Infiniti Q70L 2015

A mid-cycle refresh imparts a new level of premium appeal to the 2015 Infiniti Q70 which matches revised styling with new tech touches and also introduces a long-wheelbase Q70L variant to the model mix. Making its world debut in New York, Infiniti's updated mid-size sport-luxury sedan is poised to mount an even stronger challenge to key rivals like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Focused on its nose and tail, the Q70's subtle but effective visual makeover adds a more elegantly upscale flourish to the basic design. Up front, the edgier fascia brings redesigned signature LED headlamps, a new double-arch grille treatment and integrated fog lamps. The Q70's rear revamp includes new LED taillamps, a re-contoured decklid, redrawn lower valance panel and new chrome finisher trim. In the case of the Q70L, the long, low look gets even more pronounced thanks to its additional 5.9 inches of wheelbase

While the richly appointed and well-finished cabin of the 2015 Infiniti Q70 is largely carryover, the general ambiance has been enhanced. Additional sound attenuation material and better sealing join the active noise cancelling system to make this elegant inner sanctum even quieter and improve road-isolation noise levels on the Q70L to a class-leading 77 percent. Given its likely role in other markets as a chauffeured ride for executives, the long-wheelbase model also offers additional features like auto rear-door closure, heated rear seats, reading lights and a 12V powerpoint to complement its 5.6 inches of added rear leg room and 5.9 inches of extra knee room. Infiniti engineers also tweaked the shock tuning on all models to further refine the ride smoothness on uneven surfaces

As with the current Q70 lineup, the 2015 Q70 and Q70L will be available with the carryover 330-horsepower/3.7-liter V6 as well as the 5.6-liter V8 that makes 420 horses in the Q70 and 416 in the Q70. Only the standard wheelbase Q70 will offer the gas/electric hybrid option that continues to match a 3.5-liter V6 with a supplemental motor in a package that makes 360 total horsepower. Sole transmission is a 7-speed automatic that offers available magnesium shift paddles on the steering wheel. Operating parameters can be fine tuned using the Drive Mode Selector that remaps throttle and transmission programming into Standard/Eco/Sport/Snow settings while Infiniti's Eco Pedal accelerator that provides direct feedback to encourage even more efficient driving remains an option

On the tech front, four new features join the roster of series-specific standard or available driver assists on the 2015 Q70 line. They include Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Forward Emergency Braking and Backup Collision Intervention

The 2015 Infiniti Q70 and Q70L will arrive in dealers here later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the actual on-sale date

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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

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Hyundai Genesis First Review: The Cool Lux Alternative 2015

Hyundai has made it clear that it wants to compete with the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. The automaker has proved itself a worthy competitor in several automotive segments, successfully going upmarket without losing its sense of value, each new model improving on the one that came before it. The 2015 Genesis continues in the same way: The first generation of the sedan was very good, and the new car is even better

Crisp design inside and out

The 2015 sedan's styling is clean and conveys a strong sense of luxury. The exterior has attractive lines, and is much more understated than the crease-happy little-brother Sonata without looking boring. The Genesis' feel of modern elegance continues in the cabin, where the designers created a space that is attractive and uses quality materials including real wood and metal. The colors and textures match nicely. The comfortable 16-way power heated/cooled driver's seat is wrapped in soft leather. (Seat heaters are optional for rear passengers.) There are nice little touches, too, like power sunshades for the rear side windows and the rear window-and the rearmost one automatically lowers when you put the transmission in Reverse and raises back up when in Drive. The pleasantly quiet cabin is refined, yet doesn't look like it's designed with retirees in mind. This is an interior that would appeal to a young, affluent crowd

A bevy of tech features should also appeal to young, affluent buyers. The standard navigation system uses an 8-inch screen, yet step up to the premium system, and you're looking at a crisp 9.2-inch HD display. There are available Pandora, Aha Radio and (upcoming) Google Glass apps, HD Radio comes standard and the car is capable of serving as a wi-fi hotspot. As an added bonus, SiriusXM Travel Link is free for 3 years. The car's excellent Lexicon surround-sound systems use either 14 or 17 speakers. All of the infotainment can be accessed through an intuitive system similar to Audi's Multi-Media Interface with a knob and surrounding buttons

Two powertrain choices

Whether you opt for the 3.8-liter V6 or the 5.0-liter V8, there is no shortage of power. We drove both, starting our evaluation in the V8-powered Genesis. Acceleration response was very quick, yet the 8-speed automatic transmission's shifts were smooth and happened right when you would want them to. Of course, it should feel fast, considering the V8 puts out 420 horsepower. The other side of that coin is that fuel economy is 15 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. We also drove the Genesis with the V6, and even though it didn't provide as much power as the V8, it still felt refined and gutsy. At 311 horsepower, the V6 doesn't penalize much in its output, yet the price is $13,500 less than the base V8. The V6 also provides much better fuel economy: as good as 18 mpg city, 29 highway for the rear-drive sedan, and 16/25 with all-wheel drive, which is offered for the first time in the Genesis, only with the V6

The 2015 Genesis uses a new Hyundai-designed platform that is stronger and more rigid than before. That, plus the improvements that were done to the suspension, make the car feel more agile. The driver has some say in how it rides-if you want a comfortable, compliant ride, you'll enjoy Eco or Normal modes. Want to tighten up the suspension? Switch to Sport mode

Invisible Touch

One of the new features of the 2015 Genesis is Lane Keep Assist. This system senses if the sedan is starting to drift out of the lane it's in, uses haptic feedback in the steering wheel to warn you if it senses drifting, and steers back into the lane if you don't correct your direction of travel. We found the system to intrude a bit on sections of moderately curvy road, and fought the steering. However, overall the system works well

Hyundai is known for packing their vehicles with value. In the case of the Genesis, that means a lot of equipment comes standard, such as navigation, hill hold, paddle shifters, rear-view camera, heated/cooled front seats, driver knee airbag, power-folding side mirrors and more, whether you get the V6 or V8. Its base price is $38,950; add $2500 for all-wheel drive ($41,450). The V8-powered Genesis starts at $52,450, but even fully loaded at around $57,000, that's still a bargain compared with Hyundai's target competitors. The Lexus GS starts at $48,610, then there's the Mercedes-Benz E350 ($52,805), Cadillac CTS ($46,025), BMW 5 Series ($50,425) and Audi A6 ($43,985), and all of them top out far north of $57,000. The Genesis may not have the same cachet as these cars, but it is certainly a viable alternative

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Honda Fit EXL First Review: One Size Fits All 2015

Small cars usually mean big compromises when it comes to balancing comfort, roominess, efficiency and sticker price. Since its introduction, the Honda Fit has been at the top of the list in offering an efficient package with an affordable MSRP that's also fun-to-drive. The 2015 Honda Fit EXL builds on that reputation by making the new model more substantial in looks, trim and equipment while offering better fuel economy at a price surprisingly close to the previous generation

The big enabler in Honda's ability to offer more without a huge bump in price is the shift in the car's production from Japan to a new plant in Mexico. The lower costs in both labor and transportation are at the heart of the big improvements on offer

Shorter, yet roomier

The 5-door Fit retains its cute bug eye styling, but in a slightly larger package that adds a sweeping character line to the side. This line not only gives the car a sense of forward motion, but its deep draw also makes the flanks of the car less slab sided and more muscular, which is important in a car that rides on a 99.6-inch wheelbase and measures 160 inches overall. While the wheelbase has grown by 1.2 inches and width by 0.3 inches, overall length is actually 1.6-inches shorter. The all-new platform underneath the car not only takes advantage of the extra wheelbase, but also repositions the 50/50 split rear seat to help boost that row's legroom by nearly 5 inches

These new dimensions add to the feel of a more substantial vehicle. The front passengers have more elbow room and the rear seat offers the kind of space found in cars a class or two above. The 2015 Honda Fit also retains the previous model's center-mounted fuel tank, which pays huge dividends when it comes to hauling stuff. This allows for a low rear cargo deck and a folding rear seat as flexible as a circus contortionist. Fold the seat forward and the bottom cushion nests into the footwell allowing for a fold-flat cargo area. The bottom cushions can also be lifted up and secured against the seatback providing a tall load space behind the front seats and finally, the front seats can be reclined all the way back and form a bed with the rear seats for the so-called "Refresh" mode

New Engine, Better Fuel Economy

Using direct injection, the all-new Earth Dreams 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 130 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque (up 23 horsepower and 8 lb-ft) driving the front wheels. Honda offers a choice of a CVT (with paddle shift-controlled steps for a sporty driving experience) and a 6-speed manual transmission. The CVT delivers 33 mpg city, 41 highway and a combined 36 mpg on the EPA cycle, a boost of five mpg in city and combined and six mpg highway over the previous model, which was equipped with a conventional 5-speed automatic. The manual transmission is rated at 29 mpg city, 37 highway for a combined of 32. These gains are more modest at a respective two, four and three mpg

Along with the new powertrain, Honda redesigned the suspension with a new strut-type setup in the front and an H-bar torsion beam in the rear. The slightly wider track and new suspension reinforces the feel that this car is more substantial than the model it replaces. Steering is light, quick and responsive; the car exhibits little in the way of roll. Because of the longer wheelbase, the ride is compliant for a car with such a short overall length

Safety in a Small Package

Even though the Fit is Honda's entry level model, it offers a wide range of safety features including the Lane Watch system found on larger models that projects an image of the right side of the car in the center screen when the right turn signal is activated. The Fit also offers such features as a rearview camera, Hill Start Assist and a motion adaptive electric power steering that helps initiate turn-in in the proper direction when the vehicle stability assist detects oversteer or understeer

With Lane Watch and backup cameras come either a 5.5-inch standard screen or on upmarket EX and EXL models, a 7-inch touchscreen. The screen is nestled in a dash covered with soft-touch materials, which also extend to the door panels. The interior has an upscale aura not usually associated with cars in this class. The outgoing model features only two trim levels, base and Sport/Sport Navi, while the 2015 Honda Fit starts with an LX model, with EX, EXL and EXL with Navi. The LX includes such new features for the base car as a rearview camera, the 5.5-inch screen and automatic headlamps. Pricing starts at $15,525 for a manual LX (the CVT is $800 more), an increase of just $100 over the previous base model. The EX, which replaces the Sport trim, is only $225 more and starts at $17,435 for the manual and $18,235 for the CVT with added content that includes the 7-inch screen, more powerful engine, auto headlamps and review camera. The EXL model, which is only offered with the CVT is $19,800, while the EXL Navi is priced at $20,800, just slightly more than the previous Sport Navi, which cost $19,970

With the 2015 Fit, Honda has raised the bar in a segment that has some pretty tough competition in the Nissan Versa Note, Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2. It's no longer a question of settling for less, but rather settling for the best

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GMC Sierra All Terrain HD: Refined Off-Roader 2015

In case you wanted some off-road ruggedness with your 2015 GMC Sierra HD, the full-size heavy-duty truck is now available with the All Terrain package. Like its light-duty sibling with the same equipment, the Sierra All Terrain HD brings some unique styling cues and standard four-wheel drive. This new Sierra HD trim is available on both 2500 HD and 3500 HD double cab and crew cab SLE and SLT models. An electronically controlled transfer case is included as well as the Z71 off-road package which brings Rancho twin-tube shocks, hill descent control, and a skid plate

Other features like the CornerStep rear bumper, EZ lift and lower tailgate (which also locks), and upper tie-downs are also included on the off-road oriented Sierra All Terrain HD. StabiliTrak with trailer sway control is also standard. Inside, carbon fiber accents separate the Sierra All Terrain HD from the rest of the lineup and in case that's not enough, the "All Terrain" logo is emblazoned on the instrument cluster. For Sierra All Terrain HD owners with an iPhone running on iOS 6 or iOS 7, Siri Eyes Free can read incoming text messages

Turbodiesel an option

Under the hood, the General's 6.0-liter gas engine is standard but the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine is also available. Other features like integrated cruise control, auto grade braking, and diesel exhaust braking help reduce brake wear on grades. The 2015 GMC Sierra All Terrain HD also utilizes enhanced airflow, which helps the engine to maintain power even while under duress and high temperatures. Standard safety features include forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and front and rear park assist

Like every GMC vehicle, the 2015 Sierra All Terrain HD comes with two years of scheduled maintenance, which includes diesel exhaust fluid refills, a three-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Expect to see the 2015 Sierra All Terrain HD enter showrooms later this summer

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