William Maley

After a major refresh for the 2017 model year, Acura is giving the MDX a number of modest changes for the 2019 model year. The big changes of note deal with the MDX's mechanicals. Acura has reprogrammed the nine-speed automatic transmission that is said to provide smoother starts and will prioritize second-gear when leaving a stop. The previously optional stop-start system becomes standard on all MDX models. Acura's Active Damper System (ADS) that was only available on the Sport Hybrid model is added the MDX with the Advanced package. Next up is an A-Spec appearance trim that brings a revised front fascia, black trim, 20-inch wheels, seats upholstered in Alcantara and leather, thicker steering wheel, and other minor changes. The remainder of the updates are as followed, Four new colors: Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red, Canyon Bronze Metallic, and Apex Blue Pearl (exclusive to A-Spec) New trim options including Desert Olive Ash wood 4-Way Power Lumbar adjustments for front seats The MDX is powered by either a 3.5L V6 (290 horsepower) or a V6 hybrid powertrain (321 horsepower). Pricing for 2019 MDX ranges from $45,295 for the base FWD model to $61,045 for the SH-AWD model with Advance & Entertainment packages. Pricing includes a $995.00 destination charge. No word on how much the Sport Hybrid will set you back. Source: Acura 2019 Acura MDX Arrives with Luxury and Performance Upgrades Plus First A-Spec Variant Jul 17, 2018 - TORRANCE, Calif. Best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all-time boosts luxury appeal with upgraded interior and expanded color palette A-Spec sport appearance package available for the first time on MDX Available Active Damper System and wider wheel & tire option improve dynamic experience 9-speed automatic transmission enhanced for smoother, more fluid acceleration feel The 2019 Acura MDX arrives in dealerships today boasting upgraded interior fitment, new available premium exterior colors, drivability and dynamics enhancements, and an A-Spec sport appearance package. The 2019 MDX with standard AcuraWatch® technology and available Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) carries a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP1) of $44,300 (excluding $995 destination and handling) while the new MDX A-Spec starts at $54,800 with standard SH-AWD®. The 2019 MDX lineup will be further strengthened by the arrival of the 2019 MDX Sport Hybrid, going on-sale next month. With nearly a million units sold since its inception, the MDX is the best-selling three-row luxury SUV of all time2. It is the only three-row luxury SUV in segment with six straight years of more than 50,000 sales3, and is the #1 retail-selling three-row model in segment year-to-date4. Interior and Exterior – More Luxury, More Choices Building on a major design refresh in 2017 and key technology updates in 2018, the 2019 Acura MDX comes with new interior enhancements designed to up the luxury quotient. New features include available authentic Desert Olive Ash wood trim, high-contrast seat and door panel stitching, and contrasting front seat side garnishes. Driver and front passenger seats now feature standard 4-way power lumbar adjustments, while the Technology and Entertainment packages receive an updated second-row seat configuration, allowing easy passage to the third row. The MDX with Advance Package adds trim-exclusive matching wood center console trim. The 2019 MDX expands its color palette to a total of nine options, including a rich new Gunmetal Metallic and four new available premium colors—Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl, Canyon Bronze Metallic and the A-Spec-exclusive Apex Blue Pearl. Newly-designed 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels grace the Advance Package with a machine finish and Shark Grey accents, gaining a half-inch in width (up from 8.0 inches) and shod with wider 265/45-series tires (up from 245/50). MDXs with the Advance Package also gain body-color lower garnishes. A-Spec Variant Joins MDX For the 2019 model, MDX adds an all-new A-Spec sport appearance variant. Available exclusively with Acura's torque-vectoring Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), A-Spec features a more athletic stance highlighted by exclusive half-inch wider 20-inch Shark Grey aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in low profile 265/45-series tires. An aggressive new front fascia, body-color lower sills, larger-diameter exhaust finishers, as well as gloss-black and dark chrome trim for the headlights, grille, window surround and rear tailgate spoiler further distinguish the MDX A-Spec. Interior enhancements feature sport seats trimmed in rich red or black leather with black Alcantara™ inserts, high-contrast stitching, unique A-Spec gauges, sport pedals, Alcantara door inserts, gloss-black trim, a thicker-rimmed A-Spec-badged steering wheel with paddle shifters, and an exclusive A-Spec door step garnish. Performance, Ride and Handling Refined The 2019 MDX can now be optioned with Acura's Active Damper System (ADS), previously available only on the MDX Sport Hybrid, offering both ride comfort and handling advantages while further expanding the dynamic "range" of the driver-selectable Integrated Dynamics System. The responsive 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC® 24-valve V6 engine continues to power MDX with 290 peak horsepower (SAE net) and 267 lb.-ft. peak torque (SAE net), in either standard front-wheel drive configuration, or the available SH-AWD® system. SH-AWD® delivers up to 70 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels and the ability to distribute up to 100 percent of that torque between the left and right rear wheels to optimize available traction and sharpen steering and handling response. The 2019 model year also brings significant drivability enhancements to MDX. Its 9-speed automatic transmission gains a smoother, more fluid acceleration feel in normal driving by prioritizing second-gear starts. When demand is higher in conditions such as full-throttle acceleration, certain uphill and towing situations, and when S-mode is selected, first gear starts are then prioritized for maximum available acceleration and pulling power. Further drivability refinements are realized via an upgraded Idle Stop feature that is now standard across the MDX lineup for 2019. System enhancements shorten engine re-start response and operational smoothness via a new brake pressure trigger and software upgrades, resulting in a more natural, seamless feel. The 2019 MDX with front-wheel drive has an EPA fuel economy rating of 20/27/23 mpg (city/highway/combined)5, A-Spec is rated at 19/25/21, and all other models with SH-AWD® have an EPA rating of 19/26/22 mpg (city/highway/combined)2. Standard Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology All 2019 MDX trims will come standard with the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). In addition to AcuraWatch technology, all MDX's boast a comprehensive array of active and passive safety features, including Acura's Advance Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, advanced front, side, and side-curtain airbags, front pre-tensioning seatbelts, 4-channel anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. 2019 MDX Pricing and EPA Fuel Economy Ratings Trim MSRP6 MSRP6 Including $995 Destination Charge EPA MPG Rating (city/highway/combined)5 MDX (FWD) $44,300 $45,295 20/27/23 MDX (FWD) with Technology Package $49,300 $50,295 20/27/23 MDX (FWD) with Technology & Entertainment Packages $51,300 $52,295 20/27/23 MDX (FWD) with Advance Package $56,050 $57,045 20/27/23 MDX (FWD) with Advance & Entertainment Packages $58,050 $59,045 20/27/23 MDX (SH-AWD) $46,300 $47,295 19/26/22 MDX (SH-AWD) with Technology Package $51,300 $52,295 19/26/22 MDX (SH-AWD) with Technology & Entertainment Packages $53,300 $54,295 19/26/22 MDX A-Spec (SH-AWD) $54,800 $55,795 19/25/21 MDX (SH-AWD) with Advance Package $58,050 $59,045 19/26/22 MDX (SH-AWD) with Advance & Entertainment Packages $60,050 $61,045 19/26/22 MDX Sport Hybrid TBA ← ← 1. MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) excluding tax, license, registration, $995 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary. 2. Based on Autodata total sales of all luxury three-row SUVs 1980 to 2018CYTD June. 3. Based on Autodata total sales for all three-row models in the Mid Premium CUV segment. 4. Based on Urban Science retail sales for all three-row models in the Premium Upper Mid-size CUV segment 2018CYTD May. 5. Based on 2019 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors. 6. MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) excluding tax, license, registration, $995 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

Polestar is beginning to drop hints on their next model, the 2 which is expected to debut sometime next year. Autocar spoke with Polestar COO Jonathan Goodman at this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed. Goodman said the Polestar 2 will be the brand's entry level model and compete directly with the Tesla Model 3. "That will represent the lower ‘bookend’ of our showroom range and, for now, it should give us as much access to the volume end of the EV market as we need," said Goodman. Autocar says the 2's design will closely follow the 40.2 concept shown a couple years back. The report also says that the 2 will have up to 400 horsepower and a max range of 350 miles. Pricing is expected to begin around £30,000 (about $39,690). Goodman also talked about the possible dangers of designing electric vehicles to look futuristic or quirky considering how much the global market for these vehicles is expected to grow. “The global electric car market was worth four million units in 2017, but it’s quite widely expected to be worth 29m units by 2025. EV owners will come from all walks of life. So it’s a mistake to assume that, because the cars are electric, you have to make them quirky or futuristic," explained Goodman. "Other brands may be doing that, but if we’re looking at a market worth 30m cars within seven years, it isn’t going to be niche, it’s going to be mainstream. So you just design a great-looking car – not one with a big blue flash down the side.” Source: Autocar

Lexus' F performance sub-brand has relied on V8 power. But the head of Lexus, Yoshihiro Sawa tells Auto Express that F needs to "embrace different powertrain choices" to stay relevant in the future. “F is very important; with F we have to think of our own original way. One solution could be a pure F GT car, which could be a hybrid with an electric motor and a strong engine, giving a different kind of drive feel. We don’t stick to V8, V10, twin-turbocharged; they’re important but we’re looking at the future. We’d like to find a way to connect to the next era,” said Sawa. “I think that now, we’re in a transitional period. At this moment people say EVs are trendy but three years later, who knows? People like the sound, the dynamics [of combustion engines]. I think we cannot stick to the one solution when it comes to providing emotion.” Both BMW and Mercedes-Benz have announced plans to add electrified powertrains to their future high-performance models. Source: Auto Express

The U.S. Commerce Department is asking automakers to spill their secrets; product planning, financing, supply chains, and other bits that aren't in public filings. Bloomberg reports that the department’s Bureau of Industry and Security sent out a 34-page questionnaire asking for sensitive details to several automakers. Failure to do so could result "in a maximum fine of $10,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both" as mentioned on the first page of the survey. “The breadth and depth of this request is invasive, requiring massive amounts of proprietary and confidential business data from global operations -- all under the pretense of national security,” said Gloria Bergquist, spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers - a group that represents a number of companies including General Motors, Toyota, and Volkswagen. “Frankly, it’s stunning from an administration committed to getting government out of the way of business.” This is part of the Commerce Department’s investigation into whether or not the imports of cars and car parts hurt U.S. national security opened in late May. It may result in imported vehicles being hit with tariffs as high as 25 percent. What is being asked in this survey? Other questions deal with the business plan from now until 2020 and whether or not imports hurt sales. Susan Helper, a former chief economist of the Commerce Department during the Obama administration said Bureau of Industry and Security has conducted dozen of these surveys in the past, mostly dealing with sectors closely linked to the defense industry. “This is a consequence of the Trump administration’s expanded definition of national security I hadn’t thought about. I can see both sides on this -- it is burdensome for companies, but on the other hand it’s important for policy makers to understand global supply chains as they have an increasing impact on the U.S. economy,” Helper told Bloomberg. Dave Sullivan, an analyst at AutoPacific told Bloomberg that the level of information that the government is asking is "disturbing'. “The only time I’ve seen something like that is when a supplier is not doing very well financially and the automaker is trying to understand their financial state and their future. They’re fully undressing automakers and how they do their business to a disturbing level.” The Commerce Department will be holding a hearing on the investigation on July 19th in Washington D.C. Around 45 people, representing various automakers, labor unions, and more will be testifying. Source: Bloomberg, Link to Questionnaire

Like many countries, China offers various incentives to spur the sales of electric vehicles. But a report from Bloomberg says the Chinese government is considering reducing various subsidies beginning next year. According to sources, the government is considering cutting the average incentive by more than a third from where they currently stand. Also up for consideration is incentives being eligible on models that can travel at least 200 kilometers (about 125 miles) on a single charge. Why? The government wants automakers to keep innovating by making EVs cheaper and go much further on a charge. “China is switching away from carrots. The government wants to ensure automakers will launch models that would be appealing to consumers hence setting subsidies contingent on minimum driving range requirements,” said Ali Izadi-Najafabadi, an analyst at Bloomberg NEF. In 2017, the Chinese government spent 6.64 billion yuan (about a billion dollars) on various subsidies for electric vehicles. But this year saw the government begin to cut various incentives. For example, cars that have a driving range of less than 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) saw their incentives reduced. “Government policy has a huge impact over the new-energy vehicle sector and every adjustment made on the policy front over the next two years will result in tremendous changes in the industry,” Li Yixiu, sales chief for Beijing Electric Vehicle Company earlier this month. "We believe there isn’t a chance for carmakers to raise prices to make up for the reduction of government fundings. Instead, we have to come up with competitive new products and services to respond.” Source: Bloomberg

Hyundai had set itself a high bar when it launched the sixth-generation Sonata for the 2010 model year. It stood out from a crowded field of midsize sedans with an exterior shape that resembled a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. The Sonata also boasted a comfortable interior, loads of technology features, a good selection of engines, and a nice balance between comfort and sport. Replacing this model would be a tough task and one Hyundai wasn’t able to meet. When the seventh-generation model rolled out at 2014 New York Auto Show, you could hear the cry of a sad trombone. The new Sonata had gone conservative in its design. Compared to Chevrolet, Honda, and Toyota that rolled out bold styling on their sedans, the Sonata went backwards with a conservative look. Hyundai realized they need to make some drastic changes to Sonata to give it a fighting chance not only against other sedans, but from the growing demand for crossovers of all sizes. This brings us to the 2018 Sonata Limited. It was time to find out if Hyundai had found that magic once again. This being a refresh, Hyundai couldn’t go completely crazy in terms of the design language, however the updates really help the Sonata have more presence. Up front is bolder with a new hexagonal grille surround, chrome grille slats, new sculpting on the hood, and deep cuts in the bumper for LED fog lights. The side profile retains the chrome trim that runs through the headlights and around the windows. Hyundai made some drastic changes for the rear by smoothing out the trunk lid and moving the placement of the license plate to the bumper. The Sonata’s interior retains the basic shape of the outgoing model, but changes have been made to freshen it up. The center stack boasts a revised control layout and all trims get a three-spoke steering wheel. Previously, only the Sport trim got this wheel design. It would have been nice if Hyundai was a little bit more adventurous with the design, but I’m willing to forgive some of this feeling as the controls fall easily into hand. Interior materials are about average for the class with a mix of hard and soft plastics. The front seats were designed with long-distance comfort in mind with a fair amount of seat padding and just the right amount of firmness. Power adjustments for both driver and passenger are standard on the Limited and offer a generous range of adjustments. Space in the back is quite roomy and there are some nice touches such as manual window shades. The Sonata has one of the largest trunks in the class with 16.3 cubic feet of space on offer. All Sonata’s come with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Hyundai’s BlueLink infotainment system. Our test Sonata Limited had the optional 8-inch screen with navigation. The current BlueLink system has been with us for a few years and its interface is beginning to look somewhat dated, but the system is still one of the best when it comes to overall usability with large touchscreen buttons, bright screen, and a simple interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all Sonatas except the base SE. Sonata offers one of the widest range of powertrains in the segment with three gas engines, a hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. Our Sonata Limited came with the base 2.4L inline-four producing 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic routing power to the front wheels. The engine provides adequate power for around town and rural driving. You will need to step on it when making a pass or merging onto a freeway as torque resides higher in the rev band. The six-speed automatic goes about its business smoothly and always knows what gear it needs to be in. Hyundai does offer an eight-speed automatic, but only if you opt for the turbocharged 2.0L. EPA fuel economy figures for the 2018 Sonata Limited are 25 City/35 Highway/28 Combined (SE models see a one mpg increase in highway and combined figures). My average for the week landed around 28.5 mpg. Hyundai did make some tweaks to the 2018 Sonata’s suspension including a revised rear suspension setup with thicker trailing arms and revised steering system. The end result is a Sonata that handles much better than the previous car. Body motion has noticeably decreased and the steering provides decent weight when turning. Thankfully, the tweaks made to the suspension haven’t affected the Sonata’s ride quality. Bumps and other road imperfections are soaked up before reaching passengers. Some of the credit has to go to Hyundai not going crazy on offering large wheels - the Limited seen here rides on 17-inch wheels. Road and wind noise are kept to near silent levels. My first impression seeing the 2018 Sonata was that Hyundai had improved it, but was still a bit short when compared to the work done by other automakers. Spending a week with the Sonata caused me to change my train of thought; It surprised me how much work Hyundai put into this mid-cycle refresh and brings the Sonata up to the point where I would say it is fighting for best-in-class honors. While the 2018 Sonata may lack most of the pizzazz found in the sixth-generation model, it does show that Hyundai has learned from its mistake and worked to reclaim some of the magic. Disclaimer: Hyundai Provided the Sonata, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2018 Make: Hyundai Model: Sonata Trim: Limited Engine: 2.4L GDI DOHC D-CVVT Four-Cylinder Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic. Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 185 @ 6,000 Torque @ RPM: 178 @ 4,000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 25/35/28 Curb Weight: N/A Location of Manufacture: Montgomery, AL Base Price: $27,400 As Tested Price: $31,310 (Includes $885.00 Destination Charge) Options: Ultimate Package - $2,900.00 Carpeted Floor Mats - $125.00