloy wheels set within all-season radials. You’ll find 22-inch wheels with the top trim. Also available is an adjustable suspension system that supplies a softer ride on the top-trim Prestige.

5. Synthetic or real leather seats. The standard GV80 model comes with imitation leather or real hides. The top-trim Prestige trim (Standard and Advanced are the other two) features leather seats. We like that 12-way and heated front seats are standard. Ventilation and a heated steering wheel are included with the Advanced trim while the Prestige trim adds heated rear seats. Other features include wood trim and velvet suede headliner.

6. Leading-edge tech gear. Technology and luxury go hand in hand. That’s true with most models and the GV80 does not disappoint. Resting on top of the dashboard above the center stack is a huge 14.5-inch split touch-screen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth, and a complement of USB ports are just a few of the many tech features present. Among the upgrades are a Lexicon audio system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster.

Unique styling elements set the GV80 apart from the Genesis sedans.

7. Loaded with standard driver-assist gear. On the safety front, the GV80 has the features customers want and expect. Every model comes with automatic high beams, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Rear automatic emergency braking comes with the Prestige trim only.

More to Follow

Once the GV80 debuts, we’ll see an update to the G80 sedan. In fact, the two share a common platform. Two additional Genesis models are planned, including a second SUV. We also expect that Genesis will get its first electric vehicle, although we’re not certain what body style is planned for this all-electric vehicle.

Lincoln Axes the Continental

July 2, 2020 by admin 2 Comments

Ford’s luxury brand goes all-in on utility vehicles.

The last Lincoln sedan goes away this December.

The Lincoln Continental is one of the most storied models for Ford’s luxury marque, a big sedan with outsized styling, generous amenities, and class-leading comfort. In 2016, Lincoln resurrected the Continental to critical acclaim. Alas, its revival came as consumers eschewed sedans for utility vehicles, effectively ensuring that the latest Continental would serve only the smallest audience.

Production Ends in December

North American consumers will not see a Continental for the 2021 model year as Lincoln announced on Wednesday that production would cease by end of the year. Those models built this fall will be allocated exclusively for China where large sedans have a stronger following. Nevertheless, Ford’s Flat Rock, Michigan, assembly plant will finish producing Continentals in December.

Lincoln revived the Continental nameplate by unveiling a concept with center-hinged doors at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. Just over a year later, the all-new Continental rolled out for the 2017 model year. It replaced the previous and comparatively anonymous MKS, sitting on a stretched and modified version of the platform underpinning the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.

An Outlier Among Luxury Sedans

With standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, the current Continental competed in a segment dominated by rear-wheel-drive models. That said, customers could upgrade from the standard front-wheel-drive model with a naturally aspirated V6 engine and go with one of two turbocharged V6 engines with all-wheel drive.

We reviewed a Black Label model in 2017 outfitted with the larger of the two turbo engines and lauded its performance. Although we couldn’t call it a “Hot-Rod Lincoln,” its performance credentials were certainly noteworthy.

Sedans Give Way to SUVs

With the Continental following the MKZ to the defunct model playground, Lincoln will rely on its quartet of utility vehicles to advance the brand. These models are the full-size and traditional SUV Lincoln Navigator, a pair of midsize models – the three-row Aviator and two-row Nautilus, and the compact Corsair. We may yet see additional models although the planned all-electric SUV built with upstart Rivian will not happen.

Lincoln may point to the decline of sedans as a good reason to cancel the Continental, but its competitors aren’t giving up on them. Indeed Cadillac, its arch-rival domestic competitor, currently offers a trio of sedans although the largest of three, the CT6, is slated for cancellation. The CT6 is a near competitor to the Continental and rides on a rear-wheel-drive platform as do the smaller XT4 and XT5 models.

Hyundai’s Genesis luxury brand has effectively demonstrated that building quality sedans still finds a ready audience. It, too, has a trio of sedans for the offing (we’re currently reviewing the G70) and will soon at its first SUV this fall. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are also deeply invested in sedans even as demand for SUVs soars.

Ultimately, it comes down to investing priorities – Ford has cast its lot exclusively with SUVs, following the pattern that has made Land Rover the respected brand that it is.

At a Glance: 2021 Lexus IS

June 16, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

The 2021 Lexus IS wears its F Sport dressage.

It has been 30 years since Toyota rolled out the Lexus brand, forever changing the industry as its cars soon became the gold standard for the industry. Since then, Lexus has evolved, adding coupes, sport cars, utility vehicles, and hybrids to the product line.

Even as crossovers now dominate, Lexus isn’t turning its back on the four-door sedan segment. In fact, for 2021, Lexus has updated its stalwart IS sedan, a compact model that competes with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the Genesis G70, among others.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging across America, Lexus — like other automakers — has faced challenges in how best to present its new models to consumers. After all, important auto shows in New York and Detroit were canceled this year, removing an effective platform for showcasing new products. Instead, Lexus turned to the Internet to introduce the new IS, a sedan that offers only a modest departure from the outgoing model.

Introducing the 2021 Lexus IS

We weren’t able to preview the IS when it made its online debut as other commitments were already in place. That said, we’ve reviewed the material and learned several things about the 2021 model, which is expected to arrive in dealerships in the late fall of 2020:

Rear-wheel drive remains. Lexus isn’t messing with success, keeping the IS’ platform rear-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive. The new model will feature an improved driving experience, something we’ll examine as we move forward.

The engines are carried over. Lexus keeps the IS’ turbo four and natural aspirated V6 engines in place for 2021. The standard IS 300 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It works with an 8-speed automatic transmission and sends power to the rear wheels. An all-wheel-drive IS 300 is available and comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission and sends up to half its torque to the front wheels as needed. The remaining model line includes the IS 350 and this model also gets the V6, but in rear-wheel-drive form it earns 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. In rear-wheel-drive guise it gets an 8-speed automatic, but a 6-speed automatic comes with all-wheel drive.

Rigid we can. Perhaps the most important changes for 2021 involve body rigidity. Here, Lexus says it utilizes front-side-member weld points that optimize the reinforcement structures from the rear roof pillars to the sides of the roof. Its coil springs are 20-percent lighter, while forged aluminum replaces the stainless steel used in A-arms, resulting in an 18-percent reduction in weight. The suspension stabilizer bar now features an unknown composite material, which also reduces weight, this time by 17 percent. For improved damping, new shocks are in place. All in all, the changes are welcome as we expect there will be a significant boost in driving excitement. Various handling packages are on tap and will include enhanced brakes, grippier tires, and improved handling. We think Lexus is aiming squarely at the European models to make its case. If so, drivers should find the new IS entirely satisfying.

Improved infotainment system. Lexus has made great strides down through the years in all things infotainment. They were laggards in smartphone compatibility, but chiefly intentionally – the automaker wanted to ensure that all privacy protocols were in place, before giving Android Auto and Apple CarPlay access to its systems. As for the IS’ 8-inch touch-screen display, Lexus moved it 3 inches closer to the driver for ease of access. We like this because any additional reach required is simply a distraction. Other changes in this realm include a new 10.3-inch touch-screen display, available with the models equipped with navigation or Mark Levinson with navigation. Speaking of the Levinson sound system, it now features 17 speakers, up from the previous 15. But that’s not all – the enhanced system sees a huge uptick in output from 835 watts to 1,800 watts.

Better safety features. The 2021 IS will receive enhancements to its driver-assist safety package bundled under the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. Notably, the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which is comprised of frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and bicyclist detection, gains an enhancement to the single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar elements in an effort to expand the response range. Intelligent high beams and road sign assist are also part of the package. Other changes include the all-speed dynamic cruise control, which can be activated at speeds from 30 mph and operate down to 0 mph. It features full stop and go. Finally, all models have blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Looking Ahead

The changes to the next-generation IS are certainly modest with the new model riding on the same 110.2-inch platform, although measuring slightly wider, taller, and longer overall.

Some of the changes Lexus is rolling out with the IS, especially its enhanced driving capabilities, will spread out to other Lexus models. Thus, Lexus will gain a better reputation for driving fun, while remaining true to its core principles of style, luxury, and performance.

See Also — The Lexus RX Cleans Up

Photos copyright Lexus.

Introducing the Toyota Avalon TRD

June 15, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Toyota’s flagship sedan now offers a TRD option.

We may be looking at crossovers more than ever before, but there are some sedans on the market worth exploring, including the 2020 Toyota Avalon. The Avalon is now in its fifth generation (second generation for the hybrid) and was overhauled in 2019. We think the current iteration is the best one yet, offering an ideal combination of style, performance, amenities, and reliability.

2020 Toyota Avalon Review

Toyota offers the 2020 Avalon in XLE ($35,875), XSE ($38,375), Limited ($42,175), TRD ($42,375), and Touring ($42,575) trims. Add $1,120 for the destination charge. A hybrid version is also available and comes in three trims: XLE ($37,000), XSE ($39,500), and Limited ($43,300). However, our focus is on the gas model – we’ll mention the hybrid only where appropriate.

The Avalon has standard front-wheel drive and will soon offer all-wheel drive, beginning with the 2021 model year. This large sedan seats five. Our test model was an Avalon with the new TRD trim. TRD stands for “Toyota Racing Development,” which represents the automaker’s performance arm.

Exterior

The full-size Avalon and Camry share the same platform. In fact, most modern Toyota models share the same architecture, which opens a world of opportunities, including enabling both sedans to offer all-wheel drive.

As for the Avalon, it is about six inches longer between the wheels than the Camry. Both models share a sporty appearance with the Avalon possessing a more refined look overall. The Avalon’s gaping grille hints at Lexus, although its layout is not the same as the luxury marque’s hourglass grille.

Toyota’s models feature large cutouts, strong signature lines, and pronounced body sculpting. We like the Avalon’s rear quarter side windows, a design absent from many of today’s sedans. It supplies lift to the beltline and intersects nicely with the falling roofline. What’s especially fetching are the 19-inch matte black alloy wheels set within the all-season black radial tires.

The Avalon is equipped with standard LED reflector headlamps and LED daytime running lights with an automatic on/off feature. LED tail lamps are standard. Other features include intermittent wipers, power outside mirrors, and dual exhaust with chrome tips.

There are many upgrades available, with most of these bubbling up through various trim steps. These features include enhanced headlight and tail lamp lighting, a blacked-out grille to replace the standard chrome grille, heated side mirrors, a power sliding moonroof, dual exhaust with quad chrome tips, and a sport sound-tuned exhaust. The TRD trim features special badging, additional blacked-out features, and a special rear spoiler.

Interior

Inside, we found the Avalon’s cabin spacious and luxurious. The Avalon has long been the “budget” version of the Lexus ES, but it really isn’t so anymore. In fact, it strikes its own design essence and does so with plenty of room for five. Indeed, the rear seat features 40 inches of legroom and sufficient hip room. We still think two in the rear is the ideal, but three can fit.

Quality materials abound with very little plastic anywhere. Lots of soft-touch material covers the dashboard and door inlays. The seats in most trims feature synthetic leather with a look and feel paralleling the real thing. The Touring edition has leather-covered seats.

You’ll find aluminum trim on the XSE and Touring editions, while the Limited has wood trim. As for the TRD, the sufficiently bolstered sport buckets seats feature attractive red stitching and TRD embossing on the headrests. Red accent inlays and red seat belts offer a bright contrast to the gray seats.

Toyota equips the 2020 Avalon with keyless entry and push-button start, full power accessories, an electric parking brake, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and dual-zone climate control. All trims have heated front seats and are power controlled (the driver’s seat offer power lumbar support). The Touring and Limited editions feature heated outboard rear seats. Moreover, the TRD, Touring, and Limited editions come with aluminum pedal covers.

The Avalon’s 60/40 split fold-down seat supplies access to the trunk. The trunk measures 16 cubic feet and that’s slightly below average for the segment.

Safety

Toyota is at the forefront of driver-assist technology. Moreover, it offers more standard features than nearly every competitor. You’ll even find some luxury models don’t match the Avalon without charging extra for these features.

Under the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) umbrella, the Avalon has automatic high beams, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and full-speed dynamic (adaptive) radar cruise control. The Avalon also has blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Available as part of a package upgrade on the Touring and Limited editions is intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking. The ICS is bundled with a surround-view camera system upgrade over the standard rear-view camera.

Technology

Toyota equips the standard Avalon trim with an 8-speaker audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, a 9-inch touch-screen display, an audio jack, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That’s a generous package of included amenities.

As part of a package option on the first three trims, but standard elsewhere is a 14-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. Although we think the smartphone compatibility is better than Toyota’s navigation system, the JBL audio package is wonderful as it features a subwoofer and a 1200-watt amplifier.

A Qi-compatible wireless charging system is standard on all except the base trim, but it is available as part of a package upgrade with the XLE.

Performance

Motivating every 2020 gas Avalon is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This engine works with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

You may have heard that the Avalon will receive an all-wheel-drive option, just like the midsize Camry sedan. While the Camry gains all-wheel drive for the 2020 model year, the Avalon won’t see it before 2021. Thus, every Avalon is front-wheel drive.

The Avalon Hybrid comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a continuously variable transmission. This one produces a net 215 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 43 mpg. Compare that to the combined 25 or 26 mpg of the gas model and the difference is remarkable.

Our TRD trim featured paddle shifters and a sport mode. A specially-tuned TRD cat-back dual exhaust develops a guttural idle and acceleration sound. A soundtrack pushes noise into the cabin, a feature we can live without.

The TRD team also equips this model with thicker underbody braces for torsional rigidity. TRD coil springs lower the sedan’s height by 0.6 inches for a reduced center of gravity, while stiffer TRD stabilizer bars increase roll stiffness. Simply put, it makes for a better handling sedan.

We found the Avalon’s off-the-mark acceleration strong and its passing power more than up to the task. Outside of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, it is one of the strongest engines in its class. Even with front-wheel drive, we found that this sedan stays planted as it navigates twisty roads. You’ll still notice some wheel slippage when pulling out of corners as understeer kicks in. It’s no more than a trifling inconvenience.

The Avalon offers a very comfortable ride and is relatively insulated from outside noise. We say relative because the outgoing Buick LaCrosse is better in that department. Nonetheless, we give the Avalon TRD a positive score in all things driving comfort.

Competitive Set

There aren’t all that many models left in the large sedan segment with the departure of the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala, Hyundai Azera, and the Buick LaCrosse. The Kia Cadenza is perhaps the Avalon’s closest competitor. The Nissan Maxima is a flagship model worthy of consideration although it is roughly the same size of the midsize Altima.

A pair of traditional rear-wheel-drive models are also worth exploring: the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. Both offer available all-wheel drive.

Our Recommendation

We think any Avalon trim above the base XLE is worth exploring. But it the three top trims, separated by $200 at each level, has our attention. The TRD brings the performance edge, while the other two trims bring the luxury features we mentioned earlier.

Regardless of your pick, we think the Avalon in any guise is a strong model, but do consider the Avalon Hybrid if green driving appeals to you.

2020 Toyota Avalon Specifications

Toyota	2020 Avalon
Segment	Full-size Sedan
Price Range	$35,875 to $42,575
Destination Charge	$955
Standard Engine	3.5-liter, V6
Horsepower	301 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	267 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,560 to 3,704
Wheelbase (inches)	113.0
Length (inches)	195.9
Width (inches)	72.8
Height (inches)	56.5
Headroom (f,r…inches)	38.5, 37.9
Legroom (f,r…inches)	42.1, 40.3
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	58.3, 57.1
Hip room (f,r…inches)	55.8, 54.8
Storage (cubic feet)	16.09
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	14.5 or 15.8
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	22/32/26 (XLE); 22/31/25 (All Others)
Manufacturing Plant	Georgetown, Kentucky

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

Ultimate Luxury: 2020 Genesis G90

May 26, 2020 by admin 1 Comment

One of the descriptions for “genesis” is “beginning” and that’s an appropriate name for Hyundai’s luxury marque.

The Genesis G90 was the brand’s first standalone model when it launched in 2017. Three years later and this full-size sedan is currently sold alongside the midsize G80 and the compact G70 sedans. A GV80 SUV rolls out later this year as Genesis begins shifting its focus to the utilities.

The Genesis G90 is a competitive product in a niche segment. This big sedan offers high style and a limousine-like riding experience. The G90 doesn’t have years of prestige to build on like its German and Lexus competitors, but it makes a strong effort. Whereas the others can become very costly, the G90 holds its own – the most expensive model costs less than $80,000. Its fully loaded competitors top out well above $100,000.