NAIAS – Automobiles Review

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary Debuts at Detroit Auto Show

The Jeep® brand is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the most awarded SUV ever with the debut of the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary edition today at the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place, hosted by the NAIAS.

“When the original Jeep Grand Cherokee debuted in 1992 by famously crashing through the glass at Cobo Hall, it literally shattered expectations and redefined what a premium SUV could be,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “Three decades later and more than 7 million Grand Cherokees sold, the most awarded SUV ever is still forging new ground with the electrified plug-in-hybrid 4xe model. The Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary edition underscores how far the Grand Cherokee has come and is yet another example of the Jeep brand’s goal to be the electrification leader in SUVs.”

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary special edition represents the most technologically advanced and 4×4-capable Jeep Grand Cherokee yet, delivering 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) from a hybrid system that delivers 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque and max towing of 6,000 lbs.

On the exterior, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary special edition features a unique blacked-out exterior appearance with a modified front fascia, signature blue tow hooks, dual exhaust, dual pane sunroof, new 20-inch black wheels, special-edition badging and body-color rear fascia, lower moldings, sill claddings and wheel flares.

Inside, the special-edition Grand Cherokee 4xe features black Capri leather seats, ventilated front seats, wireless charging pad, nine-speaker Alpine audio system and Uconnect 5 with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus navigation with 3D graphics. Other standard features include front/rear park assist, Intersection Collision Assist, passive entry, rain-sensing windshield wipers, digital rearview mirror and 360-degree surround view camera system.

Available for a limited time, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary edition has a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $4,700 for the package and opens for orders later this year, with vehicles scheduled to begin arriving to Jeep dealers by early 2023.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 30th Anniversary edition will be on display at the 2022 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

September 15, 2022

Bentley at the 2014 New York International Auto Show

Bentley is going to present the upgraded performance of the Continental GT Speed and the acclaimed V8 engine to the Flying Spur luxury sedan at the 2014 New York International Auto Show.

“I’m excited for the new Flying Spur V8 and 2015 GT Speed models to make their North American debut in New York,” commented Christophe Georges, President and COO, Bentley Motors, Inc.

“2013 was a record year for Bentley and demonstrated the high level of performance the brand is capable of. I look forward to seeing that success continue as the depth and breadth of our model lines continue to expand. All of our new products and initiatives will continue to embody the spirit of Bentley’s heritage while delivering effortless performance.”, he added.

Bentley Continental GT Speed Coupe is powered by an uprated 6.0 liter twin-turbo W12 engine with 626HP (460 kW) and 820Nm (607 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 332 km/h (206 mph). The GT Speed Convertible is the fastest four seat open top car in the world, capable of 324 km/h (203 mph).

The flagship comes with sharp front splitter, discrete side skirts and elegant rear diffuser of the Mulliner Styling Specification are finished to match the exterior paint color. The 21” Speed wheel design, headlamps and tail lamps are given a dark tint finish. The exterior modifications are completed with red-painted brake calipers and chrome “Speed” badge.

The interior boasts a dark mono-tone scheme, accent stripes in a contrasting color are applied across the doors, rear panels, fascia wings, inner console and gear lever. “Speed” branding is sewn to the headrests, while a chrome “Speed” badge enhances the passenger side fascia panel.

Bentley’s renowned 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine develops now has 500HP and 659Nm (488 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 295 km/h (183 mph). The Flying Spur is capable of covering more than 800km (500 miles).

Source: Bentley

April 14, 2014

The Distinguished Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Design Concept

Infiniti-Q50-Eau-Rouge-Concept-Detroit-2014-shadow NAIAS attendees have the benefit of a full view of the fancy named Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept*. It’s a design concept so it’s all about the looks and drama.

It’s only 20 millimetres wider and a bit lower than your average Q50, yet Infiniti are adamant that the only elements retained from the original are the front doors and the roof pillars. In other words, every other body panel has been replaced. Just to be sure that the Eau Rouge really does stand out from the commons, Infinity have went for a customized red coating and dark-chrome framing. The latter applies to the double-arch front grille, the glasshouse surrounds, the door handles and the deck lid accents.

Inside, there’s a “high-grip” steering wheel flanked by two paddle-shifters. The red accent makes its way into the interior as carbon fiber inserts on the doors, and the center console, while, again, dark-chrome replaces all that which used to be silver-chrome.

If they were ever to build the Rouge, Infiniti envision a forced induction 500+ bhp power plant nestled in the engine bay:

“Through our various alliance partners we have access to a range of engines featuring this performance capability which, with a fair amount of engineering effort, can be developed to exhibit Infiniti character…” comments Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited.

There’s also a projected torque value of 600 lb-ft. That’s quite a lot, could the real-life Eau Rouge end up baring a diesel heart?

*Eau Rouge is actually the name of a very specific corner at the Belgian Spa-Francorchamps race circuit.

Source: Infiniti

January 16, 2014

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept Closer To Reality At Detroit

Volkswagen-Beetle-Dune-Concept-shadow A sketch just a week ago, reality toady: the Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept reveals itself to the world in Detroit at the 2014 North American Auto Show. It’s also closer to production than ever. So get your sunscreen and prepare for the amazing sandboarding session you’ve always dreamed of.

Why do we think the Dune is close to production? Well, it’s pretty much a Beetle. A beefed up one but, nevertheless, a Beetle. It sits 50 mm higher from the ground than the standard counterparts, It has four aggressively flaring wheel arches that widen the body by 24 mm on each side (that’s a total width of 1,856 mm. Consequently, both of the Dune’s tracks get a 29 mm advantage over the standard ones. A track width, then, of 1,607 mm at the front and 1,573 mm at the rear. It sits on four 19-inch wheels wearing 255/45 tires. Main point: even more ruggedness!

There are some visual gimmicks that no concept goes without, but they are very minimal. Things like the front bumper honeycomb air intakes, LED turn indicators. Then there’s the back which hosts two spoilers that have been specially designed to accommodate a pair of skis… for sand, apparently.

A very real part of the car, however, is its turbocharged 210 hp engine, which we suspect may have been lifted from a Golf GTI and mated to a six-speed DSG gearbox. Here are some actual figures: 0 to 62 mph gets done in 7.5 seconds; a top speed of 141 mph is “feasible”; and a fuel economy of 23 mpg (city) or 29 mpg (highway). An interesting engineering choice, though, is the FWD setup. It’s called the Dune, people, how do you tackle the sandy stretches?

Also, inside things have been left production-friendly. The only Dune-specific interior bit is the additional passenger grab handle in place of the glove-box. You’ll have a hard time noticing it anyway, since there’s a 7.7-inch touchscreen display dominating the center console.

Source: Volkswagen

January 15, 2014

Porsche 911 Targa: A Modern Classic Debuts

Porsche-911-Targa-shadow Porsche-911-Targa-medium There it is. The Porsche 911 Targa marks its world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show. We are genuinely excited about this one, because you know, it brings something fresh to the table. Yes, it’s a reinterpretation of a classic, but even that is welcome in our books in this world of compact-SUV dominance.

How does the Targa essentially differentiate itself from the rest of the Porsche lineup? Well, it’s a coupe but it’s not, a convertible but not entirely. It has a retractable roof over the driver and passenger seats, a wide bar where you’d expect to find the B-Pillers, and a wrap-around rear window without any pillars again. This being the 21st century and all, everything happens electronically.

Basically, the Targa system has two movable parts: a soft top and a glass rear window. With the press of a button, the rear window, which is attached to the convertible top compartment lid, opens up and tilts automatically. All the while, two flaps open in the Targa bar, releasing the soft top’s kinematics. The convertible top gets released, folded into a Z-shape as the roof opens, and stowed away behind the rear seats. Once the top has been retracted, the flaps in the bar close and the rear window moves back into position once again. The roof takes around 19 seconds to open or close only when the vehicle is stationary. In case you don’t want the wind in your hair when the top is down, a deflector integrated in the cowl panel frame can be put up manually.

Although Porsche are being silent about the weight, they do stress out that the rear window is made from an extremely lightweight laminated safety glass. Inside the cabin, the front roof element is lined with black fabric while the Targa roof bar boasts a layer of Alcantara.

As for the oily bits, the Targa – in true Porsche fashion – comes in to models: the 3.4-liter, 350 hp 911 Targa 4 and the 3.8-liter, 400 hp 911 Targa 4S. Both are all-wheel drive exclusively. The former comes with a 7-speed manual as standard. Should you chose, however, to equip it with Porsche’s Doppelkupplung transmission and the Sport Chrono Package, you’d be able to hit the 60 mph mark in 4.8 seconds.

The 911 Targa 4S, on the other hand, does the same stretch in 4.4 seconds with the same ticks on the options list. Both versions get pretty good gas mileage as well. From 32 to 28 mpg depending on the model choice and transmission.

Standard equipment on each model includes leather interior, sports seats, automatic climate contro, Bi-Xenon headlights, 7-inch color touch screen navgation, digital radio, MP3 connectivity, Porsche Stability Management, Porsche Traction Management and a three-year warranty.

The Targa 4S adds to that 20-inch alloy wheels, Porsche Active Suspension Managemnet, torque vectoring, and a rear limited slip differential.

Source: Porsche

January 14, 2014

Kia GT4 Stinger Concept Out Of The Shadows

Kia-GT4-Stinger-Concept-shadow Kia-GT4-Stinger-Concept-medium Pure, unadulterated fun is the idea behind the Kia GT4 Stinger Concept which has now gone public in Detroit at the North American Auto Show. An engine at the front, rear-wheel drive, 2+2 seating and an acceptable price. Could eventually Kia be taking on the BRZ and the GT 86? Let’s hope so.

What we do know for sure, however that the GT4 looks amazing. Yeah, it’s a concept and that’s what it’s supposed to look like, but this one does the job particularly good. It’s 169/7 inches long, 74.4 inches wide and just 49.2 inches tall. It sits close to the ground on 275/35R20 Pirelli Pzero performance tires (235 at the front). Consider us more than impressed with the creeping LED lights, the see-through A-pillars, the silky-smooth sculptured body, and the overly simplified back end. It really is a masterfully designed thing. Props to you, Kia Design Center America (KDCA).

Enough admiration, though. It’s time to get serious. Like under-the-hood kind of serious. There’s a real engine hiding in there – it’s Kia’s acclaimed T-GDI 2.0-liter unit tuned to churn out 315 hp. All of that power is sent to the rear wheels via a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. The stopping power is courtesy to the Brembo Gran Turismo 15-inch crossdrilled rotors and four-piston calipers.

The GT4 should be an adrenaline blast in the corners as well, considering the near perfect (52:48) weight distribution, the quick-ratio steering rack and its relatively low unsprung mass which stands at 2,874 pounds.

Small wonder then, that you don’t even get a stereo, nor carpets. Door handles? Nah, try pull straps for a size. “It’s a totally selfish design. The design team at KCDA is full of gearheadsand enthusiasts, and the GT4 Stinger is the perfect car for that kind of crowd.” comments chief designer, Tom Kearns

Source: Kia

January 14, 2014

Audi Shooting Brake Allroad Concept Debut at NAIAS

Audi-allroad-shooting-brake-show-car-shadow The mysterious Audi NAIAS Show concept has been revealed. It’s a compact crossover allroad shooting brake thing that is, apparently, very “functional for recreational sports” and a “concrete look into the near future”. Now, where have we heard that before?

It also has something called “sex appeal” according to Prof. Dr Ulrich Hackenberg who is a Member of the Board of AUDI AG. Technical Development. Must be related to those short overhangs, or the double LED rings within the front lights playing the part of quattro legacy in the flesh, or the succulent aluminum underbody at the raar. Erhm, let’s not get too carried away here. The body is a blend of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminum. The wheels too (255/40 tires, 19-inch) are CFRP. All that space technology has brought down the weight to just 1600 kg-ish.

Sure it’s compact – measuring at 4.20 meters from end to end, 1.85 meters long and 1.41 meters wide – the Ice Blue Audi NAIAS concept contains a complex hybrid drive system. It has an already powerful 2.0-liter TFSI engine that boasts 292 hp and 380 Nm of torque, it has a disk-shaped electric motor supplementing the said TFSI with 40 Kw of power and 270 Nm of torque, and a second electric motor which works independently on the rear axle. The total output amounts to 400 hp and 650 Nm of torque. That’s 4.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph and a top speed of 155 mph. All the while, you get back 123 mpg and 45 g/km of CO2 emissions based on the ECE standard if you don’t put your foot down.

The e-S tronic dual clutch transmission sends the combined power output of the TFSI and the disc-shaped motor to the front wheels only. The third electric motor at the back runs only when the allroad is in EV mode (purely electric), in Sport mode, or when the on-board systems decides that AWD is needed. Consequently, Audi have called the system “e-tron quattro”. There’s also a Hybrid mode which regulates all three sources accordingly in order to achieve the best milage. If needed, the disk-shaped motor can act as a generator, charging the 8.8 kWh battery pack, which stands right in front of the rear axle.

All that clever stuff, is an extension of the interior really. You’ve got Audi’s MMI terminal with its 12.3-inch screen, a comprehensive instrument panel which displays with varying (depending on the mode of driving) priorities the speedometer, the powermeter, the navigation map, and the tachometer. The interior is also a nice place to be in in general. So they tell us.

Audi-allroad-shooting-brake-show-car-medium-2

Source: Audi

January 13, 2014

Porsche 991 Targa Tributes Original [TEASER]

Porsche-911-Targa-Teaser-medium What you see above is the original Porsche 911 Targa from 1965. The new one that’s coming out any moment now, is supposed to pay an homage to it. Porsche are still silent about how exactly the 991 Targa is going to look like so our guess is as good as yours. Having the signature movable center roof section and wrap-around rear windows is a certainty. An image claiming to be the real deal is floating around the internet, but we’ll let you fish it out.

The officials are simply saying: “hey, come and watch the official reveal at the NAIAS in Detroit.

Detroit is where Porsche will also put the Cayenne Platinum Edition and Cayenne Diesel Platinum Edition on a show stand for the first time: basically the Cayennes you know with an extra bit of spice such as exterior touches and interior two-tone color schemes. The Macan S and Macan Turbo will also be there, should you be interested.

But let’s face it, all eyes will be on the rarity that is the 911 Targa. Can they really go wrong with it?

Source: Porsche

January 9, 2014

NAIAS Kia Concept Teaser

Kia-Sports-Concept-Teaser-shadow Kia-Sports-Concept-Teaser-medium The first image (sort of) of an upcoming unnamed Kia concept is here, and we are feeling curious.

What is it?

All we know is that we are talking about a “stunning” 2+2 sports car designed at Kia’s Irvine, California-based studio. Hey, at least its not another compact SUV nonsense. Also, it kind of looks like a baby Veyron.

Is it going to gold-plated or what?

We highly doubt it, but if it is, may we suggest calling it the “Calf“? Don’t want to get too biblical here, but if it does turn out to be something ridiculously expensive and luxurious, it will be a type of heresy against the Kia way. That is, cheap, affordable and sensible. Then again, we’d like to see what happens when they flex their muscles.

We have nothing else, really. Kia promises full disclosure at the North American International Auto Show where this thing will make its world debut. Detroit it is then.

Source: Kia

December 19, 2013

BMW at the NAIAS 2013

BMW is bringing several interesting models at the NAIAS 2013 in Detroit. The manufacturer will exhibit the new Concept 4-Series Coupe (F32), M6 Gran Coupe, Z4 Roadster, 1-Series Coupe and 1-Series Convertible Limited Edition Lifestyle.

The 4-Series Coupe is one of the most interesting new BMWs. Until now, the manufacturer didn’t have 4-Series in their line-up. The new vehicle is bly larger than the BMW 3 Series Coupe in terms of length, width and wheelbase, while the roofline is considerably lower. The car is much more aggressive at the front and at the rear. The new BMW Coupe embodies a development curve at its zenith.

The alluring interior exudes cutting-edge luxury, with elaborate details and exquisite materials sharing centre stage.

Here again, the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe reveals a spectrum of qualities set amid new dimensions and underlines the brand’s ambitions through its unrelenting pursuit of perfection.

The high-performance M6 Gran Coupe brings together the hallmark performance attributes of M cars within a handsome and sumptuous design. The extra room on board the four-door Coupe allows two rear passengers to bask in generous levels of spaciousness.

It is powered by the a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 560PS (412 kW) and 680Nm (502 lb-ft). It is mated to a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in 13 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) electronically limited and 305 km/h (190 mph) with M Driver’s Package.

The Z4 Roadster is now available with three new body colours are available exclusively with the Design Pure Traction option, which is also new. Meanwhile, black and orange tones create a particularly absorbing contrast of colours in the interior.

There are also new 17” and 18” light-alloy wheels and the optional M Sport package. And there is also the arrival of a new model variant to report; the BMW Z4 sDrive18i is powered by a 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology developing 156 HP (115 kW).

This new entry point to the Z4 range can also be ordered with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The selection of driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive mobility services available on board the BMW Z4 has also been expanded. If the Professional navigation system is specified, the ConnectedDrive Services option enables use of internet-based information and entertainment services inside the car.

Both 1-Series Coupe and 1-Series Convertible are available with Limited Edition Lifestyle equipment package.

As well as the exclusive Mineral White metallic paint, customers can also choose from two other exterior colours, while 18” light-alloy wheels accentuate the cars’ classy looks.

The Lifestyle Edition contrasts are particularly effective on the BMW 1-Series Convertible; a brown soft-top with silver pigmentation generates fascinating light effects, for example. Brown leather trim with white contrast stitching plays the lead role in the interior of the Lifestyle Edition cars.

A matching brown sports leather steering wheel, specially badged door sill strips and Fineline Stream fine wood trim elements add the finishing touches to the interior ambience.

Source: BMW

http://www.automobilesreview.com/pictures/2013-bmw-m6-gran-coupe/

December 18, 2012

Lincoln MKZ Concept Debuts at NAIAS

Lincoln have revealed their latest concept (the MKZ) on the NAIAS to give voice to their intentions for the future design path they are willing to take. The MKZ Concept showcases “elegant simplicity” and unconventional luxury.

Looking at the pictures we can see what they mean. First impressions come from the brandy-colored exterior which, Lincoln say, consists of a dense base coating and a multitude of clear-coat varnish. The MKZ‘s superstructure comprises of materials such as baron and aluminum. The overlaying, smooth roofline (which houses a panoramic window trough and trough) sort of conceals the fact that this is in fact a sedan which normally consists of three boxes. The seemingly organic profile takes an aerodynamic feel with ease. Recognizable Lincoln features however, do not go unnoticed – the grille, although very conceptual, still retains the image of a split-wing-like entity first seen on the 1938 Lincoln Zephyr.

Inside, a blend of poplar wood, aluminum and leather complements the bold outer design. The beverage themed hues continue as ‘champagne-colored’ seats show off their ‘champagne perforation patterns’ (something about the stitching that makes them look fizzy with bubbles just like a champagne glass). The four-seated saloon is airy and inviting that makes use of some cleverness – push-button transmission gear selection, a 10-inch MyLincoln Touch screen for the driver as well as an 8-inched one in the middle.

For power, the MKZ will most probably utilize the MKS and MKT EcoBoost engines, which come with Drive Control. The suspension will also make use of Lincoln’s Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) system. Drivetrains setups include both FWD and AWD.

Source: Lincoln

January 11, 2012

Maserati Kubang SUV Concept

At the 2012 North American International Auto Show, Maserati has unveiled their new SUV concept vehicle named Kubang. The concept demonstrates the power of the modern Maserati. The idea of this sport luxury SUV is not new to Maserati. To remind you, the first Kubang concept was presented in the distant 2003 again at NAIAS. While the project starts with firm fundamentals and capability, the model eventually produced will unquestionably be a Maserati. All major system components will be fully produced by Maserati in picture-perfect continuity with the brand’s core values of sportiness, elegance, glamour, luxury, performance and craftsmanship. There will also be included a new generation of Maserati high-tech proprietary engines. Interesting information is that they were designed in Modena, Italy at Maserati Headquarters. More importantly the production of the new Maserati engines will be performed by Ferrari in Maranello, Italy and they will be mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission! In addition there are also components with specific performance settings: suspension, brakes, steering and electronics, which will be exclusively developed by Maserati engineers.

As you already know, Maserati brand is a founder of the modern granturismo. Long ago Maserati broke the boundaries of the original GT concept and made it from two to four doors. The result was Quattroporte, which now is considered by many to be the first modern super sedan. Moreover it maintained not only the brands core values of style and luxury, but also delivered genuine performance thanks to components and design.

Nowadays Maserati again provokes with innovation by giving more sportiness and luxury to an SUV and thus giving the form of a very dynamic looking, incredibly elegant and high performing sport luxury vehicle with the capability of getting its passengers through all types of climates over a variety of surfaces on and off the road.

Source: Maserati

January 11, 2012

Tag: NAIAS