William Maley

What?! I think this is one of the best vehicles at the show. I'm really impressed with the Q50 (aside from the name) Also... Uploaded a new gallery of pictures taken by BlackViper8891. Thanks

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 14, 2013 Hyundai's showing for the 2013 Detroit Auto Show was a very unique concept named the HCD-14 Genesis. While the concept isn't quite the real deal, it gives us some clues of what to expect. The overall design is very much a classic concept car with a almost vertical front end, large grille, and rear-hinged doors. Aside from those dream features, the HCD-14 does feature some design cues that might end up on the next Genesis like hard-edged body creases running along the side of the car and the coupe-like roofline running all the way to the end of vehicle. Other features to take note are a heads-up display, hand-gesture recognition system, and a system that's able to track a driver's eyes to select options in various vehicle functions. Hyundai promises improved driving dynamics with the HCD-14 by providing a more rigid chassis, driver-selectable settings for various conditions, and a 5.0L direct-injected V8 paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Source: Hyundai Album: Hyundai HCD-14 Concept 15 images 0 comments 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 HYUNDAI’S PREMIUM SEGMENT SUCCESS SETS THE STAGE FOR NEXT-GENERATION HCD-14 GENESIS REVEAL AT THE NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW HCD-14 Genesis Provides a Glimpse into Future Hyundai Premium Vehicle Design Eye-tracking Technology and Interactive 3-D Gesture Recognition Hint at Future Technologies in Hyundai’s Premium Vehicle Lineup DETROIT, Jan. 14, 2013 – Having finished 2012 with five-straight years of premium segment sales growth with its Genesis and Equus vehicle lines, today Hyundai unveiled its design direction for future premium vehicles with its HCD-14 Genesis concept at the North American International Auto Show. "We’ve departed from industry convention in many of our premium product, marketing, sales and service approaches, and it’s worked out pretty well, with Genesis and Equus now delivering a nine percent retail market share in their premium segments, higher than the five percent retail share Hyundai brand achieves in the overall industry,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “This success paves the way for a new generation of rear-wheel drive premium products. HCD-14 Genesis gives a hint of the design direction we’ll be taking, and an indication of the focus we’re placing on driving dynamics and technology.” Further, Genesis and Equus are attracting higher buyer demographics to the Hyundai brand than ever before. Since the launch of Genesis in 2008, the share of Hyundai buyers with household incomes above $100,000 has increased by 25%, indicating just how far products like Genesis have improved demographics for the brand. Finally, despite capacity constraints, Genesis Coupe annual sales have exceeded those of its Infiniti G37 premium coupe competitor since its introduction to the premium sport coupe segment in 2009, and it remains one of the fastest turning vehicles in Hyundai’s lineup. FLUIDIC PRECISION DESIGN HCD-14 Genesis conveys a fluidic-precision, liquid-metal design language. Craftsmanship quality is conveyed via gemstone-like design surfaces. A bold front fascia surrounds brushed metal grille surfaces with a deep vertical grille opening. The corners of the rear hood incorporate heat extractor design accents that integrate seamlessly with exterior mirror design. From the side view silhouette, classic rear-drive sport sedan proportions are conveyed by an extended dash-to-axle length, short overhangs, large-diameter wheels, sharply-tapered greenhouse, and short rear deck. Large wheels were developed from a mix of premium lightweight alloys with carbon fiber surrounding the voided areas of the wheel design. “We instilled HCD-14 Genesis with a premium-sport 4-door coupe road presence,” said Christopher Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design North America. “Its sleek and lightweight silhouette does not punish the wind, but uses fluidic precision with dramatic surfacing that conveys natural restraint. Inside, a driver-centric cockpit prioritizes dramatic sculpture over infotainment button overload. Laminated and milled-wood detailing delivers a fresh, topographical map-like visual interest throughout the cabin-length center console.” REAR-HINGED REAR DOOR CABIN ACCESS Opening the rear door reveals a rear-hinged configuration, with a single, oversized, brushed-aluminum hinge articulating diagonally from the rear door cutline. With both doors open, HCD-14 Genesis has an inviting and commodious cabin ambience. Inside the cabin, a double-cresting-wave center console design carries from the instrument panel through to the rear seats. This design-wave theme further influences the interior door handles and rear headrest hoods. Gauges and driver data are provided via an eclectic fusion of both analog and digital sources, with aviation-derived design cues. The driver-focused cockpit offers an asymmetrical center stack, with critical driving functions separated from passenger comfort functions. The center console even includes an iPad® tablet storage station, keeping it secure in spirited driving. ACTIVE DRIVER SAFETY TECHNOLOGY While the HCD-14 Genesis exterior design makes a statement all its own, the driver’s environment is where its technological innovation breaks new ground. Ergonomics engineers eliminated the traditional center stack, developing an intuitive driver interface system that allows the HCD-14 driver to better keep his eyes on the road. Freed from traditional design restrictions, designers created a controls layout devoid of intimidating clusters of buttons and knobs. Using state-of-the-art driver eye-tracking and 3-D hand-gesture recognition, HCD-14 Genesis is able to recognize driver commands free from the distractions associated with manual controls. Once a specific feature is selected via eye-tracking, thumb controls or gesture recognition can be used to select navigation, infotainment, audio, HVAC, and even smartphone connectivity functions. This intuitive interface provides the driver with complete control while keeping his eyes safely above the cowl plane, using a windshield heads-up display (HUD) for minimal driving distraction. This proprietary interface represents Hyundai’s vision for future vehicle HMI and sets a new benchmark in active driver safety technology. DRIVER-CENTRIC VEHICLE DYNAMICS HCD-14’s innovative eye-tracking and gesture-based controls reduce typical driving distractions, resulting in a more focused driver able to better appreciate the day-to-day satisfaction of exceptional vehicle dynamics. To this end, HCD-14 Genesis vehicle dynamics take the driver to a new level of involvement, focus, and control. An ultra-rigid chassis with strategic use of high-tensile steel provides a vault-like platform for the rear-drive powertrain configuration. Sophisticated five-link front and rear suspension reduces suspension-travel changes to camber and toe for consistent grip out of bends. A multi-mode power steering system retains road feel and feedback advantages while yielding the efficiency benefits of an electronic system. Low-profile performance tires yield outstanding turn-in response, mid-corner grip, and road feel. A sophisticated yaw-control system provides multiple driver-selected options for changing road conditions and driving preferences. Such an advanced complement of tarmac-gripping technologies requires an equally-impressive powertrain to be fully exploited, and the Hyundai-developed Tau® V8 engine is more than up to the task. DIRECT-INJECTED TAU® V8 POWER The HCD-14 Genesis powertrain features the award-winning Hyundai Tau® V8 engine, displacing 5.0-liters, with direct injection and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), for impressive power, low emissions and superb efficiency. HCD-14 Genesis uses optical recognition to identify the driver and initiate the starting sequence, while gear selection for the 8-speed automatic transmission is performed via paddle shifters. HCD-14 Genesis exhaust is ceramic-lined and was tuned for minimal backpressure, maximum high-rpm horsepower, and a deep baritone note, with cooling fins integrated into ultra-wide exhaust tips. 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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 14, 2013 The past few generations of the Toyota Corolla have played it safe. But with the introduction of the Toyota Corolla Furia concept today at the Detroit Auto Show, Toyota appears to be taking some chances. As the company said in a press release, "this exciting compact sedan concept hints at the styling cues consumers can expect to see on the next-generation Corolla." The Corolla Furia Concept has a very striking front end with a sleek, low-profile upper grille that extends into LED headlights at the corners. Underneath, there is a larger grille. Other design cues to take note of are a raked windshield, sloped roofline, and pronounced fender flares. Album: Toyota Corolla Furia Concept 4 images 0 comments Source: Toyota 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 TOYOTA FURIA CONCEPT MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT AT 2013 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 14, 2013 – Toyota revealed the Corolla Furia Concept at the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This exciting compact sedan concept hints at the styling cues consumers can expect to see on the next-generation Corolla. The concept represents an exterior styling study by Toyota designers, and it builds on the brand's product development priority to develop more dramatic, expressively designed vehicles. "The Corolla Furia Concept is an early indicator of where our compact car design may lead in the future," said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division. "It blends a heightened emphasis on dramatic design and modern elements of high technology to generate curb appeal that will surprise a lot of people." The Furia is designed around a theme of "Iconic Dynamism," which uses pure and simple surface elements to create a confident, decisive and recognizable appearance appealing to more youthful consumers. It features a more provocative, dynamic interpretation of a compact sedan that displays a more stable, athletic stance with 19-inch allow wheels pushed to the vehicle's corners with short overhangs to help emphasize its long wheelbase. The Corolla Furia design includes a swept windshield, with a sloped roofline and pronounced fender flares, to help communicate a sense of motion even when the car is stationary. The aggressively styled front fascia, with a blacked-out grille treatment, helps highlight a pair of sculpted front LED headlamps that combine with the rear composite LED taillight assemblies to add a sense of advanced technology to the Furia's impactful exterior. Carbon fiber accents adorn the Corolla Furia Concept's wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear valance, which includes ornate metal exhaust outlet surrounds to add a sense of modern athleticism. Toyota Corolla Furia Concept Overall Length 4620 mm/ 181.9 inches Overall Width 1805 mm / 71 inches Overall Height 1425 mm / 56.1 inches Wheelbase 2700 mm/ 106.3 inches Wheels 19-inch aluminum alloy View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 14, 2013 Despite getting an early reveal over the weekend, Honda introduced the Urban SUV Concept today at the Detroit Auto Show. While not having a creative name, the concept is preview to a production model coming in late 2014 to the U.S. The design has a bit of Accord up front while the profile gives off a more rugged Nissan Juke look. The Urban SUV Concept measures out to 169.3 inches, putting right in between of a Honda Fit and CR-V. Speaking of the Fit, the production model of the Urban SUV will utlize the next-generation platform that will underpin the new Fit. Power will come from one of Honda's new EarthDream engines. Source: Honda Album: Honda Urban SUV Concept 10 images 0 comments 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 Honda "Urban SUV Concept" Makes World Debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show All-new Honda concept model previews addition to growing small-SUV segment and demonstrates Honda's small-car expertise DETROIT, Jan. 14, 2013 – An all-new Honda "Urban SUV Concept" vehicle made its world debut today at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The dynamic and youthful concept hints at the styling direction of an all-new small SUV slated to launch in Japan by the end of 2013, followed by the U.S. market in 2014. "No one has had greater success with small cars than Honda, and this Urban SUV Concept will create new value in the growing small-SUV segment," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. "With the continued expansion of our North American manufacturing operations, we expect fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive 'small' cars to play a key role in meeting the needs of our customers in the U.S." The Urban SUV Concept is intended to provide the basis for a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient small SUV with aspirational design, flexible packaging and next-generation connectivity targeting active lifestyle customers. The concept showcases clean and sophisticated styling, dynamic character lines and a strong stance, with hidden rear door handles giving the SUV a coupe-like presence. Measuring 169.3 inches long, the Urban SUV Concept is nine inches shorter than the Honda CR-V, making it the ideal size for navigating both crowded city streets and open mountain roads. The Urban SUV Concept represents the expansion of vehicles based on Honda's Global Compact Series, which includes the Honda Fit subcompact and the Honda City subcompact sedan, a model sold in markets outside the United States. All-New Small SUV Launching 2014 Coming to the U.S. in 2014, an all-new small SUV based on the Urban SUV Concept will feature fuel-efficient Earth Dreams™ Technology and be priced and positioned below the CR-V within the Honda light-truck lineup. Part of Honda's Global Compact Series, and utilizing the Honda-original center-tank layout featured on the Fit, the model will include Honda's configurable Magic Seat® setup that can provide a host of passenger and cargo options, including a fold-flat mode for maximum cargo capacity. The all-new model will also feature next-generation telematics and a modern interior. The small SUV will be manufactured along with the Fit at Honda's newest North American plant near Celaya, Mexico, expected to open in the spring of 2014. The growth and expansion of its small-vehicle lineup will help Honda double worldwide production of vehicles in its Global Compact Series to more than 1.5 million units by the end of 2016, and remain a global small-car leader. View full article