Automotive

McLaren North America Delivers 5,000th Vehicle

McLaren North America Delivers 5,000th Vehicle McLaren North America recently celebrated the delivery of its 5,000th car in the North American market. The milestone machine, a Silica White 570S Spider, was purchased by California physician Dr. Gary Leach.
“The McLaren 570S Spider really appealed to me as an amazing combination of a car that can be comfortable and enjoyable for a daily driver, but that has the performance, gearshift, and brakes that will allow me to fully enjoy it on a track day,” he said.
Humble Beginnings
McLaren Automotive retailed its first vehicle in North America in December 2011, which now represents more than a third of the company’s global sales. McLaren’s growth doubled in 2016 following the introduction of the 570 Sports Series line, with 2017 seeing the addition of the 570S Spider and the Super Series 720S.
“From small beginnings back in 2011, we have firmly established the McLaren range of sportscars and supercars as class leaders that appeal to a wide range of discerning enthusiasts,” said Tony Joseph, President, McLaren North America. “We are experiencing unprecedented growth in the North American market from just a handful of cars in 2011 to more than 1,200 retail sales here last year.”
Continued Expansion
McLaren is expanding their network of retailers in North America as new models like the track-focused McLaren Senna arrive later this year. As part of the company’s Track 22 business plan, McLaren will launch another 12 cars by 2022, with half its offerings being hybrids by then. 22 is also the current number of McLaren retailers in North America.
“We are taking steps to ensure that our presence and customer service is at the cutting edge of the luxury performance car market,” Joseph said.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photo & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury: Jurassic Ark

Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury: Jurassic Ark What is this thing? Mercedes says it’s a crossover based on an exclusive high-end sedan and an SUV. I can kind of take their word for it. I can also say this is a lumpen blunder of the highest order. And given that this thing is enormous – 207 inches, about three-fifths as long as a London bus – this is a huge mistake!
Just to get you up to speed, Maybach, which used to be its own company back in the 1930s, was revived a while back as its own “brand” again by its owner, Mercedes, and then absorbed into Mercedes as sort of an uber-S-Class.
Hold The Subtlety Please
Maybachs are the ultra-glitzy cars just north of the best “normal” Mercedes you can get. The only person I ever heard of buying one of the reconstituted Maybachs was Samuel L. Jackson, which kind of makes sense. I doubt that Mr. Jackson will be buying one of these, however, since he strikes me as a man of taste and bearing, both of which the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury lacks.
Oh, and while I’m here: Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury. I’ve heard more imaginative names for Soviet fishing trawlers.
I guess the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury (snicker) aims to be the nee plus ultra of luxo-crossover-SUVs. It’s as if Merc took one look at the Bentley Bentayga and said, “Halte mein Bier!” This thing is stuffed to the rafters with tech and luxury and it’s the size of a Manhattan apartment. This thing is all about presence. This car exists for the sole reason of letting all the little people know how little they are. This is the car Daisy Buchanan would bounce off Myrtle Wilson’s skull.
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury rides on 24-inch wheels. Photo: MBUSA.
Interior Treatments
At least Mercedes-Maybach dials it back on the interior. Apart from there being lots of everything and even the most meaningless of materials rendered in the highest of quality, the inside is done up in a fairly conventional manner. Merc says the colors employed are “typical of the brand” which means rose gold, crystal white, and pearl grey all over the place. And since the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury (larf) is designed for chauffeur-driven use, things are sharply focused on the rear passengers and their “well-being.”
However, the front seats do have such niceties like the free-standing, Widescreen Cockpit with two 12.3-inch displays. The seats are framed in rose gold and sheathed in crystal white Nappa leather, and the instrument panel is done up in a shade of brown that features a light metallic finish. Lustrous surfaces in polished aluminum are there to “generate exciting reflections.” Like I said, relatively normal but tacky as a 4th rate casino.
The “tea service” is integrated into a sculpted wooden tray made of ebony known as “Magic Wood.” So many jokes so little time. Photo: MBUSA.
Battery & Powertrain
The powertrain is, at least, interesting. Conceived from the ground up as an electric car, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury (chortle) comes with four compact permanent-magnet synchronous motors, offering fully variable all-wheel drive. The total system output is 750 horsepower. That’s probably just enough, because even though Merc-Bach doesn’t give a figure for this massive beast, you know the all up weight is comparable to a Kriegsmarine mine sweeper.
The battery can be charged by cable at public charging stations, conventional domestic socket outlets or, even more conveniently, via induction: the charging current is transmitted by an electromagnetic field below the car. A fast-charging function, based on the CCS standard, allows a charging capacity of up to 350 kW and can get you enough power to achieve a range of around 60 miles in just five minutes. The battery pack is underneath the floor and has an usable capacity of around 80 kWh, good enough for a range of over 200 miles. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, so that’s fun.
The current Maybach lineup includes the Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC and Mercedes-Maybach S 650 Sedan. The top model is the Pullman with a special vis-à-vis seating layout behind the partition. The Pullman is not available in the United States. Photo: MBUSA.
Catch 22
The caveats about the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury (chuckle) are two. First, it’s a show car. So maybe if we, those of us who have eyes, rage loud enough, Merc-Bach will hear our pleas and never, ever produce this thing.
Second, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury (sneer) is made for and will be shown at the Auto China 2018 show in Beijing, which runs through May 4th. Maybe there’s some subtleties about appealing to the nouveau Chinese oligarch set that I’m missing. Maybe this thing will hit the stands and a bunch of well-healed, routinely corrupt autocrats will say “that’s mine!”
Hey, maybe they built that wall 1,300 years ago to keep this thing in.
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.
Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury Gallery

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

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Nissan Reports Growing Demand For Leaf EV

Nissan Reports Growing Demand For Leaf EV The Nissan Leaf is seeing robust growth across all major electric vehicle markets, including Japan, Europe, and the United States. The automaker is reporting a global electric vehicle sales jump of 10 percent last fiscal year, which concluded on March 31st.
“The strong performance of Nissan’s EV models globally is a testimony to our expertise and leadership in electric vehicle technology,” said Nissan Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci, who heads the company’s EV business. “The Nissan Leaf contributed significantly to the robust growth of Nissan in 2017.”
Emerging Markets
According to Nissan, demand is expected to rise for the second-generation Leaf which offers increased range versus the prior model. The vehicle will arrive in more new markets this fiscal year, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay.
Nissan moved 54,451 Leaf models in fiscal year 2017, a 15 percent increase from 47,423 a year earlier. Nissan has sold more than 320,000 since it was first introduced in 2010. With availability in 51 markets, Nissan says the Leaf is the best-selling electric car in the world. The 2018 model was released late last year.
“We expect its continuous leadership in 2018,” Schillaci added.
2018 Nissan Leaf. Photo: Nissan Motor Corporation.
Safety & Accolades
The 2018 Nissan Leaf comes with ProPILOT autonomous driving technology (ProPILOT Assist in the U.S.), ProPILOT Park and e-Pedal, as well as increased power and range. The new Leaf also received a 5-star safety rating from the Japan New Car Assessment Program in February. The model’s ProPILOT technology helped it score 94.8 points out of a possible 100 for occupant safety in a collision.
The new Nissan Leaf was also named “2018 World Green Car” by the World Car Awards in March.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Corporation.

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2017 Shanghai Preview: The Chevrolet FNR-X Concept provides a glimpse into future model designs

2017 Shanghai Preview: The Chevrolet FNR-X Concept provides a glimpse into future model designs Chevrolet introduces a new crossover concept that could be anything for the Chinese market.

What’s going on?
On the complete opposite side of the planet in China is the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, just as we exit the 2017 New York International Auto Show. That said, some new cars and concepts did make their debut, mainly in the Chinese market. This latest one is the Chevrolet FNR-X Concept Vehicle.
At first, it looks like a slick and handsome take on a sleek compact crossover. But Chevrolet says it’s not quite exactly that….
So…what is it then?
“The Chevrolet-FNR is one of Chevrolet’s most forward-thinking concept cars, truly exemplifying the brand’s passion for innovation and ingenuity,” said Alan Batey, GM’s executive vice president of GM North America and Chevy worldwide. “The FNR-X builds on the design and technology showcased on the original FNR concept and embodies the belief at Chevrolet’s core that anything is possible.”
In Chevy’s words, the FNR-X is more of a design concept, previewing styling cues and other visual elements that will eventually show up in future models. This also leaves ambiguity for the FNR-X itself may or may not reach production in its current form.
Either way, the design concept is very attractive and handsome for a crossover. In fact, if the next-generation Chevrolet Trax resembled anything like the FNR-X Concept, they would get some pretty high scores in the aesthetics department for sure.
What else is cool about the FNR-X Concept?
The FNR-X Concept features active bodywork to improve aerodynamics during high-speed driving. It works in tandem with the suspension modes and the driver-selectable profiles available for choosing.
Powering the FNR-X is a plug-in gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Like most plug-in hybrids today, can switch in between gas and electric propulsion, or all-electric propulsion.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Auto Shanghai – Chevrolet FNR-X Concept Photo Gallery

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Letter From The UK: Blast From The Past

Letter From The UK: Blast From The Past

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the more companies talk about the quality of their customer service, the worse it gets. The bigger the organization the worse it gets, and so on. Beyond that is the absolute nadir of customer service that currently is a long established airline company whose name, like the Dark Lord’s, is not mentioned in polite circles.
It was not always like this. Once upon a time, shops and trades and businesses were local and the customer knew with whom they were dealing. Customer service was not spoken of because it was expected and given automatically.
Staff were helpful, polite, and above all, were allowed to use their common sense. You don’t get that out of a company manual.
Too Much Complexity
To be fair, the retail car industry hasn’t really fallen into that trap, although there is a sense of sales staff performing rather than serving. In such a cut-throat business, the need to stay on top of one’s game is obviously paramount. Customer service in car dealerships is usually excellent, if a little slick. What has changed for the worst though is cost. The complexity of modern cars and, for the most part, the total inability of the average customer to fix them at home means expensive garage bills when even the slightest thing goes wrong. The car makers know this.
Well, according to an admittedly dusty and neglected four-year old report I came across, the public are beginning to question the need for more and more superfluous gadgets and unnecessary extras on cars, which simply add to the expense and complexity. Over 70% of drivers, the report states, would happily do without an electronic parking brake or electrically adjustable seats, for example. They prefer to be connected to the road rather than the World Wide Web. Car makers have built themselves into a corner. They’ve nowhere to go to make their product better than the next showroom, except by the practice of adding more and more trinkets and geegaws.
The result of this is that customers are saving money by selecting smaller, less well featured models, like basic city cars, and sales of these have risen exponentially. Here in the UK, there are many sightings of the Dacia Sandero, Europe’s cheapest car, and the thing is, it isn’t at all bad.
But isn’t all this new car business just a bit tedious? Slick servers, boring vehicles, manufactured customer service; please choose from the following twenty-seven options, your call is important to us so we’ll keep you hanging on until hell freezes over and so on. Where’s the fun and what used to be known as the joy of motoring? Where’s the real customer service?
Photo: Classic Trader.
Going Back In Time
There is a way to travel back in time to an era when the words “customer service” actually meant something, and cars were simple to fix. Buy a classic car. In your heart of hearts you know this to be true. Anyone who buys a classic is obviously going to be hated by the monomaniacal lobby who demand, not unlike themselves, that cars emit nothing more than hot air, but this has to be balanced against the pleasure of driving old school.
There are plenty of classic cars to choose from and they don’t all break auction records. In Europe, a recent top ten list is dominated by Porsche with four different classic 911s featured in the top ten, two of which stand at the top of the rankings. Sure, these, and the evergreen Jaguar E-Type are a little costly but the list also includes the Fiat 500 and the old Alfa Romeo Guilia. In the United States, the classic cars are maybe different but the same principles apply.
Photo: Classic Trader.

Clubs & Specialists
Classic supercars are clearly beyond the reach of the average Joe but here in the UK for example, enthusiasts fettle all manner of older cars. Remember, classic cars don’t have to come from the dim and distant past; the cars of the nineties and around the millennium can be purchased reasonably, cheaply, and with no expensive garage bills lurking over the horizon.
For the mechanically uninitiated, there are friendly owner clubs and specialists in vehicle servicing and sales. A good independent garage with a skilled staff can usually help, and almost certainly at a fairer price than most main dealerships.
It really is possible to enjoy simple, no frills motoring in a car that, despite its age, is entirely capable of providing good daily service. Investing in a classic means more than just buying an old banger and hoping for the best. For a start, you’ll be ahead of the game. They are devoid of all the usual extras routinely found on a modern car. They are simply engineered and straightforward to fix, so even if you have to take it to a specialist, it still shouldn’t cost the earth to repair.
People seem to be routinely surprised that these cars keep going, but the fact is there exist many enthusiastic club collectors and professional suppliers who seem to be able to source classic car parts at will. What’s more, they will have true motor knowledge and you will receive good customer care without it ever being mentioned once. Classic car owners must stand, if I may use the word, united.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite
Cover Photo: AutoFarm

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2017 Shanghai Preview: The 2018 Lexus NX refreshed to look more like it's larger RX sibling

2017 Shanghai Preview: The 2018 Lexus NX refreshed to look more like it's larger RX sibling The 2018 Lexus NX debuts at the Shanghai Motor Show to continue its success.

What’s going on?
When Lexus introduced the entry-level NX luxury crossover to the world, it was met with mixed critical reception. But being a crossover and a Lexus, the general buying public swooned over it.
Lexus knew they had a breadwinner on their hands. So, being the NX came out in late 2014, it’s pretty much due for a facelift. And that facelift is here.
What’s new about the 2018 Lexus NX?
As with all midlife refreshes, the 2018 Lexus NX mainly benefits from a lot of visual, packaging, and optional updates to sweeten the deal. Lexus claims they went a little further, updating various suspension bits–like bushings and the relocation of certain mounting points–to improve handling response and ride quality.
Visually, if you think the NX looks pretty much the same, that’s because it is, for the most part. The changes lie in the upper portion of the grille, which Lexus says is better flows better with the hood and the shoulder line. The result is a slightly sleeker design and improved aerodynamics.
“Starting at the spindle grille, the way the front edges connect to the front fenders results in a much bolder expression than before, clearly highlighting the NX’s style design architecture,” said the NX’s chief exterior designer, Shin Kamiura. “We’ve also changed the shape of the lower front bumper to better support the spindle grille, as well as relocated the fog lamps to the corner of the front bumpers, separating them from the ducts. The result is a front fascia with a stronger and more aggressive presence.”
The rear-end of the NX also gains some updates, contributing to the sportier appearance overall. The lower rear fascia receives more elements to mimic the front “spindle” grille. The taillights also slim down in appearance. Rounding out the package are some new wheel designs in size 18-inch as well.
Same engines, plenty of value
Keeping with Lexus’ tradition for value and luxury, you can bet the new 2018 NX is just as well-equipped as the model it replaces. Adding to the standard options list is Lexus’ latest Safety System+. This makes active and passive driver aids such as Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Ctonrol, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams, all standard.
The base model remains to be the NX 200t, utilizing Toyota’s latest 2.0L turbocharged inline-four. Opting for the next level up would be the NX 300h, serving up Lexus’ familiar 2.5L hybridized inline-four.
Launch dates and pricing details aren’t available just yet. Lexus should be releasing those over the next several months.
– By: Chris Chin
2017 Auto Shanghai – 2018 Lexus NX Crossover

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2017 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring Review

2017 Honda CR-V 1.5T AWD Touring Review

For years, the Honda CR-V has been one of those vehicles that just blended in with all the other small crossovers on the road. Gone are those days forever, now that the 2017 CR-V has arrived. Honda has fully-redesigned the popular model and it gets more comfortable, more fuel-stingy, and more versatile. The exterior has also been completely restyled and is now more attractive and modern looking.
This week, we drove the top-trim, 2017 Honda CR-V AWD Touring model.
What’s New For 2017
The Honda CR-V is completely redesigned for 2017. The outside gets a much needed styling udpate, it gets a longer and wider wheelbase, and the addition of an optional, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that should improve fuel economy and acceleration. We checked both of those out this week.
Features & Options
The CR-V AWD Touring comes standard with LED daytime running lights, a rearview camera, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity, and Pandora internet radio compatibility. Touring models get bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, heated side mirrors, automatic headlights (and high beams), a sunroof, foglights, a retractable cargo cover, keyless entry and ignition, remote start, an eight-way power driver’s seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
It also comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen with HondaLink smartphone app integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), satellite radio, and an extra USB port. Safety features include adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitoring system, a forward collision warning and mitigation system with automatic braking, and a lane departure warning and intervention system.
Even more luxury items include a hands-free height-adjustable power liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, HD radio, LED headlights, automatic windshield wipers, ambient interior LED lighting, a navigation system, and an upgraded sound system with nine speakers.
Honda did not have pricing yet on this CR-V pre-production model.

Interior Highlights
The cabin in the 2017 CR-V is updated with new materials which look classy for the segment. The interior gets a bit bigger with the wider and longer wheelbase, allowing even more room for passengers in the front and back. Up front, the gearshift gets moved further forward and higher on the center console, allowing for abundant storage areas. There’s multiple handy trays and storage bins for families to easily hide all their stuff, keeping the front uncluttered. We also liked the top-of-the line Touring model inside with its wood-grain trim, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shift knob, and seats.
Drivers will definitely appreciate the added adjustability that comes with the 12-way power driver’s seat. We could easily find the perfect driving position for superior visibility. We especially liked the re-introduction of a volume knob for the audio system on the CR-V’s center console. It’s one of the things Honda listened to as there were many complaints about the touchscreen volume controls on previous CR-Vs. It makes it much easier now to crank up the tunes.
Out back, there’s even more room for rear passengers. Our riders this week commented on the ample leg and headroom as we traveled for a lunch meeting. Behind the rear seat, the CR-V offers up one of the most user-friendly cargo areas in the small SUV segment with 39.2 cubic feet of cargo-carrying ability. There’s also a deep cargo area and lower load floor making it easier to load bigger cargo items. The Touring’s power lift gate comes with a handy hands-free option and a height-adjustment feature.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Honda CR-V gets a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft. of of torque. It comes mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and our Touring tester came with optional all-wheel drive.
EPA fuel mileage estimates are 27/33 city/highway and 29 combined mpg. We averaged 28.2 mpg for the week which was at altitude, plus we pushed the crossover hard.
Driving Dynamics
This Touring model came fitted with the new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. When we first looked at the size and horsepower, at least on paper, it didn’t seem like an upgrade with more power. It seems undersized for the vehicle, but the turbocharger totally changes the dynamics of this engine. We pushed the new CR-V hard all week at altitude in the mountains west of Denver, and the 1.5-liter mill never lacked for power.
We drove it up I-70 into the mountains and we had all the power we needed to stay in the fast lane and pass slower traffic. In the city, the CR-V handles like a champ as we were able to scoot in and out of traffic. The ride is smooth and composed, even over rough pavement. The cabin is quieter than the previous model; we were able to crank up the premium sound system and enjoy the ride.
The CR-V is a great city commuter that’s the perfect size for a new or smaller family. It’s roomy enough inside and never left us feeling tired at the end of the day. Visibility is good and the tilt-telescoping steering wheel along with the 12-way power driver’s seat is extra convenient on long trips. The only complaint is that the parking brake sets itself when you shut off the engine. When you get back in, you have to release the brake or you don’t go anywhere.
Conclusion
Overall, the newly-redesigned 2017 Honda CR-V is good-looking and comfortable. The new fuel-efficient 1.5-liter turbo engine has plenty of power for most driving situations. The all-wheel drive makes it an all-weather cable crossover with plenty of utility. For more information on the new CR-V, look through our detailed Product and Performance Overview here.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Honda CR-V Gallery

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Photos: Honda North America

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2018 Hyundai Sonata: Product & Performance Overview

2018 Hyundai Sonata: Product & Performance Overview

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata arrives with new styling, enhanced safety features, and upgraded steering and suspension components. Hyundai unveiled the vehicle recently at the New York International Auto Show, underscoring their desire for a “bold, daring, and beautiful” automobile.
“It’s all about making an impact,” said Chris Chapman, Chief Designer, Hyundai North American Design. “The moment the pen left the drafting paper, I knew we had something special in this re-imagined Sonata.”
Styling & Design
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata was designed at Hyundai’s California Design Studio with American flare in mind. Designers focused on a more decisive stance, characterized primarily by the “cascading grille” and new rear profile. The 2018 Sonata has LED daytime running lights and available LED headlamps with a bending feature to help illuminate the road.
The center stack and instrument panel were designed with the exterior for a consistent theme throughout. The dials, three-spoke steering wheel, and piano key buttons for the audio and HVAC controls are just several examples of where Hyundai went for a premium look and feel.
“Dynamic lines, strong graphics, and our new signature cascading grille come together in an athletic way,” Chapman said.
Power & Performance
At the top of the range, the 2018 Sonata is motivated by a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 245 horsepower. The eight-speed automatic was designed with well balanced ratios, meaning drivers will find an optimum blend between performance and efficiency. The transmission provides strong off-the-line acceleration and fuel efficient highway cruising. The 2.0-liter turbo models have 18-inch wheels and Michelin tires.
Hyundai’s engineers zeroed in on ride and handling specifically, improving the 2018 Sonata’s overall responsiveness. The steering system went through a total revision and various components, like the torsion bar, were beefed up to improve the handling in all conditions. The rear suspension received similar treatment with trailing arms now 21 percent thicker. The additional stiffness helps manage suspension loads, while new bushings work within the suspension arms for more nimble handling.
What’s interesting is Hyundai’s feedback from customers in this area was already quite high, but the automaker wanted to made a good thing better.
“We wanted to deliver an exciting, expressive car to our customers and show the world how passionate Hyundai is about design and craftsmanship,” Chapman said.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Safety & Security
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has seven standard airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag. The vehicle has an available Lane Departure Warning system with an enhanced Lane Keep Assist function; Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert provides additional safety when maneuvering in reverse.
Connectivity & Availability
Driver’s will stay connected through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A Qi wireless charging pad accompanies a second row USB charge port. The available navigation system now comes with a bird’s eye view feature, plus traffic flow and incident data – both are available without a subscription fee. No word yet on when the 2018 Hyundai Sonata will be available but the car is on display currently at the New York International Auto Show.
“The objective was to make an impact, and this design provides the visual excitement and unique identity our customers associate with Sonata,” Chapman said.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America

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2017 New York: The Buick Enclave Avenir debuts brand's extra-lux sub-label

2017 New York: The Buick Enclave Avenir debuts brand's extra-lux sub-label Buick is on a long-term quest to reel in the younger crowd and it’s been a tough battle. The Enclave Avenir, alongside their existing and planned model updates proves they have the secret sauce in the kitchen now.

I recently attended Buick’s unveiling of the Enclave Avenir, set to go on sale as a 2018 model. I’m a younger guy, who admittedly fell out of the fast, affordable, and fun car (in other words, $20,000 used German cars) scene. This trumped any attention I had left of any modest daily drivers with warranties that admittedly, fit my rapidly adulting life much more suitably. So going to a Buick event intrigued me, but in all honesty, I wasn’t expecting anything to fit my tastes, to say the least. Except maybe some free high-end waters, or some cool people to network with.
Enough to impress the BMW and Mercedes lot?

I’m thrilled to report, the water was delicious. The people were more Mercedes or BMW affluent types. And the car…the car surprised me. American cars, even post-bankruptcy fallout, featured novelty features and ergonomics improvements. The exterior and interior designs also showed signs of improvement, gradually edging ever so much closer to borderline extremely impressive. The Avenir, based upon the seven passenger Enclave crossover that Buick already sells, is loaded with actually appealing standard and optional treats.
A cabin air ionizing filter, a rear view mirror camera, and truly next level LED headlamps all caught me off guard. This is stuff I’d expect to see in a BMW 5-Series. Meaning, if I bought a 540i tomorrow, I’d expect this level of equipment.
Enough of that trio. Let’s discuss things that aren’t listed as features on the window sticker. The 3.6 liter V6 makes 302 horsepower, and 260 pound-feet of torque. The car can tow a 5,000 pound speedboat (as they said in the unveiling).
Buick builds quality

The build quality? Holy moly. GM is really there! And, in a Buick! The colorway of the interior was modern, pleasing, and revealing (i.e. not just all black). The leather was smooth, the gaps were minuscule, and interior trim had that unique comforting feel like you’d expect in that 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Buick, you’ve come a long way since straining to get Tiger Woods to sell your cars. You haven’t sold cloth bench seat grandpa-mobiles in a long time, but still, you’re generations ahead of where you were a few years ago. You’re on the map. The real map, not the “wow GM is doing really well, but not well enough for me” map. That leads us to the biggest question of all.
Would I buy one? No. But, only because it’s way more than an unmarried 30-something needs. If I had a wife and two kids? I’d test drive one ASAP – very impressive.
– By: Pat Miller
2018 Enclave Avenir Specifications
Overview
Model:
Buick Enclave Avenir
Body style / driveline:
midsize SUV / front-engine; front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive
Construction:
body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class:
sport utility vehicle
Manufacturing location:
Lansing Delta Township
Key competitors:
Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, Lincoln MKX

Propulsion Systems
Engine:
3.6L V6 with stop/start technology
Displacement
(cu in / cc):
223 / 3649
Bore & stroke (in / mm):
3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Block material:
cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum
Valvetrain:
DOHC, four valves per cylinder with VVT
Fuel delivery:
direct fuel injection
Buick-est. Horsepower
(hp / kW @ rpm):
302 / 227 @ 6800 (est.)
Buick-est. Torque
(lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm):
260 / 353 @ 2800 (est.)
Buick-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy / comb):
17 / 25 / 20 (FWD)
17 / 24 / 19 (AWD)
Buick-estimated 0-60 mph (seconds)
7.2 (FWD)
7.5 (AWD)
Transmission:
Hydra-Matic nine-speed automatic
Trailering (lbs)
1,500
5,000 (with factory-installed towing package)

Chassis/Suspension
Suspension (front):
MacPherson strut
Suspension (rear):
Five-link
available AWD with active twin clutch
available premium suspension with continuously variable real-time damping (CDC)
Steering type:
electric variable power-assist steering (EPS) with Active Return Assist
Turning circle (ft / m):
39 / 11.9
Brakes:
four-wheel-disc, variable brake system with power assist; Duralife brake rotors and four-channel ABS
Wheel size and type:
20-in. cast aluminum with Pearl Nickel finish
Tires:
P255/55R20 all-season

DimensionsExterior
Wheelbase (in / mm):
120.9 / 3071
Overall length
(in / mm):
204.3 / 5189
Overall width (in / mm):
78.8 / 2001.5
Overall height
(in / mm):
69.9 / 1775
Track (in / mm):
67.3 / 1709 (front)
67 / 1702 (rear)
Curb weight (lb / kg):
4358 / 1977 (base)
Fuel tank (gal):
19.4 (FWD)
21.7 (AWD)

Interior
Seating capacity:
up to seven passengers
Headroom
(in / mm):
front: 41 / 1041.4 (without moonroof)
2nd row: 39.9 / 1013.5 (without moonroof)
3rd row: 37.6 / 955
Legroom
(in / mm):
front: 41.2 / 1046.5
2nd row: 38.9 / 988.1
3rd row: 33.7 / 856
Shoulder room
(in / mm):
front: 62.4 / 1581
2nd row: 61.7 / 1566
3rd row: 57.3 / 1455
Hip room
(in / mm):
front: 59.1 / 1500
2nd row: 57.7 / 1465
3rd row: 48.5 / 1233
Cargo volume*
(cu. ft. / L):
97.6 / 2764.5 (behind first row)
58 / 1642.9 (behind second row)
23.6 / 668.2 (behind third row)
3.1 / 88.6 (underfloor storage bin)
*Measurements calculated according to new SAE standard. Cargo space behind the first row has increased overall by seven cubic feet from the first generation Enclave.
2017 New York – Buick Enclave Avenir Gallery

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