If you asked me back in January what one of the best midsize sedans was, I would have instantly shot out the name Ford Fusion. We are now three months later and I have to say, “What just happened?” Remember Kia and Hyundai? You know, the Korean car companies. They used to make cars that you really did not want but you could afford them and they seemed to be safe enough. Them times are a changin’ and now the Korean car companies are not only making affordable cars, they are making cars you want to buy. Crazy concept, I know.
The new Optima and Sonata are sisters. They share their platforms and powertrains although the sheet metal and interiors are completely different. With everything from Bluetooth to navigation, these cars are every bit the car the competition is. In fact, as standard on two upper trim levels of the Optima, Kia has now even launched Uvo, a new infotainment system licensed through Microsoft and based on the same underpins as Ford’s SYNC. Uh oh….
2011 Kia Optima
2011 Kia Optima Interior
With three powertrain options ranging from a 2.4 liter direct injection four cylinder that achieves 35 mpg on the highway (yes, you read that correctly) to the new hybrid, the Korean car makers are making strides. Let’s not forget that direct injection turbo charged four cylinder 2.0 liter putting out 274 hp while still achieving 34 mpg on the highway. That alone is impressive but really, all these numbers are impressive in their own right.
The look of both these cars is distinctive. Exterior styling has sculpting and strong lines while interior styling in both is just terrific. No longer are these “budget cars.” The reality is that these are terrific looking cars. I overheard that a certain OEM was cursing under their breath at the New York Auto Show when the numbers on the hybrid and turbo engines were released. That in itself is a sign of the changing times. Do not just take my word for it just look at these cars.
I have recently been telling my friends how great Hyundai and Kia have become. They have come a long way. They have the product but the problem for some is still perception. Many of my closest friends (car friends and non-car friends alike) have scoffed telling me “I would never drive a Kia/Hyundai.” When I ask why, they exclaim how “junky” (their term not mine) they are. I am going to venture a guess that the new Optima (which is just gorgeous) and new Sonata (again, a real looker) might help change their minds. If not, it really ends up being their loss. I am not sitting here and blindly saying these two heavily refreshed cars are the absolute best in the segment (they will be for some consumers). There are plenty of great cars in this midsize segment to choose from. I am merely saying this is a wake up call and the other OEM’s need to be watching and taking notes. Kia and Hyundai should be seen as a serious threat because they are coming for you.
Episode 18 starts by introducing this weeks guest, the one and only Michelle Naranjo joining us from Miss Motor Mouth. Michelle kicked us off by telling us a little about herself and how she came to be awesome. We move along to the major news of the week segment. This week included-
How Jeff Bridges Voice-overs Imperiled Hyundai’s Oscars Blitz
We continued with our new section called tweetmeme. This week we focused on Bob Lutz’s retirment. Zeroing in on how people reacted both initially and after the news sank in.
Dates have been leaked out onto Allpar, a site devoted to all things Chrysler past and present, with the production start dates for many of the new or refreshed Chrysler/Dodge/Ram/Jeep models.
Things to note:
The LX based cars now have the same date as each other
It was originally stated that production of the new Charger and 300C would be staggered and now they are pegged to enter production simultaneously
The Wrangler date has also been moved up slightly
Rumors now peg the 200C name plate to be replacing the Sebring name
The Avenger name may soldier on for the Dodge counterpart
Production Start Dates:
2010 Viper – March 29
2011 Ram Chassis Cab – April 5
2011 Grand Cherokee – May 10
2011 Ram 1500/2500 – July 5 (one plant; second plant for Ram 1500 starts July 26)
2011 Caliber, Dakota, Liberty, Nitro – July 26
2011 Wrangler – August 16
2011 Jeep Patriot – October 4
2011 Dodge CUV (Durango replacement, possibly Magnum) – November 8
Last but certaintly not least, we discuss our three main topics. This week those included the 2011 Buick Regal getting priced, the latest in the string of Toyota recalls, and Honda’s hybrids being behind sales projections.
GM announced that they will be the first U.S. auto manufacture to build its own electric motors in house. This will lead to the next generation rear wheel drive 2 mode hybrid system. That should be hitting the market sometime around 2013. GM says they realize that we need to lessen our dependence on petroleum and that they have a wide array of alternative energy solutions in mind. Those solutions include-
Mild Hybrids- GM hybrid system
Full Hybrids- 2 Mode hybrid system
Plug-In Hybrids (PHEV)- Modified 2 mode hybrid system
Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREV)- Voltec system
Battery Electric
Fuel Cell
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) was recently shown on the Cadillac XTS Concept vehicle at NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show). This system is scheduled to hopefully debut on the production XTS in 2013.
GM says they plan to invest a total of $246 million in electric motors and electric drive facilities. $2 million will be spent in Pontiac, MI for the electromagnetic computational facilities while $26 million will be spent for the development and validation dynamometer facilities. Indianapolis will be receiving $10 million for development and validation dynamometer facilities. Torrence, CA will receive $6 million for characterization and development dynamometer facilities. Another yet to be disclosed U.S. location will receive money for a high volume electric motor manufacturing facility.
GM says that since 2003 they have “quietly” been testing, designing, and validating their capabilities in house to develop and produce the electric motors themselves. Using suppliers means relying on someone else. They like the mantra “If you want it done right, do it yourself.” Personally I am a huge fan of this saying. Also mentioned was the fact that they will work with “their best suppliers” to produce the best product possible.
Click read more for the full press release after the break.
The current Aveo is pretty much less then competitive. Seen as the joke of the line up, no one really wants to like the current Aveo, which it is not hard to fault them. GM is serious about the next generation Aveo, and the Aveo RS concept gives a glimpse of what we will be getting. Of course the show car stuff, neon lights, center exhaust, huge wheels and brembo brakes probably will not make production. I suppose the center exhaust on the Cadillac CTS Coupe concept made it to production, so who really knows. Hopefully an Aveo RS model will come along with the normal, “plain Jane” model. This is something a “tuner” could enjoy and maybe even have it be fun to drive.
I had the opportunity to look at the concept Aveo RS on stage up close. I was somewhat impressed with the details. The interior did have a “leather covered” dash though we will all be realistic knowing that it definitely will not make production. The seats were very well bolstered, and I am not sure that those particular seats will make production either. The gauge cluster will definitely make production and the center stack is more then likely the real deal. I actually had the opportunity to see the production exterior at the product technology event last August. The front facia on the Aveo RS Concept is very close. The exposed headlight bezels, dual port grill and sharp front clip are all there. The neon lights and other extras are more show than go and probably will not be in the production model. I will note, when we spoke with Ed Welburn it was asked if the RS model would get the show cars neon halo’s around the headlights. It would make sense for them to make it to production on the RS model due to the Camaro RS model having neon halo’s. It was suggested to Ed Welburn that all RS models should have the halos. I personally think this would be a great idea. We will see as the production Aveo should hit the sales floors in late 2010.
Buick Regal GS
The new Regal is not even on sale yet but Buick knows it needs to be a ringer. The LaCrosse started bringing in lower age customers and GM is hoping the new Regal for Buick will continue that trend to an even further extent. The new Regal will be hitting show rooms this spring, and this is certainly a preview of a production Regal GS to come. This is merely a rebadged Opel Insignia OPC, but with a different engine (according to the paperwork). I got some seat time in the Regal GS concept and the Recaro seats were phenomenal. The back seat was not quite as spacious as I thought it might be. I was comfortable in the car, but getting in and out was not an amazing experience. The C-pillar in the rear was quite close to my head, and I would have easily whacked my head upon exiting the rear had I not been paying attention. The rear has just enough head room with a fast roof line that cuts it close. The interior roof is sculpted out so you are not hitting your head. The front was very nice with the aforementioned seats, a flat bottom steering whee, and the six speed manual transmission, which felt like short throws.
GM is saying the GS model of the Regal would come with the optional 2.0 liter engine from the CXS trim variant but with more boost going through the turbo. GM is pegging the numbers at 250 hp and 295 ft-lb. This is all very interesting because the Opel Insignia OPC has a 2.8l turbo charge V6 putting out over 300 hp and 300 ft-lb. The problem with that engine is it is thirsty for gas. I think GM is trying to gauge the publics reaction to maybe a I4 instead of a V6 in the Regal GS variant. I asked if I could open the hood and was instantly told no! The press photos of this car showed a V6 engine cover which was the same engine cover in the Opel Insignia OPC. My guess is this was an Insignia OPC with swapped out badges, so the V6 was still under the hood. While we really do not know what engine will come, one thing is for sure, the Regal GS variant will probably be coming sooner then later. I for one am definitely ready to see if this can be a budget Audi S4 because that would really help stick Buick on the map. Afterall, that is what the Regal GS is supposed to do anyways.
2012 Ford Focus
The embargo was up and the pictures/specifications were, for the most part, out in the public view. That did not stop Ford from throwing one heck of a reveal for the upcoming 2012 Focus. Coming in both hatchback and sedan form, the new Focus gives us style and class, things the current Focus is sorely lacking. Let us not forget the awesome technology that will be available in the new Focus. That latest generation of Microsoft powered SYNC will be onboard and the new MyFord interface will of course be an option. Ford had one sedan and one hatch on display. I was given the opportunity to see the interior of the sedan up close. The quality of materials was terrific, though I was told this was a hand built one off vehicle. They are not even in preproduction, so I was not allowed to sit in it. The hatchback was off limits, so I was not able to touch that either. The wheels on these two at the show were 19 inches, but I would be surprised to see something that large even as an option. Interesting note about the gas cap on the hatch back, it is well integrated with cut lines and it somewhat blends in. That is just one example of how Ford stressed about the small stuff on this car. The new Focus will go into production late this year and hit dealerships in early 2011.
2011 Lincoln MKX
The refreshed 2011 Lincoln MKX made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show and it was truly a great spectacle. Ford had the woman who sings the song in one of the most recent Lincoln commercials on stage signing as the MKX came on stage. Of course the rest of the current Lincoln line up rolled onto stage with the exception of the Town Car. That was not a real shock, but notably absent nonetheless. The updated MKX gains the split wing grill that is quickly becoming Lincoln’s signature mark again. The rear has new tail lights and finally a back up camera is along for the ride. I note the back up camera because on the last generation it was not even an option! The interior materials get a major upgrade as does the design. The technology is all new with this being the first vehicle to get the now standard MyLincoln. This is the same thing as MyFord with the dual 4.1 inch screens on either side of the speedometer and an 8 inch touch screen on the center stack. The luxury crossover market is heating up and this is just another player that is helping to change the game.
Cadillac XTS Concept
Cadillac rolled out a concept they are calling the XTS. This vehicle foreshadows what we will see from GM as a replacement for the aging (not gracefully I might add) Cadillac STS and DTS. Riding on a stretched Buick LaCrosse platform, the XTS would come in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive. The concept is a dual mode plug-in hybrid featuring a direct injection V6 and an electric motor. It is supposedly putting out 350 hp and 295 ft-lb. There is definitely a good chance this powertrain, along with a regular gasoline engine, will make production for this vehicle. Technology is a high point for this car and it is very well connected. The center stack is essentially void of most buttons and mostly touch. The gauges are all virtual and everything is “connected.” The interior was gorgeous, and I am definitely interested to see what details from the concept make it to production. Speaking of production, we should see the XTS in showrooms for 2012/2013.
Honda CR-Z
Honda released the first hybrid in America to have a manual transmission. Many were hoping for a remake of the CRX, and to be frank, many have said they are disappointed. I think the main thing people are not happy about seems to be the lack of rear seats. The car itself does not even post amazing mileage numbers. The power will be provided by a 1.5 liter making 122 horsepower while estimated to get 36/38 mpg. This is all mated to the CVT (continuously variable transmission). The manual transmission seriously kills the gas mileage, taking it down to an estimated 31/37 mpg. The CR-Z will come in two trim levels and will probably have a base price around $18,000 when sales start later this summer.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S was there along with two Roadster Sports. The Roadster Sports start their lives as a Lotus and get gutted by Tesla to receive the battery pack and electric drivetrain. The Model S is the next production vehicle we will see from Tesla. This four door “sedan,” the Model S, has a rear hatch instead of a traditional trunk which allows room for the optional jump seat. This would make it so the sedan can seat seven, though the extra two in the jump seats will be small children only. The interior has almost no buttons or switches. The center stack is one large touch screen with virtual switches to flick and swipe. The door handles are flush with the car and slide out when you touch them. The whole thing is quite impressive. Some call this car vaporware, meaning it will never see production or be on sale. The honest truth is those same people said that the Tesla Roadster was vaporware and that car has been on sale and is already in the hands of many happy owners. Tesla says the Model S should see production in the next few years.
Full Disclosure- My NAIAS travel and accommodations were provided by General Motors
This week, episode 3 discusses the week in review on each of our respective blogs. We discuss the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon I had this past week and the Lexus HS250 hybrid review that posted. We then discuss announced Buick Regal and new Volvo S60. We also spend a little time giving a report card on General Motors current financial situation. We finish by discussing the upcoming Nissan Leaf.
The new Lexus HS250 is a departure for Lexus and its hybrid line. The LS600 hybrid is meant to have the power of a V12 with the fuel economy of a V8, utilizing a hybrid system in conjunction with a V8 which gives it decent fuel economy. The same can be said for the GS450 hybrid. These are hybrids that are standing for something other then being green but more for performance in a different way than the competitors. The HS250 is the Lexus that is meant to be your step up into Luxury while still being “green.”
So you have had a Prius and you are now a little older, a little wiser, and want a vehicle that is a little more luxurious. What is your next move for a new car? Well, you could go and get a new third generation Prius and load it up with all the optional tech toys. Though the Prius does not have the luxury badge, and you still want to be a little green. Enter the Lexus HS250 which is all new for 2010. At first glance you think Toyota took and rebadged/restyled a Prius and slapped a L badge on it. The HS250 is actually based on the Scion tC platform and the foreign market Toyota Avensis platform. This front wheel drive platform is a fine base, but people still assume naturally this is a rebadged Prius.
With a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four cylinder putting out 147 hp and adding to that a 40 hp electric motor, you get a grand total of 187 hp and 180 ft-lb. This is essentially the powertrain from the Toyota Camry Hybrid. This is good for a rated 8.7 second jaunt from 0-60 which is almost a full second quicker then the new third generation Prius. Driving is more engaging and much more “Lexus like” than the Prius. With much more sound deadening and a lighter to the touch steering feel, this car feels more luxurious. This is all good because this car is quite a bit more money then the Prius. The car is refined and overall enjoyable to drive. I was taking corners faster than a hybrid usually wants to go, and the car handled comfortably without complaint. Although this is definitely no sports car. Once going, the wind noise and more importantly highway noise is noticeably quieter then the Prius. Something to note, the engine does not require premium fuel. It is content with regular 87 octane gasoline. The car is rated at 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for a combined 34 mpg overall. I have heard reports of people getting mid 50′s, which if you harp on it constantly you can fall into the very low 30′s. These are all respectable numbers, though the new Prius is rated at 50 mpg combined which you can easily beat when trying. One reason for the huge gas milage differences is the Prius’s engine is a smaller displacement putting out less total power.
The interior is a nice place to spend time. The car I had was “stripped,” no optional equipment was on board. The sound system was OK but definitely not as good as the optional Mark Levinson sound system. The controls all operate silky smooth and are great to the touch. The “buttons” on the steering wheel are not as they appear. The actual buttons are under those icons which are covered in a membrane like material. The trunk is a mere 12.1 cubic feet because the battery pack is sandwiched between the backseat and the trunk. There are a lot of tech toys that are available on this car that were not on the car I tested. If you are into tech this car can be completely loaded up.
The base price for this car is $34,200 and if you option it out with technology, you could be knocking close to the $50k door. Keep in mind you are deep in entry level luxury range here competing in price with the Infiniti G37, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and others. This car does get much better gas milage, and after all, is that not what Hybrids are all about? Lexus is saying this car falls between the ES and IS line and is for young technology savvy people that care about the environment. Notice they did not say green because we all know they have the lower level Toyota Prius for that. In this price bracket I would have a hard time recommending this car, personally I would go with one of the aforementioned competitors. I am into driver engagement and fun-to-drive factor, and in those departments, this car can not compete. If you want an entry level hybrid luxury, car this is the only place to look in town because there is no real competition, yet.
