Accelerate Mpls

Episode 17 starts by introducing this weeks guest Erich Merkle joining us from Autoconomy.  Erich joins us in the second half of the podcast for the main topics of the week.  I then discuss the four door long box Ram 2500 with a cummins diesel engine that I drove during the past week.  What an experience.  We move along to the major news of the week segment.  This week included-

• Cadillac to Create ‘Luxury World’ in New Ad‘ Campaign
• Hyundai to recall 2011 Sonata because of door glitch

We tried out a new section this week called tweetmeme.  This week we focused on the demise of Hummer and peoples reactions on Twitter.  Zeroing in on how people reacted both initially and after the news sank in.

We then proceed to the clip of the week segment.  This week we featured a newer Subaru ad about being pet approved – Parallel Parking

Next came our main topics at which point Erich joined us.  This week those topics included Toyoda going to Washington and the Toyota hearings, Hummers current situation, the upcoming New York Auto Show, and we touch on the future of the industry and Chrysler.

Last but certainly not least, we discuss the past week on both of our respective blogs, AutoBird Blog and AccelerateMpls.  The week in review included- my video interview with Hagen Durant and my first drive video of the ZR1, along with Colin’s gas prices post.

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This week, episode 6 discusses the week in review on both of our respective blogs, AutoBird Blog and AccelerateMpls.  We first discuss the last weeks LA Auto Show beginning with the 2011 Ford Fiesta.  Our conversation moved on to the all new 2011 Toyota Sienna, the new 2011 Hyundai Sonata, the new 2011 Hyundai Tucson, and the new 2011 Mazda2. The last topic we cover is the shake up of General Motors management.

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With all the news buzzing around about the Frankfurt Motor Show last week I almost forgot about a very important product launch in Korea the new Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai has played second fiddle to Camry, Accord, and the other major plays in the mid-size car market for a few years now. They are no longer content being that guy. They are looking to shake things up. The new 2011 Sonata will continue what Hyundai has started with from the Genesis sedan and Genesis Coupe over the last two years. Sleeker, sexier, and more curvaceous, the new Sonata has gone under the knife for a complete redo and is coming out swinging at the champs. Upon first glance you must say it is a looker. Taking the four door coupe theme started by the Mercedes CLS and continued on by the Volkswagen CC, the new Sonata has a short rear deck and fast roof line.

2011 Hyundai Sonata

Arriving here sometime next year the new Sonata will feature initially two engine choices with a hybrid joining the mix about a year after. The base vehicle will have a upgraded 2.4 4 cylinder featuring direct injection. The 4 cylinder will probably be putting out close to 200 hp. Also available will be a V6 option. The both engines will most likely feature 6 speed transmissions. The Sonata remains front wheel drive with no all wheel drive option currently offered.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Interior

The mid-size sedan segment has been heating up as of late and this makes it that much hotter. The fact remains this car mimics styling cues of cars with much higher price tags. Hyundai has said while official pricing is not available yet, pricing should be similar to Korean pricing on the Sonata which ranges from high teens to mid twenties. The US spec version and more details should debut at the L.A. Auto Show or Detroit Auto Show. This is definitely one mid-size sedan to keep an eye on not to mention Toyota Camry should be worried.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Interior Center Stack