New York International Auto Show: Sedans in the spotlight 2015

There's no question that the auto industry is mad for crossover SUVs as the compact-sized variety is one of the fastest growing segments currently. But that's not to say that the traditional 4-door sedan has been consigned to the ash pile of history. At least that's the conclusion to take away from the New York International Auto Show, which played host to a bevy of new 4-door models

The most anticipated new sedan at the show was the all-new Cadillac CT6, a full-size sedan offered in either rear- or all-wheel drive positioned to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series. The CT6 not only ushers in new nomenclature for the car side of GM's luxury division, but also debuts a new lightweight architecture and a new family of twin-turbo V6 and V8 engines. It is a make or break product in Cadillac's bid for global parity among the top luxury cars. Cadillac's longtime rival Lincoln showed off an early look at its own new flagship sedan, the Continental Concept

No less important to Jaguar/Land Rover Group is the remake of the mid-size Jaguar XF, which will share the aluminum-intensive approach introduced in the compact XE. In addition to hitting the show floor in New York, the car also bowed in London as part of a high wire act

In the mainstream market, the Nissan Maxima has also been redesigned and will again stress its performance-oriented suspension and drivetrain under the 4-door sports car positioning, Chevrolet's much needed remake of the Malibu midsize sedan showed off completely new skin and a package that promises more rear legroom, while Kia took the covers off the next installment of its popular Optima midsize family car. At a more entry-level price point, Scion gave us a two-fer: The iA is that division's first 4-door sedan, and it bowed alongside the all-new iM hatchback

Other non-SUV offerings include a new Chevrolet Spark hatchback, Smart hosted the American debut of its new Fortwo city car and McLaren flaunted the high-performance 570S Sport two-seater

And even though sedans dominated the New York Auto Show headlines, there were some significant SUV introductions, too. Making their world debuts were the Mercedes-Benz GLE — a replacement for the current ML — a redone Mitsubishi Outlander and perhaps most important of all, the all-new Lexus RX, a remake of the iconic crossover SUV that created the segment

Read More

Toyota S-FR Concept: Back-to-basics

Making its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, the Toyota S-FR Concept reflects a potential entry-level sports car that "aims to make a whole new generation fall in love with driving." Slightly longer than a Mazda MX-5, the rear-drive S-FR leverages lightweight construction, a fully independent suspension and balance afforded by its front-mid engine placement into smooth, responsive and direct handling that gives a real sense of communication between car and driver

While full details have yet to be released, we know the S-FR Concept matches its 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Like its exterior, the cabin of the S-FR's 2+2 cabin reflects a tidy, neo-classic look. It remains to be seen whether the car will make the transition to production and if future market plans would include the U.S. But the S-FR certainly appears ready to go should Toyota decide to green light the program

Read More

Lincoln MKC First Review: Right place, right time, right on 2015

Lincoln is stepping into a new arena this month

Ready to mix it up with the likes of upscale class rivals like the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, the MKC brings it own sense of premium style and character to what's currently the hottest segment in the auto market. Revealed last November, the 5-passenger MKC is positioned as younger-looking/younger-thinking model which will play a pivotal role in its brand renaissance. We headed up the coast to Santa Barbara for a chance to slip behind the wheel

Most of our formal drive was spent in a pair of fully equipped range-topping Lincoln MKC Reserve Package models, each fitted with the new 285-horsepower/2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. However, we also had the opportunity to take a quick spin in a mid-level, front-drive MKC Select variant with the standard 240-horse/2.0-liter EcoBoost engine

Even at a glance, the MKC looks the part of a serious player. As the first vehicle to emerge from the dedicated Lincoln Design Studio, its modern appearance reflects the most effective integration of the division's new styling language to date. With sleek contours and a low, flowing roofline, the MKC sports a signature split-wing grille flanked by HID headlamps and a full-width tail lamp that spans its unique "clamshell" liftgate. This new model has plenty of up-market curb appeal

This new luxury design philosophy carries over to the MKC's cabin, where supple Bridge of Weir Deepsoft leather replaces Lincoln Luxury Soft Touch leatherette in all but the base Premier Package and open-pore wood supplants the standard aluminum accent trim. In addition to SYNC with the latest MyLincoln Touch setup, an 8.0-inch LED touchscreen and nicely contoured power front bucket seats, all MKC variants - Premiere, Select and Reserve -- boast a huge roster of standard equipment that include unexpected items like active noise cancellation, an acoustic laminate windshield and dash-mounted pushbutton-style controls for the 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission assisted by steering-wheel-mounted paddles. In Reserve trim, the MKC's creature-comforts include things like a 12 sq-ft Panoramic Vista Roof, voice-activated navigation and the Blind Spot Information System, the latter two items also optional on the MKC Select

While there's plenty to praise in this well-finished realm, the MKC does have its downsides. Virtually all of them can be found aft of the B-pillar. Rear-seat legroom is at best mid-pack relative to its would-be peers - great for kids, but not so swell for adults. The same holds true for cargo capacity. Although the MKC's large hatch, low lift-over height, flat-folding 60/40 second-row bench and available hands-free power up/down hatch activation ease loading and unloading, its merely respectable 25.2 cu ft of base space only rises to 53.1 cu-ft in full-open configuration. That's less than any of its key rivals - and over 10 cu ft less than what's offered by the class-topping Acura RDX and BMW X3

Moving a step - or three -- beyond the handling basics

Sharing Ford's Global C1 architecture also used on the Escape, Focus and C-MAX, the MKC benefits from a comprehensive platform revamp that gives this new compact crossover Lincoln-specific dynamic characteristics. Revised suspension geometry broadened track dimensions by an inch at each axle and the rework also includes unique chassis tuning for the electrically-assisted power steering and ABS braking systems. The MKC also benefits from computer controlled damping (CCD) that comes standard on models with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and as an option on front-driver versions

The CCD setup also brings Lincoln Drive Control that offers selectable Comfort/Normal/Sport modes that tweak the steering and shift programming. Regardless of drivetrain, all MKC models are fitted with Torque Vectoring Control that optimizes stability when cornering or on uneven road surfaces as well as AdvanceTrak with Roll Stability Control and hill start assist

Carving corners and ratcheting-up respect 

Encompassing nearly 200 miles of serpentine California state highways, our driving route presented a great opportunity to check out the touring side of the MKC's personality as well as to evaluate its at-the-limit responsiveness -- qualities benchmarked against the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. We came away quite impressed. Although far from a sports car, the MKC displayed a laudable combination of confidence and capability through even the twistiest bits while its active noise control and a host of other sound-attenuation tricks kept the cabin commendably quiet

Weighing in at nearly 4,000 pounds, the MKC with a 2.3-liter and AWD displayed roughly the same level of acceleration as the front-drive 2.0-liter variant that tips the scales closer to 3,800. While lacking the lightness and absolute agility of a base model, the top spec Reserve Package MKC we drove leveraged its superior traction by swapping the standard 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/50 all-season rubber for optional 19-inch rims wearing 245/45 Michelin Latitude Tour tires. Surprisingly grippy, they added a welcome dimension to the MKC's inherently stable personality that comes from its wide stance and low center of gravity. The CCD suspension also did its part to sweeten the behind-the-wheel experience, sharpening or softening response on demand using the Lincoln Drive Control and the Drive/Sport buttons on the dash

In addition to polished road manners, the 2015 Lincoln MKC also has a solid value story. Opening at $33,995, a 2.0-liter front-drive MKC Premiere Package is the lowest-priced vehicle in the segment. The MKC Select starts at $37,225, while  top line MKC Reserve is $40,930. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine bumps the price $1,140 and all-wheel drive adds $2,495. Options ranging from a Technology Package (adaptive cruise control, active park assist, Forward Sensing System and Lane-Keeping System) and THX II Certified Audio System to a Climate Package (heated rear seats/steering wheel, rain-sensing front wipers and auto high-beam headlamps) and 20-inch wheels/tires can send the bottom line on an MKC Reserve past $50K. Late this year, an MKC Black Label variant promises to take things even further on the exclusive-luxury front

It's too soon to tell how the 2015 Lincoln MKC will ultimately fare here in the U.S. as well as in China where it goes on sale this fall. But we do know this much about the MKC: There is much to like and little to fault

Read More

Lexus NX 200t and 300h Hybrid unveiled 2015

Slated to bow at AutoChina in Beijing, the 2015 Lexus NX will be the luxury marque's entry in the growing premium compact crossover market. Remaining true to the spirit of the Lexus LF-NX Concept presented last fall in Frankfurt, the production model brings a new level of visual intensity to a category that includes the Audi Q3, BMW X3/X4, Mercedes GLA-Class and Range Rover Evoque. In addition to offering naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrain choices, the NX also offer the division's first turbocharged engine. Here in America, we'll see three distinct variations on the theme, the turbocharged NX 200t, the NX 300h Hybrid and the enthusiast-oriented NX 200t F Sport

Youthful Design

The exterior styling of the Lexus NX displays an aggressively muscular character. The boldly proportioned spindle grille, dramatic body contours and sleekly swept roofline are set off with LED lighting front and rear while standard 17-inch or optional 18-inch alloy wheels fill its prominently flared fenderwells. Like other Lexus F Sport variants, the NX 200t F Sport steps up its basic in-your-face attitude with unique design flourishes to complement a performance-tuned suspension

The richly-appointed leather-lined cabin shares a similar approach, mixing hard metallic accents highlighted by a prominent metal frame around the center stack with numerous soft-touch surfaces - including thoughtfully padded knee bolsters on the forward section of the console. Here, too the F Sport offers unique upholstery and trim bits. The seating position in all NX models features a relatively low hip point that eases entry/exit and affords more headroom. Lexus indicates the new NX also will have a good deal of easily reconfigurable space for cargo as well as people

Two powertrain choices

Lexus also confirmed that U.S. versions of the NX will feature the same powerplants seen in the two previous LF-NX Concepts. The NX 200t/200t F Sport will be fitted with an all-new 2.0-liter/4-cylinder gasoline engine rumored to be making as much as 250 horsepower. The NX 300h is expected to pack the same 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder gas engine and electric motor setup used in the Lexus ES300h, a combo that should continue turn out about 200 horses

Among the features promised in the NX are the division's first Wireless Charging Tray for mobile phones as well as a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad

The 2015 Lexus NX 200t, 200t F Sport and 300h Hybrid are set to arrive in showrooms later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to their actual on-sale date

Read More

Kia K900 First Drive: Taking a Giant Leap 2015

The biggest question to be answered about the all-new 2015 Kia K900 luxury sedan that we drove for the first time this week is not the perennial "Is it a good car?" but rather "Is the American car buyer ready for a $65,000 Kia?"  After an extensive test drive that included a day-long drive-and-interview with Eddie Rayyan, Kia Motors America's chief product planner on the vehicle, we came away convinced that the K900 is a well-executed and easy-to-like rear-drive luxury sedan. When it comes to the current generation of luxury-brand sedans (think Lexus LS, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class) the K900 does a very creditable job of checking most of the same boxes, especially in its top-of-the-line VIP trim, which is the one we tested.  The K900 is handsome inside and out; it offers a very high level of fit-and-finish plus quality materials; it is filled to the brim with luxury equipment, and it drives with the competent demeanor of a vehicle that is completely sure of itself.  In short, by every functional measure it has the goods to compete against the elite luxury sedans

That said, we'd be missing a key point if we ignored the fact that many (most?) luxury sedan buyers make their purchase (or sign their lease) based on what the vehicle says about them.  Prestige plays a big role in the acquisition decision, and that is one area in which Kia, despite its rapid strides upscale, falls short of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Cadillac

This potential issue is certainly not unknown to top Kia executives.  In the press conference that accompanied the driving event Kia marketing and communications EVP Michael Sprague spoke about defying industry convention

"We zig when others are zagging," he said.  "We take a different approach, and there has never been a better time for us to introduce this vehicle." Sprague also seemed quite realistic about the kind of luxury buyer who would gravitate most to the Kia K900.  Think self-made, confident individualist. "They are looking for something intriguing and unique," he said.  They have a more pragmatic approach to luxury; they're looking for new and upcoming brands.  They are not concerned about what everybody else thinks

An appealing way to make life's journey

Well, what we think is the K900 makes a very appealing traveling companion.  Quiet and poised, it does what you want it to do without making demands.  For instance, its ride and handling fall nearly in the center of the soft ride versus performance handling continuum.  We expect that when really pushed hard the German sedans might display an edge in overall handling, but the K900 is certainly up for some spirited driving.  At the same time, on the Interstate it will cruise in stately, serene comfort mile after pain-free mile.  You can chalk all of this up to the combination of 5-link fully independent front and rear suspension, the use of high-tensile steel, plenty of sound-deadening efforts, laminated front and side window glass and staggered tires.  The front tires are P245/45P-19 and the rears are P275/40R-19 fitted on standard 19-inch chrome alloy wheels. Not the norm, but it works

"Acceleration?" you ask.  "Yes," the V8-powered VIP version of the K900 answers.  In fact its Tau dual-overhead-cam 5-liter engine is Kia's first V8, and that is reason for celebrating.  Delivering 420 peak horsepower and a significant 376 lb-ft of peak torque, the all-aluminum engine features direct injection and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust.  The smooth, quiet V8 is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission that is rapidly become ubiquitous in luxury sedans. The high-tech transmission offers Eco, Normal and Sport modes with the requisite adjustment in shift-mapping. Changing modes also alters the settings on the electric power-assisted steering, but it doesn't adjust shock valving or other suspension settings

Electronic driver aids in abundance

While the suspension is not computerized, there is no shortage of electronic driver assists on the K900.  The V8 version of the car offers Kia's first installation of a rear cross traffic alert system and Kia's first installation of what it calls Advanced Vehicle Safety Management.  The latter integrates various vehicle monitoring systems, primary among them electronic stability control, with seatbelt and warning systems to alert the driver in case of danger.  If a potential collision is detected AVSM alerts the driver in three stages: audible alarm, visual warning on the head-up and dash-mounted displays and, finally a tightening of the front seatbelts.  The system does not, however, apply the brakes to avert or mitigate the crash.  The K900 can also be equipped with blind spot detection, lane departure warning and radar-based Advanced Smart Cruise Control that enables you to set a desired distance between your luxury K900 and the vehicle in front of you.  For those of you who are intimidated by parallel parking, your fears will be allayed with the Surround View Monitor system.  Using four wide-angle mini-cameras, the system displays on the dash-mounted screen where you are in relationship to potential hazards like curbs, parking meters, bushes and stray dogs.  It doesn't steer you into the parking place, but it helps take the worry out of being close

Even in the absence of the Surround View Monitoring system, parking the K900 is pretty easy.  Front and rear park-assist sensors are standard on each and every K900, and the display on the in-dash monitor indicates distance between your vehicle and objects via an intuitive green, yellow and red line system, accompanied by an ever-more-insistent buzzer

As you can guess the K900 offers an expansive in-dash display.  The VIP V8 is equipped with a 12.3-inch screen, the largest TFT instrument panel ever offered in a Kia.  Based on driving mode, the display shifts from traditional round speedometer and tachometer to higher tech digital readouts reminiscent of Formula One cars. It also features a full-color head-up display, which is configurable to offer info on speed, turn-by-turn navigation and alerts.  Easily legible in sunlight or darkness, it vanished when I put on my polarized sunglasses

In-car entertainment that will blow your socks off

On the in-car entertainment front even buyers of V6-equipped K900s will be blown away - perhaps literally - by the 900-watt Lexicon audio system, which, as you might have guessed, is the most powerful and advanced audio system ever offered in a Kia.  The system features a trunk-mounted 12-channel digital amplifier, a subwoofer below the rear parcel shelf and 17 strategically placed speakers.  Its many wonders are easily accessible via a 9.2-inch center console screen that is the gateway to Kia's UVO eServices telematics software.  The various UVO functions are easily accessed via a rotary knob on the center console that is flanked by a small array of direct access buttons to things like navigation and radio

The interior of the K900 is extremely accommodating to both front- and rear-seat passengers. Luscious Nappa leather and genuine walnut or poplar wood trim are spread lavishly around the interior, and we appreciated the added comfort of the 16-way power-adjusted driver's seat that is both heated and ventilated. Lighting is with "soft-hue" LEDs. Via controls on the fold-down center armrest, rear-seat passengers can not only manipulate the cabin temperature but also adjust seat heating and the power rear sunshade. They can even fold up the front passenger seat at the touch of a button for more legroom. In the VIP versions the rear seats also independently recline and feature power lumbar support.  All V8 models are equipped with a mammoth panoramic sunroof with retractable sunshade

Looking good in the (upscale) neighborhood

Oh, and did we mention that the K900 is attractive on the outside, too?  In the driveway of a prestigious Santa Barbara hotel it drew covetous glances from the well-heeled patrons, based on its handsome profile, interesting grille and technologic-overkill front headlights. These last consist of 16 LED bulbs grouped into clusters below clear lenses, and they adjust to point out bends in the road ahead

In an effort to cater to the luxury customer who would be interested in the K900, Kia is upgrading the sales and service experiences at the selected dealers who will carry the model when it comes to market later this year.  Kia is also set to offer a three-year, 37,500-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance program that additionally includes the use of a loaner Kia Cadenza or K900 when yours is in the shop

So to recapitulate, the 2015 Kia K900 is not only a satisfying luxury sedan, but it is also a major step in Kia's evolution from super-value specialty brand to premium full-line brand.  Kia executives know the journey won't be completed in a day or a year or even a few years, but they have definitely taken the initial step

Read More

Hyundai Sonata: Designs for the Future 2015

The all-new 2015 Hyundai Sonata bowed at the New York Show and builds on the new design theme, Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, embodied in its larger Genesis sibling

Under the direction of design chief Peter Schreyer, the new front-drive Sonata has a crisp, more disciplined approach to its shape, with tautly drawn lines and a bolder face. There is now a strong family resemblance between this midsize 4-door sedan and the larger rear- and all-wheel drive Genesis

Premium Detailing

The new Sonata has a larger grille, coupe-like roofline and premium detailing that includes LED daytime running lights

16-inch alloy wheels, a rear lip spoiler and chrome exterior accents. The new Sonata is offered in SE, Limited and Sport trim levels each with their own design cues. The Limited adds rocker panel extensions and dual exhaust tips for a premium look, while the Sport has a more aggressive front grille, side rocker extensions and side chrome molding. Sport 2.0T models have a unique rear bumper fascia, quad exhaust tips and 18-inch alloy wheels

The premium look extends to the interior, which has the same crisp angular design as the exterior.  Among the options available is an 8-inch touch screen navigation system with an enhanced display and improved touch sensitivity

New Body Structure

While the Sonata is positioned as a midsize sedan, it offers EPA passenger volume of a large car. The Sonata's new platform incorporates extensive use of high strength steel, which results in a body that is 41 percent stiffer than the previous model

Engineers also took the opportunity with the new body to reduce the size of apertures in the firewall and increased the use of sound deadening materials in dash to ensure a quieter ride. Additional sound absorption material beneath the floorpan and an underbody tray made of fiberboard improves aerodynamics and reduces unwanted road noise

Four Cylinder Engine Lineup

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata retains its 4-cylinder engine lineup starting with a base 2.4-liter engine producing 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Sport 2.0T models are powered by a turbocharged direct-injection 4-cylinder engine, which makes 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode is standard

Handling is also improved with a new suspension featuring stiffer bushings, cross members and a new electric power steering system. The Sport 2.0T models benefit from larger brakes and a tauter sport-tuned suspension

Class Above Features Offered

Hyundai's new approach to the market is to offer luxury car features on it midsize models. Among them are automatic headlamp dimmers and Smart Trunk, a system that automatically opens the trunk after three seconds when the key fob is detected in its vicinity, which is unlike other systems that require a body motion to activate the release. Other options available in the lineup include a height adjustable, heated and cooled passenger side bucket seat, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel

On the tech front, all 2015 Sonatas come standard with USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata will also rollout Apple's CarPlay that allows an owner to easily synch up iPhone apps and features including Siri, music and maps, using voice commands

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata will be built in Montgomery, Ala. and go on sale early this summer

Read More

Ford Expedition adds EcoBoost power and Platinum trim 2015

Getting its formal reveal on the eve of the DFW Auto Show in Dallas, Texas, the 2015 Ford Expedition boasts a fresher look, a more connected character, enhanced dynamics and a new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine.  Continuing in standard and EL (119-inch/131-inch wheelbase) configurations, the 2015 Expedition models will offer a range-topping Platinum trim grade when it goes on sale this fall

While modest in scope, visual changes to the 2015 Expedition's fascias add more contemporary flair to the package. Up front, the soft cap is edgier, a look complemented by new lighting elements - including available LED fog lamps - plus a bolder lower valance treatment. The rear sports a redesigned liftgate and new chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets. In addition to new colors that are specifically keyed to the XLT, Limited, King Ranch and new Platinum trims, the 2015 Expedition lineup also gets redesigned alloy wheels that range up to 22 inches in diameter

The cabin makeover on this 7/8-passenger SUV travels a similarly purposeful route. Key revamps consist of new 4.2-inch LCD driver information screens in the main instrument cluster and a restyled center stack to accommodate an 8.0-inch high-res color display for the Expedition's available SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment/navigation system. Other standard/available tech highlights for 2015 include a 10-speaker/700-watt Sony premium audio system, Intelligent Access with push-button start, seven-color ambient LED lighting, a rearview camera and Ford truck apps to facilitate trailer towing and off-road driving. Going Platinum brings all of the above and more, including supple leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, Ford's radar-based Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and unique trim accents

For many, the most meaningful change on the 2015 Ford Expedition will be found underhood where the current 5.4-liter V8 gives way to Ford's well-proven 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 as sole engine in the North American market. While final figures on the popular twin-turbo/direct-injected engine have yet to be released, they'll at least match the 365-horsepower/420 lb-ft of torque it produces when fitted to an F-150 pickup. Both numbers handily exceed the 310/365 output stats of the current V8, and promise to add a good deal more snap to the Expedition's overall performance. The EcoBoost engine is also expected to deliver significantly better fuel economy in both rear-drive and 4-wheel drive models. While gear-changing will still be handled by a 6-speed automatic, for 2015 the transmission adds SelectShift manual-style capability

Although the 2015 Expedition's standard fully-independent suspension is largely carryover, it does gain more energy-efficient electric power steering that improves driver feedback across the entire speed range. The Expedition also will be the first Ford-badged product to offer the automaker's trick Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) system as an option. The tri-mode (Comfort/Normal/Sport) CCD setup constantly reads and reacts to 46 different steering/braking/dynamic inputs. It alters shock absorber settings in milliseconds to minimize unwanted body motion and enhance overall ride comfort

Pricing, EPA figures and final equipment details for the 2015 Ford Expedition will be announced closer to its arrival in dealer showrooms

Read More

Dodge Challenger: Retro Packaging, Current Technology 2015

Following up on six years of steadily increasing sales, Dodge revealed an update of the revivalist Challenger pony car at the New York International Auto Show, an extensive freshening that preserves the look, spirit, and rumble of yesteryear with contemporary engineering and electronics

The 2015 Dodge Challenger sustains its unabashedly retro roots, but the updated styling is drawn from the 1971 model, rather than 1970, according to the Dodge. That year, its second on the market, marked the zenith of Challenger performance, the final year with the option of 426 Hemi V-8 muscle

Subtle Design Cues

The design distinctions between 1970 and '71 were subtle, and that's true of the 2015 update. The front and rear fascias have been redesigned-a thinner split grille slot, deeper airdam, an LED halo surrounding the quad headlights, a bigger power bulge in the hood, a new Shaker hood option, and LED taillights

But like the transition from 1970 to '71, the 2015 profile is essentially the same as 2014. Aside from a new cast aluminum axle housing, that's also true of the chassis. And the retro theme is sustained by what Dodge calls "high impact heritage hues:" B5 Blue, Tor Red, and Sublime, an electric green that may be visible from low earth orbit. There are also seven "heritage inspired" stripe options

Redesigned Cabin

The all-new interior is a blend of retro design and contemporary technology. Highlights under this heading include a new 7-inch TFT cluster nestled between the tachometer and speedometer with programmable information via Dodge's Performance Pages feature; a new 8.4-inch touchscreen option with Chrysler's U-Connect telematics; driver selectable operating modes; and a new rearview camera. An S3 card slot, auxiliary audio input and USB outlet are integrated into a new media hub housed in the center armrest

The front seats have been redesigned, with upholstery choices ranging from cloth to Nappa leather, and the option of heating and cooling for those clad with hides. There's also a performance seat option with heftier bolstering

V-6 and V-8 Power

As you'd expect, there's no shortage of muscle. Engine choices are familiar: Chrysler's 305-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6, and 5.7- and 6.4-liter Hemi V-8s. EPA fuel economy ratings weren't final at show time, but are expected to be about the same as 2014

Output for the Hemis ranges up to 375 hp and 410 pound-feet of torque in the Challenger R/T when the intake air is enhanced by cold air from the optional Shaker hood, and the engine is paired with a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. The Shaker package also includes a low restriction exhaust, emitting a visceral rumble.The Shaker package also extends to the chassis via the optional Super Track Pack, with upgrades to suspension, brakes, steering, three-mode stability control, and Goodyear Eagle F1 performance rubber

The 6.4 Hemi generates 485 hp and 475 lb-ft, and both Hemis will include the option of Chrysler's TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic (standard with the V-6), replete with paddle shifters and a new electronic shift feature

Also new: an electric power steering system

Scat Pack Returns

Dodge has also introduced a new line of Scat Pack accessories from Mopar, Chrysler's in-house aftermarket department. Scat Pack hardware includes 5.7-liter V-8 engine upgrades, performance suspension parts, and 20 x 9-inch forged alloy wheels, and Brembo brakes, plus a Scat Pack appearance package with a 276-watt audio system and animated start-up screen

Offered in eight trim levels-SXT, SXT Plus, R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Shaker, R/T Plus Shaker, 6.4-liter Scat Pack, and 392 HEMI Scot Pack Shaker-the 2015 Challengers will reach showrooms this fall, with some of the high performance Shaker elements due later in the year

Read More