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Motor Authority - blog Tag: New York Auto Show

  • GMC adds luxury-spec Denali to Yukon Hybrid line

    GMC adds luxury-spec Denali to Yukon Hybrid line July 9th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 9th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    GMC adds luxury-spec Denali to Yukon Hybrid line The GMC Yukon Hybrid broke ground with the world's first production 2-Mode full hybrid propulsion system back in 2008, which on the 2WD model offers 21 mpg in city driving – a 50% improvement over non-hybrid models. The lineup now includes the feature-packed Yukon Denali Hybrid, which infuses a new level of luxury into the efficient utility vehicle.

    Along with exceptional fuel economy, the Yukon Hybrid and Yukon Denali Hybrid deliver full-size capability – up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) of towing capacity (2WD) and standard eight-passenger seating capacity.

    Vehicles like the Yukon Denali are ideal for a hybrid application... The GMC Yukon Hybrid broke ground with the world's first production 2-Mode full hybrid propulsion system back in 2008, which on the 2WD model offers 21 mpg in city driving – a 50% improvement over non-hybrid models. The lineup now includes the feature-packed Yukon Denali Hybrid, which infuses a new level of luxury into the efficient utility vehicle. Along with exceptional fuel economy, the Yukon Hybrid and Yukon Denali Hybrid deliver full-size capability – up to 6,200 pounds (2,812 kg) of towing capacity (2WD) and standard eight-passenger seating capacity. Vehicles like the Yukon Denali are ideal for a hybrid application because of the greater fuel savings compared to smaller petrol-electric models like the Prius and Insight. This will be a crucial factor in showrooms, as fuel economy is the most important consideration for roughly 80% of Yukon Denali buyers. Power comes from GM’s familiar Two-Mode hybrid system, which combines two lightweight electric motors packaged in the transmission, as well as regenerative brakes and electrically-powered steering and air-conditioning systems. The Yukon Denali Hybrid also comes with GM’s MagnaRide suspension system StabiliTrak electronic stability control. Most of the grunt, however, comes from a 6.0L Vortec V8 with fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and late intake valve closing and variable valve timing technologies. It produces 332hp (248kW) and 367lb-ft (498Nm) of torque. To differentiate the hybrid model from the regular Yukon Denali, designers have added newly designed 22in flangeless chrome wheels and discreet badging. Inside, designers filled the cabin with a number of handy amenities including a 12-way power, heated/cooled leather front seats, and an optional sunroof, DVD entertainment system, and blind zone alert side-mirrors. Other goodies include OnStar connectivity with Turn-by-Turn Navigation, a reversing camera, a Bose stereo system, and three years of real-time XM NavTraffic. Pricing starts at $59,185 for the 2WD model and goes up to $62,030 for the 4WD model, as well as $950 in destination charges.2010 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid Read More

  • First drive: 2010 BMW X6 M

    First drive: 2010 BMW X6 M July 7th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 7th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 7 Comments

    First drive: 2010 BMW X6 M Hurtling along at a cool 143mph (230km/h) in BMW's 2010 X6 M at Road Atlanta just before you shut it down hard for turn 10A, there's a brief moment where you wonder if it's even physically possible for the 5,324lb (2,415kg) missile you're now a part of to slow down enough to make the turn and avoid surfing the sand into the runoff area. But the moment passes and soon enough you're throwing the car into a four-wheel drift and pegging the throttle as you confidently accelerate up the hill to start a new lap.

    That, in a nutshell, is all you need to know about the X6 M. Our time with the car was limited to just a few hours on the road and 20... Hurtling along at a cool 143mph (230km/h) in BMW's 2010 X6 M at Road Atlanta just before you shut it down hard for turn 10A, there's a brief moment where you wonder if it's even physically possible for the 5,324lb (2,415kg) missile you're now a part of to slow down enough to make the turn and avoid surfing the sand into the runoff area. But the moment passes and soon enough you're throwing the car into a four-wheel drift and pegging the throttle as you confidently accelerate up the hill to start a new lap. That, in a nutshell, is all you need to know about the X6 M. Our time with the car was limited to just a few hours on the road and 20 laps of Road Atlanta at today's BMW-sponsored press event, but that time has given us a clear image of what the X6 M is - and isn't. It's an SUV (or SAV - Sport Activity Vehicle, according to BMW) that you can actually take to the track and not only safely negotiate the corners with but actually have fun exploring the outer limits of the chassis, brakes and tires. And those limits are very high indeed - with a solid exit from turn 7 there's a real possibility of seeing the vehicle's electronically limited top speed of 155mph (250km/h). At speed, the car seems to shrink around you, contrary to its large street presence. Turn-in rewards good technique - crisp and precise if you're off the brakes, but tending toward understeer with trail braking. Get back on the throttle at the apex and you can steer with your right foot - assuming you've switched off traction control - with the car sending at least 60% of its power to the rear wheels, and a full 100% at speeds over 111.8mph (180km/h). Straightaways flash by in a blink with the 555hp (408kW) twin-turbo V8 screaming to its 7,000rpm redline without once running out of breath - a trait it owes to its unique cross-tuned manifold and twin-turbo setup. Stand on the four-piston, 15in brakes and the 275/40/20 front and 315/35/20 rear tires will perform miracles of deceleration with confidence-inspiring feedback. Behind the wheel, the X6 M not only feels small, it feels almost - almost - light. It certainly doesn't feel like a 5,300lb behemoth. Steering is light but offers decent feedback, the brake pedal is firm with a long stroke and the accelerator is responsive but never jerky, even at low speeds. For many drivers the X6 M's six-speed automatic transmission will either be a draw or a sore spot, but in practice the unit does admirably in automatic mode, though to extract the most from the vehicle, you'll need to tap the wheel-mounted paddles yourself. Take a step back from the heady rush of the track, and the X6 M begins to raise some questions. The first: who would buy this? It is, after all, a four-seater, four-door SUV/crossover with an understandably portly curb weight. Inside, the M is even more luxurious and well-appointed than the standard X6, with stitched leather and carbon-fiber-like materials throughout the cabin. The vehicle is intended to be a sort of automotive Swiss Army knife, capable of doing it all, but like the cutlery, in the end, it doesn't really do any of them as well as a specialist tool. And that's traditionally what the M Division has made - scalpels, not Swiss Army knives. That said, it is a very pleasing and fun track-day toy, and even though the average X6 M owner will likely never see a closed course, it's the possibility that will entice many. Just as most SUVs will never leave the comfort of paved suburbia, so too is the X6 M as much about potential as it is about practice. Driving the standard X6 from Road Atlanta to Spartanburg after our time with the X6 M was somewhat anti-climactic, but it served to highlight the comfort, ease of driving and perfectly capable acceleration of the standard V8 vehicle. Driven back to back on the city streets, the differences between the standard and M versions might not be readily apparent to the average driver, though the M's aggressive exterior leaves no doubt as to which is which. Perhaps BMW's own engineers summed the X6 M up best at the press conference when they compared it to a sunny spot in a sea of gloomy news, brought in to brighten up the automotive world when it needs it most. And that it certainly does. The question is whether its on-track potential will translate into real-world sales at its $89,725 price point - but we'll have to wait at least until sales start in October to learn if the M Division has hit all the right marks with its latest sport-activity sports car.2010 BMW X6 M2010 BMW X6 M First Drive Read More

  • Subaru reveals U.S. pricing for Outback range

    Subaru reveals U.S. pricing for Outback range April 30th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, April 30th, 2009 James Martinez 0 Comments

    Subaru reveals U.S. pricing for Outback range For those of you eagerly awaiting Subaru's Outback crossover to hit the market, you will be glad to know that pricing details for the car have been revealed today - with the entry level model starting at $22,995, the same price as the outgoing one.

    This entry level model features the company’s 2.5L, 170hp (127kW) four-cylinder Boxer engine, as well as a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission means forking out another $1,000, but even the most basic model still features the usual modern conveniences such as keyless entry, an electronic parking brake with a 'Hill Holder' system and a four-speaker audio system.

    Also... For those of you eagerly awaiting Subaru's Outback crossover to hit the market, you will be glad to know that pricing details for the car have been revealed today - with the entry level model starting at $22,995, the same price as the outgoing one. This entry level model features the company’s 2.5L, 170hp (127kW) four-cylinder Boxer engine, as well as a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission means forking out another $1,000, but even the most basic model still features the usual modern conveniences such as keyless entry, an electronic parking brake with a 'Hill Holder' system and a four-speaker audio system. Also featuring the 2.5L engine is the Outback 2.5i 'Premium' - essentially the same as the entry level model but with a few extras thrown in for good measure. Starting at $24,995 in manual guise, the premium model gains fog lights, privacy glass, an electric driver's seat, leather steering-wheel and 16in alloys. Even more upmarket than the 'Premium' model is the $27,995 Outback 2.5i 'Limited', which features an automatic transmission, dual-zone climate-control, paddle shifters, all-season tires wrapped around 17in alloys, leather-trimmed upholstery and a Harman/Kardon audio system. The range-topping 3.6R variant of the Outback does away with the four-cylinder 2.5L Boxer engine found in the lesser models and instead adopts a new 256hp (191kW) six-cylinder engine, mated to a standard 5-speed auto. Starting at $27,995, the most basic 3.6R model misses out on premium features such as leather, unless they are optioned. It still gets all-season tires, 17in alloys, paddle shifters, fog lights and privacy glass. The 3.6R also gets 'Premium' and 'Limited' variants, which adopt the same additions as found in the 2.5L four-cylinder model. The 3.6R Premium starts at $28,995, while the 3.6R Limited is priced at $30,995. All models also get a delivery fee slapped on them that falls just shy of $700. For more on the new Legacy the Outback shares much of its internals with, check out our coverage here.2010 Subaru Legacy (Liberty)2010 Subaru Outback Read More

  • Subaru reveals pricing for 2010 Legacy (Liberty)

    Subaru reveals pricing for 2010 Legacy (Liberty) April 29th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, April 29th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 12 Comments

    Subaru reveals pricing for 2010 Legacy (Liberty) Subaru is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Legacy (Liberty) sedan with the unveiling of the all-new fifth-generation model this year. Subaru is renowned for its love-or-loathe approach to designing cars, as seen in the frequent revisions to its Impreza line over the years, but the styling of the new Legacy is nowhere near as controversial though we’re sure it will leave opinions divided. The pricing, however, is sure to be regarded as attractive.

    Starting at just $19,995 for the 2.5i, or $800 lower than the last Legacy, the new car offers good value for money thanks to a slightly larger size and more standard features. Adding a... Subaru is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Legacy (Liberty) sedan with the unveiling of the all-new fifth-generation model this year. Subaru is renowned for its love-or-loathe approach to designing cars, as seen in the frequent revisions to its Impreza line over the years, but the styling of the new Legacy is nowhere near as controversial though we’re sure it will leave opinions divided. The pricing, however, is sure to be regarded as attractive. Starting at just $19,995 for the 2.5i, or $800 lower than the last Legacy, the new car offers good value for money thanks to a slightly larger size and more standard features. Adding a CVT bumps the price by $1,000, while moving up to a 2.5i Premium trim raises the entry bar to $20,995 as well when equipped with a standard six-speed manual, though it also adds a bunch of features beyond the standard 2.5i, including 10-way power driver's seat, driver's side window with automatic up and down, leather-wrapped steering wheel, instrument storage bin w/door, overhead console with sunglass holder and ambient light, bright exhaust tip, body-colored mirrors and 16in alloy wheels. The 2.5i Limited starts at $24,995, and adds paddle shifters and a 6-speed manual shift mode, P215/50 R17 all-season tires, 17in alloy wheels, perforated ivory/off black leather-trimmed upholstery, four-way power front passenger seat, All-Weather Package and a Harman Kardon audio system to the 2.5i Premium's feature sheet. The 2.5GT models start at $27,995 and $29,995 for Premium and Limited, respectively. They add larger wheels, exhaust tips and of course the up-rated 265hp engine described below. Stepping up to the 3.6R models, built around a 3.6L boxer engine that replaces the outgoing 3.0L unit, the pricing starts at $24,995 - $1,600 lower than the previous 3.0R - for the entry model, $25,995 for the 3.6R Premium and $27,995 for the 3.6R Limited. Feature lists follow similar lines to the 2.5i, though all 3.6R models are slightly higher spec, with 17in alloys and paddle shifters standard across the range. Subaru has yet to reveal when the car will be available via retail outlets, however. The latest 2010 model is the roomiest Legacy yet and like its predecessors the car comes with a choice of horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ engines and symmetrical AWD. The car also features Subaru’s latest Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, with a special manual model to allow the driver to change gears using steering wheel paddle shifters. A six-speed manual will also be offered for the first time on the full range of Legacy models. The base Legacy engine is 2.5L unit, which is rated at 170hp (127kW) and 170lb-ft (230Nm) of torque, and this is followed by a 265hp (197kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) turbocharged version of the same engine for the Legacy 2.5GT. Filling out the range is the Legacy 3.6R model, which comes with a 256hp (191kW) and 247lb-ft (334Nm) of torque 3.6L engine. McPherson front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension are enhanced for increased roll stability, while the front suspension mount points also improve chassis rigidity by tying into the engine cradle. A distinctive wing-shape embellishment on the front grille shows the Subaru brand identity, and the front bumper designs accentuate flat horizontal surfaces. Embellished with solidly-designed headlamps, the front face of the Legacy is intended to be 'bold and powerful'. The cabin's dynamic design and a shorter deck give the vehicle what Subaru calls 'a sporty appeal', while the size and power of the vehicle are expressed in the rear-end design, which is rounded and capacious and framed by the combination lights. Both front seats are designed for comfort and support, and their stitched fabric builds on the Legacy’s sporty look. A 10-way driver’s seat, with power lumber support adjustment, and 4-way power front passenger seat are available on premium-grade models. As previously stated, the new 2010 model offers more space than any previous Legacy and measures up to 35mm longer, 90mm wider and 80mm taller than the outgoing car. While its overhang dimensions are shortened by 45mm, its wheelbase is expanded by 80mm, allowing for additional rear legroom.2010 Subaru Legacy (Liberty) Read More

  • Mazda’s CX-9 facelift debuts at New York Auto Show

    Mazda’s CX-9 facelift debuts at New York Auto Show April 9th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, April 9th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 3 Comments

    Mazda’s CX-9 facelift debuts at New York Auto Show Mazda has been very busy in the past couple of months, with updated versions of the MX-5 and CX-7, as well as the all-new 2010 Mazda3, all making their respective debuts recently. Mazda’s new model roll-out shows no sign of slowing as the company has just unveil an updated version of its CX-9 SUV at the New York Auto Show.

    Highlighting the list of changes for the 2010 Mazda CX-9 is a new front-end, which picks up the company’s smiling fascia, as well as new headlights, fog-lamps and dual chrome exhaust pipes.

    As is also the case with other recent vehicles in the Mazda lineup, the 2010 CX-9 receives a Nagare-inspired exterior... Mazda has been very busy in the past couple of months, with updated versions of the MX-5 and CX-7, as well as the all-new 2010 Mazda3, all making their respective debuts recently. Mazda’s new model roll-out shows no sign of slowing as the company has just unveil an updated version of its CX-9 SUV at the New York Auto Show. Highlighting the list of changes for the 2010 Mazda CX-9 is a new front-end, which picks up the company’s smiling fascia, as well as new headlights, fog-lamps and dual chrome exhaust pipes. As is also the case with other recent vehicles in the Mazda lineup, the 2010 CX-9 receives a Nagare-inspired exterior and interior. Like the recently updated CX-7, the new CX-9’s interior adopts higher quality materials, a new design for the gauges, and a new multifunction information display. Also new for 2010 are the chrome accents on the center console, new seat fabrics, piano-black inserts on the steering wheel and around the audio display, and extra storage pockets. The SUV comes powered by Mazda’s familiar 273hp (204kW) 3.7L V6 engine, which keeps its peak torque of 270lb-ft (366Nm) from 3,000rpm right until 4,250rpm. Drive is sent the wheels via an Aisin-supplied six-speed Sport AT automatic transmission with manual-mode. In normal driving, 100% of the driving torque is delivered to the front wheels. During aggressive acceleration or when one front wheel is on the verge of slip, a controlled percentage of the available torque is directed to the rear axle. Mazda also used the upcoming New York event for the U.S. debut of the facelifted CX-7 and the all-new Mazdaspeed3 (MPS).2010 Mazda3 Mazdaspeed (MPS)2010 Mazda CX-7 facelift2010 Mazda CX-9 facelift Read More

  • Mitsubishi puts a Lancer face on the new Outlander GT Prototype

    Mitsubishi puts a Lancer face on the new Outlander GT Prototype April 9th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, April 9th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 2 Comments

    Mitsubishi puts a Lancer face on the new Outlander GT Prototype When the Mitsubishi Lancer's new design first appeared, sporting its huge trapezoidal grille area, the reactions were mixed. Now after about a year to grow accustomed to it, it looks at home even on the family-oriented Outlander GT Prototype, revealed today at the New York Auto Show.

    Aside from the Lancer-like looks, the core of the new Outlander GT Prototype is a 3.0L MIVEC V6, same as the one currently found in the Outlander XLS, though there are numerous improvements to be found under the hood. Less restrictive intake flow plus a new cam profile and higher compression ratio result in a gain of 10hp (7kW), bringing the total to 230hp... When the Mitsubishi Lancer's new design first appeared, sporting its huge trapezoidal grille area, the reactions were mixed. Now after about a year to grow accustomed to it, it looks at home even on the family-oriented Outlander GT Prototype, revealed today at the New York Auto Show. Aside from the Lancer-like looks, the core of the new Outlander GT Prototype is a 3.0L MIVEC V6, same as the one currently found in the Outlander XLS, though there are numerous improvements to be found under the hood. Less restrictive intake flow plus a new cam profile and higher compression ratio result in a gain of 10hp (7kW), bringing the total to 230hp (171kW). Torque is also available earlier, for better stoplight starts and city driving. As the GT in the name suggests, the Outlander GT gets a nod toward handling and performance as well, with 19in OZ Racing wheels and Brembo brakes to give the SUV ample grip and stopping ability. All-wheel drive with the company's rally-proven S-AWC system guarantees real off-road and soft-road capability, including a first-in-class front LSD and an electronically controlled 4WD coupling. But unlike Mitsubishi's more performance-oriented Lancer variants, fuel economy is also a priority consideration with the Outlander GT. To boost economy, the GT Prototype features computer programming that shifts to optimize fuel use, plus a new Idle Neutral Logic system that puts the vehicle into neutral when the car is stopped. Once the brake pedal is disengaged, however, the vehicle pops back into drive. Mitsubishi doesn't explain how this boosts fuel economy, however. Inside, technology is featured with a FUSE "Hands-free Media Gateway" system providing entertainment and utility via a voice-recognition system. Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity lets phones and audio devices connect wirelessly, and full iPod and USB compatibility means songs and playlists will be right at hand. The interior design also gets an update with synthetic leather, double stitching, and chrome accents. Additional Lancer Evolution-inspired design cues include aluminum racing style pedals and a sport-type steering wheel. The Outlander GT is just a prototype at this stage, but given the production-ready appearance, don't be surprised if you see this on local streets soon.2009 Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype Read More

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