Automotive

2018 Lexus RX 350L Review

2018 Lexus RX 350L Review Lexus redesigned the RX 350 for the 2016 model year and, in a way, it looks as if the lines were chiseled by a samurai’s sword. It exudes a new attitude that shouts contemporary and easily runs away from the conservative models of the last generation. And now, Lexus gives the RX a third-row seat for the very first time.
Families wanting luxury with more kid-hauling capability can now look at the Lexus RX. This past weekend, we drove the new Lexus RX 350L.
What’s New For 2018
The Lexus RX gets a new 350L variant with third-row seating.
Features & Options
The 2018 RX 350L ($49,070) comes standard with leather upholstery, rearview camera, nine-speaker audio, an eight-inch screen, HD and satellite radio, CD player, Bluetooth, and full-time all-wheel drive.
Options on this tester included Blind Spot Monitor, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, Mark Levinson premium audio, 20-inch alloy wheels and a power tilt/slide moonroof. Total MSRP including destination: $58,190.

Interior Highlights
Stepping into the RXL cabin we were greeted with an attractive contrasting color scheme. The seats were surrounded by black leather accents on the doors and dash. Metal trim is featured on the dash, console, and door panels for an extra contemporary look. The cockpit is driver-focused with plenty of leather trim and quality materials throughout. You can’t miss the large 12.3-inch screen in the middle of the two-tier dash.
We felt right at home in the cabin. We especially liked the cooled front seats during a recent 100-degree Denver day. The back seat offers enough legroom and headroom for taller passengers. The soft leather rear seats are especially comfortable for longer rides as our passengers commented on our extended July 4th trip.
The new third-row seat isn’t big enough for adults but perfect for kids. Even with the second-row seat positioned all the way forward, average size adults will find the lack of legroom problematic for anything other than a short trip. It’s a similar story for headroom: You’ll find your head brushing up against the headliner if you’re taller than 5 feet 5 inches.
Access to the third row is so-so. The second-row seats have a handy lever that brings the seat backs forward and unlocks the fore-aft adjuster, allowing the seat to slide forward and make a narrow aisle to crawl into the third row.
The standard RX, with its rear seats up, has 18.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the L provides 23 cubic feet of volume with the second and third rows up. But with the second and third rows folded down, the gains are less tangible. The regular RX has 56.3 cubic feet versus 58.5 cubic feet in the L.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Lexus RX 350L is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, developing 290 horsepower and 263 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. It sends power to all four wheels by way of a full-time, Active Torque Control system.
EPA-estimates come in at 18/25 city/highway and 21 combined with all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
We couldn’t tell much difference between the new L and the standard RX. The crossover offers good communication with the road for an energetic and fun experience, whether in the city or on mountain roads. Along with performance, the main goal of the RX 350L is to provide occupants with a comfortable ride and plenty of utility. Visibility is good, especially in the city, with thinner pillars and wider rear quarter windows.
On the open road at highway cruising speed, the cabin is quiet. The ride is smooth, even with the larger 20-inch blackened aluminum sport wheels our tester had. The RXL did send some engine noise inside, but it’s barely noticeable.
When we got out of town, we chucked the L around some tight mountain curves. The RX suspension kept the crossover stable and flat. With the V6 having more horsepower than previous models and combined with all-wheel drive, we felt safe, secure, and confident well beyond any average commute. The 2018 Lexus RXL features Drive Mode Select, which affects powertrain response and steering effort. You can select the mode based on your driving preferences.
Conclusion
The 2018 Lexus RX 350L is a good crossover for families needing a third-row seat. It delivers the smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride you would expect from a luxury vehicle. There are lots of positive attributes that make the Lexus RX 350L a smart, practical, energizing choice for families.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Lexus RX 350L Gallery

Lexus RX Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Nissan Titan Surfcamp Flexes Beach Bod, Towel Snaps Competition

Nissan Titan Surfcamp Flexes Beach Bod, Towel Snaps Competition Nissan is showing off their six pack this summer and towel-snapping the competition with the new Titan Surfcamp. The super truck is ideal for beach goers and surfing enthusiasts: Nitto off-road tires? Check. Rooftop tent? Yep. Fishing rods? Bet your bottom dollar. Solar-powered shower? Better Believe It!
Inquires from everyone on the beach when pulling up? Indeed. Get ready to field a few questions.
Sun & Sand
The Surfcamp is the latest in Nissan’s Titan Adventure series, an array of lifestyle-themed project builds. It started with the Titan Project Basecamp for the camping lifestyle, then the skiing-themed Armada Snow Patrol, and the family adventure-themed Armada Mountain Patrol. The BBQ crowd even got their coals stoked with the Smokin’ Titan, a flagship truck for those carnivorous cookouts where bringing a salad won’t make you any friends.
“In the summer, beach parking lots are full of trucks hauling surfboards, fishing rods, boats, and campers as people crave the sun and sand,” explained Fred DePerez, Vice President, Nissan North America LCV Business Unit. “Inspired by the vintage beach trucks of the 1960s, Titan Surfcamp is a celebration of the beach truck tradition with all the modern technologies Titan customers want when they head out to surf, shore fish, and camp-out by the water.”
Photo: Nissan North America.
Essential Equipment
The Titan Surfcamp comes with a surfboard, stand-up paddleboard rack, and a Rhino-Rack Batwing awning for extra shade. Fishing rods can be stored along the roof rack while integrated rod holders in the bumper are there for when the lines are cast. While shooting the breeze, the Yeti 125-quart cooler keeps your beverages chill and once the sun sets, the party can continue with lighting from KC, Rigid, and Baja Designs.
A Road Shower rack-mounted solar shower and teak wood deck was incorporated for washing off the salt and sand. For the interior, a set of WeatherTech floor mats help trap and contain any excess sand from that well-earned day on the beach.
In Person
The Titan Surfcamp heads west to the Pacific Ocean for the Supergirl Surf Pro in Oceanside, California beginning on July 27th. A complete spec sheet on this beach warrior is below the gallery.
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.
Nissan Titan Surfcamp Gallery

2018 Nissan Titan Surfcamp Build Sheet
Exterior
Vehicle Wrap
IF Signs; inspired by Hot Wheels 1971 Datsun Bluebird Wagon nicknamed “JNC Surf Patrol”
Wheels
ICON Alloy Alpha Wheels
Tires
Nitto Ridge Grapplers 35/12.50/17
Front Bumper
Fab Four Vengeance Series
Lift Kit
ICON Stage 5, 3-inch lift
Auxiliary Lighting

KC Hilites Pro 6 Lights
Rigid Industries E-Series LED Light Bar
Baja Designs XL9s

Gear Storage
Bed Rack
Leitner Designs Cargo Rack
Roof Rack
Rhino-Rack Cab Roof Rack
Storage Drawers
Decked bed drawer system
Recovery
Jack
Hi-Lift
Shovel
Rhino-Rack
Interior
Seat Covers
Wetskinz neoprene
Floor Mats
WeatherTech
Fishing Gear
Fishing Rod Holders
Custom surf rod mounts
Surf Gear
Paddle Board
DragonFly
Surf Boards
Chris Birch custom surf boards
Protection from the Elements
Tent
Freespirit Recreation Elite Series Automatic
Awning
Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning
Convenience
Coolers
Yeti 125 Hard Cooler
Shower
Road Shower 4 Solar
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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BMW Plant Spartanburg Prepping For X5 Production

BMW Plant Spartanburg Prepping For X5 Production BMW’s Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina is prepping for production of the all-new X5. The forthcoming X5 will be the tenth X model produced at the facility since it opened in 1994. BMW’s manufacturing base in South Carolina is the single largest exporter of automobiles by value in the United States, according to the company.
Since the introduction of the X5 nearly 20 years ago, two of every three vehicles produced were exported to customers outside the U.S. When considering the Spartanburg-built X3, X4, X5, and X6 together, more than 70 percent of the annual production is shipped to export markets.
Increased Capacity
The X5 is one of BMW’s top-selling models in the U.S. as well, fueling enough growth in Spartanburg to make it BMW’s largest plant in the world. Overall, the X5 accounts for more than half of the 4.4 million vehicles produced at Spartanburg since its opening. Demand for X models is expected to rise globally, and officials say Spartanburg’s output will eventually reach the plant’s yearly capacity of 450,000 units.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Economic Footprint
When Plant Spartanburg opened in 1994, its shifts employed no more than 500 people, contrasted with 10,000 today and another 1,000 expected to join the team by 2021. BMW’s parts and materials purchases for production totaled nearly $6 billion in the U.S. last year, coming from more than 300 American supplier companies.
A recent study by the University of South Carolina found that for every 10 jobs that are directly generated at a U.S. BMW facility, an additional 90 jobs are created elsewhere in the U.S. economy as a direct result of those jobs.
Production & Training
BMW X5 production begins later this summer. In the meantime, new employees will undergo a dual apprenticeship training program that utilizes classroom learning and firsthand experience.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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McLaren 600LT: One Rare Bird

McLaren 600LT: One Rare Bird The new McLaren 600LT is here. The LT stands for “Longtail” and McLaren is making a bit of a fetish of what it means. What it all comes down to though is that the new 600LT is the fastest, most powerful and most track-focused, but still road legal, Sports Series McLaren yet.
Still road legal?
Music to my ears.
Longer & Lighter
This longtail stuff (one word in the preferred nomenclature) all started with the F1 GTR Longtail, a racing permutation of the fantastic F1 three-seater. It later showed up in a variant of the 675, the McLaren 675LT, and now the McLaren 600LT. From the outside, the most notable features of the 600LT are the extra, 2.9 inches added to the back end, the extended front splitter, lengthened rear diffuser (of course), and fixed rear wing.
You can’t see all the weight saving they did on this beast, but Woking was able to trim a substantial 211.6 lbs. off the 570S Coupé and its base measurements. The chassis is a lightweight carbon fiber “monocoque” (of course) and there’s also new carbon fiber bodywork to lower weight and optimize aero performance.
McLaren has also added top-exit exhausts for the new LT model, and I’m sure there’s sound engineering reasons for that – in the 600LT’s case, that would be a “substantial weight savings” – but it also seems like these top-exit exhausts are turning into some sort of fashion statement since Porsche first used them on their sublime 918 Spyder.
The top-exit exhaust system of the new McLaren 600LT helps reduce back pressure. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Less Is More
The interior of the track-focused but still road legal 600LT is pretty minimalist. There are carbon fiber racing seats that were first seen on the McLaren P1 and lightweight Alcantara trim throughout. If the P1-sourced seats aren’t enough, you can opt for super-lightweight carbon fiber seats developed for the McLaren Senna. And if you want even more, other weight saving options include a carbon fiber roof and cantrails and vented carbon fiber front fenders.
If you tick every lightweight option box, the lightest dry weight of the new McLaren 600LT is as low as 2,749.2 lbs.
Power & Performance
Motive force for the 600LT is supplied by a twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V8 with an uprated cooling system for 592 horsepower and a maximum torque output of 457 lb-ft. The power-to-weight ratio of the McLaren 600LT is an inspiring 474 horsepower per ton.
The McLaren 600LT rides on the forged aluminum double-wishbone suspension and the braking system from the second-generation McLaren Super Series. The tires are (what else?) Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires; the steering is quicker, and the throttle and brake pedal responses have been sharpened. And along with mounting the exhausts virtually behind the driver’s shoulder, the significantly firmer engine mounts should bring incredible sounds from the powertrain into the cabin.
Yum!
McLaren 600LT in Chicane Grey. This new variant is only the fourth “Longtail” McLaren in more than twenty years. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Manufacturing & Availability
Production of the hand-assembled 600LT Coupé will begin this October at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey and should last a year, but no word on the total number McLaren will make. The company only says that volume will be “strictly limited.”
You might want to head down to your McLaren dealer and check, however, since the 600LT is still available to order. Sadly, no word on price, but whatever it turns out to be, purchasing your new 600LT Coupé also includes the tuition for the Pure McLaren Road Owner Track Day.
Nice!
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. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
McLaren 600LT Gallery

Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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Volvo Launches Stand-Alone Personal Mobility Service

Volvo Launches Stand-Alone Personal Mobility Service Volvo Cars has launched a new, stand-alone brand simply titled “M” that will provide on-demand access to cars and other mobility services through an app. M will also learn the preferences and habits of each individual user in an effort to create a more personalized experience.
“Volvo Cars is becoming more than just a car company,” explained Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars President and Chief Executive. “We recognize that urban consumers are rethinking traditional car ownership. M is part of our answer.”
Personalized Service
M will go beyond merely informing users where they can pick up their car. A proprietary learning technology, currently under development, can ask users what their needs are.
“We are evolving to become a direct-to-consumer services provider under our new mission ‘Freedom to Move’,” Samuelsson continued. “The launch of M creates new sources of revenue for Volvo Cars and will be integral to the company’s ambition to build more than 5 million direct consumer relationships by the middle of the next decade.”
“The services currently available mainly offer alternatives to a taxi or public transit,” said Bodil Eriksson, CEO of Volvo Car Mobility. “We’re focused on the way people use the cars they own, which sets us apart. We aim to provide a real alternative to that experience. It should enable us to live life on our terms, getting things done and maximizing precious time.”
Markets & Locations
Volvo Car Group has also partnered with Sunfleet, a top car sharing company in Sweden where M will first be put into service. The company will be fully integrated into M next year, making the service available to all existing Sunfleet members. Further information will be released later this year, although M is slated to debut in the United States next spring.
“Stockholm, Sweden, will serve as M’s base of development and where we already conduct extensive testing,” Eriksson added. “A broader Beta test will take place this autumn.”
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet priced between rival offerings

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet priced between rival offerings 25th Anniversary Edition E-Class Cabriolet introduced for a $13,400 premium; pricing is available for Mercedes-AMG SLC models

Mercedes announced a starting price of $62,600 for the E-Class Cabriolet as well as a special 25th Anniversary Edition for about $75,000. Since Audi doesn’t offer an A6-badged convertible and BMW doesn’t strictly offer a 5-er convertible either, the E falls in line between these. Offering a bit more speed and kit, BMW’s 6er convertible starts at $86,700, and Audi leaves a ‘yuuuuuge gap between the A5 (at $49,600) and the R8 Spyder (at $175.100). Pricing for the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 high-performance mid-sized SUV starts $92,608.

The new E-Class Cabriolet (A238) comes with expected and unexpected options.
Throughout the the 1980s, if you wanted a convertible Mercedes-Benz your options were the R107 SL and, you guessed it, the R107 SL. No mass-market droptop version of the ubiquitous W123 was produced. That all changed when Merc released the 300CE-24 Cabriolet as a 1992 model in Europe. Mercedes is celebrating with two new paint colors, rubellite red or iridium silver in English, metallic red and a gratuitous shade of beige. The E400 Cabriolet comes with a twin-turbo 329-hp 3-liter V6 that moves the 4,100-lb 4-seater to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The E550 Cabriolet is fitted with a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 chucking out 402 horsepower; hooked into the same 7-speed slushbox as the E400, the ‘8 gets the car to 60 in 5 seconds flat.

It’s hard not to be cynical about two extra-cost options available that separate convertible owners from the open-air experience and not be impressed at the attention to detail and R&D that makes the following work: The first is a perfume ionizer. Dubbed the “Air-Balance” option, the system includes additional cabin filters and, introduced for the 25th Anniversary Edition E Cabriolet, a bespoke fragrance described as “Daybreak Mood”; other fragrances are also available. It’s an unusual feature, though BMW has a similar system available in their 7-series sedan, which allows the owner to install a range of scents concurrently. This includes the ability to select different scents at the touch of a button. The Merc’s second option is the “AirCap” system. Designed to mitigate drafts, a motorized aerofoil deploys from the top of the A-pillar and stores flush with the windscreen when not in use.

-By: Sawyer Sutton
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Shipping Your Car Across The Country? What You Need To Know To Save Money

Shipping Your Car Across The Country? What You Need To Know To Save Money Cheap does not necessarily mean cheerful. This is the biggest problem in choosing the best car shipping service. In order to save money on car shipping costs, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. We’re here to shed light on the various ins and outs of shipping a car with some insight from our friends at Car Shipping Carriers (CSC), who have been in the business since 2011.
Did you recently buy a car from an online seller across the state? Looking for an efficient way to transport your vintage automobile to a show 800 to 1,000 miles away? Here are a few helpful tips on how to save money on car shipping costs.
1. Driving Versus Shipping: Which Is Better?
Here’s everyone’s favorite answer: It depends. There are many things that determine the costs of shipping a car from state to state, so let’s take a look at some of the many factors involved. If you bought a car from another state and you are planning to drive the vehicle home, you might want to consider the following expenses, which could drive (pun intended) up costs unexpectedly:
Plane tickets, cab fares, and fuel cost to fly to the next city, pick up the car, and drive the vehicle home.
Wear and tear. Driving for long distances might negatively affect the longevity of the engine, transmission, brakes, and tires. This holds especially true for vintage or classic automobiles. There is also a risk of breaking down along the way and the necessary repair costs (and time) needed to get the car running again.
Hotel or lodging expenses. Unless you’re He-Man and fortified with the powers of Castle Grayskull, it is dangerous to drive for more than eight hours a day. Studies have shown that 20 percent of accidents on major roads can be attributed to driving fatigue and tiredness. Sleeping in a cramped car will only make you feel cranky in the morning.
But if you decide to ship the car, you can get an express delivery at a fully competitive rate. Considering the fact current gas prices are hovering around $3.60 to $3.80 per gallon, and replacing a flat tire may cost upwards of $100.00 (or more), shipping a car might save you more money than you can imagine, not to mention saving you time and the potential headaches associated with driving a vehicle over long distances.

2. Consider The Variables
In order to determine the cost of shipping a car, you also need to ponder on four main variables:
Shipping distance. Fuel costs and labor expenses will rise in relation to the total distance of the shipment. This is the main factor that will determine the final shipping price of your vehicle.
Size, weight, and condition. It will be less expensive to ship a VW Golf or Ford Fiesta from New York to Miami compared to shipping a Cadillac Escalade or GMC Yukon over the same distance. The vehicle will be classified as a sedan, truck, SUV, or van and will be further categorized as small, medium, or large prior to shipping. It is also less expensive to ship a working car versus one that doesn’t run at all. The car shipping company takes longer to ship an inoperable vehicle. It will also require a special truck with a winch to safely load the vehicle.
The destination and route. It is more affordable to ship a vehicle close to interstates and highways. You can expect to pay more if the shipping address is located hundreds of miles from the nearest town or interstate. If you belong to the latter, you can arrange to pick-up the vehicle or meet the driver at the nearest exit to save on shipping costs. Although distance will primarily determine the cost, don’t be surprised to pay less money on long-distance “hot routes.”
Time frame and season. It is better to ship a car in the spring and winter than in the summer and fall. Shipping activity in the south will rise during the fall while people up north prefer to do most of their shipping in the spring. If you live in California, for example, the cost of shipping a car to Los Angeles is better in the winter since fewer clients are shipping cars to this particular area during that time.
Shipping an exotic, classic, or collectible car will likely cost more. Photo: Toby Parsons.
3. Type & Means of Transport
Door-to-door transport is the most common and least expensive way to ship a car. What this simply means is the driver will load the vehicle and drop it off as close to your home as possible. Transport trucks may be prohibited to roam on certain residential areas and are restricted by the presence of speed bumps, tight turns, narrow streets, and even low-hanging tree branches along the way.
The simplest way to save money on door-to-door car shipping is to meet the driver at the most convenient location with a large parking lot.
Another consideration is “open air versus enclosed” transport. Open car shipping is the cheapest way to ship a car and is the most common method. However, the car will be exposed to harmful elements such as sun, sand, rain, dust, or snow. If you choose open car shipping, make sure to tick the Top Load option to prevent paint damage caused by road debris if the car is placed in the lower section of the hauler.
If you are dealing with a high-priced customized sports car, supercar, hyper car, or vintage automobile, it is best to choose enclosed transport, albeit at a higher price. Enclosed transport will ensure the vehicle is protected against the elements.
You can eliminate most of the hassles associated with shipping a car by simply asking for a free and no obligation quote from Car Shipping Carriers, who can help facilitate the process.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

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General Motors Proposes New Supplier Park In Texas

General Motors Proposes New Supplier Park In Texas

General Motors continues to invest in their American facilities, committing most recently to a new supplier park at the Arlington Assembly Plant in Arlington, Texas. The new supplier park will have two industrial manufacturing and warehouse buildings comprising more than 1.2 million square feet. The forthcoming park will support future vehicle production, house over 1,200 employees, and bring in more than 850 new jobs to the community. GM estimates nearly 600 of the new manufacturing and professional jobs created will replace work previously done outside the United States.
Nationwide Initiatives
This most recent move by GM comes on the heels of the already 7,000 jobs and $1 billion in U.S. investments the automaker committed to earlier this year. So far, GM has committed $14 million to Cruise Automation for a new research and development facility in San Francisco, California. The investment will allow Cruise Automation to further develop a range of automated technologies while providing an additional 1,100 jobs. In March, the automaker announced a further commitment to their Michigan facilities – Romulus Powertrain Plant, Flint Assembly Plant, and Lansing Delta Township – by adding or retaining approximately 900 jobs at these locations during the next 12 months.
Like California and Michigan, Texas is now expected to see the benefits.
“General Motors has been a part of the American Dream in Arlington from the beginning,” said Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams. “In fact, the opening of the assembly plant in Arlington in 1954 was one of the key ignitors of our city’s incredible population and economic growth.”
GM currently employs over 4,000 people at Arlington Assembly where the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade are manufactured.
“And now, more than 60 years later, GM continues to be a critical foundation of Arlington’s economy,” Mayor Williams explained. “I am pleased the City Council has once again successfully worked with General Motors, this time to revitalize and redevelop an area that was a deteriorating shopping center and turn it into a vibrant manufacturing site.”
Arlington Automotive Logistics Center. Photo: General Motors.

New Beginnings
International Automotive Components (IAC) Group, a multi-year GM Supplier of the Year recipient, is one of the first to move in. The company intends on setting up shop in the forthcoming Arlington Automotive Logistics Center.
“We are excited to establish this new Arlington location as one of our flagship manufacturing operations among IAC’s 22 other U.S. plants,” said Steve Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, IAC. “IAC’s role as a supplier of vehicle interiors to GM extends back almost a century and this impressive new center marks a great beginning to our next century in partnership with this customer.”
Effective Strategies
GM’s notion behind supplier parks is that it makes everyday business run more effectively. With suppliers located near manufacturing facilities, transportation costs drop, communication is stronger, and more opportunities for quality control can be accessed. Currently, supplier parks for Northpoint exist at GM’s Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas, Wentzville Assembly Plant in Missouri, Bowling Green Assembly in Kentucky, and Fort Wayne Assembly Plant in Indiana.
“Through strong supplier and community relations, we’re able create new supplier parks to generate significant benefits to our manufacturing operations and the communities in which we operate,” said Steve Kiefer, GM Senior Vice President of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “This new supplier park will create improved logistics efficiency and coordination, while also bringing significant employment opportunities to Arlington.”
“This action will have an impact on our community for generations to come and further solidify the partnership between Arlington and General Motors,” added Mayor Williams.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photos & Source: General Motors.

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Hyundai Kona: The SUV For City Folk

Hyundai Kona: The SUV For City Folk

Well, at least Hyundai is up front about what their new Kona SUV is built for. Right there in the title of their press release, the thing reads: “Kona: World Premiere Of An Urban SUV For Active Lifestyles.” Far too many SUVs are pitched with this farcical idea that you’re going to be driving your brand new Range Rover or Cadillac XT5 across the Darién Gap on a daily basis to pick up Atticus and Alistair from lacrosse practice.
So points to Hyundai for at least being honest and up front about what the Kona is going to be used for.
Platforms, Engines & Suspension
Hyundai’s Kona jumps into the company’s lineup along side the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Santa Fe Sport as the Koreans continue to pursue a wider customer base, and deliver SUVs with leading edge designs, lots of interior refinement, and cargo room. This all seems to fit in with Hyundai’s implicit corporate ethos of, “buy one of our rides, it’s stylish, dependable, and a good value for the money. When you’re done with it in five years, trade it in, and we’ll sell you another stylish ride.” Hyundai knows none of their vehicles will be showing up on the 18th green at Pebble Beach in the future, and they seem okay with that fate.
The Kona rides on an all-new compact SUV platform, with an optimized powertrain layout and four-wheel drive. The new Kona is offered with a surprising range of gasoline and diesel engines too. There is a 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson cycle engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the company’s Gamma 1.6 T-GDI diesel plant mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, and Hyundai’s downsized 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual. There is an available small displacement diesel engine for European markets too.
The front suspension is via McPherson struts, with best-in-class tire trace to enhance comfort and reduce NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness). 2WD and 4WD models of the Kona get completely different rear suspension systems as one would expect. The 2WD setup gets a high-stiffness torsion beam affair for greater stability and control, while the 4WD models feature a dual-arm multilink system to improve overall driving dynamics on all surfaces.
Hyundai is the only manufacturer to make its own steel to produce its vehicles globally, providing great benefits for the Kona. The lightweight body frame has been developed with 51.8% advanced high-strength steel to deliver greater safety for customers. Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.
Exclusive Treatments
The Kona’s exterior styling includes “composite lamps” with slim daytime running lights that incorporate turn signals separate from the LED headlights. The Kona keeps up the new family identity styling cues, like the cascading grille with the mesh pattern and the wing-type fenders that dominate the front design. Finally, Hyundai says the front is “powerful” and that “its armor shows its readiness for extreme activities.” This elicited a groan from me that I care not to expand on at this time.
The exterior also features lots of this black, I dunno, cladding I suppose. Hyundai refers to it, repeatedly, as contrasting “armor” (which is horrible) and notes that it provides a protective skin while connecting the front to the rear visually. Whatever. The slim brake lights, turn indicators, and reverse lamps surrounded by the “protective skin” begin at the C pillar. The roof is finished in a two tone color scheme as well.
The interior of the Kona aims to be sleek and simple, centered around the audio, visual, and nav monitor. The mechanical air vents and button arrangement go for high-tech functionality and the HVAC controls are surrounded by soft, fluid details that contribute to a “sensuous experience” and “enhance the comfort-focused environment.” A-hemm okay? The rear seats fold flat for a two-level load floor for easy access for a bicycle or golf clubs.
“Hyundai Motor sets out to care for its customers in all of its activities,” reads a recent press release from the automaker. “The new model showcases Hyundai Motor’s capabilities and commitment to enhancing the safety of drivers, passengers, and fellow road-users.” Photo: Hyundai Motor Company.

Safety & Security
The Kona’s active safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist to detect an imminent collision and minimize damage by braking autonomously. There is also Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning (humorously labeled as DAW, as in “DAW! Wake up stupid, you’re about to crash!!”). Blind-Spot Collision Warning? Yup. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning? Yup, the Kona’s got that too.
Island Antics
Hyundai also points out the Kona is named after that chunk of The Big Island now littered with tourist hotels and stuff like that. As a former resident of those blessed islands, I was going to go into a rant about how you should visit, spend lots of money, and then leave, because . . . well, I’m not going to go into it, because those of you that are cool enough already know what I’m going to say, and those of you who aren’t probably wouldn’t understand anyway.
The Kona, the SUV that is, is probably a pretty solid ride, and will serve your needs quite well for half a decade or so. The Kona will go on sale in Korea later this month, followed by North America and Europe. Enjoy.
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.
Hyundai Kona Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor Company.

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