Los Angeles Auto Show – Automobiles Review

Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Debut at 2013 LA Auto Show

2014-Acura-RLX-Sport-Hybrid-SH-AWD-medium-1

It would seem that the LA Auto Show will be a bit saturated with hybrid debuts this year. It was only yesterday when we discussed the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe and now this – Acura all-wheel drive hybrid. Unlike the former, however, the it is a proper production car ready to hit the markets.

It’s called the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, and the company sees it as a landmark model since it is going to be the first vessel to incorporate their “new three-motor hybrid system” (and that’s not counting the engine). Sounds rather ground braking, yet, the economy figures are not what one might call inspiring (for a hybrid): 30 mpg on the combined cycle. Yes, the 3.5-liter, 310 hp i-VTEC V6 sounds thirsty but it has an idle-stop feature which surely has been taken into account when measuring the consumption. Anyway. Other technological highlights include a 7-speed dual clutch transmission with a buit-in electric motor. It’s supposed to be extra-smooth and responsive. There are even “SportShift” paddles behind the wheel for manual shifting. As for the electric components we have two electric motors replacing the conventional drive shaft and rear differential. Then there’s one at the front which supplements the V6. All three of them can also act as generators when braking. As a final estimate, Acura say that the power output comes to around 377 hp. No performance figures, just a cryptic 0-60 mph time “comparable with competitor’s V8 machines.”

One should feel fairly secure behind the wheel. The front suspension, they say, consists of a double-wishbone, lower double-joint modules alongside Amplitude Reactive Dampers. The back enjoys a multi-link setup that’s supposed to keep the car flat during cornering. Then there is the plethora of systems safety systems like: Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), along with Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Information (BSI) system. 2014-Acura-RLX-Sport-Hybrid-SH-AWD-medium-2

Inside, we hear that the RLX has loads of space – 38.8 inches of legroom at the back, 59.6 inches at the front, and 57.0 inches of shoulder room. The center console holds two big screens one over the other. (8- and 7- inches respectively) and there are 14 speakers all-around. What this RLX brings in terms of innovation is the lack of shift lever. Instead you get a panel of buttons for park, drive and neutral. A highly customizable HUD display will also be a first.

That is pretty much all we know for now. That and this gallery:

Source: Acura

November 19, 2013

Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept Debuts in US

Volkswagen-CrossBlue-Coupe-concept-medium

Remember Volkswagen’s hunky CrossBlue SUV concept that looked thoroughly American? Well, it will now decorate the German stand at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, but because this one is a “coupé” it is technically a “U.S. Debut”. Welcome to the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupé concept – a sleeker, less roomy version of the original. Could this five-seater bring something fresh and exciting to the table?

Here are the basics: 192.5 inches long and 79.3 inches wide and 66.1 inches high, the Coupé features sporty design motives: 22-inch wheels with five V-shaped double spokes, a massive hood, short A-pillars, a long and sloping roof-line, and a swept-back C-pillar. There’s also a fascination with horizontal lines (Volkswagen DNA they say):

“The designers have combined a dominant line—one that starts in the upper area of the rear lights and runs at the height of the door handles—with a second line that begins beneath the rear lights and ends in the front fender.”

Let’s get to the real straight talk though. Because of the MQB platform on which the Coupé is based, pretty much any four- and six-cylinder Volkswagen engine will fit inside. This current concept, however, is a plug-in hybrid with two electric motors and a turbocharged direct-injection (TSI) 295 hp V6 petrol engine. The bottom line is 415 hp of combined power. By default, one also gets Volkswagen’s MQB front suspension and four-link rear suspension; electro-mechanical steering, and a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Electrically speaking, there’s a 54 hp motor at the front and a 114 hp one at the back, while the li-ion battery pack that powers them can be found in the center tunnel.

Despite its still prominent size, the CrossBlue Coupé manages a 0 to 60 time of just below six seconds and a top speed of 147 mph. Yet, because of all the clever bits underneath, it has a manufacturer estimated combined fuel consumption of 70 MPGe and a “theoretical” range of 570 miles in hybrid mode. The default mode of driving is quoted as “Eco”. It is supposed to cleverly manage the power output from all sources in a bid to achieve an ideal balance of power and efficiency. Want to give it the full beans? Go for the “Sport” button which utilizes everything this SUV holds. Other modes include an all-electric one (the rear electric motor only) that holds for about 13 miles with speed of no more than 75 mph. If you run out of juice, you can switch on the “Charging” mode which sees the V6 TSI engine giving propulsion and charging the battery. Offroad mode is where it get’s complicated. Obviously, it’s an AWD mode but the back wheels are powered by the rear-electric motor, which in turn is being fed with energy from the front motor, which in turn acts as a generator powered by the engine, which in turn also provides power to the front wheels.

Inside, Volkswagen are especially proud of their (horizontal) dasboard that “extends into the side door trims”. For materials, do not expect anything less than soft Nappa leather in outlandish-sounding colors like Authracite Pearl and Asphalto. There are also chrome surfaces, wood accents and Graphite colored Alcantra for the roof pillars and headliner.

Don’t be fooled by all that trendy glamor as this is not your average H&M store. There are also enough gadgets inside to make even the most hardcore techie tingle with excitement. Take the “programmable” instrument cluster for example. Whilst driving in Eco mode the left side of the gauge shows the “Powermeter” and battery status. On the right you get your current speed and fuel level. The center panel can be used to display widgets such as gear selection, driving range, date and time, the weather and navigation data. In “Sport” mode, the left-hand instrument displays torque and battery status within a circling tachometer. The backseat audience also has access to the infotainment/multimedia system through two iPad minis mounted on the back of the two front-seat headrests.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen navigation also tends to adapt in accordance with the current driving mode. In Sport mode all the surrounding buildings represented on the screen are “suppressed” so that the image becomes less busy and thus the focus being on the actual road. Switch to “Eco” mode and the buildings will rise on the horizon Inception-style. (not our simile, VW’s).

There we are then. Expect more excitement starting on the 22th of November within the LA Auto Show, within the Los Angeles Convention center, within Los Angeles.

Source: Volkswagen

November 18, 2013

2010 Honda Fit EV Concept – a production model comes in 2012

At the LA Auto Show, Honda has unwrapped its all-new Fit EV Concept electric vehicle, a key model, which fully demonstrates company’s approach of reducing CO2 emissions through innovative products, energy-management and energy-production technologies. (more…)

November 22, 2010

2011 Hyundai Elantra debuts at LA Auto Show scene

Hyundai has finally unveiled its all-new 2011 Elantra compact sedan ride at the stage of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Benefiting from the highly-exclusive Hyundai “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, the 2011 Elantra also packs great safety and fuel efficiency figures. (more…)

November 19, 2010

2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet – the world’s first 4×4 Crossover Convertible

Nissan has officially took off the wraps on the world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet at the stage of the L.A. Auto Show. The exceptional mixture of qualities – crossover style, sleek innovative design, open air experience – is something completely new on the autoscene and is about to hit the market in early 2011.

Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. stated: “When people think of a crossover, they think of a combination of the driving sophistication of a sedan with the utility of a sport utility. This new Murano CrossCabriolet adds an unexpected third element, the ability to make everyday activities more exciting with open air driving. However, with its extraordinarily engineered convertible top, standard all-wheel drive and room for four adults plus cargo, the CrossCabriolet is not just for cruising South Beach or Malibu. It’s a vehicle to take to lunch, running errands or on a long ski weekend in any part of the country.”

At first glance, the fresh newcomer differs from its pure Crossover brother with its only-two 7.9 inches longer front doors, the rear glass skylight that provides exceptional wide-open interior environment even when the top is closed, and the dual pop-up Roll Bars. A high Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon projector headlights, front fog lights and 370Z-inspired LED taillights further bring exclusivity to the Murano CrossCabriolet. Moreover, the ride’s highlights include body-colored front and rear bumpers, chrome door handles, body-colored dual power/heated outside mirrors, and rear window defroster with timer.

In the terms of powering, the 2011 Murano CrossCabriolet sports as standard a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 block with 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, which benefits from the brand’s Induction Control System (NICS), twin knock sensors, low exhaust pressure, a 10.3:1 compression ratio, and 6,000 rpm redline. The powerplant is linked to a second-generation Xtronic CVT with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that allows ultra sporty response and unmatched smoothness.

Among the standard equipment, the innovative vehicle is further packed with power front windows with one-touch up/down and auto-reverse feature, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, and a 7-inch color display for audio, climate control, fuel economy, maintenance and comfort and convenience systems. Included in the pack are also: highly functional storage systems, Fine Vision gauges and driver instrumentation with white backlighting, illuminated steering wheel controls, auto door lock feature, four cupholders, tilting and telescoping steering column, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control with illuminated steering wheel mounted switches, front door map pockets, and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system.

November 18, 2010

Nissan Ellure Concept – the sedan re-imagined

At the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan has undoubtedly pleased its fans and the crowd with its all-new, extraordinary fresh Nissan Ellure Concept vehicle. (more…)

November 18, 2010

Range Rover Evoque 5-Door – officially here!

Land Rover has decided to reveal fully its exceptional 5-Door version of the recently premiered Range Rover Evoque, which is planned to be publicly showcased at the today’s starting 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. (more…)

November 17, 2010

2012 Nissan GT-R official data

Nissan has exclusively announced that its super athlete 2012 Nissan GT-R is about to hit the offcial dealerships across Japan from November 17th with a starting price of 8,694,000 (approximately 107,000 USD) for the GT-R Pure edition. (more…)

October 19, 2010

2011 Hyundai Elantra goes in production

Hyundai of America has officially announced that its all-new, still unseen on the US market 2011 Hyundai Elantra is about to join the staggering Sonata, in production at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) from this year’s late fall. (more…)

September 21, 2010

Tag: Los Angeles Auto Show