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

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Kia Soul EV 2015

A featured player in the automaker's green-themed Chicago show cast, the 2015 Kia Soul EV melds the cool character of its gasoline-powered sibling with an even more eco-friendly and electric personality

Visually, the new Soul EV retains all of the standard Soul's basic styling themes but does gain a number of unique elements - starting with a two-tone paint scheme that will initially consist of Pearl White with an Electronic Blue roof and Caribbean Blue/Clear White or Bright Silver/Clear White combos. Other differentiators include a custom front fascia with a larger grill area to house the EV's dual charging ports, projector beam headlamps, LED running lights/taillamps and "Eco Electric" fender badges. The remake also brings dedicated 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in special Super Low Rolling Resistance (SLRR) tires that trim an additional 10 percent off of the conventional low-resistance index

Motivation for the new Soul EV comes from a 109-horspower motor that produces 210 lb-ft of peak torque. Powering the front wheels via a single-speed/constant-ratio transmission, the motor accelerates the car to 60 mph in about 12 seconds and carries it on to an electronically-limited 90 mph top speed.  The car has an air-cooled 27kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack located beneath the floor that gives it a nominal range of 80-100 miles on a single charge

In addition to getting on-the-fly replenishment from the automaker's third-generation regenerative braking system, the battery can be topped off by using either of two standard ports - one for Level 1 and 2 systems and a second for Level 3 480V fast-charging. Kia says an electronic refill will drop from 24 hours using the standard 6.6kW on-board charger and a 120V household outlet to less than five hours when plugged into a dedicated 240V system. It's also possible to bring the pack up to 80-percent level in barely half an hour using a 50kW Level 3 setup

Inside, the Soul EV's well-finished passenger compartment is impressively appointed and boasts unique trim touches throughout along with better sound isolation properties. Making extensive use of bio-friendly materials whether done in cloth or optional leather, the EV's standard feature set includes a Supervision instrument cluster with ultra-efficient organic LED (OLED) illumination, navigation with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, cruise control, Bluetooth, power windows, a power driver's seat and a multi-mode low-draw climate control system as well as a full array of requisite EV-centric controls and displays. It also offers remote-activation functionality, infotainment apps and can provide ancillary information on charging stations through Kia's UVO EV Services, which are provided at no cost during the first five years of ownership

While remaining fairly spacious, the transition to electric power does exact a modest cost on the Soul EV's interior volume. Rear-seat legroom drops from 39.1 to 36.0 inches - although it still tops most of its EV competitors. Cargo space also takes a hit, shrinking from 24.2 cu ft to a quite serviceable 19.1 cu ft figure to accommodate the battery cooling fan and on-board charger

The 2015 Soul EV will go on sale later this year with initial marketing concentrated in California, Oregon, New York, New Jersey and Maryland. Kia plans to broaden that scope in the near future to meet what it anticipates will be expanding demand - and support infrastructure. Final pricing on the Soul EV will be announced closer to its actual arrival in dealerships

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Kia Sedona 2015

A full redesign brings a new level of cool to the 2015 Kia Sedona that made its world debut in New York. In addition to bolder styling that gives it a more crossover-like character, Kia's minivan is more powerful, capable and comfortable than the vehicle it replaces as well as being even safer. As part of adding what it calls "an element of desire" to the formula, Kia also gave the new Sedona an even wider range of tech features to please both the driver and all others aboard

Standing out from the crowd 

Visually, the 2015 Sedona displays the kind of contemporary cues we've come to expect from Kia products developed under the direction of chief design officer Peter Schreyer. The edgier, well-tailored shape is complemented by a classic Schreyer-style grille treatment, a steeply raked windshield, LED lighting elements and a functional rear spoiler. While overall size remains unchanged, the new Sedona's front/rear overhangs have been trimmed and its wheelbase extended by 1.6 inches

Kia's remade MPV ups its appeal inside as well, gaining a more user-friendly overall design and loads more soft-touch surfaces in a cabin that can carry seven or eight. In addition to more passenger space in all seating positions, on-the-go reconfiguring is now easier thanks to second-row Slide-n-Stow tracked seating that also offers fore/aft adjustability coupled with a 60/40 in-floor retractable rear bench. Available Captain's Chairs for the second row feature extendable leg rests to further enhance long-distance comfort

In keeping with its mission, the 2015 Sedona offers an expansive roster of comfort and convenience features, including the latest generation of Kia's UVO Infotainment & Telematics system. Among the other notable standard items are a high-output USB charging port, 115V AC outlet and a dual-level glove box with a cooled lower area as a Surround View Monitor and a hands-free Smart Tailgate

Playing it even safer

The new Sedona also ups its game on the safety front. Roll Over Mitigation and Cornering Brake Control join the existing list of standards that include Electronic Stability/Traction Control, Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution while Vehicle Stability Management, Forward Collision Warning, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are now on offer as new options

Underpinning the new Sedona is a structure made from 76 percent high- or ultra-high strength steel, an upgrade that enhances its crash-protection potential and creates a more stable platform for its redesigned suspension that puts greater emphasis on handling as well as on improving ride. A more intensive noise reduction effort also promises to make this new Kia one of the quietest vehicles in its segment. All 2015 Sedona models will be fitted with Kia's new Lambda 3.3-liter GDI engine that makes 276 horsepower and drives the front wheels though a 6-speed automatic transmission

The 2015 Kia Sedona will arrive in dealer showrooms this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to the actual on-sale date

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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

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Jaguar F-Type Coupe First Review 2015

The F-Type signals the rebirth of Jaguar, and the convertible model has already rocked our world on several occasions. Here in Spain, I was to drive the coupe, a car which offered more performance than the convertible thanks to a stiffer aluminum structure and a new model, the F-Type R Coupe, with a 550-hp supercharged V8 engine

From Barcelona, Jaguar flew us to Lleida, a small city about a hundred miles east of the Mediterranean, and unremarkable but for two things. First, it had an airport at which were parked a dozen or so 2015 Jaguar F-Type S Coupes that we'd soon be driving. Second, Lleida is conveniently next to some of the best driving roads I have ever seen

F-Type S on the road

Out there the roads narrowed, the curves sharpened, and we put the car into its Dynamic Mode. Not only does Dynamic Mode prepare the car for spirited driving by enhancing throttle response, sharpening steering, and firming up the suspension, it also opens up the exhaust system to allow a full throated roar under full throttle, and a satisfying burble and pop when you let off the gas. Jaguar says the 380-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 can launch the F-Type Coupe from a standstill to 60 mph in a bit under 5 seconds. The 8-speed automatic shifts slickly, whether in its Dynamic self-shifting mode, or flicking the paddles to select your own gears

The first thing we noticed about the coupe was its stiffness compared to the convertible, particularly noteworthy considering that Jaguar says the convertible is already as stiff as a BMW 5 Series sedan. Rather than chopping off the roof of the coupe, Jaguar designed the car as a convertible, then added the roof for the coupe. The result is an extremely stable platform on which to build a high-performance car, with very little chassis flex

F-Type R at the track

The S was a nearly perfect driving companion on the twisting Spanish two-lanes, and while we could've driven these roads all day, we were anxious to make it to the racetrack, our midday stop and time with the F-Type R. Jaguar had also set up a low-speed wet handling course to demonstrate the F-Type's Torque Vectoring by Braking system, which uses the front brakes to guide the car through turns at the limits of traction

We started on the short wet course, driving poorly to get the front end to slide on the wet pavement. The system worked as advertised, selectively braking the inside front wheel causing the nose of the car to turn tighter, rather than to slide forward. It was an interesting exercise, and despite the artificial feel under these tightly controlled circumstances designed to showcase the technology, we never noticed the system in action on the road, or on the track

The tech demo was informative, but the 550-hp R Coupe felt out of place on the short track. The 3.3-mile long main circuit was a different story. As the laps accumulated, the Coupe's at-the-limit quirks showed themselves. Power was no problem, and the transmission's Dynamic Mode was as adept at picking the right gear, though the paddle shifters responded even quicker. The brakes were excellent and worth every penny. Yet the Jaguar didn't have quite the precision one would find in, say, a Porsche. The rear end was too eager to slide, the steering not quite precise enough. But these are minor quibbles. If the true test of a sports car is how it performs on a track, this Jaguar graduates magna cum laude, just a notch below the summa you'd get in a Porsche

On the road again

The next day, we set out in a Sapphire Blue Jaguar F-Type R Coupe on public roads that combined two-lanes snaking through the hills, narrow single-lanes that crawled through ancient Spanish towns, and high-speed straights and highways that led us back to Lleida. Our car lacked the carbon-ceramic matrix brakes from yesterday's track cars, but was otherwise the same

It was wonderful. While the Jaguar wasn't in its very best element on the racetrack -- where it was still pretty good -- it absolutely owned these Spanish roads. The exhaust popped and echoed off the hillsides, the road twisted and turned under us, and the Jaguar devoured it all. The V8 sounded as it made short work of the slower moving cars we encountered. Driving this car briskly is intoxicating, yet even in the slow sections the F-Type managed to be fun, drawing envious stares from passersby

F-Type Coupe: a real sports car

There are two takeaways from my time with the Jaguar F-Type Coupe. First, this is a real sports car. It's not a sporty coupe, it's not a grand tourer. It's a sports car, and Jaguar was willing to throw certain accommodations aside in the interest of making the car better to drive. It's stiffly sprung, it's sometimes a little loud, and it's tight inside, with merely adequate cargo space. But in exchange you get a car that's a blast and a half to drive, and one of the most fun cars you can buy today

Second, this is just the beginning. More F-Type variants are in the pipeline, including rumored all-wheel drive and hybrid versions. Beyond that, expect to see even more highly focused F-Type models in the future. After all, there's still room for a GT model, for example, so if you're hoping that the F-Type will someday be the ultimate track car, don't lose hope. The F-Type has raised our expectations for the company's future products. Jaguar has surprised and delighted us with its new sports car. The challenge now is to just keep at it

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