William Maley

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 27, 2013 The day has come. Volkswagen has introduced the North American spec 2015 Volkswagen Golf and GTI today at the New York Auto Show. These will be first Volkswagen group vehicles in North America that will be based on the MQB platform. Three different Golf models will be available. The base Golf uses a new 1.8L turbo-four (goodbye 2.5L five-cylinder) making 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque - which is the same horsepower and seven pound-feet more than the outgoing 2.5L five-cylinder. This can be mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Next is the Golf TDI which uses a 2.0L turbo-four diesel engine making 150 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. That can be mated to either a six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Finally is the GTI which has a new turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder making 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Available transmissions include the the six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch. Volkswagen isn't saying when the new Golf will arrive, but we expect to be in the U.S. sometime in the first half of 2014. Source: Volkswagen William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 03.27.2013 SEVENTH-GENERATION VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MAKES ITS NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW The latest version of VW’s popular compact hatchback is bigger, more spacious, lighter, and more fuel-efficient • Sporty GTI®, thrifty TDI® Clean Diesel, and turbocharged Golf will be offered • First U.S.-market Volkswagen to use the new MQB modular architecture • All models are lighter than the cars they replace • Seventh-generation Golf A7 will go on sale in the U.S. as a 2015 Model • 2015 Golf models are currently estimated to improve fuel efficiency by as much as 15 percent over current Golf sixth-generation models Herndon, VA - The seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf manages to do the seemingly impossible. While it’s bigger and more spacious than the car that it will replace, it’s also lighter and more fuel-efficient. Based on the new MQB (modular transverse matrix) architecture, the 2015 Golf ends the cycle whereby new versions of a car end up heavier than the models they replace. Thanks to the extensive use of high- and ultra-high strength steels, the new Golf bodyshell is 51 pounds lighter than the current sixth-generation Golf, and offering an enhanced crash structure. Throughout the car, incredible attention to detail has seen optimization of components—such as the seats, air conditioning unit, and even the electrical architecture—to save weight. The 2015 Golf is 2.2 inches longer and 0.5 inches wider than the current car. It is also 1.1 inches lower, which benefits both aerodynamic performance and the car’s proportions: the CdA number has been reduced by almost 10 percent compared with the Golf A6. The interior package has been optimized to give 0.6 inches more rear-seat legroom and 1.2 inches of additional shoulder room in the back. Like the current car, the 2015 Golf will come in three guises. The Golf will be powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder TSI® engine, built at a brand-new plant in Silao, Mexico, that is part of Volkswagen’s ongoing $5 billion investment in the North American market. The Golf TDI Clean Diesel model will be powered by a new 2.0-liter common-rail, turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine. And the sporty GTI will also receive a new Silao-built EA888 engine. The seventh-generation Golf will go on sale as a 2015 model. It will be built at Volkswagen’s Puebla, Mexico factory. Design The design team, led by Walter de Silva (Group Design) and Klaus Bischoff (VW Brand Design), created a timeless and sophisticated new Golf, using the principles of Volkswagen’s Design DNA. This design language creates cars that are modern and progressive yet have a familiar feel. In the case of the new Golf, the car incorporates the classic C-pillars and other elements that hark back to previous generation Golf models, such as the side windows, the roofline, and wheel arches that are redolent of the Golf A4. According to Klaus Bischoff, the form language is: “logical, product-focused, pure and precise. The Golf’s proportions have completely changed with the seventh generation, making the car look more confident than ever.” Thanks to the MQB architecture, which dictates a fixed relationship between the front wheel centerline and the pedalbox, the car’s proportions have changed. The front wheels, for example, are now 1.7 inches further forward than on the current Golf design. This has created what Bischoff calls “a cab backward impression”. That’s what we call the proportions of premium-class vehicles, where the hood is long and the passenger compartment is a long way towards the back.” Compared with the Golf A6, the new car’s front end looks completely different, thanks to the way that the hood slopes down into the front fenders instead of the fender peaks being higher than the hood. The front end of the Golf has a very strong horizontal graphic, with a relatively narrow radiator grille. The new Golf has a strong character line that flows all the way around the car beneath the door handles, being interrupted only by the wheel arches. The line in the side of the car is picked up by the chrome bars in the radiator grille and in the white lateral bars of the taillight clusters. The line is designed to lower the car’s visual center of gravity and give it a more solid stance on the road. There’s a second line along the shoulder that runs under the mirrors from the headlamps back to the rear side window, which emphasizes the car’s premium proportions. At the back, the clean surface around the VW badge, the wide rear window, and the geometric taillights are typical Golf features, even though the lines are completely different. The tailgate, for instance, allows for a lower load height than before, at just 26.2 inches, while the overall effect emphasizes the additional width of the new car. The sporty nature of the Golf is enhanced with the GTI model. Its mission is reflected by its red-painted brake calipers, twin chrome tailpipes, and a lowered sport suspension. The exterior of the compact hatchback also scores with GTI-specific wheels and low-profile tires, special side skirts, a rear diffuser, and smoked LED taillights with LED license-plate illumination. Interior The new Golf interior package is larger, despite the car having a lower roofline. The interior is now 0.6 inches longer, which is reflected in 0.6 inches more rear-seat legroom. In the front, the shoulder- and elbow room are increased by 1.2 and 0.9 inches, with commensurate improvements in the back by 1.2 and 0.8 inches. The cargo capacity is eight percent greater, too, and the floor of the trunk area can be removed to further increase stowage space. The new interior also benefits the driver ergonomics. The seat position has been shifted back by 0.8 inches and the steering wheel adjustment range has been modified. Simple things that make a big difference have been optimized by use of the MQB architecture: the space between the brake and gas pedals has been increased by 0.6 inches and the shifter position has been raised by a similar amount, so it now rests better in the driver’s hand. Every element of the interior has been redeveloped and redesigned. The wide center console is now oriented towards the driver, a feature that’s more typical of premium vehicles rather than compacts. In the middle of the console, beneath the hazard warning light switch, is the infotainment screen. For the first time, Volkswagen is using touchscreens with a proximity sensor, allowing drivers to change functions with a swipe of the hand, just like a smartphone. Even the base radio has a 5.8-inch touchscreen. The new navigation systems are DVD-based with a 3D display. Located beneath the infotainment module are simple, well laid-out controls for the climate control system. Beneath it, the lower section of the center console has a stowage compartment that integrates the Media Device Interface/iPod® cable. The new Golf has improved stowage all around the cabin, with a sliding tray underneath the driver’s seat (manual seats only), six cupholders (counting the pair integrated into the rear armrest), and a large glovebox that houses the CD changer and SD-card slot. The whole interior is finished in high-quality materials. Soft-touch plastics abound, along with chrome, aluminum, and piano black surfaces that have a premium feel and look. The cruise control is now operated though steering wheel buttons rather than the column stalk. New white lighting for the buttons and switches underscores the interior’s upscale look and feel. The GTI, as with previous model years, has a number of interior differences to the Golf. The interior is highlighted by sport seats with distinctive GTI plaid pattern, a black headliner, and red ambient lighting. The car also offers classic GTI features such as a sport steering wheel, GTI shifter knob grip and instrument cluster, special trim inserts, and stainless-steel pedals and foot rest. Engines and Transmissions Volkswagen pioneered the use of small displacement, highly efficient turbocharged engines in the U.S., starting with the 1.8T engine in the 1998 Passat. Since then, Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder has set the benchmark for small displacement turbocharged engines. The Golf will feature a new EA888 Gen 3 turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine made in Silao, Mexico. This 1.8-liter engine will produce 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and will offer highly competitive fuel economy. The engine makes the same power as the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine used in the Golf A6, but produces an additional seven pound-feet of torque, delivered lower in the engine speed range. It will be mated to manual and automatic transmissions. The EA888 Gen 3 engine family is designed to be lighter and more fuel-efficient than the Gen 2 units, such as the 2.0-liter unit fitted in the current GTI. Engine weight has been reduced by eight pounds, to 290 pounds overall. Among the improvements on this engine are: a thinwall crankcase casting; exhaust headers that are integrated into the cylinder head; smaller diameter main bearings; roller bearings for the twin balancer shafts; and a crankshaft that has four counterweights instead of eight. The TDI Clean Diesel model will use the new EA288 turbocharged, common-rail, direct-injection four-cylinder engine that makes 150 horsepower—an increase of 10 hp over the current engine—and 236 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant shares only the bore spacing with the previous diesel engine that shared the same designation. A number of changes have been made to help reduce emissions, such as: use of a complex exhaust gas recirculation system (with a cooled low-pressure AGR); integration of the intercooler with the intake manifold, which also improves throttle response; and packaging the exhaust after-treatment components close to the engine. The engine also has a number of modifications to help minimize friction and optimize fuel economy: there are low-friction bearings for the camshaft and balancer shafts, piston rings that have less pre-tension, and the oil pump is a two-stage device with volumetric flow regulation. As with the current Golf, the new TDI model will have a standard six-speed manual transmission with the option of a DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI will also use an uprated version of the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine. Final horsepower and torque figures have yet to be released, but it is expected to make about 210 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Like the current GTI, the engine will drive the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG transmission. It is expected that the European Performance Pack will be offered during the GTI’s lifecycle. Chassis All versions of the new Golf have the XDS® electronic differential lock, a feature that was developed for the current GTI. This system electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the front wheel with the most traction, thus helping to improve handling and traction. Another new feature is progressive steering, which incorporates a new steering rack and a more powerful electric motor. Where “normal” steering racks have teeth that are spaced consistently, the progressive system has a different tooth pitch in the center than it has on the outside. The lower steering ratio in the center means that the car responds more quickly when entering a turn, while the higher ratio at the ends of the rack reduces the amount of effort needed near full steering lock, such as when you’re parking. Safety and Security As well as offering no fewer than six standard airbags, the new Golf features as standard a new safety system called Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The new system automatically brakes the vehicle when it is involved in a collision in order to help reduce residual kinetic energy. The system is triggered when the airbag sensors detect a primary collision and it is limited to a maximum retardation rate of 0.6g by the electronic stability control (ESC) unit. The driver can effectively override the system at any time; for example, it is disabled if it recognizes that the driver is accelerating. The system is also deactivated if the driver initiates braking at a higher rate than 0.6g. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 27, 2013 Back at the Detroit Auto Show in January, Acura unveiled the MDX concept and announced they would be showing the production model later this year. Today at the New York Auto Show, Acura introduced the new 2014 MDX. The production model is pretty much the same vehicle we saw as a concept back at Detroit in January. Think of an Acura RDX that has been stretched in all directions and you have the look of the MDX. Inside, the MDX's dash mimics RLX by having a dual-screen display (eight-inch display on top, seven-inch haptic touch screen on the bottom). Other interior features include AcuraLink, a premium ELS audio system, and a optional a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch screen complete with HDMI compatibility. Under the hood is a brand-new 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine making 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Power is funnel through a six-speed automatic to either the front-wheels or Acura's SH-AWD system. Acura will offer a new Integrated Dynamic System that allows the driver to choose between normal, sport and comfort settings for the new MDX, and will have the choice of either eighteen or nineteen-inch alloy wheels. The new 2014 MDX arrives this summer. Source: Acura William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 All-New 2014 Acura MDX Debuts at the New York International Auto Show Third-generation MDX raises the bar with more performance, class-leading fuel economy ratings, innovative interior features and signature Acura technologies NEW YORK, March 27, 2013 – Acura today unveiled the all-new 2014 MDX luxury SUV at the 2013 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Built on a completely new platform, the seven-passenger MDX offers improved ride comfort, a more versatile and luxurious cabin, increased fuel efficiency and enhanced dynamic performance. The MDX will also be offered for the first time in a more affordable and even more fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive configuration. "Building on the award-winning dynamic performance of the previous model, the third-generation MDX adds new levels of luxury comfort, family functionality and fuel efficiency to once again set the luxury SUV benchmark," said Jeff Conrad, vice president and general manager of Acura Sales. "From Nürburgring-tuned dynamics and thoughtful interior appointments, to the addition of a new two-wheel-drive model, the all-new MDX continues Acura's direction of creating vehicles that advance the synergy between man and machine." Powertrain The 2014 Acura MDX is powered by an all-new direct-injected 24-valve 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™), producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. The MDX's engine architecture is shared with two racecars that recently finished First and Second in the LMP2 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Employing a 6-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode and Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters, the new MDX will be offered in both Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™) and two-wheel-drive drivetrain variants, both featuring Acura's new Agile Handling Assist technology. Matched to the highly efficient Earth Dreams Technology engine and the \ SH-AWD drivetrain, the 2014 MDX has an EPA fuel economy rating of 18/27/21 mpg1 (city/highway/combined), while the new front-wheel-drive model is EPA rated at 20/28/23 mpg1 (city/highway/combined). While achieving even higher fuel economy ratings, the MDX remains a true driver's SUV with enhanced dynamic performance, including quicker acceleration, more responsive braking and even more precise steering feel. Tuned and tested on the grueling Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany, the lighter and more dynamic new 2014 MDX with SH-AWD bests the previous model's lap time by eight seconds. To satisfy the preferences of multiple drivers in any family, the 2014 MDX features an all-new Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) with three modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort. IDS adjusts steering effort, throttle response, SH-AWD and active sound to suit the tastes of the driver. The MDX's new Amplitude Reactive Dampers, MacPherson strut front suspension and new multi-link rear suspension enable its more nimble and responsive handling and improved ride quality. 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 245/60-18 tires come standard on the MDX. Technology and Advance grades are equipped with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 245/55-19 tires. Body and Styling The 2014 MDX body applies more than 55 percent advanced lightweight materials – including high strength steel, aluminum and magnesium – resulting in a vehicle that is both more rigid and lightweight, with total vehicle weight reduced 275 pounds from the previous model. Measuring 193.6 inches in overall length, 77.2 inches in overall width (excluding door mirrors), 67.6 inches in overall height, and riding on a 111-inch wheelbase (up 2.75 inches from the previous model), the new MDX boasts an "Executive Aero Sculpture" exterior design that lends it a sleek, tailored and sophisticated appearance. The aerodynamic body design – refined by engineers in a new wind tunnel at the company's Ohio R&D center – helps the MDX achieve a more than 17 percent improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, making it one of the most aerodynamic and fuel-efficient luxury SUVs on the road. The 2014 MDX also takes a big step up in luxury comfort and quiet. The MDX's dynamically tuned platform, more airtight body and triple path isolated dampers, along with the use of new sound-deadening materials, such as acoustic glass and expanding body sealers, and Active Noise Control technology, make this the quietest and most composed MDX yet. Interior Equally adept at carrying clients and kids, the new MDX boasts a luxurious and versatile interior. The revised body dimensions and new, more compact multi-link rear suspension, combined with innovative new technologies on the second-row seats, significantly improve third-row access and all-around passenger comfort. Third-row ingress and egress is significantly improved by a two-inch lower step-in height and three-inch wider entryway, and by the introduction of a new One-Touch Walk-In feature. With a single press of the illuminated One-Touch Walk-In button, the second-row seats automatically fold and slide to their forward-most position. The second-row seats now feature a four-position recline and a new Extended Slide capability that provides six inches of total fore-aft seat adjustment for optimal balance between second- and third-row legroom. Rear cargo capacity is also improved and includes a new underfloor storage area. Up front, there is a 10-way power adjustable and heated driver's seat and an 8-way power and heated passenger seat. The MDX also addresses a major shortcoming of many luxury SUVs – available front-seat storage space – with a spacious new center console that can accommodate a purse, laptop case, or a pair of iPads®. The MDX's luxury quotient is further boosted by its upgraded interior appointments, including premium leather-trimmed interior, silver plated accents, LED overhead and cabin accent lighting, along with new optional luxury features, such as Smart Entry, second-row sunshades, remote engine start, and auto-linked air conditioning and climate-controlled seats. Acura Signature Technology In addition, the 2014 Acura MDX harnesses a range of Acura signature technologies, including Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, more powerful Acura/ELS Studio premium audio system, and the next-generation AcuraLink™ connectivity system with AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™, featuring freeway traffic and surface street conditions (free for the first three years). In addition to the traffic services, the AcuraLink™ cloud-based connected car system offers an assortment of media, convenience, information and security features via an embedded cellular system and compatible web-enabled smartphones. Both the AcuraLink™ and Acura/ELS Studio system take advantage of a 7-inch color On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD) touchscreen with haptic feedback and an 8-inch Color Information Display. The addition of the ODMD, along with other interior changes, allowed engineers to reduce the number of hard buttons in the center stack from 41 to just nine. The available Entertainment package adds a DVD Rear Entertainment system with a 9-inch full VGA screen for the rear seats, while the Advance package replaces the 9-inch monitor with an ultra-wide, 16.2-inch full VGA screen with HDMI compatibility for devices such as a game console. The 2014 MDX offers a host of innovative driver assistive and visibility technologies, including a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera and available Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, Blind Spot Information (BSI), and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). Safety The third-generation MDX is expected to achieve top-level safety ratings, including a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including the highest possible rating of GOOD in the Institute's new small-offset frontal collision test. The new MDX is equipped with a broad array of advanced safety technologies, including the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ II (ACE™ II) body structure, 4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, and airbags (front, front side, driver's knee and side curtain with rollover sensor), as well as the available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems. The 2014 Acura MDX is scheduled to go on sale at U.S. Acura dealers nationwide this summer and will be available in four grades – the well-equipped MDX, the robust MDX with Technology package, the rear-passenger-friendly MDX with Technology and Entertainment packages, and the top-of-the-line MDX with Advance and Entertainment packages. The 2014 MDX was designed and developed in the U.S. and will be built at the Lincoln, Alabama plant using domestic and globally sourced parts. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch. View full article

1. 1LE will be sticking around 2. Tough call since we don't the final performance figures on the Z/28. My guess would be the ZL-1 by a hair.

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 27, 2013 Volvo is making a wagon comeback. Today at the New York Auto Show, Volvo Cars' senior vice president marketing, sales and customer service, Doug Speck made the announcement that Volvo V60 would be coming to the states in in early 2014. As for what engines and equipment will be offered, Volvo says that will be revealed at a closer time. "The V60 builds upon our wagon heritage, and it's a beautiful evolution in design and direction for Volvo. Many consumers will be glad to see the addition of this exciting sports wagon to the Volvo lineup in America. And this time, we've added sophistication with the dynamic driving performance of a sedan," said Volvo Cars of North America President and CEO John Maloney. Source: Volvo William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Volvo Announces V60 Sports Wagon Will Come to U.S. Market ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (March 28, 2013) - Already a superstar in Europe, Volvo's V60 sports wagon soon will hit the shores of America. Doug Speck, Volvo Cars' senior vice president marketing, sales and customer service, made the announcement at the New York International Auto Show, indicating the new V60 will come to the U.S. market in early 2014. Pricing and specifications will be announced at a later date. The V60 R-Design on the auto show stand marks the global debut of the R-Design version of the car. It projects an elegant, curvy and sculptured appearance that equally straddles luxury and performance. "The V60 builds upon our wagon heritage, and it's a beautiful evolution in design and direction for Volvo," said Volvo Cars of North America President and CEO John Maloney. "Many consumers will be glad to see the addition of this exciting sports wagon to the Volvo lineup in America. And this time, we've added sophistication with the dynamic driving performance of a sedan." The new Volvo V60 is for people who want the handling of a dynamic sports sedan but need the versatility of a wagon. Now, forging a new path with the V60, the Scandinavian automaker reaches a new level of design and sophistication, blending styling cues from its best-selling sedan with a sleek, curvy silhouette. At the heart of the extra versatility of the V60 is its intelligent seating. Rear seats can be folded down in three 40/20/40 segments, allowing its interior space to be configured for passengers and loaded in a remarkably flexible way. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 27, 2013 Hyundai's flagship sedan has undergone a big refresh for the North American market this year, with the new 2014 Equus being shown at the New York Auto Show this week. Outside, the 2014 Equus doesn't look that much different than the current model. The front bumper, grille, lights, and mirrors have been changed for the 2014 model. Moving inside, Hyundai has made some key changes including a new instrument cluster, steering wheel, center console, and a large 9.2-inch touchscreen in the dash. The Equus Ultimate model gets a 12.3-inch in the dash and two 9.2-inch screens for back seat passengers. Under the hood, the 5.0L Tau V8 engine is left untouched. It produces 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. The power goes through an eight-speed automatic to the rear wheels. Hyundai has reworked the Equus' suspension to improve ride and handling characteristics. Sport feels more sporty while normal feels more comfortable. Hyundai hasn't announced when the new Equus will go on sale, but it might sometime later this year. Source: Hyundai William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 REDESIGNED 2014 EQUUS OFFERS DRIVER-FOCUSED TECHNOLOGIES, PREMIUM DESIGN, SUSPENSION REFINEMENT AND ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES Hyundai’s Flagship Premium Sedan Receives Comprehensive Mid-cycle Enhancements NEW YORK, Mar. 27, 2013 – Hyundai Motor America today introduced the redesigned 2014 Equus premium luxury sedan in a North American debut at the New York International Auto Show with enhancements to exterior and interior design, vehicle dynamics, material selection, driver technology displays and advanced safety features. Equus has been an impressive success story for Hyundai; so far this year, Equus is the number-one shopped premium luxury sedan, well ahead of Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, and Jaguar XJ according to industry shopping analysis by Compete. 2014 EQUUS HIGHLIGHTS Exterior New 19-inch, turbine-blade polished silver wheel design New front bumper fascia and grille design New side mirrors and tail lamp graphics Standard LED fog lamps New Night Shadow Brown exterior color Interior Completely redesigned instrumental panel and center stack Redesigned center console and shift lever design Revised steering wheel control layout with vehicle settings New ivory leather interior environment New, ultra-premium genuine wood trim selections Redesigned rear seat center console controls Suspension Revised tuning for both enhanced ride comfort and handling Sport mode receives crisper damper tuning for improved body control Normal mode receives enhanced ride comfort Snow mode added to drive mode system [*]Revised front suspension bushings Features Standard Assurance Connected Care & Blue Link® – safety, service and infotainment telematics system Larger, 7-inch TFT LCD cluster display (Signature) 12.3-inch, fully-digital TFT LCD cluster display (Ultimate) Larger 9.2-inch upper center stack LCD display Climate control system offers three distinct cabin temperature zones Standard smart cruise control with stop/start (from 0 mph) Proximity smart key with both key fob and card-key types Dual 9.2-inch rear seat entertainment monitors Power door closure Power lumbar for rear outboard seats Advanced Safety Standard Assurance Connected Care (3-year complimentary services) Standard Rear Cross-traffic Alert Standard Blind Spot Detection (BSD) Heads-up display (HUD) designed for reduced driving distraction Vehicle multi-view camera system EXTERIOR DESIGN 2014 Equus exterior enhancements convey a premium-sport design message, starting with a new 19-inch turbine-blade alloy wheel design in a polished silver finish that relays motion whether parked or on the open highway. The front grille chrome bars are thinner, with sharper contrast to the blacked-out portions of the grille for a sportier look. The front fascia also has been redesigned, with the former chrome accents removed in favor of a modern premium appearance that includes lower fascia opening strakes. The headlamps offer jeweled design elements and include chrome contrasted with black-out finishes for a distinctive appearance. New LED fog lamps are now standard. Side mirrors have been redesigned for enhanced aerodynamics and tail lamp graphics move to a more horizontal theme. INTERIOR DESIGN Hyundai engineers wanted the 2014 Equus interior to perfectly complement the enhancements to its exterior. Thus, the themes of premium and performance again greet the driver behind the wheel. The entire instrument panel and center stack have been redesigned with more premium materials and an ergonomically-correct layout, with new button iconography for quicker and easier feature recognition. The center console and shift lever reveal more premium material selection and contemporary premium-luxury design cues. Steering wheel control layout has been improved, with new low-sheen button designs and icons. Similarly, rear passengers will enjoy a new rear console and button layout, with available dual 9.2-inch, high-resolution, adjustable seatback video screens to enjoy movies, audio media, HVAC or seating functions. Rear passengers can even search restaurant locations and provide navigation system directions directly to the driver’s navigation screen. VEHICLE DYNAMICS 2014 Equus driving dynamics also have been revised to minimize traditional ride and handling compromises, with Normal and Sport modes each taking on a more differentiated ride and handling character. The air suspension was recalibrated: Sport mode receives more controlled damping, while Normal mode receives slightly enhanced ride comfort while retaining a well-controlled handling demeanor. The front suspension bushings were also revised to enhance suspension function. For those customers that experience adverse weather conditions such as ice and snow, a new Snow mode function was added to the drive mode system, for both safety and ease of control in challenging road conditions. In urban areas, Equus is easy to maneuver and park, thanks to electro-hydraulic steering and its electronic parking guide assist. While the Equus is large, it doesn't feel over-sized or clumsy due to its 39.6 foot turning circle and variable-effort steering system. On winding country and mountain roads, the Equus benefits from the precise wheel articulation delivered by its five-link front and rear suspension geometry. This geometry is maximized through Continuous Damping Control (CDC), which continually monitors road and driving dynamics and optimizes damping force accordingly. The standard 19-inch alloy wheel and tire package with staggered width tires (P245/45R19 front P275/40R19 rear) offers excellent grip and precise control. NEW AND ENHANCED TECHNOLOGIES All Equus driver-interface displays have been improved for 2014, with a larger, 7-inch Thin-film Transistor (TFT) LCD center cluster display for Signature models, a large 12.3-inch, fully-digital TFT LCD center cluster display for Ultimate models, and a larger, standard 9.2-inch center instrument panel LCD display. New, dual high-resolution 9.2-inch rear seat entertainment monitors have been fitted in place of the former single monitor for rear passengers in the Ultimate model. All of Equus’ new displays are larger and more legible, featuring premium-quality, high-resolution graphics. The Ultimate model’s larger, fully-digital LCD display now offers various driver menus that can be accessed directly via steering wheel haptic dial control, helping to keep the driver’s hands on the wheel for minimal driving distraction. The climate control system now offers three distinct cabin temperature zones for driver, passenger, and rear passengers. The standard smart cruise control system has been enhanced to include a full 0-mph stop-and-start function for use in stop-and-go traffic. The smart proximity key now includes both key-fob and card-key types of vehicle entry for greater driver convenience. Ultimate models now feature an automatic power door closure assist function; once a door manually approaches full closure, a power function slowly and quietly ensures the door is fully secured for peace of mind. Also on the Ultimate model, both rear outboard passengers now have power lumbar support. POWERFUL 5.0-LITER TAU V8 ENGINE The 2014 Equus is powered by Hyundai’s 5.0-liter Tau DOHC V8 engine, producing 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm, with a higher specific output (85.8 hp/liter) than its normally-aspirated premium luxury competitors. The Tau V8 engine creates this high output level while retaining exceptionally smooth power delivery throughout its rpm range, without the turbo lag and surge exhibited by some forced-induction engines. The 5.0-liter Tau also features direct injection technology. This high-pressure direct injection system (over 2,200 psi) dramatically increases power and torque, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The 5.0-liter Tau has a high 11.5:1 compression ratio for greater thermal efficiency and output. It also has a bed plate for improved block rigidity and lower NVH, as well as camshaft carriers and a roller timing chain to improve valvetrain stability. This V8 engine offers premium engine technologies, including Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), a tuned variable induction system, and low-friction diamond-like coatings (DLC) on piston skirts, rings and tappets. Even with these impressive power increases, fuel economy is estimated at 15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. The Tau V8 engine is coupled with a Hyundai-developed eight-speed transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual shift capability for enhanced acceleration and overall efficiency. INNOVATIVE OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE Hyundai will continue to offer its unique ownership experience for Equus customers, including tailored dealership showrooms, “Your Time, Your Place” at-home vehicle demonstrations, “At Your Service” valet service appointments and an interactive owner’s manual app for Apple iPad®. The sales and service experience for Equus is unlike any other in the industry, with a special focus on the customer’s time and convenience. Prospective buyers can participate in the “Your Time, Your Place” valet test drive program, where a specially-trained Product Champion will deliver an Equus to their home or office for a personalized, convenient shopping experience. Equus also features the industry’s first interactive owner’s manual app, providing a convenient and simpler way for owners to become familiar with the full capabilities of the vehicle. Another benefit of Equus “At Your Service” is completely free maintenance services throughout the five-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty period. During this five-year period, any maintenance or warranty issue is fully covered by Hyundai, providing exceptional peace of mind to Equus owners. When service is required, Equus owners can schedule their maintenance and service through a simple online scheduling system or from the interactive owner’s manual. An Equus owner can also choose to have their vehicle picked up at their home or business, with a complimentary loaner dropped off. Once service is completed, the owner again chooses the time and location for the vehicle to be delivered. PREMIUM REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE Equus is the third rear-wheel-drive product in Hyundai’s lineup and boasts near perfect front-to-rear weight distribution for exceptional handling balance and more refined steering characteristics. Equus reduces interior noise levels and improves ride and handling with a rigid, lightweight body structure. The use of high-tensile steel in critical areas throughout the unibody provides Equus with significantly higher dynamic torsional rigidity and a lower body structure weight, despite having a spacious interior cabin. LUXURIOUS FEATURES AND DESIGN The busy executive as well as the couple heading out on the town will feel right at home in the 2014 Equus due to abundant luxury touches and passenger comfort features. This ambience begins with superior quality materials and design layout. The leather upholstery, Microfiber suede headliner, genuine wood trim and leather-wrapped French-stitched instrument panel showcase the richness of the Equus interior. The seats are fully adjustable with plenty of width and support. Thermoelectric devices located in the seat backs and bottom cushions provide control for heating, cooling and humidity. There is ample leg and head room for drivers over six-feet tall. In fact, Equus has more leg, head and shoulder room in the front and rear seats than the Lexus LS460. The driver’s cockpit boasts an abundance of features and premium services. The Driver Information System (DIS) provides navigation, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD Radio technology, hands-free Bluetooth® phone system, Blue Link® telematics, and much more. UNCOMPROMISED SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES For 2014, Equus has added a number of new technologies that reduce the potential for distracted driving by helping drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. A new Blind Spot Detection system is standard, with blind spot vehicle alerts in either mirror. On the Ultimate model, a high-visibility Heads-up Display provides vehicle speed, navigation turn-by-turn instructions, smart cruise control indicators and select driving data viewable well above the cowl plane for reduced driving distraction. When parking or navigating tight urban situations, Equus Ultimate now offers a multi-view camera system that provides an aerial view of the vehicle with split-screen vehicle perspectives for optimized visibility and safety. In addition, all models now include Rear Cross-traffic Alert to help alert drivers of vehicles crossing their path when backing up. Equus also offers a lane departure warning system, with audible and visual warnings activated after a one-second lane departure. The system adds a haptic warning, via the seatbelt, for an extra margin of alert. Further, to help maintain safer following distances in traffic, Equus’ smart cruise control automatically manages the Equus’ speed through the braking and throttle systems to maintain a specified following distance selected by the driver. Equus maintains Hyundai’s emphasis on delivering leading safety technology, boasting world-class active and passive safety features to help prevent accidents, and maximize the well-being of its occupants in the event of a collision. Named a 2013 “TOP SAFETY PICK” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Equus continues the Hyundai tradition of offering key safety technologies, with features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), nine airbags, electronic active front head restraints, lane departure warning system and smart cruise control that monitors and adjusts following distances in traffic. Equus even has a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system that optimally manages ESC, the electronic parking brake, smart cruise control and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety. Equus’ total of nine airbags include advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and rear outboard seat occupants and a driver’s knee airbag. Equus utilizes strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones, bodyside reinforcements and five-mph energy-absorbing bumpers. The hood also includes buckling creases and safety stops to maximize occupant protection inside the cabin. Equus is confidently brought to a stop by large four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The 14.2-inch front rotors have four-piston fixed calipers and the rear brakes feature 12.4-inch rotors with single floating piston calipers. LEXICON® AUDIO SYSTEM OFFERS UNRIVALED AUDIO PERFORMANCE Equus offers an ultra-premium Lexicon-branded state-of-the-art audio system featuring LOGIC 7® technology. The Lexicon surround sound audio system includes a 13-channel digital amplifier and 17 speakers producing 598 watts of power in 7.1 discrete surround sound audio. Equus also offers the clarity of digital HD Radio technology, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and iPod®/USB integration. ASSURANCE CONNECTED CARE AND HYUNDAI BLUE LINK® 2014 Equus adds the Hyundai Blue Link® telematics system, with over 30 safety, service, and infotainment features available. In addition, Equus with Blue Link® includes Assurance Connected Care, a three-year complimentary services suite with critical safety and ownership assistance features. This three-year complimentary services suite even extends to potential subsequent owners during the three-year period. Blue Link® combines safety, service and infotainment features to simplify owners’ lives, reduce stress and distracted driving. Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technologies like Remote Vehicle Start, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, and Remote Access from the Blue Link mobile application, including POI Search and Send-to-car. Blue Link can be easily accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror, the web and via the smartphone app. Blue Link is offered in three service packages: Assurance Connected Care, Essentials and Guidance: Assurance Connected Care package (complimentary for 3-years): Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance SOS Emergency Assistance Enhanced Roadside Assistance Monthly Vehicle Report Maintenance Alert Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification (DTC) Recall Advisor Service Link Essentials package: Remote Vehicle Start Remote Door Lock/Unlock Remote Horn and Lights Car Finder via Mobile App Stolen Vehicle Recovery/Slowdown/Immobilization Geofence Valet Alert Speed/Curfew Alert Panic Notification Alarm Notification Guidance package: Turn-by-Turn Navigation Service POI Search by advanced voice recognition system POI Web Search and Download Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition Traffic Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices Restaurant Ratings Eco-Coach Weather More details on Hyundai Blue Link are available at http://www.hyundaibluelink.com/. GENEROUS FEATURE PACKAGING For 2014, Equus Signature and Ultimate packages are both so generously equipped that no factory options are available. Both the Signature and Ultimate packages now feature 5-passenger seating, increasing the Ultimate model’s appeal to customers desiring extra seating capacity. Both Equus Signature and Ultimate buyers benefit from the following new standard features added to all Equus models: Blind Spot Detection (BSD) Smart Cruise Control (with added 0-mph stop/start capability) New LED fog lamps Rear Cross-traffic Alert Additional “card-type” proximity key entry Blue Link® telematics capability Navigation system with 9.2-inch LCD screen (formerly 8.0-inch) Three-zone climate control system (formerly two-zone type) EQUUS SIGNATURE KEY STANDARD FEATURES 5.0L GDI DOHC D-CVVT Tau® V8 engine w/429 HP 8-Speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) Electronically Controlled Air Suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) 19” polished-silver finish alloy wheels with P245/45R19(Ft)/P275/40R19(Rr) 4-Wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and EBD Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with TCS and Brake Assist Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system w/ pre-collision warning 9 Airbags: Advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags Driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags Electronic active front head restraints w/ power controls / Electronic seatbelt pre-tensioners Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Lane-departure warning system (LDWS) Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop/start High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with LED turn signal indicators Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) with auto-leveling LED Fog lights & Automatic headlights Front and rear parking assistance system with rearview camera & Rear Cross-traffic Alert Dual power-folding heated auto-dim side mirrors w/ turn signal indicators/approach lamps Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with rear bumper Proximity key (card type) entry with push-button start Illuminated scuff plates, inside door handles & door armrest Premium leather seating surfaces and microfiber suede headliner 12-way power driver seat plus lumbar adjustment and 10-way power front passenger seat Heated & Cooled front seats Heated, wood-trimmed & leather-wrapped steering wheel /power tilt-and-telescopic function Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver-side seat, mirror and steering wheel Leather-wrapped dash and genuine wood interior trim Electroluminescent cluster with 7-inch TFT LCD screen Electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold Power windows with auto-down/up Blue Link® Telematics System Assurance Connected Care (with 3-years complimentary service) Navigation system w/ 9.2 inch LCD screen w/ DIS multimedia controller Lexicon® 7.1 Discrete surround-sound audio system with 17 speakers AM/FM/HD Radio®/SiriusXM/CD/DVD/MP3 audio system iPod, USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks Bluetooth® hands-free phone system Three zone Automatic Temperature Control with Air Quality System Windshield-wiper deicer, rain-sensing wipers / auto-defogging windshield Electrochromic auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass Acoustic Laminated Windshield , Front and Rear side Windows Power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof 60/40 power reclining and heated rear seats Power rear sunshade Premium-grade floor mats, premium-grade trunk cargo mat and first-aid kit EQUUS ULTIMATE ADDS ULTRA LUXURY FEATURES Equus Ultimate adds or replaces: Heads-up display Cooled rear seats Power rear side window sunshades Rear seat power up/down head restraints w/ manual tilt Rear seat illuminated vanity mirrors Forward-view Cornering Camera Power trunk lid Steering-wheel haptic dial control for center cluster Full 12.3 inch TFT LCD instrument cluster display screen Rear seat entertainment system w/ dual 9.2” monitors Power lumbar (rear outboard seats) Multi-view camera system Power door closure COLOR PALETTE For 2014, Equus buyers can opt for a distinctive new color, Night Shadow Brown, as well as the option of a new Ivory leather interior environment with contrasting piping on the seat bolsters, a sporty yet unmistakably premium interior design element. There are also three new genuine wood accents for the interior: Jet Black with Walnut, Ivory with Ash or Saddle brown with Madrona. View full article