Re: 2012 Auto Show in the Big Apple
 

Hi All:

Meet the all-new 2013 Lexus ES and for the first time ever, the ES Hybrid

At the 2012 NYIAS this morning, Lexus unveiled its all-new 2013 ES lineup, including the ES 350 and ES 300h equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive. Featuring a progressive new design and enhanced handling, the 2013 ES sedan is set to continue as a favorite of luxury car buyers.

ES 350 and ES 300h Hybrid

For the first time, the Lexus ES will be available with Lexus Hybrid Drive. Featuring the Camry Hybrids Atkinsonized 2.5L I4, the ES 300h hybrid is expected to earn an EPA fuel economy rating of approximately 40 mpg combined city/highway, the same as the Camry Hybrid XLE :)

This new, low friction twin cam engine utilizes a sophisticated power management system, 12.5:1 compression ratio (not really but we’ll talk ;)), and Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The beltless motor is designed to improve fuel economy and durability, and a near zero evaporative fuel system helps reduce emissions.

Just like the all new 2012 TCH, the ES 300h hybrid offers the driver four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and EV. EV mode allows short distance drives, at reduced speed, using only the power from the hybrid battery pack. Normal mode provides a blend of performance and efficiency that is suited to everyday driving, while Eco mode favors fuel economy. Sport mode increases powertrain responsiveness.

The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 with Dual VVT-i. The six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides enhanced performance, fuel efficiency and smooth shifts. Low friction materials further improve efficiency.


Lexus Design

The new ES features a lower, progressive profile, and clean, continuous styling lines from front to rear. All four corners are pulled tightly inward to the wheel arches, creating distinctive proportions. The wheelbase of the new ES has been lengthened by 1.8 inches, while the overall length of the vehicle has grown by just one inch, resulting in a more spacious interior.

The new ES unmistakably bears the new face of Lexus with the signature spindle grille. The LED daytime running lights and combination rear lamps reflect the “L” design motif. The ES 350’s rear bumper sports dual exhaust pipes, while the ES 300h hybrid features a distinctive rear design with hidden exhaust and an integrated spoiler. New exterior colors for the 2013 ES include Fire Agate Pearl and Silver Lining Metallic.

Interior

The modern interior of the 2013 ES was designed to provide a sense of openness. Sightlines and visibility are improved, controls are logically placed, and new cabin materials express a high level of craftsmanship.

A newly sculptured seat enhances driver comfort. The steering wheel angle has been reduced from 24 degrees to 22 degrees for a more natural control position. Fluid-filled engine mounts, new sound absorbing materials and a tuned engine intake minimize the intrusion of outside noise.

Greater rear seat legroom and knee room are the hallmark of the redesigned, more spacious cabin. Knee room is increased by 2.8 inches and legroom is increased by 4.1 inches. The new design also offers additional foot room below the front seats.

Available comfort and convenience features include manual door window shades, a power rear shade, and a one-touch power trunk closer. Optional ambient lighting, discretely placed under the wood trim, softly illuminates the surfaces of the instrument panel and all four doors.

The new ES will feature enhanced NuLuxe seating surfaces, developed to reduce environmental impact. Genuine leather is also available, as is semi-aniline leather for an even more refined look and feel. Interiors are available in Black, Light Gray, and Parchment. Trim colors and materials include Piano Black, Espresso Bird’s-eye Maple, and Bamboo.


Ride and Handling

Suspension and steering changes and a stiffer body deliver more precise handling. Opposite-wound coil springs on the front suspension enhance straight-line stability. Revised rear suspension geometry and improved shock absorber damping characteristics enhance ride comfort. A reduction in the steering gear ratio delivers a more responsive and direct steering feel. Increased body rigidity is achieved through lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and additional spot welds. Despite its larger size, roomier interior and additional luxury appointments, the weight of the new ES is reduced by almost 90 pounds.

The ES will be equipped with standard 215/55R17 low rolling resistance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, and for the first time, available 18-inch high-gloss alloy wheels.

Instrumentation

Designed with attention to ergonomics and driver focus, the cockpit features separate display and operation zones to help keep the driver’s eyes on the road. The instrument panel, with its long, layered look, places the main information display directly in the driver’s line of sight. Just below the center display is a self-illuminating LED analog clock. Controls are clustered beneath the information zone, on the steering wheel, and on the center console.

The second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller conveniently located on the center console. RTI reduces eye and hand movement, helping reduce effort and distraction.

Safety

An available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) helps detect vehicles in side blind spots. The RCTA alerts the driver to rear cross traffic when backing out of a parking spot. Available Lane Departure Alert (LDA) is integrated with automatic high beam dimming technology. The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) uses sub-millimeter wave radar to detect obstructions and prepare the vehicle for a potential collision.

The ES features a segment-leading 10 airbags as standard equipment, including driver and front passenger knee and front air bags, as well as front and rear seat-mounted side and curtain airbags. Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to limit excessive head movement in certain rear-end collisions helping to decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries.

Lexus Safety Connect, including Enhanced Roadside Assistance, an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), Stolen Vehicle Location services, and Automatic Collision Notification to a Safety Connect center is standard on the new ES. A one-year trial subscription for Safety Connect is included.

Infotainment

The new ES features the next-generation Lexus Enform system. Lexus Enform provides seamless connectivity with Bing search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora, Yelp and Facebook Places through compatible smart phones. Apps are updated through over-the-air downloads, so new apps and content can be added as they become available. One-year trial subscriptions to Lexus Enform with Safety Connect and the Application Suite are included.

The standard Lexus Premium Sound System features eight speakers with Automatic Sound Levelizer, CD player, USB/iPod connectivity, Bluetooth and a SiriusXM receiver. The available Display Audio package adds a seven-inch screen, a backup camera, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, Bluetooth audio, phone transfer, and a vehicle information display. The optional HDD Navigation System includes voice command and an integrated backup camera.

An available 15-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system features an eight-inch display screen, HD Radio™ with iTunes tagging, DVD audio/video and a SiriusXM receiver. Exclusive GreenEdge technology from Mark Levinson doubles the output of the amplifier, while reducing energy consumption by fifty percent.

2013 Lexus ES 300h base specs

Seating Capacity: 5
Overall Length (in.): 192.7
Width (in.): 71.7
Height (in.): 57.1
Wheelbase (in.): 111.0
Driven Wheels: Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs.): 3,660
Wheel size: 17” x 7.0” (standard)
Tires size: 215/55/17 (standard)

Wayne

Re: 2012 Auto Show in the Big Apple
 

Hi Mike:

Too bad about the RLX. Acura is hurting and this is not going to help. Acura needs to allow their hot shot west coast designers to take control of all design instead of their Japanese managers mucking things up but who am I to say as I could not design a car better than drawing with a crayon on a brown paper bag?

I did not know the BMW X1 was available in Canada? You should have posted that months ago!!!

Wayne

Re: 2012 Auto Show in the Big Apple
 

Notes from the show floor -
Nissan - New Pathfinder and Altima. The Pathfinder has lost its frame and joined the SantaFe/Equinox/Edge/Highlander in the unitized crossover market. The Altima looks better in person than it does on a computer screen, not that it looks bad at all in LCD. For a while, Nissan was interpreting "unique" style as "weird", at least on a couple of models, but the Altima is well proportioned, with a graceful six window greenhouse with plenty of headroom front and rear. With EPA ratings toward best in class, Nissan shouldn't have any trouble selling every one they build.

Hyundai - Lunch was fantastic, and served in little reusable Hyundai-logo insulated lunch totes. John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, has a way of presenting the facts in a dynamic and exciting manner. I think he could read the recipe on the side of a box of cake mix and a million people would drive to the market to buy a box. Well, this time, the facts are exciting just on their own. Much or most of this was addressed above, but it bears repeating.
- Sales are up 15%, 19% at retail. SAAR is 14.5 million units.
- Industry average incentives are at $2547 per car, Hyundai is only $843. People can admire the paint quality on the hood of a new Hyundai because their view isn't obstructed by a pile of cash that screams, "Please take me home".
- Hyundai is #1 in loyalty - measured by Kelly Blue Book and JD Powers.
- The median age of the Hyundai customer is 42.4 - among the lowest in the industry. Ford - 45.5, Chevrolet - 48.8. Industry average - 50.8. Honda and Toyota buyers average over 50 years of age.
- After the Hyundai brand news and achievements, Mike O'Brien took the stage to discuss the giant unidentified object on stage that is draped in a ghostly nylon tarp.
- The new 2013 SantaFe has a new shape with less drag and less wind noise.
- First use of Torque Vectoring AWD that allows power to be directed to individual wheels instead of both wheels at one end of the car.
- Blue Link will be standard, and the Blue Link app will include remote start. Bah humbug. It should be rigged to change all the radio presets to Martha Stewart Radio every time the remote start is used, so as to discourage frequent use by owners who freeze when the temperature falls below 70.
- The 2013 SantaFe is 266 pounds lighter than the previous generation. Quite a feat considering the increase in structural rigidity (38% of the body is high strength steel) and the additional standard equipment. The curb weight is 300 pounds less than an Equinox, 500 pounds less than an Edge.
- More second row legroom than the second row in the full size Traverse.
- 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, rated at 190hp, will deliver EPA 33mpg highway.
- 2.0T Theta II GDI engine offers 264hp and EPA 31mpg highway.
- Active Eco makes its debut on SantaFe and can increase fuel economy by up to 7%.
- Drivers knee airbag brings the total count to 7 (dual front, dual side, and curtains).
- The SantaFe two-row (SantaFe Sport is the name they used) will be built in the US, while the SantaFe three-row (extended length) will be built in South Korea.
- Arrives at dealers "late summer".
- The 7th vehicle in Hyundai's 24/7 initiative (24 months, 7 new vehicles) is the SantaFe LWB, with a stretched wheelbase, three row seating for seven, and a 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6 with 290hp.
- The two row four cylinder was listed as SantaFe Sport, while the SantaFe name was used on the three row family truckster.

My take - It's a brilliant move by Hyundai. For people who want more cargo/passenger space than a Tucson while not needing a third row, a SantaFe Sport with 2.4L engine can offer EPA 33mpg highway. For people who genuninely need towing capability, room for seven (even if the two in the third row are named Sneezy and Bashful), the SantaFe is available. It's the right way - Offer the right tool for the job.

Re: 2012 Auto Show in the Big Apple
 

Hi All:

While Lincoln revealed their all-new 2013 MKZ a few days ago, here are the details. The Panoramic roof is the highlight as well as the 2013 Fusion Hybrids atkinsonized 2.0L and possibly 47/44 city/highway ratings.

The all-new Lincoln MKZ made its debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show this morning and did so as it passed a key mile marker in Lincoln’s latest reinvention.

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ will enter the midsize luxury segment later this year.


DRIVER TECH

Camera- and Radar-Based Driving Aids

The new Lincoln MKZ offers the Lane Keeping System, a suite of advanced driving aids that helps drivers avoid drifting from their lane due to distraction or fatigue. Consisting of Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Assist, the Lane Keeping System utilizes a mono-vision camera integrated into the rearview mirror to read the lane markers ahead.

Available radar-based (ultrasonic) driving aids further enhance the driving experience. Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support each use a long-range radar system that scans in front of the vehicle, automatically adjusting to traffic speed and providing a visual and audible alert when a potential front-end collision is detected.

Active park assist and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert use multiple short-range wide-angle radar sensors. Each function provides a distinct benefit, ranging from making parallel parking easier to warning of oncoming vehicles while backing out of a parking space.

SYNC with MyLincoln Touch

Many still dislike SYNC with MyFord Touch but Ford and Lincoln will continue to plod on with a much less buggy and faster 2.0. SYNC with MyLincoln Touch is standard in the new MKZ. The combined system makes it easier to use the entertainment, climate and available navigation features as well as devices brought into the car (e.g., phones, PDA, MP3 players). Twin five-way controls on the steering wheel manage essential systems, and many functions can be voice-activated via SYNC.

Standard SYNC Services make turn-by-turn directions available via one button push and simple voice commands. Continually improving voice recognition software learns user voices, improving the efficiency of voice commands.

Engineering

The new MKZ offers Lincoln Drive Control as standard. Lincoln Drive Control is an automatic system that delivers an ideal balance of a smooth ride with confident handling as it intuitively responds to driver commands and the road, making the 2013 model the most refined and engaging MKZ ever.

Always on, Lincoln Drive Control orchestrates the performance of the Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), engine, transmission, Active Noise Control (ANC), traction control and stability control systems.

CCD offers three modes (Sport/Normal/Comfort) that are accessible using MyLincoln Touch. Selecting “Sport” on the Push Button Shift gear selector enables a decidedly more sporty driving experience.

CCD contributes to Lincoln Drive Control’s action by monitoring the car’s suspension settings up to 500 times per second. The real-time system adjusts the suspension up to 50 times per second to deliver more controlled handling with a smoother ride. CCD augments a highly developed chassis that includes a refined strut front suspension and an all new integral link rear suspension.

The new MKZ is the only sedan in its class to include Continuously Controlled Damping and Active Noise Control as standard equipment.

MKZ Drivetrains

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ offers three distinct powertrains. The standard 2.0L I4 EcoBoost delivers the performance of a traditional V6 along with expected segment-leading fuel economy that is at least 3 mpg better than the closest competitor. This engine delivers a projected 20-percent increase in highway fuel economy versus the 2012 MKZ.

The optional 3.7L V6 out of the F-150 adds 37 HP and 28 lb.-ft. of torque than the previous MKZ V6 while improving fuel economy approximately 5 percent.

And then the big one. The optional 2.0L I4 hybrid powertrain that is expected to enable the 2013 MKZ Hybrid to remain North America’s most fuel-efficient premium sedan. And we hope for the 47/44 mpgUS city/highway rating…

Non-hybrid models utilize a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel add to the performance driving experience of the MKZ.


OPEN-ROOF MOTORING with the available Retractable Panoramic Roof

The Retractable Panoramic Roof is a new signature feature for Lincoln. The 15.2-square-foot glass panel offers one of the largest openings available on any current sedan. The design maintains the structural strength of a steel-roof vehicle. Click here to view a video on the feature.

DESIGN

Nearly identical to the MKZ Concept shown at the North American International Auto Show in January, the production 2013 Lincoln MKZ embodies a design language that is subtly distinctive.

MKZ Exterior

A sweeping roofline defines the new luxury sedan’s profile that is 10 percent more aerodynamic than the model it replaces.

The design retains classic Lincoln design elements including a more refined interpretation of the split-wing grille, first seen on the 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr.

Rearview mirrors stand on door-mounted, sculpted pedestals. This fitment enables the front door glass to extend farther forward to improve visibility and to allow even more light into the interior.

MKZ Interior

Design teams created an interior featuring architectural elements, rich natural materials and fine details.

Innovation and technology abound inside the new MKZ. Replacing the traditional mechanical transmission shift lever is a contemporary five-button interface. The individual buttons of Push Button Shift engage Park, Neutral, Reverse, and forward gears in two modes, Drive and Sport and allowing freedom for a multi-level center console with more functional storage areas.

Positioned ahead of the driver, the full-color 10.1-inch LCD instrument cluster operates with the latest version of SYNC with MyLincoln Touch. The all-new design combines dimensional indicator rings framing a brilliant and reconfigurable Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD. An equally critical component of MyLincoln Touch is the nearly flush-mounted center 8-inch LCD touch screen that displays information clearly in easy-to-reference color-keyed quadrants.

Standard luxury amenities include an 11-speaker audiophile entertainment system and cabin air filtration, plus heated front seats (with the driver's featuring 10-way power controls), remote start capabilities and Active Noise Control.

To make the MKZ exceptionally quiet, ANC electronically targets frequencies and reduces their intensity. To improve the refinement of the driving experience, other frequencies are subtly enhanced.

The available THX II Certified Car Audio System is a Lincoln-exclusive that features 700 watts, 14 channels and 14 speakers. THX audio engineers spent more than 200 hours custom tuning the THX-certified equipment to the new MKZ’s interior. The result delivers home-theater surround sound to the road.


Safety

The new MKZ is the only sedan in its class to offer inflatable second-row outboard seat belts. Rear-seat passengers – often children or mature passengers – can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries. The available inflatable second-row, outboard seat belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area of conventional belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion and helping reduce the risk of injuries.

Unfortunately they have not yet provided the safety of outward rear seat airbags as almost every Chevrolet sedan and hatch does. Until tall manufacturers match this lifesaving feature, GM stands along for protection of our most vulnerable sitting in the rear.

Wayne

Re: 2012 Auto Show in the Big Apple
 

Hi All:

Honda is having food and reception get together with its Crosstour reveal on the floor of the 2012 NYIAS... 2013 Civic interior upgrade being discussed as well?

Mazda will be a drink and reception type gathering as well. SKYATIV anyone?

Wayne

Re: 2012 Auto Show in the Big Apple
 

While staggering around like a tranquilized bison, I decided to stroll through Toyota to get a look a the Prius C up close. The one on the floor is "Habanero". It's an unusual orange that almost wants to be "coral", like a late 50s Edsel, and to my eye, the flourescent lighting makes me think it is closer to "orange creamsicle".

Inside this top level "c", with moonroof and all the toys, I got my first look at the odd color scheme inside. The interior isn't white, but rather dove gray. And the dash plastic is shiny and has an odd spiral pattern within that is similar to what is inked into the seat fabric. Odd. And the dash plastic looks like it may have been sourced from the plumbing aisle at the local Home Depot. There is only one 12V port that I could find.

But now that I have that off my chest, the "c" makes a strong argument for an inexpensive commuter that can beat the EPA senseless. Note - There is no question as to where they hid the fuel tank and battery pack. The rear seat is chair height, as in dining room chair. Great for legroom, but in the moonroof-equipped model? Well, headroom is not gonna cut it for anyone over 6 feet. Room for the legs (although snug), but they'll be riding hunched forward with their head canted to one side. For two adults and two children/teenagers? Not bad at all for a B-segment hybrid with an MSRP of well under $20k.

- Over at Subaru, any unveils have to wait until tomorrow. But you go anyway for the capuccino, coconut brownies, smores and other assaults upon the Islets of Langerhans.

- Kia is quiet, with no scheduled press release, and the cars on display are mostly the new Optima. I still like the Soul, as it is one car that tall people can get in and out of without ducking, squating, or other Elvis hip-displacing gymnastics. With the seat all the way to the rear, I can get in and out of the back seat and there's room back there for me (6'3").

- Next up, Honda and then Mazda.

Re: 2012 Auto Show in the Big Apple
 

Hi All:

Honda Unveils its 2013 Accord Crosstour Concept

Next Crosstour to feature more capable-looking styling, more efficient V-6 drivetrain along with host of new safety and visibility features.

Honda unveiled the 2013 Crosstour Concept a few minutes ago at the 2012 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), providing the first official glimpse of the new exterior styling for the mid-size CUV. Set to go on sale this fall, the Crosstour should resonate with the active consumers that form the largest portion of the premium crossover segment. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 will feature improved fuel economy thanks to its new 6-speed automatic transmission, while both four-cylinder and V-6 versions will benefit from a host of safety and visibility upgrades.


Design

The Crosstour Concept features a more capable, SUV-like style for Honda's mid-size crossover. A more aggressive front end, new moldings on the lower door garnish, and cleaner front and rear fascias provide more visual appeal.

You should have read the superfluous diatribe I removed out of the paragraph above and below :rolleyes:

Up front, a new integrated foglamp treatment and revised tailgate add visual breadth to the rear.

Drivetrain(s)

The Crosstour will be available with two powertrains for 2013: a re-engineered and more powerful 3.5L V-6 engine, or a 2.4L I4. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 models will feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology to achieve class-leading V-6 fuel economy along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model. Also available on Crosstour EX-L V-6 models is Honda's Real Time 4WDTM system, which sends power to all four wheels when front-wheel slippage is detected.

The I4engine produces 192 HP at a god-awful high 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. To maximize efficiency, a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment unlike really maximizing efficiency and providing a 6-speed AT? I am not really sure where Honda is headed with this one?


Safety

The 2013 Crosstour will introduce a number of new safety features for a Honda. The next Crosstour will be available with Honda's Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving unexpectedly out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.

The 2013 Crosstour will provide a host of visibility enhancements, and will be one of the first models to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. Standard equipment to further enhance visibility on the 2013 Crosstour will also include re-shaped rear headrests, a rearview camera and an ExpandedView Driver's Mirror.
Standard Crosstour convenience features include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and USB audio interface. Other available features on the 2013 Crosstour will include a hard-drive based navigation system, Pandora internet radio interface, XM satellite radio and an SMS text-to-speech function.

Sales, what sales?

First launched in 2009, the Crosstour remains one of the most versatile choices in the midsize crossover segment, and earned the distinction of J.D. Power and Associates' "Highest Ranked Midsize Crossover/SUV in Initial Quality" in their 2011 Initial Quality Study SM (IQS). The Crosstour is produced at Honda's East Liberty Auto Plant in East Liberty, Ohio. Unfortunately, it is selling about as well as ice cube maker marketed to Eskimos. With just 1,362 Crosstours sold last month and 3,359 sold for the year (off 38.9% from 2011), maybe it is time to put this baby to bed?

Wayne

Re: 2012 Auto Show in the Big Apple
 

Last update from the show floor on Day One. As noted above, the big news at Honda was that the Crosstour has gotten a rhinoplasty among other mid cycle tweaks. No other major announcements. They do have an 'eco driving' simulator game on the Honda showfloor. I accelerated in the green to the limit and then coasted to a stop. No 'leaves' earned. Apparently the game is calibrated to teach you how to smart brake for best regen, and coasting to a complete stop doesn't earn leaves. So much for realism...
Mazda was wine & cheese & grapes/berries and the big news is SkyActiv - cutaway sections of engines (gas and diesel) and automatic transmission (typical Lepelletier design - nothing special), and a CX-5 on display with 5MT in beautiful Liquid Silver and 29mpgUS combined on the window sticker. Highway EPA is 35mpg. Remember two years ago when a Hyundai Sonata at 35mpg highway was newsworthy? To market a crossover with the same highway rating shows how far Mazda has progressed with SkyActiv.

Next stop - a block and a half east to a party sponsored by Kia. You never know who you will meet at these events, or whether you will hear any off-the-record tidbits. I will store them in my impeccable memory. Now where did I put my keys? :D

Re: 2012 Auto Show in the Big Apple
 

Boring ? I think the RLX is handsome , the way a man's luxury car should look. The wheels on the concept are a bit busy,though.

Re: 2012 Auto Show in the Big Apple
 

Honda/Acura both need an overhaul in their design department. The cars are still great, but they lack "pizzazz." They need something to put them in the limelight.