Category: Cars (Page 35 of 69)

Cadillac introduces the Elmiraj Concept

August 21, 2013 / Gerardo Orlando

I was on hand last Thursday evening as Cadillac unveiled the new Elmiraj Concept at Tehàma Golf Club in beautiful hills of Carmel, California. The setting was perfect for the introduction of this coupe concept car which gives us an exciting preview of Cadillac’s future. As you can see from the photos I took in the slideshow above, the Elmiraj is a beautiful vehicle that boldly moves Cadillac forward while also drawing inspiration from the iconic large coupes from its past.

The design of the vehicle grabs your attention from every angle, and the Elmiraj looks unlike anything you’ll find on the road today. The long wheelbase and the long dash-to-axle front profile give it a distinctive Cadillac look. I was very happy to see the large, vertical headlights that we first saw in the Ciel concept along with the vertical taillights as well. The Elmiraj also introduced a new Cadillac badge in the front grille with the iconic wreath removed.

Cadillac describes the Elmiraj as a “modern update to the classic format of a two-door grand coupe.” In a prepared statement, Clay Dean, executive director of advanced design, explained, “We were influenced in particular by the 1967 Eldorado, both its actual design and the fact that in its time that car was a very stark contrast and a new direction.” Cadillac included one of these classic Eldorados in its display for the Elmiraj at the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach.

“Elmiraj advances Cadillac’s provocative modern design and performance, contrasted with bespoke craftsmanship and luxury,” said Mark Adams, Cadillac design director. “It explores performance driving, as well as how we’re approaching elevating the Cadillac range and new dimensions of Art & Science philosophy.”

Cadillac has been making an impression on consumers as sales are up 30% this year. We’re not surprised as we’ve been very impressed with Cadillac lately, as you’ll see in our upcoming review of the 2013 Cadillac ATS 3.6L Premium. Cadillac’s designers deserve credit along with the commitment to rear-wheel drive performance luxury vehicles.

With Elmiraj we’re seeing the brand continue that commitment. Elmiraj sports a 4.5-liter twin turbocharged V8 delivering an estimated 500 horsepower. We’ll see what exactly ends up in a production version of this vehicle, but Cadillac is making a statement by equipping the Elmiraj with a powerful engine like this. Elmiraj also sports 22-x-9-in. aluminum wheels along with large ceramic brakes with Cadillac monoblock calipers.

It’s refreshing to see an iconic brand like Cadillac draw inspiration from its past with a completely modern take. A grand coupe inspired by the Elmiraj would be a fantastic addition to Cadillac’s lineup.

Cars

1967 Cadillac Eldorado 2013 Concours d’Elegance auto slideshow autos autos for guys autos for men Cadillac Cadillac coupe car info for men car slideshow Carmel concept cars Concours d'Elegance Concours d’Elegance concept cars coupe Elmiraj Concept Pebble Beach Tehàma Golf Club

Car Review: 2013 Infiniti QX56 4WD

August 13, 2013 / Staff

Among the full-size SUV crowd, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better looking entry than the 2013 Infiniti QX56 4WD with its top to bottom inspired design. After spending a week driving the QX56, you’ll realize just how much luxury can be squeezed into a condo on wheels.

EXTERIOR

The exterior of the 2013 Infiniti QX56 4WD is simply stunning, as the folks at Infiniti have put together the complete package with this high-end machine. The Infiniti QX is designed to attract and hold viewers’ attention, conveying its underlying sense of power and strength. The bold, front chrome grille is flanked by automatic on/off bi-functional xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock and integrated front fog lights. Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights and headlight washers add to the list of options.

Other exterior features include LED taillights, heated and power-folding sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, courtesy lights and reverse tilt-down feature, body color running boards, body color integrated front and rear splashguards built into the wheel arches, roof rails, a power-sliding tinted glass moonroof and a power rear liftgate. A front underbody spoiler, functional rear liftgate spoiler and redesigned side mirrors help provide aerodynamics of 0.36 Cd and zero lift. The QX’s strong presence is accented by the powerful wheel and tire combinations, including 22-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels with 275/50R22 all-season tires that demand respect.

INTERIOR

I have friends who spent big bucks on designing their homes or condos that can’t touch the luxurious feel of the 2013 Infiniti QX56 4WD! The QX’s world-class inner sanctum offers a comfortable space and personal controls for every occupant. It features standard 7-passenger seating capacity, with 8-passenger capacity available with the second row 60/40-split folding bench seat. Leather-appointed seating is standard for all three rows. Even more luxurious semi-aniline leather seating surfaces in our Deluxe Touring Package with new third row perforation and stitching added for 2013 to match the front two rows. The driver’s seat is 10-way power adjustable, including 2-way power lumbar support. It features a standard dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors. The front passenger’s seat is 8-way power adjustable, including 2-way power lumbar support. Heated front seats are standard, with climate-controlled (heating and cooling functions) front seats and heated second row seats, and the second row captain’s chairs offer a tip-up function for easy third row entry/exit. Also standard is a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel which drivers will truly appreciate in colder months, and a 16.6 cubic foot cargo space for luggage is provided with the third row seat up. When the third row seat is folded, the flat load floor offers a wide versatile space for carrying cargo and recreational gear.

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Infiniti Infiniti QX luxury SUV

Car Review: 2013 Hyundai Azera

August 7, 2013 / Staff

One of the hottest selling sedans on the road today is the 2013 Hyundai Azera, and we had the opportunity to drive one for a week to see what all the buzz is about. We learned that Hyundai continues to take on segments of the auto industry that probably didn’t see products like the Azera approaching in their rearview mirror!

EXTERIOR

The Azera is a modern and sophisticated interpretation of Hyundai’s signature Fluidic Sculpture design language, which looks very attractive when parked or being driven. With the new Azera, Hyundai continues to offer customers the highest levels of luxury, performance and efficiency, all brought together in the praised design. Azera’s Fluidic Sculpture design takes inspiration from the mechanics of flight. The exterior of the Azera is long, light and low with a very upscale appearance. The unique, undulating beltline allows for a long, sleek roofline accented by the third window and wraparound LED taillights. A monoform side profile includes flowing lines in the rear quarter panel. The face is masculine with a powerful, winged chrome grille and HID headlamps that integrate precise details. The stance is completed by available 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that we sported on our test model. The venetian red paint looked amazingly shiny without a mar to be found.

INTERIOR

The elegant look of the 2013 Azera continues inside where Hyundai has created an upscale ambiance, thanks to a flow-through center fascia and instrument panel that creates a dual-cockpit front passenger space. These flowing surfaces complement the exterior design and wrap around the driver and passengers. The 2013 Azera offers luxurious appointments that rival the finest premium competitor brands. It offers a roomy cabin with more than 45 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom for front-seat passengers. Hyundai focuses heavily on other interior details, such as an optional panoramic sunroof, which allows more natural light into the cabin and 3D Carbon interior accents. Ambient lighting compliments the vehicle’s modern appearance. Other standard luxury equipment includes power front seats, power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades. The side shades, not found on any other car in the Azera’s segment, can be inconspicuously tucked away when not in use.

Given the functionality and design of the Azera, seat quality and comfort is of extreme importance to the feel of the car. The 2013 Azera offers first-class seating for all passengers, with leather seating as standard equipment. A ten-way power driver and eight-way front passenger seat are also included. The driver’s seat has an optional cushion extension and an integrated memory system for the seat, steering wheel and side mirrors, while the Azera’s climate and seat temperature controls keep occupants in total comfort. Our 2013 Hyundai Azera also boasted ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats standard, dual automatic climate control standard, second row air vents standard and cooled glove box standard.

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hyundai Hyundai Azera

Car Review: 2013 Kia Sportage SX AWD

July 31, 2013 / Staff

There is no denying the Hollywood good looks of the 2013 KIA Sportage SX AWD, but can this crossover deliver on the road? After a week behind the wheel, there is no doubt that there’s so much more than just curb appeal to this sleek ride from KIA, with impressive power, outstanding fuel efficiency and loads of comfort and convenience features.

EXTERIOR

The 2013 Kia Sportage offers a high beltline, sweeping angles and pronounced wheel flares, conveying an indomitable road presence with an aggressive, hunkered-down stance. The full-sectioned body, defined by a spearing shoulder line throughout the length of the car, helps to visually connect the headlamps and tail lights. The crispness of this line, together with its lowered body, creates a distinct sense of precision while the pronounced C pillar conveys an air of solidity and balance when viewed from the side. Like all vehicles across the Kia lineup, the Sportage’s front end proudly displays the face of the brand’s signature tabbed grille and dramatic swept back headlamps. The dynamically sculpted hood, framed by a distinctive windshield design, adds to Sportage’s fresh appeal. The rear view offers a clean and contemporary look with dynamic tail lights set within the rear lift gate.

Our red test model was a top-of-the-line Sportage SX with a powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI engine producing 260-horsepower, unique 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, sculpted side sill moldings and unique SX grille. One of the better looking exterior designs for a crossover regardless of price!

INTERIOR

The good looks carry over with ease into a modern and smart interior that has much more room that one might imagine. KIA has created an inviting and comfortable environment with a host of convenience and technology features in the 2013 KIA Sportage SX AWD. With the signature three-gauge instrument cluster set prominently within the dash, Sportage’s interior exudes a contemporary design and sporty driving experience.

An impressive collection of technology features come standard on the 2013 Sportage, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with available Sirius XM Satellite Radio and three months complimentary service, standard auxiliary and USB audio input jacks with MP3 capability, Bluetooth hands-free phone, and streaming audio connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls that allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel at all times.

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crossover SUV kia kia sportage

Detroit Band Records Song in Chevy Impala

July 23, 2013 / Staff

Check out this unique video from Chevrolet and the Detroit-based blues-rock sensation, The Gentlemen Mutineers. Lead singer, Frankie Turner, recently used the 2014 Chevrolet Impala as a mobile studio to record a remix of the band’s Metro City pride anthem, “Detroit Throttle.” The new Impala is quiet by design, due in part to the Active Noise Cancellation technology used in high-end headphones.

This technology allows the engine to operate at the fuel-conserving range of 1,000-1,500 RPM and helps eliminate the need for some sound-deadening materials, all of which improves fuel efficiency. The new Impala also uses a variety of sound-buffering and -absorbing materials to minimize wind, road and engine noise, including acoustically laminated windshield and front-door glass, triple-sealed doors with acoustic perimeter water deflectors, sound-absorbing carpet and dash mat, and more.

You can see the video below. Very cool.