2012 Buick Regal eAssist Hybrid

2012 Buick Regal eAssist Hybrid

2012 Buick Regal eAssist Hybrid

Buick is doubling the number of cars it offers with a hybrid powertrain with the introduction of the 2012 Buick Regal eAssist hybrid. The more efficient Regal is expected to be rated 26/37 mpg city/highway pending EPA certification. The eAssist Regal is debuting at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.
For those of you keeping track, that's one mile per gallon more in the city for the Regal eAssist hybrid than Buick predicts the LaCrosse eAssist hybrid will achieve in the EPA's hands. Both cars feature a 115V lithium-ion battery and a 15-kilowatt motor/generator. The engine at the heart of the cars is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower on its own, and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The same 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels (and low rolling resistance tires) are used on both Buicks. Thanks to the Regal's smaller size, however, the wheels don't appear as undersized as they do on the LaCrosse. If the driver is in an especially green mood, the car can be put into a fuel economy optimizing mode with the AC unit that allows for more frequent and longer engine stop periods.
Regenerative braking is, of course, part of the package. Unfortunately, so is reduced cargo capacity. Trunk space on the hybrid Regal is 11.1 cubic-feet (down from just about 14 cubic-feet on the regular Regal), still a smidge bigger than the LaCrosse eAssist's 10.9 cubic feet.
The Regal with the eAssist technology goes on sale this fall, but it's unclear where Buick will price it, given the LaCrosse is expected to start around $30,000. We'll have more details soon, live from the Chicago show floor.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

For the past couple decades, when Volkswagen releases a new Jetta sedan, it means a performance-themed GLI version won't be too far behind. But with the sixth-generation Jetta getting bigger and softer for the U.S., inquiring minds want to know if the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which is debuting at the 2011 Chicago auto show, will get softer as well.
There's certainly nothing soft about the Jetta GLI's motivation, courtesy of VW's stellar turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that pumps out 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, and can be mated to a six-speed manual or VW's quick-shifting, six-speed DSG that features steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and rev-matched downshifts.
While there are no official EPA ratings yet, Volkswagen expects the GLI's highway mileage to be 31 mpg for the manual and 32 mpg on the automatic. For reference, a 2011 GTI hatch weighs some 29 pounds less than the 2011 Jetta SEL with the 2.5-liter inline-five and is rated at 24/33 mpg city/highway; chances are VW's estimates for the GLI will be spot on.
Separating the GLI from lesser Jettas is not left to the turbocharged engine alone. Carried over from the European-spec Jetta, the GLI receives four-way independent rear suspension instead of the twist beam suspension setup found elsewhere in the Jetta's U.S. lineup. We suspect the Euro-tuned suspension will up the fun-to-drive quotient in VW's more potent compact sedan. VW's XDS cross differential system also makes an appearance on the GLI. The technology helps prevent inside wheel spin during cornering, just as it does on the GTI.
Distinguishing the GLI from the rest of the lineup are 17- or 18-inch wheels, smoked taillight lenses, a revised front bumper with larger air intake, and a honeycomb grille outlined in bright trim. Four-wheel disc brakes with floating red calipers are also part of the package. Inside, the GLI has everything you'd expect from a hotter version of the Jetta: sport bucket seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel, both with red stitching. A 6.5-inch touchscreen display is standard, as is Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, and auto up/down power on all four side windows.
The price tag for the 2012 Jetta GLI starts at $24,265 (including destination) and bumping up to the $26,315 GLI Autobahn nets heated leather seats, 18-inch wheels, and a Fender sound system. Navigation and keyless, push-button start can be added onto the Autobahn package, bringing the MSRP to $27,215.
Of course, we'll have to drive it to see if it's become mushy, but with the 2.0-liter turbo and independent rear suspension, we're confident it will represent the spirit of the GLI name.

Hyundai Veloster Rally Car

Hyundai Veloster Rally Car

Hyundai Veloster Rally Car

Though we haven’t had the opportunity to drive the 2012 Hyundai Veloster yet, the boys over at Hyundai have let their partner in racing have a go at its new entry-level hatchback, and things have gotten a lot more exciting. How much so? About as much as 500 horsepower can deliver.
Rhys Millen has had great success tuning up the Genesis Coupe, but the newest Hyundai racer, which is making its debut at the 2011 Chicago auto show, provides another avenue to display his driving prowess. In stock trim, the Veloster appears to be a promising prospect for the first- or second-time new-car buyer. With 500 horsepower? Sounds like a beastly racing machine.
To start, Millen and his family firm Rhys Millen Racing took a Veloster and stripped it down to the bare chassis. It was then sent to sit in an alkali bath for five days, similar to the process endured by classic cars undergoing a full restoration. Completely nude, the chassis was stitch welded to improve rigidity.
A familiar sight resides in the engine bay, with Hyundai’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four setting up shop. A new turbo sourced from HKS captures the heated exhaust gases to offer 500 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. All the power will be managed by Millen’s right foot and the Xtrac six-speed sequential transmission, while the Xtrac all-wheel drive system will be supported by Proflex long-travel suspension capable of surviving high jumps and very sudden and rapid changes in elevation.
Eventually, the body panels had to go back on but RMR came prepared. Losing weight is critical to a rally car’s performance, so the doors, quarter panels, vented hood, and front and rear fascias are now molded from a carbon-fiber/Kevlar composite and painted blue, orange, and white. As has become customary with Rhys Millen efforts, the Red Bull livery is applied to full effect. The change in build materials nets a 75-percent reduction in weight over the stock pieces, and Hyundai lists this Veloster’s curb weight at 2656 pounds.
In motion, a specially designed, carbon-fiber rear wing that’d look at home on a Porsche 911 boosts aerodynamic grip. Six-piston Alcon front brake calipers have been tasked with clamping down on 14-inch Alcon rotors. Just as impressively, the Alcon rear calipers house another six pistons each and push brake pads against 12-inch rear rotors. Protecting said brake components are special 18-inch HRE wheels wrapped in 245/40R18 Hankook Racing tires. And of course, the necessary safety appointments include an eight-point rollcage and a Sparco seat with restraining harnesses.
Millen will be behind the wheel of his personal creation, and a second Veloster will also be built for this year’s Summer X Games. Millen will take part in the 2011 U.S. Rallycross Championship.
Five-time British National Rally champion Marcus Dodd (who works magic with the Hyundai Accent WRC racecar) and Australian motocross freestyler/daredevil Robbie Maddison (who once jumped his motorcycle 322 feet and 7.5 inches to break a world record) will team up at the X Games.
A third Veloster will enter the racing scene too, though it’ll keep the front-wheel drive setup to stay eligible for a limited number of races in the U.S. Rallycross Championship’s 2WD class. Celebrity drivers will be determined at a later time.

Hyundai Veloster Rally Car

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Black Diamond Edition

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Black Diamond Edition

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Black Diamond Edition

Platinum, titanium, unobtainium, they've all been used up for special editions and high-end trims, prompting Cadillac to go into the realm of precious stones to come up with a name for the special-edition CTS-Vs it showed at Chicago, dubbing them "Black Diamond," which is also the name for the trick, high-tech paint these get doused in.
In addition to the paint job, Black Diamond Edition CTS-Vs get yellow brake calipers behind Satin Graphite wheels plus yellow suede inserts in their Recaro seats - a scheme seen in the CTS Coupe Concept - and dark Midnight Sapele wood trim.
The Black Diamond package costs $4850 and is available on all three versions of the CTS-V - coupe, sedan, and wagon - and will be available starting in March.

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Black Diamond Edition

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon Black Diamond Edition

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8

The all-new Charger will once again receive a slight makeover later this fall, although this time it'll get musclecar mascara from Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team. Not only is the new 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 more powerful than the last go-fast rendition, but according to preliminary test data, it's more efficient, too.
The new SRT8 Charger's improved efficiency is achieved in part by the addition of Chrysler's adaptive valve exhaust system and Fuel Saver technology. The latter switches the all-new 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 into a four-cylinder mode that's activated over a wider rpm range, thus minimizing consumption. By exactly how much has yet to be announced, but for a reference point, the last Challenger SRT8 powered by the 6.1-liter V-8 was rated 13/19 mpg city/highway. An active intake manifold and high-lift camshaft on the 2012 Charger SRT8 optimize low-end grunt for even more speed when you want it.
Each of the SRT8's 465 horses and 465 pound-feet of torque are routed to sticky 20-inch rear rubber through the brand's well worn W5A580 AutoStick five-speed automatic. Yes, we know, it's no pistol-grip six-speed manual (say, from the Challenger SRT8 392), or even a six-speed slushbox, but SRT has included a first-ever paddle shifting function to make the aging tranny more entertaining.
Even with the questionable gearbox in place, Chrysler reckons the SRT8 can sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in the high-4 second range, achieve 0.88 g on the skidpad, and top out at an estimated 175 mph. Quarter-mile times should be in the high-12 second range, Chrysler says.
Good thing there are four-piston Brembos to clamp down hard on 14.2-inch front/13.8-inch rear slotted rotors. The massive binders utilize Chrysler's Ready Alert Braking system that positions pads closer to the rotors when a collision is anticipated by onboard telemetry. Each corner also gets redesigned 20-inch forged aluminum wheels that sport black accents to emphasize their mirror-like faces.
An SRT first, the adaptive damping suspension adjusts stiffness levels based on driver inputs and road conditions. When left in Auto mode, the suspension's ECU calibrates all four corners to a softer level; toggle to Sport for a tauter road feel. Engineers installed a beefier power steering system for direct, yet livable communication.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Hyundai's Genesis sedan is much improved for 2012, yet its position in the market won't change one bit. The Genesis will continue to give engineers and product planners at Mercedes-Benz and Lexus fits, thanks to the sedan's upgraded V-6 engine, revised suspension tuning, and a new eight-speed automatic transmission -- not to mention the 429-horsepower R-Spec model.
Debuting at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan is prepared to battle competitors from above, like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and, more directly, the Chrysler 300C. Whether you choose the V-6 or one of the two V-8 models, the Genesis uses a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to the transmission, direct-injection technology increases the power and efficiency of the 3.8-liter V-6 Genesis. Power is now 333 horsepower (43 more ponies than before), and torque has risen from 264 pound-feet to 291 pound-feet. Hyundai expects highway fuel efficiency to increase to 29 mpg, though city fuel economy probably won't stray far from the 2011 model's 18 mpg. With power on the 4.6-liter V-8 remaining at 385 horsepower, this makes the V-6 model more of a value than before. Don't be surprised if the 2012 Genesis 3.8 accelerates as fast as a 2011 Genesis V-8.
The real news for the 2012 Genesis is the R-Spec model. Its 5.0-liter V-8 makes 429 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 376 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm. This latest version of Hyundai's Tau V-8 has a revised bed plate to improve block rigidity and lower NVH-both important considerations since the engine also replaces the 4.6-liter V-8 in the larger 2012 Equus.
For the full R-Spec package, we'd recommend upgrading to the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 summer performance tires. Larger front and rear stabilizer bars should also help improve the driving experience, and form the backbone of what the automaker calls "aggressive chassis tuning." The R-Spec adds a little flash with dark chrome inserts in the headlights and unique 19-inch alloys. The steering has been tweaked, too, though we'll have to wait until we get some seat time before determining whether it's a true competitor with sportier entries in the segment.