Automotive

Solar Charging Technology For Cars? Hyundai & Kia Say It’s Viable

Solar Charging Technology For Cars? Hyundai & Kia Say It’s Viable Emerging technology can charge a car’s battery via body or roof-mounted solar panels.
The “translucent solar roof” is the first system of its kind for internal combustion engines.
Hyundai and Kia say the solar charging systems will help reduce harmful CO2 emissions.
Hyundai and Kia will implement solar charging technology on certain Hyundai vehicles as early as next year. The electricity-generating solar panels, on either the roof or hood, will provide additional electrical power to increase efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
Hyundai are Kia are developing three types of solar roof charging systems, known as “generations.”
Generations One & Two
The first-generation solar roof system, applied to hybrids, includes roof-mounted silicon solar panels. The panels can charge 30 to 60 percent of the battery per day, depending on weather conditions and the environment.
By contrast, the second-generation “semi-transparent” roof system pairs with internal combustion engines. Unlike the first-generation system, the semi-transparent solar panels fit a panoramic sunroof. The idea is to maintain “transparency” while charging the battery. This way, drivers can still enjoy having the views a panoramic sunroof provides.
Hyundai and Kia say solar charging systems will help vehicles reduce CO2 emissions. Photo: Hyundai Motor Group.
Solar Lid
The third-generation, or “solar-lid” system, is undergoing a pilot study. Hence why Hyundai and Kia were slim on the details, noting only that it “mounts solar panels on the bonnet and roof in order to maximize energy output.”
“In the future, various types of electricity generating technologies, including the solar charging system, will be connected to vehicles,” explained Jeong-Gil Park, Executive Vice President, Engineering Design Division, Hyundai Motor Group. “This will enable them to develop from a passive device that consumes energy to a solution that actively generates energy.”
Related: Where are EVs most popular? The results of this study might surprise you?
Photo: Hyundai Motor Group.
How It Works
The charging systems have a solar panel, controller, and battery. Electricity is produced when sunlight hits the panel’s surface. A 100W solar panel – in 1 Sun standards (summer noon, 1000 W/m² intensity of radiation – produces 100Wh of energy per hour. In the controller, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), controls voltage and current to increase efficiency of the electricity in the solar panel.
The electricity is then transformed to the standard voltage by the controller and stored in the battery.
Hyundai will launch the first generation of this technology in 2019.
“The paradigm of the vehicle owner will shift from that of a consumer to an energy prosumer,” Gil Park said.
The Automoblog staff contributed to this report.

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2019 Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions: Limited-Production Luxury Hot Rods

2019 Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions: Limited-Production Luxury Hot Rods 2019 Pedestal Edition ATS-V Coupe and CTS-V Super Sedan celebrate 15 years of the V-Series.
Production is limited. Only 300 are for sale in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.
The 3rd generation V-Series cars arrived in 2015; the Pedestal Editions are the last in that generation.
My first thought on reading about the Cadillac 2019 V-Series Pedestal Edition was, “Pedestal Edition?” Is that some sort of bathroom sink?” I checked the Lowe’s (and even Sears) catalog, and nope, it’s not.
GM’s right. The 2019 V-Series Pedestal Edition is, indeed, a car.
And not just a car, but a Cadillac.
Race-Inspired
Those that need a quick primer, the Cadillac V-Series is their performance sub-brand. They rolled out the first one in 2004, securing their first victory in the Speed World Challenge sprint racing series at Sebring International Raceway at the same time. Essentially, what we’re talking about here is a Caddy with a Corvette drivetrain. Interested? I know I was.
Caddy’s ain’t normally my thing, but a Cadillac with a Vette underneath? Yes please! Sure, they nipped and tucked here and there, so the V-Series are a little less powerful and a little more softly sprung, but I’m still interested.
So, what’s the big deal with the Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions? First off, you get two basic flavors: Coupe and Sedan.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition. Photo: Cadillac.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition
The sedan version, which Caddy refers to as the CTS-V Pedestal Edition “Super Sedan” (super sedan? oh please.) gets a lot of fun sounding goodies. First, Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions come in Bronze Sand Metallic. I’m sure it’s a rather pretty shade, but still, it’s brown. And brown is a terrible car color idea. Never get a brown car. The first car I owned was root beer brown, and it always looked dirty. Even right after I washed it.
But other than that, the Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions have a bunch of nice perks.
There’s a full Carbon Fiber Package that includes the front splitter, hood vent, rear spoiler, and rear diffuser. The Luxury Package comes with tri-zone climate control (two for the front, and a single in back), a split-folding rear seat with armrest, heated rear seats, a power rear-window sunshade along with manual rear side-window sunshades. There’s a 110-volt power outlet and a rear Camera Mirror too.
The front chairs are “race-inspired” performance seats from RECARO. I’m sure they skew toward the cushy side, since this is, after all, a Cadillac. The Cadillac V-Series Pedestal Editions also come with a Data and Video Recorder system and red Brembo brake calipers.
How the Cadillac CTS became the basis for GM’s fastest track car.
2019 Cadillac CTS-V Pedestal Edition interior layout. Photo: Cadillac.
2019 Cadillac ATS-V Pedestal Edition
Now, the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition. Think of Caddy’s ATS-V as being the gentleman’s Corvette: fast, powerful, still striking, but not as flashy or in your face as a Vette. “I’ve made it. I’m here. I am worth paying attention to, but I’m not going to scream about it, because I’m not 16 any more.”
Like its sedan sibling, the 2019 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition comes in Bronze Sand Metallic. Nothing we can do about that. The coupe gets 18-inch V-Series wheels in After Midnight finish versus the 19s found on the sedan. Although like the CTS-V Pedestal Edition, the ATS-V variant gets its own Carbon Fiber Package, Brembo brakes, and RECARO seats.
There’s even a “serialized certificate of authenticity.” Is Cadillac worried about forgeries?
2019 Cadillac ATS-V Pedestal Edition. Photo: Cadillac.
There's a serialized certificate of authenticity. Is Cadillac worried about forgeries?Click To TweetPower & Performance
The Cadillac ATS-V features an LF4 Twin Turbo V6 with 464 horsepower, 445 lb-ft. of torque, and a top track speed of 189 mph. By comparison, the CTS-V’s supercharged V8 creates 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft. of torque. The CTS-V tops out at 200 mph and hits 60 in 3.7 seconds.
Pricing & Availability
If either of these sound like the ride for you, Cadillac dealers are accepting orders. The 2019 ATS-V Coupe Pedestal Edition starts at $77,090 (about Vette territory) and the 2019 CTS-V Pedestal Edition sedan will run you $102,590.
Both come with tuition and luxury accommodation for the two-day Cadillac V-Performance Academy at Spring Mountain. Which, I got to say, is nice icing on the cake.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
Photos & Source: Cadillac.

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We Became Wrench Nation Citizens (And It’s Pretty Sweet)

We Became Wrench Nation Citizens (And It’s Pretty Sweet) The Wrench Nation radio show covers a wide range of automotive topics.
Airs Wednesdays at 4 pm MST on 88.7 FM “The Pulse” in Phoenix, Arizona.
Automoblog’s Tony Borroz was invited on recently to talk about his book, Bricks & Bones.
Bricks & Bones takes readers behind the scenes of Speedway, Indiana and the Indy 500 at large.
Out of nowhere I got an email from a radio station in Arizona: Would you be willing to come on the air and talk about The Indy 500 and your book, Bricks & Bones? The email was too specific to be a joke from some gearhead friend I lost touch with, so I took it as serious.
And the next thing you know, I turned into a bona fide radio personality.
Visiting The Wrench Nation
Somehow, the host of the show, Frank Butkus-Leutz – more commonly referred to as simply “Frank” – had come across my book, bought it, actually read it, and then liked it. Via his producer, Sherry Butler, he reached out and asked to interview me . . . like to actually to be a guest on the show.
The show is called Wrench Nation, run out of 88.7 FM “The Pulse” in Phoenix, Arizona. The station is managed by the staff and students of East Valley Institute of Technology. Wrench Nation is a rather delightful, all over the place kind of car show. Maintenance and repair tips, advice on being a better driver, auto news, racing; think of it as a broadcast version of what a “normal” conversation is for gearheads.
They run contests, take calls and questions, talk about what happened over the weekend at various race tracks – you know, the usual.
Automoblog’s Tony Borroz talks racing at the Indy 500 with the Wrench Nation crew.
Wrench Nation hosts Frank Butkus-Leutz (left) and Susie Sockets pose for a photo with a listener.
Click To TweetDynamic Duo
Co-hosting the show with Frank is Susie Sockets, the feminine foil to Frank. Sharp as a tack, she stops the show from being a complete sausage fest (honestly, a bit of a problem for car-related stuff). The point here being that both hosts are funny and engaging, and they know cars and racing.
Before interviewing me, they had a call come in. The first question asked by Frank and Susie: “How long is one lap at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?” The listener, Carolina, who had just called in, guesses “2.5 miles.” Frank asks me if she is correct.
“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is, indeed, 2.5 miles around Frank. Carolina wins!” I respond in my best stentorian, Rip Torn radio voice.
Carolina took home a $50.00 Visa gift card. Not bad, not bad at all.
The Wrench Nation crew poses with law enforcement officials during a show on the dangers of distracted driving.
Digging Into The Archives
Then the three of us jumped into an all-too-brief conversation about Indy, the track, the history, the drivers, and more. It was fun. Frank seems to be a bit of a drag racing fan, given how he tossed off some insider lingo for that genre of racing.
Luckily, Frank turns every Wrench Nation episode into podcasts. Past episodes include ways to avoid buying a lemon on Craigslist, how automotive skills can help at-risk youth, and the best family vehicles of 2018.
If you’re looking for a good car show on the radio, Wrench Nation is very much worth your time.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz

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Letter From The UK: Britain’s Brexit: The Long Last Leg

Letter From The UK: Britain’s Brexit: The Long Last Leg Has the middle ground in Brexit been lost?
How do automotive manufacturers respond?
Geoff Maxted examines in his latest Letter From The UK.
Whichever way a British individual voted – to leave or remain within the European Union – the sense of an ending is the same: Brexit is like waiting to die. You don’t know when and you don’t know how; all you know is that it will happen and that it probably won’t be a fairy tale ending.
It’s ‘The Fear’ you see, not unlike the Millennium Fear that gripped the world just prior to the start of this Century.
Y2K Paranoia
Remember that? Computers would cease to function and the global machine would stop. Aeroplanes would fall from the sky as the systems shut down. All the fast food fryers would stop for want of electricity. It didn’t happen and life went on, as did the fast food industry.
Brexit comes with the same fear, only worse. By and large it is made worse by a hyperactive ‘fake news’ press, inept politicians, unelected stuffed suits like the EU ‘President’ Jean Claude (“Just the one bottle of red with lunch”). Plus a plump German hausfrau and a truly odious little Frenchman who should not even be in charge of a cheese baguette.
Fear Runs Deep
The result is ‘The Brexit Fear’ and it has polarised opinion. There is no middle ground. Both sides of the battlefield are becoming increasingly strident, coarse and, frankly, ridiculous.
We are due to leave in March 2019 and some Brits are not booking their next Summer holidays ‘just in case.’ In case of what? Obviously nobody can possibly know just how much of a dog’s breakfast the negotiators will make of this whole charade (and it’s not looking good). Yet Project Fear dictates that the Eurostar train service that plies between the UK and Europe via the English Channel tunnel will stop running. Intrepid travellers to Europe will be subject to full body cavity searches and possibly even eaten by rabid foreigners.
The fact is this just won’t happen. It won’t happen because when all the shouting and wailing dies down, global business and industry won’t let it. That especially goes for the motor industry who are becoming increasingly alarmed and increasingly forthright in their demands for a resolution they can work with.

Both sides of the battlefield are becoming increasingly strident, coarse and, frankly, ridiculous.Click To TweetBusiness Versus Politics
As a group of nations we have far too much invested in our economies to let a few noisy Eurocrats spoil things. Before the Common Market (the origins of the EU back in the 1970’s) was just a gleam in the eye of the creepy British Prime Minister of the time, Edward Heath, we all travelled to Europe without issue. No, it wasn’t quite so easy – what with passport controls and all – but we did it and we had a good time.
Why should that change?
French shopkeepers, Spanish hotel owners, and German restaurateurs want our money just like always and, importantly, the big cheeses at motor industry HQ want to continue selling us cars wherever we live. The UK is a huge import/export market for the global car industry; why in all that’s holy would anyone on either side of the English Channel truly jeopardise that?
This is what happens when you leave business matters to politicians.
In this September 2014 photo, recently manufactured Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles await shipping. A CNN Money report from April 2018 finds the company is cutting jobs in Birmingham due to Brexit. Photo: Jaguar Land Rover.
Pandora’s Box?
Some of the comments made by otherwise supposedly sentient beings are false and outrageous. And yet they are reported as fact by the press. This is a result of the entrenchment of positions on either side of the Brexit debate, exacerbated by inept leadership. There is no longer any middle way. It seems likely that even after the whole mess is resolved, one way or another, the ‘two tribes’ nastiness that has entered our society won’t be put back in its place.
This is no Pandora’s Box. By opening the lid of Brexit all the ills of the world have not in fact been released; just a lot of hot, fetid air.
When The Dust Settles
Of course, it will be difficult and have some effect on our lives, nobody assumes otherwise. The chances are though that in five years time we will be going on holiday in Europe just like always. We will not be living in wattle and daub huts grubbing for roots with the livestock. The sun will rise and the sky will not fall in.
Things will return to what we laughingly assume is normal.
Politicians will, as ever, come and go but the problems will be solved, not by them, but of necessity by commerce in which the British and European motor industry is such a big part. And of course by the common sense of ordinary folk.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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New Study Examines Top States For EV Owners (It’s Not California)

New Study Examines Top States For EV Owners (It’s Not California) A recent study by YourMechanic examines the top states for EV owners.
The study measures how convenient ownership is for residents in each state.
Would you consider driving an EV in your home state? Let us know on Twitter.
It seems like a rather easy question to answer: which states love electric vehicles the most? You’d think it would be Cali – shoot, I’d think it would be Cali – but we’d all be wrong. At least that’s what a new study from YourMechanic points out. Their study analyzes the electric car’s integration into each U.S. state, and the state that digs EVs the most is . . .
Oklahoma. No, seriously, Oklahoma is one of the top states for EV owners.
Okay.
By The Numbers
YourMechanic gathered charging costs, number of charging stations, sales figures, EV market share, and other various statistics for the study. They then folded it all together to rank each state by their acceptance levels of the electric car, and how convenient it is for owners there. Like me, they thought it was going to be California, but it actually turns out to be Oklahoma!
EV sales in Oklahoma have ballooned more than 167 percent, one of the factors landing them at the top spot. My state, Washington, sits at 23 (!) on the list. Surprising given the number of Teslas and Leafs I see around here (and I live out in the sticks). Bottom of the list: Wisconsin. No, I have no idea either. California, in case you’re wondering, doesn’t even make the top 25. They live at 27.
YourMechanic tags the lowly placement of Cali down to saturation of the market. Which I can’t really disagree with. Last time I drove through there, about two weeks ago, there were a lot of EVs on the road. So if nearly everybody’s got one, who are you going to sell to?

Considering an EV? Read this simple but comprehensive guide first.
Top Models
YourMechanic also broke down brand popularity by state, and that was interesting too. No, it wasn’t Tesla across the board. Tesla is the king in only 12 states, leading the way in California naturally. Interestingly, in Oregon and Washington, the Kia Soul EV is number one. What’s interesting are the outlier states. The only place that likes the Ford Fusion Energi? Kansas. The only place that likes the Mitsubishi i-MiEV? Illinois. Strange.
Almost as strange as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV itself; they still make those?
Gas Versus Electric
The study also looks at the cost of juicing up your EV versus filling your tank. Louisiana is one of the top states for EV owners on this metric. There you save $1.70 per gallon over dino-juice. Washington comes in second (saving you a total of $2.40), but that has more to do with Washington’s amazingly cheap electricity (all that rain runs into a whole bunch of rivers that have a huge number of hydroelectric dams).
The bottom of the list – that is Hawaii – is there for the exact inverse of Washington: electricity is expensive in that tropical paradise. Of course, given the amount of sunlight that falls on Hawaii, you’d think a smart EV owner could get some solar panels on the roof of their hale and charge their Tesla for free.
California was also near the bottom, relative to other states, with regard to fuel costs. Average EV fueling cost per e-gallon is $1.72, which lands The Golden State at 44.
Despite range anxiety, Americans are warming up to EVs a recent study finds.

Infrastructure & Accessibility
The state with the best number of public charging stations per person? Vermont with 165. That works out to one station per 3,780 Vermonters (is that what you call them?). The worst is Alaska with nine. I mean nine charging stations total in the state. I’d bet you a loaf of sourdough all nine are in Anchorage.
Alaska has to be the worst case scenario for EVs too. The extreme cold draining batteries, the sparseness of the population, lack of infrastructure over the vast majority of the land; everything about it would make it the proving ground for EVs. If I were an EV builder, I’d be thinking, “Make it work in Alaska, and everything else will be a snap.”

I'd bet you a loaf of sourdough all nine of those chargers are in Anchorage.Click To TweetMarket Share
Looking at EV market share per state is where things make more sense. Cali is number one with over five percent of the vehicles on the road being EVs. Washington, number two, with 2.51%, Oregon at third with 2.36% The lowest? Mississippi with only 0.10% of the cars on the road being electric. Shoot, in ol’ Miss, they probably think EVs are some sort of Commie plot funded by George Soros. Woe unto the poor EV drivers in Mississippi.
Bottom line, somehow, is if you live in Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plains, look into an EV. It’s definitely one of the top states for EV owners.
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
Cover Photo: Honda North America.

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2019 Hyundai Veloster N: Does It Bite Or Just Bark?

2019 Hyundai Veloster N: Does It Bite Or Just Bark? The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N has a number of suspension enhancements for the track.
A “standard” engine is available, although the larger 2.0-liter turbo will warrant better performance.
Looks like Hyundai is serious about this whole N business. All the cool kids got their in-house performance shops: Audi has the S and RS models, Merc has AMG, Cadillac has the V Series, and so on. Now Hyundai (of all people) wants a piece of that pie. Ergo, we are now faced with the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N.
The overriding question: does this mean it goes faster, or is it just a bunch of trim?
On The Clock
The Korean car manufacturing giant went so far as to roll out the Veloster N at Thunderhill Raceway. Not a bad little track, to be sure, and it’s also a good way for Hyundai to say,“We’re serious about this performance stuff.” The other side of that coin is how this is a race track buddy. You better be serious, because the stopwatch don’t lie.
Engine & Transmission
Starting with the lump, the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N comes with a larger 2.0-liter turbo with direct-injection versus the “normal” Veloster Turbo. The N branded mill is good enough for 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. o’torque. The inter-cooler is separated from the condenser and radiator for better charge cooling. The induction system has a “two-stage” setup for maximum output at all rpm ranges. Hyundai doesn’t go into detail, but I surmise it some sort of V-Tec/VVTi sort of deal, or perhaps they monkeying with the intake runner length somehow?
There’s also a “standard” Veloster N powertrain putting out 250 ponies and the same torque, but why would you want that? Shoot, why would Hyundai even offer it?
That high-output plant is hooked to a close-ratio, short-throw six-speed manual with downshift rev-matching. The synchro rings are carbon-coated and the gears are reinforced for smoother operation and lower shift force. The N’s clutch has a double-layer facing disc design for increased strength and torque handling.
A special “load-transfer suspension” reduces unnecessary dive during braking, while also enhancing control through corners. The load-transfer design also reduces compression in the rear suspension under acceleration. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Now Hyundai (of all people) wants a piece of that pie. Ergo, we are now faced with the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N.Click To TweetExhaust System
When it comes to getting the bad air out, there’s a multi-mode, high-flow active sport exhaust system with a variable exhaust actuator. If you flip the exhaust into “N mode” you get a nice engine over-run exhaust crackle during up-shifts and rev-matched downshifts. Hyundai does this with an Electronic Sound Generator that “enhances the natural powertrain sound for an even sportier driving resonance between the engine and the driver.”
You know what would have worked even better Hyundai? A good, straight exhaust system without all the monkey business. Would’a saved weight too. In case you’re interested, the Veloster N gets 22 city, 28 highway, and 25 combined mpg.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Steering & Suspension
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N is more than just an engine, thankfully. The Veloster N’s Power Sense Axle geometry has a zero-scrub radius for more precise steering, quicker response, and a direct on-center feel. The power steering system is rack-mounted and secured in three spots for “reduced flex,” especially during high-performance driving.
An available, electronically-controlled torque-vectoring system is there via the N Corner-Carving Limited-Slip Differential (ha!). This enhances launch performance and maximizes cornering speed. However, the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N also serves up a wide range of driver tuning via the “N Grin Control System.” No, seriously: N Grin Control System? Just stop.
Anyhoo, modes include Normal, Sport, N, Eco, and N Custom. Each of these change the throttle response, rev-matching, exhaust note, active differential tuning, suspension damping rates, steering feel, and yaw-control. The N Custom mode lets you tweak stuff to your individual desires.
Braking comes via 13.6-inch rotors in front and 12.4-inchers at the rear.
2019 Hyundai Veloster N. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Styling & Design
In the looks department – because you want everyone to know you’re driving a special Hyundai, don’t you – the Veloster N has a unique fascia and grille with brake cooling air ducts. LED headlamps and 19-inch star-design wheels, of course. The 235/35R19 Pirelli P-Zero summer tires are an exclusive compound, says Hyundai.
Of course there’s a rear spoiler, integrated diffuser, and LED tail lamps.
Color Palette
The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N comes in four colors: Ultra Black, Chalk White, Racing Red, and Performance Blue. The interior is basically black with unique molding accents to match the exterior color. Special N-treatments include the cloth sport seats (with hefty bolstering), steering wheel, shift knob, door sill plates, and instrument cluster.
2019 Hyundai Veloster N interior layout. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
You want everyone to know you're driving a special Hyundai, don't you?Click To TweetAll Said & Done . . .
So? Does all this add up to less time per lap? Dunno. Hyundai needs to get us a couple of these so we can run it back-to-back with other factory hotrods of the import-tuner variety. Until then, we will just have to guess at how good or bad the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N will be.
If nothing else, the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N is now part of Forza Motorsports.
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. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
2019 Hyundai Veloster N Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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2018 Kia Stinger: Product & Performance Overview

2018 Kia Stinger: Product & Performance Overview

We saw the Kia Stinger for the first time at the 2017 North American International Auto Show here in Detroit. Its stance was bold, its message clear, and its design nothing short of fantastic. NAIAS 2017 had a multitude of attractions and for us, the Stinger was our top pick. The forthcoming sportback will enter a segment currently dominated by European automakers, but it will be the highest-performing production vehicle in Kia’s history.
Dream Come True
The Stinger, in its present form, descends from the GT concept, first unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. When the cover was lifted, it sent a wave of inspiration throughout the entire Kia organization.
“Unlike any Kia that has come before it, the Stinger really is a dream car for us and after years of commitment and hard work from a passionate group of designers, engineers, and executives around the world, that dream is now a reality,” said Orth Hedrick, Vice President, Product Planning, Kia Motors America.
According to Kia, The Stinger needed to be many things, yet most of all, it needed to be a genuine Gran Turismo car. Here is a look, piece by piece, of what Kia did to get it there.
The Kia Stinger on display at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Design & Development
The Stinger’s design was overseen by Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors’ Chief Design Officer, and his visionary team in Frankfurt, Germany. Ride and handling responsibilities fell to Albert Biermann, Head of Kia’s Vehicle Test and High Performance Development initiative. His engineering group worked around the clock in Korea but other teams from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North and South America joined in. Ultimately, it was on the Nürburgring circuit, a place lately reserved for the 911 GT2 RS and Camaro ZL1, where Kia made their biggest strides.
“From its GT concept-car origins to the years of tuning and refining on the legendary Nürburgring circuit, no detail was too small to be obsessed over, and the result is simply stunning,” Hedrick said.
“I think for the Kia brand, the Stinger is like a special event,” Biermann added. “Because nobody expects such a car, not just the way it looks but also the way it drives.”
Kia’s engineers put the Stinger through nearly 500 laps of high-intensity driving around the Nürburgring, the equivalent of about 6,200 miles. The Stinger’s quality, reliability, and durability testing consisted of aggressive acceleration, followed by rapid deceleration and heavy cornering. The Stinger was repeatedly exposed to the Nürburgring’s 73 corners and 17 percent gradients at nearly 1,000 feet of elevation.
“It’s a whole different animal,” Biermann said of the Stinger after testing concluded.
2018 Kia Stinger GT2 AWD. Photo: Kia Motors America.
Chassis Construction
The foundation for Kia’s Gran Turismo car is a stiff, NVH resistant chassis, comprised of 55 percent advanced high-strength steel. The MacPherson front suspension features large diameter shock absorbers, high-strength wheel bearings, and an aluminum strut brace; the reinforced five-link rear suspension is mounted to a stiffened rear subframe.
The Stinger GT goes a bit farther, with Kia’s first continuously damping, electronically controlled suspension. “Dynamic Stability Damping Control” matches a driver’s inputs and style, responding to road conditions more proactively than a traditional suspension. During tight or aggressive cornering, the front shocks soften and the rear firms up for better handling. Conversely, the system can stiffen the front shocks and soften the rear for improved high-speed stability.
There are five modes: Custom, Eco, Sport, Comfort, and Smart.
Advanced Aerodynamics
The Stinger needed to be more than a pretty face but when it comes to aerodynamics, a fastback design is more challenging than a conventional sedan. To maintain the balance between style and performance, Kia’s Frankfurt R&D center used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to test and validate different approaches to the Stinger’s aerodynamic profile.
The body is favored slightly toward the rear while the “gills” behind the front wheel arches reduce wake turbulence as air moves over the flanks. A partially-flat underfloor cover, which flows into the rear diffuser, reduces drag; the rear spoiler, with its “ducktail” shape, reduces lift and increases stability at higher speeds. Special air inlets and curtains help reduce front-end lift and compliment the large, horizontal brake cooling ducts. By continually tweaking the “aerofoil” shape of the Stinger, Kia achieved a drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd.
2018 Kia Stinger GT2 RWD. Photo: Kia Motors America.

Engine & Powertrain
Kia poses it rather well: “if the chassis symbolizes the bones of a gran turismo, then surely the available powertrains represent its heart.” When we first saw the Kia Stinger at NAIAS in January, this really intrgued us. The first available engine is a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder Theta II plant, producing 255 horsepower (6,200 rpm) and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Torque is available from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm and gives the Stinger a reasonable 0 to 60 time of 5.9 seconds.
The 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 Lambda II engine packs a bit more punch. Those looking for more snap and grunt will want this engine with its 365 horsepower (6,000 rpm) and top speed of 167 mph. Torque jumps to 376 lb-ft., available from 1,350 to 4,500 rpm. With this engine, the Kia Stinger enters the segment with more power than the Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 440i Gran Coupe, and Infiniti Q50. Further, Kia has chipped away at Porsche’s foundation. With the V6 Lambda II engine, the Stinger GT hits 60 in 4.7 seconds, which is quicker than the six-cylinder Porsche Panamera.
Helping to disperse the power is an 8-speed automatic Kia designed in-house. One of the most notable features is the inclusion of a Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber, normally found on racing, diesel, and aviation applications. The design, accompanied by an oil cooler to mitigate heat, helps prevent torsional vibrations through the drivetrain. Similar to the suspension, five different shift patterns may be selected through the vehicle’s electronic drive-mode system.
Photo: Kia Motors America.
Steering & Braking
The Stinger features a variable ratio, Motor Driven Power Steering system that Kia says offers “razor-sharp feedback.” The setup has the electric motor mounted directly on the steering rack to reduce vibration from the column and to enhance overall response.
The Stinger GT is equipped with Brembo brakes with quad-piston front and dual-piston rear calipers. The monobloc all-aluminum calipers reduce unsprung weight, dissipate heat, and are coupled with large diameter brake discs: 13.8-inches in the front and 13.4-inches in the rear. During development, the Stinger was subjected to multiple runs down the infamous Grossglockner High Alpine Road in the Austrian Alps. The environment is the ideal place to test braking performance.
Interior Treatments
All Stingers come standard with a leather-appointed cabin, although an ultra-soft Nappa leather is available. Air-cell bladders and width-adjusting bolsters are available for the driver’s seat for additional comfort. The center console is split between the infotainment controls, which sit below a large color touchscreen, and the climate controls. The gauges are ringed in metal and accentuated with sweeping red needles; a color TFT screen relays data like cornering G-forces, lap times, and temperatures, along with the trip odometer, driver settings, navigation, and diagnostics.
The Stinger also comes with a generous array of connectivity, infotainment, and entertainment features. An available Harman Kardon 720 watt audio system has an external amplifier, 15 speakers, and under-seat subwoofers.
Pricing & Availability
The 2018 Kia Stinger arrives in December and pricing will be announced closer to that time. The Stinger will be available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Kia Stinger Gallery

Photos & Source: Kia Motors America.

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Ford Mustang Engineers Show Why Duct Tape Is Awesome

Ford Mustang Engineers Show Why Duct Tape Is Awesome

In 1999, Baz Luhrmann released Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen), a spoken word, notional commencement speech to a class entering the new millennium. Based on an essay by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich, “The Suncreen Song” contains nuggets of advice garnered from Luhrmann’s own “meandering experience.” He advises the graduating class to remember compliments, avoid beauty magazines, and spend time with their parents, among other things.
I would add, to Luhrmann’s list of already excellent advice, duct tape. In the song, he says the benefits of sunscreen are proven by scientists. I am sure, at some point in time, there was a study done by scientists on duct tape. It can solve a myriad of problems and no person should be without a roll. It can fix anything.
Human Intuition
Just ask Ford engineers Jonathan Gesek and Mike Del Zio. Despite the computer-generated and data-driven approach to vehicle development today, the human element is still needed. There are times a computer cannot read things the way a human can. After completing a high-speed lap in a prototype Mustang, Del Zio, a vehicle dynamics engineer, noticed the car was not responding to his liking around corners. The latest set of wind tunnel numbers showed everything was fine, but Del Zio was not convinced.
That’s when Gesek, an aerodynamics engineer, slapped a strip of duct tape over the lower grille gap. We are fairly certain (although Ford did not confirm) both engineers applied sunscreen at this time too. That would be logical since they were outside at a race track.
The slice of duct tape over the grille provided a “Band-Aid” fix to what is known as front-end lift. Gesek and Del Zio have devoted hundreds of hours to the aerodynamic performance and efficiency of the new 2018 Mustang. Their work has helped maintain and even improve the Mustang’s EPA fuel economy ratings. In essence, these guys know the Mustang and know it well. And they know when to trust their gut.
“That little strip of tape made all the difference,” Del Zio said.
2018 Ford Mustang. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

Proper Modifications
Mustang’s front-end styling changes include a lowered nose, larger front splitter, and rocker shield. Each element helps keep the car planted while allowing air to flow smoothly underneath. But it all started with a strip of duct tape from a dull gray roll. Granted, you won’t find a new Mustang at the dealership with a slice of the famed adhesive on the front, but you can be confident regardless.
“At the end of a straightaway, what confidence do you have in being able to brake and make a turn,” Del Zio said, emphasizing the importance of human-inspired engineering and design. “Things start to come up fast at 155 miles an hour.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
2018 Ford Mustang Fuel Economy Improvements

2017
2018
Increase
City
Highway
Combined
City
Highway
Combined
Combined
EcoBoost (auto)
21
30
24
21
32
25
4.2%
EcoBoost (man.)
21
30
24
21
31
25
4.2%
GT (auto)
15
24
18
16
25
19
5.6%
GT (man.)
15
25
18
15
25
18
No Change
Photo & Source: Ford Motor Company.

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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4Motion Review

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4Motion Review

The Volkswagen Tiguan is sometimes a forgotten entry in the compact crossover segment, but it’s worthy to be put on your shopping list. It competes against popular Japanese rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Mazda CX-5. It’s a tall compact crossover that stretches toward midsize in interior space, and is well-equipped for its price. It’s ready for the daily commute, or the weekend ski trip.
We recently drove the base trim Tiguan S 4Motion.
What’s New For 2018
The Volkswagen Tiguan has been completely redesigned for 2018, and grows in size for its second generation. Cargo capacity improves over the previous model.
Features & Options
The 2018 Tiguan S 4Motion ($27,495) comes standard with rugged fabric upholstery, rearview camera, USB port, Bluetooth capability, 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and VW’s telematics service. It also features automatic headlights, heated mirrors, roof rails, and a six-speaker sound system.
This was a new, pre-production press vehicle from Volkswagen and the only option listed was the Driver Assistance package. It included forward collision warning with emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

Interior Highlights
Our Habanero Orange tester seemed ready for Halloween with its contrasting, sharp-looking Titan Black fabric upholstery. The Germans know how to keep the people’s wagon simple, clean, and functional. The Tiguan’s interior is ready to haul folks around for the commute or better yet, the weekend trip to the ski slopes.
There’s plenty of room inside for taller passengers and the seats are firm and supportive, but could use a bit more padding. The Tiguan S comes with a six-speaker stereo, good for listening to sports talk on 104.3 The Fan here in Denver. Unfortunately, it lacks in sound quality for music.
In the rear, there’s exceptional legroom especially with the sliding rear seat pushed back. The Tiguan may be larger than before, although three adults in the rear seat will still be a squeeze. There’s 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down, and the rear liftgate is nice and wide for loading extra large items. Maximum cargo carrying ability is still less than some rivals.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
All Volkswagen Tiguan models come powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic. It develops 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque. The compact SUV returns an EPA estimated 23 combined mpg with a 21/27 city/highway rating. That’s less than the competition and the rating seems low to us considering it’s a 2.0-liter engine. We got around 22 mpg, which isn’t too bad considering how hard we drove it at altitude.
Driving Dynamics
We pushed the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine hard this week as we traveled into the mountains west of Denver. It’s the ideal place to test any vehicle, and this small SUV was no exception. Without the turbo, this vehicle would be less than ideal for mountain commutes, but when the air gets thin, the Tiguan has enough power to climb the hills without issue.
You will find it has more power at lower revs when accelerating from a stop, but it can get a little out of breath at higher revs. We don’t anticipate this will be an issue for daily commuting, however. The 8-speed automatic is smooth and a welcome relief from the continuously variable transmissions that many small crossovers get. The downside is it doesn’t get the mileage of a CVT gearbox.
In the city, the Tiguan is a good commuter vehicle and it scoots around slower traffic with ease. Its smaller size lets you park in tighter spots and you won’t have a problem seeing other drivers when you are navigating city streets. The Tiguan has a higher profile and bigger windows than other small crossovers, making it easy to see out the back and sides. On the highway, the Tiguan’s ride is easy, the handling competent, and it feels softer than the outgoing model.
Conclusion
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4Motion offers affordably-priced convenience in a compact crossover that, overall, offers a quiet, comfortable ride. If you live in a cold climate, the 4Motion all-wheel drive will get you through the ice and snow this winter without an issue.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Gallery

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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan official site.
Photos: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
*SEL trim level also shown.

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