Kia Soul Given '2010 Automotive Excellence Award' By Popular Mechanics

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Already a recipient of numerousaccolades including a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for HighwaySafety, being named to the "Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" list by KelleyBlue Book's kbb.com and "Interior of the Year" list by Ward's AutoWorld, theall-new 2010 Kia Soul has yet again been honored and given a "2010 AutomotiveExcellence Award" by Popular Mechanics. Recognized for its appealing style,fuel efficiency, handling and overall value, Soul is one of only 10 vehiclesto be acknowledged on the esteemed list."Soul has been a game changer for the Kia brand, bringing new consumers toshowrooms with its style, value and personalization options as well as pavingthe way for vehicles like the Forte, Forte Koup and the all-new Sorento CUV,"said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). "Popular Mechanics is a well-respected publication and to achieve thisaccolade from them is both a testament to the Kia brand and the all-new Soulurban passenger vehicle."To compile the annual list, Popular Mechanics' automotive department editorstest drove, evaluated and rated new cars and trucks to determine whichvehicles and technologies were the most significant, singling out the top 10in the industry.With a starting price below $14,000(1), Soul is available in four trims, Soul,Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport. Kia Motors' newest five-door offersconsumers an immense amount of style and value, equipped with suchdriver-friendly standard convenience features as an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio systemoutfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and three monthscomplimentary service(2), and USB and auxiliary input jacks in the centerconsole with full iPod®(3) and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit andsteering wheel controls (achieved with an optional accessory iPod cable). Soul also offers an optional Audio Upgrade Package that includes a centerspeaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to thebeat of the music to truly enhance the personal lounge atmosphere.

Read article at: http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS117618+28-Oct-2009+PRN20091028

Motor Trend First Test: 2010 Volkswagen Golf

Golf VI, as the 2010 Volkswagen Golf is known to model trivia buffs, arrives a year earlier than expected and marks somewhat less of a transformation than were its four predecessors. The styling is all-new inside and out, but the chassis and running gear mostly carry over with minor tweaks, the laserlike focus of which was primarily in two areas: to improve refinement and efficiency and to lower the cost of production. We're happy to report abundant evidence of the former and little or no indication of the latter.

The sleeker styling shows off the new face of VW, as envisioned by design boss Walter Da Silva, with strong horizontal themes in the front and rear graphics. A pronounced shoulder just below the window sills catches the light and lends a butch, bulldog stance on the road. To these eyes, the overall look is about as upscale as two-box cars get, and to the wind it looks ever so slightly slipperier than before (the drag coefficient drops from 0.32 to 0.31). Elsewhere on the refinement front, heroic noise-reduction measures like thicker, acoustic glass from the B-pillar forward, better sound deadening material on the firewall, and new door seals reportedly render this the quietest Golf ever. The claimed improvement is 6 decibels less racket under the noisiest operating conditions (third gear at higher revs). The transformation is most striking on the 2.5-liter, which now shares a lot less of its unpleasant five-cylinder moan with the occupants. Icing on the cake: Despite the sound deadening measures, overall curb weights actually drop about 20 pounds.

All three U.S.-bound engines (the base 2.5-liter inline-five, the 2.0-liter clean-diesel TDI four, and the GTI's 2.0-liter turbo TSI four) receive friction-reducing measures, like switching from a belt-and-chain cam drive to chain-only drive of the cams, balance shafts and oil pump; adoption of new high-pressure die-cast pistons, and an induction-hardened crankshaft. Output levels are largely unchanged, but fuel economy notches slightly upward and in some cases the torque curves are widened (the GTI turbo's torque plateau is achieved 100 rpm earlier, at 1700 rpm). Base cars add one or two EPA city mpg based on transmission, while the DSG-equipped GTI improves by 2 city/3 highway mpg.

Read entire article: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0910_2010_volkswagen_golf_test/index.html

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Legacy B4 GT300 is pure JDM awesomeness

Our jaws literally dropped when we spotted this car in the Subaru booth here at the Tokyo Motor Show. The concoction of carbon fiber spoilers, wings and widened fenders seen here is the Legacy B4 GT300 racecar that is set to compete in Japan's Super GT series next year. The car actually made its racing debut at Fuji Speedway last month, and even though previous driveline problems prevented this racer from making an even earlier debut, the B4 GT300 managed 300 trouble-free kilometers to finish a respectable 18th place. As for specs, the Legacy B4 GT300 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer-four that pumps out more than 300 horsepower. With all-wheel drive, a six-speed sequential transmission, and a curb weight of just over 2800 pounds, we imagine it's an absolute blast to pilot around the track. - Autoblog.com

New interior and exterior spy shots of 2011 BMW 5 Series F10

New interior and exterior spy shots of 2011 BMW 5 Series F10

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show

Subaru officially debuted its latest creation at the Tokyo Motor Show – the Impreza WRX STi Carbon. The new sport hatchback, which is based on the A-Line model, has a roof made of carbonfiber, giving the car better hp/weight ratio and lowering the center of gravity. In turn, this leads to better traction and handling.
In addition, Subaru updated the interior by using more luxurious materials thus upping the comfort level of passengers. Another feature that makes the new Impreza WRX STi Carbon stand out is the 5-speed automatic gearbox, which is a precedent for the WRX STi models. There may be hardcore fans who wouldn’t appreciate the changes but the company is well aware of that and counters that it seeks to provide a higher degree of comfort for its customers. Two engines are available in the option list for Subaru Impreza WRX STi Carbon: a 2.0-litre turbo with 308hp and 422Nm of torque and a 2.5-litre turbo with 300hp and maximum torque of 407Nm. The new Subaru WRX STi Carbon will be unveiled for the audience on October 24. Pricing will be announced later this year.
Article: http://www.4wheelsnews.com/subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-carbon-at-the-2009-tokyo-motor-show/

All New Kia Cadenza Unveiled.....

The Korean manufacturer unveiled the Kia Cadenza today, a car based on the VG concept that will replace the current Amanti / Opirus model.
Public debut for the 2011 Kia Cadenza is expected to take place the motor shows in the Middle East towards the end of 2009 and as the company says the new saloon is designed to deliver refinement, safety and emotional satisfaction.
Some of the luxury features inside the 2011 Kia Cadenza include a heated steering wheel, powered extendable seat cushions, automatic defogging, ventilated front seats as well as a ‘floating’ dashboard with represents a new approach to interior design.

Article: http://www.carsession.com/hot-car-news/kia-cadenza-unveiled.html

2010 Motor Trend Sport/Utility Of The Year: Subaru Outback

2010 Motor Trend Sport/Utility Of The Year: Subaru Outback
Find the Hidden SUV: An Act So Good, Even if You Know How It's Done You Can't See It
October 16, 2009
/ By Arthur St. Antoine
/ Photography by Wesley Allison


It's right there in the photo: a spacious, tough, thoroughly modern, exceedingly capable sport/utility vehicle. You're forgiven if all you can see is a svelte station wagon. There's magic at work here.
For the first time since any of us can recall, an automaker has claimed the Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year title two years in a row. Last fall, deftly balancing efficiency and size, the all-new 2009 Subaru Forester went home with the Golden Calipers trophy. For 2010, fighting off several tough adversaries -- and undoubtedly some unspoken but very real bias among our judges against repeat winners -- Subaru's new, fourth-generation Outback scored a decisive 10-1 victory in the final voting.

Some vehicles arrive at our annual "Of the Year" competitions (car, sport/utility, truck) staking early claims to a win via bulging engine muscle, beguiling gizmos, fashion-runway sheetmetal. The Outback isn't one of those. In fact, it slipped nearly unnoticed through our early walkarounds; the pre-drives chatter seemed to focus elsewhere -- the ZDX's spaceship lines, the Q5's comparison test-winning moves, the Lincoln's mighty yet efficient EcoBoost V-6. But then, one by one, our test drivers took the Outback into the field. And the buzz began to shift. Once again, it seemed, Subaru was successfully reshaping the very definition of "sport/utility vehicle" -- melding the multi-mission prowess of true SUVs with the driving refinement, fuel-frugality, and easy access of wagons and sedans. Once again, our judges began taking extra notes.

In the U.S., the Legacy Outback wagon is now gone (it'll still be sold in Japan and elsewhere), replaced by this bigger, sleeker rig that drops the Legacy name altogether. The 2010 Outback platform is new, 2.8 inches longer in wheelbase, shoulders broader by two inches, front and rear overhangs nipped by two inches each to enhance off-road attacks. Though the overall package is shorter than its predecessor, interior room is up seven percent (thanks in part to a raised roof) -- and rear-seat legroom climbs by a conspicuous four inches. "Roomy back seat -- lots of legroom and headroom," writes senior editor Ron Kiino. "Huge cargo hold too. At 34.3/71.3 cubic feet (back seat up/down), it's got more cargo room than the Terrain and Equinox twins." Maximum cargo capacity, in fact, tops both a "classic SUV" like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota's big "it's-not-a-crossover-it's-a-car" Venza (see chart on page 4).

Read the entire article: http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/suv/112_0912_2010_suv_of_the_year_winner/index.html

Kia dealers from across nation tour new West Point assembly plant

Activity at the Kia Motors assembly plant in West Point is picking up as the start of production draws closer.
The South Korean company is on schedule to begin mass production of the Sorento Crossover Utility Vehicle the middle of next month in its first U.S. plant.
Last week, about 850 Kia dealers from across the country toured the plant and took the new vehicle for test drives.

“It went well,” Kia Motors Georgia Human Resources Director and Administrator Randy Jackson said Monday.
It went better than that, said Kia AutoSport of Columbus General Manager Ed Braun, who was in the group.
“The dealers were ecstatic about the new product,” Braun said. “The new Sorento is going to be awesome.”
Kia Parkway, which runs between the plant and Interstate 85 was closed for the dealers to test drive the redesigned Sorento. An obstacle course was set up so the dealers could get a better feel for the vehicle.
The dealers also got a tour of the plant and the production process.
“Most dealers have seen plants, but I don’t think they have seen one like this one,” Braun said. “It is massive, but it also has the latest and greatest technology.”
The Kia plant now has 1,200 employees, Jackson said. It will employ about 1,250 hourly workers by the time production begins. That is half the 2,500 jobs that were promised when Georgia landed the plant in 2006.
Another 1,250 hourly workers will be hired early next year as the manufacturer gears up for a second production line.
Jackson said a month ago that Kia was considering reopening the application process as the second round of hiring begins. Two years ago, more than 43,000 people applied with Kia through the Georgia Department of Labor. That pool is what Kia has been drawing on for hires.
No decision has been finalized on reopening the process, though Jackson said Kia and state officials were meeting this week to discuss the matter.
By CHUCK WILLIAMS - chwilliams@ledger-enquirer.com

Green Test Drive: Kia Forte has bold look, eco-friendly manners

By Clint Williams

Green Right Now

The 2010 Kia Forte, an all-new offering from the Korean automaker, is a handsome entry in a category filled with cute. Crisp lines and swept-back headlamps give this compact car a look much bolder than that of competitors such as the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.
But that bold look doesn’t mean bold driving dynamics. Driving the Forte is pleasant enough, but a bit bland.

The Forte comes in three trim levels – LX, EX and SX. The LX and EX are powered by a 2-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 156 horsepower. The SX has a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline four. The four-speed automatic transmission in the EX test car is calibrated for fuel-efficiency, not fun. The standard five-speed manual might coax a bit more out of the engine.
While not a lot of fun to drive, the Forte is frugal. The EPA fuel economy estimate is 25 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg in highway driving. We drove from Atlanta to Huntsville, Ala., on a little more than half a tank. Fuel economy is even better if you buy the optional Fuel Economy Package, available on the EX model. The package includes a five-speed automatic transmission, Motor Drive Power Steering (MPDS), “smart” alternator, silica tires and aero enhancements. These improvements bump the EPA fuel economy estimates to 27/36 mpg and a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg.

The Forte is frugal before the first trip to the gas pump, offering a lot of features for not a lot of money. The base LX trim has a base sticker price of $13,695 (and no air-conditioning), but most people will want to start with the EX trim with a base sticker price of $16,795.
The EX list of standard features includes air conditioning; power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months free service; iPod input jack and USB port. Safety features include front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with antilock brake system, brake assist and electronic stability control.

The interior is roomy for four adults and thoughtfully laid out. Rear storage is limited to one seat pocket. The front seats, however, are slightly concave, like a shallow inverse C, and won’t offer some riders decent shoulder and neck support.

But if the seats fit, the Kia Forte represents a bargain. A good-looking one at that.

Source link: http://www.greenrightnow.com/kabc/2009/10/09/green-test-drive-kia-forte-has-bold-look-eco-friendly-manners/

VW Golf R20/GTI-R is Coming to America

VW Golf R20/GTI-R is Coming to America

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2010 Volkswagen GTI Preview

The 2010 Volkswagen GTI is finally making its way to the U.S. in Mark VI form, and though it's down 10 horsepower on its international-spec doppelganger, it's actually quicker 0-60 mph. And with a new exterior, interior upgrades and a price right on top of the old GTI, the 2010 model stands to win even more fans here in the States.
The powerplant under the GTI's hood should be familiar to GTI fans, with its turbocharged four-cylinder direct-injection 2.0-liter displacement cranking out 200 horsepower from 5,100 rpm to 6,000 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm straight through to 5,000 rpm. That's good for 6.8 seconds 0-60 mph with the six-speed manual and 6.7 seconds with the optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox. Top speed is limited to 130 mph in U.S. models.
Like any good hot hatch, it's not all about power and speed, however. The GTI gets surprisingly good fuel efficiency, especially with the DSG gearbox, which rates 24/32 mpg. The six-speed manual isn't quite as efficient around town, though it draws nearer on the highway, earning 21/31 mpg EPA estimates. With better efficiency and better performance, VW is making it hard to choose the traditional manual transmission in the 2010 GTI.
For the Mark VI Golf VW stayed well within the lines, essentially stylizing the existing body shape to look a bit more current. As usual for the GTI, the front end gets a honeycomb grille, a GTI badge on the passenger side and blacked out lower front fascia ductwork. Two halogen fog lamps and reworked teardrop headlights (HID Xenons available optionally) lend an aggressive face to this capable little hatch.
Along the sides, new black skirts subtly blend the front-to-rear lines. A complete absence of side moldings makes for a smoother, more streamlined profile. At the rear, the new tail lights feature smoked brake lenses and clear reverse and turn signals, letting buyers skip a common tuning step. The rear bumper also gets reshaped for the 2010 GTI, and a blacked-out diffuser integrated underneath.
Standard 17x7-inch alloy wheels and all-season performance tires can be upgraded to 18x7.5-inch alloys with a choice of performance summer or all-season tires.
Those wheels and tires are mounted to McPherson struts up front with lower control arms and tubular anti-roll bars to help keep the tires in contact with the road. The rear gets a four-link independent suspension, making room for more cargo than alternative setups by allowing for a larger rear hatch opening. VW says the electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering setup induces good on-center feel, and provides good feedback to inspire confidence in the driver. The final aspect of the GTI's performance package is its brake system: 312 mm discs up front and 286 mm discs out back grasped by red-painted calipers provide sure-footed stops.
Inside, the 2010 GTI gets heavily bolstered front seats wrapped in patterend "sport fabric" with red-and-white double stitching. Standard manual adjustments including lumbar support are included, while the three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel has a new embossed center, aluminum trim on the spokes and perforated leather sections along the top and bottom.
A redesigned instrument panel joins the 2010 GTI, adding chrome trim to the big tach, and re-arranging other gauges. In the center of the display is a multi-function display that provides all the info you expect from a modern car. Brushed metal and metallic accents are spread throughout the cabin, including the gearshift, center stack controls and stereo.
The standard audio system is an eight-speaker satellite-capable six-disc CD changer unit with build-in iPod, auxiliary and Bluetooth support. The base stereo can be upgraded to a 300-watt Dynaudio Lite system as well. A touch-screen navigation system with a 6.5-inch screen and 30-gigabyte harddrive can also be added, which also brings an SD-card slot and DVD playback to the table.
A full complement of electronic safety and driving aids are to be found in the GTI's ECU: ABS, ESP and TPMS are standard fare, while Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Engine Braking Assist (EBA) add to the usual list. All-new for the Mark VI GTI is the Electronic Limited Slip system dubbed XDS. This system electronically monitors individual wheel sensors and sends more torque to the wheels with the most grip for extra traction and performance.
Passive safety features include the VW Prevent and Preserve system of 40 different safety features, including six airbags, special head restraints, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, and in the five-door GTI, optional rear side airbags and rear outboard seatbelt pre-tensioners.

- http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1036224_2010-volkswagen-gti-preview#