Hyundai Elantra Sedan, 2014

 

 

 Hyundai Elantra Sedan, 2014

The 2014 Elantra receives all-new front and rear exterior designs, along with interior styling upgrades. Sport-tuned steering and suspension calibrations sharpen the new Elantra Sport's handling, while extensive technology upgrades improve ergonomics for the entire Elantra Sedan lineup.

The new technologies built into the 2014 Elantra include the application of the next-generation navigation and audio technology, which feature simpler user interfaces, enhanced voice recognition commands, improved navigation screens and available Pandora internet radio. A 4.3-inch color touchscreen with integrated rearview camera is now available on the entry level SE, in the Preferred Package, and as standard equipment on the Elantra Sport and Limited. Also new to Elantra Limited is Hyundai's Blue Link and Assurance Connected Care safety, service and infotainment telematics system.

The Exterior
For 2014, the Hyundai Elantra has received a host of exterior design changes. The front and rear styling of the 2014 Hyundai Elantra have been altered for a more stable, balanced look. Up front, a new open-mouth lower bumper, grille, more technical fog lights and projector headlamps with LED accents add a dynamic, precise feel to Elantra. The whole L-shaped foglight graphic stabilizes the front end and gives the car a more grounded look, while maintaining a greater sense of width that forces the eye to the corners. The headlamp and tail lamp LED accents were also given a more technical appearance to give the Elantra a stronger attitude. From the profile, a chrome beltline molding and new sets of 17-inch alloy wheels on the Elantra Limited and Sport accentuate the Elantra's premium image. A new black, two-tone rear diffuser also sharpens the look of the 2014 Elantra.
 

The Interior

Inside, refinements in design give the entire 2014 Hyundai Elantra a more premium feel, with an all-new third-generation navigation and audio technology, available aluminum accents and new HVAC controls. Subtle changes to the placement of HVAC vents, controls and the height of the front center armrest lend a higher-quality, simplified look. Providing a more upscale environment is accomplished with a slightly darker, more neutral beige interior color choice, aluminum pedals on the Sport and aluminum door sill plates on the Sport and Limited.

The Elantra Limited offers a new optional multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation. This third-generation display features a simpler user interface, enhanced voice recognition commands and improved navigation screens. The system is more intuitive for commonly used tasks. Simple pop-up messages now appear to help pair a cell phone and the voice recognition software understands street addresses and cities all in one sentence. The route screens display speed limits and details the next three maneuvers. One or two button pushes now complete most functions. The systems memory also allows for viewing and storing of jpeg images and Mpeg music files from a USB stick.

PANDORA INTERNET RADIO
Pandora internet radio is integrated into the Elantra Limited's optional multifunction seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation. The display screen has a Pandora icon for internet radio from an iPhone. Pandora can also be viewed on the display screen and songs can be given the familiar Pandora thumbs up or thumbs down. (By selecting the thumbs down icon, that particular song will never be played again.) Pandora can be connected to the head unit via a USB cable and integrates album cover art.

• Pandora, the leading internet radio service, gives people music they love anytime, anywhere, through personalized radio stations available on a wide variety of connected devices
• Personalized radio stations launch instantly from a single song, artist or composer "seed" and are refined to each listener's taste through simple thumbs-up and thumbs-down feedback
• Pandora has more than 200 million registered users and more than 70 million monthly active listeners who stream more than a billion hours every month
• More than 80% of Pandora's total listening hours occur via mobile and other connected devices
• Approximately one out of every two U.S. smartphone users has listened to Pandora in the past month

Hyundai Elantra SE and Sport have an AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers. This system also includes iPod/USB auxiliary inputs. The Sport and Limited trims come equipped with a 4.3-inch color touchscreen audio with standard rearview camera. This system is part of the Preferred Package on the Elantra SE. Elantra Limited features an optional premium audio system with navigation that pumps out 360-watts of sound and includes an external amplifier. It also accesses digital music files employing Bluetooth streaming audio and allows the driver and passengers to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from a phone to the audio system.

NVH IMPROVEMENTS HAPPEN AT HYUNDAI SPEED
Features to help block engine noise:
    New HVAC duct absorption material
    Increased anti-vibration upper cowl pad thickness and coverage area
    New hood insulator added to Elantra Sport and Limited
    Raised cowl top

Features to help block road noise:
    New higher density carpet
    Increased anti-vibration floor pad thickness
    Additional expandable foam in the A pillars
    New 16-inch and 17-inch wheels for improved NVH
    Applied full underbody cover

Features to help block combustion noise:
    New perforated anti-vibration material in dash panel

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Honda Civic Type R Concept, 2014

 

 Honda Civic Type R Concept, 2014

The Honda Civic Type R Concept provides styling direction for the exterior design of the hotly-anticipated production version that debuts in 2015. Its bold and aggressive styling reflects the strong performance credentials for which Type R is renowned.

Described by the design team as a 'racing car for the road' rather than a high performance version of a road car, the new Type R looks set to signal a new era for the marque- this model is set to be the most extreme Civic Type R yet. Its sleek and aerodynamic profile reflects a car designed for function and performance whilst maintaining the look of a road car and the distinctive character of Type R.

Styling is heavily linked to performance, with the Type R Concept showing its credentials in the exterior design. Many of the styling features offer real function, rather than just aesthetics, as confirmed by feedback from prototype testing at the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. The need to reduce drag, add down-force, provide cooling and achieve optimum airflow, were key considerations for the design team.

The front spoiler is designed to add down-force, the vertical side wings and the cut out shape of the front bumper help to reduce drag and control airflow around the front tyres. A red stripe running along the front spoiler further accentuates the Type R's low and wide stance.

Furthermore, the new headlight design with integrated LED daytime running lights and the sharp horizontal fog lights, add a strong character to the face of the Type R Concept. The upper and lower front grilles have been enlarged and air outlets on the bonnet provide cooling for the high output engine. The front and rear fenders have been widened to accommodate wide tyres and air outlets are integrated to optimise airflow.

One of the most stand-out advances on the Concept model is the new rear spoiler featuring LED tail lights integrated into the rear wing which accentuates the Type R's futuristic look.

The shape and angle of the double rear wing has been designed to provide additional down-force, as a direct result of feedback gained through testing on the track.

Supporting the design direction are 20-inch wheels, edged by a red ring, with visible red brake callipers and a bright red stripe running along the bottom of the front spoiler. Such features add to the aggressive appearance which reflects the inspiring driving experience that the Type R promises to deliver.

Styling and modelling of the Concept has been carried out in Europe, with the team based at Honda's R&D centre in Swindon, UK. The design team maintained close contact with production colleagues, as they worked towards achieving the styling direction of the Concept model.

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Ford Fiesta, 2014

 

 

 

 Ford Fiesta, 2014

The new Ford Fiesta, which makes its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, redefine the small car with a projected best 40 mpg-plus fuel economy rating, an exciting new look, and special features and technology that make it the most fun-to-drive car of its size.

Fuel efficiency and fun
The most dramatic and distinctive Ford Fiesta to date will deliver the best miles per gallon among its rivals, led by Ford's patented new 1.0-liter Eco Boost engine. The landmark engine, already selected for both the Popular Mechanics 2012 Breakthrough Award and Engine Technology International's International Engine of the Year Award in Europe, is expected to deliver more than 40 mpg.

Ford Fiesta is projected to be the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid subcompact in America, and stands as a shining example of Ford's commitment to provide consumers with the most fuel-efficient cars, SUVs and trucks.

While the diminutive size of the 1.0-liter Eco Boost saves cash at the pump, it doesn't hold anything back on the road. At 123 horsepower for each liter of engine displacement (the engine's size), the 1.0-liter Eco Boost delivers more power for its size than a Lamborghini Aventador (at 108 horsepower per liter).

Eco Boost is fundamental to Ford's strategy to provide technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver uncompromised performance and fuel economy. Eco Boost engines deliver fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger, less-efficient engines. Ford's leadership with Eco Boost has resulted in more than 125 patents on the technology. Currently, more than 500,000 vehicles have this engine and by 2013 more than 1.3 million will have Eco Boost.

A triple threat of fuel-saving features - variable-displacement oil pumps, polished tappets and coded pistons - appears together for the first time in the 1.6-liter Ford Fiesta, giving drivers maximum miles per gallon without sacrificing driving fun.

Small is smart
In addition to its new EcoBoost engine, Ford Fiesta boasts a best-in-class suite of technologies and features that give drivers the perfect blend of a connected world and an untethered driving experience.

A new My Ford Touch system with 6.5-inch touch screen that features enhanced voice control is now available, providing drivers more options than ever for navigation, communication and entertainment functions. Ford Fiesta still features SYNC App Link capabilities pioneered on the first Fiesta, which allows drivers to access and control Ford-approved smartphone apps with voice commands and vehicle controls while on the go, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Turn-by-turn navigation remains part of SYNC Services.

Ford's My Key is a new feature on Fiesta, which enables parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenagers' exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It also mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.

Built to excite the right-brain driver
Proving to be every bit as creative as its owner, the new Fiesta will offer custom exterior design graphics and sexy new color options. The redesigned exterior boasts a sporty new grille that reflects the new face of Ford.

Inside, things are just as expressive. The cell phone-inspired dashboard and available leather steering wheel and seats amplify the modern interior and entice drivers to get in the car and get on the move. A selection of ambient lighting options allows Ford Fiesta drivers to set just the mood they want. Also available is a new Sony HD audio/satellite radio with eight premium speakers for drivers to more fully appreciate their music.

Big on safety
This continues to be a small car that is big on safety. Ford Fiesta offers the following standard safety features:

•     Advance Trac with Electronic Stability Control
•     Dual-stage first-row airbags
•     Driver knee airbag
•     Side-impact airbags
•     Side-curtain airbags
•     Four-wheel anti-lock braking system
•     LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
•     Tire Pressure Monitoring System
•     Child-safety rear locks
•     Anti-theft engine immobilizer
•     Improved side-impact safety capabilities

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Fiat 500L Beats Edition, 2014

 

 

 

Fiat 500L Beats Edition, 2014

The Fiat presents the new 500L Beats Edition special series and the new 2014 Fiat 500L range, which rationalise the offer with new colours, interior trims and new optional for new members of the 500 family. What's more, the start of 2014 sees the affirmation of the new 120 HP 1.6 Multi Jet II and 120 HP 1.4 T-Jet engines for 500L, the latter also in a dual-fuel (LPG/petrol) version shortly.

The important developments will certainly consolidate the success of the 500 range - 500L, 500L Trekking and 500L Living models - which in Europe in 2013 has soared up the sales rankings to take the top spot in its segment in just a few months, with a share of 17.2%. Moreover, in Italy it was the leader in its segment with a share of 40.9%, in addition to being the top-selling car both among medium-sized and diesel-powered models.

Fiat 500L Beats Edition
If the special series of the iconic 500 are a byword for 'fashion', those of the 500L start from the world of technology which, according to the Fiat brand, must always feature sophisticated content but be easy to use, to make everyday life simpler and more enjoyable.

The Fiat 500L Beats Edition offers a sound system that is revolutionizing the way music can be experienced inside the car. Legendary artist and record producer Dr. Dre and Interscope Geffen A&M Records chairman and record producer Jimmy Iovine, worked side by side with Fiat Group sound engineers to develop and calibrate the sound system introduced for the first time last year on the 500L model. The result is a system that offers a listening experience marked by premium sound that only two music experts like Dr. Dre and Iovine could have achieved.

On the outside, the Fiat 500L Beats Edition is characterised by the refined two-tone grey/black livery - matt or glossy - enhanced by red and satin chrome elements for a modern, metropolitan look. The same style is found inside, in particular in the distinctive 'total black' environment and the new fabric and eco-leather black trim with red stitching.

The new 500L Beats Edition special series is on sale starting from this week in the Italian Fiat showrooms and soon in the rest of the Europe.

New 2014 Fiat 500L range
For the launch of the new Fiat 500L Beats Edition and new 120 HP engine versions, the 500L model range is getting an update, with a rationalised offer which includes some important new product features, like the brand-new Venezia Blue metallic body colour and the new fabric and leather interiors, as well as new option packages that ensure more and more benefits to those who become part of the 500 family.

Depending on the market where it is sold, the new 2014 Fiat 500L range comprises three trim levels (Pop, Pop Star and Lounge), the 500L Beats Edition special series and the Business version dedicated to professionals. What's more, numerous optionals and accessories are available that, for the customer's convenience of choice and economic advantage, can also be purchased in specific packs, such as the 'Pop Star Pack', 'Lounge Pack' and 'Trekking Pack'.

New 120 HP engine versions for the 500L range
In order to continue in its leading role in the segment, the 500L range too - including the 500L Trekking and 500L Living models, the two developments of the 500's identity that lead the 500 family to explore new territory, breaking the conventional segment barriers - expands with two new engines: the 1.6 MultiJet II turbodiesel and the 1.4 T-Jet petrol engine.

Both turbocharged and with 120 HP - a section of the market which accounts for up to 16% of sales in the segment in Europe - the two power units share the same winning characteristics: performance when it counts, fun driving in all situations and limited consumption and emissions.

The 1.6 MultiJet II 120 HP is a high-performance engine also marked by fuel economy, ideal for long journeys, as well as being Euro 6 type-approved. Its 'secret' lies in the effective combination of advanced engine solutions with Fiat's proprietary MultiJet II technology. Equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger, developed by Honeywell, the new engine ensures segment-leading performance, as demonstrated by the maximum power of 120 HP at 3,750 rpm, maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1,750 rpm, top speed of 189 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.7", combined consumption of 4.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 120 g/km.

If efficiency and performance are the watchwords of the 1.6 MultiJet Turbo, the 120 HP 1.4 T-Jet is characterised by reliability, compact dimensions and the optimum balance between outstanding driving and running costs.

Specifically, the 1.4-litre engine is a worthy expression of the concept of 'downsizing', thanks to the addition of consolidated, reliable technological solutions such as Fire and Turbo. Today, the more than 500,000 Turbocharged Fire engines produced testify to the success of a technological choice which has become a point of reference in all markets and all applications. With Euro 6 type approval, the 1.4 T-Jet on the Fiat 500L delivers a maximum torque of 215 Nm from as low as 2,500 rpm and enables the 500L to achieve significant performance: maximum power of 120 HP at 5,000 rpm, top speed of 189 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2", combined consumption of 6.9 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km.

The extreme versatility of the Fire plus Turbo combination has also permitted the development of a petrol/LPG version of the 1.4 T-Jet, which will be available in the coming weeks on 500L models. In particular, the dual-fuel power unit ensures torque and power on a par with that of the corresponding petrol version, with the addition of the advantages offered by a fuel which represents an effective solution in terms of environmental and financial balance. Additionally, thanks to the adoption of the most advanced technology, the dual-fuel 1.4 T-Jet complies with the strict Euro 6 standard, increases the available range and ensures impressive performance: maximum power of 120 HP at 5,000 rpm, top speed of 189 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.6", combined consumption of 8.9 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 144 g/km.

Interestingly, the 1.6 MultiJet II 120 HP fits a small variable geometry turbocharger developed by Honeywell. Leader in manufacturing and technology and one of Fortune's top 100, Honeywell supplies aerospace products and services, building control technologies for homes and industries, turbochargers and high-performance materials to customers worldwide.

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