Lincoln Navigator 2015

On sale later this year,will start at $62,475. Lincoln's full-size/3-row SUV features a new and more contemporary nose and tail treatment and replaces the veteran 310-horsepower/5.4-liter V8 with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that turns out 380 horses and develops 460 lb-ft of peak torque - 95 more of those critical twist units than the engine it replaces. Lincoln says that extra muscle should give properly-equipped Navigators a projected best-in-class 9,000-pound tow rating. The EcoBoost V6 is backed by a new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission

To complement its more sophisticated exterior detailing and underhood upgrade, the 2015 Navigator also sports cabin enhancements including standard leather upholstery, push-button start, SYNC with MyLincoln Touch connectivity and an LED-backlit instrument cluster with tachometer, trip odometer, compass, a message center plus a Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert

Improved ride and handling

As part of its recasting, the 2015 Navigator will offer a new Lincoln Drive Control system to improve ride and handling. Standard issue on all 4-wheel drive versions or models with optional 22-inch wheel/tire package, it also brings electric power steering assist. All 4WD Navigators also get Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. As with the current lineup, the 2015 Navigator will be available in standard (119.0-inch) and long-wheelbase (131.0-inch) Navigator L models. The former opens at $64,640, the latter at $68,215

or those seeking the ultimate Navigator experience, Lincoln also is introducing a new Reserve Package for 2015. Beyond Lincoln Drive Control, and 22-inch polished aluminum wheels, is features ultra-lux leather in all three rows of seats and premium Ziricote wood trim plus additional leather-accented trim. Price of entry here commences at $69,975 with a 4WD version starting at $72,900

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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

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Lexus RC F makes a sudden impact in Detroit 2015

The eagerly-anticipated 2015 Lexus RC F made its global debut in Detroit, and this enthusiast-grade iteration of the Lexus RC Coupe revealed last November in Tokyo takes the exhilaration index up a major notch with an even bolder appearance, more tautly tuned suspension and a potent V8 engine under its prominently bulged hood. While the vehicle is still undergoing final development, Lexus offered enough hard facts at the unveiling to confirm the 2015 RC F will be one seriously fast and furious addition to what it promised will be an expanding high-performance lineup

As with previous "F-spec" models, the bodywork on the Lexus RC F imparts a new edge to its appearance while enhancing the car's aero profile and includes a number of carbon fiber components to help trim weight. For openers, both fascia treatments have been revised to convey more menacing character manifested in details like a prominent recasting of the signature Spindle grille form, large outboard air intakes and supplemental stabilizing fins up front that are countered with a more powerfully configured diffuser, canted-quad stacked exhaust outlets and an LFA-style auto-deploying rear spoiler that rises when vehicle speed exceeds 50 mph and retracts when it drops below 25 mph. The side view of the RC F further contributes to its bad-boy flair with the unique hood design complemented by functional vents aft of the front wheelwells and more deeply contoured side sills, all set off by a choice of three different 19-inch forged alloy wheels

The cabin of the new Lexus RC F gets an equally focused remake that overlays the basic RC Coupe design with a host of bespoke RC F details that also pay homage to the automaker's LFA supercar. It starts with a new elliptical-rim steering wheel - the first on any Lexus model - wrapped in leather and fitted with finger-friendly shifter paddles that overlooks an instrument panel that includes a programmable main gauge cluster with four driver-selectable modes -- each offering its own color scheme and data display. Other highlights include a navigation/infotainment system that features a 7.0-inch screen as well as a new touchpad interface to simplify operation of all related functions. Bedecked with an embossed F logo on each headrest, the RC F's unique high-back sport buckets can be had in any of five different leather trims while its metal sport pedals feature distinctive L-shaped rubber elements

Although output specifics have yet to be finalized, the 2015 Lexus RC F packs a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that's its maker says will develop "more than 450 horsepower and more than 383 pound feet of torque." In addition to being the most potent V8 ever to appear in any Lexus model, it also will be the first to incorporate Atkinson Cycle combustion technology that enhances fuel efficiency under most normal driving conditions. However, the engine can switch back to conventional Otto Cycle operation to deliver full power on demand. Motive force will be shipped to the RC F's rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Other elements in the mix include a Torque Vectoring Differential with three driver-selectable programs that can optimize the car for street or track use, a comprehensively retuned version of the base RC Coupe's front-strut/rear-multilink suspension and upgraded brakes

Like the 2015 Lexus RC 350 Coupe, the new Lexus RC F will start arriving in showrooms here this fall. Pricing, final spec and EPA numbers for both cars will be announced closer to their on-sale date

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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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