Aibeck Cars: March 2010

New York 2010: Hyundai Unveils 274-HP Sonata Turbo (2.0T), Gets 34 MPG Hwy. Rating

Hyundai today debuted the all-new 2011 Sonata 2.0T, powered by the brand's new 2.0L turbocharged version of its GDI 4-cylinder engine, at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

The long-awaited Sonata 2.0T is fitted with a 2.0L Theta II turbocharged GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine that churns out 274 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque across a broad rpm range – 1,800 rpm – 4,500 rpm. The twin-scroll turbo system design minimizes turbocharger lag and gives the Sonata 2.0T 4-cylinder more power than many V6 engines, while running on regular fuel.

The new 2.0L turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine is part of Hyundai’s Blue Drive strategy. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, Hyundai says that the Sonata 2.0T will deliver an estimated fuel-economy of 22/34 mpg (city/highway).

“The Sonata 2.0T is a great example of what our Blue Drive product strategy is doing for consumers,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Think about it – more horsepower than any of our V6 competitors, with better gas mileage than any competitive 4-cylinder model. We’re not fans of compromising at Hyundai, and the Sonata really demonstrates this aspect of our business approach.”

The 2.0T engine will be available on the SE and Limited trim level, with the 2.0T Limited getting additional upgrades such as panoramic roof and leather seating. Pricing details will be announced closer to its scheduled sales launch in late 2010.

[Source: Hyundai]

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New York 2010: All-New Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Gets Unique Look and Achieves 37/39 MPG

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the Korean company's first shot at the hybrid segment and it's not messing around. The Sonata Hybrid boasts the highest combined horsepower output of any hybrid sedan in its class and an expected best-in-class EPA highway rating of 39 mpg, not to mention the first use of lithium-polymer batteries in the automotive industry. That's pretty strong out of the gate.

Here are the basics: The Sonata Hybrid combines Hyundai's 169-horsepower, 2.4-liter Theta II inline-4 with a 30-kilowatt electric motor. This particular Theta engine runs on the Atkinson cycle and uses continuously variable valve timing along with several friction-reducing technologies to boost efficiency by 10 percent compared to the standard Theta power plant. This hybrid powertrain's combined output of 209 hp tops all sedans in the class, while the Sonata Hybrid also happens to be one of the lightest midsize hybrid sedans at 3,457 pounds.

Like the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion hybrids, the Sonata Hybrid can run on electric power alone, but Hyundai also claims its car can achieve 100 km/h (62 mph) in the electric mode. This is one of the reasons why the Sonata delivers such an impressive highway mileage number. The six-speed automatic transmission comes from Hyundai, but this application puts an electric motor in place of the torque converter, creating a hybrid powertrain that is more efficient and less costly than the CVTs used by its competitors, Hyundai says. More conventional elements of the Sonata Hybrid include a regenerative brake system, start/stop technology and an electric air-conditioning compressor.

Continue reading for the full article and more hi-res images.

You might not recognize the phrase "lithium polymer" in reference to the Sonata's batteries, as this is the first automotive application of the technology. Hyundai says the batteries are smaller, lighter and more durable than both nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries. For instance, the Sonata's battery pack weighs 28 pounds less than the one used in the Toyota Camry. It's also easier to package, which results in less intrusion into the trunk area.

In order to visually differentiate the Sonata Hybrid from the conventional Sonata, Hyundai has added a unique front fascia with a hexagonal grille, revised rocker panels, unique wheel designs and, of course, plenty of hybrid badging. Inside the cabin, the Sonata Hybrid also includes a technology display that gives drivers information on the available charge, power flow through the drive system and overall efficiency. It uses pretty colors to display it all, too.

New York Preview: 2011 Kia Sportage (USDM)

With a premiere at the Geneva Motor Show behind it, the 2011 Kia Sportage is headed for U.S. dealers later this year. The Sportage bows today at the 2010 New York Auto Show, and Kia's released this photo in advance of the North American debut.

Bearing some cues from the Kia Kue concept car, the Sportage takes an entirely different styling tack than the 2010 Hyundai Tucson, which shares its compact-crossover running gear. Bigger and more substantial by far than the previous Kia entry-level ute, the new Sportage wears some crisp, angular new sheetmetal over its larger interior spaces and upgraded cabin. The face looks familiar, if you've kept pace with the barrage of new Kias issued this year--Forte, Soul and Koup. The Sportage is maybe the most flamboyant, with dramatic side fender flares and a backswept rear end. Up front it's the latest evolution of the new Kia corporate face, but with lots of detail and some strong resemblance to the 2011 Kia Optima sedan--also on display in New York.

The powertrain will be a 176-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder that Kia says gets better gas mileage and makes more power than its former 2.7-liter V-6. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine is in the works, but power output is undisclosed. A six-speed manual is the standard on all Sportages; the front-driver gets options for a six-speed automatic with sport-shift controls (shared with the bigger Sorento crossover) and for all-wheel drive.The Sportage grows considerably in this edition--the length is up to nearly 175 inches, and the wheelbase checks in at 104 inches. The suspension is independent at all four corners, and Kia says ride quality is comfortable, while handling responsiveness is better in the new vehicle--as is noise and vibration control.

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Dual front, side and curtain airbags will be standard, along with tire-pressure monitors, active headrests and a suite of electronic traction controls, from stability control to hill start assist to downhill brake control.

In standard specification, the Sportage LX will come with 16-inch wheels. The EX Sportage gets 18-inch wheels and more chrome trim on the door handles, grille, and on the body. It also adds roof rails and a rear spoiler.

The Sportage LX comes with power locks and mirrors; air conditioning; tilt steering; and cloth seats with a 60/40-split rear seat. The Sportage EX adds leather trim to the steering wheel and shift knob; dual-zone climate control; a colled glove box; a power driver seat; and an EcoMinder fuel-economy light.

Options on the LX will include 17-inch wheels; HD radio; navigation systems with real-time traffic; heated mirrors; power windows; heated side mirrors; a telescopic steering wheel; and the rear spoiler and roof rails of the more expensive editions. The EX's options include leather seats with heating and ventilation; push-button start; rear parking sensors; and a panoramic sunroof.

Both Sportage crossovers come with standard Sirius satellite radio and three months' service; USB audio inputs and Bluetooth connectivity; and UVO, a Microsoft-powered voice communication system like Ford's SYNC setup.

[Source: Kia]

Spied Up Date: 2011 Volvo V60

Gotcha! Our spies have caught the Volvo V60 completely undisguised at a photoshoot in America. The Swedish firm’s new Chinese owners aren’t due to unveil the load-lugger until the Paris Motor Show in October.

But despite being under heavy guard, and having its grille removed to conceal its identity, there’s no question that we were looking at Volvo’s latest wagon.

The V60 joins the XC60 and new S60 and completes the firm’s D-segment line-up. And as you can see, the estate shares the family look of the SUV and saloon - the upright S-shaped rear lights owe much to the XC60, while the coupe-like side glass mimics the roofline of the S60. Chrome brightwork and sleek, matt silver roof rails complete the stylish look.

The estate will use the same technology as the saloon, so expect the groundbreaking pedestrian detection system to feature.

Under the bonnet, there’ll be two five-cylinder diesels, with 205bhp and 163bhp, and two petrols – a 203bhp 2.0-litre turbo and a range-topping 304bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

New Car: 2011 Audi TT

It's nip and tuck time for the Audi TT. The firm's stylish coupe and drop top will receive a number of unspecified upgrades which will premier at the Leipzig motor show in Germany on 9th April.

Alongside the revised TT, the firm will show no fewer than 25 production cars and two show cars, including the new Audi A1, A8 and the RS 5 Coupé. The firm will also show off the Audi A1-based e-tron show car and its A4 which won the 2009 German Touring Car Championship.

The Leipzig show has gained prominence in recent years despite its proximity to the Geneva Motor Show in the calendar. A number of the city's 500,000 inhabitants have jobs which depend on BMW's factory which builds the 1 Series three-door, coupé and convertible and the X1, and will build the firm’s forthcoming electric car; and Porsche's Panamera and Cayenne plant. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Sneak Peek: 2011 Nissan Quest

Back in January, we finally confirmed a report we brought you more than a year earlier -- namely, that the Nissan Quest minivan was officially taking the 2010 model year off. At the time of both reports, it wasn't clear if the minivan would return after its hiatus, but an initial teaser release and image from Nissan today confirms its people-hauler will indeed return in 2011.

Officially, the Quest bowed out for 2010 due to congestion at the Canton, Mississippi, plant where it was built. Nissan said the Quest, Armada and Infiniti QX56 would all be phased-out at Canton to make way for the new NV line of commercial vehicles. We were told that Quest and QX56 production would shift to Japan, while the Armada was apparently left out in the cold. We couldn't help but notice that sales for all three vehicles had also taken a serious hit in 2008.

So now we know the Quest is back, but that's just about all we know so far, short of the teaser image it's displaying during a presentation in New York on the eve of the 2010 New York show. Nissan did say that the new Quest will offer more functionality and comfort without sacrificing space or driving prowess. That, and it will go on sale in early 2011. Beyond that, what we know is what we can see, and what we can see is that while the last Quest looked something like a puffed-up Versa, the new one looks to be based in part on the 2007 Nissan Forum Concept. Though more restrained than the Forum, the new Quest clearly cribs some of its front-end styling from the concept. The rest, though, will have to wait until the van officially debuts, likely sometime later this year.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

From the “Well, Duh” Department at Ford Motor Company comes the new hybrid version of the Lincoln MKZ. The MKZ hybrid is fitted with the same gasoline-electric system found in the hybrid versions of its corporate twins, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.

The hybrid powertrain combines a 156-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and 106-hp electric motor for a total system output of 191 hp; it’s rated for 41 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway in the Fusion and Milan variants. While we have yet to match those numbers (the Milan hybrid we tested returned 32 mpg combined), Ford says it expects similar EPA ratings for this MKZ. The company goes on to name the car’s Public Enemy No. 1, the Lexus HS250h, and says that the MKZ will offer the best fuel economy of any luxury sedan.

Lincoln’s take on the Ford hybrid theme, of course, will be much better equipped than either of its less-expensive brethren. It will include swiveling HID headlamps, cushy heated and cooled leather seats, and, of course, a slightly snazzier version of the nifty, configurable EcoGuide instrument cluster. In the Milan and Fusion hybrids, a screen-based botanical garden grows leaves and vines as a reward for fuel-efficient driving; the Lincoln adds pretty flowers! What’s next, rain-forest fragrances emanating from the HVAC system? (If so, we suggest Lincoln swipe an idea from the latest Infiniti M, which has a climate-control system that blows gentle “forest breezes” on occupants.)

Other standard goodies include Sync voice-activated controls; sustainable wood trim for the dash, doors, and steering wheel; and reverse and cross-traffic sensors. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we speculate it will cost around $38,000 to start.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

Kia Begins Sales of Cadenza in United Arab Emirates

KIA Motors Corp., through its sole distributor in the UAE - Al Majid Motors Co., yesterday held its grand launch event for the 2011 KIA Cadenza at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. KIA welcomed over 250 guests to the black-tie gala dinner to honour the first time the brand-new Cadenza which will be sold in a market outside of Korea. The 2011 Cadenza is a completely new design from KIA and is expected to shake-up the luxury sedan market worldwide, especially in the UAE where luxury sedans are in good demand.

"Our sales projections indicate that D- and E-segment cars in the Middle East region will become in even higher demand over the next five years, so we're confident the Cadenza will substantially increase KIA's market share in our market", Khader added.

Due to its refined yet modern appearance, strong performance capabilities and roomy, hi-tech cabin, the Cadenza promises broad consumer appeal. It replaces the former KIA Opirus model with an extended wheelbase, an additional exterior width and a more compact rear suspension, ensuring a more spacious interior than was found in the old Opirus, plus heightened comfort and "fun-to-drive" features and state-of-the-art technology.

The real and perceived quality of the Cadenza's cabin has been reported to be "outstanding", with available, high-tech features including keyless entry, an engine start button, a reversing safety camera, a built-in satellite-navigation system and a panoramic glass sunroof.

"We've already gotten a lot of inquiries since the soft launch in December - Customers are eager to come in for test drives, which we can now happily accommodate", concluded Khader.

[Source: DriveArabia]

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