Cadillac To Expand Super Cruise & Other Vehicle-To-Vehicle Communications Systems

Cadillac To Expand Super Cruise & Other Vehicle-To-Vehicle Communications Systems Cadillac is planning to make Super Cruise available on all models beginning in 2020, with other GM brands to follow after that time. Cadillac’s Super Cruise feature can automatically steer, brake, and keep the vehicle positioned on the highway in certain, optimal conditions. The automaker is also planning to offer V2X communications in a high-volume crossover by 2023, and eventually expand that technology across the product range.
Market Position
With the broader implementation of these technologies, GM believes they can better serve consumers in the future.
“The expansion of Super Cruise and V2X communications technology demonstrates Cadillac’s commitment to innovation, and to making customers’ lives better,” explained Mark Reuss, GM Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “GM is just as committed to ushering in a new era of personal transportation, and technologies like these will enable it.”
“Cadillac is proud to be the leader for the company’s innovation,” added Steve Carlisle, Cadillac President.
Photo: Cadillac.
Super Cruise Features
Super Cruise uses high precision LiDAR map and GPS data, an advanced driver attention system, and a network of camera and radar sensors. Cadillac says customers can drive hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the United States and Canada, provided they have an active OnStar plan with emergency services.
“The driver attention system helps to keep drivers engaged and detects when drivers need to pay more attention to the road,” reads a statement from the automaker. “Even while using Super Cruise, drivers must always pay attention and not use a handheld device.”
Expanding Technology
Cadillac introduced vehicle-to-vehicle communications on the CTS sedan last year, which uses Dedicated Short-Range Communications technology. With a range of nearly 1,000 feet, drivers can be alerted to possible threats in time to avoid a collision. V2X compatible vehicles can decipher hazardous road conditions, traffic light statuses, and upcoming work zones among other things.
V2X technology can also be expanded to help protect roadway users including cyclists and pedestrians.
“Groundbreaking technologies like these continue to provide unparalleled comfort and convenience for our customers,” Carlisle said.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Cadillac.



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2019 Audi Q8: A Brief Walk Around

2019 Audi Q8: A Brief Walk Around The 2019 Audi Q8 recently made its debut at the Audi Brand Summit in Shenzhen, China. The automaker says the five-passenger SUV will offer advanced connectivity, infotainment and driver assistance systems, and solid on-road capability. The Q8 will serve as the flagship SUV for Audi, who delivered nearly two million vehicles globally last year.
Technology & Connectivity
The MMI operating system utilizes haptic and acoustic feedback that should be fairly easy to acclimate to. Similar to a smartphone, drivers will hear and feel a “click” when they activate a particular function. The MMI system can be personalized with configurable and movable “favorites” buttons.
A natural-language feature means drivers can speak various requests: “I’m hungry,” for example, will prompt the Q8 to search for and suggest nearby eateries.
Those commuting on a daily basis will appreciate the 2019 Audi Q8’s wireless phone charging and Bang & Olufsen stereo.
Styling & Design
The 2019 Audi Q8 represents a new direction for the automaker with regard to SUV design. Exterior highlights include the Singleframe, octagon grille, contoured air inlets, sloping roofline, and “gently inclined” D-pillars.
On the inside, Audi promises plenty of cargo and passenger room as the Q8 is wider and lower than the Q7.
Photo: Audi of America, Inc.
Driving Dynamics
Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive technology (no surprise) will be a mainstay of the new Q8. With a mechanical center differential, the Q8 runs a normal power split of 40:60, but when necessary, can divert a substantial amount of power to the axle with the most traction.
An adaptive damping suspension is standard but an air suspension with different drive modes is available.
A range of engines is likely but Audi did not confirm anything specific in their press materials.
Pricing & Availability
Some reports say the 2019 Audi Q8 will be available in Europe toward the end of this year, with the United States market to follow early next year. Other reports say the vehicle will arrive in the U.S. as soon as this fall.
Audi did not officially disclose the release dates or pricing on the 2019 Audi Q8.
They did, however, provide us with this short and informative video on what inspired the new Q8’s design.
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.

2019 Audi Q8 Gallery











Photos, Video & Source: Audi of America, Inc.



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This LEGO McLaren 720S Is Just Plain Cool!

This LEGO McLaren 720S Is Just Plain Cool! A full-size LEGO McLaren 720S is now on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California. The 1:1 scale model was completed this past Saturday (June 2nd) when the final orange bricks were attached thanks to the help of museum volunteers.
The full-scale model will be displayed through August 19th as part of an interactive exhibit where attendees can customize their own LEGO McLaren via an iPad app. The customization app includes racing stripes, flames, checkered flags, license plates, and other backgrounds.
Attendees can also add their name and print a custom sticker of the car they designed.
Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Attention To Detail
McLaren Automotive worked with the only certified group of professional LEGO builders in the United Kingdom for the project. The group provided in-depth engineering and vehicle CAD data in order to bring the LEGO model to life. Complete with a steel frame, the LEGO McLaren 720S consists of more than 280,000 pieces, tipping the scales at 3,200 lbs.
By comparison, the road-going 720S’s dry weight is 2,828 lbs.
It took a team of six working for over 2,000 hours to complete the project by hand. Builders even included the new Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and corresponding graphics found on the road-going version.
In Person
The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, California, 90036. General admission prices are $16 for adults, $13 for seniors and students, and $8 for children ages three to 12. Active military, personal care attendants, and children under three are admitted for free.
The Petersen’s Discovery Center will also host daily access to race ramps and build tables for museum attendees who want to build their own LEGO race cars.
The McLaren 720S has a starting MSRP of $284,745. The LEGO Speed Champions McLaren 720S miniature set will be available in the Petersen Store for slightly less than that.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.



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New Study: Consumers Trust Autonomous Cars Less & Less

New Study: Consumers Trust Autonomous Cars Less & Less Autonomous vehicles seem like a science fiction topic more so than an automotive one, but industry experts are plugging away, refining the technology and determining its role in society. That is the abbreviated version anyway. Those working on autonomous cars are, essentially, trying to make them viable, scalable, and ultimately profitable.
Autonomous cars usher in a flood of headline commitments from manufacturers and companies. The benefits of driverless cars – far more than the risks – are communicated, and it seems almost too Utopian at times. This is not to say autonomous cars don’t have benefits – they certinately do – and this is not to say autonomous cars won’t one day hit the road – they certinately will.
Yet how quickly they will, and how quickly society will realize those benefits is another matter.
And how does the public feel about all this? The short answer is not so good.
Photo: Alex Hartman for Sense Media.
Survey Says
AAA recently concluded a multi-year tracking study that examined how consumers feel about driverless cars. The study found that, despite the industry’s headline commitments and grand visions, 73 percent of Americans say they are too afraid to ride in an autonomous car. This represents a steady increase too – only late last year, the figure was 63 percent. The jump is likely attributed to the recent, highly publicized accidents involving autonomous technology.
“Despite their potential to make our roads safer in the long run, consumers have high expectations for safety,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “Our results show that any incident involving an autonomous vehicle is likely to shake consumer trust, which is a critical component to the widespread acceptance of autonomous vehicles.”
Over 60 percent say they would actually feel less safe sharing the road with an autonomous car, especially if they were walking or riding a bicycle. Even millennials, a generation one might think would readily embrace them, are cautious. AAA’s study found that 64 percent of millennials are too afraid to fully trust autonomous cars, up from 49 percent just a year ago. This metric represented the largest increase of any generation surveyed.
An autonomous Hyundai Ioniq detects a pedestrian. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Growing Trends & Increasing Concerns
AAA’s findings on safety being a primary concern for car buyers is supported by other studies. During AutoSens Detroit this year, experts attending the global summit on autonomous driving rigorously examined the challenges facing the technology. One of the themes was how to help the public trust the process of going from driving to being driven.
“While autonomous vehicles are being tested, there’s always a chance that they will fail or encounter a situation that challenges even the most advanced system,” explained Megan Foster, AAA’s Director of Federal Affairs. “To ease fears, there must be safeguards in place to protect vehicle occupants and the motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians with whom they share the road.”
“We have to manage expectations better, especially on the timing of when these vehicles will be part of our everyday lives,” added Cliff Banks, Founder and President of The Banks Report, an automotive retail publication. “We should be skeptical of the claims made by executives touting the technology.”
Ford conducting road tests with two autonomous Fusion cars. Photo: Ford Motor Company.
Universal Language
With the release of the study, AAA is advocating for what they call a common sense approach to driverless cars. This includes a universal nomenclature and classification system, with clear definitions as to what the varying automated technologies are and how they work.
“There are sometimes dozens of different marketing names for today’s safety systems,” Brannon explained. “Learning how to operate a vehicle equipped with semi-autonomous technology is challenging enough without having to decipher the equipment list and corresponding level of autonomy.”
“I’m not sure anyone can properly define what an autonomous vehicle is yet,” Banks said. “Also, commercials from automakers such as Nissan and Cadillac touting their driver assist technology as hands-free creates confusion.”
Cadillac’s Super Cruise feature can automatically steer, brake, and keep the vehicle positioned on the highway in certain, optimal conditions. Photo: Cadillac.
Future Considerations
Previous testing of automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, self-parking technology, and lane keeping assist have shown great promise, according to AAA officials. These systems are becoming more common on today’s cars and are a precursor to autonomous driving. Still, the organization says this recent study reaffirms the need for ongoing, unbiased testing of such technologies. This remains key in earning the public’s trust and acceptance.
“Once autonomous vehicles hit the mainstream and become a normal part of the landscape, public acceptance will be a non-issue,” Banks said. “I’m sure people felt unsafe the first time they got onto any kind of moving device, whether it be a horse, a wagon, or a train or an airplane.”
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.



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Inside The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid

Inside The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid Even in this day and age of commercially-available electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf, sales of hybrid vehicles rose steadily by 2.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017. This represents a 12.4 percent rise in total sales with 368,137 hybrid vehicles sold last year.
It is interesting to point out traditional hybrids are the most popular among the three types of green cars including EVs or electric vehicles and PHEVs or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
This is the primary reason why Hyundai is hard at work in improving the safety, comfort, practicality, and driving enjoyment of the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. The Korean automaker is also updating the features of the 2019 Ioniq Electric to make it one of the most desirable EVs that money can buy.
Hybrids Just Want To Have Fun
From a performance perspective, the biggest caveat of hybrid vehicles is the lackluster and anesthetized driving experience. The standard CVT transmission in most hybrid cars is partly to blame, but Hyundai addressed this matter by bolting on a six-speed EcoShift DCT dual-clutch transmission in the 2019 Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid.
The new transmission features low-viscosity oil and low-friction bearings to offer a mix of fuel economy and sporty responses. The driver can also select between two transmission modes: ECO and SPORT. The former will optimize the gear selection to deliver better fuel economy while the latter will hold lower gears longer to give you a sportier driving experience.
Want more control? SPORT mode will also ensure the gasoline engine remains ON while the electric motor will offer power assist when you need it most. Both the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models are also equipped with paddle-shifters if you feel the need to shift all six gears at your behest.
2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Power To The People
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and Ioniq Electric are all equipped with a compact and highly efficient battery and electric motor. All models come with a lithium-ion polymer battery that is 20 percent lighter than non-polymer variants with lower battery memory sensitivity, better charge and discharge efficiency, and a high maximum output for better responsiveness.
The batteries are located underneath the rear seats to offer an interior volume of 122.7 cubic feet, which is more than the Toyota Prius according to Hyundai. The new Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid and Ioniq Electric is still able to offer a generous interior volume of 119.2 cubic feet despite being equipped with a larger battery system than the Ioniq Hybrid.
The new Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a Kappa 1.6-liter, direct-injected four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle motor that cranks out 104 horsepower and 109 lb-ft. of torque. The electric motor is rated at 44.5 kW which helps supplement an additional 60 horsepower of shove.
The electric motor on all Ioniq models is a permanent magnet synchronous unit that is smaller and lighter than conventional motors. It features a rectangular-section cooper wire to decrease the thickness of the core components by up to 10 percent.
2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Charge Me Up
All 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric models are now equipped with a Level-3 DC fast-charging system and SAE Combo Level-3 DC 100kW fast charger. This means you can juice up the lithium-ion polymer battery up to 80 percent in just 23 minutes. I bet your high-end smartphone can’t do that, huh??
For added convenience, the charging system also comes with an integrated In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) that allows you to use a standard household socket.
Hyundai is also working closely with ChargePoint to offer a wider vehicle charging network with more than 32,000 locations in the United States. Still in a rush? The charging network also includes more than 400 Express DC fast-charging sites so you can juice up your Ioniq in about the same time it takes for you to wolf down a succulent 72-ounce steak.
Safe In The Heat of The Moment
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq comes equipped with a bewildering array of active and passive safety features. The rigid and lightweight body is achieved by utilizing advanced high-strength steel to minimize cabin distortion in a collision.
Advanced safety features are numerous, and include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. New for 2019 is Driver Attention Alert and High Beam Assist.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Economy & Efficiency
The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid with a more powerful 44.5 kW electric motor has an all-electric range of 29 miles and 119 MPGe in EV mode. This vehicle can easily run 52 MPG in hybrid mode. The new Ioniq has a 0.24 coefficient of drag, among the best in a mass-produced vehicle.
The 2019 Ioniq Hybrid is equipped with a less powerful yet still potent 32 kW electric motor that produces an additional 43 horsepower and 125 lb-ft. of torque for a combined output of 139 horsepower and 58 MPG, which is the highest fuel economy rating of any non-plug-in vehicle sold in the USA, according to Hyundai.
If you happen to be considering an EV for your next vehicle, you should take a closer look at the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric. It offers pure electric power courtesy of a 28.0kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and 88kW electric motor that produces 118 horsepower and 218 lb-ft. of torque. This EV has an estimated range of 136 MPGe.
No matter which Ioniq model you choose, it is safe to assume that fuel consumption is the least of your concerns.
Sea of Voices
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time driving your 2019 Hyundai Ioniq, the car comes equipped with a high-definition seven-inch TFT information cluster. The display changes to a revolving digital speedometer with an analog-type tachometer if you engage SPORT mode.
Further enhancing driver and passenger convenience is “natural-language server-based voice-recognition technology.” This package comes standard on all 2019 Ioniqs equipped with a navigation system. Also available is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Blue Link, and wireless charging for Qi-compatible devices.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
New Look
The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid features a hexagonal grille, vertical C-shaped LED daytime running lamps, low-beam LED headlamps, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Ioniq Hybrid can be distinguished with standard Bi-Xenon HID headlamps and C-shaped LED positioning lamps and two-tone 15-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels.
Finally, the 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric has a sleeker grille design, HID Xenon headlamps, LED tail lamps, and 16-inch Eco-spoke wheels.
All 2019 Ioniq models will be available this summer.
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. 
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.



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Porsche Introduces Augmented Reality Glasses for Vehicle Servicing & Repair

Porsche Introduces Augmented Reality Glasses for Vehicle Servicing & Repair Virtual reality is the biggest thing in the gaming industry. But it seems Porsche has a unique and more practical solution that utilizes augmented reality to fix your car. Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) will start rolling out Tech Live Look to all 189 Porsche dealerships in the United States. The system consists of smartglasses to provide live interaction with remote experts located hundreds of miles away.
If this sounds like the new wave of the future, then you’re right on target.
What Is Augmented Reality?
Glad you asked. Without sounding like a computer boffin with unruly hair and spectacles the size of the London Eye, augmented reality is being developed to enhance or improve the way humans interact in the real world.
We got a good taste of augmented reality with Google Glass back in 2013. It was basically an optical head-mounted display, shaped to resemble a humble pair of eyeglasses. Think of it as your smartphone being projected in your eyes. You can open, read, and respond to emails, search for directions on Google Maps, or chat with your buddies on social media using voice commands.
You still with me? Good. We covered a similar story on Tech Live Look last year. After conducting a series of successful pilots in 2017, the system went live at three Porsche dealerships recently. The goal is to have 75 more dealers go live by the end of this year with the remainder to follow by 2019.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
How Does Tech Live Look Work?
The system works like a carefully balanced orchestra. Dealer technicians will wear smartglasses to connect to the augmented reality software while fixing your Porsche. Remote experts from far away can see in real-time a high-definition video feed of what the technician is working on courtesy of the glasses.
But what if the technician gets puzzled by, say, an issue with the electric power steering? Instead of leaving the floor and tolling away at the computer or phone in the office, the Porsche technical support team (located in Atlanta) can simply press a couple of buttons to project step-by-step technical bulletins, repair procedures, and schematic drawings on the display in the technician’s glasses. This means faster repair times and better efficiency.
The technician can also open and view documents while working on the vehicle. This is better than browsing the pages of the service manual with dirty hands, and it sure beats making multiple phone calls, sending emails, and making on-site visits to identify and diagnose the issue for repair.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Customer Focused
With the Tech Live Look system in full swing, PCNA is looking to dramatically shorten service resolution times – by up to 40 percent.
“By solving issues faster, our dealer partners can get their customers back into cars with less disruption. And our overall service quality increases as we share expertise more efficiently between our experts and dealer technicians,” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “Tech Live Look is the kind of digital innovation Porsche values because it raises the quality of the customer experience.”
Porsche’s Tech Live Look is the first such application at scale in U.S. auto repair, and won a best-in-class award from the annual Field Service USA conference back in April.
There is no other way to put it. Tech Live Look is one of the coolest things to ever happen in auto repair.
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. 
Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.



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2018 Hyundai Santa Fe: The Value Bullseye

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe: The Value Bullseye

Hyundai is, as ever, onto something here. Hyundai’s purpose in this world is to make dependable, efficient cars, with a passing amount of style you can happily dispose of in a few years without any emotional qualms. While other automakers strive for lasting permanence and iconic status, Hyundai seems to be just fine with you disposing of their cars, just as long as you keep buying their cars.
This is especially evident in the cutthroat world of SUV sales.
Americana 101
Look, if you’re a young up-and-coming family in the U. S. of A. you’re going to get an SUV of some stripe or another. What are your other options? A minivan? Please. That’s some form of automotive death. Every time you start it, a little piece of your soul dies. A station wagon? What is this? 1967? Wagons (although very cool in my opinion, especially the ones that Mercedes-AMG makes with enough power to tear your house from its foundation) were killed by minivans. Wagons were seen as old and stodgy and, indeed, their own form of vehicular death. And so, they were more or less neutered in the market by the minivan (thank you Lee Iacocca). And then the minivan received the same fate at the hands of the SUV.
So, there you are: The prototype American family, 2017. You’ve got your couple of, well 2.3 kids, at least one dog and you want, no need an SUV. What do you do? Especially if you’re just starting out, that’s when your SUV need comes into a direct meeting with your “just starting out” income. What to do?
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Problem Solvers
Enter Hyundai. When it comes to “hey, I’m just getting started at this,” Hyundai has you covered. You are, for good or ill, directly in the crosshairs of their marketing department. “Hey kiddo! Want a car? An SUV you say? Well step right over here and let me show you the new for 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe! It’s a great value!”
The entire Santa Fe lineup runs from $24,950 for the entry level FWD Santa Fe Sport, all the way up to $37,200 for the Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate. Yes, that is a pretty broad range of possible prices, but overall it does skew toward the entry-level end of the buying spectrum. Right in the center of this range sits the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Value Package. For starters, the Value Package will run you between $26,850 and $28,400, depending on whether you want front or all-wheel drive. Since that’s only about $2,500 above the base model, that’s not asking for much more (Hyundai figures).
What to you get for that paltry sum?
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.


Feature Overload
For starters, the Value Package gets you heated dual power side mirrors with turn signal indicators, power windows with front auto­-up/down, a proximity key with push-­button start, remote start via the Blue Link app, and a seven-inch display audio center with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM. There is also dual automatic temperature control (which is very nice when your better half likes it hotter or colder than you), a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, and heated front seats.
Of course, if you’d like, you could always move further up the content food chain and get more stuff. Hyundai benevolently refers to this “generous feature content.” For example, standard features for the Santa Fe include a rearview camera, automatic on/off headlights, remote keyless entry with alarm, and body color power side mirrors with driver’s blind spot mirror. Also standard are LED headlight accents, daytime running lights, steering wheel mounted audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth capability.
The premium feature upgrades will get you such goodies as HID Xenon headlights, panoramic sunroof, navigation, and an updated 12-speaker Infinity Logic7 audio system – which features QuantumLogic Surround and Clari­Fi Music Restoration Technology, which is kind of beside the point because of 1: You’re in a bad acoustical environment to begin with, and 2: You’re a parent with 2.3 kids and probably a dog making an unbelievable racket at all times. The goodies list continues with the power Hands­Free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open. This is one of those trick/lazy/really-nice-to-have features that will open the rear hatch if your hands are full.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Power & Performance
What’s under the hood, you ask? The Santa Fe Sport is motivated down the highway by a 2.4 liter four-cylinder direct injected engine, putting out 185 horsepower. Further up the option list comes the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder plant cranking out a healthy 240 horsepower. If you opt for the 2018 Santa Fe with three-row seating, you get the 3.3-liter Lambda II V6 engine, putting out 290 horsepower. All of Hyundai’s Santa Fe engines are running a high pressure direct injection fueling system (which is quite the engineering fashion these days) along with a Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing system (D-CVVT). There’s a six-­speed automatic transmission standard on all models.
We have included a pricing chart for the entire 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe lineup.
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.
MODEL
FWD/AWD
MSRP
SANTA FE SPORT 2.4
FWD
$24,950
SANTA FE SPORT 2.4
AWD
$26,500
SANTA FE SPORT 2.4 VALUE
FWD
$26,850
SANTA FE SPORT 2.4 VALUE
AWD
$28,400
SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T
FWD
$31,350
SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T
AWD
$32,900
SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T ULTIMATE
FWD
$35,650
SANTA FE SPORT 2.0T ULTIMATE
AWD
$37,200
*Destination charges $895
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Gallery








Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.



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Extreme Terrain Hosting Ultimate Jeep Giveaway

Extreme Terrain Hosting Ultimate Jeep Giveaway We have all passed that car at the local shopping mall, sporting event, or fairgrounds before: the one on display to eventually be given away. Usually, you fill out a little yellow slip of paper and carry on with your day. You figure, if they call, you will be the proud owner of an economical hatchback. Nothing wrong with that, but it’s not exactly the type of vehicle you hit the trails with to discover far-off places.
How about winning a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon? How about two of them?
Special Sweepstakes
ExtremeTerrain is known for massive giveaways like this – it’s just how they do it. Their upcoming Rubicon sweepstakes will have you seeing double. Literally. The off-road outfitter company is giving away two customized “His and Hers” 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicons.
“We don’t just sell Jeep parts; we really are Jeep people to the core,” said Ryan Huck, Video Content Specialist and ExtremeTerrain Host. “When we come up with these giveaways, we want to make it really special and give fans something amazing.”
Indeed, even stock Jeeps would be amazing enough, but ExtremeTerrain has cranked things up a notch by customizing each Rubicon. Both will be fitted with a slew of gear from Mickey Thompson, Deegan 38, Raxiom, Barricade, and Mammoth. Each accessory adds the personal flare and off-road persona Jeep enthusiasts crave.
“I’ve always loved how unique a Jeep is right out of the factory and how easy the aftermarket makes it to customize it further,” Huck said. “When a Jeep is driving toward you on the road, you know it’s a Jeep from a mile away, and you can’t say the same about your average sedan.”
(Deegan) 38 Special
The first is a Deegan 38, 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited, painted in Granite Crystal Metallic. It features a 2.5-inch lift, 35-inch tires, 17-inch wheels, rock sliders, rear bumper with tire carrier, flat fenders, and Custom Matte Black Deegan 38 Decals.
“The Deegan 38 parts that will be installed are exclusive to ExtremeTerrain and all brand new,” Huck explained. “We are very excited to be partnering with Deegan 38 on this build because they make parts that not only look great, but are super functional off-road and very high quality.”
Deegan 38, 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited from ExtremeTerrain. Photo: ExtremeTerrain.
Barricade Performance
The second is a Barricade 2018 Jeep Rubicon 2-door in a custom orange, powered by the 3.0 EcoDiesel. It features a 2.5-inch lift, 35-inch tires, 17-inch Mammoth wheels, Barricade rock sliders, stubby front bumper, 9,500 lbs. winch, rear bumper with tire carrier, and flat fenders.
“Barricade has been our partner on builds in the past,” Huck said. “They make some very high quality parts that can take a beating on the trails.”
Both Wranglers will be equipped with lighting from Raxiom to illuminate the darkest and dustiest trails. Furthermore, 4.56 gears (front and rear) were added to increase overall performance.
“We’re leaving no part of these Jeeps untouched and both will be very capable both on and off-road,” Huck said.
Barricade 2018 Jeep Rubicon 2-door in a custom orange from ExtremeTerrain. Photo: ExtremeTerrain.
True Enthusiasts
ExtremeTerrain was founded by Andrew and Steve Voudouris, with a mission to provide dependable performance parts and accessories for Jeeps. Their technical support staff consists of knowledgeable Jeep and off-roading enthusiasts that can point customers in the right direction. They handle inquiries from a multitude of Jeep owners, from hardcore off-roaders to casual daily drivers. Those interested can enter the ExtremeTerrain “His and Hers” 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon giveaway here.
“Even giving away one brand new modded Jeep would be worth winning, but two brand new modded Jeeps is unheard of,” Huck said. “To be given a pair of fully modded, brand new Jeeps is any Jeep fans’ dream.”



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2017 Toyota Prius Prime Advanced Review

2017 Toyota Prius Prime Advanced Review


The Toyota Prius Prime Plug-in Hybrid-Electric (PHEV) is new to the market and already outselling the Tesla Model S, Model X, Chevy Volt, and Bolt. The car is catching on with consumers becasue Toyota is already a leader in hybrid technology and a trusted brand.
It has a number of advantages that consumers seem to like. We saw those advantages firsthand when we drove the top-of-the-line, 2017 Toyota Prius Prime Advanced.
What’s New For 2017
The Prius Prime is the new plug-in version which replaces the prior Prius Plug-in Hybrid. A larger battery gives more electric-only range than the outgoing model, while its fuel efficiency in hybrid mode edges higher than that of the base Prius.
Features & Options
The range-topping 2017 Toyota Prius Prime Advanced ($33,100) is packed with a long list of tech features. It comes with a power driver’s seat, an 11.6-inch central touchscreen, upgraded multimedia system, premium synthetic leather (SofTex) seats, automatic headlights, keyless entry, satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging.
The Advanced trim also comes with extra technology features like premium audio, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming mirror, heads-up display, a smartphone app with a charge management system, remote climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and a semi-automated parking function. Our tester came with the optional 15-inch alloy wheels ($899) and illuminated door sills ($299). Total MSRP including destination: $36,305. 





Interior Highlights
The Prius Prime feels modern inside, and the first thing we noticed was the giant 11.6-inch touch-tablet that controls just about everything. It’s fairly intuitive and you get used to it pretty quickly by simply playing with its many features. The new Prius Prime offers seating for four and comes standard with bucket-style seats in the rear. The front seats are heated and trimmed in a SofTex synthetic leather that’s close to leather upholstery.
Passenger space is typical to what you’ll find in most compact cars, with overall volume being a tad less here than its other Prius stablemates. The raked roofline does cut into head space for taller passengers, but it doesn’t impact visibility from the driver’s seat much.
The 2017 Prius Prime offers up 19.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which is above average for a compact car but less than the standard Prius hatchback’s 27.4 cubic feet. The cargo hold is less due to the Prime’s rechargeable battery, which is mounted in the rear of the car. The 60/40 split-folding back seat adds extra cargo-carrying ability, however.





Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Toyota Prius Prime is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and a hybrid synergy drive system featuring a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. The hybrid system’s net power is 121 horsepower (90 kW). It comes mated to an electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). The combination drives the front wheels.   
The new Prius Prime gets an EPA-estimated 54 combined mpg on gas only, and 133 MPGe electricity plus gasoline, making it the most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid available. It has an all-electric driving range of 25 miles and when fully fueled and charged, the Prius Prime has a range of 640 miles. Using regular unleaded fuel, the Prius Prime offers one of the best costs per mile of energy of any vehicle in America.
Unlike battery-electric vehicles, the Prius Prime does not need a special home charger which will save owners thousands. On a 120 volt circuit, the Prime can charge to 100 percent in about five and a half hours. Homeowners that use a dedicated 240 volt circuit will be able to recharge in about two hours.






Driving Dynamics
The Prius Prime has driving dynamics very similar to the standard Prius. Aside from the annoying drone of the continuously variable transmission winding up under power, the Prius Prime can be fun-to-drive with its surge of electric acceleration. It was especially enjoyable as we zipped around the city streets of Denver easily because of its compact size.
The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime doesn’t offer the greatest acceleration when getting up to highway speeds, but it shines in getting excellent fuel mileage. We noticed more cabin noise than the traditional Prius, likely because of its harder tires designed for maximum mileage. But the engine noise from the 1.8-liter plant is well suppressed.
We took the compact hybrid up in the high country as we headed up I-70 into the mountains west of Denver, and found it to have ample power. In the tight mountain corners, the Prius Prime didn’t lean over too much and the city-hauler hugged the curves fairly well.
Conclusion
The Prius Prime has a new engine, more than double the EV range of the past Prius Plug-in Hybrid, offers more standard equipment and technology, and more driving flexibility than its peers. For those looking for a very fuel-efficient commuter, the Prius Prime offers consumers one of the best overall values of any vehicle in America.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Toyota Prius Prime Gallery

















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2017 Toyota Prius Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.




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