Kia Sweeps Design Awards in New Automotive Brand Contest

Kia Motors is one of the big winners at the first ever Automotive Brand Contest which was organized by the German Design Council. The judge panel declared Kia Motors the worthy winner in four categories. Three kia models were picked as winners for the exterior category, including the compact Sportage SUV, the forthcoming Rio (on sale from September 2011) and the all new Kia Optima (above). Kia was also ranked ‘Best of Best’ in the brand design category, where strategy and focus of the brand’s overall design is rated.

Peter Schreyer, Kia’s chief designer said, “We are all exceedingly proud that Kia Motors has done so well in this new competition, which is very important within the automotive industry. By changing our basic design focus, we have given our brand a face, a distinctive identity.“

[Source: Kia]

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Kia's US Sales Jump 36% in Second Quarter

Kia Motors announced its has increased its sales on the global market by 21 percent in the period between April to June. However, a much more note-worthy result was achieved by the South Korean carmaker on American soil, where the company reported an impressive 67 percent increase in profits and 36 percent in sales, due to demand for the Optima sedan and Sportage SUV.

According to Bloomberg, sales momentum in the US will slip in the third quarter, as Japanese automakers return production to normal levels after the March earthquake. “As long as the company retains the current sales volume, the impact on profits will not be that big,” said said Yim Eun Young, an analyst at Dongbu Securities. “What Kia has to look out for in the second half is the impact of the strong Korean currency.”

However, this doesn’t actually mean sales will not be as impressive, because the company announced last month that it would increase its overall targets for the year. US production of the Optima at the company’s plant in Georgia starting in September is sure to create better supply, which should translate into bottom line figures.

The sales of vehicles produced in the U.S. almost doubled in the second quarter from year earlier, according to the carmaker. Kia’s market share also rose to 3.9 percent in the first half from 3 percent a year earlier, the company said today.

The company’s global sales rose to 621,000 units in the April to June period, 21 percent more than the previous year. This was also helped by an 18 percent increase in China, where 190,000 units were delivered.

[Source: Reuters]

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Kia to Unveil V8 RWD Sports Car Concept in Frankfurt

During the past few years, Kia has completely transformed its image from a manufacturer of affordable, but rather unexceptional, cars to that of an automaker that offers a stylish and coherent range, thanks in no small part to the hiring of ex-VW Group designer Peter Schreyer. Now, however, it is moving in uncharted waters if a recent report from What Car is accurate.

According to the British magazine, the Korean automaker wants to further improve its image with a halo car that will signal the firm’s intent to make sportier vehicles. And it plans to do so by unveiling a V8-powered, rear-wheel drive sports coupe at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Kia’s boss Hank Lee said that that the V8 coupe to be shown in Frankfurt is just the first of a series of concepts, as another study is being prepared for the NAIAS show in January. Both concepts will be based on Kia’s upcoming large sedan for the North American market.

One of the two concepts is rumored to spawn a production model that could make it into the market as early as 2015.

The magazine added that Kia is also mulling a smaller and more affordable sports car to rival models like the VW Scirocco, the Mazda MX-5 and Renault's Megane Coupe.

[Source: What Car] 

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Hyundai Issues TSB for 2011 Sonatas Pulling Left

Hyundai Motor America said its U.S. dealers will fix a steering problem found in some 2011 Sonata sedans after more than 4,000 owners complained about the car's steering system.

Drivers have complained that the 2011 Sonata is prone to drifting or pulling to the left while being driven.

The company suspects that about 41,000 Sonatas with 18-inch wheels could be affected by the problem, Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor said. He said the fix is a service campaign, not a recall.

Hyundai said it has received or tracked about 4,000 complaints--representing about 3 percent of the nearly 150,000 Sonatas built from September 2010 through April 2011, Trainor said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 198 complaints about the 2011 Sonata's steering, many of which described vehicle tracking problems seemingly similar to the one being addressed in this campaign.

Consumers can set up an appointment with a dealer to inspect the Sonata's wheel alignment and tracking, Trainor said. If necessary, the dealer will install new front suspension struts and perform a wheel alignment, both for free.

Last year, Hyundai recalled about 138,000 2011 Sonatas for a different steering problem. The recall followed a probe by U.S. safety regulators into customer complaints that a steering shaft could potentially become detached from the steering wheel.

[Source: Hyundai (Photo: Road & Track)] 

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Kia Previews RWD 4-door Coupe Concept for Frankfurt

Kia plans to unveil a new sports sedan concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Not only does it wear surprisingly aggressive bodywork, the concept car features rear-wheel drive.

With a long nose and sweeping, fastback roofline, we think the Kia concept looks remarkably like the Audi A7 or Aston Martin Rapide. In place of mirrors, the concept car has small video cameras mounted on stems protruding from the front fenders. Its door handles meet at the B-pillar, suggesting that the rears open suicide-style.

Like the aforementioned European cars, the Kia concept is a four-seat affair. The company pitches it as a “sleek and muscular” sports sedan, further hinting that Kia may intend this concept car to take on Europe’s luxury brands. If sold here, the sports sedan would also be the only rear-wheel-drive Kia sold in the U.S.

“This concept car is roaring with energy and ready for take-off,” said Kia chief design officer Peter Schreyer. “We are ready to fast forward to an all new chapter.”

We hope to learn more about the as-yet unnamed Kia concept, including whether it is heading for production, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
[Source: Kia]

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Lamborghini Murcielago Review

Massively powerful, definitively flamboyant and as eyeball-grabbing as an A-list Hollywood celebrity, the Lamborghini Murcielago firmly embodies the spirit and meaning of the word "supercar." Big and brashly styled, it has an undeniable street presence that few other cars can match.
Lamborghini Murcielago

2008 Lamborghini Murcielago Convertible Shown

As Lamborghini's top sports car, the Murcielago carries on the tradition laid down by its V12-powered predecessors, including the Miura, Countach and Diablo. It's not a particularly easy car to drive or, given its approximate $300,000 price, an easy car to obtain. Then again, that's all part of the appeal.

Current Lamborghini Murcielago

In Spanish, Murcielago means "bat," though Lamborghini says the name actually refers to a 19th-century Spanish bull that earned fame through its courageous nature in a bullfight. The supercar comes in two body styles -- coupe or convertible -- and both are powered by the same 6.2-liter V12 engine. Positioned amidships, it's capable of 580 horsepower and 478 pound-feet of torque. The Murcielago LP640, promised for 2007, has even more power. Its 6.5-liter V12 delivers 640 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque.

Feeding and cooling this powerful engine are a variety of scoops and ducts, including two electronically controlled air scoops that automatically raise from the car's rear haunches when needed. Power is sent through an all-wheel-drive system. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and e-gear -- a paddle-shifted automated-clutch manual gearbox -- is available as an option.

The Lamborghini Murcielago's top speed is in excess of 200 mph. All body panels except the roof and doors are constructed of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber. The suspension features electronic adjustable damping, which can raise the car's front suspension 45 mm to avoid scraping the Murcielago's (normally) low-slung chin on driveways and inclines.

In contrast to the wildly styled exterior, which includes the trademark Lamborghini scissor doors, the Murcielago's interior is an exercise in simplicity. The seats are supportive and comfortable, though difficult to get into. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power windows and locks, and an audio system with CD player. Options include a navigation system and a variety of custom accents for the interior, including carbon fiber.

In road tests and reviews, we found the Lamborghini Murcielago drives every bit like the supercar that it is. Its trucklike amble at low revs gives little clue as to the apocalyptic power delivery that awaits. At full throttle, there's a quick surge at 3,000 rpm, which gets more urgent at 4,500 as the exhaust clears its throat. This thrust is followed by the all-wheel-drive system shuttling torque to the rear and the most magnificent feral yowl up to redline. You can feel the accelerative Gs weighting your very fingertips, the scenery exploding through the wide-screen windshield. Handling, though never known as a Murcielago strength due to the car's size and weight, is still quite impressive.

Past Lamborghini Murcielago models

Through its general design and overall purpose, Lamborghini's flagship carries on the tradition set by its predecessors, the Diablo and the Countach. Introduced in 2002, the Murcielago has not undergone many major changes, though there have been a few spin-off models. In 2005, Lamborghini released the Murcielago convertible, which came with a removable hardtop.

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Jaguar XJ-Series Review

2008 Jaguar XJ-Series XJ8 Sedan Shown

The British have a penchant for revering (and some say clinging to) things past -- old buildings and dentistry from the 16th century, warm beer, 50-year-old double-decker Routemasters, the royal family and the Jaguar XJ. Introduced in 1968, the XJ's basic styling has strayed very little through three generations and several midlife redesigns. About the wildest thing to happen was the addition of square headlamps in 1990 -- and they were generally met with a smattering of jeers and "cor blimeys!"

The Jaguar XJ has never really been considered the cutting edge of full-size luxury sedans, but it has continuously been a niche model for those who consider luxury to be the quintessentially British look of abundant leather and veneered wood. Brushed aluminium, iDrive-like technologies and Japanese precision just won't cut it. Although features like digital gauges and navigation systems have been added over the years, the basic look has remained, even if it has occasionally clashed with such newfangled technology.

With the exception of its vintage duds, the present Jag XJ is a thoroughly modern luxury sedan. A lightweight aluminum frame, powerful V8 engines, active damping suspension, adaptive cruise control and high-tech features like navigation and Bluetooth keep this flagship sedan in step with competitors from Germany and Japan. Yet Jaguar's insistence on maintaining "timeless" styling has backfired, leading to disappointing sales at a time when it can ill afford any false starts (or whatever English rugby analogy would apply).

Current Jaguar XJ

Today's third-generation XJ was introduced for the 2004 model year, featuring an all-new aluminum chassis that is significantly stiffer and lighter than the previous steel structure. This added stiffness translates into better body control and more precise road feel, while the reduced heft makes for a quicker, more nimble-feeling car. The base engine is a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 making 300 horsepower, while the XJR and Super V8 get a supercharged version of the same engine that churns out 400 hp. The only transmission offered is a six-speed automatic attached to Jaguar's classic and controversial J-gate shifter.

The Jaguar XJ is offered in two wheelbases and five trim levels. The XJ8 and supercharged XJR are short-wheelbase models, while the XJ8 L, Vanden Plas and supercharged Super V8 have long wheelbases. XJ8 and XJ8 L come with a respectable amount of equipment for a luxury sedan, while the Vanden Plas adds more luxurious trappings. The XJR is equipped for enhanced performance. The Super V8 is essentially a Vanden Plas with much of the XJR performance equipment, plus a few extra high-end features. Much of what is standard on the Vanden Plas and Super V8 is optional on the base XJ8 models.

The interior, much like the rest of the car, is a peculiar mix of current technology and heritage design. Burl walnut wood trim, chrome and supple leather are liberally strewn about, providing a coddling environment that would make the Fifth Duke of Wellington feel at home. Yet in reviews, we found this classic British style comes at the expense of ergonomics and general usability. Controls and switchgear are laid out illogically and set low in the dashboard, while their craftsmanship is not up to par. Whether considered "charming" or just "irritating," it would be nice if the XJ's cabin joined the 21st century.

Our road tests have shown the Jaguar XJ8 to deliver an isolated ride that filters out even the most punishing roads with little intrusion into the cabin. The soft suspension, though, tends to mask the car's stiffer body structure and good steering. On the other hand, the XJR (and to a lesser extent, the Super V8) makes the most of its advanced aluminum chassis. Its quicker steering, more aggressively tuned air suspension and 400-hp supercharged V8 prove that Jaguar can produce a luxury sedan that pleases enthusiasts and luxury-minded buyers alike.

Changes to this generation have been minimal. The long-wheelbase Vanden Plas and Super V8 didn't debut until 2005, while 2006 saw modest horsepower increases and the addition of technology like satellite radio and Bluetooth. A limited-edition Super V8 Portfolio model that added even more luxurious interior trappings was available that year. For 2008, the XJ was mildly restyled, adopting XK-style front fender vents and a more aggressive front fascia.

Past Jaguar XJ models

The first Jaguar XJ debuted in 1968 and lasted through 1987, while the second generation was on the prowl from 1987 (yes, both generations were offered that year) to 2003. The second generation started out with round headlights, but for 1990 adopted ungainly rectangular units that were met with disdain by Jaguar enthusiasts. On the whole, this era of the XJ (which ran to '94) was seen as one of the darkest, as it was plagued with various problems, many of which were electrical in nature.

For 1995's midcycle makeover, the round headlights returned, along with a sleeker, lower grille. The interior was also significantly revised to bring it into the 1990s, with improved materials and more up-to-date electronics. The traditional look remained, however, with radio and HVAC controls contained in a pod under a large swath of wood.

There were a number of different engines offered during the second generation's lifespan. The square-headlamp version came with a choice of either an inline-6 (3.6 liters and later 4.0) or a 6.0-liter V12. These models were referred to as the XJ6 and XJ12, respectively. The engines carried through the 1995 overhaul, with a supercharged, 310-hp version of the six-cylinder engine first appearing in the new XJR in 1995. The V12-powered XJ12 was dropped in 1997.

In 1998, Jaguar replaced the inline-6 engines with all-new V8s. A 4.0-liter V8 (290 hp) was found in the XJ8 (the "8" in the name signifying V8 power), while a supercharged version (370 hp) powered the XJR. A few years into this generation, the supercharged V8 became available in other XJs as well, namely the Vanden Plas Supercharged and Super V8 models.

Performance of the 1995-2003 XJs ranged from swift for the six-cylinder cars to thrilling for the supercharged V8 versions. Our road test of a 2000 Vanden Plas had that long-wheelbase luxury sedan sprinting to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Ride and handling are composed but (except on the XJR) biased toward plush comfort, as one might expect of a vehicle whose cabin resembles an Edwardian parlor.

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Infiniti M45 Review

2008 Infiniti M45 Sedan

Though high-end vehicles now come in more shapes and sizes than ever, the midsize luxury sedan segment remains the heart of the luxury automobile market. Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, has been around since 1990, yet it had no real presence in this key segment until 2003, when it launched the V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive M45.

The first Infiniti M45 was little more than a Japanese-market Nissan sedan that was rebadged and slightly "Americanized" in order to give Nissan dealers something with which to compete against the high-profile German nameplates that dominate this class. But although it offered a credible amount of luxury and performance, the original M45's relatively uninspired design and cramped interior kept it from registering anything more than a faint blip on luxury buyers' radar screens.

In mid-2005, the current Infiniti M45 was introduced to wide critical acclaim. With substantially more space, a tremendous amount of technology and comfort features, and a bold, imposing exterior design, today's M45 is a high-tech powerhouse with plenty to offer midsize luxury car shoppers. Its performance capabilities have been raised significantly due to things like available four-wheel steering, a precisely tuned suspension and strong brakes. All told, the current M45 is a swift, stylish, superbly executed luxury sedan that should be considered with the top players in the segment.

Today's Infiniti M45 luxury sedan debuted as a 2006 model and comes in two trim levels: M45 and M45 Sport. Both are motivated by a powerful, 4.5-liter V8 that sends up to 325 horsepower and 336 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The M45's five-speed automatic transmission has manual shift control and a sporty rev-matching feature that imparts a particularly lively feel to downshifts. Infiniti also offers a 275-hp, V6-powered version of the sedan called the M35. All M45 models are rear-wheel drive only. (The M35 is available with rear- or all-wheel drive.)

Base M45 models are geared more for luxury than sport and offer a long list of standard amenities, including climate-controlled seats, adaptive xenon headlights and tasteful wood and metal trim, among other things. The M45 Sport swaps the wood for aluminum trim, but otherwise is identical inside to the standard M45. Mechanical enhancements on the M45 Sport that raise its performance potential include 19-inch wheels and tires, firmer suspension tuning and active rear-wheel steering.

Options for the M45 line are consistent with its high-tech image, including adaptive cruise control; a lane-departure warning system; a Bose surround-sound DVD audio system with front-seat, shoulder-level surround speakers; heated and reclining rear seats; and a navigation system with voice-activated destination entry.

In road test reviews, editors have praised the Infiniti M45 for its explosive power and sharp handling and its bounty of luxury features. Criticisms of the M45 include overly intrusive road noise and complicated center-stack controls that are hard to master.

The original Infiniti M45 debuted in 2003 and was basically a Japanese-market Nissan Cedric luxury sedan brought over to fill the gap between Infiniti's near-luxury G35 and the larger, technology-laden Q45. Engineered for the narrow streets of Japan, the M45's cabin proved too narrow to hold corn-fed Americans comfortably, and the backseat was scant on legroom for a car of this size. Even worse, the M's exterior design was bland to a fault.

However, it was fast. The original M45 was available only with a 340-hp V8 and rear-wheel drive. Unlike today's model, there were no separate standard and Sport versions from which to choose, and the only suspension offered was on the sporty side. Combined with big, 18-inch wheels and performance tires, the M45 delivered respectable handling. Equally important, the original M45 was equipped with nearly the same number of safety features as today's model.

Competitively priced even when new and available with most of the luxury features found on the larger Q45, first-generation M45s generally represent strong used-car values in terms of feature content and performance. For shoppers who like the car's combination of stealth speed and luxury, and don't need a lot in the way of interior room, the first-generation Infiniti M45 could be a good match

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Infiniti G35 Review

2008 Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan Shown

These days, we've come to expect a lot from Infiniti. But in years past, the Japanese luxury brand actually struggled to find an audience. Only with the Infiniti G35 sport sedan did the company start to regain its footing after years in the red. At the time of its debut, the G35's refined styling and sporty performance made a loud statement. The G35 was as close to German engineering as any car on the market.

The Infiniti G35 is built on the same platform as the Nissan 350Z sports car and shares the same throaty V6. It distinguishes itself in the entry-level luxury segment with a roomy cabin, plenty of performance and a respectable price. For those reasons, the rear-wheel-drive G35 is one of our editors' top recommendations for a sport sedan or coupe that's rewarding to own and drive.

Current Infiniti G35

The Infiniti G35 is available as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan. The coupe comes in one trim level. The sedan is available in five: a base, Journey, x (AWD), Sport and Sport 6MT. The sedan was redesigned for 2007 and now represents the car's second generation. The current coupe is a continuation of the first generation, but will receive the same redesign as the sedan for the 2008 model year.

Both body styles are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. In the G35 sedan, the V6 makes 306 horsepower. The coupe equipped with the standard five-speed automatic transmission is rated for 275 hp. Equipped with the optional six-speed manual, the G35 coupe provides 293 hp. All sedan trims are equipped with a five-speed automatic, with the exception of the Sport 6MT, which comes with a six-speed manual.

Although Infiniti's entry-level luxury sedan comes in five trims, buyers needn't feel overwhelmed when trying to choose the right G35 for their needs. The Journey trim is a great starting point. For not much more money than the base model, the Infiniti G35 Journey comes with top-of-the-line features, including dual-zone climate control and a stereo with six-CD in-dash changer. The x, Sport and Sport 6MT trims simply add amenities on top of that. The x trim adds AWD and heated seats. The Sport trims, which are geared toward enthusiasts, come with performance features and frills, such as 18-inch wheels and tires, a viscous limited-slip differential, sport seats and aggressive tuning for the car's electronic stability system. A four-wheel active steer system is an option that's exclusive to the Sport trims.

Both coupe and sedan are endowed with plenty of interior space. The sedan is more or less the same size as the outgoing model. What has really improved is the interior design, both ergonomically and aesthetically. Everything is better put together, and materials are higher in quality. There's even real aluminum trim, or you can opt for Rosewood trim.

In road tests and reviews, our editors have found the Infiniti G35 to be a thrilling car to drive, with a direct connection between car and driver. The V6 engine feels and sounds exciting. Acceleration is brisk, and power comes on whenever you need it. Zero-to-60 times are under 6 seconds. The handling is crisp in both body styles. Some buyers may find the ride quality a bit stiff on the Sport trims, but the non-Sport G35s should be comfortable for a wide range of drivers.

Past Infiniti G35 Models

The original Infiniti G35 was a big hit when it debuted for the 2003 model year, and Infiniti has not tinkered much with the winning formula since then. Sold through 2006, the first-generation G35 sedan was initially available in a single trim level, and Infiniti expanded the line to include an AWD model a year later. The sedan and coupe shared the same 3.5-liter V6, but in the sedan, the engine made 260 hp -- 20 hp less than the coupe.

Used G35 buyers interested in maximum performance will want to focus on 2005 models or later. In '05, Infiniti bumped the power in the automatic transmission-equipped sedan to 280 hp. Coupes and sedans with the manual transmission were upgraded to 298 hp. That same year, Infiniti also updated the sport suspension package with bigger wheels and a limited-slip rear differential.

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Dodge Charger Review

Popularized by NASCAR dominance and later a hokey TV show, the Dodge Charger is one of America's most revered performance nameplates. Originally an icon of the muscle car era, the Charger has recently been reborn as an affordable performance car -- and it's one of the better ones available in this expanding market niche.

2008 Dodge Charger Sedan

The Dodge Charger debuted in the mid 1960s as a response to America's growing interest in average cars with above-average performance. This two-door coupe boasted aggressive fastback styling and big V8 power (including Chrysler's famed 426 Hemi). As with similar vehicles of this time period, however, the Charger's glory quickly faded after 1970 due to rising insurance and gas prices, higher emissions standards and changing consumer tastes.

The current model may not be the two-door muscle car you remember from the '60s (to the chagrin of traditionalists, it's a sedan), but it does a fine job of being a modern interpretation. As a bonus, the latest Charger has a usable interior and plenty of standard equipment. Think of it as a muscle car the whole family can enjoy.

The current Dodge Charger debuted for the 2006 model year and is based on the same Mercedes-derived platform used for the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. As such, the Charger has four doors and is a bit larger than the average midsize sedan. Its front-end styling is much more aggressive than that of its siblings, and the rear roof line slopes downward in a coupe-like fashion.

There are three trim levels: base SE, the performance-themed R/T and the powerhouse SRT-8. Even the SE is reasonably well equipped in terms of features and has a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. The R/T comes with a 5.7-liter "Hemi" V8 good for 340 hp, and there's an available Daytona R/T package that adds additional performance hardware and a few cosmetic extras. A five-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels is standard on the SE and R/T.

The Charger SRT-8 is a product of Chrysler's special SRT (Street and Racing Technology) performance division. It's the fastest of the Charger models and comes with a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 capable of 425 hp. Backing up the powerful V8 are other SRT features like a stiffer suspension, bigger brakes and a modified front fascia. This model comes with a specially calibrated five-speed automatic transmission.

Because of its bulk, the Charger isn't as nimble as some other similarly priced performance coupes or sports cars. But it has earned favorable commentary in reviews for its secure handling, powerful V8 engines, and roomy and comfortable interior. For a consumer interested in a reborn muscle car, the Dodge Charger is an excellent choice.

The Dodge Charger's heritage runs deep. First introduced as a 1966 model, this Coronet-based coupe had a unique look, with a sweeping fastback and concealed headlights. But it's the second generation of the Charger that was most popular. This was the one that served as the basis for the winged and race-wining Charger Daytona of 1969 and, later, the bright orange "General Lee" from the 1980s television show, The Dukes of Hazzard.

Less popular were three successive generations of Chargers. Third- and fourth-generation models from the 1970s were emasculated by new emissions regulations. A fifth generation, made available from 1982-'87, was a variation of the front-drive Dodge Omni 024 economy hatchback. Near the end of its production, there were sporty, turbocharged versions modified by Carroll Shelby that culminated in the Shelby Charger GLH-S.

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