We love the opportunity to test drive brand new car models, and we like it even more when the test involves a day at the track. So naturally we were happy to join Lexus at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina (“The Rock”) to test drive the all-new 2014 Lexus IS. We tested the IS 250 and IS 350, along with the F Sport version of the IS 350.

There’s nothing like accelerating from a banked turn, flooring it once you hit the straightaway, and then slamming on the brakes just as you approach 100 MPH as you prepare to make a 90 degree turn. You definitely get the feeling of what a car can handle on a track like this, and each model of the IS was a blast to drive.

Exterior

Lexus is emphasizing its new “obsession with design” and we can see the results as the company has rolled out its aggressive spindle grille across its model lineup. The new front end gives Lexus a new, bold look that sets the tone for all of the design elements. I always liked the look of Lexus cars, but now I love them.

The all-new IS offers the most aggressive grille expression in the lineup, which is appropriate for this sporty, entry level sedan. The look of the car makes you want to drive it on some fun roads. The F Sport design offers some interesting wrinkles, with a black mesh design in the spindle grille as opposed to the horizontal lines of the other models. Both look great but I actually preferred the horizontal look over the mesh designs, but at least buyers will have the choice. See both below:

2014 Lexus IS

2014 Lexis IS F Sport

Interior

I love the new interior, with a shift towards a more horizontal design of the dash, and it’s a huge improvement over the previous version. The entire experience screams “luxury sport sedan” with its cockpit feel and potential buyers in the market will certainly be impressed. With the F Sport option, drivers get a driver’s meter cluster with a moving center ring inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar, along with an F Sport steering wheel and shift knob, and aluminum pedals and scuff plates that include the Lexus logo.

The new IS is slightly longer, so the leg room has improved with .9 inches in the front and 1.6 inches in the rear. You also get 60/40 split folding rear seats which offers handy flexibility when it comes to storage space.

Naturally the IS is tricked out with all of the technology features and options you’d expect from this segment, and the HD weather and traffic features are standard and subscription free. One cool feature involves the ability to “cache” the radio stream for up to 15 minutes, so if you get interrupted with a call as a close game is winding down, you can basically pause and resume without missing all the action.

Performance

The engines available for the 2014 IS carry over from the previous model. The IS 250 is powered by a 2.5 liter V6, while the IS 350 features a 3.5 liter V6, so you can recognize where the names come from. The IS 250 engine generates 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, while the IS 350 features 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. With both versions you can choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, along with the F Sport trim. Each model comes with the same 6-speed automatic transmission, while the IS 350 RWD features an eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission.

I was happy to see that the IS offers up to four switchable driving modes- ECO, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT S+ (S+ available on IS 350 F SPORT only). There’s no manual option unfortunately (so few buyers American buyers select it) but all of the have paddles for manual shifting.

Lexus focused on improving the suspension and grip for the all-new IS, and we got to feel the results on the track. Lexus provided a 2013 IS 350 for comparison, and while it performed very well I definitely noticed the improvement in the 2014 models. The handling and grip for each IS we drove was very impressive as the track course was laid out so we could really push the vehicles. The cars also fared well when we took them out on normal roads later in the day.

Overview

The base 2014 IS 250 RWD starts at $35,950 the IS 350 RWD starts at $39,465. I recommend going with the AWD upgrade for around $2,500, while many will consider the F Sport package upgrade for $3,000. I loved the F Sport package, but I would probably lean towards the IS 350 AWD.

The entry-level luxury segment is packed with impressive models from a wide variety of brands, but even in that competitive environment the Lexus IS will grab your attention with its styling and performance. This is not your father’s Lexus, and I expect younger buyers and professionals to flock to this car.

We love the opportunity to test drive brand new car models, and we like it even more when the test involves a day at the track. So naturally we were happy to join Lexus at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina (“The Rock”) to test drive the all-new 2014 Lexus IS. We tested the IS 250 and IS 350, along with the F Sport version of the IS 350.

There’s nothing like accelerating from a banked turn, flooring it once you hit the straightaway, and then slamming on the brakes just as you approach 100 MPH as you prepare to make a 90 degree turn. You definitely get the feeling of what a car can handle on a track like this, and each model of the IS was a blast to drive.

Exterior

Lexus is emphasizing its new “obsession with design” and we can see the results as the company has rolled out its aggressive spindle grille across its model lineup. The new front end gives Lexus a new, bold look that sets the tone for all of the design elements. I always liked the look of Lexus cars, but now I love them.

The all-new IS offers the most aggressive grille expression in the lineup, which is appropriate for this sporty, entry level sedan. The look of the car makes you want to drive it on some fun roads. The F Sport design offers some interesting wrinkles, with a black mesh design in the spindle grille as opposed to the horizontal lines of the other models. Both look great but I actually preferred the horizontal look over the mesh designs, but at least buyers will have the choice. See both below:

2014 Lexus IS

2014 Lexis IS F Sport

Interior

I love the new interior, with a shift towards a more horizontal design of the dash, and it’s a huge improvement over the previous version. The entire experience screams “luxury sport sedan” with its cockpit feel and potential buyers in the market will certainly be impressed. With the F Sport option, drivers get a driver’s meter cluster with a moving center ring inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar, along with an F Sport steering wheel and shift knob, and aluminum pedals and scuff plates that include the Lexus logo.

The new IS is slightly longer, so the leg room has improved with .9 inches in the front and 1.6 inches in the rear. You also get 60/40 split folding rear seats which offers handy flexibility when it comes to storage space.

Naturally the IS is tricked out with all of the technology features and options you’d expect from this segment, and the HD weather and traffic features are standard and subscription free. One cool feature involves the ability to “cache” the radio stream for up to 15 minutes, so if you get interrupted with a call as a close game is winding down, you can basically pause and resume without missing all the action.

Performance

The engines available for the 2014 IS carry over from the previous model. The IS 250 is powered by a 2.5 liter V6, while the IS 350 features a 3.5 liter V6, so you can recognize where the names come from. The IS 250 engine generates 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, while the IS 350 features 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. With both versions you can choose between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, along with the F Sport trim. Each model comes with the same 6-speed automatic transmission, while the IS 350 RWD features an eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission.

I was happy to see that the IS offers up to four switchable driving modes- ECO, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT S+ (S+ available on IS 350 F SPORT only). There’s no manual option unfortunately (so few buyers American buyers select it) but all of the have paddles for manual shifting.

Lexus focused on improving the suspension and grip for the all-new IS, and we got to feel the results on the track. Lexus provided a 2013 IS 350 for comparison, and while it performed very well I definitely noticed the improvement in the 2014 models. The handling and grip for each IS we drove was very impressive as the track course was laid out so we could really push the vehicles. The cars also fared well when we took them out on normal roads later in the day.

Overview

The base 2014 IS 250 RWD starts at $35,950 the IS 350 RWD starts at $39,465. I recommend going with the AWD upgrade for around $2,500, while many will consider the F Sport package upgrade for $3,000. I loved the F Sport package, but I would probably lean towards the IS 350 AWD.

The entry-level luxury segment is packed with impressive models from a wide variety of brands, but even in that competitive environment the Lexus IS will grab your attention with its styling and performance. This is not your father’s Lexus, and I expect younger buyers and professionals to flock to this car.

Acura practically invented the segment for luxury CUVs with three rows with the introduction of the first MDX in 2001, and now Acura is introducing the third generation of this vehicle with the 2014 model year with significant upgrades over the previous model. The market for 7-passenger luxury CUVs in now crowded with very healthy competition from other luxury brands, but Acura will remain very competitive with this all-new MDX. I had the opportunity to drive the new model and I came away very impressed.

Exterior

The changes to the exterior design of the MDX aren’t dramatic, as Acura sticks with its wedge-shaped grille for the front end, but the Jewel Eye LED headlights give the vehicle a much more modern look and feel as you can see from the photos above. The new headlights also provide superior road light and visibility as well. Acura slightly altered the size of vehicle, making it slightly narrower and longer. The new MDX is two inches longer with a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase which helps to enhance ride quality. Meanwhile, the vehicle width was reduced by 1.3 inches. The frontal area of the vehicle is also 2-percent smaller which helped to provide for greater aerodynamic efficiency. While the vehicle looks more modern with a number of refinements to the design, it retains the sporty essence that makes it an attractive option in this segment.

Interior

Acura strived to make significant improvements to the interior of the MDX with the goal of creating “synergy between man and machine.” The result was a very luxurious and practical driving experience that will appeal to buyers in this segment. The overall feel is modern and sophisticated and I experienced a very comfortable drive that will meet the expectations of the target market.

I particularly liked the improvements to the center stack. The center console storage area is large and well thought out with a handy slot for mobile phone storage. The sliding lid above the storage area and below the leather-trimmed top is equipped with rubber strips which prevents items like phones from sliding around.

Another feature that stood out for me was the turn-by-turn navigation feature in the main dashboard which compliments the main navigation system in the center stack, letting drivers see instructions in their direct line of site without needing to turn their heads to the main display panel in the center stack. The MDX also features a new 7-inch color On Demand Multi-Use Display touchscreen with haptic feedback which helped to reduce the number of hard buttons in the center stack from 41 to 9.

For the third row seats, Acura wanted to make it easier to get in and out, so they added a very convenient “one push” button in two different places for second row seats. With the longer wheelbase, the new MDX now has 4.5-inch wider foot entry point for third-row passengers along with a 1.8-inch lower floor height for easier step-in. With the new
Extended Slide second-row seats the process of getting into the third row is now much easier.

Performance

The new MDX is powered by a direct-injected 3.5-liter 24-valve V-6 engine, generating 290 horsepower at 6,200 rpm; 267 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm and 267 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The aluminumV-6 engine is paired with a reengineered 6-speed automatic transmission that provides reduced friction and smoother gear changes. I drove the all-wheel drive model and was very impressed with the responsiveness and acceleration. I’m partial to vehicles that offer different driving modes so I was happy to see that the MDX offers Sport, Normal and Comfort modes. You can really have fun with the Sport mode option and the paddle shifters, and when you’re stuck in slower traffic you can save more fuel with the Comfort mode. Speaking of fuel, the 2014 MDX also achieves best-in-class fuel economy with 18/27/21 MPG city/highway/combined for the AWD package.

Overview

The MDX is a family-friendly vehicle that also meets the expectations of luxury buyers. It’s a beautiful vehicle, inside and out, and it’s loaded with all the luxuries and amenities you’d expect from today’s luxury vehicles. Buyers with families will also appreciate all of the safety features as well. Prices range from roughly $42,290 for the base 2-wheel drive model to $56,505 range for the fully loaded SH-AWD model. If you’re in the market for a luxury CUV the MDX should be on your list.

I traveled out to wine country near San Francisco courtesy of Nissan to test drive the all-new 2013 Nissan Sentra. I was on hand in Dallas earlier this year when Nissan unveiled the redesigned Sentra and the new design looked impressive, but now I was getting a chance to drive it as well.

Exterior

The new Sentra features an elegant design that helps it stand out in the compact car category. Some competitors in the segment have gone with edgier designs, so the more refined look of the Sentra offers a nice alternative for consumers. The new Nissan front grille fits nicely on this vehicle and the rest of the design points flow naturally. Details like LED accented headlamps and tail lamps add to the overall look of the car. As you can see from the photos I took, the Sentra looks great from all angles.

Interior

The interior of the Sentra features upgraded soft-touch materials that set it apart from other options in the compact segment. The overall feel of the interior is stylish and upscale yet understated, so it fits well the exterior. It’s also very roomy for a smaller car. The overall comfort level in all of the seats was excellent.

Like the new Altima, the 2013 Sentra offers an all-new version of the Nissan Navigation system as an option with all sorts of features. NissanConnect with Navigation includes a Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant that reads incoming text messages and allows drivers to reply without taking their hands off of the steering wheel. In addition, it also offers Pandora, 5.8-inch touch-screen display and Google Send-to-Car functions. Other tech options include RearView Monitor and Nissan Intelligent Key with illuminated push-button ignition switch and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy Fill Tire Alert feature.

Performance

The new Sentra is 150 pounds lighter than the previous model but also has slightly larger overall dimensions and more interior room. With a lighter vehicle Sentra also has an all-new and more fuel-efficient 1.8-liter engine with a generation Xtronic CVT. Fuel economy is rated at 30 miles per gallon city, 39 miles per gallon highway and a class-leading 34 miles per gallon combined.

The Sentra features both Sport and Eco mode options, which makes the driving experience much more enjoyable. In Sport mode the Sentra accelerates nicely and zips around curves no problem. It has solid acceleration and is fun to drive. The Eco mode is a great option for slow or casual city driving. The overall driving experience was impressive for a car of this size.

Overview

Overall, the new Sentra remains an excellent option in the compact car segment. It’s very competitive on features and gas mileage, and the look of the car will definitely attract a wide variety of buyers. Pricing for the Sentra starts at $15,990 with the fully equipped SL priced at $19,760.

The Accord has always been an important vehicle to Honda. The Accord accounts for a huge chunk of production (and revenue) for the automotive giant. Because of this every introduction of a new generation of Accord is important in many ways.

2011 was a rough year for Japanese automakers in general. The Japan earthquake and the flood in Thailand seriously curtailed the number of vehicles produced for the model year. Suppliers had to rebuild, Honda scrambled to find alternative sources of parts and supplies.

Honda used this time to prepare for a ramp-up of output in the first quarter of the new year. Inventory increased 46,000 units and hasn’t looked back ever since. Accord sales alone are up nearly 28% since January, a huge turn-around from 2011.

The 2013 Accord represents the ninth generation of the famous brand, with its ancestry dating back to 1976. The Accord has a reputation for being a solid and reliable family car, able to haul a family and their gear throughout their day-to-day adventures. The sedan excels at fading into the background; becoming ubiquitous and unassuming. Not a bad thing for a people-hauler.

Lineup

The Accord comes in three body styles: the Sedan, the Coupe, and the Plug-in Hybrid Sedan. Each is based off the same chassis and shares a majority of components. The continuation of the Coupe is a bit of a surprise given that the segment seems to be shrinking.

There are a variety of engines available that also define the offerings. The base four-cylinder 2.4 liter i-VTEC DOHC engine is available in both the Coupe and the Sedan, while the more powerful 3.5 liter six-cylinder is an option. The Hybrid Accord comes equipped with a two-motor 2.0 liter powerplant, unique to that vehicle.

Interior

Honda has focused on designing their vehicles around the concept of maximizing space for the occupants while minimizing the overall size of the vehicle. To that end the car is developed from the inside out: the passenger cabin space is defined and the designers must create a body that fits around the occupants.

To that end the 2013 Accord Coupe, for example, has been shrunk by nearly two inches in overall length, while gaining about an inch of leg room and almost two cubic-feet of storage in the trunk.

Improved Materials

The interior of the new Accord is a great improvement over the outgoing model. Utilitarian plastic and vinyl have been replaced with higher quality materials. Brushed aluminum accent pieces on higher-end trim levels add to the feeling of an upscale vehicle.
Honda has replaced the multi-piece dash with a one-piece instrument panel designed in-house. The new dash reduces rattles and squeaks and feels very solid. The dash is the focus of the new car, with a split two-screen control system acting as navigation and stereo controls.

Rear-view cameras are now standard across all versions, which is a big selling point for those of us who fear backing over an errant tricycle. It worked well, as the screen is mounted high and centrally located, making it a snap to use.

The navigation system seemed adequate, as did the stereo. Honda is rolling out it’s HondaLink system with the new Accord, which offers smartphone app support through device tethering. We didn’t get to test the system ourselves, but after seeing a demo of it I’m looking forward to getting a better look.

Also available is a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system that alerts you when you drift slightly while driving. By slightly I do mean slightly, as the system kept triggering at the slightest provocation. Simply merging from an off ramp into traffic would sometimes cause it to chirp. Half-way through the test drive we were looking for a way to disable it.

Exterior

As mentioned earlier, the new Accord is slightly smaller than the out-going model. But the change isn’t noticeable. The lines of the car feel more defined, more aggressive. Honda used a new and improved stamping process for the new car and it shows in the presence the car exudes.

An important feature of the new car is the addition of an external rear-facing camera mounted on the passenger side mirror. This camera aids the driver by showing in the center display an image of what’s in the car’s right-side blind spot. Flip on the right turn signal and get a bird’s eye view of what’s in the way. In practice this is an incredible feature. During our test drive it became an easy thing to grow accustomed to. It’s a serious tool for highway driving.

Performance

The 2.4L four-cylinder engine puts out 185 horsepower and 181 foot-pounds of torque. It’s peppy, but not exceptional. As with most entry-level engines the focus is on fuel economy, not performance. Still, it has enough oomph to get out of it’s own way

The 3.5L six-cylinder’s output is up 7 horsepower from last year’s engine, up to 278. It gives the Accord a more spirited drive, and actually wakes up the vehicle. The engine note on the sixer is raspier and more aggressive; stomp on the gas and you’ll hear it. For my money this is the engine of choice.

Overall

Pricing for the Accord ranges from $22,000 for an Accord LX to $33,000 for a well-optioned Touring model. Quite a range, but within the pricing horizon of its competitors.

The Accord Sedan will go on sale September 19 across the country, while the Coupe, which will start at $23,350, won’t be available until October 15.

The first impression of the 2013 Accord is one of a competent and solid car. Honda is a company led by engineers, and it shows. The amount of effort that has gone into refining this icon is impressive. I look forward to driving it long-term to see if that first impression holds up over time.

Carmakers have been racing to bring our connected lifestyle to the automobile. As more features and capabilities are added to our phones and other devices, consumers want the same functionality available to them in their cars.

This poses challenges, however, as carmakers naturally need to consider safety when deciding which features are appropriate for drivers and how they can be accessed while driving. Additionally, long lead times and engineering constraints make the addition of new features even more challenging. You can add features, but you need to be conscious of the overall driving experience.

Last week Cadillac introduced their new CUE service to the media in San Diego and we were invited to attend. CUE which stands for Cadillac User Experience, and the CUE team had a fully-functional test system available to us. Based on what we saw, CUE represents a great leap forward in the race to bring the digital lifestyle to the automobile. New innovations like tactile feedback on your finger when you touch the 8-inch center stack screen and proximity sensing that has control buttons pop up on the screen as you hand approaches make this system very user friendly, and the customization features make CUE a very powerful system that greatly enhances the driver experience.

The industry-first proximity sensing feature was the most impressive innovation. The CUE team wanted the screen layout to be clean and uncluttered so that the driver would only see the information the driver needs at a particular time. They didn’t want to clutter the screen with unnecessary icons for example while the driver was in the navigation system or the media area. On the other hand, you want to have all important options available in the form of icons without putting more buttons on the center console. The solution they came up with was proximity sensing. Additional icons to carry out commands, including your favorite presets and the controls for the app you’re in would show up in two bands across the bottom of the screen as your hand approaches the screen, and then the icons go away as your hand pulls back. You can see examples of the icons in photos #1 and #5 above. With this innovation, drivers get the best of both worlds – an uncluttered screen and multiple options when needed.

The customization features make CUE very powerful and easy to use. The most frequently used applications like your nav, phone and radio are available along the top of every screen in the system in an “app tray.” This app tray can then be customized, as users can drag any icon from the home page to the top of the screen. You can also set up to 60 presets and they can be from any app. The first six will show up along the bottom bar when your hand approaches (you swipe the screen to see the rest), and they can include your favorite radio stations or Pandora stations, favorite playlists and nav routes like Home. You can set a preset at any time, but customization and altering the order can only be done when you are parked. The key here is that you can avoid going through menus every day and have your most commonly used apps and services in your favorites. You can also set your screen to display 15 favorites at once. The result is also fewer buttons on the center stack, as only critical commands are needed offering a much simpler and elegant arrangement.

The CUE system goes beyond the center stack, however, to include the gauge cluster immediately in front of the steering wheel. The 12.3-inch reconfigurable LCD gauge cluster will be available on select models and can be customized into one of four screen layouts, with information options including traditional vehicle data such as readouts for fuel levels and speed along with navigation, phone and entertainment information. The ability to put navigation information in this gauge area is my favorite feature, as you don’t need to turn your head at all to visually follow the instructions.

These features are just some of the capabilities built into CUE. The center stack display works like today’s smart phones with swiping capability to move around the icons, and Cadillac developed a natural speech recognition system (which we couldn’t realistically test here). I also liked the single line destination entry for navigation.

CUE will debut in 2012 in the Cadillac XTS and ATS luxury sedans and SRX luxury crossover and will be presented at the 2011 LA Auto Show. The technology and media experiences are becoming critical factors for consumers, and CUE looks like it can be a huge hit for Cadillac.

Hyundai has been on a roll with its new models as we’ve noted in our recent reviews. With its emphasis on aggressive and unique styling, leading gas mileage and overall value, Hyundai is being rewarded with steadily increasing sales. The Veloster coupe is no exception as we discovered when we drove this newly introduced model last week in Michigan.

Exterior

The styling of the new Veloster is truly impressive. As you can see from the photos, Hyundai is going for a new generation of buyers with Veloster. The front end is very assertive with the wraparound headlights and prominent lower grille. LED headlight accents also come standard. The rear view is equally aggressive, and I liked the centered placement of the rear exhaust pipes. Veloster comes with 17-inch alloy wheels standard and optional 18-inch wheels with painted inserts that match the color of the vehicle. Consumers can also personalize body graphics when ordering their Veloster which should appeal to younger buyers.

The hidden third door stands out however as my favorite styling feature. The door is located on the passenger side and the door handle is hidden in the top left corner in the black trim area when you stand facing that side of the vehicle. With this convenience the coupe is much more functional as back seat passengers can avoid crawling in and out of the vehicle. The executives at Hyundai were non-committal when asked by reporters about the possibility of adding a fourth door on the driver’s side, but that’s hardly necessary.

Interior

The interior comes in three colors – black, gray and black and red – and it’s similar to the edgy designs we’ve seen in other Hyundai models with some unique variations. Brand Manager Brandon Ramirez explained their goal of creating a motorcycle-themed design for this coupe, with the inspiration being a high-performance sport bike. I like the funky silver-colored door handles and the overall feel of the interior.

Hyundai is using Veloster to introduce a host of new technology features, creating a reverse halo effect where less expensive models are used to introduce features, particularly those that will appeal to tech-savvy consumers. It comes with a standard LG 7-inch multimedia touch screen display with a number of standard and optional features. Veloster features Hyundai’s first application of Gracenote technology and Pandora, and XM radio is also available.

The Veloster features Hyundai’s new Blue Link service which comes in three packages – Assurance, Essentials and Guidance. One of the innovative features in the Essentials packages is Geo-Fence, which empowers parents to set a geographical area and then get electronic notifications if their kids go outside that area. You can learn more about the “connected” features offered by Blue Link here. Each package comes with initial trial periods followed by annual subscriptions for consumers who decide to stick with the service. It will be interesting to see of consumers embrace subscription services of this type.

Performance

Hyundai has generated significant buzz with its lineup of vehicles that achieve 40 MPG on the highway in the base model of three of its vehicles. The Veloster is a new addition to that impressive lineup, with estimated gas mileage of 28 MPG city and 40 on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission (it’s 29 city, 38 highway in the automatic). Again, weight reduction was a driver of the gas mileage achievement. And as with the other models, you don’t have to purchase an upgrade package to hit that number. Two fuel economy games are also available to encourage drivers to improve their gas mileage.

The car has adequate power with the automatic transmission. The eco button let’s you shoot for even better gas mileage and I didn’t notice much of a difference in performance from zero to 25 miles per hour so it’s a good option in the city. If you’re doing highway driving or hitting higher speeds in the city you’ll want to stay in the normal mode. The manual is also a good option if you want a little more zip for this vehicle.

Hyundai officials would not comment in future engine possibilities but this car will be ideal for a performance/sport model in the future.

Overview

Overall this looks like another hit for Hyundai, with a pricing range of $17,300 to $22,550. The styling will grab the attention of buyers, and the technology and customization features should be appealing to a wide range of consumers.