Thursday, January 30, 2014

2014 Acura MDX SH-AWD - Four Seasons Introduction

2014 Acura MDX SH-AWD - Four Seasons Introduction
29 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Log-Term Tests (Four Seasons)

The three-row luxury crossover is the great automotive confluence of a cosseting cabin and people-carrying practicality, and the last-generation Acura MDX was one of our favorites. A 2012 model easily bested contenders from BMW, Infiniti, and Lincoln in an April 2012 comparison test, and as if to confirm our decision, the MDX has been Acura's best-selling model since 2011. No wonder we were so eager to get behind the wheel when a brand new 2014 Acura MDX arrived at last year's New York auto show.
New from the chassis up, the 2014 Acura MDX has smarter styling, a more modern interior, a few hundred fewer pounds of mass, and better fuel economy. For the first time ever, Acura launched a front-wheel-drive version alongside the AWD model. The MDX’s wheelbase is longer, its cabin better insulated, its equipment list more comprehensive, and its chassis designed for improved handling. Acura even claims the new MDX is eight seconds faster around the Nurburgring than its predecessor, a metric almost comically irrelevant to crossover buyers.
When ordering our ideal 2014 Acura MDX, we knew we'd rather have the Super Handling all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) than front-wheel drive, and then we sprung for the Advance and Entertainment packages. That pushed the price tag to $57,400, or $14,215 more than an entry-level MDX. That's certainly a hefty sum, but as a result our 2014 Acura MDX is overflowing with high-end gadgets.
For starters, we wanted SH-AWD because the system automatically shuffles torque between the left- and right-hand wheels to improve grip and handling, a blessing when the car arrived just before the Polar Vortex smothered Michigan with snow. On top of that, our 2014 Acura MDX boasts touchscreen navigation, heated and cooled front seats, push-button starting, a 16.2-inch rear screen with DVD player, a 12-speaker sound system, and adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking.
Immediately upon taking delivery, we dropped more money on the 2014 Acura MDX to prepare it for winter. First up was a set of durable rubber floor mats from our Acura dealership, which set us back $199.28 but should keep slush from ruining the crossover's carpets. Next came a set of Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 winter tires from our wheel and tire partner The Tire Rack, which cost $825.34 to purchase and mount.
There's no doubt that a well-appointed, spacious crossover will be in high demand for staffers taking road trips, so we expect our 2014 Acura MDX to quickly rack up tens of thousands of miles in dozens of states over the next twelve months. Just days after its arrival, the MDX was commandeered by staff photographer Patrick Hoey for a whirlwind feature-story assignment that took him from Michigan to South Carolina -- by way of Nashville, Tennessee.

We recently named the Tesla Model S P85 on a list of our favorite sleeper cars, but this latest clip might really let the secret loose. The all-electric Tesla Model S P85 lined up for two runs against a heady competitor at Palm Beach International Raceway—a 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray equipped with the Z51 performance package and a six-speed automatic—and the results are delightfully eyebrow-raising.
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, our 2014 Automobile of the Year, is a well-known powerhouse thanks to its blaring 6.2-liter V-8 engine that commands 455 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. With the Z51 performance package, the iconic sports car gets performance gear ratios, an electric limited-slip differential, upgraded chassis components, a unique aerodynamics kit, bigger 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels — and a power boost to 460 hp. All that raw American Corvette muscle sets the bar high for the underdog Tesla Model S, our 2013 Automobile of the Year. The Tesla’s P85 performance package gives the Model S a surging 416 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, which is immediately available at 0 rpm thanks to the all-electric drivetrain. There's also no delay when the Tesla changes gear, as it has a single-speed transmission.
Contributor Ezra Dyer has shown that the Tesla Model S is capable of out-dragging a 560-hp BMW M5, much to the chagrin of many an M fanboy. Can the wily Tesla Model S dethrone another mainstay performance nameplate? Will the Tesla’s all-electric power have enough juice to hang with the Corvette’s hellish gasoline V-8? To see whether the 2013 Automobile of the Year can take down the 2014 Automobile of the Year, you’ll have to watch the video below.

Subaru first arrived on the scene in Japan in 1958, with the Subaru 360 that it whimsically advertised as, “cheap and ugly.” Since then, Subaru has produced 20 million vehicles in Japan, marking a major milestone for the brand.
“This remarkable achievement of 20 million-unit domestic production would not have been possible without our esteemed customers and the years of diligent work by our employees, past and present,” Fuji Heavy Industries president Yasuyuki Yoshinaga said at the company’s ceremony.
Production in Japan has moved along at a steady rate since 1992, when cumulative total production stood at 10 million units. Only 11 years later, in 2003, Subaru reached the 15 million vehicle mark, leading up to this most recent 20 million vehicle milestone after another 11 years.
Exports to the U.S. began in 1968, and Subaru offered the small economy-focused 360 for a very affordable $1,297. Between then and now, Subaru has built a strong reputation in the U.S. founded on build quality, longevity, and all-wheel-drive capabilities of its vehicles. Subaru reached six million vehicles sold in the U.S. in November 2012, and following its strongest U.S. sales year of all time in 2013, that total has increased to almost seven million vehicles sold to date. According to Subaru, American sales now constitute about 55 percent of total Subaru sales worldwide.
U.S. manufacturing will play an even greater role in Subaru’s growing future, as plans are in motion to expand production at its Lafayette, Indiana plant. The decision will add capacity for Subaru Impreza production set to begin at the plant in 2016, amidst news that Subaru will no longer build the Toyota Camry at the Lafayette factory when its agreement with Toyota expires. As Subaru Outback and Forester sales continue to lead the charge in U.S. sales, redesigned 2015 Subaru WRX and 2015 WRX STI models will arrive early this year to appeal to the more enthusiast-oriented market.

Nissan thought inside the box for its latest promotional video that was made in partnership with Amazon.com. After showing the 2014 Nissan Versa Note for sale on the popular retail website, Nissan actually delivered on its promise by sending a giant cardboard box with a Versa Note inside to a customer in Madison, Wisconsin.
The 2014 Nissan Versa Note was first offered on Amazon.com as part of a special promotional deal from Nissan. Customers who opted to buy their Versa Note hatchback online were matched up with a local Nissan dealer to complete the transaction, and the first batch of buyers won a $1000 Amazon gift card as well. Nissan then agreed to deliver the new Versa Note in person to three of these buyers, along with a film crew to document the car’s arrival in the giant box.
The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is a subcompact hatchback that starts at $14,800 with destination for the base S model with a five-speed manual transmission. All 2014 Versa Note hatchbacks are powered by the same 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 31/40 mpg city/highway when equipped with the optional CVT.
Check out the video below to see the new 2014 Nissan Versa Note delivered in a gigantic cardboard box.

Buried in a document meant for investors and analysts, Ford revealed yesterday that launching the all-new 2015 F-150 pickup truck may hurt the automaker's profits. The company plans to idle factories for longer to accommodate the switch from the current truck to the 2015 Ford F-150, which could hurt overall sales for the year.
In its statement, Ford warned that the automaker's North American full-year 2014 profit would likely be lower than the impressive $8.6 billion it reported for 2013. Ford expects to report an operating margin of 8 or 9 percent this year. In 2013 Ford's North American operations posted a 9.9-percent margin, down from a 10.4-percent margin in 2012.
According to Automotive News, Ford CFO Bob Shanks told reporters yesterday that the projected profit dip is, "largely attributable to F series." Ford says that it will be forced to idle its Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan for 11 weeks on top of the usual summer shutdown, and to idle the Kansas City, Missouri, plant that builds the F-150 for two weeks beyond the summer shutdown, to switch to 2015 Ford F-150 production. As a result, Ford will have fewer trucks to sell and expects, "lower wholesale [sales] volume than in 2013."
On top of that, Ford warns that, "higher manufacturing, engineering and spending-related costs," for new product launches will cut into its profitability. The switch to using aluminum for the bodywork of the 2015 Ford F-150 will account for a large portion of that additional cost.
Ford, meanwhile, has publicly downplayed any concerns over the new truck's launch. "Our team is very confident in this launch," executive chairman Bill Ford Jr. told us at the introduction of the 2015 Ford F-150. "We know aluminum well."

Hyundai has been gradually improving the Genesis Coupe since its inception in 2009, and for 2014 this rear-wheel-drive sports coupe is upgraded once again. A few powertrain enhancements along with the addition of Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system means a price bump of $2120 up to $27,245 with destination.
Matching up the 2014 and 2013 models is not an apples-to-apples comparison, though, as the base 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T powered by a 274-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder now comes standard with an eight-speed automatic, whereas previously the base trim had a manual. This automatic transmission receives a new rev-matching feature, and the six-speed manual transmission—which, in 2.0T models is now restricted to the $28,095 2.0T R-Spec trim level—has a hill-start assist feature as standard for 2014.The R-Spec trim level is the most performance-oriented Hyundai Genesis Coupe, with Brembo brakes, a special suspension, 19-inch wheels and summer tires, and sport seats. The top $30,195 2.0T Premium trim level, which adds a power driver’s seat, Hyundai Blue Link Telematics, a sunroof, and navigation, continues to be automatic-only.
Moving up to the larger, 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 348 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, the $30,245 Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec is the starting trim level and comes standard with the six-speed manual transmission. The $33,045 Genesis Coupe 3.8 Grand Touring—which adds heated seats, navigation, Blue Link, pushbutton start, and automatic climate control—is automatic only, and the top genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate costs $34,295 with the manual and $35,495 with the eight-speed automatic. The Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate comes standard with leather, Brembo brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, and a rear spoiler.
The 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe also adds five new colors and a new interior cloth option. For a sportier engine note, Hyundai has also added an intake sound induction pipe to 2.0T models, and a high-performance synchronizer ring is added to the manual transmission as well.
The 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is on sale now.

The sale of Chrysler Group to Fiat has been completed, just as the American company reported today its net income of $1.8 billion after taxes in 2013, representing a 9-percent increase compared to 2012. Chrysler also sold 9 percent more vehicles in 2013 than in the previous year, totaling 2,401,000 units.
Chrysler closed out 2013 with a solid fourth quarter profit, earning $659 million after taxes, up 74 percent from 2012. It is Chrysler’s tenth consecutive quarter of positive net income. The impressive final quarter of 2013 is, according to Chrysler, due to strong sales gains from the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ram 1500 pickup series. This growth resulted in a slight gain in U.S. market share, reaching 11.4 percent for the year compared to 11.2 percent in 2012.
With the books closed on 2013, Chrysler moves forward into 2014 with a completed sale to Fiat. The Italian automaker marked the finalization of the purchase with a corporate reorganization reflecting the union of the two brands, establishing Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., which will serve as the Netherlands-based parent company. The organization also revealed its new logo today, pictured below,
“Today is one of the most important days in my career at Fiat and Chrysler,” CEO Sergio Marchionne said in a statement. “Today we can say that we have succeeded in creating solid foundations for a global automaker with a mix of experience and know-how on a level with the best of our competitors.” The completed sale brings the long saga between Fiat and Chrysler to a close, following months of negotiations and disagreements over the value of Chrysler’s shares owned by the United Auto Workers Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust. Fiat first took a partial stake in Chrysler in 2009, when the American automaker was at the brink of bankruptcy.
Chrysler’s first big step forward in 2014 will be the introduction of the redesigned 2015 Chrysler 200, set to go on sale in the second quarter of this year.

2008 Buick Invicta Concept
29 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Buick will showcase its latest concept at the 2008 Beijing show. This near-production sports sedan was jointly developed by GM in China and the U.S.
2008 Ford Mondeo
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Ford of Europe is doing truly exciting things with its products, like this Mondeo sedan.
2008 Mazda 2
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Mazda's spunky little 2 would be a great edition to the small cars offered in the U.S.
Three Most Significant Cars at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
We've narrowed all of Chicago's debuts down to the three we think are the most significant. Find out why.
2008 Pontiac G8 Sports Sedan
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Pontiac borrows an Australian rear-wheel-drive platform to create its most exciting sedan, well, ever.
2008 BMW M5 Touring
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Enjoy the pictures, because we won't be getting this wagon--possibly the best grocery-getter on the market today--in North America.
2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Infiniti has set its sights squarely at BMW, and the new G37 is a shot that hits the 3-series square in its Angel Eyes.
2007 Hyundai Veracruz
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Think of the Veracruz as a Sante Fe that has been inflated to Honda Pilot size and gained a standard third-row in the process.
2007 Ford Interceptor Concept: Four-door Mustang
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Ford denies that there will ever be a Mustang sedan, but this Detroit concept is just that.
2008 Saturn Astra 3- and 5-doors
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
The Opelization of Saturn is complete. Replacing the lowly Ion, the Astra hatchback goes on sale this fall.
2006 Acura Advanced Sedan Concept
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Seeking to create a vision for an Acura luxury sedan of a dozen years hence, Acura's Southern California-based design team sees a future that is...angry.
2008 Lotus Exige S
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Lotus has bolted a supercharger to the Exige, making a car that's as usable on the street as it is on the track.
2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Convertible
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
The V8 Vantage Roadster has been seducing us ever since we first laid eyes on it at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show.
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Nissan has entered the hybrid race with a new gas/electric version of their best-seller, the Altima sedan.
2008 Audi R8
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Audi's first-ever mid-engined sports car is gorgeous in pictures. In person, however, it's breathtakingly stunning.
2007 Volvo C30
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
Volvo brings some svelte Scandinavian style to the premium hatchback segment.
2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
The hard-core 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is one of the most highly anticipated models of 2007.
2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-class and CL63 AMG
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
We've already seen the beautifully elegant new CL-class, but Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the CL63 AMG, packing a hand-built 6.2-liter, 518-hp V-8. See the details here.
2007 BMW X5
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
In one of the most competitive segments around, BMW once again jumps ahead of the pack.
2007 Saturn Aura Green Line
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
The 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line offers a fuel economy improvement of 25 percent over the standard Aura.
2008 Buick Enclave
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
The best Buick ever made? The Enclave moves in on the competition.
2007 Tesla Roadster
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
The 135-mph Tesla Roadster might change everything you know about electric cars.
2007 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
As self-proclaimed big wigs on the food chain, humans have little fear of wild animals, so long as they're kept in captivity. Mercedes-Benz has taken that philosophy and applied it to its S-Class sedan.
2006 Peugeot 908RC Concept
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
It's big, it's funky, and it's French. It also has a 700-hp diesel V-12 engine derived from Peugeot's upcoming Le Mans racing diesel.
2007 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel-Cell
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
These Equinoxes are fully functional, real-world performers engineered to last for 50,000 miles.
2007 Aston Martin DBS
30 Jan, 2014 - Automobile Magazine Auto Shows
The DBS sports big, shiny wheels and added horsepower to make the car as fast and flashy as possible for the big screen. And we expect to see it on the road.

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