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All Eyez on Ford: Tupac Shakur poetry used to market Fusion
Posted Dec 4th 2012 8:58AM
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Tuesday, December 25, 2012
All Eyez on Ford: Tupac Shakur poetry used to market Fusion
source:ca.autoblog All Eyez on Ford: Tupac Shakur poetry used to market Fusion#EANF#
source:ca.autoblog
There are plenty of fans of Tupac Shakur who would have no idea that the rapper who sang "How Do You Want It" and "Str8 Ballin'" could also do a pretty good Langston Hughes with poems like "The Rose that Grew from Concrete." Someone at Ford did, though, and has used the poem from the late West Coast wordsmith to pitch the 2013 Fusion to wider audiences.
Ford not only calls the one-minute spot a "riveting message to the African American community," but says the poem is the "perfect description for the way the new Fusion's design came to be." You can let us know if you've been touched after watching the video below.
RWD Lincolns are coming, fate depends partly on MKZ success
source:ca.autoblog RWD Lincolns are coming, fate depends partly on MKZ success#EANF#
source:ca.autoblog
Posted Dec 4th 2012 11:01AM RWD Lincolns are coming, fate depends partly on MKZ success
Related Gallery2013 Lincoln MKZ: New York 2012
The product portfolio at Lincoln may seem a bit sparse at the moment, but if a report is to be believed, new products are on the way. TheDetroitBureau.com spoke with sources at Lincoln and Ford, who claimed the American premium brand is working on, perhaps more than one, rear-wheel-drive vehicle.
Lincoln would likely platform-share with the next-generation Ford Mustang to develop those RWD offerings in the early going. Moving forward, the report indicates that Lincoln could take the lead on other rear-drive projects in the future. As the RWD architecture continues to take shape, "most or all" of the front-wheel-drive portfolio will also be offered with all-wheel drive as an option, ala Audi.
But wait, there's more! The report also suggests that a replacement for the full-size MKS is on the way, as well as a new Navigator and a luxury crossover based on the current Ford Escape.
These plants sound bold and optimistic, but they all hinge on the performance of the MKZ. Ford CEO Alan Mulally has not been shy about the possibility of abandoning Lincoln if things don't turn around soon. Currently the only all-new product in the brand's stable is the MKS, and it will need to be an immediate sales success for any talk of any future product to come to fruition. CommentsAdd
Within Bodie Stroud's '69 Mustang, beats the heart of Mario Andretti
source:ca.autoblog Within Bodie Stroud's '69 Mustang, beats the heart of Mario Andretti#EANF#
source:ca.autoblog
Posted Dec 4th 2012 12:45PM Within Bodie Stroud's '69 Mustang, beats the heart of Mario Andretti
There are plenty of custom car builders out there, and like many of them, Bodie Stroud's talents are probably only outdone by his love and knowledge of cars. Take this project he completed last year, for example. While it is instantly recognizable as a 1969 Boss Mustang, Stroud has customised almost every aspect of the car combining the heart of a Can-Am racecar with the styling of a classic funny car to create one of the coolest modified first-gen Mustangs you'll ever see. The build process was documented – and recently released – by director Julian King in a video called, The Real Thing.
For the funny car look, Stroud chopped the top, widened the body and added some fat tires in the back. The true beauty of this beast is under the hood with a very unique engine powering Stroud's 'Stang. Using one of 10 engines developed for Mario Andretti's 1969 Can-Am racer, this car is powered by a 494-cubic-inch V8 that was dyno'd at 777 horsepower. To handle that kind of power, Stroud replaced the Mustang's unibody chassis with a custom body-on-frame design that features pass-throughs for the exhaust and a four-wheel air suspension setup. The car was unveiled at the 2011 SEMA Show with Andretti in attendance to sign the monster engine.
Scroll down to watch the five-minute video, and also be sure to check out Stroud's site showing some pictures from the build and the 2011 SEMA Show. CommentsAdd
Hagerty profiles Sandy survivors and their classic cars
source:ca.autoblog Hagerty profiles Sandy survivors and their classic cars#EANF#
source:ca.autoblog
Posted Dec 5th 2012 7:32PM Hagerty profiles Sandy survivors and their classic cars
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Redesigns that worked and flopped determined by new Cars.com index
source:ca.autoblog Redesigns that worked and flopped determined by new Cars.com index#EANF#
source:ca.autoblog
Posted Nov 15th 2012 3:31PM Redesigns that worked and flopped determined by new Cars.com index
Related Gallery2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T: First Drive
The 2013 Ford Fusion is probably the latest, greatest example of a completely redesigned car that has evoked widespread calls of "Look at that!" Above its buzzworthy looks, though, Ford will be concerned about how the 2013 Fusion sells and by how much – if at all – it beats sales of the previous version. Cars.com has run the sales numbers on 61 models that have been redesigned in the past four years, ranking them as Winners, Underperformers and Losers depending on how a new-generation model is selling compared to the one it replaces.
The rankings are sorted by sales class – small, medium and large sellers – so that the success of a niche sports car is weighted differently than the success of a popular midsize car. Compared to a four-year sales average for redesigned cars in each class, Winners were those who outsold the average, Underperformers didn't make the average but did outperform the previous year's (hence, the previous car's) sales, while Losers couldn't do any better anywhere.
Among the most recently introduced winners were the Toyota Camry and the Honda CR-V. The Camry beat the Four-Year Category Average Redesign Increase for large sellers by 2.2 per cent, the CR-V managed 0.2 percent. Underperformers included the Audi A6/S6 which, even though it has outsold the previous generation by 58 percent, still isn't getting near the small seller category average of 79.2 per cent. The new Hyundai Accent is also considered an underperformer, the new model boosting sales by 5.5 per cent – nowhere near the 61.5 per cent of the medium seller category average. The only Loser listed in the chart is the Honda Civic, taking one last thrashing before the "honed" 2013 redesign gets a chance to right the ship.
As for that Fusion, the 2013 model has strong numbers to follow: the 2010 Fusion was a huge winner, putting up a 55.1-per cent increase in the large seller category, beating the average by 33 per cent. It only trailed the redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata shown above, which pasted the average by 42.5 per cent. You can find a few more of the ranked models in Cars.com's chart by heading over to their website.
News Source: Cars.com
Image Credit: Copyright 2012 Zach Bowman / AOL CommentsAdd
Will Hyundai's fuel mileage malfunction give ground to Honda?
source:ca.autoblog Will Hyundai's fuel mileage malfunction give ground to Honda?#EANF#
source:ca.autoblog
Posted Nov 19th 2012 3:30PM Will Hyundai's fuel mileage malfunction give ground to Honda?
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Hyundai Veloster Turbo goes Lego racing
source:ca.autoblog Hyundai Veloster Turbo goes Lego racing#EANF#
source:ca.autoblog
Posted Nov 20th 2012 7:15PM Hyundai Veloster Turbo goes Lego racing
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Hyundai rolls out promised three-row Santa Fe at LA Auto Show
source:ca.autoblog Hyundai rolls out promised three-row Santa Fe at LA Auto Show#EANF#
source:ca.autoblog
Posted Nov 28th 2012 12:30PM Hyundai rolls out promised three-row Santa Fe at LA Auto Show
Related Gallery2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Six/Seven Passenger
Hyundai has unveiled the production version of its six- and seven-passenger Santa Fe at the 2012 LA Auto Show. The new creation will be sold alongside the five-passenger Santa Fe Sport and offers buyers a 3.3-litre direct-injection V6 with 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. Coupled to a six speed automatic transmission, the driveline delivers a 5,000-pound tow rating, and an optional all-wheel-drive system should provide a little extra traction for drivers in snowy climes.
With an extra 3.9 inches of wheelbase over the Santa Fe Sport, the new seven-passenger CUV delivers 5 centimetres (two inches) more leg room in the second row as well as a functional third row of seating. Total cargo volume also swells from 71.5 cubic feet behind the front seats in the Santa Fe Sport to 80.0 cubes in the larger variant. The seven-passenger Santa Fe also serves up 13.5 cubic feet of cargo area behind its third-row seat.
Hyundai estimates the 2013 Santa Fe will deliver 13.1 L/100km and 9.5 L/100km (18 mpg city and 25 mpg EPA) highway in front-wheel-drive configuration, while adding all-wheel-drive to the mix will drop those figures by 1.6 L/100km (1 mpg) highway. You can check out the full press release below for more information. CommentsAdd
HYUNDAI SHOWCASES THE 2013 SIX/SEVEN-PASSENGER SANTA FE AT THE 2012 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Five, Six and Seven Passenger Trims to Sit Side-by-Side in Hyundai Stores
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28, 2012 – The production version of the new three-row, six/seven-passenger Santa Fe makes its world debut today at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, joining the two-row, five-passenger Santa Fe Sport which has been on sale since August. The all-new Santa Fe delivers Hyundai's recipe of bold design, high-output powertrains with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and a host of features to please drivers and passengers with high expectations for functionality, versatility and comfort. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date early next year.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2013 THREE-ROW SANTA FE TRIM
• Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine with 290 horsepower
• Santa Fe is the only midsize CUV with a standard direct injection V6 engine
• Tow rated up to 5,000 pounds
• Active Cornering Control AWD system
• Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM)
• All-new crossover architecture developed for families
• Fluidic Sculpture exterior design
• Hyundai designed and engineered six-speed automatic transmission
• Seven standard airbags
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated rear seats and heated steering wheel
• Power driver and front passenger seats
• Seven passenger seating with 40:20:40 split folding second row bench seat or six passenger seating with second row captain's chairs
• Sliding and reclining second row seating with cargo area release and 50:50 flat folding third row seats
• Standard Blue Link® – safety, service and infotainment telematics system
• Third generation navigation and audio multimedia systems with an available eight-inch display
• Power liftgate
• Santa Fe is 320 pounds lighter than the outgoing Veracruz and 239 pounds lighter than the all-new Nissan Pathfinder
NO LINES STANDING STILL
Hyundai designers crafted Santa Fe Sport and three-row Santa Fe together, with the signature differentiating element being the side view daylight opening (side window shape) - the larger Santa Fe features a shape that highlights the increased passenger and cargo room behind the third-row seat. Santa Fe also has its own bodyside character lines from the B-pillar back, grille design, 18-inch Euroflange alloy wheels, chrome-tipped dual exhaust and a flush-mounted tow hitch design.
Both Santa Fe trims feature the same flowing interior look, designed for passenger functionality and comfort. From the available heated rear seats and eight-way power driver seat with four-way lumbar support, to a standard 40:20:40 folding rear seat back, both models boast flexibility and a pleasant cabin for all. Also new for 2013 – and standard on all Santa Fe equipped with cloth seats – is a 'YES Essentials' seat fabric treatment that provides soil-resistant, anti-odor and anti-static properties for added longevity and livability. Special care and attention went into other interior details, such as an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin and rear side window sunshades. Available on Santa Fe models, is a push-button starter with proximity key, Electroluminescent Gauge Cluster with color LCD trip computer and a heated steering wheel.
The three-row Santa Fe increases second-row legroom by 1.9 inches and cargo capacity 5.5 cubic feet and features standard rear-passenger HVAC controls and vents to increase family comfort, while also offering a standard 50:50 split folding third-row bench seat with 31.5 inches of legroom. Second row captain's chairs are also available on the three-row Santa Fe.
HIGHLY ACCLAIMED LAMBDA 3.3-LITER GDI V6 ENGINE
The Santa Fe is powered by the highly acclaimed 3.3-liter V6 engine, which is also found in the Hyundai Azera. This V6 engine will suit a shopper's needs in terms of towing, drivability and fuel economy. The Santa Fe's Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI also has a high-pressure direct injection system (over 2,200 psi), which dramatically increases power and torque, while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This system eliminates the need for a large displacement V6 engine and increases the compression ratio for greater thermal efficiency and output. Santa Fe's V6 tow rating of up to 5,000 pounds is perfect for towing small boats or weekend toys. The three-row Santa Fe's powertrain was tuned in Ann Arbor, Michigan to satisfy American driving expectations.
SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The Lambda V6 engine is mated to Hyundai's six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual control. This transmission offers smooth shifts and a wide ratio spread that suits the engine's characteristics. An automatic transmission warmer is included to keep the transmission oil at its optimal temperature, which improves real-world fuel economy.
Additionally, all models have an Active ECO System that modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response to help increase real-world fuel economy by 5-7 percent.
"DO ANYTHING CAPABILITY" WITH TORQUE VECTORING CORNERING CONTROL
Santa Fe customers will feel the benefits of the optional Active Cornering Control All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system, which cooperatively controls torque and braking in conjunction with the Vehicle Stability Management System. This system can anticipate traction requirements and deliver additional stability through braking via continuous monitoring of driving conditions compared with other AWD systems, which can only react to conditions after they occur. The Dynamax AWD system supplied by Magna Powertrain access an intelligent control unit that continuously analyzes data from the vehicle controller and distributes torque to any single wheel at a time through a multi-clutch plate. The coupling system is fully controllable via an electro-hydraulic actuation system. Braking force can also be sent to any single wheel at a time via the software. These processes are known as torque vectoring and torque braking. All this analysis is completely transparent to the driver.
Drivers of the Santa Fe equipped with Active Cornering Control AWD will realize the following advantages:
• Improved lateral stability while cornering
• Removal of unintended over- and under-steer, by reducing unwanted traction to the front and rear axle
• High thermal capacity, which helps prevent overheating during hill climbs and trailer towing
In addition, greater efficiency is achieved through the intelligent control electronics that provide the torque needed for enhanced traction in a variety of driving situations. As a result, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions are achieved. The electronic components are also optimally sized for minimal energy usage. This intelligent system allows for even more driver control.
All 2013 Santa Fe trims feature Hyundai's Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) to maximize control on steep hills. HAC minimizes rolling backwards on steep ascents, while DBC helps the driver maintain vehicle control and speed on steep downhill descents. By selecting the DBC switch, the Hydro-Electronic Control unit manages the wheel speed sensors, steering angle sensor and acceleration sensor to maintain control and speed on steep declines without having to use the brake.
FUN-TO-DRIVE CUV DRIVING DYNAMICS
For enhanced ride performance, Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe Sport 2.0T and the three-row Santa Fe employ a compact and light MacPherson strut front suspension and a fully independent multi-link rear suspension. The front suspension has a 26 mm hollow stabilizer bar to save weight. The rear suspension uses a 21 mm solid stabilizer bar in the front wheel drive and 19 mm solid stabilizer bar in the all-wheel drive Santa Fe. The larger Santa Fe sits on 18- or 19-inch wheels.
Behind the wheel, drivers benefit from Hyundai's all-new Driver Selectable Steering Mode, with three operating modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport. This innovative system allows drivers to adapt the Santa Fe's steering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions. Comfort mode is ideal for city and parking environments, offering the greatest ease of steering with a 10 percent decrease in steering effort from Normal mode. Normal mode is ideal for a mix of driving conditions. Meanwhile, Sport Mode is optimized for higher-speed freeways or winding roads and decreases power steering assist by 10 percent from Normal mode. The Driver Selectable Steering Mode not only adjusts power assistance levels in each mode, but also adjusts on-center build-up feel and steering build-up curves throughout the steering range, for a very natural and progressive feel. Steering dampening characteristics, active return and friction levels have also been optimized in Santa Fe.
SANTA FE CABIN SPACE ADVANTAGE
The sleek design of the Santa Fe, combined with Hyundai's expertise in interior engineering, delivers a great presence on the road, while improving functionality and convenience. The spacious cabin has more passenger and cargo volume along with second and third row leg room than Toyota Highlander. Seating utility is also improved, due to a standard 40:20:40 folding rear seat back. This seat back is perfect for seating five passengers comfortably or accommodating four passengers, plus long items like skis, golf clubs, snowboards or surfboards. Fold down two seats to seat three people and hold larger packages or fold all rear seats to maximize cargo space. The three-row Santa Fe also features a power liftgate for added convenience.
Santa Fe include a number of convenient, standard stowage and storage features, including an overhead console sunglass holder, two front and two rear seat cupholders, door bottle holders, enlarged central storage console, front storage bin, front seat- back pockets and generous under-floor cargo storage.
Dual-zone climate controls ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants during long journeys. The dual-zone climate controls also incorporate an automatic defogging system, which detects humidity levels using a sensor and removes it from the windshield. Another premium feature is a CleanAir Ionizer that produces negatively charged ions to purify the air when the heater or air conditioner is running.
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
The larger Santa Fe rides on a 110.2-inch wheelbase, which is 3.9 inches longer than the Santa Fe Sport's wheelbase. Its overall length of 193.1 inches is 8.5 inches longer compared to Santa Fe Sport. The 74.2-inch width is slightly wider (0.2 inch) than Santa Fe Sport. The LWB Santa Fe's overall height is 66.5 inches, which is 0.4 inches higher than Santa Fe Sport.
Ultimately, the long wheelbase for both models allows for maximum comfort. An example of this is found in the second row seat track, delivering more second-row legroom. The three-row Santa Fe's cargo volume is 40.9 cubic feet behind the second row seats and 13.5 cubic feet behind the third row seats.
IMPROVED RIGIDITY AND ULTRA-HIGH STRENGTH TENSILE STEEL
The all-new architecture incorporates a new design that not only improves torsional rigidity by 16 percent, it also incorporates a 30-percent increase in the use of ultra high-strength-tensile steel to improve collision energy management. High-strength steel reduces weight and also allows the suspension to work optimally. Ultra-high strength tensile sheet metal has also been applied to the outer door panels for the first time in the company's history. In addition, anti-corrosion steel was applied to 70 percent of outer frame and floor structure.
New hot stamping and roll-forming methods have also been applied to impact members, which provide added strength, reduces the number of body parts and makes the architecture lighter. The amount of structural adhesives has also been increased significantly for improved body rigidity, crashworthiness and durability.
WORLD-CLASS WEIGHT EFFICIENCY
World-class weight efficiency is an essential part of all Hyundai models and the new Santa Fe hits its target. The curb weight for a FWD three-row Santa Fe is 3,946 pounds, with AWD models weighing 4,098 pounds. Santa Fe provides outstanding fuel economy and is 99 pounds lighter than Highlander and 239 pounds lighter than the all-new Pathfinder. It is also 320 pounds lighter than the outgoing Veracruz. This priority on weight efficiency allows the three-row Santa Fe to deliver carlike handling, outstanding acceleration and fuel efficiency.
NEW ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI'S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT
All models have a standard Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which optimally manages Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS). VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides eight Newton meters of counter-steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering. Active Cornering AWD drive models integrate torque and brake vectoring.
All Santa Fe models feature seven airbags, including side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag along with rollover sensors for the side curtain airbags. When the sensors detect a potential rollover, the control module triggers the head-curtain side airbags and safety belt pre-tensioners to help protect passengers against serious injury.
Santa Fe also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes (12.6 inch front and 11.9 inch rear), an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist providing maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles, based on vehicle loading conditions. Additionally, Santa Fe offers family-friendly passive safety features, including a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for children's seats on the second row and three-point seatbelts for all seating positions.
THIRD-GENERATION NAVIGATION AND AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
All Santa Fe models offer an optional multifunction eight-inch touch-screen display with navigation. This third-generation display features a simpler user interface, enhanced voice recognition commands and improved navigation screens. The system is more intuitive to use for commonly used tasks. Simple pop-up messages now appear to help pair a phone. The voice recognition software understands street addresses and cities all in one sentence. The route screens display speed limits and details the next three maneuvers. One or two button pushes now complete most functions.
HD Radio technology is also integrated into all Santa Fe displays. An HD Radio icon on the display appears next to the channel frequency to notify the user this station is broadcasting in HD.
All models are available with four audio systems. Standard is an AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. The upgrade audio system boasts a 4.3-inch full color LCD screen with HD Radio and rear view camera. The third system consists of the Gen 3.0 Navigation unit with Dimension audio with 10 speakers. Finally, the premium navigation system includes an Infinity® 550-watt, Logic 7® surround sound audio system with 12 speakers, including an eight-inch subwoofer and external amplifier is available. A SiriusXM Satellite Radio interface is integrated into each head unit and features channel logos and Data services, such as NavWeather®, Stock Ticker and Sports Ticker. A Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, address book download and audio streaming is also standard. Both navigation systems integrate rear-view camera output. Blue Link™ turn-by-turn navigation is standard on all Santa Fe models (complimentary trial period).
HYUNDAI BLUE LINK
Blue Link® combines safety, service and infotainment features to simplify owners' lives and reduce distracted driving. Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like voice text messaging, POI web search download, turn-by-turn navigation, and monthly vehicle reporting. Hyundai Blue Link telematics is standard on all Santa Fe models with up to a one-year complimentary trial period. Blue Link can be easily accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror, the web and via a smart phone. Blue Link is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.
Blue Link Assurance package:
• Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance
• SOS Emergency Assistance
• Enhanced Roadside Assistance
Blue Link Essentials package:
Convenience:
• Remote Door Lock/Unlock
• Remote Horn and Lights
• Panic Notification
• Remote Engine Start
• Alarm Notification
• Quick Tips
• Location Sharing
• Voice Text Messaging
Vehicle Diagnostics:
• Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code
• Maintenance Alert
• Recall Advisor
• Web Vehicle Diagnostics
• Service Link
Safeguard:
• Stolen Vehicle Recovery
• Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
• Vehicle Immobilization
• Valet Alert
• Geofence
• Speed Alert
• Curfew Alert
Blue Link 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
• Eco-Coach
• Restaurant Ratings
• Weather
More details on Hyundai Blue Link are available at www.hyundaibluelink.com.
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