Hyundai Genesis

NACOTY and NATOTY awards

At LotPro.com, we normally have to wait for the short list of candidates to be released by Automotive News. This year, Marty Padgett of The Car Connection (and also a juror) was kind enough to reveal the list just a bit early.

Patterned after the European “Car of the Year” award, the North American awards were first given in 1994. The jury is composed of no more than 50 journalists from the United States and Canada. In order to be eligible for consideration, a vehicle must be “substantially changed” from the previous model and be on sale shortly after the announcement of the award in early January. In addition:

•    Cars must have reasonably foreseeable annual sales in North America of 5,000 vehicles.
•    Trucks must have reasonably foreseeable annual sales in North America of 2,000 vehicles.

Ford F-150

From the short list of vehicles you see here, the three finalists in each category are announced in December and the winners are unveiled at a press conference at the beginning of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (although the show does not sponsor the awards in any way).

Award trivia: During the sixteen years of the car award, hybrids have been honored 4 times. Domestic automakers have garnered eight awards, Japanese automakers have won the award three times and European automakers have received the award four times (for Car of the Year), while 2009 marked the first year a Korean automaker was honored (the Hyundai Genesis for Car of the Year). In the Truck of the Year competition, domestic automakers have taken the award home 10 times (including the 2009 winner, the Ford F-150), Japanese automakers have won 4 times, while European automakers have won twice.

This year’s short list is comprised of the following vehicles:

Ford Taurus SHO

Car of the Year

BMW 335d
Buick LaCrosse
Cadillac CTS
Chevrolet Camaro
Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid
Ford Taurus
Honda Insight
Kia Soul
Mazda3/MazdaSpeed3
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Porsche Panamera
Subaru Legacy
Suzuki Kizashi
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Golf/GTI

Cadillac SRX

Truck of the Year

Acura ZDX
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Transit Connect
Honda Crosstour
Land Rover LR4
Lincoln MKT
Subaru Outback
Volvo XC60

Not yet a symphony but much more than a solo

From what we can remember here at LotPro.com, the first year the Hyundai Sonata graced our shores was back in 1988. We were around to test drive an example and it was an excruciating experience. The steering was vague, the handling was forgettable and its quality control was suspect (a cloth rear seat release strap ripped of in our hands).

Since that time, the Korean automaker has gotten its act together in a big way. Four generations plus two updates later, the Sonata is now a legitimate player in the mid-size segment with the biggest difference coming from the current model that was introduced in 2006.

2011 Sonata

Even though the Sonata was updated in 2009, the 2010 model will have only a brief run before the company begins production of the 2011 version that will have its world debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The new Sonata will also mark a “first” for Hyundai in the U.S. market when the company brings out a gas-electric hybrid version of the vehicle in late 2010, using cutting-edge lithium polymer batteries to augment its electric motor and gasoline engine.

And speaking of propulsion, Wards Auto World reports that the vehicle will only be available in the U.S. with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine (mated to a six-speed automatic transmission), while other sources (Hyundai being tight-lipped at the moment) report that this particular four cylinder will be used for entry-level models, while a 3.5-liter V6 will power a premium version.

Style

While earlier Sonatas could easily get overlooked in mall parking lots, the newest Hyundai, based on the company’s “fluidic sculpture” styling language and designed at its Irvine, California studio, is certain to garner more than a few second looks.

Codenamed “YF,” the new Sonata takes a cue from both the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the Volkswagen CC as the Hyundai features four doors with a distinctive coupe-inspired roofline. In front, a large Genesis-inspired grille is flanked by wrap-around headlamp bezels set between two ridges that start below the grill and flow around the headlamps and curve up to the vehicle’s beltline. A second ridge begins behind the front wheel openings, two thirds of the way up the fender, and continues an upward curve along the car’s flanks to the top of the taillamps and around the trunk.

Although vehicle options are a bit sketchy at this point, expect to see Hyundai’s stability and traction control system (which they call VDC or Vehicle Dynamic Control) as standard equipment on all U.S. models with a panoramic glass sunroof, proximity-sensing keyless entry and push-button ignition available as options.

Summer in the suburbs

Once again it’s summer at LotPro.com and in Auburn Hills, Michigan. To help celebrate the season, Chrysler has hauled out three special concept vehicles to add to the Lara Croft Tomb Raider Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (try saying that five times as fast as you can) from The Cradle of Life movie and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited from Sahara.

Tomahawk

Looking like some insane machine that might have populated the landscape of a Mad Max-type futuristic movie, the Dodge Tomahawk makes your average Harley look like a Vespa scooter.

Originally introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show, everything about this four-wheel, single-passenger vehicle is over the top. Art-deco styling and über-extreme engineering result in what Chrysler deems “what creative minds can do when given the opportunity to run free” (a note to creative minds: a practically unlimited bank account would also come in handy).

Powered by an 8.3 liter (505 cu. In.) aluminum Viper V-10 engine that produces 500 SAE net bhp and 525 lb.-ft. of torque, the Tomahawk features a two-speed, sequential racing-style foot-shifted manual transmission. Power is transmitted to the dual 35 tooth rear sprockets via 110-link motorcycle-style chains.

The four tires consist of 2 Dunlop custom made symmetrical P120/60R-20’s in front, while the rears are dual P150/50R-20’s. Stopping power is provided by two four-piston fixed aluminum calipers per wheel in the front (16 pistons total) and one four-piston fixed aluminum caliper per wheel (8 pistons total) in the rear. All four wheels feature 20-inch rotors with the two in front machined out of stainless steel and the two in the rear fashioned out of cast-iron.

All this hardware is necessary, since 0-60 performance is estimated to be 2.5 seconds and top speed is also estimated at potentially 400 miles per hour.

ME Four-Twelve

While not nearly as suicidal as the Tomahawk, the quad-turbo, V-12 powered mid-engined ME Four-Twelve is certainly a legitimate supercar.

Boasting a carbon fiber body, it debuted at NAIAS in 2004 and features an all-aluminum, quad-turbo, 6.0-liter engine mated to a specially-developed 7-speed Ricardo Double Clutch Transmission capable of 200 millisecond shift times.

With a power-to-weight ratio of 3.4 lbs/bhp, the ME Four-Twelve goes from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds and 0-100 mph in 6.2 seconds while tripping the quarter mile timer in 10.6 seconds at 142.0 mph.

Chrysler will have two ME Four-Twelves on display – the flat black painted model used for performance testing along with the silver exterior show car that toured the country.

Museum dates

All three vehicles will be on display at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum through Sunday, July 26th in Auburn Hills. As an added bonus, the normal museum admission prices of $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $4 for children ages 6-12 (children five and under are admitted free) will be made even more affordable during this summer’s Cruise Nights series (Thursday, June 25 and July 9 and 23) when visitors can tour the Museum from 6 – 9 p.m. on these evenings at the reduced rate of $1 for children 6 – 12 and $2 for adults.

Cars and sports

Here at LotPro.com in metro Detroit, we’re always mentioning the fact that our close proximity to the domestic auto industry makes life here pretty exciting. Just after the beginning of the New Year, we get to look forward to the North American International Auto Show. In August, we have the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance followed shortly thereafter by the Woodward Dream Cruise.

So what do we do for entertainment between January and August? In addition to General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, three other words come to mind – major league sports (after August, or course, comes the NFL – a topic best left alone since the Detroit Lions have been “rebuilding” since 1957).

The Detroit Pistons keep us entertained during the winter months and have been quite competitive in the NBA. February marks the beginning of spring training for the Detroit Tigers (albeit in Florida) who open up their regular season in April. But for most metro Detroiters, springtime is Stanley Cup Playoff time for the team most dear to our hearts, the Detroit Red Wings.

The Winged Wheelers

Metro Detroit, by the way, isn’t just any old sports town. Major league sports have deep roots here in the Motor City. The Detroit Pistons, one of the original NBA franchises, have played in Detroit since 1957. The Detroit Tigers, one of the American League’s eight charter franchises, was founded here in 1894. But the Detroit Red Wings, while not as old a franchise as the Tigers, are one of only six original National Hockey League teams and have won more Stanley Cup championships than any other team based in the U.S. of A.

Founded in 1926, the franchise actually played its first year across the river in Windsor, Ontario. But in 1927, the Wings (known back then as the Cougars – the Red Wings became the official name in 1932) moved into Olympia Stadium, which was to be their home for the next 52 ½ years.

The Wings made their first Stanley Cup finals appearance in 1934 and won Lord Stanley’s cup for the first time in the 1935-1936 season. Between 1933 and 1955, the club won 3 division championships and 7 Stanley Cup championships. But beginning in 1967, the Wings went through some lean years.

1979  marked the team’s move from Olympia to Joe Louis arena and, in 1982, local businessman and Little Caesars Pizza mogul Mike Ilitch bought the team and began the long process of rebuilding the franchise. The process was slow, but steady. 1983 saw the drafting of “The Captain”, Stevie Yzerman and the Wings made it to the playoffs for the first time since 1977. Four years later, they made it to the conference finals. The Wings won 5 division championships in 88, 89, 92, 94 (also their first finals appearance in 29 years), 95 and 96.

And then, in 1997, it all came together. The Wings won their first Stanley Cup in 42 years while simultaneously ending the longest championship drought in the NHL at the time. They repeated as champions the next year and followed that up with championships in 2002 and 2008.

Hockeytown

This spring, amidst all the doom and gloom in the auto industry and with both Chrysler and General Motors in bankruptcy, the Red Wings are, once again, in the Stanley Cup Finals and one of the few bright spots on an otherwise bleak landscape here in Michigan.

So, from all of us here at LotPro.com, GO WINGS!

Even if you’re into the whole winter sports thing – skiing, snowmobiling, et al – living in Michigan between November and April (May?) is not much fun day-to-day. Commuting through snow, ice, sleet and freezing rain is bad enough, but to top it all off, the sky often remains grey and overcast for weeks on end with no sight of the sun.

Fortunately, just as many of us at LotPro.com are ready to reach for the kitchen drawer containing the sharp utensils, the second week of January rolls around and, with it, the Detroit Auto Show.

Industry Preview

This year, press days began on Sunday, January 11th and will continue through the end of today. And while clawing your way through thousands of journalists might seem like fun, it really isn’t. So this year we decided to wait until all the parades, press conferences and theatrics were over and trudge on down to Cobo Hall on Thursday of this week. Wading through all the hoopla, we came up with today’s story:

EyesOn Design

While much is made of the North American Car of the Year (won this year by the Hyundai Genesis) and the North American Truck of the Year (garnered by the new Ford F-150), there is another award based solely on vehicle design excellence.

Founded by former Chrysler design chief Thomas Gale, EyesOn Design supports the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology. The purpose is to honor the most outstanding designs for both production vehicles as well as concept cars. This year, Chief Judges Chris Bangle of BMW, Willie G. Davidson of Harley-Davidson and Larry Erickson of the College for Creative Studies were joined by 16 other designers as they narrowed down a 13 car field of production and concept cars to pick 2 winners in each category.

The finalists were as follows:

Audi R8 V10
Audi SportBack Concept
BMW Z4
Cadillac ConverJ Concept
Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
Chrysler 200C Concept
Fisker Karma
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Ford Taurus
Lincoln C Concept
Mazda3 5 Door
Volkswagen Concept BlueSport Diesel
Volvo S60 Concept

And the winners are:

Concept Vehicles

Audi SportBack

A 4-door sedan with a coupe-like roofline similar to its Volkswagen Group cousin the Passat CC and the Mercedes-Benz CLS, this design study may very well come to market in some form as the 2010 Audi A7.

Cadillac Converj

An electric concept vehicle based on the same Voltec platform used by the Chevrolet Volt, the Converj is backed up by the same range-extending engine that allows it to cover up to 40 miles without consuming any fuel other than the energy stored in its lithium-ion battery pack.

Production Vehicles

Audi R8 V10

The newest R8 iteration is equipped with a 5.2-liter ten-cylinder engine that produces 100.9 hp per liter, for a total of 525 – 105 more than the V-8. Thanks to a difference of only 68 pounds, the V10 launches it occupants to 62 mph from a standstill in a mere 3.9 seconds and to a top speed of 196 mph. Maximum torque of 390.91 lb.-ft. is reached at 6,500 rpm, while redline is a lofty 8,000 revolutions per 60 ticks.

BMW Z4

With styling that’s more evolutionary that revolutionary, the latest Z4 does sport a new two-piece retractable hardtop fashioned from aluminum that retracts and deploys in a mere 20 seconds per. Available with either a naturally aspirated or twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine, the second-gen Z4 is 5.8 inches longer (necessitated by a much-needed increase in trunk space) and slightly wider and taller than the previous model.

If two is company and three’s a crowd, what are 600?

Although GM cut back on much of the glitz usually contained in its displays for the Detroit Auto Show, it more than made up for this shortcoming by showing up at this year’s press conference with 600 company employees, more than a dozen current, future and concept vehicles as well as various company and government dignitaries that included GM Chairman Rick Wagoner, Vice Chairman Robert Lutz and Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm.

So it was in front of this group as well as about 5,000 journalists from around the world that GM introduced its two latest concept vehicles as well as one that was first introduced in Paris last year.

Cadillac Converj

Without a doubt the most stunning concept at this year’s NAIAS (we’re not alone in thinking this, it received one of only two EyesOn Design concept awards given out at this year’s show), the Cadillac Converj is not just a sexy coupe. Underneath its glamorous exterior, the Converj is an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) that shares the same Voltec technology as its more Plebian counterpart, the Chevrolet Volt.

Although equipped with a gasoline engine as well as an electric motor, the fossil-fuel engine merely acts as a generator to recharge the vehicle’s batteries as the electric motor always furnishes the primary propulsion. In the words of the immortal bard Justin Timberlake, the Converj brings “Sexy Back” to Cadillac.

Chevrolet Spark

Inspired by the popular Beat concept vehicle that has toured auto shows for the past couple of years, the Spark concept is said to be a much closer to the look of the actual production vehicle that will be sold in global markets (read: Europe and Asia) in 2010 and planned for the U.S. in 2011.

While the style and color are certainly more imaginative than anything currently offered by Chevrolet in North America, the size and marketing demographics are almost exactly the same as those of the current Chevy Aveo. No word yet on whether the Spark will be sold alongside the Aveo or if it will replace it.

Chevrolet Orlando

Although introduced at the Paris Motor Show in October of last year, the Orlando made its North American debut in Detroit. Originally intended as an overseas model, last summer’s spike in fuel prices convinced GM that they needed this kind of a vehicle in the U.S.

Based on the same global platform as the upcoming Chevy Cruz, the 7-seat Orlando seats passengers in three rows of theater-style seating. In Europe, the Orlando is powered by a 2.0 liter common rail diesel engine that produces 150 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. According to GM, the Orlando will go on-sale over here in 2011.

Not a Concept

Unlike some of the vehicles that will be introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that begins in 4 days, the Scion xB Release Series 6.0 (that would be the sixth xB limited edition version) is a production car – albeit one that will be available to only 2,500 buyers.

And while most of us here at LotPro.com are not big fans of the “limited edition” vehicles used by most manufacturers to, shall we say, increase the bottom line by inflating the price of the add-on doo-dads, this particular Scion variant will actually save you money if you’re looking for at least some of the options that it comes with.

Absolutely any color as long as it’s red

To begin with, this xB is available only in what Scion calls “Absolutely Red” exterior paint. Unique wheel covers (that’s right, they’re just covers) and a black-finished grille differentiate the R.S. 6.0 from your run-of-the-mill Scion Box.

Inside, the Release Series features a touch screen navigation system with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and a 5.8 inch touch panel display. Illuminated door sills, 4-in-one interior lights, a cargo cover and special seat fabric are also part of the package.

Such a deal

MSRP for a base xB is $15,750 with a manual transmission and $16,700 for an automatic. The R.S. 6.0 package is an additional $1,743, while the rear spoiler for the R.S. package is an additional $320, plus installation (all Scion models have an additional $670 destination charge).

So what kind of a deal is this? If you delve into the Scion web site, you’ll find a custom grille for $215, a cargo cover for $259, interior and door sill lights ($299 and $290, respectively), as well as an optional navigation system that sells for $1,800. Without the unique seat trim, this brings the total a` la carte price of these items to $2,863, which means you save $1,120 if you buy into the R.S. 6.0 package – not bad at all, if this is what you’re looking for.

The Bottom Line

For those of you out there in the market for the second generation of a very versatile people and what-have-you hauler and you’re contemplating at least the navigation option, the Release Series 6.0 is a great deal, since you’ll be getting a discount on the nav system plus a few other goodies thrown in for good measure.

NACOTY and NATOTY awards

Patterned after the European “Car of the Year” award, the North American awards were first given in 1994. The jury is composed of no more than 50 journalists from the United States and Canada. In order to be eligible for consideration, a vehicle must be “substantially changed” from the previous model and be on sale shortly after the announcement of the award in early January. In addition:

•    Cars must have reasonably foreseeable annual sales in North America of 5,000 vehicles.

•    Trucks must have reasonably foreseeable annual sales in North America of 2,000 vehicles.

The three finalists are announced in December and the winners are unveiled at a press conference at the beginning of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (although the show does not sponsor the awards in any way).

Award trivia: During its sixteen years, hybrids have been honored 4 times. Domestic automakers have garnered eight awards, Japanese automakers have won the award three times and European automakers have received the award four times (for Car of the Year). In the Truck of the Year competition, domestic automakers have taken the award home 9 times, Japanese automakers have won 4 times, while European automakers have won twice.

This year’s finalists are:

Car of the Year

 Ford Flex

Hyundai Genesis

Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Truck of the Year

Dodge Ram

Ford F-150

Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTEC

A light at the end of the tunnel

It seems that most of the news, lately, concerning the 2009 North American International Auto Show (the Detroit Auto Show for many of us who have been around long enough to remember) has been, shall we say, less than exuberant. With 7 manufacturers taking a pass (including Nissan/Infiniti), organizers have had to resort to calling up the Chinese from the minors (read: the basement) in order to fill the park.

So it had to be with some sense of relief when they heard the news that Mazda would be showcasing the new Mazda3 sedan (unveiled earlier this year at the L.A. Auto Show) along with its 5-door brother that has yet to see the shores of North America, having been revealed at the Bologna Motor Show just 2 weeks ago.

New Mazda3

According to Mazda3 Program Manager Yoshiyuki Maeda, “”We were determined to advance the Zoom-Zoom driving experience to new heights because that unique feeling lies at the very heart of Mazda. On the heels of the original MAZDA3’s success, we aimed to again exceed the expectations of customers all over the world by a wide margin. This meant providing drivers with a sense of exhilaration whether they were in motion, seated in the MAZDA3’s cockpit, or enjoying its appearance from outside.”

Mission accomplished. Based on the same architecture as the first-generation 3, the second generation boasts a completely-new body and interior design. Unmistakably a Mazda, the new sedan receives styling cues from the RX-8 as well as the 2009 Mazda6 as the company moves toward a “unified family face.” A subtle wedge shape as well as sculpted hood, fender and side surfaces give the new 3 a sophisticated, sporty flavor.

To give this flavor substance, a new Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps has been added as standard equipment on Grand Touring models – the first compact offered for sale in the U.S. with such an advanced lighting system.

Inside, front seat cushions have been extended by nearly an inch for improved thigh support while backrests are taller by almost an inch and a half and have been recontoured for improved driving posture. In another first for its segment, on vehicles equipped with power seats, a three-position memory function has been added and, on approach to the car, the left-front seat will automatically adjust to the settings chosen by up to 3 different drivers by recognizing the code of the key fob.

It’s all about the zoom-zoom

The first generation 3 was a perennial leader in its segment due to its handling and road presence and the new version promises more of the same. The base engine, with 148 hp and 135 lb.-ft. of torque is a carry-over from the previous generation. Uplevel models will benefit from Mazda’s new MZR 2.5 liter I-4 borrowed from the new 2009 Mazda6 with an output of 167 hp and maximum torque of 168 lb.-ft. Putting this power to the pavement is a 5-speed manual in the base “i” version and a 6-speed manual for the uplevel “s”. An optional 5-speed automatic is available for both trim levels.

2009 Nissan Cube

Even Detroit’s auto show can’t catch a break

Things are tough in Detroit – no question about it. Just ask the organizers of the North American International Auto Show. Porsche, a brand that wasn’t there last year, made the decision to skip the show again this year. Land Rover, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari felt the Detroit market was too small for their brands and backed out and both Mitsubishi and Suzuki took a pass as well. Then just last week, Nissan (along with premium brand Infiniti) announced that it was pulling the plug on both Detroit and Chicago.

At least with Nissan, the NAIAS had the consolation of knowing that it was not alone. But just as quickly, it now appears that Nissan will return to the Windy City.

2009 Nissan 370Z

Back in the game

Nissan Vice President of Corporate Communications, Alan Buddendeck, explained Nissan’s original position by stating that the company had already reached its intended audience at the unveiling of the 370Z roadster and the new Cube at the L.A. Auto Show in November.

So what caused the company to change its mind? According to Buddendeck:” Given the extraordinary economic and industry climate, all well-managed companies have a fiduciary responsibility to review strategies and tactics for going to market. As everyone knows, the automotive industry is facing severe and prolonged headwinds in North America and around the world. It’s a climate that demands decisions that are often difficult and even controversial.”

“At the national level, Nissan North America decided to withdraw from both the Chicago and Detroit shows. After a careful review of this decision with our North Central Region management and our Chicago dealers, we have found a way to maintain a presence at the Chicago show through our dealers, while still demonstrating the fiscal responsibility required by these challenging times. The decision outlined for Chicago does not affect our decision to withdraw from the 2009 North American International Auto Show.”

Chicago Auto Show Co-Chairman John Phelan put it this way, “To be sure, talking about our current economic conditions isn’t going to turn our industry around. But showing and talking about great new products, technology and breaking automotive news will help turn it around—and we want to help.”

BYD F3R

Chinese go upstairs and join the party

Meanwhile, back in Motown, all that extra floor space means it has to be filled by someone. So after two years spent in the basement as the red-headed stepchild, the Chinese automakers (so far, BYD and Brilliant) finally get their chance to join in the big dance on the main floor. Who knows, if anyone else drops out, even the boys from DUB magazine may get their big break. This could get interesting.

How about a DUB Rolls-Royce?