Automotive

2018 Audi A5 & S5: Performance Meets Design

Audi is an interesting company. They’re not consistently right, year after year, but when they do get it right, they really knock it out of the stadium. Ask Walter Rohrl or Michelle Mouton. Ask anyone who’s gone up against an R8 on a rainy stretch of road.

Further, look at Audi’s 5 series.

The 5 models, the A5 and higher performing S5, are in a very difficult arena: The sport coupe market. It’s crowded. The margins are thin. It’s hard to stand out. It’s all too easy to go for bland; bland styling, bland performance, bland epitaphs on your product’s headstone.

First Impressions

Audi confidently strode into this ring the same way they rolled on to the grid at Le Mans. The 5 showed up like Roddy Piper in They Live. The A5 and S5 were there to kick some and chew bubblegum, and they were all out of bubble gum.

When they debuted, I was living in Seattle (a hot bed for Audis, given the obviously poor driving conditions 460 days of the year). I saw them in the press. Then, seemingly 24 minutes later, I saw them on the roads. They were everywhere. They were silver or gray or black. They were hauling it across the 520 (final destination: Microsoft campus) in a miserable drizzle. They were all piloted by guys that looked like junior marketing execs with attitudes – hey, nobody’s perfect, not even Audi. Besides, a sale is a sale.

And now, here we are, some years later, and the Ingolstadt company is still on a roll with their mid-sized coupes. Ta-dah: The new 2018 Audi A5 and S5. In a lot of ways, they’re like their original antecedent, but better.

Design Language

Audi says they have retained the “classic design details.” Leave it to Audi to call their original, first gen design that’s only a few years old as “classic.” Don’t pat yourself on the back too hard Audi, you’ll dislocate a shoulder. They point out how the new cars retain the original power dome and the “wave-design” shoulder line, speaking of shoulders. Both of which are good details, and the shoulders are rather handsome.

And that little wave trick does take away any chance of it looking slab-sided and clumsy.

There’s a slew of standard goodies too.

There’s standard Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights or available full LED headlights and standard LED taillights with dynamic rear turn signals. Not sure what’s dynamic about them, but I’m guessing it’s something like Mercury Cougars had back in 1970. Only German!

18-inch 10-spoke-dynamic design wheels with all-season tires are standard but 19-inch multi-spoke design wheels with contrasting gray/polished finish are available on A5 models. The S5 gets standard 18-inch Audi Sport 5-double-spoke-star design wheels with summer performance tires. Or you can choose 19-inch 5-spoke-Cavo design wheels with contrasting gray/polished finish when you go with the performance model.

The standard perks continue in the cabin as well.

Interior Layout

There’s a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles on the A5; three-spoke multi-function flat-bottom sport steering wheel with shift paddles on the S5, because race cars have flat bottom steering wheels, and one wants to feel racy. Doesn’t one? Oh, and get used to the shift paddles, all you whining luddites decrying the lack of a stick. Deal with the change. Deal. There were people like you 50 years ago whining about transmissions going fully synchromesh. Sheesh!

The three-zone automatic climate control with wing-design, wrap-around dashboard and diffuser air vents is also standard. I’m assuming that third zone is for the passengers trapped, er, wadded, er, cozily ensconced in the rear “seats.”

Speaking of seats, the driver’s seat is eight-way power with four-way power lumbar adjustments on the A5. Standard, natch. The S5 gets S sport seats with contrast diamond stitching, pneumatic side bolsters, and massage function. Also standard. Also natch. There’s a standard panoramic sunroof that adds light to the cabin – and also adds weight, way up high. But I won’t go on a Colin Chapman inspired rant about weight and performance. Oh no. Not me.

Ambient LED lighting is standard; there is also an ambient LED lighting plus package with 30 color settings available if you want to go full Pink Floyd Lazarium I guess.

Finally, there are standard Aluminum Trimaran inlays. Last I checked, a trimaran was a kind of sailboat, but whatevs, I’m a sucker for the styling power of aluminum. If you’re not, there’s also High-gloss Dark Brown Walnut Wood or Natural Gray Oak inlays available on the A5 and standard brushed Aluminum or available Carbon Atlas inlays on the S5.

Now, roll up your sleeves and pick the grease out from under your nails, and follow me to the engine bay, por favor.

Similar to the previous generation, the 2018 Audi S5 has available sport adaptive damping suspension with a new suspension control unit. This unit houses the software for suspension and damping control plus the sensors for measuring acceleration and yaw rates. Additionally, the 2018 Audi S5 has a dynamic steering system. It acts as a variable steering ratio and adjusts based on vehicle speed and/or the Audi drive select setting. Photo: Audi of America.

Engine & Powertrain

Underneath that Hugo Boss-like aluminum skin is where things get interesting. For starters, there’s two new engines available. There’s a TFSI four-cylinder plant in the A5 and a big whomper of a TFSI V6 for the S5.

The A5 is equipped with a 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine, coupled with either a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. Okay, forget what I said about the lack of a stick earlier. My bad. Sorry. But still, get the dual clutch with the paddle shifters, you bulgy browridge’d luddites. Anyway, said engine cranks out 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque, which is good enough for a sprint to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds for the S tronic; 5.7 seconds for the manual.

And that’s the “normal” model, if you will. The standard Audi drive select actually has four different modes that change up the car’s personality: comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual.

The S5, on the other hand, comes with a completely new 3.0 TFSI V6 mill reeling out 354 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. Impressive, no? 0-60? How does 4.4 seconds sound? Sounds good to me. The 2018 S5 is also available with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that is “well suited for the low end torque of the new 3.0-liter TFSI engine,” according to Audi.

Available sport suspension on the 2018 Audi A5 lowers ride height by approximately 23 mm and utilizes different tubular anti-roll bars, dampers, and linear-rate springs. Available comfort adaptive damping suspension lowers ride height by 10 mm and uses continuous electronic damper control to enable the various suspension and damping combinations that make up the Audi drive select modes. Photo: Audi of America.

Quattro Magic

And, as with all Audis since time immemorial (or at least since the late 70s), all of the 5 models come standard with quattro all-wheel drive. A5 models equipped with the S tronic transmission and S5 models with the Tiptronic automatic put the grunt to the tarmac via a self-locking center diff, with a basic ratio of 40:60 front to rear, and wheel-selective torque control.

Any of the six-speed manual cars offer the new quattro with “ultra” technology. (Really? You registered the syllable “ultra” as a trademark?) There’s an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch along with a decoupling rear axle differential that gives you fully variable torque distribution. This system proactively modifies the torque application according to the road conditions or driver demands.

The S5 with the S sport package and quattro sport differential will actively split torque between the wheels of the rear axle, with the ability to direct nearly all torque to one wheel. It’s sort of like the Ferrari E-Diff that applies power differences laterally and on the fly to help you turn in and corner better.

Price? Audi doesn’t say. But you know what Gatsby said: “the rich are different from you and me, Nick,” and you know he’s right. Probably not too bad on the final tab, but still, it won’t be cheap.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

2018 Audi A5 Gallery

2018 Audi S5 Gallery

Audi Performance Charts & Figures

Photos & Source: Audi of America.

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This New Suite Package At The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Is Just Too Cool

This New Suite Package At The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Is Just Too Cool Perhaps you and your sweetheart were busy for Valentine’s Day but still want to celebrate your love? Or, perhaps, you need a break from all the snow? Well, it might be fitting to look into the “Live Aston Martin” suite package at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Through this unique booking, guests receive exclusive access to an Aston Martin to cruise through Beverly Hills with.
“This is the perfect venue for current and prospective clients to indulge in the spirit of LA’s car culture by driving one of the world’s most beautiful cars amid a luxurious backdrop,” said Laura Schwab, President of Aston Martin the Americas.
Zoom Service
The Aston Martins on offer for hotel guests include the DB11 grand-tourer, the most powerful model of the DB lineage. The DB11’s new 4.0-liter twin turbocharged V8 cranks out 503 horsepower and 513 lb-ft. of torque. It hits 62 in just 4 seconds, with a top speed of 187 mph. Not too bad huh? Guests can also opt for the Vanquish S, which originates from Aston Martin’s historic Works in Newport Pagnell.
“Inviting travelers to create unforgettable memories through one-of-a-kind offerings, like access to exclusive Aston Martin sports cars, speaks to our team’s dedication to providing legendary service,” explained Vanessa Williams, Director of Sales and Marketing, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.
“It’ll certainly add an unforgettable dose of adrenaline to the hotel stay,” Schwab said.
Photo: Aston Martin The Americas.
Apparel & Merchandise
Near the lobby is the Aston Martin pop-up store, which features an extensive collection of clothing, accessories, gifts, and other collectibles. Among the Aston Martin-themed items are sunglasses, model cars, posters, keyrings, hats, backpacks, suitcases, and mugs. There is plenty of racing gear and some of the items are even handmade.
Booking & Rewards
The Live Aston Martin package is available until March 31st and can be booked through the Waldorf Astoria’s website. Guests can also take advantage of any additional benefits as Hilton Honors members. The rewards program offers a number of perks, including a Personal Concierge service and complimentary Wi-Fi.
“At Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, we look forward to offering our guests the best in hospitality,” Williams said.
If you do this, please let us know on Twitter so we can retweet any photos you take.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Live Aston Martin Package Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin The Americas.

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Lexus Bringing New Concepts & Technology to NAIAS

The North American International Auto Show begins next week at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan, and Lexus will have a new display. The automaker will showcase their latest technology, engineering, and safety through an interactive experience for attendees.

The focal point for Lexus is the all-new, fifth-generation 2018 LS flagship sedan, making its world debut this year at NAIAS. Interestingly enough, the LS first premiered in Detroit in 1989, signifying the birth of Lexus. The new LS is expected to have an impressive ride, dynamic performance, and increased comfort.

According to Lexus, it has a “coupe-like silhouette that does not compromise interior roominess or visionary technology.”

The 2018 Lexus LS is constructed on an extended version of the automaker’s all-new global architecture for luxury vehicles, known as “GA–L” or “premium rear-wheel drive platform.” The same design is shared with the Lexus LC, which goes on sale this year, and represents much of the direction the brand is heading in terms of styling and performance.

Elsewhere in the Lexus display, visitors will find the UX Concept. The compact crossover first appeared in September at the Paris Motor Show and comes to North America for the first time in Detroit next week. The UX Concept is unique in how it blends the aggressive looks of a 4×4 with a ground clearance and driving position similar to most coupes.

The vehicle seats four and features a 3-D Human Machine Interface. The UX Concept will also highlight Lexus’ Kinetic Seat Concept, a design that functions ergonomically and operates strategically for a more comfortable driving position.

The North American International Auto Show begins next week with press and industry specific events, but opens to the public on January 14th. The Lexus exhibit will feature 14 vehicles across 18,120 sq. ft. of space.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Photos & Source: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Lamborghini Aventador S: Same Old Siren’s Song?

Since about the time of the Lamborghini Diablo, the Sant’Agata Bolognese based company has been fighting against the impression that their cars are engine first, last, and always.

And with their latest, the Aventador S, they go on at great length about the chassis, and aerodynamics this and that, to say “it’s not all about the engine.”

Codswallop.

Look. There’s a lot of cool tech throughout this newest Lambo, and I’ll get to that, but the only thing from their press materials that’s really going to have any true meaning is this:

“More powerful naturally aspirated V12 engine outputting 740 horsepower.”

For those of you lacking a sense of history (e.g. Americans) I’ll put that into perspective: That is about what an Indy car from the late 80s was cranking out. The thought that Lamborghini, along with their bosses at Audi (Audi bought the Italian company a while back (which is why their quality jumped noticeably 6 months later)), will gladly sell a car that is the road-going equivalent of an Indy car from not that long ago is simultaneously inspiring and alarming.

The Lamborghini Aventador’s naturally aspirated twelve cylinder, 6.5 liter engine creates over 500 lb-ft. of torque, with an additional 40 horsepower over its predecessor. Variable Valve Timing and a Variable Intake System are optimized for increased performance. Furthermore, maximum engine revs have been boosted from 8,350 to 8,500 rpm while a dry weight of just 3,472 lbs. provides excellent power-to-weight ratio. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini

Exercise Caution

Look, we (and I’ll speak for every last one of us here at Automoblog) would gladly, gladly, take the keys from any Lamborghini rep naive and trusting enough to hand them over to us. (If, by any chance you are a Lamborghini rep, please contact either Chris Burdick or Carl Anthony at this website. Thank you.) But we’re different. We are, after all, professionals.

We have been around cars like this most of our adult lives (if not longer) and the chances of us doing something monumentally stupid like wrapping a shiny red, brand new Lamborghini Aventador S around a telephone pole are much, much lower than most people. I think.

But to give, okay, sell (even at a stratospheric price) to just any rich guy with a swollen bank account and glands and a commensurately atrophied brain is sort of a disturbing prospect. Yes, there are all these very keen gizmos on the new V12 Lamborghini flagship designed to keep it stuck to the ground and pointed in a life-giving direction.

But technology can only do so much, although thankfully, Lamborghini has put a lot into play here.

The Lamborghini Aventador S has four different driving modes: STRADA, SPORT, CORSA, and a new EGO mode, which change the dynamics of the engine, transmission, steering, and suspension. STRADA is for daily use, SPORT gives an athletic, rear-wheel drive feel, and CORSA is meant for the track. EGO provides several additional and individual set-up profiles, based on a driver’s preferences. Preferred settings for things like traction, steering, and suspension within the STRADA, SPORT, and CORSA modes can be set. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.

Athletic Agility

The Lamborghini Aventador S has a new four-wheel steering system, for example, that enhances lateral control and responsiveness, especially when taking corners. Yes, it’s the first time on a series production Lamborghini, but I also note that Ferrari rolled out a 4WS system on their TdF variant of the F12 Berlinetta (a car that’s a little long in the wheelbase). And since Lamborghini was founded on “to hell with Enzo, I can do it better myself!!” it’s not surprising to find it turning up here.

Besides, Lamborghini has traditionally been a little tail happy, so anything to keep the rear under control sounds like a good idea.

The system is said to provide improved agility at low and medium speeds and more stability at higher speeds. Yay. The front axle is specially adapted to integrate with the active Lamborghini Rear-wheel Steering (LRS) on the rear axle: two separate actuators react in five milliseconds to any steering movements, allowing a real-time angle and cornering stiffness adjustment.

When tooling around town, the rear wheels face in opposite direction to the steering angle of the fronts, thereby virtually reducing the wheelbase. You know, sort of like trucks on a skateboard. With less steering wheel angle required, the Aventador S is more agile with a reduced turning radius, ensuring higher performance in curves and making it easy to maneuver in town and at lower speeds.

At higher speeds though, both front and rear wheels share the same steering angle, thus virtually extending the wheelbase. Lamborghini says this provides increased stability, optimizing the responsiveness of the car. Effectively, this high speed four-wheel steering scheme means the car crabs a little on purpose.

Lamborghini’s updated pushrod and Lamborghini Magneto-rheological Suspension (LMS) provide “vertical control,” and are engineered to accommodate the new four-wheel steering. The new suspension geometry, optimized for Lamborghini Rear-wheel Steering, includes an upper and lower arm and wheel carrier to reduce caster and load on the system. A new real-time variable damping system optimizes wheel and body control, while ground stiffness is maximized. Lastly, new rear springs create additional balance for exceptional driving dynamics. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.

Not So Much

Now, as far as the overall design and aerodynamics are concerned, the new Lamborghini Aventador S is subtle and refined and . . . sorry, who am I trying to kid. The Lamborghini Aventador S is, like all Lambos, about as subtle and refined as a meat axe.

Remember this crucial exchange between Bruce and Alfred from The Dark Night:

Alfred Pennyworth: Will you be wanting the Batpod, sir?

Bruce Wayne: In the middle of the day, Alfred? Not very subtle.

Alfred Pennyworth: The Lamborghini, then?

[with deadpan sarcasm]

Alfred Pennyworth: Much more subtle.

That is the design aesthetic that applies here.

The Aventador S features a number of exterior developments, particularly at the front and rear. Which follows if, aero-wise, you want to keep the thing stuck to the pavement. A more aggressive nose with a longer front splitter redirects airflow for better aerodynamic efficiency and cooling. The rear of the Aventador S is dominated by a black diffuser, which is available on request in carbon fiber because Lambo are a bunch of cheapskates and don’t just make it out of that from the get go.

The Lamborghini Aventador S features a new exhaust system developed through an extensive R&D project. It endured heavy testing in order to achieve the desired sound and properly resonate the engine notes of the V12. The new exhaust is 20 percent lighter and easily noticeable at the rear of the vehicle with its three pipe design. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini.

Angelically Fast

The new diffuser has a number of vertical fins that amplify the airflow, reduce drag through pressure recovery and, most importantly, generate downforce. Three single exhaust outlets exit through the rear bumper, and, c’mon, look totally cool. The rear wing is active, meaning it’s movable in three positions depending on speed and drive mode. It optimizes the car’s overall balance, and works with vortex generators at the front and rear of the underbody to maximize air flow as well as assist in brake cooling.

All this adds up to a downforce improvement of more than 130% over the previous Aventador. The overall efficiency at high downforce is improved by over 50%, and in low drag by more than 400% compared to the previous model. Impressive. All this adds up to a 0-100km/h dash in 2.9 seconds, and a top speed of 350 km/h, which translates to “alarmingly quick” and “angelically fast.”

In the words of Han Solo, “she’s fast enough for you old man.”

Or, in the words of Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stefano Domenicali, “this is the next generation Aventador as well as the expression of new technological and performance milestones in super sports car development. The Aventador S is visionary design, cutting-edge technology, and driving dynamics in pure harmony, and elevates the concept of super sports cars to a new level.”

And yes, that would be the Stefano Domenicali that used to run Ferrari’s Grand Prix team. So he knows whence he speaks.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life around racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.

Photos & Source: Automobili Lamborghini.

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Ford Aims 2019 Transit Connect Wagon At Baby Boomer Generation

Ford Aims 2019 Transit Connect Wagon At Baby Boomer Generation Ford is trying to win over baby boomers in a big way with their 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon (one of Automoblog’s favorite vans). Their press materials from this year’s Chicago Auto Show are crammed with enough condescending references to the post-war generation to gag Grace Slick. But those egregious faux pas aside, the 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon has some pretty good stuff to offer.
Influential Generation
Why try to reinvent the van and sell it to boomers? Ford is direct and up front as to why: “Boomers … grew up driving vans, [and] at 111 million strong and holding 63 percent of American financial assets, the 50 plus demographic is the number one consumer demographic in the United States.” Or to be even more succinct: Boomers already know vans, there are a lot of them, and they have a lot of money. According to AARP, one in three Boomers plans to purchase a car in the next three years.
So, besides the corny and insulting hippie references in the press release (i.e. Life’s Still a Trip, Today’s Magic Bus) what does the 2019 Transit have to offer?
2019 Transit Connect Wagon. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Safety & Security
For starters, it has room for five to seven passengers and, since you can easily reconfigure the interior, cargo duty is just as easy as hauling people. American Transit buyers will also get their choice of a new gas or diesel engine, along with a collection of driver-assist technologies like Automatic Emergency Braking.
In addition, the 2019 Transit Connect Wagon comes with Pre-Collision Assist and Pedestrian Detection to help avoid big bang-bangs and thump-thumps. Adaptive Cruise Control is also available to make highway driving easier by automatically slowing the van when the system detects traffic ahead. A Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert is available. It also uses the Transit’s radar system to detect surrounding vehicles that loom at you unobserved from the sides. There is also an available Lane Keeping System that vibrates the steering wheel, and can apply extra steering wheel torque to help you keep the vehicle centered.

Trim Levels & Engines
The 2019 Transit Connect Wagon comes in two wheelbases and three trim levels: XL, XLT, and Titanium. The interior is expansive and adaptable, so fitting people in or loading in cargo is a breeze. There are dual sliding side doors, and the available roof rails give you even more versatility with the number of accessories that can be fitted to the roof. So, hauling bikes, kayaks or that vintage Greg Noll surfboard you’ve had since 1966 should be easy-peasy.
Even the engines got a going over, as I mentioned before. There’s an all new powertrain lineup, including the 1.5-liter EcoBlue diesel that promises at least 30 mpg highway. The diesel plant is coupled with a new eight-speed automatic. There is also a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline mill with direct injection on offer. That engine comes with Auto Start-Stop as standard and is also mated to that new eight-speed automatic.
Wanna tow stuff? The Transit Connect Wagon offers a towing capability of 2,000 lbs. when equipped with the trailer tow package.
Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Availability
According to Ford, the 2019 Transit Connect Wagon will be one of the most affordable seven-passenger rigs you can get, although Ford did not actually disclose pricing. The long-wheelbase version has more interior cargo volume behind the first row than the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe, according to Ford’s measurements. So think about that, comparison shoppers. Expect it this fall at dealers nationwide.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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Hyundai Drops 2018 Sonata Hybrids In Chicago

Hyundai Drops 2018 Sonata Hybrids In Chicago Hyundai just showed off the soon-to-be-in-a-store near you 2018 Sonata Hybrids, both standard and plug-in, at the Chicago Auto Show. Hyundai seems to roll out new models or improvements and updates to models every two weeks. How Hyundai does this is beyond me, but I’m just glad they’re able to keep it up. As I said, we now have two Sonatas to look at, the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid.
Of course, the new Sonatas come with a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign along with more safety stuff, better suspension, improved infotainment, and connectivity features, but the real star of the show is the gas/electric drivetrains
Sonata Hybrid
The center of the 2018 Sonata Hybrid is a 2.0-liter Nu GDI four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Situated within the transmission is a 38 kW electric motor and clutch where the torque converter should be. Hyundai’s clever idea of putting the hybrid drive guts within the transmission – something they call a Transmission-Mounted Electrical Device (TMED) – works the same as any other hybrid, but with improved fuel economy via a larger electric motor. Plus, you’ve got to say that’s pretty smart packaging.
The traditional ICE part of the hybrid system produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb-ft. of torque. Add in the electric motor and you get a further 38 kW (51 horsepower) and another 151 lb-ft. of torque. Net power comes up at 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Economy-wise, with a Sonata Hybrid SE you’ll get 39 mpg in the city, 45 on the highway, and a combined figure of 42. If you add that all up, you can go for around 650 miles under typical driving conditions. Choice!
The lithium-ion polymer battery pack capacity is good for 1.76 kWh and the whole she-bang fits under the trunk floor. Ergo, lots of trunk space, a flat trunk floor, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Total cargo volume for the Sonata Hybrid is 13.3 cubic feet.

Sonata Plug-in Hybrid
The Plug-in Hybrid is similar to the regular Sonata Hybrid, but with the benefit of extended all-electric travel. There’s a 9.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack which is more than five times larger than the Sonata Hybrid’s battery. According to the EPA, the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid has an all-electric range of 27 miles, and it can be recharged in less than three hours with a level-two charger. Which, if you think about this, allows you to commute to work, park the thing, plug it in for a recharge, and then drive it home without burning a drop of gas. And hey, if you’ve got to head out of town for a long weekend, you’ve got plenty of range thanks to the gasoline engine. Total estimated range is a remarkable 590 miles.
The Plug-in Hybrid has the same six-speed automatic with Hyundai’s TMED in place of the torque converter again, only this time the electric motor is a 50 kW beast. That 50 kW electric motor puts out 32 percent more power versus the Sonata Hybrid. The plug-in hybrid uses the same ICE as the Sonata Hybrid, and the total system output is 202 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. To compliment the performance, the chassis gets some nips and tucks with a stiffer front anti-roll bar and a more rigid rear trailing-arm design with retuned bushings.

Notable Features
Other highlights for the 2018 Sonatas include a new front/rear fascia design, a new grille, hood, front fenders, rear deck lid, headlights, and taillights. There are new 16-inch and 17-inch eco-spoke wheel designs, along with new LED headlights that have a trick cornering Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) function. The interior has a new instrument panel, center stack, steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and rear USB charge port.
Safety gadgets? By the ton. There’s standard Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, a newly available Automatic Emergency Braking system, and Lane Keep Assist.
Manufacturing & Availability
The 2018 Sonata Hybrids will be produced in Asan, Korea. The Hybrid will be in Hyundai dealers by the first quarter of 2018 and Plug-ins will show up in the second quarter.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format.
2018 Sonata Hybrid Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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