Ford Explorer Platinum
Lexus IS200t
Volvo S90 News
Toyota Tundra Limited
Having been around for 26 years, we all know the Ford Explorer. Or do we? Admittedly, I hadn’t been around the brand much since my brother sold his 1997 Eddie Bauer edition around the start of the new millennium. While I expected some things to change over the course of 15 or so years, I assumed I knew what to expect. Well, as the old adage goes, we know what happens when we assume. I’m sorry to have done that to you. Living in metro-Detroit I see more than my fair share of Explorers. However, watching them drive by on the street is a little different than having one delivered to your driveway. Instead of glancing at it, I really looked at it. To quote the great Sherlock Holmes I “saw, but did not observe.” Well, I was observing now. What I saw, I’m sorry, what I observed was a solid balance of sport, heft, and sophistication. Obviously, the looks of a vehicle are subjective, but I am a big fan of this design. That being said, no matter how good a car looks on the outside we spend the vast majority of our time inside and that’s where I moved next.
Early this year I took the opportunity to drive and review the Hyundai Elantra Value Edition. Any time I find myself behind the wheel of a front-wheel-drive vehicle I’m not financially responsible for, I have to fight a bubbling urge to crank the wheel to one side, slip the gearbox into reverse, mash the brake and floorboard the accelerator. And when the brake pads begin groaning against the rotors, let off the brake and see if the car will do a shuddering, squealing and potentially smoky reverse-donut. This is a holdover from my adolescence when I drove an ’89 Cadillac Sedan Deville that was particularly good at this maneuver (gravel enhanced the effect). There was a sick satisfaction in making the fat, classy four door do something so uncouth. I refrain from this because I’m a professional. What? I am. This new trim level from Hyundai doesn’t come with a sexy name. The handle “Value Edition” is not likely to flip any switches with the male crowd between 18 and 25. Unless of course they’re economics students, perpetually pushing their glasses back up the bridge of their runny noses. Despite a name that lacks glamour this trim level has a lot to offer for the money. What makes the Value Edition Elantra such a value? Hyundai put together a package of popular features designed to save a customer about half the cost of optioning up a base model Elantra. Features like turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, heated cloth seats, a sunroof and alloy wheels distinguish add a dash of class and set this Elantra apart from the base model. The Value Edition also comes with a telescoping, tilt, leather-wrapped steering with lots of buttons to work the cruise control, the stereo, trip computer and the driver’s cellphone.
I have always been a fan of the IS line, it’s not your typical run of the mill sports sedan. Granted there is anything wrong with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but let’s face it, we all get tired of seeing them at the health club or at your favorite steakhouse. Last year I had a bone to pick with the base IS250, the problem being a major lack of power. However that has all been fixed for 2016 with their superior new base engine which is now a 4cyl turbo. The key here is how it cranks out 258 lb-ft @ 1,650–4,400 rpm, finally we are able to have a little driving thrill. It was late one evening when I took the IS out for a good long ride, decided to hit some of Michigan’s curviest roads, with the extremely precise steering and perfectly tuned suspension in our FSport model, I had an absolute blast. It’s a very engaging vehicle to drive similar to a 3 Series, in size and driving quality. Our test car came with the optional F-Sport package which is a must have in my eyes, it adds some super cool features such as a sleek reconfigurable gauge display, racing steering wheel and an oversized front grill. Looks are important and Lexus got it right with the IS, it hasn't seen a redesign since 2014, but frankly it doesn't need one. I still find the sharp curves and angles tasteful and modern. Granted not everyone will love the design since that's objective to each individual, however I feel everyone can at least appreciate the unique and sporty design of the IS FSport.
If you are shopping for a value based family sedan, you’re plagued with options. So many choices what should you do about it? Well, if I was looking for a vehicle in this category I would be very interested in fuel economy, driving dynamics and value. The great news is that's exactly what the Optima offers and I’m especially in love with the LX 1.6T trim level. It comes with an amazing 7-Speed DualClutch Transmission (DCT) which allows for super crisp quick shifts and improved fuel economy. It’s rated at 28 city and 39 highway, we were able to easily hit those numbers, normally it can be difficult to drive the car in a manner that hits the EPA rated numbers, however it was a breeze in the Optima. In fact I was able to hit low 40s on the highway which I was quite excited about. It’s really a stunning vehicle for the price, yes you can get one too, for $23,990 which is a great deal. If you like tech then you are in luck, KIA has a great, easy to use navigation system that works well and has a Google search feature that allows you to quickly find your destination. We have all been there, a car is in your blind spot and you’re driving 70 down the freeway, you make your move, but you hear a loud blaring horn and make an emergency correction back into your lane. Thankfully KIA has you covered with an optional blind spot detection system. So next time you can avoid that driving scenario. Looks are almost always subjective, however we feel the design of the Optima speaks modern and upbeat, especially with the LED lighting package.
The North American International Auto Show held in Detroit, Michigan wrapped over a month ago, but it left many impressions. From stunning concepts like Buick’s Avista to gorgeous real-life production models such as the Lexus LC500, this year’s Detroit auto show didn’t disappoint in the “wow” department. Here is a look at some of the highlights from the show with the top five production and concept cars.
2017 Lincoln Continental For decades, the Lincoln Continental ranked among the top luxury vehicles in the world. However, somewhere along the way, it lost that title and instead was used to transport grandma and grandpa to Country Kitchen. All of that is expected to change with Lincoln’s all-new 2017 Continental, which is set to go on sale this fall. The company believes the return of its flagship won’t disappoint and it’s hard to disagree when looking at the design and technical details. On the surface, the Continental simply looks luxurious with mesmerizing LED headlights and subtle, elegant body lines that flow from front to back. The door handles are discreetly integrated within the beltline for a clean look. On the inside, Lincoln will use opulent materials that include ample leather appointments with unique stitching, genuine wood or artesian aluminum accents. Under the hood, the motor is an all-new, Lincoln-exclusive 3-liter V6 engine with twin turbos that produces a projected 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. "The Continental name has long been associated with the ultimate in Lincoln beauty and luxury," said Lincoln President Kumar Galhotra. "With the all-new model, we are focusing on creating more human, personally tailored experiences for our clients – providing what we call quiet luxury." 2018 Lexus LC500 Lexus’ 2018 LC500 is simply beautiful. It’s hard to believe the car is actually set for production in early 2017 with its sweeping lines and wide-body stance that should appear peerless on the road. The front of the car continues to incorporate the company’s signature “spindle” grill, but with a radical new 3D mesh design. Its “L”-shaped, triple LED headlights also contribute to the car’s aggressive look. Inside, fast looks transform into fine materials with Alcantara seating surfaces and interior pieces finished by Takumi craftsmanship. Lexus said the driving position was “calibrated to invite spirited, sporting driving, and help develop easier confidence with a more intuitive control layout.” The LC500 isn’t just a beauty queen or boulevard cruiser, either. It packs a 5-liter V8 with 467 horsepower and 389 lb.-ft. of torque. Power will be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which the company says is the first-ever in a luxury car. Also, the LC500 will be the first Lexus to use its new rear-wheel-drive luxury platform that will be part of the new corporate global architecture for luxury vehicles, called GA-L. With its eye-popping design and heart-dropping performance specs, the 2018 Lexus LC500 looks to be a hit when it reaches the public roads. 2017 Volvo S90 Volvo is synonymous with safety, but the same could be said for the Swedish automaker’s idea of design. Put plainly, the phrase “Wow, look at that Volvo” is about as common as “Pass the peas please, they’re my favorite.” The S90 sedan may just be the spark needed to ignite the brand’s newly found design groove, so to speak. At first glance, the full-size, four-door appears to resemble something from BMW, but the Volvo logo embedded in the vertically slotted grill gives the manufacturer away. “Our idea was to bring something entirely new to this rather conservative segment and deliver a visual expression that exudes leadership and confidence on the exterior. On the inside we have taken the S90 to the next level, delivering a high-end luxury experience that promises comfort and control,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Volvo’s senior vice president of design. Along with a progressive design, Volvo will utilize a hybrid powertrain. The S90 will share the plug-in T8 Twin Engine used in its brethren, the XC90. Official output for the sedan has not been released, but the XC90’s drivetrain is all-wheel drive with a 2-liter gasoline engine coupled with a crank-integrated starter generator and 8-speed automatic transmission for the front and a 65 kW electric motor for the rear, according to Volvo Among other innovations, the S90 will have an advanced semi-autonomous drive feature called “Pilot Assist,” which will provide gentle steering inputs to keep the car within its lane without the need to follow another car.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica + Hybrid If Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has its way, the 2017 Pacifica + Hybrid will revolutionize the minivan segment, which may lead families from all over to rejoice. While the most obvious change to those familiar with the company’s minivans is the moniker “Town & Country” has been replaced with Pacifica - the crossover built from 20042008. However, bigger changes have been made from the ground up as the new Pacifica will ride on a brand-new platform built for better ride, handling, and noise, vibration and harshness. The Pacifica definitely looks much more improved over previous iterations of both its namesake and the T&C. The body lines are smooth and elegantly accentuated with chrome trim. The front fascia appears to be lifted from the Chrysler 200, but works well and looks handsome on the minivan. Moreover, the minivan segment really isn’t about looking luxurious or aggressive. It’s about loading up the family as quickly as possible, getting to the destination with the least amount of fuss, and cleaning in the most efficient manner. In these aspects, the Pacifica looks to shine. FCA says it offers more than 100 standard and available safety and security features, including 360-degree cameras, park assist, and adaptive cruise control. On top of that, the Pacifica comes with a full array of comfort and convenience technologies like an integrated vacuum, hands-free sliding doors and liftgate, and redesigned Stow 'n Go seating. The hybrid version will mark the industry’s first electric minivan with an estimated range of 30 miles solely on electric power. The range for city driving is estimated to be about 80 miles per gallon. 2017 Honda Ridgeline From the looks of the 2017 Ridgeline, Honda decided to build an actual truck. Or at least something like a truck for people who don’t really want a truck but need something to haul things in. Regardless, the Ridgeline is a definite step up from the previous model, which was discontinued in 2014 after nine years in production. As put by John Mendel, executive vice president of Honda of America: "We think we've got a better idea, a truck that uses its unibody construction and Honda packaging magic to deliver more of the things that many of today's truck customers want and need with none of the things they don't." The new Ridgeline’s looks definitely don’t scream “off-road. Instead, it’s a more subtle, streamlined exterior that is handsome. The front fascia may appear too similar to Honda’s Civic, but it will definitely separate itself from other trucks in the segment, which seems to be the company’s goal. Performance-wise, the Ridgeline will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic that Honda claims will target best-in-class acceleration and the best fuel economy in its segment. The chassis is a lightweight unibody with fully independent suspension. Also, for the first time, the truck will be available in all-wheel and front-wheel drive. Another interesting feature of the new Ridgeline is the in-bed audio system that when combined with the multi-action tailgate and in-bed trunk, Honda says will make it the “ultimate tailgating vehicle.”
Buick Avista Concept* Like the commercials, “That’s not a Buick” is probably what most commonly comes to mind when seeing the Avista Concept for the first time. The two-door coupe with seating for four bears a striking resemblance to an Aston Martin, and the “Superior Blue” paint is mesmerizing even in photos.The car’s sweeping, uninterrupted body lines give it a sense of motion even while parked. The design is similar to that used on the Avenir concept and will make its way into production with the 2017 LaCrosse. Inside, the Avista maintains the sweeping lines of the exterior and utilizes 3D-printed door and seat trim. Buick’s future-version of IntelliLink, with touchscreen controls on a widescreen instrument panel display, is featured, too. The Avista isn’t just nice to look at, though. It rides on the Alpha platform shared with the all-new Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac’s ATS and features magnetic ride control. It has a 400-hp, bi-turbo, 3-liter V6 and 8-speed automatic transmission to boot. Buick says the concept’s design forecasts the evolution of its production lighting features, while the Avista’s grille features the brand’s new winged tri-shield insignia set against a three-dimensional mesh background.“There is elegant simplicity in the Avista’s surfaces, which speak to the purity of the car’s performance, and a timeless beauty that’s a hallmark of Buick design,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director Global Buick Design. “It was designed to capture the spirit of the perfect drive.” Nissan Titan Warrior Concept* Much like Ford did to its F-150 with the successful Raptor, Nissan’s Titan Warrior Concept takes the all-new Titan XD and injects a heavy dose of off-road personality. Initially, the concept seems to bare a striking resemblance to the Raptor. They have a similar front fascia and tail lights. However, the off-road segment is clearly one that all manufacturers are eager to get in on and taking inspiration from a company like Ford, who has done it well, isn’t the worst thing. Nissan said it took the TITAN XD's production design to new extremes with unapologetic, aggressive, athletic styling features that declare the concept's off-road adventure intent and Nissan's optimism for the truck market. The truck features a desert racing-inspired design on a commercial-duty chassis with a modified off-road suspension and a 5-liter V8 Cummins turbo diesel. Along with that, the Warrior Concept takes the regular truck’s standard wheelbase and length and raises the height by three inches while wearing 37-inch tall off-road tires. Creating the necessary clearance is new, long-travel suspension. Plus, the truck’s body width was extended three inches. Added to that are multiple carbon fiber pieces such as a rear cab and tailgate spoiler and there is unique equipment like roof-mounted LED lights. Interior appointments include high-strength seat fabrics with Magma stitching and surfaces made of carbon fiber and chrome finishes. Also, there are hot and cold drink containers in the center console and a plethora of auxiliary toggle switches in the center stack for accessories. Kia Telluride Concept Much like the Buick Avista, a first-look at the Kia Telluride Concept would most likely be followed by a second or third before it was recognized as a Kia. In fact, the initial impression of the Telluride Concept is that of a Rolls Royce or perhaps a Bentley. From the prominent grill and deep-set headlights to the sweeping body curves to the suicide-style doors, it definitely exudes luxury. Moreover, as elegant and appealing as the exterior appears, some of the coolest and fancy features are inside. For example, sensors on the seat backs capture a driver’s “vital health information,” which shows up on screens mounted to the door panels. Also, a thin, touch-sensitive, interactive band mounted to the second row center console, called “Swipe Command,” allows passengers in the back seat to pick out songs or other media. In the front, Kia used 3D-printed components to create a unique, front-seat environment. “The Kia Telluride makes an aesthetic statement for the Kia brand as a bold, all-new luxury SUV with an abundance of advanced technology, focusing particular attention on the experience and comfort of second-row occupants,” said Tom Kearns, Kia of America’s chief designer. Powering the Kia concept is a mix of a 3.5-liter V6 and electric motor that when combined produce 400 horsepower. Even with all-wheel-drive, the company estimates more than 30 mpg highway.
Audi Q6 h-tron Meant mainly as a sign of things to come, Audi’s Q6 h-tron concept uses hydrogen as its source of propulsion. The company’s fuel cell is said to have 373 miles of range and the technology is expected to pave the way for future sustainable mobility. From a design standpoint, the Q6 concept looks really cool and hints will most likely be reflected on upcoming Audi models. The front fascia in particular features plenty of horizontal fins and air vents with exotic headlights. The interior also promises more sleek, luxurious and tech-filled appointments for the future, such as OLED displays. Audi said it’s working on piloted and assisted driving functions, which will be implemented on 2017 models. The Q6 concept’s fuel cell is stored in the front of the vehicle like a standard motor. Audi said fueling takes four minutes to get to full range. Working in unison with the advanced drivetrain, the chassis will use an adaptive air suspension. Much like many all-electric cars, the Q6 concept will have power to all four wheels with separate motors in the front and rear. Overall, whether the Audi Q6 h-tron ever makes it to production, the slew of Easter eggs for future models seems to indicate the company is continuing to push the envelope of innovation and design. Acura Precision Concept As demonstrated by Audi’s hydrogen-powered concept, and many concept cars, Acura’s Precision is intended “strictly as a styling study for future models,” according to the company. Yet, even if only some of the design cues and tech make their way to production models, which is almost certain, Acura will likely see a boost in sales. First off, the Precision Concept is a stunning example of how body creases and jutting angles can be wrangled into a package that doesn’t look overdone or a complete work of fantasy. The car is sexy. The front fascia looks mean and aggressive while everything aft continues that theme with a body reminiscent of a fighter jet. Acura has dubbed the design “quantum continuum,” which is the seamless transition of materials and structure from outside the concept to inside. The lack of a b-pillar is used as an example. The Precision’s interior features a double-layered instrument panel with an ultra-wide and curved center screen operated by a floating touch-pad, hand-crafted audio speaker grilles made of exotic wood, and ultra-thin “floating” rear seats meant to resemble modern lounge furniture. Also, Acura used the concept to explore its “digital human-machine interface (HMI)” This enables more intuitive, advanced and seamless connection between the car and driver. For instance, the company said upon entry, the system scans each occupant and selects personalized features and functions like audio and performance settings.
Mazda has always been known for making exhilarating cars that won’t break the bank. The Mazda3 is one of their best selling vehicles, so my expectations were quite high for this little hatchback. It really did live up to their Zoom-Zoom tagline as I found the Mazda3 to be a very pleasurable vehicle to drive. If you are considering the 3 for your everyday driver, you will be pleased. The Mazda3 provided an ample amount of cargo space and it’s also very comfortable, the sporty seats fit the contour of your body perfectly, making long journeys comfortable ones. The entire interior is very enjoyable and everything from the door handles to the dashboard trim pieces feel well constructed. I was extremely happy to see Mazda’s all new multimedia system in little red. I gave my Mazda3 a nickname ok, don’t judge. The system itself is very easy to use, and you can control it via the dial or by simply touching the screen. It always respond quickly and I found the navigation directions to be extremely detailed and useful. In the past Mazda had a slight disadvantage in the market because they had a very outdated multimedia system. However all of their new models will see this fantastic new system, which is a game changer for Mazda. If you like sharp lines and crisp curves, you will be in love. When I first laid eyes on little red, the black rims really stood out in a fun sporty way, pair them with the Soul red metallic paintjob as they did in our demo car, and you will be ready to show off. Even if I’m having a bad day, all I need to do is peek outside take a look at that big Madza grill smiling back at me and everything seems to get better. This is always a happy car. It puts a smile on my face when I drive it, makes me happy when I look at it and sad when I’m not driving it.
Volvo launches the all-new 2017 S90 Sedan. At first glance, the car winks at you with its nicknamed “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights. Its debut came at the January 2016 Detroit Auto Show. Online-only sales will begin soon and pricing is not yet available. Released from Volvo’s headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, the S90 is the definition of luxury. The sedan has already been scoped by Powertrain three times. In the last five years, Volvo has invested $11 billion into its R&D (Research and Development) with an emphasis on vehicle safety. The S90 is the full monty of sedans, and here’s why: The standard model comes with a 250-hp turbo four cylinder with front-wheel drive. The engines are called T5 FWD Momentum (250 hp), the T5 FWD Inscription (250 hp), and the T6 AWD Momentum/Inscription (316 hp). The fourdoor, S90 and its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) seen previously with the Volvo XC90, provides a very simple yet sophisticated design. It is technology coined by Volvo to adequately provide space for its turbocharged hybrid engine systems and maintain a sleek look. The measurements are 4960mm long with a 2940mm wheelbase and a width of 1890mm, which is considered a larger mid-sized sedan. The rear-end has been completely redesigned in the image of Volvo’s concept designs of year’s past.
If you have ever been to Texas, you know they love their big trucks. That’s exactly what the 2016 Toyota Tundra represents, a mammoth pickup truck with an industrial look and big V-8 power. When I stepped into the truck, and believe me, it’s a step up, I found myself in a gussied up truck interior which included the usual dual-zone climate control, heated seats, multimedia system with Navigation and blind spot detection. The mirrors are about as big as the Titanic so it makes for easy viewing and they work especially well when towing. I felt the interior gave off that industrial feel with giant oversized knobs and buttons, it’s a very functional interior as well with lots of storage and charging ports. If you seeking that special luxurious feel, then you should check into the Platinum or the Texas 1794 edition. However the limited has everything that most people would want in a truck. I always felt like a badass pulling up to a stop light in the Tundra, I mean it’s just so big and with the 5.7L iForce V-8 you could leave just a little rubber behind and show all those Prius drivers that Toyota makes big boy vehicles too. The engine sound like a lion getting ready to kill it’s prey with it’s deep throaty note.