2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Ever since its debut as a 2005 model year vehicle, the Mercedes R-Class has been one of Stuttgart's most controversial -- and questionably styled -- vehicles. Now with the 2011 R-Class, Mercedes is looking to change perceptions and jumpstart sales of the updated crossover, which is bowing at the 2010 New York show.
The 2011 R-Class range has been treated to a substantial facelift. Every inch of sheet metal forward of the A-pillars -- including the hood, fenders, grille, and bumper -- is completely new.
Using the recently updated GL-Class SUV as inspiration, designers abandoned the narrow nose of the original R in favor of a long, broad hood, which flows into a wide grille opening. Ovoid headlamps are abandoned in favor of rectangular lenses that flow into the curved fenders. LED running lamps -- one staple of the revamped GL -- lurk in the lower bumper openings in lieu of fog lamps. 17-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels are standard, although a new sport appearance package adds AMG-designed 19-inch rims, along with smoked tail light lenses.
Interior revisions, however, are slightly less extensive. For the most part, the R-Class's cabin is left untouched, although it is now available with either a beige-on-brown or gray-on-black two-tone scheme. Six-passenger seating remains standard, although a 7-passenger arrangement, which replaces the second row of buckets with a split bench seat, is optional.
For North America, the R-Class remains a two-model lineup. The 2011 R350 continues to utilize Mercedes-Benz's 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. Diesel fans will likely want to spring for the R350 Bluetec, which uses the same 215 horsepower, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 as the ML350 Bluetec and GL350 Bluetec. Both the gasoline and diesel engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, which channels power to all four wheels via Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
Option packages and pricing for both 2011 R-class models are expected to remain similar to the 2010 model. Expect the revised 2011 R to roll off Mercedes-Benz's assembly line in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in the next few months.

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class

2011 Kia Sportage

2011 Kia Sportage

The 2011 Kia Sportage first wowed us with its new baby-Sorento styling last month at its international debut in Geneva, but now that it's turned up in New York for its U.S. debut, we've learned a few more facts about the new model.
As you may already know, the new Sportage is even more pavement-biased than the outgoing model. Altogether, the new unibody is longer, wider and lower than the old model. What's more, even its all-wheel-drive system is heavily biased towards the front wheels, transferring only "a percentage" of the power on tap to the rear wheels to combat slippery surfaces. In the hairiest of situations, drivers can opt to lock the center differential and send 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels, though only to 25 mph. Additional off-road themed features include both hill start and hill descent assist systems designed to keep you in control in all situations.
Providing the power are two engine options, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 176 horsepower that will be available at launch and a new 2.0-liter direct-injected and turbocharged four-cylinder that will launch a few months down the road. Power numbers for that engine haven't been announced yet, though they do say it will be more powerful, so it's probably a version of the new Theta II engine that's begun making its way around the Hyundai/Kia lineups. There's also no mention of the old 2.7-liter V-6, so it appears to be dead as it's less powerful than even the base four-cylinder.
The new four-bangers will put their power down through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, either to the front wheels only or to all four through its aforementioned AWD system. Connecting the power to the ground are new wheels offered in sizes ranging from 16 inches to 18 inches. A MacPherson Strut design holds the front wheels down while the rear end gets a new multi-link design.
Along with the new suspension, Kia switched to a new quick-ratio electric power steering system that also helps save fuel. Kia isn't talking numbers yet, but the company promises both engines will offer better fuel economy than the old model. The company has also been working aggressively on quelling NVH problems to make the new Sportage a much smoother ride, but without sacrificing handling.
The new Sportage will be offered in just two trim levels -- LX and EX. The base LX trim will come nicely equipped per Kia's push to offer more content for less money to woo buyers. That means standard satellite radio, auxiliary audio connections, Bluetooth and its host of driver aids.
Upgrade to the top-shelf EX trim and you'll get a telescoping steering column, leather on the steering wheel and shifter, auto-folding rear seats, dual-zone climate control, a cooled glove box and a power driver's seat. You'll also have the option of adding nav, rear parking sensors, a panoramic sun roof, heated and cooled seats, leather seats and Kia's new UVO voice control system. Most of these options are available on the LX trim, too.
Along with the turbo four-cylinder's official outputs, we're still waiting on fuel economy numbers, pricing and an on-sale date, though it's expected sometime late this year. Whatever we don't learn in New York should come to light later this year as the on-sale date approaches.

 2011 Kia Sportage

2011 Kia Sportage

2011 Infiniti QX56

2011 Infiniti QX56

When Infiniti announced that it was stopping production of its fullsize QX56 luxo barge at its Canton, Mississippi, plant, we knew a new vehicle was in the works, but what would it be based upon? As it turns out, the new 2011 Infiniti QX56 bowing at the 2010 New York auto show is a version of Nissan's new Patrol SUV, which is sold outside of North America. As you'd expect from Infiniti, this big boy has been all decked out for the U.S. market.
With its smoother overall lines, the new QX56 is arguably better looking than its predecessor, but we're not prepared to call it gorgeous. One exterior que you’ll no doubt notice are its massive 22-inch wheels, which are available as part of the deluxe touring package that also includes Infiniti’s hydraulic body motion control -- a system designed to keep the big SUV flatter in turns and improve overall handling. Since the last QX was so lumbering in turns, even a moderate improvement in handling will no doubt go a long way toward satisfying enthusiasts.
Motion control could come in quite handy if you’re eager to tap into the 400-horsepower V-8’s potential. Infiniti is sticking with the familiar 5.6-liter displacement but squeezing 25 percent more horsepower out of it thanks to direct injection and variable valve timing. We’ve also been told the engine increases fuel economy by 10 percent, but Infiniti has yet to release the new QX’s EPA numbers. Buyers can choose between rear- or all-wheel drive models and the only transmission offered is a seven-speed automatic. Thanks to the major horsepower and body-on-frame construction, the QX can tow an impressive 8500 pounds in either rear- or four-wheel drive configuration.
Of course most buyers will be more interested in the QX’s interior appointments than how much it can tow, and not surprisingly, there’s a lot of luxury going on in the cabin. With Infiniti’s standard hard drive-based navigation unit, Bluetooth, XM satellite radio, and optional features like semi-aniline leather seats or a pair of 7-inch video screens for passengers in the second row, the QX is as upscale as you’d expect a vehicle in its class to be.
Infiniti has been on the cutting edge with new automotive technology and the QX is no exception. It’s loaded beyond the gills with a bevy of standard and optional electronic aids for the driver that range from lane departure warning and prevention to blind spot warning to active cruise control with collision avoidance provisions. If you’re in the market for a fullsize luxury SUV with all the latest technological wizardy designed to make driving it easier, look no further.
Perhaps the most impressive point on the new QX is its pricing. Despite the major powertrain enhancements and upmarket interior appointments, the QX will not see a price increase for 2011. A rear-wheel drive QX starts at $56,700 and four-wheel-drive QX56s will begin at $59,800. These prices do not include destination charges as Infiniti has not released that information for its 2011 model year lineup as of yet. We should have that information shortly though as the 2011 Infiniti QX56 goes on sale this summer.

 2011 Infiniti QX56

2011 Infiniti QX56

2011 Hyundai Sonata

2011 Hyundai Sonata

2011 Hyundai Sonata

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T is something of a pioneer in the midsize sedan segment, and you can bet other automakers will be closely watching its market performance. On paper, the Sonata turbo has the best fuel economy, more horsepower, and more torque when compared to the V-6-powered offerings of its formidable competition. Whether Hyundai has delivered this powertrain in a package that people will pick over a traditional powerplant like a V-6 is another question.
The Sonata 2.0T, which is debuting at the 2010 New York auto show, is powered by Hyundai's Theta II, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder producing 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, mated to Hyundai's all-new six speed automatic transmission. Those figures are thanks in large part to direct-injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger that Hyundai promises will give the sedan "instantaneous power delivery."
Surely the Sonata 2.0T's predicted 22/34 mpg city/highway fuel economy will help to further ease the transition for folks still pining for a V-6. That's just one highway mpg down from the 198-horsepower regular-strength Sonata four-cylinder. Even better, the turbo runs on regular gas.
No, Hyundai is not the first midsize sedan player to offer a turbo four-cylinder engine. Volkswagen has offered its Passat with a turbo four-cylinder for years. That engine, though, makes less power and helps the Passat accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds, according to Volkswagen. We don't yet have similar times for the Sonata 2.0T, but expect it to be at the top of the class. Consider that, in our recent test of seven four-cylinder midsize sedans, the non-turbo 2011 Sonata was the fastest to 60 mph, with a time of just 8.1 seconds
As for the fuel economy, if Hyundai can deliver, it will be an incredible accomplishment, although we can't help but be a little skeptical about the Sonata 2.0T's real world performance in light of the Sonata's midpack fuel economy results in our seven-car comparo. We'll find out for ourselves soon enough.
Most buyers stepping up to a more powerful engine in a midsize sedan want extra goodies and, in that respect, Hyundai delivers. The Sonata 2.0T's six-speed auto has steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters in addition to some manual control with the gear selector. The 2.0T will be available in SE and Limited trims (not on the base GLS). The Limited model includes a panoramic sunroof and the SE's 18-inch alloy wheels plus dual exhaust outlets.
As with all new Sonatas, the trunk, at 16.4 cubic-feet, is huge, and it's big enough inside that it's classified as a large car. Brakes are 11.8-inch ventilated discs in front and 11.2-inch discs at the rear.
The last-generation Sonata V-6 never comprised a significant part of Hyundai's product mix, but the automaker expects that to change with the 2.0T. Along with the upcoming Sonata Hybrid, the new engine options have the potential to significantly raise transaction prices of Hyundai's midsize sedan. With more power and better fuel economy than any V-6 competitor, Hyundai appears to be making all the right moves to encourage mainstream market acceptance of a turbocharged Sonata. V-6? Who needs it?

2011 Hyundai Sonata

 2011 Hyundai Sonata

2011 Hyundai Sonata